The Grizzly Gallop

Our origins:

Originated in 2007, the Grizzly Gallop was a club that began as a way to promote running in the off season after cross-country ended. Runners entering local events such as the Mothers Day Run or the Wharf To Wharf were able to get their entry fees paid for. It also encouraged new runners to do the same. The club has sponsored many charitable groups such as Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training organization and the Aids Foundation to name a few.

Our motto:

As a club advisor it was important for me to encourage new, emerging, or especially present non-athletes to try something new that was physical. Having begun a running routine years before after realizing heart disease ran in the family, I stared only being able to run past three houses on one neighborhood block. Having gone on to accomplish much more since then, I knew if anyone could just start and then stick to it, anything is possible. I strongly believe that.

Fall 2008:

This past fall the Grizzly Gallop supported three PVHS athletes with their entrance fee into the Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon. The relay team consisted of Elizabeth Medina who ran 6 miles, Eric Yepez who biked the 26 mile course, and Lily Skeel who swam 1.2 miles around the Santa Cruz Wharf. It was the first group to complete such an event at PVHS.

How we have changed:

The Gallop is still a club that supports student athletes. However, this year it has evolved into the current student exchange program. Den 2 English classes have numerous partnerships with schools worldwide and an Italy exchange was just completed in May with 12 students from Pajaro Valley High. We will continue to have the club promotes and support fitness for those who want to try towards a new healthy fitness routine, but now we are also a club that gallops (running or other feats) in ways that mean traveling the globe to meet global partners as well.

Chess Club

The Chess Club meets Fridays in room E-212 during 2nd Lunch.  Students get together and play chess.  We also discuss fundraising ideas and possible club activities such as field trips,tournaments, and purchases.  We have about $300, but we need members to come to the meeting and voice their opinions about how to spend our money!