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The evening started with the elementary school children singing the unforgettable "The Hills of Moraga," with original lyrics originated by District music teacher Carol St. Claire. They were followed by the Campolindo Choir, and the Joaquin Moraga Symphonic band (JM). Members of the Campolindo Drama Club performed various scenes, the Campolindo Orchestra played, and then all the performers came back for a reprieve of "The Hills of Moraga." Art work from JM and Campo was displayed as well."Your heart must swell as you see these performances," said MEF President Shari Simon before thanking all the individual donors and the many community groups and businesses that sponsor the schools. She thanked the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis, the Olsen Team (the first real estate agent to reach the platinum donor level with a check of $10,000), and "Fore Our Schools," the Moraga Country Club golf tournament.MEF makes a difference to the total education experience as it has taken on the full support of the Moraga School District Music program and contributes to the Campolindo Choir program as well. Next year it will be called on to do even more. It will fund 100% of the Moraga arts program, 100% of the library program, 90% of the Joaquin Moraga counselors, 37% of the technology programs, and 2 full-time teaching positions, among other things. "Without the MEF donors and the PTAs, it would be a very different school district," said Superintendent Rick Schafer."If more money comes in, we'll pay for even more programs, and we'll take more things off the cut list," said Simon, adding that the decision on how to employ the money rests with the School District.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA