PLHS dance team takes first-place honor A dance team formed at Point Loma High School claimed a first-place award at a recent performance. The team, which goes by the name of Universal Motion Dance Company (UMDC), took top honors in its division at the Thuderstruck Dance Competition last month in Coronado. UMDC is the first Pointer group to dance competitively in a decade, and their victory came against 19 other teams. UMDC alumni Marissa Eriksen choreographed the challenging routine, which originally overwhelmed some current dancers. But the group was determined to master it. “We’ve been working for months to get there, and to actually get there and hold the trophy … it’s great,” said team member Brittni Hammett, a PLHS junior. The first-place award has motivated the team to continue working and exploring other dance styles to showcase at future contests. PLHS librarian Sarah Sine is the dance team’s advisor. She said the group was constantly evaluating its progress and working to improve. — Scott Hopkins

Loma Portal asks auction items, sponsorships  Every year, the Loma Portal Foundation holds a fundraising auction to support such capital improvements as the computer lab, the amphitheater, academic and athletic programs, equipment, improvement to programs and enhancement of the physical structures.  This year’s event is an auction and dinner, themed “Set Sail about SS Loma Portal” on April 20. The school is appealing to community members and businesses for auction items. For more information or to helpwith donations, call Katherine Faulconer at (619) 726-2977 or Stephanie Dathe at (619) 846-0087, or email [email protected] or [email protected].   PLHS slates production of ‘Grease’ in April “Grease” is the hottest word around the Point Loma High School campus these days. The school’s drama department is presenting the Broadway hit musical on April 12, 13, 14, 20 and 21 in the school’s Larry Zeiger Performing Arts Center. Curtain time is 6:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased in advance at the PLHS Financial Office. They can also be purchased for $10 each online at www.pointlomahigh.com. The show is intended for mature audiences and is rated PG-13.  — Scott Hopkins

Silver Gate slates major fundraising gala It’s time to break out those leather or poodle skirts for the Silver Gate Elementary School’s 17th annual “Hot Rods and Hogs” fundraiser. The hot rod and motorcycle-themed silent auction, dinner and dance takes place Friday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Ave. The event is the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds go toward The Friends of Silver Gate Foundation (FSG), a nonprofit organization devoted to financially supporting Silver Gate Elementary School’s enrichment programs. Music provided by the local 1970s cover band The Weener Pigs, while the upscale dinner menu will feed hungry guests in a biker-bar setting. The event will also feature original classroom artwork with wheel themes. The event will feature a display of tricked-out motorcycles and classic cars and a photo booth. Dancing follows the dinner and auctions and childcare will be available. Tickets are $69 per person, which includes a hosted cocktail hour and preview event, dinner and auction, or $49 per person for dinner and auction only. Tables for 10 may be purchased for $660 or for 12 people at $795. Tickets for an opportunity drawing are $10. Organizers are also looking for individual sponsors to donate from between $100 to $7,500 and for businesses to donate goods and services to be auctioned off. Businesses can also promote their company in the silent auction’s bid book. Advertising costs range from $50 to $200. For tickets, sponsorship and advertising, call (619) 701-9649, or email Jammie Ritchey at [email protected]. For more information on the event or the school, visit www.silvergateschool.com.