mission
“One of the largest organizations at Marina High School, VSA (the Vietnamese Student Association) serves as the voice of students with Vietnamese heritage. We are dedicated to preserving and promoting the Vietnamese culture, bettering our community through advocacy and volunteer work, and building meaningful connections between our members.”
Make a difference in your community while meeting new friends and having a great time. Plus, receive community service hours and gain valuable experience working with different facets of Orange County. Here at VSA, we're one big family - we want to get to know all of you, so don't be shy! Joining our club is a great way to get involved in extracurricular activities and build leadership skills that will carry on for the rest of your life.
Marina VSA alumni have matriculated to leading universities in California and across the country, and they have gone on to do amazing things. They often attribute their time in Marina VSA as a major catalyst for getting them where they are today.
Make a difference in your community while meeting new friends and having a great time. Plus, receive community service hours and gain valuable experience working with different facets of Orange County. Here at VSA, we're one big family - we want to get to know all of you, so don't be shy! Joining our club is a great way to get involved in extracurricular activities and build leadership skills that will carry on for the rest of your life.
Marina VSA alumni have matriculated to leading universities in California and across the country, and they have gone on to do amazing things. They often attribute their time in Marina VSA as a major catalyst for getting them where they are today.
structure
Marina VSA is a member of the Vietnamese High School Alliance (VAHSA),
an organization of over 20 Vietnamese Student Associations from high
schools in the Orange County area. As such, we actively participate in
VAHSA meetings and events that bring together Vietnamese American high school
students under one cause. Nearby VSAs are located at Westminster, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and Edison High Schools.
VAHSA is the sister organization of the Union of Vietnamese of Student Associations (UVSA), a non-profit organization of college- and university-level VSAs throughout Southern California.
VAHSA is the sister organization of the Union of Vietnamese of Student Associations (UVSA), a non-profit organization of college- and university-level VSAs throughout Southern California.
board organization
Marina VSA is headed by six carefully selected board members who collectively oversee, manage, and execute all club activities. These board members are selected through a rigorous process consisting of an interning period, applications, interviews, and an election.
All board members are expected to carry themselves in a professional, respectful, and organized manner. Responsibilities are apportioned between all board members based on their position: President, Internal Vice President (IVP), External Vice President (EVP), Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.
The President is charged with facilitating teamwork among the board members and overseeing all aspects of the organization. The Vice Presidents report to the President and work together to plan events, communicate information to members, and perform other administrative duties. The Secretary maintains records of members, events, and activities; manages paperwork; and assists with logistics. The Treasurer is responsible for transparently maintaining the organization's finances, ensuring fiscal health, and organizing fundraisers. Lastly, the Historian memorializes all activities by taking photographs and maintaining VSA"s website and social media outlets.
All board members are expected to carry themselves in a professional, respectful, and organized manner. Responsibilities are apportioned between all board members based on their position: President, Internal Vice President (IVP), External Vice President (EVP), Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.
The President is charged with facilitating teamwork among the board members and overseeing all aspects of the organization. The Vice Presidents report to the President and work together to plan events, communicate information to members, and perform other administrative duties. The Secretary maintains records of members, events, and activities; manages paperwork; and assists with logistics. The Treasurer is responsible for transparently maintaining the organization's finances, ensuring fiscal health, and organizing fundraisers. Lastly, the Historian memorializes all activities by taking photographs and maintaining VSA"s website and social media outlets.
frequently asked questions
If you have any questions about VSA, you'll most likely find it answered below. If it isn't, feel free to ask a board member, or post/message us on Facebook.
What does VSA do?
Typically, we have a club meeting every Thursday in Mr. Nguyen's class, room 224, during lunch. We discuss new events and give updates on the club in general. Most of our events are centered on community service, while others may be socials or fundraisers. For a taste of what we do, browse through our photos on Facebook. (And see how much fun we're having!) Most events occur on weekends, and we try our best to plan dates and times that are convenient for everyone.
What does VSA stand for?
VSA stands for the Vietnamese Student Association. However, we also have nicknames like "Very Sexy Asians" or "Vikings Sailing Admirably." You don't have to be of Vietnamese descent to join! In fact, we have many members who aren't. You could just be interested in Vietnamese culture, or perhaps your friends are part of VSA, so you want to join too.
Why should I join VSA?
There are so many benefits and reasons to join! First, you'll be making a positive impact on our community and perhaps even the world! Second, you'll meet new people, make new friends, and gain new connections that will enrich your high school experience. Third, you'll be involved in extracurricular activities, which is important for college applications. Did you know that nearly every UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) school has a VSA on campus, as do the Ivy League schools and other prestigious private schools? Fourth, you'll keep in touch with your Vietnamese heritage and participate in events that benefit the Vietnamese community. Your parents will be proud that you making such a commitment and you will too! Fifth, you'll feel like you're a part of something great - where you'll feel welcome no matter what.
How can I join VSA?
It's easy! Ask any board member or attend our Thursday meetings in Mr. Nguyen's class (room 224) to pick up a membership form. Fill it out, submit your $5 membership fee, and you're officially a member!
What is the significance/meaning of the Marina VSA logo?
The logo has various meanings. The red waves against the yellow background symbolize the flag of South Vietnam. The sailboat on the water represents our school spirit - as Marina Vikings, it is only fitting to include a boat sailing the seas, a symbol of our school. The boat is blue, one of Marina's school colors. Additionally, the boat also functions as a tribute to the massive amount of Vietnamese boat people refugees after the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Many of our families and friends had to endure a tragic, dangerous journey in search of freedom and democracy - a fact that we will never forget. The bright sun in which the boat is sailing towards represents a bright future and positive change that we hope VSA is able to accomplish through our club's activities.
Where do the membership fees go?
We use those dues to finance the cost of club activities. As you can imagine, running a large club like VSA requires great financial resources, and we pride ourselves in making all of our events free and accessible to everyone.
The dues go to buying supplies and materials for meetings, socials, and events. Each year, we have a Tet Celebration where we give everyone red envelopes (li xi) with money inside, and serve delicious food. And at the end of the year, we have a luncheon complete with a full course meal in which we celebrate VSA's accomplishments and distribute certificates of community service. We often give out treats at meetings for various holidays. Additionally, we donate money to charities who support causes consistent with our mission. In the past, we've donated to Vitamin Angels, the Red Cross, and Autism Speaks.
Do you have any big events?
Typically the largest one is the Little Saigon Cleanup, which is an annual trash cleaning day to help make Little Saigon cleaner and safer! This event has been a tradition for over 30 years and hundreds of students from high schools and universities across Southern California participate! We also work hard to create inter-club events with other organizations at Marina. Look out for joint events with Red Cross, Key Club, and more.
My question isn't answered! Or, how can I contact you?
You can post on our Facebook page or message us with any questions. We will answer back quickly! Or if you prefer to talk to us in person, you can do so at any meeting.
What does VSA do?
Typically, we have a club meeting every Thursday in Mr. Nguyen's class, room 224, during lunch. We discuss new events and give updates on the club in general. Most of our events are centered on community service, while others may be socials or fundraisers. For a taste of what we do, browse through our photos on Facebook. (And see how much fun we're having!) Most events occur on weekends, and we try our best to plan dates and times that are convenient for everyone.
What does VSA stand for?
VSA stands for the Vietnamese Student Association. However, we also have nicknames like "Very Sexy Asians" or "Vikings Sailing Admirably." You don't have to be of Vietnamese descent to join! In fact, we have many members who aren't. You could just be interested in Vietnamese culture, or perhaps your friends are part of VSA, so you want to join too.
Why should I join VSA?
There are so many benefits and reasons to join! First, you'll be making a positive impact on our community and perhaps even the world! Second, you'll meet new people, make new friends, and gain new connections that will enrich your high school experience. Third, you'll be involved in extracurricular activities, which is important for college applications. Did you know that nearly every UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) school has a VSA on campus, as do the Ivy League schools and other prestigious private schools? Fourth, you'll keep in touch with your Vietnamese heritage and participate in events that benefit the Vietnamese community. Your parents will be proud that you making such a commitment and you will too! Fifth, you'll feel like you're a part of something great - where you'll feel welcome no matter what.
How can I join VSA?
It's easy! Ask any board member or attend our Thursday meetings in Mr. Nguyen's class (room 224) to pick up a membership form. Fill it out, submit your $5 membership fee, and you're officially a member!
What is the significance/meaning of the Marina VSA logo?
The logo has various meanings. The red waves against the yellow background symbolize the flag of South Vietnam. The sailboat on the water represents our school spirit - as Marina Vikings, it is only fitting to include a boat sailing the seas, a symbol of our school. The boat is blue, one of Marina's school colors. Additionally, the boat also functions as a tribute to the massive amount of Vietnamese boat people refugees after the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Many of our families and friends had to endure a tragic, dangerous journey in search of freedom and democracy - a fact that we will never forget. The bright sun in which the boat is sailing towards represents a bright future and positive change that we hope VSA is able to accomplish through our club's activities.
Where do the membership fees go?
We use those dues to finance the cost of club activities. As you can imagine, running a large club like VSA requires great financial resources, and we pride ourselves in making all of our events free and accessible to everyone.
The dues go to buying supplies and materials for meetings, socials, and events. Each year, we have a Tet Celebration where we give everyone red envelopes (li xi) with money inside, and serve delicious food. And at the end of the year, we have a luncheon complete with a full course meal in which we celebrate VSA's accomplishments and distribute certificates of community service. We often give out treats at meetings for various holidays. Additionally, we donate money to charities who support causes consistent with our mission. In the past, we've donated to Vitamin Angels, the Red Cross, and Autism Speaks.
Do you have any big events?
Typically the largest one is the Little Saigon Cleanup, which is an annual trash cleaning day to help make Little Saigon cleaner and safer! This event has been a tradition for over 30 years and hundreds of students from high schools and universities across Southern California participate! We also work hard to create inter-club events with other organizations at Marina. Look out for joint events with Red Cross, Key Club, and more.
My question isn't answered! Or, how can I contact you?
You can post on our Facebook page or message us with any questions. We will answer back quickly! Or if you prefer to talk to us in person, you can do so at any meeting.