These teens planned the HOA2 Teen Summer Mardi Gras Party on July 27. Pictured left to right are: Nicole Givin, Meghan Tietze, Meredith Wilemon, Erin Oehm, Becca Gibbens, Thomas Hernandez and George Byrne.

HOA2 Teens have fun during the Summer Mardi Gras Party on July 27. (photo provided by Angelena Gleason)

Article and photo by Elean Gersack

On July 27, Castle Pines North (CPN) teens from HOA2 enjoyed a Mardi Gras-style pool party, compliments of fellow friends. From funky music and a scavenger hunt with hot prizes to diving for silver dollars, the younger members of HOA2 enjoyed a night at the pool and clubhouse.

Last spring, teens in HOA2 faced the possibility of not having a summer party. For the past two years, social committee volunteers organized a pool party for neighborhood teens. With a new social committee - lead by Kristi Pachecco - the HOA2 board and social volunteers sought to have teens involved in planning this year’s party.

Seven teens - Nicole Givin, Thomas Hernandez, Meredith Wilemon, George Byrne, Meghan Tietze, Erin Oehm and Becca Gibbens - stepped up to the challenge and, over the course of two months, planned a summer party to remember.

Adult volunteer leaders Terry Laugesen and Angelina Gleason provided guidance and weekly meetings, and the teens took on the rest. “We wanted to create a sense of community and belonging among our teens,” said Laugesen.

The group decided on everything from allocating the budget to the décor, music, food and prizes. Overwhelmingly, the team decided to focus a good portion of the funds to prizes. “We wanted more money [for prizes] to bring more people to the party,” said Givin. Portable DVD players, an iPod, a remote control powerboat and several Best Buy gift cards were among the fun take-aways for lucky winners.

Very proud of the multi-age team, the HOA2 board signed a community service letter for each of the volunteers. “I did it for the fun of it and to be involved in the community, said Byrne. “I would do it again next year,” said Gibbens.