‘Hit the Road’ event hit the high notes

Hit the Road, Soroptimist International of Sonoma Valley’s annual event for senior high school students, featured a Life Skills Day on Feb. 14 at Infineon Raceway. Designed to help students plan their futures, both financially and personally, Hit the Road originally focused on only girls but has expanded to address boys as well. The girls’ event (with 166 in attendance) was held in Rohnert Park this year; the boys’, at the raceway (with 150 in the audience).
Now in its ninth year, the event provides a one-day introduction to adult responsibilities for the teenagers. Covering topics such as finding an apartment, handling bank accounts and credit cards and workplace and social challenges, the event is one of the biggest community services offered to members of the Sonoma Valley High School graduating class.
Bill Hammett, publisher of the Sonoma Valley Sun, gave the keynote address. In a frank speech, Hammett talked to his all-male audience about the importance of doing their best in all their endeavors and learning to take control of their own lives.
“Bill’s message was right on,” said Jean Hopeman, who handled publicity for Hit the Road. “He knew his audience. The boys were very attentive and the women (of Soroptomist) were impressed.”
The topics of the seminars, which were the same for both the boys and the girls, included ”Keeping Cool,” “Living on your Own,” “Career Issues” and “Managing Money.”
Eva Bertram, executive director at Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, addressed the girls’ group in Rohnert Park last week. “She was a dynamic speaker,” said Ilene Addison, co-chair of the event. “She gave the girls lots of encouragement for their futures relative to their careers and personal lives.” Another speaker was Teresa Cruz, a 2003 SVHS graduate, who talked about how valuable her Hit the Road experience had been.
“I think that all the students had a great time and learned a lot that will be helpful as they assume their adult responsibilities,” said Addison.