Hi, Ben Gibbard. I am a high school English teacher from Rosemead, California. For the past three years, I have been working with the most dedicated group of students I've ever been impressed by. I've watched them take on the challenge of being leaders and represent their class. This year, they are hosting the Junior/Senior Prom. While the event is still one that students have to pay to attend, our school is not given a budget to work with. Instead, we have to raise all of the money ourselves. So for years we have created fundraiser after fundraiser because we are trying to pull off something the school has never seen before.
This year, our prom theme is "Such Great Heights," clearly inspired by one of our favorite songs. We chose it because of how great the song is and how meaningful the lyrics are. We've been lucky enough to enjoy some successes along the way and many things, just like puzzle pieces, came together and made sense. You are the final piece.
We are desperately trying to get you to our prom. I emailed your booking company back in December, but we were told that we couldn't "work this out." My students, who were at once full of hope and excitement just at the possibility of having you as a guest on that night, were ruined. But we moved on and decided to stick with the things we had control over. We stuck with the theme because of how much we want our night to be one of bringing people together and not wanting to leave because of how great it will be.
Ours is a working class school, so we could never afford to book you for the entire night, as we found out by contacting your booking agency. In spite of our budget (or seeming lack of one), we are aiming as high as we can. Your presence at our prom would make it the most memorable in our school's history and teach the students the importance of trying. We will do anything to get you there. Please at least contact us to let us know you've seen this. Make sure you click on "older posts" at the bottom of the page. So many students have written in with the hopes of you seeing their letters. You can email me by viewing my profile on the right. This is our final attempt to ask ... who am I kidding... to beg and plead you, Ben Gibbard, to please play our prom!
Monday, March 28, 3008
Friday, April 4, 3006
From Joanna Van - Junior Class President
Dear Mister Ben Gibbard
My Name is Joanna Van and I am class of 2008’s president. For the past two years that I have been in this wonderful cabinet, I dreamt that we would throw the perfect Prom for our seniors, this year especially. We worked day and night just to plan our Prom and make it just right. We chose our colors, our keepsakes, and everything you need for a Prom, but the reason why I am writing to you is because we chose a theme that would involve you. Our class cabinet decided our theme should be “Such Great Heights”, because it fit our location and it’s the greatest song in the whole entire world. At first it was just a thought to have you come and play at our Prom, but then now it’s all of our wishes to have you there with us. Rosemead High School is a great school, with great students in it, and I believe that they deserve to have a great Prom, and you being there would make it spectacular. Personally, I would want you there because I told my brother awhile ago that I was trying to get you guys to play there, and The Postal Service is one of his favorites. Since my brother and I don’t talk as much anymore, I would wish that you came and played so I can dedicate the night to him because he is one of the reasons why I kept on going with this whole Prom thing. I can only beg you to come to our Prom and play for all of us, because it would be one of the greatest things to happen to us. We worked hard for everything else and we aren’t going to give up here. PLEASE BEN GIBBARD PLAY AT OUR PROM
YOUR MOST GREATFUL FAN IF YOU PLAY AT OUR PROM,
JoannaHUMUNGOVan
My Name is Joanna Van and I am class of 2008’s president. For the past two years that I have been in this wonderful cabinet, I dreamt that we would throw the perfect Prom for our seniors, this year especially. We worked day and night just to plan our Prom and make it just right. We chose our colors, our keepsakes, and everything you need for a Prom, but the reason why I am writing to you is because we chose a theme that would involve you. Our class cabinet decided our theme should be “Such Great Heights”, because it fit our location and it’s the greatest song in the whole entire world. At first it was just a thought to have you come and play at our Prom, but then now it’s all of our wishes to have you there with us. Rosemead High School is a great school, with great students in it, and I believe that they deserve to have a great Prom, and you being there would make it spectacular. Personally, I would want you there because I told my brother awhile ago that I was trying to get you guys to play there, and The Postal Service is one of his favorites. Since my brother and I don’t talk as much anymore, I would wish that you came and played so I can dedicate the night to him because he is one of the reasons why I kept on going with this whole Prom thing. I can only beg you to come to our Prom and play for all of us, because it would be one of the greatest things to happen to us. We worked hard for everything else and we aren’t going to give up here. PLEASE BEN GIBBARD PLAY AT OUR PROM
YOUR MOST GREATFUL FAN IF YOU PLAY AT OUR PROM,
JoannaHUMUNGOVan
Wednesday, April 2, 3006
From Matt Drange
Dear Ben Gibbard
I could start off by saying that I am your #1 fan; that I have every song of yours that I could ever get my hands on, including every record that you have ever put out; that you, Ben Gibbard, are my idol.
But I won’t. Because even though those are all very true, it wouldn’t really make you that special. I don’t want to be like you–to be the next Ben Gibbard. I have enough trouble just being regular old me, Matt Drange; and to think about my heart having to go through all of the things that yours surely has…that isn’t something that I would just jump right into. And yet there is something about your music that makes me feel as if I am so very close to you, like I was destined to hear Such Great Heights (the very first song of yours I ever heard) and subsequently fall flat on my face.
Look, I don’t want to waste your time, and the last thing you need is for someone else to exclaim to you just how much they love you, so I’ll wrap this up. If you were to somehow come to our Prom, it wouldn’t make up for anything that has ever happened to anyone, let alone myself. But it sure would put an exclamation on one kid’s childhood, and that’s mine. I only get one Prom, and you alone would make it unforgettable.
- Matt Drange – Class of ‘07
I could start off by saying that I am your #1 fan; that I have every song of yours that I could ever get my hands on, including every record that you have ever put out; that you, Ben Gibbard, are my idol.
But I won’t. Because even though those are all very true, it wouldn’t really make you that special. I don’t want to be like you–to be the next Ben Gibbard. I have enough trouble just being regular old me, Matt Drange; and to think about my heart having to go through all of the things that yours surely has…that isn’t something that I would just jump right into. And yet there is something about your music that makes me feel as if I am so very close to you, like I was destined to hear Such Great Heights (the very first song of yours I ever heard) and subsequently fall flat on my face.
Look, I don’t want to waste your time, and the last thing you need is for someone else to exclaim to you just how much they love you, so I’ll wrap this up. If you were to somehow come to our Prom, it wouldn’t make up for anything that has ever happened to anyone, let alone myself. But it sure would put an exclamation on one kid’s childhood, and that’s mine. I only get one Prom, and you alone would make it unforgettable.
- Matt Drange – Class of ‘07
Tuesday, April 2, 3005
From Diana Martinez '08
Dear Ben Gibbard,
For the past three years the Class of 2008 have been putting their heart and soul into planning Prom 2007. Some might think Prom is useless, but to us and our fellow classmates it’s so much more. We want to make this Prom unforgettable, something the Juniors and Seniors at Rosemead High School will remember for a long time. It’s our dream to make Prom extraordinary. Honestly their isn’t words to describe how phenomenal we want it to be. You can make our dream come true. The theme for our Prom is “Such great Heights.” It would be so awesome, if you could play that song at our Prom. It would mean so much to us. You are the final puzzle piece that will make Prom unforgettable. Please allow us to reach this great height and play at our Prom. True, it may seem like a stretch, but we will go to great lengths to reach our goal. I hope this letter will guide you to Universal Studios Hollywood on April 28, 2007.
Sincerely, Diana Martinez, Junior Class Treasurer
For the past three years the Class of 2008 have been putting their heart and soul into planning Prom 2007. Some might think Prom is useless, but to us and our fellow classmates it’s so much more. We want to make this Prom unforgettable, something the Juniors and Seniors at Rosemead High School will remember for a long time. It’s our dream to make Prom extraordinary. Honestly their isn’t words to describe how phenomenal we want it to be. You can make our dream come true. The theme for our Prom is “Such great Heights.” It would be so awesome, if you could play that song at our Prom. It would mean so much to us. You are the final puzzle piece that will make Prom unforgettable. Please allow us to reach this great height and play at our Prom. True, it may seem like a stretch, but we will go to great lengths to reach our goal. I hope this letter will guide you to Universal Studios Hollywood on April 28, 2007.
Sincerely, Diana Martinez, Junior Class Treasurer
From Bianca Hong
Dear Ben Gibbard,
My name is Bianca Hong, and I am part of Rosemead High School's Associated Student Body, Class of 2008. Being apart of this organization, we are to host Prom this year. This year, our class has decided to title our prom, "Such Great Heights", in favor of your song. Many of the students at school LOVE your music, and what perfect way to bring everyone together.
On April 28th, 2007 the memorable night that many look forward to would truly be unforgettable if you would PLEASE PLAY AT OUR PROM. This past year, my class cabinet has had countless long meetings and it would really be a picture perfect moment if you were to be there with us that evening (even if it's for a tiny bit).
I don't know where to begin on how much I would REALLLLLY appreciate it if you came and look forward to making my prom the most fantastic prom ever. PLEASEE COMMME! I hope to hear you sing! :)
Sincerely,Bianca Hong
My name is Bianca Hong, and I am part of Rosemead High School's Associated Student Body, Class of 2008. Being apart of this organization, we are to host Prom this year. This year, our class has decided to title our prom, "Such Great Heights", in favor of your song. Many of the students at school LOVE your music, and what perfect way to bring everyone together.
On April 28th, 2007 the memorable night that many look forward to would truly be unforgettable if you would PLEASE PLAY AT OUR PROM. This past year, my class cabinet has had countless long meetings and it would really be a picture perfect moment if you were to be there with us that evening (even if it's for a tiny bit).
I don't know where to begin on how much I would REALLLLLY appreciate it if you came and look forward to making my prom the most fantastic prom ever. PLEASEE COMMME! I hope to hear you sing! :)
Sincerely,Bianca Hong
Friday, April 8, 3003
From A Hopeful Senior '07
Dear Mr. Ben Gibbard,
When one thinks of senior year of high school, one distinct feature comes to mind: Prom. It is every senior’s dream to have the perfect prom; and when I say every senior, I mean every senior: from the nerdy ones to the carefree ones. As you may have already read, this year’s brilliant theme is “Such Great Heights.” As a parting senior who has dedicated her high school to studying and whatnot, it is definitely my wish to have a memorable prom. What better way to make it one of the all the “greats” of Rosemead than to be able to bring the theme “Such Great Heights” to life.
Personally, as a person who has a dying memory, it has been a challenge all year to remember every single event that takes place. If the memories of my mind were to someday leave, I would at least like to have had the memory that I DID have a great prom. I DID have a night to remember. I DID have one of the best days of my life. As Cesare Pavese once said, “We do not remember days; we remember moments.” Having you play at our prom would make the 2007 Prom a moment to remember. Not just to all the Seniors at Rosemead, not just to the hardworking Junior Class cabinet, but to a little girl that literally has a running mind. So please, if you will, play at our 2007 Prom named “Such Great Heights” because it would definitely bring my senior year to the greatest of all heights.
When one thinks of senior year of high school, one distinct feature comes to mind: Prom. It is every senior’s dream to have the perfect prom; and when I say every senior, I mean every senior: from the nerdy ones to the carefree ones. As you may have already read, this year’s brilliant theme is “Such Great Heights.” As a parting senior who has dedicated her high school to studying and whatnot, it is definitely my wish to have a memorable prom. What better way to make it one of the all the “greats” of Rosemead than to be able to bring the theme “Such Great Heights” to life.
Personally, as a person who has a dying memory, it has been a challenge all year to remember every single event that takes place. If the memories of my mind were to someday leave, I would at least like to have had the memory that I DID have a great prom. I DID have a night to remember. I DID have one of the best days of my life. As Cesare Pavese once said, “We do not remember days; we remember moments.” Having you play at our prom would make the 2007 Prom a moment to remember. Not just to all the Seniors at Rosemead, not just to the hardworking Junior Class cabinet, but to a little girl that literally has a running mind. So please, if you will, play at our 2007 Prom named “Such Great Heights” because it would definitely bring my senior year to the greatest of all heights.
Saturday, April 2, 3003
From Jenny Chung '08
Dear Ben Gibbard,
As a member of the Junior Class Cabinet of Rosemead High School, I hope that you’ll be able to attend as our special guest at our Prom. The theme to our Prom this year is “Such Great Heights,” inspired by the song released by The Postal Service.
Despite repeated accusations about our ability to host Prom, we are willing to sacrifice time and effort to make this year’s Prom as memorable as possible. You would be a great addition to the event, not only with your appearance but also with your amazing talent. It would be a great attribute to the night for the seniors and for our advisor, Mike Sandoval, who has worked so hard throughout the years to make sure everything runs smoothly. I am aware of the busy schedule you must have but all we’re asking for is one hour of your time to serve as an inspiration to us all.
It would be an honor to have you at our event and I truly believe that you can bring out the best of the night. Our goal is to make Prom 2007 as memorable as it could possibly be and bring back school spirit. Please consider our invitation and thank you so much for taking your time to acknowledge this letter.
Sincerely,
Jenny Chung
Junior Class Secretary 2006-2007
As a member of the Junior Class Cabinet of Rosemead High School, I hope that you’ll be able to attend as our special guest at our Prom. The theme to our Prom this year is “Such Great Heights,” inspired by the song released by The Postal Service.
Despite repeated accusations about our ability to host Prom, we are willing to sacrifice time and effort to make this year’s Prom as memorable as possible. You would be a great addition to the event, not only with your appearance but also with your amazing talent. It would be a great attribute to the night for the seniors and for our advisor, Mike Sandoval, who has worked so hard throughout the years to make sure everything runs smoothly. I am aware of the busy schedule you must have but all we’re asking for is one hour of your time to serve as an inspiration to us all.
It would be an honor to have you at our event and I truly believe that you can bring out the best of the night. Our goal is to make Prom 2007 as memorable as it could possibly be and bring back school spirit. Please consider our invitation and thank you so much for taking your time to acknowledge this letter.
Sincerely,
Jenny Chung
Junior Class Secretary 2006-2007
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