Performing arts chairwoman and jazz choir instructor Diana Pleasant has learned that the Los Gatos High School Jazz Purr—the school's audition-only jazz choir—has been invited to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 5, 2004. The vocal jazz extravaganza will feature top jazz groups from around the country.

Jazz Purr has already received honors and recognition from throughout the world, with performances in Australia and across the United States.

Pleasant has directed Jazz Purr since 1982. The group has also performed for the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club for more than 20 years, and the club financially supports the group every year. It is with special donations from the club and other music-loving area individuals and groups that Jazz Purr has been able to survive budget cuts year after year. The past year was an especially difficult financial hurdle for the group because, like all schools in California, the high school has had a difficult time balancing the budget.

Jazz Purr performed at a recent Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos meeting at the Los Gatos Lodge. At the meeting, Pleasant was presented with the coveted Los Gatos Kiwanis Coffee Cup Award.

Los Gatos student named to dean's list

Leslie Tucker of Los Gatos recently made the dean's list at Loyola University New Orleans with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The Louisiana university serves approximately 5,550 undergraduate and graduate students.