Ability, service, training, responsibility and achievements­ simple traits that have

provided a solid foundation for ASTRA, an organization that has had tremendous success in

building up the Dallas community over the past 25 years.

In 1990, ASTRA was established as an all female service organization at Highland Park

and has since sought out individuals who can serve the community and be a model for those

around them. Members are expected to embody the five “ASTRA” traits and new members are

accepted every fall.

For an hour on the first monday of every month, the girls gather at a different house and

work together to supply the needs of various organizations such as Voice of Hope, Austin Street

Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club. Different projects have included making peanut butter

sandwiches for the homeless at Austin Street and making no­sew blankets. Twice a year, the

girls are expected to attend a community service project. This fall, the girls spent over four hours

cleaning the auditorium, decorating the halls and building a garden for students that attend Maple

Lawn Elementary. Their next project is in April and will benefit the North Texas Food Bank.

For most members, ASTRA is much more than an easy way to get service hours or a

resume builder.

“I became a member of ASTRA because I enjoy doing community service and I get to

hang out with my friends and meet a lot of new people,” junior Rebecca Brimmage said.

Through organizations like ASTRA, getting the required amount of service hours for graduation

isn’t an obligation, but an opportunity to provide services for those less fortunate. “My favorite

part of ASTRA are the semi­annual service events because all the members get together on a

Saturday and help those in need,” senior Lane McCormick said.

ASTRA is a great way to meet new students and learn from upperclassmen. “I love

getting to spend time with new and old members of the club,” McCormick said.

Over the past 25 years, ASTRA has made a huge impact not only to those less fortunate

but also to each individual member of ASTRA. Members leave a legacy and can graduate high

school with strong morals and potential for a successful future.