VOTE FOR THE PEN HIGH ZOO AS MOST SPIRITED
Peninsula High is one of five Southern California High Schools nominated by SoCal Prep Legends for most spirited school. While its an honor to be nominated, it's even better to win. You can vote everyday on all of your devices, until midnight on June 1. Let's win this!!!!!
"HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT" JULIE LYTHOCOTT-HAIMS
The 2015-2016 year has not yet ended, but we are already working on plans for the 2016-2017 school year. PVPHS and the PTSA are recommending a terrific summer reading book for parents called "How to Raise an Adult" by Julie Lythcott-Haims, the former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford University. This book is a deeply honest and compassionate discussion of the dynamics between parent and child, and how this relationship began to change in the late 1990s. Each subsequent year, Dean Lythcott-Haims observed an increasing number of college students who were poorly equipped to handle the demands of adult and college life. Her life's work is now dedicated to educating parents on changing certain behaviors in order to encourage the adult to successfully emerge from childhood. Julie Lythcott-Haims will be visiting PVPHS the evening of Tuesday, September 6th and we are excited to be able to co-sponsor such a dynamic speaker for our community. Her discussion will focus, not just on the current high school student, but really the entire K - 12 spectrum. Please mark your calendar for that date (location/time TBD)! For more information on Lythcott-Haims, visit her website at
AIAA HONORS THREE STUDENTS AND MR. STARODUB
The AIAA (American Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics) honored three Peninsula High School Research students at their annual meeting on May 21. The three students are Shannon Chen, Erika Hathaway, and Ethan Uetrecht, who were presented with this year's AIAA awards. For many years, AIAA has been a generous supporter of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Science and Engineering Fair. Mr. Starodub, the Science Research advisor at Peninsula High was also presented with the AIAA Teacher's Award, by Mr. John Stammreich of the AIAA. Congratulations to Shannon, Erika, Ethan, and Mr. Starodub.
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MR. STARODUB, SHANNON, ERIKA, AAIA REP, AND ETHAN
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PEN HIGH RESEARCH - CALIFORNIA STATE SCIENCE FAIR RESULTS
Peninsula High School Science Research Students entered their research projects against the best research students in the State and came away with an impressive array of awards. The students took home 3 category awards:
Annie Benedict - 1st Place - Environmental Engineering
Ru Ekanayake - Honorable Mention - Behavioral and Social Studies
Ethan Uetrecht - Honorable Mention - Physics and Astronomy
Our students should be proud of their success against the best in the State. Thank you to Peter Starodub, Peninsula High Director of Science Research for his dedication, hours of support, and superb guidance.
PROJECT EGO BANQUET
On May 24th the 31st annual Project Ego Awards Banquet was held at the
Rolling Hills Country Club. The Project Ego class of 2016 successfully completed the year-long program, which included a ropes wilderness challenge at UC Irvine. At the banquet, the Palos Verdes Sunset Rotary club presented over $15,000 in scholarship money to these deserving students. Thank you to Project Ego coordinator and Peninsula High counselor, Kelly Baranick, for her commitment and passion for this program. We couldn't be prouder and want to congratulate our Project Ego class of 2016:
Vincent Bjazevic 
Elmira Jane Castillo
Katalina Castro
Andrew Condon
Bryan Cruz
Lindsey Falkenstein
Reece Gage
Steven Garcia
Hisai Mejia
Samuel Poncher
Amy Rodriguez
Tracy Segura
Vanessa Wagner
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| PROJECT EGO CLASS OF 2016 |
PEN HIGH ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL
On Thursday, May 26, Peninsula High held hits second annual film festival. Thank you to Dr. Coleman, Mr. Cohen and Mr. Karg for sponsoring this event. Twenty films were entered in four cateogies. The winners were:
Animation--Test directed by Sandra Suarez
Drama--Depression directed by Caitlyn Kelly
Comedy--The Text directed by Eric Koshimizu
Documentary--Archery directed by Serena Tramm
Palm d'Panther (Best Overall Film)-- The Egg directed by Trevor Rinzler
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR PRESENTATION
On Thursday, May 26, Mr. Maechling invited guest speaker and Holocaust Survivor, Mr. Geminder, to speak with Pen High social studies classes. It was a rare gift to hear first-hand accounts of history. It was a very emotional presentation that clearly had an impact on those in attendance.
SLL BLOOD DRIVE A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Service Learning Leadership's Annual Blood Drive benefiting the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center was a great success. We are proud to announce that we collected 100 pints of blood, with 100 people donating and even more willing participants who weren't able to donate for various reasons, but not for lack of bravery! These donations will benefit 300 lives! THANK YOU to the parents, students, and teachers who came out and donated their blood. We are so thankful to UCLA and our Service Learning Leadership class for this opportunity to make a difference.
PENINSULA HIGH STUDENTS HONORED FOR SERVICE
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Coordinating Council held its Annual Awards Program at the Peninsula Center Library in Rolling Hills Estates on Thursday, May 26th. The Palos Verdes Art Center received the 2016 Community Service Award in recognition of its exceptional programs that greatly benefit our community. In addition to the Arts Center being recognized so were twelve outstanding local students who volunteer their time and talent to make our community a better place to live.
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| PEN HIGH TEEN SERVICE AWARD RECEPIENTS |
The PVPHS honorees were Katie Hsu (super Panther who ALWAYS helps out at Pen at the drop of a hat), Shannon Chen (volunteer for TMMC and founder of a tech company that assists the elderly with new-fangled gadgetry), Rebecca Jeon (incredible leader and Co-Editor of the yearbook), Brandon Halvorsen and Lizzy Manshukhani (they spend quite a bit of free time working with Reading Willing and Able - a group that provides dancing and other activities for members of our community who have special needs), Lauren Alimento (volunteer at Cabrillo Beach Museum and at various activities on the Hill through Palos Verdes Assembly as well as at Rolling Hills Country Day), and Ru Ekanayake (stupendous leader who has made a tremendous impact on 4H on the Peninsula). Additionally, representatives from state and county offices presented Certificates of Recognition to each honoree. The PVP Coordinating Council also presented a Certificate of Award to each honoree as well as a $100 check. Congratulations to the PVPHS recipients as well as the other students!
GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH PRESSFRIENDS!
Volunteer with PressFriends this summer at the Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington, the Boys & Girls Club of the Port of LA, or Richstone Family Center. We offer ArtFriends, STEMFriends, SportsFriends, DanceFriends, MusicFriends, and EcoFriends - each summer program combines an activity with a writing exercise. To sign up, you must first go through a new volunteer training. Our next new volunteer training is on June 4, and you can sign up at
http://bit.ly/PF060416
If you have already gone through our new volunteer training, volunteer opportunities will be posted on June 5 on our website
http://www.pressfriends.org
During the school year, PressFriends holds afterschool newspaper clubs at Title I elementary schools (see a sample newspaper
here). Students who volunteer 25 hours or more with PressFriends are eligible to join the student board. Below are the South Bay volunteers that received the President's Volunteer Service Award as a member of PressFriends in 2015-16.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS
Recently, Mr. Steiner and Mr. Doctor presented over 60 awards to music students from Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Marching/ Concert Band, and Color Guard. See the Complete List of Awards here.
In particular, ten students were honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Congratulations to all the students recognized for their achievements and awards!
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Left to Right - Elliot Miller, Timothy Hanson, Jeong Ho Lee, Colin Miller, Sarah Lu, Christine Lee, Niusha Khoshsar, and Zachary Chrien (not pictured-Joshua Lu and Isabella Will)
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MUSIC MADNESS PROGRAM CONCERT
On May 23, the Peninsula High Music Department presented the 2nd annual finale concert for Music Madness, an after school band for 6th - 8th grade PVPUSD students. The program is conducted by Fred Steiner with lots of help from volunteer Pen High musicians serving as mentors. The group impressed their intermediate school parents and fans, after which they all enjoyed a well-earned ice cream sundae reception.
PENINSULA HIGH AND MIRALESTE INTERMEDIATE BANDS PRESENT CONCERT
On Thursday, May 27, PVPHS and MIS presented a collaborative concert. Miraleste's Band Director and Panther Alum, Josef Rieder, and Pen High Concert Band Director Fred Steiner, conducted the concert before a full house in the Miraleste gymnasium. The impressive program finale was "Fanfare and Fireworks" featuring musicians from 6th through 12th grades making music together.
The Orchestra Spring Concert was a jaw-dropping concert. Mr. Steiner and Mr. Doctor did an impressive job with our students; we're very lucky to have them! The talent of our students is so impressive.
HARMONY CONCERT CHECK PRESENTAION
On Wednesday, May 25, Mr. Steiner attended our PVPUSD school board meeting to receive a check from the Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary clubs for the proceeds of the Harmony Concert. Thank you to all those who attended the concert. Mr. Steiner looks forward to using the proceeds for instrument repairs.
UPCOMING MUSIC PERFORMANCES
May 31st - The Jazz Band will be playing for the Honors and Awards night.
June 1st - The June Jazz Concert - at 7:00 PM, will be held in the PAC.
June 2nd & 3rd - Choir Spring Pops Concert - 7:00 PM, Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, 26438 Crenshaw Boulevard at 7:00 PM
June 4th - Tri-M Music Honors Concert - 7:00 PM, will be held in the PAC.
DRAMA DEPARTMENT AT THE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS
On Sunday evening, May 20th, Peninsula High students Nina Doneville and Brandon Halvorsen had the opportunity to perform at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, at The Jerry Herman Awards for High School Musicals. Peninsula High was also nominated in two areas; Lighting Design and Best Ensemble. Next year, Peninsula High Drama will present the Music Man.
PEN ART STUDENTS ACKNOWLEDGED IN PHOTO CONTEST
Five Panthers were acknowledged by the "South Bay High School Photo Contest sponsored by Freedom4U.
Alex Dan won 3rd Place in Nature/Landscape, Mathew Kim won 2nd Place in Nature/Landscape, and Sabrina Davoudzadeh won 2nd Place in Creative Shutter. Temishi Onnekikami won an "Honorable Mention" in Computer Manipulation. All were presented with award certificates, ribbons, & cash prizes.
Congratulations to Pen photo teacher Mr. Stiles, and the talented students who entered the contest. Their photos along with the entire contest winning entries, will be up on exhibition at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library Lobby from June 1-17.
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| PEN PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS |
COMMUNITY SERVICE THROUGH FREEDOM4U
Panthers serving homeless with Freedom4U Leadership Group.
Nicholas Goldenberg, Peter Brown, Preston Brown, Joe Kelly, Luke Patay, Ryan Ramsey, Arek Yedikian, Noelle Kirkpatrick, Anna Farias, Monice Wong, Greg Allen, Nate Hicks
PEN ART STUDENTS ASSIST AT DAPPLEGRAY ARTS ALIVE 2016
Several students from Pen Art Teacher Jamie Nyman's class participated in the Dapplegray Arts Alive program. The students had a wonderful time teaching and demonstrating art. This is an annual event that Peninsula High looks forward to supporting each year.
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR BANQUET
Thank you to Ceci Watts, Marta Merola, and Kathy Thompson for chairing this year's Athlete of the Year Awards Ceremony and Banquet. The student speeches were inspirational. Congratulations to Jim Small who received the Kelly Johnson Coach's Award. Thank you to Athletic Booster Club Co-Chairs, Steve and Ceci Watts for making sure the evening ran smoothly and introducing each scholar athlete.
Captain's Award - Will Abele and Jessica Hay
Most Inspirational - Adam Reece and Taylor Woo
Male Athlete of The Year - Mickey Babek
Female Athlete of the Year - Ena Shibahara
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| Kelly Johnson Honoring Jim Small |
SHANNON TSANG COMPETES AT USA GYMNASTICS NATIONALS
Senior Shannon Tsang competed in USA Gymnastics' National Qualifiers event last weekend at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY. At the conclusion of this event, the top 20 seniors at level 9 and 10 rhythmic gymnasts in the country from all 5 regions were advanced to the USA Gymnastics National Championships in Providence, RI on June 8-12. At Nationals, the top 8 out of these 20 rhythmic gymnasts will become the USA national RG team. National team members represent the USA in competitions around the world.
Shannon has been in this sport for 11 years. Typically, gymnasts are allowed to advance to the next level by competing at state, regional, national and even international levels. However, the only way to advance to level 10 is by making the top 20 at the annual National Qualifiers. This year, Shannon not only won 1st place (Gold) as a level 9 senior but made the top 20 and now has become a level 10. She will go on to compete at the prestigious National Championships in June, topping off her career in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
ENA HONORED AT ALL AMERICAN AWARDS
Ena Shibahara named the MVP for National High School Tennis All-American, gain. Congrats to Ena and good luck at UCLA!
RANCHO VISTA FIFTH GRADERS VISIT PENINSULA HIGH
On Tuesday, May 24, seventy-eight Rancho Vista Fifth Grade Roadrunners spent the day at Peninsula High. Peninsula High Associated Student Body members acted as hosts and tour guides as the elementary students visited classrooms, participated in science labs, played games in the amphitheatre, and visited our SMERT facility for fun hands-on experiences. They enjoyed lunch in the amphitheater with the Pen Student Body and then surprised everyone with their spontaneous dancing on the stage. Everyone had a great time!
Thank you to Season Pollock, Michael Wanmer, Micah Farrell, and ASB for organizing the day. Thank you to Mr. Snodgrass, Mr. Stamper, Mr. Greenberg, Mrs. Kealy, Mrs, Garnet, and Mr. Twiet and their students for providng fun activities for the students.
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RANCHO VISTA FIFTH GRADERS VISIT PEN
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PROM AT THE FONDA THEATRE
Last night's Peninsula High Prom at the historic Fonda Theatre was a memorable evening at an incredible venue.
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HISTORY OF THE FONDA THEATRE FROM WIKIPEDIA
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COURSE DESCRIPTION BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE
The 2016-2017 PVPUSD Course Description Book is now available HERE
ALUMNI RETURN TO PVPHS FOR SENIOR FORUM
The 8th annual Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Alumni Day Panel took place on Thursday May 26th, 2016. The Alumni Panel is a day long event put on by the Peninsula High School Counseling Office and consists of about a dozen students who graduated from Peninsula the previous year coming back to discuss with the Peninsula HS seniors what the first year of college life has been like. The Panel is an informative and fun-filled day that the Counseling Office believes is a great way to wrap up high school for the current 12th graders. This year's participants were:
Alison Navarro - Baylor University (Waco, TX)
Leah Palacios - University of Southern CA
Ben Patman - Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)
Jodi Payne - Chapman University (Orange, CA)
Robert Price - Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
Jake Ridout - New York University
Annelise Royles - Kenyon College (Gambier, OH)
Max Shafer - Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
Brennan Smith - Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ)
Kim Sover - UC Berkeley
Kailey Stapel - El Camino College
MISHA EUCEPH AT WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE DINNER
Misha Euceph, Pen MUN Alum and graduate of UCI is attending Northwestern University graduate school and recently covered the White House Correspondents Dinner! Misha also helped coach our Peninsula High Mock Trial program. We are so impressed with the company she is keeping these days.
SARAH COLLINS TO ATTEND POLTICAL CONVENTIONS
Sarah Collins is one of 5 USC journalism students who were selected for a special research journalism class on the presidential race so she will be attending both the Republican and Democratic national conventions. Since she will be graduating next May with two degrees, one in journalism and one in political science, it is a perfect class for her. We are so proud of Sarah and can't wait to hear her reports from the conventions.
MIN-WOO PARK GIVES HARVARD GRADUATION SPEECH
Orator Min-Woo Park addressed the graduating seniors at Harvard's Senior Class Day ceremony on May 25, 2016 at Tercentenary Theatre. You can see his speech
here.
SULEKHA RAMAYYA USC VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH
Sulekha Ramayya gave this year's Valedictorian speech at USC. You can watch it on youtube here.
On May 25, our PLUS Leadership students visited Ridgecrest Intermediate School to share a 'forum' event with the 7th and 8th grade leadership class. "Students Mentoring Students" was the theme of the day, and the leaders at both schools experienced team building, collaboration, problem solving,and many laughs! Our PLUS Leaders have so much to offer and seeing them work with younger students is truly inspiring!
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