On Thursday, March 17th, the Pacific Ridge Community was treated to uplifting presentations by National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones and engineering advocate Deanne Bell. The two speakers lived up to the event's title, encouraging audiences to "Design New Perspectives" on creativity, innovation and potential, during a morning presentation for students and faculty, and an evening presentation for the public. Jones used his stunning photos, and the fascinating stories of their subjects, to share a message of remaining open to possibilities - in art and in life. Bell shared her unexpected journey from young "tinkerer" to host of science-oriented TV shows, sharing her love of engineering and all its possibilities. Her story, she said, is proof that "if you can dream it, you can make it happen." 

Dewitt Jones tells the story of a photo he might have missed, 

had he not put himself in the place of most potential.

Deanne Bell shares a clip from her days hosting 

Smash Lab on the Discovery Channel.

Congratulations to the Pacific Ridge Vocal and Honors Jazz Rock Ensembles on their impressive performances last weekend at the WorldStrides Music Festival in New Orleans. Vocal Ensemble was awarded a Gold rating, the program's highest honor, for the sixth consecutive year! The group also took first place in their division and was invited to perform in the Festival at Carnegie Hall next year, a privilege reserved for the nation's elite high school bands, choirs, and orchestras. Honors Jazz/Rock, was awarded a Silver rating. Click below to watch a video clip of the Vocal Ensemble performing Shosholoza, a traditional South African song.

On March 18th and 19th, eight students from the Advanced Acting and Directing class competed in the Fullerton College High School Theater Festival. More than 60 schools and 2,000 participants took part in the annual event. This year's performance competitions included categories in musical theater, ensembles and monologues, theater games, and tech olympics - an 8-part competition composed of everything from quick costume changes to electrical wiring. The Pacific Ridge group was one of the smallest in the competition, but that didn't stop the students from earning big recognition. A scene from Shakespeare's Othello performed by Oliver McClymonds '17 and Cosmo Cothran-Bray '16 was chosen out of nearly 100 scenes to compete in the final round.  

On Friday, March 18th, Pacific Ridge welcomed the official start of spring a few days early at the second annual Spring Kickoff event. Students stuck around long after the school day ended to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs, compete against friends in the inflatable jousting ring or on the inflatable obstacle course, laugh along with the Improv Team, and socialize in the sunshine. The event, hosted by Upper and Middle School Student Council, was the perfect way to celebrate warmer weather, longer days, and the countdown to exciting events including Spring Break, Global Travel, and Commencement.

A view from the balloon - at 95,000 feet

Pacific Ridge School | www.pacificridge.org