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Dear Bruin Community Members:
Every day at Ponderosa, students are distinguishing
themselves. For this month’s newsletter, I wanted to provide you with
brief snapshots of what our students are accomplishing.
- Kody Quigley and Doug Orofino supported the
drama department’s murder mystery dinner theater. Kody and Doug
took charge of the class in the organization, set-up, takedown, and
food service for the event. Ms. Schmeltzer stated she could not have
pulled it off so well without them.
- The cast of Rough Crossing (Spencer Reed, Sam
Dubin, Douglas Orofino, Matt Provencal, Emilee Guido and Scott
Otter) theatrical abilities are remarkable.
- Saul Alvarez success on the soccer field is
well documented. He is Ponderosa’s leading scorer. But, his
teachers are even more proud of the efforts he is putting forth in
the difficult transition of moving to a new country. Saul’s
presence and effort make him standout among his peers.
- Michelle La Franchi is a leader in CSF. Her
energy and ideas have led to the club increasing its school profile.
- Alex Ekelund is one of our outstanding
Agriculture and Trades and Industry students. His technical skills
and passion for mechanics inspire his teachers.
- Ryan Wimmer, led the Ponderosa Agriculture
team to a second place finish out of 28 schools in the Sly Park
Forestry Challenge. They lost to the first place team by less than
1 point. Ryan hopes to pursue Forestry as a career.
- In the first quarter, Student Council members
have worked 494 hours of their own time (during lunch, weekends,
after school) for the students of PHS. These hours do not include
time spent on their individual job duties (such as planning
rallies). These are service hours. The entire Student Council is
leading by example. Torin Blackford is outstanding at performing the
responsibilities as the ASB President. His leadership and vision
helps make Ponderosa a great school. His positive attitude and can
do approach are contagious.
- PHS has many students who distinguish
themselves artistically. Kelsey Clarke is a very talented art
student. Not only does she show great originality in her art work,
she goes above and beyond the assignment requirements. Ali Garcia
takes great care to create each project with infinite care. Her
creations are unique and accomplished.
- The entire boys and girls water polo teams
have made their mark this year. In just a few years, a once
fledgling program has emerged as a regional power.
- Christina Solomon is a passionate and
dedicated writer and editor for the Paw Print. As a result of her
vision and initiative, the Paw Print has new software and computers.
- The marching band and flag team led by Denise
Nadolski and Jennifer Quincy are dazzling. The music and
choreography are impressive.
- The Academic Decathlon Team, motivated by
captain Kayla Williams, is prepared to defend their title. They
spend many after school and weekend hours preparing for this year’s
competition.
This list could go on forever and there is no way I
could recognize every student, but this sample gives you an idea of the
type of young people who grace our campus. They are an inspiration to
their peers and staff. As the holiday season approaches, we have much
to be thankful for.
Go Bruins!
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