Pinewood School • All-School Newsletter • The Senior Issue 2022-23 • Public

President and Head of School

As we celebrate the achievements of our phenomenal Class of 2023, we also recognize and honor the strength, resilience, and determination of these exceptional young minds who have undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the history of Pinewood.

Throughout their time at Pinewood, our seniors have blossomed into well-rounded individuals, demonstrating versatility and excellence across academics, arts, sports, and community service Their accomplishments are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the nurturing environment that Pinewood offers

Our graduates are also insightful and critical thinkers, tackling challenges with creativity and curiosity. They approach the world with an open mind, embracing diverse perspectives and seeking innovative solutions As self-motivated young people, they have pursued their passions with fervor, setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them.

The Class of 2023 has developed into an impressive group of confident communicators, able to express their ideas and foster meaningful connections with their peers, teachers, and the community at large. Above all, they have emerged as respectful individuals of character, displaying empathy, compassion, and integrity in all their endeavors.

A special mention goes out to our Evergreens, those remarkable students who have been with us since kindergarten. Your growth over the years has been a joy to witness, and your loyalty to our Pinewood family is deeply appreciated As you embark on your future, remember that the roots you have established here will always be a part of who you are

During this celebratory time, we also take a moment to reflect on and honor the memory of Jonathan Zhao, who sadly left us on March 31st of this year Jonathan's kind spirit and unwavering determination as a student and athlete will forever be cherished and missed. His memory serves as a reminder of the bond we share as a Pinewood family and the importance of treasuring each moment we spend together.

As you flip through the pages of this Senior Issue, may you be inspired by the remarkable stories, accomplishments, and memories of our graduating class. We firmly believe that the Class of 2023 will continue to make a difference in the world, carrying the Pinewood legacy forward with pride and excellence

Scott Riches President and Head of School

It is with great pride and joy that I welcome you to the Senior Issue of Pinewood’s all-school newsletter.

Director of Communications

Katy Wells

Associate Director of Communications

Kyle Riches

Contributors to this Issue

Emily Cardenas

Marvin Coote

Hannah Fields

Scott Green

Haley Hemm

Brynn Hambly

Sarah Haun

Sam Jezak

Jennifer King

Gabriel Lemmon

Carolyn Siegel

Whitney Wood

Laurie Wilson

Cover Photo

Teau T. is all smiles at graduation!

"I’m so grateful for my years at Pinewood because I was able to be myself in a community where I felt loved and supported while I was challenged inside and outside the classroom. I always surprise myself when I look back at all the activities I have participated in that I could never imagine myself doing if I wasn’t a part of the Pinewood family."

– Ashton R.

Daughter of Scott and Sarah Riches, Class of 2023

LEAVING A LEGACY

Class of 2023

Evergreens

Skylar C.

Sally K.

Daniel B.

Ashton R.

Devan R.

Felix R.

Listed in order as they appear above from left to right at Prom 2023

At the heart of Pinewood, we are not just a school, but a vibrant community that thrives on the continuity of shared experiences and mutual growth. The honor of guiding our students from their earliest steps in kindergarten through to the momentous day of their 12th-grade graduation is a privilege we cherish deeply. Our Evergreens – students who have grown and flourished at Pinewood from kindergarten to high school graduation – are the embodiment of our educational mission and the living testament to the profound, enduring impact of a Pinewood education.

Evergreen moments from K-12

Starting the Day with Positivity and Unity

At the beginning of each school day, a special ritual unfolds at Lower Campus – the daily morning assembly. It’s a unique time of unity, where our K-2 students and teachers gather and set the tone for a day of learning and exploration.

With the principles of positivity and connection as cornerstones, morning assembly incorporates engaging activities that promote the holistic development of our students. Students enjoy singing songs, moving to music, celebrating birthdays, and learning lessons from their SEL Kimochi friends. As a special treat, once a week, one of our teachers hand-picks a favorite book to read to the children.

Morning assembly at Lower Campus is more than a routine; it's an experience and celebration, bonding the campus community together and instilling in our students an eager anticipation for each new day. The laughter, camaraderie and shared learning these mornings bring indeed set the stage for a positive day ahead.

K-2 students enjoy a visit from a Los Altos Library librarian.

Together, We Make a Difference

Every year at Middle Campus, each 3rd through 6th-grade class participates in a service project that connects students to the community beyond Pinewood's walls. Through the process, our students learn about real-world challenges and come to understand that they have the power and capability to make a difference. Students meet at lunch, make posters, work with their teachers, and present their achievements at their weekly campus assembly. Take a look at the amazing results of their hard in the pages to follow!

5th Gra Veteran in partnersh

Handmade o each for pat Promoted a several boxe Zoomed with challenges o

3rd Grade Animal Advocacy

in partnership with Rancho Roben Rescu

Raised $250 through student-run fundraisers, including a sticker sale Made handmade tie blankets for Rancho Roben Rescues to use to line cages or floors for farm animals in need

Worked 2 hours on the farm, helping with chores and learning about the animals

ns Outreach

ip with the Department of Veterans Affairs

over 100 cards in art class with a personal note written in tients in the VA hospital donation drive with flyers around campus and collected es of personal hygiene products for the VA hospital th a veteran and learned about the rewards and of being a vet

6th Grade Comfort Drive

n partnership with Stanford Children's Hospital

Promoted donation drive with creative signs during morning dropoff

Collected 5 tubs of board games, fidget spinners, and gift cards for children and families in need at Stanford

4th Grade Beach Cleanup and Battery Recycling

in partnership with Pacific Beach Coalition

Collected over 86 pounds of trash, 7 pounds of recyclables, and 191 cigarette filters from Linda Del Mar Beach in Pacifica

Collected 71 pounds of used batteries, donated them to a recycling center, and kept them out of landfills

Student leadersHIP 2023-24

The Upper Campus Associated Student Body (ASB) is an elected group of eight high school students who plan, organize, and oversee the activities at Upper Campus. ASB works in conjunction with each grade-level student council to plan assemblies, dances, spirit weeks, dress-up days, and many other events that our students participate in throughout the school year. While each grade level has their own student council representatives, ASB members are voted on by the entire Upper Campus and take the lead in directing student council meetings, planning allschool events, and working closely with the administration to make each school year memorable for everyone in the Pinewood community.

UPPER CAMPUS ASB

President Ethan R. '24

Vice President

Prisha M. '25

Activities Shay C. '25

Spirit Leo G. '25

Class of 2024 Student Council

President • George Textor

Vice President • Kaelyn Smith

Spirit • Jake Kleiman

Activities • Colin Ternus

Culture and Community

Autumn Porter-Schulz

Publicity • Anna Beltyukova

Class of 2026 Student Council

President • Mailey Wang

Vice President • Riya Kolappa

Class of 2025 Student Council

President • Jolyn Ding

Vice President • Christina Tanase

Spirit • Caroline Blotter

Activities • Kaitlyn Dyer

Culture and Community • Arjun Ari

Publicity • Ruby Hannelly

Class of 2027 Student Council

President • Shaan Parikh

Vice President • Eddie Ling

Aadya Kumar

Amani Lee-Seyon

Culture and Community • Erin Mak

Nerea Amezcua

7th and 9th-grade elections will be held in the fall.

Publicity

Sophia Y. '24

Panther Relations

Cole C. '24

Treasurer

Simon B. '24

COLLEGE COUNSELING AT PINEWOOD

Pinewood’s College Counseling Program takes a student-centered approach to empower students to reflect on their talents, interests, goals, values, and aspirations in search of the right “fit” for college. With the student at the center–and recognizing that the student’s transition to college involves the whole family–the college counseling office provides extensive, individualized support throughout the high school years. In fact, Pinewood students often seek college environments that reflect what they value here: close relationships with faculty; challenging academics; and active, friendly communities. The College Counseling Program’s goal is to help students to find the right match through a series of processes and activities tailored around a supportive and individualized process that encourages self-awareness, personal growth, confidence, and decision-making.

Here, we're featuring six members of the Class of 2023 as they share how they decided on their college and what's next for them after graduation.

Samantha will attend the University of Pennsylvania, double majoring in English and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Ever since her junior year, she knew she wanted to major in literature and creative writing. Penn stood out to her because of its comprehensive English curriculum that covers several time periods, cultures, and genres, as well as their strong creative writing program that is centered around collaborative workshops. One other thing that made Penn an excellent choice for her is its oneof-a-kind Philosophy, Politics, and Economics major. The College Counseling Office helped her a lot with her decision: “After I received all my college decisions, I sought out Ms. Siegel for advice, and she listened to me babble about each school’s pros and cons. She encouraged me to really reflect on the most important qualities I was looking for in a college and offered to connect me with past alums of the schools I got into so I could familiarize myself with perspectives that went beyond what I could learn from a college’s website,” she enthused. In addition, Ms. Siegel and Mr. Coote gave her feedback on her essays and answered all her questions. Go Quakers!

S A L L Y University of California – Berkeley

Sally is going to UC Berkeley–just like her sister. Admitted to UCLA and UC Berkeley, she had a tough decision: she visited both, and loved both. At the end of the day, however, she decided to choose Berkeley after visiting and feeling that it was “my vibe.” She’s not quite sure yet what she wants to do, but most likely will major in chemistry Her research began over the summer when her mom helped her look into different colleges and get a general idea of what was out there. “I attended boot camp with college counseling and that was the most helpful. It helped me get a kick start on my essays and learn about how I should be advertising myself to the schools so they really know who I am and admit me into their schools.” Go Bears!

N A T E Syracuse University

Nate is off to Syracuse University to study broadcast journalism with a focus on sports broadcasting. Sports broadcasting has been his dream since middle school, and now he’s able to pursue that dream. He also was drawn to Syracuse because it has a ton of spirit, an excellent athletics program–and it’s something new where he can experience a different part of America. The College Counseling Summer Boot Camp, he says, was especially helpful. “A lot of people go into the admissions process feeling scared and worried, but the college counselors did a great job preparing me for the process with a summer boot camp My common app completed early and the college counselors provided me with lots of resources and prepared me for interviews.” Go Syracuse Orange!

S E I K A Colby College

Seika is going to study Computer Science at Colby College with a plan to pursue a dual degree with Dartmouth College for a second Computer Engineering degree. She’s visited the school in Maine twice, and both times she felt a sense of similarity with Pinewood. “All of the students I met were kind and ambitious, just as many of my amazing friends at Pinewood are,” she explained. Her path to college was guided by Carolyn Siegal, her college counselor, who was realistic with her and encouraged her goals, giving her a sense of security about the application process “I'm very appreciative that she was there every step of the way, and I will forever be grateful for her guidance.” Go Mules!

S O P H I A Cornell University

Sophia is off to Cornell University this fall. She chose Cornell because she liked that it was strong in many disciplines. Because she’s not quite sure what she wants to do yet, the option to study many things was very appealing to her. The college counseling department helped her by putting some schools on her radar that she might be interested in, and she applied to Cornell early decision. The counseling department “answered all my questions and looked over my essays as many times as I asked them to. They never made me feel pressured, but they also gave me honest answers which I appreciated when I asked them for advice.” Let’s go Big Red!

J A S O N University of Puget Sound

Jason will be studying and playing tennis at the University of Puget Sound this fall. While he’s not sure yet what he wants to study, he knew he wanted to attend a school where he could start on a tennis team. After touring the schools and the indoor tennis courts–“important because it rains a lot in Washington”–he knew he wanted to attend. It was also important to him to stay on the west coast and closer to home. Once he settled on his dream school, his college counselor Marvin Coote helped him review his Common App once he made his decision. Go Loggers!

Senior Starfish Awards

New this year, the Senior Starfish Award is proudly presented to those teachers, faculty, and staff members whom our graduating seniors have identified as making a lasting difference in their lives.

The name of this award was inspired by the story of an old man who observed a boy walking along the shore throwing stranded starfish back into the sea. The man told the boy his efforts wouldn't make a difference, since he couldn't possibly save all of the starfish on the beach. The boy smiled, picked up another starfish, and replied, "I can make a difference for this one."

2023 Senior Starfish Award Recipients

Jackee Bruno* • Rathi K. & Teau T.

Lynn Chronis* • Daniel B.

• Seika O.

Laurie Eickmeier • Ashton R. & Peyton S.

Jennifer Ford** • Nate M.

Haley Hemm • Ava U. & Sally K.

Maria Johnson* • Niki T.

Yong-Chan Kim • Aeron L. & McKellar R.

• Adam F.

Carrie McRobbie • Kate C.

Devon Olmstead** • Ayana J.

Donna Owens* • Skylar C.

Ellie Pojarska • Peyton M.

Sarah Prestwood • Andrew W.

Edward Richardson** • Rosalie W.

• Devan R.

Scott Thompson** • Audrey N. & Myles F.

Kerry Trainor* • Natasha M.

Elaina Tyson • Sophia R.

Chrissie Walters* • Emmett S.

David Wells • Samantha H.

Patricia Welze • Samantha H.

Tammy Wester • Mitali V.

Whitney Wood • Rachel F.

Former Pinewood faculty/staff

** Non-Pinewood faculty/staff

LEVELING LEVELING UP UP

It's time to celebrate our graduating seniors who are taking their athletic talents to the collegiate level! Over the years, these exceptional student-athletes have grown and developed into fierce competitors and invaluable contributors to their teams at Pinewood. Through dedication, hard work, and resilience, they have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also embodied the true spirit of Pinewood. As they transition into their collegiate careers, we are confident that they will continue to grow as athletes and individuals, making a difference wherever they go.

Ava U. Southern Utah University Basketball

Skylar C. Williams College

Basketball

Jade R.

CSU-San Marcos Basketball

Jason R. University of Puget Sound

Tennis

Garrett S. Davidson College

Diving

GRADUATION DAY

May 25, 2023 • Los Altos Hills, California

Pinewood School's graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 took place at 9:30 in the morning on Thursday, May 25th, at Upper Campus in Los Altos Hills, California. The program featured musical performances by the Women's Chorus, Take Note, and Pinewood Singers, directed by Katie Linza Speeches were given by President and Head of School Scott Riches, Head of Upper Campus Gabriel Lemmon, SLC President Daniel B., Salutatorian Sally K., and Valedictorian Rosalie W. The event's special guest speaker was Dr. Sterling Anderson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Aurora. Diplomas were presented by Class Advisors Scott Green and Whitney Wood.

This being my 6th year at Pinewood, the graduating class of 2023 is the first group that I have had the privilege to know from as far back as 7th grade, the first year of Upper Campus. To be a witness to this journey of growth is an experience that I will never forget. And the theme for this year at Upper Campus has been Kindness, Joy, and Abundant Growth. There could not have been a better description of the way these students approached their time at our school. This group came of age together, faced the worst of the pandemic together, and has come out the other side with smiles on their faces. This group is diverse, with a splendid array of interests, gifts, and personalities. From the sciences to the performing arts (and everything in between), these graduates will not be known for a single unifying trend but for the variety of their ideas and pursuits. We are so grateful for the mark that you will leave at our little school and look forward to seeing the mark that you will make on the big world out there beyond us.

Good luck in that big world! You are ready!

Tribute from Gabriel Lemmon Head of Upper Campus

Tribute from Haley Hemm, Assistant Head of Upper Campus Class of 2023, My hope for you is that you continue to bestow the world with your gifts, to exemplify reciprocity in all that you do, and to remember that humor is often the best form of healing.You have embodied a love of learning and a disposition rooted in curiosity during your time at Pinewood. Some of you strive for justice and hold each other accountable, some of you uplift the community with optimism and love, and others create the most awe-inspiring art that calls us to reflect upon our humanity. I have no doubt that you will continue to contribute to each and every one of your communities in this way. Thank you for gracing Pinewood with your presence and for leaving it better than you found it.

Tribute from Scott Green and Whitney Wood, Class Advisors

We write to thank you for all you have done for the school as students, athletes, actors, leaders and dedicated members of the Pinewood community. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate and observe all you have accomplished through your Pinewood years. We especially want to thank and acknowledge the members of student council who gave so much of their time to plan and organize many activities that benefited the entire class. A prime example was how the class came together to set up for the haunted house and Jamboree, working hard from morning until night collecting Beanie Babies, decorating, and serving homemade boba to the community.

We are proud of how this class has come together this year starting with the rafting and camping trip in September. We bonded over ice cream, building tents, camping, extreme heat followed by water fights, and river rapids. We feel confident this class will go on to accomplish many more amazing things through your college careers. We see many talented young people ready to take on the world. We look forward to hearing about all new adventures when you comeback and visit.

2 Children of Pinewood Alumni

50 Graduates

42

Unique Colleges and Universities

Scott Riches

Pinewood

6 Evergreens

Daniel Blotter

Skylar Chui

Sally King

Felix Redman

Devan Reynard

Ashton Riches

Laura (Pickett) Blotter

Pinewood Class of 1986 Mother of Daniel Blotter

Class of 1990

Father of Ashton Riches

Oscar B. University of Chicago

Daniel B. Utah State University

William B.

Art Center College of Design

Vincent C. University of California – Berkeley

Skylar C. Williams College

Kate C. Sarah Lawrence College

Robert C.

University of California – Los Angeles

Chlea F.

University of Portland

Adam F. New York University

Rachel F. Tulane University

Myles F. Ohio University – Main Campus

Anna G. Cal Poly

Samantha H.

University of Pennsylvania

Christian H.

Dartmouth College

Ayana J.

University of California – Berkeley

Devon K.

University of Denver

Miriam K.

Trinity College Dublin

Rathi K.

Northeastern University

Sally K.

University of California – Berkeley

Akash K.

University of California – Berkeley

Elijah K.

Occidental College

Aeron L.

University of California – Irvine

Syon M.

The George Washington University

Nate M. Syracuse University

Peyton M. Villanova University

Natasha M. University of Toronto

Audrey N. Case Western Reserve University

Seika O. Colby College

Jade R. California State University – San Marcos

Felix R. University of Exeter

McKellar R.

Brigham Young University – Idaho

Devan R. Cal Poly

Ashton R.

Brigham Young University – Provo

Max R.

Providence College

Sophia R.

Cornell University

Jason R.

University of Puget Sound

Josiah S.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville

Garrett S. Davidson College

Alex S.

University of Puget Sound

Emmett S.

The University of Edinburgh

Peyton S. University of Miami

Carolyn S. Santa Clara University

Niki T. Boston University

Logan T. Syracuse University

Justin T.

Texas A & M University – College Station

Teau T.

University of Oregon

Ava U.

Southern Utah University

Mitali V.

Northeastern University

Andrew W.

Colby College

Rosalie W.

Santa Clara University

Year-End Awards and Recognitions

Upper Campus

Memorial Awards

Lynn Riches Memorial Award

Charlotte vG. (11)

Awarded annually to the student who has, and will continue to emulate, the positive qualities Lynn Riches exhibited in his life. These qualities include courage, optimism, good humor, and most of all love of life and family, of people, of friends and fun.

Rob Kartozian Memorial Award

Ellis M. (8)

Avery H. (9)

Kaavya M. (10)

Sophia C. (11)

Teau T. (12)

Awarded annually to one student in 8th–12th grades. A member of the Pinewood Class of 1988, Rob lost his life in an alcohol-related car accident during his junior year. Following his death, his parents established a memorial scholarship in his honor with the intent that the award would go to a student in each grade who, like Rob, is exhibiting increased interest in academics and extracurriculars.

Gwendolyn Helen Riches Award

Sean S. (8)

Awarded annually to an outstanding all-around student who is respected by peers and teachers and who exemplifies positive leadership.

Shelley Benveniste Memorial Award

Kaelyn S. (11)

Awarded annually each year to a female junior or senior student. A member of the Pinewood Class of 1992, Shelley lost her life in an alcohol-related car accident during the summer between her junior and senior year. Following her death, her parents established a memorial scholarship in her honor with the intent that the award would to a junior or senior girl who exhibited the same qualities—friendly, outgoing, energetic, positive leadership—that made Shelley such a vital part of our community.

"Pinewood is a community that doesn't lock people into certain roles, but rather, leaves space for people to grow and expand in new ways."

– Pinewood Student

Evergreen Awards

Daniel B.

Skyler C.

Sally K.

Felix R.

Devan R.

Ashton R.

Awarded annually to our students who have been with us from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

WISCR Awards

Davin T. (7)

Elizabeth L. (8)

Mailey W. (9)

Michael S. (10)

Cole C. (11)

Niki T. (12)

Awarded annually to one student from each grade who best exemplifies all the attributes of WISCR: Well-Rounded, Insightful and Critical Thinker, Self-Motivated, Clear Communicator, and Respectful Individual of Character.

Senior Awards

Art

Alex S. and WIll B.

Design

Natasha M.

Computer Science

Rosalie W.

English

Samantha H.

Journalism

Samantha H.

History

Anna G.

Mathematics

Rosalie W.

World Language/Spanish

Sophia R.

World Language/French

Mariam K.

World Language/Mandarin

Logan T.

Music

Kate C.

Science

Vincent C.

Theater

Adam F.

Yearbook

Audrey N. and Sophia R.

8th-Grade Awards

Art

Elizabeth L.

Academic Excellence

Rachel A.

Rishi C.

Angela F.

Katie M.

Sean S.

Claire W.

Allison Z.

Music

Grace Y.

Theater

Ryan G.

Student Government Awards

Daniel B. (12)

Sally K. (12)

Nate M. (12)

Ashton R. (12)

Adam F. (12)

Niki T. (12)

Prisha M. (10)

Awarded annually to members of the current year's elected Student Leadership Committee.

Physical Education/Athlet

Athletes of the Year

Sloane P. (7)

James W. (7)

Devyn S. (8)

Kayden G. (8)

Ava U. (High School)

Jason R. (High School)

Honors those students who exemplify the characteristics of an athlete: integrity, individual effort, teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, and loyalty to their teams, school, and community.

Lynn Riches Athletic Award

Skylar C.

Daniel B.

Honors a senior athlete who has participated in a number of sports during their Pinewood career, exhibits personal integrity and citizenship, and performs well scholastically. The recipient is selected by the Pinewood high school coaching staff.

Year-End Awards and Recognitions

Middle Campus

6th-Grade Outstanding Athletes

Sallie H. and Wardin S.

6th-Grade Outstanding Sportsmanship

Adelynn W. and Julian P-S.

President's Award

Awarded annually to students who earn a 94% or higher in all of their classes both semesters.

6th Grade

Jayden G.

Vivian M.

Diana N.

Ryan P.

Arudran P.

Saskia R-G.

Adelynn W.

5th Grade, Continued

Joseph K.

Cho M.

Mark G.

Arya P.

Harrison R.

Ben R.

Adeline X.

Irene Z.

Jeffrey Z.

4th Grade

Ayden B.

Natalie K.

Isabel L.

Nick L.

Oliver L.

Caiya P.

Ray Q.

Dana R.

Yicheng S.

3rd Grade

Keva A.

Chuyu C.

Felix M.

Robin Q.

Owyn R.

Rhys T.

Audrey T.

Citizenship Award

Awarded annually to students who are constantly trying to bring out the best in everyone in their class. They are respectful of their teachers and their classmates and display a positive, optimistic attitude.

WISCR Awards

Awarded annually to one student from each grade who best exemplifies all the attributes of WISCR: Well-Rounded, Insightful and Critical Thinker, Self-Motivated, Clear Communicator, and Respectful Individual of Character.

6G: Julian P-S.

6G: Kiera E., Hattie K., Guinevere

H., and Sallie H.

6W: Shanku P.

6W: Ilinca T. and Amelia H.

6Y: Arudran P.

6Y: Adelynn W.

5W: Axel B.

5W: Arya P.

5G: Mark G. and Joseph K.

5G: Sarah E.

4W: Ayden B.

4W: Evie K.

4G: Brian T.

4G: Rosie W.

3G: Eesa K. and Felix M.

3G: Lena S.

3W: Aaryan S.

3W: Keva A.

6th Grade

Arudran P.

5th Grade

Lund S.

4th Grade

Marika O.

3rd Grade

Sloane C.

"In this ever-changing world, I am thankful for Pinewood’s strong legacy of instilling confidence in its students. Pinewood’s nurturing environment enables students to be well-rounded, insightful and critical thinkers, self-motivated, clear communicators, and respectful to others."

Please note that Lower Campus does not give individual student awards.

– Pinewood Student

Year-End Awards and Recognitions

Special Honors from Outside Organizations

Robert C., Senior

Among all students who entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, only about 16,000 were named Semifinalists. They were designated on a state representational basis, in proportion to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. In order to advance in the competition and be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a Semifinalist had to become a Finalist by fulfilling several requirements that included submitting a detailed scholarship application and presenting a record of very high academic performance. All winners of about 7,250 National Merit Scholarships were chosen from the group of more than 15,000 distinguished Finalists.

Sophia C., Junior

Sophia was awarded a First Class designation in the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Achievement Awards in Writing. Her entry was titled "Bursts of Joy," and it was a personal essay about her experience with education and learning.

NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing Program

CLTAC 47th Mandarin Speech Contest

Seb B., 7th Grade, 2nd place

Kyle M., Freshman, 2nd place

Marley T., Sophomore, 3rd place

Kathleen X., Sophomore, 1st place

The Chinese Language Teachers Association of California (CLTAC) is pleased to announce these Pinewood winners of the 47th CLTAC Mandarin Speech Contest.

VEX Robotics World Championship

Alexander D., 8th Grade

Alexander, his brother, Timur (former Pinewood student), and their robotics team won the VRC High School World Championship in Dallas, Texas. Alexander is a driver and builder on the team.

Margaret Thompson Essay Contest

Adeline X., 5th Grade, 3rd place

Mitali A., 6th Grade, 1st place (tie)

Shanku P., 6th Grade, 1st place (tie)

Mac Z., 6th Grade, 3rd place

Children from grades three through six are invited to participate in the Margaret Thompson Essay contest through their schools. Essays are written covering a specific theme. Each year hundreds of essays are judged by community members and prizes are awarded in the spring.

A list of the 2023 essay winners and their essays can be viewed here

NASA Langley Student Art Contest

This year’s competition attracted students in grades K-12 from across the country and highlighted the talents of those students in both digital and traditional art. The theme this year sparked an abundance of inspiration and the artwork submitted combines aeronautics, earth science and exploration to help us take a peek into the future at “What’s Next!” (artcontest.larc.nasa.gov/)

Tech Challenge

A record-breaking 11 teams from Pinewood took part in the Tech Challenge–facing off against 300+ teams–and three teams came home with top awards! Our students showed incredible dedication, courage, and collaboration throughout the four-month-long preparation process leading up to the annual designengineering competition.

These awards were shared with Pinewood's Communications Office via outside organizations, teachers, administrators, and parents. The list is not exhaustive of all Pinewood students who have received an award this year. If your student wins an award in the future and you would like it shared with the community, please let us know at communications@pinewood.edu.

Jeffrey Z., 5th Grade (above left)

Adrian Z., 2nd Grade (above right)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Jonathan Zhao

August 24, 2006–March 31, 2023

In loving memory of Jonathan Zhao, a cherished member of our Pinewood family. Jonathan's passing leaves a profound void in our hearts, as much as his life leaves an enduring mark on our community.

For five months, Jonathan–a junior this year at Pinewood–fiercely battled complications related to a rare auto-immune disease. On Friday, March 31st, Jonathan passed away surrounded by the love of his family, friends, and his Pinewood community.

Jonathan’s memory will be carried forward by his adoring parents and sister, his friends, his teammates, his teachers, his medical team, and the many other people who knew and cared for him. He will be remembered as a beloved son and brother, a dedicated student, a devoted teammate, a kind presence, and a treasured friend.

Jonathan was a naturally quiet person, but his passions and interests spoke volumes. He was deeply devoted to learning and even while hospitalized, he requested homework and emailed his teachers from the ICU. Sports brought Jonathan immense joy and he pursued them with great enthusiasm. He competed with dedication and skill, representing Pinewood on the football and soccer teams as a Panther. Excited to begin his journey as a Pinewood Scholar this year, Jonathan looked toward the future with anticipation, eager to make a positive impact on the world. Although his life was tragically cut short, we are confident that he will leave his mark on the world that awaited him.

To Jonathan’s loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy. Know that you are not alone in your grief, and that the Pinewood family stands with you in solidarity and love.

Rest in peace, Jonathan. Your memory will live on forever in the hearts of all of us here at Pinewood.