PIONEER NEWS BRIEFS

Isaiah Ferguson ‘17, second from left in the second to top row, is photographed with other student filmmakers and President Obama. Crystal Kober ‘18, Amia McCombs ‘18, Tana Carrillo ‘18, and Maxi Coulter ‘18 give their film a “thumbs up” at the GreenShorts film contest at UCLA.

Phs student nAmed A finAlist At white house student film festivAl BroAdcAst JournAlism students win AwArd for short film

Isaiah Ferguson ‘17 was among the finalists selected out of hundreds of entries at the third annual White House Student Film Festival. Isaiah’s short animated film, A Vision, received an honorable mention and was screened at the South By South Lawn festival at the White House on October 3rd. This year’s theme was “The World I Want to Live In.”

“It was so surreal having my film screened at the White House! Just being in the same building where [everything happens] was hard to take in,” reflected Ferguson.

This marked Ferguson’s third time entering the festival, each year receiving an honorable mention, but the first time he has been invited to attend the Student Film Festival, as well as the South by South Lawn Festival at the White House.

“I’d like to pursue a career in the animation industry someday, and maybe even work across the street at Disney Studios. Nickelodeon has also caught my eye. I’d also like to work as a parttime musician,” said Ferguson, who already has a job with Mattel in which he scores music for Thomas the Tank Engine videos on the official Thomas & Friends YouTube Channel. Students enrolled in the Providence Broadcast Journalism class won an award for a film they submitted to GreenShorts, an environmental short film contest held by the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. The contest showcases high school students’ ideas, commentary, and vision for our city and the world. The screening and award ceremony took place on October 20th at UCLA.

The award-winning short film, A Helpful Herd of Environmental Heroes, was entered into the Environmental Heroes category, which seeks to highlight people or communities making an environmental difference.

Students Tana Carrillo ‘18, Maxi Coulter ‘18, Crystal Kober ‘18, Amia McCombs ‘18, and Adriana Ortega ‘17 conceived, researched and wrote the story while their classmates helped produce and film the broadcast portion in the Cinema Arts Studio.

The film was screened at the EarthNow/Earth2050 symposium at UCLA, which explores all facets of modern environmental challenges and highlights efforts to make lives and businesses more sustainable.

During his time in Washington, D.C., Isaiah had the opportunity to meet a few celebrities at the festival, including Ty Burrell, Alfre Woodard, and Adam Savage. In addition to the film screenings, there were discussion panels, live music, and artwork on display. However, the best and most exciting moment of the trip for Isaiah was when the student filmmakers had the chance to meet President Obama.

“I think [President Obama’s] job pays off when he knows that he is inspiring many children and young adults across the country to make the world a better place through these films,” said Ferguson. Aside from the film contest and screening, members of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability have invited Providence Cinema Arts students to collaborate on an EcoCentered broadcast that would be produced at Providence, in direct conjunction with the University.

Special thank you to devoted Providence High School supporters, Carmen and Ray Ferrante, who helped make the initial connection to the contest.

Alexandra Power ‘17 and Christa Kurkjian ‘17

Pioneer Achievement AwArd reciPients

Alexandra Power ‘17 and Christa Kurkjian ’17, were awarded the Pioneer Achievement Award for the 2016-2017 school year. The $2,500 award, established in 2014, is bestowed upon academically high achieving students who are actively and positively involved in the Providence High School community and is applied toward the recipients’ tuition.

Power, who hopes to attend USC and major in business administration or Chapman University to study creative producing, is heavily involved in the drama program and serves on the Associated Study Body (ASB) as the Visual & Performing Arts Commissioner. During the summer, Power worked at the Discovery Onstage acting camp held on campus. Additionally, she was chosen as a Kairos leader for her class.

“I really love all of the supportive teachers I have encountered that have allowed me to explore new fields - like AP Chemistry, which is a class I never thought I’d take,” reflected Power when asked what she values the most about receiving a Providence High School education.

To say that Christa Kurkjian is merely involved at Providence, would be a gross understatement! Kurkjian, who was recently named a Champion for Character by the CIF Southern Section, serves as the Religious Commissioner on ASB, is a leader of the Campus Ministry CORE Team, a member of the Varsity Basketball team, Publicity Commissioner for the Helping Hands Club, a Key Club member, a Freshmen Mentor, a FAD Ambassador, a CSF/NHS member, part of Les Dames (Providence choir), and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. Kurkjian has always had a passion for writing and sports. She aspires to be a sports journalist and hopes to be a part of the pre-journalism program at Loyola Marymount University.

“What I value the most about receiving a PHS education is the quality of each class, the genuine care of the teachers, and the home-like atmosphere present on campus,” remarked Kurkjian. “I genuinely believe that I am expected to work my hardest in class and I personally love the challenge. My teachers motivate me to not only work to my full potential, but encourage me to live out the Core Values of Providence High School in my every day life. I love how I am able to be myself in class because the teachers emphasize that the classroom is a no judgment zone. I also love the community at Providence and the “You Belong Here” mentality. Because I am at school for long hours due to my commitments, Providence has become a second home to me and I love being here.”

Actor Donald Faison driving to the basket.

Providence hosts celeBrity BAsKetBAll tournAment

On November 5th, 2016, Providence High School held its first Celebrity Basketball Game which featured stars like Seth Green, Donald Faison, Roger Lodge and many others from television shows and films like The Purge, Las Vegas, We Are Marshall, and more.

Freshman standout Bryce Whitaker ‘20 got the night off to a good start by winning the player/celebrity 3-point competition. This was followed by an intense game where Roger Lodge and James Lesure's team ran up a large lead in the first half, only to blow the lead in the second half lead by the brothers Faison (Dade Faison of the Providence High School coaching staff and Donald Faison of Scrubs, Clueless, and Remember the Titans). The comeback ultimately was in vain though as Arlen Escarpeta of We Are Marshall fame drilled the game winning shot in overtime.

As the night came to a close, a special treat was presented in the form of four suite tickets to the next night's Laker game that were auctioned off by Donald Faison and Seth Green. Celebrities, players, and fans alike are looking forward to continuing this game next year to kick off the season once again!