MESSAGE TO PUSD

The second in a series about 2023 graduates of PUSD High Schools

July 12, 2023

Dear PUSD Community,

Graduates in the Class of 2023 have accomplished amazing things.

As promised, we’re sending you part two of our special graduate edition featuring more outstanding graduates from PUSD high schools.

It bears repeating that the values instilled at PUSD will continue to fuel our students’ growth and lead us into a better future. Best of luck to all of our graduating students! We are extremely #pusdproud of you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth J. Blanco

Interim Superintendent

If you missed part one or you’d like to reread their remarkable stories, you can learn more at www.pusd.us/graduates

Katlyn Ong is headed to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where she will enter the accelerated pre-dental program in which students complete undergraduate and dentistry school in six years instead of the normal eight. Her goal is to become a pediatric dentist and open a practice for all ages so that children can stay with the dental professionals they have come to know and trust.

“I had a good experience with my dentist as a child and want to make kids comfortable when they get dental care,” she said.

Katlyn has grown up in PUSD’s International Baccalaureate programs; she attended Willard Elementary, and Blair Middle and High School. She is a candidate for the Diploma from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. She received the Seal of Biliteracy, speaks Mandarin and some Spanish. Katlyn is also in the National Honor Society and was Associated Student Body (ASB) President.

She is a swimmer and captain of Blair’s girls swim and water polo teams, has played the clarinet since fourth grade and is part of the school’s jazz band. She has been a long-time volunteer with the youth association of Tzu Chi, the global humanitarian organization. Through Tzu Chi, Katlyn has organized food banks, donation drives for victims of the war in Ukraine, and visited patients at convalescent homes.

“Through research, projects, and an immersive experience in learning, my experience at Blair and in IB made me a global citizen,” she said.

PHS Valedictorian Anton Perez would someday like to join the world of academia (our favorite profession) by teaching, conducting research, and eventually obtaining his Ph.D. Although he does not have to declare a major until sophomore year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he plans to study mathematics and potentially double major in math and philosophy.

In addition to being Valedictorian, Anton is a California Scholastic Federation (CSF) Sealbearer, a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Commended Scholar. An exceptional student, Anton worked closely with his teachers to conduct research in the Math Academy at PHS and says he can find “satisfaction” and even “joy” in “writing a really concise proof or finding a solution.” He also served as President of the Astronomy Club.

At PHS, he seems to have stumbled upon his love of running during freshman year and was “unexpectedly good” enough to make the varsity track and cross country teams by junior year. Anton went to CIF Southern Section finals with the varsity cross country team during his junior year, and became team captain during his senior year. He says his teammates, fellow students, teachers, faculty and essentially “the people” made his high school experience at PHS so enjoyable.

“There are many talented and dedicated teachers here at PHS who truly care about our education and cultivating an environment where we can really learn,” Anton said.

In addition to MIT, Anton was also accepted at University of California (UC) Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara (College of Creative Studies), UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Rensselaer Polytechnic.

Marshall Fundamental Valedictorian Maia Rosenbaum has covered a lot of territory during her years at PUSD, first at Norma Coombs Elementary and then as a Marshall Eagle. She traversed countless miles in the Marching Band for four years and was the flute section leader in 11th and 12th grades. She shined as a member of PUSD All-Star Band from 2020 to 2023. She also played the flute in Marshall's productions of Matilda and Newsies in the selective pit orchestra.

In Marshall’s Academy for Creative Industries (ACI) Music Track, she received her arts requirement medallion after completing over 200 volunteer and work-based learning hours. She also ventured into space, so to speak, doing internships with the Keck Institute for Space Studies at Caltech and with the Light Bringer Project. She volunteered at the Pasadena Educational Foundation in the Summer Enrichment Program for two years and worked as a teaching assistant at Louis B. Silver Religious School for four years.

At her graduation ceremony, Maia thanked her family, friends and “wonderful” teachers and Marshall staff. She discussed the transition into adulthood which is transformative.

“To live means to change, to grow, and to shift continuously,” Maia stated.

During her PUSD journey, Maia wore several hats and participated in various extra-curricular activities including: the financial literacy club called Rock the Street Wall Street, Key Club, National Honor Society (NHS), Social Justice Club, and Associated Student Body (ASB) where she became Senior Class Secretary. She also worked as Music Club Treasurer, NHS Cabinet Service Project Coordinator, and Prom Committee Secretary.

She is recognized by the College Board as an AP Scholar with Distinction and is an AP Capstone Candidate for Diploma for her research, An Evaluation of Holocaust Education in Circa Valley Unified School District High Schools.

On the Principal’s Honor Roll every single semester at Marshall, Maia took advantage of the Dual Enrollment program through Pasadena City College (PCC) taking American Sign Language (ASL) 1 and 2, Personal Finance, and Mass Communications. She later took ASL 3 and Introductory Sociology through concurrent enrollment with PCC, all while attending College Access Plan (CAP) sessions.

Maia will join the UCLA Bruin family in the fall with plans to major in Economics. She was also accepted at Pasadena City College, San Diego State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, Kenyon College, and the University of Washington.

As salutatorian and a member of Muir’s marching band, percussionist Duncan Addicott is upbeat about his future. Duncan will head to Sonoma State University (SSU) as the recipient of the SSU President’s Scholarship. He plans to major in Communications and Media Studies because he says he likes to stay informed and “loves creating videos and taking photos.”

An experienced musician, Duncan plays several percussion instruments including vibraphone, marimba, snare drum, bass drum, and cymbals. Duncan played in the Mighty Mustang Marching Band in Pasadena’s Black History Parade, Latino Heritage Parade, several community events and various sporting events.

Duncan is looking forward to attending a public university with the feel of a “small, private school.” He’s well-prepared academically, having already completed several college credits at Pasadena City College (PCC) through Muir’s dual-enrollment program.

In addition to Sonoma State, Duncan was accepted to San Diego State University, California State University Northridge, California State University Channel Islands, California State University Chico, and Cal Poly Humboldt.

Congratulations to Duncan and all the graduates in the Class of 2023!

One all-star musical can make all the difference.

Several PUSD graduates have decided to alter their major and, in some cases, the college they will attend after working with Pasadena Playhouse professionals on Into the Woods.

Some graduates will now pursue the arts after their experience working on the landmark production at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in January. Most notably, Zephen Peter (Cinderella’s Prince) and Ida Hartel (the Witch) both received scholarships to Hussain College after a scout attended the show. Asher Hammer (the Baker) had been planning to study business but has chosen to double major in philosophy and theater arts.

Whether these students decided to pursue art or other careers, they are doing amazing things and will be attending some of the best schools in the country, clear evidence of how impactful the arts can be on the entire educational experience. Whatever our students choose to do, we wish them the very best.

Genesis Holmes - Cinderella’s Mother

Tennessee State University: Business, Track & Field, Music

Asher Hammer - Baker

Westmont College: Philosophy & Theater Arts (Augustinian Honors Program)

Ida Hartel - Witch

Hussain College: BFA Contemporary Musical Theater and Film

Kaleb del Villar - Rapunzel’s Prince

Pasadena City College - Musical Theatre & Dance

Katie Mencken - Stage Manager

Sarah Lawrence College: Social Sciences, Stage Management

Vega Benn - Cinderella’s Stepmother

Columbia College, Chicago: Acting & Music

Zephen Peter - Cinderella’s Prince

Hussain College: BFA Contemporary Musical Theater and Film

Jace Mabry - Graphic Design

Pasadena City College: Fashion and Interior Design

Delaney Skelton - Scenic Design (VADA)

Lane Community College: Entertainment

Edgar Sanchez Rosas - Props

Pasadena City College: Theatre Arts

Tyler Gjerde - Orchestra (French Horn)

Pasadena City College: Music

Andres Olmos - Orchestra (violin)

Pasadena City College: Music

Maia Dimas - Orchestra (bassoon)

University of California, Berkeley: Integrated Biology (plans to join UC Marching Band)

Kristine Moody - Orchestra (percussion)

University of California, San Diego: Engineering

Amber Wang - Orchestra (percussion)

UCLA: Electrical Engineering

Zen Glick - Orchestra (violin)

University of Southern California: Biochemistry & Music (plans to join the UCLA Orchestra)