News from Patrick Henry High School

By Elizabeth Gillingham

Student athletes sign with schools

Senior athletes Anya Vandersip, Danielle Romero and Lya Lindahl were all recognized and awarded athletic scholarships to their perspective colleges during the National Letter of Intent signing day at the Hall of Champions. Each student signed a letter of intent to study and play in a sport.

Nat. Day of Intentweb — (l to r) Anya Vandersip, Danielle Romero and Lya Lindahl (Courtesy of Patrick Henry High School)

Vandersip signed to go to Georgia Gwinnett College in Atlanta, Georgia and will play softball. Romero is on her way to the University of North Dakota to also play softball. Lindahl is staying in California and will attend UC Berkeley and play sand volleyball.

We are proud to have these students recognized by their coaches and future universities and wish them well next year!

Field hockey champs

field hockey champion pictureweb — back row, l to r) Coach Dakota Deluca; Chelsea Taylor; Lexi Gygax; Joanna Dean (Capt); Christina Stremlau; Madison Lakin (Capt)(Goalie); Katie Otsuka; Margaret Poltorak; Stephanie Smith; Coach Ken Hasselbar (front row, l to r) Ashley Ayala (Capt); Samantha Robe (Capt); Irene Mai; Quiana Moss; Sydney Nielsen; Aleah Cohen; Amber Bonanno; Becky DeLaRosa; Clara Lane (Courtesy of Patrick Henry High School)

For the first time in the history of PHHS, our girl’s field hockey team was league and CIF Champions for 2015 fall season. After a winning season, PHHS was the first place seed for Division 2 and had two playoffs games hosted at home. Each match was a competitive battle ending in overtime play. Goalie Madison Lakin was named the playoff MVP and continued to shine throughout the tournament by not allowing a single goal for the entire CIF playoff series over a stretch of 180 regular minutes and 37 overtime minutes for three shutout games. Other MVPs include: Irene Mai (game one), Stephanie Smith (game two) and Amber Bonanno (final game).

The following players were selected for all-city league team by the San Diego Union Tribune: Ashley Ayala; Joanna Dean; Madison Lakin; and Samantha Robe. Honorable mentions were Becky DeLaRosa and Irene Mai.

PHHS field hockey also broke the most goals in a season record with 47 and most wins in a season with 17.

Much thanks goes to coaches Kenny Hasselbar and Dakota Deluca for keeping the girls focused and competitive the entire season. Their leadership and expertise brought the team together and provided for a successful game plan.

Guitar Club strums along at PHHS

GuitarClub2015web — (l to r) Ethan Hughey, Jose Miguel, Pedro Mendez, Justin Narvaez, Alex Olachea and Joel Sullivan (Courtesy of Patrick Henry High School)

Every Wednesday, current and prospective guitar enthusiasts gather in room 119 to make and appreciate guitar music. The club is now in its second year of existence and has an average of seven members in attendance each week. Participating students’ guitar playing skills range from beginning to advanced levels and musical interests include acoustic, electric, and bass guitar.

This year, President Pedro Mendez and Vice President Alex Olachea have been instrumental in providing instruction and tips to new guitar players. The club has recently been the beneficiary of a generous Baby Taylor Guitar donation from local San Diego company, Taylor Guitars. The club would like to thank Taylor Guitars for their sponsorship of a new generation of guitar enthusiasts. If you would like more information about the PHHS guitar club or want to make a donation to support their club, please contact Christine Grkovich at [email protected].

Feeding America Club helps homeless

In October, the Patrick Henry Feeding America Club began the “Hunger is Scary” project. The club made signs and gathered items to help those without a home.

Due to the generosity of the community and Patrick Henry families, the club was able to make over 100 winter bags filled with items such as socks, ChapStick, toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, lotions, trail mix, peanut butter, and more.

wesley center — (l to r) Hailey Broderick, Allen Langdale, “Pastor” Cheryl Reagan and Sommer Kluge at the Wesley Co-op Café. (Courtesy of Jennifer Broderick)

On Nov. 23, club members distributed the bags at the Wesley United Methodist Church’s Co-Op Café. The church provides meals and showers for those in need and the club was able to help over 100 people who utilize the church’s programs.

“Little items make a big difference in people’s lives,” said Hailey Broderick, president of the Feeding America Club. “The café was so pleased to get peanut butter as they have not had it in awhile and it is a popular item.”

“Many people were so thankful for a new pair of socks to help them through this winter season,” said Sommer Kluge, the club’s vice president.

The Feeding America Club started in September of this year and has 15 active members. In addition to club officers Broderick and Kluge, Ryan Savage is the club’s secretary. The club meets monthly to plan projects as well as contribute regular volunteer time to the San Diego Food Bank and the Wesley Co-Op Café.

The Feeding America Club’s next project will be collecting just three items: new socks, new blankets, and small jars of peanut butter and will continue working with the Wesley Co-Op Café.

If you would like to donate any of those items, please drop them off or send them to: Patrick Henry High School (Attn: Feeding America Club), 6702 Wandermere Drive, San Diego, CA 92120.

––Elizabeth Gillingham is the principal of Patrick Henry High School.