Theatre Construction
Ms. VanGronigen (center) and the School Board members turn over the first patch of dirt.
Mrs. Herrera showing her playful side.
On June 1st, 2015, ground was broken for the new PVHS performing arts center. For years, Center Stage has been performing in many different places such as classrooms, the cafeteria, and even outside. The new theater will give the drama department a stable home and a wider range of productions. Ms. VanGronigen, the performing arts teacher, is thrilled about the new project. "Production quality of the shows will improve dramatically: the size of the cast and the shows I can choose from,” stated Ms. V. The theater is said to be finished within the next 2 years.
Ms. VanGronigen and Center Stage members breaking ground.
A rendering of the proposed theater.
"I was hoping that this year’s juniors would be able to be the first to perform their senior year, but since they haven't started actual construction I'm afraid that won't happen. Maybe this year's sophomores."
Isabella Aguilar, senior and 4-year theatre member, greatly expressed her excitement, "I think the rendering is beautiful. It reminds me of a college campus. It's really nice and has a really modern architectural style to it. It's going to be bigger than Ethel Pope! I'm so excited."
-Deja Stewart
This week the Panthers rolled out their senior-heavy varsity squad for the 2015 campaign. The experience and depth throughout the roster makes PV a daunting opponent for any team on the schedule.
In the singles ladder, senior captain Kiana Morales looks to head up the charge from the top spot, featuring an all-around game that makes her dangerous across the board. Beyond just her talent, though, she is a leader by example.
Amy Guzman, the lone junior on varsity, will bring calm and composed intensity to the table with unmatched consistency. Expect heads to be turned as Guzman possesses a strong skill set capable of catching the opposition off-guard.
While the third singles spot may rotate throughout the season, current contenders for the spot are Kate Rangel, Rocio Lopez, Janet Lopez, and Salma Martinez. Rangel has the poise to defensively rally her way through the competition, and as the 2016 Class President she’s also got a pretty good pulse on the entire senior class off the court. The Lopez twins may be identical physically, but they both present unique and versatile strengths. On the court, Rocio can patiently find a way to take out any foe, while Janet’s strokes can produce winner after winner. They’re easily the most talkative players on the roster, and their cheerful attitude helps keep the team in good spirits no matter what situations may arise. Martinez sports a killer serve to accompany her well-rounded play, making her a lethal option at any spot on the court.
Unlike many teams, the Panthers strike a strong balance between singles and doubles, and there is no drop-off in talent on the doubles side.
Enter seniors Bailey Needham and Melissa Pillado, a dynamite pairing with the perfect combination of skills and tennis IQ to take down any doubles team unfortunate enough to be thrown onto the court versus them. There’s a strong sense of chemistry between the two, as well as a trust that allows for them to reach lofty goals.
Senior Stephanie Arredondo may have the purest skill set on the team, with incredible groundstrokes and aggressive net play, and she brings a high level of intensity on the court with her. Potential doubles partners could alternate between Salma Martinez and Janet Lopez, because Steph is a versatile player capable of landing with a number of players on the roster, giving the team flexibility from match to match.
Seniors Jessica Bautista and Daisi Hernandez round out the doubles pairings, and with their combined resolve, these two can pull off big wins over the course of the season. They both have a strong understanding of the game of tennis and have well-rounded, complete skill sets that will make them a tricky pair to beat.
With 10 seniors and only one junior, there is an abundance of experience on the squad and a boatload of confidence. Let the 2015 season begin.
-Coach Trey Lanthier
Girls’ Varsity Tennis Wins 13-to-5 Over the Saints
What did you do this summer?
Eduardo Enriquez and his family took a wonderful trip to Mexico. While touring the countryside he saw many beautiful sites. However some of the best scenery was viewed right from his family’s home. “I loved waking up every morning and just looking out onto the mountains, and I especially loved the sunsets,” explained Eduardo. It was a great summer vacation for Eduardo Enriquez and one that he hopes to have again soon. -Nestor Lopez
The view from the house Eduardo stayed at while in Mexico.
Eduardo's father and grandfather working on their farm.
Eduardo Enriquez and his family having pizza for dinner.
The view from the house Eduardo stayed at while in Mexico.
