When Jacob found out that he had been selected to be the 9th grade recipient for SAS Student of the Month he felt honored to have been nominated and chosen. He attended Dana Middle School and is enjoying his first year in SAS. Jacob’s favorite class is AP Human Geography because he enjoys the engagement that there is in the class and he likes learning about the different types of religions, cultures, styles, and languages that there are around the world. His favorite extracurricular activities are playing soccer and volleyball with his friends. When asked what he enjoys about SAS, he said he likes that SAS is challenging and how he’s able to learn life skills like time management and efficiency. If he could give any advice to someone looking to join SAS he would say to learn how to manage your time well, not overwork yourself, and try to limit stress by all means.

Jacob was nominated by his AP Human Geography teacher, Mrs. Patapoff. She nominated him for his excellent academic achievement. When asked why she wanted to nominate Jacob, she said, “Jacob is incredibly hardworking, respectful and always actively participates in class."

When Denis found out that he was selected to be SAS's 10th grade Student of the Month he was surprised but still very honored. He went to Dana Middle School and is excited to be finishing up his final months as a sophomore. His favorite subject this year has been AP World History because he's always been interested in learning about the past and about the different cultures of the world. Denis is very creative and in his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. He also likes to write short stories and poems. Denis likes being in SAS because he feels it gives him opportunities to challenge himself by learning new things. He also likes the fact that the program puts a lot of investment into giving students an experience that will prepare them for college. When asked about what advice he would like to give to incoming SAS students he said, "I would say that you should always try not to overwhelm yourself, and manage your time so you don’t end up with too much work. Also never be afraid to ask your teachers for help if you find yourself struggling."

Denis was nominated by his AP World History teacher, Mrs. Bruhnke. She nominated him for his excellent academic achievement and best participation. When asked why she wanted to nominate Denis, she said, “Denis displays an in-depth understanding of world history and outstanding writing and analysis skills. His willingness to participate is truly appreciated!"

Nick feels honored to receive Student of the Month for his final month as a Junior. He feels his hard work throughout the month of May has paid off. He attended Holy Trinity School for 8 years. His favorite subject is physics because he enjoys doing all the projects and labs. He also excels in athletics as well. Nick loves to swim and play other sports such as water polo. He loves the SAS program because he can take more advanced classes and is able to challenge himself to do better. Nick’s advice to people interested in joining SAS is to make sure you pay attention and turn in all of your work so you do not fall too far behind.

Nick was nominated by his AP U.S. History teacher, Mrs. Patapoff. She nominated him for his excellent academic achievement. When asked why she wanted to nominate Nick, she said, “Nick is an excellent student who works hard to complete all of his work concisely and in a timely manner. He is respectful and polite, and respected by his peers."

When Caden was selected as the 12th grade SAS student of the month, he felt both excited and honored. Caden’s hard work during his years at Dana Middle School prepared him for a successful four years in high school. When asked what advice he would give to students interested in joining the SAS program, Caden said “If you're interested in joining SAS I would recommend it! My advice to you both for joining this program and for your high-school experience at large is to be yourself and center your needs while engaging with your peers. I've found that it's especially helpful to share with your SAS peers the things which make you special. These SAS spaces can be very receptive and it'll enrich your academic and social experience as well as fuel your personal growth.” Caden also said that he appreciates “the general candor of my peers, my educators who both value hard work and recognize good-faith efforts in moments when I need to reclaim my headspace, and the abundance of some SAS majority clubs which help foster community.” Caden’s favorite subjects during his final year at SPHS have been AP computer science and AP government because of the atmospheres of both. Outside of the classroom, Caden enjoys drawing, working on his business, reading, watching movies, and decompressing outside. We all wish Caden good luck on his future endeavors and know that he will do great in college.

Caden was nominated by his AP Government/Honors Economics teacher, Mr. Bruhnke. He nominated him for being the most improved student and having the best participation. When asked why he wanted to nominate Caden, he said, “First and foremost, Caden always asks questions and contributes to class discussions. He's very knowledgeable about current events and enjoys debating. He also did exceptionally well on preparations for the AP Exam, particularly on our final exam."

When Vios was asked how he felt about being chosen as Student of the Month, he said he was very grateful and honored to be recognized for this award. Vios plays water polo, volleyball, and swims as well. Vios went to Dana Middle School and joined the SAS program because he enjoys being challenged daily and wants to become a better person. His favorite class is Chemistry because of the labs and interesting interactions in class. Vios' advice to anyone who wants to join SAS is to always work hard and manage your time so that you aren't stressed out.

Vios was nominated by his AP World History teacher, Mrs. Bruhnke. She nominated him for having the best attitude. When asked why she wanted to nominate Vios, she said, “Vios is such a joy to have in class! He always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude. I appreciate his hard work and commitment to the class, and that he always puts his best efforts into his work. I know his determination, work ethic, and positive mindset will help him achieve his goals!"

Nadine was really excited and extremely happy that she was chosen for student of the Month by Mrs. Kim. She felt her hard work throughout the month of March paid off and was elated to tell her entire family about this accomplishment. Nadine is a graduate from Dana and has shown a great interest in learning about American history. Her favorite subject is APUSH and the class is so exciting for her as Mrs. Patapoff always knows how to challenge her students. Outside of school, she loves to read and watch new movies or shows that she enjoys. SAS has been a challenge for Nadine, but gives her the opportunity to work hard and excel in her academics. She loves the teachers in the program and loves how understanding they are at helping her through her classes. She believes that anyone should join because it is a great academic experience and challenge, but a challenge that will definitely make you grow as an individual and help you with your time management skills

Nadine was nominated by her H Algebra 2 teacher, Mrs. Kim. She nominated her for having the best attitude and the best participation. When asked why she wanted to nominate Nadine, she said, “Nadine always tries her best to complete her assignments. She has a good rapport with everyone. She works well with others and always comes in the class with a big smile that brightens the class."

When Maddie was selected as the 12th grade SAS Student of the Month, she felt “extremely honored to be recognized by such an incredible group of students and teachers”. Maddie’s hard work and her experiences across the Atlantic Ocean at Ghana’s Lincoln Community School prepared her for success in the SAS program. When asked what advice she would give to someone interested in joining SAS, Maddie said, “as someone who came from a completely different country, SAS seemed intimidating and difficult. However, when you get to know your educators and classmates, you realize how uplifting and warm the community is. I would encourage any new SAS students to not be nervous about the work; to reach out to their friends and teachers. They're always willing to help you!”. Maddie also said that she loves the supportive and encouraging environment of classmates and teachers. She said that everyone wants each other to succeed, and really enjoys celebrating each other's accomplishments. Maddie’s favorite subject’s during her last year of high school are AP Psychology and Economics because she loves being able to apply the concepts she learns to her life. Outside of being an amazing student, Maddie enjoys working on research projects, traveling, exploring, and spending time with her friends and family. We wish Maddie good luck with whatever adventures she has planned next.

Madison was nominated by her AP Psychology teacher, Mrs. Bruhnke. She nominated her for her excellent academic achievement, best participation, and the best attitude. When asked why she wanted to nominate Madison, she said, "It is such a pleasure to have Madison back in SPHS SAS this year! I enjoy her willingness to participate in class, her positive attitude, and the encouraging way she interacts with her peers. Clearly, she is both a good student and a good friend!"

When Esteban found out that he had been selected to be the 9th grade recipient for SAS Student of the Month he felt very grateful and honored to be chosen. He attended Dodson Middle School and is enjoying his first year in SAS. His favorite class is his Biology class because he enjoys participating in doing labs with his peers and overall likes the material they cover in his class. His favorite extracurriculars include participating and helping in fundraising events for the Relay for Life Club and playing Club Soccer. When asked what he enjoys about SAS, he said he likes the environment and his great peers. He also likes how that SAS is challenging because he thrives under pressure. If he could give any advice to someone looking to join SAS he would say to study a lot, stay focused, and stay locked in.

Esteban was nominated by his ELA 9 H teacher, Mr. Kumagai. He nominated him for the best participation and attitude. When asked why he wanted to nominate Esteban, he said, “Esteban is both very hard working and very active in our class discussions. Esteban also serves as the captain of his soccer team which speaks to the leadership skills he possesses. Esteban has this quality about him that allows for people to speak to him openly and easily which is a great benefit to our class. His leadership and temperament are a key ingredient for the success our class has in our learning endeavors."

Leila Posod’s hard work throughout the month of February has paid off. She felt surprised that she received Student of the Month, but overall is very happy that she is seeing the results of her hard work. Leila attended middle school at Dodson, where she developed a deep love and appreciation for mathematics. Leila loves the environment that her teacher, Mrs. Kim, provides in her classroom. She loves learning new things and loves working with numbers and equations. She not only excels in academics, but also in athletics too. She is on the San Pedro High School swim team and also competes on a swim club team. Leila loves the close relationships that you make with your peers in each of your classes. All of the SAS teachers create such a friendly environment in their classrooms and she loves the fun activities they do in each of the classes. She believes SAS really challenges you and pushes you to achieve your goals. Leila would say to someone that is joining SAS that SAS is most definitely a hard program, but anyone is capable of doing it if they work hard and have a positive mindset.

Leila was nominated by her H Algebra 2 teacher, Mrs. Kim. She nominated her for being the most improved student and the best attitude. When asked why she wanted to nominate Leila, she said, “Leila always tries her best to complete her assignments. Her work is exemplary and neat, with all the work shown."

When Bella was chosen as the Student of the Month for February, she felt honored, because it shows that those who work hard are being recognized, and that it all pays off. She went to Dana Middle School and enjoys doing cheer, playing guitar, and singing in her free time. When she's not cheering or making music, she likes going to her two favorite classes APUSH and AP English Language and Composition because she enjoys the content and activities they do in each of those classes. When asked what she likes about the SAS program, she said, "I really like the comfortable environment and close connections you build with students and teachers. Most importantly, how they focus on your academic needs and values for your future/career planning." Her advice to people interested in joining SAS is to always make sure you are trying your best and staying on top of your work, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Bella was nominated by Mrs. Rodriguez, her AP Language and Composition teacher. She nominated her for her excellent participation. When asked why she wanted to nominate Bella, she said, "Bella is always engaged and giving 110% effort!"

When Vincent was selected as the 12th grade SAS Student of the Month, he felt very fortunate to be selected, but still was humble. Vincent's hard work during his Dana Middle School years led him to a path of success in our SAS program. When asked what advice he would give to someone interested in joining SAS, Vincent said, to “balance being a hardworking student while making sure to invest time in yourself." He also said that he was grateful for the tight community of students in SAS and how many opportunities it provides. Vincent’s favorite class this year is AP Government. He said that he enjoys learning how intricate the structure of government is and how it plays such an important role in our everyday lives. Outside of being an outstanding student and diving into the complexities of our government’s structures, Vincent enjoys listening to music and visiting as many amusement parks as he can with his sister.

Vincent was nominated by his AP Government/Honors Economics teacher, Mr. Bruhnke. He nominated him for his excellent academic achievement. When asked why he wanted to nominate Vincent, he said, “Vince is performing very well indeed. His understanding of the complex interactions between citizens and their democratic institutions is really coming together. It's fun to watch."

When Elias found out that he had been selected to be the 9th grade recipient for SAS Student of the Month he felt extremely surprised, grateful, and honored to have been nominated and chosen. He attended Dana Middle School and is enjoying his first year in SAS. He enjoys all of his classes, but his favorite class is Algebra because of how it is both challenging and easy to understand once you get the hang of it. His favorite extracurricular activity is playing in the school band. When asked what he enjoys about SAS, he said he likes that SAS is challenging and how it prepares everyone for the future. If he could give any advice to someone looking to join SAS he would say to turn in all your work and study a lot for all of your tests.

Elias was nominated by Mr. Sanchez, his Honors Algebra 1 teacher. He nominated him for his excellent academic achievement. When asked why he wanted to nominate Elias, he said, “Elias’ work is outstanding.”

Cash Valdes’ hard work throughout the month of January paid off. He feels good about receiving student of the month. He is extremely proud of his award and is grateful to be a part of such a wonderful program. Cash attended Dana Middle School and has developed many outstanding traits as a student since those years. He was nominated by Mrs. Kim, who believed that Cash has always worked hard to understand the challenging concepts of Algebra 2. He has shown the most improvement in this class and continues to work hard every day in order to achieve his academic goals. It goes without saying that Cash’s favorite subject is math. Although challenging, he finds enjoyment in figuring out complicated problems and describes the subject as “weirdly entertaining.” Cash not only shows his skills inside the classroom, but is also a member of the San Pedro Varsity Baseball team. He believes every teacher he has is outstanding and all fun to have. Cash not only believes everyone should join SAS because of the wonderful teachers, but also because of how beneficial the outcome of the program is.

Cash was nominated by Mrs. Kim, his Honors Algebra 2 teacher. She nominated him for his excellent academic achievement and most improved student. When asked why she chose to nominate Cash, she said, “Cash has always worked hard to understand the challenging concepts with an open mind and positive attitude."

When Ronie was selected to be the 11th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month, he was extremely humbled and honored despite thinking that he hadn't done much. He went to Dana Middle School and is coming to the end of his junior year as an SAS student. When not studying, Ronie enjoys developing his artistic side, and draws, sketches, and paints. Although he enjoyed all of his classes this year, math and graphic design have been his favorites because these classes allow him to apply and further expand his knowledge about these subjects. In graphic design, he enjoys expressing his passion and creativity in art that he makes in class. When asked what he likes about being in SAS, Ronie said, "Being in SAS, there are so many caring and encouraging people and teachers that I came to know which I liked because of the challenging, but interesting nature of the program." His advice for people interested in joining SAS is "As the year gets progressively harder, you must know your limitations as you continue to improve upon them. Also, know that there are many SAS teachers/students who are willing to help you through your struggles as you move forward."

Ronie was nominated by Mrs. Kim, his Honors Algebra 2 teacher. She nominated him for his excellent academic achievement and the best attitude. When asked why she wanted to nominate Ronie, she said, “Ronie was out for two weeks but he was determined to work hard during that time to do his work so he wouldn't be behind. Also, I really appreciate his growth mindset, willing to try solving problems using different methods that are taught."

When Alek was selected as the 12th-grade SAS student of the month, he said that he felt honored. After his first eight years of school being at Holy Trinity, Alek looked forward to attending SPHS and his hard work has paid off, being one of top students in his class. Outside of his academic achievements, Alek exhibits his qualities as a leader outside of the classroom by volunteering in his community, participating in political service, and leading his StellarXplorers team in competitions. Having taken advantage of every opportunity available to him, Alek advises students interested in joining SAS to do the same and thanks SAS for giving him the opportunity to be the best version of himself. A program like SAS gives you opportunities that you wouldn’t be able to participate in elsewhere, but unless you take advantage of them they serve no use. So far, AP government has been Alek’s favorite subject during his senior year because he can apply it to current situations and it fuels his curiosity in how our government handles them. It just so happens that the teacher who nominated Alek was his AP government teacher Mr. Bruhnke.

Mr. Bruhnke nominated Alek for his excellent academic achievements, best attitude, and best participation. Mr. Bruhnke admires his strong leadership and participation in class discussions, and most importantly values Alek's understanding of Mr. Bruhnke's content related jokes. Alek is a high achieving student who will transfer his work ethic and determination into the real world, resulting in being successful in whatever endeavor he plans to pursue.

When Hannah found out that she had been selected to be the 9th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month she felt extremely humble and honored to have been nominated and chosen. She attended Holy Trinity for middle school and is enjoying her first year in SAS. She enjoys all of her classes but her favorite is AP Human Geography because she enjoys foreign travel and learning about other cultures. Some of her favorite extracurriculars are traveling and researching the history of places she visits. When asked what she enjoys about SAS, she said she likes to challenge herself and SAS is a vehicle that allows her the opportunity to achieve that. Combined with the enthusiasm and skill of the teaching staff, Hannah feels SAS is what has helped her excel in her first year of high school. If she could give any piece of advice to someone looking to join SAS she would say to have the confidence in yourself to trust the process, and ensure you complete all work in a timely manner.

Hannah was nominated by Mrs. Cheng, her Honors Biology teacher. She nominated her for her excellent academic achievement, attitude, and participation. When asked why she wanted to nominate Hannah, she said, "Hannah embodies a model student in science; she is inquisitive, focused, helpful to her classmates, polite and responsible."

Roxanne felt very grateful when she found she had been selected to be the 10th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month. She feels she has worked very hard in school this past semester and she appreciates that being acknowledged. She attended Holy Trinity for middle school and she is trekking through her second year in SAS. Her favorite subjects this year are Honors Chemistry and AP World History. She enjoys Honors Chem because she's always been a science fan, and AP World because she loves how Ms. Bruhnke teaches the material. Outside of school Roxanne partakes in theatre, plays guitar, and plays video games competitively. When asked what she enjoys about SAS she would say that she loves the welcoming academic environment that SAS creates. The SAS teachers encourage students to do their best without being overwhelming. The rigorous coursework also sparks motivation in students to try even harder. If she could give a piece of advice to incoming SAS students she would say to not be afraid to ask for help. SAS teachers want to see you succeed and will appreciate you taking that extra step to try your best.

Roxanne was nominated by Mrs. Bruhnke, her AP World History teacher. She nominated her for her excellent academic achievement and participation. When asked why she wanted to nominate Roxanne, she said, "I nominated Roxanne because she contributes so greatly to the class! Not only is she fully prepared and engaged every day, but her participation shows a great depth of understanding and intellectual curiosity. Her sense of humor and positive engagement with her peers are also much appreciated!"

When Dylan found that he had been selected for the 11th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month, he felt grateful and honored to be chosen, even though there are many other great students who also deserved it. He hopes he can live up to the expectation of the role and will continue to work hard in his studies. Dylan went to Dana Middle School and is enjoying his third year in SAS. His favorite subject this year is Graphic Design because he feels it had taught him many skills that he can apply to his hobbies. He appreciates the content of this class and is now able to use applications like photoshop, which he had been eager to learn for a while. Some extracurricular activities Dylan enjoys are running for the Cross Country/Track team and hanging out with friends. Originally Dylan had joined SAS to follow his friends, but he learned to love the program. He feels it challenges him, as well as keeps him engaged and interested. If he could give a piece of advice to someone looking to join SAS he would say, you need to be prepared to work hard. It's honestly the hardest program he's ever set himself through, BUT, it's very rewarding. As long as you submit your work on time and get a decent score on tests, your grades should be more than good. He's not a very good test taker, but he turns his assignments in on time so it helps to cushion his grades from the impact of a poor test grade.

The teacher who nominated Dylan was Mrs. Patapoff, his AP US History teacher. She nominated him for his excellent academic achievement When asked why she wanted to nominate Dylan, she said, "Dylan is an exceptional student who always works hard and is a pleasure to be around. He is always respectful and kind, and gets along great with his peers."

When Angelina was selected to be the 12th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month she was so excited. She claimed she always looked at the previous alumni, when they were posted each month, and was so happy when she was finally picked. She went to Dana Middle School and is finishing her last year as an SAS student. Outside of her academics, Angelina loves running track and baking. When asked what she enjoys about SAS she said that she likes the challenge and how helpful and supportive the teachers are. She also likes how SAS does fun things like De-Stress Fest, which she likes because it shows that SAS cares about its students. When asked what advice she would give to someone to join SAS, she would say, "Absolutely do it!". SAS provides many opportunities that will benefit you in the long run. She says the classes may seem intimidating but they are great for those who like to challenge themselves and are dedicated.

Angelina was nominated by Mrs. Bruhnke, her AP Psychology teacher. She nominated her for her excellent academic achievement and participation. When asked why she wanted to nominate Angelina, she said, "Angelina is a true joy to know as both a student and a person! She is a dedicated student who enjoys discussions in class and her participation benefits the class as much as herself. She balances school, athletics, work, and her personal life in a positive and healthy way, and I admire her attitude and determination."

When Daisy found out that she was selected to be the 9th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month she felt happy that she was being recognized for her hard work. She attended Dana Middle School and is enjoying her first year of SAS. Her favorite subject this year is AP Human Geography because she likes her teacher and she finds the topics discussed in class to be very interesting and captivating. Outside of academics, Daisy enjoys playing soccer in her free time. When asked what she likes about SAS she said she likes how she feels welcome. She enjoys her peers and how the smallness of the program makes it easy to make friends. If she could give any piece of advice to someone looking to join the program she would say to stay on top of things because work can pile up!

Daisy was nominated by Mr. Kumagai, her ELA 9 Honors teacher. He nominated her for being the most improved student with the best attitude. When asked why he wanted to nominate Daisy, he said, "Daisy had pestered me every day for about two weeks in October as to how she could raise her grade and what specifically she needed to do to get there. I admire anyone who has the tenacity and drive to advocate for themselves and then deliver on that to improve."

When DJ found out that he was selected to be the 10th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month he felt surprised and honored. He attended Holy Trinity for middle school and is now tackling his second year of SAS. His favorite subjects this year would be AP World History and Honors Algebra 2. He really enjoys the material and how they challenge his understanding of the subjects. Outside of SAS, DJ enjoys outside college classes that he takes through SPECA, SAS Leadership, SPHS's Waterpolo and Volleyball teams, club Volleyball, skateboarding, church, and hanging out with friends. The thing DJ enjoys most about SAS is the environment it creates. He enjoys that he can take classes with his friends, the support he gets from his teachers, and how it helps him prepare for college. If he could give any advice to new SAS students he would say to focus on your time management skills and don't be afraid to ask for help!

DJ was nominated by Mrs. Kim, his Honors Algebra 2 teacher. Se nominated him for being the most improved student. When asked why she decided to nominate DJ she said, "When Diego came across challenging concepts, he persevered and came to tutoring to get extra help until he really understood them."

When Chris found out that he was selected to be the 11th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month he felt well rewarded for his hard work. Chris is a diligent student so he feels his reward is deserving. Chris attended Holy Trinity for middle school and is now in his third year of SAS. His favorite subject this year is Pre-Calculus because he loves the challenge. Outside of school Chris enjoys playing Waterpolo. What Chris likes most about the SAS program is how helpful the teachers are. If Chris could give a piece of advice to someone new to SAS he would say to try to get a little better each day, be willing to learn, and do your work!

Chris was nominated by Mrs. Cheng, his AP Biology teacher. She nominated him for his excellent attitude, participation, academic achievement. When asked why she decided to nominate Chris she said, "He embodies what a student should be. He always shows up to class with a positive attitude. He is very respectful and kind to other students. I like how he thinks outside of the box."

When Emily found out that she was selected to be the 12th-grade recipient for SAS Student Of The Month she was super happy. She thinks it shows that her hard work is being noticed by her teachers and that she's doing well. Emily attended Dana Middle School and is now in her fourth year of SAS. Her favorite subject is AP Physics because she loves the content and how she can apply it to real life. Emily says that she loves the satisfaction she gets whenever she manages to succeed in something that took work and time to understand. Outside of being an excellent academic achiever in school, Emily likes to read, draw, watch tv, and hang out with friends. When asked what she enjoys about SAS she said that she likes that it allows her to push herself and fill her schedule with AP and Honors classes. She also likes the community SAS creates and the supportive teachers, counselors, and friends. If she could give advice to new SAS students, she would say to not stress out! It may be intimidating to go into a program that requires AP and honors classes but it is doable as long as you don't isolate yourself because there are so many students who are going through similar things as you. There are teachers who are there to support you and a counselor who's ready to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Emily was nominated by Mr. Bruhnke, her AP Government teacher. He nominated her for her best participation and excellent academic achievement. When asked why he decided to nominate Emily he said, "Excellent scores and thorough approach to the subject, but I really appreciate the questions and participation. She's always ready to contribute with meaningful insights."

Taya felt quite surprised and honored when she found she had been chosen for 9th grade SAS Student Of The Month. She said, "I feel proud of myself. The amount of time I spend with school is showing." Taya attended Dana Middle School and is enjoying her first year in SAS. Her favorite subject is AP Human Geography because she likes learning about what typical history classes wouldn't normally discuss. Outside of her academics, Taya enjoys Color guard, the Relay for Life Club, and participating in volunteer opportunities. When asked about what she enjoys about SAS she responded, "I like that the classes are challenging and push me to try my hardest and do my best academically." If she could give a piece of advice to someone interested in joining SAS she would say to get a planner because managing your time is difficult and a planner helps with efficiency.

Taya was nominated by Mr. Kumagai, her Honors English 9 teacher. He nominated her for her excellent attitude. When asked why he decided to nominate her he said, "Taya brings a bubble of positivity and humor to every day which I know that both her peers and I appreciate."

When Adrian found out that he was selected for SAS Student Of The Month for 10th grade he was thrilled! He said that he felt honored to have his hard work and dedication recognized. Adrian attended Dana Middle School and is now a sophomore in SAS. He enjoys studying so his favorite classes in SAS are Honors Algebra 2 class and AP World History because he claims he learns the most there. Besides SAS, he is also on San Pedro's JV football team. When asked what his favorite part of SAS is, he responded with, "I like how it challenges you to constantly learn new things and teach you good habits." If he could give any advice to someone who is interested in joining SAS he would say to join because it helped him learn so many different things and gain lots of useful knowledge for not just school but his personal life as well.

Adrian was nominated by Mrs. Bruhnke, his AP World History teacher. She nominated him for his attitude, participation and excellent academic achievement. When asked why she decided to nominate Adrian she said, “Adrian is a pleasure to have in class! He always has a positive attitude, demonstrates quick understanding of the material, and works hard. I appreciate his participation in class!"

When Isabella found out that she was selected as 11th grade SAS Student Of The Month she was so extremely excited! She was thrilled to find that she is being acknowledged for her hard work. She attended Dana Middle School and this year is her third year in the program. Isabella has big ambitions for the future so when asked about her favorite subject she didn't hesitate to say American Sign Language. It is her favorite because she plans on being an ASL interpreter in the future. Her favorite extracurricular activity would be gardening but she also enjoys volunteering her time at local functions like the South Shores Harvest Festival. She likes that SAS is fast-paced and challenges her intelligence every single day. Some advice that she would give to students thinking about joining SAS is that they should remember that the first year is most likely the hardest but not to give up. And most importantly, they should enjoy the first year of high school and have fun!

Isabella was nominated by Mrs. Patapoff, her AP US History teacher. She nominated her for her excellent academic achievement. When asked why she wanted to nominate Isabella she said, "Isabella is very hardworking. She always completes her work correctly and in a timely manner. She is not afraid to ask questions and collaborates well with her peers."

When Xander found out that he was this month's 12th grade recipient for Student of the Month, he felt very honored and grateful. He attended Holy Trinity for middle school and is proud to say that he has been in SAS for four years now. His favorite subject this year is AP Calculus because it’s a fun challenge and the subject has a lot of interesting real-life applications. Some of his favorite activities are End It: End Human Trafficking, SPHS Relay for Life Club, College Bound (Boys & Girls Club), photography, working out, and listening to music. His favorite thing about SAS is sharing classes with many of the same people throughout high school and having teachers that he can trust and turn to for advice. SAS is a tight-knit community which makes it very easy to get to know everyone and become comfortable! If Xander could give a piece of advice to someone thinking about joining SAS he would say that having strong time management skills will help you succeed in your classes and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The SAS community is very supportive.

Xander was nominated by Mr. Bruhnke, his AP Government and Honors Economics teacher. He nominated him for his excellent academic achievement and best participation. When asked why he wanted to nominate Xander he said, "A true leader; I appreciate his willingness to participate and contribute to the class; excellent test scores as well!"

E-Bone felt surprised when he first found out he got Student of the Month because it was unexpected, but then he felt great for having been chosen. He attended Mary Star of the Sea Elementary/Junior High School and is now a Freshman in SAS. His favorite subject this year is biology because it's fun to learn about living organisms, and well as the environment that surrounds them. E-Bone likes to play basketball and occasionally read in his free time. When asked what he liked about SAS he said "I like the fact that it is a challenging program, and that it offers a great amount of difficulty, in which to help us get prepared for our future in college and in life." If he could give advice to anyone considering joining SAS he would say, "As long as you put in hard work and dedication to your studies everyday, you won't fall behind. I would even tell them that It is easy to stay on top of your work, just as long as you do not slack."

E-Bone was nominated by Ms. Patapoff, his AP Human Geography teacher, for excellent academic achievement. When asked why she nominated him she said, “He’s very organized, efficient, and inquisitive while in class.”

Jahliyah felt great when they found out they were chosen as Student of the Month. They said it felt like the work they are doing is paying off, and means something. They were very happy to be chosen! Jahliyah attended Dodson Middle School and is now a Sophomore in SAS. Their favorite subject this year is English because their class and teacher this year are great and they've always been good at the subject. They also just enjoy writing and it comes easily to them. In their free time, Jahliyah likes to draw and write fiction. They also enjoy cooking with their friends! When asked what they like about SAS Jahliyah said "I like the opportunities that SAS gives me to succeed." If they could give advice to anyone considering joining SAS they would say, "Be ready to take AP classes, which you can’t afford to slack off in and learn studying techniques and time management. If you don’t do that, you’ll only stress and tire yourself out."

Jahliyah was nominated by Honors English teacher Ms. Marino, for excellent academic achievement. When asked why she selected Jahliyah she said, “They always participate and are a wonderful student. They are always ready and willing to speak their mind.”

When Anthony Hrboka was chosen for student of the month he felt very honored. Anthony attended Dana Middle School and is now in his junior year of SAS. This year his favorite subject is Art. Anthony is very creative and he likes how in this class he is able to express himself and open his mind. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball, tennis, and volleyball. He also enjoys listening to music, juggling and performing card tricks. When asked what he liked about SAS Anthony said, "I like being in SAS because the students and teacher are kind and helpful. Also SAS pushes me academically." As a junior, if Anthony could give advice to anyone joining SAS it would be that it is a challenging program. He says, "You have to work hard, stay organized and not procrastinate if you want to succeed."

Anthony was nominated by Ms. Rodriguez who is his AP English Language teacher. Ms. Rodriguez nominated him for best attitude, saying “He’s so friendly and excited. He makes everyone happy!"

Cole Bruhnke felt grateful to be recognized when he was chosen for student of the month. He attended Dana Middle School and is now a Senior in SAS. His favorite subject is Government. He enjoys the content and connecting it to real life. Outside of school Cole enjoys interning at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and taking care of the animals. He also participates in the Surfrider Club where they do water quality testing, and projects such as wetlands restoration. Cole likes being in SAS because of the supportive community of teachers and students working together. If he could give advice to someone joining SAS he would say, "Don't be afraid to reach out for help to teachers, tutors and your peers."

Cole was nominated by Mr. Bruhnke, his AP Government teacher and Ms. Cheng, his AP Biology teacher. Mr. Bruhnke nominated him for excellent academic achievement. When asked why he decided to nominate Cole he said, “He has the highest scores on exams we’ve had so far and evidently he has good genes!”