Orange Lutheran High School junior named 2024 District 40 art competition winner
Orange Lutheran High School junior Mary Jane Pfaff of Tustin was named the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for California’s 40th District. Her artwork, “Gazing Through the Lens of Perception,” is a detailed oil painting that symbolizes multiple viewpoints that highlight the elusive nature of perception.
U.S. Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) hosted a reception at the Hilbert Museum of California Art to honor the participants of the art competition, which is open to all high school students across the 40th District.
“I am so amazed by the creativity and skill exhibited by the 52 talented CA-40 high school artists who submitted their artwork for this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” Kim said.
The following winners from the district were chosen:
1st place: “Gazing Through the Lens of Perception,” by Mary Jane Pfaff, Grade 11, Orange Lutheran High School
2nd place: “Behind the Veil,” by Jennifer Choi, Grade 10, Orange County School of the Arts
3rd place: “Through the Bubble Lens,” by Haylin Kim, Grade 10, Orange County School of the Arts
– Submitted by Rep. Young Kim Press Office
Brea Olinda High School senior named a 2024 Edison Scholar for STEM work
Brea Olinda High School (BOHS) senior Roy Kim is one of 30 students across Southern California to be named a 2024 Edison Scholar by Edison International.
The Edison Scholars Program helps students follow their dreams in STEM and empowers them to change the world. The program has helped 760 students since 2006.
“I was stunned and felt accomplished knowing that my vision for STEM has been recognized by Edison,” Kim said.
Kim was chosen because of his plans to pursue a degree in applied mathematics and computer science. In a YouTube video submitted with his Edison Scholars application, he said: “During my education in computer science, I seek the knowledge to develop games using brain computer interface technology, a current experimental technology that uses the brain’s electrical activities to function computers and robots.”
Kim says he believes society prioritizes wealth over advancements, creating a monotonous cycle of school/work and sleep, which he hopes to break.
“Video games have always evolved throughout time, and with my involvement in STEM, I plan to assist in creating a world where humanity can be entertained purely through their mind,” he said.
Kim plans to attend UC Irvine to major in software engineering. As an Edison Scholar he received a $50,000 scholarship to use toward a college degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields.
During his last four years at BOHS, Kim has filled his time as a member of the school’s marching band, wind ensemble, and winter drumline as a snare drummer. He also has been a part of the Global IT Academy (GITA) all four years and has spent most of his time running a coding club at BOHS. He attended Country Hills Elementary and Brea Junior High.
– Submitted by Brea Olinda Unified School District
Irvine High School team crowned national champions in space design competition
Irvine High School’s engineering team “Crewmates” took home the title of StellarXplorer Space Design Competition national champions.
The competition kicked off with an initial field of more than 300 teams from across the nation. After multiple qualification rounds, 10 teams emerged to earn a spot at the national finals, held in Denver. Irvine High School was the only school with three teams in the top 10. Irvine’s other two teams took fifth and 10th place.
Throughout the competition, teams must solve orbit determination and satellite design and launch operations scenarios presented in a series of online competition rounds.
During the national competition, finalists were tasked with finding the best orbit, satellite components, launch vehicle and launch site for a given mission in eight hours or less. They also needed to complete a quiz and present their findings to a panel of industry judges from both the government and private sectors. The competition rigorously tested their skills.
In addition to the pursuit of the national title, finalist teams had the opportunity to visit the Air and Space Museum and network with industry professionals, such as representatives from the U.S. Space Force, Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance.
Students from all three Irvine High School teams are enrolled in the Irvine Unified School District’s Career Technical Education Engineering pathway, which provides students with a hands-on, comprehensive education in engineering fundamentals.
– Submitted by Irvine Unified School District
Irvine Unified School District receives $2 million contribution for arts, music and science programs
Irvine Unified School Board President Cyril Yu accepted a $2 million contribution in support of the district’s arts, music and science education. Yu received the gift in front of a packed house of more than 1,000 student musicians and their families at the 40th annual Donald Bren Honors Concert at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
The financial support is part of a transformational 20-year, nearly $50 million funding commitment made by Irvine Company and the Donald Bren Foundation to provide exceptional arts, music and science education in the district through the Excellence in Education Enrichment program.
The program, established by Irvine Company’s funding commitment, helps provide art, music and science teachers to every fourth through sixth grader in the district. Instruction includes two one-hour science lessons per week, two 40-minute music lessons per week, and six one-hour art lessons per year – all taught by highly specialized instructors.
Since 2006, the program has helped more than 150,000 elementary students and has propelled IUSD students to consistently outperform their peers in California and the nation in many of these subjects.
– Submitted by Irvine Company
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.
