Spartan Weekly Update 4/29 - 5/3
See What's Happening This Week
Mon. April 29
Regular Monday
Dodgeball tournament @ Lunch
Tues. April 30
Block Schedule - ODD
Dodgeball tournament @ Lunch
Wed. May 1
Block Schedule - EVEN
Dodgeball tournament @ Lunch
Athletic Info Night-Gym 5 pm
Band Memorial Concert-PAC
Thurs. May 2
Block Schedule - ODD
Dodgeball tournament @ Lunch
Fri. May 3
Block Schedule - EVEN
Dodgeball Finals @ Lunch
Theater Movie Night-PAC 5:30 pm
Sat. May 4
Saturday School 8-12 pm Room 205 *Double Demerits
VPHS Academic Competition Team Recognized by Villa Park City Council
The VPHS Mock Trial and Academic Competition Team were recognized for their success this year. County Supervisor, Don Wagner, sent a representative and certificates of recognition at the Villa Park City Council meeting held on April 23, 2024. Certificates were awarded to students by Nicol Jones, mayor pro-tem of Villa Park. Congrats to our outstanding Spartans!
📸 Grace Quiroz '25
Nathan Ayala- OC Register's Artist of The Year
Written by: Alexander Tran
Congratulations to our very own Nathan Ayala for being selected as a semifinalist for the OC Register’s “Artist of the Year in Media Arts” reward. Out of 85 nominees from all over Orange County, Nathan was one of the 16 students who moved forward in the process.
When asked about this amazing accolade, Nathan said: “I feel honored to be representing OUSD and VPHS; I am happy to be given such an opportunity”. Nathan also said that he is thankful for his parents and his photography teacher, Mrs. Shine.
VPHS AVID SENIOR STANDOUT 2024 - Victoria Chavira
Congratulations to AVID Senior, Victoria Chavira, on being recognized on April 15th at the Irvine Barclays Theater at the Annual OCDE AVID Senior Standout & Scholarships Ceremony. Mrs. Werner, AVID Teacher (12th Grade) had these words to share about Victoria on stage:
"Victoria is exemplary. Committed to both academic and athletic excellence while caring for those around her, she is a model AVID student. Victoria’s time at VPHS has included a wide variety of involvement, from her collection of honors and AP courses, artistic accomplishments in photography to her recognition as a four-year scholar athlete. As she is preparing to enter college as a first generation student, Victoria is planning to pursue a Nursing degree, specifically in Labor and Delivery. Our AVID program is honored to have her and we know nothing will stand in her way."
"All That Villa Park Has to Offer" Mural
At the beginning of the year, PFSO President, Jordan Wu, asked the art department to finish the existing mural outside the counseling office/entrance to the PAC. They wanted to finish what class of 2015 started, but had no plans from the original project. Mr. Edlund and Mrs. Shine tasked students with helping finish the mural. After discussions with the students, they decided to create a new mural altogether. Art teachers Mr. Edlund and Mrs. Shine, along with the students, came up with the theme of "All That Villa Park Has to Offer," designed with many triangular facets and strong circular focal point in the center. After the initial design phase, the students began sketching on the mural boards and slowly the idea came to life. For 5 months the students worked during first or third periods (around their own AP art projects) to get the mural completed. The themes in the mural are academics, sports, Spartan Way, visual arts, drama, CTE, dance, music, mock trial, honors, ASB, yearbook, and color guard.
Students Involved:
Eden Porter
Lyrik Brown
Natalie Yantani
Samara Murphy
Lucy Barnhart
Sacia Calderon
Desiree Corea
Alessandra Ranggold
Rebeka Lee
Viviana Fonseca
Neomi Gonzalez
Teachers:
Andy Edlund
Ingred Shine
Parents/Alumni:
Nicole Trollinger (Alumni)
Jordan Wu (PFSO President)
Campus Cares
Thank you to all Spartan students who participated in another successful Campus Care Day!
We focused on painting and landscaping the area between the snack shack and tennis courts behind the PAC building and it looks fantastic!
A special thank you to our sponsors:
Adron Collie with ACP Painting
Robert Frackelton with Reeve Store Equipment Co.
Brian Nielsen with Better Way Fitness
and our local Villa Park Dunkin' Donuts
*For participants, we will let you know when your certificates for volunteer hours are available for download.
Next week we will announce the club/sports team winners of our
Campus Care Participation Pizza Contest!
AP Test Prep Sessions - April
PFSO Class of 2024 Scholarships Available
Application to apply for the PFSO Spartan Spirit Award. Students can earn pins to wear at Graduation based on their level of campus and community involvement. (For example, students can earn pins for perfect attendance, participating in clubs, sports, and community service) Application is now open, deadline is also 5/1 to apply. Seniors only.
VPHS Academic Competition Class - Fall 2024
Students participate in three activities*:
Mock Trial- Fall
Academic Decathlon - Winter
Model United Nations - Spring
Mock Trial
Students prepare arguments for a given case as either the prosecution or defense. They present their arguments in a mock trial, portraying attorneys, witnesses, and supporting roles. Real judges and attorneys provide feedback and scores.
Model United Nations
Students role-play as delegates of different countries, researching their stances on worldwide issues. Through debate and negotiation, students will tackle problems in a diplomatic matter.
*Not all students will have to compete in all three, but the class will prepare students in all areas.
Academic Decathlon
Students study 7 disciplines related to a topic: Art, Economics, Literature, Math, Music, Science, and Social Science.
Students will develop proficiency in 3 skills: Speech, essay composition, and interview.
On competition day, students will present the culmination of their efforts in various formats, being scored individually and as a team against other schools.
Interested? Learn More Here
EARN YOUR AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA AT VPHS
Did you know that Villa Park High School offers the AP Capstone Diploma Program?
At VPHS, students with a passion for academic excellence and a drive for success can delve into the AP Capstone Diploma Program, a rigorous two-year course of study. Designed to hone the critical skills essential for college-bound AP/Honors students, this program offers two distinct AP Capstone awards: AP Seminar and AP Research.
VPHS Dance Concert
Written By: Alexander Tran
Thursday night, VPHS dance had their “Spring Dance Concert” to finish off the year. This event drew both friends and families alike in a packed room in the Performing Arts Center. Throughout the concert, Junior Varsity and Varsity dancers had the opportunity to dance to songs choreographed by students and coaches. This includes “Le Freak”, which was choreographed by students Jenna DePue, Giselle Diaz, and Haley Stoico.
When asked about her final concert, varsity senior Haley Stoico said: “It was really emotional dancing with my friends for the last time. These memories will be cherished with me for a long time”. Haley also added, “the varsity dance team had a great season and this was an amazing way to end it”.
Spring Feast
Written By: Alexander Tran
The final club rush of the year, “Spring Feast ''was an opportunity for VPHS’s student organizations to fundraise money for their respective clubs. In total, around eleven clubs participated in Spring Feast, raising hundreds of dollars cumulatively. Clubs such as the Vietnamese Student Association sold chicken wings from Mama Hieus and boba milk tea from Seven Leaves. Other clubs such as the German Club sold bratwurst and pretzels, with our own Mr. Rich Simons grilling the bratwursts himself. In comparison to previous years, the new form of transaction was done through tickets rather than cash. Students purchased a ticket per a dollar during nutrition and lunch.
Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! What an incredible weekend!!! We are so proud of the work all of our students put into this production. We had such amazing performances and we were even able to sell out two whole shows! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our program, we could not have done this without you. We hope you enjoyed our show 🩵🪩 #mammamia #theatre #springmusical #musical #drama #vphs #abba
March N Spartan Car & Bike Show - May 11th, 2024
@vphsmarchnspartans Vehicles & Vendors, it’s time to sign up for our 20th Annual ✨MARCH N SPARTAN CAR & BIKE SHOW✨ Saturday, May 11th • You won’t want to miss this! 🎶
Chris Salio-Special Education Instructor
Written by: Alexander Tran
Currently a part of our Spartan family as a Special Education Instructor, Coach Salio is also a long-time golf coach here on campus. Graduating from Esperanza High School, Coach Salio was active in the school’s ASB and football programs. Following this, he would go on to attend Westpoint Military Academy, Cal Poly Slo, then finally achieving his bachelors in human development at California State University, Fullerton. During college, Coach Salio would continue his passion for football. Prior to working at Villa Park High School, Coach Salio previously worked here in OUSD at El Modena High School for over 15 years. He joined Villa Park High School’s faculty in 2010 as a Teacher Regular. In his 14 year tenure, Coach Salio’s favorite memory would be winning the 2010 CIF Golf Championship. It was this very same year when Coach Salio was also awarded “Boys Golf Coach of the Year” by the Orange County Register. Some fun facts about Coach Salio include that he has been in the coaching profession for over 35 years and had the amazing opportunity of participating in VPHS’s “Dancing with the Teachers”.
Colette Enge-Senior Class President
Written by: Alexander Tran
Colette, or commonly referred to as “Coco” by her peers, currently serves Villa Park High School as the Senior Class President. When it comes to her extracurriculars here on campus, Coco is active with the school’s varsity tennis team, National Honors Society, French Club, and Tutor Buddies. As a senior, Coco’s favorite event would be looking forward to the Senior Blowout Assembly, an event she has the honor to help organize. Throughout her four years of high school, her favorite memories here at Villa Park High School would have to be enjoying Homecoming week with her friends. Following her graduation, Coco intends on majoring in sociology at the University of Georgia. Outside of school, Coco loves playing with her four dogs and going to country concerts.
Follow VPHS Teams on Social Media!
Please check out the VP Sports schedule for the latest game schedule, results, and events.
If you are on Instagram, follow our teams to stay updated on game results, schedules, and other team-related events:
- VPHS Boys Basketball
- VPHS Girls Basketball
- VPHS Rugby (NEW)
- VPHS Boys Soccer
- VPHS Girls Soccer
- VPHS Wrestling
- VPHS Aquatics - Water Polo Boys (Fall) Girls (Winter) Swimming (Spring)
- VPHS Cheer & Stunt
- VPHS Cross Country (Fall)
- VPHS esports
- VPHS Football (Fall)
- VPHS Flag Football (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Golf (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Tennis (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Volleyball (Fall)
- VPHS Baseball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Golf (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Volleyball (Spring)
- VPHS Softball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Tennis (Spring)
- VPHS Track & Field (Spring)
May 1: Student Athlete Information Night 5pm
May 6-17: AP Testing
May 27: Memorial Day - No School
May 31: Senior Blowout Assembly
June 5-6: Final Exams - Minimum Days
June 6: VPHS Graduation
VPHS Fundrasing Opportunities
We’re happy to announce that a new webpage has been created, in response to parent feedback, to collect all fundraiser events that occur throughout the school year. VPHS Fundraiser Events is now open for all sports teams and boosters, clubs, classes, and VPHS-affiliated organizations who wish to promote their upcoming fundraisers.
Should you wish you promote your event, please contact Mr. Pongco at jpongco@orangeusd.org. We are able to feature events on our newsletter, this new webpage, and in school email broadcasts to our parents and students.