School Board Meeting

Today was a day where all the cohorts from each individual Ivy League Connection program united to represent not only themselves and their schools, but also their community and district in the School Board meeting. During the meeting, many past ILC students and future Ivy League students spoke on behalf of this amazing organization as well as our very own chaperones whom introduced us on live television. After recognizing the founders of this program and the sponsors who make it happen, we too were also recognized with awards for our academic excellence and acceptance into our individual programs. It was my honor today to represent not just myself, but my community and my amazing district that made this all happen. In events such as today, we allow others to realize the capabilities of our district, notice the bright individuals in our very own community, and the local opportunities that allow us to achieve this much.

The more events I have attended through the Ivy League Connection, the more passionate I have become for my community, district, and this program as a whole.

Again, thank you so much Ivy League Connection for making these experiences possible for us, and thank you sponsors for making this real.

School Board Connection!

Today, I had the pleasure of attending West Contra Costa Unified School District's School Board Meeting held within Richmond's LaVonya DeJean Middle School. The Meeting was even televised! Live broadcastings were aired on Pinole's PCTV Channel 26 and 28, Richmond's KCRT Channel 28, and the City of Hercules' Cable Channel 28!

The Meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then moved on to a brief introduction of the Board of Education's members--which was composed of a committee very prestigious and dedicated school officials, including Ivy League Connection's very own School Board President Charles Ramsey and teacher Madeline Kronenberg , as well as a young girl who served as DeAnza High School's Student Board Representative.

During the event, I was not only able to get a first hand look on how the School Board operates, but I was also made aware of some of the problems plaguing the District. The main focus tonight's meeting were the budget cuts threatening the District's Adult Education Department.

Many teachers and students alike spoke out for the protection of their beloved program. In total, there were 17 speakers, each allowed two minutes before the Board to share their opinions. Even those who spoke poor English were even brave enough to cross the language barriers and defend their right for for a proper education. One woman even brought her 6-year-old to up to the microphone to talk about how she wanted her mother to continue going to school so that they could work on their English together.

Seeing all those people allowed me put my own views into perspective. I believe that everyone--no matter race, religion, or age--deserves the right to a better education and that we as a community should work to preserve the Adult Education Department's funding as we do our children's. Luckily, it seems as though the School Board agrees with me, as they seemed to rule in favor to rework the District's budget to allow the continuation if the program.

After the Board Members finished deliberating on a few more issues, it was the Ivy League Connection's time to shine. Each group of cohorts were to stand before the School Board whilst holding their respective school's flag as their chaperone introduced each student individually, as well as the courses they'll be taking and the other colleges that they'll be visiting.

Since we were introduced in alphabetical order by the name of the schools, my Columbia cohorts and I were set to go third, headed by our chaperone Mrs. L. My fellow Constitutional Law students, Leonard Eisen, Lucas Lochner Bravo, Adrianne Ramsey and I held Columbia's flag as Ms. L introduced us as our two other cohorts taking American Presidential Power at Home and Abroad: From George Washington to Barack Obama
Aurea Riboroso and Morvarid Mehdizadeh. The other colleges that we are set to visit include UPENN, Vassar, Yale, Sarah Lawrence, and New York University.

To be honest, I think that the introduction was both exciting and nerve-racking. Not only was a being watched by an entire auditorium of people, I was being shown on live television! I was so nervous that something awful would happen like me tripping while getting up, or making a fool of myself in front of the school board, or Ms. L pronouncing my name wrong! However, when I was waking towards the front of the room, I I began to calm down and I honestly feel proud for being able to take part of such a wonderful program. After our introduction was done each, of us was awarded with a certificate commemorating our acceptance into the Ivy League Connection Program.

After all the introductions were done, two former Ivy League Connection students, whom both of which currently attend Ivy League Schools gave speeches about the experiences with the Ivy League as well as how it helped them prepare for their future.

We were then treated by a few more speeches from the School Board as continued they further praise the Ivy League Connection and all of its bright, capable students. After the last speech honoring the ILC concluded, the School Board Meeting was adjourned. However, the night was still not over for us ILCers.

Chaperones, students, and parents began to position themselves for this year's panoramic photo of the Ivy League Connection. After about 25 blinding camera flashes, the Meeting was finally over after 3 hours of sitting, standing, and smiling.

ILC Cohorts: the Next Rulers of the World

Tonight the cohorts of the Ivy League Connection attended the WCCUSD school board meeting to be recognized for being accepted to such a great program. Various speeches were made, ranging from chaperons escorting us to previous ILC alumni who attend and plan to attend Ivy League universities. After the speeches, sponsors and the building blocks of the ILC- Mr. Ramsey, Ms. Kronenberg, and Don Gosney- were also recognized for their work into making and supporting such a admirable program. Pictures of the cohorts, parents, sponsors, and organizers were then taken.

It was such a honor to represent not only myself but my school, my district, and my program. The ILC really is a privilege to be a part of; I have the opportunity to experience a college level school and course while enjoying the different surroundings of the East Coast. Tonight's milestone event has not only opened my eyes but the eyes of viewers on the educational value the WCCUSD possesses. The ILC is not only an academic program; it's a life experience that will open one's mind to the world around one's self, creating a future leader of the world.

Tomi's Top 15 Picks

Here's a quick list of some of the places I'd love to visit during my trip to New York.

#15: Brooklyn Botanic Garden A lovely floral facility filled with over a dozen uniquely themed gardens. Personally, I think that a lewisite walk through a flower garden is a great way to relax, and with so many gardens to visit, I think that the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a great place to go. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden even has a café and gift shop.

#14: The Empire State Building As one of New York's more notable sites, this skyscraper is New York's 3rd tallest building towering at 102 flights, or about 1,050 feet. With it's 1,872 steps the Empire State Building is absolutely breathtaking in every sense of the word!

#13: The Guggenheim Museum An art museum that focuses on contemporal impressionist art. Even it's own exterior is considered a wondrous piece of example of architecture and art, with it's interesting outer appearance being designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

#12 Wave Hill Another botanical garden that, unlike Brooklyn Botanic, hosts many tours and projects that seek to promote the artistic value of gardens and botany. Their programs range from music festivals to meets with professional artists.

#11 The Museum of Modern Art Another great place to visit would be The Museum of Modern Art As it's name suggests, this museum showcases only contemporary artwork. The Museum is home to many famous works such as Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night.

#10: The Statue of Liberty And how can someone even think about not visiting the Statue of Liberty? The world-famous monument is one of New York's iconic tourist attractions and I certainly don't want to miss out on my one and only chance to see either.

#9: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Yet another New York City must see! The Museum is said to house one of the largest collections of art in the world, so I'm sure that both my fellow cohorts and myself will be able stay entertained.

#8 The Museum of Arts and Design The Museum of Arts and Design, also known as MAD, specializes in featuring modern art that is handmade. I think the musuem's handcrafted creations will be able to provide a unique artistic experience.

#7: Staten Island Ferry A 30 minute ferry ride that runs along New York Bay, passing by many other attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I've never been on a boat before--let alone a ferry! As one of my main goals during this trip is to experience new things, I hope to take a ride on the ferry some time this summer. Best of all, the ferry ride is completely free!

 #6: The Cooper-Hewitt Museum, National Design Museum This museum focuses on both contemporary and traditional design works--and is notable for being the only museum in the United States to house both modern and historical artworks. I think that a museum that could accomplish such a breakthrough definitely deserves a visit, don't you? 

#5: The American Museum of Natural History Yet another New York museum that I'd love to visit. With exhibits including the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, Harry Frank Guggenheim Hall of Gems and Minerals, halls such dedicated to showcasing countless skeletal specimens and even a planetarium!

#4: Rockefeller Center Inside the building includes the Radio Music Center, rooftop garden called the GE Building, and an art center. The Rockefeller Center seems to combine all of the previous attractions' highlights into one place! It even has a nightclub and restaurant called the Rainbow Room! Though I'm way too young to be even thinking about entering the Rainbow Room, I hope to revisit the Center when I finally am.

#3: Central Park Central Park doubles as both a recreational park and a national landmark with popular sites including Central Park Zoo and Cleopatra's Needle. As for activities, visitors have many options to choose from including various sports such as rock climbing, strawberry picking, carriage and carousel rides, and many art performances that are open to the public for free. I think that a day at Central Park would be a fantastic experience, and a tad but overwhelming with all the things to see and do.

#2: Coney Island Coney Island is a wonderfully exciting place that is filled with countless tourist attractions including multiple theme parks, roller coasters, a Ferris Wheel, an aquarium, a beach, and even parades--including the Coney Island Mermaid Parade that is to be held this June. With so much to do, it seems like one can spend their entire summer vacation on the island!

#1: Times Square Times Square! The crossroad intersection is famous for it's jam-packed streets, illuminated by the many brightly colored neon signs that nearly completely cover every building. I've always wanted to visit the Square and see the beautiful, busy streets for myself, so I hope that my trip to New York will make this dream become a reality! 

Websites that I used to gather information about these sites include their official webpages--which are linked in the list itself--as well as New York Pass, NYC Go, and NYC Tourist.

Addressing the City of Pinole

This evening, Pinole Valley Ivy League students were invited to the Pinole city council meeting to share with their community their thoughts about their individual program, how they plan to give back to their town and community, and also shared a little about themselves. I was very honored for this opportunity to represent not only my community, my school, and my organization (Ivy League Connection) today, it was truly a good experience and I am glad I had the opportunity to attend. Ms.Kahn and the mayor honored us students with medals of appreciation given to very elite group of students of Pinole Valley High School based on achievements. My parents and family at home were very proud of us students for being such great examples and role models for students in our community as they watched on television the meeting which was also broadcasted on television. Nonetheless, the council as well also took the time to individually express their appreciation and encouraged us all on our paths towards success. In all, It was a very heart-warming gathering and today more than ever, after hearing each and every one of our speeches in front of many, I am proud for being a citizen in Pinole and I am proud of not only my city but also the community in which I represent.

I will not let you down, and I will always strive to represent you in the best way possible, and promote an even better community in the future. With the experiences I acquire, I can assure you that I will use them all for the benefit of you, and the people in this city.

Pinole City Council Has Summoned..

This evening, the students of Pinole Valley High School were given the privilege to appear at the Pinole City Council meeting. It was such a great opportunity to be able to present ourselves upon the council and speak of this great honor to represent the small city of Pinole. Yessenia Reyna, Narges Sahibzada, Christopher Han, and Hannah Lee Pablo will represent Pinole at Vanderbilt University. Julia Chang will be attending the Grand Strategies course at Yale University. Cameron Fulton will be attending the University of Pennsylvania at the Social Justice course. David Fang will be attending Brown University at the Macroeconomics course. And last, but certainly not least, Leonard Eisen will attend the Constitutional Law course along with Morvarid Mehdizadeh and me who will be attending the Presidential Powers course at Columbia University. Pinole Valley High School is the only school in the Ivy League Connection to have a representative at each university offered through the organization, excluding Cornell since the university is not offered to us.

As Ivy League Connection members, we were to speak to the City Council of Pinole of how each one of us were to reap and sow the benefits of our taste of college life on the east coast. Not only were current ILC members able to deliver speeches about the educational value Pinole offers but also past ILC alumni and Pinole Valley High School alumni. Not only talked about our achievements but were even awarded by the principal of Pinole Valley, Sue Kahn, a medal on being part of such an exceptional program.

Being recognized by the city for our accomplishments was a great feeling. Don't worry Pinole, we won't let you down.

Pinole City Council Meeting

Today, all of the ILC students from Pinole Valley High School (Including myself) were invited to speak at our local city council meeting. While there, we were each presented a medal for academic achievement by the mayor. Following this, we told the city council how thankful we are for this opportunity, and how proud we are to be representing our hometown this summer, on the East Coast. We took a group photo with the city council, that I believe Ms. Kahn (the PVHS principal) will put up in the school office soon.

After we spoke to them, the council gave us some words of praise and encouragement. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet and converse with my local politicians. I was a bit nervous for this event at first, but after sitting through the meeting and receiving their warm welcome, I feel more comfortable with how my city is governed. I look forward to attending future local events like this.

I also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Litvin. This year he is the chaperone for the ILC program at Yale university, and I knew about him, because he used to work as an English teacher at PVHS. He was my sister's favorite teacher when she was a student there.

In total, I received a medal, had my picture taken, appeared on the local TV station, and got lots of practice shaking hands. All in all, not a bad day.