Congratulations to San Jacinto Elementary students Melanie Lopez and Isabella Ramirez, who were selected as winners in the annual RESPECT Contest sponsored by Houston law firm Arnold & Itkin.  The contest was created to foster respect in local schools.  Melanie and Isabella are students in Dana Zuniga’s class.

Melanie earned first place and will receive a prize of $3,000 ($1,400 to SJE, $1,400 to her charity of choice, and $200 to Melanie).  As second place winner, Isabella will receive a prize of $2,000 ($900 to SJE, $900 to her charity of choice, and $200 to Isabella). 

Contest participants had to draw a picture and explain in writing what respect means to them.  Winners will be honored at a ceremony on Nov. 8.

This morning, the Deer Park Elementary Gentlemen’s Class presented Java and Gentlemen.  The 45 boys in the program took orders for coffee and pastries from teachers and other employees, prepared the orders, and delivered them.

According to DPE Assistant Principal Whitney Rich, who sponsors the program with the help of other employees, the activity was designed to get the boys out of their comfort zones and provide an opportunity to learn about serving others.  They were also able to practice some of the skills they have learned in the program.

“We wanted the boys to learn about serving others but also really how it makes others feel when you do something out of the kindness of your heart, or just simply being a gentleman,” Rich said.  “I think the boys really learned that when they act and behave this way, not only does it make who they are serving feel appreciated, but our boys also felt amazing when they reflected on how doing a good deed made people so happy.“

After each teacher or employee was served, she completed a comment card, noting whether or not the server shook hands, looked her in the eye, used appropriate manners, and spoke pleasantly.  Rich said the comments included on the cards were overwhelmingly positive.

“Teachers were so appreciative and loved seeing our boys doing such a positive thing,” she said.  “The boys did all the work and they received such positive feedback from the teachers. It’s a good lesson about treating others how you want to be treated.  Those type of actions rub off on others.”

The Gentlemen’s Class is an after-school program, now in its second year, that teaches a group of DPE boys about etiquette and character as well as skills such as the importance of making a good first impression and how to tie a necktie. 

Deepwater Junior High’s students and staff members are stepping out in support of breast cancer awareness and research!  The school recently held a Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Participants donated $2 each, and about 280 students joined in the event.  They have raised over $650, which will be combined with other upcoming fundraisers for donation to The Rose of Pasadena.  The school hopes to meet its goal of raising over $1,200 for The Rose.

Representatives of the DPHS Broadcast Journalism Team who accepted the Best Horror/Sci-fi/Fantasy Film award included, from left, Carlos Nevarez, Destiny Hernandez, and Alan Garcia.

Congratulations to the members of the Deer Park High School Broadcast Journalism Team, whose short film, Phenomena, won “Best Horror/Sci-fi/Fantasy Film” at the All American High School Film Festival in New York. 

Phenomena was one of over 2,000 submissions at the AAHSFF representing all 50 states as well as other high schools from around the world.  The AAHSFF is the world's largest high school and middle school film, photography and media arts festival.

Team members Alan Garcia, Carlos Nevarez, and Destiny Hernandez were on hand to accept the award with teacher Jared Creel.  Alan and Carlos are 2018 DPHS graduates, and Destiny is a senior this year.

“I think the students were definitely surprised,” Creel said.  “They didn’t even know they had been nominated until they were read just moments before!  But seeing the excitement on their faces was definitely the highlight of the trip.”

Creel said the team began working on the film in July 2017 for the University Interscholastic League Young Filmmakers Festival.  “I selected three students who had shown interest in filmmaking and demonstrated quality work and work ethic to write and produce,” he explained.  “They developed and wrote the film during the fall of 2017, completed production over the winter break, and submitted it in mid-January.”

Phenomena earned a third place award at the UIL Young Filmmakers Festival state competition, but, with encouragement from DPISD Chief Technology Officer Kari Murphy, the team submitted the film for inclusion in the AAHSFF competition.

“My first thoughts upon learning Phenomena had won an award at the film festival was joy and excitement for our students—especially Carlos, Alan, and Destiny,” Creel said.  “So many students donated their time and talent to make this project possible, but those three had seen it through from the very beginning. After the disappointment of finishing third at the state UIL festival, I think it made this award that much sweeter. Being recognized at this level certainly lends validation to all their hard work, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Creel said he hopes the program’s success can inspire students to work harder to make their dreams possible. 

“I know several students who dream of one day becoming a director or cinematographer, but for whatever reason, believe it’s unreasonable,” he said.  “Perhaps through opportunities like this, they’ll see that it’s not impossible.  Does it take a lot of time and hard work?  Absolutely!  But if it’s something they’re truly interested in, the only way to get better is to do it!

Phenomena is available for viewing here:

The team includes:

Director - Alan Garcia (DPHS Class of 2018)

Writers - Carlos Nevarez (DPHS Class of 2018), Alan Garcia, Destiny Hernandez (12^thgrade)

Director of photography and music - Carlos Nevarez

Cast - Lanie Gullett (12^th grade), Nick Trevino (12^th grade), Gavin Connor  (11^th grade), June Aston (Dabbs Elementary fourth-grader)

Boom Operator – Brandon Stafford (DPHS Class of 2018)

Photographer – Regina Garza (DPHS Class of 2018)

Videographer – Christian Glass (DPHS Class of 2018)

Congratulations to the students and sponsors of the Deer Park High School FFA program!  The FFA Team participated in last week’s Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Deer Park students took home Grand Champion or Reserve Champion honors in 10 of the 11 areas of competition.  They included:

Grand Pig—Makayla Rodriguez

Grand Chickens—Tanner Hefner

Grand Tom—Madi Miller

Grand Rabbits—Madeleine Woodall

Reserve Steer— Haylee Wieland

Reserve Goat— Presley McRee

Reserve Lamb—Emilee Broussard

Reserve Chickens—Kimberly Kinser

Reserve Turkey Hen—Madi Miller

Reserve Rabbits—Tristan Anderson

Reserve Heifer—Madi Miller

Reserve Grand Champion - Ag Mechanics Project (Welding Table)

Eleven area high schools participated this year, and Deer Park students made up 43 percent of the entries at the show and had 43 percent of the premium auction sale slots.  “We are very proud of our students and all their hard work and dedication to their projects,” FFA Sponsor Stephanie Rankin said.  “We also want to thank the parents, the Board of Trustees, and the administration for supporting our FFA chapter and helping us make a positive difference in the lives of our students.”

Team Deer Park was also well-represented on the auction program.  Director of Career and Technical Education David Berrier was the guest speaker at the event.

The Deer Park High School Theatre Department presented a special preview of its fall production of Grease to the District's junior high theatre students earlier today. 

Tickets are still available for this week's performances of Grease, which will take place on Thursday, Oct.4, and Saturday, Oct. 6, (no Friday performance) at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. 

General admission (maroon) tickets are $10 each pre-sold (available from cast members or teachers) or $15 at the door, and reserved admission (gold-level seating) tickets are $20 each.  Tickets are also available at the following link:

https://ticketracker.com/store/events/1745

Also, on Oct. 6, DP Theatre will host a '50s-themed party for children and adults featuring games, booths, photo opportunities, vintage cars, in-person ticket sales, and lots of good food.  The '50s Day event will run from noon until 3 p.m.  Children may color the attached coloring page and turn it in for a reduced-price child’s ticket.  Children's drawings will be displayed in the theatre lobby.