Theme: Belonging

Valencia High School recently conducted a study that measured the level of connectedness/belonging amongst our students. Over 1500 ninth through eleventh graders responded. We asked students how they connected to VHS. What programs, arts, activities, athletics, clubs, and staff that made them feel like our school was the place where they belonged. What we found was nothing short of amazing. Our staff works tirelessly and purposefully to seek out opportunities that support our diverse population of learners. 96% of students reported a connection on one or more levels according to the survey - fostering a deep feeling of belonging within each individual student.

Many times, the disconnectedness, misbehavior, or lack of effort we observe at school are manifestations or byproducts of things beyond our control. As educators, we understand our limitations and value the contributions made by our parents and community members, and although we know we can’t control the home environment of every student or immediately get every student to open up enough to understand them better, we CAN control their experience at Valencia every day. I watch my Tiger Colleagues with pride, as we truly have the power to shape lives from the moment we step on campus.

Here at VHS, we are shaping lives with integrity and genuine care. When looking at this survey, our teachers didn't smugly rest on our laurels, instead it was interesting to watch little pockets of discussion start when the results were shared at one of our full staff meetings - while we were initially brimming with pride, the hum of happy conversation quickly switched to efficient/problem-solving mode as every staff member saw that 96% and immediately began brainstorming ways to intentionally seek out this last 4% to offer support, guidance, and love. It didn't take a formal plan or a mandate from the district to inspire our teachers to continue to cultivate a welcoming, positive learning environment where students are safe, accepted, wanted, and cared for by our Tiger Family.

I don't know if every student knew there was a teacher quietly organizing a hugely successful fundraiser to provide Christmas items for a family whose home burned down; another who recently organized support for a family in desperate need - decimated by a massive medical crisis; the office staff organizing and wrapping gifts after hours behind the attendance desk to provide to families in need; teachers dedicating large chunks of vacation and personal time to helping students; or even just the offer to give a ride home to a student and her mother from a kind administrator after a School Site Board Meeting. A few times a year, the staff bands together to throw the students an entirely free pancake breakfast; Academic Competition Team Coaches giving up their lunches and weekends to train and travel with teams; Athletic Coaches devote countless hours to team unity and sportsmanship - so that even a loss can be a lesson; Teachers offering extra weekend Test Prep sessions happily compete with the ever-practicing percussion section of our acclaimed Performing Groups; and so many, MANY more examples that truly foster a genuine sense of belonging.

We truly believe that we increase the potential for students to graduate when they BELONG to a part of something, anything on campus. That connection inspires more connections, increased positivity, and shared goals of student success. There are many manifestations of this notion – but this is the underlying motivation for our selecting the topic “Belonging” – because it means so many things to everyone, which means the possibilities for ideas are endless! And because Valencia High School is a rich tapestry of students who vary in heritage, socio-economic status, and religion, but who, even more importantly, create an environment of intellectual diversity based on the three pillars of thought the school has been looking to for the past 80 years - PRIDE, TRADITION, & EXCELLENCE - woven together with BELONGING.

Valencia High School
500 N. Bradford Ave.
Placentia, California, 92870
United States

Adeline Woltkamp

Student Speaker

Adeline Woltkamp is a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Valencia, a Tiger Tutor as part of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of the Valencia Tiger Regiment marching and jazz bands (she was Drum Major!). Her hobbies include reading, writing, listening to music, and telling herself she’ll only watch one more episode of Jane the Virgin but then watching six because they all end on cliffhangers. She would like to thank Mrs. Filowitz for having her back no matter what and working to make this experience possible. She would also like to thank her family for supporting her on her educational journey and throughout everything she does. Adeline’s TEDx talk is dedicated to her father, Anthony Woltkamp, who passed away on October 20, 2018.

Adila Ahmed

Student Speaker

Adila Ahmed is a junior at Valencia High School and is currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate and the Val Tech programs. With an infatuation for tennis, she has played ever since she was a little girl and played in high school too. A passionate lover of music, she learned how to play the clarinet, tenor saxophone, piano and loves to sing with the Valencia choir. She loves science and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. She has to balance her busy school schedule with her extracurricular activities where she holds leadership positions (such as being a team captain for Mock Trial and Speech and Debate). In addition to her school work and public speaking activities, she enjoys alleviating her stress by dancing in Valencia’s TAAL Bollywood Dance Club & Korean Dance Club.

Armaan Bhaatia

Student Speaker

Armaan Bhata is a senior at Valencia High School. He is currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at school, and hopes to get his IB Diploma after four very exhausting years. He also enjoys dance; this interest has led him to join the Indian Dance Club at his school, allowing him to easily and conveniently blend his passion for performance and his own Indian culture. In addition, he is also a member of the LINK Crew, helping freshmen get accustomed to their new high school life by hosting events and gatherings to make new students feel welcomed at Valencia. Outside of school, he enjoys skating at his local ice rink, spending his hours doing his best not to fall flat on his face with the support of his friends. Armaan hopes to become a journalist, traveling the world and reporting in the fields of fashion, sports, and entertainment.

Avery Eun

Student Speaker

Avery Eun is a senior at Valencia High School, enrolled in both the International Baccalaureate and Valencia Technology diploma programs. He is a violinist in the school’s orchestra, a varsity swimmer, a former intern at The Boeing Company, and the president of the Model United Nations team, through which he has earned several research and debate awards. Despite having a resume that makes him seem like an over-achieving robot, he devotes a shameful amount of his time to one of his favorite activities: video games. Avery is a founding member of the competitive Overwatch team for his school’s eSports club. Being a part of eSports has played an integral role in giving Avery a community of friends and teammates, several networking opportunities, and an excuse to play video games on a school night. “I’m not playing, mom. I’m practicing for our next match!”

Brandon Kwon

Student Speaker

Brandon Kwon is a junior enrolled in the IB & Val-Tech programs at Valencia High School. Brandon strives to be an active member of society and contribute when possible. As an enthusiast of fast-paced sports, Brandon translates his passion as a member of Valencia Varsity Tennis team. He also volunteers at a local hospital, building relationships with patients and peers. Additionally, he participates in Valencia STEM, which provides young children at the Yorba Linda Boys' & Girls' Club with an enjoyable, learning experience through varying experiments. Brandon has been participating in Lincoln-Douglas Debate competitions since 7th grade and serves as Vice President in the VHS Speech and Debate Club. However, outside of preparing for school activities, Brandon enjoys watching movies, listening to music, doing thrilling activities, & most significantly playing his childhood favorite sport, basketball. In the future, he hopes major in biochemistry & become a medical professional.

Curtis Liu

Student Speaker

Curtis Liu is a senior at Valencia High School who enjoys creating. Involved in music, Curtis composes music in many genres, experimenting with a fusion of orchestral & electronic music (utilizing his background in violin & piano). Curtis is concertmaster in Valencia’s Sinfonia orchestra and associate concertmaster in the Orange County Youth Symphony. Additionally, Curtis loves creating programs in Computer Science, from a collaboration with a friend to make a Java Piano to an Internal Assessment featuring a fully functional game. Beyond creating, Curtis is involved academically in Valencia’s Tech program and International Baccalaureate programs, enjoying challenging himself with a difficult course load to explore important subject areas with more depth, in addition to academic activities like Valencia’s Academic Decathlon team (as Team Captain) where he will compete at the State Level next week. Curtis is also active in FBLA, Corazón de Vida club, & National Honor Society.

Daanesh Jamal

Student Speaker

Daanesh Jamal is a 16 year old International Baccalaureate Junior at Valencia. A second generation Pakistani Immigrant, Daanesh has 3 siblings and one cat. He enjoys playing basketball, swimming, running, and playing video games. This is Daanesh’s second year doing Tedx, and he looks forward to sharing about his family. When not doing homework, Daanesh can be found reading books, watching TV, or playing with his cat. If asked to bring one thing with him to a deserted island, Daanesh would have to bring his first action figure, simply because of how much sentimental and familial value it has. Daanesh just recently received the third place medal in the Orange County Academic Decathlon, and scoring eighth overall in the country. He would like to thank his wonderful coach, Ms. Filowitz for all her hard work and dedication.

David Lee

Student Speaker

David Lee is a junior at Valencia High School who has yet to shy away from the challenges posed by the IB and ValTech programs. When not socializing with his closest friends, playing street basketball, or out in the archery range nailing bull’s eyes, you’ll likely find this learning-enthusiast sitting in front of a computer screen staring at hundreds of lines of code. While immersed in the world of technology, David also often finds himself lost in artistic thought, with his musical passions willing him to play the cello for local orchestras and his eyes for graphic design yielding his position as an editor-in-chief of Valencia’s publication group called El Tigre. As he continues to embark on the next stages of his education with excitement, he hopes to explore the technological industry, possibly even developing and researching technological improvements that would transform the lives of every individual in his community and in his world.

Elijah Chung

Student Speaker

Elijah Chung is a high school junior involved in Valencia’s International Baccalaureate Program and a variety of extracurriculars. Music has always been a major part of Elijah’s life due to his father’s prominent role as a worship leader at a bible camp the Chung family would attend semi-annually. Initially shy and timid about his voice and musicianship, Elijah - through encouragement from his parents to join the Kraemer and Valencia choirs- has found his voice through the deep connections he has forged with his classmates that provided a conducive environment for him to develop self-esteem and as a musician. Elijah attributes his experiences with music as lessons that apply to all of his areas of life: whether it be on the volleyball court or in the classroom.

Jacob Perreira

Student Speaker and Student Athlete

Jacob Perreira, 17 years old, is currently a High School Senior at Valencia High School. Throughout his high school career, he has been involved in ASB, football, and the Throwing team. His interest include learning about world cultures, self-improvement and entrepreneurship. He will be attending Santiago college next year pursuing a degree in business and looks forward to simultaneously studying and working as a realtor. He would like to thank Coach Gray for his continuous support.

Jacqueline Duong

Student Speaker

Jacqueline Duong is a sophomore who is part of the Varsity Tennis and Speech and Debate teams at Valencia. She has always enjoyed public speaking and loves to learn as well as teach others. She is very passionate about the work her mission group has done in the country of Belize and particularly enjoys spreading joy through words to the locals there. She looks to become a high school leader at her church’s youth ministry in the hopes of being able to touch the lives of others. Jacqueline is confident that her ability to speak has made a significant impact on her life and she dreams that one day she will be able to use her voice on a large platform and potentially have an impact on the world.

Jay (Jeong Hoon) Kim-Turner

Student Speaker

Jay Kim-Turner is a senior at Valencia High School. You’ll find that Jay has a wide range of interests: whether it be on the basketball court, at a speech and debate tournament, or making Chipotle runs with his closest friends. Currently, he is a candidate for Valencia’s renowned International Baccalaureate. Outside from the classroom, the President of Valencia’s award winning Speech and Debate team, expanding it nearly triple since he first gained leadership of the team. He has also participated in Valencia’s water polo, basketball, and swim programs. He also has a passion for music, being involved in both orchestra and chamber choir. Jay enjoys volunteer basketball coaching for middle school students. One day, Jay hopes to pursue a career in law and politics. He aspires to create change and represent those who cannot represent themselves.

Jenika Kolacz

Student Speaker

Jenika Kolacz is a junior at Valencia High School and it is her second time participating in the TEDx event at VHS. She is involved in many of her school’s programs including the Valencia Technology program, playing on the Girls Varsity Volleyball team, the Theater department, Associated Student Body as well as being a twelfth year Girl Scout and being enrolled in AP classes. In Girl Scouts, Jenika has earned many distinguished awards in including the Gold Award which is the highest ranking award she can earn. This school year, Jenika fell into the Stagecraft program at her school and without any experience, she became the Stage Manager of her school’s production of Into The Woods. The theater is where Jenika truly felt at home and only wished she found it sooner in her life.

Lyba Batla

Student Speaker

Lyba, 17 years old, is currently a high school senior part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at her school. Her passions include public speaking, dancing, and coding in Java. Lyba always admires Bollywood dance, and fulfills her passion through the TAAL Indian Dance Club at school where, as vice president, she organizes and participates in the annual culture show. She is also co-founder and Vice President of the #BuiltByGirls club at her school that connects girls in the community with people in the technological industry. Lyba’s experience with computer science began when she took her first computer science course at school. Her love for coding in Java only increased from there, and is currently taking the Higher Level IB class. Lyba plans on attending a four year university and her future goals include, but are not limited to, obtaining a degree in computer science and traveling around the world in order to spread passion for technology for the betterment of society.

Neha Upadhyaya

Student Speaker

Neha Upadhyaya is a senior at Valencia High School enrolled in the IB program. She has been a Girl Scout for over ten years and is currently working on her Gold Award project. She enjoys involving herself in her community through the Yorba Linda Library Teen Advisory Board and serves as the board’s secretary. On campus, Neha is the president of the TAAL Indian Dance club and runs the annual Culture Show. Additionally, she is the vice president of the French Club and winner of the club’s 2018 film festival. She has allow been apart of Mock Trial for three years and spent her last year as one of the team captains. Her passions include volunteering, dancing, and reading. Next fall, Neha is excited to attend college to pursue a degree in political science.

Phil De Vera

Student Speaker

Phil De Vera is a seventeen-year-old, American-born Filipino. He is a senior at Valencia High School in the International Baccalaureate Program. He is in the Tiger Regiment marching band at his high school, leading the band as the head field drum major. He also serves as the Vice President of the Valencia High School chapter of the National Honor Society. Phil enjoys being a part of the Future Business Leaders of America Club and competing in the Sectional and State Conferences. Outside of school, Phil is a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo. This fall, Phil hopes to enter college with a major in Biochemistry and possibly take on a minor in Psychology. After pursuing his undergraduate degree, he hopes to go on to Physician Assistant school or medical school. Phil aspires to go into the medical field because of his strong desire to help people and his aptitude in science. He greatly enjoys to spend time with his family and friends whenever he is free.

Saleem Haider

Student Speaker/TEDx Peer-Mentor/Assistant Artistic Director

Saleem Haider is a seventeen-year-old student here at Valencia High School currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program. Delving into problems and concepts headfirst and learning hands-on is what Saleem enjoys on campus and at home. Being a member of the Valencia High School Tiger Regiment Drumline, Saleem’s passion is playing music. Having spoken at a TEDx event not once, but twice in the prior two years, he is excited to be performing for the third time in his high school career. During the past year, Saleem has been assistant-director for this year's TEDx event and has helped make this night the success it is. He has a passion for public speaking and sincerely hopes you enjoy his talk tonight.

Samantha Harker

Student Speaker

Samantha Harker is a Freshman at Valencia High School enrolled in the school's prestigious IB and the Val-Tech programs with a course load of 9 classes, most of which are honors and advanced placement levels. She enjoys playing sports such as running cross-country, and playing on the Lady Tigers’ basketball team. One of her talents is memorizing Pi, in fact, she memorized 1,294 digits, and was the reigning champion at her middle school for 3 years. She is especially excited to participate in TEDx, because it gives her the opportunity to express her interest about this fascinating number. When Samantha isn’t memorizing digits of Pi, she enjoys exploring technology, listening to music, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. In the future, Samantha hopes to become a neurologist, so she can study the function of the brain, and perform research on the concepts of memory.

Sidra Ali

Student Speaker

Sidra Ali is currently a senior at Valencia High School. Along with taking the rigorous classes of the IB program, she also participates in academic decathlon and national honors society and has participated in mock trial, color guard, and choir as well. She loves spending time with her two younger sisters and her cat Destiny, as well as her friends. In her free time, she loves spending time listening to music, using social media, making art, and doing anything creative. In the future, she hopes to find a career that combines all of her passions and helps her give back to the community.

Sydney Tsai

Student Speaker

Sydney Tsai is a junior at Valencia High School who is completing the International Baccalaureate program. Because of her interest in a variety of cultures, Sydney is a self proclaimed "history buff" who enjoys learning about U.S. and East Asian history, since she learns a lot more about herself in the process. Her main school activity is mock trial, which she recently became a team captain for this school year. Outside of school, Sydney pursues long distance running in half marathons and "fun runs" with friends. If you ever see Sydney, she would most likely be talking to friends, doing homework, watching Pixar and Studio Ghibli movies, or practicing her drawing skills. Sydney hopes to enter college as a political science major and eventually pursue law.

Tara Filowitz

TEDxValenciaHighSchool Coordinator/Language Arts Teacher

Tara Filowitz (Arrey) is a graduate of both Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) and Chapman University (Orange, CA). At Brandeis, Ms. Filowitz received a BA in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in Dramatic Structure and Text, in 2001. At Chapman University she received both a Teaching Credential (Single Subject CLAD Credential with a focus in Secondary English - 2007) and a Masters degree in Education (emphasis in Curriculum and Foundations - 2009). Ms. Filowitz has taught at Valencia High School since 2007 - - ranging from Pre-IB to ELD and everyone in between. Special assignments include: Senior Awards Coordinator; OCAD Coach; and TEDx Coordinator. Ms. Filowitz has been the beneficiary of the VHS PTSA Teacher Grant; Winner of the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) 2017; and trained to be an IB Drama Teacher with ISTA in 2013. Other credentials include OCSA (student & teacher), musical theatre actress/singer for 20+ years.

Xavier Nunez-Sundara

Student Speaker

Xavier Nunez-Sundara is currently a Freshman at Valencia High School, enrolled in their prestigious International Baccalaureate program. He ran for the Valencia Cross Country Team and proceeded to run for the Track and Field team as a distance runner. When not working on school work or running with his team, Xavier can be found reading a book or watching videos on the internet, both in an attempt to satiate his curiosity and love of learning. While he often seems impatient with his friends, Xavier recognizes that, when people are in a rock and a hard place, they need a level head that is willing to listen to them and is more than willing to be that level head.