Scholar Programs & Honor Societies

Last week, our Viewpoint community came together once again for the annual Hope of the Valley Clothing Drive. Spearheaded by our Community Outreach for Everyone (CORE) students, this tradition continues to serve as a meaningful way for us to give back to those in need.

"Hope of the Valley tirelessly works towards ending homelessness by providing essential resources, nourishment, and housing solutions,” said Pam Oseransky, Viewpoint’s Coordinator of Service Learning. “Their unwavering dedication to this cause is truly remarkable, and we've had the privilege of being connected with this incredible organization for many years."

This year witnessed one of the largest turnouts since the beginning of the pandemic, as hundreds of bags filled with gently used or new clothing were dropped off at numerous collection points across campus. In the afternoon, Hope of the Valley gathered these generous donations, distributing them to children of all ages within our community.

"As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the privilege of helping others and witnessing the joy it brings," shared Lily Brown ’24 and CORE leader. "Engaging in community service allows me to dedicate a small portion of my time to bringing happiness to others."

On Thursday, March 21, Viewpoint proudly hosted its seventh annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on campus, with proceeds from ceramic students’ art provided to the West Valley Food Pantry. This cherished tradition not only showcases the talents of our visual arts students - it helps fight hunger in our community by raising funds for a meaningful cause. 

Empty Bowls, a global grassroots movement of artists addressing hunger, originated more than three decades ago. Introduced at Viewpoint in 2017 by Ceramics Teacher and Visual Arts Interim Department Chair Nell Yates and Viewpoint’s CORE students (Community OutReach for Everyone), led by Upper School Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator, Pam Oseransky, participation in the initiative has grown year over year. This year, students, faculty and staff crafted 180 bowls in preparation for the event.

“I just love when the kids gather around on the day of the event, pointing at bowls and saying, 'You picked my bowl' or 'I know who made that.',” said Yates. “The beautiful thing about clay is that it lasts forever, turning these event-crafted items into permanent memories for people."

Viewpoint’s students and employees were able to purchase tickets in advance for $8 to secure a bowl or for $10 on the day-of. Each ticket included a delectable ice cream sundae served in a unique handmade ceramic bowl. 

Each year, a distinguished group of Upper School students at Viewpoint earn national recognition for their outstanding musical and academic accomplishments. In December 2023, 16 juniors and seniors were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society program by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). This prestigious program is dedicated to cultivating future leaders in music education and advocacy, with Tri-M being the sole music honor society for middle and high school students nationwide. The accomplished students who were honored include:

• Shawn Ching ‘25

• Lily Davis ‘25

• Oluyeni (Yeni) Denloye ‘24

• Mandy Hill ‘25

• Nelson Hu ‘25

• Zooey Jeong ‘25

• Violet Kaltman ‘24

• Shoshana Lindon ‘25

• Siyuan Liu ‘24

• Amelia Newman ‘25

• Mikayla Sagerman ‘25

• Lina Saley ‘25

• Kaelin Schetter ‘25

• Gracie Wilkins ‘24

• Natalie Yerelekian ‘25

• Maryn Yokoyama ‘25

"Each year, our auditions for new society members provide a valuable opportunity for students to assess their musical progress across three segments: sight reading, technical elements like scales and arpeggios, and a chosen solo piece. It's a comprehensive measure of their growth and proficiency," said Bill Brendle, Advisor for Viewpoint’s Music Honor Society Chapter. 

Yet, the program's requirements extend beyond musical talent alone. Students are also expected to showcase excellence in academics and active participation in community service. According to the NafME, student members across the nation collectively contribute over 750,000 service hours to their school and local communities annually, raising nearly $1 million for causes close to their hearts.

“It’s supposed to be very student-centric and student-driven. I encourage them to organize various initiatives, not limited to musical events. It could involve community drives such as fundraisers, food drives, or clothing drives,” said Brendle.

Among the 16 students welcomed into the program, a significant majority were juniors. Brendle highlighted the importance of applying before the senior year, citing the program's competitiveness.

"I'm pleased with the number of junior applicants because it provides them with an additional opportunity if they aren't accepted initially. This gives them a chance to collaborate with their teachers on areas that need improvement, and I strongly encourage them to take advantage of that," Brendle expressed.

Congratulations once again to all of our students who have earned their place in the Tri-M Music Honor Society! For those interested, more information on the program can be found here.

More than half of our Upper School students participated in projects for a purpose the day before Thanksgiving, demonstrating their passion to serve and commitment to giving back to our local community. Each year during the season of giving, Upper School students who are part of CORE (Community OutReach for Everyone), organize a day of volunteering for those in need. 

On November 22, CORE student leaders organized seven different projects to support non-profit organizations in the Los Angeles area. The activities ranged from an annual beach cleanup in support of the Surfrider Foundation, crafting letters of gratitude for first responders with Operation Gratitude, to packaging canned goods and non-perishable food items for the West Valley Food Pantry. A total of 230 Upper School students, accompanied by 30 faculty chaperones, generously volunteered their time to contribute to these meaningful causes.

"This marks my sixth year in the role of organizing the event, but my connection with Community Service Day began ten years ago when I first volunteered," explained Pam Oseransky, Viewpoint’s Coordinator of Service Learning. "Volunteering gives me a profound sense of purpose. While it's commonly seen as giving back to others, it's undeniably a self-serving endeavor as well."

Debbie Decker, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the West Valley Food Pantry, highlighted the significance of donations on the day before Thanksgiving. While acknowledging the generosity during this time, she emphasized that the collected donations play a crucial role in addressing the ongoing hunger needs of the community.

"Approximately 25 percent of Los Angeles faces some level of food insecurity, and in the San Fernando Valley alone, there are around 930,000 people dealing with hunger," Decker explained. "Viewpoint has consistently been here every year on the day before Thanksgiving, and the items collected will be distributed throughout the coming month."

"As Viewpoint students, we are all very humbled to be here," expressed Hadas Ben-David '24. "It serves as a good reminder that people can use our help and that we’re all connected in one way or another."