Alumni

“Each of us has been changed by a teacher who believed in us, inspired us, and challenged us to discover new vistas, on the frontiers of knowledge and inside ourselves,” said Head of School Mark McKee in a message about Viewpoint’s 60th anniversary.

For three of our alumni, that teacher was Craig Didden, Science Department Chair. Since 2011, he’s been bringing Viewpoint students down to the US Virgin Islands to study and document the health of the coral reefs that surround St. John.

Matt Callahan ’12 personally experienced a pivotal moment when he was chosen to join a distinguished group of students on the inaugural trip. Organized by Mr. Didden, in collaboration with Dr. Peter Edmunds from California State University Northridge, Callahan seized the opportunity to participate in coral reef monitoring and hands-on research in marine biology.

"I was super fortunate to be part of the first group from Viewpoint that went down there. It was more than just a summer trip; they provided us with invaluable insights into their methodologies,” said Callahan. “We engaged in activities like snorkeling, free diving, exploring the reefs, and conducting measurements. Additionally, we were given the opportunity to craft our own research project, adding an extra layer of depth to the overall experience."

"It typically spans nine days, including travel on both ends, allowing for seven days devoted to research," shared Didden. "Typically, we have four or five faculty members accompanying a group of around 12 to 14 students."

Among those students are Viewpoint alumni Brad Martin ’13 and Dara Yiu ’14, both attributing their ongoing interest in STEM and acknowledging the significant role the experience played in shaping their current careers.

"Collaborating with Dr. Peter Edmunds on the coral recruitment project was undeniably one of the most enriching experiences. It had a lasting impact on me, to the extent that for the senior career day, I chose to shadow him,” said Yiu. “Spending the day at CSUN with his graduate students provided valuable insights into university programs, helping me envision potential paths in that direction."

“Being placed in an actual research station as a high school student was an incredible experience. It differs from a typical summer camp where activities are geared towards enjoyment,” said Martin. “Here, you have to discover the satisfaction in the work, and making that transition as a high school student is quite distinctive. It's a fantastic trip for anyone passionate about environmental sciences.”

Fast-forward to the present day, Callahan, Yiu, and Martin have each pursued distinct paths in the field, showcasing the diverse opportunities available.

Callahan embarked on his journey in Chemical Engineering at Stanford before pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology at the University of California, San Francisco. Currently, he is transitioning towards venture capital in biotech, with a focus on creating and investing in innovative companies.

Meanwhile, Yiu is immersed in her Ph.D. in Marine Biology at the University of Maine, delving into the study of kelp forest ecosystems along the Maine coast and their responses to climate change. On the other hand, Martin earned his Bachelor's degree in Marine Science at the University of Miami. After graduation, he spent two years as a technician, dedicating his evenings to studying electrical, software, and mechanical engineering. His perseverance led to his first engineering job, and he currently holds a position as an engineer at Teledyne.

“Following their paths is incredibly rewarding. Often, during their four years in high school, students come and go, and it's easy to lose touch. However, with these three in particular, I have actively stayed in contact,” said Didden. “Witnessing how they've not only absorbed knowledge from various sources, including me, but also how they've built upon it for their careers, is truly fulfilling.”

Songs and sounds representing a rich tapestry of cultures filled the Carlson Family Theater (CFT) during our inaugural HEALING through MUSIC production on Wednesday, January 17. In an inspiring collaboration between the Music, Theatre and Dance Departments, and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Life, producers brought the joy and transformative healing power of music to its community of students, parents, and employees - while honoring Dr. King as an iconic catalyst for change. 

“Dr. King recognized the power of music as an instrument of change,” said Patricia Jackson, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Life. “Our original production explores the profound and healing power of music across cultures, and provides a moment for all of us to reflect, rejuvenate, and reset.” She added, “As society grapples with unprecedented challenges, music stands resilient, offering a source of solace, connection, and renewal in the fabric of our ever-evolving culture.”

Celebrating the healing power of music across cultures, each of the four shows featured iconic songs, an interactive drum circle led by guest musician Jason Lee Bruns, and original compositions. The diverse array of performances also showcased two guest artists, who also are Viewpoint alums Randy White ’16, an R&B Singer/Songwriter and Music Therapist, and Jen Hirsh ’04, an R&B Singer/Songwriter and American Idol Semi-Finalist.

"I have a deep love for music, and Viewpoint played a crucial role in supporting many of my dreams. It provided me with opportunities to discover events, spaces, and people to showcase my singing. Participating in this event felt like a meaningful way to give back to the community that nurtured my passion," shared Randy White ’16.

The show, produced by composer, orchestrator, and arranger Bill Brendle, who leads the Voices Now performance group of singers, featured significant contributions from the Music Department Head Kristin Herkstroeter, the Theatre and Dance Department Head Scott Feldsher, Choir Director Carrie Dietsch, and the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Life, Patricia Jackson. The event reached its emotional peak with a moving rendition of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" performed by a 125-person Viewpoint Community Choir, composed of both students and adults.

On Wednesday, December 13, The Dartmouth Subtleties A Cappella Group, featuring alumna Payton Schetter ’23, brought their aca-mazing talent to Viewpoint’s campus, delivering a pitch-perfect performance that would make the Barden Bellas proud.

“I did not realize how loved and how competitive college a cappella was until I got there and I was like, ‘Okay, so we're in Pitch Perfect. That's great.’,” said Schetter.  

Payton attributes her choice to pursue music in college to her involvement in the music programs offered at Viewpoint.

"From performing with the Viewpoint Choir to balancing both orchestra and concert choir, my musical journey has been diverse. However, my main form of singing has always been musical theater since the age of five,” said Schetter. “I've participated in all the Viewpoint shows, from 'Grease' to 'Cinderella' and every production since Sixth Grade. During my junior and senior years, I joined Voices Now, which added another dimension to my musical experience."

Payton's journey came full circle as she returned to her alma mater to showcase a diverse repertoire with The Subtleties. The performance featured their unique take on "Toxic" by Britney Spears, a Taylor Swift mashup of "Cardigan," and several holiday tunes to capture the spirit of the season.

“What's really cool about my group is that we write all of our own compositions. So all the songs that you'll be hearing are composed and arranged by members or previous members,” added Schetter.

Following the performance, Payton and the other members of The Subtleties engaged in a Q&A session with Upper School students. They discussed topics such as college life, managing academics with extracurricular activities, and the process of joining an a cappella group on campus.

"I rehearse three times a week, each session lasting two hours, totaling six hours a week spent with these amazing people," shared Schetter. "The atmosphere is just lovely. We chat for a bit, then dive into a warm-up before singing our songs. It's an incredibly welcoming environment, and it's something I always look forward to."

The Dartmouth Subtleties will continue their Winter Tour 2023 through December 18, featuring performances at different events in the Bay Area. To learn more about The Subtleties, you can visit their website here.

Six outstanding films created by Viewpoint film students were showcased at the renowned All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF), with two of them receiving prestigious awards. The event, which took place from October 20-22 at the AMC 25 in Times Square, New York City, is recognized as the world's largest high school film festival. The festival featured a selection of 700+ films out of 2,500 submissions, with only 200 films nominated for various awards. 

Viewpoint’s filmmakers earned the honor of having six of their films highlighted at the festival, with two of them taking home awards and three of them securing award nominations, including:

• Hardcore, written and directed by Madeleine Case ’22, received the “Female Rising Star Award.” The film was also nominated for several other categories, including “Best Screenplay,” “Best Cinematography,” and “Best Overall Film.”

• Brightside Academy, directed by Anabelle Corneau ’23, received the nomination and award for “Best Public Service Announcement.”

• Sole Searching, written and directed by Colette Samek ’22, also received the nomination for the “Female Rising Star Award.”

Three other Viewpoint films were also showcased at the notable event, including Leave a Voicemail written and directed by Merista Quetzál ’23, Morning written and directed by Alana Malingagio ’23, and Jackie written and directed by Sundiata Enuke ’24.

“Attending and winning two major awards at the largest high school festival in the world is a source of immense pride and validation,” said Monica Hoenig, Film Teacher at Viewpoint School. “It signifies the culmination of dedicated effort and creative growth within my students, and a testament to the guidance and mentorship my colleagues and myself have been able to provide for them.”

Established in 2012, the All-American High School Film Festival stands as the premiere destination for accomplished high school filmmakers and media arts enthusiasts from across the globe. While this marks the first year that Viewpoint students have secured multiple awards, numerous student films have been featured at the event since the department initiated its submissions in 2018. 

The Viewpoint Film Program empowers students to nurture their creativity, technical skills, and artistic voices, inspiring not only our community but also the wider world. All our productions are student-generated, emphasizing the value of the process and reflection as much as the final product. All of the films featured at the All American Film Festival can be found here.