School Spotlights

On May 29, Film IV students premiered their original films, Toothfairy Inc. and Troubled Glory, during Viewpoint's annual Film IV Symposium in the Carlson Family Theater. The evening included red carpet arrivals, screenings of the original student films, and a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers.

The Film IV Honors class operates as a full-fledged production company, where students collaborate throughout the year to create an original film. With Monica Hoenig serving as executive producer, students take on every aspect of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and editing to casting and production design, while working within a $1,500 budget.

“Film IV is a testament to the senior students' hard work where they hone not only their technical and creative skills, but also soft skills such as communication and leadership,” said Hoenig. “It is a very important aspect of preparing the students for the real world, no matter what field they end up working in.”

Written and directed by Jack Whigham ’26, a future Chapman University film student, Troubled Glory follows an up-and-coming boxer who discovers his girlfriend has been cheating on him with his own brother. Forced to face one another in the ring, the brothers turn a championship fight into a battle fueled by jealousy, betrayal, and broken trust.

“I've always had a special place in my heart for movies that were based around boxing and wanted to capture the pure drive of a fighter while telling the story through a real-world scenario,” said Whigham.

Written and directed by Max Zou ’26, Toothfairy Inc. tells the story of a burned-out insurance salesman who stumbles into a hidden network of real-world tooth fairies, where lost fragments of childhood are quietly collected and returned. As he takes on the job, he begins to rediscover wonder and what it means to be a father.

“As we approached adulthood and graduation, I wanted to write a piece that captures the childhood wonder and magic that can sometimes be forgotten,” said Zou. “I hope this film brings back memories and feelings from childhood.”

Congratulations to all of the students involved in bringing these original films to life.

Troubled Glory Crew

Writer & Director: Jack Whigham ’26
Producer: Luca Karapetian ’26
Executive Producer: Monica Hoenig
Director of Photography: Derek Kessler ’26
Production Design & Costume: Noah De Fanti ’26
Editor: Mac Ladin ’26
Lighting Design: Asher Oden ’26
Sound Design: Collin Steelberg ’26

Toothfairy Inc. Crew

Writer & Director: Max Zou ’26
Producer: Daphne Huffman ’26
Executive Producer: Monica Hoenig
Director of Photography: Grant Coelen ’26
Production Design & Costume: Luna Kuhn ’26 and Rachel Huang ’26
Main Editor: Wolfie Bikel ’26
Editing Assistant: Mac Ladin ’26
Sound Design: Hudson Stone ’26

On Friday, June 5, Viewpoint’s Eighth Grade students gathered with their proud families, friends, and faculty members on Ring Family Field for a Promotion Ceremony celebrating the completion of their Middle School journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Upper School. 

Presenting the Class of 2030, Head of Middle School Stephen Chan reflected on the growth, accomplishments, and experiences that defined students' Middle School years.

“The students before you have found their joy as learners, leaders, teammates, artists, and friends,” Chan said.

The ceremony began with remarks from Head of School Mark McKee, who spoke about this year's theme of Excellence and the qualities that will guide students in the years ahead.

“Excellence, as you know, is not about perfection. It's about growth, perseverance, curiosity, and the commitment to becoming the best version of oneself,” McKee said. “We honor your excellence, and we take delight in all that you are becoming.”

The ceremony also featured several performances by Viewpoint’s talented student musicians, including a rendition of “Mr. Blue Sky” by the Eighth Grade Concert Winds, “An Irish Farewell” by the Eighth Grade Orchestra, and “Unwritten” performed by the Eighth Grade Choir. 

Additionally, Class Historians Bella Abir, Devon Chang, Ely Horenstein, Lexi Jones-Becconsall, Evelyn Katersky, Sophie Kupper, Sienna Meehan, Kyle Onasch, Morgan Taylor, and Parsan Torabi presented the Class History, sharing reflections on the experiences and memories that shaped their Middle School years.

In her Eighth Grade Address, Chloe Abir highlighted the memories, friendships, and lessons that defined the Class of 2030’s Middle School experience. Looking ahead to Upper School, she reminded her classmates that their next chapter would be built on the foundation they created together over the past three years.

“Middle School wasn’t just something we finished,” Abir said. “It was something that shaped us.”

Congratulations to the Eighth Grade Class and best of luck as they begin their Upper School journey. The recording of the ceremony is now available for viewing here.

On Saturday, June 6, 117 members of the Viewpoint Class of 2026 crossed the stage on Ring Family Field, celebrating years of academic achievement, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Surrounded by proud families, friends, faculty, and staff, graduates reflected on their time in the canyon while looking ahead to the opportunities that await them.

Head of School Mark McKee opened the ceremony by reflecting on the Class of 2026's Upper School journey and encouraging graduates to embrace a life of service. Noting that each year of high school is centered around one of Viewpoint's core values, McKee shared that the Class of 2026's senior year was devoted to excellence, reminding graduates that "true excellence is service."

"To live in service to an idea greater than oneself will always fulfill you," McKee said.

Following McKee's remarks, Salutatorian Avi Shah '26 reflected on the relationships, chance encounters, and shared experiences that shaped the Class of 2026's journey. Drawing on a story about his grandfather's life-changing decision to remain in the United States after a chance conversation in a college dining hall, Shah explored the idea of the butterfly effect and the lasting impact people can have on one another's lives.

"So many things had to go exactly right for us to end up on this stage as the people we are, so be grateful for it," Shah shared.

The ceremony also featured several musical performances, including "Blue Mambo" by the Upper School Wind Ensemble, "Glorious" performed by the Upper School Concert Choir, and "Moon River" performed by Twelfth Grade String Students.

Continuing Viewpoint's tradition of welcoming distinguished members of the community to address graduates, the School welcomed alumnus Brenden Rodriquez '16, a Lieutenant Junior Grade and Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy, as the commencement speaker.

Introduced by Anniston Aragon '26, Rodriquez returned to campus ten years after graduating from Viewpoint to reflect on the lessons that have guided his journey since leaving the canyon. Drawing from his experiences in military service, he encouraged graduates to seek opportunities to serve others, remain adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges, and appreciate the small moments that make each stage of life meaningful.

"Find something you love, find something you're good at, and something that helps those around you, and put it to use to serve the greater good," Rodriquez said.

Later in the ceremony, Valedictorian Joseph Abdou '26 reflected on the importance of the everyday choices that shape life's larger journey.

"It is not the way that you begin that writes your story's conclusion. Instead, it is written by the 35,000 decisions that you'll make today, tomorrow, and the day after that," Abdou said.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas and the recognition of several outstanding members of the graduating class. Andrew Neville '26 received the Arthur B. O'Leary Award, Viewpoint's highest honor for a senior. Established in 1986 by the Board of Trustees, the award recognizes the student who best exemplifies the qualities Viewpoint strives to develop in its graduates, including service to others, academic accomplishment, positive spirit, and good character.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! As they depart Viewpoint and begin new journeys across the country and around the world, we wish them continued success and fulfillment in the years ahead. The recording of the ceremony is now available for viewing here.

From music and theater performances to visual art exhibitions, film screenings, and hands-on creative experiences, Viewpoint’s annual Arts Fest transformed campus into a vibrant celebration of artistic expression on Saturday, May 30.

Students, families, alumni, and community members gathered throughout the Middle and Upper School campus to experience the incredible range of artistic talent on display across all divisions. Held in conjunction with Alumni Day, this year’s Arts Fest welcomed a strong turnout of alumni, many of whom returned to reconnect with former classmates, teachers, and the arts programs that helped shape their Viewpoint experience.

One of the day’s most memorable moments took place during the Voices Now performance in the Ecolet. In a surprise tribute to the program’s legacy, current members of the ensemble invited “Voices Then” alumni in attendance to join them onstage for a heartfelt rendition of “Smile.”

Another beloved Arts Fest tradition took center stage in the Carlson Family Theater, where Viewpoint’s Primary and Lower School choirs joined Upper School choir students for a collaborative performance before a packed audience.

Throughout the day, visitors explored artwork created by students across all grade levels, attended screenings of student films and documentaries, enjoyed theater and dance performances, and participated in interactive experiences designed to inspire creativity. New additions this year included a collaborative all-school art installation at the Love of Learning Wall, custom button-making activities, and a live mural painting experience led by Middle School students.

“I am so excited about this year’s Arts Fest,” said Kristin Herkstroeter, Chair of the Music Department and organizer of the event. “The Arts continue to thrive at Viewpoint, and Arts Fest is a wonderful opportunity for our community to experience the breadth and vibrancy of our Arts Programs. It is a true celebration of our incredibly creative, talented, and hard-working students.”

By bringing together current students, alumni, families, and community members, Arts Fest 2026 showcased the lasting impact of the arts within the Viewpoint community.

When Moses Kimock ’29 was six years old, he watched gymnast John Orozco pursue his Olympic dream and thought, "I want to make it to the Olympics."

Years later, the Viewpoint freshman is taking a major step toward that goal.

Kimock recently competed at the USA Gymnastics Men's Development Program National Championships in Oklahoma, where he won the national title on rings and finished fifth in the all-around competition, earning a spot on the U.S. National Team.

"It was awesome," Kimock said. "I got to compete against people I've never competed against before and see a bunch of different skill levels."

For Kimock, the experience reinforced the importance of continuing to improve and challenge himself.

"Being the best in the region means nothing if you're not good enough to compete against everybody else in all the different regions," he said. "That really motivates me to get better and train harder."

Gymnastics has been a part of Kimock's life since he was three years old. What started as a way to channel his energy quickly became a passion. Today, he trains four hours a day after school before heading home to complete homework.

However, his journey has not been without challenges. Over the years, Kimock has battled multiple injuries, experiences that taught him the importance of listening to his body and prioritizing recovery.

"When I was younger, I would always push through pain," he said. "Once I started having bigger injuries, I realized I needed to take a step back. Recovery is more important than people think."

Despite the demands of balancing school, training, and recovery, Kimock remains focused on the dream that first inspired him to pursue gymnastics.

“My goal is to make it to the Olympic trials in 2028,” he said.

Looking ahead, Kimock hopes to continue his gymnastics career at the collegiate level. For now, his priority is staying healthy, continuing to improve, and making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.