Pinewood Scholars Program 2023-24 Q4 Newsletter

2023-24 Pinewood Scholars

Lacey Armistead, Jamie Burton, Jane Butler, Cole Chatterjee, Annabelle Eaton, Zach Galbraith, Katherine Garr, Ruby Hannely, Alakh Kapadia, Arnav Karandikar, Jake Kleiman, Elena Magliaro, Anika Nambisan, Violet Negrette, Vishesh Ranganathan, Leo Shang, Michael Shtrom, Christina Tanase, Koh Taradash, Avery Wilson, Kathleen Xie

Down the Magical Path

The PSP Celebration Dinner, hosted by Mrs. Gannon at her home, was a delightful celebration of the students' project achievements throughout the academic year. The evening started with casual conversations over cheese and crackers, providing a comfortable atmosphere for students and parents to mingle. As the night progressed, participants were grouped into sets of eight, comprising four students and four parents, to examine and discuss the students’ mission-driven projects closely. This setup allowed for deep and meaningful exchanges about student work and their vision.

Following the project discussions, everyone enjoyed an Italian dinner together, further fostering community bonding. The highlight of the evening came when Mrs. Gannon invited the students to gather down the "magical path" for a "gratitude share," where students publicly shared their appreciation for Pinewood, their community, and their parents. The event, full of heartfelt appreciation and community spirit, underscored Pinewood’s supportive environment, making the evening memorable.

The PSP Celebration Dinner at Mrs. Gannon's home honored students' project achievements with engaging discussions, a delicious Italian dinner, and heartfelt gratitude shares. The evening fostered community bonding and highlighted Pinewood's supportive environment.

Spring Recap

Take a look at what our PSP students were up to during spring semester!

PSP Showcase

The PSP Showcase was a vibrant event where students proudly presented their projects to the school community. Each student was assigned a room and given 12 minutes to share their work with a small group of peers, offering an in-depth look into their project journeys. This setting allowed for an engaging and interactive experience where teachers and students could learn about the diverse projects undertaken, ask insightful questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for each student's efforts and accomplishments. The showcase fostered a collaborative learning environment, celebrating creativity and hard work.

In preparation for the event, students utilized an AI tool called Yoodli, which provided valuable feedback on their presentation skills, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness.

Curriculum Update

What have we been up to?

We don’t just work on our projects in class; the projects are only a piece of what we learn. This quarter, students actively researched and pitched ideas for field trips, culminating in a class vote that selected Ada's Cafe and Right on Refillery as our destinations for quick trips during the class block. Additionally, students honed their networking skills using the Yoodli AI program, which simulated sharing their project journeys with parents and answering challenging questions, providing a practical and engaging experience. We also delved into the empathy and observation stages of design thinking by reading case studies and applying these skills to create solutions for campus problems, such as a new system for storing and sharing lost and found items. And, of course, we have a ton of fun! Community Time is built into every week for the kids to bond and laugh!

Scholar Spotlights

Arnav Karandinar

Arnav, a dedicated PSP student with a passion for music and coding, has successfully merged his interests to create an innovative app, Chime, now available in beta on the Apple Store. After extensive brainstorming and collaboration with music therapists, Arnav developed an app to connect therapists with individuals seeking music therapy. His dedication to meeting with professionals in the field and meticulously working on the app's development has resulted in a platform that promises to significantly impact many lives, demonstrating both his technical skills and commitment to therapeutic arts.

Lacey Armistead

Lacey, a passionate PSP student, brilliantly fused her love for STEM and her family's history with farmworkers to develop Bright Start, an innovative educational project. Drawing inspiration from her grandfather's work on a pineapple farm, she created engaging STEM lessons tailored for farmworker families. These lessons, designed to be taken home and explored collaboratively, provided valuable knowledge and fostered a shared learning experience among family members. Through Bright Start, Lacey empowered farmworker families with the tools to explore science, technology, engineering, and math, honoring her heritage while making a meaningful impact in her community.

Grant Awards

What have the Scholars done with the money?
Left: A page from Katherine Garr's book of senior citizens' stories. Right: Ruby Hannelly holding marketing materials for her Preloved Prom event, where she handed out gently-used prom dresses.

PSP students have utilized the Pathway Grant program, which offers up to $300 for their projects, in various impactful ways. Approximately half of the class applied for the grant, although some found alternative solutions and didn't require the funds. Those who benefited from the grant appreciated having financial support for their initiatives and practice applying for a grant. For instance, Anika Nambisan used the grant to print a graphic novel she created for Chest of Hope, an organization supporting domestic violence victims, to help educate young teens on recognizing unhealthy relationships. Katherine Garr used the money to create books to capture the stories of senior citizens in the community, and Ruby Hannelly purchased marketing materials for her Preloved Prom event, where she handed out gently-used prom dresses.

Guest Speakers

Jim Ellis, Founder of Asurian and Professor at Stanford GSB

The PSP juniors welcomed a distinguished guest, Mr. Jim Ellis, founder of Asurian and a respected professor at Stanford’s business school. Mr. Ellis shared his extensive knowledge and experience in creating successful business plans.

During his presentation, Mr. Ellis discussed vital elements necessary for a robust business plan, such as clear objectives, understanding the market, and the importance of innovation. He also illustrated his points with various intriguing business cases that captivated our students and gave them a practical view of the theories discussed. This presentation was informative and inspiring for our students, sparking their interest in entrepreneurship and business management.

Josh Makower

The PSP juniors enjoyed meeting Dr. Josh Makower, a distinguished healthcare entrepreneur and the father of recent Pinewood graduate Joey Makower ('24). Dr. Makower's journey, beginning as a music major and progressing to earning an engineering degree, then through medical and business school, provides an exceptional example of how varied academic interests can creatively converge to address complex challenges in healthcare innovation.

During his visit, Dr. Makower discussed the importance of design thinking in developing medical technologies that effectively meet the needs of patients, doctors, and insurance companies. He emphasized how each step of the design process—empathizing with users, defining problems, ideating, prototyping, and testing—is crucial in creating innovative and practical products. His approach illustrates the detailed thought and effort required to bring a new medical product to market.

Additionally, Dr. Makower introduced our students to the complexities of the patent process, which protects these innovations and supports the entrepreneurs behind them. This discussion was particularly engaging for the students, sparking curiosity about how inventions are legally and commercially brought to life.

Kim Wetzel

Kim Wetzel, seasoned reporter in a previous lifetime and current Pinewood teacher and parent, brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to our PSP class as she delved into the intricacies of crafting compelling press releases. She guided us on the art of succinctly conveying our achievements to both local and national media. The students learned how to share their stories of purpose and innovation to inspire others to embark on mission-driven endeavors. Through her insights and expertise, she empowered us to harness the power of storytelling to catalyze positive change and spark widespread interest in our initiatives.

Rob Meinhardt

Accomplished entrepreneur Rob Meinhardt shared his invaluable insights about being an entrepreneur with our PSP class. He imparted lessons from his journey of starting, growing, and selling companies. Through his talk, the students discovered the significance of taking risks in entrepreneurial endeavors and the myriad benefits that come with them. Rob Meinhardt's visit motivated and inspired the students to consider the possibilities of venturing into their entrepreneurial paths.

PSP Trips

PSP Senior Trip to Nirvana Soul

During an educational field trip to the vibrant Nirvana Soul coffee shop, our PSP students had the unique opportunity to meet with the company's founder, Jeronica Macey. They listened, cups of artisan coffee in hand, as she delved into the company's commitment to ethical practices, particularly in sourcing their coffee beans. She explained that Nirvana Soul prioritizes sustainable and fair-trade farms, ensuring their coffee tastes good while supporting fair wages and humane working conditions. This approach struck a chord with the students, showcasing how ethical considerations in sourcing can positively impact global communities.

The discussion then shifted to the founder’s innovative business operations and marketing approaches. She described her inclusive hiring practices that prioritize diversity, creating a rich workplace culture that reflects the community around the coffee shop. Moreover, she shared insights into Nirvana Soul's unique marketing strategies, which focus heavily on community engagement rather than traditional advertising. The founder emphasized how hosting local events and leveraging social media have helped build a loyal customer base and turn the coffee shop into a local gathering spot.

The founder's narrative concluded with a personal touch, sharing her inspiration for starting Nirvana Soul to create a sense of community and connection through her local coffee shop. The students left inspired by the powerful lesson on how a passion can transform into a business that values people and the planet.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A was the first trip the students researched and planned themselves. We met with Lenora Heuchert, the franchise’s HR and Marketing/Community Relations Director. The visit was an enlightening experience, aiming to bridge the gap between business practices and community engagement.

During the meet-up, Lenora Heuchert spoke passionately about Chick-fil-A's mission to nurture the communities they serve. She detailed their various initiatives, including grants and community activities, illustrating how the company endeavors to support local projects and organizations. This direct connection between their business operations and community support reflects Chick-fil-A's commitment to making a positive impact.

Lenora also addressed some of the pressing concerns surrounding the company in recent news. In addition to the informative session, the students were treated to snacks, making the meeting educational and enjoyable. This gathering allowed the students to learn about the intersection of business and community support, opening up a dialogue about the difference between a privately held company and a public one. The students left with a better understanding of how a major brand like Chick-fil-A operates within and contributes to its community, along with insights into the complexities of managing public perception and corporate responsibilities.

Ada's Cafe

Our junior PSP trip to Ada's Cafe in Palo Alto was an enriching and memorable experience for the students. At the cafe, we met Kathleen and her son, Charlie, who manage this unique and heartwarming establishment. Ada's Cafe stands out for providing meaningful employment opportunities and a supportive community for individuals with disabilities, fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment.

During our visit, the students observed the cafe’s operations and learned about its positive impact on the lives of its employees and the broader community. They also met various staff members, including those who handle dishwashing and create beautiful artwork for sale. This visit offered valuable insight into how a business can successfully integrate social responsibility into its mission, making a significant difference in the community.

Right On! Refillery in Los Altos

Inspired by Christina’s sustainability project, the PSP juniors voted to visit Right On! Refillery for their April field trip. At this innovative low-waste lifestyle store and bulk refill center, they met with Emily Ting, the visionary owner dedicated to combating the overuse of single-use plastics. Emily's shop represents a tangible stride towards sustainability, offering various eco-friendly products and encouraging the community to reduce their environmental footprint.

During the visit, Emily shared her passionate journey of sourcing materials for her shop. She emphasized her commitment to transparency and sustainability, explaining that she partners with suppliers prioritizing ethical production methods and organic materials. The students learned about the challenges of maintaining a supply chain that meets strict sustainability criteria, including verifying the origins of materials and ensuring that production processes are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

The visit proved to be an eye-opening experience for the students, deepening their understanding of the complexities of running a business focused on sustainability. Emily's dedication and innovative approach left a lasting impression, inspiring the students to think creatively about contributing to a greener future in their personal lives and broader communities.

PSP students meet with the owners of Tal Palo in Los Altos.

Tal Palo

During a visit to Tal Palo in Los Altos, the senior PSP students had the opportunity to meet with the owners of this beloved community hub. The visit provided an in-depth look at how Tal Palo contributes to the local community through its commitment to sustainability, cultural enrichment, and local sourcing. The owners shared their passion for creating a welcoming space offering high-quality products and fostering community connections through events and collaborations with local artists and artisans. This experience highlighted the impactful role small businesses play in enhancing their communities' vibrancy and cohesiveness.

PSP Award: Anika Nambisan

A page from Anika's graphic novel for Chest of Hope.

After hours of cold calling and writing many emails to local organizations, Anika discovered two non-profits that wanted her help. Instead of letting one down, she took on both of them and excelled! Anika’s secret weapon is her love for design thinking, which she has seamlessly applied to her projects, demonstrating creativity, strategic thinking, and a keen ability to solve problems in novel ways. Her work is a testament to the power of imagination and thoughtful design. Anika created a graphic novel for Chest of Hope about navigating dangerous dating habits and a light structure for SAVE to inspire hope in the visitors who come to this organization.

Interested in Joining PSP?

The Pinewood Scholars Program (PSP) is our signature initiative for juniors and seniors focused on social entrepreneurship. It spans one and a half years, equipping students with the skills to become socially responsible entrepreneurs.

Junior Year: Focuses on understanding social entrepreneurship and its impact, and an introduction to design thinking.

Senior Year (First Semester): Delves into more complex topics like ethical considerations and inclusive business practices, building on the junior year experience.

Want to Know More?

Explore our past newsletters to get a feel for program experiences, speakers, and projects • Follow our latest adventures on Instagram!

Questions about the program? Have a fabulous speaker to recommend, or an impactful organization that our class should visit? Please contact Michelle Gannon at mgannon@pinewood.edu.