Season 93 Graduating Seniors

Posted on June 22, 2017

Congratulations to all our graduating seniors!

PYP is proud of all of our more than three dozen graduating seniors. Thanks to those who shared their plans for next year with us.

Grant Thomas, PYP cello

Grant will be attending Westmont College to study cellular and molecular biology.

Grant has achieved 3rd place as a senior in district cross country race, 2nd place in fiction for ECHOES writing contest, 3rd place in state solo and ensemble as a part of the OES strings trio that included Alison Thomas and Ellie Chang, is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, and was chosen as an Augustinian Scholar at Westmont.

“PYP has provided me with the opportunity to play seriously in an orchestra with other peers who were both dedicated and motivated to their own music studies. Additionally, I have never had anywhere near as much fun playing music as I have in this organization. I remember playing in my first children’s concert with PYCO where we preformed the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Every so often I would glance up at the kids to see them all sitting on the edge of their seats, entranced by the puppeteers behind us and the music we were playing. PYP has taught me the value of working hard to achieve the impossible, as I could hardly play half my runs two weeks before that first children’s concert, but had them nailed the day of the show because of the extra hours I spent systematically fixing all of my errors. I am going to be playing in Westmont’s orchestra because I want to keep that feeling alive.”

Keep reading to hear about their college plans, accomplishments, fun facts, PYP experience, and more!

David Park, PYP violin

David will be attending Oregon State University to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

“PYP gave me something to look forward to every week and had helped me grow tremendously. I’ve made so many memories playing in rehearsals and concerts. There’s something magical about PYP that I’ll never forget.”

Leann Kim, PYP cello

Leann will be attending Willamette University.

“PYP has been a part of my life for five years now. It has changed the way I listen to music in the car, at home, and at symphony performances. This organization has helped me build my character and my music skills in more ways than one. I’ve learned the true definition of practice and dedication. I’ve made some of the closest friends at PYP over the past few years and I wouldn’t be who I am now without them. Five years ago, I complained about how my parents forced me to join, but now I’m glad they did. PYP has been an amazing experience and I know that as I continue to go through life, I’ll always remember the memories that I made in this organization.”

Nate Francis, PYP bass

Nate will be attending the San Francisco Conservatory to study Roots, Jazz, and American Music. They choose 15 kids to be a part of the inaugural year of this program, and he’s “honored to be a part.”

Nate is an avid Marlin fisher. He has been fishing for these beautiful fish since he was 7.

“PYP is important to me because it has given me an opportunity to perform music that I love at a very high level. This organization has provided me with a community of young people that set the bar as high as I hope to set it for myself. Being a part of the orchestra has taught me the value of communication.”

Daniel Tang, PYP violin

Daniel will be attending Rice University in Houston, TX. as a pre-med majoring in bioengineering.

Recently, he was selected as a finalist for the International Science and Engineering Fair in LA this May.

“PYP is important to me because it has provided me with the ideal setting to learn complex orchestral technique while allowing me to make music with other musicians around the Portland area.”

Sierra Ha, PYP harp

Sierra will be attending Stanford University, where she plans to study biology and music.

Sierra will graduate in June as the Associated Student Body President of Clackamas High School and valedictorian of her class.

“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to grow as a musician with such a talented group of people!”

Dana Lambert, PYP clarinet

Dana will be attending Whitworth University to major in Elementary Education.

“PYP has challenged me to really grow as a musician. It has given me the opportunity to perform amazing pieces and to make many great friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Hope Huang, PYP cello

Hope will be attending UC Berkeley to study civil engineering.

Besides playing the cello, Hope likes to play tennis. She is outgoing and very open to everyone.

“Throughout my high school years, PYP has played a vital role in shaping my personality. PYP has taught me to be open to everyone and passionate about what I love. I have been surrounded by the most hard-working and aspiring people over my three years in PYP. And I have made some of my best friends in this community. Even though I have to move onto my college journey, PYP will always have a special place in my heart.“

Savanah Campbell, PYP horn

Savanah will be attending University of Oregon School of Music.

She was awarded the University of Oregon School of Music Scholarship, a four-year full tuition scholarship.

Jason Kim, PYP viola

Jason will be attending Princeton University.

Jason was named a Coca-Cola Scholarship Semifinalist, and he received Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Besides music, Jason enjoys astronomy, programming, American Civil War history, and hikes.

“I think a testament to the profound impact of PYP is the fact that I still regularly listen to and hum pieces that I played over five years ago in PYCO. The pieces I played and time that I spent at PYP have made a distinct mark on my own life. At PYP, I learned lessons applicable to all areas of life, and met many inspiring and talented peers over the years.”

Abigail Taylor, PYP horn

Abigail will be attending Brigham Young University and plans to major in Pre-Med and Music.

Abigail was awarded the BYU School of Music Half Tuition Scholarship, Albert Kimbley Science Scholarship, Peter and Nancy Gyerko Science Scholarship, Luna Family of Arts Scholarship, N.E.M.C.C.A. / OBA scholarship, Dewey Dental Education Scholarship, Corbett School Board Scholarship, and the Corbett Superintendents Scholarship.

“PYP has given me amazing opportunities in the past four years and has further expanded my love for music. I will always be grateful for the knowledge and life skills I have gained in my experiences.”

Eirik Haugbro, PYCO bass

Eirik will be attending Western Washington University to study music education on a music scholarship.