As part of the Pegasus Environmental Sustainability program, social studies teacher Jim Conti developed a volunteer team of Pegasus students--the "Riverside Recyclers"--to recycle cans and bottle to help fund the student lunch program at our 20/20 partner school, The Riverside Academy in Kericho, Kenya. On February 15, Conti and the "Riverside Recyclers" (open to all grade levels) established their first Skype call with students at The Riverside Academy to give them a "tour" of Pegasus--a memorable journey in which all students were excited to experience! Students at Riverside had the opportunity to ask our students questions, as well as experience a little of our campus life. Earlier this school year, Pegasus sent Riverside a computer so that students could Skype with each other and enliven the educational relationship between all students, as well as provide Pegasus students with a sense of empathy and understanding about the school life in Kenya. Pegasus students view similarities with the Riverside students that they may never see otherwise. It is a wonderful opportunity to foster global connections and service that will make a difference in the lives of many.

Formerly, Pegasus partnered with Riverside Academy with a 20/20 project in 2007, a pen pal project in 2008, a fifth grade study of Africa in 2009, and an art exchange in 2010.

On February 4, several Pegasus middle school debaters received awards during the Orange County Debate League’s (OCDL) Winter Classic Debate Tournament, held at Fairmont Prep Academy in Anaheim. OCDL is a public, non-profit organization of debaters consisting of students and faculty from middle schools in and around Orange County. The league is a member of the Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP).

According to Ben Hughes, president of OCDL, the Winter Classic Debate Tournament was the largest and most competitive tournament held. There were nine private schools, 120 individual debaters, and forty teams in attendance at the tournament. There were over 500 spectators present. Competing schools included: The Pegasus School, Fairmont Edgewood/Anaheim Hills/Mable Schools, Heritage Oak Private, Serra Catholic, Beechwood Intermediate, The Hebrew Academy and Mission Hills Christian School.

In the School Award category, Pegasus placed first with 84% team wins. Awards were granted to the following teams and students:

• 1st place: Matin Eshaghi (Newport Beach), Alisa Bhakta (Irvine), Matt Aghaian (Huntington Beach)

• 3rd place: Collin Rogers (Corona Del Mar), Grant Dunlavey (Laguna Beach), Leah Phillips (Fountain Valley)

• 5th place: Olivia Jaber (Newport Beach), Ann Garth (Long Beach), Chris Ford (Newport Coast)

• 8th place: Cooper Hendrix (Newport Beach), Ellie Pietsch (Newport Coast), Ethan Dixon (Huntington Beach)

Four of the five Pegasus teams placed in the top ten. The other team included Katelyn Harvey, Isabelle Braun, and Cameron Hamidi.

Several Pegasus students placed in the Individual Award category:

• 1st place Golden Gaven Award (granted to the best speaker of the day): Ann Garth (this is her second consecutive Golden Gaven)

• 2nd place- Matt Aghaian

• 3rd place- Alisa Bhakta

• 13th place-Chris Ford

• 15th place-Matin Eshaghi

• 16th place-Olivia Jaber

• 20th place- Leah Phillips

• 21st place- Ellie Pietsch

Eight of the fifteen Pegasus debaters placed in the top 25, including the top three spots (for the second consecutive tournament).

Middle school social studies teacher and debate facilitator, Jim Conti, reflects: “It was an incredible performance. I’ve been a part of some cool stuff at Pegasus before, but I’ve never been more proud to be a part of Pegasus than I was on Saturday.”

A head judge trainer approached Conti and commented: “Well….Pegasus set a new standard for the league. I’ve never seen a better performance from a team.”

Our school is very proud of these students, and to their teacher, Mr. Conti. Congratulations to all!

Pegasus was selected to receive the Environmental Board’s Sustainable Schools Award, sponsored by Rainbow Environmental Services. The award of $500 was presented to Pam Conti, the Green Team, and the Green Committee on February 6 at Huntington Beach City Hall in the City Council Chambers.

Pegasus eighth graders Ann Garth and Alisa Bhakta assisted in writing the grant proposal. Pegasus parent and member of the City of Huntington Beach’s Environmental Board, Jeff Coffman, informed Mrs. Conti about the award opportunity.

The funds received will be used for installing “hydration stations” around the Pegasus campus in order to eliminate the amount of disposable water bottles being used.

“We’re thrilled we could award the money to Pegasus. I’ve followed some of the interesting things you and your students have done, particularly the beach waste characterization. Nothing is better for learning than hands-on activities that integrate different subjects.” ~ Sue Gordon, Vice President of Environmental Affairs and Public Affairs, Rainbow Environmental Services

Conti was also congratulated by Margaret Carlberg, the founding chair of the City of Huntington Beach's environmental board starting back in the 1970’s who knew Dr. Laura Hathaway. Carlberg teaches the garden program at Cornelia Connelly High School and serves on the education committee with the Amigos de Bolsa Chica.

Congratulations to all who contributed to assist Pegasus in receiving this special award!

On February 8, nine middle school students participated in the Pegasus Spelling Bee for a chance to compete in the Orange County Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE).

The following students competed:

1. Sam Nitz- First Place

2. Kinsale Hueston- Second

3. Patrick Aimone- Third

4. Lauren Fishman

5. Madeline Hebert

6. Ann Garth

7. Lauren Kochis

8. Billy Pavine

9. Anushka Bhaskar

Sam, Kinsale and Lauren will proceed to the Written Round of the Orange County Spelling Bee at the Orange County Department of Education in Costa Mesa on February 27. Since Patrick lives in Long Beach and is not an OC resident, Lauren, who placed fourth, will be competing in his place.

Winners from the Written Round will advance to the Oral/Final Round on March 3 for a chance to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., held in May.

Congratulations to all who participated in the Pegasus competition!