Student Endeavors

Brooke Colletti, Dancer

12th grade; home town: Ravena, New York

I am a dancer and I currently train in Louisiana at Tokyo the Academy. I train in contemporary, tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop. I want to be a commercial dancer. I train about 36 hours every week. I travel every weekend and all around the United States. I want to be a professional dancer when I grow up!

Solimar Academy helps me be able to pursue my interest for many reasons. One reason is that I’m able to do what I love and still get an amazing education. Another thing is that Solimar Academy is really geared towards you and your learning style.

What would you like people to know about you?
I am very dedicated and passionate about having a really great education while being able to still do what I love.
What would you like to say to other students to encourage them in their pursuits?
I would say you need to be really hard working and willing to work more than the average teenager.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to move to Los Angeles and be a professional dancer.

Here is a sample of my work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9VKU33IwN8

Ksenia Goel, Filmmaker

I created my own Youtube Channel at the age of 9. I produce, film and edit my own videos. Solimar Academy allows me to be free to do what interests me the most, which is art, sewing, knitting, crafts and science. I like sewing doll clothes, knitting, and creating miniature items for my dolls. A lot of things I do with science projects I figure out how to relate to my dolls and doll house. You can see some of these things on my Youtube Channel.

Anika Goel, Gymnast

I’m a Level 7 competitive gymnast at TRC South in San Diego.
Solimar Academy allows me to focus on learning what I am interested in, not feel rushed and not have to miss gymnastics practice because of homework, tests or feeling overwhelmed with school. I have an interest in math and science and enjoy working at my own pace.

Drew Engle, Tennis Champion

Congratulations to 12th grader David (Drew) Engel, winner of the Boys’ Class 4A Tennis Championship, Individual Singles Competition!

Amanda Smith, Online Business

9th grader Amanda started her business, Amanda’s Grotto, on Etsy.com, a year ago when she was in 8th grade. Amanda makes beautiful, unique hair accessories, necklaces, and rings. Here is one testimonial Amanda received: “I had no idea you are only 14! You’re so creative and a young entrepreneur… congrats!” She is now also selling her creations to a retail store in Ventura called Sea Things. Visit Amanda’s online shop:

etsy.com/shop/AmandasGrotto

You can also Like her page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandasGrotto

Max States, Pepperdine Volleyball Team

Graduate Max States has been accepted to Pepperdine University and the Pepperdine Men’s Volleyball team. Max’s first action as a collegiate athlete was an ACE. Congratulations, Max!

Amelia Steeger, U.S. Figure Skating Award

12th grader Amelia Steeger was informed in May 2013 that she would be receiving the U.S. Figure Skating Graduating Senior Program Gold Level Award.

Graduating Seniors Award Program

Alec Loorz, Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award

Former student, Alec Loorz, 18,  received the inaugural Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award on January 10, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia, honoring his work as founder of Kids vs. Global Warming. Alec began his environmental work at age 12. Currently he attends Quest University in British Columbia.

Alec’s award speech: http://vimeo.com/58147491

Ventura County Star article: about Alec and his many accomplishments

Chandler Frantz, TED Talks

10th grader Chandler applied to TED Youth Talks and is one of 400 accepted applicants.

Katie Spritle
Kristen Spittle, Lyric Video

10th grader Kristen is learning how to create lyric videos, using Adobe After Effects and other programs. Her career interest is Digital Multimedia Technology.

See a sample of her work here: https://vimeo.com/66198015

Chandler Frantz, attended Cannes Film Festival

Chandler Frantz, student of Solimar Academy and actor, attending the 65th annual (2012) Cannes Film Festival in support of his new movie, “Moonrise Kingdom” in which he has a co-starring role playing “Gadge”.

Zoe Periale, Disney Design Award

The winning house design was selected by DisneyToon Studios filmmakers, currently working on the upcoming “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue,”…

Read more about her award

Amelia Steeger, Gold Award Project

Cranes for Change is a Girl Scout Gold Award project which is to establish an environmental awareness and action group for kids…