Head of 2012 Anthology Team
Reigan Alcaria is a seventeen-year old and incoming Senior at Sierra High School. He recently joined the Great Valley Writing Project as a student coach for the Woodward site and also a student coach for the Goodwin site. He really enjoys helping these young students in their writing and teaching them basic computer skills. Reigan hopes to return as a student coach next year. He runs track and cross-country for his school. His favorite singer is Jeff Bernat. His top three TV shows: One Piece, Gurren Lagann, The Legend of Korra.
Administrative Assistant
Emmanuel Elijah is seventeen and about to enter his Senior year at Sierra High School. He has recently joined the Great Valley Writing project team as a coach for Woodward Elementary School and also a coach at Goodwin School. His main job is to work on Microsoft Excel and updates all the databases and make sure we are up to date on everything. He plays basketball for the Undefeated VOL-Champions, Sierra High School. He is a strong addition to the team, and he hopes to be back next year. He likes the color blue. His favorite food is Shrimp Linguini Alfredo.
Audio/Visual Manager
Jonah Ledesma is a pretty cool guy who isn't afraid of anything. At the workshop, he served as Audio Manager and Technology Mentor. Jonah first attended the workshop as a sixth grade student. He enjoys music, acting, and writing. He is 17 years old and will be starting his senior year at East Union High. He aspires and is training to become a rock musician (that is, a rock star!) He played Rolf in The Sound of Music, Jimmy in Almost, Maine, and Mr. Ernest Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest. He is inspired by donuts.
4th-6th Grade Anthology Editor
Noah Ledesma is an incoming sophomore and currently attending East Union High School. served as the Head 4-6th grade Anthology Editor, Technology Consultant, Lead Computer Lab Assistant, and Junior Photography Assistant for the Great Valley Writing Project here in Manteca. He attended this program with his brother when he was in 5th grade and really enjoyed it. When his brother started working there as a Writing Coach a few years ago, he though it would be a fun learning experience and decided to join himself. In his free time he enjoys drawing, writing, playing video games, and working with computers.
K-3 Anthology Editor
Kyna McClenaghan is going to be a senior at Modesto High School next year. This is her first time working as a coach with the Great Valley Writing Project. This year Kyna worked as the K-3 Anthology editor, compiling and editing student work. She learned a lot from her experience at the Writing and Technology Workshop at Goodwin. Kyna is involved in Academic Decathlon at school and in her Church youth group. She enjoys spending time with her friends and watching TV shows.
Senior Web Manager & Supervisor
Miguel Munoz is going to be a Senior at Tracy High School and this will be his third year as a coach. He has been part of the GVWP Writing and Technology Workshop since 2006, first as a student, then working his way up to senior coach. This year he manages the website (with his bestie Vannida). He participates in a year-round swim team and plays water polo for Tracy High. His hobbies include reading books, listening to music, and watching movies.
Head Coach & Training Supervisor
Vannida Nguyen is going to be a Senior at Sierra High School and this is her fourth year as a coach. She has been involved with the Great Valley Writing Program since she was in fifth grade. She has taken positions such as Administrative Assistant, Anthology Editor, and Senior Web Manager in her years as a coach. She enjoys playing tennis, running track, spending time with friends (such as her bestie Miguel), and staying busy. Her favorite TV shows include America's Best Dance Crew, Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Say Yes to the Dress, and The Legend of Korra. She loves Vietnamese and Italian food.
Videographer & Video Editor
Joaquin Rodriguez is an incoming Junior at East Union High school. On his free time he enjoys playing soccer and golf. He also likes drawing and spending time with friends. He first got involved in the GVWP workshops his 7th grade summer. He then continued the workshop until freshman year. He first became a Junior coach when Mrs. King saw potential in one of the video projects he was asked to make. His job this year was to create a movie advertising the program. He really enjoyed this year and is looking forward to coming back next year!
Photographer & Photo Manager
Joanna Steele is going to be a Senior at Keyes To Learning Charter School. In 2011, she attended the workshop as a student and assisted as a volunteer photographer. This is her first year as a full-time coach. She served as head photographer and Photography Manager. She enjoys hiking up at Pinecrest, and playing volleyball. She and Anika Williams
K-3 Publication Editor
Jessica Watkins is going to be a sophomore at Johansen High school in Modesto. She first discovered the program through her mother, who is a third grade teacher. After participating as a student for one year, Mrs. King decided Jessica had the skills necessary to become a junior coach. This year Jessica assisted in the production of the "Heart Map" anthology, and she worked solo to create the K-3 "Animals" anthology using iPhoto and iBook software. She enjoys playing soccer, scrabble, and swimming. She is involved with many extracurricular activities, including Key Club and the California Scholarship Federation.
K-3 Photographer and Publication Editor
Anika Williams is going to be a junior at Manteca High School. She has been involved with the GVWP Writing and Technology Workshop for four years, two years as a student and two years as a coach. Because of her experience with the program, she assisted with a variety of tasks that helped to keep the program running smoothly. She worked with Byron Herrmann to photograph and compile the "Giraffes CAN Dance!" anthology. In her free time, Anika enjoys playing soccer and listening to country music. She loves the color pink. Her favorite animal is an owl.
Junior Coach and Assistant Photographer
Emily Felt is going to be a freshman at Sierra High. This is her first year helping with the Great Valley Writing program. She worked as assistant photographer and wants to continue coaching through high school. She enjoys writing and working with computers a lot. Emily’s mottos are “Be Strong” and “Smile, Even if you look ridiculous.” In her spare time she likes reading almost anything she can get her hands on, dancing, crocheting flowers, and running. Her favorite animal is a Liger
Junior Coach
Byron Herrman is entering 9th grade at Durham FerryHigh School. He has been involved with the Great Valley Writing Project as a student since 2010. He was introduced to Mrs. King through Jerry and Nicky Schossow, who taught him various computer techniques that have helped him to stand out as a Junior coach. He assisted Jonah Ledesma in A/V production, and he worked with Anika Williams to produce the "Giraffes CAN Dance!" anthology for K-3 students. Byron is an avid skateboarder.