Hart of the Matter: Four Graduating Seniors on Opportunity, Pathways, and Next Steps

Superintendent Mike Vierra hosts the Hart District’s second “Hart of the Matter” podcast featuring four graduating seniors from Canyon, Valencia, Castaic, and Saugus high schools—Josh Ighodaro, Kaela Martinez, Pedroangel Castaneda, and Makea Leonard—who share their backgrounds, favorite Hart District experiences, challenges, and future plans. Josh discusses theater roles and heading to Columbia University to study drama; Kaela highlights Valencia’s Medical Science Academy, HOSA, Future Health Professionals leadership as California State Parliamentarian, and attending Seton Hall’s 3+3 biology/physician assistant program; Pedroangel describes STEM research opportunities, including work connected to College of the Canyons and the University of Chicago, and plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Makea reflects on soccer and committing to the University of Oregon. They credit supportive teachers, CTE pathways, athletics, and research programs, and they share ideas for communicating all the opportunities available to students in the Hart District.00:00 Podcast Intro00:31 Host Welcome01:18 District Highlights02:05 Meet The Seniors03:19 Josh - Canyon Theater04:02 Kaela - Valencia Medical Science Academy05:50 Pedroangel - Castaic, STEM opportunities07:37 Makea -  Saugus Soccer08:13 College Plans Ahead10:40 How Hart District Schools Prepared Them For Their Futures17:22 Favorite Memories22:04 Challenges And Advice24:58 Be Your Own Fan25:53 High School Drama Perspective26:59 Hart District Highlights30:47 How To Improve Support32:39 Better Student Communication33:42 SAT Prep And College Readiness34:39 Parting Advice For Everyone38:03 Rapid Fire Favorites42:25 Opportunity Ready Mindset43:46 Shoutouts And Final ThanksRecorded at The Signal StudioMore information at hartdistrict.orgFollow us:Instagram @hartdistrictFacebook @WSHUHSDYouTube @hartschooldistrict