2025 VOLT Scholarship Luncheon

Aug 2, 2025 | News, Photos, Programs, Scholarships, VOLT

On July 28, 2025, the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates hosted a luncheon to celebrate the first graduating class of the Vocational and Occupational Learning in Technology (VOLT) program. The event took place at the Los Verdes Golf & Country Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Eight students were recognized and received certificates of completion, presented by the Kiwanis, Palos Verdes on the Net and Los Angeles County.

The program is the joint effort of the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes on the Net and the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor.

Special guests in attendance included Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Scott Houston, Treasurer and Board Member of the West Basin Water District. Pete Settelmayer, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor, was also present to show his support.

The program began with opening remarks by Kiwanis Club President Steve Makshanoff, followed by Susan Brooks, Scholarship Chairperson.

The VOLT program introduced students to the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and hands-on training with 3D printers. As a demonstration of their new skills, each student designed and produced a project that was proudly displayed during the luncheon.

(Photos by Erica Meng, PVNet)

Awards Table

Awards Table

Awards Table

Certificates

Certificates

Certificates

Steve Makshanoff

Steve Makshanoff

Steve Makshanoff

Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Janice Hahn

Janice Hahn

Janice Hahn

Pete Settelmayer

Pete Settelmayer

Pete Settelmayer

Shelley Rygg PVNET

Shelley Rygg PVNET

Shelley Rygg PVNET

Crystal Miramontes B&G Club

Crystal Miramontes B&G Club

Crystal Miramontes B&G Club

Herb Stark VOLT Program Director

Herb Stark VOLT Program Leader

Herb Stark VOLT Program Director

Laurie Younggren, Steve Makshanoff & wife

Students receiving the certificates of completion were as follows:
(Presenters Janice Hahn, Susan Brooks & Steve Makshanoff)

Kayla Burt Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts

Jessie Coatreras Phineas Banning High

Luis Duroin Phineas Banning High

Jonathan Gonzalez San Pedro High

Jonathan Gonzalez

Omar Gutierrez Narbonne High

Lluviastar Hernandez West LA College

Jonathan Paredes Narbonne High

Michael Sanchez Phineas Banning High

Student Group with PVNet instructor Yuichi Kurino

Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates offers new Vocational Scholarship Program with Boys and Girls club for Computer Aid Design (CAD) at PV on the Net

Jul 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

The Vocational and Occupational Learning in Technology Program (VOLT) got off to a great start on June 19th with nine students participating in the program. Seven of the students were from the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor. The program was conducted at the Palos Verdes on the Net facility in the City of Rolling Hills Estates.

Feedback from the students was very positive. The B&G Club will loan each B&G club student a laptop so they can download the software and be able to work on their projects at home.

2025 VOLT Program

May 13, 2025 | News, Programs, Scholarships

The Kiwanis of Rolling Hills Estates has added a vocational element to their Scholarship program.  The Vocational and Occupational Learning in Technology (VOLT) pilot program is a hands-on STEM training initiative for high school graduates not planning to attend college.

The focus of the program is learning the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), used in engineering and 3D printing.  In the VOLT program the students will learn to design and print 3D models using advanced printers.  Upon completion of the program the students will receive a Certificate demonstrating successful completion of the course.  By bridging education and employment, VOLT provides students with a direct path to careers in high-tech manufacturing.

The class, which is open to 12th grade high school students, will be held locally at the Advanced Technology Education & Research Center in Rolling Hills Estates starting on June 16, 2025.  Enrollment ends on May 21th.  Those interested in the program need to fill out the attached application 2025 VOLT Application.

For more information on the program visit the YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/mcYOxbF4BVc.

2024 Annual Children’s Christmas Party

Dec 23, 2024 | Boys & Girls Club, News, Photos, Programs

On Saturday, December 14th, the Kiwanis Club hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Volunteers of America facility in Harbor City. The event brought holiday joy to forty underserved children from local elementary schools, providing them with a memorable and uplifting experience.

The festivities began with a creative session where the children enthusiastically crafted personalized Christmas ornaments. Joan Davidson, a dedicated Kiwanis member, guided the activity and took a moment to emphasize a heartwarming lesson. She explained that the ornaments were not just for the children to keep but also a token of appreciation to give back in celebration of the joy and gifts they were about to receive. Members of the Kiwanis Club, alongside energetic high school students from the Key Club, supported the children throughout the activity, ensuring it was both meaningful and enjoyable.

Following the crafting session, the children were treated to a festive meal featuring a delightful spread of pizza and fried chicken. The room buzzed with excitement as the young participants enjoyed their feast, eagerly awaiting the highlight of the day: Santa’s grand entrance.

The joyous moment arrived with the sound of bells and a resounding “Ho, ho, ho!” as Santa Claus entered the room. The children’s faces lit up with wonder and excitement as Santa distributed carefully chosen gifts tailored to bring smiles to each child. Playing the role of Santa was none other than Steve Makshanoff, president of the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates. Donning the iconic red suit, Santa Steve brought warmth, cheer, and laughter, making the occasion even more magical.

This was not just a simple gift-giving event. In a thoughtful twist, Santa Steve engaged each child, asking them what they planned to do in return for their gift. The message was clear: the gifts symbolized more than holiday generosity—they were a reward, encouraging the children to reflect on how they could give back or pay the kindness forward.

The Kiwanis Club’s Children’s Christmas Party was a beautiful reminder of the holiday spirit, fostering joy, gratitude, and community. Through thoughtful activities and meaningful interactions, the event created cherished memories for the children and everyone involved.