Aug 7, 2026 | Programs, Scholarships, VOLT
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates hosted a luncheon to celebrate the graduating class of the Vocational and Occupational Learning in Technology (VOLT) program. The event took place at Ladera Linda Community Park in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Six students were recognized and received certificates of completion, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates, and Los Angeles County.
The program is a joint effort of the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates and the Palos Verdes on the Net Technology Center.
Special guests in attendance included Jennifer LaMarque, Field Deputy for Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn; Yuki Baltazar, Branch Manager, PV Center; and Geralyn Gregg, Branch Manager, San Pedro, both representing U.S. Bank. Supervisor Hahn, U.S. Bank, along with EDCO, are major sponsors of the program.
The program began with opening remarks by Kiwanis Club President Patrick Stednitz, followed by Susan Brooks, Scholarship Chairperson.
During the certificate presentations, Ted Vegvari, President of PVNet, presented an overview of the Technology Center. He was followed by Yuichi Kurino, VOLT instructor, who spoke about the program and what the students accomplished.
The VOLT program introduced students to the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and provided 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.
Miguel Sarmiento
Liam Matthews
Levi Pickar
Jorge Godoy
Annaliza Astafford
Andrew Pocasangre
The certificates were presented by Susan Brooks Scholarship Chairperson on the left and Jennifer LaMarque, Field Deputy for Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn.
Susan Brooks Scholarship Chairperson
Certificate Parents accepting for Miguel Saniento
Certificate Levi Sterling Pickar Receiving
Certificate Jorge Godoy Receiving
Certificate Instructor Yuichi Kurino accepting for Liam Mathews
Certificate Annaliza Celeste Stafford Receiving
Certificate Andrew Pocasangre Receiving (1)
Certificates all Students
Presenting Yuichi Kurino for Liam Mathews Project
Presenting Levi Sterling Pickar Project
Presenting Andrew Pocasangre Project
Students in Class
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)
Steve Makshanoff
Steve Makshanoff
Pete Settelmayer
Pete Settelmayer
Shelley Rygg PVNET
Shelley Rygg PVNET
Crystal Miramontes B&G Club
Crystal Miramontes B&G Club
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
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
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.
Dec 23, 2024 | Programs, Scholarships
Check back after the new year for 2025 scholarship applications.
Feb 5, 2024 | Programs, Scholarships
The Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates is pleased of offer scholarships of $1,000 or more to deserving students from our local South Bay area who reside in cities or attend a school where there is no activet Kiwanis Program. This is done to prevent duplication of awards for the same student. The scholarship monies are allocated by the Club based upon the proceeds from donations and fund-raising activities.
Applications are now available for the 2024 Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates Scholarships.
Deadline to submit is April 15, 2024. All details and requirements are included on the application form.
Download the 2024 KHRE Scholarship application here.
Jun 15, 2023 | News, Photos, Programs, Scholarships
The 2023 Scholarship Luncheon was held at the Los Verdes Golf Course on June 11th. Twenty four deserving graduating seniors were given each a $1,000 Scholarship Award.
The students came from six local high schools, Peninsula, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Port of Los Angeles, Banning, California Academy of Math and Science, and the Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy. The students were selected for not only their scholastic record but for their community service and career objectives. The Key note speaker was Susan Brooks, past mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes.
2023 Kiwanis Club of RHE Scholars
2023 Kiwanis Scholarship Program
