TPHS senior honored in national science competition

Dixie Wallerius EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derek Liu (12) was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar in early January for his project titled “Arrangements of Simplices in Fine Mixed Subdivisions.”

With approximately 1,800 applicants per year, Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. In January, the top 300 applicants were named scholars, including Liu, and on Jan. 24, 40 of them will be named finalists.

Liu’s researched a new theorem by utilizing specific tilings.

“My project concerned a class of specific tilings of tetrahedra using smaller tetrahedra, triangular prisms and skewed boxes,” Liu said. “From that, we analyzed the tilings of tetrahedrons with those shapes and proved a new theorem by taking a novel projection of a tetrahedron along one of its edges.”

Liu developed his project through the PRIMES USA Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science for High School Students -– a research program run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that pairs high school students with mentor students from MIT. Liu worked alongside Yannick Naunheim, a doctorate candidate at MIT.

“The research process consisted of weekly meetings where we discussed problems and potential approaches.” Liu said.

Having competed and placed in many other math competitions – like the International Math Olympiad and USA Math Olympiad – this one proved different for Liu as it was researchbased.

“Research is different because we

Derek Liu SENIOR

are trying to prove something that isn’t known yet – like you may be searching for something that simply doesn’t exist,” Liu said.

However, this is what draws Liu to math: the process of searching for solutions through experimentation.

“I would consider it an art,” Liu said. “It’s about taking ideas that you’ve learned before and then creating something you’ve never seen before –and that’s really what art is.”

Library to be built near Canyon Crest Academy

Jerry Wu ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After more than 15 years of planning and development, construction is underway for the $27.6 million Pacific Highlands Ranch Branch Library on Village Center Loop Road, estimated to be completed in 2024.

The project — within walking distance of Canyon Crest Academy — broke ground in July of 2022 as a part of San Diego’s 10-year plan to build 12 new libraries and expand 12 existing libraries in the city.

In addition to San Diego’s longstanding efforts to invest in libraries, Gov. Gavin Newsom set aside $439 million of California’s budget last year to renovate community libraries.

“Many of our library branches are small, outdated and unable to meet community needs,” Misty Jones, director of the San Diego Public Library, said. “To ensure that all San Diegans are provided an equitable opportunity for growth, investment in libraries is crucial.”

While funding was being secured, the library architect and construction team invited input from community members, who suggested including gathering spaces, study rooms, a maker space and public art in the design.

“It is my ultimate responsibility to make sure we are delivering a project that the community loves,” Jones said.

Community Planning Group Chair Frisco White, who helps lead reviews of all development and planning projects in Carmel Valley, is especially proud of

“I hope it goes to somebody who really represents the ethos of the school and is looking to make a difference in our community and the world and preferably someone who needs it,” Coppo said.

How do I apply?

1. Apply through www.tphssf.org

2. Write a prompted essay

3. Create an activities list

4. Explain your special circumstances

5. Submit at least 3 letters of recommendations the library’s commitment to providing a diverse reading selection.

“We have a library that caters to people that want to have a book in their hands or those that would rather have it online or digital,” White said.

This wide accessibility is something community members look for in libraries.

“Libraries provide education in a environmentally friendly manner,” said Alyssa Wakefield (12), who volunteers on the teen advisory board of the San Diego Public Library, Carmel Valley Branch. “The whole point of the library is to make things accessible.”

The 18,000-square-foot facility will also be LEED Silver certified, being run exclusively on electricity to meet the city’s Climate Action Plan.

“[The city] has been working on taking gas and natural gasses out of buildings. So if we are powering buildings like the library with electricity alone, those buildings are not creating the greenhouse gasses,” said Brian Elliot, policy adviser for Councilmember Joe LaCava who oversees the northwest part of San Diego.

Looking forward, the new library represents another opportunity for young members of the community to grow.

“Libraries are a great place for communities to gather and a safe place for children. They really promote community and learning,” Sophie Richardson (11) said. “Libraries were somewhere I always felt so independent.” and the winner is...

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The scholarships range from $500 to $2000. Since 1986, the TPHS Scholarship Fund has rewarded 1200 seniors with over $1 million in scholarship funds. In 2022, it awarded 53 scholarships totaling $39,500.

What is the TPHS Scholarship Fund? Scholarship

Attention TPHS seniors! A school and community-funded scholarship will be available through the TPHS Scholarship Fund for two-year college, fouryear university or trade school. Scholarships will be presented by the donor at an end-of-year ceremony directly to the recipient.

Anna Opalsky &

Goodman NEWS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER