At a recent School Board meeting, PUSD recognized outstanding students and staff from Harmony Magnet Academy and Porterville Military Academy for their exceptional achievements and dedication to the school community.
Harmony Magnet Academy – Academic Decathlon Team
Harmony Magnet Academy's Academic Decathlon team claimed their fourth consecutive Tulare County championship, scoring a school-record 36,687.9 points — a 2,000-point improvement over last year. For the first time in school history, the top individual scores in all three GPA divisions went to HMA students: Kris Kashyap (Honors), Claire Holly (Scholastic), and Rogelio Nunez (Varsity). Kashyap medaled in all 10 events and earned gold in six. The team heads to the State competition in Santa Clara, March 19–22.
Harmony Magnet Academy
Suzanne leads the PLTW Engineering and Science program and serves as the CAPS program lead on campus. On the night of her recognition, she was out accompanying student teams to a Tulare County design competition — which says everything about her commitment.
Debbie is known for her positive attitude, seamless collaboration with staff, and going the extra mile to make sure students don't fall through the cracks.
Porterville Military Academy
SSgt Ortiz leads from the front — whether running training, working school events, or stepping up to cover additional class loads when staff shortages hit the program this year.
Krystal keeps PMA running behind the scenes — producing the school's annual CAST campaign videos, coordinating Williams Act prep, and building the school's new website.
When asked on short notice to launch an AP English course at PMA, Kimberly said yes — and was later recognized at the KATE State Conference for English teachers for that work. She also took on the role of ASB class advisor this year.