Bold yet compassionate, Mrs.Phillips truly had a character that was difficult to find. Whether it was her quick strides or quick sips from that Geyser water bottle, everything that she seemed to do was for a purpose and towards a destination. She never wasted one minute of life and she lived it to the fullest. It seems inconceivable that she would spend such precious hours of her day teaching European History, but with her love and determination for the subject it actually couldn't be clearer. Mrs. Phillips was a legend on the Peninsula Campus and the name EHAP really only became famous through her course. At back to school night, when recruiting future EHAPers, I found myself describing her class as "not only a material teacher but also a character builder," as Mrs.P taught us the real meaning of no improvement without failure. I, along with many of my peers, can say that I entered room H30 with fear of the infamous class but came out with a sense of hope. The obstacles we must face in school and in life are minuscule in comparison to the 20 years in which this courageous women had to fight cancer. THIS is the memory that I am so fortunate to have of Mrs.Phillips. With love and appreciation, Brandea Bunnag

I only met Adrienne a couple of times, but what a remarkable woman. I am truly amazed at all she did, especially the trips to Ireland when she must have known her days were numbered. The students were very fortunate to have such a dynamic teacher. May she rest in peace and may her legacy live on in the lives and hearts of those she touched.

I was blessed to know Mrs. Phillips as my World History and EHAP teacher. Mrs. Phillips was the best teacher I had at PenHi. She was a history teacher, but it was in her classes that I first learned to write well (and pretty darn quickly at that!), to appreciate art, to think critically, and to draw a map of Europe blindfolded with one arm behind my back. More than any other single teacher in high school, Mrs. Phillips was responsible for preparing me to succeed in college and the years since. She transformed a subject I thought was boring, into a living, breathing and relevant thing. More than an outstanding teacher, Mrs. Phillips was a wonderful, caring and compassionate human being. She gave more than she took, and will live on in the many fond memories of countless grateful students. The world is a better place for having had Mrs. Phillips. Thank you Mrs. Phillips. David Wang Class of 1995

I remember Adrienne from so many AP European History readings in Lincoln. Always deeply interested in the course, how to improves it, how ot maintain high standards. The way her students were engaged in learning was remarkable. Adrienne made life long learners. Godspeed.

EHAP was one of the most challenging classes I ever took. Who can forget drawing a map of Europe freehand, making timelines, and writing essays in blue books? Mrs. Phillips' enthusiasm for history was contagious. She brought history to life and put into perspective the major current events of the day, such as the fall of the USSR. My travels to Europe have been so much richer because of the background I gained in World History and EHAP. It was fun to recognize different styles and time periods of art and architecture. I don't remember many details about European history anymore, but the appreciation of art and architecture and the ability to write an essay will always stick with me. Mrs. Phillips was one of the best teachers I ever had. PVPHS Class of 1994

Adrienne Phillips was solely responsible for setting me off on a 15 year journey that now sees me writing these words some 6000 miles away in Oxford, England. Much of who I am today, I owe to her, and I would never have had the bravery to leave home behind had it not been for my experiences with Mrs Phillips as an EHAP student, TA, exchange student and chaperone. In the classroom, Mrs Phillips taught me that history is what we make of it, that history could be more interesting than just memorising names, dates and places. Outside the classroom, she taught me to be a good ambassador and savvy traveller, and to understand art, architecture and the importance of tolerance. She did all this while wearing a hat that read 'I'm the leader, which way did they go?', and never missing a chance to stop for gelato, Mrs. Phillips, you were a rare blessing, and I am deeply saddened by your passing. I hope that you will rest peacefully, knowing that you have made such an amazing impression on so many lives, and I hope that we will go on to make the most of the valuable lessons you taught us. We will miss you.

anthony phillips

14 years ago

hi brad chen it's anthony phillips here. .i had no idea you are in england!!! i live semi-permanently in krakow, poland working full time on music production/promotion. i fly through london all the time and have a very good friend in oxford. send me an email and i'll try to meet up when i return to europe in a few months. and thanks for the kind words about my mom!! all the best, anthony phillips antoniopalarnia@gmail.com

Kata Phillips

12 years ago

Still have THAT hat!! Much love.....we talked about you often....thank you for EVERYTHING you ever did for her/us! So happy you are in England!! Love, Kata(Adrienne's daughter):My email... om4freedom@yahoo.com

Ms. Phillips was awesome. She challenged all of us and really taught me how to write. Because of her, I majored in history as a college student. Rest in peace.

"The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!" Mrs. Phillips would scream after a particularly animated phone conversation on a classroom telephone specially installed for a woman who had more to offer than any other teacher I have ever come across. Mrs. Phillips' pure enthusiasm for history and education touched my life in ways I can scarcely measure and I have nothing but gratitude and love for who she was and how she lived and taught.

To watch my son come home so excited from his first day of EHAP and carry that same passion for the next three years, and then to have that repeated for my daughter was a gift all mothers should receive. The bonds of respect, intellectualism, art and experience that Adrienne forged in my children gave them a model and a mentor they will never forget. Her teaching encompassed integrity and acceptance of humanity in its simplest and most exquisite glory. There's not enough time to find my duffel bag of 20 VHS tapes from the Russian trip, nor the countless photos that both children took on their European explorations. Suffice it to say, although I told her all this in our encounters at PVPHS and hugged her many times, I loved Adrienne for all that she was, what she gave to my children, and how she so perfectly embodied the name Teacher in my soul. Her life and teachings have become a raging river through many. Thank you Adrienne. You will always be our angel. Winston and K.T. Olson's mother, Sissie Torrance

There must be thousands of former students of Mrs. Phillips mourning the loss of one of the most amazing teachers ever. I am no different. She taught me how to write, she taught me how to appreciate art. She challenged me every day even though I wasn't all that great in her class. I still run into former students of hers and talk about the countless nights we spent making outlines, drawing maps and writing furiously (yet rarely finishing) essays. Mrs. Phillips created an atmosphere I was proud to be a part of. I was blessed to have her as a teacher. For all that she did, I'm grateful. Thank you so much Mrs. Phillips. Rest in Peace. James Huh EHAP 97

Hello Mrs. Phillips, I heard that your birthday is coming up and that you are not feeling well. I hope that this note finds you on a better day, and that it reminds you of how many lives you have touched. You taught me how to a write a good essay, a skill that has proved useful beyond words. Through writing I have earned a trip to Japan, a fellowship that paid for travel around the world, and the opportunity to meet my husband all the way in Norway. You would be pleased to hear that we had our first child, a son named Liam, just about 2 weeks ago. Because of you I started writing travel journals, beginning with the one I made on our Italian exchange to Udine. I still keep in touch with my host family, and my host sister and mother came to my wedding in Norway (though my Italian has really gone down the tubes). With love, Teri Kleinberg

I was in Mrs. Phillips EHAP class in '91. It was, up until then, and continues to be, the best and most influential class I have ever taken. She had a way of bringing the class to life in a way that I've rarely encountered. Who can forget the "Rise of the -ism's" or the Timeline, or freehand drawing the map of Europe. The class was my first exposure to the richness of European history and culture. It wasn't until years later that I realized that that was not an experience that many high school students had ever had. I wish it hadn't taken so many years to find out how lucky I was. When my cousin Larry and I backpacked through Europe a few years after college, we were so excited to be able to see all the art, buildings and history that Mrs. Phillips had taught us about. That trip was so much more meaningful and worthwhile because of that one year that we each had gone through. Mrs. Phillips, you are the best. Andrew Tan PVPHS '93

Adrienne was one of a kind. If you met her, you didn't forget her. She was firm in her beliefs, and she went after what she wanted, and I've always admired her for that. The first time I met Adrienne was when she invited my husband and I over for brunch in 1994. We had just eloped and found out we were expecting our first child, and we were a bit shaken due to some of my husband's relatives disapproval of our relationship (we've been together 15 years now) and our having a baby while we were young. At the brunch, Adrienne was a whirlwind in the kitchen. She was cooking, serving, and talking a mile a minute, and I just had to smile because I had never met anyone so vibrant and energetic. When she asked about how we were enjoying LA and being newlyweds and we told her about how we were happy with each other but unhappy with the reactions of a couple people in his family, Adrienne paused, thought about it for a second and said, "You love each other. Children are a blessing, and life's too short to worry about what other people think." Suddenly everything was OK. Adrienne had a frenetic energy that allowed her to accomplish just about anything she put her mind to, but she was also solidly planted in that she held firm in her beliefs and was a rock for those she loved. She was one of those people you thought would outlive us all. She was so passionate and so driven. She was loved, and she will be missed. Best, Kat Callon

I have never met a student of Mrs. Phillips that didn't say she was one of the best teachers they had ever had. I have so many fond memories from World History Honors, European History AP, Art History, and our art-oriented tour of Europe the summer after graduation. She made an imprint on me and so many others that has affected the way we learn and live our lives. Much love and my sincerest condolences to her family. Best, Jaya Bhumitra Peninsula '99

I was in Mrs. Phillips' EHAP class in 1997-1998. What I remember most about her was how she was able to motivate and push her students. She pushed us to learn the bigger picture of history, more than just the dates and the events. I am also indebted to Mrs. Phillips' for teaching me "how to write." She was the one that pounded in my head the basic structure of any paper: the intro with thesis, the 3 main supporting paragraphs, and conclusion. She taught her class toward having her students pass the AP exam, but also a general understanding and appreciation of history. She was by far the most influential, passionate and caring teacher I have had and will always be remembered. -Stephanie Chu

I was in Mrs. Phillips' Western Civ and EHAP classes in '84-'86. She was so enthusiastic about her subject and helped us with study habits and writing. She gave many students the skills and confidence to reach further in their education. I still remember her bringing us on field trips to see famous artwork and historical objects like the table that the Treaty of Versailles was signed on. She came to Washington, D.C. to be honored as my most influential teacher when I was chosen as a Presidential Scholar. I think what I will remember most, though, is the last time I saw her, in July '08. Although she was in pain, she was still brimful of plans, guest-teaching and only recently travelling with students, talking about cancer, writing, and ranting about educational funding. She knew her time was limited and she might not finish all her projects. As a family physician, I often see that we can lengthen people's lives with cancer treatments, but whether they spend that time living or dying is up to them. Mrs. Phillips spent it living, and I salute her. Sandra Tan RHHS Class of '92

Adrienne was a wonderful mentor and frined. I am devastated to hear the news of her passing. May she rest in peace. She has left a lasting imprint on countless students and colleagues at the AP Reading. What an exceptional person and what a joy it was to know her. I shall miss her dearly! Terry Mitchell Saint Edward's Upper School Vero Beach, Fl

I read AP European history exams with Adrienne for many years and was fortunate to get to know her. She had an extraordinary presence at the Reading - always an articulate and thoughtful voice on behalf of students and a lively, even striking personality. We two shared our love of travel and our adventures with students. She will be terribly missed. Next June at the Reading we'll raise our glasses in her memory and her honor.

Mrs. Phillips integrated political, social, economic and art history in a way no other teacher did. I can still vividly remember her sitting on the desk in the front of our temporary classroom showing slides of Greco-Roman sculpture and having us draw country boundaries on blank European maps at different points in time. She challenged me with her intensity and brought new depth to my writing, preparing me well for AP exams, college and beyond. I thank her for being such an amazing educator and outstanding individual. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time. Remember Mrs. Phillips fondly, Patricia Tung RHHS Class of '92

I've just got Zara's message. I am so so sorry and saddened to hear of adrienne's passing. She was a brave warrior for love and truth who cared passionately for the people she worked with. Whilst, in the humourous words of one who loved her dearly, she was a multi-tasker who, like us all, was challenged by mult-tasking, she achieved a lot for the great benefit of others, particularly her students. We will miss adrienne, but certainly not forget her. She will inspire us to greater love of truth, of understanding history and thereby ourselves. I wish her God-speed, rest and peace. Till we meet again. Keith, debbie, and all at discover sligo and discovery tours.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Phillips. You will be dearly missed. I will remember my European History always.

My brother had her for Western Civ history in the late 70s, she was my EHAP teacher in 1986. She earned the nickname Mumsy because she baby-spoon-fed her students through her test sand the AP exams. And she just laughed about the name, but it was true. And she didn't change for her students following me in the 90s and 2000s. I spent time with Mrs. Phillips in May, when HS faculty gather with invited guests at the Hawthorne Multi-purpose room for an exclusive musical performance by the drama department. I had a chance to pass along to her a reprint of the gang of us 14 who took part in her 1st organized Art History trip over spr. break to Italy for AP Eur.History. I was able to chat with Mumsy for a bit, hold her hand. She recalled the names of everyone on that trip in '86 instantly, and then, true to form, went on to ask about how my brother was doing that she'd had 30 years ago.

I think she was the most influential teacher either of my children ever had - whether they liked it or not. Although she required them to memorize facts (lots and lots of facts from lots and lots of different books), she taught them to analyze what they read - not just to recite it back. I think they spent more hours studying for her classes than for all their other classes combined. She could be a pain - and often was, even to parents. I got to know her well (and to regret that I gave her my office number) because both Andy and Jackie traveled with her on a couple of trips to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and I cannot remember where else. We scrambled around trying to satisfy her last minute demands of housing for visiting students or gifts for host families, specifically sized and lined ruled paper etc. but my kids and all her students had a great time as they learned to be efficient travelers (roll; don't fold) and citizens of the world. There will never be another Adrienne Phillips.

EHAP was the hardest class that I had ever taken in high school, and really, I must honestly admit-- I was never any good at it. But Mrs. Phillip's passion for the subject drew me in. It pushed me to keep trying--trying to understand the importance of what she had to say and trying to learn all that was important. What I got out of the class was not just a history lesson, but a lesson on keeping a broad perspective and a curiosity for cultures. I opened my eyes to so many unfamiliar things through Mrs. Phillips--foreign countries, art, literature, philosophy...and her ardent passion to help students understand such things influenced me to keep enriching myself and learning about the world. To this day, I learn with the same philosophy --of keeping my perspective broad and open, and trying to understand the unknown. After my EHAP experience I wanted to continue to understand history. I knew that I was not good or confident enough in my abilities to read essays and grade them all by myself, but Mrs. Phillips kept faith in me and pushed to challenge me. Mrs. Phillips allowed me to return to the EHAP classroom to help out as a TA for two years. I continued to learn in her presence as well as the presence of many younger peers--groaning under the weight of all the Palmer reading. Helping in the fifth period classroom each day, I observed how much Mrs. Phillips cared for her students (despite the moaning and groaning...). She really went above and beyond to make sure each student understands and succeeds in learning. I admired her dedication. After my two year experience, I began to truly understand the value of teaching. To this day, I have not stopped working for classrooms as a teacher's assistant. I will never forget the times when we took field trips to gaze at art or learn about tolerance, the times I fell asleep reading, the times spent frantically grading outlines, or the times we dressed up as old famous dead philosophers. Mrs. Phillips was an amazing woman who touched many lives, and she will be missed dearly. May she rest in peace and may she be remembered well. Nanami Sunaga EHAP Class of 2003-2004

It was only two and a half years ago when we went to Ireland with Dr. Fichtner and Andrew. It's hard to believe that you won't be teaching EHAP this year. I guess I've always had this image that you were the one and only EHAP teacher at Peninsula and nothing was going to change that. Even when I talk to my cousins Steven and Helen, who took EHAP and graduated class of '88 and '89, it seems like nothing has changed in 20 years. I will never forget the stories you told us in class about your adventures traveling the world and how you fought to save the program. Believe me, I will never forget when you told 15 other Ireland travelers and myself the story of when you used the NHS ceremony to save EHAP because the district wanted to cut the class. Mr. Johnson was furious with you, but it worked and EHAP was saved. Or when we listened to a lecture you had recorded years ago and your voice sounded so different, I yelled "OH MY GOD!" in the middle of class. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. When I relfect on high school and try to think of the best decision I ever made, I somehow always come back to EHAP. When we were talking to the incoming sophomores about EHAP and you left the room I remember telling the sophomores that the class was a lot of work and it would be the biggest workload their sophomore year, I also told them that even though EHAP was consuming, it was the best decision I had made so far, and it still is. EHAP has come up in my life so many times. When I talked to my uncle, who has a pHD in history, the winter after sophomore year we talked for hours about wars, cultures, architects, and kings. When I went to Europe this past summer I made so many EHAP references, especially in Florence! I remember seeing Michelangelo's David and thinking to myself, "WOW! It looks better in real life than in MEH or McKay." And when I went to Rome, my friends and I sprinted through the Vatican Museums just to see the Sistine Chapel. I stood there, neck cranked towards the ceiling and mouth gaped open, for a full 30 minutes. It was AMAZING and so familiar. Aimee Shimizu and I kept talking about how it seemed so surreal that we were actually able to see these things after learning about them for so long. And I will NEVER forget when I went to the Louvre in Paris and saw the painting of Napolean's Coronation. I remember seeing that painting in EHAP, but I never imagined that it was the size of a wall!!! And don't worry, when I went to Europe I brought the same money pouch I had used in Ireland with me. I also hooked my leg in my backpack straps whenever I put it on the floor, something I learned from you when we did sketches with Kerry in Ireland. You've opened my eyes to the world. I am so glad I went on the Ireland trip. I learned so many things about myself and other people. I even wrote my college essay on meeting the Monkstown girls and how I was so oblivious to the bigotry and prejudice that still existed. I am so glad to have met Dr. Fichtner and Andrew! I will never forget Andrew! That trip was the best trip I have ever been on and every trip I go on will always be compared to that one. I still tell stories about that trip like when we went to Kilmanheim Jail. We were so intrigued when we were told how people were hung, yet when our guide told us that children had been buried under the very steps we stood on we were all mortified. And I will always remember the police station we went to. They showed us a video and all of us were trying to keep awake. When we looked to our left you were fast asleep! Afterwards we all shouted, "Mrs. Phillips!!!! WE SAW YOU SLEEPING!!!" And you responded with a mere, "Did I really?" I was so sad when the trip was over, but not excited to writing the DBQ on the turbulent airplane! But oh the memories. Thank you for organizing that trip. Because of Ireland I am really looking forward to studying abroad in college and traveling the world after I graduate. You have left such a tremendous impact on my life and countless others. I will be attending UC San Diego in a few weeks and I plan on double majoring or at least minoring in history. When I tell people that I love history they say, "What?! Why would you like history? It's so boring." But I just tell them, "If you ever took EHAP with Mrs. Phillips, you'd know why." Michelle Chang Class of '09

EHAP was not just a class. It was a life altering experience that continues to shape me 5 years later. A day doesn't go by that I don't remember something I learned in that class - whether it be the importance of a great philosopher or the silliness of Poland's exploding diets. In one year, Mrs. Phillips gave me a fully drawn view of our world. How it functions, why we are where we are now. The block taught me more than any class how integral history, art, spoken and written word can be. They do not exist separately. Rather, they are a tapestry woven of all the different fibers of humanity - coming together to make a rich history and an ever-unfolding future.

I remember Mrs. Phillips always pushing and encouraging everyone to do better than their best. Thank you for an unforgettable experience. Charles Lee PVPHS '05

Sometimes the smallest of events can shed the most light on the richness of a person’s character. Although it had little significance at the time, an incident from the past keeps resurfacing when I think of the indomitable Mrs. P, the roadrunner. BEEP, BEEP! I remember rushing the injured, but unstoppable Mrs. P to the emergency clinic to get x-rays. She had just tripped over a carton of musty old books in H30, her room that was a piece of history itself. As we zoomed down Hawthorne Boulevard in the late afternoon, she pointed out Hermann’s Party Supply store and argued with me to pull over. Before tending to her injury, she wanted to buy a card for an ailing friend. Then she insisted that I stop at the video store to rent Hotel Rwanda so that she could prepare a lesson about genocide in case she were absent the next day. Some people would have felt put upon, or even annoyed, by her endless demands and expectations, but Mrs. P always asserted herself for noble reasons: Whether it be to heal the world or to enlighten the next generation, she often neglected her own needs to pursue higher goals. She expected no less of others. Mrs. P raced against the ageless clock of time to leave a positive imprint on the world—endlessly sending boxes of books to the third world, enlisting students & teachers to go to Belfast to witness the workings of reconciliation, and dragging kids on a virtual death march through Rome in order to expose them to Western culture. On our trip to Northern Ireland she, often from a wheelchair, led the troops through rocky terrain looking like General Wellington at the front. Her energy level, even when she was under debilitating medication, could power So Cal Edison. She constantly reenergized me. I had to stretch myself as a teacher, as a friend, and as humanitarian to keep up with her. She wanted every minute of every hour to count. And count they did. Mrs. P’s legacy will be carried on those of us she infused with an enthusiasm for living, loving and learning. I will celebrate our time together by toasting her with her favorite candy from Longjohn’s English Toffee House every time I visit the Farmer’s Market. Mrs.Verenkoff EHAP/English 2 Block (1998-2009)

Cecilia Xia

14 years ago

Thank you so much, Mrs. Verenkoff, for sharing your meaningful anecdote and moving words about Mrs. Phillips. Thinking back to the 2004-2005 school year, I vaguely remember the day we watched Hotel Rwanda in EHAP and learned about genocide - and while knowing the story behind that day's lesson does not surprise me in the least, it touches me greatly. I grew from the EHAP/English @ block in ways for which I am incapable of expressing my gratitude, and I feel so fortunate to have experienced Mrs. Philips' pedagogy. In fact, I am eternally indebted to her for leading me towards my correct path in life. I thank Mrs. Phillips with all my heart for her contribution to my development as a human being and a member of society. May she rest in heavenly peace... Cecilia Xia PVPHS Class of 2008

dear ms. phillips, we'd like to thank you very much for the effort you put into last year polish exchange, that you let us discover the american culture (even a little bit) and befriend with such great people that your students are :D Thank you very much

Mrs. Phillips had a profound impact on my life. She was a wonderful teacher and source of boundless energy. She taught me how to critically analyze information and gave me a thirst for learning and a fundamental understanding of writing. I am forever indebted to Mrs. Phillips. I will miss her wonderful sense of humor and charisma, but will always carry the lessons she taught me and her influence throughout my life. Petrina Chong Hollingsworth Western Civilization 1980-1981 European History AP 1981-1982

Mrs. Phillips gave so much to so many of us. The rigor in her teaching helped me learn to write essays, structure my thoughts and to retain what I read. College seemed almost easy after surviving EHAP. And she introduced me to Europe- the history and art, the cities (Europe trip in 99) and the Italian Ice Cream. But it was her energy inside and outside the classroom I remember most. I am very lucky to have had her as a teacher. Yoshi Komada PVPHS '99

I remember my initial impression of Mrs. Phillips vividly. From all that I had heard about her, I had pictured a female version of Dumbledore, a woman oozing wisdom, a picture of perfection. I was vaguely disappointed, however, to find that Mrs. Phillips talked at the speed of light, walked with powerful strides, and ruled with an iron fist. I struggled, throughout my sophomore year, to catch up with Mrs. Phillips, to match the vigor in her teaching with exemplary performance. I never did. I walked into EHAP wanting to be an Emily Lowe or a James Campbell and I came out as myself. Words can never convey what Mrs. Phillips taught me. More than instilling a deep understanding of the past or a passion for European history, Mrs. Phillips showed me the importance of failing in life. I think if we are to continue her legacy, we must understand that humans fail and humans fall, but they have the power to stand up again. We must realize that whether we risk falling into a ditch created by the twist of fate or by our own doing, there will always be a way out. Mrs. Phillips' strength, her battle against cancer, and her fight with Time are the best examples I can provide. Her contribution to Palos Verdes Peninsula High School and to the world will live through her students and will be passed on for generations to come. I thank her for giving me Hope. May she rest in peace. With love and deep admiration, Misha Euceph EHAP Class of '07-'08

I’ll admit: at times, EHAP was arguably comparable to a long drive in which children always ask “are we there yet?”; well, in my case, I always asked “am I done yet?” The reading seemed endless and the objectives nearly impossible; however, I walked away changed. I became a student who strives for academic success (which, she always reinforced, is not measured in letter grades but rather in personal growth). I became a student who understands the importance of never giving up-- even when faced with life’s greatest challenges. I became a student who wants to learn for the sake of learning. I owe this attitude, this approach to academics, this new way of looking at the world to Mrs. Phillips. I think gelati accurately epitomizes the personality of Mrs. Phillips: rich with flavor and always leaves you wanting more. Her passion was contagious and I often found myself hypnotized by the way she spoke with such conviction. To say she was a fighter is grossly an understatement. Mrs. Phillips, our time together was much too brief. You were never just my teacher; you were my role model. You had faith in me when I doubted myself and for that I am eternally grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All my love, Chelsea Bray

My favorite moment of our trip to Australia in 1997 was when we arrived at a koala sanctuary and it wasn't scheduled to open for several hours. I don't know what Mrs. Phillips said or did but mere minutes later we had the whole place to ourselves and were holding the koalas. She did everything in her power to make sure we had the best experience possible and that trip was truly unforgettable. She also introduced me to gelato- which we ate on a field trip in LA with exchange students and all throughout Australia. I still think of her every time I eat it (which is often). World history and EHAP were two of my favorite classes in high school- I learned so much (and have actually retained a lot of it over a decade later). I feel very fortunate to have had Mrs. Phillips for two years- I believe I was more successful in the rest of high school and college because of the high expectations she set for us. My deepest condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family. Erin Ross World History 94-95 EHAP 95-96 Australia Exchange Spring 97

To me, Mrs. Phillips is more than just an EHAP teacher. She is my role-model. I was nervous and anxious when I entered sophomore year. Through her lectures and life lessons, I became confident and eager to take on more challenges. She urged her students to dig deeper into the text and to become true historians. I will always remember the field trips to LACMA and farmer's market. Mrs. Phillips also Introduced us to one of her favorite treats, gelato. I am forever touched by her bravery and strength to remain positive during all the hardships. The speech she gave during the Breast Cancer Walk last year inspired all of us. For the past three years, I have learned so much from her advice and wisdom. We feel thankful and lucky to have had such an extraordinary teacher.

I know I am not alone when I say that Mrs. Phillips was one of the strongest people I have known. She has undoubtedly touched the hearts of many, many students over her long teaching career, including my sister, who graduated from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, 13 years ago. Saying that EHAP was a class unlike any other is a huge understatement. The legend, the friends, the lessons, the stories, the daily outbursts of laughter, and just the little things that made me smile, are all things I will remember and hold on to for a long time. Thank you Mrs. Phillips, for your passion, dedication, and love. We will never forget. Timothy Tsai, EHAP class of 2008

In retrospect, EHAP wasn't that big of a deal in my life. But at the time, it seemed like it was. Mrs. Phillips poured her heart and soul in teaching us, preparing us, and forewarning us about years to come in the academic sphere. Her frantic self taught me that time is precious. Never waste any of it because time is money. Use it wisely. Don't just study. Study wisely. Divide up the work and sometimes skimming works better than reading. The trip to Ireland was utterly unforgettable. I will keep the memories that I made during spring break of 2007 with me forever and ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you. More I spent time alongside her presence, more I recognized how ignorant and naive I was. My humbleness stemmed from your teachings and that lesson is for life. She parted from her teaching, her passion, and her students, but her legacy and wisdom will carry on through all of us. I am so lucky and thankful that our lives crossed paths, Mrs. Phillips. Thank you again... God bless, Flora Baik