When I was taking my DBQ in my United States History AP class, I could not help but smile because I was confident that I could do my best. Mrs. Phillips set the foundation and molded me to be an efficient test taker, a vigilant student, and a better person. The grade I earned on the AP exam is really the result of how much love and effort Mrs. Phillips put into her work. I am honored and grateful to be one of her students and I very am lucky to be a part of her legacy. Mrs. Phillips was not only a teacher, she was an adventurer. Her enthusiastic planning for the Ireland trips really reflected her love for the big picture. Even though she could not go to the 2009 Ireland trip, her detailed preparation, joy, and determination, followed us and she was always in our thoughts. So whenever I take an exam, write a DBQ, or even travel the world, I know she is there watching me from above. Her voice and energy will still be with me and I will never forget her spirit. Words cannot express my gratitude for what you have done for me, Mrs. Phillips. You will always be in my prayers. Thank you. With Love, Selene Hsu, EHAP class of 2008-2009

In my life I do not believe I will ever meet another teacher who has changed me like Mrs. Phillips did. Even in the digital age, I love how she continues to create journals when she travels the world, and it is something that I will carry with me as long as I shall live. Mrs. Phillips may have been paid for teaching EHAP, but she did much more than that. From her we developed a passion for learning, to see the big picture, to become true historians. We will never forget.

For many years she fought cancer and would not give in to it. She was surrounded by loved ones to the end. I know she knew she was loved by us all for all she did so selflessly for us. She was a fighter and a teacher with a morality that came from her Jewish heritage. I know also that she now is in a better place, a peaceful place, a place of LOVE. So many memories of her in foreign countries, helping her students understand the world and all it holds for themto experience. Her friend and traveling companion, Dan Fichtner

I was helping her grade papers and organize slides on September 11, 2001. As Ms. Phillips once observed, it was a testament to the impact she made on people that former students were eager to take time out of their summers to help her out. I remember the shock, fear, and grief I felt that day, similar emotions to this one. I told her I couldn't imagine living in a world where I was afraid to get on an airplane, where I was worried that at any moment my family and friends could be wiped out in a sudden attack on Los Angeles. And she replied that during the Cold War, people lived under the shadow of death, hoping that they'd be able to grow up, get married, and raise a family all before the bomb dropped. But live they did, despite their fears, and if they could, so could I. And after those words, that moment, that little history lesson, I was able to take a deep breath, and go on with my life. Exactly eight years later, I think back to that day. They talk about the role teachers play in our lives, but those words don't even begin to describe it.

I wish I told Mrs. Phillips that I will be pursuing a PhD degree in history. Rest in Peace Mrs. Phillips. I will never forget the kind of energy you put in your classroom. I hope to bring an energy like that to my own students someday. Thank you for being an inspiration. Sincerely, Beeta Baghoolizadeh ehap class of 2003-2004

Mrs. Phillips was one of the most inspirational and life-changing teachers I've ever had. Though her class was rigorous and challenging, I learned so much, not only about European History but about the whole world and all the different cultures it holds. I feel honored to have been one of her students and a part of her final exchange trip to Europe. It was an opportunity for me to get to know her better, meet new foreign friends, and have an experience of a lifetime. My only regret was that I was not able to thank her enough. Though it breaks my heart to know that I never got to say goodbye or see her one more time before she passed away, I know she is up in heaven looking down upon us while eating the best gelati in the world and not worrying about faulty timelines or grading more APs. I'll never forget her or all the memories I've had with her or thanks to her.