Graduated January 2024

A note from mom:

From his first day of kindergarten at Walden School, to first grade at Wasatch Elementary, to homeschooling for seven years, to 9th-10th grades at John Adams Academy, and finally graduating at age 16 from Pacific Sands Academy... it's been a stellar educational journey!  Sam, we are so proud of the young man you are and the young adult you are becoming.  Thank you for being a true friend, for being patient with your family members, and for setting a consistent example of what it means to work hard.  We sure love you and are cheering you on!

The format of this graduation project is backwards.  It's created to be viewed in reverse chronological order (mostly chronological from most recent post to least recent post).  Like lots of good ideas, it has some hiccups.  Sam and I worked on it together and decided it would be better to put *something* together rather than to get it "perfect."  You need to click "Older Posts" at the bottom of a page in order to see more info on Sam's journey.  Just keep scrolling down and you'll be able to get a feel for his stellar educational journey.  Thanks for your patience!

 

Sam Pelissie Future Plans

For my next phase of life I plan to go to school at a local state-approved program and apprentice to become certified as an electrician. I will continue working at my Dad's solar company, Senga Energy, to fulfill the work hours I need for electrical certification. 

Working at Senga Energy (summer 2023 to present)

 Since leaving John Adams Academy after my sophomore year, I started working almost full-time for Senga Energy.  My dad and his business partner have built up this solar company for the past 7 years and I've enjoyed becoming a part of it.  Some of the jobs I've helped with include running permits to county offices, occasional installs, maintaining company vehicles, assisting with monthly inventory counts, and performing site surveys.

3D Printing

Since I was little, I've enjoyed learning how things work and building things.  About 3 years ago, I started getting into 3D printing.  For Halloween 2021, I made my first Mandalorian costume.  Summer 2022, I made one for my cousin as well.  

For their January 2022, Senga commissioned me to make several trophies for their annual kickoff.  They commissioned me again to improve the design and create new trophies for their January 2023 kickoff.  Figuring out how to use the printers and different types of filament and different methods of finish work required a lot of trial and error, but I keep learning through every project I complete.

2022 trophies

2023 Senga Annual Kickoff

2023 trophies

Weight Lifting at Mini's House of Pain

 

It's a rare experience to find an invested mentor.  Vince Mini started his gym, his "House of Pain," years before we moved to El Dorado Hills, CA.  His life experience as a kid from Brooklyn, an NFL football player, and corrections officer at the Folsom Prison made him a powerful force for good as a fitness and life coach.  He took a personal interest in our family and for many months, I worked out during his 5am class.  He and his staff helped me learn proper weightlifting form and begin bulking up with proper nutrition.  We sadly lost Vince to a heart attack in September 2023, but we are continuing to apply the healthy habits he taught us.  I'm very grateful for Mini's House of Pain.

Music

 

I've done music for most of my life.  I started music before I started school actually.  For many years I took piano, but in high school I switched to learning guitar.  My family and I rehearsed with our teacher, Rob Ringger, to perform "Jingle Bells" at our church Christmas party in December 2023.  Even though I was nervous, it all went well and I might even continue with guitar and piano as a hobby.

Horsemanship

Since I was five years old, I've had the privilege of riding horses each summer at our family ranch.  I love enjoying nature with cousins.  Learning how to handle the horses has taught me a lot about respecting animals and my surroundings.  There's also lots of work to do on the ranch.  Pictured is when my mom and I took a load of branches to the county mulching service.  It was a heavy load.  I was glad I had been working out!