Mrs. Guillen’s and Mr. Schwab’s 2011-2012 PHS AP Biology classes pictured (l-r) front row: Shannon Silvester, Katy Ortiz, Paige Smith, Michael Brinkman, Richard, Cardenez, Brandon Hernandez. Second row: Mary Jane Vickers, Cassie Haiduk, Rachel Walker, Lupe Hernandez, Amanda Bast and Mark Elmer. Third row : Laura Matthausen, Annalyese Zepeda, Samantha Leija, Veronica Urbanczyk, Rachael Reed, Kendra Robinson, Colten Buendel. Fourth row: Sam Rhine, Rachael Guillen. Fifth row: Lacee Franke, Kierstyn Dumont, Mari Flores Not pictured. The PHS AP Biology Classes traveled to Churchill High School on Thursday to attend the annual Genetics Update Conference. PHS along with several other area schools (including Jourdanton), listened with awe and amazement as the presenter Sam Rhine, from Indiana University, presented cutting edge advancements in the field of genetics. The first part of the conference served as a review of basic genetics in preparation for the incredible information they were about to receive. The remainder of the presentation concentrated on the current research being done in understanding the communication relay of the cell cycle and how that information can and is being used to reach the goal of preventing all types of cancer before they can ever start. The students walked away from the conference believing that they can have a part in helping take cancer related incidents to 0% in their lifetime.

The students attending the conference gave it two thumbs up. "This was so awesome", commented Katy Ortiz. Mark Elmer was amazed how a few skin cells could be manipulated into any type of cell your body might need. Lupe Hernandez could be heard saying over and over, "without differentiation, nothing happens." Lacee Franke probably summed it up best, " I like thought this was going to be so lame, but I was wrong, I actually learned something."

This was the fifth year for the PHS AP Biology students to attend the Genetics Update Conference. "The first year we had three attendees," said Mr. Schwab, "and this year we had twenty five attend". This is just evidence of how serious and dedicated Pleasanton High School is in building strong and successful academic programs for our students. Attending the conference with the students this year were Rachael Guillen, Bob Rentfro, and Greg Schwab. Look for another update this time next year, because PHS will be attending this conference for as long as Mr. Rhine is willing to speak.