Besant Hill School Magazine, Summer 2018

BESANT HILL SCHOOL OF HAPPY VALLEY • SEASONAL MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2018

AUN APRENDO

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AUN APRENDO SUMMER 2018 Editors

Dana Dwire Portia Johnson ‘00 Kristen Kaschub

Design

Oliver Cornell

Contributors Michael Biermann Dan Call Oliver Cornell Dave Cosby Darcy Corson Abby Elizabeth Croft Dana Dwire Portia Johnson '00 Kevin Henschel ‘93 Chris Hutchinson Juana Juarez Kristen Kaschub Julianna Lamb Claire Lowndes Alex Smith Francois Tchoyi ’11 Megan Walton Marion Weil ‘60 Kathy Zotnowski

On the Cover

Jamie C. '19 Acrylic on Wood

Besant Hill School

of Happy Valley

8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road Ojai, CA 93023 805-646-4343

Alumni Address Changes alumni@besanthill.org

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A Message from the Head of School 4 Spring Arts

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Student/Alumni Gallery Show Spring Musical

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Spring Concert

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Sustainabiliity

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Coyote Athletics

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Summer Institute College Update

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Academic Update

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Experiential Learning 40 Faculty Spotlight

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Spring Variety Show From the Kitchen

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Annual Fund Update

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Matching Gift Challenge 60 Visual Arts 62 Summer in the Zalk Theater Chamber on the Mountain Prom 2018

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Class of 2018 72 Capstone Projects 76 Senior Retreat 80 Commendations 82 Passing of the Torch 84 Graduation 86 HOWL ALUMNI Dr. Randy Bertin Tribute 94 Alumni Spotlight 98 BHS HVS Connect 100 Gunnar Lovelace ‘95 Keynote 102 Alumni Updates 103 Alumni Visits 104 Message Board 106 Student Government Passing of the Torch Ceremony, June 1, 2018

Birthdays

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Calendar

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The mission

of Besant Hill School is the development of each individual’s intellectual and artistic abilities.

Through awakening the spirit of inquiry, we encourage each student to pursue integrity and excellence. Our non-competitive community builds honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility. Our goal is to develop a lifelong habit of learning as embodied in our school’s motto: “Aun Aprendo - -I am still learning.”

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Interim Head of School, Portia Johnson '00, signs a yearbook following the ISP Pennant Ceremony

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL The 2017–18 school year is one to be remembered. We came together as a community in the Thomas Fire evacuation, worked together to rebuild and grow, went through the accreditation process, and have made great progress in the first year of our World As Our Classroom initiative. As mentioned by Randy in our last edition, we are also “stretching” into our next phase of leadership this year. With the process well underway, I’m extremely honored to begin my role as Interim Head of School as we make this transition. This summer issue of Aun Aprendo gives me the opportunity to provide updates on other exciting changes and to welcome new faculty and staff who will be joining us for the 2018–19 school year!

Dharini Rasiah will be joining our visual arts faculty and living in Phoenix dormitory. Dharini spent part of her youth in Ojai and attended Oak Grove School. She went on to complete her undergraduate work at UC Berkeley, her masters at UCLA, and a teaching credential from San Francisco State. She has been teaching digital media and film for over 20 years. She has taught at Berkeley High School and most recently at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, California. She is a producer for the Berkeley High School Film Festival and has curated this annual event, which has allowed students a wider audience for growth and feedback of their work.

The Humanities Department will have two new faculty members in 2018–19. Mary Spence will join us as our new English instructor. Her background is in both theater and English, and she uses this training to create a dynamic classroom environment. She has a BFA in Acting PG 4

from California Institute of Arts and an MA from Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English. Mary has extensive experience in the independent school environment and most recently has been teaching English at Stevenson School. She will live in town with her family, and her daughter will be part of the freshman class.

We are pleased to welcome alumnus Francois Tchoyi to the teaching faculty next year as our new History instructor. Since graduating Besant Hill in 2011, Francois attended Cal Poly Pomona and received his BA in History as well as attended the teaching credential program. With a passion for history and teaching, Francois has tutored throughout his time in college and has been working as a student teacher. He is very excited to be returning to his alma mater as a part of the faculty, which has been his goal since graduation. He will be living in the Eos Dormitory as a residential faculty member.

Christopher Cairns will join the Math and Science Department next year. Chris is a Ventura local who has taught science and math at local public and charter schools.

He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and attended the teaching credential program at California Lutheran University. In addition to teaching math and science, Chris is also a performing musician. He plays the banjo and has taught the instrument at all levels.

Kelly Henschel will be taking on a new administrative title next year as the Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning in addition to continuing her directorship of the Instructional Support Program. In many ways, Kelly has been already doing aspects of this role in her work, conducting faculty evaluations and assisting with planning teacher professional development, and we are happy to formally recognize her for her

work in these areas and for her dedication to the academic program.

Leland Fulton will also take on a new title next year as the Experiential Education Coordinator. Leland’s passion for the outdoors and ability to reach students through immersive travel experiences have already affected the school in his creation of the Outdoor Education fitness program as well as the field trips he has led to Santa Cruz Island. Leland will take on planning the fall trip and experiential education trips that we offer. He has a lot of great ideas to bring to the table, and his infectious enthusiasm for this work is an inspiration.

Lastly, Kristen Kaschub’s title beginning in the 2018-2019 school year will be Director of Advancement and External Affairs. She will continue in her roll in admissions and overseeing summer programs, enrollment, and marketing and will additionally support international development efforts. This will provide her the opportunity to work closely with our international families and further the school’s admissions and development initiatives overseas.

Please join me in welcoming our new faculty members and congratulating our current faculty on their new positions. We already look forward to next year and are pleased to have such wonderful people joining our community. I hope that everyone has a restful and restorative summer, and I look forward to what the 2018–19 school year will bring.

Aun Aprendo,

Portia Johnson '00 Interim Head of School PG 5

SPRING ARTS CELEBRATION & FAMILY WEEKEND

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Gallery Show & Reception

Spring Musical

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Visiting with each other over meals and while attending special events together deepens the connections between students, families, alumni, friends, faculty and staff!.

This year’s festivities began on a beautiful Spring Friday afternoon in the Logan Gallery for the opening of the Student Art Exhibition. The show featured a variety of student artwork from the year - the perfect start to an action-packed weekend that included our Spring Musical, Spring Concert, and a special tribute honoring outgoing Head of School Randy Bertin.

Spring Concert Page 20

Honoring Randy Bertin Page 94 (HOWL)

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STUDENT ART EXHIBIT

Chris Hutchinson, Digital Arts Instructor

The 2018 Besant Hill Student Art Show is a collection of works created during the 2017–18 school year. The show consists of art made in Besant Hill’s classes—Studio Art, Advanced Art, Ceramics, Arts Foundations, Photography, and Digital Arts—curated by the Art History students as a component to one of their in-class projects. The classes consist of students from all grade levels. The work represents the diverse range of technical and conceptual art practices that the current students have studied throughout the school year. The gallery show also granted an opportunity for students to experience and participate in an art exhibition similar to one in the real world. Students created and prepared their art for exhibiting. They learned to write artist statements, worked on their verbal critique skills, and visited the gallery during the show installation. The 2018 Besant Hill School Student Art Show exemplifies the diverse talent, hard work, and creativity within our student body.

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STUDIO ART PHOTO GALLERY » PG 9

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Following the Art Exhibit, guests headed to the Atelier to mingle over appetizers, refreshments, and live music before dinner.

Then it was off to the Spring Musical!

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SPRING MUSICAL Dan Call, Arts Chair

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The Performing Arts Department presented the Broadway musical Once Upon a Mattress, directed by Arts Department chair Dan Call, on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Zalk Theater.

Produced by special arrangement with Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals, the show is a comic/slapstick retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,� set in a fictional medieval kingdom ruled by the scheming and never-quiet Queen Aggravain and the mute King Sextimus. Their son, Prince Dauntless, cannot marry until a true princess is found. Once Upon a Mattress opened on Broadway in 1959 and starred Carol Burnett in the leading lady role of Princess Winnifred, a.k.a. Fred. The book was composed by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer (who also wrote the lyrics), with music by Mary Rodgers, daughter of Richard Rodgers.

As a highlight of Spring Arts Weekend, the show played to full houses both nights!

Everyone really enjoyed the comedic take on the old fairy tale, and many people commented that it was one of the best shows that they had ever seen!

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“Being in the musical was a joyous experience filled with the excitement of being alongside classmates in front of an audience. It was a lot of fun, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.�

-Liam W. '19

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“Working with Dan was fun because he is patient and compassionate. He is an easy and talented person to work with. I really enjoyed working with him, and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

-Tindi M. '21

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“Once Upon a Mattress gave me an excellent opportunity, with a dedicated director and talented cast, to prepare for my future career as a stage manager.�

-Kylie B. '19

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The cast consisted of twenty-seven students who worked together during fitness and in their own time for weeks leading up to Spring Arts Weekend. All in all, it was a great show, and everyone had a wonderful time, whether onstage, backstage, or in the audience. Bravo to all the participants!

VIEW PHOTOS & WATCH VIDEO Âť PG 19

SPRING CONCERT Showcasing a Year of Musical Growth

by Dave Cosby, Music Instructor

It was a warm and sunny afternoon on April 28 when the Besant Hill Spring Concert was held in the Zalk Theater as part of its Spring Arts Weekend. The Spring Concert is one of two concerts a year where the curricular work of our classes are the musical focus of the concert. For this year, all the instrumental classes were featured, along with the Chamber Singers, led by Dan Call.

As the audience made their way to their seats, the student musicians were already in place. Nearly the entire stage was full of musicians ready to perform. Players of saxophones, pianos, basses, drums, concert bells, a xylophone, guitars, trumpets, a clarinet, and even an electric ukulele were all ready and in place to share with the audience some of what they had worked on this semester. In all, twenty-nine musicians waited on stage for their cue to begin.

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After a brief introduction from Randy, the Besant Hill Mixed Large Ensemble began the concert with the renowned Second Movement of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony in A Major Opus 92—the Allegretto. The second piece played by the mixed ensemble was the classic television and movie theme “Mission Impossible.”

Both songs were performed well, and hearing the two familiar themes with such unorthodox instrumentation was really interesting. Every member of the Large Ensemble class was also part of a smaller class ensemble that would perform in the concert.

Following a quick breakdown of the stage, the fifth-period Music Ensemble I class took to the stage to perform Herbie PG 22

Hancock’s jazz funk classic “Chameleon,” with its infectious bass line performed by Ava B. ’21 and Robert W. ’20. The entire ensemble was tight and performed the groovy staccato riff-oriented melody close to perfectly in sync. Linh K. ’19 was the featured solo on “Chameleon,” and she played a well-paced solo with intriguing hints of funk, jazz, and blues.

Performing a song chosen by class member Sunny H. '19, the Music Ensemble II class performed a lovely interpretation of “My Heart Will Go On,” composed by James Horner, its lyrics written by Will Jennings.

The song featured Sunny playing the melody on an electric classical guitar, along with Kusili '20 on drums, Emma Z. ’20 on piano, Linda W.'18 on guitar, and Linh on piano.

The Besant Hill Guitar Ensemble performed next, comprising guitarists from all the music classes at Besant Hill and a few students not currently in music classes. This year, the focus was on the baroque music of J. S. Bach. The ensemble performed two minuets by Bach in a little suite called The Anna Magdalena Suite, which featured Minuets I (BWV 114) and II (BWV 115), both arranged by Alan Hirsh.

Sophomore pianist Emma Z '19 was next featured, playing a Beethoven favorite for solo classical piano: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Second Movement: Adagio Cantabile.

This was a culminating experience of three months of hard and consistent work and effort, and Emma should be congratulated for her diligence and perseverance in learning this masterpiece of Western classical music.

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The final group to play for the instrumental portion of the concert was the Music Ensemble III class, with guest vocalist Lissie C. ’18. After a classical and traditional band repertoire in the large ensemble pieces, for this portion, jazz and groovin’ pop music were on the musical menu. The first piece was a soul jazz classic by jazz guitar legend and UCLA faculty member Kenny Burrell.

A minor blues number with a Latin feel, “Chitlins con Carne” has been a favorite for jazz audiences since its introduction to the jazz world in 1963 on the seminal Kenny Burrell recording Midnight Blue. The Besant Hill interpretation had a James Brown feel to it. The song featured everyone in some capacity, but solos were performed

by Emmy H. ’19 on bass, Cobin H. ’18 on xylophone, and Linda on guitar.

The final song for the instrumental portion of the concert was “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson (an ode to the classic funk sounds of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Prince).

The song was propelled into international popularity by the inclusion of pop star Bruno Mars on lead vocals. The song was a rousing end to a great concert by the PG 24

instrumental music students at Besant Hill and was a wonderful and fitting way to end a semester of hard work and great effort.

After the stage was quickly cleared, the Besant Hill Chamber Singers performed next. In keeping with this year’s theme of “Thinking Critically and Synthesizing Knowledge,” the choir performed several numbers on the melodic expression of the text. Through close harmonies and rich dynamic levels, the student performers fully realized and connected to the content.

All in all, it was a special afternoon of music and a great chance for the music students of Besant Hill School to experience the terror and joy of live music performance. Judging by the excited smiles and hugs following the concert that students shared with one another, a lot more joy than terror took place in the Zalk Theater during the Besant Hill School Spring Concert.

“Even though this song is not telling me directly about how to make a decision, it allows me to be brave and take any path that I truly feel is the right path for me regardless of what anyone else chooses to do. By doing so, I find myself delivering this song in a much more powerful way.” - Kimberleey F. '18 VIEW PHOTOS & WATCH VIDEO » PG 25

ENVIRONMENTAL

SUSTAINABILITY

by John Wilkinson, Director of Environmental Sustainability

A YEAR IN REVIEW

It has been an exciting year, with a change in sustainability leadership, but many traditions have been carried on to promote environmental education, activism, and leadership.

Channel Islands Restoration The experiential education program voyaged to the Channel Islands to learn about their unique natural history as well as propagate native plant species.

Read more »

Rainbow Trout

Green Cup Challenge

Read more »

Read more »

Thirst Project

Sespe Tributary Cleanup

Leland Fulton’s life science classes raised and released native rainbow trout while exploring issues in conservation biology.

Speakers from the Thirst Project enlightened students with an overview of global freshwater issues.

Read more »

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Bioneers Conference

October 2017 was our thirteenth year attending the Bioneers Summit and Conference. We are currently recruiting students to attend again in 2018!

Read more »

The Green Cup Challenge is our annual competition to reduce our energy use and overall environmental impact.

Besant Hill sophomores teamed up with Los Padres Forest Watch to remove five hundred pounds of trash from Cherry Creek.

Read more »

Run for the Hills As part of the Ojai Valley Green Schools coalition and Oak Grove School, Kayla G. ’18 and Jamie C. ’19 organized Besant Hill students to raise money for the Ojai Land Conservancy restoration efforts in response to the Thomas Fire. Tony J. ’20 worked the registration table, while Shu L. ’19 and Linh K. ’19 operated our booth, providing free planters with native seeds to the public Michael B. ’21 and Tsunaki I. ’19 ran in the 5K Fun Run, with Michael placing third in a field of over one hundred. Dave Cosby organized students to provide music into the afternoon.

View photos from this special event »

Blue Carbon Kelp Farming Antoinette Marquez of Pharmasea spoke to students about her efforts to establish a kelp farm off the coast of Santa Barbara. In addition to providing a useful crop for medicine, food, and fertilizer, kelp farming offers a real solution to our climate crisis. The kelp take carbon out of the atmosphere but do not compete for space with established agricultural areas and help close the nitrogen cycle by absorbing fertilizer runoff and then reapplying the nitrogen in the form of kelp fertilizer for farms.

Students from the ninth-grade Environmental Science class hosted Antoinette for a lunch with an extended question-and-answer session before her presentation to the entire school assembly.

Student Sustainability Rep Please join me in congratulating Jamie C. ’19 as the new student sustainability representative. As the only junior in AP Environmental Science, she brought extraordinary focus to the academic study of the environment. She has also always been an enthusiastic participant in all aspects of the sustainability program: composting, gardening, hiking, and camping. You name it, she’s there with a smile! She will be attending Brown University’s prestigious Youth Environmental Leadership Program this summer in Alaska and hopefully will bring back plenty of exciting new ideas for the 2018–19 school year.

Tropical Forest Research Director of Sustainability John Wilkinson has received a senior fellowship from Earthwatch Institute to assist in field ecology research this August.

The project focuses on the forest reserves of Coto Brus, south of Costa Rica. The reserves are interspersed with abandoned and active farms, some of which have crops and fruit trees. The area houses over one hundred mammal and four hundred bird species, but they are threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation. The project investigates the impact of fruit trees on neighboring farms as an alternative food source for the mammal and bird life as well as the motivations of area farmers in maintaining fruit trees on their property.

More about this project »

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Continuing a long-standing tradition, students and faculty at Besant Hill School put away the books on April 20 to improve our school environment.

Thirteen separate work projects were completed, ranging from spreading mulch to planting native flowers and refurbishing Senior Hill. After a lot of hard work, everyone enjoyed a special BBQ lunch thanks to Juana and the dining staff.

VIEW PHOTOS & WATCH VIDEO Âť PG 29

COYOTE ATHLETICS PG 30

SWIMMING Julianna Lamb, Swimming Coach

This year, the Besant Hill School swim team met new challenges. With great perseverance and hard work, each swimmer met and exceeded their personal goals. Our returning swimmer, Jamyan M. ’20, was ready to compete. She dropped two seconds by our last meet. We welcomed four new swimmers to our team.

Each new member brought an area of expertise: Hayato A. ’20 focused on his freestyle stroke, Svea A. ’20 perfected her back stroke, Akari I. ’21 dominated the breaststroke, and Shu L. ’19 pulled out all the stops with her butterfly.

With four female swimmers and a love for four different strokes, we were able to compete, for the first time, in the medley relay.

As coaches, we remained in awe of this team’s dedication, teamwork, and ability to bring fun to even the hardest of practices. As a team, they lifted one another up when they faltered and celebrated each accomplishment, and everyone ended the season with a splash.

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BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Darcy Corson, Science Instructor, Boys Volleyball Coach The 2018 boys volleyball team completed the season with a 1–5 record. The team saw tremendous growth over the course of the season. As it progressed, the players’ fundamental skills improved, and chemistry between new and returning players was established. The team’s decisive win over Dunn School represented the culmination of these efforts.

Team captain Marko A. ’18 and second-year player Jin L.’19 were leaders by example.

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Their passion for and understanding of the game proved both helpful and motivating.

Salomon C. ’19 played an integral role as the team’s most reliable setter. New player Yllan H. ’21 quickly established himself as the team’s most punishing hitter. Mathaus T. ’19 was a stalwart in the backcourt. Ivan W. ’20 and Duke K. ’20 infused new energy and enthusiasm each time they came off of the bench. With so many talented young players, the future of Besant Hill’s boys volleyball program is bright.

GOLF

Kevin Henschel, Development Officer, Golf Team Coach

The golf team had an amazing inaugural season! We started with golf basics, and the boys worked hard to learn and understand many of the written and unwritten rules of the game. The goal for this team from the beginning was to create a passion for golf and hope the group would adopt a lifelong relationship with the game. We played matches, and although we did not win any, in true “Besant Hill School of Happy Valley� fashion, we got better each match. I would say each player improved beyond their early season expectations. The best part is that we had a lot of fun hanging out with one another and just enjoyed being at the golf course.

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sUMmer institute 2018 having a Great time... getting a head start on next year!

Besant Hill Summer Institute began July 2 with the arrival of students from 10 different countries! We have students from the academic year as well as just for the summer program here to learn English, STEM and prepare for the SAT. The program is supported by Besant Hill faculty, residential advisors, and alumni.

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besanthill .org/summer

SUMMER PROGRAMMING: July 1 - August 4 English as a Second Language (ESL) An immersion journey in speaking English, getting to know the BHS campus, and exploring Ojai and California.

Click here for details »

July 8 - August 4 SAT Prep and College Essay Writing In-depth overview of all three sections of the SAT test, including discussions about format, content, and overall strategies.

Click here for details »

July 8 - August 4 STEM Program An intensive, four-week experience that immerses students in hands-on engineering design and problem-solving strategies.

Click here for details »

Download our Summer Brochure ▶ Visit Summer Institute Online ▶

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COLLEGE UPDATE Abby Elizabeth Croft, Director of College Counseling By senior year, students are having regularly scheduled meetings with me to prepare for college applications. They receive direct assistance with all steps of the college admission process from the timely completion and submission of applications and forms, to interviews, to ensuring the fulfillment of required testing. It is a time of great self-discovery and anticipation. It is our hope that students and families find that the individualized support helps to alleviate much of the stress that seniors often experience.

Congratulations to the 2018 graduating class of Besant Hill School for their outstanding college matriculations! We wish you the utmost success next year!

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Class of 2018 College Matriculations

Bard College Belmont University California State University - Channel Islands Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Lafayette College Les Roches International School of Hotel Management - Marbella Lewis & Clark College Purdue University Saint Mary’s College of California Sarah Lawrence College* University of Arizona University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of Colorado at Denver University of Pittsburgh University of Redlands University of San Francisco University of Surrey University of Warwick University of Washington Watkins College of Art Ventura College Click here to view a full list of 2018 college acceptances.

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ACADEMIC UPDATE Portia Johnson, Interim Head of School

The World As Our Classroom

The first implementation year of the World As Our Classroom initiative has come to a close, and we are thrilled by the success and changes that have occurred. We have made great progress in expanding the connection of our curricular work to the outside world in many areas. Classes across the board have implemented e-portfolios into the curriculum, and students have had the chance to focus on mastery learning and reflective practices as well as learning valuable website creation and design skills. We look forward to continuing and expanding this practice next year by including auxiliary curriculum aspects, such as community service, advisory, Capstone, and experiential education.

This year, teachers also added a section to the curriculum maps in which they focused on the real-world skills taught in their classes, and next year, this will be expanded further as each class portfolio will include an example of how students take their learning outside of the classroom.

Additionally, next year, the school will work on introducing two all-school field trips. The Humanities and Art Departments will plan this activity in the first semester, and the Math and Science Departments will take the lead in the second semester. These field trips will provide another opportunity for us to learn in new, exciting environments and for the teachers to collaborate on interdisciplinary activities.

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bust. Seniors began to meet for their projects in the fall, and they had more time in the second semester to prepare and acquire such important skills as résumé building and professional letter writing. Overall, we are very excited about the changes created and supported through our World As Our Classroom initiative. We anxiously anticipate the continuation of this work as it generates enthusiasm within the teachers and students alike. We take our learning to new places, making more significant connections to and impact on the world outside Besant Hill.

ISP Pennant Ceremony

Kelly Henschel, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of ISP Students in the Instructional Support Program (ISP) fully embrace the school’s motto, “Aun aprendo” (I am still learning). During their time in ISP, students practice and master organization and time management skills and unique learning styles to become advocates in their academic classes. Students are taught how to learn, not just what to learn. After each school year, we honor the hard work and dedication of these students by celebrating their graduation from the ISP program and their acceptance to college.

During the ceremony, each graduating senior is presented with a pennant from the college that he or she will attend in the fall. Students sign their names on the pennants, which will remain on the walls of ISP and serve as both an inspiration to future ISP students and recognition of the accomplishments of our graduating seniors. ISP seniors are each gifted a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go, signed with well wishes and words of wisdom from the teaching faculty at Besant Hill School.

As I said while addressing the graduates, “We hope that this book will not only provide you with words of wisdom at moments where you face challenges, but also serve as a memory of the support system you have at Besant Hill. As Dr. Seuss, in his infinite wisdom, states, ‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.’ You all have the tools you need to succeed in college. Remember your strategies as you move onto college. They will help you achieve success.”

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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously.

This is how character is built. — Eleanor Roosevelt

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Outdoor Education: Year in Review Leland Fulton, Science Instructor, Experiential Education Coordinator The end of the spring semester marked the conclusion of an exciting first year for the renewed outdoor education program. Throughout the term, students participating in the program learned valuable outdoor skills, strengthened their bodies and minds, and explored some of the most spectacular wild places in California. After an exciting first year of adventures, the juniors who have completed this spring program will have the opportunity to act as leaders of outdoor program trips in the upcoming school year.

The introductory trip this season was a two-day backpacking trip in the Sespe Wilderness. This trip was designed to help students practice backcountry camping and cooking skills. The secondary objective—and the highlight for many—was to find the rumored Potrero John Waterfall upstream from camp. The peaceful oak woodland under which students set up camp provided the ideal base for the first night in the wilderness.

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The culminating backpacking trip for the outdoor program took students deep into the Ventana Wilderness of Big Sur, California. The majestic coastal redwood forests of this region provided the perfect seclusion for this three-day trip.

Students hiked the Sea to Sky trail, which weaves in and out of canyons and through grottos and cold streams. The ocean vistas on this excursion were some of the most spectacular in the region. Summiting Cone Peak, at nearly 5,100 feet, was perhaps the most challenging objective of the program.

The spring outdoor program concluded with a special training opportunity in Central California. Junior program members helped facilitate and lead a trip up to the American River, east of Sacramento. Sophomores and juniors interested in participating in the 2018–19 outdoor education program attended this incredible trip. A night of camping preceded a thrilling day of whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River. Thirteen miles of exciting whitewater and beautiful scenery provided the perfect conclusion to an exciting year in the outdoor program.

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Young Filmmakers Chris Hutchinson, Visual Arts, Digital and Multimedia Arts Instructor

Film at Besant Hill had yet another strong year. With students both in and outside the Film Class working on producing a range of video and film works, Besant Hill has quite a bit of action happening behind the lens. From independent studies to the new Media Production course, there has never been so many video projects in motion on the Hill.

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As Jack B. ’18 was working on finishing his yearlong project of producing Luna, a thirty-minute period piece, the Film class pushed to complete their final projects for submission to the annual Young Filmmakers Competition. This excellent opportunity is offered every year by the Ojai Film Society, and here, students view the works of about thirty of their peers in the valley and compete for cash prizes and recognition for their efforts .

This year, we had three submissions: The Girl by Kenzie C. ’19, Accountability by Sarah K. ’18, and With the Air by Cobin H. ’18. Kenzie’s film revolved around a young Chinese student who felt alone at her new boarding school but overcame her struggles with help from her peers. Sarah’s film portrayed a close-minded young woman whose views on mental illness were changed through a diagnosis of her own.

Cobin’s film gave us the story of a student athlete who had everything going for him until a tragic accident with a careless driver.

Setting the story to the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams in the beginning of the film but then shifting to a minor key version of the song after the crash, Cobin crafted a quite enjoyable short story bolstered by his chosen score. We applaud each student filmmaker for submitting their work. It can be challenging to put your art on display, but each student was proud of their efforts as they represented themselves well.

The Film Class gathered to attend the screening of the submitted films from more than four local schools and were thrilled to have Cobin’s film, With the Air, receive second place in the competition. Cobin graciously accepted his award and is now off to Sarah Lawrence College to study filmmaking on the heels of several of our former Young Filmmakers Competition winners, Jacob L. ’16 and Michael H. ’16.

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Tuck & Patti Thailand 2019 Benefit Concert & Workshop Leland Fulton, Science Instructor, Experiential Education Coordinator

Dave Cosby, Music Instructor Photos by Marek Froyda '19

This program showcases some of the best destinations in Southern Thailand—from the quaint fishing villages and coconut farms of Ko Yao Noi to some of the most popular destinations in the region. Learn about traditional culture and local industries and consider how the locals have adapted to tourism. Explore the pristine waters, lush tropical jungles, and towering limestone cliffs of Southern Thailand. Plunge into the emerald waters of Koh Phi Phi as you snorkel and scuba-dive through beautiful coral reefs while earning your PADI open-water certification. Challenge yourself to rock-climbing at the stunning cliffs around Railay Beach and finish the experience at the world-famous beaches of Phuket.

Heading north for a change of scenery, students say goodbye to the Tarutao Archipelago and take the morning ferry back to the mainland to dive into Thai and Karen culture, do infrastructure service work, visit an elephant conservation sanctuary, and visit Crazy Horse Buttress, one of the best climbing sites in Southeast Asia.

Visit Trip Website Âť PG 46

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HAPPY OFF GRID

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT WITH LELAND FULTON Science Instructor Leland Fulton has energized Besant Hill’s Outdoor Education Program with a combination of youthful vigor and depth of outdoor experience throughout this year. A passion for hands-on learning, Leland jumped at every opportunity to share his love of the outdoors. In recognition of his dedication, Leland received this year’s Wendy Morgando Faculty Recognition Award. The recipient of this annual award is chosen by popular vote by Faculty and Staff, and announced each year as part of our Commencement Ceremony. In announcing the award, Randy noted that he had won by an overwhelming number of votes. A humble spirit, Leland may have been the only one surprised by his selection. While inspiring his many students with interesting projects and trips, he has clearly inspired his fellow faculty in a significant way that benefits all students in all areas of study. We should imagine the following Faculty Spotlight shining from a camper’s headlamp, miles from civilization, illuminating our bearded subject through the smoke of an expert campfire.

PGPhoto 48 by Han Sung ‘20

Where were you born?

Kings Valley, Oregon.

Where were you/what were you doing before coming to Besant Hill School?

I lived in Southern Oregon and taught biology and marine science at Crater Renaissance Academy in Central Point, Oregon. I was also on the coaching staff for the track team there.

Where did you go to school? What was your major in college?

I got my BS in Environmental Science, with a minor in Outdoor Leadership from Southern Oregon University in Ashland. I received my master’s in Teaching from the University of Portland.

How/when did you first hear about Besant Hill?

I was teaching in Nicaragua, and Cheryl messaged me about a summer teaching opportunity at Besant. I came for a summer and fell for the area and the school.

How long have you been teaching/working at Besant Hill School?

I have been a classroom teacher for four years, two of those being at Besant. Prior to that, I taught farm-based environmental education on farms in Southern Oregon.

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Tell me the one thing you like best about Besant Hill School.

The people. Students and faculty alike have so much love and compassion for one another. It truly feels like a big family.

What do you want to accomplish at Besant Hill School? What is your mission?

I want to continue to make a positive impact on this wonderful community by doing what I love best—getting people out to experience our rich natural world through science education and outdoor adventure.

Who is someone you admire? Why? Jeff Mitchell, my Biology, Botany, and Ecology teacher at Philomath High School. Mr. Mitchell showed me how impactful an inspired, curious, and compassionate teacher can be.

What would you like to see the school accomplish in the future, short term or long term?

More real-world experiences! We are already heading in this direction with the World As Our Classroom initiative, but I’d like to see added buy-in from students and alumni in this endeavor.

We have a unique opportunity at this school to access some diverse and challenging settings that can provide extremely rich learning opportunities for our students. These opportunities can provide some of the holistic growth we hope to foster in our Besant Hill graduates.

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Do you have any advice for Besant Hill School students?

Be open and curious! Ditch the technology and have some real interactions with each other and the world! And also an anonymous quote from Peter Heller’s book Hell or High Water: Surviving Tibet’s Tsangpo River, which chronicles the first successful kayak descent of Tibet’s upper Tsangpo: “You gotta be big enough to be small enough, to let the world be awesome, and it will be.”

“You gotta be big enough to be small enough, to let the world be awesome, and it will be.”

- Anonymous quote from Peter Heller’s book Hell or High Water

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Spring Variety Show

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VIEW PHOTOS & WATCH VIDEO »

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FROM THE KITCHEN Juana Juarez, Executive Chef

ORGANIC KALE AND BROCCOLI SALAD 3 CUPS BROCCOLI FLORETS, CHOPPED 1 TABLESPOON COCONUT OIL 1 LARGE BUNCH KALE, CHOPPED 1/2 TEASPOON SEA SALT 2 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL 2 TABLESPOON LEMON JUICE 1/4 CUP SLICED ALMONDS 1/4 CUP DRIED CRANBERRIES

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1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees 2 - Toss broccoli with coconut oil and a pinch of salt and pepper and lay flat on a sheet pan.

3 - Roast broccoli for 20-25 minutes, turning once until broccoli is crisp-tender and lightly browned.

4 - While broccoli is roasting, add the kale to a medium mixing bowl along with the 1/2 teaspoon salt.

5 - Massage “ kale for five minutes, or until leaves are sweet and tender.

6 - Once broccoli is roasted, add broccoli to the kale along with the olive oil, lemon juice, almonds, cranberries.

Toss and serve immediately.

Each year, the dining staff serves over 50,000 meals, while also catering events, such as Farm-to-Table, Spring Arts Weekend, Commendations Dinners, Summer Programs, and numerous holiday celebrations.

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ANNUAL FUND UPDATE Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

— Charles Dickens We offer deep gratitude and thanks to our current and past alumni, parents, faculty and staff, friends of the school, and the Happy Valley Foundation Board of Trustees for their generous support of the Annual Fund this past year. Achieving and surpassing our annual goal of $200,000 is made even more incredible by the fact that many people chose to give to this fund in addition to our Fire Relief Fund. This kind of generosity of spirit keeps us focused on our present, the students and their immediate needs, and not on our “past misfortunes.” The Annual Fund provides our students with everything, from extra books and classroom supplies to ingredients for the Salsa Club, which the students created this year. As we repeatedly say, this financial support closes the gap between what tuition and fees cover and the actual cost of providing an exceptional educational experience. It could not happen without you, and we are ever grateful.

With appreciation, Your Annual Fund Team Portia, Kathy, Kevin, Marion PG 58

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Sophomore Class enjoying their celebratory meal at Ojai’s Exotic Thai

Contest between the classes continues . . .

As has been a tradition over the last several years, the Development Office ran its annual Contest Between the Classes campaign to encourage increased percentages of parent participation in the Annual Fund. Foundations and granting organizations require reporting percentages of participation by each school constituency group. This year’s winning class was the sophomore class of 2020, a repeat win from last year as freshmen! The students enjoyed a delectable dinner at the Exotic Thai restaurant in downtown Ojai. A great time was had by all. Three cheers for the sophomore parents!

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Our New Head of School Emeritus At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

- Albert Schweitzer When Randy Bertin joined Happy Valley School as Head of Advancement and then became Head of School, no one could have imagined how far he would take our school over the course of twelve years. With Randy’s values and leadership at the helm, our school has become a financially sound, recognized and awarded, more internationally diverse college-preparatory high school, with a completely refurbished campus, new student/faculty housing, a pool complex, and innovative programs like World As Our Classroom as well as expanded environmental sustainability, creative arts, and athletic programs. Of course, the new initiatives over the years would not have been possible without support from friends like you. As we celebrate Randy’s accomplishments, we invite you to honor his legacy by deepening your engagement with us. Please consider joining the Dr. Randy Bertin Legacy Fund (see next page for an exciting Matching Gift announcement)!

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DR. RANDY BERTIN LEGACY FUND

MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE

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Alumna Marion Weil '60 has generously offered a $50,000 MATCHING CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE !!

We h a ve u n t i l October 31, 2018 (our Family Weekend) to raise $50,000 that Marion will match with $50,000. No gift is too small (or too large!), and every dollar gets us toward our goal. We are incredibly grateful to Marion for all of her continued care and support to educate our future generations!

MAKE A DONATION W W W. B E S A N T H I L L . O R G / G I V I N G

TO PAY BY CHECK, SEND TO:

Besant Hill School of Happy Valley Attn: Business Office 8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd. Ojai, Ca. 93023 If you would like more information, please contact the Development Office:

805-646-4343 ext. 131 For more information, please visit: www.besanthill.org/giving PG 61

by Claire Lowndes, Visual Arts Instructor PG 62

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The focus for this term has been the Spring Arts Weekend (page 6). The Studio Art and Ceramics students were challenged to create a unique outcome linked to a personal concept. The students embraced this challenge with excitement and confidence. The art exhibition was a vibrant celebration of the students’ learning, individualism, and teamwork. The students also embraced a stage set design brief and created the mattresses for the Once Upon a Mattress performance.

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THE BEATRICE WOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Ceramics students have developed and progressed their making skills in the inspiring Beatrice Wood’s Studio. The students love extra learning opportunities to gain and improve their creativity. The interest in various scholarship artist workshops offered by the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts continues to grow.

ART AROUND CAMPUS The students have taken the lead in spreading more art on campus, the latest being the Phoenix Dormitory.

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Creative Summer Activities on Campus Ojai Music Festival Morning Performances Early-morning concerts returned to the Zalk Theater as part of the prestigious Ojai Music Festival, week-long event in June, with concerts taking place in different locations around Ojai.

Eighth Blackbird Creative Lab

Also in June, our campus hosted the return of Grammy Award-winning enemble Eighth Blackbird’s second new-music camp called Blackbird Creative Lab. Eighth Blackbird chose 30 fellows from hundreds of applicants from around the world to attend this tuition-free, two-week camp. The Lab designated classrooms and spaces across campus to rehearse in and enjoyed the fabulous cuisine provided by our team of in-house chefs. The Lab culminated in two amazing concerts in the Zalk Theater on June 22 & 23.

George Winston Benefit Concert Celebrated American pianist George Winston will be performing two benifit concerts on July 13 and 14. The first to benefit Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts and the second to benefit Besant Hill School. Tickets available on the Beatrice Wood Center website: www.beatricewood.com

Ojai Playwrights Conference, Summer Festival Now a long-standing tradition, our campus will play host to a throng of talented writers and actors attending this year’s Ojai Playwrights Conference (OPC). One of the highlights of August’s Conference is the OPC Youth Workshop directed by veteran acting coach and former BHS parent Kim Maxwell. Young writers and performers, including current Besant Hill School students and alumni, immerse themselves in the writing process and hit the stage for a special performance during the Summer New Works Festival.

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Presented by the Happy Valley Cultural Center under the artistic direction of renowned harpist Heidi Lehwalder Chamber On The Mountain honors the traditional while celebrating the innovative and the intermingling of nascent talent with venerated masters.

OUR UPCOMING PERFORMANCE

Ji, Pianist

Sunday, September 23, 2018 3:00 pm / Logan House Adjacent to the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

Meet the artists! Reception will follow the performance.

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Prom 2018 Megan Walton, Assistant Head of School Photos by Cobin H.'18

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The stylish sophistication of the Tower Club of Oxnard, combined with classic decorations reminiscent of 1920s America, provided the perfect backdrop for a stunning recreation of The Great Gatsby at Besant Hill School Prom 2018.

The student body and their faculty chaperones enjoyed a delightful selection of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a delicious buffet dinner and dessert, all while enjoying a spectacular view from the mountains to the shore.

Highlights of the evening included the most festive dance party of the year, games of chance, candid Polaroid photo ops, a candy buffet, and a photo booth to commemorate the evening—plenty of great fun for all in attendance.

Having danced the night away, all safely returned to campus, happy for the opportunity to enjoy this tradition together as one family community.

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MORE» PHOTOS » VIEW PHOTOS PG 71

Class of 2018

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Marko Andrejević

Michael Ebube Anekwe

Mateo Jorge Cesarman

Zhe Helen Chen

Elisabeth Perret Comer

Ruben Conrad

Catherine Grace de Wetter

Kimberleey Sterliza Frank

John Thomas Chandler Buie Jr.

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Kayla Venezia Gerรณnimo-Anctil

Cobin Jack Hixon

Junyi Lambert Li

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Parker Camron Gornet

Willa Alexandra Nelson Janszen

Jennifer Rosa Liang

Kiki Guo

Sarah Edith Kaminsky

Alina Ellen Perlstein

Prithraj Punia

Shivani Sanjay Vaswani

Weidong Ryan Wang

Yuting Linda Wang

Meilun Darren Wang

Clayton Weisberg

Ruihu Toby Zeng

Sicheng Samantha Zhou

da Wang

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Kiki’s interest in management of the hospitality industry deepened by becoming part of the Besant Hill dining services team. Or was it just to learn Mary’s secret chocolate chip cookie recipe?

Capstone

Senior Projects

Michael Biermann, Director of Athletics & Senior Capstone Coordinator

The senior class began the process of developing their Capstone projects in September. We first reviewed the basics of the program expectations, and they were instructed to think of a viable project. They were asked to develop an independent experiential learning opportunity that would culminate into a three-week project in May with the help of their parents, advisors, and teachers.

This year featured a wide variety of passions and interests. The projects ranged from engineering to boutique architecture. Several projects pertained to culinary arts, education, research in mathematical intuition, film study, business, photography, book design and publication development. This year’s projects took place in Beijing, China, New Mexico, Arizona, Azusa, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Ojai.

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Alina interned in retail and hospitality with our friends at Ojai’s Caravan Outpost.

Catherine explored her love of children and education by working with teachers and students at Sunset Elementary.

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Michael worked with defense laywers inside a local law office, gaining insight into the US legal system as it pertained to several specific missing person cases.

The seniors presented their Capstone projects in the Zalk Theater to their classmates, teachers, and staff members. The passion for their projects was evident in their presentations. The students challenged themselves and met the various challenges their projects presented. Some seniors were even offered summer employment opportunities because of their hard work and commitment to their projects. Some realized that their experience was not something they would pursue in the future, yet they came away with an appreciation for the opportunity to develop that realization.

The class of 2018 should be proud of their hard work for successfully completing their Capstone projects. They should be proud of stepping outside the classroom into the real world and facing the challenges presented to them. Well done, seniors!

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MINIMAL CAR ZINE A talented photographer with an eye for interesting automobile design, Toby printed hard copies of what has been a work in progress online for years. CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE!

Ryan followed his passion for fast cars and engineering by working with professional mechanics culminating in exciting test drives in the California desert.

DE LA LOMITA ONLINE! Highlighting artwork from current students, alumni, and faculty, Cobin H. created an online version of a 2016 capstone project by Dan Tu. In 2016, Dan created a book of student artwork and artist statement with the intention the project would be carried forth by future seniors.

Cobin took it to the next level this year by creating a website This required a steep learning curve into the world of web and graphic design. CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE! PG 79

Senior Retreat PG 80

While their underclassmates are busy on campus with finals, the seniors traditionally retreat to a camping spot somewhere on the coastline north of Ventura. This year’s senior retreat at El Refugio campground in Santa Barbara county provided quality time together, quiet reflection, and as seen to the right, a chance to work on graduation speeches.

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Commendations Commendations

With the final few days of the year upon us, a beautifully set dinner was a moment for students, faculty, and staff to simply visit, give thanks, and recognize the incredible journey of the 2017—18 school year. Special words of thanks and a round of applause was given to our wonderful chefs and kitchen staff who work so hard and thoughtfully to provide the community with such a great variety of tasty, healthy food.

Announcing the retirement of Mary Mills, the entire community rose to their feet in a much deserved standing ovation for over two-decades of service to the school.

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Following dinner, parents and loved ones joined students and staff for the Commendations Ceremony in the Zalk Theater. Portia announced the many awards, and Randy hand-delivered each one to students, accompanied by a hug or a handshake.

Megan then awarded books to students who stood out during the semester in the residential program. She also awarded a special commendation to residential student and four year senior Cobin H. and day student Elana F. '20 for demonstrating exceptional leadership in the community.

Randy then returned to the podium to close out the evening with the prestigious Coyote Award. This award is given to honor a student who has shown leadership, outstanding participation, and enthusiasm in all areas of the school’s co-curricular program. One student per semester is honored with the award at the conclusion of the commendations ceremony. The award is given through nomination from the faculty. This year’s award went to four-year senior Lambert L. With seniors asked to stay behind, students, faculty, family and friends headed up to Senior Hill where a fire awaited the group for the Passing of the Torch Ceremony.

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Passing of the Torch Each year, after the Commendations Ceremony, seniors stay behind in the Zalk Theater while the rest of the school, including parents and guests, head up to Senior Hill. A bonfire illuminates the senior tiles that are set in the ground around the fire pit. The junior class creates a circle where their tiles will go next year, and await the Passing of the Torch, a ceremony that beautifully recognizes departing and rising seniors.

To begin the ceremony, seniors, holding candles, walk up the pathway towards the bonfire where they are greeted by family, faculty, and classmates who line the pathway on both sides. Around the bonfire, seniors stand facing the juniors.

Dave Cosby played guitar as Ava B. '19 sang beautifully, and after some words from Head of School, Randy Bertin, candles were passed to rising seniors. As the sun went down, the glow from the candles grew brighter. A beautiful end to a momentus day on campus, topped off by Mary’s amazing homemade desserts!

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Graduation

With the Ojai sun shining brightly and a slight breeze in the air, 26 graduates descended the stairs at the Commons and made their way to their seats for Besant Hill School’s 72nd Commencement Ceremony. With standing room only in the audience, families, friends, faculty, and alumni gathered to honor the collective success of these young adults as they completed this important chapter of their lives.

Joining the graduates on stage were Head of School, Randy R. Bertin, Ed.D., and Director of Teaching & Learning--and recently appointed Interim Head of School, Portia Johnson ‘00. In addition, a special guest, Alumnus Gunnar Lovelace ‘95, served as the official commencement speaker. Each of them offered words of wisdom and sound advice to our newest group of alumni as they prepare for life beyond Besant Hill.

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other and the planet” and that it needed to happen on a large scale. Randy explained further, “They decided to effect this change -- one graduate at a time -- over the past 72 years, continuing with you, 26 seniors here today.”

The need to embrace change throughout life is essential for growth, yet so is the need to pause. Often a “buzz word” these days, Randy explained, “It is necessary to pause and to think about you. No matter how crazy life and work are, no matter how much you think you need to put in, all the effort you give…sometimes more isn’t necessarily better.”

Dr. Randy Bertin & Portia Johnson '00 Randy opened the commencement program by welcoming guests to the “celebration of a wonderful, beautiful class of intellectuals, including artists, scientists, athletes, farmers, musicians, and dreamers.”

He proceeded to share a thoughtfully written speech that emphasized the lessons he learned during his time at Besant Hill -- the need to change, the need to pause, the need to be vulnerable and trust people. Randy noted “in the English language, change seemingly connotes how we are at one place, and we’re moving to another place -- instantly. And that when people talk about our lives, or our organizations, they are often pinning change to one pivotal moment.” He continued, “But, if we looked at it more so as a spectrum rather than one specific event or alteration in our life path, it’s evident that we are all changing. And change needs to be constant. A continuum. The results of change aren’t always instantly recognized, but they can be over time. ” As an example, Randy shared that the founders of the school fervently believed the “human condition needed to rise to another level of respect, kindness, and responsibility for each PG 88

On the subjects of vulnerability and trust, Randy had this to share with the graduates, “I have learned to trust first. Trust first. You hear a lot of times, and it’s so true, that you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it…and that’s a lesson I learned here -- if you’re vulnerable and can be yourself, and you’re trusting, you’ll get that back.”

Randy’s final words to the Class of 2018 were, “I wish you the best of luck as you walk away from this place, as we both walk away. Hold your head high, and be proud -- because I will -- to be from Besant Hill School of Happy Valley. Know that we’ll remember you and love you as a student and member of our alumni body, and I look forward to the next time that our paths cross.”

Following his speech, Randy presented the annual Wendy Morgando Faculty Recognition Award. This honor is voted on by the faculty, and the recipient is recognized for excellence in all areas of school life by exhibiting enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication to the students at Besant Hill School. This year’s award was bestowed upon Science Instructor Leland Fulton, who will take on an additional role

In tradition, graduates rise and face their teachers in a moment of gratitude next year as the Experiential Education Coordinator. As Randy noted, “This year’s winner truly lives out the criteria for this award, going beyond classroom to engage the students in learning experiences. He has consistently volunteered his own time with the outdoor education classes, taken students on trips during weekends, and has introduced new experiments into his classroom. He has designed new programs and new curriculum, and is always happy to help out in all aspects of the school. Leland is the perfect candidate for this award – and he won by a landslide.” Congratulations, Leland!

Leland Fulton accepts the Wendy Morgando Faculty Recognition Award

Next up to the lectern was Gunnar Lovelace, alumnus from the Class of 1995.

Gunnar is a serial entrepreneur who focuses on business and health as vehicles for social change. Thrive Market, which makes healthy living accessible by providing organic and non-GMO groceries at reduced costs, is one of several companies founded by Gunnar. He spoke candidly and PG 89

Gunnar Lovelace, Class of 1995 addresses the Class of 2018

“Pursue what you love. Fiercely go after what you love. Courageously do what you love. warmly to the focused graduates sitting before him. “Pursue what you love. Fiercely go after what you love. Courageously do what you love. In the journey of that, never accept ‘no’.” He continued, “The fierce pursuit of doing what you love is the way to realize your full potential. We’re all afraid. It doesn’t matter how successful we are, our positions of power, or how confident someone seems. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to persist in the presence of fear. And to make it a friend in your lifelong journey.”

It is often said that Besant Hill is an extraordinary place for learning and living. The evidence is seen throughout the year, every year, yet even more so on graduation day.

Individually, seniors spend two minutes expressing themselves to the attentive audience, re-telling stories of their time here, usually starting with their apprehension upon arrival and ending with statements of gratitude -- for the opportunities for growth...the freedom to be themselves...the support received by their peers, faculty, and staff...and for the love of the land. Students become an enhanced version of themselves here, and nobody leaves without some level of appreciation for what the school has done for them. “As I stand here in front of you, I have nothing but gratitude in my heart,” Michael A’ ‘18 said. And as Lambert L. ‘18 expressed, “As many others have often said, Besant Hill equals ‘home’.”

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Spanish instructor Nestor Gerónimo (left) captures the moment as Kayla (right), his third and youngest daughter, joins her sisters as Besant Hill School alumni.

Following the presentation of diplomas, a very special award was presented to an unsuspecting member of the Besant Hill staff -- the “Unsung Hero Award.” This is not a Besant Hill Award, but a National Award given yearly by the National Business Officers Association (NBOA for those in the independent school world) to only a few financial leaders in independent boarding/day schools across the United States.

The award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary and significant differences in schools, whose contributions exemplify exceptionally high standards of integrity, knowledge, and motivation to help their schools succeed. They are team players whose work supports faculty, staff, trustees, and administration. Besides clearly demonstrating an effective mastery of his or her job, each recipient of this award must have made a difference to his or her school, its staff, and its students. Randy proudly announced Alex Smith, our CFO, as this year’s Unsung Hero.

Thank you, Alex, for your dedication to Besant Hill!

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Portia Johnson was the final speaker of the day and selected a meaningful reading to share, an excerpt from a speech given by author Toni Morrison in which she dispenses life advice from the perspective of an author, artist, and citizen of the world: “Of course, you’re general, but you’re also specific. A citizen and a person, and the person you are is like nobody else on the planet. Nobody has the exact memory that you have. What is now known is not all you are capable of knowing.”

The traditional “moment of silence” took place at the end of the ceremony, followed by a celebratory luncheon prepared with love by the Besant Hill dining staff.

Being an international boarding school, it was wonderful and appreciated to meet families from around the world who traveled a great distance to attend the commencement ceremony. Similarly, we’re grateful to the many generations of alumni -- from Marion Miller Martin ‘56 to several members of the Class of 2017 -- who chose to spend the day with us.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018! We will miss your presence on campus and hope you return for a visit soon.

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H WL ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI LEAD LOVING SEND OFF This year’s annual Spring Arts/Family Weekend saw the school taking the opportunity to thank outgoing Head of School Dr. Randy Bertin for his leadership and dedication to Besant Hill School of Happy Valley. The tribute started with brief, heartfelt comments from incoming Interim Head of School Portia Johnson ‘00 who introduced a tribute video created by Development and Alumni Relations Officer Kevin Henschel ‘93.

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After the emotional video presentation, Happy Valley Foundation Board Trustee and Director of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts and Happy Valley Cultural Center, Kevin Wallace spoke on behalf of the HVF Board. The Board bestowed Randy with the honorary title of Head of School Emeritus, making it the first time in the school’s history that such an honor has been given.

Kathy Zotnowski, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, was next to take the podium. In the spirit of the tribute’s theme The Stories They Tell After You Are Gone, she recounted a beautiful story about Randy giving of his time and love to alumnus Lee Sanders ‘61 at the end of Lee’s life.

The entire Bertin family was called to the stage and presented with thank you gifts including wooden picture frames inscribed with the school’s motto Aun Aprendo for each of Randy’s four sons. Alumna Marion Miller Martin ‘57 then spoke as a representative of the alumni. She also created a stunning bas relief

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of the school and Topa Mountains that was mounted on a wooden “memory book” presented to Randy.

Alumni, faculty, and even founder Louis Zalk’s daughter, Helene Pollock (at age 99) contributed memories, stories and remembrances for the book. Randy was then presented with a gift from the school “to always remember us by” – a set of golf clubs.

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The ceremony concluded in our traditional way with music, a reading, and moment of silence. Current student Michael A. ’18 was completely on point with his reading by Gary Ryan Blair asking everyone in the audience to reflect on his/her own legacy in this world. Junior Emmy H. and Music Chair Dave Cosby then ended the evening with the most beautiful rendition of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The apex of the song and the evening came when the entire community joined in on the chorus – a touching honor for a man who has given his all to this community. After the moment of silence, everyone enjoyed a delicious outdoor dinner and dessert together on the Commons Lawn.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: FRANCOIS TCHOYI, CLASS OF

2011

Growing up, I never dreamt of coming to the United States. I always wanted to follow my elder sister, Esther Goura, to France and complete my education there. That dream completely took a 180-degree turn when a couple of my friends, Yannick and Ivan, were accepted to Besant Hill School of Happy Valley the year before me. I learned from them about the opportunity for students from all over the world to go to the United States and have access to education. Although I did not know much about the United States, I was eager to take advantage of this opportunity because I knew it would tremendously help my family financially in the long run. It would also allow me to graduate from high school, and as my mother always told me, “You need to be the exception that makes the rule.� She said I could do this by being the first male in my family to graduate from high school and college.

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“Looking back at my time at Besant Hill, I am grateful for all my experiences because they propelled me to be successful in college. At Besant Hill, I learned how to be confident in myself and take risks.”

My first six months at Besant Hill were by far the most difficult ones because of the culture shock and language barrier. That being said, my experience at Besant could not have been any better. If it were not for the support of teachers like Kelly Henschel and Tina Leslie (who inspired me to be a teacher), mentors like Randy Bertin and Kevin Henschel, and friends for life Ivan Matip and Yannick Atanga, I never would have made it. Yannick and Ivan paved the way for me to be successful.

Although I accredit my success at Besant to the people mentioned above, I believe that the entire community played a vital role in my progress because I got a chance to interact and learn something from each member.

Looking back at my time at Besant Hill, I am grateful for all my experiences because they propelled me to be successful in college. At Besant Hill, I learned how to be confident in myself and take risks. Besant helped me mature at a pace I wouldn’t have achieved if I hadn’t ended up in this community. The most valuable lesson I learned from the school is “Aun Aprendo.” I learned that life is the teacher and we are the students. To be successful and reach our full potential, we need to be humble and be willing to learn from others. That lesson helped me pass several classes in college. I learned how to lean on other people.

This fall, I will be coming back to teach at Besant Hill, and it is a dream come true.

Besant Hill is a second home for me. Working here will give me an opportunity to give back to the community that gave me more than I ever could have imagined. Besides teaching and coaching, I look forward to being a role model, inspiring and helping students to believe in themselves and reach their full potential, just like teachers inspired me throughout my educational career.

“The most valuable lesson I learned from the school is “Aun Aprendo.” I learned that life is the teacher and we are the students.”

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WELCOME, NEW ALUMNI Class of 2018 Takes Center Stage The Development and Alumni Relations Office welcomed our newest graduates from the class of 2018 into their role as alumni. A few days before graduation, the seniors were invited to join our alumni network platform—HVS–BHS Connect.

Development and Alumni Relations Officer (and HVS–BHS guru) Kevin Henschel provided them with a demo of the platform. They also received senior class sweatshirts. May they wear them proudly for years to come!

If you would like to connect with them or be connected with your fellow classmates and the school, click the link below to join HVS–BHS Connect. The platform continues to grow with job opportunities, mentorships, photo albums, and more.

Get connected!

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HVS-BHS CONNECT

You asked for it, and now it’s here: an alumni interactive database site where you can search for your classmates and get information about reunions, local gatherings, current campus happenings, mentoring opportunities, and job possibilities.

HVS-BHSCONNECT.COM If you have any questions or need help signing up, please contact: Kevin Henschel khenschel@besanthill.org (805) 646-4343 ext. 344 PG 101

GRADUATION GRABS ALUMNUS GUNNAR LOVELACE AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

We thank again alumnus Gunnar Lovelace, Class of 1995 for taking time to join us for Commencement and sharing with our seniors his unique perspective on how being a graduate of this school has influenced his life and what he thinks are some of the broader challenges facing our planet and personal challenges ahead for the Class of 2018. As with all in attandance, our graduates were clearly moved by Gunnar’s heartfelt message.

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ALUMNI UPDATES

From Arthur Hughes ‘55-‘60 Last weekend had a marvelous time with Eric Chambliss ‘59 and his daughter Marlene here at my place in New York. And three weeks ago the same with Raymond Neutra ‘57 and Mary Jensen Myers ‘57.

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Alumni Visits We were so fortunate to have had so many alumni attend the spring arts weekend reunion, surprise visits from aliumni passing through town and a great number of recent alumni and former students attending this year’s commencement ceremony!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Yannick Atanga '10 with Theresa Risby Shayk Katie Beasley '17 Woody Brown '17 Bill Kaplan '63 with wife Candace Claire Noyce Lewis '60 Daisy Liu '16 Alexia Geronimo-Anctil '12 Ilis Geronimo-Anctil ‘15 Kianna Gonella '16 Micah Handrinos Nile Hendrix-Whitmore '16 Paulina Hoffman Sienna Johnson ‘16 Noah Lashley '13 Sheldon Lin '17 Gunnar Lovelace '95 Marion Miller Martin '57 Ivan Matip '10 with wife Yvette & son Jayden Ben Macy '17 Rudy Neisser '52 Mary Keith Osborn '59 Pal Pauer '59 Abrah Cate Steward '17 Ken Tennen '66 with wife Diane Jan Caldwell Thorpe '60 with husband Larry Thorpe Anne Thacher '60 Francois Tchoyi '11 Jorge Uribe '60 Nina Ward '52 Marion Weil '60 Felix White '16 Angelica Escobedo '15 Ruby Jane Sizemore '17 Victor Yuwei Guo Simeon Hu '16 If you visited the campus and you’re not listed here, Linrui Xie it means that we missed your visit! Please let us know Andrew Yu '16 by e-mailing your Alumni Liaison Marion “Ruth” Weil Yiyi Zeng '17 '60, at alumni@besanthill.org. To ensure that you’re

included in future editions, please check in with the Main Office and get your visitor lanyard.

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PG 105

JULY!

GEORGE WINSTON BENEFIT CONCERT Saturday, July 14, 2018

Fo l l o w, L i k e , & Subscribe!

OCTOBER! FARM TO TABLE: A COMMUNITY HARVEST Saturday, October 27, 2018

ted c e n n o c stay re

ke su a m e s a Ple your we have ail & em current ddress! a mailing i Liaison to Alumn s e t a d p u d n Se , HVS ‘60: il e W n io r a M thill.org n a s e b i@ n alum

ws & e n i n m g e t a l ut e s o n l i n e : upda lumni

besanth PG 106

a ill.org/

ALUMNI WEBSIT

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HVS-BHSCONNE CT.COM

If you have any questions or need help signing up, ple ase contact: Kevin Henschel

khenschel@besan thill.org

(805) 646-4343 ex t. 344

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It is with great pleasure and hearty congratulations that we introduce the members of Besant Hill Student Government for the 2018-19 school year: Co-Presidents Selena N. Ziqi Z.

BESANT HILL SCHOOL STUDENT GOVERNMENT TEAM

Senior Class Representative Charlie Z. Junior Class Representative Duke K. Sophomore Class Representative Isabella L. Dorm Representatives Jamie C. Susan B. Akari I. Linh K. Diego G. Tsunaki I. Dongrun (Darin) W.

Ziki and Selena make their case to the school community on election day

Business Manager Kadutoshi (Kadu) S. Representative at Large Tabitha M. Sustainability Representative Jamie C. Special Events Sunny H. PG 108

Voting in room 6

Summer Birthdays

June 1 6 7 9 11 12 13 24 26 30

Lillian H Linh K Svea A Gianna A Linda W Jamie C Jack T Liam W Anna Z Robert W

July 1 6 14 16 16 24

Dan N Ryan W Kusili Ruben C Sunny H Willa Janszen

August 11 10 14 15 19 23 26 29

Emma Z Helen C Tony J Yuki G Alina P Jay Z Kenzie C Michael B

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Calendar JULY 1 ESL Summer Program Begins

SEPTEMBER 8 Beach Day

JULY 8 Summer STEM/SAT Programs Begin

SEPTEMBER 18-21 Fall Trips

SEPTEMBER 3 Student Leadership Arrives

OCTOBER 8 Admissions Open House

SEPTEMBER 5 All Student Registration and Move In

OCTOBER 19- 21 Bioneers Conference

SEPTEMBER 6 &7 Orientation/First Day of Classes

OCTOBER 26 Fall Concert

VIEW ONLINE CALENDAR »

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QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? PLEASE EMAIL US: INFO@BESANTHILL.ORG

Closing Council 2018 PG 110

OCTOBER 26–27 Family Weekend & Farm-to-Table 60th-ish Reunion NOVEMBER 9-10 Fall Drama Production NOVEMBER 16 Fall Break Begins NOVEMBER 26 Fall Break Ends