InnovativeFaculty and Staff
Dear Buckley Community,
Buckley students soared last year, individually and collectively, in and out of the classroom—academically, artistically, and athletically.
With the help of our Buckley Fund donors, the robotics team acquired a new portable workstation and earned the Excellence in Engineering award, the highest award given at the L.A. Regional VEX Robotics Competition. Boys varsity basketball made the third round of the state championships for the first time since 2013. Our stellar production of Little Shop of Horrors earned two prestigious Jerry Herman award nominations for local high school musicals. Our new Stream Team brought senior nights and CIF games to the wider community by livestreaming athletic events.
On campus, student musicians blew us away at the new Open Mic lunchtime sessions. They drew crowds that outgrew the black box theater and Choral Room and are now hosted in The Center for Community and the Arts, where they play original songs and covers, as solo artists and in bands. South By South Buckley, our three-year old K–12 film and arts festival added music and fashion to its program and kept the whole community—from age two to age ninety!—entertained with an evening of gallery walks, live music, a fashion show, and short films made by everyone from kindergarteners to seniors.
All of these new events and equipment and bells and whistles that take Buckley to the next level are a result of community support. Alumni tuned into the basketball game livestreams and Buckley Backstage parent volunteers helped with costumes, tickets, and feeding the cast and crew of Little Shop
Thank you to the many volunteers, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni who support our students, and help them achieve excellence.
Alona Scott Head of School
Upper School Assistant Head George Russo drives Head of School Alona Scott (center) and founder Isabelle Buckley’s great granddaughters, Emily Merkley (left) and Izzy Simqu (right) in the Founder’s Day parade.
INNOVATING EDUCATION
Innovation at Buckley comes in all shapes, sizes, and disciplines
Teachers supported innovation and a dynamic educational experience across campus last year, adopting new technologies and programs, developing curriculum, and helping students build and create in fresh, engaging ways. It was a year of helping students access the tools and skills they need to become architects of the future.
andToys Get Techy
The Griffitrons, Buckley’s robotics team, led by faculty advisor Paul Barker and Nick Carillo, needed a way to transport their robot to competitions. They researched and found a work station that transforms into a carrying case. Voila—they were able to build, code, connect, and go!
Tapping Into
“Emotions are everything,” says Lower School Head Adrienne Parsons. This year, the Buckley Lower School launched the use of the R.U.L.E.R. approach, which helps children understand, label, and connect to their emotions. The acronym stands for Recognizing emotions (in oneself and others), Understanding the causes and the consequences, Labeling emotions, Expressing emotions (in line with an appropriate cultural and societal context), and Regulating emotions. Part of this approach includes a Mood Meter, which students use to identify what they are feeling.
Emotions
F a c u lty Pioneer AdvancedStudies
Members of the Upper School faculty, having long expressed a desire to go deeper into their subjects over the course of a year, helped develop the new Advanced Studies program. In these courses, which launched during the 2024–2025 school year, students can explore subjects further with more personal projects, field trips, and discussion. These subjects include art history, studio art, English, and science.
Coming to a Stream
Under the guidance of film teacher Ivan Salcedo, the studentled Stream Team successfully livestreamed and recorded numerous campus events, from sporting competitions and commencement to the Climate Conference.
When filmmaking classes moved from the visual arts to performing arts department, a collaboration was born. Filmmaking teacher Ivan Salcedo and theater teacher Michael Spound joined forces and created a new course, Acting for the Screen. Filmmaking students meet with acting students and film short scenes that they can then watch back, critique, and enjoy.
HipHopInterest Grows Lights, Camera, A
“In previous years at Buckley, we’ve offered a Global Hip Hop Dance course, and I feel lucky to revive this class and offer it to our Upper School students. I have an immense passion and appreciation for hip hop dance and culture.
My intention is to build a safe space for dancers to express themselves, take risks and create a sense of community and respect in the classroom. The eight students who participated last year brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and high energy to the artform and their dance performances were electric.
The students and larger community of Buckley have truly embraced this class. Our numbers have doubled this year, and I can’t wait to see what creativity and choreography emerges from this!”
Angela Moran, Middle/Upper School dance teacher
Stargazers Hit Gilley
With help from The Buckley Fund, the science department, led by chair Anat Fernandes, was able to purchase a new SMART telescope last year, opening up new worlds of learning... and viewing. Astronomy Club advisor Brian Rector and astrophysics teacher Nick Carrillo ventured with students up to Gilley Field twice at nightfall to take photographs and view celestial wonders.
Getting More OutofNYC
French and Philosophy teacher, Olivier Dalle, who is also the Model UN advisor, realized we could restructure the trip so that students saw more of NYC than the Headquarters of the United Nations. Now, in addition to participating in the academic program in which high school students simulate the structure and diplomacy of international relations, they venture into the Big Apple. Last year’s trip included visits to Chinatown and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and taking in a Broadway show.
Open
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our band teacher, Wes Haas ’11, and Educational Technology Lead and Media Producer Al Park, Open Mic Sessions have become a monthly lunchtime event for Upper School students. These sessions provide a space where students can showcase their talents and support one another’s artistic expression.
Mic GainsP
LOWER SCHOOL GETS A MAKEOVER
To develop 21st century skills, children need learning spaces that enhance a culture of innovation and creativity.
We’re making important changes to our Lower School Assembly Room building that will allow students and teachers to work collaboratively in small breakout groups, enhance our experiential learning programs, and provide additional rooms for student support and other community activities.
Thanks to the generous donors to our It’s Time campaign, we started renovations to our Lower School Assembly Room Building in June. The new building will feature:
• An expanded library with cozy corners for reading, small group activities, and other learning opportunities
• A dedicated dance studio complete with marley floors, mirrored walls, and ballet barres
• A fully-renovated art studio and new kiln
• Private offices for student support
We can’t wait for our students to benefit from these purpose-built learning environments next year!
ATHLETICS
Alumni Bring AI to Sports Analytics
Adam Stillman ’01 and Matthew Waymost ’01, Buckley alumni and co-founders of Silent Road Analytics, are revolutionizing the field of sports analytics through innovative machine learning and AI. Drawing on their shared experience at Buckley and extensive academic backgrounds, they joined forces to build Silent Road Analytics, a startup that provides event-driven predictive analytics for baseball. Adam, who attended Buckley from grades 7 to 12, went on to study at UC Irvine, UCLA, and KGI. His passion for AI technology led him to co-found Silent Road with fellow alum Matthew Waymost. Matthew, a Buckley student from grades 6 to 12, continued his studies at Columbia, where he earned a BS in Computer Science, and later completed an MBA at UCLA Anderson School of Business. Tell us about your friendship and how it has grown over the years (at Buckley and since).
Matthew: Adam and I first connected in seventh grade, and our friendship has only deepened since. While college took us to opposite coasts, we stayed in touch and reconnected during grad school at UCLA. Those regular lunches evolved into meaningful collaborations.
Adam: Our friendship was solid from the start, but one night in 2014 stands out as a turning point. After a long day at work, we met at In-N-Out to discuss fantasy baseball theory.
Exhausted but inspired, we came up with a new product idea. We shook hands and Silent Road Analytics was born. Did you play baseball at Buckley? What was your favorite memory?
Matthew: I didn’t play baseball but was on the varsity tennis team throughout high school. My favorite memory was a sophomore-year doubles match that ended in a thrilling tiebreaker with everyone watching. Winning that set was an unforgettable moment of energy and camaraderie.
Adam: I played baseball throughout middle and high school. My senior year our team felt unstoppable. The first game of the season Matt Wolf ’01 pitched a no-hitter and I followed it with a one-hitter the next game. We started that season with nine straight wins.
What are some parts of your Buckley education that you’ve taken with you into adulthood?
Matthew: Many concepts from math and science classes at Buckley have come up regularly in my work, especially in data science and quantitative analysis. The problem-solving approach I developed during my time at Buckley has been invaluable.
Adam: Buckley gave me a strong sense of moral grounding which has influenced every aspect of my personal and professional life. From personal responsibility to collaborating with teammates, everything stems from the tenets of Dr. Buckley.
Adam Stillman ’01
Matthew Waymost ’01
Who were your favorite teachers or coaches from Buckley?
Matthew: Two teachers stand out. Lybroan James, my Algebra II teacher, taught not just math but also its broader applications, inspiring my interest in entrepreneurship.
Joanne Ryan, my AP Calculus teacher, made calculus engaging and memorable; her lessons still resonate with me today.
Adam: I’ll always be grateful to Kathy Griffis, who opened doors for me in academia, and Coach Tom Marino, who had
a profound impact on my personal growth. I still call him “Coach” despite our golf outings and years of friendship. Do you remember why you chose Buckley?
Adam: For me, Buckley was a family affair. My older brother Jason and I overlapped during his senior and my freshman year, and later, my younger sister Sasha attended Buckley. It’s always felt like home.
New Athletic Director Takes Basketball to State
Michael Senna joined Buckley in July 2019 wearing three hats: head varsity boys basketball coach, P.E. teacher, and Middle School math teacher. Last year, he led the basketball team to the third round of the CIF state championships while also performing his duties as A.D., which include overseeing all teams in grades 5–12 and the work of Liz Greenfield, the P.E. department chair and assistant director of athletics. He’s demonstrated humility and a commitment to boosting the presence of athletics through the support of Griffin fans. Coach Senna and his wife Victoria are the proud parents of two Griffins, Nicolina ’34 (second grade) and Luke ’36 (kindergarten).
ALUMNI SPOTTED ON CAMPUS
Alumni Visits
Throughout the Year
Whether they were home from college touring campus or looking to walk down memory lane, we saw lots of alumni come back to visit and catch up with their former teachers and classmates!
Michaela Murphy ’13 & Assistant Head of Upper School George Russo
Oliver Tricarico ’23, Ben Russell, Max Stiponavich ’23, Adam Glasser ’23, & Noah Satey ’23
Sarah Broukhim ’20 & Cole Potrock ’20
Dakota Goldberg ’22 & Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning Gregg Sacon
Lauren Kim ’23 & Vivienne Harries-Faye ’24
Robotics advisor and computer science teacher Paul Barker with Jacob Nazar, Blake Nazar ’23, Kara Amin ’23, & Bryan Nazar ’23
Nathan Park ’23 & Sophie Donay ’23
Winter Break Brings Young Alums Back
Young alums Max Holschneider ’21, Ben Kaplan ’21, Jem Birch ’21, Kasey Afshani ’23 (with Ms. Jones), Josh Rhodes ’22, Xandy Pink ’22, and Tyler Asher ’22 returned to campus our annual welcome back brunch in early January before heading back to college.
English teacher Eric Peterson with Emily Murden ’23, Emerson Stein ’23, Roman Sclimenti ’23, Ariel Kaplan ’23 & Sarah Sverdlov ’23
Steve Rifkin ’15 with Assistant to the Middle and Upper School heads Rae Basmagian, Mr. Russo, and Mara Tapia, Upper School counselor
Ashley Keen ’22 with Ms Sherman & Mr Cano
Sarah Jayne ’15 and Leah Purvis ’15
Emma Daly ’23 with Costume and Fashion Design students
ALUMNI SPOTTED ON CAMPUS
Alumni Share Wisdom at Climate Conference
It’s become tradition for an alum to deliver the keynote address at Buckley’s annual Climate Conference. Last year Lizzy Kay ’19 shared her experience working with sustainable design at Hart Howerton in New York. She spoke to students and faculty about how architecture can adapt to meet the need of climate change, using Buckley’s own Center for Community and Arts as an example.
Little Shop of Horrors
Former cast and crew members from the 1994 and 2006 productions of Little Shop of Horrors: Greg Kocar ’95, Jessica Cymerman ’07, Rachel Kaplan ’07, current faculty Laura Bamford, Roya Hekmat ’95, and former faculty Steve Rollman, Suzanne Ekerling Fitzmorris ’96, Karen Richardson ’95, Amelia Anka ’95, Julie Ewards ’96, Vicki Ellis Davis ’94, Marc Smollin ’96, at the fall musical preview in support of the 2023 production.
She Kills Monsters
Current faculty Ryan Bache, Sonia Capretta ’02, with son and current student Noah C., Melissa Bakewell ’96 and Janelle Ross, enjoy the reception before the She Kills Monsters preview.
Wellness Speaker Series
Dr. Charles Tabone, husband of Sara Weinberg ’07, shares the five pillars of wellness with Middle School students. Coach Greenfield (left) and Ms. Jones (right), welcome Brenda Zuniga, Lily Rosen, Sharon Kashfian ’00, to campus to present, “Ending the Silence: Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions” to Middle School students.
REUNION
4.
Patrick
Jill
and
Wiere
1. Former faculty member Byrd Milic reconnects with former students Jamie Hughes ’04, Kevin Nelson ’04, and Anaís Ganouna ’04. 2. Class of 1994 back row from left: Shahan Sanossian, Dyan Whitley Ross, Vicki Davis Ellis, Sean Ervin, Alex Eshaghian, Renee Spurge, Sarika Joshi, Claudia Spielman, Eric Biddle and Stacy Seligman Kravitz. Kneeling: Sherif El Dabe. 3. Class of 2004 back row from left: Geraldine Emmanuel, Kevin Nelson, Jonathan Nikfarjam, Amarveer Brar, Dominic McClure, and Leo Livshetz. Middle row from left: Erin Mechanic, Anais Ganouna, Shervin Shaffiy, Erin Schneider, Jae Gaswirth Siercks, Jamie Hughes, Laura Stein, and Ranjana Wickramasekaran. Kneeling in front: Adrian Taghdiri.
Sara Madlock ’89 and Michelle Kim ’89 find themselves at the milestone photo wall. 5. Rana Kheradmandan ’14, Rebecca Freed ’14, and Sheridan March ’14 with current faculty member Coach Sherm. 6. Class of 1974 back row from left: Michael Campion, John West, Randall Wood, Alec Ferradas,
Greg Karns. Front row from left: Jean Robaire,
Lyden,
Schwendinger Meltzer, Giesela
Mucillo, Claudia Williams, Greg Watkins, and Stanley Lamport (class of 1975). 7. Class of 1979 from left: Georgy Blain, Linda Capetillo-Cunliffe, Jon LaLanne, and Holly Leff. 8. Members of the class of 2014 receive their senior letters. 9. Guest Jordan Savage, with Geraldine Emmanuel ’04, and Laura Stein ’04, enjoy catching up. 10. Class of 1984 back row from left: Bill Proffitt, Sean Hood, Jill Whelan, Jody Hamilton, Joe Fogel, Henry Lee, Jeffrey Bollinger, Jody Buckley O’Riordan, and Bill Sanders. Front row from left: Bellina Logan, Suzanne Goin, Tami Woldman, Mary Rosberg (formerly Mary Ann Choi), Carole Silverstein, Amanda Foreman, and Patrick Casey. 11. Class of 1999 from left: Josh Akhtarzad, Amanda Friedberg, Matt Slater, Katie Krell, and Brent Nichols. 12. Leo Livshetz ’04, Shervin Shaffiy ’04, Adrian Taghdiri ’04 and Jonathan Nikfarjam ’04 on the red carpet. 13. Binkley Byrnes ’73 finds his friends Giesela Were Muccillo ’74 and Alec Ferradas ’74 at the milestone photo wall.
1. Class of 1989 back row from left: Mike Bresnahan, Kylie Leahy, Erik Qvale, and Todd Steinman. Middle row from left: Sloane Lucas, Kerin Asher, Sara Madlock, Michelle Kim, Jennifer Williams, Alex Silva, and Tara Tremaine. Front row from left: Liz Miller, Grant Chang, Rima Kaddo, and Sabine Abadou. 2. Gian Ignacio ’14 with former faculty member Joanne Ryan at the milestone photo wall. 3. Father and daughter, Henry Lee ’84 and Alexa Lee ’14, enjoy their milestone celebrations together. 4. Class of 2014 back row from left: Jason Brooks, Jeff Lowenthal, Rebecca Freed, Jordan Kessler, Benjamin Shahar, Salim Chamoun, Gina Ahmar, Avi Nosrati, and Oliver Ghadoushi. Middle row from left: Nikki Nahai, Samantha Fett, Tara
Sam
Carissa Brones, Alexa Lee, Rana Kheradmandan, and Sheridan March. Front row from left: Liiana
Christine Hovanessian, and Nia-Renee Cooper. 5. Current & former faculty back row
Juan de la Cruz, George Russo, Ellen Mahoney, Michael Petrella
Ayers, Laura Bamford, and Alexis Stern. Front row from
Woldman, Matt Wittmer, Sabine Abadou, Vincent Houser, and Robert Martinez. 6. Current parents Kathy Fogel and Joseph Fogel ’84 smile for the camera. 7. Class of 2019 from left: Callie Gaytan, Safia Smith, and Iyanna Lawrence. 8. Sean Ervin, Sherif El Dabe ’94, Claudia Spielman ’94, and guest Scott Meller share memories with fellow classmates.
GOLDEN GRIFFINS
Class of 1974
Angela Blasi
Deborah Briggs
Tom Brown
Robin Burger
Mike Campion
Lisa Coburn
Geoff Coster
Lisa Eitani
Melissa Eliason
Penny Faeth
Mary Farinella-Normandin
Alec Ferradas
Susan Foley
Eileen Goland
Susan Gutterman
Lawrence Henry
Doug Holmes
Sharon Hunt
Jill Jennings
Greg Karns
Leigh Karns
Mark Kennedy
Claudia Kerns
Stacy Kirshbaum
Andrea Krause
Lynn Kroner
Adam Lehr
Cuquita Lindsey
Lance Loomer
Patrick Lyden
Brad Markoff
Jana McDonough
Jill Meltzer
Henry Merkel
Giesela Muccillo
Parry Murray
Cameron Niles
Maureen Pollack
Signe Qvale
Jean Robaire
Jasmine Runnels
Page Semes
Mark Sheppard
Gerald Siegel
Christianna Skouras-Marin
William Snell
Yvette Speight
Joe Szokol
Mike Taix
Scott Wadsworth
Gregory Watkins
Jed West
John West
Tres Willets
Fran Williams
Randall Wood
Susan Woolam
Kurt Zimmerman
Birtan,
Bierman,
Wilcockson,
from left: Sue Sherman,
(hidden), Joanne Ryan, Neal Roden, John
left: Roslyn Perez, Susan Allison Hatch, Tami
INNOVATIVE ALUMNI
Alum designer focuses on sustainability
Simon David ’98 is a multidisciplinary designer focused on creating holistic, sustainable solutions across architecture, landscape, and urban design. Driven by a commitment to proactive, positive change, Simon believes in designing a planet that benefits both people and the environment. He attended Buckley (grades 4–8, 11–12) and later earned degrees in Math and Philosophy from St. John’s College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia.
What are some of the things in your Buckley education that you’ve taken with you into adulthood?
Arts, creativity, a love of reading, and a love of travel. I feel lucky that Buckley offered a thriving arts culture, from musicals and theater, to orchestra, choir, band, dance, and visual arts.
Who were your favorite teachers or coaches from Buckley?
There were many. Dr. Tony Silvestri, Coach Hutzler, Terry Stanford, Heidi Vaughn, and too many others to name. I didn’t realize how fortunate I was at the time. Mr. Houser, though, was exceptional. Orchestra started at 8:00am sharp, so for my entire time at Buckley he greeted me each morning, bringing music, humor, humanity, joy, and some needed discipline to my life at Buckley. He understood people so well, nurtured their talents, and met people for who they were.
Do you keep in touch with fellow Griffins, any lifelong friends?
Sometimes I’ll reconnect in very surprising ways…this year we started a project in Arkansas, and it turned out the client was a classmate from middle school. It’s nice to know other Griffins are out there doing great things.
Describe Buckley when you were here.
Nurturing, elite, full of inspiring people–teachers, students, and parents alike–and a little fantastical being in its own canyon and away from the rest of the world.
Brandon Afari ’12 and Ryan Levy ’11
As part of the Buckley Alumni Entrepreneur Speaker Series, Ryan Levy ’11 and Brandon Afari ’12 spoke to students in a lunchtime Q&A about how their friendship at Buckley led to a joint venture launching chargeFUZE, a company that builds and leases portable charging stations. Sponsored by the Alumni Office and organized by junior Eli G., the discussion inspired questions that ranged from how your major in college informs your career, to whether or not it’s better to use equity or loans to scale a business!
Brandon Afari ’12, Eli Gabbay, and Ryan Levy ’11
ALL ABOUT THE ARTS
South By South Buckley Grows in Year 2
t the second annual South By South Buckley arts festival, a collaboration between the performing and visual arts departments, families and friends of Buckley enjoyed a Friday evening exploring art galleries across the campus. This year introduced exciting new events, including a student-led fashion show organized by our dedicated textiles teacher, Wendy Wells Students showcased their creations, including costumes, dresses, vests, and much more. Additionally, our new band teacher, , put together musical performances, making another new addition to the festival. Mr. Haas, in his first year, inspired students to collaborate through music, culminating in performances by the bands formed throughout this year.
Visual arts department chair, Rama Hughes and Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning, Gregg Sacon helped plan South by South Buckley
Friends and families watching musical performance
Caitlin Kim ’24 performing with accompaniment by band teacher, Wes Haas ’11
ALL ABOUT THE ARTS
Little Shop of Horrors
Buckley’s fall production of Little Shop of Horrors was nominated for four Jerry Herman awards: Best Scenic Design (students built that set), Best Production (out of more than 40 public and private schools in the Los Angeles area) and Best Actress and Best Actor, Lilo Baier ’24 and Lochlan M. ’26! The Jerry Herman awards, also known as the Jimmys, recognize excellence in local high school musical theater.
Spring Play Puts Up a Fight
Upper School students captivated a packed audience with their thrilling rendition of She Kills Monsters. In preparation, they collaborated with a professional fight coordinator to master the choreography of the show’s many intense fight scenes, delivering an authentic, action-packed performance that combined athleticism and drama.
OFF AND AWAY!
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Check out where the Class of 2024 has spread their wings
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PARSONS PARIS – THE NEW SCHOOL
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
As we reflect on the 2023–2024 academic year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible work and dedication that each of you has contributed to our beloved Buckley. Serving as the Parents’ Association president has been an honor, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and engaged community.
guardian sponsors, ticket holders, and volunteers. Your time, energy, and dedication are the lifeblood of our school. Whether you have served as a room parent, helped organize events, or supported our fundraising efforts, your contributions have made a lasting impact on our students and the entire Buckley family.
Last year was one for the books! We not only upheld our long-standing traditions with the fall Buckley Bash, our biannual Gala, auction, and Fair—raising crucial funds for our Financial Aid and Professional Development programs— but also successfully brought back the Buckley Book Fair. This event provided parents with opportunities to volunteer in the planning, execution, and payment processing, while also enjoying the experience of shopping with their children. These events have significantly strengthened our community, and I am eager to see how we can continue to evolve and grow in the years to come.
However, none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support of our parent/
As we look ahead, I encourage each of you to continue to be involved in whatever capacity you can. Volunteering is not only about giving back; it’s about building connections, fostering a sense of community, and setting an example for our children. The strength of our school lies in the collective efforts of its members, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great things.
I am excited for the future of our Parents’ Association and the many opportunities that lie ahead. Let us continue to innovate, support one another, and work together to ensure that Buckley remains a place where our children can thrive.
Thank you once again for your commitment to our school. Here’s to another successful and inspiring year!
—Jodi Elhami, Parents’ Association President 2023–2025
BUCKLEY BASH
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Pop Goes the Fair!
On Wednesday, May 15, the Parents’ Association turned Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier into a pop Art themed night of fun and entertainment at Pop Goes the Fair! More than 1,400 guests enjoyed rides, games, and great fun to close out the 2023–24 school year!
Thank you to the generosity of our sponsors and donors for making this year’s fair a success.
All proceeds from the event supported our financial aid and faculty professional development programs.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
City of Stars Gala
On Saturday, February 24, the Parents’ Association hosted the City of Stars Gala at City Club LA in downtown Los Angeles. Over 250 guests enjoyed a sparkling evening complete with glittering views, silent and live auctions, and dancing. The event was a resounding success, raising over $325,000 for the financial aid and faculty professional development programs.
OUR NEWEST ALUMNI
FOUNDER’S DAY
Happy Founder’s Day! Every October, the community comes together to celebrate Dr. Isabelle Buckley. For our 2023 celebration, we cheered for what would have been Dr. Buckley’s 123 birthday and the 91st anniversary of the school’s founding. Two of Dr. Buckley’s great grandchildren, Isabelle Simqu and Emily Merkley, joined us in the parade and all-school assembly.
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT BOARD
Passing the Torch
Chad Lasdon ’97 is ready for his new role as Alumni Engagement Board President. To help prepare for his new responsibilities, he took an opportunity to chat with outgoing president Grant Chang ’89 on what he could expect. Their conversation is below.
Lasdon: Similar to the tradition of a U.S. President leaving a note of encouragement or advice for a new president, what advice do you have for me to be successful in this role?
Chang: Chad, the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be a great listener. Everyone has a unique perspective that can be eye-opening and helpful in understanding what can help strengthen alumni engagement and participation.
Lasdon: What do you believe are the most important qualities or skills for a successful alumni board president?
Chang: I’d offer the same advice as my first answer—Be a successful “listener-in-chief” and take into account everyone’s point of view so they feel vested in the process. Don’t hesitate to fully engage with each and every board member.
Lasdon: Did you form any special bonds with other board members during your tenure?
Chang: The former AEB presidents’ club is a pretty good place to connect and build relationships that can guide you in your new role. Each person understands your role and responsibilities so don’t hesitate to ask us for advice. Towards the end of my term, I really enjoyed working closely with you and Christina to help set both of you up for success.
Lasdon: What are you most proud of?
Chang: I am most proud that alumni have now become a more integral part of the current Buckley community. I loved being back on campus, and I hope you and Christina can find more opportunities to bring alumni back to Buckley. In many ways, I was just the point of contact for many in the alumni community and that our entire alumni board, along with the guidance of Joyce, Shelly, and now Travis, has really been instrumental in the launch of our alumni career panel series, Griffin happy hours, the annual Alumni Giving Challenge, and the tremendous growth of our Reunion program. Now as an “immediate past president” on the alumni board, I look forward to the new energy, excitement, and vision you and Christina will bring on behalf of our Buckley alumni community.
Chad Lasdon ’97
Grant Chang ’89
BUCKLEY SAYS GOODBYE TO TOROSSIAN
After 24 years at Buckley, Aida Torossian retired from her position of Director of Finance in the Business Office this spring. She is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. Faculty and staff sent her off with a small gathering in May. Aida’s son Anthony graduated in 2012.
FRASER JOINS ADVANCEMENT
Travis Fraser started at Buckley as our new director of advancement in January, moving to Los Angeles from New York City where he served as Vice President, Major Gifts and Special Events at the 92nd St. Y, New York (92NY). Prior to that, he began his more than twodecade career in development and community and alumni relations at Boston Ballet with stops at Lincoln Center, Inc, New York City Ballet, New York Law School, and the Apollo Theater. Travis plays clarinet and was a founding member of the Queer Urban Orchestra.
FACULTY MILESTONES
12 YEARS OF SERVICE
Sonia Capretta
Jose Gonzalez
Paul Minden
Sally Sacon
Nohemi Salazar
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Rich Edelen
Marie Philman
Gregory Sacon
Mara Tapia
Elizabeth Turchan
30 YEARS OF SERVICE
Christine Braunschweiger
Brian Rector
CLASS NOTES
Dr. Michael Godin ’78 published his debut novel, The Big Prick, set in the world of plastic surgery.
John Kanegaye ’80 retired from Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where he spent a 30-year career in pediatric emergency medicine and clinical research. Since retirement, John has filled the occasional shift at the hospital, taken up traditional Japanese (taiko) drumming, baking, researching and writing for a local historical society, and chased a total solar eclipse in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia. In February 2024, John caught up on all things Buckley with Head of School Alona Scott, and is looking forward to seeing his fellow Griffins for his 45-year milestone Reunion celebration.
Richard Thies ’79 and Lesli (Harris) Thies ’80, run into friend and fellow Griffin Stephanie Krajchir ’80 while vacationing in Rome during their 2023 summer holiday.
Carole Silverstein ’84 held a solo artist exhibition this summer at the Nancy Toomey Fine Art Gallery in San Francisco.
Former faculty member Nate Goodman, last year in Aguas de San Pedro, a Brazilian municipality in the state of São Paulo.
and
welcomed their first
Morgan Di Stefano ’99 married Eliot Sakhartov on January 20, 2024, at Castle Green in Pasadena. Morgan is vice president of publicity at Disney Branded Television and Eliot Sakhartov is account director at Microsoft.
Belinda (Williams) Daughrity ’02 was awarded the California State University Long Beach 2024 Distinguished Faculty Advising Award.
Dory Ben-Ami ’93
wife Laura
child, Alana Hersh Benami on May 30, 2024.
CLASS NOTES
Nick Gaswirth ’02 and wife Candace recently welcomed son Andrew to the family. Andrew joins older sister Beatrice.
Elizabeth Plumb Gessel ’12 said “I do” to Dominic Gessel in September 2023.
Greer Bronson ’13 and fellow Griffin Danny Dominguez ’13 competed on Pictionary for Fox First Run Productions earlier this spring.
Maya B. (left) and Ms. Bamford (right) catch-up with Ella Beatty ’18 backstage at a recent Broadway production of the 2024 Tony-Award winning show Appropriate in which she stars.
Brayden Stark ’20 is a “three-peat” Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) baseball award recipient at Carleton College.
Jem Birch ’21 has constructed and published four crossword puzzles for The New York Times, one of them being featured on page 46.
Aidan Hyman ’21 successfully reached the K2 base camp and planted the Pride flag in the spring of 2023. Aidan was also recognized as one of 2024’s most influential queer trailblazers by Attitude Magazine, honoring his advocacy work and influence in queer athletics.
Daniel Stauber ’21 is part of a Stanford undergraduate entrepreneurial team that received a $50K grant to develop a treatment for eye cancer.
IN MEMORIAM
• William “Bill” Brasher (former faculty)
• Jackie Bernstein (former faculty)
• Dan Hazlett (former faculty)
• Max Jamison ’72
• Nick Nahai ’16
• Matthew Perry ’97
Matt Balano 1971–2023
Our hearts were broken last year when we said goodbye to Matt Balano, our DEI director. In the spring of 2023, just after joining Buckley the previous fall, Matt was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, began intensive treatment, and passed away that October. In the short time he was at Buckley, he touched many of us with his wisdom, deep expertise, compassion, and—in his final days—incredible courage and strength. We will be forever changed by what he taught us and grateful for his time at Buckley.
Themeless Toughie by Jem Birch ’21
Source of vanilla
Business that derives its name
14. Cosmic concept of chronology
16. Tickles
17. Take a picture!
18. Queen's approval
19. Schoolyard bully
21. Figure in Camus's "The Stranger"
22. Things to pick
24. Alicia Keys label
25. Squirrel away
26. Problem often raised
27. Forest denizen
28. Group with the hit "Butter"
29. "Suck it up."
35. Person who may go to great lengths to win
36. "I couldn't do it alone."
37. Ergo
38. Stuff
39. "Perchance"
40. Strong speller
43. High points, for short
44. Tom's call
45. Home of the Bruins
46. "Forbidden" Hawaiian island
48. "Boo'd Up" and "Trip" singer Ella ___
50. Line of dialogue?
52. Convenient landing locations
54. Educational institution created by Booker T. Washington
55. Musical direction that means nothing?
56. Bio and chem, for two
57. Cheeky fellow?
58. Creature whose name means 'fly' in Setswana
DOWN
1. Singer called "The Jezebel of Jazz"
2. Religion centered around the earth goddess Cybele, for one
5. Tabloid concerns
6. Measure of medicine
7. Opposite of buffa, in opera
8. Buttigieg of politics
9. Fitting
10. Renaissance painter _____ della Francesca
11. Org. concerned with HIV
12. Leave alone
14. Studio session
15. "Scout's honor!"
20. Candle selection
23. Hypothetical particle with light and heavy quantum components
25. Big name in power tools
26. Here, in Havana
27. Like many a pate
28. Bring home, say
30. Dial units
31. Flatbread eaten in the Caucasus
32. "I still need some time."
33. Portmanteau for units of energy saved
34. Of a sickly colour, say
40. Had to have, in slang
41. Org. concerned with HIV
42. Clear cosmetic
43. Soggy bottoms?
44. Some bonds, for short
46. Rankles
47. Contraction often decried as ungrammatical
49. "Makes sense."
51. Vote of confidence
Like many a pate
Bring home, say
3. Hirsute member of the Addams family
4. Beagle letters
Dial units
53. Author of "Millionaires" and "Pachinko"
Flatbread eaten in the Caucasus 32. "I still need some time." 33. Portmanteau for units of energy
on back cover
34. Of a sickly colour, say
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
EDITOR
Teressa Mercurio
DESIGN
Glen Nakasako
PHOTOGRAPHY
Elaine Lee
Teressa Mercurio
Sally Sacon
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Sally Sacon Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications ssacon@buckley.org
Martin Hernandez Digital Content Manager martinhernandez@buckley.org
Teressa Mercurio Content Creator tmercurio@buckley.org
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
Travis Fraser Director of Advancement tfraser@buckley.org
Erin Fitzgerald Associate Director of Advancement efitzgerald@buckley.org
Joyce Jones Director of Alumni Relations jjones@buckley.org
Carly Oost Manager of Parent Relations and Special Events coost@buckley.org
Raquel Castellanos Manager of Advancement Services rcastellanos@buckley.org
Mariah Ledesma Advancement Associate mledesma@buckley.org
families, grandparents, alumni,
friends –when everyone gives, our Griffin’s thrive!
3900 Stansbury Avenue Sherman Oaks, California 91423
June 16 – July 25, 2025 For students entering grades 1–8
Stansbury Stars for campers entering grades 1 & 2
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