The Good | Summer 2023 | Vol. 16

thegood

CAMPBELL HALL MAGAZINE

The Meaning Behind Our Mission

BY THE REV. CANON JULIAN BULL

While many of us can recite the Campbell Hall mission statement in our sleep, the import of its carefully selected wording can often wash over us with the cadence of a familiar song or poem. Like a well-loved sweater that we wrap around our shoulders for comfort and warmth, we may not always take the time to examine or appreciate its beauty and value.

Many businesses, schools, and organizations have mission statements. In fact, it is almost mandatory for any formal operation. However, it is important to note that the word “mission” has its origins in theology and is related to the idea of being sent, as in the word “missionary.” There is, in essence, a deeper purpose that should be ascribed to any mission statement - defining what the institution has been called to do and the meaning it brings to the world.

The wise philosopher and educational thinker John Dewey believed that inquiry was the connective tissue between thought and action and that through a collaborative process, learners could best construct meaning. He

adapted and broadened C.S. Pierce’s scientific phrase “community of inquiry” to encompass education as a whole. This was a groundbreaking notion in the early 20th century when rote memorization and the authoritarian rule of the teacher was the vast experience of most students. Liberating ideas by giving students the freedom to participate in their own academic development was truly novel. The deliberative body that redrafted Campbell Hall’s mission statement in 2012 seized on this democratic approach to education as a fundamental value that we, as an educational institution, already embodied. We merely needed to codify it. The cooperative nature between students and teachers and the notion that we are actively engaged in a search for meaning together as a community of inquiry seemed not only apt for our current work, but also a fitting reminder of how we must proceed into the future. This search for meaning is exactly the way in which we achieve academic excellence. It is the foundation for a growth mindset that encourages critical thinking.

In conversation with Campbell Hall’s second Head of School and dear friend The Rev. Canon Thomas G. Clarke one afternoon, he mentioned how revolutionary it was that we included the word “loving” in our mission statement. This struck me like a lightning bolt. It was something I had always seen as integral to Campbell Hall, especially in the context of our Episcopal tradition of education, but, like that comfortable sweater, I had, over time, taken it for granted. I was again reminded of the pure beauty of

Campbell Hall’s embrace of this word when the middle school introduced its theme this year of “Radical Love.” The fact that we do not shy away from this word or restrain ourselves from integrating it into our daily practice is, in some ways, radical in and of itself. We choose to center love each and every day on our campus, so having it incorporated into our mission statement is an authentic expression of who we are.

Indeed, Campbell Hall was founded on such ideals. With an unwavering sense of optimism and an openness to trying new ideas, two sets of parents and their parish priest set out, like Dewey, to break new ground in education. Amidst the travails of World War II, they opened a school whose focus was not only on academic excellence but also on the moral and spiritual development of children. Today, our mission statement both grounds and guides us, reminding us of our founders’ vision and helping us shape the future. While the ways in which we accomplish this may change over time as we implement new technologies, programs, and practices, the words that define us remain constant and their careful consideration gives our mission statement even greater meaning. It is the enduring power of inquiry and love in action.

—MISSION STATEMENT

Campbell Hall is a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.

CAMPBELL HALL A HIstory of Breaking New Ground

As a community of inquiry, Campbell Hall is guided by innovative research that centers on educational excellence and promoting student well-being. To best design and implement mission-driven programs and improvements, Campbell Hall actively searches out the latest advancements in teaching, technology, and best practices, then creates student-centered experiences and spaces which encourage curiosity, engage diverse viewpoints, and nurture a deep sense of purpose and connection.

Below are just some of the ways that Campbell Hall has broken new ground over the years.

Leveling Up: Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI) Courses

Over the course of several years, Campbell Hall conducted an extensive review of the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses. After this careful assessment, Campbell Hall chose to replace AP courses that did not

meet the school’s mission of providing meaningful, inquirydriven curricula with its own, unique UC-approved Honors courses. In the fall of 2018, Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI) courses were launched, providing innovative college-level honors classes that encourage high-level critical thinking and promote in-depth engagement with the material.

While Campbell Hall has been at the forefront of evaluating the benefits of prescriptive curriculum (and many area independent schools have followed suit), it has always been part of the school’s mission to find and create programs that feed students’ natural curiosity and promote lifelong learning.

The Science of Mindfulness

Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can help mitigate anxiety and depression, boost attention, improve social and emotional skills, and develop resilience. Mindfulness also helps cultivate self-compassion which, in turn, nurtures compassion for others. Recognizing these benefits, Campbell Hall began integrating mindfulness into some of its classes in 2007 and, over the years, has continued to create innovative mindfulness programs. In 2013, Lonnie Ngo, Associate Director of Admissions, K-6, and former CH 5th grade teacher, began offering a free after-school mindfulness program for CH students in

grades 3-6. The program became so popular that she soon expanded it to include grades 1 and 2. In 2015, Catherine Siphron, high school English teacher and mindfulness educator, created the Campbell Hall curriculum for “The Science of Mindfulness,” the first-of-its-kind UC-approved elective. This semester-long course delves into all aspects of mindfulness including supporting students as they develop a mindfulness practice, which they, in turn, share with others on campus. In addition, there are Parent and Faculty Mindfulness Groups that meet weekly to practice together. There are also middle school and high school Mindfulness Clubs, as well as Mindful May. For the entire month, there are pop-up offerings, such as sound baths, to cultivate calm and ease prior to final exams. There are also mindfulness sessions prior to each final exam for secondary students. The meditation room in the Nathanson-Swiger Chapel and Spiritual Center also offers a dedicated place where community members are welcome to practice mindfulness or simply to enjoy a quiet space.

The Common Good

Campbell Hall was founded on the belief that moral and ethical development were as crucial to a student’s overall development as academic achievement. As part of this growth, Campbell Hall has afforded students a multitude of opportunities to participate in projects that benefit the greater community and promote the common good, from the Outreach Gift Fair established in 1990 which raises money for nonprofits to clothing and food drives for organizations such as M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need with Dignity) to our annual ingathering for Hillsides which provides services for at-risk children and their families. Campbell Hall hosts an annual Community Sunday which benefits local nonprofits and yearly service-learning trips such as to Mexico to build a home for a family in need. From Campbell Hall’s earliest days, students, supported by faculty, have created and run service-oriented clubs. And each year, high school students collectively engage in approximately 40,000 hours of community service.

Public Partnerships: Better Together

Recognizing the inequality that exists within L.A.’s educational system, Campbell Hall launched its first partnership with a public school in 2006 to provide collaborative learning experiences for students, becoming one of the first independent schools in the area to have such a program. Today, there are three programs that enrich the education of Campbell Hall and public school students alike. The Campbell Scholars Program is a tuition-free academic enrichment and college access program designed to support low-income, high-achieving public school students aspiring to be the first in their family to graduate from a four-year college. CREW (Creative “Riting” Enrichment Workshop) partners with L.A.’s BEST, an after-school education, enrichment, and recreation program for underserved LAUSD communities, to bring a unique creative writing program to 4th and 5th grade students. Action! Film and TV Summer Workshop

for Kids is a free, two-week summer workshop hosted by Campbell Hall that brings together 40 rising 5th and 6th graders, 20 from Campbell Hall and 20 from LA’s BEST to create their own film and television productions.

Late Start Promotes Student Health & Performance

In response to medical research that indicated teenagers have difficulty falling asleep at night due to a shift in sleep patterns that occur in adolescence, beginning in 2011-12 Campbell Hall instituted a late start to the secondary school so students could get more sleep in the mornings. This was ahead of a 2014 policy statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics calling for schools to move start times to 8:30 am or later for middle and high schools.

Sleep is important for the physical and mental development of teenagers as well as for their everyday cognitive function, focus, and emotional well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are also significant health risks associated with lack of rest in high school students including being overweight, drinking alcohol, smoking, drug use, and poor academic performance. Overall, Campbell Hall’s late start helps promote healthier teens.

Building Community Through Council

BY SARAH HUSS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & PARENT EDUCATION CO-DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE K-12

Council: an interpersonal contemplative practice that invites participants to share stories, experiences, and truths.

At Campbell Hall, we are known for our strong community. In annual surveys of students, parents, faculty, and staff, it consistently receives high rankings. Community is what binds us together, serving as a container for our spiritual development. However, in order to enjoy the benefits of our vibrant community, we must all put in the work that is needed to create it. Community is not just a noun, it’s a verb that requires constant attention and intention.

We strive to build this community through meaningful connections that honor human differences. One way in which Campbell Hall does this is through Council, an interpersonal contemplative practice that invites participants to share stories, experiences, and truths. Through Council, we enter a sacred space where we suspend judgment, listen, learn, and deepen our understanding of one another. This transformational process extends care to every person and helps to forge authentic relationships that build a more compassionate and connected community.

I introduced Council practice to Campbell Hall about 10 years ago, having first experienced the practice in 2003 with a group of educators at the Ojai Foundation. A Council circle represents equality, curiosity and human dignity — all values championed at our school. It is also true that a kind of collective wisdom emerges from the stories that are told in the circle, so that each person walks away with a new understanding of themselves, others and their place in the world. What a visceral and concrete manifestation of our community of inquiry!

Since then, we have incorporated Council into a variety of contexts, expanding ways in which we see and hear each other. In the classroom, students are able to make connections with what they are learning to their personal lives, fostering a greater understanding of the material. In advisory, Council

deepens connections among students, strengthening existing friendships and helping to create new ones. There are also opportunities for crossgrade mentoring where older students can take a leadership role by facilitating Council with younger students. This creates positive role models for younger students and helps to build a stronger sense of community across grade levels.

We often use Council to help process grief, whether it’s something we’ve experienced within Campbell Hall or something that has played out in the broader community. Faculty, staff, and administration also engage in Council practice, often at the start or close of schoolwide meetings and as part of professional development experiences. Even parents have opportunities to take part in the practice through Parent Education nights and Parent Mindfulness Group gatherings that create intentional spaces for sharing. We have trained everyone on campus to facilitate Council so that we all feel a sense of ownership over the process and any one of us can call Council when it is needed.

The honesty and vulnerability shared in these Council spaces is always humbling for me. I see students who may be typically reserved suddenly opening up and sharing their personal truths. I see students who might be accustomed to taking center stage now practicing deep listening. This give and take, like a beautiful dance, plays out on our campus on a regular basis. The authenticity and vulnerability shared in these spaces helps us all develop deeper connections and grow in ways that benefit us both individually and collectively as a community.

Sarah Huss gave a presentation to the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) in April 2023 titled “Always Connect: Centering Episcopal identity in the Lives of Students,” which included a discussion on the importance of Council.

Sarah Huss

Campbell Hall Gospel Concert Reaches Heavenly Heights 170+ STRONG Making a Joyful Noise

When more than 170 children’s voices join together in song and praise, the result is pure inspiration. For the past 22 years, Campbell Hall’s annual Gospel Concert has been an affirming celebration of the school’s community. Led by Director Stacey Dillon, Co-Director Tamara Dillon, Founder/Artistic Director Patrice Grace, and Producer Megan Adell, this year’s performance on March 4 was no different. The Gospel Choir, made up of a beautiful patchwork of students in grades 5-12, is one of the most popular school-wide events, attracting more than 700 in-person audience members and hundreds of livestreaming viewers.

As one of the only K-12 schools in the nation to stage a gospel concert, this unique experience is filled with joyful performances by children who are moved by the spirit of love. “This is a powerful evening of rejoicing where we are all lifted up as a community,” said Patrice Grace. “Nowhere is the Biblical phrase, ‘And a child shall lead them’ more apparent than on the Campbell Hall Gospel Concert stage.”

The accompanying band made up of brass, drums, electric guitar, bass, and keyboard players amplified the music. The evening featured a variety of student soloists as well as professional guest performers including the inimitable Billboard-topping gospel musician Charles Jenkins, legendary songwriter and artist Paul Anka who reworked his classic song “My Way” as an ode to Campbell Hall, and acclaimed Grammy award winning singer/songwriter “Babyface” Kenneth Edmonds who accompanied his daughter Peyton E. ’27 on

guitar during her solo. The audience was fully engaged jumping from their seats to cheer, clap, and dance in rhythm, driven by the incredible energy of the performers, call and response participatory songs, and the message of the music.

The linkage between gospel music, which is most notable for its contributions from Black/African American music traditions, and Campbell Hall’s Episcopal identity highlights the value of diversity and inclusion. This Gospel Concert started as part of the Black Heritage Families affinity group and quickly gained popularity, becoming a whole-school event that has been deemed a signature moment in the lives of many in the Campbell Hall community.

“As a senior who has been involved in Campbell Hall’s Gospel Choir since I was in 5th grade, this is the event that I look forward to all year,” said Julia G. ’23 who has a blossoming recording music career and gave a stirring solo performance during the event. “These concerts will stay with me always, not only for the amazing music and friendships created during the rehearsal process and shows, but also as an influential experience that has shaped who I am as an artist.”

This year’s performance was another unforgettable evening of exuberant rejoicing, a reminder that through such joyful noise, a community is strengthened.

Additional concert images can be seen on pages 55-60.

the protective benefits of Spirituality

As some of our neighboring school communities were hit with a wave of tragedies, the Parent Mindfulness Group led by Katie Bull engaged Dr. Lisa Miller, a premier expert in the field of teenage depression and anxiety, to help CH parents navigate such challenging times.

Dr. Miller led three sessions over the course of three weeks, educating parents about the neuroscience of spirituality. She has shown through her extensive scientific research that, whether through prayer, meditation, or engaging with nature or the arts, a sustained spiritual life is neuroprotective against depression. Linked to that is an understanding that every person is born with an innate capacity for such spirituality. The reach of this kind of research has even impacted the U.S. Army. Dr. Miller has worked with the Army as they implement “spiritual readiness” among Soldiers, a term they define as “the ability to endure and overcome times of stress, hardship, and tragedy by making meaning of life experiences.”

Dr. Miller emphasized the need to lead and live life from a spiritual core, especially when in the depths of struggles or despair and to reframe hardships. She stated, “We can teach children to have a different and deeper conversation - asking ‘what is life showing me now?’” In fact, spiritual deepening or awakening can come as a result of suffering or even as part of the natural development of a young person’s brain. These moments can often be “the knock at the door” with ultimate love standing on the other side waiting to be let in. “As we build and strengthen our spiritual lives,” she said, “our daily lives unfold in a more natural way.”

Central to this is the notion that spirituality involves a higher power, in whatever form is most personal to each individual. Dr. Miller advised reminding children that “in this life we are held, guided, and never alone.” This comforting belief is an expression of the kind of unconditional love that every human is worthy of and can help redirect us to a spiritual path. If life is a quest where we are seeking truth and meaning, then, as Head of School Julian Bull often says, “Spirituality is the call to adventure.”

Parenting from a perspective of “awakened awareness” allows us to nourish our children in ways that promote acceptance and belonging. Instead of asking a child about how they

performed on a test or which team they made, awakened comments can help enhance connections. For example: “I’ve never seen you smile so brightly,” “I’m so glad to see you,” and “There is nothing you can say or do that will change the way I love you.” Sharing about your own related experiences and how you might have overcome struggles can also help lessen feelings of isolation and deepen relationships.

Dr. Miller noted, “At Campbell Hall, you are part of a deeply spiritual community — a place of radical love. What you are doing for each other in this space is holding a light for others and providing empirically-driven hope.” Spirituality at CH is shared in spaces such as chapel, advisory, council practice, mindfulness programs, and more. Through practicing spiritual fellowship with others, Dr. Miller explained that we have the ability to thoughtfully examine questions of the heart such as, “What is my meaning?” and “What is my purpose?” Through these exercises we are able to strengthen the awakened brain. Volunteering offers another protective measure against “diseases of despair” such as depression and anxiety, because, she explained, “it gets you out of yourself immediately. Altruism is prayer action.”

During the closing session, Dr. Miller reminded the parents who were gathered on Zoom: “ We are on a great expedition as parents. We are ambassadors to our children. The only expert on parenting your child is you, so trust your inner heart and compass.”

Dr. Lisa Miller is the New York Times bestselling author of The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child and is a Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has conducted decades of groundbreaking research on the scientific benefits of spirituality.

Community Connection Through Labyrinths

Saturday, May 6 marked World Labyrinth Day (WLD), an annual international event in which thousands of people walk in a collaborative moving meditation for world peace. Katie Bull (pictured above left), parent of Malcolm ’17 and Peter ’20 and coordinator of Campbell Hall’s Parent Mindfulness Group (PMG), served as the organizational leader for LA’s participation in this global event with help from CH community members Dana Bain (pictured above right), Gloria Johnson, Kathleen Kinmont, and Alice Wheeler.

Katie has practiced walking labyrinths for decades and has a specific process she follows. She sets an intention prior to entering the unicursal path and walks slowly and deliberately en route to its center while using the 3 R’s of releasing, receiving, and returning. Unlike a maze, there are no confusing twists and turns to a labyrinth and because there is only one direction to follow, the mind is able to focus more deeply on a specific intention, question, or prayer. “This active form of meditation,” Katie explains, “helps transform the labyrinth into a sacred space.” Walking labyrinths is an

ancient spiritual practice that spans many cultures and faiths. Today, labyrinths can be found in churches, hospitals, retreat centers, hiking trails and even private homes. Katie first introduced this contemplative practice to PMG members as an antidote to the profound sense of pandemicrelated isolation and loneliness many in the CH parent community were facing at that time. As the Labyrinth Society Regional representative and certified facilitator, she has since led a number of such walks for the PMG, helping to build connection through a shared sense of purpose and peace.

As labyrinth walking has gained attention, more are being constructed across Los Angeles. To help other seekers and lovers of labyrinths find these often out-of-the-way spots, Katie created a Facebook page “Labyrinths of the Los Angeles Region and More Network.” Her work in this space, along with CH parents and PMG members Dana Bain and Kathleen Kinmont, was recently featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, helping to build awareness about the calm that these meditative walks can bring.

The Parent Mindfulness Group offers ways for parents and guardians to deepen their mindfulness practice. The Group meets twice weekly on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Thursdays at 1PM via Zoom. To sign up, please email Katie Bull at bullk@campbellhall.org.

“In the center, we receive messages, insights, and answers. As we walk out, we return and ask the question ‘How might I take what I have received back into the world.’ ”

—Katie Bull

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

What’s the Big IDEA?

There is nothing more exciting than watching ideas come to life, especially when those ideas are centered on effecting positive change. But how do we transform ideas into action? As an educational institution that instills values, encourages inquiry, and fosters agency in its community members, Campbell Hall has set out to establish a system and space for incubating and launching mission-driven projects and programs that can benefit the broader community. “It is part of the holistic, democratic approach to teaching students to be participants in their world, so that they have the skills and the virtues to work with diverse people toward the common good,” said Head of School Julian Bull

The IDEA (Inquiry, Democracy, Equity, and Agency) Center seeks to create an environment in which Campbell Hall students, faculty, and staff are empowered to become change-makers, equipped with the necessary tools and support to turn their inquiries into impactful actions, and contribute to building a more equitable and just world.

Campbell Hall has a history of turning great ideas into reality. As one of the first independent schools in the area to

establish a public partnership program, CH has collaborated with local public schools for over 17 years to create innovative learning experiences for students. These public partnerships which include CREW, Action! Film and TV Summer Workshop, and the Campbell Scholars Program, extend CH’s resources to underserved schools to build relationships and grow educational opportunities for all involved.

Likewise, Campbell Hall has a track record of encouraging student agency. For instance, in 2015, four seniors gave an inspiring presentation that led to the adoption of a new Environmental Policy Statement by the Board of Directors. The policy provides specific directives aimed at reducing the school’s carbon footprint and conserving natural resources. As a result, the Board established the Sustainability Committee, which has helped to deepen the school's commitment to creating a greener campus. CH alum Evan Bowser ’15 returned to Campbell Hall two years ago as an environmental consultant to develop the school’s Sustainability Plan. Recently, Nicolas G. ’23 built a partnership between Campbell Hall and Para Los Niños, a

nonprofit organization that helps lift underserved children out of poverty through education programs, giving CH high school students the opportunity to tutor their elementary students. Daniel D. ’24 and David D. ’24 have helped build out a Holocaust education program that includes their own family’s history. “Campbell Hall has been implementing student-driven initiatives all along,” noted Mr. Bull. “The IDEA Center will provide a clear path and the scaffolding needed to accelerate the process from concept to rollout, so that all K-12 students will have the opportunity and resources to be leaders for causes they are committed to.”

“As a community of inquiry, this kind of agency is essential in helping students take ownership of their educational journey and embrace a growth mindset,” explained Associate Head of Community Engagement Christopher Dennis. “The IDEA Center shows that we, as a school, are modeling this growth mindset as well, incorporating all five pillars of the school’s strategic plan: our Academic Vision, DEIJ work, Ethical and Spiritual Formation, Service, and Sustainability efforts.” The program will help build leadership and entrepreneurial skills, encourage partnership and collaboration, and

expand empathy and connection as part of an essential spiritual practice.

The IDEA Center program launches in the fall of 2023 and will have a permanent home in The Viking Center once constructed. Benefiting the entire K-12 community, it will serve as an umbrella for many of the school’s successful programs including outreach and community service, public partnerships, and CH professional development institutes. Additionally, the IDEA Center will expand emerging areas such as internship and entrepreneurial opportunities, while also connecting community members with valuable skills and knowledge to serve as mentors.

STUDENT AGENCY

PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

“This is a pivotal moment in our school’s history,” said Mr. Bull. “We not only have the opportunity to transform campus with the construction of The Viking Center, but also to leverage great CH minds to transform our greater community and the world.”

To learn more about the IDEA Center, please contact Christopher Dennis, Associate Head of Community Engagement, at dennisc@campbellhall.org or visit campbellhall.org/ideacenter.

· Community Mentors

· Internships & Entrepreneurship

· Distinguished Speaker Series

· Independent Study & Portfolios

· CREW (Creative ‘Riting’ and Enrichment Workshop)

· Campbell Scholars Program

· ACTION! Film and TV Summer Workshop for Kids

· Public Partnerships Incubator Program

· CH Professional Development Institutes

· Anti-Bias Curriculum Redesign Lab

· Centering Latinx Voices Symposium

With the transition from a traditional Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology course to the Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI) Psychology Honors course has come an opportunity for more meaningful inquiry and deeper exploration. Capitalizing on the increased flexibility of the CHAI curriculum, High School Psychology teacher Dr. Steve Wachs reframed the standard final assignment to introduce a more creative project.

For the first time this year, each student conducted an in-depth biopsychosocial assessment of a fictional character or

The Doctor Is In

CHAI Psychology Students Conduct Biopsychosocial Assessments

historical figure. After penning papers identifying the biological, psychological, and social factors that contributed to their subject’s mental health, students created art projects to further explain their research findings. Dr. Wachs described the multifaceted assignment as “a blending of the rigor of the scientific method with the creation of a visual or performance arts piece to give students an all-encompassing experience.”

And a 360° experience it was. When it came time for the final exam periods, CHAI Psychology Honors students transformed their regular classroom into a rotating art gallery. Artistic depictions including photo collages, paintings, and even music and dance performances brought to light the psychological struggles, and sometimes disorders, of figures ranging from Antonio Salieri, Mozart’s rival, to Cruella de Vil, the much-maligned antagonist of 101 Dalmatians. Charlie Brown, the beloved comic strip character, also found himself the subject of a biopsychosocial assessment which examined his difficult interpersonal relationships and his lack of luck in love.

To portray the depth of Charlie’s social isolation, his student investigator choreographed and performed a solo dance routine.

Dr. Wachs hopes that, through this longitudinal, project-based learning, students have developed a deeper understanding of how greatly an individual’s specific set of circumstances will impact their experiences. On hand to help reinforce these contextual connections were several professionals in the field: CH alumni Samy Harbert-Gelfand ’13, LMFT and James McGurk ’11, LMFT, Psy.D., CH parent Nicole Mevorakh, LMFT, and Dr. Wachs’ sister, Dr. Faye Wachs, Professor of Sociology at Cal Poly Pomona. The experts joined students in touring the art gallery, connecting the research findings to their own work and prompting students to show both their applied knowledge and their intense, character-specific knowledge.

The goal for this cross-curricular project? According to Dr. Wachs: “To have a final that was a celebration of learning rather than being the most intense part of the academic year.” Based on student feedback and his own observations, Dr. Wachs feels they hit the mark. He confirmed, “Absolutely we’ll be doing this again next year. It has been amazing to see the students synthesize such large amounts of information and show the interconnectedness of the curriculum.”

Nurturing Intellectual Community FOR A BETTER WORLD

BY DR. MARINA KHEEL, ASSOCIATE HEAD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Academic Philosophy Statement

Campbell Hall’s unique academic philosophy rests on the idea of spiritually integrated inquiry and community. Joyful, purposeful learning and deep relationships with others lead our students to understand the wonder of something greater than themselves. Our faculty design rigorous, meaningful, and relevant experiences that promote curiosity, engagement, connection, and self-reflection. We value depth and breadth of content, the mastery of essential skills, and the internal motivation necessary for a life of intellectual curiosity. Courageous conversations cultivate the inclusion of diverse viewpoints, and ethical reasoning guides student agency. Student choice and individualized feedback motivate problem solving and risk taking. Students in our care apply each discipline to real-world challenges and use their experiences as a path for justice. Each child comes to recognize who they are and what they value.

“Community” is the first word that comes to mind when people think about Campbell Hall. When asked to write three words they would use to describe Campbell Hall, our 6-12 graders chose “community” most frequently. For many, community denotes a sense of belonging, a connection with adults and peers on campus, and a love of place. Yet in addition to the emotional community created on this campus, we are also a highly intellectual community where students connect deeply to ideas and generate creative new understandings. As a part of our work as a community of inquiry, we spent this year crafting an academic philosophy statement to capture the ways we promote rigor, intellectual exploration, and creative thinking. We engaged in this work to elucidate our unique approach to teaching and learning and created a statement that is both inspirational and aspirational.

Navigating the campus each day, I see evidence of joyful, purposeful learning. I see kindergarten students making herb bread from plants they grew in the garden and rejoicing in their new role as “parents” when their classroom chicks hatch. I see third graders printing 3D models of the animal they researched. I hear about fourth graders applying UN Sustainability goals to their lives by using the engineering design process to examine equitable water access across the United States, then building their own water filtration systems. And I cheer for 6th graders writing and performing a hilarious, creative Greek mythology play.

I know our students are engaged in rigorous, meaningful, and relevant learning experiences when I read middle school students’ entries to the New York Times Op-ed contest, with titles like “Affirmative Action is the Bridge Between Heritage

and Opportunity” and “The Teenage Dream is Ruining the Best Years of My Life”. I hear students debate whether limiting population is a good idea and weave in women’s rights, the implications of loneliness, and the favoring of boys over girls. I admire our high school physics students’ photos of light refraction and balance of forces for submission to the American Association of Physics Magazine. Or our CHAI Biology students writing genetic engineering papers for submission to peer reviewed magazines, contemplating the implications of genetically altering mosquitoes to create offspring that can’t procreate and how that would impact on the food chain. I am impressed with our high school English entries in the #USvsHate youth messaging project aimed at countering bigotry and creating welcoming and inclusive schools, on topics such as abelism and racial color blindness. Through these examples, I know we are building lives of intellectual curiosity and the skills needed in this ever-changing world.

Beyond these skills, I am inspired by students using learning as a path for justice and making the world better. From our CREW program teaching writing to elementary kids in public school, to high school students tutoring kids at Para Los Niños elementary, to our many awards, including our awardwinning student-run newspaper, winners in the #USvsHate competition, or the New York Times Vocabulary Contest, our students are lauded for living lives of impact and creativity.

We are living in a particular moment in time. We are still processing the effects of the pandemic and the implications for our students both academically and socio-emotionally. Our older students are grappling with thoughts about the future, from climate change to AI. What will our world look like and are our students prepared? A parent recently asked me how Campbell Hall is meeting this moment. I replied that Campbell Hall is leading this moment. Our academic philosophy statement is an articulation of how our unique programs position us as leaders in the field. We are leaders in educating joyful, whole children. Our students have a deep sense of spirituality, grounded in identity and values. Our students win awards for excellence in academics. Our scholars have rigorous, meaningful and relevant learning experiences. The stories we are able to tell are stories of courage and resilience, profound learning and curiosity, and deep connection and meaning. Perhaps most importantly, our students make the world a better place.

Known for striking a balance between bold strength and altruistic giving

Heritage: Brazil

Language: Portuguese

Animal: The Snake Color: Black

Uniting Students Through the Middle School House System

Known most for their unconquered spirit and friendship

Heritage: Mexico

Language: Spanish

Animal: The Immortal Peacock Color:Red

Kasiopa Watts knows middle school students. In her first year as middle school principal, she introduced the theme of “Radical Love” that coalesced the student body and gave them a sense of belonging and support. “For me, radical love means finding the light in every student,” she said. “It’s about letting them find their true path and be accepted and loved for who they are.”

House flags were hung in the advisory classrooms, serving as a reminder of the shared values associated with each House and strengthening the bonds among members.

Known for being strategic and creative

Heritage: South Africa

Language: Zulu

Animal: The Mute Swan & The Lion Color: Green

To bolster her message of Radical Love, she and the middle school teachers and staff rolled out the RCA House System which promotes a positive school climate and culture, builds character, and fosters school spirit. Much like in the Harry Potter series, all middle school students were randomly sorted into one of four Houses. During the course of the school year, students had the chance to earn points for their House through fun and friendly competitions, performing good deeds and acts of kindness, and participating in community events. In addition, each teacher was given a number of points to award students throughout the school year for good behavior or for demonstrating growth in the classroom.

“Our hope is that students had so much fun during this process,” noted Ms. Watts. “Most importantly, by randomly mixing up peer groups, students had the chance to make friends with kids that they may not have gotten to know otherwise.”

Isibindi achieved the most points, winning House of the Year and members were awarded with a trophy and a trip to Universal Studios! Members of Houses Altruismo, Amistad, and Rêveur were treated to a special movie day where more than 200 students took over a theater to watch Guardians of the Galaxy 3. “It was an epic day for the middle school,” said Ms. Watts.

Known for recognizing their dreams and letting nothing stand in the way of achieving them

Heritage: France

Language: French

Animal: The Wolf Color: Blue

Each House has its own identity and is associated with a meaning, heritage, color, animal, and even chants that the students can take pride in. Middle School Dance teacher Rachel Turner helped bring the program to a new level through her innovative ideas such as House Shirt Day, where students wore their house-branded shirts to school to visually represent their affiliation, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. She also introduced a talent show which allowed students to showcase their unique skills and abilities.

This new tradition strengthens class bonds, encourages altruism, and heightens school spirit as students work together for a common goal. Next year’s eighth grade class will be able to help the newly sorted seventh grade students settle into their new Houses. And, in the following year, those same students will bring the camaraderie with them to high school, never forgetting their House pride.

“We are building on Campbell Hall’s rich traditions and history,” explained Ms. Watts. “Through the Middle School House system, students take on leadership roles and every student has a chance to shine.”

HOUSE OF LOVE

HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP

HOUSE OF COURAGE

HOUSE OF DREAMERS

Together We Thrive: The Importance of Community in Elementary School

BY ROBIN FRANK, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

We believe that students are most successful when they feel seen, known, and deeply connected to their school community. This holds especially true for our Campbell Hall elementary students, who find this vital connection in numerous ways; both inside and outside of the classroom. This year has provided our students with numerous opportunities to connect our Campbell Hall community beyond the classroom, promoting student engagement, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

STUDENT COUNCIL

PALS PROGRAM

For decades, the long-standing tradition of our elementary pals program has fostered meaningful relationships and connections between our oldest and youngest elementary students. This year we expanded the program to become “pal families.” This family model allows for multiple connections, broader friendships, and greater support for our youngest students. The Pals Families program creates opportunities for cross-grade interaction, mentorship, and friendship. Through shared experiences and meaningful relationships, students develop important social and emotional skills, fostering a positive and inclusive school environment.

The elementary student council led the elementary-wide creation of kindness rocks to decorate our campus with kind and positive reminders. The student council also brought together 320 Campbell Hall Vikings at Dodger Stadium to cheer on the Dodgers and enjoy each other’s company. The student council was instrumental in partnering with Hillsides by donating Halloween candy, piñatas, and toys, to benefit the children of Hillsides throughout the year.

MENTORSHIP + LEADERSHIP

High school students have provided many opportunities for mentorship and leadership to our elementary

students. The science of mindfulness class has helped our kindergarten students to learn the power of mindfulness. Seniors have mentored sixth graders and provided both a listening ear and words of wisdom. Fourth grade partnered with high school science teacher and sustainability coordinator, Karl Frank, to collaborate with his CHAI Environmental Science students to learn about native plants in California. The high school students gave a presentation about native plants in California and related it to the native plants the CHAI students planted in our campus gardens. Fourth grade students learned how to identify invasive plant species in the garden and how to properly remove them.

Elementary School Principal Robin Frank

SERVICE LEARNING + OUTREACH

Service learning and outreach are hallmarks of life at Campbell Hall and integral to our elementary community. Fifth grade attends a field trip to Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration to create social inclusion for children with disabilities through inclusive playgrounds and education programs that unite children of ALL abilities. Sixth grade attends the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program where students participate in trail restoration, invasive plant species removal, composting and garden work. The third graders participate in a service learning field trip to the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. Students assembled hygiene kits, using items they donated, and toured the food pantry. Second grade visits Tree People to learn about sustainability in our community and how to conserve water and protect our environment, especially trees. First grade students research endangered and threatened species and adopt a mammal from the World Wildlife Fund: WWFEndangered Species Conservation.

DIVERSITY

Through curricular and extracurricular opportunities, elementary students celebrate and honor the diversity within our community. Chapel presentations have allowed our sixth grade students to share important aspects of their identity with the entire community. Monthly elementary affinity groups bring together 3rd-6th grade students with affinity leaders to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals who share a common identity or experience.

ART

Art is a wonderful way to build community. This year, fifth grade students studied portraiture in art class and then partnered with a member of the community and drew their portrait live as well as conducted an interview. These portraits now hang in the elementary office. The afterschool life drawing students attended the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition with Mr. Javoné and their families.

BOOK WEEK

Our visiting authors during Book Week are usually authors from our community. This year three authors from Los Angeles visited Campbell Hall and spoke with our K-6th graders: Lucky Diaz (from Koreatown), Stuart Gibbs (from Hancock Park), and Gail Lerner (from Los Feliz). Lucky Diaz’s book Paletero Man celebrates the strength of our local communityspecifically the food culture of “Calle Ocho” in Los Angeles.

Community connections in elementary school provide opportunities for students to learn and practice important values and qualities such as respect, empathy, and responsibility. These values are vital for social and emotional development, academic engagement, a sense of belonging, and the nurturing of decent, loving and responsible human beings.

+ Building Homes Creating Hope

In March, 62 CH students and 10 chaperones traveled to Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico to meet a dedicated team of volunteer builders from Corazón, a non-profit organization that supports local community members by helping them build homes for their neighbors and by raising money for scholarships for their kids to attend school. CH students and teachers were there to build two homes for two different families. One was a young man who is an aspiring architect, and his grandmother who needs his help to care for her. The other was a family of five: a father, mother and three daughters. Both of these families each worked 500 community service hours with Corazón to earn the homes the CH students helped to build, and at the end of the day when they received the keys to their house, it was a truly touching moment to see their dreams realized.

faculty news

A love letter to our community

Dear CH Community:

I have been a member of the Campbell Hall community for the past 21 years as a teacher and now for the past 5 years as a parent. I cherish the smiles and welcoming hellos when I enter campus each day. I enjoy the buzzing in the morning as we all stumble onto campus bleary eyed but happy to be here. Most importantly, I always appreciate the sense of community we have here; but, it wasn’t until this recent school year that I realized the true gift that this community offers. Over the past year, my husband and I have been dealing with his cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s been a difficult journey, but he is currently battling his way back to health. I need to say thank you to the entire community for your kind words, meals delivered, donations received, emails, texts, and phone calls. The outpouring of support was phenomenal. We truly felt held together by the community. While it has been a challenging time, my appreciation for you has quadrupled.

There is something unique that happens here on this campus. The heart and soul of the school is centered around our ability to come together as a community. I was humbled by busy students, parents, alumni, and faculty members all reaching out to my family to offer their support. That Campbell Hall love made it possible for my family to survive this event. There was so much kindness shown to me that it became impossible to express my gratitude to each person and family. Please accept this massive thank you as a love letter to our community.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Elena Malone High School History Teacher

The artwork of Elementary Science Lab Associate teacher Javoné Williams was featured in The Collective Memory Installation: a digital exhibition of artworks reflecting on the collective history of Los Angeles County, presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. Mr. Williams’ piece titled “Mother-hood,” is a gorgeous work in color pencil that depicts a mother lovingly holding and gazing at her baby which, as Mr. Williams writes: “honors Los Angeles as a place where mothers lead the way in justice, business, and many other fields. This artwork is a portrait of motherhood in focus.”

Dr. Steve Wachs, High School Psychology teacher, gave a presentation to the LA County Psychological Association (LACPA) Special Interest Group in Sports Psychology on May 13, 2023. His discussion, titled “Social Media's Effects on Athletes: Implications for Practice,” centered on his doctoral research which establishes a strong link between an athlete’s engagement with social media and their levels of sport anxiety.

Volunteers of the Year

Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism

he remarkable contributions of our devoted volunteer community were celebrated at the annual Volunteer Thank You Party, held at the home of Lynn and Mike Williams (pictured below). This special event serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the selfless efforts and unwavering commitment demonstrated by our volunteers at Campbell Hall.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Thomas R. Von Der Ahe Volunteer of the Year Award This esteemed recognition is bestowed upon individuals who consistently go above and beyond their responsibilities as Campbell Hall volunteers. It symbolizes the remarkable spirit of volunteerism that is the cornerstone of our school’s success, honoring and celebrating the collective goodwill and selflessness that define our community. This year’s recipients were Megan O’Rourke ’95 and Roxanne Beckford Hoge

Megan O’Rourke ’95

As an alum from the Class of 1995 and proud mom of Danny ’29 and Robbie ’26, Megan has deep roots within the Campbell Hall community. She has been an active volunteer, serving as a class coordinator and/or Parents’ Association Elementary Vice President since 2013. During her tenure as Executive Vice President of the Parents’ Association during the 2020-21 school year, Megan demonstrated incredible leadership, grace, and creativity as she helped shepherd the community through some of the school’s most challenging times. Megan worked closely with Parents’ Association President Alex Grane to address the needs of the community during the pandemic. Together, they engaged every new family via Zoom, worked tirelessly to find ways to maintain connections within the community, and devoted countless hours to keeping Campbell Hall a safe and thriving institution. As she stepped out of her role as EVP and renewed her role as Elementary Vice President,

Megan continued to exhibit exceptional leadership qualities as a vital force in the Parents’ Association. Next year she will be continuing her journey of outstanding service as she takes on a new role as Middle School Vice President. We thank Megan for her incredible dedication to Campbell Hall.

Roxanne Beckford Hoge

Roxanne has been an integral part of the Campbell Hall community for over 20 years. She had the pleasure of seeing two of her children graduate, Cameron ’16 and Lila ’19, while her other two, Georgia and April, are part of the exceptional senior class of 2023. Over the years, Roxanne has held countless volunteer positions, from helping the school reach its fundraising goals as a Campbell Hall Annual Fund representative to helping throw unforgettable gala events as a Bagpiper’s Ball organizer. However, her greatest achievement and largest impact on the school is her creation of the Campbell Hall Host Families program. For years, Roxanne has worked with the Admissions Office to pair current families with incoming families to help smooth their transition to Campbell Hall. She recognized the importance of creating a strong parent community for families in grades 7-12, where it can be more challenging to create parent bonds. Roxanne’s formation of Host Families solidified her legacy as a vital community builder at Campbell Hall.

Roxanne is always willing to lend a hand to support students and parents and is a constant volunteer on the senior patio. She created the Campbell Hall Facebook page for the Class of 2023 and has helped plan several parent socials. Roxanne has been a huge support to the Parents’ Association and is always eager to serve our beloved CH community. It’s impossible to imagine the Campbell Hall campus without Roxanne or one of her children. We are incredibly grateful for her years of service and will miss her dearly.

Megan O’Rourke ’95 , Julian Bull, Roxanne Hoge

good people

Congratulations to Head of School Julian Bull for 20 years of dedicated service to Campbell Hall

The Rev. Canon Julian Bull is an exceptional leader who guides the school with wisdom, kindness, and grace. It is evident through the way he ministers to each individual in our community and extends this love beyond our campus through his support of initiatives like the Public Partnership Program, that he truly cares for all people. His vision for Campbell Hall’s future helped pave the way for the construction of the Spielberg Family Arts and Education Center and the launch of CH NEXT, the largest capital campaign and campus transformation in the school’s history. He has fearlessly tackled the most challenging issues of our day, steering our Viking ship through the tumultuous waters of the pandemic and strengthening our commitment to critical DEIJ work. As only the third Head of School in Campbell Hall’s nearly 80-year history, The Rev. Canon Julian Bull is forever a part of the school’s incredible legacy and an integral part of what makes ours a beloved community.

Hands4Haiti Exceeds Fundraising Goal to Support Sister Schools

Campbell Hall's Hands4Haiti student club exceeded their fundraising goal of $10,000 from their February event, thanks to the generosity of the school community. Total funds raised are an impressive $15,900. These funds will be used to provide much-needed school supplies for teachers and meals for students at our Haitian sister schools, St. Aidan's, St. Jacques, and Holy Innocents.

Given the recent unprecedented natural and man-made disasters, including devastating earthquakes, the assassination of their president leading to the destabilization of the government, and a surge in gang violence that has severely affected every aspect of life on the nation-island, this aid is more critical than ever.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this fundraising effort, which has made this life-saving project possible.

Centering Latinx Voices and Narratives Symposium

On March 11, more than 40 representatives from 12 schools gathered at Campbell Hall where, in partnership with the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC) at UCLA Health and Somos PSV, a full-day symposium focusing on the future of the Latinx community across economics, health, diversity, and more was shared. The day connected local independent schools and was facilitated by Dr. David E. Hayes-Bautista, a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC) at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. This signature event will now become an annual event held at Campbell Hall.

Campbell Hall’s mission-aligned K-12 student and family affinity spaces offer participants the opportunity to connect, celebrate, and support fellow members. To learn more, visit campbellhall.org/deij.

Advocacy and Action by the ELEMENTARY GSA

BY AMANDA SKUBICK, FOURTH GRADE MATH/SCIENCE TEACHER & GARRY CARR, FIFTH GRADE HUMANITIES CO-TEACHER AND INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT CHAIR

The Elementary Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is an elementary affinity group committed to supporting its students in our ongoing goal of inclusion. This year, we focused our twice monthly meetings on topics ranging from “love is love,” to the representation of people’s identity in pride flags, to celebration of the dignity granted to all people within our community.

Recently, we invited Christopher Dennis, Associate Head of Community Engagement, to join our meeting where we shared our ideas for identifying locations on campus for an additional Pride flag to complement the current flag displayed in the high school area. The new flag will help remind our whole community of the importance of inclusion at CH. Members also noted that the flag will signify to visitors and people outside our community that Campbell Hall is a welcoming place for all. Mr. Dennis helped us achieve our goal and the new flag is now displayed in the Garver Gym.

Finally, we were honored to support GSA, Spectrum, and Families for Pride in their end-of-year celebration on Saturday, May 13. The event was filled with lots of fun arts and crafts, delicious tacos and shaved ice, and more. We heard a powerful message from one of the high school GSA members and took part in a wishing wall where we shared our wishes for the LGBTQ+ community in the coming year.

Cherishing preciȣs moments

ELEMENTARY GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY

March 24, 2023 // Garver Gym

It was a heartwarming day as we welcomed over 300 grandparents and special friends to campus.These honored guests gathered to create an afternoon filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories with our incredible elementary school students. After students put on spectacular song and dance performances (including teaching guests the “Cha Cha Slide” dance), everyone enjoyed visits in the elementary classrooms and a stop at the special photo booth.

good times

Extending

Learning and Community Beyond the Classroom: New Experiential Education Trips

A fundamental piece of a Campbell Hall education, the experiential education program has long provided students the opportunity to explore new horizons together. This year’s trip lineup featured fresh locales for the 4th, 6th, and 7th grade classes, introducing novel themes and activities to enrich students’ classroom learning and support community building. With these objectives in mind, students and chaperones set off!

Explorers from 4th grade (top row) traveled to Camp Ramah in Ojai, CA, where they practiced team building and stretching beyond their comfort zones. Participating in ropes and adventure course challenges, one ending in a zipline and the other in a tree climb, students strengthened friendships and bolstered self-confidence. The chariot-building project, followed by a race to the finish line, fostered students’ innovative thinking skills and propelled team spirit.

Team building was high on the list for 6th grade voyagers (middle row), who journeyed to Catalina Island, CA. The three-day trip showcased activities ranging from sea kayaking to gardening, all designed to help students find comfort from being in nature and to encourage collaboration. As Elementary Experiential Education Coordinator Gina Nava summarized, “By sharing these new experiences, classmates became more of a family and fortified the joint foundation they will cherish as they enter middle school together.”

New on the destination list for 7th grade travelers (bottom row), Washington, D.C. was chosen for its clear link to the history curriculum. A tour of the U.S. Capitol, guided by Meredith Sheren, wife of CH alumn Ethan Alpern ’07, offered a real-life peek at government operations and deepened students’ comprehension of previously-learned facts. As explained by Middle School Dean and trip coordinator Gina Delgado, visits to historical and cultural sites, such as Ford’s Theatre, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, provided the chance “to have our students experience our nation's capital together and to enable them to further understand and appreciate the history of our country.”

Students returned with memories that connect them, a closeness with classmates and teachers that unites them, and a sense of pride in their ability to accomplish something new every day. Best of all, students returned eager to discover where they will go and what they will learn on next year’s experiential education trips.

6th Grade // Catalina Island, CA ➟

7th Grade // Washington, D.C. ➟

4th Grade // Ojai, CA ➟

HOME RUN FUN ELEMENTARY DODGERS NIGHT

May 13 // Dodger Stadium

It was the perfect evening for our elementary students and their families to enjoy a baseball game at the CH Elementary Dodgers Night event. Organized and hosted by the Elementary School Student Council, this community gathering was a huge hit! The highlight was when our spirited students took the spotlight on the jumbotron, creating unforgettable memories. Go Dodgers!

Caring for ȣr neighbors

COMMUNITY SUNDAY

May 21, 2023 //Campbell Hall

Shine Your Light. That was the call to action answered by our community during this year’s all-school day of service outreach spearheaded by CH parents Amy Wachsberger and Lori Nelson (pictured left). On a Sunday filled with sunshine, K-12 families gathered on campus to participate in activities ranging from writing heartfelt notes to residents of a local nursing facility to making bracelets with the CH Girl Scout Troop. Faculty and staff members joined in on the fun, too!

Together, our community packed 1,000 hygiene kits to be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness via a partnership with MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), hosted a hugely popular clothing swap to raise funds for Hands 4 Haiti, and stuffed school supply packs for Operation School Bell. Also on the agenda: collecting books, sporting equipment, and baby supplies to support the Make Good Book Foundation, Hillsides, and St. Anne’s Family Services, respectively.

The upbeat music choices from DJ Nico J. ’23 kept participants energized while tasty treats from the bake sale supporting Navajo Water Projects and the lemonade stand benefiting the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry kept everyone refreshed. Those wanting a perfect memento of the fun-filled day could purchase vibrantly decorated succulent planters, the proceeds of which benefited TreePeople.

All in all, it was a day full of heart, fun, and togetherness.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The 67th Annual Bagpiper’s Ball

May 6, 2023 // Vibiana

The 67th annual Bagpiper’s Ball: A Night at CH Lounge was an extraordinary evening that brought together our entire community. Led by Ball co-chairs Dana Garfin and Ricci DeMartino (pictured left), the gala was a tremendous success, raising nearly $900,000 in support of CH Financial Aid. The evening was filled with laughter and entertainment, courtesy of our hosts Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer, Roselyn Sanchez, Kyle Bornheimer, and Max Greenfield. The dance floor came alive with the exhilarating beats by DJ Jazzy Jeff, who kept everyone moving throughout the night. The event was a testament to the incredible spirit and generosity of our school community.

Embracing Milestones:

A HEARTFELT CELEBRATION FOR THE

Class of 2029

June 9, 2023 // Garver Gym – Families, friends, and loved ones gathered for the Sixth Grade Promotion honoring the Class of 2029. Students enjoyed sharing their special memories and performed a handbell musical number as a class. As the Class of 2029 ventures into the next phase of their academic journey in middle school, the memories of their elementary school experience will remain forever in their hearts.

“I want to be a person that makes a change in the world. I want to create opportunities for people that aren’t as fortunate as me.”

When we went to Catalina Island we did so much and it was all so much fun! We learned so much about the sea and the environment and how to protect it.

Campbell Hall has shaped me into a student that is willing to collaborate, a student with a growth mindset, and has helped me look at the world in a different way.

The community at CH is so caring and is always there for you when you need it. I have made a lot of new friends this year and met a lot of new people and teachers. Campbell Hall means kindness to me

Campbell Hall is important to me because they make sure you feel welcomed and loved everyday. CH has shaped me by making me come out of my comfort zone and feel good about myself.

Ever since I was in kindergarten, I’ve been taught about being kind, helping others, the importance of community and friendship, and taking pride in academics.

Campbell Hall means putting others before yourself, being kind to everyone, and building a loving community.

Chapel has always meant a lot to me because it’s when the whole elementary school gets together to just sing songs, read prayers, listen to presentations, etc. It’s something that wakes me up when I’m tired in the mornings and gives me motivation for the day or even teaches me simple life lessons

Campbell Hall has taught me to be a kind and loyal person from the beginning of kindergarten all the way to 6th grade. This school has really pushed me to be my best self through things like sportsmanship.

Some of my favorite memories at Campbell Hall are with my three kindergarten pals I love seeing how much they have grown from the start of the year to now.

This community has really brought the best out of me, and I am so thankful to my teachers and to the Campbell Hall community for that.

student accomplishments

Psychology Student’s Work Featured in Journal

Congratulations to Puzant K. ’23 whose piece titled “Embracing Boredom'” was featured on the Whitman Journal of Psychology site, a student-led publication that recognizes high school student-conducted research and literature reviews in the field of psychology. In his article, Puzant delves into a lesson he learned: social media can suck us into its content and by doing so, stifle our imagination and industriousness. He encourages us to unplug and allow ourselves to get bored, because through the boredom, comes direction.

The

Piper Receives CSPA Crown Award

Campbell Hall’s student-run newspaper, The Piper, was recently awarded its fifth consecutive Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Crown Award, the most selective and highest recognition given by the CSPA. The editor of the 2021-22 newspaper was Maggie Chiappetta-Uberti ’22, who is now a student at Harvard University.

It’s All Math

As a 9th grader, Asher A. ’26 is CH’s youngest AP Calculus AB student. He recently placed first in the American Math Competition at Campbell Hall. Campbell Hall provides a challenging curriculum to those who are mathematically intuitive and passionate about the subject matter. “I love math because of its elegance and its ability to describe the world,” says Asher. “From atoms to the stars and everything in between, it is all math.”

Speech & Debate Team: Competing at the Highest Level

Campbell Hall’s high school Speech and Debate team competed at the Peninsula Invitational in Palos Verdes. Two CH Parliamentary debate teams consisting of Lauryn V. ’24, Alexander E. ’24, David D. ’24, and Daniel D. ’24 co-championed the tournament, placing first out of 54 teams! In addition, Daniel D. ’24 received 8th place speaker out of 108 competitors and David D. ’24 was awarded first place speaker!

NY Times Vocabulary Contest Winner

Congratulations to Elizabeth L. ’27 who, out of 1,300 entries, was one of only 27 participants selected to receive an Honorable Mention in the 2023 New York Times Vocabulary contest! All 8th grade students participated in the video project in which they created a 15-second video to define a challenging word. Elizabeth’s creativity and originality shine through in her fun, 90s goth-inspired video that defines “zeitgeist”!

student accomplishments

Return of a CH Star Pitcher

Tanner M. ’23 was featured in the Los Angeles Times High School Sports section which outlined his incredible return from a knee injury last year to pitch a near perfect 43 innings with a fastball in the mid-80s, a .439 batting average, and 38 RBIs this year. Tanner has committed to Wesleyan University where he will attend in the fall.

Musician Garners Accolades

Violinist Lauryn V. ’24 garnered first prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards, an international competition to discover outstanding artists and help launch their careers. As part of her award, Lauryn will be performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in July.

CH Organizes First Student Council Summit

Campbell Hall hosted the first ever area independent school Student Council Summit with members of student/prefect councils from CH, Buckley, Harvard-Westlake as well as our own Academic Honor Board in attendance. The groups conferenced about best practices, how to best serve their respective student bodies, among other important school topics.

student accomplishments

#USvsHate

For the fourth year in a row, CH students have been named winners and finalists in the #USvsHate contests, a national campaign to promote anti-hate messages. Ayden G. ’23 was selected as a classic contest winner for her dance piece that was created to spark conversation about gun violence. Will A. ’23 was selected as a classic contest finalist for his original song about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Joe D. ’23 was selected as a special call winner for his journalistic interview project about the prejudices Asian Americans endure. In addition, Beija S. ’23 was a finalist in the “Conversation Starters” category in which she highlighted the experiences of young Black women.

Several students in Jeremy Grossman’s high school English class were also selected as winners in the spring #USvsHate contest. The class worked in small groups to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on topics of discrimination and bias that they felt strongly about. Contest winners Anthony M. ’26 and Olympia B. ’26 created a visually compelling art piece to address the problems with racial color blindness that shows how a teacher might see their diverse students, with a message that reminds viewers, “If You Don’t See Race, Then You Don’t See Me.” Audrey C. ’26, Chloe P. ’26, and Lily K. ’26 conveyed their opposition to ableism through their thought-provoking poster that depicts a student in a wheelchair staring up at a school situated on a hill with ramps on either side to ensure accessibility. Vail H. ’26 and Milo M. ’26 were selected as winners in the “Conversation Starters” category for their project on Antisemitism. They drew a parallel between the violence inflicted on Jews during the Holocaust and contemporary acts of hate, particularly through gun violence. Mr. Grossman addressed the comprehensive nature of the research-based project, writing: “...because of the individualized nature of the project and the many steps taken to look at their issue from multiple lenses, students were able to both meaningfully engage with their communities and begin to build a more welcoming and safe way of showing up in all their various communities.”

After doing #USvsHate for three years now, it’s clear to me that projects like these are what students need to help them make sense of their world. They want to learn about the complexities of hate to better understand individual and systemic injustices they see and (in some cases) experience themselves. And most of all, they have the intellectual capacity and heart to handle it.”

—Carlos Castellanos High School English Teacher

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ARTISTS AT WORK!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH in the College Process

BY JENNIFER SIMPSON, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Just a few months ago, it was that famous time of year for the Class of 2023. After months spent reading thousands of applications, colleges released the final round of admissions decisions in March. Not long ago, CH seniors were freshmen, embarking on a new educational and personal chapter in their lives. In these early years of the high school experience, they listened to us speak very philosophically about college, the decisions they will make every day, and the impact those decisions will have on their years beyond CH. The concepts of choice, empowerment, values, priorities, and personal responsibility to create and take advantage of opportunity became more real with every year of high school. They were being asked to pay close attention to the opportunities CH presents, and to reflect upon the intersection between who they have become here and who they want to become in a college community. We moved from theory to reality as the college process naturally gains momentum with each successive year of high school. In keeping with the theme of choices and the decisions that a college application represents and reflects, seniors began to understand that college admission committees are not the only people making decisions. The cycle came full circle on May 1 when seniors had to make their final decision about what college they will call home next fall.

With graduation on the horizon and the beginning of college beckoning seniors, this time of year is always defined by a tremendous amount of celebratory energy. The culmination of time at CH and the rigors of the college process also inevitably usher in a tapestry of emotions. There is an inflection point as the end of the CH chapter meets the anticipation of the undergraduate experience. Admission offers and denial letters are often seen as absolute reflections of self-worth, accomplishment, character, potential, and in some ways, the parenting that has contributed to the wonderful graduates we are proud to have.

It is incredibly easy to get caught up in the “doing” of high school, and certainly the culminating college process. What often gets lost is the feeling of it all which is unearthed when the process comes to a conclusion, college decisions are released, and the reality of significant life changes looms on the horizon. Through all the tasks, deadlines, and anticipation of outcomes, it is easy for parents and students to bypass the embodied emotional reactions that are occurring. It is also easy to forget, and celebrate, the vulnerability, bravery, and risk that students engage with as they share themselves and their experiences with colleges, and the subsequent, complex emotion of hope lives in the words and effort put into the thousands of applications our seniors collectively submit.

While the college process is naturally outcome-oriented, I believe we should be focusing just as much, if not more, on the opportunities embedded within it. The entire CH experience, including the college process, is a process of becoming, not just doing. Ideally, students grow into more holistic, reflective, selfaware young adults and develop habits of mind and skills to deal with life as it is, not as it is imagined to be. While our seniors have so much to celebrate when they consider the larger picture of their CH experience, these skills are tested when admissions decisions are not what they might have hoped for and they are facing the thoughtful, complicated, and sometimes disappointing decisions that colleges render. What surfaces are the stories parents and students tell themselves about outcomes and what they believe these results symbolize.

I urge parents and students at all stages of high school to pay very close attention to the emotions, thoughts, and subsequent feelings they attach to the college search and outcomes of the admissions process. There will be many, and they are all valid. It is important to attend to the interpretation and thoughts we attach to these emotions. However, the outcome we often

College Counseling Team: (l-r) Jennifer Simpson, Kimberly Oden, Elisa Sagardia, John Corona, Su Kim

overlook is who students have become, not only in their time at CH, but also as a result of the rigors of reflection and articulation involved in applying to college. How they feel about themselves and their ability to manage, understand, and reframe their internal experience are the less tangible, but equally priceless results of an outcome-driven experience. The arc of time that marks the college process is meant to challenge students to discover what defines them. Who we are and who we are becoming are defined by the experiences the world presents and, even more importantly, the meaning we attribute to them. The college search is meant to be a process of understanding the power of choices, selftrust, looking ahead, celebrating accomplishments, both past and present, and getting excited for opportunities beyond the walls of CH.

However, as many students know in theory, and some seniors feel in reality, this process is not always an easy road. Uncertainty, tears of joy and disappointment, and an altered sense of self and the future can understandably color the picture when the college decisions do not adhere to “the plan.” Very often, visions do come to fruition and many of our seniors are celebrating this. I have also witnessed the discomfort and sadness when they don’t, and I know well what it means to sit with parents and students who are understandably shaken and disappointed. However, difficult emotions are part of our contract with the human experience. This discomfort nudges parents and students to take a look at themselves and life’s unfolding in a new and deeper way. The discomfort gives us all a more accurate sense of life’s limitations and what we can and cannot control. The arc of emotions we all experience is the price of admission to a meaningful life. Parents and students might not be able to stop this process from taking unexpected turns, but they can fully participate in, and choose, how they respond to it.

Throughout this process, we constantly encourage students to begin to see opportunities every day. However, growth,

perspective, and definition of self do not occur solely in the presence of life going according to our hopes and expectations. In a somewhat abstract way, every type of college admissions decision can be seen as an opportunity, and outcome, of an unexpected nature. They present the chance to flex emotional muscles that don’t often get the credit they are due.

The college process is about taking risks. There is inherent value in that regardless of the outcomes. Students share their accomplishments, successes, failures, and reflections with other human beings, including college admissions committees. There is great vulnerability in that. However, no college, either the one a student attends or the one he/she/they will not, defines who or what a student becomes or what contributions he/she/they will make to the world.

The judgment we all exercise over a lifetime of choices, relationships, and interactions with our communities are not determined by a particular college name. When life takes a detour, it is only human to feel the wave of difficult emotions that unexpected outcomes often unearth. I am proud to be a part of a college process and larger CH community that asks us all to help students to see opportunities for growth where they might not see them. To students I say, if you are open to it, one of the greatest gifts this process can give you is the ability to come back to that center, that sense of self and the person that this process forces you to look at in the first place. What do you know, deeply and sincerely, to be true and authentic about yourself, your gifts, and your potential? This is a sign of an incredibly healthy young mind and strength of character that no college admissions decision can or should ever be able to take away.

JIM AND CARLA LEE Drawn to Support The Viking Center

When Jim Lee, comic book artist and publisher/ Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics, and his wife Carla decided to move from San Diego to Los Angeles so Jim could be closer to work, their first thought was to find their children a school. As parents of nine children, Jim and Carla have had a lot of experience with a variety of schools. At one point six of their then seven children were enrolled in different schools. While this was a lot of juggling, it helped the Lee family really hone in on the things that were most important to them in a school community.

From the school’s mission and ethos to how students are able to balance academics with the arts and athletics, Jim and Carla fell in love with Campbell Hall. Five of their children (River ’29, Jackson ’32, Mason ’23, Lucas ’18, and Brittany ’15) attended or are currently enrolled at CH. “We wish we were able to attend ourselves,” laughed Carla.

Jim and Carla wanted to find ways to get involved in the school. Jim serves on the Board of Directors and sits on the Public Partnerships Committee. “Being on the Board has really helped me see the school’s thoughtful, transparent, and open-minded approach to education. I more fully understand and appreciate their researchdriven innovations like late start for the secondary students and their embrace of all cultures and religions through the chapel program and spaces such as the Nathanson Swiger Spiritual Center.” Carla has served as the Bagpiper’s Ball auction co-chair and has volunteered in the classroom. The couple has also hosted several Campbell Hall events at their home.

When Jim and Carla learned about the plans for The Viking Center, they were eager to support the school. “Campbell Hall is constantly growing by expanding its programs and offerings,” said Carla. “I’m a visual person, so seeing the renderings was so exciting because to me, The Viking Center is a manifestation of this growth.” They also found that the thoughtfulness of the campus layout including the use of indoor/outdoor spaces, was extremely appealing and indicative of Campbell Hall’s commitment to fostering innovation and connection. “We are all products of our environment,” said Jim. “The Viking Center will beautify and give a heart to the center of campus, giving students a greater sense of pride in the school.”

“Our children have varied interests,” added Jim. “Campbell Hall has been able to support and nurture each of them as individuals. I grew up focused on academics as that was something stressed in my household. The arts were something I only dabbled with on the side. Today, the arts are a vital part of who I am. Campbell Hall allows students to fully explore and develop their talents, whatever those talents may be.”

Jim and Carla were drawn to supporting the Elementary Arts Plaza which will be named in their family’s honor and, thanks to their generous $250,000 donation, will be a beautiful, inviting space located just off the elementary arts wing in which students can work, relax, and enjoy being together as a community in the open air. “The arts are an essential part of life,” said Jim. “This means of self-expression helps students excel in whatever profession they choose to ultimately pursue. We wanted to foster and support this important outlet by providing a space that will nurture their creative spirit.”

Campbell Hall sparks curiosity and imagination, keeping them engaged and excited about learning which is something students carry with them throughout their lives.”

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

The Rev. Canon Thomas G. Clarke ’59 has lived a life of service—to Campbell Hall, the Episcopal Church, and to the broader community. As Campbell Hall’s second Head of School (out of only three in the school’s history) for 32 years, he oversaw many of the institution’s most significant developments—from codifying the first CH mission statement to the construction of major building projects including the Academic Center and Ahmanson Library (ACAL) and the Garver Gym complex to the creation of the Financial Aid program. Having attended Campbell Hall from Kindergarten - 8th grade, transferring out in 9th grade as there was no high school option for boys at the time, his lifelong dedication to the school started when he was just a boy.

“I grew up seeing my parents’ involvement in philanthropy and charitable causes both as donors and as volunteers,” Canon Clarke said. In fact, his father, Thomas W. Clarke served on Campbell Hall’s Board of Directors for 51 years, longer than any other member in the school’s history, and was also responsible for drawing up Campbell Hall’s articles of incorporation in 1945. His parents were also among the first to join the school’s Legacy Society, designating Campbell Hall as the charity beneficiary on a charitable remainder trust. “I inherited an attitude of service,” Canon Clarke continued, “and it has stayed with me throughout my lifetime.”

Building on the strong foundation laid by those who established Campbell Hall, Canon Clarke knew there was still important work to do. “When I came to Campbell Hall as Head of School, my charge was to further the legacy of the mission of the school,” he said. “Working closely with the Board of Directors, I knew that Campbell Hall could not exist on tuition alone. It was important to establish a culture of philanthropy that would not only support the school’s existing operating needs but would also secure its future.”

One of the ways in which Canon Clarke and the Board worked to accomplish this was by establishing Campbell Hall’s first endowment. The long-term viability of any nonprofit educational institution relies on such investment vehicles. “A strong endowment, which is grown in a number of ways including through legacy gifts, is a symbol of a strong community,” Canon Clarke said. “It helps the school endure the unexpected. If we learned anything from the COVID pandemic, it’s that we have to plan for any number of contingencies.”

Canon Clarke also helped start Campbell Hall’s professional development program because he recognized the need for faculty to build skills, learn about the latest research and technology, and stay current on best practices, all of which positively impact student achievement. Today, faculty and staff collectively engage in more than 2,000 hours of professional development each year. Like his parents before him, Canon Clark has chosen to include Campbell Hall in his estate planning, naming the school as a beneficiary. The importance of sustaining and growing CH’s professional development is of utmost importance to him, so he designated his gift to support this crucial school program. “Campbell Hall is my top charitable priority because my heart will always be there,” he noted. “I hope each of us values the community and will do everything we can to further that spirit, even when we are no longer here.”

Canon Clarke’s legacy at Campbell Hall is attributable to more than just including Campbell Hall in his estate planning—it is a lifelong commitment to an institution that he helped build and one that he believes should endure forever. His legacy gift will help the school do just that.

A strong endowment, which is grown in a number of ways including through legacy gifts, is a symbol of a strong community.”

The Rev. Canon Thomas G. Clarke

13-year dinner

13-year students and their parents enjoyed a celebratory dinner where they reflected on the growth, achievements, and memories that have been forged over the past 13 years.

13-Year student traditions

13-year pin

As a tangible reminder of their remarkable journey at Campbell Hall, the 13-year students are presented with a beautiful pin that is worn at graduation.

13-Year Seniors

Campbell Hall prides itself on nurturing lifelong connections with its students, and nowhere is this bond more evident than in the annual celebrations honoring those seniors who have been part of the school community since kindergarten. Throughout their senior year, 13-year students are honored with a series of events recognizing their dedication to the school.

13-year seniors + kindergarten visit

Baccalaureate

June 11, 2023 // Garver Gym

The Class of 2023 was honored during Campbell Hall’s cherished tradition of Baccalaureate. CH dad Christopher Nolan (Flora ’20, Rory ’21, Oliver ’23, and Magnus ’25) delivered an inspiring homily that resonated deeply with the graduating class. A number of talented seniors gave beautiful performances in both music and dance that moved the audience and made the event even more memorable.

Graduation

June 13, 2023 // Walt Disney Concert Hall

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, students,families, faculty, and staff commemorated the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2023.This joyous occasion signified the culmination of their academic journey and the commencement of a thrilling new chapter in their lives.

Congratulations Class of 2023

Where Did the Time Go?

The Class of 2023 Time Capsule

As students were adjusting to life on Zoom during the height of the pandemic, then sophomore Lila M. ’23 decided to start a class Instagram account to connect classmates. The concept behind “ch2023.timecapsule” was to include throwback photos and short videos to remind students of the fun times they shared during the “unmasked” days. As we emerged from the pandemic, the Instagram account evolved to include current pics of the Class of 2023 engaged in campus life, from performances to athletic games to casual hangs. There are even funny class superlatives that show just how well these classmates know and are bonded with each other.

With their senior year in full swing, Lila had the idea to transform the virtual time capsule into a physical one that would pay tribute to the time the Class of 2023 spent at Campbell Hall - something that could be unveiled during their 20th reunion. “When we were on our senior retreat we opened letters we had written as freshmen to ourselves,” explained Lila. “It struck me how everything is changing so fast and it’s with mixed feelings that we, as seniors, are moving on. By creating a tangible time capsule, we can permanently save our memories of these times, the act of which also allows us to let them go. It’s a kind of release.”

Unlike a traditional time capsule that is buried in the ground to be unearthed at a predetermined date in the future, the Class of 2023 time capsule will be stored in an acid-free box in the Campbell Hall archives, along with the rest of the school’s historical documents and precious objects. Some of the items Lila has chosen to collect are performing arts

programs and t-shirts, senior keys given to each graduating student, graduation gown, cap and tassel, baccalaureate and graduation programs, a COVID-19 test to mark the impact of the pandemic, senior patio decorations and memorabilia, the student-run Piper newspapers, and The Good magazine (including this issue!), among other items. She is also collecting letters from the seniors to their future selves, photos submitted by classmates, screenshots from Instagram accounts, and more than 100+ favorite songs, all of which will be stored on thumb drives. Lila and the other senior student council representatives were also provided with disposable cameras to document school and campus life. The photos will be printed and stored, along with the negatives, in the time capsule. Most importantly, there will also be a memorial to classmate Hart Campbell who was tragically killed in a car accident at the end of their 8th grade year.

Lila is the CH Student Body President and has served as a class representative since her freshman year of high school. She hopes this homage to the Class of 2023 will inspire CH underclassmen to appreciate and reflect on their time at Campbell Hall, just as other grades (especially that of the Class of 2020) inspired her class.

“When we return during our reunion, the Class of 2023 can walk down memory together,” said Lila. “Just like when we wrote those freshmen letters, we’ll be able to see how far we’ve come in our lives.”

Lila M. ’23 and Nikolas M. ’23

CLASS OF 2023 MATRICULATION

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”

AMDA College of the Performing Arts

Los Angeles

Barnard College

Berklee College of Music

Boston College

Bowdoin College

California Lutheran University

California State University-Chico

Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts

Chapman University

Colgate University

Cornell University

Cornish College of the Arts

Duke University

Georgetown University

Hawaii Pacific University

Indiana University-Bloomington

Johns Hopkins University

Lewis & Clark College

Linfield University

Loyola Marymount University

Maryland Institute College of Art

Miami University, Oxford

Monmouth University

New York University

Northeastern University

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Oregon State University

Princeton University

Rhode Island School of Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

San Diego State University

Santa Clara University

Santa Monica College

Sarah Lawrence College

School of Visual Arts

Southern Methodist University

The American University of Paris

The George Washington University

The New School

The University of Texas at Austin

Trinity College Dublin

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of Arizona

University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Davis

University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-San Diego

University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Cruz

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Miami

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of New Haven

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Southern California

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Vassar College

Wake Forest University

Wesleyan University

Williams College

Yale University

—HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Congratulations to the Class of 2023, who will be attending the following colleges and universities:

GOOD VIBES

Bravo!

VISUAL + PERFORMING ARTS

The Harmony of Two Art Forms

Campbell Hall’s First Performance of a Student-Composed Ballet

Finn D. ’23 and Wyatt N. ’24 live and breathe music. Along with Paolo P. ‘23 and Will A. ‘23, they are in the band Great Big Cow. The group has amassed quite a following playing local venues such as The Mint, Troubadour, and Largo and has put out an So Long Fish with another album set to drop this summer. Finn and Wyatt are students in Jason Goldstein’s Jazz Combo ’ Recording Arts & Production (RAP) classes and Finn has received his AVID certification. Both extensively record and produce music outside of school.

Last year, Wyatt was inspired by Campbell Hall’s Spring Dance Concert and decided that he wanted to write his own ballet. He spent hours The Nutcracker to study the format and channel the essence of great ballet. He soon enlisted friend and bandmate Finn to work with him on the project and together they , Secondary Ballet teacher and Co-Director of the CH Dance Company. She greeted the idea with tremendous enthusiasm as she had long wanted to choreograph a one-act ballet to one of her When the Sky is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horwitz. She gave Finn and Wyatt a copy of the dreamlike tale in which three young girls wander out on a “bimulous” night to experience an other-worldly forest where otters sing, snails sulk, and animal friends exchange fun gifts like jarred fireflies or kites.

Finn and Wyatt began conceptualizing music for the ballet while they were participating in a 5-week music performance intensive at Berklee College of Music in Boston over the summer. The seeds of some ideas began to germinate, but it wasn’t until they were under a strict deadline to turn in their completed composition by January of this year that the two really buckled down. In a two-day marathon over winter break, they wrote and recorded eight

Inspired by their study of the transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau in Dr. Kelly Kawar’s and Jane Emerson’s English classes, Finn and Wyatt integrated themes of nature and the consequences of an ecosystem that is out of balance. “We used the book as a jumping off point and

expanded the original story,” explained Wyatt. “Our ballet is about restoring connections with nature and each other.” In their reimagined narrative composition, the otters bully the other woodland creatures, throwing off the balance of the natural world. After the snails and the rabbits are not able to endure the mistreatment of the otters any longer, they finally stand up for themselves. The trees act as healers, bringing the forest and its inhabitants back into harmony and the sisters help restore order, bringing the now ostracized otters back into the fold.

“The melodies really captured the whimsical nature of the book, bringing the characters and story to life,” said Ms. Wilhoite. “And Finn and Wyatt skillfully introduced the musical themes of each of the characters at the beginning of the ballet which really helped establish the narrative and made it easier to choreograph.” Finn and Wyatt provided meticulous notes on the score to help Ms. Wilhoite fully realize their vision for the ballet. “They gave me a synopsis and theory for every track,” explained Ms. Wilhoite. “They even outlined the action with time stamps so that I was able to have a framework to structure the choreography.”

“It’s so cool to be at a school where we can do this,” said Wyatt. “We were able to use the Campbell Hall studio to record percussion and complete the orchestration,” added Finn.

When the Sky is Like Lace, which included 5th - 12th grade dancers, is Campbell Hall’s first performance of a student-composed ballet. Its success helps pave the way for other students to follow a similar path. “I would love to work with student composers in the future, whether they have an idea for a story or a lovely thematic piece,” said Ms. Wilhoite.

Finn will be studying interior design at The New School in the fall, but both he and Wyatt plan to continue not only their strong friendship, but also their equally strong music partnership past Campbell Hall. “We’d love to write a musical together and another ballet,” said Finn. They also hope to someday open a recording studio in Los Angeles and score for film and TV. Given their success so far, these seem less like dreams and more like concrete plans.

Senior Dancers

Ayden G. ’23 has been dancing since she was three, but it wasn’t until she entered Campbell Hall in 7th grade that she began to take dance seriously. Since then, she immersed herself completely in the program and also began studying at a studio outside of school.

“Dancing at CH really helped me see that dance was something that I wanted to pursue as a career,” said Ayden. “Given the multiple performance opportunities, I fell in love with expressing myself through dance. I have always tried to incorporate dance in everything I did. Whether it was an English project or physics presentation, all the teachers at CH encouraged my dancing skills in every sense.”

Her favorite CH dance memories center on the bustle that preparing for shows entails. “Tech week is always such a blast,” Ayden noted. “Even though it can be stressful at times, it’s always the time of the year where the dancers bond the most.”

There are so many aspects of the CH dance program that Ayden will miss including the teachers who mentored her. “A special shout-out to Ms. Turner and Ms. Wilhoite who furthered my dance journey and believed in me and gave me the motivation to pursue dance as a career,” Ayden said. “I will also miss my friends, the lunchtime rehearsals, the late nights after school, the Domino's pizza during tech week, the dancing on dead pointe shoes during Nutcracker, the laughs backstage, getting ready with everyone in the dressing room, and dancing in the Garver Gym.”

In the fall, Ayden will be attending AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles where she will pursue a BFA in Dance Theater. AMDA provides performance opportunities and a multitude of classes in a range of styles and is known for giving performers the tools they need to be successful in the industry.

Ayden hopes to perform on Broadway one day and would love to be a backup dancer for touring musicians. “I also hope that one day after all the performing and touring is done, that I get to teach the next generation of dancers and pass on the skills that I have learned,” said Ayden. “I have always had such an admiration for every dance teacher I have had and would love to make that a part of my dance journey.”

AYDEN G. ’23

Natalie Y. ’23 has been dancing since she was six. Over the years, she has danced competitively with a number of local studios and has studied at some of the most prestigious schools in the world including the Paris Opera Ballet and the Princess Grace Academy. While she enjoyed her experiences abroad, Natalie loved taking part in local summer intensives where she was able to broaden her dance techniques, train under master teachers, and find passion for different styles such as hip hop and jazz. She’s been a part of the Pointe Variations class at Campbell Hall since she was in 9th grade and has loved learning new ballets and variations like Don Quixote, Paquita, and Raymonda.

“My favorite CH dance experience was performing the Sugar Plum Fairy in this year’s Nutcracker,” said Natalie. “It’s always been a dream role for me and it was the first time that a pas de deux was included for this part.”

Natalie loves every aspect of staging a performance. “I’ve always loved the process of tech rehearsals and seeing how everything comes together,” she noted. “I love performing in front of peers and teachers. It’s a time when I can show what I’ve worked for in front of my family and friends.”

While Natalie considered entering the world of professional ballet after graduating, she ultimately decided to blend her love of dance with her desire to help others. She will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall where she will be double majoring in Dance and Kinesiology. She hopes to become an athletic trainer for sports teams and dance companies to help prevent and treat injuries.

“I will miss the CH dance community because it is so supportive,” Natalie said wistfully. “I’ve been very lucky to be in a school like Campbell Hall where I have been able to grow as a person and a dancer.”

The Campbell Hall secondary dance program has seven levels of ballet including classes en pointe and contemporary dance. In addition, Choreographer’s Lab gives advanced dancers the opportunity to choreograph their own pieces.

NATALIE Y. ’23

GOOD SPORTS

Athletic Department Updates

NEW Athletic Mission Statement

The Campbell Hall Athletics program develops the skills and mindset athletes need to compete at the highest level. We believe that through engaging in a competitive athletic program and working collaboratively on a team, athletes build character and gain valuable life skills including leadership, self-discipline, and resilience. We are committed to being a model of athletic excellence.

NEW CH Sports Medicine Club

CH has launched a CH Sports Medicine Club where students have the opportunity to shadow Campbell Hall Athletic Trainers (ATs) and get hands-on experience in the field. The CH Sports Medicine Club introduces students to the AT profession and teaches them about illness, injuries, evaluations, as well as how to identify and treat medical emergencies through our CPR training. Students also observe how to develop rehabilitation programs tailored to meet the specific needs and goals for athletes based on the most up-to-date research.

LaceClips NIL Partnership

This year, we teamed up with LaceClips, a smart activity tracker that attaches to shoes and tracks fitness activity. In a commitment to being a model of athletic excellence, we use LaceClip technology to track and fine tune our student-athletes’ performance. Our student-athletes were even featured on KTLA 5 Morning News demonstrating LaceClips!

Kamar M. ‘24 was ranked as the #2 Inside Linebacker in the nation for the class of 2024 by ESPN.

The Campbell Hall Broadcasting Club (CHBC) had a busy winter and spring season covering some of our home basketball, soccer, and baseball games. Club members offered in-game live-streaming and sideline reporting - all with the help of CHBC Advisor and Secondary TV Production and Film Teacher, Kena Dorsey. Stay tuned for more to come next year, including our first-ever CH Sports Network!

Varsity Baseball

12-0 league record // 20-2-1 overall

good sports

4th-12th Grade Athletes in Action

good sports

Pursuing Excellence AT THE NEXT LEVEL

We’re thrilled to announce that six talented student-athletes have signed their letters of intent to pursue their respective sports at the next level. As they embark on this exciting new chapter, we wish them every success, joy, and fulfillment in their collegiate journey. Student Athletes are celebrated in Garver Gym with their coaches, families, classmates and teammates. Pictured above (l-r): Football Coach Keyes, Peter B., Emily R., Tennis Coach Kuechel, Madison H., Basketball Coach Canty, Alline B., Tanner M., Baseball Coach Himes. Isaiah B., his mother and Basketball Coach Tolbert are pictured below at a signing held on the Senior Courtyard.

Peter B. | Football | University of California at Los Angeles

Alline B. | Basketball | California Lutheran University

Isaiah B. | Basketball | Cal State University, Chico

Madison H. | Basketball | California Lutheran University

Tanner M. | Baseball | Wesleyan University

Emily R. | Tennis | Linfield University

Bringing the Court to the Sand

BY ZEKE B. ’25 // APRIL 20, 2023 ISSUE

Hanging out by the beach, creating strong bonds and getting in the competitive spirit. These are the factors that inspired the co-founder of Campbell Hall’s girl’s beach volleyball team, Parker V. ’24 to help bring beach volleyball to Campbell Hall.

Parker started playing volleyball three years ago and instantly fell in love with the sport. She enjoys beach volleyball because it combines her favorite sport with her happy place. She began to work on starting the team by talking to her parents and setting up meetings with coaches at Campbell Hall. Then, she teamed up with some of her friends and brought more people in.

“Other schools were introducing beach volleyball and It was kind of weird to me that Campbell Hall didn’t have a beach team since the sports program was kind of ramping up at that point,” Parker said. “So I just thought it was a perfect opportunity for the school to make a new team and just include more girls in a sport.”

Beach volleyball Coach Ana Costa finds that engaging with her players individually and creating a united community has created a successful team. Costa has been playing volleyball competitively since she was ten years old. As this is only the second year of the team, Costa is working hard to establish a rhythm and establishment for the coming seasons. She tries to instill the values of strong effort, communication and respect for one another in her players.

“I love working with people and being a part of a team is something I have always looked for,” Costa said. “I am very competitive and all for being on a team which really helped me to stay disciplined. Beach volleyball has allowed me to learn how to navigate relationships as there are only two people playing at once, as well as teaching me to become a better leader and deal with conflicts.”

Being on beach volleyball has made me happy since many of us on beach volleyball have known each other from indoor volleyball so we have a tight bond and sense of a community. We have a very strong support system since we do have that connection both indoors and on the beach. Together we have that experience of friendship, overcoming adversity, and losses which make for a very connected team.”

—Cy L. ’24

During the pandemic, Cy L. ’24 , the cofounder of Campbell Hall’s girl’s beach volleyball team, was discouraged because playing her favorite sport became very complicated due to quarantine. She was introduced to beach volleyball when one of her friends told her to come to check out their beach volleyball club, this is when Cy instantly fell in love with the sport. She loves being outdoors by the beach and has met some of her closest friends through playing beach volleyball.

Starting and being on the team has been an incredibly rewarding experience for Parker. She loves playing her favorite sport in her favorite place, soaking up the sun and having a close-knit team. To encourage more people to join, she continues to make funny videos and post them on social media that showcase her teammate’s talents. She is excited to see how the team grows even beyond her years in high school.

“The team’s grown a lot since it started,” Parker said. “Honestly, I feel like everyone’s just molded together and that the team is more connected than ever, and we’re working our way toward being the best team we can be. There’s always going to be things to improve on but for being only the second year in the program and being in CIF, it’s great for us to be at the spot we’re at especially since we have girls on the team that have never even played volleyball before.”

SPOTLIGHTS

Updates from Campbell Hall Alumni

Alex Firestone ’10

Shining a light on the need for maternal care for unhoused women

Alex Firestone ’10, who is the Outreach and Engagement Manager for Harvest Home, met with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and co-founder of The Archewell Foundation, during her visit to celebrate International Women’s Day. Harvest Home is a residential program that serves unhoused pregnant women and their babies by providing a nurturing, structured program aimed at helping each woman make changes in her life in order to attain independence and stability. The visit helped to shine a light on the need for more services of this kind in the Los Angeles area.

Jeremy Clark ’11 Motivational speaker finds the spotlight

Jeremy Clark ’11 is a motivational speaker, mindset coach, and author who was recently featured in the online publication Shoutout LA, which profiles LA-based businesses and artists. Jeremy’s work centers on helping clients find their purpose and accomplish their goals through positive reinforcement. Jeremy also lent his talents to Campbell Hall during last year’s Alumni Week, addressing students in high school chapel.

Hannah Saidiner ’17 Filmmaker shares personal narrative

Hannah Saidiner ’17 animated and directed “My Parent, Neal,” in which she reflects on her parent’s gender transition and the evolution of their relationship through heartfelt conversation. The Oscar-qualified film is part of The New Yorker Documentary Series and has been screened at more than a dozen festivals around the country, garnering a number of awards.

SPOTLIGHTS

Producer and actor co-creates family TV show

Mayan Lopez ’15 was featured in the LA Times, discussing her hit TV show Lopez vs Lopez, which she co-created, produces and is an actor on. The series, which has been renewed for a second season, centers on her fictional relationship with her father played by her real dad, comedian George Lopez. Through the show, the two have strengthened their real-life bond.

Graham Bousley ’07 landed a new job as head boys basketball coach at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego. Prior to his new appointment, Graham coached at the collegiate level and was most recently the Special Assistant to the Head Coach and Director of Recruiting at Longwood University. He also spent time on the coaching staff at George Washington, Mount St. Mary’s, Siena, Rice and Virginia Commonwealth. During his time as a Campbell Hall high school student, Graham played on the varsity basketball team, helping the Vikings win two state championships!

Congratulations to Greg Lieberman ’07 who joined Google as a Software Engineer for the Google Cloud Platform where he will be building innovative features.

Award-winning pianist Sam Glicklich ’18 had the incredible opportunity to perform Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto with the Colburn orchestra conducted by Maestro James Conlon.

Graham Bousley ’07 Basketball coach takes the leap

Mayan Lopez ’15

Greg Lieberman ’07 Engineer joins Google

Sam Glicklich ’18

Pianist conquers the keys

Cicely Carew ’00

Artist recognized by renowned museum

Visual artist Cicely Carew ’00 was awarded the 2023 Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) James and Audrey Foster prize. Cicely is a multidisciplinary artist who works in a variety of mediums including paint, sculpture, installation, and printmaking. She, along with the two other recipients, will be showing recent work at the renowned ICA Fotene Demoulas Gallery as well as work created especially for the exhibit which will run from August 24, 2023January 2, 2024.

Dara Reyblat ’21

A visit to the White House

George Washington University student Dara Reyblat ’21 had the unique opportunity to join some of her professional communications classmates for a special Women’s History Month Reception at the White House where some of the nation’s most influential women were being honored. Dara was selected, along with a number of other women from local universities, to stand on stage behind President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris as this next generation of female leaders was recognized.

Molly Kirschenbaum

’12

Solo artist releases new album

LA-based solo artist Molly Kirschenbaum ’12, known professionally as Goblynne, released a series of singles over the past several months leading up to the launch of their debut album titled Hot :(. The new album is filled with art pop hooks and explores what Goblynne refers to as the genre’s performative femininity.

Jasmine

Djavahery ’17

Speaking out through art

The ceramic and print work of Jasmine Djavahery ’17 is on display as part of a two-woman gallery exhibition at Sovern LA. The show, titled Khorshid Khanoom: Lady Sun, and its related programming is in solidarity with Iranian women’s fight for freedom. Jasmine writes, “I am inspired by the strong matriarch who raised me and all the resilient women who came before her.” She weaves Persian culture into her work “to create art that is accessible and true to my own experience living in the diaspora.”

SPOTLIGHTS

Congratulations to Jordan Rowe ’14 whose short film Waiting for Laughter was selected as an official entry in the Hollywood Shorts Fest. This international film festival promotes new filmmakers’ projects from all genres.

Allison Whorton ’06, Program Director for TeenTix LA, and Elijah Edwards ’15, photographer, videographer, and social media consultant, were part of a panel titled “Centering Youth Audience Development” at the RENEW conference hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Center for Nonprofit Management.

Nextbite, formerly Ordermark which was founded by Alex Canter ’10, is a leading virtual restaurant brand that was recently acquired by hotel mogul Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of the sbe hospitality group. Alex, a recipient of the Forbes 30 Under 30, is the fourthgeneration restaurateur of the renowned family-run restaurant Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles.

Christine Kirk ’99 (pictured 2nd from left), in collaboration with Director of Educational Support Services Dr. Courtney Behrenhausen, started the Campbell Hall Neurodiversity Affinity Group, which celebrates all types of learners and aims to remove stigma, and create a positive connotation around learning differences and neurodiversity. On March 7, neurodiversity was highlighted in an elementary chapel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about these and other CH Alumni Spotlights, visit campbellhall.org/alumni.

Alex Canter ’10 Entrepreneur makes a deal

Elijah Edwards ’15 and Allison Whorton ’06 Conference speakers focus on youth development

Christine Kirk ’99 Celebrating differences

Jordan Rowe ’14 Filmmaker selected for festival

friends for good

once a viking, always a viking

A Tale of Two Sisters

Tiana Roddy ’12 joined the Campbell Hall family as a curious and excited seventh-grader with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. During her high school honors and AP Chemistry classes with Mr. Griffin, her interest in the medical field grew as she mastered college-level science work. After a short and cold stint at Boston College, Tiana transferred to the University of Maryland where she flourished, joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and realized that while she loved animals, human medicine was her true calling.

Post-graduation and with a new career path to pursue, Tiana spent a year as a Medical Scribe before attending Tulane University for medical school. The city of New Orleans, filled with loving, kind people, and a strong sense of community, inspired her to use her medical degree to help her community not only heal physically but mentally. This revelation was the catalyst for Tiana to pursue psychiatry. She will attend her residency program back home in Los Angeles at UCLA Olive-View in the fall. She is excited to return home and be closer to where her origin story began. She is grateful for her community and the fantastic teachers like Mr. Griffin who opened her eyes to the wonderful world of science.

Denissa Roddy ’10 started Campbell Hall in the eighth grade. While she initially struggled with the transition, she soon began to realize all the benefits of attending Campbell Hall. The facilities, programs, and small class sizes allowed Denissa to nurture many of her talents and interests, from the visual arts to theatre to music. After receiving a degree in psychology from USC and pursuing a career in education, Denissa decided to pivot to a different profession. She attended Tulane University where she attained a Master’s in Business Administration and is currently in the process of earning an accelerated Master’s Certificate in Organizational Behavior, Leadership, and Management at the University of Maryland, Global Campus.

Knowing the vast opportunities Campbell Hall affords its students, Denissa felt inspired to pay it forward and help children with fewer resources have comparable access by pursuing a career that blends business and education. In her current field, she provides educational programs and non-profit organizations with consulting, training, strategy building, management skills, and culture-building services. Denissa is grateful for her time at Campbell Hall, which inspired her to bring opportunities and education to a variety of populations in need.

Tiana Roddy ’12 Denissa Roddy ’10

Tiana ’12 & Denissa ’10 Roddy

alumni WEEK

Caroline Alford ’13

Ethan Alpern ’07

Nadine Arzerounian ’95

Ryan Baer ’20

Crystal Beecher ’00

Aiden Brown ’18

Jessie Byron-Fields ’05

Lackey Capeloto ’95

David Cobb ’87

Erica Cohen ’09

Spencer Collins ’01

Taylor Crandall ’12

Lauren Elsner ’09

Samy Gelfand ’13

Meghann Giardino ’05

Kate Grahn ’16

Camille Hecks ’91

Nicolette Heidegger ’09

Alix Heyes ’10

Joe Hunt ’15

Jordan Jackson ’15

Nicole Knutson ’10

Ari Krakowsky ’10

Kaitlyn Labowe ’16

Margaret LaGaly ’14

Greg Lieberman ’07

Michael Lord ’85

Kaitlin Magowan ’09

Lindy McMorran ’06

Tia Parchman ’11

Molly Phelps ’92

Sara Rosenblatt ’11

Erica Rozmid ’10

Symone Sanz ’16

Sam Graham Schwarze ’05

Maya Shammas ’98

Antonio Stefan ’19

Kyle Vane ’12

Amy Wachsberger ’00

Meridith Ware ’10

Alex Yeaggy ’00

The second annual Alumni Week was held February 6-10, 2023. More than 40 alumni took part in over 50 sessions on campus and via Zoom, speaking in chapels and K-12 classes about their respective professions. A special panel and breakout sessions were hosted by four alumni who are mental health professionals to support the wellness of current students. Alumni who were interested in having their child(ren) attend CH were also given an exclusive tour and treated to lunch.

Campbell Hall Legacy

The First 3-Generation Family in CHistory

13-year student Caroline Rehder ’23 is the first third-generation student to graduate from Campbell Hall. Not only did her mother, Hilary (Palmer) Rehder ’94 attend K-12 and later become a CH employee, but her grandmother, Lorie (Kite) Palmer ’67 graduated from Argyll Academy and later worked as a teacher at her alma mater.

Lorie entered Campbell Hall in 9th grade in 1963 and in 10th grade matriculated to Argyll Academy, CH’s first all-girls high school which, at the time, served students in grades 10-12. She got to enjoy the new high school building on the upper campus which was completed in 1964, just in time for her first year of high school. And, with only 15 girls in her class, Lorie forged incredibly tight bonds with her classmates, many of whom remain her friends to this day.

Inspired by her English teacher Jane Smith whom she describes as a kind and loving soul who taught beautifully, Lorie went on to receive a B.S. in Education from the University of Southern California. Following graduation and seeking employment, she approached Mildred Hawks, Campbell Hall’s founding principal, who immediately hired her as a Junior High U.S. History teacher. During that year, Lorie saw that many of her students were struggling with test preparation, so she developed and implemented a Study Skills class.

A few years later, Lorie had her first daughter Hilary. “My dream was to send my children to Campbell Hall so that they could have the same kind of experiences I did,” said Lorie. “I loved the small class sizes, the attention that each student received, and the values that were and continue to be imparted.” As a parent, Lorie was extremely active in the life of the school. She served as the Parents’ Association President in 1993-94 and, along with her husband Greg (who served on the Board from 1989-2011, was the PA President from 1985-1986, and currently sits on the Board of Directors Religious Life Committee), received The Thomas Von Der Ahe Volunteer of the Year Award for the 1994-95 school year.

But on Hilary’s first day of Kindergarten, Lorie received a call from the school stating that she needed to pick up her child. “So I drove to the school and parked outside the elementary office,” Lorie shared. “I sat with Hilary in the car for a few minutes and explained that she had to stay, that this is where she was going to school. I walked her back into the office, then went home.” From that day on, Hilary has been devoted to Campbell Hall and, as Lorie joked, “has never left since.”

Senior Portraits

Reflecting on her time as a 13-year student, Hilary said: “I would say that events that brought us together as a community are among my favorite CH memories.” She fondly remembered Field Day in elementary school, where students would play games and sports and receive ribbons at the end of the competition. The Christmas tree sales in the school parking lot were also special to her, as were

the all-school family picnics. Hilary’s dad served as the Picnic Chair for many years, and each grade would decorate a tent, bring food, play games, and enjoy being together.

When it came time for Hilary’s children to start school, Campbell Hall was her top choice. “I’ve always appreciated Campbell Hall’s emphasis on spirituality as well as the incredible teachers who provide such an amazing academic curriculum,” Hilary remarked. “Having Caroline be a part of this community and make lifelong friends in the same way I did has been so meaningful to our family.” Hilary recalled the dress she wore at her sixth-grade promotion and how, years later, she helped Caroline pick out a dress to wear for that same ceremony. “Going to Chapel with my daughter and hearing some of the same songs I used to sing as a child was also really meaningful,” Hilary said. “Watching Caroline have some of the same experiences I had as a child deepens my memories of them.”

Hilary’s belief in Campbell Hall and its mission inspired her to work at the school she loves, bringing her extensive experience as a public relations executive and consultant to her role as Director of Communications.

As a 13-year student, Caroline has a rich and full history with the school. She loved the Pal program in elementary school where, as a Kindergarten and 1st-grade

student, she looked up to the 5th and 6thgrade students. When she eventually reached those grades, she was able to serve as a role model herself. Additionally, she will always cherish the memories she made on the experiential education trips which helped her achieve a sense of independence. In high school, Caroline’s involvement in the student-run newspaper, The Piper, helped her develop skills in journalism and graphic design. “Our Piper family is something I will never forget,” she said. “We have had so many bonding experiences, especially at deadlines each month.”

Caroline, like her mom and grandmother before her, is grateful for her time as a CH student. “I can confidently say CH has the best teachers and I have formed close connections with so many of them,” she said. “I have been friends with so many amazing people throughout my time at CH. They have all helped to make me who I am today.”

Over the 60 years that the members of the Palmer/Rehder family have been a part of Campbell Hall, they have contributed in so many ways to its growth. “Our long tenure with CH shows our trust in the school,” explained Lorie. ”It has meant so much to me and my family to be a part of that history.” Hilary added: “Seeing our Family Stone installed in the Alumni Courtyard with all three of our names on it made that history all so real.”

As the first third-generation family, Caroline’s commencement marked a momentous occasion not only for the family but also for Campbell Hall. It’s a legacy that the school hopes will continue. “I’m really proud that Campbell Hall is in our family’s blood,” Hilary remarked. Caroline echoed that sentiment: “I will definitely send my children to Campbell Hall because I want to continue the tradition in our family.”

Watching Caroline cross the stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall to receive her CH diploma inspired Lorie to reflect: “Campbell Hall was in my heart from the very beginning - and it never left.”

If you would like to Leave Your Mark in the Alumni Courtyard by purchasing a stone that benefits financial aid, please visit campbellhall.org/alumni/alumni-courtyard or contact Aubrey Rakoski at rakoska@campbellhall.org.

BABIES

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES WEDDINGS

Rachel (Krivis) ’07 and Spencer Russo welcomed Zoe Sloane on February 8, 2023.

Nicholas ’97 and Shannen Lane welcomed Reagan Rae on April 18, 2023.

Jessie Byron Fields ’05 married Eric Harris on April 29, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Greg Lieberman ’07 married Erica Sommer on April 15, 2023 at Wedgewood Aliso Viejo.

Damon Glymph ’94 married Nicole Douglas on March 3, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Samy Harbert ’13 married Ben Gelfand on June 11, 2022 at Brentwood Country Club.

Rebecca Weitzel ’13 married Camilo Garcia on April 15, 2023 at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, Glendale.

Dominique DeMirjian ’15 married Ari Mandell on May 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills.

ALL-SCHOOL REUNION

On June 3, more than 100 alumni attended the all-alumni reunion celebrating classes ending in ’3 and ’8. Held in the Alumni Courtyard, the festivities offered alumni the chance to catch up while they enjoyed a curated archive display, music spun by alum Robert Ramsey ’01, aka DJ Supreme, and food trucks.

friends for good REUNION

ALUMNI STAY CONNECTED

Dr. Erica Rozmid ’10 served as a Senior Project mentor for Jamieson P. ’23 whose study focused on Child Psychology. The two visited a Los Angeles school where Jamieson could observe Erica’s lesson on selective mutism.

Founder’s Day 79th Birthday Party - To celebrate Campbell Hall’s founding, approximately 20 alumni gathered at Laurel Tavern in Studio City on February 7. CHeers to 79 years!

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU’RE UP TO!

Email alumni@campbellhall.org to include a class note in the next issue of The Good.

REUNION

Argyll Reunion - On June 3, Argyll alumni from the Class of 1973 gathered at Marmalade Cafe in Sherman Oaks for a special 50th reunion. Custom Argyll plaid gifts and a flower arrangement that included signature yellow roses were beautiful reminders of their

PASSINGS

passed Travis Silcox ’73 passed away on January 6, 2023.

for good

Mary Pearle

HIGH SCHOOL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT TEACHER

14 YEARS OF SERVICE

Prior to starting her teaching career at Campbell Hall in 2009, Mary was a writer, choreographer, and director in regional theater and in New York City. She wrote and choreographed the Broadway musical Tintypes that in 1981 was nominated for 3 Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Book. Mary holds a B.A. in Literature from Yale University.

What drew you to teaching?

When I was growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma I shared a bedroom with my grandmother, who lived with our family. She had been a schoolteacher in Des Moines before she married, and she was one tough lady. I didn’t think of her as a role model at the time—the truth is, she scared me a little. But I’ll never forget her stories. I knew from the way she would soften when she told me about her students that they had really been the center of her life. Years later when I was trying to break into show business, I found myself in London of all places, hired to run ongoing rehearsals for all those little girls in the orphanage in the musical Annie. I guess they were forgetting their steps. Anyway, show business turned out to be the least of that job! Suddenly I was den mother, drill sergeant, teacher, and surrogate mom— and I was hooked.

In addition to teaching Human Development, what other roles have you held at CH?

In addition to Human Development, I taught World History for several years. I loved that. Later on, I helped create a Senior Mentor program, in which juniors spent a year training to become mentors to Campbell Hall freshmen whom they would greet the following fall and then advise throughout the year. It was so inspiring to see all that growth and development take place! The young kids and the older ones as well. It really was a kind of flowering.

What do you love and value most about Campbell Hall?

When I first interviewed to teach ninth grade Human Development, I was amazed to hear that Campbell Hall had a required course in its curriculum that was solely dedicated to nurturing student wellness. Usually that’s just an afterthought. I feel immensely privileged to have been brought into that project and allowed to become a part of its evolution over the years.

What makes you the most proud about having taught at CH for 14 years?

I am deeply proud to have created a foundational curriculum for our ninth grade Human Development class. But as I move into retirement, my overwhelming emotion is one of gratitude. I’m so grateful for the ongoing support of Reverend Bull and our wonderful Human Development department head Sarah Huss, who is my touchstone and my treasured ally. And I’m grateful most of all to my students, who have inspired me and taught me so much over the years.

What will you miss most about Campbell Hall?

My colleagues, of course. I miss them already.

What are your retirement plans?

I’ll be 70 in September—yikes! It’s difficult to imagine that. And yet like most things in life I suppose, it’s turning out to be far more interesting and rewarding than anything I could have imagined in advance. So much to learn and discover, even now. Please know that I’ll carry all of you in my heart forever.

The of Campbell Hall: An Instagram Account That Will Make You Sssmile

What’s cooler than a chilled-out lizard lounging in the shade? How about an Instagram account dedicated to the CH lizards who dash around our campus?

The IG account features CH reptiles doing what they do bestclinging to precarious surfaces, freezing in place, making their way into places they shouldn’t be like classrooms, even chilling out with their lizard friends. You can also have a lot of fun searching for camouflaged lizards who have blended in with trees, grass, or stones. They are quite clever at hiding, so watch where you step!

See what the Lizards of Campbell Hall are up to @ch_lizards.