Cate School 2025 Summer Bulletin

CATE BULLETIN

CATE BULLETIN

EDITOR

Avani Patel Shah

MANAGING EDITOR

Matt McClenathen

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Freddy Randall Hudson Caceres

Alicia Andrews-Lee

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mya Cubero

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Alexandra Lockett

ARCHIVIST

Judy Savage

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Avani Patel Shah

Matt McClenathen

Freddy Randall

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Andrew MacDonnell

Beth Engel

Guille Gil-Reynoso

Alison Hansen

Jake Kim

Michael Lee

Lindsay Newlove

Sarah Preston

Notice of Corrections: 2024 Fall Bulletin/Report on Philanthropy

Laura Oliver '01 donated to the Lizzy Oliver '97 Memorial Scholarship Fund in May 2024 and this was not captured in the publication.

Eric Taylor '80 has donated to Cate School for 20 consecutive years and was inadvertently omitted from the Consecutive Giving List.

The caption for the photo on page 51 should read: Marcus Scudder '25 makes a big play during a football game on Nion Tucker '40 Field in 2024. The online Bulletin reflects this correction.

We sincerely apologize for these errors.

MISSION STATEMENT

Through commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service, each member of the Cate community contributes to what our founder called “... the spirit of this place ... all compounded of beauty and virtue, quiet study, vigorous play, and hard work.”

For alumni wishing to update contact information, please email alumni@cate.org.

INVOCATION

Michael Szanyi

HEAD OF SCHOOL WELCOME

The Imprints We Leave Behind

Alexandra Lockett

FACULTY COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

A Shareable World

Dr. Nicole Sintetos

STUDENT COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

The Moment Before the Future

Nate Newlove '25

2024-25 AWARDS

CUM LAUDE ADDRESS

The Weight of Knowledge

Oscar Urízar-Tamayo

BACCALAUREATE ADDRESSES

Zyla Dhillon '25, Quinn Pullen '25, Randall Person '10

Celebrate

THE CLASS OF 2025

In a Commencement tradition, Head of School Alex Lockett gathers observations and campus lore to craft a “literary snapshot” of each senior.

On the Cover: The Class of 2025 makes their way to the stage during the processional of Cate’s 112th Commencement ceremony.

This page: Daisy Gemberling '25, Maggie Albrecht '25, and Avery Polynice '25 share a moment on stage during Commencement.

Invocation

By Michael Szanyi, English and Humanities Instructor

Please join me in taking three collective breaths.

Inhale presence.

Exhale the pressure.

Inhale curiosity.

Exhale the certainty.

Inhale action. Exhale the apathy.

And now, let me begin.

Good morning and welcome to graduation, especially to the Class of 2025.

Invocations have a long history, from calling upon the muses to invoking deities to honoring collective memory. Whatever the form, an invocation often sets intention and grounds people in a shared moment. Perhaps quite literally, it is a call to summon the spirit of a place.

In her invocation last year, Lauren Jared remarked that Cate has turned to faculty to offer invocations in order “to celebrate and give voice to the many distinct and rich experiences among our community members.”

Given that last year was my first year at Cate, and given the realities of my identity, I am honored to become a part of that tradition.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I would personally call upon Courage, Care, Compassion, Connection, Truth, Hope, Gratitude, and Focus in this moment, but that would ultimately be a bit selfish.

So … while I loved teaching my Advanced English 11 course last year … I hope you all know how proud of you I am … Many of you know that I had a very special anomaly of a Core English 11 class last year.

To say it was a wild ride would be an understatement. To say that I only had to ask them to leave the table alone once would also be an understatement. But, the truth is, I learned so much about this place from that year with them.

So, I asked them to help me write this invocation. On behalf of their class, here are their words:

We call upon the teachers who saw us when we didn’t want to be seen. We call upon the quiet of study hall, the roar of Spirit Week, and the stillness of Convocation.

We call upon the pink and orange sunsets that made us stop and sit at Sunset Bench.We call upon friends who are not perfect but are the real ones who have shaped who we are.

We call upon smiling as we pass each other and petting all the dogs along the way. We call upon chicken tenders at lunch and Uber Eats orders at 9:00 p.m. We call upon shower parties and Servons giggles and negotiated dates to HoCo.

We call upon senioritis. We call upon the sound of the Victory Bell, the battles of centering clay, and the beauty of climbing peaks in Yosemite.

We call upon every hug at Sunset Ceremony. We call upon the countless late nights staying up with our best friends, talking about everything. We call upon growing up without even realizing it. We call upon keeping every memory at Cate deep in our hearts for the rest of our lives. We call upon being kind – because together, we will all shine.

So, in closing, we call upon everything that has shaped us. Presence, so we can truly be here in this moment. Curiosity, so we keep asking, learning, and growing. Action, so we shape the world with care.

Thank you for being here, for continuously showing up, and for honoring this milestone.

And now, let us begin.

“ “

We call upon everything that has shaped us. Presence, so we can truly be here in this moment. Curiosity, so we keep asking, learning, and growing. Action, so we shape the world with care.

Peter Lehman '25 (left) and Jacob Gabbay '25 smile proudly during the processional of Cate’s Commencement.

Head of School Welcome

The Imprints We Leave Behind

By Alexandra Lockett

Good morning, families, friends, faculty, and most importantly, the Cate School Class of 2025.

I am honored to be with you here today.

Today, we have gathered for a commencement, a word that means “to begin.” It’s a curious tradition, isn’t it? That we call this ceremony not a conclusion, but a beginning. It reminds us that this moment is not just a marker of what has been, but a stepping forward into what will be. Today, you begin, together.

Which brings me, Class of 2025, to you.

In the fall of 2021, you stepped onto this hillside with masks on your faces and questions in your eyes. There was distance, and yet you found ways to come closer.

You learned to read each other’s expressions from just your eyes. You navigated a time when gathering was a luxury…when connection felt more precious than ever.

You showed up. You took a leap of faith. You pressed forward into the wind of the unknown.

My own beginning here was not so long ago. When I first arrived at Cate, you, Class of 2025, were already here. Juniors then, setting the rhythm of the Mesa. You showed me what it means to belong here.

One morning, as my family unpacked into Mesa House, I pulled an old book off the shelf and cracked it open. Pressed between the pages, perfectly preserved, sat a poppy, fragile and delicate.

I kept finding them: ferns, daisies, nasturtium, pressed between the pages of books, little remnants left behind as if to say, I was here. I loved this place. I want you to love it too.

I learned that these books, and these pressed flower momentos, were the work of Katherine Cate, founder Curtis Cate’s wife and professional partner.

Each time I stumble upon one of Kate’s pressed flowers, I think about legacy… not the grand gestures or the big, sweeping accomplishments, but the smaller imprints we leave behind.

How the most delicate things – a poppy pressed between pages, a memory tucked into the corners of a room – can be the most enduring. How the smallest traces of joy, of wonder, of connection can last long after we’re gone.

“

It reminds us that this moment is not just a marker of what has been, but a stepping forward into what will be. Today, you begin, together.

“

Over a century ago, Katherine “Kate” Cate left Boston’s cobblestone streets for the unknown of the West.

I like to think she felt what many of us feel: a quiet inner longing for something different, less rule-bound and more lifedriven. She crossed this country, believing that the world could be made new if you were bold enough to step into it.

Kate Cate arrived to Carpinteria with a pioneering spirit and an air of “why not?” In 1919, she became our School’s first female board member, at a time before women could even vote or have a bank account, and six decades before

they were welcomed into our School’s classrooms and dorms.

She loved the outdoors, rode horses, umpired baseball games. She fished at sunrise, laughed loudly. I feel a special kinship with “Cactus Kate” as they called her – our eldest sons, both named Henry, our moves into Mesa House both the year we turned 43. I feel her legacy here, well-beyond the flowers pressed between pages. Her imprints light my path.

For Kate Cate pursued joy. And she built.

Yes, Kate Cate was privileged –financially secure in a way that afforded her choices – and she wielded that privilege with purpose. She co-founded Crane Country Day School. She codesigned and funded the walls of the campus we hold dear today. She sparked our outdoors program tradition, bringing Cate students into the wilderness to learn by firelight and river bend. At a moment of potential vulnerability in the early days of the School, she quietly and anonymously helped to pay off a significant school debt.

Kate Cate refused to be boxed in by expectation. I like to believe that she found satisfaction in being misunderstood, trusting her life would make sense not in the present, but in the future she helped shape.

For her, joy was its own form of courage. Play was its own kind of rebellion. She labored joyfully and lived fully … what was good and beautiful and wild.

Class of 2025, I see that same spirit in you.

This fall, you stepped into your senior year with belief. In each other. In the spirit of this place. If not you, who else? You threw yourselves West, showing up for each other, in big moments and small ones.

Blue face paint streaked across your cheeks for the first welcome of the

To the Class of 2025: May you go forth with courage. May you seek beauty, create value, and leave things better than you found them.

And if you happen to ever forget, remember: you’ll always find your way home through Beauty. Virtue. Play. Quiet Study. Hard Work. And Service.

Class of 2028. You carried on the spirit of the seniors who welcomed you in 2021.

Each season, you packed our bleachers for games, rain or shine. You played not for glory, but for the team.

You asked tough questions, fell down rabbit holes of curiosity. Created beauty, music, laughter.

You held each other through heartbreak and change. You showed us that friendship, and leadership, are worthy precisely because they are inconvenient.

Together, you pressed joy into the corners of this place. Flowers into the pages of this hillside.

These are the stories that will emerge in the years to come, when a student stumbles upon a note, a photo, a memory, and finds inspiration in your voice. Your laughter. Your legacy.

And now, you leave, not to escape, but to expand. This is your Go West moment: a setting forth into spaces that will challenge and stretch you, calling you to bring forward the best of what you’ve learned here.

My advice for you today is this: carry the spirit of this place with you. Carry its rhythm. Its heartbeat. Press it into the corners of wherever you go. Make space for joy. For connection. For play. For inquiry.

To the Class of 2025: May you go forth with courage. May you seek beauty, create value, and leave things better than you found them.

And if you happen to ever forget, remember: you’ll always find your way home through Beauty. Virtue. Play. Quiet Study. Hard Work. And Service. Congratulations, Class of 2025. We are so proud of you. We will miss you. Thank you.

Faculty Commencement Address

A Shareable World

By Dr. Nicole Sintetos, English Department Chair

Let me set the scene. It’s 380 BCE, and there is this guy named Plato …

Okay, don’t act so surprised, you knew what you were getting when you signed up for this.

So, back to it … it’s 380 BCE, and there is this guy named Plato hard at work on a Socratic Dialogue. It goes something like this …

Imagine there is a cave deep underground, and within that cave, there are prisoners who have been shackled there since birth. Hands and feet are anchored to the ground, their heads are bolted to a backboard, and they can only look forward. In front of them, images are projected onto the rock wall using a high-tech system of shadow puppets. Scenes flit in front of the prisoners: “This is a bird,” one guard will say.

“This is a tree. This is excellence. This is beauty. This is a man. This is a flower.”

And so what happens is, year after year, through repetition, the prisoners come to internalize: this is the world, and these are its limits.

Then, one day – and Plato is a little vague on how this actually happens –imagine one of the prisoners is released from her chains and then forcibly dragged out of the cave and into the sunlight, and the prisoner is awash with an ocean breeze, and birds are singing, and she can smell something akin to wildflowers.

Someone grabs the prisoner by the hand, forces her to open her eyes to the blinding light, and says,

“This is the world.”

“This is a tree.”

“This is excellence.”

“This is beauty.”

And the prisoner pushes back and says, “What is this violent, awful simulation you have shown me? I already know the world. Take me back. You’re insane.”

But then, slowly, over time, the prisoner begins to look. A question sneaks in. And then another, and slowly she realizes that she must turn away from a life of ignorance and to embrace humble questioning:

How is it that I know what I know?

Now, if we are to idealize Plato’s thought experiment, it might suggest that it is the power of a fearless education to “free” prisoners from a state of ignorance. A more pessimistic reading might suggest that educators are the guards stationed in the cavern, using a fabricated sense

of expertise to immobilize vulnerable people.

Wars have been fought and are being fought over how we define these terms: Where is the cave? Who is a prisoner? Over 2000 years later, the ideological tensions in Plato’s allegory remain as taut and relevant as ever; its central premise has been repackaged and mutated in both pop culture and social media.

So, why do I bring this up?

Because, if you can remember that far back, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is one of the first readings we share with you in your 9th grade Humanities class – and on a day like today, beginnings are just as important as endings – indeed, they are two sides of the same coin.

Because I think it is impossible to work and to learn at a school like Cate and not see the space of the classroom as the human condition’s greatest experiment.

And …

Because I care about you all so deeply, and you are headed off to study at some of the best schools in the country at a moment when the purpose of

education is being interrogated, its process maligned, and the terms of reality questioned.

One of my favorite authors, Toni Morrison, warned us decades ago that the question of the 21st century is whether we will fight for the “possibility” or for “the collapse” of a “shareable world.”

I love that phrase: the possibility of a shareable world…

Many of you are headed to campuses where, for lack of a better phrase, you will encounter some big feelings. There is a reason why college campuses have been catalysts in many social movements: young people have the gift of unjaded idealism paired with an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, and that wonderful combination makes you so unbelievably brave.

I get it. I was that kid.

I arrived at my undergraduate institution in the middle of Maine, a biracial, sheltered, queer, nerdy woman from California. As a result, I spent much of my first year in college mutually miserable and idealistic. I had a distinct moment when I wondered, “If I feel

At the end of the day, it really just comes down to loving each other – and yourself – fully and deeply. You might feel pressure to follow a certain career or life trajectory, but at the end of the day, the stakes of living are too high not to do what you love.

Lilli Whelan '25 and Dr. Nicole Sintetos embrace during the traditional faculty receiving line following Commencement.

this way at a resource-rich institution, I wonder if this is as good as it will ever get?”

Meaning, if we can’t change the issues we see around us – anti-intellectualism, classism, racism, sexism, or the political divide within this incredibly privileged, closed system- how are we ever supposed to make the world a better place?” I felt like I was going to burst.

After my freshman year, I told myself I had two options: either I would transfer, or I would throw myself into activism and leadership roles to build the conditions I needed to thrive.

By my senior year, for better or for worse, I was on a first-name basis with every security guard. Your parents will tell you, “Find the people who will open doors for you,” and I was like, “Yes, I will interpret that advice literally.”

I fell into a group of friends who were feeling just as desperate and idealistic as I was. We did a whole host of what we considered “visual interventions” from

pamphleting, to postering, to satirical letter writing. We secretly plastered a giant paper banner across the entire student center that asked, in enormous lettering, “Do you feel safe?” Students and faculty alike were invited to anonymously write their response on the banner.

I remember one particular instance after I had been elected as the student representative on my college’s Board of Trustees when, looking out the window during a Trustees’ meeting, I could see my friends setting up a demonstration that I had helped plan … to protest against the Board of Trustees. There is power in working inside and outside of systems.

Some of our interventions were complete flops. Others, I want to believe, made people think.

And so, I watch the news today, and see young activists on both sides of the political aisle, and I get the sense of desperation. Idealism is at stake. If your university, your home, serves as a

microcosm of the world, then of course it is worth fighting for.

I also believe the more we know, the more we actually need to center humility in our practice. The greatest lesson I learned in my college years had nothing to do with my college education.

The summer between my sophomore and junior year, I got a call from my mother, who asked that I come home for the summer to help take care of my younger cousins, then 4 and 7, while my aunt was battling a terminal cancer diagnosis. If I am to be completely honest, and I am embarrassed to admit this, I remember that my first reaction after the phone call was resentment and a little bit of righteousness. I was supposed to be interning at a publishing house in New York; I was trying to be “successful,” and now I needed to babysit for a summer?

Within my first week of living with my aunt and uncle and attempting to wrangle my younger cousins, I had my world rocked by the simplest of gestures. I can’t remember the details exactly, but my

The Cate Class of 2025 walk to the stage to begin the Commencement ceremony.

cousins had been fighting in the back seat of the minivan I had been driving most of the morning. It seemed like everything that could go wrong, did. We had planned to drive from the Santa Cruz mountains into San Francisco to meet my aunt after an appointment she had about a clinical trial she was a part of. As I was turning into the parking

I could say this is a group of 73 seniors who are bonded for life, because they have built, together, this life. But, I do not need to tell you these things. You can see it for yourself. “ “

strength looked like. I thought I knew what it meant to fight the good fight. And then here, a stay-at-home mother who never graduated from a four-year college, taught me the greatest lesson of my life.

At the end of the day, it really just comes down to loving each other – and yourself – fully and deeply. You might feel pressure to follow a certain career or life trajectory, but at the end of the day, the stakes of living are too high not to do what you love.

It comes down to being in a state of perpetual, humbling wonder about the lives of others and all that we don’t know.

What is miraculous about your class is that I think you already know many of these lessons that it took me until college to comprehend.

In truth, I’m not too worried about you all.

way, it is possible to be completely alone even when surrounded by others if you view the person next to you as your competitor. Instead of spending so much energy dragging down your neighbor, ask, instead: How did I get into this damn barrel in the first place?

Again, love deeply, and ask that hard question.

I believe, with all my heart, that Plato’s Allegory of the Cave does not need to end in tragedy. Education, as a system in its purest form, should not isolate. It is meant to be a collaborative, dynamic, messy ecosystem where it is possible to befriend your nemesis.. It is meant to grasp toward the horizon line of a shareable world. And the limits of that world should never be policed.

And so, I could point out and say

“This is the world.”

“This is a tree.”

garage, I scraped the minivan against the concrete wall. I parked. My cousins, unfazed, descended out of the minivan and into the arms of their waiting parents. In a whirlwind of frustration, I burst into tears.

Okay, this is the moment. Are you ready?

My aunt immediately walks up to me, and is the one to comfort me. She tells me she loves me. Next thing you know, we are both crying and telling each other how much we love each other and how hard it is to try to parent in a parking garage in the underbelly of San Francisco.

I would only learn later that the hour before the parking garage debacle, my aunt learned that the last-ditch clinical trial she was in still wasn’t working.

This realization created a tectonic shift in me. I thought I knew what success looked like. I thought I knew what

You arrived on the Mesa at the height of COVID. You have hiked through the backcountry together in the pouring rain. You studied for hours together in your dorm rooms. You have won championships and, more importantly, loved each other through losing championships. You have laughed and cried and mentioned Nick Koh '25 in every talk.

This kind of closeness is rare. It is so easy to give in to narratives of excellence grounded in exclusion and scarcity meant to breed distrust. Don’t fall for it. Don’t become a crab in a barrel.

Let me explain …

I mean, if you ever go to a fish market, take a look at the barrels that hold the crabs. You will notice none of them have lids. The crabs inside are so panicked that they are constantly climbing on top of one another, and in the process, dragging each other down until they eventually die of exhaustion. In this

“This is a group of faculty who have delighted in teaching you, who have fought to make sure you all feel seen and loved, to make sure that you grow, to make sure that you trust your own voice.”

“This is a sea of family and friends who have worked so hard to give you this education. Who believe in you with their whole hearts.”

I could say this is a group of 73 seniors who are bonded for life, because they have built, together, this life.

But, I do not need to tell you these things.

You can see it for yourself.

Student Commencement

Address

The Moment Before the Future

By Nate Newlove '25

At the end of 9th grade, I was lucky enough to be in math teacher Gary Pierce’s last class he ever taught at Cate School after 44 years. I remember it clearly. Five minutes before class ended, a group of faculty, staff, and students began to line the walkway of the upper math building. They did this in silence, and we, in the classroom, were unaware of the proceedings that were taking place just outside the door. Mr. Pierce, still facing the board, knew that people had entered the classroom. I saw the marker in his hand stop moving. Silence filled the room, but it was accompanied by respect and admiration. Mr. Pierce knew that his community was there to celebrate him, but for a few seconds, he just let time pass. I have always wondered what went through his mind in that moment. The moment before the applause. The moment before the future. I think we, the Class of 2025, are experiencing those moments right now.

We have seen many changes throughout our four years on the Mesa. From outdoor classes during the pandemic, to new buildings opening on campus, to Cate School’s first female Head of School. We have cheered each other on during presentations, performances, and accomplishments. We have adventured and laughed and learned. And throughout it all, we have been together. That is what makes these years so special. Four years is really not a long time. That is, if you think of the passing of time through events. One presidential term, two Euro Cups, four Super Bowls, a mere 48 months. That mentality simplifies our time together on the Mesa and makes it easier to comprehend. But I think the time that we spent together at Cate is too meaningful to be thought about as a sequence of events. Earlier this month, I was with a group of seniors, and someone asked if freshman year felt like a long time ago. No one had the same answer. We have been together all this time, but none of us will remember Cate the same way.

We have made deep connections, experienced all kinds of growth, created lasting friendships, and we each have different core memories of this shared experience.

I believe that everyone who attends Cate has a relationship with the campus, and before your time here is over, I hope you consider what the campus means to you. As many of you know, I am a faculty kid and have been living at Cate for nine years, half of my life. As I look around Kirby Quad and Booth Commons, I recall what the campus looked like when I first arrived. One of my first days here, a fellow faculty kid and I rode our bikes up to where those eucalyptus trees line the ridge. Mind you, there was no paving or rock wall yet; the hill just rolled all the way to the grass we now sit on. My new friend wanted to ride straight down the hillside – not quite a trust fall, but in my 9-year-old mind, it seemed like a cliff jump. We released our hand brakes and began our descent. I remember the adrenaline rush, blurry green flashes of grass, and landing right in the center of this quad. A few seconds passed. We got up and raced to search for more adventures like that one. The rest of

the summer was filled with tire marks, grass stains, and exploration of every corner of campus. That was when Cate turned into my home. Since that summer, I have always felt safe on this campus, and to this day, the Mesa is my sanctuary.

I am lucky enough to have numerous memories of Cate that I trust will stick with me forever. And I am, above all, grateful that within so many of these memories, the Class of 2025 is there. Do you remember …

Wiffleball outside of '25 House freshman year

Innings Week

An NFL player visiting campus

Long afternoons at Sunset Bench

Family Weekend shenanigans

Dressing as the Ram on opening day –and welcoming my sister Chelsea as a new Cate student

Taking the stairs three at a time to make the 8:30 a.m. bell

Leaving the chemistry classroom at night after re-taking one of many tests

Feeling nervous for mid-tri grades

Feeling proud of mid-tri grades

Sitting and talking in the dining hall way past meal-time

Throwing the frisbee for hours on senior lawn

And winning a few CIF rings along the way

The Class of '2025 made these memories so special to me, and even as the details of these events fade, I will always remember how seen and comfortable I felt sharing those moments with you all. Together, we have formed tight connections with faculty, who have guided us through our highs and lows. We’ve learned to use our voices to stand up for what we believe in, and in many cases, to speak up for those whose voices aren’t being heard. As we step out of this sanctuary in a few hours, our voices have never been more important. While so much is happening in the world that should dishearten me, the confidence and faith I have in our generation and specifically this class trumps those worries. I believe in this class and the morality that we have developed over our years here. This Mesa has provided trust in our class to be leaders, and we will take those lessons into our future.

Ever-present and always ahead of us, the future is why we work so hard and love each other so dearly. All those late nights, spines bent over computers, journals filled with notes, all for success in a future that we cannot predict. There is a motivational saying which I love that has been echoed by Abraham Lincoln. “The future is not something you wait for; it’s something you create.” If you take nothing else from this speech please realize this:

All the physics cafes and office hours, tears shed the night before a final, early mornings in the gym, late nights in McBean. These are the moments that will define your future and I am so proud to be sharing it with you all. And with that, in this moment, before the future takes hold, I am grateful for this community, this Mesa, this school, and the incredible Class of 2025.

“ “

We have made deep connections, experienced all kinds of growth, created lasting friendships, and we each have different core memories of this shared experience.

From left: Christopher Soto '25, Zadin Stephens '25, Nate Newlove '25, and Baye Breene '25.

2024-25 Awards

Commencement Awards

Stephen Spittler '63 Cup

Dr. Nicole Sintetos

Jeffrey Sumner Pallette '88 Award

TJ Weir '25

William New, Jr. '59 ServonsAward

Lisa Stanson '92

Santa Barbara Scholarship Cup

Alison Wang '25

Ellis Cup

TJ Weir '25

Morgan Gwynne Temby '69 Award

Daisy Gemberling '25

The Miramar Award

Cody Mast '25

Charlotte Brownlee '85 Cup

Stella Rogers '25

Benjamin D. Williams IV Inquiry Award

Nic Forry '25

Dohrmann Pischel '14 Medal (Bronze)

Samantha Jimenez '25

Nelson D. Jones '48 Medal (Silver)

Mike Barrera '25

Santa Barbara School Medal (Gold)

Peter Lehman '25

Head of School Award

Joba Samson '25

William Shepard Biddle '18 Cup

Colette Chang '25

From left: Sophia Ospina '25, Samantha Jimenez '25, Cody Mast '25, and Quinn Pullen '25 received the Peter Cate '37 and Beach Soulé awards, respectively, in recognition of outstanding athletic achievement.

Colette Chang '25 is awarded the William Shepard Biddle '18 Cup, the School’s highest honor.

The Jeffrey Sumner Pallette '88 Award

TJ WEIR '25

Presented by Joba Samson '25 and Riley Valente '25

The Jeffrey Sumner Pallette '88 Award is presented by the graduating class to a classmate whose presence and character have inspired us to laugh, question, and care for one another through a unique blend of honesty, kindness, and optimism.

This year’s recipient has done just that – and so much more. This year’s graduating class has elected a student who embodies the true spirit of this place. The spirit of this place is found in their commitment to involving and inspiring others.

By drawing from a seemingly endless supply of energy this student radiates joy, through an unwavering smile; showing genuine care and interest towards every person on this campus; and dedicating hours of their time towards bringing this campus together. You can hear their squeals echoing throughout the Sprague Gym during volleyball and basketball games or see them smiling ear to ear while telling a

joke that rarely ever lands. Every student at Cate has been acquitted to their contagious laughter or bottomless pit of energy that compels others to invest in what makes this place so enjoyable.

Timothy John Weir II is Servons personified. His infectious energy has reached every corner of this campus since the day he arrived. TJ reminds us all that joy can be found in the little moments. He is, simply put, everywhere. One moment he’s orchestrating a sandwich masterpiece in the servery, the next he’s sitting beside someone who looks like they need a laugh – or maybe tanning on Senior Lawn with his three ducks. There’s something deeply comforting about TJ’s presence, a down-to-earth warmth that makes people feel seen, included, and valued.

TJ’s remarkable ability to unite people has been a blessing to this campus. He builds bridges between groups, uplifts quieter voices, and reminds us that school spirit isn’t just about noise – it’s about heart.

You could try to summarize TJ with anecdotes – a High House Lido check-in here, a giveaway there, maybe even a spontaneous musical outburst in Sprague – but what truly sets him apart is how completely himself he has always been. TJ is unapologetically TJ, and in doing so, he’s given us permission to be more fully ourselves too.

Whether or not you had a full conversation with him, whether you were a friend, a teammate, or just someone lucky enough to cross paths with his light, you felt the ripple effect of his presence. This place won’t be the same without him – but it will always be better because of him.

We are honored to present the Jeffrey Sumner Pallette Class of 1988 Award to Timothy John Weir II.

William New Jr. '59 Servons Award

LISA STANSON '92

The William New Jr. '59 Servons Award was conceived to honor the legendary service to Cate of its namesake. For many years the award was presented by Bill New himself: an inventor, philanthropist, and trustee. With Bill’s passing, the award now lives beyond him, a memory of the service he offered this community and a standard for those of us who would presume to follow in his footsteps. The Servons Award acknowledges service that is as distinctive and unselfish as it is impactful and memorable.

This year the William New Jr. '59 Servons Award is awarded to Lisa Stanson '92. Lisa Stanson exemplifies the very essence of The Servons Award through her distinctive and unselfish service. As a Cate senior, Lisa earned the Ellis Cup and Peter Cate '37 Award for best athlete, foreshadowing her lifelong excellence and dedication to the School.

After serving as Alumni Council President, Lisa was appointed trustee in 2008 and has just completed her 17th year on the board. For the past four years, Lisa has served as Board Chair, navigating extraordinary complexity including COVID, a head of school transition, and leading the School through challenging times with remarkable grace and integrity.

Before her tenure as chair, Lisa served on multiple committees, including Executive, Governance, Education and Student Life, and Advancement. As a leader on the Committee of 100, she successfully led Cate to the close of the Centennial Campaign and, just last year, the For Cate, and Forever capital campaign. Her consistently balanced, inclusive, honest, and thorough approach has touched every aspect of board governance and shaped the campus and School we all enjoy today.

It is impossible to imagine any facet of Cate’s leadership that Lisa hasn’t influenced for the better. We are pleased to bestow this distinguished honor upon Lisa Stanson.

Faculty Awards

Stephen Spittler '63 Cup

Dr. Nicole Sintetos

W. Burleigh Pattee

Fellowship Award

Christina Weir

Fellowship Award: Centennial

Gabriel Di Gennaro

Fellowship Award

Circumspice

Jose Molina

Academic Awards

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

James C. Durham '02

Writing Prize

Tallulah Bates '25

English Department Prize

Alison Wang '25

Zoë Flint '25

HISTORY DEPARTMENT

The Frank B. Light Cup

Maddox Tanaka '27

Edwin Hartzell United States

History Prize

Naomi Chen '26

Elliott Paige '26

The James Masker Global Studies Award

Samuel Anum '25

Tallulah Bates '25

History Department Prize

Daisy Gemberling '25

HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT

Gaby Edwards

Humanities Award

Kunqi Wang '28

MATHEMATICS

DEPARTMENT

Stanley M. Durrant

Mathematics Prize

Kakeru Hirofuji '27

Michelle Wu '27

Colin Day Mathematics Award

Josh Ludviksen '25

Madeleine Patrick '25

Allan J. Gunther

Mathematics Award

Harry Su '25

Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal

Ian Sheshunoff '26

MODERN LANGUAGES

DEPARTMENT

Chinese Prize

Jacob Gabbay '25

French Prize

Peregrine James '25

Japanese Prize

Jailyn Mejia '25

Spanish Prize

Harry Su '25

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Biology Prize

Mike Barrera '25

Nicholas Koh '25

Chemistry Prize

Alex Zhang '26

Physics Prize

Grant Mitchell '25

Pritzker Science Early Distinction Award

Samuel Young '26

The Hans F. Summers Award

Jeeyou Jung '25

Art Awards

Joseph Knowles Foundation

Arts Award

Chelsea Newlove '28

Fred Bradley '68 Prize: 2-dimensional

Francesca Sutch '25

Fred Bradley '68 Prize: 3-dimensional

Brooke Friedman '25

James R. Feld '81

Ceramics Award

Mack Nieman '25

Tony Hooker '56 Sculpture Award

Stella Rogers '25

Photography Prize

Johnny Foster '25

Irwin Exhibition Award in Photography

Hudson Bonsignore '25

Digital Imaging Award

Jae Wykoff '26

Joseph Bradley Art Prize

Zyla Dhillon '25

Lilli Whelan '25

Marion Wolsey Cate

Acting Prize

Maggie Albrecht '25

Zachary Goins '25

Dance Award

Colette Chang '25

Theater Award

Ian Sheshunoff '26

Franklin Ellis Vocal Prize

Grant Mitchell '25

Quinn Vanasco '25

Peter Folger '25 Music Cup

Alex Zhang '26

Elise Tsai '26

Extracurricular Awards

Betty Woodworth

Librarian’s Award

Maggie Albrecht '25

Mesan Award

Mia Groeninger '25

Peregrine James '25

El Batidor Award

Mia Groeninger '25

Community Engagement Award

Daisy Gemberling '25

Noah W. Hotchkiss Memorial Award

Nyle Ahmad '25

Technology Prize

Nate Newlove '25

Student Activities Award

Stephanie Akinfolarin '25

Human Development Award

Zach Coulter '25

Yangchen Sherpa 25

Athletic Awards

Outdoor Program Award

Johnny Foster '25

Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25

Redington Cup Award

Chelsea Newlove '28

Jackson Steele '27

Most Inspirational Athlete Award

Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25

Peter Lehman '25

Sportsmanship Award

Tallulah Bates '25

Jacob Gabbay '25

Stella Rogers '25

Beach Soulé Award

Cody Mast '25

Quinn Pullen '25

Peter Cate '37 Award

Samantha Jimenez '25

Sophia Ospina '25

SENIOR VARSITY SPORTS LETTER AWARDS

Six Varsity Letters

Mike Barrera '25

Uriel Beltran Campuzano '25

Baye Breene '25

Christian Busse '25

Ethan Gibson '25

Lucas Huiner '25

Jeeyou Jung '25

Elías Lieser '25

Josh Ludviksen '25

Joba Samson '25

Riley Valente '25

TJ Weir '25

Seven Varsity Letters

Samuel Anum '25

Jacob Gabbay '25

Daisy Gemberling '25

Marco Gomez '25

Samantha Jimenez '25

Peter Lehman '25

Nate Newlove '25

Sophia Ospina '25

Ethan Rehnborg '25

Marcus Scudder '25

Harry Su '25

Eight Varsity Letters

Tallulah Bates '25

Henry Bouma '25

Zach Coulter '25

Sanai Edwards '25

Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25

Nico Huiner '25

Phin Stephenson '25

Francesca Sutch '25

Nine Varsity Letters

Cody Mast '25

Mack Nieman '25

Quinn Pullen '25

Lilli Whelan '25

10 Varsity Letters

Max DeVore '25

Johnny Foster '25

Stella Rogers '25

VARSITY SPORTS AWARDS

Baseball

Quinn Pullen '25

Peter Lehman '25

Harry Su '25

Nate Newlove '25

Boys Basketball

Marcus Scudder '25

Jacob Gabbay '25

Josh Butler '26

Girls Basketball

Sanai Edwards '25

Samantha Jimenez '25

Sophia Ospina '25

Lilli Whelan '25

Boys Cross Country

Max DeVore '25

Jordan Ryan '26

Girls Cross Country

Stella Rogers '25

Francesca Sutch '25

Football

Henry Bouma '25

Johnny Foster '25

Ethan Rehnborg '25

Riley Valente '25

Boys Lacrosse

Johnny Foster '25

Cody Mast '25

Riley Valente '25

Girls Lacrosse

Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25

Samantha Jimenez '25

Sophia Ospina '25

Boys Soccer

Samuel Anum '25

Charlie Dorion '26

Nic Forry '25

Lucas Huiner '25

Girls Soccer

Addie Bracher '25

Zyla Dhillon '25

Zoë Flint '25

Jeeyou Jung '25

Stella Rogers '25

Boys Swimming

Joba Samson '25

Phin Stephenson '25

Ben White '25

Girls Swimming

Stella Rogers '25

Jenevive Won '26

Boys Tennis

Nate Newlove '25

Harry Su '25

Girls Tennis

Claire Bianchi '26

Colette Chang '25

Boys Track and Field

Zachary Goins '25

Josh Ludviksen '25

Jordan Ryan '26

Girls Track and Field

Emerson Evans '26

Francesca Sutch '25

Boys Ultimate Frisbee

Nyle Ahmad '25

Josh Ludviksen '25

Harry Su '25

Boys Volleyball

Mack Nieman '25

Lucian Tann '26

Girls Volleyball

Fallon Erickson '26

Coco Kliman '26

Oyin Opawumi '26

Boys Water Polo

Baye Breene '25

Christian Busse '25

Phin Stephenson '25

Girls Water Polo

Tallulah Bates '25

Daisy Gemberling '25

Ani van Lynde '25

Class Agents

Daisy Gemberling '25

Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25

Mack Nieman '25

Stella Rogers '25

Joba Samson '25

Phin Stephenson '25

TJ Weir '25

Cum Laude

Society

Nyle Ahmad '25

Colette Chang '25

Zyla Dhillon '25

Zoë Flint '25

Nic Forry '25

Daisy Gemberling '25

Jeeyou Jung '25

Josh Ludviksen '25

Grant Mitchell '25

Madeleine Patrick '25

Yangchen Sherpa '25

Harry Su '25

Francesca Sutch '25

Ani van Lynde '25

Alison Wang '25

9.

1. Joba Samson '25 earned the Head of School Award for his distinguished character throughout the school year.

2. Peter Lehman '25 and Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25 were honored with the Most Inspirational Athlete Award.

3. Chelsea Newlove '28 excelled across a range of visual and performing arts disciplines to receive the Joseph Knowles Foundation Arts Award.

4. Jacob Gabbay '25, Tallulah Bates '25, and Stella Rogers '25 proudly received the Sportsmanship Award.

5. Alison Wang '25 and Zoë Flint '25 were honored with the English Department Prize for their excellence in the classroom and around the Harkness Table.

6. Cody Mast '25 demonstrated exceptional growth and progress at Cate en route to receive the Miramar Award.

7. The Peter Folger '25 Music Cup was awarded to Elise Tsai '26 and Alex Zhang '26 (not pictured) for going above and beyond Cate’s musical offerings.

8. Mike Barrera '25 received the Nelson D. Jones '48 Medal for demonstrating humility, integrity, and dedication through his leadership.

Mia Groeninger '25 and Peregrine James '25 were honored with the Mesan Award for their hard work and contributions to the school yearbook.

1. Alexander Espinoza '25 smiles as Zachary Goins '25 looks on during Commencement for the Class of 2025.

2. From left: Colette Chang '25, Addie Bracher '25, and Jeeyou Jung '25 holding pink roses on stage during the processional.

3. Marcus Scudder '25 hugs Head of School Alex Lockett before receiving his diploma.

4. From left: Grant Mitchell '25, Harry Su '25, and Colby Roof '25 pause for a photo while getting ready in the Johnson Library.

5. Elias Lieser '25 shares an embrace with Humanities Department Chair Ivan Barry during the faculty receiving line following Commencement.

6. From left: Madeleine Patrick '25, Peregrine James '25, Sienna Charvel '25, and Francesca Sutch '25 pose for a traditional photo through the Johnson Library windows.

7. The Class of 2025 lines up on the Wiegand Patio before Commencement begins.

8. Stephanie Akinfolarin '25 and Zoë Flint '25 capture a moment in the Johnson Library.

9. Uriel Beltran Campuzano '25 listens to his citation being read before accepting his diploma.

10. A group of seniors take one last photo together as members of the Class of 2025.

1. Tallulah Bates '25 and Kate McCoy '25 smile while walking towards the stage during the processional.

2. Mack Nieman '25 celebrates on stage during Commencement.

3. Joba Samson '25 smiles wide as he walks on stage to accept his diploma.

4. From left: Christian Busse '25, Josh Ludviksen '25, and Max DeVore '25, take a photo together in the Johnson Library before Commencement.

5. Peter Lehman '25 shakes hands with Captain Woodie Clark, who presented Peter’s Certificate of Appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

6. Yangchen Sherpa '25 and Head of School Alex Lockett embrace on stage during Commencement.

7. Samuel Anum '25 waits to receive his diploma while his citation is read aloud.

8. Grant Mitchell '25 stands proudly on stage alongside fellow members of the Class of 2025.

9. Nick Koh '25 takes a photo with Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Stanson '92 while receiving his diploma.

10. Valerie Madriz Montero '25 shares a moment with English Instructor Alicia Hammond following Commencement.

Cum Laude Introduction to Oscar Urízar-Tamayo

By Annalee Salcedo, Dean of Academics

Hailing from Peru, Oscar Urízar-Tamayo was shaped by his rigorous secondary education at a military boarding school in his homeland. His studies then blossomed across diverse fields, including the Fine Arts, exploring the mysteries of the human form, delving into the realms of Literature and Philosophy, and attaining a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Prior to embarking on his vocation in Education in the United States, Sr. Urizar garnered invaluable professional experience in Peru across the domains of marketing, finance, economics, and public relations. Oscar could very well be “the most interesting man in the world.”

Sr. Urizar has been teaching, in and out of the Cate classroom, since 2004. He contributed significantly to the development of our current Spanish language curriculum and has taught at every level. He was an early advocate and leader of Model United Nations, before it was a mainstay of our program, and he has served as advisor to our Hispanic and Latino Alliance. As a member of various committees over the years and also in how he engages with students and colleagues, Sr. Urizar has moved Cate forward in our e orts to be a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. As one colleague noted, “Oscar reminds us, through his actions, attitudes, and behaviors, that we are all responsible for this community and, therefore, responsible for shaping it into a world where we can all thrive.”

Cum Laude Address The Weight of Knowledge

By Oscar Urízar-Tamayo

In considering who might address the students selected to Cum Laude, we look for teachers – who, like these students whom we celebrate today – have enriched our School through their generosity of scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and love of learning. Step into Sr. Urizar’s o ce under the Chapel and you will marvel at the art he has created, the books he has read (some in Portuguese!), and objects of interest he has collected that reveal his eye for design, novelty, and the whimsical. Sr. Urizar, like you, will not return to the Mesa next school year. He will be on sabbatical – studying the life and writing of Miguel Cervantes in Italy. But when he returns in 2026, he will surely resume his place as the “sage” of our Mesa. As we celebrate your accomplishments as scholars, it was obvious to us that Sr. Urizar would be a perfect speaker for today. And it is my pleasure to turn the podium to him now.

Good morning, everyone.

Thank you for the introduction. I am truly honoured to be here, celebrating the academic achievements of these incredible students.

Thank you, Ms. Lockett, Ms. Salcedo, the Faculty Cum Laude Leadership, advisors, colleagues, families, and friends – and a very special thanks to my lifelong mentor Jeshua. There is nothing I embark on without first asking for his wisdom.

I must admit, I was caught by surprise when Ms. Salcedo came to my cave –also known as my office – one evening during my usual MOD duties to ask if I’d be willing to give this speech. And now here I am, talking to all of you.

Before I continue, I would like to clarify: this is not a speech in the traditional sense. This is simply my point of view –how I see things.

Today, I want to reflect on a concept that all my students are familiar with. We constantly discuss it in our classes, whether it’s in honours or advanced courses: knowledge. What is it? How much does it weigh? The more knowledge you acquire, the heavier you become? Who controls it? And how do we use it?

This brief and imperfect reflection is meant not only for the students – most of whom I have had the pleasure of teaching – but also for my colleagues and every adult on this campus. I believe that making this reflection gives me the responsibility to address each one of you. So here we go.

When I was a child back in my home country, every Sunday at 5:00 a.m. we headed to the cathedral in my town to attend the first service of the day. After that, my father would take us to the

market to buy flowers for my mother and treats for us.

In the market, there were all kinds of people calling for our attention. Some carried bathroom scales, others read tarot cards – these always fascinated me with their colourful attire and intense jade eyes – and then there were the less noticeable ones, whom we recognized by the music of their organ grinders and the high-pitched sounds made by the monkeys perched atop them.

The scales, the cards, the organ – they were worn down by years of use, but they bore the patina of dignity, like veterans who had survived weather, misfortune, and time. They were also their owners' most precious possessions –their livelihoods depended on them.

As I considered what to talk about today and what I could offer you as a token of appreciation, these images were constantly percolating in my head. I could hear the voices of my brothers, feel the grip of my mother’s hand holding mine, and the heaviness of my father’s hand resting on my head. And then it clicked – knowledge as a commodity.

Those people with the scale, the cards, and the organ were selling knowledge –of weight and beauty, the mystery of the future, and a phrase that might shift a person’s day or perspective.

But I believe knowledge goes beyond mere transaction. It cannot be reduced to a simple good.

When I find myself in a dilemma like this, I always turn to literature for answers.

Isabel Allende, one of the most vital female voices of the Latin American Boom, in her short story Two Words, the word-seller Belisa Crepusculario embodies the search for knowledge and meaning. But she is not just a vendor of words – she represents the human desire to understand and reshape knowledge, and to use it to our advantage.

Rimbaud, perhaps the most desperate of the poets I’ve read, wrote in his final work 152 years ago:

“À l’aurore, armés d'une ardente patience, nous entrerons aux splendides Villes.”

“At the break of day, with fervent patience, we shall enter the glorious cities.”

This line – which Neruda would later refer to as a prophecy – is a call to renew our commitment to knowledge. It marks the beginning of a new spiritual and creative cycle. It represents the hope that follows struggle, the renewal that comes after a deep and personal spiritual journey.

Cavafy, the modern Greek poet par excellence, urges us in his poem Ithaka to become someone through the journey – to live with purpose, openness, and reflection:

As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Laistrygonians, Cyclops, angry Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them: you’ll never find things like that on your way as long as you keep your thoughts raised high, as long as a rare excitement stirs your spirit and your body.

“

While knowledge can change – expand, and correct itself – the truth it seeks remains constant. To know something truly is not just to explain it, but to live with its consequences. Ignore truth, and it may bite; keep it close, and it will defend you.

“

Derek Walcott, the poet of divided seas – constantly navigating between colonial language and native place, between European tradition and African inheritance – gives us Love After Love. It is a poem about love, yes, but a love we often neglect: love of the self.

It’s a poem of return – returning to ourselves after periods of fragmentation, self-forgetting, or loss through love, ambition, or suffering.

“You will love again the stranger who was yourself.”

True healing begins when we stop looking outward for validation and instead recognize our own soul. The self isn’t fixed – it’s a stranger we must learn to meet again and again.

The time will come when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other’s welcome, and say, sit here. Eat. You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself, to the stranger who has loved you all your life, whom you ignored for another, who knows you by heart.

Take down the love letters from the bookshelf the photographs, the desperate notes, peel your own image from the mirror. Sit. Feast on your life.

Cervantes, the father of the modern self, describes Don Quixote as a man who stops reading and decides to put into action everything he has learned and read in books. He also portrays him as a madman, whose brain has dried out from reading too much, from knowing too much. But Don Quixote is also mad because he believes that justice is his duty, and above all, that justice is possible. His adventures and his thoughts never align with the real world, yet he tries to live according to what he believes is the truth. On this journey, he begins to encounter himself – a strange, unfamiliar being – who, by the end of the second book, fades away, and with him, his creative power also disappears.

So, back to the scales, the cards, and the organ: what did those customers do with the knowledge they received?

What will you do, dear students, with the knowledge you’ve acquired here? Rather than lecture you about how you shouldn’t take this knowledge for granted – whether great or small – I’ll instead offer you a few reflections:

Grant Mitchell '25 shakes hands with Dean of Academics Annalee Salcedo during the Cum Laude Induction Ceremony.

True knowledge makes you humble. It simplifies your life. It makes you more human.

And so, I offer these pieces of advice: Respect your leaders. Respect the people you lead. Seek knowledge. Don’t cut corners. Don’t merely chase information for profit.

Don’t just accumulate information that will give you more money. Acquire knowledge with joy – and with profound ignorance.

Don’t feel defeated when others surpass you. Wait your turn. Learn from those who walked the path before you. Avoid the Bandar-log – they are chaotic, empty seekers of information without wisdom. They represent superficiality, lawlessness, and self-delusion.

Johannes Hessen once wrote that knowledge arises from the union of

experience and thought. It is born not from pure sensation nor isolated reason, but from their encounter.

I think of knowledge as something elusive – like an Enderman, in Minecraft mythology: silent, seemingly passive, yet fiercely reactive to those who stare directly or want to harm them. Knowledge, too, can vanish if handled clumsily – or bite if mistreated. It requires attention, humility, and reverence.

Truth is what gives knowledge validity. But not all truths are the same. Some are scientific – testable, and measurable. Others are emotional, poetic, or ethical – just as real, but less easy to define.

Truth is the horizon toward which knowledge moves. Knowledge is our map – ever-changing – toward that landscape.

Truth isn’t just abstract or cold. It is, as Gabo Ferro says, a faithful dog – present in all things, fierce when neglected, loyal when respected.

Knowledge is our way of walking beside that dog – understanding where it leads, and how it behaves.

In science, we test hypotheses to see if the dog growls or wags its tail. In literature, we listen for the bark behind the metaphor. While knowledge can change – expand, and correct itself – the truth it seeks remains constant. To know something truly is not just to explain it, but to live with its consequences. Ignore truth, and it may bite; keep it close, and it will defend you.

Let your knowledge serve not just your ambition, but your humanity.

Thank you.

16 members of the Cate Class of 2025 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Back Row: Josh Ludviksen '25, Harry Su '25, Grant Mitchell '25, Madeleine Patrick '25, Jeeyou Jung '25, Zyla Dhillon '25, Francesca Sutch '25, and Alison Wang '25. Front Row: Nic Forry '25, Nyle Ahmad '25, Colette Chang '25, Ani van Lynde '25, Daisy Gemberling '25, Yangchen Sherpa '25, and Zoë Flint '25.

2025 Baccalaureate Ceremony Open Hearts, Open Roads

By Zyla Dhillon '25

Inscribed on a bench on the Nature Trail, the one by the fork in the road up to Mesa House, is a message and a name. Many a Cate student has run or walked by this bench; fewer have sat, and fewer still have looked closely at its plaque. It reads, “In memory of Charles McConney '71, Open Hearts, Open Roads.” Given that I only noticed this plaque one week ago, I’d call this message a needed gem of serendipity. With the interconnectedness of Cate, I imagine someone here in the audience may even know this man for whom the message is attributed.

“Open hearts, open roads.” Roads and paths are one of the most common metaphors for the future. When an image came to mind upon reading this dedication, though, it was of the long stretch of Casitas Pass which connects Cate to Carpinteria. In every instance where I have walked or run across this road, I am hit with a reverberating feeling of awe.

On the pass, the mountains have a sense of closeness, a grandeur of Mediterranean beauty that is simply idyllic. Passion fruits line the other wall, spilling over from an orchard to the grasping hands of Cate students who know this secret.

We who live on the Mesa have lost count of the times we’ve traveled this road. First with parents, we were nervous, selfconscious, hopeful, and wary as we approached the turn with a poorly marked sign saying “Cate School.” If you weren’t me, you may have been excited for the road ahead, metaphorically. My excitement arose slowly.

Thereafter, we traveled this road in swimwear to the beach, bundled in sweats for long rides to away games, and to grab dinner with friends when the Booth dinner seemed unstomachable. We sat three people to a seat, hot, and clamoring for people to open windows on days with ideal weather to take the 12:30 p.m. bus into Santa Barbara. I’ve loved this road at 6:00 on a T. Smith beach shuttle, while on a run with the sun

Share your curiosity, love, beliefs, and your wisdom with people you meet, and in exchange for your energy, you’ll learn great, path-changing things in return. Open your heart, and new roads will open too. “ “

About the Baccalaureate Ceremony

Baccalaureate is a 15th century custom that came to this country from Britain. The term comes from the Latin “Bacca” – meaning “berry” – and “lauri” –referencing the laurels that were used to adorn those who earned their degrees.

beating down on me and my friends at 3:00 p.m., and walking back at 7:00 p.m. because we knew someone would pick us up before we reached Heartbreak Hill.

Tomorrow will be the last time my class drives this road as students, though many of us will drive past the fruit stand and up to the Mesa once again.

As months turned into years, Carp, which felt so small, seemed to grow larger. Perhaps you had adventurous friends, like mine, who signed up for Outdoors and dragged you along for the ride. There, I first traveled past the bluffs and witnessed the dolphins who pass, on occasion, the lucky stand-up paddleboarders like myself. In my experience, farmers markets, food spots, Turkish coffee, or even monthly clothing sales will materialize the more you begin to love this place, and care to be curious about the people who surround you.

At times, my brain at Cate felt too full to seek out anything new, academically or otherwise. So much noise surrounds you here. The looming deadlines of papers and the many commitments you make to this community create a tight routine. It’s hard to step outside yourself, to recognize in actuality the richness of other people’s stories, to take the time to hear others when you feel overwhelmed. I acknowledge my part in this, too, so to my parents, I’m sorry for the many missed calls. This last year in particular, as I’ve started looking out for lasts, I’ve been continually reminded that my classmates, teachers, family, and residents of these towns that have been our stomping grounds hold onto a wealth of untapped wisdom.

The Class of 2025 possesses thoughts, worldviews, and aspirations that are as different from each other as could be. Yet, in my class, every single person shares a desire to grow and the courage to make that growth possible. With the incredible

faculty here, the people in front of me have shaped themselves into leaders. This bravery to embrace challenge and change within ourselves will take us far. For the innumerable ways you’ve all uplifted me, as a student and as a person, through the growing pains of life, I’m confident this is true.

I must also ask that we remember what we can give to others, as well as what we can take. In hard and divisive times, like those that surround the bubble we live in now, attempt to open your heart. Don’t wait for the days to dwindle away before involving yourself in the places you go. Be curious about a physical place and immerse yourself with the people who shape it. Care about their stories, about the land you walk, and share some of the many things you’ve learned in return. Linger in the unknown. Find small ways to be present, like how we’ve spent those extra hours lingering in Booth, and sacrificed studying for the sake of school pride in sports games.

Sometimes it still astonishes me how well this class knows and connects with each other despite having no grounded concept of the places where we grew up, the family we’ve had, and how they shaped us. Then I remember being at home for breaks, struggling for words to describe whatever trimester had just passed. There were always too many memories and feelings to succinctly express. Cate is now one of these places that has shaped our personal stories. And we’ve grown into ourselves while surrounded and impacted by one another. We discovered and tested our values, interests, and limits on this Mesa.

Four years after driving up Casitas Pass for the first time as a student, we are tied to this place and to all of those who have made Cate a home for us. So again, I want to circle back to the serendipitous gem that helped me to finally put pen to paper.

None of us knows what lies ahead. The road we imagine will veer off in directions that none of us can predict. As John

Lennon wrote in his song Beautiful Boy, “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” Take advantage of this unpredictability. Be courageous, as I know you all are, and keep your heart open to the places you’ll go.

Share your curiosity, love, beliefs, and your wisdom with people you meet, and in exchange for your energy, you’ll learn great, path-changing things in return. Open your heart, and new roads will open too.

Thank you.

“ “

The Class of 2025 possesses thoughts, worldviews, and aspirations that are as different from each other as could be.

Yet, in my class, every single person shares a desire to grow and the courage to make that growth possible.

Cate's Chorale and Camerata performed “The Crown for the King," to conclude the Baccalaureate Ceremony.

Where Mentors Meet Virtue

By Quinn Pullen '25

Iam unable to surmise my experience at Cate into a single set lesson; rather, I have found myself left with a collection of values that comprise a virtuous human. Through my lived experience at this School, I have been nurtured to strive for excellence, steadfast dedication, tact, discernment, reason, empathy, compassion, loyalty, dependability, and accountability through the constant motivation from my teachers, peers, teammates, and friends.

As a sophomore, I was tempted to leave Cate to pursue my athletic career back home, where I could dedicate my high school years to my aforementioned niche. However, while stumbling along my emotionally charted elephant path, I realized that my ends wouldn’t necessarily be achieved by my means. Yes, committing myself to baseball and going Division 1 was possible. Still, the uncertainty of my ability to accomplish this goal in tandem with the world-class education I would be giving up made it extremely difficult to stomach the possibility of leaving.

The first thought that followed my doubts was directed toward my teachers and coaches, who were the proponents of the knowledge, wisdom, virtues, and lessons I have internalized throughout my time here. I firmly believe that there is no other community that is more invested in the success and nurturing of its students. The passion and deep commitment that each teacher has for their respective subjects and students is what drives us at Cate School to want to learn, and as someone who endured eight years of disillusioned public school teachers, it is ultimately what made me stay. My mentors at Cate have shown what genuine scholarship and companionship truly mean, and for this, I am deeply grateful.

Throughout my experience at this School, I have noticed that upon arrival, each individual is exceptionally proficient in their own niche. At other high schools, students may be able to take advantage of the resources provided in their field of expertise and enhance their prowess in that specific discipline. However, at our School, we are encouraged (or forced) to explore myriad opportunities in our extracurricular and academic pursuits. Though seemingly counterintuitive, the product of this system is a wildly improved, well-versed, adaptable individual prepared with the ability to improvise, problem-solve, question, reason, and overcome the most daunting instances of adversity.

These lessons have come to me through many mentors.

I’ve encountered mentors who have shown unrelenting dedication and effort in the face of great adversity. My classmates and I strive to one day be as reliable and resilient of a husband and father as one of my mentors.

I have a ringer in my corner who has established that they will fight tooth and nail for me while being the sweetest, most compassionate, and most empathetic person you have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This mentor just gets it.

I have a mentor whose thought process has inspired me to challenge my own ways of thinking. This mentor’s ability to dismantle a problem and craft a solution is genius.

I’ve experienced mentors who have worked with me for four long years, mentors who managed to maintain the same level of grace, compassion, positivity, and kindness even when I might not have deserved it.

I’ve found mentors who have taught me that life is going to happen whether you like it or not, so you just have to go with it. Most importantly, this mentor taught me to avoid asking answerable questions,

one of the most valuable lessons I have learned throughout my time here.

I have a self-proclaimed “Quinn Whisperer” who knows how to reach me every time. A mentor who has taught me the importance of staying grounded, true to myself, and not falling victim to the temptations of perfectionism.

Mentors who have taken care of me like a father, been honest with me like a friend, given me advice like an advisor (see what I did there), and have pushed me like a coach.

“ “

My mentors at Cate have shown what genuine scholarship and companionship truly mean, and for this, I am deeply grateful.

I’ve found mentors whose love and commitment to their work is limitless. Mentors who have taught me to be courageous, honest, and faithful to myself, even in the most challenging situations.

The Class of 2025 has so much to take pride in, but what makes us unique isn’t found in the excellent schools we are heading off to, the accolades we have received, or the awards we have accumulated, but rather our decision to embrace adversity and recognize the importance of community when struggling individually. My story of uncertainty about Cate is one that is echoed by many of my peers, and is also manifested in the number of people who have left our class. However, those of us who stayed were able to transform our uncertainty into vitality through accepting the reality of adversity and, instead of running from it, have rallied around our friends, teachers, coaches, and, quite frankly, this whole community.

For this place to really work, you have to give everything you have to it. If you trust the seemingly wayward and sometimes counterintuitive system, I promise you won’t regret it. Love this place, and it will love you back.

Thank you.

Introduction of Baccalaureate Speaker Randy Person '10

Written by Avani Shah, Director of Communications

Read by Bryan Rodriguez, Dean of Students

There is a quiet kind of magic in ceramics. What starts as an otherwise ordinary lump of clay is slowly transformed into something whole, even beautiful. It cannot be a fast process, and requires a steady, slow, and discerning eye, and above all else, patience. You can’t skip steps, you can’t rush the process. When things get wobbly, the artist must stay calm, steadfast, and persistent.

Ultimately, in the right hands, what forms can be enduring, functional, and, if we’re lucky, art. Teaching is a lot like this. At its best, it can mold character, reshape pathways, and transform a student’s understanding of themselves and the world around them. It is a devotional profession, more craft than transaction, and calls on us to be present, stay with the work, and believe in what has not yet fully formed.

Class of 2025, many of you have been shaped here, quite literally. The faculty here have seen you for your potential, and carefully guided you in the quiet repetition of our daily rituals in the classroom, on the field, in the dorms, and in those small, forgettable moments that happen every day on this Mesa. Our faculty, our artists, if you will, have helped form the people you are becoming.

This year’s Baccalaureate Speaker is just that – an artist, a shaper, and maker of beautiful, transformative things. A graduate of the Cate Class of 2010, he returned to this place to teach. What he has done, in fact, is shape, guide, and support you, particularly when you start to wobble, with the sort of gentle strength and grounding that is essential in the off-center moments that characterize growing up. In our community, he has been a kind and steady presence, and his connection with us on the Mesa will always remain deeply personal.

Please welcome this year’s Baccalaureate speakers, Mr. Randy Person '10.

Baccalaureate Address

Becoming Your True Self: A Farewell to the Class of 2025

Dear Class of 2025,

I’m grateful for this opportunity to address you one last time.

There’s a jabbiness to your class, a distinctiveness about you individually – and as a collective – that deserves appreciation. I’d argue with clarity that your four years here embody the best parts of Cate, your individuality and growth reminiscent of some of the most heralded and notorious classes of the past. Perhaps, this distinction is the true spirit of this place – one’s ability to grow into their sense of self, taking full advantage of this place and its people. You came to this community as one version of yourselves. You evolved – or maybe refined – through a shared love for one another, holding each other in success and challenge. You committed always to an authentic expression of your being. You did that. And no one can take that from you.

And now your time is up. Your prickly personalities have outgrown the comfort, protection, and pastoral points this place has to offer – and Class of 2025 – this is the way it should be.

You’ve done the thing the right way. Marco does his homework now, Sanai

can agree to disagree without a year-long grudge, and there’s widespread belief that Cody, Ethan, and Johnny can sit next to each other, in an intellectual environment, and not burst out in laughter over literally anything or maybe nothing. Henry even served his detention hours.

It is sometimes difficult to avoid reminiscence and nostalgia.Your maturation over these last four years conveys something similar to what my class experienced, 15 years ago, when I once sat glassy-eyed and tired, listening to whoever addressed us so near to our departure. We had spunk just like you do, good kids simply ready to take the next steps and leave the nest behind. I’m glad that you were my first class here. We will forever be linked, whether y’all like it or not! I won’t get too sentimental, but I hope in five years we can share stories, hash out old gripes, and have that age-appropriate beverage, chopping it up like old friends who haven’t spoken in a while. That time will come, and I look forward to it.

I’m working on my ability to share stimulating thoughts without giving unsolicited advice. I wouldn’t say I’m great at it yet, but I’m trying. I am fully aware that my statements will sound like advice, and that you did not ask me for advice, so my only resolution is to urge you to do what you will with this information. Take it to heart, forget it, and remember it later, or be like 18-yearold me and space out, only returning to earth to wipe the drool off my face right as people start to applaud at the end. Presumptuous of me, I know.

Make your own reality. Commit, with delusion and arrogance, to the work it takes to understand who you are – and then do something worthy of your efforts.

They say we have a juvenile self, youthful, brimming with reaction and fire, burdened by experiences, unchecked ego, and a propensity to emote without thought. The youthful self, marked by a lower-case “s,” is spunky and volatile, dead set on riding the waves of what appears before him just as they break.

Expression veils any idea of repercussion.

Its counterpart, Self, crowned with a majuscule ”S,” observes and notices, both with her rational mind and emotional heart. She inhales with awareness, a narrowed focus on her intention. In her exhale, she is able to act with an alignment to who she is at her core. This Self understands the consequence of reaction, so more often than not, she’d rather linger, wonder, and understand before anything else.

The former you reacted to the combination of everything you experienced – your emotions, feelings, thoughts, those uncontrollable triggers you struggled to wrangle. You were the match itching to be flicked ablaze in a field of dry brush, unfazed by what lay in your path. But now, I see you sit back patiently, stoic almost, underlining the poignant and drawing connections. You can annotate moment to moment, discovering the through lines which inform who you really are – who you’ve always been.

I see you loving this place. I see you eager to leave. I wonder if that cognitive dissonance strikes a chord? Will you hang on to cherished memories of late nights when you creached into your best friend’s dorm room, the impromptu Carp runs, the sly glances across the Harkness table? At the same time, are you also relieved to never hear the words detentions, morning chores, or Community Conversation ever again?

This place offers such a space to grow, to fall off your bike, scrape your knees, get up, and try again. You meet your people, hike up large mountains just to jump off tall rocks, learn how to offer supporting evidence and reason through science’s great questions, or perhaps find the love of your life. There’s a unique happiness one can experience while on the Mesa that dovetails into the seemingly bullshit hurdles we ask you to clear.

An Arnold Palmer of emotion, if you will. Know that it is natural to outgrow the comforting canopy of eucalyptus trees, campus pups, and screaming toddlers, the California quail wings fluttering about between class bells, special schedules, and study hours.

I’m honored to be part of the faculty and staff here who have made Cate such a special place. I’m honored to have had you as students through it all. And I’m honored to share the bittersweet experience of leaving with you.

beyond the Sunset Bench, and as you forge your path towards your future, I hope self and happiness reign supreme.

You must love yourself first in order to love the space you inhabit or the people you so deeply care about. So the question becomes, how do you learn to love yourself?

“ “

Make your own reality. Commit, with delusion and arrogance, to the work it takes to understand who you are – and then do something worthy of your efforts.

Departure asks us to punctuate our sentences. And so I’ll offer you my comma, or period, or perhaps a question mark, or maybe even an ellipsis.

In my second stint upon the Mesa, I’ve learned that the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the relationship with yourself ... And so, the challenge – or maybe the opportunity –becomes flourishing in a commitment to a happiness that fills your soul. With your eyes set towards the horizon just

We work. We learn. Loving yourself can take observation. And honesty. And exploration. Inquiry. Assertion. Challenging or at least evaluating negative core beliefs. And follow through – the execution! Sounds a bit like the inquiry method, huh? If it does, know that you have the tools to do the work. That big “S” Self, nurtured by this special place and these majestic mentors and most importantly you, just you, power your ability to step above it all, using consciousness gracefully to uncover the bigger picture and choose your place in it.

If happiness, in ups and downs, is a building block of a productive future, then I have had to accept some things about myself. I love being called “Unc,” but what I really want is to be an artificially grumpy, authentically goofy, corny-joke-telling grandpa. If I could sit on my porch, yelling at the neighborhood kids for running in my grass, but also showing up to fix their bike or scare off the neighborhood bully, all the while sipping a Capri-Sun after a long day of playing with clay on a spinning wheel, then I’ll know that I’ve made it. The process towards that life is as essential as the ending point, and so appreciation will accompany me in each step ... but boy, doesn’t that sound fantastic? This realization came late for me, but honoring exactly who I am is the most freeing space I’ve ever occupied.

So what does this journey look like for you? What will your work encompass, and how will you rid yourselves of the excess that clouds your core self? The process of unbecoming in order

to become what you’ve always been can be grueling, but reclaiming the true, intentional Self rather than what anyone else thinks you should be is a much smoother, richer ride.

Those gifts you possess are uniquely yours. And what an opportunity you have to continue finding them for yourself, holding them with brightness, and building something beautiful. We, as your faculty, are truly honored to have been here with you, helping you to find the tools you’ll need in your lives past our gates, the tools that’ll allow you the time to be yourself. There’s nothing more I’d want for you all.

Briefly, if I may, I’d like to shine a small light on my four senior advisees who have meant more to me than they’ll ever know. Alexander, your questions and passion will lead you to unimaginable places. Mia, your capacity to think and do and flourish is honestly intimidating. Alison, there is so much you can and will teach this world. Marcus, can’t nobody take what you’ve built for you. Stand 10 toes for Harlem, always.

Advisees, you’ve all broadened my world, and my relationship with myself. I’ve been frustrated and impatient. But I know what you’re capable of and I’ve seen you shine. My frustration has lessened, my patience has expanded. We are all your eager students. Your gifts are worth tending, and growing, and sharing. People will tag along for your wild ride, I’m certain of it.

Class of 2025, I don’t really know how to end this letter, and so I’ll leave you with a little parting gift. If you look down at the floor at the bottom of your chair, you’ll see that your shoes are actually untied ... HA gotcha!

With love and tremendous respect,

Mr. Person

I’ve learned that the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the relationship with yourself ... And so, the challenge – or maybe the opportunity – becomes flourishing in a commitment to a happiness that fills your soul. “ “

The Class of 2025

Every year, before the Head of School confers diplomas upon graduating seniors, she speaks of their individual character and achievements, noting the unique ways they’ve enriched life on the Mesa. These “literary snapshots” composed of observations, speak to the depth and breadth of the Cate community.

NYLE AHMAD

High Honors

Nyle is independent, reliable, and grounded – someone who balances meaningful connection with a healthy appreciation for time to himself. In the dorm, he is a steady presence; in the classroom, he is diligent, self-motivated, and unafraid to challenge himself. Nyle holds himself to a high standard and consistently puts in the work to meet it. His dry humor, humility, and quiet thoughtfulness enrich the community around him. A leader in the Desi community at Cate, and a dedicated friend to all, Nyle takes a calm, creative approach to solving problems and always leads with intention – and makes every space better for it.

STEPHANIE FOLUKE AKINFOLARIN

Stephanie doesn’t just enter a room, she lights it up with a spirit full of sunshine and a laugh that could lift even the heaviest heart. She brings joy, not in grand gestures, but in the little moments that truly matter. She has a special way of making people feel seen and valued –through her quick wit, her warmth, telling her stories, her bright smile, or a delicious dessert she whipped up just because. We celebrate Stephanie not just for her accomplishments, but the way she made us feel – lighter, loved, and lucky to know her. As she steps into the world, those lucky enough to cross her path are in for a treat.

MAGGIE REGNAUD ALBRECHT

In their Servons speech, Maggie said, “To think that love is only romantic is to limit yourself from appreciating how beautiful and expansive love really is.” One only has to watch Maggie in the Hitchcock Theatre to see a true artist who loves their craft with their whole heart –someone who commits themself fully to every role, large or small. But Maggie’s love expands beyond theater. It is in their U.S. History research or the layered meanings of a poem in English class. Maggie’s love for Tuesday “Not a Book Club”, the JV Soccer Team, Art Relay, the Outdoors program, and their family, shows that when you open your heart fully, love fully, it is “a revolution against all that seek to confine us.”

SAMUEL ANUM

Sam has a natural spark that is evident the moment you meet him. Energetic, positive, and tenacious enough to be his best self in all of his endeavors, Sam embodies hard work, focus and determination, and an effervescence that surrounds everything he undertakes. Though it’s common knowledge he excels on the pitch, the truth is that Sam is so much more than a soccer player. Sam’s worldly experience informs the way he navigates his path, leading with focus and heart. He is a connector, and can bring people together with his kindness, straightforwardness, and honesty. A stellar student, talented athlete, and active leader, Sam sets high standards for himself, which, in turn, shows others how to achieve their own goals.

MIKE BARRERA

If you have someone like Mike in your life, consider yourself incredibly fortunate. Mike is as genuine as they come, looking out for those around him, treating friends like family. And to Mike, everyone is family. That starts with being the best big brother to Ryan, and extends to all of Long House, where Mike served as a prefect. As a club head for the Hispanic Latino Alliance club on campus, he has been an impactful leader for younger members and has always used his platform to enlighten the community on Hispanic and Latin American history. Although this chapter in our community has come to a close, Mike’s presence will be felt far beyond his time here.

TALLULAH NADJA BATES

Honors

A kind, generous, and intellectually curious leader, Tallulah has made a lasting impact on the Mesa through her wholehearted investment in both people and purpose. As a prefect in Schoolhouse, she has fostered a strong and supportive community, marked by warmth and authenticity. Her dedication to academics is matched by her enthusiasm for life beyond the classroom – shining as a scholar, peer tutor, Model United Nations Head, as well as a cross country runner, water polo player, and swimmer. A lover of the outdoors and the early morning Carpinteria sky, she was a regular every Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. for a run with T. Smith. Tallulah leads by example, reminding us all of the power of compassion, connection, and commitment.

HUDSON BONSIGNORE

Hudson is a genuine intellectual, a deep thinker, and a crusader for the truth. He’s also witty, eloquent, and able to speak knowledgeably on a wide variety of subjects. Almost any conversation with Hudson is likely to be interesting, edifying, and fun! His teachers value his contributions to class discussion, and his friends seek him out when they need advice and support. As he said in his Servons speech, “There’s a part of me that loves having the hard conversations that most people choose to avoid,” and we admire his ability to have these conversations with honesty, kindness, and optimism. In so many areas of Cate life, we will miss Hudson’s voice.

HENRY JOSEPH BOUMA

Henry’s trajectory has been one of impressive growth. And while some of that growth is easily measurable in physical dimensions – he is one of the most dominant lineman in our league and earned First Team CIF Honors – some is less obvious. Henry has become one of our most talented STEM students, displaying a remarkable aptitude for grasping challenging and sophisticated topics in the moment and, fueled by his innate curiosity, asking incredibly insightful and sophisticated questions that pushed his teachers to be their best. Most importantly, Henry is valued as a sensitive, thoughtful, and compassionate young man who has brought genuine kindness to every aspect of this community. He leaves Cate as a fully realized triple threat: student, athlete, and incredible community member.

ADELINE CHRISTINE BRACHER

It is no surprise that Addie’s favorite color is yellow – she is like a ray of sunshine. Her infectious laugh, sunny demeanor, and genuine warmth brighten everyone’s day. Addie’s boundless kindness is what she will be remembered for on the Mesa. She is a patient listener, a true team player, and a supportive friend. As Servons Speech Coordinator and English peer tutor, she shared her passion for writing. On the soccer field and tennis courts, she played with vigor and led by example. Behind the scenes in the musical, she showcased her hard work and cheered on her peers. Addie has contributed multitudes to Cate. What a light she has been in our lives.

BAYE BREENE

With grit, positivity, and strength, Baye turned an early high school injury into a story of success. He maintained perspective, working diligently to heal and be a full participant in life at Cate. The silver lining was that his setback led him to a new passion – water polo. The sport provided motivation and a new avenue for thriving, which he will continue as a college athlete. A senior captain, Mandarin peer tutor, inclusion advocate, and caring Teaching Assistant for his semmies, Baye makes those around him happier. Baye is an adept conversationalist, always eager to keep a lively moment going. Friendly, deep, and willing to share a thoughtful opinion, Baye’s contributions have made a positive mark on the Mesa.

CHRISTIAN JAMES BUSSE Honors

In the last four years, Christian has forged an enduring legacy. His commitment to mastery is evident in his approach to learning; he embraces challenges head-on. His determination to solve every math puzzle defines him as a scholar who does not shy away from the impossible. Christian’s brilliance extends beyond his studies, as he generously shares his talents with younger students as a tutor, patiently illuminating their pathways through numerical challenges. As a Teaching Assistant for the Freshman Seminar Program, he guides new students on their high school journeys. Praised by coaches for his unwavering work ethic, Christian exemplifies a quest for knowledge, mentorship, and dedication to teamwork.

URIEL BELTRAN CAMPUZANO

Uri is an extraordinary human being who brings a remarkable work ethic and steadfast determination to every facet of his life. His drive to achieve at the highest level stems from a deep desire to honor his parents, inspire his younger siblings, and serve as a role model for his community. He reminds us to care deeply for others, offer help when we can, and, above all, remain humble. Uri is a fierce competitor on the soccer field – his technical skills and teamwork helped lead Cate’s varsity soccer team to the Division 1 quarterfinals. Uri will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and most importantly, his fun and generous heart. The Mesa will not be the same without Uri.

COLETTE TSE-LING CHANG

Highest Honors

Colette brings light, grace, and purpose to every endeavor. Whether serving as Prefect in '25 House, dancing center stage, anchoring the tennis team, or dazzling in the classroom, she brings a rare mix of brilliance and humility to everything she does. Her scholarship is boundless – intellectually curious, deeply collaborative, and rooted in a genuine love of learning. Her artistry is magnetic, her leadership steady and kind. At the end of her Servons Speech, she brought the entire school to our feet – literally – leading a joyful dance in the Chapel that none of us will soon forget. Colette reminds us how one person can uplift a whole community.

ZACHARY COULTER

Zach is a warm-hearted, dedicated student whose passion shines in everything he does. Football has been a pivotal part of his Cate experience, where he quickly earned a spot on the varsity team despite no prior team sports experience. Earning First Team All-League and Second Team All-CIF honors and serving as team captain, Zach values the camaraderie, discipline, and brotherhood football provides. Zach is also a passionate historian, winning the Edwin Hartzell U.S. History Prize and doubling up on history classes in his senior year. As a Teaching Assistant and writing peer tutor, Zach’s leadership and support have made a lasting impact on his peers and Cate.

SOPHIA CRUZ

Sophia dove headfirst into life at Cate and is now graduating as a multi-faceted scholar. Known for her Senate emails, she didn’t just write messages – she crafted comedic masterpieces that had us laughing while getting things done. The perfect mix of wit, brilliant organization, and the right touch of humor and emojis to keep us engaged yet informed. Sophia’s leadership shone brightly at Cate, especially in her role in leading the Los Niños trip, where she guided her peers through an experience that highlighted the culture and traditions of Mexicali. Whether cracking jokes, solving problems, or leading with vigor, Sophia’s work ethic, intellect, and stint in the musical always impressed. She is a remarkable blend of brains, drive, and joy.

MAX DEVORE

Max leads with humility and grace. His scholarship is as steady and diligent as is his friendship. Max projects a high degree of competence and confidence without a hint of presumption or ego. Perceptive, creative, smart – Max moves smoothly and swiftly through each day, taking care of business, himself, and his dear friends. Max is deeply embedded in our community, and he cares about the people he encounters, as demonstrated by his dedication to public service and his role as 9th Grade Teaching Assistant. And Max is funny! Quick with a well-timed, observant remark, listen close or you might miss the moment. His wit is matched by his tenacity in the athletic arena, sharp focus behind his camera, and quiet intensity in the classroom.

ZYLA DHILLON Honors

Zyla is a true whirlwind of talent, heart, and brilliance who has left an unforgettable imprint on the Cate community. As a '25 House Prefect, she was more than a leader – she was a beacon of inspiration, always lifting others up with her thoughtful, inclusive approach. Her work with the Desi Student Union and Women of Color at Cate Club built our community up and made everyone feel seen. Zyla’s academic excellence in English, History, and Biology showcases her sharp intellect, but it’s her creativity that truly sets her apart. Whether painting, dominating on the soccer field, or brightening the room with her humor, Zyla’s energy is magnetic. Known for her zen-like spirit, kindness, wit, and passion, Zyla is a force to be reckoned with and a truly inspiring individual.

SANAI NICOLE EDWARDS

With warmth, humor, and a deep sense of purpose, Sanai has brought people together and lifted spirits across the Mesa during her time here. As a Prefect for our newest students, she led with heart and laughter, creating space for connection and belonging from day one. A proud and powerful Black Student Union and Women’s Forum Head, she has guided and supported Black students and female-identifying students with strength and care. She keeps us informed, engaged, and always smiling – thanks to her key role in the weekly school communication The Week Ahead. And whether she’s cheering on a teammate as captain of the varsity basketball team or showing up for a friend, Sanai’s loyalty and presence are unwavering. She doesn’t just build community, she empowers it.

SIENNA CHARVEL ENTHOVEN

A charismatic connector with the heart of a camp counselor, Sienna pitches in wherever she is needed. She’s a Teaching Assistant who helps our youngest students understand what it means to live in community. Fluent in three languages, she connects with people through language and culture on and off this campus. Sienna’s Mexican identity is important to her, and she shows up by leading our Mixed Student Union. She’s also known for her no-nonsense work and efficiency in and out of the classroom, including the two varsity sports she plays. Sienna understands what really moves people – food! – and she chairs the Food Committee that has helped our dining staff keep this community happy and well-fed. She is a community builder in every sense of the word.

ALEXANDER I ESPINOZA

Constantly probing and exploring, Alex dives into more rabbit holes than Alice ever did. An asker of every question and seeker of every answer, his curiosity catalyzes his desire to understand whatever captures his attention. Whether he’s spending hours route-reading a boulder problem, unpacking what he calls the “hypnotic” lyrics of Isaiah Rashad, or reviewing the latest niche film on his Letterbox, Alex is captivated by complexity. If there’s a box, he’ll break it – then explain to anyone who will listen exactly how to solve the problem. In his pursuit to clarify the intricate, he uncovers pieces of himself, becoming more understood with each discovery. This is what makes Alex, Alex – and we’re all better for witnessing his fearless, thoughtful approach to life’s layered quandaries.

ZOË FLINT Honors

Zoë is exceptional. Curious, ambitious, and self-assured, Zoë’s contributions in the classroom consistently elevates the level of discourse around her. As a campus leader, Zoë guides her semmies with compassion and creativity, helping Cate become a more inclusive space for all. A standout soccer player, Zoë is as graceful as she is gritty on the field. As a woman of color, Zoë approaches conversations about identity with courage, clarity, and care, with insights that are as principled as they are powerful. Her sense of humor, empathy, and authentic confidence are examples we can all learn from. Most importantly, Zoë finds joy in the small moments like evenings spent on Parsonage Lawn with her closest friends. This is what we will miss about her the most.

NICHOLAS ALEXANDER FORRY

Honors

Nic is all business. Be it on the soccer field or in the classroom, Nic pursues excellence with grit, tenacity, and passion. Athletically, Nic’s leadership and skill helped lead the Rams to new heights this season, as the soccer team ascended to the Division 1 quarterfinals. Facing some of the best players Southern California has to offer, Nic never backed down. Nic brings that same fire to the classroom, where he is always up for a healthy debate. When he’s not leading on the field, Nic is a major part of campus life, serving as a member of the Residential and Student Life Committee as well as a Teaching Assistant in our Human Development program. Nic’s ability to lead by example will be missed on the Mesa.

JOHNNY FOSTER

Johnny, a dynamic force, seamlessly blends creativity and athletics into his life’s tapestry. He passionately captures the essence of surfing through film, showcasing not just the sport but the camaraderie of his friends as they ride the Dawn Patrol waves. Additionally, he inspires others to showcase their filmmaking talents by spearheading Cate’s annual Film Festival. On the sports field, Johnny’s leadership shines as captain of both the football and lacrosse teams. With dogged determination, he has proven to be one of the best tacklers in the program’s history. Johnny’s adventures, whether behind the camera, editing clips for the video yearbook, or competing on the field, inspire those around him to embrace their passions wholeheartedly.

BROOKE SYDNEY FRIEDMAN

Perhaps what is most distinguishable about Brooke is her grit. She approaches challenges with mindful intention and calculated analysis. Whether a ceramics project, a creative design project for the Performing Arts department, or providing hemming services for her dorm mates before a school dance, Brooke’s preparation and execution often result in meaningful connection and makes the lives of those around her better. Establishing herself as a respected thinker in the classroom, our most accomplished ceramic artist, a skilled outdoorswoman, and a trusted companion, we are so proud of the trajectory of success that Brooke has been on during her time at Cate. In addition to the many ceramics pieces adorning our offices, Brooke leaves behind a lasting legacy of companionship we won’t soon forget.

JACOB ELTON GABBAY

Jacob’s signature warmth makes him beloved by students and faculty alike. Humble, deeply insightful, kind, energetic, and enthusiastic, Jacob has a deep love of the Chinese language and helps others develop appreciation for it too as a peer tutor. Jacob does not stress over the small things; instead he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. While basketball is his first love, he has been a leader in every sport he has played. This was certainly due to his skill, but also his lighthearted leadership. As a Teaching Assistant, he served as a mentor, demonstrating the spirit of Servons through both word and action.

DAISY ALDYN GEMBERLING

High Honors

Daisy has an intellectual curiosity about the world that fuels her inquiry. Her interests span the spectrum from humanities, to sciences, the arts and the outdoors, and she loves finding connections between topics in ways that stem from her out-of-the-box thinking. With a natural ability to navigate people and personalities and bring them together with support, she makes those around her feel invested and want to work toward the same common goal and common good. We know her as a tremendous student, community service leader, musician, and artist. Most importantly, she models the depth of human empathy and intellectual integrity we want to see in the world and brings those around her to do the same.

ETHAN L. GIBSON

Ethan came to Cate ready for something different. From serving as an Inclusion Representative to leading the Black Student Union, Ethan has been an engaged member of the Cate community. On the court, Ethan earned his role on the varsity basketball team, where coaches recognized and nurtured his leadership. While there are many things that Ethan ventured into while at Cate, learning ceramics and Japanese have probably had the most profound impact. So much so that he wrote a beautiful college essay about how the two have shaped him. As Ethan leaves the Mesa, we are excited to see how he continues to shape himself like he does his pottery into someone who is authentic, unique, and one-of-a-kind.

ZACHARY BAILEY GOINS

If you’ve ever been greeted by a classic Zachary Goins smile, you know what it means to feel truly seen. Zachary is someone who effortlessly connects across grades and groups, making everyone feel at home. As a founding member – and later, Senior Prefect – of Cook House East Lower Level (CHLL), he helped create a space rooted in belonging and allyship. Whether organizing the campus-wide Elimination Game, or lighting up the stage and bringing down the house, Zachary brings care to all he does. His solo work is unforgettable, but perhaps even more powerful has been his quiet, steady growth as a leader. Zachary is compassionate, creative, and truly invested in his community. Cate is better for having had him. If all the world’s a stage – we’ve been lucky to watch Zachary shine.

MARCO ANTONIO GOMEZ

At the heart of every great community are individuals who truly care about the people and the place – Marco lives that daily. From his bright, contagious smile to the energy he brings to every conversation, Marco represents what it means to be a Cate student. He has brought that passion to his work with the Green Team and the Environmental Club, using that platform to ensure Cate is pushing for a sustainable future for all. That same enthusiasm was displayed weekly during Public Service Nights, offering companionship to members of the greater Santa Barbara community. Marco has shown true character, the type that Cate looks to send off into the world. He is a thoughtful young man who cares deeply for the people and places around him.

KYLEE GREENE

With a peaceful presence, Kylee moves within our community like water through a river – you may not always hear it, but it is there, constantly moving with force and purpose. She has been impactful on our Student Communications Committee, helping to organize weekly emails to our community. As a Teaching Assistant in our 10th grade seminar classes, she uses her serene presence to show care and compassion to each one of her semmies. Showing up is half the battle, and Kylee has proven that being there can make a significant impact on the lives of those around her. The world needs more thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient leaders. And much like that continuous river flow, moving toward something greater, Kylee has us covered.

MIA CAROLINE GROENINGER

Finding balance between showing up for others and honoring one’s own needs is no small feat, but Mia could teach a master class in this endeavor. The word “can’t” doesn’t exist in her vocabulary. Her editorial vision shapes El Batidor, the school paper, underclassmen praise her nonjudgmental guidance in the Writing Lab, and her teachers and peers alike describe her as kind, authentic, and hardworking. Off campus and behind the scenes, she’s worked to reform the juvenile justice system in Santa Barbara while balancing close ties with friends and family outside of our community. Mia is one of the most impressive people we’ve known, and we’re all better for having her in our lives.

LUCY JANE GUILBERT-NEAL

Lucy has been a beacon of energy and integrity through her time at Cate. Arriving as an experienced hockey player, Lucy quickly threw herself into the new opportunities available to her in Southern California, distinguishing herself as a water polo player, lacrosse captain, and multi-talented outdoors person. She also invested deeply in our residential life and journalism programs, leading terrific years in Parsonage dorm and El Batidor. Lucy exemplifies the spirit of inquiry, adventure, and collaboration that makes a Cate education special, and she’s made each space she’s been a part of more friendly, exciting, and fun. We hope that her senior superlative, “most likely to work at Cate,” turns out to be true!

LUCAS HUINER

Lucas brings energy, leadership, and a thoughtful presence to everything he does. Early on, he juggled Cate’s demanding schedule with highly competitive club soccer, showing remarkable discipline and earning recognition for his dedication. During his last years at Cate, Lucas chose to focus more fully on the Cate community – becoming soccer team captain, excelling in advanced coursework, and leading the School’s student-run Blue Ewe marketing group with creativity and enthusiasm. Lucas shines when he can connect learning to real-world applications, and he approaches every opportunity with curiosity and heart. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or with his peers, Lucas lifts those around him and sets a tone of integrity and purpose.

NICO HUINER

Nico Huiner practices his convictions daily. He looks for kindness everywhere he goes and in everyone he meets. Love and service motivate him and Nico’s melodious voice fuels us everytime we get to hear him perform. As a lead vocalist in our a cappella group, No Strings Attached, or in his record-setting streak of Public Service Night volunteer outings, Nico gives his all to each endeavor and leads by example. Warm and witty, unabashedly loyal, and never afraid to set his own bar high, Nico leaves this Mesa a better place. We have no doubt he will continue to embody the spirit of Servons and the beauty of song wherever the future takes him.

PEREGRINE ANNE JAMES Honors

Peri is one of a kind. She is armed with integrity, intelligence, and an extraordinary boldness in both her verbal and artistic expressions, from films, to fingernails, to galleries. She can flip a simple conversation into something meaningful – and leave you thinking long after. She brings bold ideas, sharp insight, creativity, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does, and honestly, makes everyone here want to speak French! A little lab time with her, and they can. A quiet leader with a fierce sense of purpose, she lifts up those around her, challenges the status quo, and never backs down from asking the big questions. Independent, brilliant, hilarious, and deeply caring, Peri has made Cate better just by being uniquely herself.

SAMANTHA JIMENEZ

Sam is our hype woman! On stage leading assembly, in the dorm serving as Head Prefect, and as captain of her athletic teams, Sam is skilled at bringing us together. Whether tenaciously encouraging friends on the field and in the gym, or showing quiet, tender care for her neighbors in Bothin, people come first to Sam. She cares deeply, and beams when good things happen for other people. Sam is sharp, and genuinely funny, but most of all loves to laugh with the people around her, and bring joy through her perceptive musings. As much as she is moved by the happiness and brilliance of others, Sam’s hustle, energy, and beautiful spirit inspire us all, and she does it all in her own signature Sam way.

JEEYOU JUNG

High Honors

Jeeyou is an exceptional student whose achievements at Cate reflect her deep engagement and purpose. Modest and cheerful, she rarely highlights her impressive accomplishments, yet her academic excellence is undeniable, earning top grades in challenging courses and several academic awards. Driven by a passion for learning, she pursued additional coursework, selfprepared for independent study, and completed a science fair project that won first place in Santa Barbara County. Outside of academics, Jeeyou connects deeply with her Korean roots, performing Korean rap at International Convocation and supporting education efforts in Cambodia and Korea. Her humility, relentless pursuit of excellence, and genuine curiosity make Jeeyou a truly remarkable individual who continually pushes the limits of what’s possible.

HENRY THOMAS KOEPP

Henry is at once a philosophical thinker, skilled writer, and talented performer. His teachers have called him incredibly curious, sharp-witted, and intellectually fun. At Cate, Henry thrived on the stage as a comedic actor and innovative director. He played clarinet in the orchestra, studied classical piano, and picked up electric guitar. His passion for writing and music led him to write a newspaper column for the East Hampton Star called “Worth Another Spin.” Henry reads philosophy for fun and has taken summer courses in areas like Humanitarian Law, ‘Literature, Philosophy and Culture’ and Medical Ethics. While Henry’s talents and quick wit will be missed here on the Mesa, his future audiences, readers, and collaborators are looking forward to meeting this incredible mind.

NICHOLAS KOH High Honors

There’s a reason Nick was mentioned in nearly every Servons speech this year. He is a glue kid, connecting students across grades and interests. While math and science are his strong suits, he works to find a broader impact with his studies. As a head of our Environmental Club, Nick worked to reduce the use of plastic water bottles on campus. He dedicates much of his time to video editing, knowing that a good story well told can change everything. When Nick ran out of high school athletic eligibility, he turned his passion for soccer into service to Cate’s historically successful boys team. Connecting, innovating, adapting, Nick lives his life like a roadmap for success in an ever-changing world.

PETER CHARLES LEHMAN

Peter is the kind of person who turns every community he enters into a home. Joyful, loyal, and steadfast, Peter creates spaces where everyone feels connected. In the classroom, he is dependable and prepared. On the baseball field, he’s a powerhouse player and an inspirational leader, always putting the team and its needs above his own. But what truly sets Peter apart is his heart. His moral compass consistently points him in the right direction, and he has a quiet, distinctly Peter way of lifting others up and spreading joy and laughter. As he sets sail toward the blue ocean ahead, we have no doubt he’ll steer the ship with the same unwavering dedication, kindness, and joy that he brought to life on the Mesa.

ELÍAS LIESER

In the quiet of the Jack Ballard '15 Recording Studio, surrounded by dials and monitors, Elías does his finest work – often alone, always exceptional. As Cate’s first-ever student manager of the space, Elías brought both discipline and vision, transforming the studio into a professional-grade hub of creativity. With extraordinary skill and humility, he composes, mixes, mentors, and leads. Though he may be Cate’s finest musician, few would know – Elías prefers purpose over praise. Raised in a coastal town in Maine, he brings a deep sense of place and responsibility to everything he does, from writing and club leadership to outdoor stewardship. His genius is quiet, his presence steady, and his legacy enduring.

JOSHUA TAYLOR LUDVIKSEN

Honors

Josh is reliable, balanced, and quietly brilliant. His approach to life is like a well-crafted proof: thoughtful and deeply logical. On the ultimate frisbee field, he reads the angles like a seasoned strategist; on the track, every stride is intentional. In the classroom, his ability to problemsolve under pressure is matched only by his joy in sharing knowledge – an integral part of his advisory matrix. Give him the aux on a road trip, and you’ll be treated to a playlist as eclectic and insightful as he is. Josh is a still river that runs deep – curious, kind, and wise beyond his years. Watching him grow into a leader and friend has been the most rewarding sum of our shared time together.

CODY MAST

Cody is a whole-hearted young man who looks you straight in the eye, leads with kindness and authenticity, works hard in class and on the field, and influences other people to do and be better. He has served joyfully as a Public Service Night head and, as the captain of the football and lacrosse teams, he has shown younger players what it means to compete with integrity, sportsmanship, and love for the game. Cody’s impact on our community has been significant; he has allowed our impact on him to be significant, and we together have grown so much. Cate students, athletes, and faculty have benefited from Cody’s scholarship, commitment, companionship, and service, and we are so proud to send him off into the world.

KATE MCCOY

Kate’s photography rewards the careful viewer with a moment of pay-off, an instant of “oh, right – that!” Her life at Cate yields similar rewards to those who watch closely. Spend time at Public Service Night with Kate, and you’ll see her engage with honest compassion. Go into the outdoors with her, and you’ll see Kate working tirelessly to make people feel safe when they’re way out of their comfort zones. Watch her in the pool, and you’ll see a fierce and merciless competitor, but hang around a little longer and you’ll see her do rounds in '25 House, making sure that younger teammates know they’re part of something bigger. Like great art, Kate reveals more depth and meaning the longer you pay attention.

ELI MEISEL

Eli is a connector. He connects with people, makes connections among ideas, and creates the kind of connective tissue that allows communities to flourish and groups to get things done. You see it in the way he completes crisp passes and makes plays come together on the soccer field, or uses the keyboard to allow a rock band or a jazz ensemble to find its groove, or connects concepts from math and physics and history, or collaborates with his peers in the classroom. Eli is the kid everyone wants on their team, in their class, in their band, in their group – he always does more than his share, always does it with humility and grace, and he makes everyone around him better.

JAILYN MEJIA

Since Jailyn’s arrival at Cate, it’s been clear that her quietness isn’t rooted in fear or shyness. Quite the opposite – she carries a deep, inspiring inner strength. Jailyn knows exactly what she wants, and her vision – both short and long-term – is as clear as a bell. Since she was little, she has aspired to be a doctor to help others – a goal she pursues with clarity, compassion, and quiet determination. She envisions a future in which she provides both care and comfort to underserved communities, using her trilingual skills to educate, empower, and advocate for patients who deserve not only medical attention but also dignity and understanding. Her vision is not only admirable – it is urgent. And she carries it with purpose and grace.

GRANT MITCHELL

High Honors

Conscientious, talented, and focused, Grant matches stellar academics and musical talents with generous intention. His goal is to make both his community and the world a better place. Grant operates at a level of dedicated intensity. He never misses an opportunity to grow from feedback. A rare student who finds beauty and elegance in math, Grant is an impactful peer tutor, inspiring others at every turn. Teachers call Grant a most reliable participant, no matter the subject. He has continued to surprise and delight his peers with his talents on stage, his hustle in the gym and on the field, and his whimsical conversation topics. Most importantly, Grant will be remembered at Cate as a loyal friend. We are lucky to have watched him grow.

VALERIE MADRIZ MONTERO

Valerie embodies a beautiful blend of strength, resilience, and grace, with her nurturing spirit while standing at the forefront of persistence and empowerment. She has embraced the art of storytelling, weaving vivid imagery and compelling narratives that captivate her audience. Her enthusiastic participation in Public Service Nights, lights up the room and fosters a sense of hope and support for those in need, and her leadership as head of Hispanic Latino Alliance sheds light on the numerous contributions of the Latino community. Valerie’s commitment to sharing knowledge as the lead Japanese tutor also inspires her peers to embrace her love of the language and the culture. Valerie’s kindred spirit is the cornerstone of her being, bringing joy and motivation to many on the Mesa.

NATHAN NEWLOVE

The joyful pursuit of learning reverberates in every endeavor Nate embarks upon. Be it in his love of writing or his study of politics, math, and language, Nate finds connections that tether him to life’s complexities and to the people behind the stories and equations. Nate’s dynamic and animated approach to life has manifested on our Mesa through his leadership as Prefect, his athletic commitment as a three-time CIF championship winner, and as a friend to all. Nate has grown up bearing witness to the magic of this place, and may ‘the spirit of this place’ continue inspiring Nate, as he has inspired us, in the years to come.

MACK WILLIAM NIEMAN

Mack is the quintessential scholar athlete. His academic record shows his commitment to excellence in the classroom; his work on the fields and volleyball court underscores his tenacity; his role as a school prefect has allowed him to shine as a leader; and his creativity in the ceramics studio has inspired countless peers. Mack’s commitment to Cate’s entire program was clear when he deliberately postponed his shoulder surgery for after Outings Week one year, ensuring that he would be able to join his classmates for the week instead of getting a head-start on his rehab. Mack has taken advantage of every program at Cate, and he has done so with a generous smile and an appreciation for joy.

SOPHIA STEEN OSPINA

A fierce competitor from the day she arrived at Cate, Sophia attacks life, school, and sport with impressive tenacity. Quite simply, Sophia will outwork nearly everyone. A vocal contributor to any class, teachers want Sophia in their group. On the basketball courts and lacrosse fields of the Mesa, coaches want Sophia on their team. Her unique blend of competitive drive and intelligence is tempered only by her loyalty and love for family and friends. Beneath her tough exterior is a kind and compassionate person, one that every community aspires to have. Luckily at Cate, we have had her for four years, and we have all benefited greatly by sharing in her presence.

MADELEINE PATRICK

High Honors

Multifaceted Maddie is known on our Mesa as both artist and engineer. Her artwork provides a clear indication of planning and progression while leaving space for creativity. Her contributions in the classroom demonstrate her brilliance through Maddie’s distinctive writing and deep levels of understanding in our highest math and science courses at Cate. Get to know the next layer, and you learn of her downhill skiing prowess and her passion for Formula 1 racing. One may appreciate the speed at which Maddie is constantly calculating the world around her. Thoughtful, interesting, and smart, the Cate community will look forward to learning of the drawings, projects, and companies Maddie will ultimately choose to create.

AVERY POLYNICE

When Avery sets her mind to something, nothing can stand in her way. A diligent student, her determination transcends excellence and brings forth an unflappable drive that is as inspiring as it is gritty. As a friend, Avery’s authentic, warm, and quiet companionship makes her essential to any community. Her wit is sharp and her presence is always a source of light and joy. She never seeks the spotlight, and instead lifts others up and celebrates their growth. She finds deep meaning in service – to others, to her community, and to the ambitious endeavors she consistently strives for. Her resilience, tenacity, and thoughtful kindness have been a gift to this community, leaving a mark that will be felt long after she departs the Mesa.

QUINN PULLEN

A kind and supportive friend, a hard-working student, and a driven and highly skilled athlete, Quinn was an already impressive young man when he arrived at Cate and has taken full advantage of his time on the Mesa. Quinn chose Cate because he wanted to be more challenged in and outside of the classroom, and he has continued to grow as an intellectual, athlete, and person. Quinn elevates the curiosity and engagement of every classroom. His aggressive play on the baseball diamond consistently caught the attention of his competitors and coaches and earned their respect. Quinn’s positive disposition, willingness to help whenever needed, and relentless perseverance will be remembered by his teachers and peers for decades to come.

ETHAN CARL REHNBORG

Ethan is known for his deep integrity, work ethic, and especially his unwavering care for all others: faculty, staff, students, and even the campus critters. Whether being a fierce competitor and encouraging teammate on the athletic field, tackling advanced coursework with deep curiosity, or mentoring his semmies, he shows up fully – with grace, gratitude, and a quiet strength that inspires those around him. Ethan leads with heart and humility, using his voice to uplift, challenge harmful norms, and build an inclusive community. He’s the first to ask, “How can I help?” and the last to take credit. Resilient, values-driven, and deeply admired, Ethan’s impact at Cate is lasting and profound.

DAVID STOW SAIMASINA RISSEL

Davey is the perfect combination of an avocado (tough on the outside, soft on the inside) and a kiwi fruit (tart with an undeniable sweetness), and like these coveted items, he is an international denizen who moves across borders without losing any sense of himself in the process. As happy on the rugby pitch as he is in an American football huddle, Davey knows how to make friends wherever he goes. We will miss his laugh and treasure his loyalty as he leaves us for his next adventure.

STELLA RAY ROGERS

Stella came to Cate and quietly left her mark in just about all areas of life on the Mesa. She is a kind, loyal friend, diligent, dedicated student, a beautiful singer, a breathtaking swimmer, committed public servant, a strong athlete, and a servant leader. Her many talents have found ways to touch and impact our entire community. Her integrity and determination have earned impressive results inside and outside the classroom. Her cheerful disposition and relentless work ethic quickly earned her the respect of her peers and teachers. Stella is a humble young lady who is driven to succeed equally as much as she is driven to support and give back to the people and the community around her. Stella never ceases to amaze us, and despite all that she has accomplished, Stella has much more to share with the world.

COLBY MAPANAO ROOF

Gregarious, confident, and genuine, Colby has discovered what inspires him and has grown into a scholar and a leader at Cate. Driven by a nascent interest in data science, finance, economics, and world affairs, Colby was a leader in Cate’s Model United Nations program, helped to establish the Data Science Club, and asserted his ideas in the senior elective courses where he found his voice. Colby’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he inspires his peers whether on the field, on trips in the outdoors, in the recording studio, or at a Model United Nations conference. His affable nature and loyalty make Colby a valued friend and a beloved member of the community.

OLUWAJOBA SAMUEL SAMSON

Oluwajoba, a name meaning “God is King” in Yoruba, has been a guiding force in our spirited community. In the vibrant tapestry of life at Cate, Joba stands out as a remarkable figure, seamlessly weaving the rich threads of his Nigerian ancestry into a legacy of resilience, community, and warmth. As student body president, he radiates charisma, authenticity, and an effervescent spirit that infuses our School with renewed energy. The lively moniker of ROBA (Riley, the Vice President, and Joba’s administration) reverberates through our halls, capturing the excitement of his vision. Whether delivering one-liners in a theatrical performance or swimming the anchor leg of a relay race, Oluwajoba – a beacon of light from his ancestors – has truly blessed our Mesa.

MARCUS SCUDDER

Marcus shapes his own destiny. Whether he is leading the basketball team through the toughest situations, diving into Japanese culture out of sheer passion, or just hanging out in Long House with boys who once stood in his shoes, this young man lives by the lessons he’s learned through experience. Marcus has embraced the process of growth. When there are five seconds on the clock, Marcus is the one taking the last shot – make or miss, the responsibility is his alone, just the way he prefers it. Through both successes and challenges, Marcus has learned to walk with his chin up – a humble confidence rooted in knowing he’s driven to always do his best. Marcus has shown us – again and again – that he is the one who determines his fate.

YANGCHEN LHAMU SHERPA

Honors

A kind and supportive friend, a hard-working student, and a highly engaged community member, Yangchen takes full advantage of her time on the Mesa. She continues to grow as a student, dancer, singer, and person. As a leader in the classroom, she elevates the curiosity and depth of classroom discussions. Her engagement outside the classroom spans sports, dance, theater, clubs, and choir. Her positive disposition and relentless work ethic quickly earned her the respect of her peers and teachers. Yangchen is a natural servant leader, drawn to help others while being a reliable and consistently positive role model. In her time on the Mesa, Yangchen has matured into a confident, caring, and selfless member of the Cate community.

CHRISTOPHER SOTO

When Chris speaks, people listen. Chris’s economic use of public speaking makes his classroom and community contributions carry more weight. As a Prefect in Lido and as a captain on the ultimate frisbee team, Chris has helped lead his peers in various avenues. His impact on people was clear to see on Senior Night for the boy’s basketball team when Chris left his post as team manager and suited up in the final contest. Every time Chris touched the ball, the crowd erupted. Thoughtful, kind, dutiful, and approachable, Chris attacks everything he does, and puts his best effort into it. We will miss Chris’s steady leadership, quiet confidence, and bright smile.

ZADIN ALEXANDER STEPHENS

Honors

Zadin is a brilliant, creative, and fun young man who matured and ultimately found his path here on the Mesa. As a senior, Zadin has embraced his responsibilities and found success by putting himself out there and seeking opportunities to lead and more deeply impact the community. Zadin’s drive and ability to respond to feedback were impressive and primarily responsible for his growth and maturity in all areas of his life. He has always been a good student who takes pride in his work. He is an excellent team player who exceeds expectations based on curiosity and interest.

PHINEAS STEPHENSON

Phin gives 100% to everything he does. Whether it’s a math problem, a swim race, a chore, or a friendship, he’s all in, and always with a smile. In swimming, Phin is a school record holder, a league champion and a CIF finalist, and he got there through hard work and attention to detail – every stroke has been analyzed, every turn rehearsed, every ounce of effort calibrated for optimal performance. His tremendous focus on the task at hand has likewise allowed him to achieve at the highest levels in the classroom, especially in mathematics, where he has joyfully charged through our most challenging courses. Above all, Phin stands out for his kindness, his loyalty, and his good-natured and unselfish readiness to pitch in, and to lead.

HARRY SU

Highest Honors

Harry is almost too good to be true, but he’s undeniably real. He draws people in with warmth, authenticity, and quiet consistency. He values substance over flash, and his choices reflect a deep commitment to excellence and integrity – whether in academics, sports, or leadership. He doesn’t focus on being one of our most gifted STEM students or a published researcher. Instead, through his work with the Asian Student Union, the Disciplinary Committee, and organizing a service trip to Peru, Harry shows us that his true priority is making meaningful contributions to others. We have no doubt Harry will continue to build genuine connections and help others find their own way to make the world not just better, but good.

FRANCESCA VIVIEN SOK YIN SUTCH

High Honors

Francesca embodies the spirit of Servons with energy, style, and dedication. Academically driven, she prioritizes her studies with determination, always striving for excellence. As one of the heads of Public Service Night, she took charge, ensuring everything ran smoothly while inspiring others to participate. Fashion and art follow closely behind in her heart, where her creativity and flair shine. Whether tailoring an outfit or tackling an advanced art project, Francesca’s keen eye and dedication make her a standout. Her vibrant personality, impactful leadership, and academic commitment will leave an indelible mark on both her peers and the wider community.

RILEY VALENTE

Riley does everything with passion and zeal. His energy is contagious. Whether on the football field or the stage, he gives every ounce of his being to the task before him. Riley does not shy away from struggle, but he jumps right in. As Vice President, his primary goal was to bring joy to his fellow students. He certainly did that with his daily readings from the Kindness Jar. He believes in tradition, school spirit, and commitment.

ANNEKE NELLIE VAN LYNDE Honors

Ani is relentless in her pursuit of excellence. Although excellence for Ani is not what is dictated to her; rather, she defines it with a responsibility to others, a reverence for learning, and a quest to make the world a better place. Ani’s grades demonstrate her command of and commitment to academics, the arts, and the opportunities available to her. It is in her co-curricular activities, including community engagement, that Ani shines. A strong advocate for bringing mental wellness to the forefront, Ani is a leader in this endeavor. Insightful, altruistic, compassionate, and patient, Ani will be an asset to any community she joins.

QUINN COHEN VANASCO

Quinn has incredible range. Whether it’s around the Harkness table or in the High House common room, he brings authenticity, passion, and empathy to every discussion and relationship. As a musical scholar, Quinn has sung, arranged, taught, and conducted Camerata and he pioneered our Advanced Vocal Music program. We have marveled at the richness of Quinn’s voice: his ability to blend beautifully in No Strings Attached and to soar from the depths of the underworld as Orpheus in Hadestown. All his life, Quinn has been writing a song. It’s not finished. But we know Quinn will continue to use his tremendous talents and his whole heart to bring the world into tune.

ZIYU WANG

Highest Honors

Alison’s magic is conveyed in her distinct sense of self. So long as she has her cup of coffee, Alison forges a path through any obstacle, offering this place – and its people – a lesson we all stand to learn from: look in the mirror and see yourself, stand in your light unabashedly, and then forge your own reality. Through her intentionality, we have witnessed the limitless bounds of her brilliance, her humble but fierce work ethic, and sense of humor that leaves you questioning, “Wait, is she telling me something about myself?” Wit, intelligence, and awareness are hard qualities to possess, and in Alison, we see all three. How lucky we’ve been.

TJ WEIR

Few people bleed blue and white quite like TJ. Although he arrived as a new sophomore, if you ask any member of our community, they would swear they have stories of TJ doing something great from a long time ago. TJ’s legacy may be that he has tried nearly every sport in high school while excelling in soccer. It may be that he has lived each day on the Mesa with contagious enthusiasm. It could be his time cheering for others with the Blue Crew, or even the ducks currently hanging out in Cook House West. For us, TJ’s legacy will be rooted in his joy of living and learning in this community and his willingness to share that with everyone he encounters.

LILLIAN SPERRY WHELAN

Honors

Lilli has boldly followed a path of academic pursuit, artistic exploration, outdoor adventuring, and mentorship of younger students. On a particularly difficult hike on the 9th grade trip to Pyles Camp, Lilli noticed a struggling student, and without a word, took it upon herself to support her on the long trek up the mountain. Lilli did so subtly, through conversation and positive reinforcement, without calling any attention to the situation. Her passion for inclusion, worldliness, and even bee-keeping are a fraction of her contributions as a student leader. A varsity athlete, Teaching Assistant, Round Square leader, and lively addition to any crowd, Lilli has taken countless opportunities at Cate and has given back double.

BENJAMIN WHITE

Ben makes spaces better, brighter, and more interesting. He’s just fun to be around, quick witted, quirky, self-effacing, and open-minded. In the pool, Ben’s a bullet who has made huge contributions to the Cate swim program, including a school record in the 400 Relay. His integrity, drive, and kindness earned him a captain spot on the swim team, and a place on a college swim team for next year. Outside the pool, the discipline that Ben dedicates to being great in the water translates into the classroom where his drive, spirit, and collaborative bent help him connect with others. He brings people into conversations to wrestle with ideas, and he’s made our community brighter and more interesting in the process.

CLASS OF 2025 MATRICULATION

American University (2)

Amherst College

Arizona State University

Barnard College (3)

Bates College (3)

Beloit College

Boston College

Boston University

Carleton College

Carnegie Mellon University (3)

Claremont McKenna College

Colby College

Columbia University (2)

Dartmouth College

Davidson College

Duke University

Emory University

Georgetown University (2)

Glendale Community College

Harvard University

Loyola Marymount University (2)

New York University

Northeastern University (4)

Northwestern University

Pitzer College

Southern Methodist University

Stanford University (3)

Suffolk University

Temple University

The George Washington University (2)

The University of Chicago (2)

United States Naval Academy

University of California, Berkeley (5)

University of California, Irvine

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of Colorado, Boulder (2)

University of Michigan

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania (2)

University of Puget Sound

University of Southern California

University of St Andrews

University of Texas at Austin

University of Toronto

University of Virginia

University of Washington

Washington University in St Louis (2)

Wesleyan University

Yale University

Faculty Awards

The Stephen Spittler '63 Cup

DR. NICOLE SINTETOS

English Department Chair

Presented by Sam Jimenez '25 and Peter Lehman '25

Each year, The Stephen Spittler Cup, named for Stephen Spittler from the Class of 1963, is awarded to a faculty member whose endeavors on the Mesa push their students to challenge themselves in and out of the classroom, who inspire those around them to hold themselves to the highest standard, and who brings joy and laughter to all of those around them.

The ideals that are represented by this award are found in every single faculty member on this campus. Each

of you is cherished and admired for your contributions and dedication to this place we call home. However, this year, the Class of 2025 has chosen to recognize one faculty member whose devotion to this campus and to their students is unmatched, and whom we as students can hope to embody in our future positions of leadership.

This faculty member is known for her expansive wisdom and deep care for both the girls in her dorm and every student she comes across. Whether it’s spreading

this wisdom while giving advice in the Schoolhouse common room, or through her thoughtful lesson planning, she never fails to challenge both her students and herself.

Nicole Sintetos, although fairly new to our campus, has become an outstanding role model for students and faculty alike. The Class of 2025 has been privileged to witness the beginning of your wonderful career at Cate School and we know that you will continue to make the Mesa a lively place. You understand that all students are different and you meet them where they are. In the process, you form bonds that students will remember forever.

Your deep passion for learning, coupled with your dedication to those around you is a trait the Class of 2025 can only hope to emulate as we depart from the Mesa. The revival of the Golden Box Writing competition brought a resurgence of creative storytelling and analytical craftsmanship. According to your competition rubric, entries should be “engaged, original, focused, and passionate”. Words that emulate your character perfectly.

Completing her PhD at Brown while simultaneously enriching young minds, there is nothing you can’t do. Your spirit will continue to be a cherished part of what it means to be a member of our community. Thank you for all that you do, Nicole Sintetos.

You have immersed yourself in every aspect of Cate life, and as a result, the campus is a better and brighter place. We are all lucky to have the privilege of calling you our teacher, advisor, coach, and friend. Your steadfast commitment to those around you has never gone unnoticed. Therefore, it is our honor, and the Class of 2025’s privilege, to present you, Nicole Sintetos, with the Stephen Spittler Cup.

The W. Burleigh Pattee Fellowship

CHRISTINA WEIR Director of Cate’s Academic Support Services

The W. Burleigh Pattee Fellowship was established by friends of Mr. Patee to honor outstanding teaching at Cate. A student at Cate and the parent of an alumnus, Mr. Pattee served as a Cate trustee for 28 years. Known widely for his good sense and frugal lifestyle, Mr. Pattee was a stickler for value. At the Burlingame Country Club outside of San Francisco, where Mr. Pattee was a member, the caddy fees were, in Mr. Pattee’s mind, completely intolerable. To avoid the expense, Mr. Pattee built a small trailer that he could strap to his faithful Labrador retriever. The dog dutifully followed his master over the course, clubs in tow, requiring only a biscuit or two in the way of a tip. There were, however, things that Mr. Pattee was quite willing to pay for, and good teaching is at the top of the list.

Today, we are proud to honor Christina Weir for her exceptional service to our students and school community. Christina’s impact is both profound and farreaching, felt in moments large and small—from the powerful reflections shared during Servons Speeches to the quiet affirmations tucked into the Kindness Jar. What sets Christina apart is not only her thoughtful and student-centered academic support and guidance, but the way she meets students with unwavering kindness, calm, and care. She helps them thrive not just academically, but as people. She sees their potential, meets them where they are, and gently guides them forward—building confidence and resilience along the way.

Her influence often happens behind the scenes, in the unheralded moments that build a culture of trust and belonging. Yet students consistently speak of the deep value they find in her presence and her steady support. Thank you, Christina, for all that you give and grow. Congratulations.

The Centennial Fellowship

GABRIEL DI GENNARO, Director of Vocal Music

The Centennial Fellowship Award, was conceived to honor thoughtful, purposeful, and innovative classroom teaching. Focused directly on pedagogy and practice, this award seeks to recognize an educator whose work this year has demonstrably advanced his or her own teaching skills, course design, and lesson planning and in so doing impacted productively the learning of his or her students. This particular fellowship comes with a $2500 stipend.

We are thrilled to honor Gabriel for his innovative leadership of our Chorus and Chorale program and his profound impact as a teacher, mentor, and community builder. A meticulous and passionate vocal director, Gabriel devotes countless hours helping students, regardless of experience, to literally and metaphorically find their voice.

His approach to choral music is inclusive and educational. Gabriel thoughtfully curates a repertoire that spans a wide range of cultures and traditions, and he ensures students engage with the full depth of the music by bringing in language and cultural experts to teach diction, context, and meaning. His commitment to honoring the origins of each piece fosters not just musical excellence but also empathy, curiosity, and cultural understanding.

As musical director of the spring musical, Gabriel has a unique gift for drawing out the strengths of every performer, shaping a true ensemble where each student shines in harmony with others. He brings the same care and attentiveness to his role as Dorm Head of Long House, guiding 9th grade boys through a critical year of growth.

Gabriel’s impact is inspiring, and we proudly celebrate him.

The Circumspice Fellowship

JOSÉ MOLINA, Mathematics Instructor

The Circumspice Fellowship was designed to acknowledge the multiplicity of endeavors in which Cate faculty members are involved. This award recognizes excellence in teaching in the broadest application of that role, encompassing all we do at Cate, all that happens in the classroom, in the dormitories, on the stage or athletic fields, and in broad-based engagements with the community. This is an honor built on the actualization and exemplary achievement by a faculty member of the very same diverse commitments we ask our students to make.

We are proud to present the Circumspice Fellowship to José Molina, whose work exemplifies the rich, multidimensional role of a Cate educator. José lives the mission we ask of our students: to commit fully—in the classroom, on the field, in the dorm, and in community.

In his teaching, José brings both depth and warmth. A champion of Problem-Based Learning, he trusts the process and, in turn, earns the trust of his students. His pedagogy is rigorous, but always human—balanced by steady encouragement, genuine care, and the occasional well-placed dad joke. The result is a classroom environment where students feel both challenged and supported, and where learning thrives. On the soccer field, he is not just a coach but a mentor, earning the deep respect and affection of his players. In the broader life of the School, José is the colleague who quietly steps up, driving students to debate or music events at the last minute, filling in where needed, and always modeling calm, capable leadership. José Molina embodies the spirit of the Circumspice Fellowship: a teacher, coach, dorm parent, and citizen whose excellence is not confined to a single space but is evident in every corner of our community.

Faculty Recognition

The Cate community honors the dedication and impact of two longtime and beloved members of the faculty and staff, Jeff Barton and Esteban Samaguey.

Jeff’s 42 years as a teacher and coach and Esteban’s steadfast contributions as

a member of our facilities team for 38 years reflect our motto of Servons in the purest form. Their presence has shaped the Mesa in ways that we will remember for generations to come.

Years of Service

We also celebrate the current faculty and staff who marked milestone anniversaries this year; thank you for your continued service that strengthens and inspires our community each day.

Jeff Barton Esteban Samaguey

Bryan Rodriguez Alicia Hammond Tim Smith

Renee Mack

Alumni News

By Jake Kim, Alumni Director

This spring, Cate welcomed back alumna and painter Jean Pettigrew Whelan '86 to teach Advanced Art. “Having taught high school through graduate school, these Cate art students were among the most sophisticated makers and thinkers I have encountered. I began my time with the students by presenting a slideshow of my work and sharing inspiration and influences. I shared a series of ‘plein air’ paintings I had made at The Cowhouse Studios, a residency in Wexford, Ireland. I brought those paintings and drawings back to my studio in San Francisco, where I made new paintings based on them. Modeled after my experience, I asked the students to choose an artwork they had made and, using it as inspiration, to create a new piece. I worked alongside the students in the art loft as they conceptualized and brought their latest work to completion. I love that the students had ample time to dream and think, and that Joy Doyle, Visual Art Department Chair, was an incredible resource when they needed guidance or ideas. Whitney Abbott '90 joined us for the final critiques. The students presented paintings, films, photography, ceramics, and textiles. I look forward to following these students’ careers and working with more Cate students in the future!”

Born in Palo Alto, Jean has lived, worked, and exhibited her art around the globe, though California has always remained home. After graduating from Cate, she earned a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design and later received her MFA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute. Jean had a solo show opening in June at Sarah Shepard Gallery in California.

JEAN PETTIGREW WHELAN '86

Cannon Michael '90 has been recognized for his leadership in sustainable agriculture, receiving the Los Banos Leopold Conservation Award for his dedication to water conservation, soil health, and habitat restoration. As president of Bowles Farming Company, he oversees 11,200 acres in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where he has implemented precision agriculture, cover cropping, and rigorous sustainability certifications across a diverse range of crops, including tomatoes, corn, herbs, almonds, and cotton.

Cannon’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond the farm. He has championed wetland restoration, dedicating 650 acres to migratory bird habitats and establishing hedgerows for pollinators. Cannon has also integrated solar energy, composted green waste, and reduced pesticide use to protect raptors. Beyond his operations, he plays a key role in shaping agricultural and water policy, fostering collaboration among farmers, conservationists, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges.

Cannon’s leadership continues a legacy that spans more than 160 years. Since Henry Miller began farming the land in 1858, the Bowles and Lawrence families have upheld a tradition of responsible agriculture. Miller’s early efforts to protect Tule elk from extinction laid the foundation for a deep-rooted ethos of sustainability and conservation values that Cannon carries forward today. With a vision for resilience and innovation, Bowles Farming Company remains a model of sustainable agriculture under Cannon’s leadership. He ensures this historic farm thrives for generations through strategic partnerships and forwardthinking practices.

Trevor Wallace '09 has built a dynamic career in archaeology and documentary filmmaking. He uses his work to educate and inspire audiences around the world. One of his most ambitious undertakings is the Menorca Shipwreck Project, a multi-year archaeological expedition focused on excavating ancient shipwrecks off the coast of Menorca, dating from 300 to 2,000 years old.

In addition to his archaeological work, Trevor is also involved in documentary film production. His projects include Among Thieves, a feature film nearing completion that explores the illicit trade in stolen archaeological artifacts. It will be screened in Bern, Switzerland, this November. Another film, Son of Labrador, follows Adventure Canada expedition leader Jason Edmunds as he journeys through the striking landscapes of Labrador and the High Arctic. Signs of Life, filmed in Nunavut, documents a songwriting workshop that brings together local high school students and elders. Trevor is also behind Sisters of the Sea, which showcases sea turtle conservation efforts in the Darién Gap through the work of the Leatherback Project, a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles and promoting the rights of nature.

TREVOR WALLACE '09

CANNON MICHAEL '90

Gracie Gates '11 and her husband, Ryan Dobosh, plan to open a second location of Little King in the Post Montecito in June 2025. Gracie honed her expertise at acclaimed Austin restaurants like Emmer & Rye and Launderette, eventually becoming the Food & Beverage Director at The Carpenter Hotel. After nearly six years in Texas, she returned to the Central Coast in 2020 to help open Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos as its General Manager. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Ryan appreciated hospitality while working at Uchi, The Walrus & The Carpenter, and the Michelin-starred Bell’s. He and Gracie have spent nearly a decade running fine-dining restaurants in Texas and California.

Gracie writes: “Little King was born out of a love for coffee and community. My husband, Ryan Dobosh, and I spent years working in fine dining, and we wanted to take our love of hospitality and infuse great service into the everyday lives of our neighbors. We aim for our spaces to be filled with people enjoying a cookie with their 4-year-old, meeting their next-door neighbor, or playing a weekly chess game. Ryan infamously made our wifi password “nozoommeetings” not to discourage guests from working in our spaces but to encourage in-person connection. It will not always be the quietest coffee shop on the block; Little King is a place to enjoy each other’s company. Inspired by my time at Cate, I have spent my life fostering and building community. There is no better group of people to appreciate how we try to welcome guests into our spaces. Enjoy some coffee and say hello. I am also dreaming up a Muffet’s Tuffets Affogato, which you can convince me to bring to life! Go Rams!”

Nathan Martin '17 has always been an artist at heart. From his early days at Cate, honing his craft in the ceramics studio, his passion for creativity has taken him worldwide. Today, he serves as the Sculpture Technician at Pomona College, overseeing the woodshop and metal shop while guiding students in their artistic pursuits.

Nathan’s journey has been anything but conventional. Though initially studying computer science, he later gravitated toward geology and archaeology, deepening his fascination with materials and craftsmanship. This passion led him across continents—spending months in India, Japan, and the Philippines—where he immersed himself in ancient pottery techniques, metal casting, and 3D printing. An invitation from Shuta Kobayashi '14 sparked his trip to the Philippines.

Nathan’s experimental approach to sculpture pushes boundaries. For a senior project that defied expectations, he superheated copper to 2,000 degrees, creating a massive 30-pound crystal that impressed even his professors. His work seamlessly blends innovation and tradition, from casting bronze to designing performance-driven ceramic pieces.

Beyond the studio, Nathan is a natural entrepreneur. While working at an art supply store, he launched a successful jewelry business, first selling at local markets before expanding online. His creativity extends beyond his work— he’s passionate about building community, whether through hosting collaborative workshops or inspiring curiosity in students. Nathan’s career is a testament to following passion over convention. Whether shaping clay, casting metal, or experimenting with new materials, he proves that art isn’t just about creation—it’s about discovery.

GRACIE GATES '11

NATHAN MARTIN '17

In Memoriam

James Haston Stoessel '45

OCTOBER 11, 1927 – OCTOBER 29, 2024

James (Jim) Haston Stoessel passed away at the age of 97 on October 29, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Born in Springfield, Mass., in 1927 and raised in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jim pursued education at Cate, Claremont Men’s College, and The Wharton School, and later earned a master’s degree in Financial Services from American College. He enjoyed a 66-year marriage with his beloved wife, Deborah, with whom he raised five children. His career spanned insurance and estate planning, concluding as a Planned Giving Officer at Northeastern University. Jim was known for his leadership, generosity, and active involvement in church life. He was a faithful, active, and long-standing member at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord, Mass., serving as a lay reader in educational programs and forums. He was also a skilled photographer, a lover of music and skiing, and a passionate historian, often sharing local lore. Jim was a parent of a former Cate student, Andrew J. Stoessel '73, and an active school supporter. He generously gave to the Cate Fund for 42 years and the Campaign for the Nineties. Jim was a member of the Cate Legacy Society.

William G. Irving '51

APRIL 13, 1933 - FEBRUARY 19, 2024

William “Bill” G. Irving passed away at his home in San Gabriel, Calif., on February 19, 2024, at the age of 90. Born in 1933 and raised in Pasadena, Calif., he spent his formative years working on his father’s Paso Robles ranch, where he developed a love for ranching and the outdoors. Bill attended Cate and developed lifelong meaningful friendships, especially with Robert Douglas '51. On the Mesa, he enjoyed all sports, especially baseball, and was introduced to surfing, which became a passion and joy. He attended Stanford University and later served as a U.S. Navy officer on a destroyer in the South Pacific.

Bill married Sally Ryons and began a career as a stockbroker before eventually working for Los Angeles County. After retiring at 60, he pursued his passion for the outdoors by starting his own excavation business and restoring vintage fire trucks for parades. Bill will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and hands-on nature. Bill was a committed supporter of Cate, attending various reunions and donating to the School for more than 20 years.

John Edward Free '52

MARCH 28, 1934FEBRUARY 20, 2025

John Edward Free passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2025, with his beloved wife, Helen, by his side. Born in Chicago, Ill. in 1934, he spent his early years exploring nature and playing baseball in Barrington, Ill., before moving to Malibu, Calif., in 1953. He left Stanford to volunteer for the draft, serving in the U.S. Army first as a private at Fort Ord and later as a platoon sergeant at Fort Lewis. A lover of history for its human stories, John carried this interest into a successful real estate and investment career, where his gift for listening set him apart. Later in life, he pursued thrills, racing cars and motorcycles. John’s life was rich with service and travel. He served on numerous boards, received awards, and gave generously to his community. He was a loyal supporter and volunteer at Cate. He donated to Cate’s annual fund for 19 years after graduating from the School. Known for his kindness, humility, and wisdom, John was a thoughtful listener, a devoted husband, and a gentle soul who made everyone feel heard.

Launce Edwin Gamble '55

APRIL 11, 1936 - FEBRUARY 9, 2025

Launce Edwin Gamble of Napa, Calif., passed away at his San Francisco home on February 9, 2025, just shy of his 89th birthday. Born in Palo Alto, Calif. in 1936, he was raised in Woodside and educated at Cate, where he played on the baseball team and won the batting cup. His brother, George Gamble '56, was also a student at Cate. Launce attended Choate School and later Stanford and UC Davis, where he completed a farming economics program. After college, he and his brother managed the family’s ranches and the Knoxville Mine. Launce married Joan Law in 1962, and they settled in San Francisco, where he built a career as an investor and established a family office. He remained deeply involved in his communities, serving on school and library boards and advocating for agricultural preservation in Napa County. Launce was an active member of several clubs, including the Bohemian Club, where he found joy in both mentoring and being mentored. He cherished time with family, his many dogs and horses, and the rhythms of rural life. He will be remembered for his deep commitment to education, mentorship, and community. Launce was very fond of Cate and supported the annual fund for many years.

Gordon Price '60

JULY 10, 1942 - APRIL 9, 2025

Gordon “Guado” Price passed away on April 9, 2025, at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in California, he attended Cate, as did his brother, Courtney Price '68. He went on to Colorado College, where he met his beloved wife of 57 years, Marta. Gordon was known for his love of golf, fishing, pheasant hunting, reading, and crossword puzzles. He had wide-ranging knowledge and practical skills, which he eagerly passed on to his children. A lifelong entrepreneur, Gordon found particular pride in co-founding the Bank at Broadmoor with his business partner Blakemore McCarty, though he remained modest about his achievements. He was a kind and generous man, deeply committed to giving back through community service and quiet acts of philanthropy. Gordon was a committed supporter of Cate. He donated to the Cate Fund for 48 years, provided a generous gift to the Class of 1960 Fund in honor of his 50th Class Reunion, and named a classroom in the new Inquiry Collaborative that opened in 2024. Gordon’s life was rooted in meaningful relationships, intellectual curiosity, and a quiet strength that impacted all who knew him.

Stephen R. Onderdonk '61

JANUARY 25, 1944 - OCTOBER 29, 2024

Stephen R. Onderdonk, retired CEO of Econolite Control Products, Inc. and longtime California Institute of Technology Trustee, passed away on October 29, 2024. Born in Evanston, Ill., on January 25, 1944, Stephen attended Cate as did his brother J. Lawrence Onderdonk '59. Stephen earned his degree from UC Berkeley in 1965 and his MBA from USC’s Graduate School of Business Administration in 1967. He then served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971, as a mine countermeasures officer in Vietnam, and for two years as a mining officer with Commander Mine Forces Pacific Fleet, Long Beach Naval Station. He began a successful business career in real estate and banking before co-purchasing Econolite in 1978, transforming it into the country’s leading traffic control equipment manufacturer. Stephen owned and managed a working cow-calf ranch in Central California and served as an advisor to the animal science department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He was also president of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. He served on the boards or as an officer of numerous organizations, including the UC Berkeley Foundation, Polytechnic School, Flintridge Preparatory School, Chandler School, and the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization.

Dr. Warren Conrad Breidenbach III '64

JUNE 21, 1946 - JANUARY 22, 2025

Dr. Warren Conrad Breidenbach III, a visionary in reconstructive surgery and a founding pioneer of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA), passed away on January 22, 2025. Born into a distinguished family of physicians in San Francisco, Calif., he earned his MD from the University of Calgary and trained in plastic surgery and microsurgery at top institutions. Over his decades-long career, he mentored hundreds of fellows and led the team that performed the first successful hand transplant in the United States in 1999. This was a landmark achievement that redefined the field. He later helped expand VCA to include other groundbreaking transplants. He served in leadership roles for major professional societies, including the American Society for Reconstructive Transplantation (ASRT) and the International Society for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (ISVCA). Warren continued his work at the University of Arizona and the University of Texas, San Antonio, in his later career. Though he had dementia in his final years, he remained active and deeply connected to his family, who remember his enduring enjoyment of life and profound legacy in medicine. Warren was a strong supporter of the School. In 2001, he established the Breidenbach Family Fund in memory of his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Warren Breidenbach. The fund’s purpose was to support Cate’s faculty since attending the School was one of the most significant experiences of his life. Dr. Warren was a member of Cate’s Mesa Association.

Memories of Bill Taverner '46

FEBRUARY 5, 1928 -

By Benjamin D. Williams IV, Former Head of School

I met Bill Taverner in June of 1998. The Class of '48 was celebrating their 50th reunion at Camp Cate that year, and though my tenure as Head of School wouldn’t begin for a few more weeks, Ginger and I were happy to join the celebration. So was Bill Taverner, who, though not a member of the class, seemed to have been adopted by them. He arrived with his wife, Jane, to join other iconic Cate luminaries like Nelson '48 and Mimi Jones, Jim '48 and Barbee Crutcher, Ernie '47 and Gay Bryant, and George Barrett '45 at the Mesa House reunion dinner.

There is an uncanny camaraderie around schoolmates who have known each other for more than five decades, which reveals itself not simply in care and fellowship but in humor. In Bill’s case, there were endless stories from his compatriots about his exploits on the athletic field. He was an extraordinary athlete even into his eighties. It was not unusual, in fact, to find Bill running laps on the Mesa whenever he found occasion to visit. As a high school competitor in the early 1940’s he was – according to those who were there with him – quick, elusive, and virtually unstoppable.

Of course, to keep things in balance amidst such praise, there were a few stories about the occasional classroom gaffe – Bill would never claim the Scholarship Cup, he was fond of saying – but even in those moments, Bill’s grace was apparent. His staccato laugh reverberated through every gathering he attended, evidence not simply of his good humor but of his affection for life and the people with whom he shared it.

Nowhere was that more apparent than when Jane fell ill some years later, and Bill devoted himself fully to her care. He was unflappable in his commitments, a loving husband, a gentle caregiver, and a devoted partner. For two and a half decades, Ginger and I relished Bill’s invigorating company, his penchant

for storytelling, and his unending good cheer. When moods were darkest, time with Bill Taverner would lighten them.

When he stopped by the Mesa, aside from his great company, Bill would bring something for us: an article from long ago that Ginger might keep in the archives, a photo of “the old boys” or of him and Jane, a poem he loved, or a story he wrote.

Most recently, as we prepared to leave the Mesa in the Spring of 2023, Bill came to the house with a folder of letters and pictures he had kept throughout our tenure. Some of the pictures contained messages written on the back in Bill’s distinctive handwriting, noting the date, the occasion, and a brief account of why

John Quintard Nichols, Jr. '54

DECEMBER 8, 1935 – APRIL 1, 2025

it was significant. “Mesa House, 1998, when it all began,” was on the back of one particularly faded photo of Ginger and me and the members of the Class of 1948.

Don’t we all have moments that we would like to go back to even for a short while? That would be one of mine, not simply to revel in Bill’s great company but to thank him for welcoming us so generously to the Mesa and for showing with each gracious, warm-hearted gesture what it means to be a great and generous friend. May we all have people like Bill Taverner in our lives. Ginger and I are profoundly grateful that he played such an affirming part in ours.

John “Jock” Nichols, Jr., a beloved fourth-generation La Jollan, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025. Jock was a man of deep roots, faith, and generous spirit. As a young man, Jock spent his summers on the family ranch in Montana, where he developed a lifelong love of ranching and the great outdoors. He graduated from Cate and earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. It was during their college years at Cornell that Jock met the love of his life, Sandra Foote, beginning a marriage that spanned over 58 wonderful years. Jock built a dynamic career in financial services and was the proud proprietor of several restaurants. A devoted St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church member, he served in many roles, including as treasurer. He generously contributed his time and talents to the church community he cherished. Jock was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra and their son William. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Several members of John’s family attended Cate, including John Nichols '31 (father), Dean Nichols '32 (uncle), and JohnNichols '78 (son). John generously supported the School and was a member of the Cate Legacy Society.

2024-25 Cate School Board of Trustees

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

Lisa B. Stanson '92 Chair

Newport Beach, Calif.

J. Wyatt Gruber '93 Chair Emeritus San Francisco, Calif.

Marianne Sprague Vice Chair Santa Barbara, Calif.

Kristen Klingbeil-Weis Treasurer Santa Barbara, Calif.

Sheila Marmon Heuer '90 Secretary Culver City, Calif.

LIFE TRUSTEES

Richard D. Baum '64 Kenwood, Calif.

Dan A. Emmett '99 Santa Monica, Calif

Greg H. Kubicek '74 Vancouver, Wash.

TRUSTEES

Lauren Craig Albrecht '89 Pasadena, Calif.

Calgary Avansino '93 San Francisco, Calif.

Ryan MacDonnell Bracher ’90 Rutherford, Calif.

Geoffrey Bennett New York, N.Y.

Jenny Chang Co-CPO President Hong Kong

Mimi Brown '92 Hong Kong

Daniel J. Cherry III '96 Redondo Beach, Calif.

Lynn Harwell San Francisco, Calif.

Adam S. Horowitz '99 Irvine, Calif.

Athena Jones '94 New York, N.Y.

John Kearney '00 President, Alumni Leadership Council

Ventura, Calif.

Patrick Ko '97 Taipei, Taiwan

Alex Lockett Head of School Carpinteria, Calif.

Casey McCann '97 Santa Barbara, Calif.

Jay P. Melican III '84 Hillsboro, Ore.

Nic Steele Las Vegas, Nev.

Brian Tom

Sylvia Torres-Guillén '84

TRUSTEES

Science Department Chair

Dr. Laura Moore

Carpinteria, Calif.

Rosalind Emmett Nieman '89 Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Berna Nino Co-CPO President Santa Ana, Calif.

Elizabeth Patterson Santa Barbara, Calif.

Gwen Rehnborg Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Edward R. Simpson '86 Los Angeles, Calif.

Jiwon Choi Song '00 San Antonio, Texas

Colette Chang '25 receives her diploma from her mother, Co-CPO President and Trustee Jenny Chang.

CATE SCHOOL

1960 Cate Mesa Road

Carpinteria, CA 93014-5005

Members of the Class of 2025 show off their dorm pride for Cook House East (CHE) before Commencement. Back Row: Alexander Espinoza '25, Jailyn Mejia '25, and Zachary Goins '25. Front Row: Maggie Albrecht '25, Daisy Gemberling '25, and Yangchen Sherpa '25.