THE HERALD
ISSUE NO. 7 // FALL 2024
CELEBRATING
55 YEARS OF ST. JAMES’
Let’s reminisce and celebrate the decades of joy of learning with teachers, students, and alumni in this special edition of The Herald.
Edited
by Jules Leyser & Irish Giron
Making Strides
Dear St. James’ Community,
I’m very excited that my first edition of The Herald as Head of School is dedicated to looking back at St. James’ incredible history. As I look forward to the future, it’s thrilling to see many traditions have endured like the Halloween Mask Parade. Starting with just a handful of students in 1968, to where we are today with just under 400 young learners, demonstrates the strength and passion of our community and extraordinary growth that I plan to continue.
As we head into St. James’ 56th year, I am looking forward to meeting all of our current families as well as many alumni whose graduating classes are included in this edition of the school magazine. I hope you enjoy looking back at the class photos as much as I did while witnessing the changing trends throughout the decades. As a newcomer, it is also a joy to see in these pages the names and faces of people I am still meeting and hearing about. It’s a testament to the bonds of the community I am privileged to call home!
I am grateful to be embarking on this journey as St. James’ Head of School at this time in our community’s history. From its inception under the leadership of Father D’Amico, to Mother Kate Cress’s vision of an inclusive community that feeds and supports our neighbors, the foundations of our school and its impact on the surrounding community speaks to the values of our Episcopal identity.
In this special 55th Anniversary edition of The Herald, you will find a treasure trove of memories that have defined St. James’ character and spirit. I hope you view these archives as not only a highlight of our past, but as an inspiration for our future endeavors together. St. James’ has had an incredible journey up to this point, and where we go from here is most excitingly up to us!
My door is always open and whether you’re a Husky of old or a family who enjoys the benefits of everything St. James’ has to offer today, I hope you’ll stop by and say hello.
Here’s to another 55 years!
Diane Rich Head of School
Pictured to the left
Our new Head of School, Diane Rich.
Brynn Y. and Alma M. get curious in the courtyard
St. James’ Through the Years
1968
Reverend Dr. Samuel D’Amico founded the school as a mission of the church to provide high quality elementary education for parish neighborhood families.
1969–74
A grade level was added each year through 6th grade.
1981
St. James’ moved to St. Andrew’s Place funded by Joseph DeBell, the Ahmanson Foundation and the St. James’ parish.
1984
St. James’ reached capacity at 308 students and was known for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and unpretentious atmosphere.
1995
Reverend Charles “Chuck” Rowins, who became the Head of School in 1982, retired.
1997
Belden’s Market was purchased and razed to create a school playing field.
1998
St. James’ Preschool is established.
2001
An additional building was added and the square footage of the school doubled. The building included a multipurpose hall, library, technology room, science lab, and larger classrooms.
2011
Art room was renovated thanks to the Ahmanson Foundation.
2012
A new preschool building opened its doors on Gramercy Place.
2016
The Believe Campaign was launched, securing $6,000,000 in funding for a complete makeover of every room on the K-6 campus, a new Spanish classroom, and increased administrative space.
2018
50 Year Anniversary of St. James’ Episcopal School.
1968
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Apollo 8 was the first crewed spacecraft to leave low Earth orbit and the first human spaceflight to reach the Moon.
1969–74
The Watergate scandal dominated the news.
The 26th Amendment is ratified, allowing 18-year-olds to vote.
Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.
The first Sony Playstation was released internationally.
The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, California.
The first color photograph appears on the front page of The New York Times.
Google, Inc. is founded in Menlo Park, California. 2001
Attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. 2011
Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton are married in Westminster Abbey.
2012
The Los Angeles Kings win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
2016
Donald Trump wins the U.S. Presidency.
2022
Properties on Wilton Place purchased for school/ church expansion.
2022
Karen Bass becomes the first woman and second Black mayor of Los Angeles.
2018 Apple becomes the first company to reach a value of $1 trillion.
World Events through the Years
In the original St. James’ classroom, the kindergarteners prepare for a musical presentation.
Through the Decades: 1968–1979
Read about alumni, Derek Cotton, and Ms. Kammula’s early days at St. James’.
Pictured to the left
Catching up with Alumni
Derek Cotton, Class of 1976
What does belonging mean to you and how did you find a sense of belonging at St. James’ and after?
I can participate as far as I want, and the institution is open to my participation up to the point where I’m comfortable, right? And that, I think, is belonging. Everybody’s aperture is open to being accepting of your individual beliefs and our beliefs as a collective, and they don’t have to be the same. I think St. James’ always had that.
If you could relive your time at St. James’, what would you do differently?
I would try to be even more involved [such as] in student leadership or things like that. There’s always such a rush to get home and play, but there’s a lot of things that St. James’ offered that, if I had to do it over again, I would have just been more involved.
Favorite lunchtime activity?
We were pretty small so we were basically playing in the backyard of an apartment building—there was a small area where they had swings, [and] then there was a small sandbox, and Tetherball.
Catching up with Staff
Paru Kammula, 1978
The Early Days of St. James’
I heard about St. James’ from a dear friend, Joan Shelley, when I was looking for a school for my son. St. James’ was in its infancy in 1974. Dr. DeBell was the school’s benefactor, and Dr. D’Amico was both the Rector of the church and Head of the school. His wife, Mrs. D’Amico, was the nurse and librarian and staffed the front desk. It was their vision from the start to always have a diverse student population.
Around this time, Dr. D’Amico asked retired teacher Mrs. Werner to be a kindergarten teacher at the new St. James’ School. Mrs. Werner was a member of the St. James’ Church and lived in the apartment building on Gramercy Place owned by the church.
When Mrs. Werner started, there were only three students in her class, and one student dropped out. My son’s class was the last class to have one class of each grade level. By the time my daughter was ready for Kindergarten, St. James’ added an afternoon kindergarten session. The children in the morning session could stay for the afternoon session and have a nap and play after school for no extra charge. It was a deal I could not pass up.
Mrs. Werner and I became good friends. She was like my American mom. At the end of the school year, on the very last day of school, Mrs. Werner asked me to be her assistant for the following school year. I told her that I could not work with little children. She refused to take “no” for an answer. She told me to go upstairs and talk to Dr. D’Amico; I flatly refused. She insisted, stood at the foot of the stairs, and encouraged me to go up to Dr. D’Amico’s office. I went upstairs very slowly, walked into his office, and said, “Mrs. Werner wants me to be her assistant.” He said, “OK.”
And that was it. I went home for the summer and never gave it another thought.
I was at home preparing to send my children back to school in the fall when the phone rang; it was Mrs. D’Amico. She said that I was to report for work the next day. I was not ready for this at all. I showed up at school with the kids in tow and stayed on for forty years. I enjoyed working with Mrs. Werner and learned a great deal from her. In 1983, my husband encouraged me to attend school to become a teacher so I returned to get my master’s and the California Credential.
In the meantime, construction started on St. Andrews Place for the new campus. As the school was expanding and the present school was under construction, some classes were held in the Presbyterian church on Third and Western, and fourth and fifth grades were in a trailer on the current playground. Specialty teachers traveled back and forth to the satellite locations. Close to 6th street, where we have lunch tables now, there were three stores. At the north end of the playground, there was a grocery store, a dry cleaner, and a liquor store. The school acquired the properties and extended the playground.
Dr. D’Amico took care of the church business in the morning and came to school in the afternoon, while Mrs. D’Amico made sure everything was in order at the school. Later, Dr. D’Amico was full time headmaster. After a few years, the D’Amico’s moved to New York, and Fr. Rowins became the next head of school.
[This] is such a happy place. The children can grow up in a safe environment. St. James’ impact is extraordinary – just look at our alums.
I was still working as Mrs. Werner’s assistant when she was getting ready to retire for the second time. Fr. Rowins offered me the kindergarten position, and I took on Karen Novak as my new partner. A year or two later, Mrs. Vermette joined me as my assistant. We made a great team and had a wonderful time in Kindergarten. My next partner was Sally Macklin. She was a fun-loving and energetic person. Then came along Lynette Byrd. She was a bubbly person, always ready for an adventure. Next, Delores Sanchez, who had been working with me for several years, was appointed as the kindergarten teacher. Finally, Peggy Duff (Vodrey) came along. She was with us till her retirement.
I carried on all the traditions Mrs. Werner had started with all of my partners, and each one embraced them.
All the children made the paper mache pigs and put on the annual Kinder Circus. It was an exciting time of the year. All the grades pitched in and were involved in decorating the playground. Everyone in the school helped to make it a success. There was the Ring Master, the animal trainer with children in animal costumes, ballerinas, a snake charmer, a knife swallower, mermaids, hula hoopers and clowns, of course.
Later on, I introduced the Fashion Show (Career Day now).
The Fifth Graders each were assigned a kindergarten student,
and they had to write a description of their little friend’s costume and present as the kindergartner walked down the runway. When I moved to teaching first grade, I had the children make paper mache hats, and the kids loved having the hat parade. These events created a lot of camaraderie throughout the school.
When First-grade teacher Cathy Corso relocated, I moved to First Grade and left kindergarten in Mrs. Vermette’s capable hands. In the meantime, the sixth-grade teacher retired, and Fr. Rowins hired our wonderful Mrs. Dummett as the sixth grade teacher. When I moved to First Grade, my partner was Mrs. Sandy Towner. She relocated then came along Mrs. Sugarman who was there for a time. Finally came along the lively Mrs. Leonard.
St. James’ is such a happy place. The children can grow up in a safe environment. St. James’ impact is extraordinary – just look at our alums. From the front desk to the playground personnel, we respect each other, and the camaraderie among the teachers is genuine. I was very fortunate to meet and work with such professional people, and I learned from each and every one of them.
It has been a home away from home for me. I wish St. James’ the very best and hope it will be around for many future generations.
Graduating Classes 1968–1979
See what the 1980s were like for alumni Ginny Blasgen and former staff Fr. Rowins and Nancy Vermette.
Pictured to the left St. James’ students enjoying the play structure in 1988.
Catching up with Alumni
Ginny Blasgen, Class of 1988
What is your most enduring memory of your time at St. James’?
My most enduring memory of my time at St. James’ has to be the kindness and love shown by my fellow students and Mrs. Corso.
When I was in first grade, I was bitten on the face by a dog and everyone wrote get well notes, which I still have! Throughout my time at St. James’, at no time was I ever teased or made fun of. The kids were always good to me and I have many wonderful memories of my friends. The students and teachers of St. James’ always supported me. The school really teaches its students to treat others how you’d like to be treated.
What is the biggest lesson you learned during your time at St. James’ and how did it shape who you are today?
My biggest lesson learned during my time at St. James’ is how to truly treat others with love and respect. I love St. James’ and all the wonderful memories of my years there.
I am a kinder, more accepting person because of my experience at this school.
What does belonging mean to you and how did you find a sense of belonging at St. James’ and after?
Belonging means being treated fairly by others, no matter your race, gender, social status, etc. I wish St. James’ continued through Middle and High School so that I could have continued going to school with my St. James’ friends. Starting at a new, much larger school was difficult but the lessons I learned at St. James’ stayed with me.
Catching up with Staff
Fr. Charles “Chuck” Rowins, 1982
Fifty-five years. A very good run. Lots of great students, staff, alums and sponsoring parish. Lots of admirable growth and achievement, in all sorts of ways.
Suzanne and I look back at our time at St. James’ School and its sponsoring parish with gratitude. A day doesn’t go by without a wonderful memory of some sort—arrival and dismissal at curbside, weekly chapel, religion classes, faculty meetings, choir practice and Sunday services, special events on the playground, alumni gatherings—including baptisms and marriages and farewells—parish staff meetings, social events with faculty and staff and parents, and, yes, successful accreditation visits.
We adults gave a lot and received a lot more. We were blessed with bright and eager students, supportive parents, remarkable colleagues, alumni who did well at various middle and high schools and universities, and a proud parish. We remain grateful for our time at St. James’ and continue to value the friendships fostered through a clear vision and hard-work.
Congratulations to those holding the current reins. Continued good wishes to all, and continued thanks for the opportunity to be part of the St. James’ Community, albeit from some distance. We wish the whole school community well on this special occasion. Yes, fifty-five years. A very good run, with many more years to come. Go Huskies!
Chuck and Suzanne Rowins
Catching up with Staff
Nancy Vermette
A Few St. James’ Memories from a Kindergarten Teacher
I started at St. James’ School in 1988, and little did I know that it would be the start of a 32 year journey with some of the best times of my life. My hire date was exactly 20 years after the founding of SJS in l968, an auspicious year for me.
I simply loved being with kindergarteners for so many years. They were young, eager, perhaps shy or outgoing, talkative or very quiet, all while being their very authentic little selves. Each September was a new beginning so while it may have seemed repetitious to some people, teaching in kindergarten remained fresh and new for me. I may have been teaching the same basic academic concepts each year, but when the “aha moment” lit up a little person’s eyes, it made my heart sing every time. Even now, after all these years, these memories make me smile. Kindergarteners grow and mature in so many ways in just one short year.
I have been an avid maker and sewer for many years, and I had an idea to make a kindergarten quilt to donate to the Spring Gala. It would incorporate something representing each student in our class, and I would only ever make one version of that quilt, never to be reproduced exactly the same way. I continued this donation every year that I taught and enjoyed that challenge of changing it up a bit each time. I did hear that some of the auction bidding would be very competitive! As an end-of-the-year thank you gift for my room parent(s), I would use their kindergartener’s photo and design from the quilt and incorporate it into a pillow.
The St. James’ faculty was the best! We supported each other, collaborated and shared with each other throughout the school year. I have always enjoyed making fun food and feeding friends, so why not make a yearly January igloo cheese
ball with olive penguins to lift the spirits of my wonderful colleagues? Teachers or staff would begin asking me about it in December but I did tell them that the annual penguin migration was only in late January. There was often a race (staff members actually ran through the hallways) to get to the
faculty room before everything was devoured! Once I made the mistake of emailing the staff/faculty before I set up and people came rushing in before I was even ready.
The Around the World all-school event in the spring was introduced as a way for students to learn about different cultures through essays, displays, art, and more. Alice Kuramoto and I collaborated to teach Japanese folk dances to our two classes – a bit similar to Western line dancing but with Japanese music/dancing in large concentric circles! So much fun! During the early summer months, the local Japanese
Buddhist temples teach the “Obon” dances for that year to any and all who want to learn, and on that temple’s scheduled weekend, large crowds come out to “dance with joy” to remember our family members who are no longer with us. Think of it as the Japanese version of Dia de Los Muertos.
People who have worked at St. James’ for a long time sometimes talk about the “Big Four.” I do not remember the exact year or context of the first mention of the term, but I recall that the faculty was together in St. James’ Hall for a meeting and Robin Snyder, the business manager at the time, mentioned the “Big Four”. No one knew what that meant. I looked around and I counted: 1. Head of School; 2. Assistant Head of School; 3. Business Manager. Well, that only came to three people. Who was the fourth? Robin then continued to name the Big Four whom I list in order of seniority: Paru Kammula, Ruby Dummett, myself, and Peggy Vodrey (who may have been Peggy Duff back then.) The four of us collectively accounted for a large number of years of service. Everyone roared with laughter and the term stuck for quite a while!
I may have been teaching the same basic academic concepts each year, but when the “aha moment” lit up a little person’s eyes, it made my heart sing every time.
Graduating Classes
1980–1989
Through the Decades: 1990–1999
Find out what it’s like to be an alumni parent, and catch up with current teacher, Rob Krueger.
Pictured to the left
The St. James’ community comes together for a game of tug of war at Field Day.
Catching up with Alumni
Elizabeth Fain LaBombard, Class of 1992
Are there any traditions or events that you remember fondly?
The yearly Christmas pageant was a wonderful memory. It was fun when everyone came together as a community and it’s been so amazing experiencing it now as a parent.
How has St. James’ changed since you graduated?
At its core, St. James’ hasn’t changed. It’s still the supportive community of children, teachers and parents that it was years ago. Many other schools like to use the term “strong community” as part of their branding. St. James’ has always been that.
Are there any specific teachers at St. James’ who had a lasting affect on you?
So many of them. I have a particular memory of Mrs. Cobean, my second grade teacher. Our class had a book report assignment where we each had to read our report in front of the entire class. I was very shy at the time and terrified to stand up and read it in front of everyone.
I avoided turning it in on the Friday that it was due. On the following Monday, I explained the situation to Mrs. Cobean. Instead of faulting me for turning it in late or telling me that I didn’t have to recite it, she encouraged me and stood next to me and held my hand while I recited it in front of the class.
It turned out to be such a positive experience for me.
Catching up with Staff
Rob Krueger, 1996
Roles throughout the years:
Lead Teacher, 2nd Grade
Lead Teacher, 5th Grade, for 20 years
Servant Leadership
Currently: Lead Teacher, 5th Grade
Over the years, I’ve treasured all the relationships with my colleagues and the connections I’ve made with families. There have been a few families, some with 4 kids, where I’ve been lucky enough to see all their kids start at the preschool and matriculate from St. James’.
Graduating Classes 1990–1999
Through the Decades: 2000–2009
See what the turn of the millennium was like for alumni, Enzo De Palma, and reminisce with some of our current teachers about their early days at St. James’.
Pictured to the left St. James’ families gather in the yard for a commons.
Catching up with Alumni
Enzo De Palma, Class of 2008
What is the biggest lesson you learned during your time at St. James’ and how did it shape who you are today?
Open mindedness, compassion and respect. As an Episcopalian School, I don’t think anyone could blame you for being very focused on that [particular] denomination, but we learned about all sorts of religions. We learned Spanish, and about all these different cultures that I think religious specific schools don’t often necessarily do. I think that brought this level of open mindedness and love and respect for all these other cultures that I take with me everywhere.
What is your most enduring memory of your time at St. James’?
Oh man, it’s hard to pick one! Being Chinese, I remember the Chinese New Year celebrations every year. My mom would come and bring in the family Lionhead we had to give us a little Chinese lesson. We’d give out candy and other things like that.
What does belonging mean to you and how did you find a sense of belonging at St. James’ and after?
To me, belonging is about feeling like your differences are respected— that you’re accepted as your whole self. That’s really something I felt at St. James’ especially. It’s certainly something that’s pretty unique to St. James’.
Catching up with Long Serving Staff
Kelli Chau, 2004
Roles throughout the years:
Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Vermette, Kindergarten
Assistant Teacher to Mr. Dar, 2nd Grade
Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Laffen, 2nd Grade
Assistant Teacher to Mr. Sae-Low, 3rd Grade
Currently: Lead Teacher, Kindergarten
St. James’ is like a home away from home. I grew up here and have spent more than half of my life here; there is a sense of family. My son, Nate, is the new generation. The Class of 2024 that just graduated was my first class at St. James’ as a lead teacher in Kindergarten.
Catching up with Long Serving Staff
Maritza Jimenez, 2003 Brian Duggan, 2005 Alice Kuramoto, 2004
Roles throughout the years:
Half-time in the Admission Office,
half-time in the Advancement Office
Business Office
Currently: Human Resources Manager
When I think about St. James’, I think about all the traditions that have been kept over the years.
For example, Mrs. Vermette would make this edible igloo made out of cheesecake and penguins from little black olives every January. All the staffulty, including myself, looked forward to it every year.
We would wait for the email from Mrs. Vermette saying, “The penguins are marching…the penguins are here.”
Roles throughout the years:
Director of the Summer Program
Chair of the Around the World Program
Coordinator, Calendar and Logistics
Currently: Lead Teacher, 4th Grade
The staffulty collegiality, and the wonderful children and families, has remained the same throughout all my years at St. James’.
Mei-Ling Leonard, 2005
Roles throughout the years:
Lead Teacher, 1st Grade, 16 years
Math Strategist
Dean of Students and Belonging
Currently: Assistant Head for Early Child Education
I love that St. James’ has that feeling of a small community where we’re all like family. We all value that Episcopal identity and value each other.
One of my favorite memories of St. James’ is being on campus with both of my sons; coming here together as a family made me feel so special. I would come out of my classroom and see both of my sons being joyful around the school.
Roles throughout the years:
Mrs. Kuramoto has been a Leader Teacher, 3rd Grade for her tenure at St. James’
The thing that makes St. James’ unique is the diversity of students, staffulty, and the entire St. James’ community.
Catching up with Long Serving Staff
Byron Zapata, 2003
Roles throughout the years:
Part-time Afterschool Playground Supervisor
Teaching Assistant to Mr. Wilson, 2nd Grade
Teaching Assistant to Mr. Duggan, 4th Grade
Teaching Assistant to Mrs. Yu, Science
Community Security Manager
Manager of Children Safety and Security
Director of Plant Operations
Health and Safety Coordinator
Currently: Lead Playground Supervisor
The one thing that has remained the same at St. James’ throughout the years is the camaraderie of the staff and the commitment that we all have to the school.
Graduating Classes 2000–2009
Through the Decades: 2010–2019
Read about Santiago Kelly’s favorite memories, traditons and events from his time at St. James’.
Pictured to the left Preschoolers celebrate the opening of the new Gramercy Place campus
Catching up with Alumni
Santiago Kelly, Class of 2016
Are there any traditions or events that you remember fondly?
One of my favorite days of the year at St. James’ was Around-the-World Day. An amazing and memorable aspect of this day was the incredible selection of snacks and cuisines from countries and cultures from all across the globe – which was not only delicious, but also a fun and interesting way to learn about the cultural backgrounds of your schoolmates and families. Throughout my years at the school, I learned the most about the history and culture of those around me.
What memories do you cherish the most from your time at St. James’?
Many of my fondest childhood memories were made during Recess and Lunch on the St. James’ playground. Reflecting back, these were the moments where I learned how to make friends and how to create meaningful and respectful relationships with people across all grades. Moreover, these were times of pure innocence and laughter that are simply not replicable after childhood – and so just being able to think back on those times always puts a smile on my face.
What Middle, High School, and University (if applicable) did you attend, and what did you study?
Harvard-Westlake Middle & High School, Harvard University (studying ‘History & Science + Art, Film, and Visual Studies’)
What advice would you give to current students to make the most of their time at St. James’?
My advice to current students would be the following: try new things, and commit to what you love. What made my time at St. James’ the most rewarding, in my opinion, was my involvement in many different academic and extracurricular activities and events because this exposed me to a variety of experiences that would ultimately inform my academic and/or professional career path.
Graduating Classes 2010–2013
2009–2010
2010–2011 2012–2013
Graduating Classes
2014–2016
Read what advice recent alum, Jaden Park, has for current St. James’ students.
Pictured to the left Melody C. and Theo J. share a laugh while learning how to use a microscope.
Catching up with Alumni
Jaden Park, Class of 2020
What high school are you attending?
Harvard-Westlake, class of 2026
What memories do you cherish the most from your time at St. James’?
Playing handball and cops and robbers during recess and lunch!
Are there any specific teachers at St. James’ who had a lasting affect on you?
Some of my favorite teachers who left a lasting affect on me
are Mr. Jonathan Dar, Mr. Rob Krueger, Mr. Brian Duggan, Mr. Theppong Sae-low and Ms. Jennifer Cefaly.
Are there any traditions or events that you remember fondly?
I really enjoyed the Coloma trip in 4th grade, where we went gold panning and hiked. It was my first overnight trip ever, and I had the best time. I also loved our annual El Capitan trips. I remember eating Korean BBQ, riding my bike with friends, and having fun at the dance party that my dad was in charge of.
What advice would you give to current students to make the most of their time at St. James’?
Cherish this time as young elementary school students and make lots of friends. Things may get harder after you leave St. James’, but you will always remember the great times you had at this school. The friendships you’ve made will last a lifetime.
Graduating Classes
2020–2024
Walk down memory lane and view photos from past Christmas Pageants, Family Weekends, and more!
Pictured to the left Family weekend tug of war in 1988.
Halloween Mask Parade Christmas Pageant
Handball Family Weekend
Scouts
Meet some of the many Alumni Parents
Augustine Chung (1993), parent to Arthur and Alexander, went to Harvard-Westlake then John Hopkin University and is now a physician. The memories he cherishes are... “Handball; People dressing up on occasions like Mrs. Kammula as the Pope.”
Sarah Hwang (1998), mother to Eleanor and Bennett, went on to Harvard-Westlake and Columbia University, now practices law, marriage and family therapy. A tradition she remembers fondly is...
“The Christmas pageant, because I fell up the steps to the manger as Mary in kindergarten! Also playing in the bell choir as a 6th grader.”
Margaret Lee (1991), mother of Ruby and Hazel, went to Marlborough, Dartmouth, and is currently a veterinarian. As an alumni parent...
“It’s great to see that the warm values and community spirit of St. James’ have remained. I love seeing my children grow up and share a bit of the same experiences and environment that I had as a child.”
Caroline Choe (1992), mother to Melody and Moses, attended Harvard-Westlake, Carnegie Mellon, USC, then UCLA, now works in finance and real estate.
“There is no greater assurance than knowing that St. James’ provides a student-centered academic experience where children are loved and treasured.”
James Lee (1986), father to Lucas, went on to Harvard-Westlake and the University of California, Berkeley, he now works in law and investments. As an alumni parent...
“It is hard to accurately describe the joy and happiness I feel thinking about my child walking the same halls, playing in the same areas and learning in the same classrooms. Most important, however, is knowing that my child loves St. James’.”
Brooke Benjamin (1991), mother of Elijah, went on to Harvard-Westlake and Boston University. She now works in Film & TV publicity. From her time at St. James’ she cherishes...
“Hanging at lunch, Girl Scouts, playing handball and tether ball, rainy days watching movies, how close all us kids and families were, and Sundays when everyone came to church to watch the school choir.”
Karen Hur (1986), mother of Addison, went on to Immaculate Heart and UCLA, and now practices law.
“As an alumni parent, I get the wonderful experience of not only watching my daughter enjoy and thrive in the same supportive community but also get the opportunity to relive and bond through shared experiences.”
Elizabeth Fain-LaBombard (1992), mother to Gloria, went to Marlborough, University of Virginia, and Harvard University and is now a Landscape Architect and Urban Planner. When asked if St. James’ has changed since her time she says,
“At its core, St. James’ hasn’t changed. It’s still the supportive community of children, teachers and parents that it was years ago. Many other schools like to use the term “strong community” as part of their branding. St. James’ has always been that.”
Katie Lowry Chang (1993) mother to Dylan and Emilia, went to HarvardWestlake, Wesleyan University, and Alder Graduate School of Education, and is now an Education Specialist in South LA.
“It’s been such a gift to be an alumni parent. I have so much love for St. James’ and it’s wonderful to see my kids thriving and benefitting from the same things I did: incredible teachers and staff who really care, focus on kindness and citizenship, and a tightknit community.”
ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL