Honoring Aerin Glaser
Class of 2017
Former Echo Horizon School scholar Aerin Glaser embodied around her. From an early age, she found unique ways to connect with others. Her father, Jonathan Glaser, called her “the governor” when she was in preschool, as she knew how to work a room and talk to everyone—kids and adults alike. She even approached her classmates’ parents to arrange play dates!
Echo Horizon was a perfect match for Aerin. She was intellectually curious, smart, a people person, and, in the words of her father, “uber-creative.” She frequented Echo Horizon’s Makerspace and Beading Club. During the “rainbow loom” craze, she was the savant, her classmates begging her to make them things. She happily obliged.
Over the years, she went on to master sewing, knitting, baking. She never stopped creating for others, producing numerous gifts for family and friends, handing out treasures
When she was in 3rd grade, Aerin participated in the annual All dressed up, she looked very much the part for her presentation. Her family thinks this casting was on brand—Aerin herself was much like a benevolent queen.
After her time at Echo Horizon, Aerin attended Windward School. At the end of 8th grade, Aerin was diagnosed with
ease. Fortunately, while at Echo Horizon, Aerin had learned to advocate for herself; this served her well as a patient at UCLA.
“In a world full of ordinary, Aerin was truly one of a kind—an endlessly creative spirit whose kindness and unique ideas made everyone around her feel extraordinary. Her ability to brighten even the dullest moments with a spark of creativity and genuine warmth will forever be cherished.”
–Ms. Meg Baltazar, Aerin’s 6th grade teacher
Cancer did not slow Aerin down. Regardless of what she was
family and friends and continued her pursuit of all things artistic.
“Aerin was always in creative mode, embodying the heart and mind of an artist. She was both focused and decisive. She her support for fellow artists,” shares Kristen Reyna, Aerin’s visual arts Teacher.
On a trip to Paris (while in Europe for medical treatments), a family friend arranged some tours of fashion houses for Aerin, including Dior. Aerin had toyed with the idea of becoming a doctor, but after these tours, she decided she wanted to be a fashion designer.
To that end, she contacted Dior in May 2023 about an internship in the haute couture seamstress department. She was accepted. With medical assistance arranged overseas, Aerin and her parents traveled to Paris. While dehydration and an impacted wisdom tooth tried to steal her experience before it could begin—both striking shortly after arriving in Paris—Aerin persevered and started at Dior on time.
Aerin was in her element at Dior. Those who worked with her during that summer remember her as kind, humble, and passionate, always wearing a smile. Aerin took all she learned in Paris to the School of Dramatic Arts at USC that fall.
The Glaser family has been long-time, generous supporters of Echo Horizon School. Father Jonathan Glaser served as our Board Chair, and mother Nancy Glaser dedicated her time to chairing numerous committees. Their children, Justine Glaser (Class of 2008) and Levi Glaser (Class of 2010), shared a close and special bond with their beloved younger sister, Aerin.
Aerin’s cousin Lauren remembers that regardless of whom she was interacting with, Aerin made others feel special and seen. Another cousin, Leah, described Aerin this way, “Like the sun, she pulled us all into her orbit and gave us such a warmth that we’ll all feel it forever.”
Our hearts are with the Glaser family as we honor Aerin’s memory and remember the light she brought to the halls of Echo Horizon School. Aerin passed away in March 2024, leaving behind a multitude of family and friends who will miss her, but who will remember her life as a gift, much like those she bestowed on all the people she loved.
