Laguna Blanca Magazine | Spring 2017

LAGUNA BLANCA CONNECTING EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

A MAGAZINE FOR THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY SUMMER 2017

Hello!

05 19 29 41 49 61 69 CONNECTING WITH WHO WE ARE

CONNECTING WITH THE WORLD AROUND US

CONNECTING WITH OUR CREATIVITY

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER

CONNECTING AS A TEAM

CONNECTING WITH OUR ALUMNI

Rob and John Hereford on third grade class camping trip.

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DEAR LAGUNA FAMILIES, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, We hear a lot these days that the world is becoming more “connected.” That can mean lots of different things in 2017—connected to our phones, our WiFi, our social media accounts. But at Laguna, we believe it’s our job to ensure that the connections we make every day are meaningful ones—lasting relationships among our students, teachers, alumni, and our parent body, both inside our classrooms and beyond. In fact, I would venture to say connections are the most important part of our Laguna community.

It would be easy to list all the ways our students connect with one another on a daily basis. Our EK-12 Field Day, our Grade 3/Grade 9 writing project, and our Kindergarten/ Grade 8 Engineering partnership are just a few examples. Making connections across grades and beyond campuses creates incredibly special memories for our younger students.

It also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership for our older students. And yet, those student-to-student connections are just the beginning.

Here at Laguna, our students, teachers, and parent community are constantly stretching themselves to connect in new and different ways. As you will see in this issue of Laguna Blanca Magazine, they’re connecting with the world around them in our new F.A.R.M. program (p. 20). They’re connecting with wildlife through our chicken coop and emu projects (p. 24). They’re connecting with outstanding former Laguna students through our new alumni panel (p. 70) and mentoring opportunities. But most importantly of all, they are connecting to their own sense of self. At Laguna, they’re discovering who they really are.

In our Science Research Program (p. 6), for instance, students are finding their passions and defining the legacy they want to leave in this world through rich hands-on, studentguided research, field trips, and mentoring. They are working with Laguna alumni and members of the local community to see science differently—to discuss their role in making the world a better place—to determine how their strengths can be applied to the world’s weaknesses.

Laguna’s intricate support system of teachers, parents, and mentors plays an important role in the process of self-discovery. The newest member of that support system, Director of College Counseling Matt Struckmeyer, discusses in this issue how important it is for students to connect with that sense of self when choosing the right university (p. 12) to ensure that they are successful in finding happiness, health, and balance in their entire lives.

As you read through this issue of Laguna Blanca Magazine, please know that we are grateful for the role you and your family play in keeping our students inspired. The connections we have built here are not just social ties. They are the reason our students will be able to change the world.

Warm Regards,

LAGUNA BLANCA

MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

EDITOR Tara Broucqsault COPY EDITORS Tara Broucqsault Marcy Jacobs Blaire Ridge WRITERS Tara Broucqsault Jason Donnelly Blake Dorfman ’02 Marcy Jacobs Jessica Stonefield

PHOTOGRAPHY Hayley Bankhead ’19 Tara Broucqsault Paul Chiment Brad Elliott Oscar Gomez Camila Lemere Carina Tedesco ’18 Stephen Zeigler GRAPHIC DESIGN Brittany Ragan PRINTING V3 Laguna Blanca Magazine is published by Laguna Blanca School.

Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us at tbrouc@lagunablanca.org.

Thank you.

Middle and Upper Schools 4125 Paloma Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93110 T 805.687.2461 F 805.682.2553 Lower School 260 San Ysidro Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108 T 805.695.8143 F 805.969.4783

Rob Hereford, Head of School LAGUNABLANCA.ORG

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CONNECTING WITH

WHO WE ARE Walt Whitman once wrote, “I am larger, better than I thought; I did not know I held so much goodness.”

At Laguna, our goal is show our students how big, strong, amazing, and good they are through the beauty of hands-on experience. The greatest thing Laguna students learn is who they are and what they are capable of. We honor their unique gifts and interests as a force for changing the world.

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MAKING SENSE

OF IT ALL Nine students find answers—and themselves—in Laguna’s New Science Research Program

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IF

you ask Laguna Science Teacher Staci Richard what makes the school’s new Science Research Program (SRP) so special, she will tell you it’s the students. Over the past year, the nine-student cohort has fearlessly tackled everything from gene therapy to climate change, and they’ve done it with a passion most don’t experience until later in their academic lives.

In a foundational sense, Richard says, the SRP is a community of scholars. In a more structured sense, it’s a two-year course that empowers students to delve into chemistry, physics, and engineering through their own research in a field of their choosing.

“No single aspect of science exists in a bubble,” Richard explains. “In that sense, focusing on robotics or marine biology alone doesn’t give students a real idea of the type of problems science can solve. The Science Research Program helps them understand what science actually is. It helps them to expand their idea of what a career in science can be.”

In their first year, students immerse themselves in the scientific community, participating in excursions, listening to speakers, and determining what their research focus will be. In their second year, they are thoughtfully paired with a personal mentor and begin their They’re so much research journey. more than a smart, For her part, Richard is working hard to build relationships creative sounding with UC Santa Barbara, the Laguna alumni network, and the greater Santa Barbara community, to build a connected database of board for one mentors who can support the SRP students in their independent another. These research. Laguna alumni, including African elephant behavior kids are going to expert Melissa Schmitt ’08, have already worked with the class, change the world. offering a wider view of the career possibilities in today’s world.

One alum, public health specialist Zadok Sacks ’98, had such a Staci Richard strong impact on student Hayley Bankhead ’19, that she decided to change her focus from marine biology to public health after hearing him speak. Sacks has agreed to mentor her on her research next year. “Their interests are extremely diverse, ranging from solar cell technology and engineering to veterinary studies and the brain. They are so much more than a smart, creative sounding board for one another. These kids are going to change the world,” says Ms. Richard.

“Be true to yourself. Don't shy away from your interests or passions for any reason-instead pursue them. Too many people change their life path because of what others say/think. I am happy I didn't!”

Melissa Schmitt on her advice to Laguna students

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SULLY

BENNETT

CAITLIN

GETTING TO KNOW

HAYLEY

ANDREW

THE NINE MADDY

JACK

STELLA

IZZY

The nine founding members of Laguna’s Science Research Program have discovered a diverse range of interests and passions.

Below they share their stories, in their own words.

CAITLIN: STEM makes science feel current; it enables

STELLA: I sit here on a rock while my feet are grabbed at by the ripples in a tide pool. I try not to think about this, and instead of what I’m supposed to be writing. But I keep staring at the rocks. They’re not particularly interesting, but they’re pleasant to look at. Mum is a gemologist. Can’t wrap my brain around why. But there’s a fascinating topic, one I think I could study forever: the brain. That’s what I was supposed to be writing about. My interest in the brain. But I like watching tide-pools too much. I like the rough surfaced water and its unformed bubbles as it gurgles through the narrows of the rock. I especially like the isolated pools.

They resemble our thoughts. Some are chaotic, and some are desolate, and some have new life. Some tide pools even have questions it seems. I could imagine our STEM class as this beach. Yes, that’s it, when you boil it down we’re just a sandy conglomeration of thoughts and questions. With fish swimming about inside of us! On second thought—this analogy needs work…

JACK: Before I entered the world of the Science Research

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a student to step out of his or her scholastic bubble and delve into cutting edge research around the community in fields as abstract as laser propulsion space travel or a more tangible field such as urban ecology. The most amazing thing about STEM? The wealth and diversity of interests that each of my peers brings to class. While one may be focusing on modern and historical cartography, another is relentlessly tracking down the cure for and prevention of Schistosomiasis; and yet through the entropic, crazy chaos that is our class, we learn an unfathomable amount. I, myself, am among the indecisive characters of the group, holding a multitude of fields under my umbrella of interest: nanoscience, theoretical physics, environmental science, neurology, toxicology, mathematics, astrophysics, and so forth. But this is okay because getting a taste of each realm is what makes our class so unique. We may be undecided about our future direction, but we all have a genuine passion for science.

Program, I tended to stay as far away from the sciences as I could. I was an English man, through and through, engrossing myself in writing, reading, and really doing anything I could to avoid the scientific corner of the Laguna campus. Now, I’m not saying that I have turned my back on English and the arts: quite the contrary. If anything, I’ve embraced that aspect of academia even further. But this class has opened new doors to different disciplines that I never could’ve imagined. I’ve found new friends, of course, but I’ve also found a new side of myself. I’ve been a certain way as long as I can remember, so it was pretty rad to discover—that wasn’t the way it had to be. I love music, I love writing, I love drawing, I love journalism, and now I love science. Maybe it’s just learning about something in an environment that feels like real life, instead of a classroom.

The infectious joy of the class comes from watching my friends discover what they want to do with their lives.

Izzy Sabino '19

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HAYLEY: Before this year, STEM to me was nothing more than another acronym. It was definitely not a class that I would find myself looking forward to each day. Who knew that going into tenth grade, I would be in the new Science Research Program with an interest in oceanography? Up until that point, I had never even had a particular interest in science, but after learning about the program and future opportunities it could bring, I figured, why not? Although marine science is what drew me in, the program’s great opportunities actually changed my life path altogether. Thanks to a visit from one of our alumni, Zadock Sacks '98, I now have a newfound interest in public health and the social sciences.

MADDIE: It is extremely fulfilling to find a passion that you

would want to devote the rest of your life to. Of course, I am not stating that I, at the age of 16, know what I want to pursue as a career. However, I am learning new topics everyday that I am incredibly interested in and could see myself delving into in the future. Throughout this Science Research Program, I am not only surrounded by people who share the same passion for science as I do, but I am also engulfed in new science topics and speakers in every class. Throughout this year, I have had to dig deep into gene therapy, climate change, solar cells, medical robots, and I am beginning to zero in on genetics, diseases (Cancer), and medicine. I am looking forward to finding a research project for next year and participating in a summer program for medicine and healthcare at Northwestern!

ANDREW: From a young age I have been interested in science and engineering. It started with building structures with LEGO as a kid, all the way up to taking this science program this year. With a father who is an engineer, I have come to love technology and building anything I can get my hands on. This class has a completely diverse set of passions and people, enabling all of us to pursue our individual interests, learning more about our topics and each other. It seems like every week we have a new fascinating speaker and/or field trip and I have already learned so much about things I never thought I would: brain scans, solar cells, and even medical robots. The possibilities seem endless in this class, no matter what one's science interests are. Although I have a very general range of interests, this class has helped me to discover what in science truly fits my interests and where I might go in the future.

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BENNETT: If our class has done anything, it has helped me to advance my interests from the inquisitive to the explorative.

I have wanted to be a mechanical engineer for years now, but I hadn’t really known how to proceed. Before I even explored my options, I thought I knew how the next 10 years of my life would play out. I would go to college, get my master’s degree, get a job, and all would be great. But this class has really helped me to find my starting point. Our class of amazing people has gone to so many places, so many labs, and has explored so many different types of people and careers. Without it, I wouldn’t have discovered my love for material science, alternative energy, and solar energy.

This class thrust me into a world of potential and possibility that I could have never envisioned before we began.

SULLIVAN: Personally, I have always told people that I

want to be a structural engineer. I have read about the subject and have had a constant interest from the age of three. While this still may be true, I have gained an experience that most other structural engineers will never have—being exposed to fields not even remotely related to engineering. Who knew that I would ever be interested in the work of a man who studied snails in Africa? Who knew that I would get to see a live brain scan firsthand? A robot doctor? A cancer researcher? What’s amazing is that although I may still become an engineer, I have seen, heard, and touched more sciences than I could count. In that way, the Science Research Program has made me a more well-rounded person.

IZZY: I’m the girl who never grew out of her pony phase, and

now I’m trying to make a life out of it. I am interested in equine veterinary medicine, and I have been since I was 10 years old. I have never had a class in school that allowed me to pursue this in such detail. For example, Ms. Richard asked us to do some research on a potential fourth-quarter project. I looked at all the top clinical trials being conducted across the United States at the top vet schools of the nation, and it was my homework! Of course, the Science Research Program is about learning science, but what makes it different from a typical science class is the discovery and pure elation of going through the process. The infectious joy of the class comes from watching my friends discover what they want to do with their lives.

SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM

AT A GLANCE Program Length: 2 years Number of Students Accepted: Up to 20 for 2017-18 Grades: 10-12 Curriculum: Hands-on, interdisciplinary Final Project: Student-led science research project

"This class thrust me into a world of potential and possibility that I could have never envisioned before we began."

Bennett Coy '19

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RIGHT COUNSELOR, RIGHT COLLEGE

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Matt Struckmeyer is on a mission—finding the right university for every Laguna student.

A FEW MYTHS STRUCKMEYER HOPES TO DISPEL MYTH NO. 1 You should choose your college based on rank and prestige.

“My advice to students is actually the opposite. Your success in life has everything to do with the qualities you bring to college and very little to do with the college you choose. This goes for parents, too: Be open to considering schools you have never heard of.

Sometimes those schools are the ones where your children will

If there is one thing Matt Struckmeyer wants you to know, it is this: Every student has a perfect-fit university—and chances are high that you have never heard of it.

Since arriving on campus last summer, Laguna’s new Director of College Counseling has made it his mission to help students leave no stone unturned when it comes to finding a school where they can flourish. He is also working to dispel some common myths about the college application process.

Struckmeyer grew up on the opposite side of the country, near Philadelphia, attending Quaker schools before heading to Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. Though he focused on English, Struckmeyer says he didn’t have much of a plan for what to do with his life until he found himself teaching English at an independent school in Washington, D.C. It seemed like a good fit—until he was asked to step in as the school’s interim college counselor, and his passion for connecting with kids really took form.

Since then, Struckmeyer has taken a raw and ambitious approach to getting to know the country’s best universities handson. Every day, he says, he finds himself pairing students with ideal universities in his head—motivated by the challenge of knowing students well enough to get the pick right. Still, many kids are skeptical, he says. There is a big focus on “brand” over value, and a huge pressure for kids to choose the popular choice, rather than one that is right for them on a personal level.

“At the end of the day, knowing the students is important,” he says. “But what is even more important is that they truly know themselves.”

For Struckmeyer, the most rewarding part of his job is not just seeing students receive acceptance letters—he knows those will come. The best part is when he sees a student who has grown enough through the entire college search process that they feel confident and secure that they have found a school that truly meshes with their values and dreams.

really be able to shine.”

MYTH NO. 2 Overloading your schedule is always worth it.

“The idea that kids can overload themselves and still appear impressive to admission teams is completely misleading.

Admission officers can sense overload and burnout—it can actually force students to appear as worse candidates in the end.

The mission of Laguna’s Challenge Success program dovetails so well with my job in that we both want students to start thinking ‘big picture.’ We want them to think about success as balance, fulfillment, and happiness for the duration of one’s life.”

MYTH NO. 3 Scores are the most important factor in college admissions.

“College admission teams have their own secret blend of the different ‘roles’ they want to fill to create the vibe they want on their campuses. When they choose whom they accept, they are rounding out an ideal community of diverse and interesting people.

Taking the SATs one more time to increase your score by 10 points is not going to get you in. Being one of those passionate, diverse, interesting people is what will give you a true edge.”

About Director of College Counseling M AT T S T R U C K M E Y E R Matt joined the Laguna faculty in summer 2016, after serving as both English teacher and college counselor at

Dunn School in Los Olivos. He brings nearly 10 years of experience in the college counseling field. Matt has a B.A.

from Franklin and Marshall College, an M.A. from George Mason University, and an Ed.M. from Harvard University. We are so pleased to welcome him to our school.

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THE TOP TEN TIPS

FOR A

SUCCESSFUL

BY MATT STUCKMEYER DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

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COLLEGE SEARCH

Visit Stanford last, not first! Going to the most famous (and ultra-selective) colleges at the outset can warp expectations and make other choices

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03 04

Think of standardized testing as a necessary evil, and don’t overdo it! A program of long-term skill development can help, but avoid testing

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and extracurriculars will get you in. It doesn’t

Don’t fall in love with any one school—especially if it’s in the “Most Selective” category. Luck plays a huge role in acceptance to these places, so

too often or thinking of small improvements as

it’s better to play it safe and feel good about a

overly meaningful.

range of places.

Be sure to visit a range of college styles at the beginning: small vs. large, public vs. private, conservative vs. liberal, intense vs. laid back.

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Help your child to find a volunteer activity for the long term rather than to “check a box” on the application. The colleges care far more about

Allow your child to ask him or herself, “Where do

the student’s devotion to the activity than the

I feel most at home?”

activity itself.

Allow your child to control the process. Think of him/her as the driver and yourself as the passenger of a car. You can offer advice and

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Don’t meddle with your child’s essay—it must sound like her voice. Parents often assume that the essay must showcase a child’s

Consider skipping the ACT and SAT all together.

If your child has good grades but doesn't test well, the large and growing list of test-optional colleges might be a perfect fit.

suggestions, but the wheel is in his/her hands.

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admission—i.e. having the “right” grades, scores, work that way.

(the likelier ones) seem like lesser choices.

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Remember that there’s no formula to elite college

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Try not to succumb to brand-name thinking.

A college education is far more valuable than a jacket or a phone. Ask tough questions about the

achievements, but the best ones showcase

quality of the product and move past the allure

his/her voice and personality.

of the brand.

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WHERE SCHOOL IS MORE THAN AN AFTERTHOUGHT

For many, the issue of how to keep kids engaged after school is a challenging one. We don’t want our children to only watch TV or play video games. But shuttling them to outside clubs and sports activities can be exhausting—for parent and child alike. That is why next year, Laguna is making its after-school program a priority, revamping the offering to make it more thoughtful, engaging, and meaningful for students. “We are creating a stronger structure, and more consistent options to keep students engaged,” says Head of Lower School Andy Surber.

According to Surber, a wide range of academic and active programs are being investigated, ranging from golf to chess, and from hiking to music. The idea is to give students a chance to pursue activities that will help them learn more about themselves and their interests—but also to give them a chance to relax and find balance after a busy school day.

“Offering these activities on campus will be a huge bonus for busy families,” Surber says. “Now instead of driving around the city, parents can relax knowing their kids are in a safe place learning something new and exciting.”

The school is currently working with both teachers and outside groups to bring an even greater range of options to the students, including some managed by third-parties. A full range of options will be sent home at the start of the 2017-18 school year. Stay tuned!

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Swamp tour.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN

ADVENTURE Each year, Lower School students take a journey to new and unknown

lands through the school’s new Explorations program—a five-week adventure though non-traditional curricula the students get to choose themselves.

“One of the most exciting parts of Explorations is that it gives students

the power of choice,” says Head of Lower School Andy Surber. “This is an age where students can take risks to get to know themselves better—to

find out what types of activities they love. It’s an empowering concept and

“

One of the most exciting parts of Explorations is that it gives students the power of choice.

one that truly differentiates us from other schools.”

As part of the program, all Lower

School faculty have the chance to submit a

syllabus for a passion project not currently covered in Laguna's curriculum. Projects

need to be hands-on, and appropriate for multiple ages. Past Exploration classes have involved ceramics, international

dance, and building, where students constructed their own Eiffel Tower out

of spaghetti and marshmallows. Other options include chess, advanced Spanish, and even archery.

“What I love about Laguna is that we can make curriculum choices

based on real feedback from our students and parents,” Surber says. “What

we’ve discovered is that students love learning new things through hands-on activities in small multi-age groups.”

Each year, a new list of Exploration courses is sent home, and students

have a chance to rank their preferences—

kind of like choosing college electives.

Every effort is made to get students into their first-choice class.

“One of the biggest advantages of

having a small campus is that we can mix it up—bring students together from

multiple grades, including siblings—to

find new passions and interests,” Surber says. “Another great benefit is that it

gives our assistant teachers a chance to take the reigns and lead.”

CLASS OFFERINGS Archery Band Cards Galore Crafty Creations Dances from Around the World Inspired Engineering Jewelry Making Junior Yogis Sewing School Sculpture Theater Games World Art

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CONNECTING WITH

THE WORLD AROUND US We all need something bigger than ourselves to wake up for. At Laguna, we encourage students to find their “something bigger,” be it the environment, wildlife, or the greater community. Our curriculum is built on the idea that we all play an important role in the bigger picture. All we need to do is find our place in it.

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UP ON THE

F.A.R.M. FUNDING AGRICULTURE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Students and teachers alike are encouraged to harvest and enjoy vegetables from the campus gardens.

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Laguna has always had a beautiful campus. Now it also has a productive one, thanks to the Funding Agriculture Resource Management (F.A.R.M.) Club, which was launched at the Hope Ranch campus during the 2016-17 school year. The F.A.R.M. includes both Middle and Upper School gardens, both of which started producing a variety of fresh, organic vegetables this past January.

The club itself was launched

by Matt Struckmeyer, Laguna’s director of college counseling, in partnership with parent Kendra Sabino, Middle School Science Teacher Landon Neustadt, and Science Department Chair Staci Richard. While Sabino had initially envisioned the project years ago, Struckmeyer—who ran similar student farms at previous schools—helped to bring it to life.

“Laguna Blanca has so much beautiful land—it only made sense to get a farm project started,” Struckmeyer says. “From a college counseling perspective, I know that many selective universities have similar programs on their own campuses, and having these skills in organic farming can only help our students with the college admission process. But from a more personal perspective, we want to teach the students to connect with the earth in a more meaningful way.”

For the Upper School students, that means creating compost from table scraps, gathering coffee grounds for the soil, planting seeds, and monitoring growth patterns. According to Struckmeyer, students have even partnered with local coffee shops to gather their grounds for the gardens, as well.

“The ultimate goal is to get them to supervise and create their own vision of how grand it can be,” Struckmeyer says.

“We started easy with our first harvest— lettuce, kale, broccoli, and bok choy.

But there is no limit to how we can use

“The concept of sustainability and reducing our footprint is so important in today’s world.

At Laguna, we’re educating kids who are able and committed to doing it.”

- Landon Neustadt this space for our school and the local community.”

Discussions for growing the garden have included making donations to local food pantries and even starting a student-

run Community Support Agriculture (CSA) program. But for now, the teachers are glad to have an on-campus outlet where students can develop a love of agriculture and healthy eating at a young age.

“One of the simplest but most powerful benefits for our Middle School students is that they get to learn where food comes from,” Neustadt says. “Yes, students are spending time in the garden every day, checking PH levels of the tower gardens and making sure the plants have enough water. But they get an intimate experience with how food actually grows.”

Next year, the science teachers plan to integrate F.A.R.M. into their overall science curricula, focusing on things like botany, pollination, the structure of plants, soil chemistry, microorganisms, life cycles, and decomposition. In sixth grade, for instance, students focus on human biology, which makes a great foundation for healthful eating. And the Upper School’s School Science Research Program (p. 6)

can now make agriculture and farming a regular part of student exploration.

“Because this is a joint Middle and Upper School project, students will experience eight years of organic farming by the time they graduate from Laguna,” Neustadt adds. “The concept of sustainability and reducing our footprint is so important in today’s world. At Laguna, we’re educating kids who are able and committed to doing it.”

HOME FOR THE SUMMER? The F.A.R.M. is a year-round project and requires numerous volunteers to tend to the garden during the summer months. To get involved, contact Matt Struckmeyer at mstruckmeyer@lagunablanca.org.

Students, alumni, and community friends are welcome!

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“We want kids to know how satisfying it is to eat fresh produce—and to grow it on their own.”

– Matt Struckmeyer, Director College Counseling

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STAY TUNED

This fall, Laguna will host a grand harvest to celebrate the bounty grown in the May planting.

More information to come!

A group of Laguna students and faculty spend a Saturday morning planting vegetables.

SPECIAL THANKS Thank you to the Sabino family for their support of the F.A.R.M. project, including raised beds for the plants, and drip irrigation systems in the Upper School farm area.

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Laguna’s chicken coop is a breeding ground for eggs—and love.

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It doesn’t matter what time of day you visit the Lower School chicken coop. You will almost always find a student cuddling, holding, or doting over one of the coop’s five female chickens. In the past two years, the birds have been far more than an interactive part of the Lower School science There are so many program; they’ve become part of benefits of having the Laguna family. our students “There are so many benefits of grow along with having our students grow along with our animals on campus,” our animals on says teacher Clara Svedlund. “I’m campus. sometimes amazed at how intune our students are to the chickens’ moods. Seeing them make personal connections with wildlife is magical.”

Throughout the day, students have the responsibility of checking for new eggs and delivering them to teachers and staff.

In doing so, they are learning how to care for animals, and how to have a safe and meaningful relationship with them.

According to Svedlund, the chickens have served as a learning tool for teachers, as well. This year, for instance, they learned how to healthfully integrate a new chicken, Zinnia, into an existing “pecking order,” when the school took in its fifth chicken. Zinnia is an older hen and was donated by a community friend. They also learned how to nurse another chicken, Sunflower, back to health after it was captured by a bobcat and dropped before being critically injured.

“The adults get as much from this program as the children do,” Svedlund explains. “We have recently been focusing on how to make the coop more fun and engaging for the birds. We’ve added a swing and mirrors—and we are working on adding a xylophone so they can play music with their beaks. Is there anything more fitting for a Lower School community?”

The chickens complement the school’s emu program, which continues to thrive. The Lower School science program incubates emu eggs each spring, in hopes that—with the right environment and care—at least one will hatch each year.

“The students are learning, at a young age, the concept of caring for something bigger than they are—in this case, wildlife,” Head of the Lower School Andy Surber says. “In effect, they’re learning about unconditional love.”

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DON'T BE A CHICKEN

HUG ONE INSTEAD

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MAKING SPACE FOR WHAT'S IMPORTANT

MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE A portion of the proceeds from the Spring Benefit Paddle Raise will be used to fund the Middle School Quad renovation. THANK YOU to all who are helping to make this vision a reality for our community. A full list of donors will be included in our 2016-2017 Annual Report.

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T Sketch by Sydney Hlavaty '20

his past year, Laguna Middle School students took the lead in planning and developing the Middle School Quad and upper sports areas. The effort was inspired by the serendipitous development of “found space” that emerged after the creation of the tennis and sand volleyball courts on the Hope Ranch campus. That same idea of “placemaking” allows the school to make better use of the community’s pre-existing assets. The goal is to give students even more play space, with plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors, interact with friends, and gain a greater sense of community.

The quad redevelopment project was a joint undertaking by students in the Middle School Entrepreneurship and seventh grade science classes.

As part of the project, students surveyed other students and faculty to see what they felt the Hope Ranch campus was missing, and how they’d like the space to be used.

“When Head of School Rob Hereford approached me to see if the kids would lead this project, it meant a lot to me,” says teacher Blake Dorfman. “It meant Laguna is a place where students are respected—where they NEW QUAD FEATURES: can play a meaningful role in the future of Level playing area the school.”

Ledged planter boxes / benches The students’ surveys showed that 10 Drought resistant landscaping New cross-quad walkways percent of respondents had never visited Drainage the quad space, and some did not even know where it was. Other results showed students wanted new playground equipment, swings, and space to relax with friends—something the students were set on fixing.

“We told the kids, ‘The world is your oyster,’” Dorfman says. “And they were very passionate about the options they developed.”

Based on survey results, Sydney Hlavaty '20 created a conceptual design of the new space. Based on their findings, the school will work to develop a large, grassy area, framed with receding planter boxes that will double as benches where students can “hang out” to share and socialize.

New walkways to make the quad more easily accessible and encourage greater use will also be created.

“The students’ survey was incredibly helpful, because it allowed us to focus on some immediate and long-term needs,” says Marcy Jacobs, director of development. “Although we are starting with the quad renovation, we will also focus energy on the upper sports area, as we know it is a key area."

“The great thing about the Middle School Entrepreneurship class is that it allows our kids to make a difference in the real world—in this case, right here on campus,” Dorfman says. “I can’t think of a better way to teach kids the value of leadership.”

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CONNECTING WITH OUR

CREATIVITY At Laguna, we know the basis for any advancement is in creativity—the ability to think differently, see differently, and create new and different ideas to help the world. We encourage this process from our students’ very first days on campus through artful expression, and continue through videography, gaming design, robotics, theater, and music. We value this creativity in all of its forms and are so proud of our students for all of their many creations.

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AN ARTIST'S

JOURNEY

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Laguna parent Masha Keating (Aryeh ’13, Nathaniel ’12, Jacob ’10) emigrated to the United States from Russia when she was just 13 years old, but that journey was nothing compared to the one she has taken through her own artwork. In the past 20 years, she has found—and reimagined— herself through both oil and digital painting.

Masha has participated in more than 35 solo and group shows, and she recently shared her talents with our Lower School students as part of our spring benefit. She shares her story with Laguna Blanca.

YOU GREW UP IN RUSSIA. HOW DID YOUR ART BACKGROUND CHANGE OR HELP YOU, ESPECIALLY AS YOU MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES IN YOUR TEEN YEARS? My artistic endeavors were always nurtured by my family.

According to my mother, I could hold a pencil and draw before I could hold a spoon and feed myself. My grandfather was an artist.

I would say he was my first major influence. Aside from having a job at the military plant in Russia, he put together a school for children of the plant workers. That gave him the chance to have a creative outlet, which was not common in post-war Soviet Russia.

Needless to say, he was a tremendous influence on me. Although I did not see him often, I still remember his instructions in art.

My family's immigration to the United States has played a huge role in how I view the role of art in my life. Although I am very grateful for this life-changing event, as a 13-year-old adolescent trying to navigate the pitfalls of growing up, it was very hard for me to transition into a completely new culture and language. Because I was so out of touch with myself, I did not recognize that I was depressed. I thought it was normal to feel the way I felt. I would tell everyone, including myself, that I was fine while my paintings kept coming out very dark and depressing.

Eventually, I acclimated to my new surroundings and became a much happier person. I also learned to be emotionally aware and recognize my feelings for what they were. I never forgot the “life lesson” of how accurate art can be in illuminating our true selves.

Masha's grandfather was also an artist and a strong influence on her.

CAN YOU SHARE YOUR PERSONAL APPROACH TO ART? There is no media in existence that I would not want to explore during my lifetime. I believe that part of being a mature artist is to think outside of your comfort zone and explore the media that would best represent the ideas you are trying to communicate.

The subjects in which I specialize are the result of many years of careful self-observation in what I feel drawn to and what emerges in the painting when I allow it take the direction it wants to take.

My subject matter is about life's journeys and the search for oneself.

It is communicated subtly with the use of meandering lines and undulating shapes which create paths or sometimes a maze for the viewer’s eye to travel through. The subject of self-searching is represented from a feminine perspective and is infused with images suggesting fertility and potential. I am fascinated with the creative power of femininity. All this in turn is closely tied with nature and its beauty, which has an unmistakable presence in my work.

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WHEN DID YOU MOVE FROM OIL TO DIGITAL PAINTING? I started working with digital media quite recently for two reasons. First, I have always been interested in technology and digital art. And second, I finally had to face the fact that I could no longer be around oil paint fumes! I decided to use this situation as a "crisitunity" to finally take a serious approach into digital art. Most people associate digital art with photo manipulation and collage as well as application of various filters. Digital "painting" is a branch of digital art that can't exist without the artist’s familiarity with actual painting or drawing. Instead of a brush, you hold a stylus in your hand with which you make brushstroke after brush stroke or line after line. Basically, your end result depends heavily on your painting or drawing skills. I believe that the more tools an artist has in his or her arsenal the better.

YOU HAVE THREE SONS. HOW DO YOU BALANCE ART AND FAMILY? Ever since I can remember, I vowed not to let my art career interfere with my family life. But at the same time, I never stopped being involved in the arts. When my three boys were little, I could only allow a couple of hours a week for painting (if I was lucky). That meant that one painting sometimes took up to six months to complete. My motto at the time was, "I can slow down but I will never stop." Surprisingly, I did some of my best work at that time.

WHAT TECHNIQUES DID YOU SHARE WITH LAGUNA STUDENTS WHEN CREATING ART FOR THE SILENT AUCTION AT THE SPRING BENEFIT? For the student art projects, I decided to create a combination of real and digital paintings. I wanted to apply my digital techniques to photos of existing paintings made by the children with real paint. Each child was instructed to create a Rorschach print by painting on paper and folding it in half. It was so exciting for them to unfold the paper and discover what surprising image awaited inside. We also talked about how sometimes art is about removing your control and allowing the process itself to create the work. There was a lot of paint splashed about. It was very messy and fun. After collecting photos of everyone's work, I went to my computer. I combined the images for each class into one composition, then I did some digital manipulation and painting of my own, using the children's art as the springboard. My hope is that art will help the children get to know themselves, just like it did—and continues to do—for me.

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We are grateful to Masha for sharing her talent and time with our youngest scholars and creating masterpieces for the silent auction. Masha Keating is a member of Santa Barbara Studio Artists Organization and is represented by Izen Miller Gallery in Palm Desert (www.izenmillergallery. com). In January 2017, she opened her own studio at SBCAST (Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science and Technology) Studio C. It is open to the public on the first Thursday of every month. Learn more about Masha’s art at mashakeating.com.

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FOURTH ESTATE For the second time in 23 years of publishing, The Fourth Estate staff received a Crown Award-the highest recognition for journalistic excellence-from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Honored for their work in the “Hybrid Magazine” category, students are now celebrating their decision to “#blowupthemodel.” The hashtag phrase became the student journalists’ mantra this past year when they announced that they were “tearing down the 22-year-old house” of the former 16-page tabloid newspaper to create a 48-page vibrant student magazine.

Clearly, it worked.

A total of 1,100 newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and digital publications were eligible for the Crown Awards program. Just 210 crowns were given to scholastic (versus college) publications.

“The magazine continues to transform itself and attract readers

because the student journalists are committed to being relevant and to expressing their voices,” says teacher Trish McHale. “We have many talented writers, artists, and photographers on staff.

I am so fortunate to be able to work with such bright, talented, and dedicated students.”

It’s been seven years since the publication’s first Crown Award in 2010. In addition, the students continue to regularly publish online at www.thefourthestate.net. Congratulations!

“It’s the power of journalism.”

—Trish McHale

“A Disabled System: The Controversy on Educational Accommodations” by Carina Tedesco ’18 was one of the spreads featured at the Crown Awards Ceremony.

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WHEN THE LIGHT GOES ON

Laguna student Camila Lemere ’18 debuts her first film at Santa Barbara International Film Festival It seems funny to say that at the ripe age of 16, Camila Lemere ’18 is already a veteran filmmaker. But this past February, Lemere debuted her film When the Lights Go Out at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, something most of us only dream of. Lemere’s participation was part of the 10-10-10 Student Screenwriting & Filmmaking Competition, an intense challenge where 10 teams of student writers and filmmakers work to create the best short film in just 10 days.

Lemere learned about 10-10-10 in her freshman year through classmate Kylan Tyng ’16, who competed that same year. Tyng, who actually won the competition and headed to NYU Tisch School of Performing Arts, encouraged Lemere to enter the community competition. This past year, she finally did—she was accepted as one of five high school film finalists in October and just a few months later, began work on the film, written by another a high school student she had never met before.

“It was really exhausting and at some points stressful,” she says. “But nonetheless, it was the best experience of my life.”

When the Lights Go Out follows the struggle of a teenage girl, played

by Holly Tobias ’17, who rebels against her single mom when the lights in their increasingly rundown home get turned off because they can no longer afford electricity. Lemere beautifully and brilliantly captures the pain, frustration, and anger of the teen and her siblings, and the love that eventually brings her home.

It’s hard to believe that for Lemere, the light went on regarding her love of filmmaking just two years ago during a trip to London with other Laguna students. Ever since, she’s been sharing her talent with the campus community, creating beautiful and emotive films for the school's Spring Benefit and class excursions to New Orleans and NYC, among others.

“Without Laguna, a good majority of the films I have created today would not exist,” Lemere says. “I'm honestly not sure if I would have discovered my passion for film had it not been for this incredible school.

I'm completely set on becoming a filmmaker and can't imagine my life without it.”

To view When the Lights Go Out, visit Camila's YouTube page.

Camila with devoted classmate Mathew Goldsholl '17 during the filming of the 10-10-10 project. Mathew is pursuing his film dreams at NYU Tisch School this fall.

“Getting to work with friends on a project we were all so passionate about was definitely the best part of the process.”

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LIFE'S A

PICNIC! Students explore life’s challenges in coming-of-age play.

This year, Upper School students took on William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Picnic—a play bursting with poignant themes of growing up, family, friendship, loss, regrets, and coming of age.

“This play provided such rich and pertinent material for us to explore as an ensemble, and it particularly resonated with me working with our Upper School students as they themselves are coming into their own and getting ready to make their mark on the world,” says Laguna Theatre Director Dana Caldwell.

The play focuses on the lives of two sisters: Millie (played by the ever-talented Joan Curran ’17) and Madge, the center of this story (with an exceptionally beautiful portrayal by Fiona Flynn ’17). Madge, the eldest sister, struggles with only being seen as the "pretty one," and Millie struggles in her own way with only ever being known as the "smart one." Both girls are envious of the other, wanting the world to see them for the full-fledged human beings they are and to find their own voice within.

“Exploring issues of self-image, self-confidence, and self-advocacy with these student actresses struck a deep chord with me. These are issues that are as relevant—if not more so—today than they were 1953 when the play was written,” Caldwell explains.

The women in Picnic are the glue that holds the world together and provide the perfect environment for Millie and Madge to explore these difficult issues: Flo, the widowed mother (portrayed with unrivaled command and grace by Zelime Lewis ’17); Rosemary, the school

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teacher desperate to marry (with a stand out performance given by Camila Lemere ’18); Mrs. Potts, the older yet vivacious neighbor caring for her own aging mother (wonderfully and authentically played by Annabelle Finefrock ’18).

Although the play focused largely on women, there were many men who also played important roles in the women’s lives. Jackson Hurley ’17 (our swaggering Hal Carter), Travis Smillie ’17 (the reluctantly betrothed, immensely engaging Howard Bevans), and Mathew Goldsholl ’17 (as the stand-up Alan Benson) also did outstanding work portraying the male principles, such vastly different characters but each who had a major part to play in shaking up the lives of these women.

The stunning set (built by Dave Childers and Armando Guiterrez, and painted by Jon Ortner) transported the audience into 1950’s Kansas. Charlie Jacobs ’20 stepped up to the plate in an incredible way, running lights and sound flawlessly for the production, with Zaira Paredes-Villages ’17 keeping everything together behind the scenes.

“Each and every one of the students in this production shined in their role, bringing this story to life in the most profound way,” Caldwell says. “I could not be prouder of this cast and crew and their unbounded commitment, dedication, creativity, and talent.

They left me and our audiences in awe.”

“

Each and every one of the students in this production shined in their role, bringing this story to life in the most profound way.

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ST U D E N TS ST R E TC H T H E I R C R A F T I N

DARING SPRING MUSICAL This spring, Laguna’s Theatre Arts department also presented Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a cutting edge musical that tells the story of ousted barber Benjamin Barker, a.k.a. Sweeney Todd, and his revenge on the man who exiled him for 15 years. When the bloodthirsty Sweeney returns to London to find his family, he joins forces with the failing pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett, and the two introduce a new, carnal ingredient to Lovett’s meat pies that sends the people of London straight to the shop—and new victims to Sweeney’s barber chair.

This dark 1979 Tony Award-Winning musical thriller, set in 19th Century London, gave students the chance to explore a sinister plot far removed from the reality of Laguna's campus.

CAST Sweeney Todd: Travis Smillie Mrs. Lovett: Joan Curran Tobias Ragg: Juliana Slater Anthony Hope: Mathew Goldsholl Johanna: Sophie Bakaev Judge Turpin: Jackson Hurley The Beadle: Katherine Perez Beggar Woman: Zuley Lewis Adolfo Pirelli: Camila Lemere Jonas Fogg: Holly Tobias

ENSEMBLE Rae Bernstein Athena Boyle Annabelle Finefrock Fiona Flynn Stella Haffner Merrick Hahn Clara Hillis Vivian Hue Mia Humberd-Hilf Simon Lea Ava Morouse

MUSIC Clay Rodgers

CREW Jason Barnick Aura Carlson Dante Christie Rose Houglet Charlie Jacobs Annelle King Zaira Paredes-Villegas Merith Velazquez Jimenez

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CONNECTING WITH OUR

COMMUNITY No school is an island. At Laguna, we work to be true partners with our community, and we encourage our students to do the same, whether working for Owls in Wonderland or volunteering as part of our summer program.

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WE'RE ALL A BIT

MAD

HERE

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OWLS IN WONDERLAND LOVE AND LEARNING— IN DISGUISE

One of the best parts about Owls in Wonderland is seeing the Laguna community dressed up in the spirit of “Alice.” Another great part: seeing “learning” dressed up as FUN. Owls in Wonderland is imagination in motion—a live mix of activities that allows children to explore science, art, and critical and creative thinking in the way they should be explored—hands-on. This year’s carnival attracted 850 community guests and included colorful workshops like the Mad Hatter’s studio, mad science, multilingual croquet, tea parties, and live white rabbits designed to make our kids “curiouser and curiouser” about the world around them. Many Lower and Middle School music students also performed at the event.

This is the seventh year Laguna has welcomed the community to our Lower School campus as part of the Owls in Wonderland extravaganza. We are so grateful to event co-chairs Tracey Inman and Christina Waag and all of the parents and teachers who helped to make this dream a reality. We could not have done it without you.

SAVE THE DATE: OWLS IN WONDERLAND NOVEMBER 12, 2017 | 11AM TO 2PM

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I T ' S N E V E R T O O E A R LY F O R

SUMMER Laguna is one of the only schools in the Santa Barbara community that offers summer enrichment programs for children as young as four years of age. That means it’s never too early for Summer @ Laguna!

For two weeks each summer, the Lower School campus is transformed into a hub of color, creativity—and lots of laughter— as part of the school’s summer program, now in its third year.

Unlike some camps, which focus on one theme like engineering or art, Summer @ Laguna offers a well-rounded mix of activities, ranging from computer science to LEGO engineering, storytelling, and music. And the best part: all activities are taught by Laguna faculty or Laguna student volunteers.

“Summer @ Laguna is a great transition tool for students who are newly accepted to Laguna and want to form connections with other students and teachers before the school year begins,” says Head of Lower School Andy Surber. “It’s also a powerful way to enhance relationships between our current students and teachers.

They love seeing their teachers over the summer, even just for two weeks.” * One pin per university.

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SUMMER @ LAGUNA Week of July 31-August 4 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Week of August 7-11 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All programs taught by Laguna faculty and students.

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The last hour of each day is reserved for all-camp activities so students can enjoy other interests like juggling, water sports, or musical performances with children of every age. On Fridays, parents are invited to join the end-of-day celebrations to see what their kids have been up to for the past week.

Although it is open to students ages 4-10, half of the participants fall into the 4-6 range. According to Surber, the relationships he’s seen grow between the Middle and Upper School volunteers and the young campers is priceless, especially when they return to campus in the fall.

Parents will be pleased to know that lunch and snacks are included in the program fee, and after care is available for working parents.

“This is just one more way for those in our local community to experience what makes Laguna great,” Surber says. “We want to make it as easy as possible for new families to enjoy our school.”

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CONNECTING WITH

ONE ANOTHER The joy of learning is not a solitary one. We encourage our students and families alike to celebrate one another through connection and engagement, be it our annual Homecoming celebration, or our Spring Benefit. We are so grateful for the joy that comes from knowing one another.

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WE LOVE LAGUNA HOMECOMING 2016

That was the vibe at this past year’s All-School Pep Rally and Homecoming celebration, which saw Swoop and the entire Laguna community—EK to 12—cheering on our talented student-athletes. With lots of music, dance—and even a watermelon-eating contest—fun and heart filled the campus, colored in Laguna blue.

The weekend kicked off with volleyball, where the Owls won their third straight Condor League match, sweeping Providence 25-9, 25-13, and 25-13 at Merovick Gymnasium. Sophomore Maddie Walker set for the Owls and dished out a whopping 18 assists.

On Saturday, the Owls lost 64-34 to Villanova Prep, but they still had plenty to celebrate. Quarterback Aidan O'Donnell ’18 completed 20 of 25 passes and threw for two touchdowns, and also ran for a pair. Ty Trosky ’19 carried the ball nine times for 91 yards, scored two touchdowns, and had two interceptions.

And on the defensive front, Miles McGovern ’18 led the team with eight tackles.

We are so proud of our student athletes, and all of the love that abounds on our beautiful campus. Go, Owls!

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GRATEFUL FOR GOLF! With nearly 80 golfers—including a wonderful mix of parents, grandparents, and alumni—Laguna raised more than $10,000 for our school’s Alumni Scholarship Program as part of this year’s Laguna Blanca Ace Angeloff Golf Classic. The annual event has been held since 2012, and this was the first year a fundraising component was added to the fun.

This year’s event was held at La Cumbre Country Club. A special thank you to parent and alumnus Dave Bradley ’99 for organizing the event for the fifth straight year! And many thanks to all the players and sponsors who continue to give back to the Laguna community and support our students today.

SAVE THE DATE ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC NOVEMBER 6, 2017

Join the fun! Contact Golf Chairs David Bradley '99 and Suzanne Jakubowski '96 to play next year!

THANKFUL FOR OUR OUR EVENT SPONSORS BMW Santa Barbara Chana and Jim Jackson ’78 Christine and Dennis Green - Stewart Green ’11 Costner Family DD Ford Construction - Misha Marr ’97 Fuladi Family Heffernan Insurance Brokers - Art Adams ’66 Lilly Family - Parker Lilly ’11 The Habit Burger Grill Waiakea - Hawaiian Volcanic Water - Ryan Emmons ’08 Walking Company White & Grube Orthodontics - Stewart White ’83

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THANK YOU F O R YOUR G I FT TO THE L AG UNA FUND

Community participation is critical to the Laguna Fund’s success and ensures we meet our operating expenses each year.

Even more, it illustrates the commitment each Laguna family shares in the advancement of our school. Every gift, no matter the size, has a significant impact on our campus.

All gifts received by June 30, 2017 ensure our success! Visit lagunablanca.org and click “Support Laguna” or call the development office at 805.687.2461 x201.

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FUND L AUNCHIN G THE LAG U N A

Just when we thought the Laguna Blanca Jogathon couldn’t get any bigger, it did. This past fall, one of Laguna’s signature traditions helped to launch the school’s new annual giving program—The Laguna Fund. Together, our students took to the tracks and ran more than 5,700 laps for our school community, kicking off our annual campaign to raise $575,000 this year.

Adding to the community fun was a petting zoo, family barbecue, carnival booths created by Upper School club members, and an all-school pep rally. All students received a commemorative t-shirt, which recognized our leadership gift donors, the Parliament of Owls, who pledged their support of $2,500+ to the 2016-2017 Laguna Fund.

Thank you to the Parents’ Auxiliary and the entire Laguna community for your outstanding support and for welcoming a new, more streamlined season of giving into our school culture.

We could not have done it without your support.

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¡VIVA LAGUNA! SPRING BENEFIT 2017

Muchas Gracias! We are so grateful to the nearly 300 community members who came out to celebrate “Viva Laguna! Feria de Sevilla”—our spring benefit at Bacara Resort & Spa. In the spirit of camaraderie, joy, and celebration, we raised more than $500,000 for our students and school community. THANK YOU for your support!

In honor of the Spanish-themed fiesta, the Bacara ballroom was transformed into a classic and elegant Spanish setting with swirling flamenco dancers from the Zermeno Dance Academy, featuring Laguna alumna and 2010 Spirit of Fiesta Erika Martin del Campo ’07; music by master guitarist Tony Ybarra; and custom-made paella prepared by Benjamin and Carol Schuster of Santa Barbara Paella.

This year’s paddle raise was introduced with a beautifully nostalgic video created by Camila Lemere ’18, starring Laguna students in childhood home videos. The live auction included unique packages such as a golf and stay at Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon; four unforgettable nights in Barcelona, Spain; a week in Kauai; a heritage pig roast feast in Los Alamos; and week of indulgence at a villa in enchanting Isla Navidad, Mexico—all of which were donated by generous members of our Laguna community.

Proceeds from this year’s benefit will fund a number of capital improvements such as the MS Quad (p. 26), as well as tuition assistance, professional development, and other school programs. We are so grateful!

Special thanks to our events sponsors and event cochairs Belle and Bert Regeer (Izzy Regeer ’26) who along with their team of talented volunteers helped to make this year’s spring benefit a success.

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SPRING BENEFIT 2017

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WITH GRATITUDE FOR OUR 2017 SPRING BENEFIT EVENT UNDERWRITING SPONSORS ESPANA

The Bollag Family

ANDALUCIA Whimsie Fund

SEVILLA

Anonymous The Bickett Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Branch Julie and Michael Davenport The Farrell Family The Fowler Family Ms. Jan Handtmann Carol and Stephen King Mary and Jim Morouse Stephanie and Peter Smillie Ms. Jessica Smith and Mr. Kevin Brine The Tolles Family Mr. Dana White Amal and Hani Zeini The Zhang Family

EL REAL DE LA FERIA

Anonymous The Chen Family The Fuladi Family Hawkins Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson '78 Ms. Jacquelyn Klein- Brown Dawn and David Lafitte Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Nicks Dr. and Mrs. Bert Regeer The Rice Family Scheinberg Orthopedic Group / Richard and Nora Scheinberg Dr. Roberta Sengelmann / SB Skin Institute Rob and Meghan Skinner Ms. Marina Stephens and Mr. Len Homeniuk The Tobias Family Weaver Family White & Grube Orthodontics Laura & Geofrey Wyatt '79

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CONNECTING

AS A TEAM Time and again, our students name Laguna’s athletic program as one of the most meaningful parts of their Laguna experience. It builds confidence and strength, and unlocks hidden potential. Not to mention: it’s fun. We salute our student athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship.

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WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF OUR LAGUNA ATHLETES. CONGRATULATIONS ON A TREMENDOUS YEAR OF SPORTSMANSHIP!

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ANOTHER STELLAR YEAR FOR LAGUNA BLANCA ATHLETICS SOCCER The girls’ soccer team earned a share of the Condor

while freshman sensation Katharine Monroy qualified for the CIF

and Sophia Fay had stellar seasons for the Owls, who advanced to the

Since most Condor League schools do not offer boys tennis, our

League title and a home playoff game this winter. Juniors Julia Fay

Individuals.

2nd round of the CIF Division 6 playoffs. Junior Kelly Bickett made

squad faced the daunting task of qualifying for the CIF playoffs

Kinsler ’18 played a key role for the Owls as she stepped into the

minimum of 16 matches and have an 80% winning record. The 2017

the Division 6 ALL-CIF team for her outstanding play. Brooklyn

Goalkeeper position halfway through the year and provided some great defensive play.

This year, the boys’ soccer team advanced all the way to the CIF

Division 7 semi-finals. Seniors Henry Farrell and Luke Smillie

provided both outstanding leadership and solid play for the Owls, while Junior Ethan Tyng was recognized as an ALL-CIF player for

his efforts on the pitch. A strong win against Cate at home highlighted the season for the Owls, who will return a number of players and look forward to another deep playoff run.

VOLLEYBALL The boys sand volleyball team continues to

make great use of our beautiful courts. This year, the team played

through a free-lance schedule. This means the team had to play a boys’ tennis team was up to the task, finishing the regular season at

13-3 and earning a much-deserved post-season berth, where they

advanced all the way to the Quarterfinals. The singles play of Juniors Alex Furukawa and Victor Liu helped the Owls earn key wins

against Pacifica, Rio Mesa, and Foothill Tech to reach the playoffs.

The number one doubles team of Conor Scheinberg ’18 and Jason Barnick ’18 provided high-level play throughout the season, while

ninth graders Kai Nakamura, John Henry Schulz, and Rhami

Zeini played key roles on this year’s team. With everyone returning, the boys look to make another deep run in CIF next year.

BASKETBALL The boys’ basketball team, led by Jackson

competitive matches against San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos

Hurley ’18, Ty Trosky ’19, and Wells Fowler ’20, earned their way to

play throughout the season.

squad stayed the course through a daunting non-league schedule

Pueblos. Matthew Goldsholl ’17 and Sam Stegall ’18 provided great Caylin Zimmerman ’18, Kelly Bickett ’18, and Sophia Fay ’18

were key contributors for the girl’s volleyball team, which advanced to

the CIF semifinals and once again qualified for the State tournament.

the CIF playoffs through hard work and determination. The young and won their last three Condor League games to earn a muchdeserved berth in the Division 5 playoffs.

SAND VOLLEYBALL The girls sand volleyball team was part of

The Owls were captained by senior Maddy Nicolson and posted

a newly formed league created this year to get this emerging sport

the unofficial “City Championship.” For their efforts during the

mostly public schools, the squad finished in the top four, which

victories over Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, and Santa Barbara to claim

season, Bickett and Zimmerman were named All-CIF. In late May, Bickett was also named Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Girls Volleyball Player of the Year.

CROSS COUNTRY The Cross Country team, led by the Condor

that much closer to being sponsored by the CIF. Competing against

qualified them for the Channel League Championship Playoffs.

Highlights of the season include a sweep of Santa Barbara and a split with Dos Pueblos. With only one senior, Maddy Nicolson, on

the roster, the young squad looks to be contenders for years to come.

and Clay Rodgers ’18 led the way for the CIF qualifying boys’ team.

Junior Kendall White won some key matches for the Owls while freshmen Macy Christal and Ainsley McGovern gained some valuable Varsity experience throughout the season.

the football team to yet another trip to the CIF playoffs. Juniors Laird

the boys’ volleyball team captured another Condor League title

seasons on the gridiron for the Owls and are looking for big things to

highly competitive Dos Pueblos Invitational this year and did more

TENNIS Girl’s tennis players showed up in record fashion this

McGovern and Spencer Rycroft provided a force in the middle

League Girls Individual Champion Aura Carlson ’18, had a wonderful season that was highlighted by the Owls hosting a Condor League

meet right here on our scenic Hope Ranch campus! Henry Farrell ’17 FOOTBALL Senior team captain Will Bartholomew helped lead

Led by Senior outside hitter’s Henry Farrell and Jack Copeland,

Fowler, Alex Furukawa, and Aidan O’Donnell all had standout

and qualified for the CIF Division 3 playoffs. The team entered the

come next year!

than hold their own against the tough competition. Juniors Miles

fall as we had over 30 competitors in the program. Seniors Grace

for the Owls, who look to build on this season’s experience, which

MacNeil and Holly Tobias provided solid leadership for the squad

included a huge home victory over Santa Ynez.

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AT H L E T E S P O T L I G H T

HENRY FARRELL '17

B

y the time Henry Farrell heads off to Harvard, he will have competed in five different Varsity sports—all during his Laguna Upper School career.

As a freshman, it was soccer and tennis— obvious choices considering his mom, Julie, was a tennis player, and his dad, Mason Farrell ’80, is a Laguna Blanca Athletic Hall-of-Fame soccer player who played for North Carolina State.

“When I was little, I spent a lot of time playing tennis and soccer!” he says. “I got a little burned out playing them so much, so I decided to mix it up.”

The next year, for instance, he added beach and indoor volleyball to his list, earning four Varsity letters his very first year. For Farrell, the training was intense. During the spring season, he would practice with the tennis team from 3-5 p.m. and then head straight into the gym for volleyball—not leaving much time for typical teenage past times like socializing and fun.

“It was pretty tough in my junior year with all of the AP courses,” he says. “I 64

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definitely wasn’t watching any Netflix or having friends over on weekdays! I would finish practice, drive home to Santa Ynez, eat dinner, do my homework, and go to bed!”

But still, even four sports wasn’t enough for Farrell. His senior year, he added cross country to his schedule, using the endurance training as preparation for leading the boys’ soccer team to yet another successful season, including a memorable 2-1 comeback victory over perennial powerhouse Cate School.

“He could run forever,” says soccer coach Gof Boyoko. “And as a captain, I could always rely on him on or off the field.”

Even with the heavy sports schedule, Farrell managed to remain a star in the classroom throughout his years at Laguna.

He was honored with the school’s ScholarAthlete award at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table luncheon as a senior, having also acted in the school play in the fall while serving as president of the Entrepreneurship Club and Youth for Direct Relief Club.

“Having someone like Henry Farrell represent Laguna Blanca as a student-

athlete makes me extremely proud,” said Athletic Director Jason Donnelly. “His work ethic, athletic ability, and commitment to every team he plays on makes him the ideal competitor.”

Farrell says he has already been in touch with the soccer coach at Harvard about trying out as a walk-on for the Crimson team when he arrives this fall. He’ll also be re-united with Pierce O’Donnell ’16, who left a legacy of leadership of his own at Laguna.

“Pierce definitely set the bar high as far as leadership for our teams,” Farrell says.

“I could see what he did for his teams, especially in football, and what he did for them really made the whole team better. I wanted to do that too — to make even the youngest guys play as hard as I do.”

While he was a standout student and athlete at Laguna, it was actually Farrell’s leadership qualities that stood out the most to his peers. “Henry leads by example,” says Rhami Zeini ’20. “You go to soccer practice and see how he plays, and it makes you want to practice harder. As younger players, we look up to him a lot.”

FAVORITE MEMORIES AS AN OWL •

The soccer team’s 2-1 comeback victory over perennial powerhouse Cate School.

•

Making an appearance in the CIF Finals for soccer his sophomore year.

•

Joining in the CIF Finals for volleyball in his junior year.

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AIDAN O'DONNELL LAG UN A B L ANCA' S PHI L W OMBL E AWA R D W I N N E R

BY BARRY PUNZAL, NOOZHAWK SPORTS EDITOR

The qualities Aidan O’Donnell ’18 brings to athletics, academics, and

student life at Laguna Blanca are what the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award represent.

Strong work ethic, toughness, positive attitude, leadership on and off the athletic field, leading by example, not afraid to step out of his comfort zone to help his team are attributes coaches, teachers, and peers get from O’Donnell.

O’Donnell was honored in January at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon as Laguna Blanca’s recipient of the Womble Award.

A three-sport athlete for the Owls (football, basketball, and lacrosse)

who carries a 3.51 GPA, O’Donnell also plays guitar in the school’s stage band, is a student ambassador on campus, and a camp counselor at Laguna Blanca’s Lower School summer camp.

Football coach Shane Lopes said he appreciates O’Donnell’s evenkeeled demeanor. “He really brings so much value to our team and our school.”

From Athletic Director Jason Donnelly: “He leads by example and is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone for the good of the team.

He represents Laguna Blanca in the most positive way and is extremely deserving of such a prestigious award.”

Laguna basketball coach Sal Rodriguez said: “He is a respectful and hardworking young man and it’s been a pleasure to be his coach.”

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Class of 1937 68

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CONNECTING WITH OUR

ALUMNI

No matter when they left Laguna, our alumni remain at the heart of our school. They are a part of our legacy, but also provide vision for the future as they share their professional life experience and perspective with our campus community. We are so grateful for their continued connection to our school.

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FORGING THEIR OWN PATH TO SUCCESS 70

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In today’s high-pressure world, it can be difficult to follow your passions. But that wasn’t the case for four Laguna alums, who visited the school to share their stories of growing up—and giving back—since leaving the Hope Ranch campus.

Panelists included Melissa Holbrook Schmitt '08, a Ph.D. candidate in African elephant behavior; Nathan Carey '02, founder of ProYo Yogurt; Sofia Melograno '07, founder of Beru Kids; and Spencer Dusebout '11, founder of Hands4Others.

"It's hard for students to visualize their lives much beyond the age of 18 or 19, which for most means their college acceptance," explains Assembly Coordinator Trish McHale. “Our goal with the panel is three-fold: to help students understand that there are many paths to a successful professional life; that there’s no rush to decide what you’ll be when you ‘grow up’; and that you can follow your passions. In fact, you should.”

The alumni panel, as well as other new projects like the Science Research Program (SRP) and Challenge Success, are helping students to gain a greater understanding of the career possibilities that lie ahead in today’s world, and how they can redefine their idea of “success” by focusing on their individual gifts, passions, and the greater concepts of fulfillment and life balance.

The fact that three of the four panelists are entrepreneurs is a sure sign that Laguna is building independent-thinkers, committed to changing the world in their own personal way. An even greater bonus—all four show a tremendous commitment to service and social change.

“Think in terms of who you want to be instead of what you want to do,” Dusebout says. “Five year plans are incredibly effective in high school as you contemplate college, but they are less effective for people in their early to mid-20s due to so many uncontrollable variables and a lack of knowledge and experience. Instead of a five-year plan, how about a 50-year plan? Think about the person you want to be, the skill-set you want to develop, and the impact you want to have on the world.”

MEET THE ALUMNI SPEAKERS NATHAN CAREY ’02 FOUNDER, PROYO YOGURT

MELISSA HOLBROOK SCHMITT ’08 PH.D. IN AFRICAN ELEPHANT BEHAVIOR

After suffering a devastating weightlifting accident, Nathan Carey launched

A Ph.D. candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg,

ProYo, a high-protein ice cream and smoothie snack that he calls “food

South Africa, Melissa Schmitt has studied the behavior of elephants,

with purpose.” ProYo helps people heal and nourish their bodies while also

zebras, and even marine biology in her adventurous career. Currently,

enjoying a delicious snack. Even better, ProYo does so while supporting

her research focuses on the influences of plant secondary metabolites

organizations like Special Olympics, Military Muscle Society, and the

on calculating carrying capacities for the African elephant. She is

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

also interested in what impacts foraging behavior, including fear and food quality.

SOFIA MELOGRANO ’07 FOUNDER, BERU KIDS

SPENCER DUSEBOUT ’11 FOUNDER, HANDS4OTHERS

Sofia Melograno is the founder of Beru Kids, a line of children’s clothing

When Spencer Dusebout and a few Laguna friends traveled to

manufactured in Los Angeles using locally-sourced deadstock and organic

developing countries and observed the tragic reality that millions of

fabric. More than a design company, Beru Kids is a value-driven company

people around the globe did not have access to clean, safe drinking

focused on ethical production, fair wages, and a social mission of giving

water, he decided to take action. Starting with a single water system for

a percent of sales back to the community. As Melograno shared with the

the village of Bondeni, Kenya, Hands4Others has now brought water to

Huffington Post in 2017, “Poverty is a very, very real thing in Los Angeles.

more than 215,000 people in 15 countries. Just a few short years since

Being able to provide jobs to LA residents and directly support our local

that initial journey, H4O has expanded into an incredible movement of

economy is quite empowering. If as a company, we’re not paying fair

hundreds of young people looking to solve the world’s water crisis.

wages or sourcing things ethically, somebody is paying for that choice.

Working on launching a truly impactful program in LA is high on the list.”

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OWLS REUNITED Every year, we celebrate our alums who make time to reconnect with one another after taking flight to new lives and careers throughout the country and the world. Recently, two classes—1966 and 1996—organized reunions.

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CLASS OF 1996, FROM BRIAN BAKER Thank you so much for hosting our gathering at Laguna. It was a fantastic reunion, and everyone was impressed by your generosity and having us at the Braun House with wine and hors d'oeuvres. Paul Chiment led us on a great tour of the campus with Dan Ary and Trish McHale, and Ace Angeloff took us on a comedic trip through his memories of our class.

Everyone was impressed by the changes made on campus, and several people said that they wish they could be in school at Laguna now. The music and arts center at the top of the campus and the new library were a few of peoples' favorite new spaces.

This reunion brought several people from our class back to Laguna who hadn't been there since graduation. It was important

CLASS OF 1996

to everyone that we could be on campus. Thank you for all that you did to help put this together. It meant a lot to us that we could spend time there.”

AN ALUMNI TRADITION - SOCCER! Over Thanksgiving weekend, Laguna enjoyed its annual Alumni-Varsity soccer match—a tradition that dates back to 1940!

This year, alums from 1980 to 2016 joined in the fun, including Board Chair Mason Farrell ’80. Farrell was a soccer force during his time at Laguna, serving as team captain in Grades 10-12 and scoring an astounding 26 goals in his senior season. With his help, the alumni team went on to beat the Varsity Owls, 5-3.

A HUNDRED REASONS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY This past holiday season, Laguna welcomed more than 100 alumni and family members back to Hope Ranch for a “Sparkling Sunset by the Sea” reunion hosted by Maddie Stephens ’11 and her parents Marina Stephens and Len Homeniuk. Attendees from as far back a 1950 enjoyed a beautiful evening of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails as they watched one of Hope Ranch’s spectacular winter sunsets.

Kristen Blabey ’95, a Laguna “Lifer” and President of the Laguna Blanca Alumni Association, welcomed fellow classmates to the event. What a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends! We are always so joyful to see our Owls fly back to Hope Ranch after making their way around the world! Thank you to all who were able to attend.

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"OWL" ORGANIZE AN EVENT If you are interested in organizing a reunion for your class, please contact Marcy Jacobs at mjacobs@lagunablanca.org to get started.

UPCOMING REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1997 (20TH REUNION) Date: TBD Contacts: Olivia Milne Marr | omarr@bfaslawo.com

CLASS OF 1977 (40TH REUNION) November 4, 2017 Contacts: Carrie Towbes | ctowbesphd@cox.net Trish Weatherby | trishweatherby@verizon.net Mike Wilk | mrwilk@gmail.com Danielle Greene Welch | familywelch3@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1967 (50TH REUNION) August 18-20, 2017 Contacts: Deborah Brown | deb@kenbrownwines.com Debbie Merritt Willson | willson.debbie@gmail.com 74

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REMEMBERING FORMER LAGUNA BOARD CHAIR AND COMMUNITY LEADER

MICHAEL TOWBES

Michael Towbes at a Lower School event in 1990.

The following is an excerpt of an obituary written by Michael Towbes’ daughter, Carrie Towbes ’77 Michael Towbes, 87, chairman of the Board of Directors of The Towbes

Group Inc. and Montecito Bank & Trust, beloved philanthropist and all-

around mensch, died at home in Santa Barbara, California on April 13, 2017. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, following a short but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mike will be remembered as a pillar of the Santa Barbara community.

For years, he has been admired as a savvy entrepreneur, a generous

humanitarian, and a true gentleman. He believed in working hard to build a better world and giving back to the community that had given him so much.

Mike was born in Washington, D.C. on July 17, 1929. He went on

to obtain his B.S.E. in Civil Engineering from Princeton University,

Michael Towbes served in various capacities on Laguna’s board from 1981-1995, and as chair from 1984-1988. Under his leadership, the school reached a $1 million fundraising goal for the first time, making the new Merovick Gymnasium a reality.

“I consider Michael Towbes to have been one of the key pillars of both the Santa Barbara and Laguna Blanca communities. He served as a board member and chair of the board for Laguna and has consistently been generous to the school over the years. His stewardship and generosity in regard to the Granada and countless other non-profit organizations underscores his true philanthropic spirit. I can't think of anyone else who has given so much back to the community. We are all lucky to have had Mike as part of the Laguna Blanca family.”

Jim Jackson '78, Former Chair of the Board

In 1980, Mike and Gail started the Towbes Foundation, dedicated to

graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1951. He pursued

meeting the diverse needs of local nonprofits. The Towbes Foundation

Korean War underway, he joined the Naval Civil Engineer Corps as an

to the arts. The Towbes Foundation started with a $500 donation 37 years

Mugu, California. While stationed at Point Mugu, Mike met his first love,

organizations.

away in 1996 following a more than 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

through their mutual involvement in the Lobero Theatre. He is survived

service began with active volunteerism in the 1960s. As a community

John Lewis; grandchildren Allison Lewis Towbes ’14 and Zachary Lewis

was president of the Santa Barbara Foundation and served on the board of

Smith (Natali), and her grandchildren, Leighton Hale, Carrington Hale,

served as board president of Montecito Union School and Laguna Blanca

Sinrod (Allison); nephew Robert Skinner (Meghan); and niece Amy

of Santa Barbara. He has served on visiting advisory committees for the

A public memorial service was held at The Granada Theater on May 23,

graduate studies in Structural Engineering at MIT, but in 1952, with the

focuses on a broad range of organizations from social services to education

ensign. Mike was assigned to the Naval Air Missile Test Center in Point

ago and now donates more than $900,000 annually to more than 300

Gail Aronson. Mike was a loving and devoted husband to Gail, who passed

Michael met his second true love, Anne Smith Towbes, in 2004

Mike had a passion for giving back that began early in his career. His

by Anne; daughters Lianne Towbes and Carrie Towbes ’77; son-in-law

leader, Mike served and chaired innumerable local nonprofit boards. He

Towbes; Anne’s children, Jennifer Smith Hale (Nicholas) and Michael

Cottage Hospital for 27 years, including five years as its chairman. He also

Ella Smith and Leo Smith; sister Carol Lee Skinner; step-brother Harold

School, and was a founding board member of the Scholarship Foundation

Sweeney (Patrick); and four grandnieces and grandnephews.

Princeton University Department of Economics and the MIT Department

2017. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to

of Urban Studies.

The Granada Theatre or to a favorite nonprofit organization.

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LAGUNA BIDS FAREWELL TO

ANTHONY GUNTERMANN '37 76

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It is with fond memories and heavy hearts that we share the news that Laguna’s

oldest alum, Anthony “Tony” Guntermann ’37, died February 11, 2017 at the age

of 97. Tony was born in San Diego in 1919. His family settled in Santa Barbara in 1926. He was the last living member of Laguna’s first graduating class.

“Tony was one of the best friends Laguna Blanca School has ever had,” said

Former Headmaster Art Merovick. “He was a loyal and dependable supporter in any

dealings with Hope Ranch and the larger community. We were lucky to have such a

charming, loyal, and steadfast teammate through the years. Where the dictionary has the term ‘classy gentleman,’ there is a smiling picture of Tony Gunterman.”

Tony was a prominent player in Laguna sports during his time on campus, recalls

Bam Spaulding ’43. “Tony was my last link to the original and athletically prominent Laguna. Whenever I saw Tony and talked with him, I thought of the great teams we had in ’36 and '37. My reflections and prayers are about him now.”

Tony earned a degree at Stanford University in 1942. He later earned his CPA

certificate and developed his accounting practice. After his retirement in 1986, his firm merged with the McGowan office and is today known as McGowan Guntermann, CPAs.

REMEMBERING TONY GUNTERMANN We hear or read about people entering others’ lives and making a profound impact in ways that are never forgotten. Tony Guntermann was that person in my life. He was a very special person to me and I shall never forget him. I will always be thankful for the role he played as a mentor, good friend, and trusted colleague. I remember his warm and humble way, his genuine sense of

In true Laguna spirit, Tony strongly believed in civic duty and responsibility and

caring for the feelings of others, and his honest

Barbara Bank and Trust (now Union Bank). He served actively on numerous boards

“I know that he had a special feeling for

in giving back to his community. He was one of the founding directors of Santa

and quiet way of expression.

including the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Santa Barbara Zoo, Cottage Hospital,

Laguna Blanca School. My wife and I shall always

Scouts, La Cumbre Country Club, University Club, and Santa Barbara Rotary Club.

ago at a function under a tent on the athletic field

S.B. Foundation, Committee on Alcohol, Hope Ranch Homes Association, Girl Tony is survived by his children Penelope ’68, Christopher, and Holly ’73; his

remember sitting next to him a couple of years at the school. As he looked up at the school sitting

grandchildren Arielle, Corinne, James, and Tony; as well as stepdaughter Janet

on the hill overlooking Merovick Gym, he said,

A memorial reception was held at La Cumbre Country Club in April. In lieu of

and experience at Laguna Blanca School. But as

Wilson ’73 and her daughter Amy.

‘Even way back then, I had a terrific education

flowers, friends and family were invited to support Visiting Nurses and Hospice, the

I look at it today from here, it sure looks different

Yosemite Conservancy, or their favorite charity.

than that little red 'schoolhouse' that I remember.’”

- Ed Birch

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STUDENTS

#DOIT4DAVIES I N C E L E B R AT I O N O F B E L O V E D S O C C E R C O A C H

In a tragic accident, beloved Laguna Soccer Coach Davies Kabogoza died on

“As soon as I heard the news about Davies, I felt the urge to play soccer because

April 29 while stand-up paddle boarding at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Just in his

that's how I connected with him,” explains Kinsler. “After hearing his story and

mid twenties, he arrived in the United States in 2010 from his native Uganda,

learning how he sent money to his family after every paycheck, I wanted to give

with help from former Laguna parent Vicky Harbison (Graham Harbison ’06

back to his family to show them what a positive influence he had on our students.

and Crosby Harbison ’10) who met him during a relief mission with the Sports

A soccer benefit felt like the best way to achieve this.”

Outreach Institute in Uganda.

Kabogoza did not have an easy life growing up in Africa. His father had

To celebrate Kabogoza’s life and the tremendous impact he had at the school,

abandoned the family when he was young, and he dropped out of high school

Laguna students organized a Benefit Soccer Tournament on May 19. The concept

to support them when he was just 16—earning 40 cents a day for 12 hours of

for the event was created by soccer player Brooklyn Kinsler ’18 and was fully

hard labor. At age 18, he earned his high school equivalency and joined the Sports

organized by the students, who worked hard to create promotional flyers, hold pre-

Outreach Institute which led him to Harbison.

event bake sales, and arrange the food, music, and venue for the event.

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Davies' professors at Westmont flew his mother in for his graduation as a surprise last spring.

Kabogoza connected with Harbison during a bus ride through Northern

and vibrant never seems to make any sense, however his story will be remembered

Uganda, which had been devastated during the oppression led by Joseph

for a long time by the many friends he made here in Santa Barbara.” Indeed,

Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army. During her short trip, Harbison saw

participants in the benefit soccer tournament included Westmont and Santa

Kabogoza speak in front of large crowds about the importance of abstinence

Barbara City College soccer players, as well as friends from Hayashida Physical

in controlling the HIV epidemic. In him, she saw leadership, compassion,

Therapy.

and a love of those around him. She was so inspired that she offered to sponsor his visa and plane ticket to come to the United States.

Kabogoza earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Westmont College. In addition to coaching soccer, he was a physical therapy aide at

“Davies had few opportunities to seek out higher education and change

Hayashida Physical Therapy in Santa Barbara. Since arriving in the United

the course of his life in Uganda,” Harbison says. “Things we take for granted

States, Kabogoza sent money home to support his mother and younger siblings.

are just not easily available, be it employment, health and dental care,

Over $12,00 was raised at the Laguna celebration and fundraiser and will be sent

medication, and college. The challenge of coming from a lifetime of poverty,

to his mother in Uganda.

while difficult, was not impossible. Davies made many of his dreams come true, with perseverance and a lot of help from so many people here.”

It was that passion for life that inspired so many Laguna students who were fortunate enough to be coached by Kabogoza. He brought light and joy to all who knew him.

“He was charismatic and had an innate ability to relate to a variety of people,” Harbison shares. “His favorite people were soccer players, and he loved the chance to coach at Laguna! The sudden loss of a person so young

During the tournament, food tickets and commemorative jerseys featuring Kabogoza’s number, 13, were sold.

Together—along with many additional contributions—the event raised over $12,000 for Kabogoza’s family in Uganda.

Our deepest thanks to Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant and Under Armour for their generous donations, ensuring every penny raised would go to Kabogoza’s family.

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79

SAY HELLO

TO OUR NEWEST ALUMNI THE CLASS OF 2017

COMMENCEMENT COVERAGE COMING THIS FALL

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