Thank you to Upper Campus journalism teacher Fred Alvarez and his students for their contributions to this issue, including Danika Carver (L23), Val Edelson (L22), Vivianne Lee, and Ray Hsu (L22). Other contributors include Nick Almanza, Tallulah Bell, Zach Byars, Airadonya Colohan
Special thanks to middle school writers Everett Kenndy and Kyoka Hahn
ON
THE COVER
Upper Campus students hike in the Sespe Wilderness during a spring backpacking trip in May 2025. Photo by Outdoor Education Director
Read more about the spring outdoor trips on page 12.
THIS PAGE
Upper Campus photography student
more student photos and a story about Photography teacher
Zach Byars.
(L24), Caitlin Cooper, Sally Dyer (L87, U91), Craig Floyd (U83), Misty Hall, Aashna Higbee (L23), Towako Hiramatsu, Matt Inman, Mike Jin, Ashley Kocijan, Lucy Lemon (L23), Ryan Schude, Thea Sullivan, Akyra Wachter, Duncan Wallace, Penelope Washburn, Tracy Wilson, and Jerry Zhang
(L25).
Mike Jin captured this photo of the Ojai Valley in winter using a drone camera. See
Ryan Schude on page 16.
A Message from the OVS Board of Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Sally M. Dyer (L87, U91), Chair
Patricia H. Farber, Treasurer
Andrew Helman, Secretary
Craig Floyd, Interim Head of School
James Casey (L95)
Kimberly Cluff (L83)
Robert G. Cooper Jr. (L61)
John B. De Nault III
Ousmane Fofana (U09)
Craig Marcus
Vahagn Nahabedian
Gail “Gigi” Ordway (U78)
Gretchen Schuette
Katharine Wang
Bob Zheng (U09)
Getting Involved
At Ojai Valley School, we strive to ensure that each student has the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. We rely on a strong culture of community engagement, philanthropy, and volunteerism to reach that goal. To learn more about giving and getting involved, please visit ovs.org/give
This summer, I stepped into the role of Board Chair during a tumultuous time for Ojai Valley School. Facing a sudden budget shortfall – brought on by the same drop in international student enrollment that has impacted colleges and schools across the nation – the Board was compelled to implement immediate cost-cutting measures that included voluntary and involuntary separations of non-teaching staff and the elimination of administrative positions. The current financial pressures are exacerbated by the lingering impacts of the Thomas Fire and it is incumbent upon us to align the operating expenses with the student body accordingly.
The school has acknowledged the emotional toll these actions have had on the community these past months. We want to thank the impacted employees for their years of service and acknowledge the faculty and staff members who have stepped up to take on additional duties and new roles for the coming year. We will establish a more sustainable economic position, but we are pained by the human cost of these decisions.
Additionally, our Head of School resigned to pursue other personal and professional opportunities, and Head of Upper Campus Craig Floyd (U83) stepped into the role of Interim Head of School. Mr. Floyd has served in multiple roles over the years at OVS and his steady leadership will be invaluable as we chart a path forward. Mr. Floyd has led OVS during other challenging times with the Thomas Fire and through the pandemic, and the Board is confident he will work to transform the current challenges into opportunities.
As an alum, I can personally attest to the transformative power of an OVS education. The experiences I had in the classroom, in the outdoors and on the back of my horse prepared me for college and beyond. Protecting those experiences for current and future students requires a proactive Board of Trustees, one that provides effective governance, ensures financial stability, and promotes educational excellence. I want to assure our community that our Board is committed to those responsibilities.
OVS is more than a school, as many of you know firsthand. It’s a place where students learn to be resilient, where they are encouraged to explore their interests, know themselves, and develop a deep appreciation for other students who come from around the world. Our mission to develop each student’s academic strength and character has never been more important, and our work together is even more critical during this challenging time.
We invite you to get involved by supporting OVS through your advocacy and your philanthropy. Thank you for your continued belief in and commitment to our school. I have no doubt that together we will continue to grow in strength and purpose.
For now, I hope you enjoy reading the profiles of our graduates and the stories about our distinctive programs in this issue of Family Tree
With gratitude,
Sally M. Dyer (L87, U91) Board Chair
urfing creates a bond among students – fostering friendship and a sense of camaraderie through a shared love of the ocean and the sport.
OVS alum Mark Beales (L59) pointed out this connection after receiving last winter’s holiday card (right), which pictured Upper Campus students enjoying an early morning “Dawn Patrol” surf session. “It reminded me of when I started surfing in 1960 in Bolinas, north of San Francisco. A friend loaned me a surfboard he made from a dining room table, odd looking but it worked. I learned to surf and ordered my first board in December, 1961, from the San Francisco Surf Shop, later to become O’Neill Surfboards.”
Mark sent a photo that was taken on February 23, 1961, on Bolinas Beach just before he (above right) and his friend, Bill Geer (above left), were getting ready to go out on their new boards. “My board was 9’6” with two Redwood stringers and a mahogany Skeg. We didn’t wear wetsuits in those days as is common today but we survived just fine. I think the fact that the school offers a surfing program is wonderful.”
Thea Sullivan’s middle school English students were tasked with writing personal narratives about a new or challenging experience, preferably one that sprang from an OVS Outdoor Education trip. Students began with loose ideas and messy first drafts, and ended with a polished, revised final product. Along the way, they practiced incorporating sensory details to make their stories come alive. Ms. Sullivan selected two essays to publish in the magazine. The first is from Everett Kennedy, writing about his seventh grade trip to Big Sur, and the second is from Kyoka Hahn (L25), writing about her first time kayaking at Santa Cruz Island.
By Everett Kennedy
Itwas a cool afternoon at the Big Sur River. The sun was shining but it was still cold outside. I was by myself, enjoying a nice Autumn day. I was on the river bank looking down at the calm water. The blue water flowed by slowly, and then turned into raging rapids farther downstream. The river was freezing cold and very shallow, with six inches to a foot of water before you could feel the rough black rocks. I swam around for a little bit before I had the idea of riding my red boogie board down the river.
The numbing cold of the river started to make itself clear on my ankles as I hopped on my boogie board. I floated downstream and all was well. The ride was very fun and relaxing. Then, the current carried me towards some green mossy rocks and lush green riverbank. I was scared for a second, thinking I was going to crash! But then I remembered that I could paddle my board. Little did I know what was about to happen next.
I heard flowing water, and as I turned the corner I saw some rapids! The current carried me and pushed me into a mossy rock, and then I started gaining speed. The water covered my board and I slipped off of it! I tumbled on the sharp rocks, the current pushing me into them. It felt like a sharp poke, and then turned into a scraping sensation as the relentless water pushed me along. I came up gasping for air as I got my footing.
The feeling of panic that flooded through me now left, and I knew I had to attempt it again. I made it through the calm part of the cold and unforgiving river, steering away from lush riverbanks and sharp rocks. Then came the rapids. I steered with my hands trying to diverge from the path I took before, taking me to a calmer section. I made it through! But, just before I thought I was in the clear, a drop appeared in my path.
The drop was one big flat rock, with a pointy rock sticking up in the middle, and at the bottom it was shallow with many sharp rocks. There was no way to go around it. To the left was calm, but too narrow for my board to fit between two big rocks, and to the right was a very calm part but it was way too shallow to go down. I had one option, to go down the dangerous drop.
I steered to the left, the current pulling me in faster and faster. I went down the drop, landing in dangerously shallow water. The rocks scared me, but I managed to stay on my board! The current pushed me along in the calm area after the drop. I steered to the shore, feeling accomplished after conquering the drop. The experience was very exciting as I learned to work through hardships, and the river is very unforgiving.
Everett rock climbing in Los Padres National Forest.
By Kyoka Hasegawa Hahn (L25)
Theteacher asks who has never gone on a kayak. I raised my hand. I was the only one who had never gone on a kayak in my group. Today is the second day of camping and it was the day that I kayaked for the first time. I wanted to tell the teacher that I didn't want to kayak because I was very scared of the ocean and I've never gone deep in the ocean because I was always scared of big waves. And I was never a good swimmer. I also never liked the sea so I was very nervous about going on a kayak. The teacher did say that everything is safe for all of us, but I still was very nervous about it. I wondered “What if the kayak flips over and there is a really big wave so I can’t control myself?”
I was relieved when I saw Mr. Byars kayaking with us because he was a professional river rafter and Mr. Almanza was also there. We started partnering up with our kayaking partners and my partner was Kara. I felt bad for Kara because she is a great kayaker and she has lots of experience and she had to go with someone that had never gone kayaking.
The teachers start putting the kayaks in the water so we get ready to go. The teacher taught us how to paddle and I followed along. Then we start kayaking forward. Kara and I were doing pretty well. The waves weren’t big and there wasn’t a lot of wind. And so far there wasn’t any kelp. The smell of the ocean was very fishy, which I don't like. We started to get ready for our first cave but the wind started getting stronger and there was a lot of kelp so my arms hurt so badly that it was very hard for me to paddle.
We finally made it to the first cave and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was very big and it was very wide and dark. We made echo noises and sang the OVS song inside the cave, barely remembering the lyrics. We went to a couple more caves then we reached a cave where it is very narrow and the water is flowing very fast. The cave is called Marge Simpson because the cave looks like Marge Simpson. We did not have to go through the Marge Simpson but Kara and I wanted to challenge ourselves. The teacher told us when to go because the water was very bumpy. It went very fast, but we made it through smoothly and it was easier than I thought.
We finally made it to shore, but Mr. Almanza asked us if we wanted to go a different route. Almost all the groups were too tired, but Kara and I wanted to keep going. We played with the slimy kelp and we saw a big seal just sitting on a rock. We went through a cave that was even more narrow than the one before. We were kayaking back and the wind was so strong. We finally made it to the shore and our arms were very tired, but I was so happy. Kayaking wasn’t as hard as I thought. I came back to the shore smiling because I was so proud of myself and it was so much fun. When we came back to school I was tired from the camping and was very sunburnt, but I was so proud of how I was able to kayak. This camping trip was so much fun and it was my favorite camping trip at OVS.
Kyoka at the Boney Bean waterfall in Rose Valley.
Craig Floyd (U83) steps in as OVS Interim Head of School
In late July, the OVS Board of Trustees appointed Craig Floyd (U83) as interim Head of School, effective August 8, to lead the school for the upcoming academic year. “Mr. Floyd has served in multiple roles on both campuses during the past 18 years, including Summer Camp Director and former Development Director,” the Board wrote in its announcement. “As Head of Upper Campus, he guided the recovery and growth of the high school following the devastating Thomas Fire. His steady leadership has consistently found a balance between honoring the school’s past while charting an innovative path for the future.”
Indeed, Mr. Floyd’s breezy style and his penchant for collaborative decision-making have garnered respect from faculty, students, and alumni. His extensive knowledge of the school and his administrative experience make him uniquely suited to guide Ojai Valley School at this moment. He meet with parents at the Lower Campus for “Coffees with Craig” once a month on Friday mornings, in collaboration with the Spud Hub (formerly Parent Club). He recently spoke with the OVS communications team about his vision for the school, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and what the Thomas Fire taught him about leadership.
Q: It has been a tough summer for OVS. What are your thoughts about how best to move the school forward after the recent budget reductions and leadership changes?
A: There is no question this is a difficult and unpredictable time for independent schools and colleges across the country. Here at OVS, we saw a huge volume of new applicants, yet the rhetoric coming out of Washington D.C. led to a very sudden decline in our international boarding enrollment that necessitated the budget cuts directed by our Board. There has also been an increased cost of doing business after the fire. So the next several months are going to be challenging, but there are opportunities to rebuild financially and come together as a community. The key is to reground ourselves in our mission and re-engage with our alumni and other key stakeholders.
Q: What are your top priorities for the coming year?
A: We need to focus on revenue growth, rebuilding our reserves, and accomplishing the goals set out in our Strategic Plan. There is ongoing work to enhance our summer programs, the potential sale of under-utilized assets, and building up employee morale. We must also manage the school’s ongoing lawsuit with Southern California Edison over damages from the Thomas Fire. SCE is not contesting its liability and the school needs to be compensated for the economic losses. But the most important priority is focusing on our key constituents – our students. We need to keep their wellbeing – all that they are learning, exploring and experiencing – at the core of all of our efforts. That’s why we are here. They are the most important priority.
Q: You are no stranger to adversity. You were just months into your role as Head of Upper Campus when the Thomas Fire destroyed much of the campus. In what way is that experience similar or different from what is happening now?
A: Being a student here, and having this school be a part of my life for so long, the Thomas Fire was very emotional for me. I cried when I saw the damage. And I continued to cry
those first few Milk and Crackers announcements after the kids came back because our recovery was so important to me. I worked like crazy. I barely slept. But we got through it. We recovered. We rebuilt.
And that’s what we need to do again. It would have been easy to walk away after the Thomas Fire, but we made a commitment to be there for the students – and we are making that commitment again now.
Q: The school has faced financial headwinds in the past. What might we learn from those experiences going forward?
A: In 1943, when Wally Burr became headmaster, there was no money in the bank and $2,500 owed in back pay to teachers. That was when Mr. Burr started the summer program. It was a success and within a few years the school was growing – hiring teachers, growing enrollment, building curriculum, purchasing property.
It was during the Burr Era that the most dramatic changes to the school occurred. We faced similar financial challenges in the mid-1970s. But being entrepreneurial, having the support of our teachers, and being unafraid to ask for support from friends and donors was key to the school’s success. We need to take similar actions now.
Q: Last question. Sports have always been a huge part of your life. You played professional softball after high school. You’ve coached baseball, softball, basketball, football and golf. You’re a big Baltimore Orioles fan. Who is your favorite player and how does sports leadership translate to school leadership?
A: I’d have to say Cal Ripken, Jr., The Ironman. His message of “Just Show Up” resonates with me, no doubt. It’s about building a strong team where there is trust and accountability. And it’s about being present, reliable, and working hard every day. That really is my leadership style and philosophy. That is what the community can expect from me.
Spring Outdoor Education
Across the grade levels, Ojai Valley School students ventured near and far this past spring to explore rivers, canyons, mountains and meadows as part of the Outdoor Education program. High school students trekked to the top of the Topatopa Mountains and the seniors navigated miles of whitewater on Oregon’s wild and scenic Rogue River, just prior to graduation. Middle and elementary school students explored creeks, trails, campgrounds and swimming holes in the Los Padres National Forest for their spring trips. The advanced backpacking group led by Matt Inman and Duncan Wallace covered 100 miles in the Dick Smith Wilderness.
Supporting the Community through Food Share
Upper Campus students dedicated their time and muscle last year to help Food Share of Ventura County – and they will be working again this fall to organize and distribute hundreds of food boxes to families and individuals in need. One in four people in Ventura County suffers from food insecurity, according to Food Share, which annually provides approximately 16 million meals to those struggling. Community service is a regular and integrated part of the OVS program. Last year the Upper Campus adopted Food Share as one of its primary service organizations with sports teams volunteering to hand out food at a weekly distribution center at College Park in Oxnard and ninth graders working throughout the year to pack boxes at Food Share’s main packinghouse. Thank you Spuds!
Advanced Placement Honors Roll Out for Upper Campus Students
Ojai Valley School was named to the AP School Honor Roll at its highest level. The AP Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success. To earn the distinction, OVS had 100% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 90% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP Exam,
Bio Students Dive into Citizen Science
Want to know what African Clawed Frogs eat? Researchers do. And OVS biology students helped find answers last year by dissecting and collecting gut contents of xenopus laevis in a research collaboration with the Turtle Conservancy. Nathanael Stanek, a biologist for the Conservancy, came to the Upper Campus to share his study on regional Southwestern Pond Turtle populations. “Not much is known regarding this species in the area,” said biology teacher Leland Fulton. “Nathanael has enlisted the help of my biology students to help collect data from the gut contents of an invasive species (the African Clawed Frog) that could be out competing the turtles for resources.” The students’ dissections identified a number of aquatic snails and amphipods in the stomachs of the frogs. One group found a fully intact dragonfly nymph in their specimen. African Clawed Frogs are native to sub-Saharan Africa and were brought to the United States for laboratory use and through the pet trade. They were likely released into the wild and now pose a threat to native frogs and other aquatic species. Frog data collection will continue for OVS biology students throughout the year ahead.
and 40% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams. The results earned OVS recognition as a platinum-level Honor Roll school. Students who enter four-year colleges with credit from AP accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success. Even for those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work.
XC Champs Look to Repeat
As the 2025 fall sports season gets underway, eyes are on the Cross Country team to repeat their dominating performance from last year. OVS runners won both the boys and girls individual Omega League titles in 2024, as well as the boys and girls team championships. The boys were led by Kai Ishikawa, who missed the course record by one second at the league finals. Kai’s time of 16:48 was more than a minute faster than the second place finisher. On the girls’ side, Akyra Wachter captured the league crown and led four other OVS girls in finishing within the Top 10 places. Taken together, it was the first time in school history that individual OVS runners and the OVS boys and girls teams have swept the top honors. Kai and Akyra were both named league MVPs. Cross Country coach Fred Alvarez said the teams “set a standard that will be hard to match in the future.” This year’s league finals will be held on October 29, 2025, at the flat-and-fast Soule Park course in Ojai.
Girls Volleyball Returns Key Postseason Players
Led by five strong seniors, the OVS girls volleyball team served up a strong season last year and earned a place in the first round of CIF playoffs. While the team did not advance to the next round of competition, the girls played a hardfought home game with heart and tenacity. Coach Joli Ruby is gearing up for another strong season with a crop of talented new and returning players. We will miss our recently graduated players: Chloe Ronning, Malak Masoud, Rory Liu (L21), Scout Mortenson and Tallulah Bell.
Saddle up for Another Successful IEA Season
We are looking forward to another exciting year with the Ojai Valley School Equestrian Program. As we saddle up for the 202526 competition season, there will be a full calendar of dressage, eventing and jumper shows and IEA team competitions. Riders will be competing in Del Mar, Santa Barbara, Somis, Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles, Paso Robles, Fresno, and at two home shows at our Lower Campus.
Last spring, OVS rider Mia Linsmeier (L24) won first place at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) National Championships in Missouri. The IEA finals in dressage and jumping take place over four days with individual riders and teams coming from across the country. Enzo DeMartini was awarded an honorable mention, while middle school team riders Kendall Casey and Francesca Washburn were named reserve champions. We are excited to see our riders on both campuses grow and develop their skills in the year ahead!
Student
photography. Top row: Jerry Zhang (U25) and Towako Hiramatsu (U25). Middle row: Aashna Higbee (L23), Danika Carver (L23) and Tallulah Bell (U25). Bottom row: Akyra Wachter and Penelope Washburn.
By Vivianne Lee and Danika Carver (L23)
Photography is a common visual arts offering in many high schools – one that allows students to develop their technical skills in camera operation, composition, lighting, and digital editing in addition to their creative expression behind the lens.
But few high schools have professional photographers leading their classes. And that is where OVS took its curriculum to the next level last year in hiring teacher Ryan Schude.
Originally from Chicago, Mr. Schude moved to the Bay Area to earn a business degree at St. Mary’s College. He then made a life as a professional photographer in Los Angeles for nearly two decades, shooting for magazines and newspapers, as well as shooting advertising spreads for various corporate clients. All of this led
him to the Ojai Valley, where he and his wife moved in pursuit of a change of pace to raise their young daughter.
Schude’s work blends influences from cinema, literature, and street photography, with productions often focusing around a single, wide image of a distinct location, telling stories of multiple characters in a single frame. He was inspired by Gregory Crewdson – an American photographer who specializes in Tableaux Vivants – and many other photographers to practice the Tableau Vivant style. Mr. Schude brings these techniques to the classroom, combining creativity and technical skills to help his students progress in a fun way.
“I’ve never been a teacher before,” Mr. Schude said, “so it’s awesome to see how much the students can teach me, and watch them progress as well.”
Photo by Airadonya Colohan (L23)
Photography teacher Ryan Schude, by Lucy Lemon (L24).
Performing Arts
OVS Performing Arts students hit the classics last year! Our elementary students tackled a production of “Don Quixote,” putting a modern twist on a classic story with more than two dozen students in grades 3-5 performing on stage or working in the tech and backstage crews. High school students then performed “How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play,” a clever comedy that led audiences through some of The Bard’s best-loved stories. The middle school students rounded out the year with performances of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Thank you to the nearly 200 parents, alumni, faculty and friends who attended our 2025 Gala and Auction at the Lower Campus in May. It was a wonderful night in support of Ojai Valley School, with more than $136,000, raised in support for enhancing and beautifying our campuses. We appreciate the contributions of so many members of our community. Beyond the fundraising, it was a beautiful evening to gather with friends and enjoy a delicious dinner, fine wine and cocktails, and great music. To the volunteers who worked behind the scenes, thank you for facilitating such a positive and fun event for the OVS community!
Class of 2025
CLASS OF 2025
Families, faculty and friends gathered on May 30 to celebrate the graduating Class of 2025. The ceremony included time-honored traditions and thoughtful acknowledgements of each of the 20 college-bound seniors, describing their contributions to the school and the broader community.
The graduates included six local students from Ojai and Oak View, as well as those from other parts of California and from around the world. Seniors Ben Scordamaglia, of Ojai, and Teni Aderibigbe, currently of Visalia but originally from Nigeria, gave the opening address. They described a small, close-knit group of outgoing students ready to launch new adventures.
“We’ve got all there is to have for a class of graduating seniors,” Ben said. “We’ve got the Scientists. Club promoters. Artists. Day traders. Philosophers. Athletes. Memory makers. And those who are just here for the ride.”
Seniors Andrew Little and Oliver Ayala, both of Ojai, gave the closing remarks before inviting six classmates to the podium to say goodbye in their six languages: Mandarin, Japanese, German, Nigerian, Arabic and Korean.
Continuing an OVS tradition, the student who has been enrolled the longest was recognized last during the ceremony. That recognition was given to Andrew, who started at OVS in Pre-Kindergarten.
“Throughout our combined years attending OVS, we’ve experienced just about everything you can think of,” Andrew said in his closing remarks. “But as we've seen each class in the years before say their farewell speech, it always seems that it will never be you.”
Just four years ago, we all began our high school journey, coming to OVS from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and places. We have managed to forge a class that has fostered countless precious memories and friendships. Today, we are closing off those years with one last goodbye before we start a new journey in college.”
— Oliver Ayala
CLASS OF 2025
Seniors, keep following your passions, the world awaits you with open arms. You are the future leaders of the world, continue to make us proud.”
— Craig Floyd
OLUWATENIOLA “TENI” ADERIBIGBE — Case Western Reserve University
Teni is a leader and a doer in so many capacities, taking key roles in the school’s performing arts programs, student leadership and a multitude of service opportunities. Academically, he demonstrated much growth as a student, moving from a reticent, reserved participant to a young man who explored all facets of our program. Outside of the classroom, he played leading roles in our musical and theatrical productions (including a memorable star turn as the gullible Amos Hart in the production of “Chicago”) and wowed school crowds with his full, emotive voice and driving electric guitar as a leader of the Garage Band. Teni will tell you he learned to suffer as a varsity runner on the league championship cross country team and he learned the beauty of teamwork as part of the CIF-qualifying boys volleyball squad. Respected by all, Teni was selected by faculty to represent OVS at Boys State and at the Pepperdine Youth Leadership Seminar, and he was elected by his peers to lead the Upper Campus this year as Student Body president. Above all, Teni routinely demonstrated his best quality — he has the kind of big heart that makes a big difference. We have no doubt he will do the same next year as a pre-med student at Case Western Reserve University.
OLIVER AYALA — Pitzer College
Ask his teachers and they will describe him this way: An enthusiastic learner. A flyer of drones and broker of student driver parking spaces. A contributor to his community. Oliver is a leader, he is passionate, and he is committed to excellence in his endeavors. He does so many things so well that it would be easy for his head to swell and for him to crow about his accomplishments. But there is no such hubris from Oliver; he is humble and kind and understated, possessing the maturity and wisdom to understand that his ultimate gift is gracious service to others. To that end, Oliver helped create a nature walkway as a member of the Green Valley Project, helped feed hungry families through his work with Food Share and worked to eliminate invasive species on the Channel Islands. Away from school, he helped work his family’s farm, laboring in the orchards and selling produce at the local farmers market and packinghouse. Oliver found purpose in the pursuit of helping others and healing the planet – it’s now part of his civic DNA. He was presented with the Robert G. Cooper Award, which recognizes the senior who has demonstrated the most growth in his or her final year of high school. It was an honor well deserved.
TALLULAH BELL — Santa Monica College
Simply put, Tallulah is the real deal. There is rarely a quarter that goes by without Tallulah being lauded by faculty for one outstanding contribution or another. Student leader and dorm prefect. Eradicator of invasive plants at Channel Islands National Park. Yearbook editor, three-sport athlete and Student Council representative. Caretaker of souls who appear lost, or confused, or friendless. Tallulah is a standout in every way on our campus, but the funny thing is she is among the last to realize this fact. Humble and understated, she is the rare student who strives for excellence in all she does because that is her default position. But we have recognized it. In her junior year, she was presented with the Michael J. Hall-Mounsey Award, which goes to the boarding student who has consistently served as an outstanding role model for his or her peers. She has been selected by faculty over the years to serve as a dorm prefect, Student Ambassador, and member of the school’s Leadership Council. Last year, she was awarded the Carl S. Cooper Leadership Award, the highest honor for an underclassman we hand out for leadership and service to the school community. Tallulah has been an outstanding member of that community, and we will miss her grace and good humor.
NIALL BENSE — Penn State University
A naturally gifted student and strong thinker, Niall has made his mark at OVS as a strong and perceptive young man, one who asks probing questions when he encounters tough problems and works to exhaustion to solve them. In his three and half years with us, he developed a reputation as a doer in so many capacities — in service work, on the athletic field, and in clubs and other campus initiatives. In the classroom, Niall challenged himself with a range of tough, Advanced Placement classes, taking a half dozen of those courses and earning high scores on many of those exams, so much so that this past summer the College Board gave him special recognition as a National Rural and Small-Town scholar, a testament to his intellect and drive. Perhaps most importantly, Niall plugged into a diverse range of experiences during his time at the Upper Campus, using his expertise to create fantastic video productions, contribute to the yearbook and play pivotal roles on our flag football and baseball teams. He also extended his contributions outside of the school, volunteering with local organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship and restoration. In the end, Niall’s civic and academic record bears out what we all want to see – a student on the rise and one whose best days are ahead of him.
JOSEPH EDELSON — Southern Methodist University
Around here, he is Mr. Basketball. Sure, Joey has other interests. He was a contributor in the classroom and he took advantage of co-curricular activities, especially in the outdoors. Whether it was joining his fellow freshmen backpackers on a Sespe trip or bushwhacking for an overnight excursion to Split Rock, Joey was in his element when exploring the world around him. But make no mistake about it, most of his world revolved around our sports teams and the contributions he could make. Joey established himself as a reliable contributor to our varsity flag football and baseball teams, recruited to the latter squad because coaches knew he could help whip up team spirit. But basketball is his first love. He was captain of a team that he helped lead to multiple CIF playoff berths. Coaches consistently voted him first-team all league, and this year he was named the league’s MVP. But the best thing we can say about Joey was that while he played hard, he also played fair. At this year’s CIF playoff game, he ran with reckless abandon for a breakaway layup after a steal, then extended a hand to a competitor who had hit the floor. He is headed to SMU where we know there will be more games ahead.
ADELE ERK — College in Germany
Her teachers describe her as brilliant; her classmates say she is friendly and kind. And while all of those attributes are true about Adele, don’t be fooled by that cool, calm exterior. Because underneath it all beats the heart of a champion. She was a cross country team captain, leading her team this year to the Omega League championship with a third-place finish at the league final. She is also the Omega League’s individual 1600-meter track champion, having to make the decision in that race that all competitive athletes eventually have to make: is a victory in one race worth all the pain I will have to endure to achieve it? The answer for Adele, of course, was ABSOLUTELY! She is a yearbook editor, an appointed student leader and elected Student Council representative, and she is the winner of class awards in some of our toughest subjects, including AP Physics and AP Computer Science. While Adele has only been with us two years, she made the most of her boarding school experience, and somehow, she did it all with a smile on her face and kind words for all. She is returning to Germany to pursue higher education in her home country, but we look forward to the time when our paths cross again.
TOWAKO HIRAMATSU — New York University
When the girls cross country team was beset by injury and scrambling to field a team for the league final, coaches put out a desperate call for runners who might be willing to step in and run three miles. They didn’t have to look far as Towako quickly answered the bell. She not only completed the course, she earned a fifth-place medal and helped the team earn a league championship. This tells you all you need to know about the contributions and character of this young woman. While blessed with a natural talent that has been on display during her four years at OVS, she has learned in her time here how to tap an internal reservoir that allows her to be at her best when it matters most. At the Upper Campus, she worked hard and challenged herself throughout the curriculum, including taking four AP classes her senior year. However, Towako demonstrated some of her greatest talents outside of the classroom, helping lead the school’s co-ed golf and soccer teams, serving the past two years as a yearbook editor, and working behind the scenes to assemble sack lunches for our local unhoused population. Towako learned much about herself at OVS, and we know she will continue to do so at the Shanghai campus of New York University
ADDISEN HOLLON — Pratt Institute
Take a look at the world through the eyes of this young artist and be prepared for magic to appear. Addisen was a constant and dynamic force in the Upper Campus ceramics studio, where she spent four years and excelled in Advanced Placement courses that showcased the breadth of her talent. Her AP 3-D Art and Design portfolio, which focused on themes of religion and the afterlife, was deep and insightful. And if you know anything about Addisen, it was perfectly attuned to the natural curiosity she brought to so many of the subjects she explored. You might think one area of artistic expertise would be enough, but when it comes to Addisen you would be mistaken. She soaked up the spotlight in our theater arts productions and served as the heart and soul of the Garage Band, belting out vocals and driving the rhythm with her dark blue bass guitar. Most importantly, Addisen made her presence felt in her four years at the Upper Campus. Whether it was being selected to serve as captain of the IEA dressage team or braving the backcountry wilderness to do battle with invasive species, Addisen dedicated herself to finding and then mastering her passions. We are certain she will do the same at the Pratt Institute in New York.
CHAEMIN LEE — UC Riverside
If she invites you to share her hot sauce, think twice about accepting that offer. Those of us who have tried it know that it comes at just one temperature, and that is flaming red hot! We will miss so much about Chaemin, or Min. She was a giant presence on our campus. She worked hard in her classes — ask anyone who early in the morning poked a head into the girls lounge about her work ethic and they will tell you that more often than not she was up before sunrise hitting the books. The other thing we know about Min is that she loves animals probably more than she likes people. Min is all about her four-legged friends, and her future plans include an education and career centered around working with animals. It has been a throughline in her life thus far. Her senior capstone project focused on equine therapy. And in her time here, she proved to be exceptional equestrian, helping lead our IEA dressage team to the national championships. For the past three years, her work ethic and performance earned her the Sandy Ballou Memorial Award, a trophy presented to our most committed rider. She is off to UC Riverside to pursue pre-veterinarian studies.
HAEWON “VIVIANNE” LEE — UC Berkeley
Since arriving in ninth grade, Vivianne has been writing her story, and given what a gifted writer she is, you can bet it has been a pretty good one. A standout in the classroom, she has proven herself to be a deep thinker and a powerful contributor to our academic program. She is wicked smart, curious about the material and quick to ask questions and answer them when they are posed. The College Board has seen the best that her gifts have to offer, bestowing upon her this past summer National Rural and Small-Town Recognition for her success on AP exams. Writing is one of Vivianne’s greatest gifts. At OVS, she earned both the Dorothy Burr Literary Award and the Judith Oberlander Poetry Prize, the two highest honors a writer at our school can receive. However, it is also important to note the ways that Vivianne stretched herself in her time here. For the first time in her life, she decided to run competitive cross country and track. This was in no way easy for her, but Vivianne demonstrated in running the same grit she demonstrated in the classroom — there was no quit in Vivianne, only a steady commitment to push forward and strive for excellence. Her story will no doubt continue as a student at UC Berkeley.
ANDREW LITTLE — UC Santa Cruz
Here’s the image we will remember most about Andrew Little: It’s the middle of a tight volleyball game, a match so even that it could easily go one way or the other, and Andrew is in his element. He’s pumping his fist after every good play, orchestrating the offense and the defense, and exhorting his teammates to dig deep and not let go of the rope. At that point, the outcome becomes secondary, although it’s worth noting that Andrew led his team to a first for OVS volleyball, an historic opening-round CIF playoff win for the boys team. What’s best about this memory is getting to watch Andrew in the spotlight and to watch him lead in his own special way. As an OVS lifer, he knows much about coming up big in the spotlight. He joined us in Pre-K and his journey has touched nearly every facet of our program. Whether it was serving as an elected representative to Student Council, demonstrating his talents at the Lower Campus as a welder and blacksmith, or being the first to run out to catch a wave on the surf team, Andrew was uniquely himself and we benefited greatly from his special brand of Andrew Little energy. Next year, UC Santa Cruz will do the same.
MEIXUAN “RORY” LIU — UC Davis
Whenever we talk to parents about the importance of students investing in our program, we like to share Rory’s resume and ask them to imagine a day in her life. She served as co-captain of the volleyball team, helping lead that squad to CIF playoffs. She was an expert ceramicist, dorm prefect, and Student Council representative. She was a faithful member of the stage crew for school musicals, a budding saxophone player, and the Omega League 400-meter track champion. She was also one of our highest-achieving students, a committed service volunteer and one of the kindest young people and hardest workers you’ll meet. A look at her transcript will reveal a superior student, but for Rory, learning has really been about satisfying a natural curiosity for the subjects she devours. Over the years, she racked up numerous honors, culminating in the A. Carl Kotchian Award as the school’s most outstanding scholar. However, one of the strongest parts of Rory’s record has come outside the classroom. As the elected Outdoor Education representative, she played a leading role in planning camping trips and she grew to love those experiences. For all she achieved, Rory was also presented at graduation with the Andrew Kille Award, which recognizes the best all-around senior. She is off to study chemical engineering at UC Davis.
FINLEY “SCOUT” MORTENSON — University of Colorado at Boulder
By so many measures, Scout flourished at the Upper Campus. Self-motivated and driven to perform at a high level, no matter the task in front of her, she possesses a deep curiosity for knowledge and the grit to see tasks and projects through to completion. Since arriving sophomore year, Scout challenged herself to take demanding classes and she demonstrated service to her school community, and to the community at large. Just as impressively, Scout maintained these high-powered pursuits while actively engaging in virtually every aspect of the school’s programs. She took woodshop and two years of journalism, and she took star turns in our theatrical and musical productions. She also made her mark in the athletic arena, named captain of the IEA equestrian team not only because she is an expert rider but because she was willing to share that expertise in mentoring younger riders. In her senior year, she achieved a rare distinction at our school by participating in two varsity sports — equestrian and volleyball — in the same season. She added basketball to that list this past winter. Her coaches in all of those sports lauded her leadership and willingness to contribute where needed. She was honored with the Sandy Ballou Memorial Award, recognized for her care, work ethic and commitment to equestrian excellence.
MALAK MASOUD — UC Riverside
Since joining us in her junior year, Malak has been busy. She played defense and midfield on the OVS girls soccer squad and was a key member of the girls volleyball team, which earned a CIF playoff berth this year. She was selected as captain of the OVS robotics team, working long hours during and after school to build out the team’s robot and keep her teammates motivated and on task. If you ask her, Malak will tell you she learned plenty about leadership in that role. And if you press her a bit further, she will tell you she learned plenty about herself as a student here. On a dusty trail, in the dorm, in a team huddle, Malak soaked up the American high school experience. She is a young person with big dreams. She has thought of being a baker, a chef, an Olympic swimmer, an artist, a soccer star, and, like so many of us have, a rock star, using her hairbrush as a microphone. Funny and a good friend to all, humble and understated, Malak will be the first to tell you she is not sure where her journey of self-discovery will end, but she has learned that she has learned to be brave enough to take the steps necessary to make it materialize.
CHLOE RONNING — Santa Clara University
How will we remember Chloe? Battling underneath the boards on the basketball court or diving to save a loose ball in volleyball? Expertly leading as Editor-in-Chief of the school yearbook and newspaper? A spoiler of Wordle for teachers who play later in the day? Trading ideas with classmates in any number of high-powered courses, including AP World History and AP Statistics, where she was honored as the top student? Here is what is truest about Chloe: there is little at which she did not excel. She is a voracious learner, a fearless explorer, and a deep thinker. Away from the classroom, she was a team captain in multiple sports, respected for her willingness to put her body in harm’s way to help her team. We sometimes worried about all the bruises she collected along the way. Some of Chloe’s best moments came in the more unconventional areas of the program, whether it was launching a campaign to cut down on food waste, getting her hands dirty to help revive the school’s compost program, or championing efforts to bring what she would describe as much-needed change to the student dress code. Chloe is a powerful presence who gave us the best she had to offer. In the fall, she will shift her contributions to Santa Clara University.
BENJAMIN SCORDAMAGLIA — UC Berkeley
If you happen to spot a drone filming overhead, talk to Ben. He is the founder of Ojai Drone Productions, a business that shoots video for real estate listings and outdoor events, which expertly illustrates this young man’s curiosity and drive. Ben is an originator, an idea producer and a contributor, and his character and attentiveness to detail is evident in every task he takes on. His peers elected him to lead them this year as student body vice president, and he was pivotal as a senior in helping his teams capture league titles in cross country, golf and baseball, where he served as team captain and was selected by coaches first team all-league. He was honored with the OVS Sportsmanship Award, one of our loftiest honors as it recognizes those students who uphold the highest levels of integrity and fair play. Off the field, Ben joined or led environmental initiatives, including serving as vice president of the Green Valley Project. It is the rare student who has the heart to care about land-use issues but then doubles-down by doing the dirty work of trail maintenance and restoration projects. But that is Ben inside and out — throughout his time at OVS, he has signed up, plugged in and gotten involved.
HARLEY WACHTER — Pepperdine University
It is fitting that we start by talking about movement. Harley has long been a competitive dancer, participating on teams since fifth grade and dedicating so many hours to the sport that she ultimately served as a dance instructor for younger students. It is an activity fundamental to who she is and how she chooses to move through the world. But what we have learned about Harley, even off the dance floor, is that there is much power rising from this young woman. Her teachers describe her as bright, enthusiastic, and engaged –the kind of student who leads by example and who lets her actions speak for themselves. Since arriving sophomore year, Harley has taken on a challenging class load, investing in Advanced Placement and honors courses. She emerged as a quiet leader, taking the reins as Senior Editor of the yearbook and as Publications Editor for the school newspaper. And she was a superstar in the art room, assembling a body of work that reflects her unique artistic voice, which her peers recognized this year by voting her “most creative” in the school yearbook. This spring, she was crowned prom queen, adding to her growing list of accomplishments, and we are certain she will continue to pile up the recognition next year studying communications at Pepperdine University.
KEIRAN WALSH — Santa Barbara City College
How tough is this kid? This past summer, he worked for a time as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, following a family tradition to take part in what is widely considered one of the world’s toughest jobs. Closer to home, he competed for four years on the varsity baseball team, rotating into a variety of positions but very often putting in the hard work behind the plate as catcher, which is arguably the toughest position on the field. And before graduation he joined a small band of intrepid hikers on a tough 25-mile trek to the top of the Topatopa Mountains, climbing 5,000 feet in elevation to the Topatopa summit, where exhaustion gave way to wondrous views of the Channel Islands and the Pacific Coastline. Keiran lived his OVS experience. He was a strong contributor in his time at the Upper Campus, signing up when there was an opportunity to volunteer and digging in whenever there was a chance to improve our campus. He played flag football and basketball, and he was selected by Omega League baseball coaches as a first-team all-league player, a nod to his commitment to and passion for the sport. It is clear that OVS has helped him with his journey, one that will continue next year at Santa Barbara City College.
AVA WILLIAMS — University of Colorado at Boulder
She didn’t arrive at the Upper Campus until her senior year, so you might think that perhaps there would have been a bit of an adjustment period to fitting in with the Class of 2025. But it was as if Ava had been with us all along. She quickly got busy engaging in the wide range of opportunities offered in outdoor education, athletics and college preparatory academics. She emerged as a standout on the IEA dressage team, qualifying for regional championships on her strength and experience as a rider. While that achievement is laudable, her coaches praised her willingness and ability to work with younger riders, stepping in to help them find the same magic she discovered on the back of a horse. She played on the soccer team, showing us impressive levels of skill and grit. She set herself apart in the art room, where she was creative in any medium and self-directed at all times to produce work that was both graceful and captivating. She also learned in the outdoors, joining trips that pushed her on a path of self-discovery. We discovered that she is a young woman on the rise, and she will continue on that path next year as she heads off to study psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
HANGJUN “JERRY” ZHANG — UC Irvine
Funny, easy going, a friend to all, Jerry grew by leaps and bounds as a member of and contributor to the OVS community. In many ways, he is one of our most-improved players, a student who has matured and learned how to learn, and that has been particularly impressive to witness. Jerry was a boarding student in his two years here and he made this campus his second home – not an easy task for anyone, much less a teenager required to adjust to a new country, culture and customs. Jerry made the most of his time, engaging in opportunities offered in outdoor education, resident life, athletics, and college preparatory academics. He plugged into a diverse range of experiences, joining his fellow students to remove invasive species from sensitive habitat areas and to distribute food to the needy with the county food bank. He emerged as a valuable member of our basketball team and proved to be a solid contributor to our golf team — just please never ask him to drive the golf cart. We also learned in his Senior Capstone that Jerry is an expert equestrian, having won multiple awards over the years. Next year, Jerry will continue his studies at UC Irvine and we wish him the best of luck.
LEVELING UP — Senior-to-Alumni Dinner
The Class of 2025 gathered for the annual Senior-toAlumni Dinner at Boccali’s restaurant in late May, just three days before graduation. As part of this tradition, OVS invites an alum to serve as a guest speaker to share words of advice about the transition from high school to college. We were thrilled to welcome alum Jack Marcus (L08, U12), who followed his passion for the outdoors to the National Outdoor Leadership School and Dickinson College. Now living in Ojai, Jack urged the seniors to step outside their comfort zones and pursue new opportunities in college while holding onto the friendships they formed at OVS. “Sometimes,” Jack said, “it might feel like all your plans have gone up in smoke (literally or figuratively), but just keep going forward, take the next step and keep your eyes open for new opportunities. Trust in yourself and your gut and be confident in the preparation and experiences OVS has given you. You are all well prepared to take on the world ahead of you and I feel confident that ‘it will all work out’ for each and every one of you.”
Class of 2025: College Acceptances
Alfred University
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Bard College
Brandeis University (2)
Bryant University
Cal State Channel Islands
Cal State Fresno
Cal State Fullerton (2)
Cal Poly Humboldt (2)
Cal State Long Beach
Cal State Los Angeles
Cal State Monterey Bay
Cal State Northridge
Cal State San Francisco
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
UC Berkeley (2)
UC Davis (3)
UC Irvine (2)
UCLA
UC Merced (5)
UC Riverside (5)
UC Santa Cruz (6)
UC San Diego
UC Santa Barbara (3)
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve
Chapman University (3)
Cleveland Institute of Art
College for Creative Studies
Colorado State University (2)
CU Boulder (3)
Davidson College
University of Florida
Franklin & Marshall College
Gonzaga University
University of Hawaii (2)
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
University of Nevada (Reno)
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
Northeastern University
NYU (2 — New York, Shanghai)
Occidental College (2)
Ohio State University
University of Oregon (2)
Oregon State University
Pace University
Penn State University (2)
Pepperdine University (3)
Pitzer College (2)
Pomona College
Pratt Institute
University of Rochester (2)
Rutgers University
University of San Francisco
Santa Clara University (2)
Savannah College of Art and Design (3)
Scripps College
Southern Methodist University (2)
Texas Christian University
University of Southern California
United States Military Academy (West Point)
United States Air Force Academy
Vassar College
University of Vermont
Westmont College
Whittier College
Meixuan “Rory”
UC Davis Chemical Engineering
Benjamin
UC Berkeley Business and Finance
Haewon “Vivianne”
UC Berkeley
Comparative Literature and Society and Environment
Chloe Santa Clara University Business
Andrew
UC Santa Cruz Environmental Science
Keiran
Santa Barbara City College Undeclared
Tallulah Santa Monica College Psychology Harley Pepperdine University Communication Studies
Oliver Pitzer College Undeclared
Hangjun ”Jerry”
UC Irvine Business
Finley “Scout” University of Colorado at Boulder Communication Studies Ava University of Colorado at Boulder Psychology
Malak
UC Riverside Mechanical Engineering
Chaemin
UC Riverside Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Adele College in Germany Mechanical Engineering
Oluwateniola “Teni” Case Western Reserve University Pre-Medicine
Niall Penn State University Undeclared
Joseph Southern Methodist University Undeclared
Addisen ”Alex” Pratt Institute Undeclared
Towako New York University Business
MAJOR AWARDS
UPPER CAMPUS LOWER CAMPUS
WALLACE BURR AWARD
Jessi Ponce Sanchez, Vincent Bell
Established to recognize the student(s) who have made a significant impact on the OVS community by giving unsolicited service.
ROBERT G. COOPER AWARD
Oliver Ayala (L21)
Honors the senior who has demonstrated the most growth during his or her senior year.
A. CARL KOTCHIAN AWARD
Meixuan “Rory” Liu (L21)
Awarded to the most outstanding scholar, not only for academic achievement but also for this student’s level of effort and intellectual curiosity.
ANDREW KILLE AWARD
Meixuan “Rory” Liu (L21)
Given to the senior who has demonstrated himself or herself to be a leader with a strong sense of community; one who has been consistently hard working, helpful, friendly, and who has exhibited a good sense of humor.
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Akyra Wachter, Benjamin Scordamaglia (L21)
Given to the athletes who have most demonstrated integrity, leadership, and, above all, good sportsmanship.
J.B. CLOSE AWARD
Devon Solberg, Mike Jin
Recognizes the student, or students, who have exhibited the most enthusiasm and active participation in the outdoor program.
SANDY BALLOU MEMORIAL TROPHY
Finley “Scout” Mortenson
Recognizes the student who demonstrates good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and the belief that competition is not as important as the simple joy of being with a horse.
CARL S. COOPER AWARD
Celeste Ayala (L23)
Recognizes the underclass student, or students, for their leadership and character. It is an award that neither dwells in the past nor predicts the future. It honors the individual for who they are, here and now.
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
David Shanks
The highest honor we can give an eighth-grade student. Its purpose is to commend the student who, with his or her actions and attitude, contributed to the school community in a sensitive and constructive manner in all phases of school life.
MICHAEL D. HERMES AWARD
Charlotte Manning, Hamilton Myers
Given to the most outstanding eighth-grade student athletes.
J.B. CLOSE AWARD
Arno Hunziker
Given each year to the student who best exemplifies the goals of the OVS Outdoor Education program. His or her consistent contributions to camping, backpacking, and rock climbing trips, love and respect for nature, and commitment to helping others in the face of adversity set this student apart.
HEAD OF CAMPUS AWARD
Bridget Rothwell
Given for the significant contributions an eighth-grader has made during his or her years at Lower Campus.
PAUL PITTMAN AWARD
Violet Drake
Recognizes the student who has exhibited the most enthusiasm and active participation in the equestrian program.
MICHAEL J. HALL-MOUNSEY AWARD
Yuexuan “Henry” Zhou
Honors the boarding student who has consistently served as an outstanding role model for their peers and who has demonstrated initiative, leadership, and responsibility.
Matt Inman, Arno Hunziker, Duncan Wallace
PRIMARY & ELEMENTARY
We want to thank everyone who attended Alumni Weekend at the Upper Campus. This year we welcomed classes ending in 5’s and 0’s for special reunion events, and it was fabulous to see so many classes represented! Highlights this year included a big group of Sepse hikers, led by longtime teacher Crystal Davis, a fabulous dinner at the Upper Campus, and the presentation of the Founder’s Alumni Award to alumna Fanny Case (L61).
Looking ahead, we hope to see our alumni at our second annual Festivus holiday celebration in December. More details to come for this popular winter meet-up. And be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Alumni Weekend, June 5-7, 2026. We look forward to seeing you there!
Fanny Case recipient of Founder’s Alumni Award
Ojai Valley School honored Frances “Fanny” Case (L61) as the recipient of the 2025 Founder’s Alumni Award during Alumni Weekend on Saturday, June 7. The award was created to honor alumni whose achievements exemplify the principles and values of the school’s philosophy. Classmates Bob Cooper (L61) and Jim Churchill (L61), reading from remarks prepared by classmate Liza White (L61), spoke during the award presentation and described Fanny as a core member of their class and the ultimate organizer-inchief who has worked diligently to keep her classmates connected over the years. Fanny truly exemplifies what it means to be an OVS alum, Bob Cooper said, noting how in 1992 she began calling her classmates to encourage them to gather for a reunion in Sedona, Arizona. Thus, a tradition began. Every four years she made calls to encourage her classmates to join her in reminiscing about their time at OVS and celebrating their friendships. Her efforts were successful in bringing together classmates and their families as well as former teachers. Her friends even wrote a song about her persistent phone calls that they sang together around the campfire during their reunions. The group, lovingly referred to as “The Ancients,” now meets annually at the Upper Campus for the three days following Alumni Weekend. “She has provided the glue that has kept our connections with classmates strong,” Bob Cooper said. “This gift has allowed us to experience the joys and challenges of adulthood and old age while living the values we developed in our time at OVS.”
See you next year!
Father and
Share OVS Baseball Bond
By Danika Carver (L23)
As the ball released from Zaydrian Davis’s hand and hurtled toward home base, his father, Shaun Davis (L90, U94), watched nervously but proudly, thinking back to his own days on the mound. The father-son duo have both been in the spotlight as OVS pitchers. Shaun started in fifth grade and played all four years of high school at Upper. Now his son, a freshman hurler who was the starting pitcher for the Spuds second-round CIF playoff game, is doing the same.
“It does take me back a bit,” Shaun Davis said. “But I noticed it’s much less stressful for me when I’m out on the mound playing than when I’m watching.”
Shaun started playing on a baseball team at nine years old alongside his father as a coach. His mother, longtime teacher and current Director of High School Crystal Davis, also helped out with the team. Baseball created a connection throughout the whole Davis clan. “It was a thing that was really important to our family,” she said. “I am so grateful that Zayd can be a part of this experience.”
Zayd (L24) has been at OVS since
preschool. His father put him in T-ball as soon as he was old enough to play. He then went on to help coach some of his son’s teams. Both Zayd and his dad mentioned how baseball has helped them form great teamwork and communication skills.
“For me, baseball was really instrumental, especially with my job being in the military and then firefighting,” said Shaun, who served in the United States Coast Guard and
now works as a Battalion Chief with the Montecito Fire Department. “It taught me the value of teamwork and how the team as a whole is really what pushes the individual.”
Even with the Davis family’s long history at OVS, it took Zayd awhile to realize his father had played for OVS. During an alumni baseball event several years ago, Zayd sat on the sidelines and watched his dad pitch. It was then Zayd realized that in just a few short years he would be in the same position.
This past season, the pair practiced together, often at the Oak View Little League field near their home. They talked about games and strategies, and Shaun attended as many of Zayd’s games as he could, including the playoff match at Dok Smith Field. While the game didn’t tilt in the Spuds’ favor, Shaun watched every pitch his son threw.
For Zayd, he’s proud to be carrying on the Davis legacy. “I didn’t really think much of it before. But it’s pretty cool that we both went to the same high school, play the same position and get to play on the same field.”
Son
Zaydrian and Shaun Davis after a spring 2025 home game.
Shaun Davis, pitching in the spring of 1991.
Reflections from Pons
This year we celebrated the 29th annual Pons Dinner. Pons, which is Latin for “bridge,” is a time to recognize our eighth graders and the Lower Campus alumni who are still in high school. Nearly 100 students and faculty gathered for the traditional dinner under the Wallace Burr Pergola on May 6.
As part of this legacy event, OVS invites a young alum to serve as a guest speaker. Hannah Little (L19, U23), a current student at Northeastern University in Boston, talked to the middle and high school students about the importance of building healthy communication and pursuing their passions.
“This place gave me best friends, mentors and some of my most favorite parts of my life,” Hannah said. “I encourage you to ask yourself what meaningful things you discovered in your time here and intentionally bring them with you into your next chapter.”
Alumni Speak at OVS Opening Staff Meetings
Four alums returned to Ojai Valley School in August to serve as guest speakers during the opening day of faculty meetings. Max Wheeler (L06, U10), Karen Rascoe Farmer (L77, U81), Sinead McHugh (L92, U96), and Max Wu (U19) attended OVS at different times. But they share similar, cherished experiences.
Interim Head of School Craig Floyd wanted the faculty to hear about those experiences to be reminded of why their role as educators is so crucial, especially in a boarding community.
“I still look back at my years at OVS as the best years of my life,” Karen said to the teachers and staff gathered in the Greenberg Center.
“It’s in my core,” Max Wheeler said of the school, “and the core of the school is in this room right now.”
Sinead, like Karen and Max, started as a boarding student at the Lower Campus and continued to the Upper
Campus for high school. “This school so quickly changed my perspective of what living in a community was like,” she said.
Max Wu closed out the session, holding up his boarding pass from his flight from China and reading from a letter he wrote about his own journey and desire to give back.
“Even though I graduated six years ago, I still feel like I am part of this school – because I am,” he said. “Looking back, I realize I’ve been something of a walking OVS mascot. I’ve taken pride in being an ambassador, bringing dozens of families to campus, giving them tours, and sharing my OVS story with the hope that they, too, would become part of this community.”
Yohtaro Hamada (U85) works as a reporter and an editorial writer covering The National Diet (Congress in Japan) for the newspaper, Asahi Shimbun. June is not good timing for him to take a week off work, but he did so to attend Alumni Weekend – and described it as a dream come true. “I could not believe the good turnout of our Class of 1985, and a couple of people a year ahead of us, which made my trip from Japan very worthwhile. I am especially thankful to: Julie Ann Hersch (U85) for reminding us this was our 40th anniversary since graduation; Jim Harp (U85), who was our class rep and successfully contacted almost everybody in our class; Peter Noone (U85), Joe Flanigan (U85) and Shawn Dukes (L80, U84), who responded to my message and decided to come. It was a pleasant surprise to meet Steve Jurman (L82, U86) and his family, who dropped by on their way to a vacation spot. Robin Balchen (U85) was the big reason I wanted to come this year and she was so nice to invite me to meet her dog at her house and have dinner in downtown Ojai on Monday right
after the weekend. I had a chance to get together with Greg Masler (U83) down in Irvine on Tuesday, a day before I went back to Japan. He was my very first roommate in the summer school in 1982 and had taken good care of me, a lonely boy from Japan, alone in the United States, who barely spoke English … The relationship with people from OVS is so valuable, which surely makes my life fulfilling forever.”
Shaun Davis (U94, L90) was promoted in January from Captain to Battalion Chief with the Montecito Fire Department. Shaun, a US Coast Guard veteran, has spent 20 years in the fire service. He is pictured with his wife, Tami, and their children, Zayd and Zoey, who are both current students at OVS.
Sally McClenahan Dyer (L87, U91) came to Ojai in late August for the opening of school. As both an alum and current Chair of the Board of Trustees, she spoke to new and returning parents and students about the value of the OVS experience. She also took a moment to snap a selfie
with current junior Dylan Carroll, whose mom, Cristy Carroll (U95), also attended Upper and whose uncle, Chip Carroll (L87, U91) was a classmate.
Emily Addison (L10, U14) married Valérian Demaurex of Switzerland in a July ceremony on the sand at San Diego’s historic seaside Victorian landmark: The Hotel Del Coronado. Following their wedding, the couple departed for their honeymoon on a tour of the South Seas. The couple lives in Del Mar, where Emily is writing her debut work of lyric prose, and Valérian pursues a PhD in theoretical physics at UC San Diego.
Shelly Xu (U14) and Bruce Quinn (U14) tied the knot in a December celebration at Isla Mujeres, Mexico, surrounded by many fellow OVS alums – including Weiwei Wang (U14), Amir Podoswa (U15), Grant Spencer (U14), Natalia Huang (U15) Vivian Yan (U15) and Amy Xu (U15), pictured left to right – a true minireunion of lifelong friends. Shelly and Bruce’s love story began their senior
year at the Upper Campus when they were randomly paired for a mock trial project as part of the Law & Society class. Those nights in the computer lab became the highlight of their days as they worked on their project together. Now living in New Jersey, Shelly works as a producer for a media company and Bruce is an engineer in the pharmaceutical industry. They’re excited for the adventures that lie ahead!
Ji (Nicole) Kang (L11, U15) writes, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since graduation! Since then, I’ve completed my undergraduate and Master’s degrees in biology from UC San Diego. I am about to graduate from medical school and excited to be starting my Emergency Medicine residency soon. Looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and hearing what you’ve all been up to!”
Tracy Zeng (L15, U19) visited the Lower Campus last spring. As she walked around reliving memories, she found her old 8th grade ceramic tile, still featured in the Dining Hall, as well as her name on the Head of School award trophy from 2015. Tracy currently lives in Rosemead, CA, where she is building a challenging and rewarding career in banking for JP Morgan Chase.
Gavin Floyd (L13, U17) and Erin
Rush (L12) married in Upper Ojai on May 10, surrounded by family and many OVS alumni and friends. The couple are living and working in the Ojai Valley. They are pictured, from left to right, with family members Lynn Whipple, Craig Floyd (U83), Michele Floyd (L84), Connor Floyd (L11, U15) and his wife, Caroline.
Joshua Hsu (U20) moved to Chicago after graduating from Michigan State a year ago. He visited Ojai earlier this summer and played a round of golf with fellow Spuds, including Ethan Chen (L19, U23) , pictured. Over the summer he met up with fellow Spud alumni in Chicago, including Soham Kondle (U19), Max Wu (U19) and Tyler Davis (U20)
Ethan Gao (L17, U21) graduated in May from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He lives in Sunnyvale and is currently working as a researcher for an AMD Research lab, which creates computer processors and other chips.
Bella Slosberg (L17, U21) is working toward her master’s degree in Environmental Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. And if that wasn’t taxing enough, she has taken on several exciting new opportunities over the past year, including riding for the
Eastern Overland professional cycling team. Bella mostly does gravel biking (and some mountain biking), and last June she made history by becoming the youngest woman to complete in the Unbound XL, a grueling 360mile course that requires serious grit. Nearly done with her master’s, Bella recently started a full time job as community engagement coordinator for the nonprofit Morro Bay National Estuary Program. She volunteered in September to talk about her athletic and professional careers with our OVS campers who visited the Central Coast for their fall Outdoor Education camping trips.
Carson Strassman (U21) graduated in May from the New School with a bachelor’s degree in contemporary music. He is now pursuing his master’s in songwriting and production at the Berklee College of Music’s New York City campus. Remembered fondly for his wicked guitar riffs as a key member of the OVS Garage Band, Carson works in a music production studio and is preparing to release his first solo project, which he has crafted by himself from beginning to end over the past year.
Chloe Warren (U21) graduated from Columbia University in May and is starting a private equity job at Black Rock in New York City.
Alumni Get Back into the Sespe Wilderness
OVS alumni share many much-loved experiences – but time spent hiking and camping in the Sespe Wilderness is often at the top of the list! This summer, a dozen alumni spanning six decades came together for a Saturday hike during Alumni Weekend. Pictured from left to right are: Jim Harp (U85), Susan Cooper Shaver (L59) Claire Wickenhaeuser (L11, U15), Spencer Garrett (U65) Liza Cass White (L61), Fanny Case (L61), Yohtaro Hamada (U85), Jen Whipple Muller (U95), Chris Cole (U05), Yvonne Chen (U05), Peter Noone (U85), and bus driver Isiah Vera. Thank you to longtime teacher and former Outdoor Education Coordinator Crystal Davis for leading our alumni crew on a fabulous hike to Piedra Blanca.
Please join us at one of our upcoming fall and winter Alumni Events!
October 11
Bay Area, CA
Regional Alumni Gathering
November 6
Boston, MA
Regional Alumni Gathering
October 18 Seoul, South Korea Regional Alumni Gathering
November 8
Ojai, CA Spud Classic Golf Tournament
December 23
Ojai, CA
Festivus Alumni Holiday Gathering
November 5
New York City, NY Regional Alumni Gathering
November 15
Los Angeles, CA Regional Alumni Gathering
In addition to these gatherings, OVS will be on the road meeting prospective students and families in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, Boulder, Denver, Aspen, Seoul and Tokyo. If you know a family interested in learning more about OVS, please reach out to the Admission Office at admission@ovs.org.
Parents of Alumni: If your son/daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office (805-640-2578) of his/her new mailing address.
723 El Paseo Road, Ojai, CA 93023 | 805-646-1423 | development@ovs.org | www.ovs.org
7th annual
Spud Classic Golf Tournament
November 8, 2025 • Soule Park Golf Course
Join OVS parents, alumni, faculty, students & friends during a fun day on the links. Buy tee signs, donate items for a raffle and auction, and attend the afterparty. All proceeds benefit Ojai Valley School. Email Wendy Tremiti at wtremiti@ovs.org for details.
