Pacific Ridge School View From The Ridge: Winter 2020

2

What a True Teacher Can Be

14

Climate Warriors

FROM THE RIDGE | WINTER 2020

8

NEW Innovation

Center & Library !

4 Harnessing the Power of Harkness

6 Equity & Inclusion

12 Community Building 15 All in the Family

What a T rue Teacher Can Be Tim Betzala, Dean of Faculty

In our hectic, fast-paced world, strategic planning can seem like a luxury time doesn’t permit.

I’LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST DAY OF MY SOPHOMORE YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE IT STARTED ME ON THE PATH TO BECOMING A TEACHER.

However, a solid strategic plan can make the difference between a school that provides a relevant, forward-looking education and one that is continually scrambling to keep up. The founding of Pacific Ridge in 2007 raised the bar for San Diego independent schools, bringing Harkness, a comprehensive global travel program and a unique, co-curricularinfused schedule to the county. The work our community has done over the last 18 months has produced a strategic plan that will once again set the standard for purposeful, innovative education.

I hope you enjoy learning more about the plan in the enclosed brochure.

St. Joe’s Prep was far from home in the middle of Philadelphia. It was a prep school – way above and beyond what most kids in my neighborhood would even consider.

Attending “The Prep” had been a total leap of faith decision on my part. My parents didn’t have the means to send me to a school like The Prep, but they offered to make the necessary sacrifices if I wanted to push myself academically.

They knew that it provided a great foundation for life.

In this issue of The View, you will read about Harkness, equity work, the terrific energy of our Parents Association and our new Innovation Center & Library – expected to open in the spring of 2021.

All of these are part of the strategic plan.

We’ve also included an interview with two climate-focused alumni, a report on the athletic achievements of two former Firebird siblings and a story about the power of inspirational teaching.

I hope you will treat yourself to the luxury of time and read about the exciting things going on at Pacific Ridge School. You’ll be glad you did.

Bob Ogle Head of School

2 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

I remember freshman year being completely freaked out –– I was definitely a little fish in a very big pond. I didn’t know anyone and I was trying to figure out who I was and how I fit in. But that all changed in 10th grade when I stepped into Frank Raffa’s Spanish class.

Señor Raffa was constantly in motion and his classroom was covered with images from around the Spanishspeaking world - the space provided the perfect amount of stimulation my teenage brain needed. It was a cacophony of Spanish, and he drew us in. He was definitely a linguist, but more than anything he was a teacher at heart.

He got us up out of our seats, moving around and talking to each other. He was this roly-poly, little guy who had zero issue making fun of himself and pointing out his own foibles.

We laughed at and with him all the time. Silliness was how he caught our attention –– he carried around a yardstick that he brandished like a sword, and he pretended to stab us or himself if we said something incorrectly. It was all part of the playful way he taught. His class was rigorous, but he made us fall in love with the language because he made it fun.

More importantly, Señor Raffa was a teacher outside the classroom. Every day after school he would grade tests in the cafeteria and talk with students. He was always there to listen no matter what. He let every student know that he cared about them. His true goal as a teacher was helping to usher kids through the craziness of adolescence by caring about who we were as people.

Señor Raffa created an environment that was about taking risks, having fun and putting yourself out there. We built long-lasting, deep friendships in that class because we were able to be vulnerable with one another and, as I learned, vulnerability always leads to authentic connection. My experience in his class translated into my whole experience at The Prep. It was one of the greatest times of my life.

perfect combination of subject matter I loved and the person who made it all crystallize and come together in a fun and engaging way. That moment in my sophomore year of high school was when I realized what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

to a teacher who once inspired them. Each day we aspire to be the best we can and appreciate those who first showed us what a true teacher can be.

There are few teachers like Frank Raffa, as hard as the rest of us may try. Yet many educators attribute their career choice

After taking his class, I knew not only that I wanted to become a Spanish teacher but I knew how I wanted to teach it.

After college, I returned to The Prep for a teaching fellowship, and Frank was my mentor for the full year.

We’ve kept in touch and maintained a friendship all these years. I still call him and ask him for advice.

If I hadn’t been assigned to Frank’s Spanish class those many years ago, I’m not sure I would be a teacher, and I definitely wouldn’t be the teacher I am today. That experience was a

Summer 2019 3

HARNESSING THE POWER O

N

ICAL THINKING • LIS TE

NIN

G • SP EA

K

IN

G EN

• C IV

M

IL

I

•

T

Y

•C

D FI

IT • CR E C EN

A

C

PA

U CO

GILITY • E L A M

N TA B I L I T Y

TA

GE • A

50 faculty members.

C O L L A B O R AT I ON NCY • •

“The training was demystifying and

Many faculty members come to Pacific

affirming,” said English teacher

Ridge with years of Harkness experience.

Kelsey Babin, who is new to Harkness.

Others have no prior experience at all.

“It helped us trust the process.”

Strengthening mastery of Harkness for

PRO B

LE

M

both new and veteran teachers is an

Harkness as a fluid, organic process. Each

important part of the strategic plan, and

Harkness lesson is as unique as the

work is already underway.

teacher and students who bring their material to the table. This makes

August and worked directly with over

requiring special skills and preparation.

Dean of Faculty Tim Betzala describes

perspectives and understanding of the

NT

O

education since the school opened.

ME

-S

an essential part of a Pacific Ridge

GE

teaching and learning method has been

A

IN

at Phillips Exeter Academy in 1930, the

G

LV

focus for the strategic plan. Originated

EN

Harkness is also challenging to teach,

•

taught it for many years,” he said.

signature education, Harkness is a natural

Y

G

H

•

T

As the centerpiece of Pacific Ridge’s

EXETER COMES TO CARLSBAD

IN-HOUSE EXPERTS Pacific Ridge’s New Faculty Academy provides training for incoming teachers across various topics, including Harkness. Seasoned Harkness teachers,

In past years, small groups of teachers

such as Luke Michel, Sarah Peeden and

traveled to Exeter each year for training

Allegra Molineaux, will continue the

“Almost every time I’m in a Harkness

which they subsequently shared with

thread of the Exeter coaching in these

discussion, I learn something new about a

the faculty. This year, three Exeter

sessions, helping new faculty develop

piece of literature, even if I’ve

Harkness coaches came to campus in

and hone their skills.

Harkness exciting to teach.

4 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

OF HARKNESS VISUAL AIDS

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

In fact, the newly revised science curriculum, with its interdisciplinary,

With the assistance of film teacher

Harkness launched in 1930, preparing

Christopher Simon, the committee is

Exeter graduates exceptionally well for

creating a video library of live

the world they were entering. Today’s

increased opportunities for Harkness.

At the same time, certain studies may not

Harkness discussions covering multiple

world is vastly different and presents

disciplines. The videos will be used

challenges unknown when philanthropist

for evaluation of current practices as

Edward Harkness first imagined his oval

well as teacher coaching.

table. The benefits of Harkness are

“Videos are a valuable part of our training,” said Mr. Betzala. “Seeing

timeless, but other approaches are important, too.

Harkness techniques in action is a

“Most likely, those Exeter students were

lot more effective than hearing

focusing on the great books and other

them described.”

primary texts. If, for example, computer

ESSENTIAL BENEFITS

phenomena-based approach, may present

be as ripe for Harkness. Technology literacy, design thinking, making and other types of hands-on learning are increasingly important, and recent educational studies suggest that the most productive groups for problem-solving are small - three to five people. Studentcentered work that takes on additional

programming were part of the curriculum

modalities plays an important role.

at that time, I wonder how well Harkness

What Harkness looks like at Pacific Ridge

Why is Pacific Ridge committed to

would have fit in,” said Mr. Comforto.

Harkness? According to Dean of Studies

Harkness can be effectively utilized

and Student Life John Comforto, there

across a current-day curriculum -- in

are many reasons. Educational research

humanities, languages, math and science.

and how to maximize its benefits in a forward-looking curriculum are the questions the strategic plan committee will grapple with over the next 12 months.

indicates that discussion helps students

Pacific Ridge already stands out among

learn how to quickly analyze and

Southern California schools as a Harkness

synthesize ideas, leading to intellectual

practitioner. How best to harness its power

agility. Along with the strong

is the goal of their work.

communication and interpersonal skills that Harkness fosters, these cognitive benefits are lifelong.

“It doesn’t just make our graduates more comfortable speaking with their professors or in the workplace, while that is indeed valuable. If done well, Harkness also makes them deeper, more rigorous thinkers. They learn to interrogate their own beliefs and challenge others’, ” he said.

Mr. Comforto also believes that there is a broader, community benefit to Harkness.

“Harkness promotes the ability to engage in conversation with another and the ability to disagree constructively.

It invites students to engage with perspectives that are different than their own. The Harkness table is a democratic space.”

Winter 2020 5

CELEBRATING THE WORK OF

Equity & Inclusion At Pacific Ridge, a commitment to

Student involvement in diversity

bring back information which they

building a diverse, equitable, and

work is burgeoning, with new affinity

share with the school. This year, the

inclusive community is an essential

and alliance groups launching every

students ran in-depth workshops for

part of our mission, and building

year. Affinity groups are open to

faculty and the 8th-grade class.

on that commitment is a focus of

students with a shared identity or

the strategic plan. Exciting work is

experience, and give those students an

already happening, including the

opportunity to support and encourage

development of a diversity statement.

one another. Alliance groups are

“As a community that is committed to valuing and supporting all identities and experiences, Pacific Ridge School strives to foster inclusivity and equity to prepare students for life in a diverse society.”

Pacific Ridge School Diversity Statement

open to the whole community.

These groups play an important role in developing information events, bringing speakers to campus and weighing in on challenging issues such as the power of words and context to influence a community. Each year, students attend NAIS’s Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), then

Writing messages of hope on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Director of Community and Inclusion, Susan Woods, applauds the students’ enthusiasm and hard work.

“SDLC is a forum where students are encouraged to challenge themselves and gain leadership skills that they can bring back to our larger community. Our students have really embraced that challenge.”

Ms. Woods notes that affinity spaces allow students and adults an opportunity to be rooted in their own identity.

Making (and enjoying) dumplings at a Lunar New Year lunch

Director of Community & Inclusion Susan Woods shares diversity initiatives with parents, including former Board Chair, Steve Netzley.

Sharing the colorful traditions of Diwali

6 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

AFFINITY, ALLIANCE & ADVISORY GROUPS

• American Asian Pacific Islander • Black Student Union • European Alliance • Faculty Equity Advisor Board • Feminists United • Gender Sexuality Alliance • Jewish Affinity Group • Latinx Unidos

Student Equity Advisory Board

• Middle Eastern North African “It’s comforting to spend time

brings together a small group of

with people who can relate to

students with different, often opposing

your experiences, to know you are

views on divisive topics such as political

accepted. Affinity spaces are where

ideology and religion. Students take

students gain the confidence to be

turns responding to prompts such as

more authentically themselves in other

“I believe in family values,” explaining

campus settings which, in turn, builds

what the prompts mean to them. The

and affirms our whole community.”

other participants listen. The activity is

Another way students share their identities and experiences is through celebration. In the past year, students have hosted events celebrating Diwali, the Lunar New Year, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Sharing these

not a debate, but an inclusivity exercise, through which students gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives and discover how people with contrasting views can share common ground. Students are practicing the activity and considering ways to share it with the larger community.

events with the school community is

“It’s a conversation without hostility,”

empowering, notes junior Jaiv Doshi.

said senior Mila Spengler. “It helps

“Celebrations bring a sense of belonging to the students with

students challenge their assumptions and develop a broader point of view.”

different backgrounds and remind

The “Cultivate a diverse, empathetic,

the rest of the community about

and inclusive community of learners”

the complex identities of people

initiative in the strategic plan involves

on campus. They make PRS a more

reviewing existing equity and inclusion

globally engaged community,” he said.

work on campus and finding ways to

Over a third of Pacific Ridge students identify as a person of color, as defined

by NAIS. Diversity is also represented

further infuse a sense of belonging into the daily life of the school. Ms. Woods is leading the charge and

• Multicultural Alliance • Student Equity Advisory Board • S outh Asian Alliance SERVICE LEARNING GROUPS & CLUBS

• Amnesty International • Conservative Club • El Salvador - Becas Nonualco • Global School Connections • Global Vantage • Hands of Peace • H.E.R.O. • Leftist Club • Million Knots • New Haven Night Shelter • Priceless

is energized by the prospect.

• Rainbow Connection

gender identity, political views,

“I’m excited to partner with both

and more. Fostering understanding

students and faculty on this important

• Revere

and empathy among these groups

work. Our goal is to understand who we

is the goal of a new student-led

are as a community and celebrate both

group called Middle Ground.

our differences and our shared values.

in religious beliefs, sexual orientation,

Middle Ground, loosely based on a YouTube series of the same name,

• Young Centrists

Diversity touches everyone in our orbit and makes our community better.”

Winter 2020 7

THE POWER OF US: NEW INNOVATION CENTER & LIBRARY

Over Pacific Ridge’s short history, our campus has grown from 7.5 acres with four small, prefabricated buildings into the enviable setting we enjoy today. But we’re not done!

Groundbreaking on the new Innovation Center and Library is scheduled to take place as this publication goes to print.

Why an Innovation Center?

A MESSAGE FROM DR. OGLE At Pacific Ridge, we have always focused on the long-term value of our education. What students learn here, discover in college and find out through personal interests will lead them to purposeful careers and lives. Learning is a continuum, with middle school and high school playing important, foundational roles.

The challenges society is facing are becoming more and more complex, and accelerating technology is a constant.

The world needs people who can help us better adapt to changing conditions. Employers need their hires to take initiative and develop novel solutions to hitherto intractable problems.

As employers are voicing this need, colleges and universities are recognizing the power of crossing traditional academic disciplines to develop relevant solutions. Many have launched innovation programs that join creative fields like science, design, computing, engineering, and others to expand potential for real-world learning and applications.

8 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

This push to “learn by creating” is the context for more and more of higher education today.

For our students to be prepared for the future, they need to understand this new context and start developing skills.

Students already practiced in interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, research and complex problem-solving will be able to bring leadership and an entrepreneurial focus to programs at the collegiate level as well as to the careers that follow.

The Innovation Center and Library was designed to foster, and showcase, curiosity, creativity and exploration in the heart of our campus – now and in the future.

At Pacific Ridge, we aim to prepare students for college and a purposeful life in the most relevant and forwardlooking ways possible. This facility is the physical manifestation of that goal.

Dr. Ogle

LIBRARY & RESEARCH CENTER The new 4,300 square-foot library, study areas, and atrium lounge provide modern learning spaces where students can acquire knowledge and put their learning into practice in close proximity to design spaces and science labs. The library will live in the heart of campus, where both middle and upper school students can utilize its spaces for research, collaborative work, and quiet study. Cohousing the library with labs and maker spaces will encourage interactions of ideas, disciplines and perspectives.

The library of the future, whether the physical space or its digital resources, can be the place where you put things together, make something new, meet new people and share what you and others bring to the table. It’s peer-to-peer, hands-on, community-based and creation-focused.

- Ellen Cothran, Librarian, P ‘15, ‘19

ROBOTICS & MAKER SPACE The new 1,300 square-foot, laboratory and augmented maker space will allow students to explore their interests and practice creative problem-solving. The lab’s proximity to the existing Design and Fabrication Studio and its indoor/outdoor workspaces will create a generous, multiuse area accessible to students working on creative projects of all kinds. The new facility will provide ample, dedicated space for the robust and growing robotics program, and will showcase students’ creative work to the school community.

Incredibly creative tech and maker work is happening across the disciplines - in grade-level projects, robotics and service learning work - but it’s sort of hidden away. The Innovation Center, with its glass walls and windows, will support this work and make it visible to everyone on campus. - Hunter Pashkow, Robotics Coach and Visual Arts Teacher

Winter 2020 9

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS LAB The new 650 square-foot lab will bring students to the cutting edge of technology, with 3D printers, a CNC mill machine, a large format laser cutter, and electronics soldering and table machinery. The electronics lab will support projects from building computers and circuit boards to laser cut artwork. The lab will provide space and equipment for computer science courses and potentially

The fact that the labs will be exposing students to these technologies is key. I also think about women in science and in technical fields. An interest in technical professions comes through exposure and hands-on experience.

include computers that can process

- Pam Jefferson, Human Resources Director, Pfizer, Inc., P’21

and Electronics Lab will provide a

big data. Moving sensitive equipment, such as our 3D printers and laser cutter, from the existing, all-purpose Fabrication Studio to the Technology clean environment, extending the use of this and future equipment.

ADVANCED BIOTECH LAB The new 1,000 square-foot, biotech lab will enable students to study advanced science and conduct extended-duration experiments, gaining experience in molecular biology, genomics, and ecological studies. The lab will be outfitted with a DNA sequencer, PCR machine, centrifuge, computers, and other high-level equipment. There will also be specialized software to help students with projects such as DNA sequencing, measuring gene expression, or studying genetic differences in populations. Teachers will be able to incorporate additional projects into their curricula and develop new courses that are not possible without these resources.

The advanced equipment and close proximity of the new labs really support our redesigned science curriculum. Our goal is to teach science the way it is practiced in the real world, where the sciences are mixed together and inform each other.

- Todd Burckin, Science Teacher

10 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

No matter what you end up doing, having exposure to and a place to practice and develop an innovator’s mindset is going to serve you well. Regardless of your path, if you can look at some part of the world, think “how do I make this better?” and have the confidence to tackle big problems, you are going to live a purposeful life. ndy Laats, Co-Founder, Nixon, Inc. -A Chair, Board of Trustees, P ‘21, ‘23, ‘25

STUDENT SUPPORT CENTER A suite of rooms in the upper floor of the Innovation Center will create a permanent home for the Learning Center, which supports students who benefit from additional academic resources, and all students through the academic and social-emotional programming offered by our Student Support Team. The center will offer quiet spaces for individual testing, as well as areas for required and “optin” workshops, individual meetings, parent education, teacher/staff development, and open office hours.

We are looking forward to Student Support being centralized on campus in a more accessible and visible way for all our students.

- Erika Pike, Director of the Learning Center

For more information about the Innovation Center & Library and how you can help make it a reality, please visit powerofus.pacificridge.org

Winter 2020 11

THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION:

Community Building at its Best Community is at the core of Pacific Ridge’s mission and parental engagement plays an important role in bringing the mission to life. Who makes much of it happen? The Parents Association.

All Pacific Ridge parents are members of the Parents Association (PA). Within that group is an energetic corps of volunteers that provides essential support for the school as well as valuable programming for the entire parent body.

According to PA Executive Director, Laura Basanese, the PA is a fun and welcoming crew.

“I can’t say enough about the people I get to work with. There’s a great synergy. They have an enormous amount of intelligence and skill and, most importantly, they have heart.”

Running the show at Fall Fest

Programming for parents ranges from grade-level functions and interest-oriented activities such as the book club, to a speaker series that addresses topics relevant to parents of teens.

“Knowing what issues parents are tackling and how we can deliver programs and services that support their growth and well-being is part of our mission,” said Basanese.

For example, surveys administered in the fall indicated that vaping was a topic of concern for parents. In response, the PA organized a successful January workshop with Student Support Specialist Juan Trevino about vaping, its health risks, and how parents can access helpful resources. Other speaker events have addressed teen financial literacy and advice for parenting adolescents.

Serving up holiday treats at Gingerbread Breakfast

Along with attending social events, informational workshops and spirit celebrations like tailgates, parents can get involved with the PA by volunteering. As Parent Association programming has expanded, so has the need for more people to help implement it.

For example, the annual Gingerbread Breakfast, a beloved school tradition, now feeds over 800 students, faculty and alumni. Anyone who stopped by campus on December 20 found the school transformed into a magical winterscape, with glittering snowflakes hung from trees, artificial snow showering students and an army of volunteers scurrying to and fro with platters of treats.

“Our volunteers are amazing,” said Basanese, “We just always need more!”

According to Dr. Ogle, the school values every volunteer and welcomes parents to engage in the smorgasboard of offered PA activities.

Getting acquainted at a new parent coffee

“From the moment your child enters Pacific Ridge, you become part of a dynamic community. The PA is a true mission partner with the school. Together, we keep our community connected and strong.”

12 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

Welcome Coffee

Fall Fest

Fall grade-Level Parent Parties

Gingerbread Breakfast

Supper Club Parent Social Meet-Ups Hiking San Diego’s countryside with the Walking Club

Book Club

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Walking Club

Used Uniform Sales

General Meetings

Book Buddies Used Textbooks

Firebird Tailgates

Alumni & Student Panels

Latha Rao, Jennfier Perkinson and Laura Basanese at the first

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Lunch

Speaker Series

Community Service Opportunities

Art Nights

Recycling Events

Gym Workouts

Parent Merchandise

Speaker Series event of the year – “Financial Literacy for Teens”

400+

Volunteer opportunities signed up for

250+

Fall Tailgate attendance

350+

Speaker Series Attendees

People are so giving. To me, that has been the most rewarding part recognizing that there are so many people trying to make this a great place for our kids and for ourselves.

- Wendy Van Gastel, P ‘21

The PA offers a wide variety of ways for parents

There’s nothing like rolling up your sleeves next to someone… it’s a way to get to know them unlike any other experience. - Mindi Marlow, P ‘20, ‘24

and guardians to become involved with the school.

Winter 2020 13

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT CLIMATE WARRIORS Chiara Dorigo ‘11

Jordi Bertran ‘19

COLLEGE: Pomona College ‘15,

COLLEGE: Yale University ‘23

BA in Environmental Analysis

Intending to double major in

UCSD Rady School of Management ‘18 MBA

Environmental Studies and Theatre Studies

CURRENTLY: Senior Associate at Schaffer & Combs, organizational strategy and executive search consultancy

How did you get interested in environmental issues?

serving the purpose-driven sector

I’ve always been interested in marine biology and love hiking

How did you first get interested in environmental issues? PRS and Pomona encouraged me to tackle large,

and camping. I think a love of nature is intrinsically linked to a passion for environmental justice. My most formative experience was going to the Island School in the Bahamas for

challenging issues. Environmental work is vast and

a semester my junior year. I went because I was interested in

multifaceted – it appealed to me. After college I worked

marine biology and left with a deeper love of marine life, but

with my dad on a greywater recycling project to try to bring

also a fervor for trying to create change.

the work we were doing in our own home to scale. The project didn’t come to fruition, but I learned a lot and became really excited about San Diego’s innovation ecosystem along the way.

What has been your focus? In college, I was focused

What involvement have you had in college?

I’ve joined environmental groups and have planned and participated in events. We planned a strike in September when students left class to call attention to the climate crisis.

Thousands of students wanted to make a stand and say ‘we

on agriculture and local food security, but these days I have

can’t continue the way we are and we have to reassess our

the opportunity to work on issues ranging from innovation

decisions as an institution and as a country.’ It was the largest

in green chemistry to labor justice in apparel supply chains.

demonstration on climate change in Yale’s history.

How should people view environmental concerns?

Are you planning a career in environmental science?

Social and environmental issues are inextricable. An ethic

Whatever I do with my life, environmental work will be a

of respect and compassion in your day-to-day relationships

constant. Climate justice should be everyone’s passion, really,

can translate into how you treat resources - what are the

not only to save and protect the planet that we live on, but

consequences of my using X resource on my neighbor or

the people who live on it.

someone at the end of the supply chain? We have to think about things as being deeply interconnected. It’s really about systems.

What was your most valuable experience at Pacific Ridge? Being part of the first graduating class gave me a pioneering spirit. We had the opportunity to build new clubs, athletic programs, academic programs and an organizational culture. I’ve gone on to do similar things in college, grad school and with my colleagues at Schaffer & Combs. PRS taught me to view newness and “gaps” as opportunities, and to identify or activate a pioneering spirit in others.

14 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

What was your most valuable experience at Pacific Ridge? I think it was the mentorship I received. Being in the Gardening and Sustainability Club with Ms. Symington and the Student Equity Advisory and Political Action Club with Dr. Rosenwong was the first time I could see myself as a vehicle for change. I really felt listened to.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Alumni Siblings

Notch Two National Championships

The weekend of December 6 was a busy

“The game was a physical battle, but all

one for Pacific Ridge’s Enge family.

along I felt we were going to win,” said

Skylar ’20 and Larsen ’22, along with parents Brian and Ceci, hopped on a

According to Derek, a Tufts junior, winning

Thursday evening red-eye to North

the championship is difficult to explain.

Carolina to watch brother Derek Enge ’17 and the Tufts University Jumbos play in the Division III Mens Soccer National Championship tournament.

Anchored by Derek’s strong midfield skills, Tufts stomped on Calvin University 4-0 in the semi-finals, then overpowered rival Amherst College 2-0 in the finals.

The championship was the Jumbos’ second in a row and fourth in the Sierra Enge ‘17 (far left) celebrates Stanford’s winning penalty kick with her teammates. (photo courtesy of NCAA)

last six years.

Before the confetti had settled, however, the Enge clan was in motion again, flying to San Jose to watch Sierra Enge ’18 and her Stanford teammates play the University of North Carolina in the Division I Womens Soccer National Championship final.

After a gritty but scoreless 110 minutes of regulation and overtime, Stanford claimed the title 5-4 in heart-stopping penalty kicks. The Cardinal have won the

Brian Enge, Skylar, Larsen, Derek and Ceci celebrate Tufts’ championship win.

Sierra, a red-shirt freshman.

championship two out of the last three years.

“It’s sort of like every childhood dream coming true in the same moment.”

Derek and Sierra are former Firebirds. Derek played soccer and water polo, while Sierra played lacrosse and soccer briefly for Pacific Ridge while on break from the US Womens National Team (U15, U16 and U17).

The high-powered athletic talent of the Enge children comes naturally. Ceci earned All-American status in lacrosse (winning the 1990 Womens Division I Championship) and played field hockey at Harvard. Brian played soccer, also for the Crimson. Brian serves as CEO of the San Diego Surf Soccer Club and Ceci coaches middle school and upper school lacrosse at PRS in addition to teaching 8th grade history.

As busy soccer players, Skylar and Larsen are following in the family footsteps.

Should there be more national championships in the pipeline, the Enge cheerleading squad will surely be in the stands!

Winter 2020 15

6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009

SAVE THE DATE! April 22, 2020

IMPORTANT DATES MARCH 25

MIDDLE SCHOOL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

APRIL 4 - 12

SPRING BREAK

APRIL 17 & 18

SHOWCASE OF THE ARTS

APRIL 25 PROM APRIL 22

GRANDPARENTS DAY

MAY 1 - 2

UPPER SCHOOL PLAY

MAY 15 - 16

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL

MAY 23 - JUNE 6 GLOBAL TRAVEL JUNE 9

GLOBAL REWIND & AWARDS

JUNE 11 COMMENCEMENT

GLOBAL TRAVEL 2020 7 th GRADE Outdoor Leadership in Big Bear 8 th GRADE Understanding U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. 9 th GRADE Cultural and Sustainability Adventures in Peru, Costa Rica and Ecuador 10 th GRADE Teamwork and Leadership in the Northern Sierras 11 th & 12 th GRADE Armenia: Ancient Culture of the Caucasus; Borneo: Conservation Science in the Rainforest; Cuba: A Case Study in Development; Galapagos Islands: Biological Wonderland; Japan: Technology That Shapes Us; New Zealand: Maori Connections to Nature; Peru: Language & Cultural Immersion in the Andes; Russia: Cultural Superpower; Vanuatu: Marine Biology in the South Pacific; Vietnam: Life After Colonialism

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