School Ties Summer 2021: The Connection Issue

“

When people go within and connect with themselves, they realize they are connected to the universe and they are connected to all living things.

”

- ARMAND DIMELE

The Connection Issue

SUMMER 2021

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

26

06

Teaching and Learning

12

Board of Trustees

14

On Campus

Graduation

32 College Bound

42 On Being a Chinese American 54 Woman 44

A Reset on Technology

48

The Golden Record

Athletics

58

Alumni News

64

Class Notes

74 Remembrances 75

From the Archives

Cover artwork: Margaret Abbott ’23 Editorial Team: Mary Bishop, Sonya Evans, Anna Heidinger, Liz Held, Lisa Hilgers, Kirstie A. Martinelli, Kimberly Pinkson, and Wynn Richards

HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear San Domenico Community Members, We often refer to San Domenico’s historic legacy: about our School having been founded in 1850 by the Dominican Sisters; about how we carry on a rich tradition of mission-driven education, inspiring inquiry and providing exceptional, collegepreparatory education while also supporting students in discovering a sense of purpose; about honoring and co-creating a diverse and inclusive community; about responding to the needs of the times.

All of these themes have taken on new meaning in the time since we first went on lockdown in March of 2020, to where we are today in 2021. I believe that each of us who has lived through this past year and a half is more deeply cognizant of what it means to be part of history and has a deeper sense of gratitude for connection and for being part of a community – and of facing these challenges together.

So it was that graduation 2021–and the many year-end ceremonies and festivities–seemed even more poignant than in years past. To be sure, every year end is emotional and yet this year, it felt almost surreal. We were one of just a handful of K-12 day and boarding schools to be fully open the entire year and our students felt the value of that stability, even with all of the bumps. We faced challenges, but we persevered and it is through hardship that we grow stronger, that our roots deepen and we are more prepared to blossom into the next season.

In these pages, the Connection Issue, you will read about some of what has transpired: teaching, learning, retiring, and pondering history and legacies. Sometimes it may feel as though we are small and unconnected, like planets drifting through space untethered, little specks of stardust, but if there is a positive that has come out of this catastrophic and painful pandemic, it is that we know even more so that we are all connected. As I shared in my commencement speech for the Class of 2021, I suggest we add agnosco diem (appreciate the day) to our graduation speech lexicon, for we must all appreciate that we made it here today; we must appreciate our friends, family, teachers, staff, and everyone who supported each other, a community who together and often step-by-agonizing step weathered a once-in-a-century pandemic as well as an upheaval of social and political change not seen in decades.

Together, our School made it and we move forward together, best using what we have learned through this time to continue to live out our mission and contribute to a more peaceful, sustainable, and just world.

Cecily Stock ’77, M.A., J.D. Head of School

4 SCHOOL TIES

VERITIES The Gift of Reflection another. The results of which meant that, even with the pandemic, goals were met and exceeded in many areas.

As I gazed at the abundance of life surrounding us in the Garden that evening, it was inspiring and clear to see that we, like the plants, trees, and animals, grow and can thrive, even in the most difficult of times, because we are the living, breathing manifestation of God’s constant love and goodness. One of the silver linings of the pandemic for me has been the gift of time for reflection, and especially reflections on our closeness, our oneness with nature.

These reflections and the values they convey are the hallmark of the Dominican/San Domenico legacy – a legacy of community and hope and joy in working together, facing the challenges of the time. And so, I conclude with the prayer I read at this year’s Reunion:

At the end of this most challenging school year, it has been my joy to experience several recent and exciting gatherings. Some have been in person and some still on Zoom. In either case, there has been excitement and hope in each connection.

Reunion 2021, though celebrated at a distance, provided aspects both new and familiar. Throughout the many events of the weekend, the School hosted a variety of creative offerings, intending to provide a sense of oneness, and expanding interconnections, among alumni and friends old and new.

And, as is true every year, class gatherings were a highlight of Reunion. This year, visits occurred in private chat rooms through our computer screens. Still, the meetings rekindled deep friendships, engendered storytelling that drew floods of laughter and prompted dates for future Zoom meetups!

The Alumni, Advancement, and Tech teams enabled me to pop into and out of various class groupings, so I could delight in short visits with a greater number of friends! Hopefully, future opportunities for global connections can reinforce our loving relationships with one another and San Domenico.

In the Garden of Hope, for the recent year-end Board of Trustees gathering, I saw some friends and colleagues I had not seen in person in over a year. How absolutely grateful we felt to be with one another and to actually share some gentle hugs. We commented that whether near or far, we continued our work and support of one another in new ways, grounded in our commitment to the School, its mission, and one

Connection Gracious, ever present, loving God, We give thanks for The circumstances that have Brought us together and Have bound us into the Sacred community of San Domenico.

We give thanks for the Gifts of friendship For words that encourage, For experiences shared, For deeply knowing each other In so many ways.

We give thanks for history And a hope for the future, For conversation and laughter, For silence, For bearing each other’s witness truly, and For holding each other safe in our hearts In prayer and with great love and tenderness.

Amen.

Sister M. Gervaise Valpey, O.P., President Emerita

SUMMER 2021 5

TEACHING AND LEARNING Retiring Teachers WYNN RICHARDS

After 20 years in both the Middle School and Upper School, history teacher Wynn Richards is retiring.

She leaves behind a legacy of engaging, experiential-based learning and has fostered a strong sense of citizenship, appreciation for our democratic institutions and a love of history in hundreds of students.

As a Sixth Grade Ancient History teacher, she created memorable, immersive experiences, such as the Greek Symposium in which students dressed up as famous figures from Greek history. She also helped create and make possible the Seventh Grade Renaissance Faire. And for her Eighth Grade American History class, she established the annual trip to Washington, D.C., leading that trip for 14 years!

6 SCHOOL TIES

In the Upper School, Wynn’s 11th Grade U.S. History students gained an in-depth understanding of American history – often reinforced by many artifacts and primary source documents, such as letters written during the Civil

War, that she personally collected and brought in to share. During elections, her students dove deep, creating voter’s guides of such high quality that our faculty have come to depend on them!

Beyond the knowledge that she has shared with students over the years, though, her greatest gift has been to give her students a sense of being deeply cared for and supported. She regularly helped students outside of class with projects and papers, listened to them, provided advice, wrote letters of recommendation, and cheered them on in their post-SD endeavors.

Students know that their growth as people matters just as much to her as the grades they achieve in her classes.

While Ms. Richards may be leaving us in June, she will remain forever in the hearts and memories of both her students and colleagues, and we wish her the very best! - Natasha McKeown, Dean of Curriculum and Global Education, 9-12 Social Studies Chair, and National Geographic Certified Educator

Retiring Teachers WYNN

Wise

- Wynn has a deep wisdom that sees the big picture and inspires students to ask the big questions.

Youthful

- Wynn has a youthful idealism that dreams of a more peaceful and just world, and knows we each have the power to make a difference and bring that vision to fruition.

Natural

- Wynn is a natural beauty, inside and out, as she works with students to create the more beautiful world we all know is possible.

North

- Wynn holds firm to a true north, much like the San Domenico mission to seek truth, inspire inquiry, and respond with integrity to the needs and challenges of our time.

ZOE GHAZI After 30 years of teaching, Zoe Ghazi, our wonderful Fifth Grade

Math, Social Studies, and SEL teacher, will be retiring. I have had the pleasure of working with her very closely for the past eight years at San Domenico as her Fifth Grade co-teacher. She has been my daily sounding board, friend, and partner. She is truly a team player, and I have learned so much from her.

In her many years of teaching Zoe has had an impact on many students, and her ability to connect with people is what makes her so special. Her math lessons allow the students to truly conceptualize math and this learning lays a solid foundation for Middle School. She also loves history and her enthusiasm is palpable; consequently her lessons inspire her students to want to learn. In addition, in her nine years at SD, she has engaged the Fifth Graders in numerous meaningful conversations about their feelings in SEL. The social emotional growth shown by her students is remarkable because of these discussions. Zoe also has a fabulous sense of humor and laughter can be heard ringing from her classroom daily.

We will miss her smile, but wish her all the best on her adventure into retirement. We thank her for all she has taught us. - Erin Noble, Lower School Teacher

SUMMER 2021 7

TEACHING AND LEARNING ZOE GHAZI (cont’d) Remembered with Pleasure (as read by Ms. Ghazi’s students at the Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony)

Zoe Ghazi is a bright shining ray, She always brightens everyone’s day, With laughter she is the math master, And she has set the kids on the path faster.

Covid caused us so much stress, But she endured like the best, Whether on Zoom or in the classroom, Her tech knowledge really bloomed.

Nor will she play four square in the yard, We will greatly miss her bright smile, We hope she stops by every once in a while.

Afternoon tea time is a must, And please do not add any fuss, For this time is truly sacred, Fifth Graders know this can’t be debated.

Skillfully teaching “once upon a time” in history, With her the events are no longer a mystery, Deep SEL feelings will be discussed, For this is a Fifth Grade must.

With retirement there will be no grading to bombard,

Time with family and on walks, The future is ready to meet her with good thoughts, Leaving with a smile and a wave goodbye, We hope she knows she is the apple of our eye.

We love her deeply, And thank her for all she has done so sweetly, Goodbye is not forever and ever, For her impact will be remembered with pleasure.

DORIS BROWN I have had the pleasure of teaching with Dr. Doris Brown

the past five years, but biology students have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Brown for over 34 years. Dr. Brown is the quintessential scientist, mentor, and problem solver. She is a tireless worker and a master of technology, organization, and details.

One of the first things you notice about Doris is her Texas accent and her generous spirit. Her Texas roots shine and she embodies that Texan state motto of friendship and resilience. Any time I have wanted to problem-solve a laboratory design or an organization scheme to make the class run more smoothly, Dr. Brown has come up with numerous solutions and strategies for me.

Dr. Brown is an avid fan of astronomy and has created co-curricular classes in which students can watch movies and documentaries about space. In these settings Dr. Brown has a loyal group of students who are eager to discuss the galaxy and life beyond Earth. Dr. Brown’s enthusiasm is contagious and she provides a

8 SCHOOL TIES

Retiring Teachers space for students to test their ideas without judgment.

Having worked at UCSF as a genetic researcher for years, Dr. Brown was meticulous about lab protocol and proper use of any scientific equipment. Her hard work paid off because gel electrophoresis labs and bacterial transformations led by Dr. Brown had fantastic results with over 90 percent of the students attaining the desired results. This is evidence of Dr. Brown’s hard work preparing the labs and reviewing lab protocol during the lab and the very serious and professional atmosphere Dr. Brown set during labs. Observing Dr. Brown in the lab was akin to watching a cardiologist during surgery. No detail went unnoticed.

Dr. Brown always made time for her students, often giving up her lunch in the dining hall to provide a place for students to complete or extend their labs. During this time, students would drop by just to talk science with Dr. Brown. Her room would have students working after school because they knew this would be a quiet, welcoming setting. Students frequently asked Dr. Brown hard science questions and she never shied away from their curiosity; instead she filled their minds with hope for the future and a desire to know more.

Working with Dr. Brown the past five years has been a gift and an inspiration. She embodies all of the qualities we hope for in an educator. She is passionate about her subject, she is caring and compassionate with her students, she never settles for mediocrity, and she is funny and hilarious at the right times. Countless students have been inspired to study science beyond the walls of San Domenico because of the positive influence Dr. Brown has had on their lives. We are all so grateful for her presence and the gifts she has given all of us over the years.

- Mary Churchill, Upper School Science teacher

DORIS (A.K.A. DR. BROWN)

Devoted

– Just a few days away from retirement and you are still working on your Canvas page! But this doesn’t surprise me at all! Ever since I started working with you, you held the bar high and always did beyond what was expected of us as teachers. Your Canvas pages were completed for the year before most of us even started on ours.

Rock star

– YOU ROCK! That is for sure! Every year, well almost every year, you won the YOU ROCK Award from one of the classes as their favorite teacher.

You clearly are loved by all of those you have taught.

Brilliant

– If I have any question about science, Canvas, life, etc., you have the answers. I am in awe of your expansive knowledge about all sciences, your tying them together and making sense of it all.

Roommate

– For the past 14 years, you have been my classroom neighbor and sometimes roommate at SD. We spent a lot of time together. It was always comforting to know that you were close by. I could walk over to your room and ask for help, guidance, troubleshoot a projector problem, chat about science, or basically anything and I knew that I would have your help and support, all with a smile.

Out of this world

– Yep, there is no one else like you, Dr. Brown. You are a true leader, good friend, and amazing colleague. Everyone can count on you 100% of the time. You are one of a kind.

Wholehearted

– At 5:00 pm, your light would be on in your classroom and there you would be still working with students, helping them feel successful, love science, and want to learn more. You put your students first and they all knew your unconditional desire to help them.

Nooooo

– You can’t leave! We are really going to miss you tremendously at SD and even more so in the Science Department.

- Robin Huffman, Upper School Science teacher

SUMMER 2021 9

TEACHING AND LEARNING Turns Out Connection Is Everything

By Kaitlyn Gallagher, Upper School English Teacher, English Department Chair

Six feet, please. Take a step back.

Spread out. Above and beyond the curriculum we were teaching last semester, we teachers and staff repeat these instructions to students on campus constantly. And from these words, and from the need for them, we learn a lesson, too.

Before the pandemic, our students carried the burden of being labeled as “obsessed with their phones,” “socially underdeveloped” and “addicted to technology.” Despite the fact that we adults provided them with the digital means for distraction and online adventuring, adults in their families, in their schools and in the media condemned young people for their screen time numbers. Kids’ character, personality, future and mental health were often summarily condemned using the single measure of their online activities.

One lesson is clear: adults were wrong. If we weren’t wrong, there would be no need to ask kids to stand apart, to spread out, to give six feet. The reality is that, like all previous generations, students want to be with each other, want to play and laugh and joke and love, in real time, live. While the pandemic might have exacerbated digital indulgence, it has also made the longing for time spent with friends in person more intense, and has made those moments standing around at the break in Spanish class even more potent, even sweeter.

The other lesson here, for adults and kids, is that it turns out that connection is everything. Not one type of connection, but any and all types. A funny text, a meme, an inside joke, a candid conversation, a hard question, a confession, a revelation, an idea, a project, a ridiculously impractical plan: connection comes in all stripes, and digital connection is no less vital than analog-time-spent-in-person, shooting baskets or walking the dog together. It’s not that one is more valuable than the other; it’s all of the above, all we can get, that which buoys us, that which warms us.

Ask any teacher or adult on campus—the students have a magnetic, physical pull toward each other. Instinctively

10 SCHOOL TIES

they move together, be it physically or digitally. Screen time isn’t the death knell of communication or connection, but can be another way for them, and us, to share our experience of being alive, which in this time must be shared, must be allowed, must be treasured.

Putting the “Human” in Humanities: A Sixth Grade Interactive Social Studies Project

By Julianne Bretan, Humanities Teacher and Middle School Speech Team Coach In the middle of the shelter in place order and subsequent school closure last spring, I remember telling one of my colleagues, “I didn’t go into teaching to be in front of a computer all day long.” Teaching is inherently social, it’s about live interactions, it’s about what happens spontaneously in the classroom, and it’s about learning from each other. I always knew this, but how much I cherished this iterative and organic process did not really hit home for me until I could no longer be with my students in the classroom.

“I liked making the altar. That was amazing....

It felt more like a beautiful project than homework.”

- Paige Frederickson ’27 When we returned to campus in the fall, I made my main goal both for myself and my students to be exactly what I had been missing so acutely: finding joy together. I wanted my students to be smiling, laughing, and engaging with each other, and learning a ton, too! The question became, how do I accomplish this creatively, effectively and safely?

A perfect outlet was the Ancient Greek City-State project.

I have done this project for years and it’s always loads of

“What I really liked about the City-State project was that we got to work in groups and collaborate with our friends when we were writing the song and playing the Olympic Games.”

- Abbie Morehouse ’27

“What I loved the most was the Olympics because it was super interactive and so amazing to participate in.”

- Tess Forte ’27

fun. Additionally, this type of hands-on, project-based learning allows for differentiation and gives students the freedom to design their own learning experiences. The project is also interdisciplinary, integrating art, history, writing, public speaking, design, and research skills. Extra bonus: I knew I could easily adapt it to hybrid teaching and our COVID-19 safety procedures.

Students were assigned to represent either Athens or Sparta and were split into teams of 3-4 kids. Each team was challenged to create as many projects as they could about Ancient Greece to earn points for their team. The unit lasted for two weeks.

Talk about being social in Social Studies! Students collaborated, worked together, organized and planned. They designed projects and presented to each other – whether it was a Google Slideshow, song, model, flag or art piece. On any given day, any student could come in with a project to

share, so each class was filled with interesting and surprising presentations!

Students were having a blast, connecting with each other, exercising creativity, practicing performance skills and learning about Greece. I actually had to cut my own planned lessons shorter because the students were bringing so much material to show to their classmates every day.

This type of team building project is a great example of what makes in-person learning so magical. What the students build and create together is so much more powerful than what they can do individually. It’s inspiring to see students take responsibility for their own learning, teach each other, and have so much fun in the process. It is why I do what I do.

SUMMER 2021 11

BOARD OF TRUSTEES In GRATITUDE “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”- Meister Eckhart The last two issues of School Ties magazine have been filled with thank you acknowledgments to many of the individuals who kept San Domenico strong during this pandemic. Here, we acknowledge more of the countless community members who have made generous and varied contributions to our School.

Recognizing Our Retiring Trustees fund, The Buie Family Fund for Faculty Compensation, that they established in 2007.

Mary served on the Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2021. During that time she served as Board Secretary (201721), on the Committee on Trustees (2015-21, Chair, 2019-21), and on the Advancement Committee (2016-19).

MARY BUIE, SECRETARY Education: University of Virginia Profession: Former Teacher (special education and elementary education).

Interests/Activities: Duke Parents Committee, Women’s Board of the California Pacific Medical Foundation, Branson Parents’ Association, San Domenico PSA. Mary and her husband Jim have been stalwart, generous supporters of San Domenico for 28 years, inspired by their children Courtney MS’03 and Andrew MS’09. Through the years, they have supported Annual Giving, capital campaign projects, Virtuoso Program, scholarship funds, and spring fundraiser events. They also have a named

12 SCHOOL TIES

AMY SKEWES-COX ‘71 Education: B.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources, UC Berkeley; Master’s in Landscape Architecture/Environmental Planning, UC Berkeley.

Profession: Environmental Planner (working with the California Environmental Quality Act in evaluating new developments).

Interests/Activities: Hiking in the Sierra; gardening; member of San Anselmo Open Space Committee; fiber arts and painting; efforts on world peace and assistance to victims of war.

Amy and her husband Bob (Twiss) have been tremendous supporters of San Domenico. Amy has served on the Board of Trustees since 2015, most significantly as Board Chair from 2016 to 2019, during which time she exemplified courageous leadership as the School transitioned to coed and became fully independent. Amy lives with a moral compass of the utmost integrity and displayed unwavering strength of character, grit, and resilience in dealing with local and national media. Amy also served on the Master Planning and Facilities Committee (2015-21), the Executive Committee (Chair and then past chair, 2016-20), Committee on Trustees (2019-21), and the Investment Committee (2019-20).

CHRISTOPHER S. LANE Education: Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Colgate University; Master of Business Administration, Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE BOARD and COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO SERVED DURING THIS HISTORIC PANDEMIC

Profession: Partner, William Blair & Company, LLC. Interests/Activities: Trail running, skiing, cooking, travel, and time with family.

Chris Lane and his wife Elizabeth have been devoted San Domenico parents and community members since their daughters Catherine and Caroline first began attending in 2011.

Chris dedicated five years of service to the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2021. His diligent leadership as Chair of the Finance Committee from 2016 to 2019 supported initiatives to bring faculty compensation in line with that of peer schools and to fund key facili-

ties projects. In addition, Chris helped the School successfully navigate the PPP loan and loan forgiveness process at the beginning of the pandemic.

Mary, Amy, and Chris have contributed to ensuring the advancement of education at San Domenico School and earned the gratitude and respect of the Board, Leadership Team, and the entire San Domenico community.

2020-21 Executive Committee Richard E. “Richie” Goldman, Board Chair Pablo Bizjack, Vice Chair Liz Revenko ’87, Treasurer Mary Buie, Secretary Sr. Carla Kovack, OP, Mission Holding, Ex Officio 2020-21 Trustees Melinda Bihn Sr. Cyndie Cammack, O.P. Heidi Hickingbotham Cary ’61 Chris Lane Sr. Judy Lu McDonnell, O.P. Emager Pearce ’89 Carol Prince ’63 Greg Rivers Annie Endozo Roth ’98 Jose Seara Chris Skelton Amy Skewes-Cox ’71 Eric Sohn Kathleen Toney Additional Trustees who served during the 2019-20 academic year: Kelly Fogarty (Vice Chair on Executive Committee) Sr. Susan Allbritton Kristine Curwood Glen Galaich Katie Horn ’71 Peter Kaye Jeff Ludlow COVID-19 Response Teams Thank you to the many individuals who contributed to our back to school planning in the time of COVID-19.

Strategic Financial Response Team Richie Goldman, Board Chair, dad to Ava ’22 Pablo Bizjack, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, dad to Jillian ’22 and Parker ’21 Glenn Snyder, Former SD Board Chair, dad to Reid MS’12 and Grey ’01 Gregory Rivers, Trustee, Finance Committee Member, dad to Braelyn ’28 and Abigail ’30 Liz Revenko ’87, Trustee, Finance Committee Member Cecily Stock ’77, Head of School David Wise, Chief Financial Officer Anna Heidinger, Director of Advancement Jennifer Nash, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Kimberly Pinkson, Director of Marketing and Communications COVID-19 Response Team Committee on Reopening School Kali Baird, Director of Residential Life and DEI Claire Bukata, Associate Director of Middle School

& Math Department Co-Chair Shari Byrnes, Administrative Assistant to Director of Lower and Middle School

John Campbell, Construction Project Manager Mark Churchill, Athletic Director Jason Clarke, Director of Information Technology Jennifer Cronan Flinn, Director of Design, Engineering, and Educational Technology Rob DeNunzio, Director of Music and Music Conservatory Shelley Flint, Director of Sustainability Tracy Froehlich, Director of Human Resources Anna Heidinger, Director of Advancement Christina Klein ‘03, Middle School Counselor Kathy Laughlin, Director of Counseling Natasha McKeown, Director of International Scholars and HyFlex Learning & Social Studies Department Chair Molly Morris, Executive Assistant to the Head of School Jimena Motta, Administrative Assistant to Asst.

HOS for Student Life Jennie Nash, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Kristian Noden, Associate Director of Lower School Jose Padilla, Director of Facilities LeaAnne Parlette, Lower and Middle School Director Kimberly Pinkson, Director of Marketing and Communications Kate Reeser, Assistant Head of School for Academics & Director of Upper School Lisa Richter, Lower School Counselor Carrie Robley, Assistant Head of School for Student Life Toni Scott, Director of Health Services Erica Smith, Director of Dance and Theatre Arts Cecily Stock ‘77, Head of School Karlyn Strand, Librarian Amanda Tredinnick MS’01, Upper School Dean of Students David Wise, Chief Financial Officer Medical Consultants Thank you to the following physicians including current and past San Domenico parents who graciously shared their considerable expertise with our team as we prepared our return to school during the pandemic.

Jay Fairborn, M.D. Kellen Glinder, M.D. Scott Kaiser, M.D. Sunitha Kaiser, M.D. MSc Shawndra Parise ‘93, M.D. Jordan Shlain, M.D. John Taylor, M.D. Lastly, thank you again to every teacher, parent, guardian, Dominican Sister, faculty and staff member who stepped up with heroic courage and made innumerable sacrifices to support our children with stable and consistent in-person learning and community during this historic time.

SUMMER 2021 13

ON CAMPUS Learning Mandarin Language Through Art to Celebrate Lunar New Year Fourth Graders learned an integrated lesson about the

Grade

4

Lunar New Year. They used Chinese brush painting techniques and a simulated ink cake. Students made artwork showing the Ox, and its Mandarin character, in gestural brushstrokes as part of a special project planned with components of art, language, storytelling, and history.

Grade

5

Fifth Grade Coding Students wrapped up

their study of matter by using a coding tool called “Makey Makey” to program a game or story. The tool uses conductive things to send directions to a computer or iPad. The students took what they learned about conductivity and used it to create controllers that allowed them to play a game or share a story that they coded using a programming language called Scratch.

Grade

Creating Carnival Mask

Students in Seventh Grade Spanish explored the fantastic experience of Carnival, learning how it is celebrated very differently in Europe and Latin America. They discovered that people like to get dressed up and wear “un disfraz” (a costume) and “una máscara” (a mask) to blend in during the festivities. The students created festive masks after learning how people at Carnival often wear a mask as an excuse to stay anonymous during Mardi Gras, which is the last day of the Carnival celebrations.

14 SCHOOL TIES

7

In-Class Learning Grades

5-6

Celebrating Essay Contest Winners Leia Lavie and Kelly Kurtzig, two Sixth

Graders in Mr. Tash’s class, received an Honorable Mention in the 2020-21 Elks Americanism Essay Contest on patriotism! The students were entered in Division 1 for Fifth and Sixth Graders. They were awarded $25 each at the Spring Awards Banquet. SD Sixth Graders who also participated and entered excellent essays include Tess Forte, Abbie Morehouse, Tessa Holles, and Jeevan Raghupathy. Well done, authors!

Students Shine in Local Photography Contest San Domenico students

shone at Fast Forward Magazine’s Marin County High School Photography Contest. More than 400 entries competed for recognition and prizes, and the Art Department was thrilled Grades to share that SD art and photo students earned recognition with both honorable mentions and merit awards! Honorable Mentions with cash awards went to Kavi Submaranyan ’21 (AP Photography) and Luke Goodman ’24 (Art 1). Merit awards went to Melo Liu ’24 (Art 1), Kyle Ginwala ’23 (Art 2) and Olivia West Lewis ’22 (AP Photography).

Congratulations to our artists!

9-12

Learning Geometry Through Art and Dance For a

Grades

9-10

recent geometry lesson, students learned about tessellations by creating art that demonstrated their knowledge of transformations, such as translations, rotations, and reflections, exploring geometric principles. Students also had the opportunity to explore a fun polygon dance in class, learning the formula for interior/exterior angles through being part of a polygon themselves. It’s a great day when students are having so much fun learning that joyful laughter is heard coming out of the Geometry classroom!

SUMMER 2021 15

ON CAMPUS Student Perspective: Stop AAPI Hate Recently, several of my classmates and I moderated a speaking forum for students to collectively reflect on the topic of “Stop AAPI Hate.” The group included Dora Zhang ’21, Aidan Kim ’21 and Tanya Yeung ’23, and myself, Joyce Kim ’22. Approximately 20 students attended and authentically spoke about the Asian-American experience, as well as how our allying peers can further support us. More recently, with the addition of Mali Nguyen ’23, Stella Chung ’21, and Kevin Leng ’22, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to deliver an educational and thoughtful presentation to our

fellow Upper School classmates during our weekly assembly.

In alignment with conversations held during the speaking forum, we wanted to convey the need for tangible change in our ever-evolving society and education system. Especially with the ongoing hate crimes, along with the historical normalization of Asian discrimination and foreignization, we felt it necessary to speak up in order to put an end to the malicious cycle of injustice.

I offer a reflection from Sophomore and member of the Asian Student Association Tanya Yeung ’23: “For me, as an Asian, the uprising of Anti-Asian hate crimes these recent months has broken my heart. I’m grateful that the school has given us this opportunity to bring awareness to

Alice in Wonderland – A Middle School Virtual Production

16 SCHOOL TIES

Community Events the SD community. Having the chance to hold the forum and presenting in assembly meant so much to our group since it gave us a safe space to talk about our feelings and experiences.”

Our School’s core values have never felt stronger to us.

After our presentation, numerous teachers and students reached out in praise of our presentation and the lessons we addressed. The evident curiosity and enthusiasm for change that we witnessed amongst our fellow classmates will impact the lives of countless Americans and can transform local and global communities. We hope our message can help create a stronger, more inclusive, and caring future for all people.

- Junior Joyce Kim ’22, who hails from Palo Alto and is a regional boarding student. A standout in our Virtuoso Program, Joyce also keeps busy in many clubs, including JSA, Digital Media Fellowship, DEI Committee, National Honor Society, and SD representative in the Students of Color

Director of Sustainability Wins National Garden Club of America Award Shelley Flint, Director of Sustainability, won the National Garden Club of America award! Longtime San Domenico community members June Sullivan and Trish Scales nominated Shelley for the award and, together with Sister Gervaise, honored her with a surprise presentation at the Faculty and Staff year-end gathering in the Garden of Hope on June 1.

Both June’s and Trish’s connections with SD run deep. June is a Marin Garden Club President and former San Domenico parent, Early Ed and Lower School Teacher and administrator and served on the Board of Trustees for six years. Trish is also a member of the Marin Garden Club and a former San Domenico parent and Fourth Grade and Early Ed Art teacher. Both were involved in classes in the Garden of Hope and the development of SD’s Ecoliteracy and Sustainability Program.

SUMMER 2021 17

ON CAMPUS Earth Day 2021 At San Domenico, our

commitment to sustainability goes back to our Dominican heritage and sense of stewardship.

On our campus, in our daily actions, and in our ecoliteracy curriculum woven throughout programming in K-12, we strive to honor the earth and our natural world every day. This year, students celebrated Earth Day with a campus-wide scavenger hunt that took place over three days, to allow for adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.

18 SCHOOL TIES

Community Events SD Cares is our annual spring community celebration and fundraiser. For the second year in a row, the event was entirely virtual and nonetheless entertaining and successful, hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality Liam Mayclem and featuring musical performances from teachers, students, and special guests. We look forward to sharing more in our 2020 Annual Report.

SUMMER 2021 19

ON CAMPUS “ Just making an anemometer for measuring

wind speed and direction. Yea, science is fun and it’s great to see everyone in person instead of just on screens.” - JEEVAN RAGHUPATHY ’28

“ Someone let the cat out of the hat.

Hmmm. I know that is a metaphor but I don’t remember what it means.”

- MOLLY PEWTHERER ’29

“I just finished my last conference and almost every parent thanked our school and teachers for the hard work we’ve put forth. They greatly appreciate the time and energy that has led to a successful year in rather bleak times. The most resounding comment I heard was they were SOOOOOO thankful their child was able to attend school in person, which is in large part thanks to our administration.”

- RYAN HOPPER, MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

20 SCHOOL TIES

SD in Quotes “ I always saw San Domenico as just

a school to go to and to learn at, but through the pandemic I realized SD is also about community and friends I might not get a chance to see outside of school. We only get four years of high school so it’s important to enjoy this time and these people, because you never really know what’s going to happen afterward. ”

- TRISTAN BUSHKOV ’22

“ The highlight of this chaotic year was definitely sports coming back. It felt so great to get back on the baseball field with my team and do something I once took for granted!”

- MAX TAVANO ’22

“ Being able to do

theater in person again is the best. It just makes me so happy.”

- SINEAD MURPHY ‘23

“ Today was fun because I got to

make houses out of the roots of an oak tree.” - SAHASRA OJILI ’31 SUMMER 2021 21

ON CAMPUS Reflections on Teaching During a Pandemic We Asked….

Recognizing that teaching during the pandemic was likely one of the biggest challenges in our teachers’ careers thus far, we asked them to think back and share some reflections.

“ Finding what worked in my hybrid/

“ It has been a chal-

effective use of multiple

lenge to deliver material

technologies for content

to students in the class-

delivery and to cultivate

room, synchronously

more flexibility in my

online, and asynchro-

teaching style. The little

nously all at once, and I

moments added much

have often found myself

meaning for me this

missing the relative sim-

year, like when a couple

plicity–and the personal

of students decided they

connection–of having

preferred to hang out

all of my students in

with me in the main

the classroom. And yet, hectic though this

room on Zoom rather than work on their

flexible classroom took time. It

year has been at times, it has given me an

homework in a breakout room.

required patience, a lot of endurance,

uncommon opportunity to learn how to make

- EITAN PECHENICK, UPPER SCHOOL MATH

”

and a positive attitude. I remember the first Zoom class I logged on to last spring. It was A block, AP Spanish, mostly seniors. It was heartwarming

“ I’ve learned this year how much the environment matters.

to see their smiling faces and to

Students want to learn...and while learning can happen

connect. Together and “¡todo en

in solitude, this year has proven that creating community,

español!”, we sang and danced over

connection, and engagement goes such a long way. I started

Zoom, did scavenger hunts in our bed-

at SD in November as an Associate Teacher and became the

rooms, and bonded over the surreal

Upper School Film Teacher soon thereafter. It has been a

experience.

blast having my own students, seeing their spark in the class-

”

- MADELEINE WOOD, UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH

room. As much as I prefer in-person to using Zoom, some of these online communication tools have created even more

”

dynamic ways of connecting with students.

- YOEL ISKINDIR, UPPER SCHOOL FILM

22 SCHOOL TIES

SD in Quotes

“ I learned that what I thought would be impossible could be

“ Teaching during the pan-

possible...I am grateful to have had a co-teacher to partner with

demic, I learned that I am far

during this difficult time. I enjoyed writing letters back and forth

more adaptable and flexible

to students last year during distance learning, and loved how ex-

than I would have imagined.

cited students were in September to be back in school in person.

In the past year, I have taught

I appreciated how I could plan lessons in Reader’s Workshop and

dance classes outdoors on the

respond to students reading in an interactive way...I also slowed

Kesterson Field, in the gym,

down this year in some subjects and was able to delve deeper

on the stage in the Hall of the

into certain areas of the curriculum.

Arts, in the Band Room, in a

”

- DODIE BAKER, THIRD GRADE

tent, and at home on Zoom.

One of my favorite classes this year was my Advanced Contemporary class, which spent much of the school year out on Kesterson Field. I was initially nervous about dealing with the elements; however, the sunshine and fresh air created a beautiful environment for practicing dance. Without mirrors to provide visual feedback, dancing became less about the way the movements looked, and more about how

”

they felt.

- ALYSSA CARNAHAN, DANCE INSTRUCTOR

“ I really loved Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem, and her story. I wanted to share with the students who she was and how epic she is and I thought of the bulletin board across from my office and thought it could be a great place to highlight young people that the students can relate to and/or be inspired by. I hope the students

”

will get involved in deciding whom to highlight too!

- IPHY ST. JUSTE, UPPER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

SUMMER 2021 23

ON CAMPUS

GLOBAL BOARDING PROGRAM Since extending coeducation to our Upper School in 2014, San Domenico’s boarding program has grown each year with more students joining our regional and global educational community, including students each year from the prestigious ASSIST international scholars program.

For the 2021-22 school year, San Domenico will welcome students from 23 countries around the globe including Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lithuania, Morocco, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United States, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

24 SCHOOL TIES

Dorm News

SUMMER 2021 25

e h t g n i t a r b e Cel

T

his year’s Upper School Graduation, Eighth Grade Recognition ceremony, and Fifth Grade Moving Up celebration included the Board of Trustees, Dominican Sisters, Parents, Guardians, Faculty, Friends, and Graduates from on campus and around the world. We were grateful to

26 SCHOOL TIES

Class of

2021

celebrate safely in person here at 1500 Butterfield Road and from the homes of SD community members around the world, with livestream technology bringing our global family together to honor these special occasions. The following are excerpts from the event addresses.

SUMMER 2021 27

I

“It’s often said that life is about the journey and not the destination. But today, after the past year and a half, it feels like getting to this point, this destination, is in fact a huge accomplishment! Perhaps this time, surviving the journey and reaching the destination are equally significant.

No graduation speech would be complete without commemorating the milestone with a spirited exhortation of Carpe Diem, seize the day, go out and make your mark on the world.

However, I want to pause a moment, to reflect, and suggest that this year, we add agnosco diem, appreciate the day, to our graduation speech lexicon.

Let’s all appreciate that we made it

I

here today. Let us all appreciate our friends, family, teachers, staff, and everyone who supported each other, part of this community which, step by often agonizing step, weathered together a once-in-a century pandemic as well as an upheaval of social and political change not seen in decades.

If the events of the past year have taught us anything, it is that we must appreciate the moments, the people, the things that we have,

“In preparing my remarks for today’s Class of 2021 Commencement, I couldn’t stop thinking about the groundbreaking Marshmallow Experiment. The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment was a 1972 study on delayed gratification, led by professor and psychologist Walter Mischel. In this study, a child was offered a choice between one small but immediate reward, or two small rewards if they waited for a period of time. During this time, the researcher left the room for about 15 minutes and then returned. The reward

28 SCHOOL TIES

and not necessarily the things that we want.”

- CECILY STOCK ’77, HEAD OF SCHOOL

was either a marshmallow or pretzel stick, depending on the child's preference. In follow-up studies, the researchers found that children who were able to wait longer for the preferred rewards tended to have better life outcomes, as measured by SAT scores, educational attainment, and other life measures of happiness and success.

The last year and a half has, in essence, been one big Marshmallow Experiment. Many of those things that give all of us pleasure have been delayed. You have had to put off most social gatherings, giving and seeing live performances, hugging your friends, dancing in mosh pits, playing competitive sports, and so much more. The trade-off, however, is that you have learned how to be disciplined in your studies and interactions with others, and you have learned how to channel your hopes and expectations to achieve long-term goals.

And the great news is that you can now, at last, look forward to finally getting your "two marshmallows" in this life experiment.

Because of the hard-won skills that you have now acquired, you are poised to be that much more successful in your future endeavors, that much more confident in your ability to face and withstand life's challenges, that much more grateful for friendships that you will keep and make, and that much more ready to be out in the world exploring and enjoying all that you can.“ - KATE REESER, DIRECTOR OF THE UPPER SCHOOL AND ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ACADEMICS

A

“As members of the San Domenico community we all share in four essential values, the pillars of our School; study, reflection, service, and community. Any student who attends SD knows that the SD education is like no other and the rigor it requires prepares us for what comes next. But even more, San Domenico excels at fostering motivation to do and be your very best in all aspects of your life, not just academics.”

- SAMANTHA CARLUCCI ’21, STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT

SUMMER 2021 29

N

“Nothing we have experienced as a class has been a unanimous experience, nothing has been absolute. Each and every one of us holds different truths, many of us hold several truths simultaneously, and this is the beauty of being human…

Making the most of a disappointing situation, blurring the binary of upsets, disappointments and positive lessons, finding light, is a skill we all possess in bulk at this point. The power of choice is ours to make. Have we chosen to go through the motions, day after day, or did we choose to laugh with each other…?”

- VIENNA RIST ’21, SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT

30 SCHOOL TIES

Reflections from Fifth and Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremonies

F

“Fifth Graders, your teachers and our Lower School students loved your leadership at our weekly assemblies – you ran the whole assembly from planning to presenting! You taught us about current events, you helped us understand the electoral process, you shared the works of Amanda Gorman, and you shared that you are ready for Sixth Grade! We loved your xylophone jam sessions every week! You were inspirational to younger students by sharing your paper roller coasters. Remember in Third Grade when you persuaded me, through your writing skills, to have a Bring Your Dog to School Day? And we did so successfully! We can’t wait to see what you do next. Welcome to Middle School!”

- LEAANNE PARLETTE, DIRECTOR OF LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

T

“The human spirit rises up with music, song and dance. We are here to celebrate the life and gifts we were given. We are here to laugh, play, and serve each other with empathy and love. We are here to live fully and to feel everything.”

- DOREE CLARK, MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE AND THEATRE ARTS TEACHER

E

“Eighth Graders, this year has asked so much of you. It has taxed your resilience academically and socially, and it required courage that you may not have tapped into before.

You persevered and made it!

It has been a pleasure for all of us to watch you grow during these Middle School years. And now you are ready for a big leap into High School. Our sincere hope is that each of you continues to serve others, to care for your community and your world, and to stand up for what is right even if it scares you a little.

Whatever path you take next, may it be well-worn or less-traveled, I hope you remember your teachers, all of these people here today who care for you and want the best for you. And as you imagine a High School life, imagine big. Try new things, make new friends, and be bold in your pursuits. We are confident each of you can accomplish all you set out to do.

Enjoy the journey ahead of you.”

-LEAANNE PARLETTE, DIRECTOR OF LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

SUMMER 2021 31

COLLEGE BOUND Reflections and News from the Class of 2021 MELISSA MARTIN AND KATIE MAY, CO-DIRECTORS OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

A

s it is every year, it is our privilege to share news of the colleges, universities, and next steps to which our Seniors plan to matriculate.

Their plans highlight our students’ reflective work and our School’s deep commitment to empowering students to find their personal sense of purpose.

This year has impacted and challenged so many longheld practices in our society – and the college process was no exception. The Class of 2021 had their year overturned by the pandemic in far-reaching and sometimes challenging ways. It also came with silver linings that we hope will last beyond the pandemic. The flexibility of Zoom allowed for guest speakers from the world of admissions and financial aid to reach more students and families with greater ease.

Standardized testing, and the massive shift to test-optional or test-free policies, stands out as one of the most impacted facets of the application process. Newly test-optional or testfree institutions are reporting marked increases in applications from low-income and traditionally underrepresented applicants – students who are typically disadvantaged by high-stakes standardized testing models. The conversation

32 SCHOOL TIES

about standardized testing’s role and relevance in college admissions in the 21st century continues. In an article in Forbes discussing the impact of the pandemic on higher education, Beth Wiser, Executive Director of undergraduate admission at The Ohio State University, perhaps said it best: “What this application cycle has provided is permission to test and change long-held admission practices…some will change back while others will never come back. If there can be a silver lining to this academic year, it has given institutions the courage, out of necessity, to break those norms and employ new approaches that we hope will benefit students and the process in the future.” We couldn’t agree more.

The SD Class of 2021 submitted over 200 more total applications than the Class of 2020, sending 975 applications to over 260 two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Ninety-one percent of our students were accepted by one or more of their top five schools of interest. On top of all of this success, over $4.3 million in merit and talent based scholarships was awarded.

These figures are a testament to the academic preparation San Domenico provides and the purpose-driven and

fit-focused approach this class took when considering their next steps. We are pleased to share the following highlights from a few students on their journeys, in their own words.

We hope you are as impressed as we are by the wide diversity of schools reflected in the list below. From large public research universities to small liberal arts colleges, ranging in location from our home state of California to campuses around the globe: we are sure you’ll agree that the Class of 2021 is moving on from San Domenico to each pursue their own amazing journey!

ROBERT HAO

Robert joined the San Domenico community and boarding program in Ninth Grade from Surrey, British Columbia, and brought his entrepreneurial spirit with him.

Since the moment he arrived, Robert has not hesitated to dive deeply into his major areas of interest, whether at SD or through opportunities beyond our campus. He co-founded the Campus Planning Club as an effort to highlight student voice and perspective in major campus improvement decisions. He has led the SD Chess Club as Vice President, then President, since his sophomore year, exposing his peers to his love and passion for the game. Robert has also participated in multiple Berkeley Model UN, DECA, and Future Business Leaders of America competitions, earning accolades such as Best Proposal, Best CEO, and a team 2nd Place Finish. He also served as a Team Leader for the Wharton School of Business High School Investment Competition. Robert’s proudest moments, however, have

come on the badminton court, where he can work toward a common goal with his cherished teammates. He has been an impact player on the team throughout his time at SD, with he and his former doubles partner, Yelson Yu ‘20, notching a BCL Championship and earning himself First Team All League honors. Reflecting on his time at San Domenico overall, Robert offered, “San Domenico educated me to be the man I am today. Teachers here are people of integrity and excellent at what they do. They influenced me and shaped my character through my four years of high school.”

Robert will matriculate at New York University’s Stern School of Business in New York City. “Stern has been my dream school since I knew I wanted to pursue my future in the field of business. It has every resource I need for my personal development and career development. I am particularly excited about the clubs and career events Stern offers, allowing me to dive deeper into the world of finance, and have a global perspective.” In addition to valuing the opportunities specific to Stern, Robert is also excited to keep his chess game strong by joining the Marshall Chess Club in New York, one of the oldest chess clubs in the world!

LINDSAY LOWENSTEIN

Transferring to a new school as a senior is never easy, but Lindsay handled the transition with aplomb, diving into activities and immersing herself in the SD community. “My impression of SD is that the whole school is one big family. Although I didn’t have much time to incorporate myself

SUMMER 2021 33

COLLEGE BOUND into the community, I felt welcomed from my first day of school. In particular, the Project Wayfinder class has really given me a clear path of how I want to continue living my life.” Throughout her high school career, Lindsay has had a consistent commitment to entrepreneurship and hands-on exposure to economics, serving as the founder and Chief Marketing Officer for the San Francisco branch of the Junior Economics Club. She has also given back through service engagement at a local retirement home, the Lantern Center in San Francisco, where she tutored children while their parents received legal support in the immigration process or enrolled in citizenship courses. She also flexed her Panther Pride by joining the SD Volleyball team this year!

Lindsay will matriculate at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where she plans to major in Communications with a minor in Public Relations. “As soon as I set foot on the campus of the University of Arizona, I knew it was where I was going to attend. The school spirit was explosive! Everyone was so proud to be there. Arizona shirts, decorations around campus, “A’s” on stores outside of campus.

Besides the school spirit, they have an amazing program for my major, and beautiful weather! All students I met while visiting were extremely welcoming, and one even invited my mom and I into their dorm room! I had other great options for schools, but Arizona was the only one that felt like home.” She hopes to one day serve as CEO of a company where she can combine her passions for business and giving back to her community in a meaningful way.

KAVI SUBRAMANYAN

Kavi’s commitment to and zeal for performing has enriched our community beyond measure. From “Rent” to “Every 28 Hours” to “In the Heights” to “Terms and Conditions”, Kavi has lit up not just San Domenico’s stage, but also those at the American Conservatory Theater, the

34 SCHOOL TIES

Throckmorton Theatre, Marin Theater Company, and more. Though his commitment to the stage dominates his resumé, Kavi’s contributions to our community go beyond his performances. He has also been a dedicated San Domenico Admissions Ambassador throughout his high school experience, participating in panels and guiding prospective students on campus tours. His academic achievements at San Domenico also resulted in his being named a National Merit Finalist. Looking back on his time at SD, Kavi offers, “I feel as though San Domenico’s extraordinarily supportive environment allowed me to be successful through the college admissions process. I am taking away from my SD experience a number of amazing friends as well as a curiosity to learn.”

Kavi will matriculate at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he hopes to double major in theater and a scientific discipline like Biology, Psychology, or Physics. “I am excited to attend Northwestern because of the ease at which students can pursue multidisciplinary studies. I’m glad to have the opportunity to continue my theater education with rigor while also being able to study the sciences and humanities at a leading research university.”

EDEN ROBERTS

Eden quickly immersed herself in the San Domenico community after joining us as a transfer sophomore. Whether she was onstage, behind the scenes, on the track, sitting on an SD Admissions panel, in the garden with the Hydroponics Club, or in the classroom, Eden’s enthusiasm for all that she does has shone through throughout her time at San Domenico. “San Domenico prepared me for college through all of the teachers and counselors that pushed me to be the best that I could.

I learned here that teachers want to help you. Learning to reach out when I’m struggling in class has helped me make the most of my education and is a skill that will help me in college.” In addition to her consistent involvement in SD’s theater program, Eden has also produced a number of original works, including a one-act play and several short films.

Eden will matriculate at Chapman University in Orange, CA, where she plans to study Screenwriting. “Chapman is a collaborative environment instead of a competitive one. I believe that’s the only type of environment where creativity can thrive. I’ve always been creative, but I only got into screenwriting in the past year. I believe that movies and media have the power to influence our collective feelings and make important change. I think that Chapman will help foster my creative voice and teach me how to say what I want to say.” In addition to her studies in Screenwriting, Eden also hopes to study abroad and gain fluency in a new language, keeping her options open to work in the international film market.

RUOJIA (DORA) ZHANG

Ruojia (Dora) Zhang joined San Domenico’s community and boarding program as a Sophomore, originally from Ningbo, China.

Over her three years at SD, Dora has immersed herself in a wide range of activities and made great strides in bridging the gap between our boarding and day communities in the Upper School. She has served as a Prefect in the dorms, is Co-President of the Asian Student Association, has shone both onstage and behind the scenes in San Domenico’s musical productions, and ran the 4x400 relay on our track team. Outside of SD, she has also tutored low-income students throughout the pandemic. In addition to the academic rigor of our program, Dora credits San Domenico’s intimate environment in prepping her well for her next step.

“I discovered that having a small class size (less than 20) and closer teacher-student relationships works better for me, which helped me a lot when I was choosing colleges to apply to.”

Dora will matriculate at Haverford College in Haverford, PA, where she’s excited to dive into the flexibility of a liberal arts model. “I am excited about taking Psychology classes and Theater classes at Haverford. And since I don’t need to declare a major right away, I am excited to try new classes and discover all the possibilities. Their class sizes are small and give me more opportunities to have more class discussions and reach out to professors when I need help.”

In addition to the community and flexible learning environment, Dora was also drawn to Haverford’s famed Honor

SUMMER 2021 35

COLLEGE BOUND Code. “The Honor Code and collaborative studying environment build trust between students and let students actively help each other.”

GEMMA DEVRIES

From the start, Gemma has dedicated herself to our Model UN team.

She credits her experience in team meetings and competitions with fostering leadership and public speaking skills that have served her well at San Domenico. Throughout her time at SD, Gemma noted that her teachers consistently encouraged a strong work ethic and self advocacy. They instilled confidence to ask for help when needed, something she greatly appreciates. As a Model UN delegate, Gemma has won several awards including Best Delegate and Honorable Delegate.

She also participated in our Dance Ensemble, Junior State of America (JSA), the Marin County Youth Court and our Varsity Swim Team.

Gemma will matriculate at American University in Washington, D.C. where she is enrolled in the School of International Service, majoring in International Studies. She also plans to minor in Arabic and Israel Studies. “In addition to my major and minors, I am enrolled in the University College Living and Learning Community where I will have a focus on the Gulf War and Post-War Studies.” Gemma is excited to attend college on the East Coast, especially in Washington, D.C., where she has “always dreamed” of attending college.

36 SCHOOL TIES

SOPHIA TIMPSON

During her four years at San Domenico, Sophia has never hesitated to try something new, starting most prominently with living away from home for the first time. She has been an integral member of our boarding program throughout her time at San Domenico, ultimately being appointed to the role of Head Prefect her senior year. “San Domenico prepared me for my next step the most by giving me a chance to live more independently from my family than I had ever done before. I was also given so much support and flexibility from the teachers and counselors when personal challenges arose.” In addition to her leadership in the dorms, Sophia has served as the President of the National Honor Society, an SD Admissions Ambassador, a regular participant in SD’s theatrical productions, and a member of the Women’s Varsity Soccer team, where she earned the Most Improved Player award her sophomore year.

Sophia will matriculate at Reed College in Portland, OR. “Reed is relatively small, emphasizes student and professor relationships, and values the experience and curiosity of learning rather than just the product. These are all qualities that I was looking for in a college, since I grew up in an educational environment that was small, deeply connected, and transformative.” Sophia appreciates the flexibility a liberal arts college model provides, knowing that being undecided is something celebrated at Reed. “I’m actually most excited that there isn’t such a big emphasis on narrowing down into a major so quickly. I like the idea of having more time

to explore and learn so I can figure out what I want to study further, because right now I feel like there are too many possibilities to choose from!”

VINCENZO CALCAGNO

As a dedicated member of San Domenico’s Virtuoso Program for the past four years, Vincenzo has clocked countless hours practicing, rehearsing, and performing in the Hall of the Arts. Outside of the immense time commitment to VP, Vincenzo has also played with San Francisco Choral Society Orchestra and at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, among other pre-professional musical opportunities throughout high school. Vincenzo credits his experience in VP and living on campus with preparing him for his next step. “Being a boarding student, I think moving away for college will be easier for me than for others who didn’t have the opportunity to live away from home.

Another way SD prepared me for college was learning to advocate for myself. Juggling music, especially my lesson and audition schedule this year, with academics has been really difficult. But all my teachers have been very understanding as long as I communicated with them what was happening, and that has taught me a lot about the importance of communication.”

Vincenzo will matriculate at The Juilliard School in New York City to continue his study of viola. “I’ve been very serious about music for my entire time at SD, and Juilliard is one of the top music conservatories in the world. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to play chamber

music with other serious musicians my age.” In addition to his intensive music studies, Vincenzo hopes to find balance by pursuing other academic areas of interest outside of viola. “Academics are also really important to me, and Juilliard has a program where a select number of students can take their general education classes at Columbia University.

So I’m hoping to be accepted into this program as well. It’s definitely an incentive to keep my grades up this semester and not let Senioritis get the best of me!”

NICK GINWALA

An engaged student and community member through and through, Nick has certainly made the most of his four years at San Domenico.

Whether on the basketball court, the baseball field, or balancing his part-time job at the local movie theater, Nick commits 100 percent to all that he does. In looking toward his future goals, Nick also brought his passion for finance and trading to the SD community. “I think the best experience for me at San Domenico was starting and running the Investment Club. It gave me an opportunity to talk to like-minded people, and we ran simulated trading accounts. We are all significantly further along in our knowledge of the markets than we were at the beginning of the academic year.”

Nick will matriculate at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he plans to study Finance. “I’m excited for the Finance program at Northeastern because they emphasize preparing for the future. From blockchain and fintech to algorithmic and quant trading, I can’t wait to

SUMMER 2021 37

COLLEGE BOUND learn the skills I need to excel in the financial world.” In addition to the strong Finance program, Nick is also looking forward to the hands-on, real world experience he’ll get in the field at Northeastern, which will undoubtedly prepare him for the next step after undergraduate study. “Northeastern’s cooperative education (co-op) program will allow me to get experience at a financial firm that will give me a sense of what it’s like to work in the field, along with a year of full-time work experience upon graduation.”

MASON BERRY

Throughout his four years here, Mason has developed critical skills both in and out of the classroom to prepare him well for his next step. He credits San Domenico for improving his organization skills, a crucial component for success at the next level.

Outside of academics, Mason has been a steadfast presence in our basketball program, earning himself MVP status on the JV team his sophomore year and contributing to the Varsity team’s NorCal Championship run in 2020. Mason also served as Class President on Student Council his freshman year.

Mason will matriculate at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR, where he plans to study Business Administration with a focus on Sports Management & Marketing.

A visit to the campus this spring really sealed the deal for Mason. “Throughout my couple days in Eugene I got a really good feel for the town. It felt lively and energetic even without the majority of the college students on campus. I

38 SCHOOL TIES

felt like I couldn’t stop walking around the campus because it was so entertaining.” Additionally, Mason was ultimately drawn to UO for the strong sports culture (Go Ducks!) and the ideal size of the student body.

TOBECHUKWU OHAJUNWA

Originally from Nigeria, Tobe looks back at San Domenico as a place where he discovered the importance of embracing new opportunities.

As he developed personal interests and abilities, Tobe made a significant impact on our community. “San Domenico has taught me that I can overcome any difficulty and I can learn to adapt to any environment.” Tobe quickly found his stride in the classroom and became involved in a variety of sports and activities at SD. In addition to membership in our Black Student Union, Anime Club, Guitar Club, and Computer Science Club, he is a Student Ambassador, Spirit Captain for Student Council and a recipient of our Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award (2021) for his efforts in Soccer and Track & Field (MVP), all while maintaining tremendous success academically. Tobe is also an active member of our boarding program as a Prefect.

Tobe will matriculate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall and will study Computer Science. He made his decision based on “the excellent program, strong resources and good financial fit.” As he prepares to move forward to his next adventure, Tobe shares excellent advice: “If I was going to give advice to anyone embarking on their SD journey I would say they should not be afraid to try new things and expand

their horizons. SD is an amazing place to do just that but most importantly have fun and BE YOURSELF!”

ALEX BETZ

Alex possesses an innate sense of adventure that has served him well at San Domenico. He fostered his interest in tennis through our co-curricular program and has also been a valued member of our Varsity Golf Team. In thinking about his time on the golf team, Alex reflects, “I was able to grow as an athlete. It’s a sport I think I’ll continue to play throughout my life.”

When not at SD, Alex enjoys being outside as much as possible. A Boy Scout through Tenth Grade, Alex has gained an array of life skills that has given him confidence to pursue his interests and anything else that sparks his curiosity, including lifeguarding, fishing, and surfing.

Alex will matriculatet Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, where he plans to study Business Administration.

“Pepperdine is a good fit because of their strong business program, which will allow me to follow my dream to become an entrepreneur. I would like to create a charter franchise for Bay Cruises that would include sightseeing, whale watching, and sportfishing. I’m also excited to be part of another community with caring professors. I can also enjoy surfing and any other activities I come across.”

TEDDY MANNING

As a highly motivated student both in and out of the classroom, Teddy knew he wanted a college experience that matched the challenge, expectations, and community focus of San Domenico. When reflecting on his four years here, he points to SD’s personalized nature as a main factor in his academic growth. “San Domenico has provided me with a community where I feel comfortable learning.” In addition to his academic pursuits, Teddy has spent most of his time outside of school since freshman year on the water with the Marin Rowing Association, even notching himself a silver medal at the regional championship. In a nod to his interests in engineering and the environment, Teddy also started the San Domenico Hydroponics Co-Curricular, in which he and his classmates designed and built fully functional hydroponic systems from scratch, eventually growing their own fresh produce.

Teddy will matriculate at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, where he plans to study Engineering. “As with San Domenico, Lafayette is a small community where I will be able to explore many paths of learning – it just feels right.” After years of tinkering, designing, and building in his garage and backyard (including a functional rocket!), Teddy is ready to shift those personal passions into formal studies. “I am excited to study engineering, specifically in the fields of energy and rocketry, and the liberal arts more generally.”

SUMMER 2021 39

COLLEGE BOUND JOURDAN CORKER

Jourdan’s journey through San Domenico has been focused on community. “For the last 11 years, San Domenico has been like a second home, providing me with a well-rounded education, serving as a solid foundation for the next chapter of my life.” The support of her community has helped Jourdan take advantage of opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

“San Domenico has helped me develop a strong sense of integrity...Veritas!” Since Middle School, Jourdan has been a musician, dancer, and actor, participating in a variety of performance-based classes and activities.

This includes percussion class, private drum lessons, four musicals, voice training for theater and a range of theater courses, including Theater Honors, for which she just completed her Capstone project.

Jourdan has also continued private French tutoring to keep up with her fluency in the language.

Jourdan will matriculate at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY, where she will pursue a BFA in Interior Architecture and Design. The opportunities to enroll in classes of interest beyond her major was a big draw for her, as well as that school’s strong sense of identity. “As I researched Syracuse, I was impressed by every aspect of the university. The strong school spirit served as the icing on the cake! I am excited for everything Syracuse has to offer and cannot wait to meet everyone! Go Orange!!”

40 SCHOOL TIES

PEMA CUNNYNGHAM-MANSFIELD

For Pema, the combination of a challenging academic program, access to great opportunities in the arts, and a strong, connected community has made SD an ideal home for the past four years. “San Domenico has helped me learn how to balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal well-being.” Pema has struck the balance elegantly over her time at SD. She’s been a standout in SD’s Theater and Dance programs, where she not only danced as a part of the ensemble but also choreographed, taught, and performed her own original pieces. She also served as Vice President of the Hydroponics Club and has volunteered through her involvement in the National Charity League and National Honor Society, most recently clocking regular hours at the SF Marin Food Bank.

Pema will matriculate at Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA. “Community is one of the most important things in life to me, and it’s something I felt at Grinnell from day one of researching it. Every student I heard from said that they immediately felt at home, welcomed, and supported by every other student as well as the college itself.” Aside from finding that at-home feeling at Grinnell, Pema was also drawn to the liberal arts education model. “I was looking for a liberal arts education because I have a variety of interests, from dance to psychology to history to environmental sciences, as well as a particular interest in the intersection of different fields.

I am not sure what I am going to major in yet, but what I am actually most excited for is getting to explore my different interests and find out what I am most passionate about.”

CLASS OF 2021

Acceptances and Matriculations American Musical and Dramatic Academy American University Arizona State University (4) Art Center College of Design Babson College Bard College (2) Bates College Belmont University Boston University (4) Bucknell University Butler University (4) California Poly (SLO) (3) California Poly (Pomona) California State University Chico (4) East Bay Fullerton Long Beach (2) San Diego (5) San Francisco San Jose (5) San Marcos Sonoma (2) Carleton College Case Western Reserve University (3) Chapman University (9) City University of Hong Kong Claflin University Clark University (2) Clarkson University Cleveland Institute of Music (2) Colgate University Colorado College (2) Colorado State University (Fort Collins) (2) Columbia College (Chicago) (2) Columbia College Hollywood Dalhousie University DePaul University Dickinson College (2) Drew University (2) Drexel University (4) Elizabeth City State University Elon University (2)

Emerson College (2) Emory University (2) Fisher College Fisk University Florida A&M Fordham University (5) Fort Valley State University George Mason University (2) George Washington University Gettysburg College Gonzaga University (7) Grinnell College Hampton University Haverford College (2) Hawaii Pacific University (2) High Point University Hofstra University Howard University Illinois Institute of Technology IMG Academy Indiana University (Bloomington) (2) Ithaca College Jackson State University Kenyon College (2) King's College London Lafayette College Laguna College of Art and Design Lehigh University (2) Lewis & Clark College Louisiana State University (2) Loyola Marymount University (2) Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Macalester College Marymount Manhattan College McGill University (2) Miami University (Oxford) (2) Michigan State University (3) Milwaukee School of Engineering Missouri University of S&T Montana State University Morehouse College Morgan State University Muhlenberg College

New York University (7) Norfolk State University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Central University Northeastern University (6) Northwestern University Oberlin College (4) Oklahoma State University Old Dominion University Oregon State University (2) Oxford College of Emory University (2) Pace University (2) Pacific Northwest College of Art Pennsylvania State University (2) Pepperdine University Pomona College Purdue University (5) Reed College (5) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2) Rice University Rochester Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2) Rutgers University (New Brunswick) Saint Louis University Saint Mary's College of California San Diego Christian College Santa Barbara City College (3) Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College (2) Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago Scripps College Seattle University (7) Seton Hall University (2) Simon Fraser University Skidmore College (3) Smith College Southern Methodist University Spelman College

Stony Brook University Syracuse University (6) Temple University (2) The Juilliard School The New England Conservatory of Music The Ohio State University (5) The University of Edinburgh (2) The University of Manchester The University of Montana (2) Tufts University Tuskegee University Union College (2) University College London University of Arizona (4) University of Birmingham University of Bridgeport University of British Columbia University of California Berkeley (6) Davis (23) Irvine (14) Los Angeles (3) Merced (3) Riverside (10) San Diego (11) Santa Barbara (8) Santa Cruz (12) University of Chicago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder (2) University of Connecticut (2) University of Denver (3) University of Florida University of Hartford University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (6) University of Kansas University of Maryland (College Park) University of Massachusetts (Amherst) (3) University of Melbourne University of Miami (2)

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) University of Missouri (Columbia) University of Nebraska (Lincoln) University of New Hampshire (2) University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of Northern British Columbia University of Oregon (10) University of Portland (4) University of Puget Sound (4) University of Redlands University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Francisco (4) University of Southern California (3) University of Toronto (4) University of Utah University of Vermont (7) University of Washington (10) University of Wisconsin (Madison) (5) University of Wyoming Virginia Tech (2) Wagner College Warren Wilson College Washington & Jefferson College Washington State University (2) Wellesley College Wesleyan University (2) Western Oregon University Western University Westmont College Whitman College (4) Willamette University (3) Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2) Xavier University of Louisiana York University (#) = Number of Students Accepted Bold = Matriculation

SUMMER 2021 41

On Being a Chinese American Woman

Right Here, Right Now: A REFLECTION BY K-12 MANDARIN TEACHER SHU-CHEN LIN

I grew up in Taiwan as part of a very close extended family.

My life there included daily meals and interactions not only with my parents, but with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. When I moved to the United States and had my son, I worried about what it would be like raising my own child, Lucas, far away from my roots and culture, without the daily input of love from his Taiwanese family. It turns out that my apprehension has proved to be totally unfounded. The parents and teachers at Lucas’ school provide the same sense of family and closeness that was so important to me growing up in Taiwan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we bonded even more with each other, making sure our children didn’t miss important play time and that the parents in our pod felt connected as well.

And then there is my new San Domenico community.

While this is a very challenging time for many Chinese Americans, I feel so fortunate to be part of the San Domenico community. Every day I am welcomed and supported by administrators and staff, by my fellow teachers, and especially by my wonderful students. When I learned about the event in Atlanta where Asian women were shot, the next day I came to work with fears and felt so unsettled.

Many teachers came to me and asked me how I felt and told me how much they appreciated me being part of the community. I was so touched and feel so lucky to be in company with this kind and inclusive group of individuals.

When I have any questions about parenting, so many of my SD colleagues are here to listen to me and offer me tips and advice on how to better support my son. When campus is open, he loves coming to campus to have playdates with kids his age. We never feel like an outsider

42 SCHOOL TIES

here because there is so much diversity at Lucas’ school, at San Domenico, and in the Bay Area. Here, there is a rich and vibrant Asian American culture, and I look forward to better times when I can once again take my students on field trips, interact with native Mandarin speakers, and partake of this rich culture within our wider community.

When I think back to being a new teacher at SD, in the middle of a pandemic, I am so grateful for the warm reception that I experienced. I have received so much help from parents who have generously offered food and supplies for projects and activities that supplement our academic lessons. It has been so much fun celebrating holidays and customs of different cultures with our talented and eager students. SD has made my transition so easy, and I look forward to spending more time with my new extended family!

Collaboration Is Key Shu-Chen Lin joined San Domenico in the fall of 2021, as our

Mandarin, as they planted a pomegranate tree. Shared Ms.

first ever K-12 Mandarin Teacher. It was immediately clear

Lin, “One student wrote, ‘I wish all of us will use fewer plastic

she embodied one of the School’s core Dominican values:

items and fight global warming together.’ Another wrote, ‘I

community. Her pedagogical approach is creative and collab-

wish our vegetables and fruit will grow well, and when we

orative, with many of her projects being cross-department

come back in the fall, we will be able to harvest them and

and multi-medium, uniting students, teachers, Mandarin

learn how to use them to cook.’” A rock painting project in-

language, and Chinese culture in ways that may not otherwise

cluded images and Chinese characters that represent parts of

connect. The result? Inspired learning K-12!

the earth: rì (sun), shuǐ (water), mù (tree), yuè (moon), and lù

For Earth Day (Dì qiú rì), Ms. Lin collaborated with Director of Sustainability Shelley Flint and Art teacher Sally Houston.

Students wrote wishes to Mother Earth, in

(deer). Students then left the rocks next to the fruit tree to pay homage to this time in our lives when our connection to the earth is so important.”

SUMMER 2021 43

A RESET ON TECHNOLOGY JENNIFER CRONAN FLINN, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

To say “this was a year like no other” doesn’t seem to fully encompass the depth of discomfort and dis-ease we’ve all experienced, both personally and professionally. Consider the pandemic’s effects of the past 12 months on you and your loved ones mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Now think about technology’s role within those arenas.

More than ever before, we have a love-hate relationship with technology as we live with, and wrestle with, these devices that feel permanently affixed to our palms. Tech and devices have been our portal to reality and to the people and places we love. They’ve even allowed us to incorporate more working parents, families, and alumni around the globe into our San Domenico special events. But what is the cost if we allow tech and our devices to be our main portal to reality?

Common Sense Media partnered with Hopelab and the California Health Care Foundation to review how young adults aged 14 to 22 are leveraging social media and digital tools to support their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. The report provides a unique look inside the minds and actions of young people during the pandemic, as they navigate the loss of their social norms, classrooms, and connections with friends while also coping with the effects of a dangerous virus.

Nearly four in ten (38 percent) teens and young adults report symptoms of moderate to severe depression, up substantially from

44 SCHOOL TIES

SUMMER 2021 45

25 percent just two years ago. Exposure to hate speech on social media also is on the rise. The good news is that young people are proactive in supporting their own mental health.

Despite the negative content they see, digital media has been a lifeline for many of them to access critical health information, stay connected to their peers, find inspiration, and receive comfort in a difficult time.

March 2020 was a reset for us as a nation as we catapulted into shelter-in-place. It was also just the beginning of my journey to understanding the true character and perseverance of my new colleagues, many of whom I’d just met five months prior when I joined SD. In the long days and months of the lockdown that followed, I partnered closely with Jason Clarke, Director of Information Technology, and witnessed his steady leadership of a Tech Department that worked around the clock, triaging new issues that came from ALL different user groups, from their home environments and around the world. The creative problem-solving and decision-making that allowed us to keep all our SD students enrolled and actively engaged in their coursework, while still having *live* meetings with their teachers and classmates, was truly astounding. I admired our team’s ability to keep calm and keep going during many sleepless nights and tense situations.

I am equally proud of, and humbled by, our teachers’ ded-

Fifth grade students in Ms. Ghazi’s Math class used iPads, Zoom, and Eureka Math! to delve into an exploration of prisms as a means to better understand volume, a concept hard to grasp at this stage of development. The parameters of the assignment included:

• Each project must include 5 to 7 rectangular prisms.

• All prisms must be labeled with a letter (beginning with A), dimensions, and volume.

• Prism D must be 12 times the volume of another prism.

• Prism E must be 13 times the volume of another prism.

• The total volume of all of the prisms must be

1,000 cubic centimeters or less.

46 SCHOOL TIES

ication and grit while on the front lines with students. They were forced to take familiar curricula and repackage it in an entirely new way, basically overnight. Many of the hours they devoted to relearning their craft in this new environment went unseen, but they persisted. This is absolutely the reason we are where we are today! Our teachers who also serve in the capacity of school-level Tech Facilitators stepped up to assist and support their faculty colleagues in this process as well. Even the most tech-savvy were challenged by navigating the classroom environment over two screens and multiple devices, which was required by the demands of teaching both in person and online, often at the same time, in order to meet the needs of students in different situations and geographic locales. This was by far the most mind-boggling piece to manage since all the tech needed to be flowing correctly before any teaching could happen.

Our administrative decisions about tech tools and workflows centered around creating clear routines and learning pathways for students. In a time when everything else was unpredictable, the top priority was to provide students and families a consistent and predictable experience across all grades and classes. So, we aligned our approach with the Canvas learning management system in Grades 6-12, and Seesaw and the HyFlex Learning Hub in Grades K-5. We can say with certainty that “less is more.” Going into next year, we will continue to retain the core tools and to support colleagues’ growth in becoming deeply proficient with a few “best-in-class” tools, as opposed to knowing a plethora of tools at merely a surface level.

But aside from “surviving” the most challenging year professionally, and knowing what worked and what didn’t while teaching in a HyFlex environment, what do we really take forward with us?

Maybe we need to reshape our relationship with technology for our own well-being and to set a positive example for our children and students. Our core values of inquiry and reflection are knocking on the door as we change tiers, as restrictions lift, and as more businesses begin to reopen.

We are poised for another reset, one that takes us back into society more profoundly. Given what we’ve learned about connectivity, in the past year, how will we choose to reenter?

Inspired by a recent podcast that profiled Tiffany Shlain (founder of the Webby Awards and a co-founder of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences), I've been ruminating on that question and share the following for your consideration.

You may be familiar with Shlain’s concept of Tech

Shabbat where all devices are off limits from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. This time is spent breaking bread with friends on Friday evening and with the immediate family on Saturday engaging in any number of off-screen activities, such as sports at the park, board games, reading, hiking, journaling, napping, etc. Although her family has subscribed to this practice for over a decade, during the pandemic this became an even more grounding force as it was the ONLY thing that remained unchanged in a world upside-down. They found that they craved this anchor point and this structure more than ever!

This one day of rest, their analog day, is when they recharge. She likens this uninterrupted time to a dog being offleash and running free at the park. In contrast to the rest of the week when at work and eternally connected to a device, Tech Shabbat affords Shlain time for her mind to go off-leash without boundaries. It is when her brain is at its most creative and problem-solving best.

This prompts me to carefully examine some difficult questions about technology. Shlain asks: • WHEN does it nurture you? / WHEN does it drain and deplete you?

• WHAT does it amplify? / WHAT does it amputate?

• HOW can I focus on what really matters?

Feeling and answering these questions authentically for ourselves will help tap into and “tighten” our own internal sensibility as we reset and reenter society. Now that we’re vaccinated, she muses, and we come out of our “chrysalis pandemic pods that we’ve been in for a year,” we may start to have that sense of being off-leash again, as a society.

“What are the lessons we’re going to bring from this year?

Are we going to really appreciate being with other humans in this whole new way? I hope one of the lessons from this year of screens is that nothing replaces that human connection.”

As the most challenging school year ever draws to a close, we are so proud of our faculty and staff. They epitomize teamwork everywhere you look. We are grateful to our students and families for their partnership in this learning journey. May the summer bring you long, slow days to rest, reset, and rejuvenate. I invite you to consider creating a Tech Shabbat tradition as you look to create moments of pause and space in the days ahead.

SUMMER 2021 47

The Golden Record

BY ARAN LEVASSEUR, UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES TEACHER AND K-12 INNOVATION LEAD

I

n 1977, NASA launched the Voyager program sending two robotic spacecraft (Voyager 1 and 2) to study our outer solar system.

After the discovery of active volcanoes on Jupiter’s fifth moon, Io, and the complexity of Saturn’s rings, Voyager 2 went on to explore

Uranus and Neptune and is still the only spacecraft to have investigated those planets. More than 40 years later, their odyssey continues. Both spacecraft have entered interstellar space, the region between stars, and they are the first human-made object to leave our solar system.

Given the extremely low rates of erosion in deep space the Voyager spacecraft may last for billions of years and be the only remaining fingerprints of our civilization’s existence in the annals of cosmic time. From this perspective the Voyager mission is a message in a bottle thrown into the cosmic ocean. Fortunately, a message was included on Voyager to communicate the story of our world to intelligent life in the galaxy.

Two Golden Records were included on the Voyager spacecraft and contain sounds and images that depict the diversity of life and culture on Earth. The Golden Record’s message is organized into four categories: greetings, sounds, music, and images. There are greetings in 55 languages, from Akkadian (an extinct language spoken in Mesopotamia) to Wu (a dialect of Mandarin). Sounds of Earth include a volcano, rain, surf, birds, a chimpanzee, a car, a jet, and a kiss. The music covers the globe,

48 SCHOOL TIES

SUMMER 2021 49

from Beethoven to Chuck Berry, and from

their own Golden Records. The assign-

our civilization and planet, what sounds

a Pygmy girls’ initiation song to a Navajo

ment goes something like this:

and images would best convey what is

night chant. The images encoded include

You have the opportunity to create a

most sacred about our home? Can you

human anatomy, the structure of DNA, a

message to the future, to some intel-

rise to the challenge of creating a unified

radio telescope, the Taj Mahal, dolphins,

ligent life in the galaxy. What do you

message representing not only merely

snowflakes, children, and insects polli-

want to convey that is most significant

your own interests, but the hopes and

nating flowers.

about our planet and life on Earth when

dreams of the human and non-human

Inspired by the Voyager’s Golden

viewed from a cosmic perspective? If the

experience?

Record project, I had my students create

contents of your message were to outlive

50 SCHOOL TIES

The student responses are always

they are equally compelled to convey

I find remastering the Golden Record

what should be celebrated about the

has the same effect on me. It’s easy for

non-human experience on our planet.

life to get bogged down in the mundane

When asked what they like most about

and myopic. This thought experiment

this project their responses revolve

lifts me above the monotony of my own

around one general experience: wonder.

perspective and allows me to contem-

They are transported to a state of aston-

plate what truly matters. Yet distilling

ishment and curiosity when contemplat-

what should most be venerated about

ing the size and scale of our solar system

Earth is an impossible task. In many

and galaxy. And it feels good to perceive

respects coming up with a definitive list

life, the universe, and everything through

misses the mark. Something essential,

that lens.

in retrospect, will always be left out. It’s the contemplative exercise that matters most. This project is really about evoking wonder and curiosity, not definite answers. However, a theme that continually surfaces when I’m in this state of reflection is interdependence. The image that epitomizes this for me is an intricately branching tree of life that captures our evolutionary history, from leafy sea dragons to snow leopards. In our digital, automated, and urban world it’s easy to feel alienated from the forces of geog-

Imagine

raphy and biology that shaped us. It’s traveling on a

important to remind ourselves that we

light beam passing Earth. Traveling

not only have a clear kinship with great

at over 186,000 miles per second

apes but also share 60 percent of our

you would circle Earth 7.5 times in

DNA with a banana!

one second and would be passing

When our planet is viewed from a

Pluto, which is almost 5 billion miles

million miles away we can all begin to

away, in about 5 hours. Within 4.3

see the interdependence of reality. Yet

inspiring and surprising. But I’m most

years you’d arrive at our nearest

beneath this view of wholeness we often

affected by what they don’t include. The

star, Proxima Centauri. By contrast,

find ourselves on Earth mired in identity

Voyager mission and the Golden Record

the Voyager spacecraft, traveling

politics, nationalism, and other acceler-

provide them with enough perspective

at over 35,000 miles per hour, will

ating divisions and conflicts. Which is

and fuel for self-transcendence. All of the

take over 80,000 years to arrive.

why this shift in perspective is so vital,

style and taste that define teenagers is

While Voyager’s speed is glacial in

because it transforms the way we con-

momentarily suspended in the search to

comparison to lights, its mission is

ceive of ourselves and our world. While

identify what is truly universal about the

a monumental achievement for our

we might not be able to experience this

human experience. In the same breath

species.

vantage point like an astronaut, these

SUMMER 2021 51

images can easily be found on the web.

to the carbon that forms the building

of awe. Research suggests that awe

From a million miles away Earth looks

blocks of plants and animals, and from

improves the quality of our lives. This

like a radiant blue marble suspended

the iron in Earth’s crust to the sodium

state of consciousness can make us more

in boundless space. The flow of weath-

in our oceans, were created in the cores

humble, healthier, happier, and more

er patterns, our vast oceans, and the

of stars. After contemplation of these

connected to the world around us.

contours of the continents can be visibly

holistic images and perspectives, the

Throughout this activity I’m asking

seen. When seen from this perspective

words of astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse

my students to reflect on what lifts them

Earth is clearly a unified whole. The in-

Tyson become self-evident: “We are all

above the day-to-day. For some it might

terdependent nature of Earth geography

connected; To each other, biologically. To

be music. Others find immersing them-

and life is crystal clear.

the earth, chemically. To the rest of the

selves in nature to provide moments of

universe atomically.”

self-transcendence. Creativity and sports

We can even go one step further: the atoms we are composed of are indistin-

Viewing our planet from this

are yet other portals for some students.

guishable from those that make stars. In

perspective can be a humbling and

No matter what it is, I tell them, find out

fact, all the atomic elements that we find

awe-inspiring experience. This is why

what it is. Then find ways to cultivate

on Earth, from the oxygen we breathe

they are so valuable. They induce a sense

that sense of transcendence. It’s good for your perspective and well-being.

By seeing our world as a blue marble we can emotionally feel the fleeting nature of our existence when situated within geologic and cosmic time.

Our egoistic ambitions and desires are momentarily inhibited by witnessing the grand scheme of things. As a result we are more likely to feel an upwelling of gratitude toward our Golden Record playlist: the laughter of loved ones, coral reefs, reggae music, redwood trees, orangutans, the full moon, wind rustling leaves, swimming in alpine lakes, breaking bread with friends, the chirping of crickets on a summer night.

This cognitive shift also becomes a call to action. We become more primed to focus of on what truly matters, while we still have time. A desire to detect a meaningful signal in the noise becomes of paramount importance. Seeing our world and life in this light, the poet Mary Oliver’s question takes on a profound urgency: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

52 SCHOOL TIES

Excerpts from Student Reflections on what they would include in a Golden Record…

“I would share the sound of running water in a river, but also the sounds of warfare to explain that we are both peaceful and violent.

I would send images of some animals, along with some plant life, and a couple seeds. I would send trash along with expensive clothing in order to show what material items we value and don’t value.” - Heroki Coylc ’21

“It would be ideal to include images of people of different ethnicities, abilities, etc. in different stages of development to reflect our diversity…samples from many languages and music...These and other creations would hopefully demonstrate our hope, curiosity, and the best of our humanity to anyone who discovered them. ” - William Kunze ’21

“For love and connection I would include an image of a mother and her child because I think that the mother-child bond is the most pure and inherent form of love and connection to exist on earth. For awe of the natural world, I would include an image of the Amazon rainforest: representative of how nature is not only beautiful to admire, and also is a provider to the earth as a whole but also is made up of various different homes. Along with that image I would also include the sounds of the ocean and wildlife within it, proving the great power and necessity of nature. In the category of scientific achievement I would include images of recent technological advancements and pivotal developments in biology.”

- Mali Nguyen ’23

“My first sound would be two people discussing their love for one another. Love is a powerful emotion that we truly will never understand...Some images I would choose would be a sunset on the California coast, Mount Fuji from Japan, the Eiffel Tower from France, Guanajuato in Mexico, Hong Kong’s cityscape, students learning in a classroom, a family playing together in a field, fireworks in the sky, and an orchard full of blossoming fruit.

All of these places or images evoke a sense of awe in the viewer and would show other forms of life what some aspects of life are here on earth. Human life is incredible and we have achieved so much in so little time.” - Monica Sanford ’23

“According to psychologists, emotional expressions help us survive.

Emotions are what separate human beings from other species.

No matter which language you speak, you can understand facial and emotional expressions. Emotions can be used to express our history and our inventions, and a lot of stuff.” - Eric Haung ’21

SUMMER 2021 53

ATHLETICS Community Center and Aquatic Complex Update: We Have Concrete!

The third and final construction permit for San Domenico's Aquatic Complex was approved on April 13, 2021, and concrete for the new pool has been poured! Construction is moving along nicely and is expected to last through the summer, with anticipated completion by early September 2021.

SD's long-awaited Aquatic Complex will provide best-in-class facilities for swimming and water polo competition, physical education, conditioning, and wellness for our K-12 program. The new facility will include a new competition-size pool, 4,300-square-foot pool deck, spectator seating, and showers and locker rooms for both boys and girls.

Phase II of the project will be the completion of a new 2,000-square-foot Community Center providing flexible teaching, meeting, and community gathering space on the west side of campus for the first time. The Aquatic Complex has been named for Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P. President Emerita and beloved and influential figure in the San Domenico community.

LIVE CAM Please visit www.sandomenico.org/AquaticsandCommunityCenter for updates on the project and to view our live cam.

GET INVOLVED For more information about how you can become involved, please contact Anna Heidinger, Director of Advancement, at aheidinger@sandomenico.org.

54 SCHOOL TIES

Athletic 2020-21 Wrap-Up “As I left campus from our Track and Field practice, athletes were throwing the shot put and practicing getting over their hurdles. The Mountain Bike team was finishing their ride through our 515-acre campus, as our (undefeated!) Badminton team was inside the gym, competing against Convent/Stuart Hall. The Men’s Tennis team was on the outdoor courts, practicing their serves. I arrived at Albert Park to watch our young baseball players take on Lick Wilmerding in an exciting matchup. Season Three was soon to come in this pandemic-adjusted schedule, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming.

Spring arrived, and with it the warm weather, budding flowers, and, most importantly for me, sports. While things are not necessarily back to normal, we are back on track. Our athletes are able to safely compete again. They are not playing for a league championship this year, but they are playing with the same heart and soul that they would during a normal year, and they are enjoying this more because they know what they have missed. They are playing for each other and the chance to be outside doing what they love to do.” – Mark Churchill, Athletic Director

Season 1

Cross Country - Coach Mark and Mary Churchill Highlights from the season include a standout performance from Sophomore Hayley Ballard as she finished Second overall in the BCL West and her times on the historic Lindley Meadows course in Golden Gate Park were in the Top 20 of all time. Hayley led the Women’s team to their highest showing ever in the League with a Third Place finish out of all BCL Central and West teams. The Men’s team finished a strong year with Senior captain Will Kunze setting a new 5k record for San Domenico, as he led his team to its best overall finish in team history.

Women’s Tennis Coach Robert Jessen The Women’s Tennis team was in a rebuilding year as a core group of Freshmen and Sophomores took to the courts against a very

competitive league. They played well and learned a lot, and they look forward to playing in the BCL again next season.

Mountain Biking - Coach Emile Mulholland The season spread from February through May and ended with a series of three races at the Sigma Six Ranch in Sonoma County. There was no team score this year, but Sophomores Hayley Ballard and Adam Lahart were consistently on the podium for the Division 2 races in the “Repack Region”, which consisted of all Marin schools. Hayley won her division each time for the JV races and her time was always one of the top three overall times of the day’s races.

OUR SD PANTHER MASCOT NAMED Across Mentor groups, Advisory Groups, Homerooms, social media, and polls, over 500 San Domenico students, teachers, staff, alumni, and families voted on a name and the results are in.

Drumroll please . . .

PAWS!!!!!

SUMMER 2021 55

ATHLETICS Season 2

Badminton - Coach Julie Lanzarin The Badminton team was undefeated this season with a perfect record of 5-0 in the BCL West. Among many highlights, the biggest one was the victory against longtime nemesis University. Our SD team has never beaten University, but this year they dominated with a perfect, 13-0 win. With no Seniors on the team, they look to carry on the success into next year as they look for their first BCL West Championship.

Baseball - Coach Jack Friedman The squad of young players looks very promising for the future. This year was a learning experience for the core group of Freshmen and Sophomores. There were many close games and great pitching performances, as well as some breakout offensive nights. Look out for this team to make an impact in their League in the coming years.

Men’s Tennis - Coach Robert Jessen The Men’s Tennis team took the courts with an impressive 4-4 record despite having some of their top players distance

learning overseas and not able to compete for the season. Senior Jonah Richards finished his career playing the Number One slot in each match.

Track and Field - Coach Mark Churchill and Kristian Noden The season went as planned for this team returning some of the best athletes in the League. Senior Tobe Ohajunwa led his team in overall League victories in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints all season long, easily outdistancing his rivals. Junior Kezian Dunn did equally as well in the shot put and discus, winning both events at each meet. Sophomore Hayley Ballard also posted victories in the 1600- and 3200-meter distance runs.

All three athletes set school records in their events. The teams were both loaded with other standout performances that led both teams to Fourth Place finishes in the highly competitive BCL West and Central conference.

PANTHER CONGRATULATIONS to SD’s UNDEFEATED VARSITY BADMINTON TEAM! They swept the competition for a perfect 5-0 record and are hailed as the top team in the Bay Counties League West. Led by outstanding Coach Julie Lanazrin, the team was featured in the Marin Independent Journal.

This standout team also happens to be the most international team we’ve fielded for Badminton.

Congratulations to all of the scholar athletes: 4 Zofia Pawlowska (Poland)

#

1 Stanley Ma (Hong Kong)

#

#

1 Cici Lin (China)

#

2 Hank Hu (China)

#

2 Scoot Wang (China)

#

3 Eric Liu (Taiwan)

#

3 Jamelle Namocatcat (Philippines)

#

4 Alastair Kouzi (USA)

#

# # # # #

56 SCHOOL TIES

5 Gael Taylor (USA) 5 Frie Schlaberg (Germany) 6 Sam Breinlinger (USA) 6 Mai Da Silva (USA) 7 Zara Makkaoui (Morocco) 8 Daphne Shlain (USA)

Marin IJ, on SD’s perfec t season: “S Domenico an put the fini shing touc undefeated hes on its season by beating Inte Thursday. rnational on The Panther s end the ye 5-0 and as ar a perfec the top team t in the Bay League Wes C ounties t. On the M en’s side, S Domenico an got wins fr om No. 1 si Stanley M ngles a, No. 2 si ngles Han singles Ala k Hu, No. stair Kouzi 4 e and No. Gael Taylo 5 singles r. On the W omen’s side singles Cic , No. 1 i Lin won, as did No. Scoot Wan 2 singles g, No. 3 si ngles Jam Namocatca elle t, No. 4 sing les Zofia P and No. 5 awlowska singles Fri e Schlaber g.”

Panther Awards

Season 3 Women’s Varsity Basketball - Coach Mike Fulton Our Women’s team had a great start with wins against Convent and Urban. The group is made up primarily of Freshmen and has no Seniors on the team. This will be a strong BCL West team in the very near future. The team is in good hands with Juniors Piper Fleece and Noku Mukukula leading the way.

Men’s Varsity Basketball - Coach Mike Fulton The Men’s team lost a lot of their NORCAL Championship team from a year ago, but Senior Aleksa Milentijevic led the team this season and set school records along the way.

He was double-teamed all year and still managed a high average in points per game including his 34 points against University. The team looks poised to grow successfully over the next seasons.

Women’s Varsity Volleyball - Coach Alison West

PANTHER OF THE YEAR award is given to the school’s most outstanding senior athlete who participated in at least two high school athletic sports during their Senior year. Congratulations to 2021 winner Conner Liang (Baseball and Basketball).

SCHOLAR ATHLETES awards recognize an outstanding Senior or Seniors who participated in at least two high school athletic sports during their Senior year, while also successfully handling high-level academic challenges. The award winners this year are: Tobe Ohajunwa (Soccer and Track and Field) and Vienna Rist (Volleyball, Soccer, Track and Field).

Marin Athletic Foundation Outstanding Athlete Award - Vienna Rist ’21 and Tobechukwu Ohajunwa ’21 were bestowed an honor reserved for student leaders demonstrating outstanding achievement in athletics and academics. Both student athletes also received scholarships in recognition of their achievements.

The Women’s Volleyball team was really excited to get on the court this season after so many delays. The team, led by Seniors Stephanie Friedman and Carys Goldsmith, have a large group of Freshmen and Sophomores who are ready to bring the program to the next step in the BCL West.

Men’s Varsity Soccer - Coach Derek Howard

Women’s Varsity Soccer - Coach Fiona O’Sullivan

Men’s and Women’s Varsity Swimming

The Women’s team celebrated their first win in the BCL West, which is one of the most competitive leagues for soccer. Senior Fernanda Can Mendoza has been the rock of this team for the last three years.

The team celebrated a big victory against rival Salesian.

Led by Senior Tobe Ohajunwa and goalie Bernardo Atalla, this team has already made an impact in the highly competitive BCL West. Their recent tie with Urban set them up as a serious threat heading into next year.

- Coach Mark Anderson The swim team competed in one invitational this season against BCL Central teams Head-Royce and Athenian as well as University from the West. Junior Emma Keith Brown led the way as one of the top swimmers in the League.

SUMMER 2021 57

ALUMNI NEWS VP Alumni Panels in April 2021

Connecting Virtuoso Students and Alumni

By Mary Bishop ’86 Ann Krinitsky, Virtuoso Program Director, and Mary Bishop ’86, Director of Alumni Relations, hosted two virtual events that connected current Virtuoso Program students with VP alumni. Vita Yee ’94, whose niece Meilani Hyunh ’23 is in the program, first suggested this idea over a year ago as an opportunity to provide current students perspectives about a variety of career possibilities that may or may not be limited to professional performance. Anne Rainwater ’02, Margot Schwartz ’00, Juliette Javaheri ’01 and Mira Frisch ’96 conducted professional mini master classes at the beginning of each panel, and then students and alumni were invited to ask questions. Students were grateful to hear from alums on items such as, “What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in VP?” And, “What was your favorite VP moment?” (Spoiler alert: Study Hall looks very different down in the music building!)

58 SCHOOL TIES

Many thanks to Marian Florence ’88, Joanne Lin ’93, Vita Yee ’94, Mira Frisch ’96, Annie Roth ’98, Margot Schwartz ‘00, Juliette Javaheri ’01, Anne Rainwater ’02, Bridget Chang ’04, Genevieve Durst ’09, Hortensia Suleeman ’09, and Luci Paczkowski ’20 for sharing your expertise, wisdom and fond memories with our students.

VP Alumni Panels

Finally, good luck to our graduating VP seniors: Vincenzo Calcagno, Jackson Fairborn, Carys Goldsmith, Aidan Kim, Joshua Phythian, Lorenzo Soleri and Hannah Stone, please look for invitations to join us on future panels!

Introducing our Master Class Teachers Anne Rainwater ’02 is a pianist and performing artist, recognized for her “boldly assertive rhetoric” (San Francisco Examiner). She performs a wide variety of contemporary music and also specializes in the works of J.S. Bach. Anne is proud of her two solo albums: Bach’s Goldberg Variations, released in 2018, and a new electronic album called Anywhere But Here, which features the music of Jude Traxler.

Margot Schwartz ’00 is currently in the position of first violin with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared as soloist with the Berkeley Symphony, Oakland East Bay Symphony, Northwestern University Chamber, and Music Academy of the West Festival orchestras. As a chamber musician, in which capacity she has performed extensively on both violin and viola, she has been a winner of the Yale School of Music’s annual Chamber Music Competition and has performed at New York’s Bargemusic and at the Kennedy Center. An enthusiastic traveler, Margot has

performed orchestrally in over 20 countries as well as on a substitute basis with the San Francisco Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber, and Minnesota orchestras.

Margot has served as concertmaster of the Yale Philharmonia, Tanglewood Music Center, Music Academy of the West, and Oberlin Chamber orchestras.

Juliette Javaheri ’01 is a substitute violinist with the S.F. Ballet, Opera San Jose, and the Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz symphonies. She is a member and founding violinist of the Axiom Quartet, quartet in residence at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX. She has performed with the Houston Symphony, Mercury Baroque, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She has performed as Concertmaster of the “Phantom of the Opera” national tour and been invited to the Aspen, Breckenridge, and Spoleto music festivals.

Mira Frisch ’96, Professor of Cello and Director of String Chamber Music at UNC Charlotte, previously taught cello and chamber music at Truman State University in Missouri and at the summer festival Musicale della Toscana in Italy.

Dr. Frisch can also be heard on the album There Lies the Home, produced by Cantus, the Albany recordings Songs of the Fisherman, an opera for tenor, dancer, and chamber ensemble, and Dark Dances, a recording of the chamber music of John Allemeier. In the Carolinas, Dr. Frisch has performed as guest principal cellist with the Charleston Symphony, as a section cellist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and with the Madison Park String Quartet.

SUMMER 2021 59

ALUMNI NEWS 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Sarah Lee ’07, Ph.D. Congratulations to Sarah Lee ’07, Ph.D., on being selected for the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. We are delighted to present this honor to Sarah as her work continues to embody the San Domenico values of study, reflection, service, and community in both her professional life and her service to the community.

Sarah is Assistant Professor of Management in the Barowsky School of Business at Dominican University of California, where she teaches Organizational Behavior, Leadership, Change Management, Strategic Management, and Innovative Organizational Interventions. Her research draws on social psychology and organizational behavior to understand how social psychological processes affect our attitudes and behaviors in organizations and how an individual’s demographic characteristics and communication style might impede a person’s career. Specifically,

she is interested in unpacking barriers to upward mobility for marginalized groups, why external threats cause shifts in our perceptions, and why some people are perceived more leader-like than others.

In 2012, having recently graduated with degrees in psychology and music from UC Berkeley, Lee was teaching at an inner city

2021 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Brett Simpson ’12 Congratulations to Brett Simpson ’12 on being named for the 2021 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. This newly created award acknowledges and highlights an alum who has graduated within the last ten years. We are delighted to present this honor to Brett as her work continues to embody the San Domenico values of study, reflection, service and community in her professional life and her service to the community.

60 SCHOOL TIES

high school in Oakland when she became acutely aware of the many challenges faced by the students in her diverse classroom, from food and housing insecurity to daily struggles finding transportation to and from school. This experience sparked Lee’s interest in studying marginalized groups’ barriers to upward mobility in the United States.

“The students faced so many challenges on so many levels.

This was the first time I saw inequity up close and witnessed the many pressures minority students – especially low-income students – face both in and out of school,” she recalls. “It was then that I became interested in studying the longer-term impact of social challenges.”

Understanding when and why Asian Americans are underrepresented in top management positions, despite their label of being the “model minority,” referring to their educational and occupational achievement, has been a focus of Sarah’s

Brett Simpson is a print and audio journalist who focuses on the

intersections of health, the environment, and human rights. She is currently completing her master’s degree in the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism (2021), where she leads an investigative team digging into injustices in the elder care industry. Brett is Assistant Producer for Reveal, with the Center for Investigative Reporting, where she edits, reports, and researches for the weekly Peabody-winning investigative radio show. Brett contributed to the “American Rehab” series that led to recent U.S. Senate demands for federal oversight of profitable work-based rehabilitation facilities. Brett

Alumni Awards research. Her findings suggest that culturally grounded communication differences pose an obstacle to Asian American employees, causing them to be inaccurately perceived as lacking social skills, thus “deficient as leaders.”

While Asian Americans represent the highest college graduation rate of any ethnic group in the U.S., they often face obstacles as they move up the career ladder. This phenomenon, known as the “bamboo ceiling”, led Lee to explore whether Asian Americans are seen as less leader-like because their communication styles “do not map onto that of the prototypical leader in the United States.”

“Asian Americans are overrepresented in universities and in entry-level jobs, but they are underrepresented in leadership roles, relative to their proportion in the population,” Lee says.

“This is true even in industries in which Asian Americans are well represented, such as engineering and medicine, and even in areas where they are highly populated, such as Silicon Valley.”

“As an educator, my aim is to best equip young people

entering the workforce, as well as the future leaders who will be making hiring decisions,” she notes. “I want my students to be able to apply my research to their own careers, both for their own benefit and for that of their organizations.”

In future efforts, Lee aims to conduct more qualitative work to capture Asian Americans’ experiences with inclusion.

She also plans to expand her focus on how discrimination toward members of minority groups in the United States persists over time and over various economic cycles, particularly economic downturns. One current project examines the link between job loss threat and workplace behaviors in industries where the threat of job loss due to automation is high.

“As I am a first-generation Asian American woman, my research questions are personally motivated. My work not only addresses issues but also explores solutions.” Dr. Lee has published work in Psychological Science and the Academy of Management. Proceedings.

is also the Associate Producer for the “Science of Happiness” podcast, from the Greater Good Science Center, where she produced a biweekly science podcast with over 15 million downloads, booked guests, conducted expert interviews, collected ambi and archival tape, edited transcripts, wrote show notes, and mixed and published biweekly on the PRX platform.

This summer, she will travel to the Norwegian Arctic to

pursue a fellowship with support from the Human Rights Center and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. There, she will document the systemic fragmentation of Saami Indigenous lands for planned resource extraction and renewable energy projects, threatening the livelihoods and cultural continuity of marginalized communities in the fastest-changing region of the world. Learn more about Brett’s work at www.brettvsimpson.com.

SUMMER 2021 61

ALUMNI NEWS All Alumni Virtual Reunion 2021 May 6-8, 2021 Over three days, May 6-8, 2021, San Domenico School hosted its first ever virtual all alumni reunion, with five compelling events. Over 250 Upper School and Middle School alumni registered, reconnected, and regaled each other with memories, laughs and good cheer. Thank you to everyone who attended either one or all of our specially curated programs!

V

iewers were invited to hear about friendship, loss, and the power of faith in a heartfelt conversation between Anne Lamott and Janine Reid. Sister Gervaise introduced this SD Speaker Series event. Some great quotes from the conversation: "Grace is spiritual WD-40," "Lunch money faith - not enough, but enough to get you through," and "Laughter is carbonated holiness." Thank you to Anne Lamott, Janine Reid and Sister Gervaise for making this event possible.

Y

oga with Marin Power Yoga: An energetic beginning to the day, with Gavin, internationally renowned DJ, and CayCay, a yoga instructor, from Marin Power Yoga. Thank you to current parents Amy and Jamie Ginsberg for offering this opportunity for alumni to stretch, pause and reflect.

H

ead Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld, Head of Communications Chris O'Gorman and Marketing Coordinator Alisa Way of Rodney Strong Vineyards provided insights on winemaking innovations at the winery and best food pairings for the three wines we tasted. A special thank-you to Kate Klein '75 for making this engaging discussion available to our community.

62 SCHOOL TIES

Reunion 2021

L

iz Revenko ’87 and Laura Revenko ’85 discussed ten hot tips for investing nowadays at a Coffee and Conversation Zoom meeting. Participants were invited to ask questions and join in the conversation. Takeaways included the value of compound interest and encouragement that it is never too late to start planning and saving for your future.

To quote one alumna, Kathy Hampton ’71:

"Obviously the highlight was the Class Reunions!!! Our 50th Rocked!"

A

t the Main Event on Saturday evening, Cecily Stock ’77, Head of School, provided a refreshing State of the School update, two students interviewed our beloved retiring faculty members John Bowermaster, Doris Brown, Deborah Fugate, Michael Mello and Wynn Richards, and awards for Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Young Alumni were announced and celebrated. Congratulations to Sarah Lee ’07 and Brett Simpson ’12. Please see their bios on pages 60-61.

After the conclusion of the program, we hosted over 25 separate Zoom breakout rooms for alumni to socialize with their individual classes or by decade. Special thanks to our Reunion Agents for reaching out to their classmates! To quote one alumna: "Obviously the highlight was the Class Reunions!!! Our 50th Rocked!" Classes ending in 0, 1, 5, 6 celebrated milestones, with alumni celebrating their 10th, 25th, 50th, and 70th reunions. Joining us were Middle and Upper School alumni whose graduation years range from

1939 to 2020 – 80 years of San Domenico graduates.

Special mention to Helen Kelly, Class of 1939, who celebrated her 82nd Reunion as well as Sr. Susannah Malarkey, Class of 1948, who celebrated her 73rd reunion.

Alumni joined from throughout California as well as over 18 states and five countries, including Hong Kong, Costa Rica, Korea, Mexico and Mauritius. This truly demonstrates San Domenico’s rich history and global reach – 171 years strong.

In this most unusual school year, we are proud to share that your alma mater has continued to demonstrate grit and resilience. We have successfully navigated the pandemic and were one of the very few Bay Area schools to reopen last fall. Both Kindergarten through Eighth Grade and Upper School programs remained open the entire school year. Thanks to all our remarkable alumni, faculty and greater community, San Domenico is thriving.

SUMMER 2021 63

CLASS NOTES 1948

1958

Sister Susannah enjoyed a “glorious” day celebrating her 90th birthday in November, with family from Oregon who provided a beautiful and safe outdoor gathering space. Susannah also enjoyed celebrating with friends from the San Domenico class of 1948 via Zoom.

Diana shares that her recent missive to San Domenico was sent with fond memories of Faith France, her piano teacher who inspired her to practice and perfect Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, which Diana still enjoys playing today in her retirement. Diana is a writer whose articles and original recipes have been published in The Los Altos Hills, Atherton Living, and Mountain Home magazines of Portola Valley, Atherton, and Woodside. Diana and her children and grandchildren are well. She has enjoyed music, cooking, and writing during the pandemic.

Sister Susannah Malarkey ’48

1951

Margaret Huneke Blaine ’51 Margaret remains busy working online for her property management company and is making movies and writing books. She is enjoying stretching her brain by doing new things.

Diana Fong Chan ’58

Kirby Ann Atterbury ’61

Julia Howard Macy ’53

Kirby still lives in Milan, Italy, in a residential area at the edge of town near La Certosa di Garegnano, a beautiful old church and monastery. During the pandemic, she read and reread more books than ever, this time in Italian! She enjoys spending time on the telephone with friends and family in the U.S.

At 85 years young, Julia is still hiking, walking and playing pickleball. She shares that all is well!

Penny Briscoe ’61

1953

1956

Anita Barg Lewis ’56 Anita is retired and living in Mountain View, CA. She spent half her career as a clinical lab scientist before transitioning to biotech and helped develop a flu vaccine for AstraZeneca. She has enjoyed taking cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean and is looking forward to playing tennis again.

Nellene Urry McCracken ’56 Nellene shares that after feeling “incarcerated” in Cypress Assisted Living facility during the pandemic, she received her COVID vaccine and is enjoying life slowly returning to normal. She is happy to be able to spend time with her daughter and grandson once again.

64 SCHOOL TIES

Penny will be moving to Montana from New Jersey, where she lived for four years with her oldest daughter and two young grandsons. Penny has seven children, 18 grandchildren, and two “great-grands.” She enjoys visiting family and volunteering.

Ann Cassidy ’61 Ann lives happily in Bodega, CA with one husband, two dogs, two horses and four sheep!

Kristin Delaplane ’61 During the pandemic, Kristin has been offering no-cost Zoom workshops on oral history interviewing as a way for people to engage with loved ones they were unable to see in person. She belongs to the League of Women Voters, has served on various committees, and edits and formats its Tucson newsletter.

We want to hear from you!

Marcie Noltner Leach ’61 Marcie shares that thanks to COVID, she learned Zoom, virtual yoga and Zumba, and took Apple classes. She lives in San Rafael with her husband Don, daughter-in-law Vita, and their granddaughter, Gracie. Marcie has been attending Lectio Divina via Zoom as well as virtual masses in Detroit, Rome and Pennsylvania.

Jenefer Merrill ’61 Jenefer moved out of the forest in Inverness to downtown Point Reyes Station. She remodeled her house and is working on the garden, taking into consideration the California drought.

1965

Carolyn Campora ’65

Please submit your class notes and photos to alums@sandomenico.org to be featured in an upcoming edition of School Ties!

Carolyn has been living in New York city teaching tai chi and kung fu via Zoom and conducting resonance repatterning sessions via telephone.

Kathleen Pasqualetti Smith ’65 Kathleen retired from her career as an elementary school principal ten years ago and lives in Irvine, CA, with her husband of 52 years. She loves to read and loves being a grandma to her three grandchildren, ages 10, 7, and 1.

Maria Virginia Murillo ’61 Maria has lived in Mazatlán, México since 1964. She is grandmother to 15 beautiful grandchildren. In her spare time, she volunteers at a homeless shelter.

1963

Deborah Todd Heim ’63 In 2005, Deborah started volunteering at a hospital in Sun City, AZ, where she spends her winters. She volunteers with therapy dogs through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), which she describes as “unbelievably rewarding.”

Sharon McBride Valente ’63 Sharon is a Red Cross disaster counselor and stays busy consulting, writing, singing, and gardening.

1964

Elizabeth Bowe Anders ’64 During the pandemic, Elizabeth has been staying home and engaging with the world through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, StreamYard, Webex, etc. She participates in many United Way activities, studies Spanish, and enjoys walking her German shepherd.

1966

Libby Byrne Flynn ’66 Libby is enjoying retirement and goes swimming three times a week. Both of her sons were married recently.

Cornelia Sias ’66 During the pandemic, Cornelia spent time participating in political phone banks via Zoom and leading a team of 600+ text messengers who were working to get out the vote in key battleground states. Cornelia is currently working on the 2022 midterm elections, trying different recipes she has collected over the years, and rowing her single scull several times a week. She enjoys her granddaughters, ages 3 and 5.

Sandra Fly Wong ’66 Sandra and her husband Warner are retired and living in Tahoe Donner, CA. They are actively involved in mentoring online meditation classes in India and South Africa through Ananda India Home Study. A highlight of their year was starting their 2-year-old granddaughter on skis!

SUMMER 2021 65

CLASS NOTES 1970

1971

Caroline works to address health policy issues within her community, including COVID-19 concerns, substance use disorders, marijuana dispensaries and cannabis grows.

She works on National Frontier legislation and is trying to establish a commission under the Biden administration. She provides oversight for Southwest New Mexico Food Hub, addressing the frontier food economy, access, and food insecurity. Caroline is also working to establish model state legislation in New Mexico for Frontier Equity at the governor’s level.

Jane continues to recover from the critical illness she suffered in 2017 and is learning to walk again. Jane no longer rides horses, but enjoys gardening and still works remotely as an independent medical writer for biotechnology companies.

Jane Gorsline Frank ’71

Caroline Ford ’70

KD Kurutz ’70 KD has been married to her husband Gary and living in Sacramento for nearly 41 years. Their son, daughter-in-law and nearly 1-year-old granddaughter live in San Diego. KD retired seven years ago from a rewarding and challenging 40-year career in art and education. She worked in museums, on grant programs, at universities, and at a nonprofit she co-founded. In retirement, KD and Gary enjoy travel, especially to visit their family in San Diego.

Class of ’71

Deborah Brooke Reeder ’70 Deborah is enjoying being a “Gammi” to her two grandchildren, visiting her children in New York and Jersey City, and being a Wine Ambassador for the Boisset Collection.

Karin Sonnenberg Thomas ’70 Karin is living in Southern Oregon, enjoying life and volunteering.

Susan Stearns Young ’70 Susan feels fortunate to be celebrating ten years as a financial services manager with Verizon Business Group, a great job that allows her to work from home. She enjoys living on two acres where she tends her garden and plays with her three dogs, two horses, and two potbelly pigs.

66 SCHOOL TIES

Barbara Theiss Juniper ’71 Barbara recently enjoyed two weeks in Colorado helping a friend start a flower farm and celebrating her birthday on the east side of the Sierras with two of her sons and their families. She has been busy teaching meditation and offering spiritual mentoring and sound healing.

Barbara looks forward to seeing her classmates during their 50th reunion!

Carol Meeks ’71 Carol is raising her great-niece whom she adopted as an infant and who is currently in high school. Last year, Carol started a YouTube cooking and travel channel, which she conducts from a cargo van specially designed for the

We want to hear from you!

Please submit your class notes and photos to alums@sandomenico.org to be featured in an upcoming edition of School Ties!

show. Her channel has been featured in a PBS segment and currently has almost 18,000 subscribers.

Mary Ann Dohn Moore ’71 Mary Ann has been living in Colorado since 1973. She worked as a technical writer for HP and taught technical writing at Colorado State University, before retiring many years ago. She has two daughters – a veterinarian, and a massage therapist and former Disney On Ice performer.

Virginia Brown Paulsen ’71 Virginia shares that all is well and that she and her husband Royce look forward to welcoming their first grandchild in 2021! They are passionate about eliminating single-use plastic and reducing their carbon footprint in an effort to preserve the environment for generations to come.

1972

Laurie Hartmann ’72 Laurie plays harp and sings as a therapeutic musician at bedsides at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Rosa and in the NICU at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa. She still teaches harp and voice lessons online and enjoys hiking in the beautiful hills of Northern California.

1973

from the classes of 1972 and 1973!

Wanden Treanor ’73 Wanden recently dove into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work with the Community College League of California, the USC Racial Equity Institute, and with Marin County elected officials through Stand Up for Racial Justice (SURJ).

1975

Hoonae Kim ’75 Hoonae sends greetings from Washington, D.C., where she resides after moving back from Italy. During the pandemic, she remained busy volunteering, protesting, and cooking for single seniors. Hoonae looks forward to traveling again and is planning to go to Cambridge, UK, and then Kyoto for another cooking school.

Evelyne G Lust ’75 Evelyne is living in New York City with her family and working as a musician, resorting to recordings and videos during the pandemic.

Denise Cossette McCollum ’75 Denise and her husband Chuck are well and moving to San Antonio, TX. She welcomes her San Domenico friends to reach out and visit if they are in the San Antonio area.

Penelope Nichols ’75

Therese has deposited her emotions and reflections on the pandemic into a visual journal, charting the experience with collage, sketching, scribbles, and writing. She is also painting from nature and looks forward to resuming in-person teaching with both children and adults.

Penelope retired from a big school district last year where she thoroughly enjoyed teaching Mars 2020-centric science, remotely, to second through fifth graders in Seattle, WA. She also contributed to efforts to build what will be a large city park garden (www.plantamnesty.org).

She continues to sing virtually with the Seattle Bach Choir.

Lynn Cresalia Thompson ’73

Susan Clayworth Webb ’75

Therese Rossi ’73

Lynn sends best wishes to everyone, especially alumnae

Susan remarried in 2012, retired from nursing in 2017

SUMMER 2021 67

CLASS NOTES

Class of ’75

and is truly enjoying her golden years. Her three children are well and her one granddaughter brings her great joy.

Susan’s love of adventure and writing inspired her to write a travel blog: www.hnatwebbadventures.com

1978

Janice E. Kall ’78 Janice continues to work in marketing for a manufacturer in San Diego. She enjoys her three grandchildren, horse, and two corgis.

1980

Bridgette Brigham ’80 Bridgette is enjoying living in Peachtree Corners, GA, and has been playing a lot of tennis, hiking, and enjoying combing through antique shops located throughout the

68 SCHOOL TIES

state. She is an event director for an international association and looking forward to future travel and in-person events. Bridgette would love to meet any SD alumni in the area!

Nancy Pohl Svendsen ’80 Nancy retired after 25 years of teaching kindergarten.

She stays busy traveling and feels truly blessed to be a “Lala” to three precious grandchildren.

MS’84

Sara Shaw Masson MS’84 Sara lives in Mauritius, where she recently started an after-school program.

We want to hear from you!

1985

Angela Ng ’85

Please submit your class notes and photos to alums@sandomenico.org to be featured in an upcoming edition of School Ties!

Angela lives in Hong Kong. After working for 30 years, she recently went back to school to study Japanese.

1986

Margaret Branick-Abilla ’86 Margaret moved in 2004 to Half Moon Bay, CA, where she lives with her husband, Jim, and their three parrots.

She works as an attorney for the government.

Heidi Craig ’86 Heidi Craig is living in Marin and works in real estate with her San Domenico “sister” and childhood friend Jennifer Bowman. She enjoys riding her horse, Drifter, at Marin Stables in Fairfax, where she sits on the board of trustees with her best friend and fellow SD alumna Mary Bishop.

1988

Holly Kelly ’88 Holly is an Interventional Spine Physician at California Orthopedics and Spine. She is also Chief Operating Officer of the practice, which includes three offices, two physical therapy clinics, 19 providers, and 80 staff.

1990

Satomi Hofmann Arnold ’90 Satomi is a Broadway, television, film and commercial actress, a voice-over artist, singer, musician, composer, and more. She invites you to visit her website: www. satomihofmann.com

Emma Garratt Mesenburg ’90 Emma lives in Novato with her husband Erich and their three children, ages 12, 16 and 17. They love to camp, travel and work on their house. They are grateful for health and look forward to life returning to normal, keeping in mind all of the pandemic’s lessons. Emma runs a home business and is studying to become a yoga instructor.

1994

Brooke Kendrick Bell ’ 94 Brooke is mother to five children ranging in age from 8 to 23. She is a licensed massage therapist specializing in prenatal and postpartum care and recently graduated from acupuncture school in Washington State.

MS’95

Terrence Cush MS’95 Terrence and his wife Sarah are proud to introduce their daughter, Lillian “Lulu” Cush, born August 31, 2020.

Congratulations!

Danny Higgins Dunn ’90 Danny shares that she is still doing theatre! She writes and directs shows and is the technical director and theatre teacher at a large school.

Nicole Anderson ’90 Nicole and her husband Justin have been living in Dallas for the last 12 years raising two boys, Henry (11) and Max (8). She works in corporate social responsibility for AT&T.

1995

Jeannie Lee ’95 Jeannie is doing great! She lives in Sacramento, CA, and is working as chief counsel for the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.

SUMMER 2021 69

CLASS NOTES

Class of ’96

1996

Tiffany Chang ’96 Tiffany and her family temporarily moved back to Taiwan due to the pandemic. She shares that life is good there, but they miss their home and friends in California.

Jennifer Le Blanc ’96 Jennifer is living in Oakland with her husband Gregg. She is an actor, teaching artist, and playwright/adapter.

Autumn Lewis ’96 Autumn is a home builder living in Montgomery, AL.

Fumika Takahi (Myo) ’96 After graduating from San Domenico, Myo lived in Southern California for three years before moving back to

70 SCHOOL TIES

Tokyo, Japan. She is mom to two girls, born in 2007 and 2009, and works for an American insurance company.

Suzanne Yountchi ’96 Suzanne says, “Bonjour from Paris!” where she is finishing her assignment as an Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy for the U.S. Department of State. She and her husband will next be moving to Gaborone, Botswana, where she will be coordinating U.S. environment and health policy outreach in Southern Africa. In her life as a U.S. diplomat, the past 15 years have taken Suzanne to India, Turkey, South Africa, Myanmar, and France. She has truly enjoyed serving the American people and making connections across cultures and societies.

MS’97

2003

Brittany and her husband Leonardo are proud to introduce their son, Rafael, born in July 2020. Congratulations! The family, including 3-year-old daughter Aurora, returned to Brittany’s childhood home in Marin to be with Brittany’s family during the pandemic.

They are grateful for that time and look forward to returning to their home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this year.

Christina and her husband Mark are proud to introduce their second child, Kellen Christopher Klein, born February 18, 2021.

Christina shares that Kellen is the “sweetest little thing” and that they are deeply in love.

Congratulations!

Brittany Danielle Cane Yamamoto MS’97

MS’98

Alison Niggeman Wigart Alison and her husband Mike Wigart welcomed baby Rex Wilson Wigart on December 30, 2020. Congratulations!

Rex Wilson Wigart

2000

Ashley Eagle-Gibbs ’00 Ashley Eagle-Gibbs is the mom of 6-and-a-half-year-old twin boys and the conservation director of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin.

Sally Higelin Martin ’00 After living in Germany, Italy, and the Washington, D.C., area for Sally’s husband Michael’s military career, the family moved back to Northern California in 2016. They have three children and Sally works as a therapist.

Monique McCoy Keane ’00 Monique works as an attorney in Atlanta, GA. She and her husband have a 3-year-old son.

Christina and Kellen

Christina Leone Klein ’03

2004

Kimberly Shannon ’04 Kimberly and her husband Brent are proud to introduce their daughter, Erin Lara Palmer, born October 18, 2020.

Erin Lara is named in honor of three special influences in her parents’ lives: Edna, Kimberly’s paternal grandmother, Estelle, Brent’s maternal grandmother, and Libby, the “original center of Kimberly’s universe.” Erin Lara is named in their memory with Erin Lara Palmer the hope she will embody the qualities and values that made them each so wonderful.

Congratulations!

2005

Rebecca Heath Farguson ’05 Rebecca and her husband Nick are proud to introduce their daughter, Olivia Ruth Farguson, born February 19, 2020. Congratulations!

Allison Shankel Prine ’05 Allison and her husband Andrew live in Novato

SUMMER 2021 71

CLASS NOTES with their 3-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Eleanor.

Allison is a work at home mom, balancing having fun with her spirited toddler and working as a therapist in private practice. Allison specializes in parenting and perinatal mental health.

2017

Savilia Blunk ’17 Savilia was featured in the Marin IJ. She is currently living in Colorado and training for the 2024 Olympics in Mountain Biking.

2007

Olivia Lang-Brown ’17

Christina taught English the past year at Pinole Valley High School after most of her music work was cancelled. Her string quartet, Sierra Quartet, is now performing again, with cellist James Jaffe who was Christina’s Junior Prom date and whose father guestconducted the Virtuoso Program. Christina and her sister Alexandra Simpson ’11 perform in a duo called Simpson Duo. They received a grant and are making an album together.

2018

Christina Jarvis Simpson ’07

Marea Otter Oros ’11

2011

Marea Otter Oros ’11

Marea and her husband Andrew are proud to introduce their son, Mason James Oros, born February 3, 2021.

Congratulations!

2012

Olivia was featured in an article about her path to pursuing a career in Veterinary Sciences at Dominican University. Olivia will receive her degree in Biology this spring, and will be attending UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in the fall.

Julia Reinhard ’18 Julia is a student and teaching assistant at Dominican University of California, pursuing her B.A. in Political Science. She is also an intern for Marin County Supervisor Katie Rice. Julia will be going to Washington, D.C., in the fall, as a Panetta Institute Scholar in the Congressional Internship Program. Congratulations, Julia!

2019

Sabrina Kristine Strain ’19 Sabrina is finishing her sophomore year at Santa Clara University. She is pursuing a double major in Communications and Spanish, with a minor in Retail Studies.

Cynthia Leon ’12

Faculty News

Cynthia and her husband are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Jinora Marie, February 2021.

Congratulations!

Adam and Maritza Casias welcomed baby Carson James “CJ” Casias on November 23, 2020.

Congratulations!

Adam , Maritza and “CJ” Casias

72 SCHOOL TIES

We want to hear from you!

With Eyes for the 2024 Olympics: A Reflection by Savilia Blunk ’17 I started racing my bike in high school through the NorCal NICA league. At SD, I was part of the first female high school mountain biking team in the nation. I had never had many other female mountain bikers to ride with until then, so this experience was pretty cool for me. The team started during my first year at SD, and I have some great memories of training and traveling to races with the team and learning the ropes together in our very first season! SD taught me to never give up on my dreams and to keep believing and working hard even in unsupportive environments, and it has paid off.

I now race professionally and am finishing my senior year of college in Durango, Colorado. In 2021, my boyfriend and I

Please submit your class notes and photos to alums@sandomenico.org to be featured in an upcoming edition of School Ties!

started our own professional team together; this was a big step in each of our careers and we're learning and growing as we build this business together. Between racing, running our own team, and being a student, I stay pretty busy but I am so thankful for all the opportunities that it has given me.

Although races were canceled this past year, continuing to train and work toward my long-term goals helped me get through it. It was a time to look at the bigger picture and work on aspects of being an athlete that got overlooked in previous busy seasons.

I look back and think that COVID was a time for me to gain perspective and focus on smaller aspects of my career that I was overlooking. As I move forward and life speeds up and things change again, my advice to current students about to graduate is to reflect on the positives you learned about yourself last year, remember them, and take them with you into a new year and even better future!

SUMMER 2021 73

REMEMBRANCES In Memoriam This list includes updates submitted by family members and friends from November 12, 2020, through May 10, 2021.

We send our heartfelt condolences to families in our broader community who have lost loved ones.

Frank Rinaldi Sue Baty Father Robert Haberman Iris Campodonico Pera Christopher Scales

Sister Leona Marchand, O.P. Nancy Ottinger Coit ’45 Marjorie Horning Byrne ’48 Rosaleen Doyle O’Neill ’48 Lillian Machado Dickson ’50

Connie Lacy Loundagin ’51 Jan Kerrigan Merriman ’56 Katherine Diepenbrock Stillman ’58 Evelyn Michele Wooliever MS’81 Ava Johnson MS’17

In Sympathy Sheila Doyle Kiernan ’44, on the passing of her sister, Rosaleen Doyle O’Neill ’48.

Terry Bannan Nally ’50, on the passing of her grandson.

Marta Osterloh ’66 and Mary Osterloh ’72, on the passing of their brother, David “Dubz” Osterloh.

Jean Mariani ’69, Mary Mariani O’Mara ’71 and Barbara Mariani ’72, on the passing of their brother, Dave Stephen Mariani.

Debbie Supple Miller ’69 and Kathryn Supple Klein ’75, on the passing of their father, Frederic Supple.

74 SCHOOL TIES

Donna Dorward Hale ’70 and Dena Dorward Jozwik ’86, on the passing of their father, David Dorward.

Carol Pera Napoli MS’77, on the passing of her mother, Iris Campodonico Pera.

Emager Pearce ’89 and Yarine Lacy ’93, on the passing of their father, Rev. Dr. Robert Lacy.

Heidi Soldinger ’97 and Katie Donaldson Paul ’02, on the passing of their mother, Judy Donaldson.

Matthew Pera MS’08, Christina Pera MS’11 and Olivia Pera MS’11, on the passing of their grandmother, Iris Campodonico Pera.

Sarah Reid ’18 and her family, on the passing of her brother, Mason Reid.

Makayla Pearce ’19 and Mya Pearce ’22, on the passing of their grandfather, Rev. Dr. Robert Lacy.

Camille Johnson MS’20 and her family, on the passing of her sister, Ava Johnson MS’17.

As of May 10, 2021

FROM THE ARCHIVES Remembering Our First Pool In 1965, Barbara Ballantine, mother of Missy Ballantine Loraine, Class of 1961, made a generous gift to San Domenico that enabled the building of our School’s first swimming pool here on Butterfield Road. The facility was named in her honor. We are forever grateful, as are the thousands of students who enjoyed time in the pool. The gift will continue to be honored.

SUMMER 2021 75

SAN DOMENICO SCHOOL

1500 Butterfield Road San Anselmo, CA 94960 Please forward this publication. If your child no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Advancement Office of the new mailing address by calling 415.258.1931, or emailing alums@sandomenico.org.

Non-Discrimination Policy

San Domenico School admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and disability, or religion in the administration of its educational and employment policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. As part of its obligations under a Small Business Administration loan, San Domenico has agreed to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Small Business Administration’s Title IX regulations during the term of the loan. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and the Title IX regulations to San Domenico may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator or to the Small Business Administration’s Assistant Administrator for Equal Employment and Civil Rights Compliance. San Domenico’s Title IX Coordinator can be contacted as follows: Carrie Robley - Assistant Head of School for Student Life 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960 | crobley@sandomenico.org | 415.258.1908 x1554

2021-22 School Calendar 8.25.21............................. First Day of School

K-12 9.6.21............................... No School

Labor Day

9.16.21............................. No School

Yom Kippur

11.22-11.26.21............. No School

Thanksgiving Break

12.20.21 – 1.5.22........ No School

Holiday Break

1.6.22............................... Classes Resume 1.17.22............................. No School

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

2.21-2.25.22.................. No School

Winter Break

4.11-4.15.22.................. No School

Spring Break

5.27.22 ............................ Last Day of Classes

Senior Class 5.30.22 ............................ No School

Memorial Day

6.4.22 .............................. Upper School Graduation

6.8.22 .............................. Last Day of Classes

Grades K-8 6.9.22 .............................. Last Day of Classes

Grades 9-11

*Dates subject to change.

Please visit sandomenico.org/calendar for updates