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S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 2 6

IN THIS ISSUE:

Rooted in Dignity INTRODUCING THE S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S C O M M O N S

C AT C H I N G U P W I T H TA R TA N A L U M N I

COLLEGE COUNSELING AT S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E S

DE PARTM E NTS

Tartan Snapshots Learn the latest happenings at St. Margaret’s, from Early School to Upper School.

Professional Community Notes The latest from St. Margaret’s professional community, from awards to retirements to anniversaries.

Class Notes and Alumni Updates Stay connected with your classmates: Discover who's traveling, changing careers, getting married and more!

Rooted in Dignity How St. Margaret’s is centering student belonging, voice and agency in a humancentered approach to education.

The New Heart of Campus The St. Margaret’s Commons opened its doors as a transformational new gathering space for the entire Tartan community.

Cultivating Curiosity and Healthy Habits Under the direction of garden and plant science educator Pam Conti, La Novia Farm will be a new place for students to explore, discover and learn.

Built from the Core From Early School through Upper School, students experience dance at St. Margaret’s as a progressive discipline.

Security at St. Margaret's A closer look at St. Margaret’s security team and the work they do every day to keep campus safe.

Community Impact Report Through facts and figures, a closer look at St. Margaret’s commitment to the local community.

The Lasting Impact of St. Margaret’s College Counseling Program Three alumni studying in college share their tips on college admissions to the next class of Tartans.

Commencement 2026 The celebrations for the Class of 2026, as well as milestones for the classes of 2033 and 2030 captured in photographs.

Tartan Scenes What’s happening in the St. Margaret’s community? Check out photos from the latest events on and off campus.

Honor Roll of Donors In recognition of the generous St. Margaret’s community and its support of a variety of philanthropical initiatives.

M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 2 6

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Rooted in Dignity Our core value of community is not only intentionally practiced, but is often the first word that comes to mind when describing the culture of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. I am blessed as Head of School to see a thriving community every day here on campus—students connecting with one another, families helping other families, teachers collaborating on curriculum, and of course, the incredible work of the Parent Teacher Fellowship to build community and help it grow among all our families. Building community, fostering connection and cultivating relationships is central to St. Margaret’s mission, core values and Episcopal identity, and further emphasized in the 2025 Strategic Plan. At St. Margaret’s we sum up this institutional focus with one phrase: Rooted in Dignity. This issue of the Highlander Magazine explores what it means to be rooted in dignity and how a human- and relationship-centered approach to education is more important than ever during this time of abundant technological progress. We also connected with three St. Margaret’s alumni who are excelling in college and had great advice for the next generation of Tartans. We further explored the dance program at St. Margaret’s, checked in with our amazing security team, and shared many great updates from our alumni community. We were thrilled to welcome our students back for the 2026-2027 school year to a campus that has been fundamentally transformed through the generosity and vision of so many members of our community. The St. Margaret’s Commons quickly became the new heart of campus, and it’s been wonderful seeing students gather over delicious meals, train in top-ofthe-line athletic facilities, and meet new classmates, deepen friendships, and build relationships that will shape their lives for years to come. As a school focused on community and rooted in dignity, it is all we could have hoped for. Have a great year, Tartans!

Hea d of S c h o o l Dr. Jeneen D. Graham Ed i to r ial Di re cto r Ryan Wood Ma n ag i n g Ed i to r Marites Olano A r t Di re cto r Sarah Kustera C o py Ed i to r Jennifer Perez Ed i to r ial Boa rd Jennifer Blount, Stephanie Capen, Victor Cota, Jeneen Graham, Marites Olano, Jonathan Tufo, Ryan Wood C o nt r i buto rs Tom Baker Photography, Alanna Cajthaml, Evan Causee, Lynda Collier, Pam Conti, Victor Cota, Niki Cram, Tyler Gaines, Kirsten Harvey, Coco Johnson, David Larsen, Angela Liu, Richard Metcalfe, Jonathan Tufo, Amy Warren Highlander Magazine is published biannually by the Communications Office as a St. Margaret’s Episcopal School community magazine.

St . Ma rga ret ’s Ep i s c opal Sch ool 31641 La Novia San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949.661.0108 | www.smes.org St. Margaret’s Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, hiring and athletic policies or in other schooladministered programs. Our mission at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership and service.

Jeneen Graham, Ed. D., Head of School

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

TA R TA N S N A P S H O T S LOWER SCHOOL

Tartans Discover Ocean Wonders at Crystal Cove Tide Pools The tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park became a dynamic outdoor classroom as grade 2 students embarked on a highly anticipated field trip to the rocky Crystal Cove. The field trip blended science exploration, experiential learning, and cross-divisional collaboration, on a beautiful Southern California day highlighting the power of learning by the sea. Joining the field trip were Upper School marine science and STEAM club students who guided the younger students and presented their projects on tide pool animal adaptations.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Using Virtual Reality to Reimagine Shakespearean Literature Middle School students stepped inside the world of William Shakespeare as part of a new collaborative unit that blended classic literature with virtual reality technology. Developed by Middle School teachers, Dr. Daniel Matlock and Dr. Rachel Mykkanen, the unit immerses grade 8 students in both Shakespeare’s London and the landscape of 11th-century Scotland. Students experienced visiting a virtual Globe Theatre and saw a brief performance on the virtual stage. Through VR headsets, students explored a virtual reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, where they learned about theatrical practices of Shakespeare’s time and interacted with the virtual tour.

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E A R LY S C H O O L

Students Lead the Way at WOW Night The Early School presented a vibrant showcase of student learning at the 8th annual WOW Night, which welcomed families to St. Margaret’s for an inspiring celebration of play-based discovery and growth. WOW—short for Works of Wonder—is a cherished annual tradition that invites families into the heart of the Early School experience. Throughout the event, classrooms, the atelier (art studio), Demonstration Lab, and Outdoor Classroom were transformed into immersive environments where children’s ideas and explorations took center stage.

UPPER SCHOOL

Students Win Director’s Award at National Chemistry Tournament A group of 12 Upper School students traveled to Missouri over spring break to compete in the 10th annual Washington University Chemistry Tournament, earning strong results in a national field of high school competitors. The Washington University Chemistry Tournament, held on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, brings together students from across the country for a day-long series of rigorous chemistry exams and collaborative challenges.

A L L- S C H O O L SERVICE LEARNING

Creating Community with Unidos South OC The St. Margaret’s community came together for a joyful All-School Spring Service, which also marked the conclusion of the 2025-2026 All-School Service Learning Project. This year’s partner for the All-School Service Learning Project was Unidos South OC, a local organization with a mission to create a resident-led movement toward a thriving neighborhood as a reflection of God’s love. The All-School Service Learning Project involved cross-divisional learning and service over the course of several months, including several creative projects and learning touchpoints.

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

TA R TA N S N A P S H OT S

UPPER SCHOOL

Latin Students Experience Classical Tour of Italy Eight Upper School students studying advanced Latin spent a memorable Winter Break in Italy, where they were immersed in a classical tour of Rome and the Bay of Naples while studying Roman history, culture and literature. Upper School world languages department chair and Latin teacher Alexandra Jennings led the trip along with Upper School teacher Edmund Herlihy. The trip included touring the Bay of Naples, where they visited Herculaneum, Pompeii and the Naples Archaeological Museum.

LOWER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Home Water Project Concludes With Visit to Treatment Plant

Advanced Engineering Class Takes Learning Skyward

Grade 5 students brought months of classroom learning to the South Orange County Wastewater Authority’s JB Latham Treatment Plant in Dana Point, where they observed firsthand how wastewater is transformed into clean, reusable water. The field trip marked the conclusion of the grade 5 Home Water Project, an in-depth study of water conservation, sanitation and environmental stewardship. Students toured the plant and followed the complex journey of wastewater from the moment it enters the facility to the final stages of treatment and discharge.

Upper School students in Advanced Engineering turned theory into action as they launched their 3D-designed and custom-built rockets on Tartan Field, showcasing weeks of hands-on modeling, prototyping, testing, and iterative problem-solving. The rocket launches were the culmination of a multidisciplinary project that centered on the 3D design process, bringing concepts from several STEM fields into a single, high-stakes challenge: design, model, fabricate, and build a working rocket from the ground up and successfully send it into the air. A major focus was on 3D design, as students designed rocket components bringing their digital concepts into functional, physical builds.

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THE ARTS

Tartan Orchestra Performs at Carnegie Hall Forty-four Upper School musicians took their talents to one of the world’s most renowned stages, performing at Carnegie Hall as part of a prestigious New York City performance residency that combined professional-level performance with immersive arts education. The St. Margaret’s student ensemble delivered a concert on the Ronald O. Perelman Stage, representing St. Margaret’s in a nationally recognized program designed to challenge young musicians through high-level artistic collaboration and performance.

10 Seniors Commit to Pursue Arts in College The Arts at St. Margaret’s honored 10 graduating seniors for their sustained commitment to the arts. The ceremony highlighted a broad spectrum of creative pursuits, with honorees representing fields such as film production, dance, visual arts, theater and technical theater. Faculty speakers emphasized the students’ artistic accomplishments and also their intellectual curiosity, discipline and willingness to take creative risks.

Gavin Shams Wins OC Artist of the Year for Theater Senior Gavin Shams was named the Orange County Artist of the Year in the theater category, an exceptional achievement highlighting Gavin’s talent and skill in enhancing productions through lighting design. Gavin was named the winner out of 220 theater nominees, which was announced at an awards ceremony at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and soon after published in the Orange County Register. As part of the process, Gavin impressed seven judges during an in-person presentation of his work in lighting design, which he says “supports storytelling, emotion and human connection.” He will continue studying the arts at the University of Southern California.

Dance Drake Harvey, University of Utah Paige Minton, Princeton University Film Production Ani Alyanakian, UCLA Vivian Li, New York University Mac Ullem, Chapman University Cassie Wang, Emerson College Photo Credit: OC Register

Choir Students Experience Music-Making at Disneyland Sixty-four St. Margaret’s Middle and Upper School choir students stepped into the world of professional music production during the Choral Soundtrack Disney Experience, an immersive, daylong program at Disneyland. The experience combined performance, collaboration, and creativity. The highlight of the trip was a professional workshop in which students were challenged to learn music on the spot and collaborate as a professional ensemble, recording soundtrack vocals for animated Disney films.

Fine Arts | Studio Art Alex Kim, Cornell University Jamie Yeung, New York University Theatrical Design Gavin Shams, USC Theater Olivia Thimons, Tufts University

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

TA R TA N S N A P S H OT S

TA R TA N AT H L E T I C S

Champions! Girls Basketball Claims CIF-SS Div. III Title St. Margaret’s girls basketball team won the CIF-SS championship for the second time in four years, defeating Murrieta Valley 57-41 in the Division III championship game in Ontario. The Tartans finished the year with a 27-8 record. Jayden Witten was named the CIF Player of the Year for her efforts, while Taylor Francois and Annika Tufo earned All-CIF honors. Head coach Josh Markum was named CIF coach of the year.

St. Margaret’s Launches Captain’s Academy St. Margaret’s expanded its leadership training with the launch of the Captain’s Academy. Developed by associate athletic director and head girls basketball coach Josh Markum, the Captain’s Academy brings together in-season team captains to discuss and develop leadership skills and their important role in athletics and across the school. “With more than 80 percent of our Upper School students participating in athletics,” said Dan O’Shea, St. Margaret’s athletics director and head football coach, “we understand that the captains are not just leaders on their teams, but also leaders on our campus.”

Middle School Sports Recap •

In its inaugural season, girls flag football advanced to the semifinals of the P.A.L. playoffs, finishing in fourth place out of 30 teams in the league.

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Boys volleyball, girls volleyball and girls soccer each had teams advance to the P.A.L. finals.

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The boys lacrosse A1 team won its third consecutive Parochial Athletic League title with a 17-12 victory over St. Serra in February.

Tartan Student-Athletes Commit to Top Colleges St. Margaret’s had nine students-athletes from the Class of 2026 commit to play intercollegiate athletics next year during the winter and spring signing periods. Basketball Taylor Francois, Claremont McKenna College Annika Tufo, Tufts University Cross Country & Track Zaiden Gurusamy, Bates College Joyce Li, The University of Chicago Golf Jessica Liu, Washington University in St. Louis Soccer Mason Allison, University of Puget Sound Mitchell Allison, University of Puget Sound Lacrosse Jack Shea, Bentley University Andrew Toubin, Bowdoin College

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PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY NOTES

2025-2026 ANNIVERSARIES Kevin Estipular Receives the Susan A. Remsberg Award Middle School dean and science teacher Kevin Estipular was the 2026 recipient of the Susan A. Remsberg Award, given annually at the All-School Closing Ceremony to a St. Margaret’s professional community member for outstanding contributions and significant impact on the school community, exemplifying a profound commitment to St. Margaret’s mission and core values in the past year or recent years. Mrs. Remsberg was in attendance to present the award to Mr. Estipular at the All-School Closing Ceremony in June.

Wendy Romagnino-Perry Honored as Professional Community Emeritus St. Margaret’s bestowed its highest professional community honor, Professional Community Emeritus, to Wendy RomagninoPerry, who retired after 32 years of service to St. Margaret’s. Mrs. Romagnino-Perry worked as St. Margaret’s systems database administrator on the school’s enterprise technology team for nearly two decades. In managing and overseeing student and family data, Mrs. RomagninoPerry’s work was imperative to a smooth partnership between St. Margaret’s and families in important school initiatives like enrollment and reenrollment, tuition management, mySMES and more. Previously, Mrs. Romagnino-Perry worked in St. Margaret’s Advancement office for 13 years as part of a three-person team that oversaw events, fundraising and more during a transformational time of growth and development for the school.

30 Years Melissa Norwood, Business Office 25 Years Claire Frahm, Chief of Staff Victor Garcia, Buildings and Grounds Bryan Harney, Technology 20 Years Colleen Beshk, Lower School Lori Fava, Athletics William Feige, Early School Darla Magana, Library Stephanie Windes, Middle School 15 Years Casey Comeau, Admissions Noreen Filippi, Advancement Jen Hoggan, Middle School 10 Years Dan Cheng, Middle School Erika Garcia, Early School Stephanie Hoback, Advancement Sarah Kustera, Communications & Marketing Adela Kwan, Arts Angela Mackenzie, Library Penny Mateer, Lower School Jeannette Miller, Arts Heidi Rojo-Sanchez, Business Office Chelsea Runge, Upper School Kristina Taylor, Upper School Ryan Wood, Communications & Marketing 5 Years Sharon Benedetto, Early School Meghan Benson, Upper School Robert Farro, Security Maxi Fermin, Buildings and Grounds Erica Huerta, Upper School Melissa Koch, Lower School Lex Leigh, Arts Josh Markum, Athletics Trisha Marx, Athletics Leslie Pacheco-Manning, Athletics Anza Spinelli, Upper School Steven Sprecher, Upper School Salamasina Toughey, Lower School Nathan Valdez, Middle School Leah Zhang, Advancement

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

BY RYA N W O O D A N D M A R I T E S O L A N O

At its core, education is a deeply human pursuit. The world is evolving rapidly, and emerging technologies are dramatically reshaping how information is acquired and applied, and how people connect and interact with one another. Tools like artificial intelligence are already transforming the global economy with no signs of slowing down. Yet, these tools cannot change the most important aspect of the human experience: the human itself.

n preparing tomorrow’s leaders for the world that awaits, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School recognizes the value in emphasizing the everimportant human skills of relationship building, collaboration, community and connection.

It is essential to the learning, leading and serving that guides St. Margaret’s every day. “Every student at St. Margaret’s brings inherent worth, unique potential and a needed voice that can help shape the world we live in now and into the future,” Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham said. “In an increasingly technology-rich world, the human capacity to foster connection, build trust, and cultivate meaningful relationships are more important than ever. We recognize that at St. Margaret’s, and we will continue to lean into the meaningful human-centered approach that anchors everything we do.” St. Margaret’s 2025 Strategic Plan directly addresses this need, calling on the school to “commit to relationship building through restorative practices, community building, and a cultivation of an ethos of respect and dignity.” The school is further guided by the basic principles of the Episcopal tenets, which guides individuals and institutions to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. At St. Margaret’s these guideposts are summarized with one phrase: “Rooted in Dignity.” “Our mission and core values provide multiple examples of dignity defined, with language such as ‘hearts and minds,’ ‘integrity,’ ‘mutual respect,’ ‘equity’ and ‘justice,’” said Victor Cota, St. Margaret’s director of equity and inclusion. “These tenets guide us to lean into dignity work and proactively engage in practices that build connection and community in ways that will have a transformative impact on our students and our community.” In a paper titled “A Science of Human Dignity” by Dr. John Bailie, president of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), the dimensions of human dignity present itself as a reflection of three distinct human needs: • The need to exercise agency. • The need to have voice. • The need to belong.

Consistent with Dr. Bailie’s message, St. Margaret’s strives for students to feel belonging, voice and agency every day at school. This is accomplished through strategic planning, human-centered programming and a love and care of each and every student.

The Need to Exercise agency Student choice and agency in their learning is central to a St. Margaret’s education beginning in Early School. It is also essential to students fully embracing their own academic journeys. As Dr. Bailie writes, “each of us has a realm of activity and decision making over which we are the rightful judge of what is best and desired for us.”

"...we are the rightful judge of what is best and desired for us.” St. Margaret’s applies this to its academic program from the youngest ages. In the Early School, St. Margaret’s teachers are guided by a philosophy that children learn best by exploring and discovering through experiences—a principle known as constructivist theory. The Early School’s negotiated emergent curriculum introduces concepts in math, science, literacy and art while students are exploring a topic or subject that they express interest in.

Such learning in recent years has turned small moments into extensive curriculum subjects, all driven by student agency. The evidence of a skunk visiting the Early School Outdoor Classroom one night turned into an investigation involving students contacting St. Margaret’s security and maintenance teams, as they reviewed security camera footage, wrote inquiring letters, sketched maps and read books about skunks. Because the skunk investigation was their choice, the students were engaged and all-in—with expert teachers there to introduce new tools to enhance and extend the process of learning. HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

As students get older, choice follows them throughout their time at St. Margaret’s. Middle School and Upper School students have an abundance of course selections to choose from, with virtually endless paths toward a St. Margaret’s diploma that is customized to meet the passions and interests of each student—whether it’s technology, science, the arts, humanities or something else altogether. Between academic blocks, though, students can take charge of their learning and make their voice heard in a number of ways. One of the most popular is studentled and student-run clubs, which are an essential part of Upper School and Middle School student life. More than 40 clubs meet during select school days, and in the Upper School, clubs are 100 percent student led and initiated. Students apply to start a club, articulating the club’s purpose and intended activities. A faculty member serves as a sponsor. “Clubs provide a safe place to be led, and ultimately, to lead,” Upper School Director of Community Life Lora Allison said. “Most clubs in the Upper School are led by juniors and seniors, after they participate in clubs as freshmen and sophomores.

in learning with the people and places of our world as the classroom. Upper School and Middle School students chose from 36 SEA Term courses designed and developed by St. Margaret’s educators, and throughout the school year students will meet to learn about subjects ranging from documentary filmmaking to address global issues, scuba diving to study human impact in our oceans, cooking and food preparation that dives into science and the humanities, and the development of community-impact projects to increase literacy rates regionally and beyond. At the first SEA Term block of the year, students in the “Creativity Retreat” course taught by Upper School Principal Amy Roberts walked into the classroom and saw one simple instruction: “Make something.” With no further directives, students spent the first 15 minutes creating freely, setting the tone for a class that values exploration and student agency. The course links wellness practices—like journaling and nature walks—to creative breakthroughs.

“Clubs introduce self-motivation and responsibility among students. They can be as big or as little as the leaders work to make them. If it happens, it’s because they made it happen.”

“Hands-on experiences ask students to engage in intellectual inquiry, cross disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with and serve others,” said Dr. Ryan Carey, St. Margaret’s director of experiential education and extensions. “SEA Term offers students the opportunity to navigate real-world challenges with courage and creativity, learning through process, reflection, feedback and iteration.

Student choice was an instrumental force behind the introduction of the St. Margaret’s Exploration Academy, or SEA Term—an experiential-based academic program centered around student agency

“Experiential learning is not just a method—it is a mindset and a mirror through which students come to know their unique worth and their responsibility to the world.”

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The Need to Have Voice Dr. Bailie writes in “A Science of Human Dignity” that “a dignified life is one in which we feel that our story is heard, understood, and matters to those around us.” St. Margaret’s has long embraced the importance of each student’s individual voice in shaping a school community rooted in dignity. From their first years in Lower School, when students are learning the foundations of writing and exploring different formats such as persuasive writing or personal narrative, student choice around writing topics is essential—as it drives engagement, fosters a love of writing and, perhaps most importantly, allows students’ personal voice to be expressed and celebrated. As students get older, the opportunity to embrace leadership positions on campus allows students to use their voice to make a meaningful difference in the school community. Formal leadership groups start in grade 5 in the Lower School, and leadership programming progresses in responsibility, agency and voice as students move into Middle School and Upper School. The Upper School alone has eight different designated leadership groups that meet during the school day, and nearly 40 percent of the Upper School is enrolled in at least one.

“a dignified life is one in which we feel that our story is heard, understood, and matters to those around u󰑳.”

In these roles, students improve their school community, work collaboratively with peers and mentors, hone their own skills and develop their voice in a meaningful way. A few of the groups have a long history at St. Margaret’s, while others are relatively new. “The goal of student leadership in the Upper School is to offer authentic opportunities for a wide range of students,” Mrs. Allison said. “We want students to self-reflect, discern their personal strengths, and select a leadership group that is a strong match for them. When they go through this process they are more willing to invest in the responsibility that comes with leadership, and in turn grow personally while contributing to their school community.”

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

The Need to Belong On a typical day in a Lower School classroom at St. Margaret’s, 22 students immerse in academics, discovery, skill-building, friendships and fun. Each classroom from kindergarten through grade 3 is led by a homeroom teacher and a full-time co-teacher, meaning there is an adult for every 11 students in the class. The small class sizes are an intentional pillar of the St. Margaret’s experience, all the way through Upper School. It allows every student to be known and loved by caring, expert teachers who develop close relationships with families and ensure that students feel invested in their own learning and fully empowered to be their authentic selves. A sense of belonging is an integral part of St. Margaret’s student experience. Small class sizes allow for closer day-to-day observation of students in the classroom, on the stage, on the playing field or across campus. Expert educators observe, connect, and communicate around student thriving and belonging on an ongoing basis. Programmatically, nurturing student belonging can be reflected in curriculum development; in the age-appropriate books made available in classroom libraries; in the work of St. Margaret’s counseling office with three-full time professional counselors; in student leadership groups which serve fellow students; or through the community life directors of each division who lead inclusive and fulfilling student-life programming meant to build community and a shared commitment to a greater good. Students in grade 6, for example, take part in an interdisciplinary “Heritage Cookbook” unit at the start of their time in Middle School, which explores each student’s family history and cultural traditions centered around food. Students research their family history, interview relatives and present to classmates on their heritage while also sharing a recipe that is a staple of family gatherings. The unit concludes with a heritage feast—a potluck that brings students and families to St. Margaret’s to share cherished recipes from cultures around the world. “My hope is that students see themselves in one another. Empathy, community, and literally breaking bread with their classmates are such 12

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invaluable lessons,” said Middle School English teacher Owen Beitner, who leads the heritage cookbook unit alongside Middle School history teacher Rian Otto. “Building community through this project offers students an insight into a world possibly unlike their own, while seeing value in it.” In grade 7 English, students immerse in an instructional unit called “Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Doors,” which challenges students to step into the lives of fictional literary characters and reflect more deeply on their own identities. The unit encourages students to see books as windows into lives different from their own, mirrors that reflect their personal experiences, and sliding doors that invite new ways of understanding the world. Students read novels and deeply study the protagonists of the texts. Through structured partner discussions, students examine the obstacles faced by their protagonists—both external conflicts and systemic challenges shaping the characters’ lives. Later discussions shifted inward, asking students to analyze the emotional “backpacks” their characters carry and the identity lenses such as culture, family, and personal history through which they see the world.

...students get a peek into other ways of living, see themselves reflected in their books, and perhaps even step into a new way of understanding the world and their own identities within it." “Our goal is that students get a peek into other ways of living, see themselves reflected in their books, and perhaps even step into a new way of understanding the world and their own identities within it,” said Middle School English teacher Christie McMahon. Students lean more into this work as they get older, and are invited to take charge of studentdriven programming that fosters belonging and dignity among all students. This includes the Tartan Inclusivity and Diversity Education (TIDE) student leadership group in the Upper School and the Respect, Include, Shine, Empower (RISE) student leadership group in the Middle School, both of which strive to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of each student while positively impacting the school community. St. Margaret’s school leaders work diligently to measure the effects of programming and school culture on a student’s sense of belonging. The school regularly conducts a Tripod survey to Upper School and Middle School students, which looks at student perception of the school climate and culture, as well as a student’s sense of belonging at school. The survey asks students to anonymously respond to questions such as, “I feel valued at this school” and “I feel like I belong at this school.” The school then engages in design thinking to better understand from students how St. Margaret’s can learn from their experiences and enhance the school experience for everyone. Additionally, students in grades 3-8 are administered the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) SocialEmotional Learning Check-In pulse survey several times during the school year, which in addition to academic engagement and emotional well-being, measures students' sense of fairness and belonging at school. The survey asks students to assess

statements like, "At school, I feel like I belong" and "I feel like I am part of my school community." “Together, this data allows us to track students' sense of belonging at school over time to inform programming and, when a need emerges from the data, provides a starting point to dig deeper into understanding the need,” said Dr. Stephanie Capen, St. Margaret’s director of institutional research.

Looking Forward Ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, St. Margaret’s entire professional community came together for professional-development training around relationship-building, dignity and belonging. This work is designed to center the St. Margaret’s experience around dignity, both individually and collectively. Guided by facilitators from IIRP, St. Margaret’s faculty and staff explored the school’s institutional commitment to dignity and the relational practices that yield connection, community, and restoration in a school community. “At St. Margaret’s, this work is ongoing and always will be,” Mr. Cota said. “Our Episcopal foundation, our mission, our core values and our Strategic Plan call on us to proactively engage in practices that build connection and community. This work is imperative to the human-centered approach central to a St. Margaret’s education. “We do this work because we know and love our students, and we recognize their inherent need for agency, for voice, and for belonging. At St. Margaret’s, that is what it means to be rooted in dignity.”

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

The New

Heart

of Campus T he first day of the 2026-2027 school year also meant the first look at the new St. Margaret’s Commons, a transformational campus space dedicated to health, well-being, community and connection.

The vision for the St. Margaret’s Commons came together nearly a decade ago, and with a cut of the ribbon at the front door by Board of Trustees President Dana Sullivan, Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham and four Tartan student leaders, this ambitious campus space became a reality as the doors opened to students and families for the first time. “At St. Margaret’s, we believe that learning flourishes in community,” Dr. Graham said. “We know that some of life’s most important moments happen not only in classrooms, but also around a table, in conversation with friends, during a chance encounter with a teacher, and while celebrating achievements big and small. The Commons was designed to make those moments possible. For generations, community members will gather here to celebrate milestones, share stories, and continue the proud legacy of this remarkable school.”

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“For generations, community members will gather here to celebrate milestones, share stories, and continue the proud legacy of this remarkable school.”

927,475

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LBS. OF STEEL USED IN CONSTRUCTION

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G I F T S T O T H E TA R TA N S T H R I V E C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N

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DINING CHAIRS

SPIN BIKES

FILM ROOM

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SPORTS MEDICINE T R E AT M E N T S TAT I O N S

Q&A: Meet the Chef

Behind St. Margaret’s New Dining Experience BY MARITES OL ANO

new era of Tartan dining is here, offering a fresh taste of campus life and bringing an exciting opportunity to gather and experience food in a whole new way. The St. Margaret’s Commons’ expanded program, Tartan Table, features a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining hall that creates a welcoming destination where thoughtfully prepared meals, innovative flavors, and exceptional hospitality come together. Leading this culinary experience is Executive Chef David Fuñe, who guides CulinArt Group, the school’s dining services partner, in developing a dynamic menu that reflects the diverse tastes, nutritional needs, and exceptional standards of the entire St. Margaret’s community.

Your experience spans a range of large-scale culinary programs. How does that expertise help you meet the unique needs of students, faculty, and the professional community at St. Margaret’s? Scale teaches you things you can't learn any other way, and the most important one is this: systems built for thousands have to work for every single person in that room. The student body spans Early School through Upper School, a span of developmental stages with genuinely different nutritional needs, flavor preferences, and relationships with food. The professional community around the school, parents, event guests and visiting partners brings another layer entirely. Serving all of them well from the same kitchen, on the same day, isn't a compromise. It's a design challenge.

What draws you to working in a community where food, education, and wellness are all closely connected?

What role do you think the dining program at St. Margaret’s plays in exposing students to new foods, cultures and flavors?

What draws me here is that this community treats food as part of the same conversation as learning and wellbeing and does so with enough intention to build real infrastructure around it.

The dining program at St. Margaret's has an opportunity that most restaurants never get: a captive, curious, developing audience that shows up every single day.

What I've learned [in my career] is that food is never just food. It's an input into how people think, learn, recover, and perform–and that truth is never more consequential than it is with students. A community that names that connection on purpose, and commits the resources to honor it, is where I want to do my best work.

Done well, a school dining program is one of the most powerful early food education tools a young person will ever encounter. The school kitchen is where many students first encounter a flavor profile outside their home culture, a grain they've never seen, a preparation technique that makes them ask a question. That first moment of genuine

curiosity about food is something I take seriously as a chef and as a father. A dining program at St. Margaret's, built with that kind of intention, becomes part of the education itself. That's a responsibility I find genuinely exciting. What do you hope students and families take away from their experience with the culinary program? More than anything, I hope they take away a different relationship with food than the one they arrived with. Not necessarily a more sophisticated one, though that's a natural byproduct of exposure. What I mean is a more trusting one. A relationship where food isn't a source of anxiety or indifference but something students and families actually look forward to, feel good about, and over time, feel curious about. And honestly, for both [students and families], I hope they walk away with a deeper sense that scratch-made food prepared with local, seasonal ingredients and genuine craft is simply better. Better tasting, better for the body, better for the world around us. If the culinary program at St. Margaret's can make that case not through a lecture but through the daily experience of eating well, that's a contribution to this community I'd be proud to have made.

Scan here to read the full interview with Chef David

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Cultivating Curiosity and Healthy Habits A Conversation With Pam Conti, St. Margaret’s New Garden and Plant Science Educator

BY MARITES OL ANO

here is something remarkable about the way a garden transforms the food we eat and the way we see ourselves, the Tartan community, and the natural world. For Pam Conti, St. Margaret’s new Garden and Plant Science Educator, cultivating healthy habits begins with cultivating the soil. She has seen firsthand how children who resist vegetables at the dinner table eagerly harvest and eat the produce they have grown themselves. As she works to strengthen the connection between the garden, the kitchen, and the classroom, Ms. Conti hopes to inspire students to understand the full journey of food— from seed to plate—while fostering a deeper appreciation for nutrition, regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and the people who grow food. Most importantly, she hopes to encourage St. Margaret’s students to rediscover their place within nature, building lifelong connections to healthy living, local community, and the environment. We shared a moment with Ms. Conti to learn more about her vision, the school’s partnership with La Novia Farm, and what excites her most about this important role. 18

Why is hands-on learning in an outdoor space like La Novia Farm such an important part of a student’s education? Hands-on, outdoor, place-based education brings the lessons of the classroom alive. By engaging directly with soil, plants, and natural ecosystems, students build deeper knowledge retention, sharpen critical thinking skills, and gain important connections to their local environment and the agrarian heritage deeply rooted in San Juan Capistrano’s rich history. Retention of subject matter increases through hands-on, relevant work. Opportunities like La Novia Farm connect students back to the natural world, which helps them in a myriad of ways. Social and emotional well-being increases when you spend time in nature, as stress and anxiety decrease. Nature inspires an active curiosity in students which fosters critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and allows historical contexts to become more real than what often comes from simply reading text. If we as educators care about the whole child, outdoor education plays a critical role in their development.

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“If you want a healthy eater, build a garden; If you want a healthier community, build an organic, regenerative farm.” How does working in the garden help students become better environmental stewards? The pure joy of seeing a child pick a carrot or beet for the first time, taste a “real” tomato, or make a connection to the natural world that they could not make inside the four walls of the classroom is exactly why I do this work. Starting at a young age, gardening helps students become genuine lovers of the natural world. If you can help them overcome sensory fears such as touching bugs or dirtying their hands, then the exploration that can be found in a garden setting is truly magical. They first learn how to grow and care for their garden, and then they learn to love what they grow and care for, and then hopefully they develop a life-long relationship with nature. We cannot protect something we have no affinity for. Gardens are the perfect place to build this affinity, fostering the future environmental stewards our world so desperately needs. The new dining program in the St. Margaret’s Commons features ingredients grown at La Novia Farm. How does that connection enrich students' understanding of healthy eating and local agriculture? It is always astonishing to me that children who will not touch a vegetable on their dinner plate, will shove fistfuls of leafy greens into their mouths in the garden, simply because they grew it and they picked it! Parents think I am a miracle worker when I get their kid to eat broccoli! If you want a healthy eater, build a garden; If you want a healthier community, build an organic, regenerative farm.

I hope to build a bridge between our chefs and our students’ work on the farm, making the connection from farm to table truly meaningful. Our students will intimately know this food because they will witness its journey from germination and photosynthesis to harvest and the final plate. Through hands-on lessons, they will learn the importance of good nutrition, understand the differences between organic and conventional farming, and feel empowered by their role in the process. Because they helped nurture the crops, they will realize that fresh, locally grown produce is far better for their bodies and the local environment than anything from a grocery store shelf. Experiencing how challenging it can be to grow food will hopefully inspire them to reduce waste. And just maybe, the next time they see a worker in the field, they will understand the depth of that labor, shifting their mindset toward empathy and deep gratitude. What excites you most about inspiring students to build a lifelong relationship with nature, food, and their community? For thousands of years, humans were intimately connected to the natural world, and everyone was a farmer to some extent. Everyone spent time outdoors collecting food, growing food, or gathering natural materials to sustain their lives. For hundreds of years now, we have shifted from being a part of nature to becoming apart from nature. I am excited to help students regain that feeling of belonging in nature. Once you are comfortable in nature and truly see the interconnectedness of all living things—and the pure miracle of life on

Earth—then you are more likely to want to protect it and help sustain it. That is the shift we need in the world: to once again feel connected to nature and community. Food and community are the cornerstones of societal connectivity. Sharing culinary experiences, sharing your day, and sharing stories around a table of food grown with care in our community can help us all regain some of what has been lost in modern times. That is what excites me the most about this new opportunity— to inspire students to seek out healthy food choices in their local community, not only for their personal health but for the health of the entire community. What life lesson has nature taught you that you hope to pass on to your students? Resilience. Nature is resilient, and we can take a lesson from that. Nature teaches us that life will always find a way to adapt, grow, and overcome, even in the harshest environments. And for humans, sometimes being in nature is challenging, especially when conditions are not ideal. As an educator leading outdoor trips, I’ve seen firsthand how stepping into the wild pulls students out of their comfort zones. When conditions aren't ideal, pressing forward becomes a lesson in itself. Pushing through physical and mental discomfort helps students unlock a deep well of grit and perseverance they didn't know they possessed, fostering lifelong personal growth.

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Built

Dance at St. Margaret's BY MARITES OL ANO

from the ore:

Behind every controlled turn, suspended leap, and precise landing is a moment the audience rarely sees—the quiet engagement of core strength, alignment, and breath. It is in this unseen work that movement becomes possible. At St. Margaret’s, that same principle defines the dance program. Built on a foundation that values both academic vigor and self-exploration, the dance program at St. Margaret’s reflects a belief that technical training and creative discovery are not opposing forces, but interdependent ones. Within this environment, students are guided to develop physical strength, confidence and imagination. From first steps in Early and Lower School movement classes to advanced performance ensembles in the Middle and Upper School, dance unfolds here as a continuous practice—one that evolves with the student and deepens at every stage of learning. Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to take artistic risks, perform before their peers, and develop the discipline required for sustained growth within structured yet supportive environments.

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eading the way is Director of Dance Kirsten Harvey, whose guidance shapes both technical study and a curiosity for dance. She notes the benefits of dance extend well beyond the studio. “Dance strengthens skills that transfer across disciplines involving memory, sequencing, pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and sustained focus,” Mrs. Harvey said. “Choreography fosters problem-solving and analysis, while rehearsals reinforce time management and perseverance. Research from the National Institutes of Health has also linked arts participation with stronger school engagement and increased academic confidence.” What distinguishes the dance program at St. Margaret’s is its continuity. From the Early School years through high school graduation, students experience dance as a progressive discipline. According to Mrs. Harvey, St. Margaret’s dance program follows a collegiate-level choreography model distinguished by both structure and adaptability. Within Advanced Dance and Choreography Honors, students engage in two distinct pathways—the choreography track and the performance track—each designed to support individualized artistic goals. Both tracks are supported by curriculum handbooks developed exclusively for St. Margaret’s with Mrs. Harvey’s meticulous involvement. This framework allows students to shape their own progression, aligning technical study and creative focus with their evolving interests and future aspirations. The program’s progression from Early School through grade 12 fosters long-term artistic relationships and a cohesive learning development. Within this structure, peer mentorship plays a central role—fostering leadership and responsibility in older students while building confidence and connection in younger dancers through shared experience. This cross-divisional collaboration reflects the very DNA

of St. Margaret’s—where learning, leadership, and service are woven into every stage and academic program of the student journey. In the Early and Lower School, dance classes are offered as an after-school program to introduce movement as a natural extension of students' earliest experiences with dance. Students explore rhythm, spatial awareness, storytelling, and expression in ways that foster curiosity and joy. At this stage, discovery takes precedence over technique, cultivating an early appreciation for dance as both art form and language. This foundation is expanded through structured enrichment experiences that build confidence and early artistry including Summer at St. Margaret’s Tartan Dance Camp offered for Lower School students to develop foundational technique, creative exploration, and introductory choreography in an age-appropriate setting. Early and Lower School students also participate annually in the Winter Dance Conservatory Sharing, a celebratory performance featuring ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and tap. Developed through the after-school program, the production is enriched by guest performers from the Middle and Upper School and the Tartan Dance Company, reinforcing a connected progression across all grade levels. Middle School marks a pivotal transition into formal dance study. Technique classes introduce foundational training in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance, with an emphasis on alignment, strength, flexibility and control. As students grow in confidence and technical ability, they also begin to take on greater responsibility within the dance community. The Dance Conservatory Teaching Assistant Program offers select Upper School students hands-on experience supporting instruction in Lower and Middle School classes. HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

Dance Program Performances and Events FALL •

Pep Rally

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FrightFEST

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Thriller Flash Mob

WINTER •

Middle & Upper School Winter Dance Concert

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Early & Lower School Winter Dance Conservatory Sharing

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Tartan Revue

SPRING •

Middle School Choreography Sharing

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Middle & Upper School Spring Dance Concert

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Early & Lower School Spring Dance Conservatory Concert

SUMMER •

Tartan Dance Camp

Serving as teaching assistants throughout the year, participants develop communication, leadership, and instructional skills while mentoring younger dancers. Performance opportunities further enrich the Middle School experience. Informal showings and curated showcases help students build stage presence and confidence in a supportive environment. A favorite annual tradition, the Thriller flash mob, provides a spirited, low-pressure performance experience. Students learn the famous Thriller dance, explore its cultural significance, and surprise the campus with a school-wide flash mob performance. Middle School dancers frequently collaborate with Upper School peers through shared programming and performances, making the transition into the next stage of training both familiar and inspiring. In Upper School, students build on this foundation through a more advanced, individualized curriculum that emphasizes technical refinement and expressive range. A defining feature of the Upper School experience is the student voice. Dancers choreograph original works, collaborate across divisions, and assume increasing creative ownership, developing leadership, problem-solving and artistic independence. As the program focuses on student-driven goals, it also cultivates transferable habits of mind and body that prepares

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them for success well beyond the dance studio. As Mrs. Harvey explains, “Dance develops creative thinking through constant decision-making—how to interpret music, solve movement challenges, and construct choreography. With no single correct answer, students learn to explore, evaluate, and refine ideas through an iterative creative process.” Within this progression, performance opportunities grow intentionally sophisticated, culminating in formal concerts and large-scale productions that reflect the breadth and depth of Middle and Upper School talent. These experiences place St. Margaret’s dance students in performance environments shaped by professional standards and high artistic expectation, reinforcing both discipline and presence. At the pinnacle of this developmental arc is the Tartan Dance Company—the most advanced expression of St. Margaret’s dance program and the culmination of years of progressive training for students who choose to pursue the art form with greater intention. An audition-based ensemble for grades 9–12, the company represents a select group of Upper School dancers who extend their study into a more focused, performance-driven program.

each year—a collaboration with music teachers that brings dancers together with live musicians and vocalists in a fully integrated performing arts experience. These performances are shaped through student leadership and senior choreography. The Tartan Dance Company provides dancers with meaningful ownership of their artistic voice while also exposing them to guest artists and professional collaborators whose work expands their understanding of process, style, and performance practice. Founded in 2021 under the direction of Mrs. Harvey, the Tartan Dance Company builds upon advanced coursework and composition study, offering students sustained opportunities for collaborative creation and pre-professional-level performance. In the past, the ensemble performed at major campus events as well as regional festivals and conventions across Southern California, broadening the reach of St. Margaret’s dance program beyond the school community. The Tartan Dance Company repertory spans a range of styles, from school spirit–driven performances at all-school events and community celebrations to concert works featured in the Winter and Spring Dance Concerts. The Tartan Dance Company also performs the opening number for Tartan Revue

Mrs. Harvey explained that the program’s guiding philosophy recognizes that students arrive with different goals and experiences, and that instruction must reflect that diversity. As she explains, “I support pre-professional dancers through structured training and performance opportunities while ensuring that students exploring dance for personal growth feel equally valued.” This differentiated approach creates layered opportunities and multiple entry points, allowing every dancer to experience meaningful success. The impact of St. Margaret’s dance program extends far beyond the studio. For some students, this journey leads to further study in dance or the performing arts, with graduates pursuing musical theater and dance at universities such

as Princeton University; the University of California, Los Angeles; Northeastern University; the University of Mississippi; Connecticut College and Barnard College. Others continue to engage in professional and pre-professional performance environments during and after their collegiate training. These achievements reflect the depth of preparation students receive through St. Margaret’s dance program. Alumni have continued into highly competitive conservatory and university dance programs, building on experiences that include company performance, choreography leadership, and professional careers in the entertainment industry. Together, these outcomes demonstrate the program’s commitment to technical training and creative authorship for continued study and professional engagement in the performing arts. In an evolving world where ideas are generated and shared through emerging technologies—dance offers something distinctly human. It is not input-driven or promoted, but lived in real time. At St. Margaret's students learn to move with precision, developing the confidence to rise in every season. The dance program builds their core for life, supporting every leap they take and every landing they find along the way.

Steinway Designation and a Broader Arts Commitment St. Margaret’s commitment to the arts extends beyond dance, reflecting a school-wide dedication to excellence across creative disciplines. Its Steinway designation affirms an institutional investment in the highest standards of artistic education and performance. This commitment is reinforced by purpose-built facilities where students practice and create in spaces designed for both technical precision and artistic exploration. Within this environment, dancers work within expectations that mirror professional discipline while remaining grounded in a collaborative school community.

At the center of this performance network is the Darcy Rice Center for the Arts, which opened in August 2012 and earned St. Margaret’s designation as an All-Steinway School by Steinway & Sons. The distinction reflects a commitment to providing students and faculty with uniformly exceptional instruments for musical study and performance. St. Margaret’s joins other Steinwaydesignated schools such as conservatories like Yale School of Music and other schools of distinction worldwide. St. Margaret’s is one of two independent schools in the state of California with this designation.

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BY THE NUMBERS

A CLOSER LOOK:

SECURITY AT ST. MARGARET’S BY R YAN WOOD

t St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, the safety of students and the school is of utmost importance, and the school invests countless hours and resources toward ensuring that security protocols are thorough, intentional and ready to be implemented in case of an unexpected emergency on campus. St. Margaret’s recognizes that in order for our students and families to thrive, they need to feel safe and secure. Here’s a closer look at the work St. Margaret's security team does every day to keep campus safe and secure.

D ay- t o - D ay R e s p o n s i bi l i t i e s

• Access Control • Monitoring & Patrolling • Community Engagement • Conflict Resolution • Crisis Management • Surveillance • Incident Reporting • Traffic Control • Safety Inspections • Emergency Response 24

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Tech no l o g y and sur vei l l ance

25 200 50 630

Security Cameras Strategically Located Across Campus

Acres of Campus to Protect and Secure

Doors on CampusSecured Nightly

Security Cameras are Monitored 24 Hours a Day through Artificial Intelligence Software.

15 11 8 Alarm Systems

Vehicle Gates

Pedestrian Gates

“Our security team is truly remarkable and do tremendous work protecting our campus and keeping our students safe. We are grateful for the trust and partnership of our families, as together we work to ensure a safe, secure and thriving learning environment for our school community.” - Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham

me e t t h e

Director of Security and Transportation RICHARD METCALFE is St. Margaret’s director of security and transportation, leading a team of 10 full-time security officers and three transportation employees. A native of the United Kingdom, Mr. Metcalfe spent seven years in the British military and served as a ceremonial bodyguard for Queen Elizabeth II. His military and guard service honed skills in discipline, leadership and protection. He moved to the United States and spent two years in security at Los Angeles General Medical Center before joining St. Margaret’s in 2014.

Pa r tner sh i p s & Systems SECURITY AUDIT St. Margaret’s recently partnered with Joffe Emergency Services for an all-encompassing audit of St. Margaret’s security operations. The audit took several months and Joffe visited St. Margaret’s on multiple occasions to observe security measures and suggest enhancements. St. Margaret’s security team maintains an ongoing relationship with Joffe, including engaging in ongoing professional development around evolving campus security needs. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP St. Margaret’s security team maintains a strong relationship with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. That includes frequent conversations with OCSD’s School Resource Officer (SRO), who works closely with St. Margaret’s. TITAN HST St. Margaret’s utilizes TitanHST, a renowned mass communication system capable of sending text, emails and automated phone calls to thousands of numbers in a matter of seconds. TitanHST is utilized in any on-campus situation that requires informing the community of important information. St. Margaret’s tests this system every year with the parent and professional community.

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Community Impact Report

t. Margaret’s has proudly called San Juan Capistrano home since opening its doors in 1979, and we strive to be a partner and resource deeply involved in the community we have been a part of for nearly 50 years. We are grateful for the many partnerships and relationships developed with the City of San Juan Capistrano, the educational community, our neighbors and the greater Orange County community. St. Margaret’s provides an exceptional education to 1,234 students each year, and the school now has more than 3,000 alumni— many of whom stay in Orange County to live and work after completing their education. We are also proud of our school’s contributions to the thriving local community, and we take pride and responsibility in being: A LEADING PRE K-12 independent 🎓 college preparatory school.

USER-TIE

A M A J O R EM PLOYE R attracting a high-caliber professional community to the region.

HANDS-HELPING

A N INVO LVED PARTNE R and neighbor in service to the community.

PEOPLE-ROOF

FO U NDER, H OST AND SPO NS O R of two highly regarded community-facing programs, Breakthrough SJC and Special Camp.

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Economic Impact and Financial Contributions As one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations and employers, St. Margaret’s contributes positively to the local economy and vibrant community landscape in a variety of ways.

250,000 $ 52.7 $ 38.5 $ 30,000+ $

annual payment to the City of San Juan Capistrano to support city services and infrastructure.

MIL L IO N spent annually in operating expenditures, including salaries and benefits for more than 400 employees.

MIL L IO N in need-based Financial Aid awarded since 2019-2020, and $ 6.7 M awarded to students in the 2026-2027 school years.

is pledged annually to sponsor local nonprofit organizations and community-based events, including:

•

SA N J UA N CA P I ST RA N O C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S J C F I E STA AS S O C I AT I O N A N D T H E SWA L LOWS DAY PA RA D E

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SA N J UA N SU M M E R N I T E S C O N C E RT S E R I E S

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FA M I LY AS S I STA N C E M I N I ST R I E S FA M WA L K

Students, Families and Professional Community St. Margaret’s enrolls 1,234 students annually in Early School through grade 12. This size meets the school’s enrollment capacity as agreed upon with the City of San Juan Capistrano in 2010. St. Margaret’s is committed to maintaining this enrollment capacity into the future, as the size allows the school to keep classes and student-teacher ratios small.

20% 24% 180 400+

of students live in San Juan Capistrano.

of St. Margaret’s full-time employees live in San Juan Capistrano. students utilize St. Margaret’s bus service to campus from neighboring communities each day. full- and part-time employees. St. Margaret’s is the largest private employer in San Juan Capistrano.

TA R TA N TA B L E — St. Margaret’s new dining program launched in the fall of 2026 and has created an additional 30 full-time jobs in San Juan Capistrano through our dining services partner, CulinArt Group.

Hosted Programs B R E A K T H R O U G H S J C supports local students from middle school through college graduation through tuition-free, college access programming. Nearly all Breakthrough SJC students are from San Juan Capistrano and come from low-income backgrounds. They are often the first in their families to graduate from college. Learn more at breakthroughsjc.org. S P E C I A L CA M P brings youth with disabilities together with counselors for week-long day camps in the summer as well as activities throughout the school year. Now in its 35th year, Special Camp works toward providing an unforgettable summer experience while also eliminating the stigma commonly associated with the disabled community. Learn more at specialcamp.org.

La Novia Farm A partnership between St. Margaret’s, The Ecology

Community Service Partners A pillar of St. Margaret’s mission is to educate students for lives of service. We believe an essential element of a St. Margaret’s education is that students and graduates feel the responsibility, compassion and calling to serve others and be active and contributing citizens within their community and the world. Our service-learning program partners with many trusted local service organizations, including: •

Age Well Senior Services

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Laura’s House

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley

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The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

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Capistrano Senior Living Center

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NEGU

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Casa de Amma

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The Ocean Institute

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Cinderella’s Closet OC

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Operation Blankets of Love

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City of SJC, DP and SC Creeks and Beaches

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Orange County Head Start

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Padres Unidos

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Doggies Bonez

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Pet Project Foundation

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Drains to Oceans

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Project Hope Alliance

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The Ecology Center

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Project Linus

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Episcopal Relief and Development

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Second Harvest Food Bank

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Family Assistance Ministries

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Silverado Memory Care Unit

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The Friendship Shelter

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Surfrider Foundation

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Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens

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St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

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Unidos South OC

•

Human Options

•

Welcome INN

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The Infant Pantry

•

With My Own Two Hands

•

J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center

•

Zuri Pet Rescue

🌱 Center and the City of San Juan Capistrano, La

Novia Farm is a community resource that strengthens environmental stewardship and public engagement while serving as a living classroom that builds awareness and sustainability around the food we eat. As part of the partnership, St. Margaret’s created a new position, garden and plant science educator, which oversees the abundant learning opportunities that are possible at La Novia Farm not only for St. Margaret’s students, but for students across San Juan Capistrano and South Orange County.

St. Margaret’s Campus Resources possible, St. Margaret’s makes its 🏫 Whenever facilities available to the community, through student programs, arts performances and athletic competition, for community organization meetings and parking resources for community events. St. Margaret’s has more than 400 parking spaces on campus. Summer at St. Margaret’s is an annual summer

sun program of camps and academic enrichment and exploration that is open to the community. Annually, approximately 20% of participants attend local schools other than St. Margaret’s. St. Margaret’s is a designated Temporary Mass

BRIEFCASE-MEDICAL Care Site to serve the community in the event of natural disasters. HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

The Lasting Impact of St. Margaret's College Counseling Program BY MARITES OL ANO

rom the first conversations about academic interests in grade 9 to the excitement of college matriculation, St. Margaret’s college counseling program is designed to ensure every Upper School student is known, supported and empowered throughout one of the most significant journeys of their educational experience. Beginning in grade 10, each student is paired with a dedicated college counselor who serves as a trusted mentor, providing personalized guidance through every milestone—from building a balanced college list and navigating application timelines to refining essays and celebrating admissions decisions. With a comprehensive, student-centered approach tailored to each student’s strengths and aspirations, St. Margaret’s college counseling program prepares 100% of St. Margaret’s graduates to matriculate to a four-year college or university. The impact of this individualized approach is best reflected in the voices of the students who completed the process themselves. In the following Q&A, alumni from the Class of 2025 reflect on their college-admissions journey, the relationships they built with St. Margaret’s college counselors, and advice for students who are anticipating the college-admissions process.

The Tartan alumni include: E VA N C A U S E E ‘ 2 5 ( E C ) . a student at

the Georgia Institute of Technology

C O C O J O H N S O N ‘ 2 5 (C J ) . a student

at Northeastern University

A N G E L A L I U ‘ 2 5 ( A L ) , a student at the University of Southern California

Their stories provide a firsthand perspective on the lasting impact of a program defined by personalized mentorship, expert guidance and a deep commitment to knowing and supporting every student.

Q: Looking back, what aspects of the St. Margaret’s college counseling experience most helped you identify the college or university that was the right fit for you personally, academically, and socially? C oc o Joh nson: The St. Margaret's college counseling experience gave me the support and resources I needed to find the right fit. I remember one of the most helpful tools was Scoir, where my parents, college counselor and I could all contribute to my college list. It made the process feel collaborative and personalized because my college counselor took the time to understand my interests, personality, and academic

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“ St. Margaret's gave me the tools to do well in difficult classes and taught me the critical study habits and academic resilience required to succeed in a rigorous university environment.” E VA N C A U S E E ' 2 5

goals, and even encouraged me to attend information sessions and campus visits for schools I hadn't originally considered based on seeing me in the type of students she knows thrive there. A n g e l a L i u : My assigned counselor, Ms. Warren, was incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, and gave me genuinely insightful advice on which colleges she believed would be the best fit for me. Since St. Margaret’s assigns you a college counselor early on, she had gotten to know my personality, my priorities and what environments I thrive in over the course of years. That long-term relationship made all the difference. She wasn't just matching me to schools based on stats, but was guiding me toward places where she genuinely believed I'd be happiest. I was able to approach the process with a much clearer sense of what fit actually meant, instead of just chasing names I recognized.

Q: Was there a particular conversation, piece of advice, or moment with your college counselor that stayed with you or changed the way you approached the process? A L : One conversation that has genuinely

stuck with me was when Ms. Warren simply asked, "What do you actually like about your top choice schools?" At the time, I was so caught up in rankings and prestige that I had chosen my top schools almost entirely for those reasons. I had never really sat down to think about whether they were places I'd actually be happy. Her question didn't discourage me at all, but it completely stopped me in my tracks. I remember thinking, "Wait, why do I even want to go here so badly?" and realizing I didn't have a great answer. That conversation pushed me to actually reflect instead of just following a checklist of "good" schools.

E v a n C a u s e e : The first draft of my

personal statement was about me helping someone else. I thought it would make me look good to the admissions staff but Mr. Lah pointed out that while I was a major part of the story, it wasn’t my story. So together we made the decision

“... That long-term relationship made all the difference. She wasn't just matching me to schools based on stats, but was guiding me toward places where she genuinely believed I'd be happiest.” ANGELA LIU '25

to go back to the drawing board. Mr. Lah sat with me while we talked about my life and he was able to figure out what would be a compelling story where I had a more active role. Mr. Lah’s help made my supplemental pieces of writing so much more impactful, and helped me show who I am as a person. C J : Ms. Huerta really helped me find the right tone for my college essays while still making it feel like I had the freedom to share what mattered to me. I naturally leaned toward storytelling, but she pointed out that while my stories were engaging, I needed to explain what they revealed about me to the reader and draw everything back to the message I was trying to share. That advice not only strengthened my writing, but also turned the application process into a chance to reflect on who I am and what I value, which framed it into an exciting exploration rather than an intimidating application.

Q: What advice would you give current students who are beginning the college search and application process, especially when it starts to feel overwhelming or competitive? C J : Even though it might be cliche, my biggest piece of advice is to remember that this is your own journey. During the fall of my senior year, I made it a goal not

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

to talk much about my college list, my top-choice school, or even where I was at with applications besides my parents and counselor. I also tried not to ask my friends about their applications or decisions. Focus on finding the school that's the best fit for you, not the one everyone else expects you to choose. A L : The best thing you can do is take the advice your counselor gives you seriously, stay on top of deadlines, and make sure you're genuinely proud of the work you're putting out. My second piece is just as important, which is to try to stay positive. I wish I could tell current students that wherever they end up, it will be okay.

“Focus on finding the school that's the best fit for you, not the one everyone else expects you to choose.” COCO JOHNSON '25

Q: When it came time to make your final college decision, what factors mattered most to you, and how did the counseling process help you feel confident in that choice? A L : The factors that mattered most to me in my final college decision were academics, social life, and location. I was lucky enough to have a few strong options to choose from, and Ms. Warren really encouraged me to visit each campus to get a feel for its true vibe rather than relying on rankings or brochures. I took her advice and did a student-led tour for every school on my list. Spending a day on each campus showed me what day-to-day life would actually be like there, which turned out to be one of the most helpful parts of my decision-making process. Beyond that, Ms. Warren shared insights from St. Margaret’s alumni who had attended these schools, giving me a more honest, lived-in perspective than I could have gotten on my own. C J : I ultimately decided to apply early decision to Northeastern because it felt like the best fit for me academically, socially and professionally. At first, I wasn't completely sure about committing to one school, but after talking through my options with my college counselor and looking at admissions data, I felt much more confident in my decision. That guidance gave me the reassurance I needed, and looking back, applying early decision was the right choice for me.

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

Q: Now that you’ve had time to reflect on your college experience and where you are today, how do you view the path you chose — and how did the preparation you received at St. Margaret’s help shape that journey? E C : I am attending Georgia Tech, and it perfectly encapsulates what I wanted from a school in location, prestige, culture, and size. It is a very challenging school, but the classes I took at St. Margaret’s prepared me for this challenge. St. Margaret's gave me the tools to do well in difficult classes and taught me the critical study habits and academic resilience required to succeed in a rigorous university environment. A L : I'm honestly so happy I chose USC, I

never expected to love it as much as I do. Now that I've had a full year of college, I can see how well St. Margaret’s prepared me. On top of being academically rigorous, it taught me soft skills that turned out to be essential in college. Small things like communicating with teachers and writing professional emails came a long way for me. I was able to walk into office hours and actually talk to my professors, build genuine relationships with them, and feel comfortable asking for help when I needed it. St. Margaret’s also gave me so many opportunities to get involved in clubs and take on leadership roles, which pushed me to step outside my comfort zone early on. That experience made it so much easier to jump into clubs and leadership positions here at USC. Scan QR code to learn more about St. Margaret's College Counseling Office

COMMENCEMENT 2026

CLASS OF

Congrats! ’33

CLASS OF

Grade 5 students in the Class of 2033 bid farewell to the Lower School by tossing their red sweaters in the air after their final time wearing them. The students were led out to Chalmers Field for the ceremony by their parents and were cheered on by the rest of the Lower School, as they watched one of the division’s favorite traditions.

’30

The Class of 2030 officially finished their years in the Middle School and looked ahead to the Upper School during the annual Grade 8 Promotion ceremony in June. The ceremony featured a speech by the Middle School student council president Neal Srivatsaa and a presentation of certificates to the 110 students in the grade 8 class.

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2026 INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF

115

G R A D UAT E S

C O L L EG E S A N D

S TAT E S .

A R E AT T E N D I N G . . .

UNIVERSITIES IN...

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

P L A N TO C O M P E T E

10 P L A N TO P U R S U E

I N I N T E R C O L L EG I AT E

A N A R T S- R E L AT E D

AT H L E T I C S

DISCIPLINE

COMMENCEMENT 2026

Scan QR code for recaps and photo galleries from Commencement 2026. HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

COMMENCEMENT 2026

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

Class of 2026 HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

CLASS NOTES L E T T E R F R O M T H E TA R TA N A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N P R E S I D E N T

Dear Tartan Alumni Community, To the Class of 2026, welcome to the Tartan Alumni Association! We are so excited to include you amongst our 3,000 Tartan alumni. A special thank you to Ella Kyle, Gavin Shams and Jack Klausner who have volunteered as the class agents for the Class of 2026. You all are about to embark on an extraordinary period of pursuing your dreams in college and beyond. We look forward to seeing you connect with and contribute to the Tartan alumni community around the country and beyond.

H O W YO U C A N G E T I N V O LV E D :

•

Join the Tartan Alumni Council. If you would like to get involved, please contact Lynda Collier (lynda.collier@smes.org) at the Alumni Relations office. We would love to have you.

•

Be on the lookout for upcoming local and regional events. These are a great opportunity to connect with old friends and fellow Tartans.

•

Assist current students in a professional capacity. If you can provide opportunities such as ISP positions, informational interviews, internships, or career advancement opportunities, please let the Alumni Council know.

•

Connect alumni with teachers as requested to provide alumni perspectives to students enrolled in SEA Term courses.

•

Let us know how you are serving your community, and if there are ways for other Tartans to get involved.

•

Share your unique perspective with other students and alumni and help foster a sense of belonging in K-12, college, and beyond. Please contact Victor Cota (victor.cota@smes.org) for opportunities to assist with these efforts.

This was a productive year for the Tartan Alumni Council. We hosted a LinkedIn workshop for current high school students to teach them how to professionally network, put together class reunions and regional events, and celebrated the end of 2025 with the annual holiday party. In the spring semester, we connected students with alumni for their Independent Senior Projects and distributed welcome letters to the Class of 2026 near their graduation. For this upcoming academic year, the Tartan Alumni Council will focus on expanding the reach of the Tartan alumni network, especially in support of the Upper School and Middle School’s new SEA Term curriculum. As always, we will continue to provide support to Tartans however is needed, emphasize the value of service in its many forms, and strengthen our sense of community. We encourage all alumni to come back and engage with the school however they can. This is a great time to get involved at St. Margaret’s as our school and alumni network undergo important transformations. We hope to see you soon. Tartans Forever,

David Larsen ‘16, President, Tartan Alumni Association

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

CLASS NOTES

’86

Members of the Class of 1986 came together for their 40th reunion in July on St. Margaret’s campus— which looks a lot different today than it did 40 years ago! It was so great seeing our first graduating class come together and stay connected with St. Margaret’s.

CLASS REUNIONS: 1986, 1995 & 2000

’87

Kerry Parker Burnight, Ph.D. wrote the best selling book Joyspan. Named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Leaders in Healthcare, Dr. Kerry is recognized as one of the world’s most influential voices shaping the future of health and longevity. She is a highly respected gerontologist and researcher who is currently a Distinguished Professor at the University of Chicago.

’95

We loved having the Class of 1995 together for their 30th reunion at Marbella Country Club!

’00

The 25th reunion for the Class of 2000 took place at Marbella Country Club. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Chris Thompson and Kirsten Thompson founded Blue Collar Company, an American-made beverage brand out of Ponderay, Idaho. The company is focused on creating high-quality products that support energy and performance.

’01

Ligaya Lange launched a podcast, “Let’s Get Mental,” in 2022 to raise awareness about postpartum mental health and mental health more broadly. That work led her to NAMI Greater Los Angeles County, where she leads corporate outreach and workplace mental health programming. This year she opened her own workplace mental health consultancy called Ligaya Wellness with fellow alum Jordana Rip. HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

’02

’08

’05

’09

Rachael Stoddard Gilly and husband Nick welcomed their second child, Sienna Maxine, in June 2025.

We loved having the Class of 2005 together for their 20th reunion at Marbella Country Club! Thank you to everyone who attended and reconnected with classmates!

’07

Katy Eggleton was named to Billboard’s 2026 40 Under 40 List, an honor that reflects her work as a manager with TMWRK collaborating with artists such as A-Trak and Diplo on songwriting, production, record labels, live events and more. Marissa Adamany is the new mother of twins born in September 2025. Chase Lind Lippert and her mom, Liddy, opened a new pizza restaurant called Mor Mor’s in Laguna Beach. “We’re excited to be part of the Laguna community and to create the kind of neighborhood restaurant where families and friends can come together over genuinely good food.”

Paige Selby married Sam Livingston in June 2025. The couple resides in Boston. Mac Santora married Ally Cannon on June 20, 2026 in Corona del Mar. Mac is the Head of AI at Allvue Systems in New York City.

’10

So great seeing Tartans from the Class of 2010 together for the 15th reunion at Marbella Country Club! Thanks to all who joined us!

’11

Emma Rice Perry and her husband, Shannon, welcomed their second child, West, in July 2026.

’13

Emily Morton recently started her own occupational therapy business, Forward Focus Occupational Therapy, in San Juan Capistrano. Harrison White matched into dermatology residency at the University of Michigan. Ellie Schwartz Bennett has two orthodontic offices in San Clemente and Rancho Mission Viejo.

CLASS REUNIONS: 2005, 2010 & 2015

Ada ma ny '07

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

Sal ci do '1 5

CLASS NOTES

’14

James Frahm and Makenna Brown were married on June 27 in Lake Arrowhead. The newlyweds live in San Clemente. Brant Miller started an engineering consulting firm, and recently joined fellow alumnus Carter Jahn in launching a record label. The two worked together recording music for their senior ISP at St. Margaret’s. Chris Howington and his wife, Liz, were recently married and live in San Francisco. Chris works as an Environmental Consultant at ICF.

TA R TA N A L U M N I W E D D I N G S

’15

The Class of 2015 came together for their 10th reunion at Marbella Country Club. Thank you to everyone who attended! Alexis Salcido and her husband Coleman live in Fort Worth, Texas, and recently gave birth to baby Leon!

Selby '0 8

Sa nto ra '09

’16

David Larsen is starting medical school at Case Western. He and his fiance, Gretchen, now reside in Cleveland. Dane Lind is starting medical school at Washington University in St. Louis. Charlotte Duran is starting medical school at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Matene Alikhani just graduated from law school and will be working in the litigation practice at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York. Nick Shanks co-founded ATAVA, a custom sauna design studio serving Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Check it out at https://atavadesign.com.

Frahm ' 14

Howi n gto n '1 4

’17

Rebekah Olsen married her husband, Kylan Rutherford, on November 6, 2025 and the couple lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Rebekah is a middle school English teacher at Alexandria Country Day School. Tyler Ashman was married in August of 2025. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a J.D. and a Master of Divinity and is working in Washington D.C. Logan Smith was recently married and serves as a firefighter in the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Sm ith ' 17

Ol se n '1 7

Alumni: Are you interested in hosting an ISP? We are grateful for the alumni who have provided a valuable opportunity for current St. Margaret's students as an Independent Senior Project (ISP) host. If you are interested in becoming a host reach out to Lynda Collier at alumni@smes.org to learn more!

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’18

Jaden Cloobeck married Anita Sun, a designer, and is pursuing a career as an attorney in Washington, D.C.

TA R TA N A L U M N I W E D D I N G S

’19

Annalee Gunderson graduated from law school magna cum laude and soon after married her husband, Matt Scranton, in Pepin, Wisconsin. Jack Wohlgemuth is starting medical school at Washington University.

’20

We loved seeing so many Class of 2020 Tartans at Marbella Country Club for their 5th reunion! It was wonderful catching up with so many of you! We loved having Thomas Hughes back at St. Margaret’s as alumni speaker at the Senior Banquet for the Class of 2026. Thomas is a computational designer at Arcadis and lives in New York City. Anna Reinkensmeyer married her husband, Jacob, and lives in San Luis Obispo where she teaches second grade at a local elementary school. Chrissy Powell and Ian Schulze are married and we captured a great photo of them at their five-year reunion (below)! Juliet Cushing started Harvard Medical School.

CLASS REUNION: 2020

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

Cloob eck ' 18

Reinkensm eyer ' 2 0

N E W YO R K & SA N F R A N C I S C O S O C I A L S

Gu n de rso n '1 9

Mi l o '21

CLASS NOTES

’21

Trey Milo married Jordynne Harris in June. The couple lives in Pasadena.

2 0 2 5 A L U M N I H O L I D AY PA R T Y

’22

Max Page is a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University film school, and channeled his personal experience living with Tetralogy of Fallot into creating Heart to Heart, a project that opens up dialogue and empowers patients and families to share their own healthcare stories. His documentary can be found on YouTube by searching Heart to Heart Feature Documentary.

’23

Congratulations to Jack Stahl, who was a starting defenseman for the national champion Princeton University men’s lacrosse team! As part of his memorable season, Jack was named unanimous Ivy League Defenseman of the Year and unanimous first-team All-Ivy League.

’26

Congratulations to the 115 graduates in the Class of 2026–our newest Tartan alumni! Big thanks to Jack Klausner, Ella Kyle and Gavin Shams, who will be class agents and partner with the alumni relations office to ensure connection between St. Margaret’s and the Class of 2026.

We would love to hear from you! Let us know what exciting things are happening in your life. Scan below or visit www.smes.org/ alumni to submit your class notes!

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

TA R TA N S C E N E S

PTF LIBRARY LUNCHEON

The 44th annual Parent Teacher Fellowship Library Luncheon was held on a beautiful spring day, with over 400 parents and friends gathering at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel to support St. Margaret’s. Centered on the theme “Where Stories Unfold,” the event raised funds for the PTF Grant Enrichment Program and the school library, while guests enjoyed a boutique, a custom silk scarf sale, and a tuition opportunity drawing. The PTF Library Luncheon was led by event chair Stephanie Angelos and PTF President Kari De Vries, who were supported by Library Luncheon chairs Holly Oxford, Nicole Cooper, Lori Djavaherian, Ashley Vanar, Aubrie Smith, Melinda Glowacki and Annette McCarthy, as well as committee members Kristina Chatow, Meredith Curran, Ruth Cruise, Danielle Fox, Michelle Ligao, Neeti Nanda, Novelle Shakeel-Campoli and Jessie Zhu. PTF NEW BOARD BRUNCH

The St. Margaret’s PTF celebrated the successes of the 2025–2026 school year and welcomed new leadership during the annual New Board/Old Board Brunch. The event recognized a year of service, community-building and philanthropy led by outgoing PTF President Kari De Vries, while ushering in the 2026–2027 leadership team under incoming President Kristina Chatow.

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

S WA L L O W S DAY PA R A D E

St. Margaret’s joined the San Juan Capistrano community at the 66th annual Swallows Day Parade. St. Margaret’s has been a proud presenting sponsor of the Swallows Day Parade for many years, and a committed group of enthusiastic Tartans marched with signs displaying the school’s core values and carrying the beloved 3D swallows made by students. A parade favorite and paying tribute to St. Margaret’s heritage, the LA Scots Pipe Band led the group along with Breakthrough SJC and Special Camp.

2 0 2 6 TA R TA N O P E N

The Tartan Open returned for another day of fun, friendship and 18 holes of golf with a sold-out field of 130 participants teeing off in support of Financial Aid. The traditional springtime event took place at El Niguel Country Club and welcomed parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends of the school community. In all, more than $80,000 was raised to support St. Margaret’s need-based Financial Aid program, which works to make the opportunities of St. Margaret’s accessible to capable and talented students from all backgrounds.

G R AN DPARE NTS AN D S P E C I A L F R I E N D S DAY

The Lower School welcomed close to 500 treasured guests for Grandparents and Special Friends Day–a morning of breakfast, student performances and classroom visits, with the day revolving around the theme of “Brick by Brick We Grow Together.” Students began the morning with a special breakfast honoring grandparents and special friends in Pasternack Field House before gathering together for a service featuring student-led prayers, readings and musical performances.

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

S T. M A R G A R E T ' S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6

Honor Roll of Donors The following pages recognize the incredible generosity and support of our Tartan community

GIVING LEGEND:

during the 2025-2026 school year. With many important philanthropic initiatives underway

Annual Giving

to sustain and enhance our ability to further our mission of learning, leading and serving, it is

Capital Giving, Building & Endowment

humbling to see both the number of benefactors on this list as well as how many are supporting

PTF Events

multiple programs and projects in concert with one another. This concept of total giving is a

Tartan Open

healthy marker of our community’s ability to and willingness to support the school where it

Community Giving, Breakthrough & Special Camp

is meaningful to each donor. We thank you for your generous gifts and for your love and support.

*Gifts for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

- J O N AT H A N T U F O , E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R O F A D VA N C E M E N T

INDIVIDUALS Anonymous

Connie Bailey

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Noha & Sam Abboushi

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Jasper Adams '20

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Camila Agan '15 & Houston Agan

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Renuka & Rajat Agrawal

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Diana Aguilar-Morel & Michael Morel

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Amy Ai & Steven Cao Avery Ainsworth '24

Maureen & Chris Aitken Jessie Akers

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Maala & David Allen

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Lora & Michael Allison

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Jason Bi

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Mara Balak '03

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•• • Emma Ballantyne '21 • • Jessica Banks • Nicki & Scott Barber • • Jesse Barker • Katherine & Robert Barnes • • Michelle & Troy Barnett • • Danielle & Gill Barnett • The Barnum Family • • •

Aline Fagundes & Arthur Almeida

• Margaret & Sergio Alvarez • Maria Mendoza Molina & Moises Alvarez Garcia •

• • Cynthia & Nelson Amaral • • Julia '15 & Tucker Ammons • Lea & Tom Anderson • Cynthia Anderson • Kim & Michael Anderson • • Aidan Anderson • Ingrid & Rick Andrews • MacKenzie Andrich '15 • Stephanie & Jason Angelos • • Aneliya & Javaid Ansari • • • Stacy Shi & Foster Arata • Jill Ann Arnold •

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•• Kristen & Justin Basie • • • Allison Bassiouni •

Nancy & Ramy Barsoum

Christina Batiz & Ari Canelos Maia & Chris Bauman

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Lulu Arundalem '20

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Carla & George Arzente Mozhgan Ashtari

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Gabrielle Axelson '15

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Rachel & Chris Beauchene Tiffany Bai & Shifu Deng Xiaoxia Bai

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Brandy & Tommy Beadel

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Joni & Eric Boranian

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Lisa & Steven Botts Ryan Bourke

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Amanda & Troy Bourne

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'Bill Bowers '86

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Francesca & Matt Brisbois

Kristen Britton

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Erin Broadley '00

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Scott Becker

Diana & Robert Brookes

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Mallory & Owen Beitner Heather Bellin '86

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Maile & David Bellosi

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••• Andrea & Patrick Bendzick • Sharon Benedetto • Karen Bennett • Meghan & Nick Benson • Peg & James Berens • Lisa & Gary Berman • • Susie Berry • Tanya & Brad Berry • Carol & Mike Bertolino • • • Colleen & David Beshk • Jamie Bewernitz & Jelle Brons • • Rebekah & Vineer Bhansali • • Katsina & Rabinder Bhatia •

Marit Kreidel & Jeff Benabio

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Jennifer Broer

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Angela & Cary Bren

Rachel & Chris Beauchene Sarah & Dan Beighley

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Choo Choo & Dennis Boyer

• •• Belinda & Kevin Brent • • Blayne & Brian Brinket • •

Amy & Vince Bruno

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Marjorie Budiman & Magnus Gan Stephanie & George Bullock

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Jamie Anne & Chadwick Bunch

• Melody & Fred Burbank • • Nicole & Mark Burdette • • • Kelly Burke • Erin Burke & Tiffany Wilding • • Naz & Chris Burner • • • Joe Busch • • Kristen & James Caggiano • Brent Cahill '15 • Wendy Cai & Bill Ye • David & Alanna Cajthaml • • • Yolanda & Rafael Calderon • Dori Campbell • Robert Canchola • Noley & Donald Bunnin

Stephanie Capen

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Cindy & Christopher Carbajal

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Amanda & Sinjin Bowron

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Amabel & Michael Capelle

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Angelica Botero & Roger Killer

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Jade & Sean Cao

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Brooke Ziccardi Boman & Chris Boman Kerry Bonas

Sarah-Kate Boylan

Semira Bayati & Peter DeCarlo

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Carol & Pierre Boldt

Maddie Beach '15

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Reshma & Ryan Block

Jennifer '87 & Lance Blount

Moises Alvarez Mendoza '26

Gabi & Matt Arruda '94

Erin Browne & Chris Bledsoe

Caitlin Ballantyne '21

Armine & Kurken Alyanakian

Marisa Arpels & Ignacio Rodriguez

Patty Canright

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Melaney & Pedro Balba

Morgan Barrows & Anthony Pichardo

Lindsey & Daniel Almquist

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Jennifer & Eric Blau

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Bethany Weeby & Simon Baker

Danielle Aceves-Dalal & Raj Dalal Beth & Hank Adamany

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Sarah '05 & Ryan '03 Baker

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Beth & Ryan Carey Jessica Carlson Ryan Carlson

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• •• Christine & James Carreon • Angela & Arnold Carreon • Brandyn & Brad Cashion • • • Heather & Timothy Causee • Michael Cavner • Lynzee & Tito Cervantes • • • Kito Cetrulo • Gauri Kanwar & Paroon Chadha • • • Saranya Chandrudu & Jyothi Reddy • Ping Liu & Gary Chang • • Jenny & Jason Chao • Kristina & Mark Chatow • • • Tina Liu & Hao Chen • • Judy Chen/Liyong Wang Family • • • Jenna Chen & Weihua Lu • Jinhong Tian & Huairong Chen • Cherry Yu & Hugh Chen • • Celine Chen • Cici Chen & Jerry Song • Carina Chen & Roger Lo • • • Lisa Chen & Ping Gong • Connie Chen & John Shen • • Tom & Michelle Chen • • • Mike Chen & Jessica Zhou • • Yuxin Shi & Tong Chen • Leslie Chen & Ryan Limb • Shawn Chen '20 • Dan Cheng & Xiu Zhang • Kelli & Stephen Cheshire • Terra & Adam Chez • Sherri & Gilles Chiasson • Reneé Chiasson • Jacqueline Chiasson • Patricia '10 & John Carpenter

Devon Carr & Daniel Ivascyn

• ••• Lydia Chiu & Lee Pooler • Lisa Cho & Wonjae Yoon •

••• • Menghan Li & Huanjun Ding • • Lori & David Djavaherian • • Stephanie & Daveen Chopra • • Camly Doan • Andrea Chou • Russ Doll • Laurel & Debashis Chowdhury • • Natalie & Peter Dolukhanov • Ciaoli Jin & George Chu • Deborah & David Doomey • Meng-Chieh Tsai & Shan-Chi Chuang • • Marcella & Chris Dornin • • • Nozomi & Heng Chuk • Katie '00 & Ryan Downey '98 • • Michael Ciabattoni • Katie & Craig Driver • • Kim Ciabattoni • Ran Duan • Krystine Cisto & Cassidy Woods • • • Yashi Mishra & Abhishek Dubey • Minyao Chen & Kevin Clampitt '89 • Anna & Nick Dulcich • Sarah & Peter Clark • Mari Dumlao & Justin Fung • Avery Clarke '20 • Gillian Duncan & Danilo Bonilla • • • Victoria Cleary • • Jen & Joe Duran • • Elizabeth & Dallas Clemmons • Carol Dygean • Maddy & Joe Cokingtin '12 • Sara & Hugh Eaton • Taylor & Cedric Cole '15 • Shirley & John Eclevia • Helen & Philip Collen • • Vanessa & Scott Edwards • • • Kelly & Rob Collier • Flavia & Charles Eifrig • • Lynda & Robert Collier • • • • Cris Eix • Mary Collier '20 • Yasmin El-Ezaby & Mark Atalla • Clark & Greg Collins • • Suad Elias-Atala & Francisco Romo-Pardo • • • Casey & Andrew Comeau • Kelly & Gardner Ellner • Nicole & Campbell Cooper • • Deanna '86 & Colin Emsley • • Chris Costine '86 • Lindsay '00 & Rob Eres • • • Cherise & Victor Cota • • • Rachel Nasre & Ramez Eskander • TJ & Rosanna Coveyou • • Ashley & Josh Ettwein • • Laura & Josef Cowan • Leslie Evans '08 • • Christina & Patrick Crerar • • Diana & Gareth Evans • Lauren & Josha Crowley • Robin & Blaine Evanson • Phoenix Crucillo • Jie Yang & Sunny Fan • • Ruth & Patrick Cruise • • • Claire Fan • Pam & Ken Cruse • • • Tamara & Darren Fancher '89 • • Kyla Cruse '20 • Maureen & David Fancher • • • Jennifer & Joshua Cuda • Boriana & Nelson Farias • • • Bin Cui & Hongshuang Sun • Reba & Michael Farjami • Qinling Cui • • • Setareh & Farshad Farjami • • • Lisa Culligan-Foley & Adrian Foley • • Meghan & Ben Farren • Jen & Christian Cunningham • • Taiana & Frank Fasel • • Meredith & Glen Curran • • • Lori & Mark Fava • • Jaymie & Rory Cutaia • • • William Feige •• Sherry Dai & Ki Lun Ng • • Eva Feng & Soyoung Kim • Catherine & Dave Dandel • Iris Liu & Daniel Feng • Deivis Danovitch • Elizabeth Ferrari • • Shannon & Bret Davis • • Jordan Fields • Shauna & Andrew Davis • • William Findiesen '10 • Rob Davis • Amber & Kevin Fink • • Valerie Day & Leo Day • • Melissa & Jordan Fisher • • Anonymous • • • Kaysie & Gary Fitzpatrick • Cynthia & James DeBoard • • Eric Flather '86 • Nicole deBuzna • Justin Stykemain & Alan Flatt • Fernando Delgado '15 • Marc Flood • Julie DeLorenzo • Natalia & John Fluman • Anthony Delorenzo • Kate & Taj Forer • Ashlie & Paul DeVincenzi • Tom Forquer '00 • Amy & Orlando Diaz • Cindy & Paul Foster •

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Catherine Chilson

Kelly Ding & Jonathan Yen

Danielle & Chris Fox

Annie & Phillip Chin

Sherry Ding & Raymond Du

Claire & Daniel Frahm James Frahm '14

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Staci & Ben Francois

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Sandy & Dana Frankfort Jenine & Peter Fraser

Jennifer & Dennis Grzeskowiak

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Channing & James Freeman '99

••• Shuang & Richard Frick • • • Kimberly Fross • Pauline & Chris Frye • • • Michelle & Kent French

Huifeng Fu & Raymond Wang

• Monica & Chris Furman • Marisa & Mike Gallegos • • Maclay & Sam Gallman • Nancy & Robert Ganem • Elizabeth Ganem • Bin Gao & Wenjiang Yang • Yi Li & Neil Gao • • Rachael & Chang Gao • • • Angie Gao & Thomas Fu • • Michelle & Rico Garcia • • Karen & Scott Garner • • Geovanna Fuertes Tello

Ran Xu & Haibing Ge

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Harper Gideons ‘25

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•• ••• Yanchen Zhao & Yue Han • Annette Han & Ryan Choi • • Amy Han & Fei Li • Felice Han & Ken Hou • • Keri & David Hammer

Elizabeth Hanauer & Paul Pohoresky

•

•••

Atousa Givi & Emad Behbahani

•• •

Emily & Tom Glynn

•

•••

•

••

Sarah Hancock

•••

Michelle & Zachary Hanna Jennifer Hansen

•

• Jessica & Benny Gomez • Lei Zhao & Yiqin Gong • • •

••• •

Miranda Wang & Kyle Hao Jennifer & Larry Hardison

Theresa Harned & Paul Ruggiero

• Kristina & Rupert Harper • Maureen Harper • Everine & Eric Harrington • Kathryn & James Harris • Anne & Mark Harrison • • • Amy & Chet Harrison • Aubrey Hart '15 • Zoey Hart '15 • • Nancy & Fred Hasani • • • Kevin Hasani '26 • Taylor Haskell • Lisa & Kevin Haskins • Kirsten & Daniel Harvey

Stephanie & Antonio Gonzalez

••

•

•• •••••

•

••

Stephanie '86 & Geoff Harvey

Jill & Richard Golubow

Dee & Galen Gornowicz

•

Heather & Bryan Harney

Melinda & John Glowacki Kristin Godfrey '15

•

Lori & John Hallissey

Saule Gabrenaite & Warren Giles Jessica & Bobby Gill

•

Ashley & Nicholas Hamilton

• •

Jordana & Jake Gilden

Casey & Brandon Hagy

Rebecca Hahn

Tracy & Eugene Hallinan

Cheryl & Clinton Gee Natalie Gianelli

• Gail & Ed Haft • • Jessica Hallissey

Ashley Kalimada & T.C. Geach '00 Hannah Ghavami '15

•

Seungyun Ha & Jongik Kim

••

•••

Krishma Dutia & Mahesh Guruswamy Tram & Tim Gustin Esther & John Ha

Jen Gaudette & Sourabh Mishra

Christopher Gaudreau '03

••• Monica & Joe Guillena • Aysel & Riza Gunar • • Xina Guo & Guang Wang • • Helena & Mathi Gurusamy • Laura & Sam Guevara

••

•

Natalia Gourova & Anton Kedin

Katina Hawkesworth & Patrick Johnson

Jeneen & Andy Graham

Kathleen & David Hayes

• ••• Rory & Derek Greer •

Danielle Graham

Amy & Mike Grant

Savannah & Matt Gregori '05 Debbie Greisman

• •••

Shuang He & Dongning Wang Jessie He & Enzuo Jia

•

Beth & Rob Healy

••

Matthew Henderson '10

•

Edmund Herlihy

Kristin Griffin

Anita & Ira Hermann

•

• Clare & Dane Groeneveld • • Lisa & Tom Groeninger • Elizabeth & Jon Grogan • Nina & Sanjay Grover • • Jennifer & Robert Grumet • •

••

Michelle He & Joey Wang

Amy & Liam Griffin

Seanna Grob & Mike Marsch

•

Kyle Hermann '15

•

•••

•

••

Meow Herndon & John Morris Becca & Ted Heyming Rodney Hicks

•

Erika & Colin Higgins

•

••

•••

••• ••

Carilan & Richard Hill

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

• •

•

Shelby & Troy Hinson

Jillian Kartchner

Kristin & Sean Hinze

Claire Kim & Michael Katz

Lule & Zen Hoda

•

Annual Giving

Krisna Kay & Gene Liu Marcella Kaytia

•

•••

••• • Jamie & Jake Hoffnagle • • • Kayla Ke • Shi Yun & Jamie Lee • • • Jeni & Alexander Hoggan • • Juliana & Mike Kelly • • Michelle Lee • Kattherine Holcomb • Declan Kelly '26 • Thuy & Jay Lee • Natalie & Ryan Holland • • • Fatima Saqib & Ahad Khan • • Annaka & Jefferson Lee • • • Alexa & Derek Horn • • Huseina & Irfan Khan • Grace & James Leigh • • • Kuanhui & Liangchun Hsu • Patrick Khoo • Nick Lekas • Catherine & Li Hsu • • Tami & Ryan Leshaw • • Florence & Ed Kim • Mindy Hu & Hongbo Liu • • Christian Kim • Jaclyn & Stefan Lessard • • • Gefang Hu & Zhiyun Zhang • • Julie & Anthony Kim • • • Jacqueline Leung '20 • Annie Hua & Shuangyou Zhang • • • Kimberly Kim • Kimberly & Robert Lewis • Tina Huang & Will Kang • • • Amanda & Brian Kim • • • Heather Lewis • Yanni & Simon Huang • Randa & Dean Kim '94 • • • Jennifer Wu & Jieming Li • • Jennifer & David Huang • • • Kristen & Jay Kim • Sophia Liu & Li Li • • • Mrs. Peiqian Li & Mr. Weiqiang Huang • • Carol & Brian Kim • • Qingna Sun & Jun Li • Lara & Conor Hughes • Rendy Kimbrell • Miya Li & Eddie Peng • • Laura Hunt Newman • The Klausner Family • • • Sally Li & Wai Kei Chan • • Yan Huo & Yang Zhang • • Jennifer Klein • Daisy Li & Jiangping He • • • Pat & Marc Hurlbut • • Afshan & Brian Kleinhanzl • • Helen Li & Tony Dong • • Sarah & James Knapp • Lilian Li & Johnny Qu • • • Crystal & Robert Hutter • • • Victoria & Kent Iizuka • Ted Ko '12 • Xian Li & Weitang Lang • • • Jill & Jarod Ikeda • Korinke Family • • • Tiffany Wang & David Li • • Abby & Jeremy Illenberger • • Milena Pamukova & Daniel Kovachev • • Shiqin Li • • • Nikki Imai • • Karla Kraft & Anderee Berengian • Lili Fan & Jinfu Li • • Fernando Ineguez • Kim Krotts • Annie Li & Yingjie Sun • • Kambiz Izadi • Qianying & Donghao Li • • • Rayanne Krueger • Renato Izquieta • Ivy & Ben Krysiak • • Damon Liang & Claudia Chen • • Michael James • Gloria & David Kuang • Wenhua Liang • Melissa & Stephen James • Nicole & Brad Kuhn • • Melissa Liang & Sen Hong • • Monica & Collie James • • • Sara & Stephen Kuljis • Mengping Wang & Michael Liang • • • Elizabeth & Paul Janczyk '04 • • • Jaclyn & Brian Kurzawa • • • Jenny & Dave Liang • • Negar Javanmardi & Arsalan Liaghat • • • Sarah & Mark Kustera • • Merielle & Joe Liao • Alexandra & Mark Jennings • Esther Kwan & Eddie Cheung • Qiming Liao & Chen Wang • • Bing Ji • • Adela Kwan & Jeremy Neth • Joanne Liao Kuy & Devin Kuy • • • Serina Jiang & Jack Wang • Jane Park & Eric Kweon • • Michelle Ligao & Leon Huynh • Yi Jin & Jianwen Yao • • Biki Kwok & Kun Zhang • Jennifer & Michael Limb '06 • • • Serena Jin & Tianyi Zha • Aston Kwok '29 • Shanshan Lin & Benny Cheung • Janet Jin • Krissy & Virgil Kyle • • • Monica Lin & Cary Lyu • Melissa Yu & Ryan Labovitch • • Lily Lin & Montgomery An • Monica & Thomas Johnson • Emma & Surf Johnson • Ben Lah • Elizabeth & Soren Lind • Lucy Johnson • Robert Lakeman • Cristine & Tim Lindenfelser • • Ashley & Cole Joy • Georgiana & Brent Lamb • Melinda Lindner • Taylor & Devon Junkin • Amanda Salter & Carl Langfeldt • • • Heidi Lindner • • • Joy & David Justus • Mia Souiyah & Sam Laraki • • Tim Link '00 • Holly & Bruce Larsen • • Melissa & Manrique Lino • • Nikki Kabra & Nitin Prakash • • Katie & Rick Kalvoda • • Maxine '03and Eric Laube • Chase '07 & Justin Lippert • Eva & Michael Kammerer • Christine Laulhere • Marie & Scott Lipsky • • • Kai & Sinan Kanatsiz • • • Shirley Fong & Robert Little '86 • Megan & Reginald Lavender • • • Wallace Leasure • Crystal Li & Jeffrey Liu • • • Alina & Jay Kang • Lisa Kao & Fergus MacDonald • • • Fiona LeCong-Ly & Vietnam Ly • • Cheryl Liu & Howard Chang • • • Amy & Jim Kappelman '86 • Alisa Ledbetter • • • Elise Lu & Michael Liu • • • Denise & Keith Karlsen • Stella Hwang & Chung Lee • Carol Liu & David Tang • Anna & Christos Karmis • • • The Lee Family • Mary Ma & Clark Liu • Stephanie & Mike Hoback

••••

Esther Zhu & Edan Lee Stefanie Lee

Capital Giving, Building & Endowment

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

Cathy Shao & Vincent Lee Joanne & Jimmy Lee

PTF Events

Tartan Open

•• • Ashley Liu & Hsin Tse • Lucy Liu & Robin Wei • Vincent Wu & Linda Liu • • Cindy Liu & Andy Su

Yali Liu & Zuo Wang

Joanne & Rev. James Livingston

Melissa Lodoen & Tim Bruckner

•

Walter Lohnes

• ••

Edith & Manuel Lopez Gabriela & Paul Lopez Sara & Tyler Louie

••

Lauren '00 & Jeffrey '00 Lowell Cris Lozon

•

Crystal Lu '15

•• •••

••

•

•• ••• Adriana & John Lyons • • Xiaolin Wei & Feiyu Ma • Patty Lu & Raymond Ma • • Aleeza & Pat Maciariello • Angela & Lester Mackenzie • • Darla & Andrew Magana • Stacey & Zach Lundin

Kristina & Gleb Lvovich

Ellie Mahjubi & Bruce Haghighat Cecilia & Suihui Mai

•

Vanessa Dang Mai & Jimmy Mai Juliana & Alex Mallmann Vivian Mao

•

Elaine & Jason Mar Tyler Marano '10

•

••

Elin & Kevin Markarian Billy Markowitz

•

••

•

•••

Dania & Joshua Markum Ghanim Marouf '00

•

•• •• Crista & Chad Martin • • •

Brooke & Abe Marouf '01 Ke & Michael Martens

Shawn Haydel & Luis Martinez

Trisha & Joshua Marx

•

•• ••

••

Michele & Brian Maryott Pearl & Nick Mashour

Kimberly & Farzad Massoudi Barbara Massrey James Mata

•

Penny & Ryan Mateer Sarah Mathias

•

••

•

• •• Tina & Christopher Mauro • Emily '95 & Matthew '94 Maxey • • Kristin Mornan & Ross McAloon • • The McCallister Family • • • Diana & Craig McCallister • Judy McCallum • Annette & Sean McCarthy • • • Paige & John McCord • • Megan & Kyle McDaniel • Kristen & James Matthews

Kimberly & Colby Matthews

Community Giving, Breakthrough & Special Camp

Chuck McDonough

•

•• Lauren & Scott McEwan • • Liam McGregor '15 • Hiroka & Jeff McGuane • Anne Marie McNeill • Deena & Matthew McRae • • Amanda '11 & William '11 Mech • Julie & Jens Meggers • •

Stacey Nicholas

Anne & Kenneth McDowell

Gisue Mehdi & Laurent Charignon

Shabnam & Steven Mehr

•• ••

•

Neda Mehr & Nader Ronaghi

Emily Mehr Salehi & Mohsen Salehi

• Zixuan Meng • Lisa Mers • • • David Meltzer

•• Wendy Messenger • • Mattingly Messina '13 • • Adrienne & Karl Metz • Naomi & Elliott Micha • Vicki & John Micha • Agnes & Hendrik Michels • • Kylie & Mike Middlebrook • • Liana & Randy Miller • Rebecca Miller '10 • Chloe Miller '20 •

••

Erin & Eric Mertlbauer

Phoebe Miller Lund & Kevin Lund '15

••• •• Matt Montesano • Kat Moore • Gina Moorman • Edward Mora • Natalie & Tom Moran • The Mohler Family

•

The Monge Family

•• Bethanie & Brian Moriarty • • • Laurie Moroch • • Mark Morris • Andrea & Andrew Morrison • Jennifer Morton '15 • Judy Morton • Cathy & Matt Moses • • • Xiaojun Mu & Bo Wang • • Christina & Timothy Mulroy • Karen & James Murphy • Jonathan Murphy • Jennifer & Maurice Murray • • James Murrey • Justice Musick-Corson • Jasmine Nachtigall-Fournier • Shawna & Justin Morasch

Neeti Nanda & Sharran Srivatsaa Brenda & Leon Nash

•

Lindsay & Tyler Neuhausen Todd Newman '91

•

Erin & Ryan Newman '94 Jennifer & Todd Newton Tawni Nguyetthanh Qian Ni

•

•• •••

•

Matthew Nicholas '15

••

•

• •• Qiong Niu & Tianwei Shen • • Tara & Brian Norton • • • Melissa & Zachary Norwood • • Katie '01 & Fred Nunez • • • Heather & Marlo Nykolaychuk • • • Robert O Hill • • • Vanessa & Todd Oblak • James & Rebecca Ocean • Megan & Brendan O'Farrell • Natalie Ohanian '00 & Alan Rymer • Kathryn & Spencer Olsen • • • Mary Ann Orr • • Elizabeth & Daniel O'Shea • • • Rian & Andrew Otto • Holly & Eric Oxford • • • Lynn & Steve Ozonian • • Nicole & Kolin Ozonian '02 • Dan Pacheco • • Dailey & Harold Packer • • Susan & Toby Page • Shubei Pan & Peixun Hu • • • Michelle & Andy Park • Sunny & Nathan Parr • Amy Parvaneh • • • Linda & Erik Pasin • • Katie & Israel Passwater • McCaully Patch '12 • Swati & Ajesh Patel • Amisha & Haresh Patel • Kellie & Michael Paul • Ashley & Darren Pavel • • Natasha Pavia • • Savannah Paxton • Cameron Pearson • Anda Nicolae & Costin Peiu • Samantha & John Pellitteri • Brendan Peralez '15 • Emma '11 & Shannon Perry • • Sandra & Ryan Pertz • • Jen & Jay Petrocelli • Hope & Philllip Petrozzi • Ngocthy Phan • Marlett Phillips • • • Kimmy '05 & Cole Phipps • Maggie Yu & Jonathan Pi • Julia Pintar '20 • Tammy & David Pipitone • Leslie & Evan Pohaski • Christie & Victor Poma • Carolyn Pomeranz • Jay Ponti • Shail & Shawn Powers • • Jammie & Ryan Prager • • Courtney & Shawn Pucylowski • • Cindy Qi & Scott Yao •

••

Janet Keller & Bernie Schneider

••

Suzanne & Martin Schwartz

•••

Connie & Matthew Sears

••

Courtney Selan

Lisa Qian & Haihong Wang

•

Katherine Qian

Jonathan Nichols-Navarro

Yanqin Qin & Chiawei Kuo

Sanaz & Sean Nikravan

Wei Qiu & Qi Li

•••

Carrie & John Quintanar Paula Rayburn

•

Christy & Brian Rayburn Tricia Raymund

••

Deepthi & Vishnu Reddy Chloe Reder '20

•

Laura & Alden Redman

Ian Schulze '20

Katie Schwartz '17

• Jennifer Sele • • •

•

Jennifer Serentelos

Alex Serna

•

• ••

Aubrey & Jordan Reisenweber '00 Alexia Renella

•

Rafaela Reyes Andrade

•

Tina Wang & Jeffrey Richman Jennifer '87 & Mark '86 Risner Mashid & Stephen Rizzone

•• Amy & Jeff Roberts • • Tracy & Ryan Robertson •

Lori & Jeffrey Roberts

Tania & Michael Robertson Heather Robinson '05

•

Katie & Mikel Rodin

Seaby & Max Rodriguez Jenn & Kent Rogers

•

•• •

•

Heidi Rojo-Sanchez & Victor Sanchez Wendy Romagnino-Perry & Johnnie Perry

••

Veltria & Juan Roman

•• •

Brittany & Ryan Rovell Jeff Rovner

•

Connie & Thomas Roy

•

Stefania Rubino & Philip Alipio Erin & Jaritt Ruff

•••

••

•• ••• Jennifer & Mike Russo • • • Pimonsiri & Pieter Ruig

Chelsea & Tyler Runge

Clemmy '12 & Matthew Saggiani

• Lesley & Ernesto Salazar • •

Nazanin & Siamak Saidi

•

• •

Marmar Salimian & Samir Sikka

Mykaela & Brendon Salisbury Charlize Samonte

•

••• ••• Cheri & Peter Santora • • • Amita Sapra & Lloyd Greaser • • Amanda & Michael Saunders • • • Shawna & Chris Schaffner • Allison Schauppner • Michael Scheman • Lynette & Robert Sanseverino Michelle & Matthew Sant

Jackie & Alex Schenquerman Camille & Jonathan Schmidt

•

••

•

••

•

••

•• • Erin & Steven Shapiro • • Lisa Shapiro • Yuri & Vivek Sharma • • Callie Shaw '20 • Tara Sheehan & Adam Vart • Rong Zou & Zhikai Shen • Laura & Thomas Sherlock • May Shi & Zhidian Pan • • Blanca & Benjamin Shidla • • • Hannah Shin '15 • Julia Shin & Ryan Chang • Katelin Shoaf & John Gardner • Bahareh & Homey Shorooghi • • Lindsey & Joe Silva • • • Michele & Gregg Simon • • Amita & Karan Singh • • Aubrie & Jeff Smith • • • Susan & Brian Smith • • • Joanne & David Sohn • • • Daniel & Ariana Solarz • Cheery Song & Richard Dai • Celine Song & Peter Chen • • • Qirui Song & Jian Li • • • Charlotte Song & Ethan Zhao • • Jessie Song & Huey Li • Maria & John Soto • • Tom Spellmire • Connie & Peter Spenuzza • • • Loreal & Jay '03 Spenuzza • • • Devin & Peter '00 Spenuzza • • • Lindsey & David Spindle • • Anza Spinelli • Mingzhen Li & Yuan Shao

•

Elina Rodina & Garrick Updegraph

•

Kristin & Cameron Shank

• •••

•••

Kimberly Rodrigues

Terri Shams

•••

•

Novelle '06 & Richard Shakeel-Campoli

•

Mojdeh Roboubi & Omid Hemmat

•

Rajeshree & Nirav Shah

•

Barbara & James Reese

Sally Remington

•

Jennifer & Anton Segerstrom

Theresa Acosta & Blake Reemtsma Cynthia & Ryan Reich

•

••• • Jessica & Robert Springer • • • Cathy & Rick Stahl • Maggie & Jeremy Stamelman • • Jesse Standlea • Jessica & Nathan Stanley • • Desiree Staples '09 • Anastassia & Brendan Steele • • • Rachel Stephens • Jennifer & John Stephens • Allison Stevens '05 • Shelly Soenen & Michael Sprague Jacqueline & Steve Sprecher

HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS Layla & Rob Stone

•

Tiffany & Mark Strickert Allison Stevens '05

•

Qing Su & Xiaofeng Wang Kayla & Sean Su

•

• Dana & Bryan Sullivan • • • • Lauren '02 & George Sumner • • Liang Zhao & Jun Sun • Jiong Fei & Ed Sun • • Wendy Sun & Sam Wang • Ying Chen & James Sun • • Jonathan Sutro '05 • Akiko & Glen Sutton • Penny Tacquard • • Lisa Takada '15 • Manoj Talreja • Maggie Tan & Calvin Song • Sherry Feng & Alvin Tan • • • Jia Guo & Terry Tang • Kristi & Thomas Taylor • • The Right Reverend John Harvey Taylor & Kathleen O'Connor • • Kristina '05 & Michael Taylor • HT Teo & Boon Yong • Mayumi & Daisuke Teshima • Jennifer & Ty Thaiyananthan • • Nancy & Paul Thede • • Marcus Thesing • Edi & Joshua Thimons • Megan & Mark Thomas • • Lynda & Larry Thomas • Vanessa & Clint Thompson • • Ania & Casey Thormahlen • Shan Tian & Ya Liu • The Tingler Family • Melody & Aaron Titus • • • Karen & David Tomlinson '95 • Jessica & Elisha Torrance • Laura & Eric Toubin • Salamasina Toughey • Lela & Dan Trailer • Robert Tribble • Diana & I. Ridgeway Trimble • • Cara & Russel Triscari • David Tseo • Logan & Cody Tucker '05 • Rebecca & Jonathan Tufo • • • Gloria & Matthew Turnbull • • Laurel & BJ Turner • • • Lily Turner • Ashley & William Tyus • Caroline Ullem '20 • Marijane Unter • Georgia & George Valaskantjis • Hali & Nathan Valdez • Mai Van • Michelle & Scott Sukut

Annual Giving

••• • Briana & James Vartanian • •

•••• •

Ashley & Brad Vanar

Dana & Jay Wohlgemuth

Neeta & Jeff Vargo

Michelle & Andrew Wood '03

Manuela Vazquez & John Whitledge

• •

Zack Venable '15 Jennifer Venuto

Alexandra & Kostas Vitakis

• Kate & Martin Vojtus • Shivani Maheshwari & Hemant Wadhwa • Tobi & Conan Vitale

•

•••

• • Shep & Tina Wainwright • • • Kristin & Michael Walseth • • • Anna Walters • Lili Wang & Wei Zhang • Sophie Su & Sean Wang • Jing Wang & Zhen Chen • Na & Bo Wang • Kathryn & Michael Wang • • Vivian Zang & Ligo Wang • Rong Wang & Wenbiao Weng • • Hongyu Ji & Huanjie Wang • • Qunicey Wang & Baojun Liang • • Sophia Wang & Haifeng Wu • Vivian Wang & • • • Faye Wang & Jack Cheng • • Jin Wang & Kunlun Niu • • • Liangjie Zhang & Ruiyuan Wang • Yanan Ren & Jialin Wang • Karen & Jeffrey Wang • Michelle Tao & Jack Wang • Ashlee & Lei Wang • • Summer Wang & Leo Zhang • • • Becky Wang & Yang Chen • Yan Wang & Li Chen • Annie Wang & Michael Villa • Amy Warren & Patricia Merz • Alexandra & Kent Weed • Qiao Peng & Xihui Wei • • Julie & James Weidner • Joanna & Liam Weiner • • Joanna & Jason Weiss • • Tracy Wesselman • Lisa & Justin West • Laura Western '05 • The Westhead Family • Shelley & Rick White • • • Michelle & John Williams • • Blake Williams '15 • Molly & Barry Wilson • Staciana Winfield • Helen & Eli Winkler • • Lindsay Winn • • • Lynsey & Matt Winters • • • • Kiran & Ryan Witten • Sherry & John Wagener

Kirstie & William Wagner

Capital Giving, Building & Endowment

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

PTF Events

Lauren & Ryan Wood

•

• Wendy Wu & Julien Zhang • Lili Wu & Liuyi Zhou • • • Ning Wu & Jinlong Zhang • Christine Xie & Aubrey Lu • Yijin Zhang & Wei Xie • Rachel Xin & Lee Niu • Chloe Xiu • • Lily Xu & Gregory Kim •

Evelyn Zhang & Changsong Jia

Tanya Liu & Brian Xu

•

Pearly Xu & Qingxin Zhang Yanli & Jian Xu

•

Vicky Xu & Yao Wang

Leah Zhang & Qi Chen

Haimin Zhang & Zhiqiang Gong

•

Yu Wang & Dongmin Zhang

•••

•• • Jenny Ye & Dean Zheng • • Yvonne Zhou • • Tina Zhang & Todd Zhou • Yolanda Gu & CJ Zhou • Sissy & Will Zhu • Vicky Zhuang • • Jacqueline Zinger-Patterson • Jennifer & Terry Zinn • • Whitney & A.J. Zolna • Denise & Mark Zonarich • Lijuan Zou & Yonghe Ning • Sahmon Zoughi • • •

•

•••

Brittaney & Harish Yalamanchili Cailian Cai & Banghua Yan Ziyan Yang & Yinqi Wang Tiffany Yang

••

•

•• ••

• • Annie & Roger Yang • • Doris Luo & Eric Yao • • • • Jack Yao & Jessie Zhu • • • Grace Yang & Clint Xu

Kate Yang & Tony Liu

Janie Yap-Bredall & Scott Bredall

Mona & Amir Yazdanshenas Julie & Frank Ye

••

• • Yiyen & Mark Yen • • Erin & Dan Yoder • • • • Jinhy Yoon & John Tze • • • Teri & Trevor Yorke '10 • • Jen & Jamie Yoshida • • • • Jiarui Yu & Xiaolin Zhu • Sam & Mia Yu • • • • Chien Yu • Lin Yuan & Kai Jiang • Rui Wang & Futao Yue • • Ada Yung & Johnny Kwok • Ryan Zacche • •

BUSINESSES & O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

•••

Shirley Xu & Jimmy Ye

Susie & Cory Yeh '94

•• Tingting Zhang & Jason Zhai • • • • Ruijing Mao & Frank Zhan • • • Sophie Zhang & Mosbach Wang • Christy Ye & Morgan Zhang • Noel Zhang & Magic Tan • • Ying Zhang & Steven Tsui • • Angela & Erick Zhang • Parastoo & Rick Zarghami '96

Tartan Open

•

Mona Zhao & Dennis Guo

Angela Yang & Howard Liu Mary Yang & Bruce Deng

•

Yuanyuan Liu & David Zhao

••• •

Dr. Naveen Yalamanchi & Mrs. Jennifer Yalamanchi

•

Linda Zhao & Gavin Lin

•

May Xue & David Zheng Anna & Matt Yagiz

•

• ••• Lin Zhang & Yibo Wang • Irene & Ricky Zhang • • Helen Zhang & Shaohui Li • • Xiao Ying Hu & Ke Zhang • Min Zhang & Jianwu Wang • • Sherry Li & Weiwei Zhang • Amy Zhang & Xiuping Chen • Yinghui & Yong Zhang

Allyson & Anthony Woods

Stephanie Liang & Matthew Xu

••

Sara Zhou & Tony Zhang

ACI Jet

• •

Ahimsa

• •

Alaia South Coast Plaza Alex the Fortune Teller

Along Came A Spider LLC

•

American Endowment Foundation American Online Giving Foundation, Inc.

••••

•••

• •

Anaheim Ducks Foundation

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

•

Andrew Joseph Designs

• Anonymous • • • • • Angels Baseball

Aquarium of the Pacific

AR Academics

•

• •

Art Glass by Marcus Thesing Artkive

•

• ••••

Aviator Nation Laguna Beach Ayco Charitable Foundation B&E Wilson Holdings

•

Baccarat South Coast Plaza

• Balmain USA • Bark Box •

BallPark Pizza

Barkate Orthodontics

•

Community Giving, Breakthrough & Special Camp

Bastien & Associates, Inc.

• Bedrock Machinery • •

Beauty Boost Med Spa

•

Best Choice Products, Inc.

Bikram Yoga Irvine Bloom

•

Blue Sky

•

•••

Bonpoint Beverly Hills

•

••

• Breakthrough Collaborative • Breezy • Broadcom Foundation • Buy My Bikes • California Closets • Capital Group Cos. Charitable Foundation • • •

Brandon Kidd Photography

•

Hollywood Wax Museum Hotel Paseo

Charity Valet

CHOC Children's Foundation Christian Louboutin Common Thread

•

Cotti Foods Corporation

Crumbl, South Orange County Daffy Charitable Fund DARKROOM

•

••••

David Jinrong Li Foundation David Yurman

•

Del Amo Construction Delice Breton Delvaux

•

Dolce by Tina

•

• •

Inn at the Mission

Jennifer Karimi Fine Jewelry

•

••

JW Marriott Cancun

•

Kendra Scott Jewelers

•

Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Employee MG Program

Kidcreate Studio - Dana Point

Eleventy

Kirkland & Ellis Foundation

•

• Ely Leon Training Center • Emerald Cove Camp • Engine-Ear Toys •

Laliwood Hair

Ellie's Table Egan House

LGHT Salon

Everyday Order

•

Exclusive Resorts Club Management, LLC

•

Farmers & Merchants Bank

•

• LN Energy 3 LLC • • •

•

• Deli •

•

• • Monarch Real Estate • • Montage Los Cabos •

McKenna McLeroy

Mona Rose Studios

National Christian Foundation National Philanthropic Trust Newport Aquatics Center

•

Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

•

• •

•

Peterson Automotive Museum

•

• •

Stacey Gillis Chiropractic Inc.

•

Newport Beauty Salon

Starfish Laguna

Newport Home Care

Studio Pilates SJC

•••

•

••

• •

•

The Brunson Foundation

•

• •• The Golfer's Journal • • The Huntington Library • The Marion W. Minton & Walter J. Minton Foundation, Inc. • • •

The Frog House Surf Shop The Glowacki Firm

•

The McCord Family Foundation Inc.

The Mentor Group

•

The Monogram Store

•

The Nicholas Endowment The Orchards

•

The PIMCO Foundation The Posh Florist

Sony Pictures Studio - Los Angeles

•

The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation

The Ecology Center

• Professional Diversified Flooring • Recharge Your Style LLC • ReelTime & Sonance • Resort at Pelican Hill • Richemont North America, Inc. • Ritz-Carlton Bacara • River Street Marketplace • Rococo Boutique • Roger Dunn Golf Hawaii • • Roger Vivier • Roger's Gardens • Salesforce • Salt. Optics • saltfineart • Samueli Foundation • • San Juan Hills Golf Club • • Sender One • Shanahan Family Charitable Foundation • • Simplifi EDU • SM Drip Medspa • Smash N' Bunz • •

•

The Andi Collins Foundation

The Bruery

•

South Swell Ice Cream

Tavern at the Mission

The Bauble Collective

•

South Coast Plaza

•

Tanaka Farms

• Picnic Stationary + Goods • PILECO, Inc. • • Platinum Medical Spa • Polo Cleaners • Populaire Modern Bistro • Porsche Newport Beach •

•

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Martin Katz, Ltd.

•

Pfizer Foundation Matching Gift Program Piazza Pie

•

Maison Margiela South Coast Plaza

Margaret's The Couture Cleaner

••

•

The Private Suite - PS

Pretend City Children's Museum

Little Crown Interiors

Mario's Butcher Shop

Synchrony Foundation

Pick Me Flower Boutique

•

Marbella Golf & Country Club

•• Fidelity Investments • • • Fired Up • Fletcher Jones Mercedes • Flynn O'Hara Uniforms • Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley • Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas • Frette South Coast Plaza • GARYS • Gigi Kroll MD, Certified • GiveClear Foundation • Fidelity Charitable

•

Lido House, Autograph Collection

Environmental Nature Center ENC

Eres South Coast Plaza

••

•

KHAITE South Coast Plaza

•

Palisades Tennis Club

•

JPMorgan Chase Foundation

•

Sweet Peas Gymnastics RMV

Pacific Pearl Catering Co.

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

• JZ FLORAL DESIGN • K1 Speed •

•

Susie Cakes

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Piaget

Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA)

•

• Parisian Management Inc. • • Park Hyatt Aviara • Parriott Wood • • Pearl Jam •

J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund

JPML Foundation

•

Parent Teacher Fellowship

• J'Adore Les Fleurs Inc •

•••

Sunshine Psychological Counseling

Oscar de la Renta, South Coast Plaza

•

Jewish Community Foundation San Diego

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

•

•••

•

Obagi Skin Health Institute

Ortega Equestrian Center

•

Sunstone Advisors

Online Arts Charity

Jacques Marie Mage

•

••

Infinity Bank

Sugared + Bronzed

Sun Family Foundation

Orange County Community Foundation

Harry Winston South Coast Plaza

• Hi-Time Wine Cellars • Hobie Surf Shop •

•

Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program at the Chicago Comm Olivia's

Hawkley Orthodontics

Charities Aid Foundation of America

• •••

Newport Pediatric Premier Care NickCo Hospitality Group

••• Goldman, Sachs & Co. Matching Gift Program • Google LLC • Goop Lido Village • Gorjana • Graves Construction • • Grey Aesthetics • Handel's Ice Cream • Hanna's Restaurant & Bar •

•

Bradford Renaissance Portrait

Chatow Law

•

Goldman Sachs Gives

•

Boutique Vacation Rentals Bradford Portraits

Golden Bear Racing Mr. B LLC

The Red Balloon

•

•••

•

The Rowan Palm Springs The Turf Club

• •

•

The UBS Matching Gifts Program The Wilford Foundation

•

Thom Browne South Coast Plaza Timree

•

Total Wine & More Trovata, Inc

•

• •

•

• • UBS Financial Services, Inc. • Vanguard • Vanguard • Veronica Beard • Vision Electric Boat Rental • W Hotels Hollywood • Tutu School Laguna Niguel

UBS Financial Services Inc.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Weingart Foundation Wellbeing

•

Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp YourCause, LLC

•

Zegna South Coast Plaza

•

The Robison Family Foundation The Ten Club

•

Zoomars at River Street Ranch

• •

•

• HIGHLANDER MAGAZINE

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

31641 La Novia S a n Ju a n C a p i s t r a n o , C A 9 2 6 7 5 - 2 7 5 2

UPCOMING EVENTS O C T. 9 :

PTF Tartan Family BBQ and Homecoming O C T. 1 7 :

Upper School Admission Open House O C T. 2 6 - 2 7 :

Fall Break N O V. 7 :

PTF Forever Plaid AllSchool Fundraiser N O V. 9 :

Middle School Admission Open House N O V. 1 7 :

Kindergarten and Grade 1 Admission Open House N O V. 2 3 - 2 7 :

Thanksgiving Break D EC . 2 1 - JA N .1 :

Christmas Break JAN. 5:

School Resumes FEB. 1:

Admission Application Deadline

S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L

MISSION VIEJO, CA PERMIT No 15