Mirman School, Meridian Magazine, 60 anniversary

the Annual Magazine of Mirman School

2023–2024

meridian

COVER ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER CORR

Dear Mirman Community, IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE to introduce you to the 2023–2024 edition of Mirman’s

Meridian. As you can imagine the word “meridian” has several definitions. I think for the purposes of this publication, I will go with the “acupuncture” reference that indicates a “myriad of pathways that carry energy to the vital organs that sustain one’s body and one’s life.”

I believe, after 60 years, that this pretty perfectly captures the Mirman of today. Revisiting our visionary ideals and values, Mirman not only finds itself positioned as a leader in the field of gifted education, but also a vibrant and ever-evolving testament to the power of childhood and the many

and evolutionary change. Just as the completion of our athletic facilities in 2017 proved transformational related to Mirman’s focus on kinesthetic development, teamwork, sportspersonship, and our focus on whole child education, we now find the new Guerin Family Learning Center and Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion transformational in reducing individual class sizes, as well as centering Mirman’s focus on STEAM, and the performing and visual arts.

Yet, more essential than the opportunities offered by these impressive new facilities remains the commitment, talent, and dedication of our teaching faculty and staff. Our singular belief is that a well-educated and informed student remains the greatest catalyst for positive societal change and that this belief transcends any brick-and-mortar structure we might envision. 2023–2024 finds us unwavering in our collective vision that every individual who participates in our democratic society has a responsibility to leave their little corner of the world in better shape than they found it.

I hope the following pages bear out this philosophy for you, our friends and stakeholders. For my part, I can’t help but look to my final year as Head of Mirman with a deep and abiding gratitude for all of you who have made this remarkable school what it has become today—and will be tomorrow.

RESPECTFULLY,

Dan Vorenberg Head of School

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The following pages are a visual testament to an organization steeped in self-reflection

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tributaries so essential in nurturing the intellectual and emotional health of Mirman students.

ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER CORR

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With pride and humility, we celebrate the 60 years Mirman has nurtured and educated children, those who have gone on to incredibly successful careers . . . and those beginning their adventures. In doing so, we remember our past and nurture our future. Many institutions fail because they don’t find the balance between these two basic principles.

Our past is a prime reason we have been able to keep the vision of gifted education front and center, while expanding the definition of how we develop the whole child. Mirman is helping kids understand the importance of respecting all voices, our obligation to those

Mirman’s Board of Trustees is dedicated to ensuring the school’s legacy and vision remain balanced. Our enduring mission will carry us forward. Much has changed, yet our foundation stays the same. It is our task to continue setting the foundation for this journey, for all who follow.

Kiko Washington Chair, Board of Trustees

mirman today

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pillars of strength, and our differences a blessing for learning and growth.

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less fortunate, that bias and hatred have no place in society, compassion and empathy are

Alan Mirman and Leslie Mirman Geffen share memories of their parents, legendary founders of Mirman School—Dr. Norman Mirman and Beverly Mirman—and how their vision lives on.

mirmans ON

mirman

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TWO INSPIRED FOUNDERS

Leslie Mirman Geffen: Our parents came from New York, one from Brooklyn and

one from the Bronx. After World War II, they migrated to California for the sunshine and stayed, living first in Riverside and then in Los Angeles. With his undergraduate degree in chemistry, our dad began working for the Gas Company, but wasn’t too happy. Our mom saw an article saying Los Angeles was in dire need of teachers,

and that’s where the story begins. Dad became credentialed and taught for 10 years in the L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD), while our mom was in the import/export business.

During his time in LAUSD, Dad observed that often the brightest students weren’t being challenged; they were asked to tutor other students but didn’t have

Norman and Beverly were modest folks with a big dream.”

–LESLIE MIRMAN GEFFEN

opportunities to expand their own learning. Simultaneously, Alan and I were in “pullout” gifted programs in LAUSD and being “pulled out” for enrichment activities for an hour a week didn’t really add much to our education. Our dad decided to obtain his PhD in Gifted Education at UCLA. Alan Mirman: His PhD dissertation was on acceleration of advanced learners—what

was then called “skipping,” meaning students were “skipped” from one grade to another (which both he and our mom had done in their own schooling).

EDUCATION WITH A MANTRA AM: The school they founded in 1962, a year or so after his dissertation, was not

built around that concept of “skipping,” but about building depth and complexity into children’s education, making an individualized, specialized education for each child so they can go as far as they can and pursue their passions with no artificial stops and boundaries. That was their mantra.

LMG: There were hardly any schools in the country at that time for gifted students—

perhaps four. After the L.A. Times published an interview with our mom and dad, nine sets of parents bravely stepped into that arena and entrusted their children to the Mirmans’ vision.

environment for the children was always of great importance.”

–ALAN MIRMAN

undertake this major endeavor with just their

home in Mar Vista. They hired four specialist

personal strength and passion, our dad’s

teachers in addition to dad teaching Math,

experience as an educator, and our mom’s

even though he was credentialed to teach

in business is a great testament to their

all subjects. Curriculum, even at that time,

drive and vision. We didn’t realize the extent

included Greek mythology and foreign

to which our parents were visionaries and

language. Our parents were an amazing team,

pioneers until we were

each one’s strengths complementing the

adults ourselves.

other’s. Together they were formidable.

PHENOMENAL EARLY GROWTH AM: In 1963, the school moved to a small,

converted motel site on Pico Boulevard in West L.A. There were five classrooms, an office, a playground with a couple of foursquare areas, and tetherball. At the end of the day, our dad propped a ladder against the wall to retrieve the balls that had landed on the roof.

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happy, nurturing

LMG: That first year, the school was in our

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Creating a beautiful,

AM: It was so extraordinary. . . that they could

At Open House, Leslie and I had to chase the artwork that came off the easels when the wind came whipping down the corridor. By the late ‘60s, we began renting additional classroom space at other sites. The growth was phenomenal.

LMG: Students were grouped more or less by age but

allowed to join older classmates in subject areas like Math when ready for more advanced work.

AM: Our parents ran a tight ship. Respect was expected

among all segments of the community. Dress for students, teachers, and administrators was on the more formal side—definitely no jeans! Technology consisted of pencils and erasers, and copies done on mimeograph machines yielding what was then called “purple prose” because of the ink.

LMG: Norman and Beverly were modest folks with

a big dream. They had no special financial resources, personally or professionally, and no experience with the kind of fundraising needed to provide scholarships or special educational resources and equipment. Minutes of a 1962 parents’ meeting talked about using Blue Chip stamps for fundraising.

Our parents did not have friends with “deep pockets” nor was that a focus in the admissions process. Their focus was on the individual student, not what their parents could give. While now parents are major drivers of Mirman’s fundraising efforts, in those early days, the central vehicle was Dr. Mirman’s annual letter asking for support.

FINDING A HOME ON MULHOLLAND AM: The school got extremely crowded at the Pico

site by the end of the 1960s and, after months of searching, our folks were very happy to find the site on Mulholland—at the time just open land with not much around it. At the beginning, the specialists in Science, Music, and Art did not have their own rooms, but went from room to room. The children were delighted when

Our parents were an amazing team, each one’s strengths complementing the other’s.

Together they were formidable.”

–LESLIE MIRMAN GEFFEN

the Science teacher appeared with Lumpy the boa constrictor wrapped around her shoulders.

Bit by bit, the campus grew from the original handful of classrooms and administrative space to include an auditorium, rooms for the specialists, a kitchen, and a small room for our first Apple computer classes. Our first capital campaign in the early ‘90s allowed us to build the Upper School building. Since then, we’ve almost doubled our campus.

LMG: Even in all of this growth, our parents were

different abilities and feel supported and understood.

always focused on the intellectual, social, and

Our Heads of School, our Trustees, our faculty and staff

emotional needs of the children. Families were always

have stayed true to that purpose while continuing to

rather surprised at our admissions interview. It wasn’t

advance our pedagogy, our facilities, and opportunities

focused on the parents’ professions or how much

for our students.

was totally focused on the child. The only question was:

THE NEW GENERATION

Would this be the right place for that child?

AM: Our parents might be surprised that Leslie and I

We didn’t realize

have continued making such a strong commitment to

the extent to

the curriculum and teaching methods. They wanted to make sure they selected teachers who could meet the children’s needs and embrace their special qualities.

It mattered most whether the school was delivering individualized education to highly gifted learners in an environment that was beautiful and joyful. They wanted this to be a place where, if a child asked a question, no one would say, “You’ll get to that next year.” And, if a child asked a question the teacher had never heard before, they would take joy in this and say, “I don’t know but let’s go find out together.”

try to perpetuate what they began and made whole.

They didn’t ask us, “Will you do this?” Maybe they just knew we would.

and pioneers until

AM: My three sons benefited tremendously from going

we were adults

to Mirman. I have been on the Mirman Board for many,

ourselves.”

many years and deeply enjoy that role. I get to see up close the continuity and affirmation of themes our That means a lot to me and to Leslie.

LMG: I was 14 and Alan was 11 when Mirman School

AM: As the school changed and our parents got older,

Alan’s, both my children went to Mirman and now my

the school’s administrative and governance needs

oldest grandchild is here, so I’ve seen how important

evolved, too. While the school had been a non-profit

Mirman was in their education and development. I

organization since its inception and accredited by

worked at Mirman for 23 years, including positions of

state and national educational organizations, it needed

Head of School, Director of Admissions and of Alumni

to find educational leaders to continue to fulfill the

Affairs. I was also on the Board of Trustees. All these

mission in the future. It needed its governance to

roles have given me wide and varied perspectives on

evolve from a small founding Board of Trustees to a full,

the school’s development over time.

LMG: In their later years, our parents were often

present at the school and able to see and appreciate the expanded facilities, development of technology, new athletic field and opportunities, Senior Garden, play equipment, and cultivation of trees and plants on the campus.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AM: One of the biggest questions parents often ask is:

Will we add a high school? That’s been a question for about 40 years, but it’s not our focus now. Our focus is being the best K-8 for highly gifted children. Our latest accomplishment is our new Learning Center, with its classrooms, technology and arts facilities, completed after another successful fundraising campaign. All of

AM: And that’s why the school’s fund for donations

these support our mission and speak to the ability of

in their name is dedicated to the beautification of

the school to aspire and to inspire.

the campus. Creating a beautiful, happy, nurturing environment for the children was always of great importance to them.

LMG: I agree. Because what won’t change is the drive

to provide learning and growth opportunities for this wonderful population, to stimulate their creativity and

LMG: Alan and I are deeply grateful for how the school

their commitment to community service, to inspire

has maintained its dedication to the original mission

them to develop their gifts and to use them in ways

our parents envisioned—to provide a joyful, stimulating

to make our world a better place.

learning environment for children to explore all their

–ALAN MIRMAN

parents had in mind when they started the school.

started, so we weren’t able to attend. However, like

happen in the early 2000s.

were visionaries

LMG: I think they did. And I think they’d be really happy.

MIRMAN’S EVOLUTION

institutional governance-style board. All this began to

which our parents

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AM: The mission was foremost, shaping and guiding

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money they could conceivably give to the school—it

full steam ahead The 2022–2025 Strategic Plan charts a course for Mirman School to become even more accessible, inclusive, and global.

MIRMAN’S 2022–2025 STRATEGIC PLAN—the

school’s first post-pandemic roadmap—has a destination in mind, and it is outward-facing, global, accessible, and diverse.

“We learned some very tough lessons from the pandemic,” says Dan Vorenberg, Head of School.

“But one extremely important lesson is the power of access.”

When Mirman went remote during the height of COVID-19, school leaders saw how connected the school became with other educators and leaders across Southern California, the nation, and the world. From that came the potential for broader learning opportunities.

2022–2025 Strategic Plan

“The pandemic definitely helped inform the development of this Strategic Plan,” says Former

Strategies to support:

Trustee Sharon Gavin, Chair of the Strategic Planning

Our Mission & Philosophy

Strategic Plans. “Our experience living in the virtual

Committees for both the 2022–2025 and 2018–2021

Integrated Gifted Curriculum

world reinforced to us the importance of both

Mission-Driven Partnerships

gaining insights from others and sharing our own

Equity & Access Institutional Sustainability and Growth

knowledge and expertise with them.”

MISSION-DRIVEN PARTNERSHIPS That aspiration led to a key goal in the newest plan: developing more “mission-driven partnerships” beyond Mirman’s borders—an idea Gavin wholeheartedly endorses. “There are numerous opportunities for us to create valuable partnerships,” she says.

For example, students can engage in joint research projects with academic institutions, collaborate with non-profit organizations, participate in virtual

ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER CORR

discussions with field experts, or gain experiential knowledge via field trips. “Partnerships can also provide both faculty members and students with leadership opportunities,” Gavin adds.

The 2018–2021 Strategic Plan put major emphasis Learning Center and Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion, with all the component parts, from STEAM to performing and visual arts to added classroom space.

The 2022–2025 Strategic Plan takes that a step further with an objective to establish Mirman “as a thought leader and resource in gifted education

Among the measures outlined are recruiting and retaining a diverse population of educators, administrators, staff, students, and trustees; creating more opportunities for professional growth; and fully implementing the Flexible Tuition Program

through curriculum innovation and collaboration.”

approved in May 2022.

A planning retreat in 2021 brought together faculty

“As a board, we are excited to see the new Strategic

and staff, parents, alumni, and trustees. “There was a fresh sense of transition and renewal,” says Vorenberg, “a desire to say, ‘What’s next?’”

The driving question became “what can we do to further our goals for Mirman with this new space?” says Gavin. “How can we leverage what we have here?”

VISUALIZING THE NEXT 3–5 YEARS The plan envisions ways to realize Mirman’s commitment to inclusivity in its curriculum, school culture, and identity. That includes continuing to refine a gifted curriculum and culture that integrates a comprehensive K-8 social-emotional curriculum and DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice).

Plan in action,” says Kiko Washington, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It is a living, breathing document that is already taking shape in various ways throughout the Mirman community. We are engaged in these developments as they blossom.”

Gavin looks on the collaborative process with excitement. “This is a chance to do something that will have a positive impact on so many people.”

For Vorenberg, the newest three-year plan is “something equal parts daunting and invigorating.”

As always, the primary goal, he says, is “to make sure our kids are prepared for life in an increasingly complex world.”

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on the creation of a new building, the Guerin Family

mirman’s artful transformation Amid an air of jubilation, the resounding snip of the giant scissors on September 20 marked the official dedication of the Guerin Family Learning Center, Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion, and their surrounding spaces.

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE filled the air as students, teachers, YOU CAN RELIVE

and community members gathered to ring in this exciting

THE MAGIC OF THE

milestone in Mirman School's history.

MOMENT BY CHECKING OUT PHOTOS HERE.

Kicking off the 2023–2024 school year, Mirman students began painting, acting, music-making, and studying a world of subjects as the new Guerin Family Learning Center and Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion opened its doors, essentially transforming the campus once again.

Mirman Next—the Mirman School’s most recent capital campaign and one of its most successful—achieved its objective to create an expansion that will enable the school to increase enrollment while simultaneously decreasing Lower School class size.

CHECK OUT A TIME-LAPSE VIDEO OF THE CONSTRUCTION.

The Campaign for FAAM Circle

$12.5 million, with an official total of more than

an outdoor space that will be located adjacent to the Mr. Lee Senior Garden.

$15 million—despite its launch during the height of

Designed to evoke the oral tradition

the COVID-19 pandemic.

and drum circle community-building

“We are grateful to each and every donor, volunteer, our Board of Trustees, families, faculty and staff, the entire community that contributed to this tremendous achievement,” said Noah Kaufman, Director of Advancement. “We did it together. Come see the beautiful result!”

archetypes of Black, Indigenous, and Afro-Latinx traditions, FAAM Circle will be dedicated to campus instruction, enrichment, and programming in honor of the unique contributions and institutional impact of Families of African Ancestry at Mirman (FAAM)—

The 16,130-square-foot Guerin Family Learning Center

the longest-standing affinity group at

and Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion open up

Mirman School.

immeasurable opportunities for individualized learning with the:

The FAAM Circle Fund founders, the Branion/Hayes (Hannelore) and

» Michelson Family STEAM Center for Innovation

Duncan (Tommy and Sydney) Families,

» L auren and Bobby Turner Visual Arts Studio

made extraordinary lead donations to

» W iczyk Performing Arts Studio

kickstart the project.

» F ive new Lower School classrooms to facilitate individualized exploration and discovery.

You can add your voice and support by contacting Noah Kaufman,

“With our community behind us, Mirman has matched our

Director of Advancement at

investment in faculty and curriculum with an investment

nkaufman@mirman.org or

in our campus that sets the stage for the future,” said Head

(310) 775-8428.

of School Dan Vorenberg.

The ambitious construction project also gave Mirman the opportunity to renovate and reimagine some existing spaces, including Lower School Art and Science, three Lower School classrooms, a breakout space, and a Staffulty Lounge.

“Thanks to the support of all of our 60th Anniversary Celebration and Fund-A-Need supporters for helping to make our new Staffulty Lounge possible!” said Kaufman.

>>>>>

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2023. The campaign exceeded its initial goal to raise

Fundraising continues for FAAM Circle,

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Active fundraising ran from April 2022 through June

“Smaller class sizes give us an abundance of space, and the Michelson Family STEAM Center for Innovation and Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion will open new windows . . . as we hone and strengthen our gifted learners’ creative selves.”

–MONICA SONE

Fourth Grade Teacher

“Musicians at Mirman now have a state-of-the-art, 21st-century space in which to create, collaborate . . . and build inspiring connections beyond the Mirman gates.”

–NICOLÁS KELLO

Director of Music

Thank you, volunteers!

“In this encouraging atmosphere, with proper flooring, mirrors, and dance barres, our young dancers can safely explore their passion and develop their choreography skills.”

–ANGELA BROWN

Director of Athletics

MIRMAN NEXT VOLUNTEERS

Juyun Barnavon Nicole and Thomas Duncan Darren Enenstein Ashley Felts ’92-’96 Jackie Hayes and Jeffy Branion Heidi Hendrix Jamie Kornberg Phillips Lauren Lake Synthia Lee Michelle Lobel Wally Marks Davina Massey Robyn Norris Finley and Jeanette Polynice Beth Quillen Thomas Deron Quon ’82-’86 Layne Rosen Jason and Syreta Travis Bobby Turner Dikla Unatin Modi Wiczyk Dana Wolf FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Mayee Futterman Alex Wuo Rick Benfield, Mirman Administrator

“An art space that is flexible, with plenty of natural light, wall space to display and critique artwork, and room to explore and experiment, is a gift to any creative person.”

–KARYN RAZ

Upper School Art Teacher “This dedicated arts space creates an exciting classroom, rehearsal and performance space for our Theatre students. We look forward to the challenge of coming up with creative ways to use it.”

–JEFF MAYNARD

Director of Theatre

Named spaces: Donors & Honorees INTERIORS

Guerin Family Learning Center With thanks to the Guerin Family Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion With thanks to the Derfner Foundation, Jay Lieberman, and Andrea Lieberman and Vincent Passeri Michelson Family STEAM Center for Innovation With thanks to Alya and Gary Michelson Lauren and Bobby Turner Visual Arts Studio With thanks to Lauren and Bobby Turner Wiczyk Performing Arts Studio With thanks to the Wiczyk Family Miller Murgio Classroom With thanks to Robyn Murgio and Christopher Miller Satchu Family Classroom With thanks to Amie and Asif Satchu Sherwood Family Classroom With thanks to the Sherwood Family Spence Family Classroom With thanks to Paddy and Jerra Spence Stibel Family Classroom With thanks to Jeff and Cheryl Stibel EXTERIORS

PSL Courtyard In recognition of the Parent Service League Norman and Beverly Mirman Knoll In recognition of Mirman’s founders Dr. B’s Pavilion In recognition of Dr. Richard Boolootian, former Science Teacher Mr. Lee Senior Garden In recognition of Darrel Lee, former teacher, coach, and administrator, with thanks for lead gifts by Deron (’82–’86) and Cora Quon and Kevin (’89–’97) and Kerry Sinclair Solomon Plaza In recognition of Dr. Cynthia Solomon, with thanks to the Jones Kau Family

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–TRI VO HUYNH

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Kate Phillips Wiczyk, Co-Chair Lauren Turner, Co-Chair Kourosh Ghassemieh Jackie Hayes Catherine Huang Anessa Karney Goldstein ’77-’82 Alan Mirman Mona and Steve Oh Karen Sherwood Kevin Sinclair ’89-’97 Paddy Spence

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“We are redefining what is possible with STEAM. We can reimagine interdisciplinary collaboration, broaden our bank of tools, and foster the spirit of design and innovation like never before.”

MIRMAN NEXT CAMPAIGN CABINET

Honoring pledges and gifts received

by July 30, 2023

Anonymous Michael C. Agran The Ahmanson Foundation Juan and Claribel Alcantar in honor of Miguel and Matthew Danielle Amerian Greenberg• Angela Arnold and DJ Jacobs AnnaLea and Evan Arnold Lital and David Aschkenasy Juyun and Erez Barnavon Brad Barry The Bauer Family Brittany Beer Langer Lawrence Bender The Benfield Family Yamit and Arik Betesh Kira and Michael Blaustein• Rahsan and Napiera Boykin in honor of all Black Boy Joy at Mirman!• Peter Brady Jeffy Branion and Jackie Hayes• Stephanie Braun Tulani Bridgewater and Family• Amanda Brooks Marc and Yu-Tsun Brown The Cadwell Family Tyler Cassidy Lizeth Castellon Chao Family Foundation Jessica Chase Spaly• Cho Family Alec Colantonio-Ray Michael Coleman Marcus Collins Ray Cunningham Bahar and Ramin Davidoff in honor of Benjamin, Evan, and Ryan Davidoff Debra Davis Annabeth Deamer White•

Beatriz and Sevan Demir The Derfner Foundation The Diadames Barbara Dischler Justin H. Dove Nicole and Thomas M. Duncan II in memory of Robin M. Barclay • Julie and Robert Edelstein Darren and Susy Enenstein Gregory Engel Jennifer Engelberg Bader• The Eshaghian Family Grace Esquibel and Brian Ranade Euh Family Maliha and Adam Fakhri in memory of Banu Fakhri The Farag Family Ashley Felts Jack Fener Sydney Fener Peter Ferrie and Ling-Li Dong in honor of Jessica Ferrie and Karina Ferrie Jerriann and Quentin Fleming in honor of Evan Fleming Frain Family in memory of Ted Cunningham• The Freeman Family in honor of Margaret Furlong and in memory of John Freeman Senior• Chloe and Griffin Freitas• Fribourg Family• Li and Alvin Fu The Furst Family Mayee and Marc Futterman The Gallow Family• Alex and Irina Ganelis The Gavin Family• Donald and Irene Gavin Talia Geffen and Mathew Arnold Aida Gharapetian Delara and Kourosh Ghassemieh

Josh Gitelson• Katherine Gitelson• Bruce Goldsmith Family Elvia Gonzalez• Gould Family• Griego Anderson Family The Guerin Family The Haley Family Carolyn and Scott Hampton Rosemarie Havranek and Nathan Myhrvold Bobbie and Sandy Heck The Hendrix Wimer Family in honor of Mirman Faculty and Staff Jennifer Hinman and Michael Moody and Family Wendy and Ivan Ho Hong Family Johnny and Wendy Hou Catherine and Albert Huang Jared Hubbard Tri Huynh Dr. Tenika Jackson in honor of Parker Jackson• Jodi Jacobsen The Karney Goldstein Family in memory of Ami Karney The Kau Jones Foundation Rabbi Jim and Sue Kaufman• Noah and Ali Kaufman•• Kay Kopman Family Nicolás Kello Mr. and Mrs. Marc Kelly Erika Kennair and Bryan Miller Velma King in honor of Dr. William Douglas King• Velma King in memory of Vanessa Suzanne King and Dr. William Stanley King Kelli Kirkland and Apollo Powers• Patricia A. Kirkland• Sherri and Jack Kolodny

Leanna and Marc Primiani Beth Quillen Thomas in honor of The Mirman Family Deron and Cora Quon• Robin Raval Tina Ravanshenas Reed Family• Kimberly and Dale Reed The Richardson-Galtt Family• Reggie Rios Barbara and Jeffrey Rosenbaum Mark Rotenberg• Yuma Saito The Sampath Family Amie and Asif Satchu Mary Sebunya Brian and Suzanne Selmo The Sherwood Family• The Simshauser Family Kevin and Kerry Sinclair• The Smith Family, in honor of the Black/African American Families at Mirman• Joel Smith• Rita Anne Smith The Smutny Family• Patricia and Michael Sofroniew• Monica and Steven Sone Dan Song Paddy and Jerra Spence Douglas and Margaret Spencer The Stark and Ledahl Family (Deb, Brian, Sinclaire, Beckett)• Julie and Arch Stein Jeff and Cheryl Stibel Aparna Sulé and Raj Iyer Zhiyong Sun and Cindy Ke Eric and Nancy Sussman Adam Tabeling Amy Tedder Sonia Rosario Teng Family• Karika Thompson The Tolaney Family• Travis Family Serenah Truong Jay and Magdalena Tucker• Lauren and Bobby Turner•• The Urcis Family Michelle and Ruben Urcis Anna Volodarskaya Dan Vorenberg•• The Wang Family Yan Wang and Xiaolu Ma Jewels and Kiko Washington Odetta Watkins• The Wiczyk Family• Allison Winter Dana and David Wolf Alex and Wendy Wuo• Idalia, Rami, and Gabriel Yacoub Alison Yager• Shiqing Yin Helena Zhang and Sebastian Liu The Zhao Family in honor of Lawrence, Lucas, and Liana Rose and Loren Zitomersky

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Billy and Joanna Ku Sagar Kumar Veronika Kurshinskaya and Jean Sherlock Lauren Lake and CJ Woods II• Justin and Yassi Lancer Ginh and Mark Landecker• Julie Leavitt Lee and Spencer Family Audrey Lee and Family Sora Lee and Jeremy Zhu Susan and Brendan Lee The Leung Family• Aileen Level Brian Levine and Christen Sewell• Michael J. Libby Andrea Lieberman and Vincent Passeri Jay Lieberman The Liu Family Yan Liu and Rong Yan in memory of Shuzhen Wang Michelle and Josh Lobel Dan Lukas and Anne Jarmain• Aaron, Carol, and Wally Marks Michael Marshall and Melissa Palmer Davina Massey Coach Leo Matos Miles B. Maxu Meer Family Elle and Marc Menowitz The Merrill Family Alya and Gary Michelson The Mirman and Geffen Families, in memory of Norman and Beverly Mirman• Leslie Mirman Geffen• Aaron Mirman-Heslin• Alex and Caroline Mitchell Victor Molina Rachel and Fabian Morales Lisa and Ron Moy Robyn Murgio and Christopher Miller Kimberly and Guy Nachtomi Arielle Natelson Bases• Craig Nehamen Robyn and Dean Norris Holly Novick in honor of Jackson Novick Lina and Stephen O'Connor Mona and Steve Oh• Tommy and Codie Oliver• Ariel Osterweis and Églantine Colon John S. Osterweis Kat and Albert Page Christina and Charles Pak The Parent Service League Ram Parvataneni and Debika Bhattacharya Richard and Helene Paul in honor of Keegan and Anika Ellice-Paul The Pellico Family Petrus Family Jamie and Josh Phillips Mark D. Pindler The Polynice Family• The Powell Family in honor of JJ•

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• FAAM CIRCLE CONTRIBUTOR, IN WHOLE OR PART • MR. LEE SENIOR GARDEN CONTRIBUTOR, IN WHOLE OR PART

▖▖▖

ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER CORR

B

By any measure, 60 is a milestone occasion, worthy of a year-long celebration and more.

Inspired by the achievement, the entire Mirman community united to celebrate the school’s 60th Anniversary during the 2022–2023 school year.

There were lots of reasons for revelry—starting with the school’s phenomenal growth from those first days in 1962 when Dr. Norman J. Mirman and Beverly Mirman opened their West L.A. home to nine pioneering students.

On its diamond anniversary, Mirman is a shining gem. Our community—students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, and loyal friends—makes us so.

What’s next, you ask? We’re asking that, too. And we’ve come up with some dream-as-bigas-you-can ideas. For now, let’s continue celebrating and admire Mirman at 60.

Beautiful!!

Mirman turns 60

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

six eventful decades.

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Since then, Mirman has continued to get bigger, and most especially better, throughout

The Mirman years

June – Mirman School’s first graduation.

FROM THE BEGINNING, the history of Mirman School has

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

been life-changing—for our students, teachers, staff, and broader community. The school’s achievements, set against highlights

prohibits discrimination, including in education.

in the cultural zeitgeist, often led the way in developments in

Dr. Norman J. Mirman publishes his PhD dissertation on gifted learners.

1964

1963

1962

1961

gifted education.

September 10 – 1st day of Mirman School . . . 9 students meet at home of Dr. Norman Mirman and Beverly Mirman in West L.A.

September – Enrollment reaches 22 & 8 teachers.

Mirman moves to 3 classrooms on Pico Blvd.

1962 The Beatles begin recording their 1st album (The Red Album).

Top-rated TV show: The Beverly Hillbillies

Dr. Norman Mirman serves as President of National Association for the Gifted Children.

1971

1969

1970-72

1971 The U.S. voting age is lowered from 21 to 18 years old when the 26th amendment is ratified.

September – Mirman enrollment tops 100. Some classes meet at the Japanese Institute in West L.A.

Schwinn Sting-Ray becomes the bike to have.

Dr. Norman Mirman receives the Citation of Merit by NAGC, recognizing his outstanding work in creating a school for the gifted.

September 12 – Dedication of new Mulholland Blvd. campus!

Mirman receives architectural award from Western L.A. Chamber of Commerce.

September 14 – 109 Mirman students fill 8 classrooms.

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July 20, 1969 – American astronaut Neil Armstrong walks on the Moon.

The Office of Gifted and Talented

late ’70s

1976

1974

1972

in U.S. Office of Education receives official status.

The Marland Report to Congress offers 1st federal definition of gifted and talented children.

Mirman’s Tech Education Program debuts, one of the 1st of its time.

September – Start of 10-year Mirman campus expansion: auditorium, kitchen, classrooms, and more.

1977, Star Wars movie trilogy begins.

1975 The Fall of Saigon, effectively ending the Vietnam War.

the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act.

“Twenty-First Century Campaign, The Joy of Learning” expands the campus with more lower and middle school classrooms, US Computer Center, new music room, enlarged auditorium, new kitchen, and more.

September – Mirman campus adds library, science lab, Computer Sciences Center, new classroom, renovated athletic field, and more.

October 12 – Campus dedication ceremonies.

CA Gov. Jerry Brown among the luminaries.

City of L.A. proclaims “Mirman School Day.”

1990, Hubble space telescope is placed into orbit by space shuttle Discovery.

1984 1st Apple Macintosh computer

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early ’90s

critical report by the National Commission on Education says that gifted, low-income students are being left behind.

1988

Congress passes

1983

1981

A Nation at Risk:

Mirman acquires land for a planned 2-story Upper School complex.

Art room expands.

Lower School Computer Lab created from a classroom. Kindergarten classroom added.

U.S. Dept. of Education’s National Excellence: The Case for Developing America’s Talent outlines how the country neglects its most gifted youth.

1995, Sony PlayStation arrives in U.S..

1994 Northridge Earthquake, magnitude 6.7, hits the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

mid- ’90s

1995

1993

1992

1990 Top-rated TV show, Cheers

Mirman launches Learning Enhancement and Achievement Program (LEAP).

National Assn. for Gifted Children

A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold

publishes Pre-K to Grade 12 Gifted Program Standards.

Back America’s Brightest Students argues for academic acceleration of gifted and talented students.

A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest Students

A Nation VOLUME I

No Child Left Behind Act

Mirman holds groundbreaking for Annenberg Communication Center.

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23

signed into law, emphasizing school accountability for academic progress of all students. Funds diverted from gifted students to basic literacy.

2007

2004

2002

1998

1996

The Templeton National Report on Acceleration

Upper School building opens, including classrooms, outdoor amphitheater and Upper School Computer Lab.

2007, Apple releases the iPhone.

2004 Mark Zuckerberg launches The Facebook, a social networking website for Harvard University students.

Other Mirman programs begin, including

mid- ’00s

2009

2008

2006 Pluto demoted from planet to dwarf planet.

Dedication of Annenberg Communication Center with the McDaniel Library, Upper School Science Lab, Founder’s Room, and classrooms.

2012

Service Learning, Design Thinking, Upper School Advisory, 1-1 laptop program, Classes in information & media literacy, advanced computer science.

September – Mirman opens Senior Garden.

November – 3.2 acres acquired to create new athletics field complex.

Mirman celebrates its Golden Anniversary—50!

Innovation Design Lab, a modern makerspace lab, replaces Upper School Computer Lab.

Mirman named an “Apple Distinguished School” for leadership, innovation, and educational excellence.

2008 Barack Obama is elected as the 44th President, the first African-American President of the US.

Ribbon-cutting for Kotzubei Family Athletics Field & complex.

2019

2017

2015

2020 Bikes go electric.

July – Mirman’s creates position of Director

Planning begins for the “Mirman Next” capital

of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

campaign to expand the arts, STEAM, and classroom space.

September – Launch of MirmanX, a startup accelerator for moonshot projects

October – Dedication of Mirman’s Kotzubei

2018, Mirman reintroduces our Mustang with a new name—RIDER (Responsibility, Integrity, Discovery, Empathy, Resilience)—melding our core values with school spirit.

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Family Athletics Field

April – Women in STEAM at Mirman celebrates ingenuity with rocketry, toy making, catapult building, and more.

April – Mirman community fully back on campus.

2023

2022

2020

2021

2022 Top-rated TV show: NCIS

virtual in response to global coronavirus pandemic.

Mirman Next capital campaign exceeds its goal of $12.5M to raise over $15M.

September – Kindergarten

April 29 – Mirman celebrates its

March – Mirman School goes

classes return to in-person learning. Other classes phase in.

60th anniversary semi-formally at the Skirball Cultural Center.

June 1 – Groundbreaking for The Learning Center November 9 – The Mirman community sings “Happy 60th Birthday” to the school at the Party at the Pier, Santa Monica.

September – Opening of the 16,130-square-foot Guerin Family Learning Center and Derfner-Lieberman Family Arts Pavilion!

Mirman enrollment tops 417.

Faculty/staff: 100.

2022, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch dies at the age of 96.

2022 The world population reaches eight billion people.

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27

our sensational party at the pier

5

THE FAMED SANTA MONICA PIER lit up the night

which many parents also wore. The crowd braved the

sky for the Mirman community on Nov. 9, 2022.

Pier’s iconic steel roller coaster, giant Ferris Wheel,

Kids of all ages, parents, faculty and staff—and a whole host of invited friends and neighbors—marked the school’s 60th birthday by creating unforgettable memories.

The Party at the Pier, which drew about 500 attendees, was sponsored by Mirman’s own Parent Services League (PSL).

“We were thrilled that our students and families could come together to celebrate such an important birthday,” says Stephanie Leung, Assistant Head

and famed Sea Dragon, among other rides. The night’s menu featured carnival fare, including popcorn, hot dogs, and pizza.

The event was such a success—and the feeling of community so strong—that everyone agreed it should be a new annual tradition.

The most special moment may have been when the Pier went quiet, says Leung, and “the entire crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mirman.” Then out came the cupcakes!

of School, Head of Lower School, Party at the Pier

In addition to Leung, event committee members

Planning Co-Chair, and a Mirman parent herself.

were 2022–2023 PSL President Celina Meites, and

Mirman students, faculty and staff showed up in their exclusive event “swag”—60th anniversary sweatshirts,

fellow Co-Chairs Jenni Pulos, Sarmela Sunder, and Brenda Wong.

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60th Anniversary Steering Committe Reagan Smith Smutny ‘92–’00, Chair Sydney Banner ‘03–’08 Ericka Dean Noah Kaufman Grace Kelly Stephanie Leung Celina Meites Rita Anne Smith Karika Thompson

60th celebration WHAT IS A SURE SIGN of a

“We wanted to surpass everything

successful fundraising event?

we’d done in the past and make

“People didn’t want to stop talking

the evening exceptional for all

or sit down,” says Karika Thompson,

our guests. We wanted one for the

Director of Annual Giving and

record books,” says Abelson, who

Alumni Relations, of the school’s

gathered auction donations.

The festive evening at the Skirball

bidding included trips to Paris,

Cultural Center—Mirman’s first

France; Cabo San Lucas; and

post-pandemic fundraiser—

Hawaii, among other destinations.

featured a sit-down dinner, dancing, The online auction featured and both a live and online auction,

“Teacher Treat” raffles, with prizes

in support of Mirman School. The

of one-on-one time with a favorite

elegance was reinforced by the

Mirman teacher or staff member.

guests’ attire, which walked the line between semi-formal and black-tie.

The 60th Celebration raised $385,000—the most funds

Planning for the event started about generated by a single event in nine months earlier, with co-chair

Mirman history—including a

duties shared by three Mirman

record-breaking Fund-A-Need

parents—Kimberly Nachtomi,

contribution to renovate the

Cora Quon, and Theresa Abelson,

Faculty/Staff Lounge.

working collaboratively with 60th Anniversary Steering Committee Chair Reagan Smith Smutny ’92–’00.

For Quon, whose husband Deron ’82–’86 is a Mirman grad, the event allowed an extended community

Mirman was the star. “It was

to mark “all that Mirman has

wonderful to watch a room full

accomplished and aspires to be in

of people, all of whom feel the

the years to come. To see so many

same way about something,

members, past and present, attend

come together to celebrate,” says

was inspiring.”

Nachtomi.

31

In-person items that drew serious

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

60th Celebration on April 29, 2023.

sharing

wisdOm

the

commUnity kindergarten Alex Mitchell

hi

The Alumni 60th Anniversary Speaker Series

in 2022–2023 brought former students, a parent, and a former administrator back to Mirman to share how their own individual journeys relate to Mirman’s grade level themes: Community, Change, Origins, Systems, Power, Transitions, Connections, Evolutions, and Impact.

Here are highlights of what they said to our students:

Mirman student: 1987–1992 Co-Founder and CEO of HOLA Recuperative Care, which helps unhoused patients heal, obtain benefits and permanent housing.

“I wanted to use my foundation from growing up at Mirman to look at a problem everyone is noticing and get creative about it. We try to see what got someone homeless, address those issues, and help them find a life off the street.

“When we were children (your parents, teachers, and myself), the problem of homelessness didn’t exist like it does now. This isn’t how society is supposed to function; it’s not how people are supposed to live. Talk to your parents and teachers. Know these problems are not your fault.”

33 origins

SyStems

first grade

second grade

third grade

Steve Mandel, MD

Reagan Smith Smutny

Samantha Rawlins

Mirman student: 1964–1968 Board-certified Anesthesiologist

Mirman student: 1992–2000 Award-winning children’s book author: “Teeth Brushing, Together,” “Mommy Has a C-Section,” and upcoming “Meet Stretch: The Adventures of Dragon Girl”

Mirman student: 2001–2007 Rocket Scientist, Doctoral candidate in Systems Engineering

“I have been asked to speak about ‘change.’ For the most part, I do not like change. It can have good and bad aspects. Take this amazing school.

When I attended, Mirman was a little hole-in-the-wall, converted storefront.

I had eight students in my class who received our education from the greatest teacher I’ve had to this very day—Dr. Norman Mirman himself!

“If there’s a book you want to read and it hasn’t been written, then write it!

My books originated from a desire that they had existed for me. I wished I had a book to read to my children that would help us better navigate a specific situation, but nothing like what

“My first introduction to rocketry was at Mirman. Today I’m a Rocket Scientist working on my third degree, first aerospace and nuclear engineering, now a PhD in systems engineering.

Decide what problem in the world you want to fix—or your various interests— and you can merge them together.

I wanted existed yet. I wanted this so

“This generation has to be truly

“I think you’ve lost some of that

much, I wrote out stories and made

interdisciplinary. That gives everyone

intimacy . . . but the school has become

drawings on printer paper.

the opportunity to make your own job.”

something more wonderful than anything I could have ever imagined.”

“Over time, I realized how much these stories not only helped my children and me, but could help others, too.”

hih

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change

Power

TransitiOns

fourth grade

fifth grade

Michael Libby

Slade Smith

Mirman student: 1989–1996 Experience Designer, focusing on theme parks, video games, retail/brand experiences and more

Mirman student: 1991–1998 Startup & Big Tech veteran; Managing Partner: Stackmatix

“Storytelling is becoming more participatory, more collaborative.

The niche I’ve carved out is the convergence of storytelling and interactivity. In this world of modern storytelling, how do we create a narrative system where each user has their own hero’s journey?

“As a creative person, part of your job is coming up with good ideas. The other half is pitching those ideas. At each step, story has the power to make people care.

“My career has never been a straight path or obvious what’s next. I haven’t always been successful. But I’ve persevered and had many successes.

I took from my time here at Mirman the love of learning and knowledge. You are never done learning. Relentless curiosity and resilience drive the desire to explore the world and increase the aperture of your lens on life.

“Your careers are more likely to resemble mine than previously normal paths . . . you are probably going to have to learn completely new things every few years.”

35 Evolutions

ImpAct

sixth grade

seventh grade

eighth grade

Ben Bram

Jocelyn Balaban-Lutzky

Nick Greif

Mirman student: 1995–2002 Grammy award-winning Arranger, Music Director, Producer, Engineer, and Educator

Mirman faculty/staff: 1988–2018 Executive Director, Nasri Academy for Gifted Children, Las Vegas, NV

Mirman student: 1995–2001 VP, Go-to-Market Strategy & Communications, InStride (workforce education)

“For 30 years I worked at Mirman. The

“Creating community through singing

campus changed; styles changed. I saw

“Impact takes a lot of forms. Think now

is one of my biggest passions, and

teachers and administrations come and

about what you want to focus on.

it’s something I’ve been fortunate

go, programs change and evolve. One

Dabble while you can—so you build

enough to do as part of my job. The

thing never changed: the mission of

toward wisdom. Do new things on a

Sing-Off, Acapop! KIDS, and A Cappella

the school and the dedication to the

regular basis. You gain perspective by

Academy have all resulted in really rich

students’ education. I’m still evolving.

trying lots of new things. In your career,

and deep connections through shared

Your own evolution will happen at

become an expert in something.

experiences.”

Mirman and beyond.”

“This is my view, based on my experience. Ask other people. I should be only one data point.”

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ConnectiOns

what will mirman look like in 60 years There may be no drop-off line and no people to check you in.

Just a robot and when it’s raining, the robot is waterproof. And you have your own robot, decorated with gems and sequins and all that. It’ll give you your food and anything you forget, like your homework."

– MADISON S. 3rd Grader

2083 is something we can only dream of.

Mirman will still be meeting the needs of gifted children, still be changing lives, building community, continuing on its mission it has today."

– RAY CUNNINGHAM Head of Upper School

More grade levels. Really, the sky’s the limit!

– JEMMA TSONEFF Alum, class of 2023

We ask the kids, ‘What do you think the school is going to look like?’ They come up with amazing ideas . . . flying drones for security, classrooms made of glass, being transported between rooms through tubes. It’s exciting."

– KATY CARROLL Kindergarten Teacher

You might have a college, like K-College, definitely a much larger school. Graduate school, law school, nursing school, everything, all of it. Take over the whole hill."

– JASPER HUGHES Alum, class of 2023

ILLUSTRATION: LUISA JUNG

I envision limitless accessibility to environmental education for all gifted learners who seek it near and far."

– CORA QUON Parent

I see Mirman taking over Mulholland Hill. And it’s going to be known internationally. Everybody around the world will know what Mirman School is about."

In 60 years, I want to think we will be celebrating 50 years of Mirman being a K-12 institution.

Our core values will keep us at the vanguard of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. . ."

– JOHN FREEMAN Parent

Through technology, Mirman’s scope may expand to those who cannot be on Mulholland Drive, which could make the school even more inclusive and able to serve people all over of different means and orientation."

– ALAN MIRMAN Trustee

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37

– RONALD MORALES Lead Security Officer

I’d like to see the school be a place where what kids learn is not downloaded or pre-programmed. And you still have the fundamental human connection between teachers and students, and students and students."

–PETER BRADY Upper School History Teacher

I’d like to see us be a truly diverse and inclusive community. I think we’re well on our way."

–ALEX WUO former Trustee, Alumni Parent

My hope is we keep getting students as hungry to learn. They come here, they’re curious, they’re excited, and they’re optimistic.

I don’t want that to change."

– MARY BETH CAROSELLO Art Teacher

Mirman is going to continue to be a wonderful learning place. And the heartfelt love and sincerity in the educational approach is going to continue to grow."

–CELINA MEITES PSL President 2022–2023 and Parent

What do I think Mirman will look like in 60 years? I have no idea, but I know that greatness will be all in it."

–ERICKA DEAN Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community

Mirman is on track to keep expanding, keep growing, and keep going in the direction they are right now."

–JJ POWELL Alum, class of 2023

I hope Mirman can build even more substantially on the foundation it has already established.

I would also like to see Mirman’s presence in the community of gifted and highly gifted to increase."

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39

–JOHN WEST former Head of School

What will not change is the incredible inquisitiveness of these children. Their absolute commitment to learning, their curiosity about everything they see around them."

–NICOLÁS KELLO Director of Music

This will be an even more diverse space as it relates to identity—racial, cultural, linguistic, gender. And we will challenge this notion that giftedness means one thing and rather see the full spectrum of possibilities.”

–JUSTIN H. DOVE School Psychologist

For 20+ ye ars, Toy Kelly re corded important p a ss a g e s for Mirma n students in her crow d-pleasing bulletin bo ards.

commemorating

T

TOY KELLY CELEBRATED the journeys of

School auction. Students often pose before a

students at Mirman School—from the first day in

board with their photo in the background. “They

kindergarten to their sought-after senior status

looked forward to it,” says Kelly.

and every Spring Fair in between.

“From band-aids to bulletin boards, there is

For over two decades, she created one-of-

no member of our community, both past and

a-kind bulletin boards outside the Mirman

present, that hasn’t benefited from Toy’s attention,

Administrative Office three times a year—a

kindness, love, professionalism, and grace,” says

Welcome board for incoming kindergartners,

Head of School Dan Vorenberg.

a Congratulations, Soon-To-Be Graduates board for each year’s Seniors, and a promotional board for the annual Spring Fair.

“I loved doing it. It made my job so exciting, and gave everyone a lot of joy,” says Kelly, who joined Mirman in 1999 in the classroom and went on to commandeer the front office as administrative aide.

With 20+ years of bulletin boards behind her— over 60 different creations—Kelly explored a world of ideas related to students and the school.

She designed a Harry Potter “Wizarding World”themed board, a Spring Fair announcement inspired by a party invite, and a “Next Stop: High School” display with mortarboards handmade by each individual student, among others.

Each board was unique. “I tried not to do the same

Even COVID-19 didn’t stop her—she created a

thing twice. That’s my Gemini side,” says Kelly,

Welcome board in 2020, for the rare visitors when

who announced her retirement at the start of

the school went virtual.

Mirman’s 2023–2024 school year.

“I saw students arrive as kindergarteners, watched

Her bulletin boards became so popular that

them grow, and celebrated them as they got ready

helping her work on one—and assisting at the

to leave,” says Kelly. “There’s a lot of love in there.”

front desk—was a sold-out item at a Mirman

The best of luck from all of us at Mirman on your new adventure, Toy!

41

moments

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

THE

In honor and memory of our dedicated faculty & staff great wall of mirman Celebrating & honoring longstanding former faculty & staff as of October 1, 2023

Jocelyn Balaban-Lutzky

Lucy Leonardi

Doris Berlan

Beverly M. Mirman

Dr. Richard Boolootian

Dr. Norman J. Mirman

Ellen Brown

Leslie Mirman Geffen

Michael Coleman

Joe Norton

Dr. Julia Candace Corliss

Ramona Otto

Nancy Dean

Ronna Perel

Karin Durup

Luis Rodriguez

Dr. Susan Garrard

David Royal

Galen Gary

Judith Sacks

Ana Marini Genzon

Wendy Samson

Julie Clark Hansen

Jane Shimotsu

Paul Kay

Sheila Simmons

Toy Kelly

John Thomas West, III

Darrel Lee

Larry Wiener

in memoriam Faculty and staff as reported to the school as of October 1, 2023

ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER CORR

Doris Berlan

Marjorie Martinez

Stuart Biegel

Beverly Mirman

Stuart Brown

Dr. Norman J. Mirman

Roz Goldberg

Kristen Rushlow

Jean Harris

Romulo Tecson

James Hinton

Sheila Vaughan

Sandy Liebman

Sharyn Woodbury

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43

ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER CORR

N

Nestled within the following pages of our special 60th anniversary edition of the Meridian, you will find the 2022–2023 Mirman School Annual Report. As we celebrate six decades of nurturing and educating our unique population of learners, this magazine showcases the incredible journey of our school. From nine students in the living room of our founders, to the harmonious blend of bucolic charm and contemporary form and philosophy we all enjoy today atop Mulholland Drive, Mirman has not only persevered, but it has thrived.

This evolution is not the result of happenstance, but rather the critical and fruitful work of an

kinesthetic, and social/emotional journeys of their children. With the unwavering support of our donors, and the support of our community members—in all its forms—we, together, have been able to continue to nurture the boundless potential of highly gifted children, for decades.

It is with the utmost gratitude and appreciation that we invite you to delve into this report, keeping in mind that it is not just a declaration of the direct and positive impact these donors and volunteers—including parents/guardians, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, corporations, and foundations—have made on our school and our community over the last school year, but a testament to the strength of our shared and ongoing commitment to the children of Mirman School, and the enduring bonds that unite us in our unwavering support and care for them.

Noah Kaufman Director of Advancement

annual report mirman school

2022 − 2023

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

who, as dedicated parents and guardians, play an integral role in supporting the academic,

45

ongoing partnership, between those who call education their passion and vocation, and those

• ALUMNI • 5-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 10-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 15-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • MATCHING GIFTS

Legacy Gateway

annual giving donors 2022–2023 by recognition gateway

($50,000+) Anonymous The Diadames • Tom Swan and Joe Townley Neetu and Neil Tolaney

Mirman Gateway ($25,000–$49,999) Allison Gorelik and Aaron Fishman Veronika Kurshinskaya and Jean Sherlock Alya and Gary Michelson Ram Parvataneni and Debika Bhattacharya Marina and Stephen Pellico• Lauren and Bobby Turner•

Visionaries Gateway ($15,000–$24,999) Anonymous Christina and Tom Cadwell Sharon and Andy Gavin• Wai Mei Lee and Clifton Ma Lili Ma and Yi Li Morgan and Matt Paget Parent Service League• Douglas and Margaret Spencer• Jewels and Kiko Washington•

Founders Gateway ($10,000–$14,999) Anonymous Ajmera Family• Chad Billmyer and Jason Hendler• Nicole and Thomas Duncan Asma and Irfan Furniturewala Jackie Hayes and Jeffy Branion Hong Family• Johnny and Wendy Hou Velma D. King, in memory of Vanessa S. King and in honor of William D. King

Ginh and Mark Landecker• Lee and Spencer Family• Sora Lee and Jeremy Zhu Jia Li and Jacky Xi Bridget and Ty London Dan Lukas and Anne Jarmain• Elle and Marc Menowitz• The Morgan Family Robyn Murgio and Christopher Miller• Kimberly and Guy Nachtomi Pavitra Krishnaswamy and Adit Narasimha Jonathan and Jenni Nassos, in memory of Dr. Tassos P. Nassos• Marc and Leanna Primiani• Suzanne and Brian Selmo• Jerra and Paddy Spence• Harry Suh and Patty Koh Zhiyong Sun and Cindy Ke• Peter and Angel Wang Family Xin Wang and Xian Zhang Kate and Modi Wiczyk• Idalia and Rami Yacoub Rong Yan and Yan Liu• Jessica Zhao and Alan Zhang The Zhao Family•

Head of School Gateway ($5,000–$9,999) Anonymous Theresa and Eric Abelson• Sezin and Olcay Aksoy• Sara and Mazdak Amiri Vaezpour Lina and Tom Ara David and Lital Aschkenasy• Erez and Juyun Barnavon• Julia Bedanova and Widmar Hernandez The Cha Family Chao and Narayan Families• John Cho and Kerri Higuchi Purna and Rajesh Chopra Clarice and Hubert Chu Tammy and Steven Chu Demsky/Moore Family Julie and Robert Edelstein• Darren and Susy Enenstein Grace Esquibel and Brian Ranade Euh Family Maliha and Adam Fakhri• The Farag Family• Peter Ferrie and Ling-Li Dong Li and Alvin Fu•• Dr. Irina Ganelis and Mr. Alex Ganelis• Heidi and Lawrence Grey• Rachelle and Michael Guerin Bobbie and Sandy Heck•• Heidi Hendrix and Ken Wimer Salman and Alya Hussain, in honor of Dan Vorenberg Jacobs Family Christine and Michael Kim Linda Kim and Stephen Liu The Knott Family• Billy and Joanna Ku Yassi and Justin Lancer•

Susan and Brendan Lee• Rob Lufkin and Jenny Li• Newsha Malakzad The Merrill Family• Mia and Gabe Miller Alan Mirman, in memory of Nancy Mirman• The M.R. Metzger Family Foundation• Susan Napier and Alex Berger Deron and Cora Quon•• The Sampath Family• Derek Schneider and Wisdom Lu• Dr. Jin Seung and Ms. Grace Yim Shang’s Family Aarthi Sowrirajan and Vamsi Adusumilli Katy and Justin Stark The Sunder Family• Matilda and Stephen Sung Christa and James Tillman Steve Tsoneff and Jessica Siegel Nu Usaha and Larry Furst• Dan Vorenberg• Ben Wang and Ady He Saien and George Wu Dr. Herbert Yang and Mrs. Grace Katharine Young Lucas Zhang Family Jie Zheng and Steve Zhao

Campus Gateway ($3,600–$4,999) Peter Beerel and Janet Martin• The Ellice-Paul Family Amy Harkin and Steven Goodrich• Synthia Lee and Howard Liu• The O’Connor Family• Kat and Albert Page Lin Qi and Bo Feng Norah T. Wang’s Family Alex and Wendy Wuo•

Benefactor Gateway ($2,000–$3,599) Anonymous The Alber/Zhou Family, in memory of Xin Wu and Anze Zhou• Michele Andelson, in honor of Henry (Fourth) and Benjamin (First), and in memory of their “Papa” Arlen H. Andelson Nathaniel and Anina Bach Daven Bhavsar and Sabrina Lemmens Tina Chang and Hubert Chen Crawford Tiemann Family Dr. and Mrs. John and Ursula Diaz Fribourg Family• Constance Fung and Hawkin Woo Ross and Danielle Greenberg• Harvilicz Family The Kay Family• Michael and Edita Kremerman• Kumar Family• Janna Levenstein and Kieran McKiernan• Brian Levine and Christen Sewell•• Douglas Lichtman and Inessa Grinberg• The Lubbe and Hill Family

($1,000–$1,999) Anonymous AmazonSmile• Anousheh Family Manish and Geetika Antani, in memory of Arum Upadhyaya Margaret and Danilo Bach Bahri Family The Barnes Family, in memory of Dr. Louis J. Barnes Jr. Anna and Kristian Beloff• The Berenji Family Susan Berger Saul, Jann, and Ashley Berman• The Bersch Crain Family Amar Bhattacharyya Family Rahsan and Napiera Boykin Marc and Christina Cahill Jessica Chase Spaly• Stephen and Jennifer Cleare Matt Corman and Dawn Urbont The Davidov Family• Sabine Dreher and Robert Amin• Debby and Adam Fenner• Fine Family Lois Grace Golde• Julie Haffner and Patrick Prickett• Haider-Fischer Family• Hinman Moody Family, in honor of Mirman’s 60th year Drs. Wendy and Ivan Ho• Alexandra and Lawrence Hughes• The Jahromi Family Sarina and Robert Jarchi Sousan Karimi and Franklin Sedarat• The Kennair-Miller Family• The Kim Family Gayla Kraetsch-Hartsough and Jeffrey Hartsough• Janet Kwuon An Le and Doron Azrialy Raphael Lei and Misha Suksnguan Amy and Steve Levin• Adam and Alexandra Lewinson, in memory of I.M. Lewinson• Jade and William Liu Ariel Osterweis and Églantine Colon

Donor Gateway (up to $999) Anonymous Annie Abrams• Meeryo Christa Ahn C• The Alcantar Family• Steve and Mary Altiere Kristan Andrews• Andrew Arnold• AnnaLea and Evan Arnold Adriana Basurco Andrew Bloomgarden•• The Boasberg Family, in memory of Jack Mishkin• The Bonnici Family Darlene Boyd Brady Family• Marc and Yu-Tsun Brown• Peter Castro and Sophia Chang Chen Family Dana Chidekel• Crystal and Andrew Cohen Marcus Collins• William Cortez-Moore• Jesse Cruz Adam and Tiffany Diament• Yoni Dobie-Geffen, in memory of Dr. Norman and Beverly Mirman• Sandra Ferrari Disner Joseph Fishkin and Cary Franklin Freeman Family• Dr. and Mrs. David M. Fung• The Gallow Family Hannah Gardner Sherwindt• Talia Geffen and Mathew Arnold, in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Mirman• Ruth Glass and Leor Hackel• Akane Glaze Yi Gong and Mingtian Zhao Elvia Gonzalez• Griego Anderson Family• Allison Gutwillinger• The Haas Family• Jeffrey Hartsough••

The Hayes Family• David and Susan Heckerman• Margaret Hilton Paulson, in honor of Alan and Leslie Mirman Daniel Hong• Allie and Don Isaac Dr. Tenika Jackson Michael and Lynn Kaufman• Kazerouni Family T. Evans Knight• Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, in honor of Mrs. Cave• The Lacob Family Marc Adam Lebovitz•• Audrey Lee•• Carol and Gerold Libby David H Lockman Julie and Giulio Maresca Kesha Martin• Eve McCabe and Jonathon Stewart• The McKeown Family• Meer Family, in memory of Daniel Meer and in honor of Elana Meer Leslie Mirman Geffen, in memory of Norman and Beverly Mirman• Montanez Garay Family Eliseo and Elsa Montenegro, in honor of Edson and Bryan Montenegro Stephen R and Kathleen L Morgan• Elisia Nettles The O’Dell Family Tommy and Codie Oliver Sirie Palmos• Petrus Family• The Polynice Family The Powell Family

Patrick Quinlan• Rastegar Family• Barbara and Jeffrey Rosenbaum Ora Rosenbaum• Nadine and Edward Rosenthal• The Rowell Family Magdalena and Gaurav Sant Ethan Sawyer•• Thomas J Scoville and Elena Figueroa M. Rahim Shayegan and Shiva Falsafi Alastair Shearman• Igor Shlimovich and Larissa Markevich• Devin Sidell• Mary Sidell• Matthew and Courtney Simmons Jim Sington and Susan Murdock• The Smiths – Slade ‘98, Reagan ‘00, Connolly ‘02, Kaelyn Smith Smutny ‘30 The Smutny Family• Sunwoo Family Lauren Superstein• Shanghua Teng and Diana Williams• Chris and Heather Thorne Magdalena and Jay Tucker Tyagi Family• von Firley-Butler Family• Jen Wang Caryn and Matt Weghorst• Ayelet Weinerman• Susan and Richard Wishner• Sharona Yashar and Ramin Tabibiazar• Alan Zachary and Jenny Ashman, in memory of Mrs. Roz Goldberg•• Jeff and Carrie Zuckerman

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Patron Gateway

Sun and Prasad Parmeshwaran• Rice-Williams Family Richardson Galtt Family The Romano Steinberg Family• Alison and Larry Rosenthal Rachel Silverstein and David Dozoretz, in memory of Ellen Silverstein David Simonds Kerry and Kevin Sinclair•• Stafford Chen Family The Stein Family Sternberg-Hilton Family, in memory of Valentino The Taniguchi Family Wegge Family• Junjie Wei and Xiao Bao William and Sonia Pindler Family Foundation• Caitlin Wu and Tao Qu David and Connie Yao

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

Leslie and Brett Marley• Heather Morris and Mike Cohen Jamie and Josh Phillips• Postrozny Family Amir and Irram Rao• Dr. Madison Richardson Anastasia Romantsova and Mark Garber Rushfield Family Alyson and Matthew Schonholz Steven and Tiffani Shin• Simon Family The Song Family The Stubbeman/Fan Family• Marguerite and Patrick Sung Jia Wang and Lusheng Ji

• ALUMNI • 5-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 10-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 15-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • MATCHING GIFTS

Trustees

annual giving donors 2022–2023 by constituency

Erez and Juyun Barnavon• Anna and Kristian Beloff• Cynthia Carrasco Kourosh and Delara Ghassemieh• Jackie Hayes and Jeffy Branion Heidi Hendrix and Ken Wimer Yassi and Justin Lancer• Ginh and Mark Landecker• The Massey Family Alan Mirman, in memory of Nancy Mirman• Amie and Asif Satchu Karen and Ben Sherwood• Jerra and Paddy Spence• Jason and Syreta Travis• Jewels and Kiko Washington• Odetta Watkins• Alex and Wendy Wuo•

Parents Anonymous Theresa and Eric Abelson• Ajmera Family• Sezin and Olcay Aksoy• The Alber/Zhou Family, in memory of Xin Wu and Anze Zhou• The Alcantar Family• Steve and Mary Altiere Sara and Mazdak Amiri Vaezpour Kristan Andrews• Anousheh Family Manish and Geetika Antani, in memory of Arum Upadhyaya Lina and Tom Ara David and Lital Aschkenasy• Nathaniel and Anina Bach Bahri Family Erez and Juyun Barnavon• The Barnes Family, in memory of Dr. Louis J. Barnes Jr. Adriana Basurco Julia Bedanova and Widmar Hernandez Peter Beerel and Janet Martin• Anna and Kristian Beloff• The Bersch Crain Family Amar Bhattacharyya Family Daven Bhavsar and Sabrina Lemmens Chad Billmyer and Jason Hendler• The Boasberg Family, in memory of Jack Mishkin• The Bonnici Family Rahsan and Napiera Boykin Brady Family• Christina and Tom Cadwell Marc and Christina Cahill Mary Beth Carosello Cynthia Carrasco Peter Castro and Sophia Chang Tina Chang and Hubert Chen Chao and Narayan Families• John Cho and Kerri Higuchi Purna and Rajesh Chopra Clarice and Hubert Chu Tammy and Steven Chu

Stephen and Jennifer Cleare Crystal and Andrew Cohen Matt Corman and Dawn Urbont Crawford Tiemann Family The Davidov Family• Demsky/Moore Family Adam and Tiffany Diament• Dr. and Mrs. John and Ursula Diaz Sabine Dreher and Robert Amin• Nicole and Thomas Duncan Julie and Robert Edelstein• The Ellice-Paul Family Ara A Elliott Darren and Susy Enenstein Grace Esquibel and Brian Ranade Euh Family Maliha and Adam Fakhri• The Farag Family• Debby and Adam Fenner• Peter Ferrie and Ling-Li Dong Fine Family Joseph Fishkin and Cary Franklin Freeman Family• Li and Alvin Fu•• Constance Fung and Hawkin Woo Asma and Irfan Furniturewala The Gallow Family Dr. Irina Ganelis and Mr. Alex Ganelis• Sharon and Andy Gavin• Talia Geffen and Mathew Arnold, in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Mirman• Kourosh and Delara Ghassemieh• Ruth Glass and Leor Hackel• Akane Glaze Yi Gong and Mingtian Zhao Elvia Gonzalez• Allison Gorelik and Aaron Fishman Ross and Danielle Greenberg• Heidi and Lawrence Grey• Griego Anderson Family• Rachelle and Michael Guerin The Haas Family• Julie Haffner and Patrick Prickett• Haider-Fischer Family• Amy Harkin and Steven Goodrich• Harvilicz Family The Hayes Family• Jackie Hayes and Jeffy Branion Bobbie and Sandy Heck•• Drs. Wendy and Ivan Ho• Hong Family• Johnny and Wendy Hou Alexandra and Lawrence Hughes• Salman and Alya Hussain, in honor of Dan Vorenberg Allie and Don Isaac Imani and Johnathon Jackson Dr. Tenika Jackson Jacobs Family The Jahromi Family Sarina and Robert Jarchi Sousan Karimi and Franklin Sedarat• The Kay Family• Kazerouni Family The Kennair-Miller Family•

Christine and Michael Kim The Kim Family Linda Kim and Stephen Liu The Knott Family• Michael and Edita Kremerman• Billy and Joanna Ku Kumar Family• Veronika Kurshinskaya and Jean Sherlock The Lacob Family Yassi and Justin Lancer• Ginh and Mark Landecker• An Le and Doron Azrialy Lee and Spencer Family• Sora Lee and Jeremy Zhu Susan and Brendan Lee• Synthia Lee and Howard Liu• Raphael Lei and Misha Suksnguan The Leung Family• Janna Levenstein and Kieran McKiernan• Amy and Steve Levin• Brian Levine and Christen Sewell•• Adam and Alexandra Lewinson, in memory of I.M. Lewinson• Jia Li and Jacky Xi Kun Li and Wei Lin Douglas Lichtman and Inessa Grinberg• Liu Family Bridget and Ty London The Lubbe and Hill Family Rob Lufkin and Jenny Li• Dan Lukas and Anne Jarmain• Kara and Richard Luna• Lili Ma and Yi Li Newsha Malakzad Leslie and Brett Marley• Kesha Martin• Jeff and Robyn Maynard• Eve McCabe and Jonathon Stewart• The McKeown Family• Elle and Marc Menowitz• The Merrill Family• Alya and Gary Michelson Mia and Gabe Miller Gian Molero• The Morgan Family Heather Morris and Mike Cohen Robyn Murgio and Christopher Miller• Kimberly and Guy Nachtomi Susan Napier and Alex Berger Pavitra Krishnaswamy and Adit Narasimha Jonathan and Jenni Nassos, in memory of Dr. Tassos P. Nassos• Elisia Nettles The O’Connor Family• The O’Dell Family Tommy and Codie Oliver Ariel Osterweis and Églantine Colon Kat and Albert Page Morgan and Matt Paget Sun and Prasad Parmeshwaran• Ram Parvataneni and Debika Bhattacharya Vincent Passeri and Andrea Lieberman• Kelly and Alex Pekar•

Peter and Angel Wang Family Xin Wang and Xian Zhang Jewels and Kiko Washington• Wegge Family• Caryn and Matt Weghorst• Junjie Wei and Xiao Bao Ayelet Weinerman• Caitlin Wu and Tao Qu Saien and George Wu Alex and Wendy Wuo• Idalia and Rami Yacoub Rong Yan and Yan Liu• Dr. Herbert Yang and Mrs. Grace Katharine Young David and Connie Yao Sharona Yashar and Ramin Tabibiazar• Lucas Zhang Family Jessica Zhao and Alan Zhang The Zhao Family• Jie Zheng and Steve Zhao Jeff and Carrie Zuckerman

Anonymous Annie Abrams Meeryo Christa Ahn C Andrew Arnold Ashley Berman Andrew Bloomgarden• Jessica Chase Spaly Dana Chidekel Marcus Collins William Cortez-Moore Yoni Dobie-Geffen, in memory of Dr. Norman and Beverly Mirman Fribourg Family Li and Alvin Fu• Hannah Gardner Sherwindt Talia Geffen and Mathew Arnold, in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Mirman Ruth Glass and Leor Hackel Ross and Danielle Greenberg Allison Gutwillinger Jeffrey Hartsough• Bobbie and Sandy Heck• Daniel Hong T. Evans Knight Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, in honor of Mrs. Cave Marc Adam Lebovitz• Audrey Lee• Brian Levine and Christen Sewell• Sirie Palmos Deron and Cora Quon• Ora Rosenbaum Ethan Sawyer• Alastair Shearman Devin Sidell Kerry and Kevin Sinclair• The Smiths – Slade ‘98, Reagan ‘00, Connolly ‘02, Kaelyn Smith Smutny ‘30 The Smutny Family Alan Zachary and Jenny Ashman, in memory of Mrs. Roz Goldberg•

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Alumni

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

Marina and Stephen Pellico• Jamie and Josh Phillips• The Polynice Family Postrozny Family The Powell Family Marc and Leanna Primiani• Lin Qi and Bo Feng Patrick Quinlan• Deron and Cora Quon•• Amir and Irram Rao• Rastegar Family• Rice-Williams Family Richardson Galtt Family The Romano Steinberg Family• Anastasia Romantsova and Mark Garber The Rowell Family Rushfield Family The Sampath Family• Magdalena and Gaurav Sant Amie and Asif Satchu Alyson and Matthew Schonholz Thomas J Scoville and Elena Figueroa Suzanne and Brian Selmo• Dr. Jin Seung and Ms. Grace Yim Shang’s Family Karen and Ben Sherwood• Steven and Tiffani Shin• Igor Shlimovich and Larissa Markevich• Rachel Silverstein and David Dozoretz, in memory of Ellen Silverstein Matthew and Courtney Simmons Simon Family David Simonds Kerry and Kevin Sinclair•• The Smutny Family• The Song Family Aarthi Sowrirajan and Vamsi Adusumilli Jerra and Paddy Spence• Douglas and Margaret Spencer• Stafford Chen Family Katy and Justin Stark The Stein Family Sternberg-Hilton Family, in memory of Valentino Harry Suh and Patty Koh Zhiyong Sun and Cindy Ke• The Sunder Family• Matilda and Stephen Sung Sunwoo Family Lauren Superstein• Tom Swan and Joe Townley Shanghua Teng and Diana Williams• Chris and Heather Thorne Christa and James Tillman Neetu and Neil Tolaney Jason and Syreta Travis• Steve Tsoneff and Jessica Siegel Magdalena and Jay Tucker Tyagi Family• Nu Usaha and Larry Furst• von Firley-Butler Family• Ben Wang and Ady He Jen Wang Jia Wang and Lusheng Ji Norah T. Wang’s Family

• ALUMNI • 5-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 10-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 15-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • MATCHING GIFTS

Faculty & Staff Anonymous Alberto Avendano Brad Barry• Rick and Karina Benfield Amel Berg• Emily Blackwell Lauren Bouchereau Amanda Brooks Angela Brown• Coach Carlos Mary Beth Carosello Tyler Cassidy Lizeth Castellon Cesar Chavez Alec Colantonio-Ray• Michael Coleman• Sean Collins Ray Cunningham Simon Darcy• Debra Davis Cristian De Leon Ericka Dean Justin H. Dove Alyssa Eamnarangkool Ara A Elliott James Fonteneaux• Allen Foster• Tommy John Gaio Aida Gharapetian• Jacqueline Gottlieb Dr. Benjamin Gross Michelle Guzman John Haas Tanya Haghnazarian Rae Hall Aliseea Harwood Kim Henry Jared Hubbard Tri Huynh Imani and Johnathon Jackson Noah Kaufman•

Nicolás Kello• Grace Kelly Toy and Marc Kelly• Julie Leavitt• The Leung Family• Aileen Level Matt Lewis Kun Li and Wei Lin Liu Family Jocelyn Lopez Mr. Lueder• Kara and Richard Luna• Kevin Lynch• Mr. M Coach Leo Matos Jeff and Robyn Maynard• Madison Means Paige Merrill• Gian Molero• Victor Molina Dámaris Morán-Zuloaga Andrew Peterson Lauralie Pow Robin Raval• Karyn Raz Jasmine Rice Reggie Rios• Marissa Rohan John Schmitt Mary Sebunya Rita Anne Smith• Monica Sone Adam Tabeling Karika Thompson Serenah Truong The Urbschat-Cho Family Dan Vorenberg• Alyssa Wray• Claudíette Wright-Bey• Shiqing Yin• Cyrus Yun Ryan Zary

Parents of Alumni

Grandparents & Friends

Anonymous Michele Andelson, in honor of Henry (Fourth) and Benjamin (First), and in memory of their “Papa” Arlen H. Andelson AnnaLea and Evan Arnold The Berenji Family Saul and Jann Berman• Marc and Yu-Tsun Brown• The Cha Family Chen Family Sandra Ferrari Disner Fribourg Family• Dr. and Mrs. David M. Fung• Lois Grace Golde• David and Susan Heckerman• Heidi Hendrix and Ken Wimer Hinman Moody Family, in honor of Mirman’s 60th year Michael and Lynn Kaufman• Velma D. King, in memory of Vanessa S. King and in honor of William D. King Gayla Kraetsch-Hartsough and Jeffrey Hartsough• Janet Kwuon Carol and Gerold Libby David H Lockman Julie and Giulio Maresca The Massey Family Meer Family, in memory of Daniel Meer and in honor of Elana Meer Alan Mirman, in memory of Nancy Mirman• Leslie Mirman Geffen, in memory of Norman and Beverly Mirman• Montanez Garay Family Eliseo and Elsa Montenegro, in honor of Edson and Bryan Montenegro Stephen R and Kathleen L Morgan• Petrus Family• Barbara and Jeffrey Rosenbaum Alison and Larry Rosenthal Nadine and Edward Rosenthal• Derek Schneider and Wisdom Lu• M. Rahim Shayegan and Shiva Falsafi Mary Sidell• Jim Sington and Susan Murdock• The Smiths – Slade ‘98, Reagan ‘00, Connolly ‘02, Kaelyn Smith Smutny ‘30 The Stubbeman/Fan Family• The Taniguchi Family Lauren and Bobby Turner• Odetta Watkins• Kate and Modi Wiczyk• William and Sonia Pindler Family Foundation•

Anonymous Michele Andelson, in honor of Henry (Fourth) and Benjamin (First), and in memory of their “Papa” Arlen H. Andelson Margaret and Danilo Bach Susan Berger Darlene Boyd Jesse Cruz Dr. and Mrs. David M. Fung• Margaret Hilton Paulson, in honor of Alan and Leslie Mirman Wai Mei Lee and Clifton Ma Jade and William Liu Leslie Mirman Geffen, in memory of Norman and Beverly Mirman• Dr. Madison Richardson The Smiths – Slade ‘98, Reagan ‘00, Connolly ‘02, Kaelyn Smith Smutny ‘30 Marguerite and Patrick Sung Susan and Richard Wishner•

Businesses & Foundations

Air Lease Corporation• AmazonSmile• American Endowment Foundation Apple Inc.•• Arian Foundation Asset Consulting Group LLC Ayco Charitable Foundation Bank of America• Boeing• ByteDance• Coinbase• The Diadames• Eion Technologies Inc. Electronic Arts• Ericsson• Fidelity Charitable Fuller Foundation Gen Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund Google Inc.•• The Hartford Financial Services Group• Izzard Corporation JP Morgan Charitable Giving Fund Michelson Medical Research Foundation Million Dollar Baby Co.• The M.R. Metzger Family Foundation• National Philanthropic Trust NBC Universal• Netflix•• Nordstrom• Norton LifeLock• Parent Service League• Riot Games• Schwab Charitable TIAA-CREF Financial•• Vanguard Charitable The Walt Disney Company•• William and Sonia Pindler Family Foundation• The Wonderful Company••

• ALUMNI • 5-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 10-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • 15-YEAR CONSECUTIVE GIVING • MATCHING GIFTS

This fund supports female students at Mirman School who come from under-resourced singleparent households.

Jocelyn Tetel Emily Rosenthal• Clara Slifkin Howard Knee Stacy Phillips•

DR. NORMAN J. AND BEVERLY M. MIRMAN ENDOWED MEMORIAL FUND Established in honor of the founders of Mirman School, the Dr. Norman J. and Beverly M. Mirman Endowed Memorial Fund reflects the Mirman’s commitment to developing the campus as a beautiful natural setting which inspires the intellectual, creative, physical, and emotional growth of students. This endowment provides necessary funds for the continued beautification and enhancement of the physical campus as an extension of the school’s educational space and mission.

Alan Mirman, in memory of Nancy Mirman •

NANCY MIRMAN MEMORIAL FUND Nancy Mirman was deeply involved in The Mirman School community for 15 years while her three boys were Mirman students. Beyond the role of a devoted and loving mother, she was active as room parent and trip chaperone, volunteer PSL Treasurer for many years, and coordinator of “Stop ‘n’ Nosh” class fundraising. Nancy lived the ideals of nurturance and education that are central to the Mirman mission. Support for these ideals continues today through gifts to the Nancy Mirman Memorial Fund, benefiting our Tuition Assistance program, providing access and opportunity, and enriching the community to which Nancy lovingly dedicated her time, talent, and care.

Alan Mirman, in memory of Nancy Mirman • Aaron and Laura Mirman-Heslin•

GIFT-IN-KIND In addition to financial support Mirman School receives gifts of goods and services on an annual basis. We thank the following donors of gift-in-kind donations during the 2022–2023 academic year: Anonymous Erez and Juyun Barnavon• Michelle Chan and Michael Han Tammy and Steven Chu Nicole and Thomas Duncan Julie and Robert Edelstein• Darren and Susy Enenstein Euh Family Maliha and Adam Fakhri• Fine Family Freeman Family• Amy Harkin and Steven Goodrich• The Knott Family• Synthia Lee and Howard Liu• The Leung Family• Maximo’s Mom and LA Lunch Lady Elle and Marc Menowitz• Mia and Gabe Miller Robyn Murgio and Christopher Miller• Jonathan and Jenni Nassos• Vincent Passeri and Andrea Lieberman• Marina and Stephen Pellico• Deron and Cora Quon•• Suzanne and Brian Selmo• Shang’s Family Rachel Silverstein and David Dozoretz Harry Suh and Patty Koh The Sunder Family• Christa and James Tillman Norah T. Wang’s Family Caryn and Matt Weghorst•

51

Mirman School makes every effort to publish all names and information in this report accurately, and in line with the expressed wishes of our donors. If we’ve fallen short in this pursuit, please contact Noah Kaufman at nkaufman@mirman.org so that we may correct our records.

STACY PHILLIPS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

restricted giving

matriculation MIRMAN SCHOOL STUDENTS ENTERED THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS IN 2023–2024 Brentwood School

Marlborough School

Campbell Hall

Notre Dame High School

Cate School

Polytechnic School

Choate Rosemary Hall

Viewpoint School

Geffen Academy

Village School

Harvard-Westlake

Webb School

Loyola High School

Winward School

MIRMAN SCHOOL ALUMNI ENTERED THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES IN 2023–2024 Colby College (1)

Southern Methodist University (1)

Cornell University (1)

Tufts University (1)

CSULA Early Entrance Program (1)

University of California, Davis (1)

Davidson College (1)

University of California, Los Angeles (3)

Duke University (1)

University of Chicago (1)

Emerson College (1)

University of Michigan (1)

Emory University (1)

University of Pennsylvania (1)

Georgetown University (2)

University of Virginia (1)

Harvard University (3)

University of Washington (1)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1)

Vassar College (1)

McGill University (1)

Washington University, St. Louis (1)

New York University (1)

Wellesley College (1)

Princeton University (1)

Wesleyan University (1)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2)

Yale University (3)

IN THE 2022–2023 SCHOOL YEAR, Mirman School achieved an industry-leading

99% parent participation rate, with 100% of our Board of Trustees and employees

99 %

participation

also contributing to the Annual Giving campaign. It is through the work of our dedicated volunteers and the support of our community that Mirman School is able to uphold the vision of our founders and to achieve our unique mission and goals.

Mirman School greatly appreciates the generosity of the parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, employees, Trustees, and friends who devoted their time, effort, and resources to the school.

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

53

annual giving participation

areas of support

DURING THE 2022–2023 school year, donors to Mirman School were given the option of directing their

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT 2 %

annual gifts toward four different areas of support: the area

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 6 %

of greatest need, tuition assistance, academic programs,

TUITION ASSISTANCE 9 %

and faculty development. The majority of donors chose

AREA OF GREATEST NEED 83 %

to designate their gifts to the area of greatest need, allowing the school to allocate funds where they will make This chart illustrates the distribution of directed support as a percentage of total Annual Giving donations received.

the most impact.

volunteers & leadership MIRMAN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP 2022–2023

COORDINATORS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

David Aschkenasy Juyun Barnavon Julia Bedanova Yamit Betesh Jonah Cohen Laura Davidov John Diaz Ursula Diaz Maliha Fakhri Miranda Farag Li Fu Kourosh Ghassemieh Allyson Haas Anna Huang Christine Kim Michael Kim Jamie Kornberg Phillips Lorrelei Lindland Yan Liu Gabe Miller Mia Miller Kimberly Nachtomi Bahareh Navai Jordan Paul Kelly Pekar Cora Quon Irram Rao Amy Rice Doug Rowell Paloma Rowell Tiffani Shin Morgan Simonds Kerry Sinclair Margaret Spencer Adrien Theuer Christa Tillman Dawn Urbont Justin Urcis Matt Weghorst Diana Williams Tasha Willis Jasmine Zhou

Erez Barnavon Anna Beloff Cynthia Carrasco Kourosh Ghassemieh Jackie Hayes Heidi Hendrix Justin Lancer Mark Landecker Davina Massey Alan Mirman Asif Satchu Karen Sherwood Paddy Spence Jason Travis Dan Vorenberg, ex officio Kiko Washington, Chair Odetta Watkins Alex Wuo

LOWER SCHOOL CHAIR

Irina Ganelis Steve Levin UPPER SCHOOL CHAIR

Joshua Glazer TEAM LEADERS

Julie Edelstein Debby Fenner Delara Ghassemieh Ginh Landecker Stephen O’Connor Paddy Spence Doug Spencer Katy Stark Neetu Tolaney Sarah Urcis PSL PRESIDENT

Celina Meites PSL VICE PRESIDENT

Caryn Weghorst

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the dedication and generosity of all our volunteers, in all its forms. Thank you for partnering with us in pursuit of our mission and goals.

EXECUTIVE SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS

Dan Vorenberg Head of School Brad Barry Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Rick Benfield Chief Financial Officer Angela Brown Director of Athletics Ray Cunningham Head of Upper School Ericka Dean Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Tommy Gaio Director of Technology Noah Kaufman Director of Advancement Stephanie Leung Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

Noah Kaufman Director of Advancement Karika Thompson Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Grace Kelly Director of Marketing and Communications Alec Colantonio-Ray Data and Advancement Coordinator

55

CHAIR

Yassi Lancer

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

ANNUAL GIVING VOLUNTEERS 2022–2023

finance & advancement reports OPERATING REVENUE

$ 16.1 million

ANCILLARY SERVICES 5% OPERATING ADVANCEMENT 10 %

OPERATING EXPENSES

$ 16.3 million

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE 5% TUITION ASSISTANCE 11 % FACILITIES 11 % INSTRUCTIONAL & STUDENT SERVICES 73 %

FINANCE COMMITTEE 2022–2023

ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE 2022–2023

Justin Lancer, Chair Erez Barnavon Anna Beloff Kourosh Ghassemieh Mark Landecker Asif Satchu

Heidi Hendrix, Co-Chair Davina Massey, Co-Chair Alan Mirman Paddy Spence Jason Travis Yassi Lancer•

•Non-Trustee Member

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

57

TUITION & FEES 85 %

why we give

AS A PROUD PARENT OF TWO CHILDREN

OUR FAMILY HAS COMMITTED to making

attending Mirman and with the added connection of my husband being an alumnus, supporting Annual Giving is not just a responsibility, but a heartfelt commitment.

We participate in and support Annual Giving because we want to ensure our children and all the students at Mirman have access to the best resources, opportunities, and a nurturing learning environment to cultivate their boundless potential. Annual Giving allows us to come together as a community to invest in the future of our children and create a better tomorrow.

Mirman a meaningful philanthropic priority because we fundamentally believe in the “power of Mirman,” and specifically the nurturing and challenging of young highly gifted minds to reach their full potential.

Mirman provides an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and tailors education to the unique needs of students in a custom and adaptive manner. By contributing annually, our hope is that we are not only investing in the future of our children, but also in the betterment of society as a whole. For us, Mirman represents a culture of excellence, balanced learning and a deep sense of community so our family feels right at home.

Cora Quon, on behalf of the Quon Family

Please make your gift or pledge today! mirman.org/makeagift

Neetu Tolaney, on behalf of the Tolaney Family

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COPYWRITING: CANDACE PEARSON

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