AT THE HEART OF PEGASUS

At the Heart

of Pegasus

By Carla Boubes

Kind Contributions

When SHARLENE & NEEL GROVER first toured Pegasus, they were instantly drawn to the school’s warm and inviting community. Five years later, sons Kai (’26) and Kade (’28) are thriving in the kind and supportive environment at Pegasus. “Kai is a key part of our classroom,” says Kelly Barlow, fourth grade teacher. “He is incredibly empathetic and kind, offering quiet help to anyone who needs it.” This past summer, Kai created a 3-in-1 pencil kit called Kai’s School Supplies. Enlisting the help of Kade, they assembled pencils, sharpeners, and eraser kits as Kai began selling them to families in their community. Kai partnered with Project Hope Alliance, and for every product sold, Kai donates pencils to students in need.

Kade, an avid Star Wars fan, loves science. “Kade’s enthusiasm and passion for science are contagious,” writes Johna Bogue, lower school science teacher. “He is a hard worker who has the confidence to take chances that enable him to learn through challenges.” Kade’s dream is to one day eradicate all viruses and enable people to live forever.

Sharlene is also active in the Pegasus community in her third year as PEGtalks co-chair along with Leila Cesario. As co-chair, Sharlene aims to enrich the community by welcoming a diverse list of compelling speakers.

The Grover family enjoys walks on the beach with their dog Karma, playing tennis, movie nights and celebrating Star Wars Day. Sharlene and Neel encourage their sons to challenge themselves and work hard academically, while emphasizing that kindness and positivity come first.

Heart of Gold

Attending Pegasus from age four, Pegasus alum ALEX VRABECK (’09) learned firsthand about the long lasting relationships that are formed at Pegasus. Vrabeck quickly made a lifelong friend in Preschool and it was at Pegasus that she discovered her love for service and giving back. In eighth grade, she took a service learning elective with Christine Bridges that set her on a journey working with nonprofit groups. Vrabeck continued to spread her wings and pursued her educational interests by earning a degree in political science, business and social work. Vrabeck then went onto USC where she earned a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management.

As Vrabeck continued her career in fundraising, the position of Associate Director of Advancement- Alumni Relations and Events at Pegasus became available. Vrabeck’s interview process was unique as she was interviewed by some of her Pegasus teachers. Vrabeck was hired in March 2021 and continues to develop meaningful relationships with alumni while organizing community building events. Among other alumni engagement initiatives, Vrabeck started an alumni book club with recommendations from current teachers.

In her spare time,Vrabeck volunteers at the Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach where she enjoys preparing meals for up to 30 people. “I love supporting my community, connecting with others and making a difference.” “Alex is an amazing person with a heart of gold,” says Christine Bridges, Activities and Athletic Director, who has known Vrabeck as a student, peer, and now friend. “What a blessing to be able to see her grow up and work with her now!” As a Pegasus alum, Vrabeck continues to soar while helping others along the way.

Strong Roots

The thought of leaving Pegasus after ten years seems slightly surreal for SHAURYA M. (’22). “I feel like I’ve been prepared pretty well to move on,” he says with a shy smile. “But I’m still kind of reluctant to leave.” Shaurya’s time at Pegasus is full. From math tournaments in second grade, to his current role as captain of the debate team, Shaurya is not one to shy away from unique opportunities Pegasus offers. Last spring, Shaurya participated in the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair, one of the largest in the nation. His project, an algorithm that detects if websites are collecting a user’s data for negative intentions, earned him second place within his division. This led to an invitation to compete in The Broadcom Masters, the nation’s premier middle school STEM competition.

“Very few students are given this honor,” explains Julie Warren, seventh-grade science teacher, speaking of the Broadcom Masters nomination. “He has an incredible future ahead of him due to his forward thinking, dedication to his studies, and desire to go the extra mile,” Warren continues, “I am so proud of him.”

Outside of school, Shaurya and his family started a project called “Sustain with Change.” Noticing a rise in use of disposable takeout containers during the pandemic, the family’s environmental initiative attempts to “make the world, specifically restaurants, more sustainable through different packaging options,” he explains.

Shaurya is grateful for the continued support from his teachers and family who encourage him to set his sights high. As Confucius observed, “Cultivate the root; the leaves and branches will take care of themselves.” Shaurya’s strong Pegasus roots continue to inspire his incredible growth and spirit.

Living the Dream

JIL LLEWELLYN is thrilled to be living out her lifelong dream of being a math teacher.

Llewellyn graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in mathematics and went on to work for the family business. After what she describes as a quarter-life crisis, Llewellyn returned to school to earn her teaching credential.

In her fourth year at Pegasus, Llewellyn continues to live out her dream by sharing her love for math with those around her.

“She has a calm wisdom mixed with a high energy and excitement for math!” describes Kathy DeBest, middle school computer science teacher and longtime friend to Llewellyn. “Just get her talking about math and you will want to be a student in her class because she makes the subject so exciting.”

Llewelly’s zeal for math is indeed infectious. She strives to keep her students engaged and does so through fun and inventive projects. “I love when people come in here — there are scraps of paper on the floor,” she laughs. “This doesn’t look like a math class.”

Llewellyn’s group projects not only teach students math but also how to be leaders, how to delegate and collaborate. “We are making good citizens for the world,” she says. “Teaching them these lifelong skills they need.”

While the pandemic undoubtedly brought many obstacles to the classroom, Llewellyn saw it as an opportunity to try new teaching methods, such as a flipped classroom and digitizing her lessons.

When she’s not creating exciting new lessons, Llewellyn enjoys bowling and swimming. Being a mother to Hank Llewellyn (’22) is her other dream job.

Carla Boubes is a proud mother to Hugo (’29) and Oscar (age 4). She enjoys traveling with her family, practicing yoga and gardening. Contact: carla.boubes@gmail.com