Windward Spring/Summer 2016 Magazine

MAGAZINE

Spring/Summer 2016

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE DAWN BARRETT

Director of Institutional Advancement & Operations MICHAEL BOGNANNO

Research and Database Assistant Manager WHITNEY BURKE

Digital Media Specialist/ Webmaster JENNA DICKMAN

Event Coordinator

JEFF GILDER ‘08

Director of Alumni Relations ALLISON KAUFMAN

Communications Coordinator/ Publications Teacher CASEY KIM

Assistant Director of Advancement LINDSAY KNAUB

Director of Development & Special Events JAMES LUBIN

Director of Communications & Public Relations SUSAN MARX

Director of Information Management & Research MAUREEN TAKAHASHI

Director of Windward Fund and Parent Relations

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS Allison Blythe ’17

Serena Ettinger ’18 Kate Briscoe

PHOTOGRAPHY 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . From the Head of School 02. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Roadmap, New Horizons 04. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fly on the Wall 06. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nils’ Nine 08. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Go Wildcats!

10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Singing the Art History Blues 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visual Arts Scholastic Key Winners 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performing Arts Updates 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In the Spotlight 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global Perspectives 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Learning 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Events

24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley’s Slams and Jams 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WWFund: WAY Above Goal 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WWFund: Giving Tuesday Highlight 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet Windward’s Facilities Team 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class of 2016 Early Acceptance List 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parent Perspectives: On Volunteering 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni Events 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni Connections 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alum Spotlight: Anna Paquin ’00 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Networking Night 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer Camps

Kambria Fischer Photography Paul Antico/Creative Antics Ultimate Exposures

Windward Yearbook

DESIGN Bacio Design & Marketing, Inc.

EDITORIAL Saville Media + Marketing

The programs, facilities, and personal stories highlighted in this issue of Windward Magazine are a testament to the ongoing progress that has been guided by our current Strategic Plan. At the same time, the next Strategic Planning Committee is hard at work with partners across the community, readying the next iteration of our collective vision for Windward’s future. (See pages 2-3.) This is an important juncture in our journey, one that will be shaped in great part by the voices of those collaborating in this exciting look forward: students, parents, faculty, staff, trustees, and others who care deeply about Windward’s role in the world of tomorrow.

I

n meeting spaces, common areas, and offices across Windward’s campus, a series of eight posters is prominently on display, each one representing a major goal of the current Strategic Plan adopted in 2011. As the important forward-looking work of our School is conducted—when committees convene, research is discussed, ideas are proposed—this roadmap for growth is always within sight, a constant reminder of the Windward community’s shared values and ambitions for the future.

Revisited in six-year cycles, the Strategic Plan is the end product of detailed and deliberate work that is built upon input from across the Windward community. By identifying our successes and reflecting on areas for improvement, we can refine the goals that will help guide Windward forward into a constantly changing world. Only by continuously adapting and innovating may we always remain true to our School’s mission of providing students with the dynamic education and nurturing community that will offer them the very best opportunities for future success.

As we go through the process of asking ourselves, “What is working?,” “What can we improve?,” and “Where might we go from here?,” it is worth exploring some of the early feedback the process has revealed. The list on the following pages highlights some of the thoughts that students, parents, and faculty have shared about Windward as it operates today. While everyone’s priorities may naturally differ, there are also areas that reflect deep consensus—like the collective call for a future master plan that can continue to accommodate new and innovative programs.

At the same time, we are pleased to find that Windward’s many innovations and recent accomplishments are being recognized by the greater educational community. As part of the Strategic Planning process, interviews have been conducted with feeder schools and colleges to gain an objective idea of how the School is perceived on the outside.

The consensus? Windward was thought by heads of schools to be a natural next step for their students and by college admissions counselors to be a standout example of an institution that provides students with individualized and personal attention. These colleges also echoed the feedback of our own students and parents by commending the commitment and approachability of the School’s faculty. And, as many of those closest to the School might agree, outside respondents echoed a desire to see Windward further evolve—without losing those things that have long made it such a special place to learn.

I am grateful to all the members of our School community who have been so honest and forthcoming in an effort to help us build an even better Windward under the guidance of the next Strategic Plan. Special thanks are due to Neil Wertlieb, Trustee and father of three Windwardians, for taking on the weighty responsibility of helming the Strategic Planning Committee. His leadership—and that of many others—is a key element in a process that requires the commitment and collaboration of an entire community to be truly successful.

Windward has undergone tremendous transformation since its early days; yet, planned guidance has provided a continuum between past, present, and future that has kept us true to our founding spirit. As we stand on the exciting cusp of yet another period of strategic growth, we can think about tomorrow with the empowering knowledge that great things can be accomplished by working in collaboration and with a sense of purpose. I look forward to exploring those possibilities with you as we continue this important journey together.

TOM GILDER Head of School

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 01

NEW ROADMAP, NEW HORIZONS A LOOK AT WINDWARD’S STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

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ext year, Windward’s Board of Trustees will vote on the approval of a document that represents a distillation of the School community’s hopes for the future. But, to an equal extent, the next Strategic Plan is also the end product of an extensive period of reflection on the present. Issued every six years, the plan represents the culmination of a process that incorporates feedback from numerous voices. Students, faculty and staff, parents, trustees, alumni, and former parents are among those tapped to offer their thoughts during the drafting period. As a result, the Strategic Planning process engages the entire School in an exercise incorporating both imagination and evaluation. This important work provides Windward with a pathway to adapt to future needs and times while building further on already-existing strengths. But what does this process actually look like?

Research and planning are already a common element of Windward’s educational culture, having resulted in the introduction of numerous cutting-edge programs and facilities in just the last few years alone.

02 - STRATEGIC PLAN

On a School-wide level, the Strategic Planning process takes a wider look at this innovation through many perspectives, helping to shape the School’s future path and evolving priorities. Led by a central committee comprised of representatives from across the School, the process itself begins with an effort to identify what is working at Windward and aims to retain those successes as part of the future plan.

Equally as important, areas for needed improvement are identified so solutions and new approaches may be woven into the goals of future strategic initiatives.

As they begin this effort, the Strategic Planning Committee solicits input from faculty during in-service workshops and from students during designated meetings on campus. Parents are also surveyed to elicit their vital and unique perspectives.

The community feedback already gleaned from these surveys and discussions (See sidebar) is now being used by the Strategic Planning Committee in their work and will continue to be a central focus of the discussions that help identify the final plan’s goals.

Additionally, the Committee has met with Jim McManus, the Executive Director of the California Association for Independent Schools (CAIS), in order to discuss current trends in independent schools on a national and regional basis. This wide view provides further context to the ideas taking shape at Windward and provides an important perspective on other best practice ideas and solutions that could be incorporated in our community.

Later this spring, more details about the major themes that are emerging from the process will be shared with the full Windward community for additional rounds of feedback. As information gathering then further sharpens in focus, the Strategic Planning Committee identifies the most pertinent ideas and boils them down to create a core mission and list of specific goals. Along with the Board of Trustees, the Committee will then review this feedback as they work to finalize the detailed strategic document itself. After a thorough all-encompassing journey of selfreflection, the end product will be presented to the community in the fall.

STUDENTS One of the core objectives of the Strategic Plan is to improve student life, which can be accomplished in part by providing spaces that serve new programs and inspire student interest. Just as Windward’s dance program expanded tremendously with the introduction of the dance studio a decade ago, the newly-introduced Peak Performance Center is already making a significant impact in raising awareness and interest in wellness and fitness among students and faculty alike. Windward’s Strategic Planning goals thereby inform the School’s Master Plan, which seeks to optimize the use of campus space in order to encourage and support new, innovative programming—both today and tomorrow.

The current process is set in motion at a time in which strategic partnerships, extensive research, and community support have yielded a steady stream of innovations meant to keep pace with a quickly-changing landscape for which students must be prepared. Just a few years ago, numerous notable programs and facilities at Windward heralded today were still in development: the Peak Performance Center, Global Studies program, CREATE Studio, Performing Arts Initiative, STEAM Scholars program, Robotics Lab, and Design Studio, to name just a few. While the Strategic Plan provides considerable guidance through a philosophy for growth and development at the School, the work of our community’s discussions today will directly impact the way that future unfolds in the exciting years ahead.

WHAT WE WANT TO KEEP

1) O fferings and Opportunities 2) Student/Teacher Relationships 3) Sense of Community 4) Green Campus 5) CTL

PARENTS FACULTY

1) T eacher/Student Relationships within a Nurturing Community 2) Innovation/Striving to Improve 3) Support for Professional Growth and Partnership 4) Collegial and Collaborative Atmosphere 5) Diversity and Inclusivity

1) S ense of Community/ Nurturing 2) Teacher and Administrator Quality 3) Academic Excellence and Rigor 4) Faculty/Staff/ Administrative Support of Parents and Students 5) School Size/Balanced Atmosphere and Program/Innovation and Research

STUDENTS

WHAT WE’D LIKE TO GROW

1) B uild the Master Plan 2) Balanced Student Workload 3) Daily Schedule with More Time 4) More Diversity 5) Greater Class Choices

PARENTS FACULTY 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

ew Buildings/Master Plan N Help Students Find Balance Reduce Faculty Stress Increase Diversity Improve Schedule and Reduce Meetings

1) N ew Buildings/ Master Plan 2) Provide More Parking 3) Increase Diversity 4) Ensure All Teachers Are Strong 5) Help Reduce Student Stress 6) Retain Faculty

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 03

04 - FLY ON THE WALL

It might be one thing to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, but an entire day with a teenager looks a bit different.

Students and faculty were offered the opportunity to participate in the second iteration of “Shadow Day.” With 53 students willing to engage, faculty members were eagerly welcomed to get a closer look at daily student life.

“F

aculty observed much of what they saw last year—students sit a lot, have to rush quickly from class to class and just as rapidly shift their focus between very different areas of study, have little time to take care of biological needs,” said Associate Director of Middle School Emily Dawe.

The day created ample opportunity for reflection by those faculty members who participated and gave an interesting glimpse at how much our students balance in a brief eight-hour period. Maja Starcevic, English teacher, Global Studies teacher, and Coordinator of the Studio for Writing & Rhetoric, took the shadowing experience to her classrooms.

“I instituted two minutes of mindful meditation at the start of each class. The transitions between classes were so quick that I think students really benefit from having a space to breathe,” Maja reflected.

Many faculty members agreed with Maja’s thoughts on brief transition times and expressed other challenges with the current schedule that caused them to reflect on both in-class and homework assignments.

The experience also created an amplified sense of respect for our students’ busy lives for History teacher Rob Latimer.

“They have so much going on that when things fall through the cracks, it’s not because they’re not paying attention,” Rob said.

Sophomore Natalie Sliskovich appreciated the willingness of faculty to participate and hoped that the experience would not only prompt mindful reflection and empathy for the student schedule, but also showcase the spectacular job that many faculty are already doing.

“We have so many incredible teachers that care a lot about what they do and about their students, and if we can notice that, we can make so much change on campus,” Natalie said.

Being a nurturing community is one of Windward’s most important core values, and it’s through programs like Challenge Success, developed by Stanford University, and events like Shadow Day 2.0 that faculty and students can learn to appreciate and better support one another.

“Participation in Shadow Day helps us be a nurturing community. We are able to spend a day in our students’ shoes and understand what it is like to experience the school day as they do.”

- EMILY DAWE

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 05

NILS’ NINE VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM LEAD NILS NIELSEN

In the fall of 2015, Windward welcomed Nils Nielsen as the new program lead for both Boys and Girls Volleyball.

Already an established member of the Southern California volleyball community, Nils brings to Windward a wealth of playing and coaching experience.

A four-year starter on the Cal State Northridge Men’s Volleyball Team and an AVCA All American in 2005, Nils played professionally for seven years, both on the AVP Tour and overseas. He has nearly 10 years of coaching experience at the youth, club, and collegiate levels.

We recently caught up with Nils to learn more about his undying enthusiasm for all things volleyball.

1 2

How did you get your start in volleyball?

I grew up in a family that played volleyball and had an older sister who played in high school. Every weekend my family went to the beach in San Diego and played beach volleyball.

How did you make the transition from player to coach?

I started coaching about 10 years ago. What started as a sideproject coaching club volleyball snowballed into a career. At some point, it turned into something that I realized I loved doing.

06 - ATHLETICS

3

What is your favorite thing about coaching at the high school level?

My favorite thing is when a player really has an insight into what is happening with his or her growth and development as an athlete. I refer to it as “the click”—when he or she is trying to perform a skill or when I am trying to get the player to understand what’s going on, and he or she clicks in and understands what he or she needs to do to achieve his or her goals. When that happens, we refer to it as a lightbulb moment.

Those moments are awesome. Those moments are the best.

4

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career?

I had back surgery my senior year of high school. It was a huge factor in my volleyball career. It was potentially career ending.

I was essentially on borrowed time since my senior year, and it was an experiment in how far I could take it and how far I could go. Different obstacles came up along the way and I had to get through them.

5

Do you work that lesson into your coaching philosophy?

100 percent. Injuries are something that are huge. I take that as the identity of who you are. Growing up through high school and getting recruited by schools like I did sets you apart, but then your identity gets wrapped up in that. When that was taken away from me, I had to become more self-reflective. Without those struggles, your identity can get wrapped up in itself, and every athlete goes through that struggle at some point, so becoming aware of it early at the high school level will help them excel in the future.

6

What do you hope to achieve with the volleyball program at Windward?

Ultimately, I want my players to step away from the sport having learned lessons on the volleyball court that can be applied to everywhere in life. A lot of what I have learned over the years has stemmed from what I’ve learned on the volleyball court. How do we grow, learn, and achieve our goals? When I look back at my life, I realize that a lot of my life experiences have been shaped by the volleyball court.

Volleyball teaches you how to act in stressful situations and how you can achieve goals by gradually getting better each day. These lessons can be applied to all parts of one’s life.

7

What was your overall favorite playing experience of your career?

I played volleyball overseas for six years, but my first experience playing overseas was definitely the best. During that experience, a couple of my friends and I spent eight months playing overseas in Lugano, Switzerland. We had no money—only a small stipend per month—but it was enough to eat and get around on our own.

It was my first time outside of the United States for a prolonged period of time, and I learned so much about myself.

8 9

Coolest city you’ve played in: Thessaloniki in Greece

Favorite sports quote: “If you’re not enough without a gold medal, you’ll never be enough with one.” — “Cool Runnings”

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 07

08 - ATHLETICS

W

hether taking flight en route to the hoop, setting sail to navigate new waters, or taking aim at their goals (and the opposition goalie!), Windward’s scholarathletes demonstrated their trademark determination in a wide variety of sports this winter. Every level of competition offers the chance to develop new skills and discover the power of teamwork, providing lessons for life that will be remembered long after the last buzzer is sounded. Go Wildcats!

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 09

SINGING THE ART HISTORY BLUES

O

ne of the benefits of being a member of the Windward community is the amazing range of resources from which to draw ideas, skills, and mentorship. In particular, many of our parents come from the worlds of design, architecture, art, and art history. Late last year, faculty members Jeff Miller and Tony de los Reyes took AP Art History students on a truly unique field trip through the generous help of one such parent, John Griswold. John (father of Rachel Griswold ’18) is a renowned conservator of art works both old and new, and an important asset to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.

10 - ART HISTORY

A Sampling Of Visual and Media Arts 2015-16 Events FIELD TRIPS: 9/16/15 As someone with a thorough and intimate knowledge of one of the best collections in the United States, John was invited to curate an exhibition titled, A Revolution of the Palette: The First Synthetic Blues and their Impact on French Artists. The exhibition, which chronicled the evolution of the color, demonstrated a critical, yet overlooked aspect of western painting, namely the profile of a pigment that up until recently had been an extremely rare commodity, worth more per ounce than gold.

John walked the class through the exhibit, which highlighted ancient mineral blues, such as lapis lazuli, as well as more recent artworks which utilized its first popular imitation, “Prussian blue,” a compound accidentally discovered through a series of chemical experiments in 1704.

One aspect of this highly informative exhibition demonstrated an important connection between execution and material, recreating the palette used by the 18th century French painter Elizabeth Vigée-Lebrun, which is seen in her self-portrait of 1782.

Students were made aware of the history of such materials, as well as the subtleties of the artist’s hand as they began to use modern blues for their optical, as well as symbolic, properties.

The numerous blues used today, such as cobalt and ultramarine, prove to have had a rich history that is largely unknown by today’s artists. Thanks to John and his scholarship, and the museum’s rich collection, our students gained significant insight into an unsung connection between past and present.

Annenberg Space for Photography: Photography 2 Students

10/29/15 Natural History Museum, Geffen Contemporary: Art History Students

12/17/15 Norton Simon Museum: Art History Students

1/22/16 LACMA: Photography 1 Students

COMMUNITY EVENTS: 9/18/15 Fallen Fruit Reception Hosted by Ron and Pamela Mass

2/27/16 Cherry and Martin Gallery Tour & Reception Hosted by Cherry and Martin Gallery

3/24/16 Elizabeth Vigée-Lebrun Self-portrait in a Straw Hat 1782 Oil on canvas

Greenspan Visual & Media Arts Event Hosted by Teddy and Emily Greenspan

4/20/16 and 5/11/16 The AP Studio Art openings 6:30-7:30 Held and Bordy Family Gallery

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 11

VISUAL ARTS

SCHOLASTIC KEY WINNERS Zoe Shirken Olivia Diamond ‘17, Henry

Daria Kim-Percy ‘17, Bird Zoe Shirken ‘17, Farmers Market Blues Jessica Voss ‘20, Sun Dancer Nick Kleinberg ‘17, Buildings

Paul Rust ‘17, Ceiling Ark

Brett Blauner ‘17, Golden Tower

Lucy Wurwand ‘17, Censored

SILVER KEY WINNERS 12 - VISUAL ARTS

Liana Smale ‘16, The Perks of Being a Wallflower Book Cover

GOLD KEY WINNERS Lucy Wurwand ‘17, Head in the Clouds

Aiden Cullen ‘17, Losing Hope

Jessica Voss ‘20, Leap

Paul Rust ‘17, Alcoholism

Hannah Weil ‘19, Influence

Lauren Stone ‘17, Louis Vuitton

Joey Wilson ‘17, Self Portrait 1

Kasey Arko ‘17 Bold

Miranda Richmond ‘17, Leaves

Sam Rogers ‘19, Peace Through Strength

Zoe Shirkin ‘17, Young Love

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 13

PERFORMING ARTS Director, choreographer, stage manager… science teacher?

UPDATE

By: Serena Ettinger ’18

This fall, for the first time, faculty members Geraldine

Loveless and Rob Latimer joined the drama team to help put on the Fall play: A Coney Island Christmas.

“We called it Fruit Punch, because it had associations that reminded us of youth.”

14 - PERFORMING ARTS

“A

Coney Island Christmas centers on an interesting conversation between one’s religious beliefs and different cultures mixing together,” said Director Jordan Fox. Due to this year’s production’s unique story, auditions and the beginning of the rehearsal process were very different than that of previous years. The sensitivity of the topics raised prompted Jordan to reach out to History teacher Rob Latimer and Science teacher Geraldine Loveless to initiate a dialogue with theater students.

“They opened up a really interesting discussion with the cast about the historical references in the play, and the backstory of religion in different cultures coming together in 1935 New York,” said Jordan.

The research helped actors delve into their characters more deeply and enhanced their abilities while digging deeper into their emotions. “[After research] everyone, including myself, had a much better understanding of the time period, the situation they were in, and the character they were playing,” Sophomore Alexis Silvera added.

Being a part of the play this year also proved fruitful for Rob and Geraldine. The pair were impressed with the openness and depth of their dialogue with the cast and continue to shoot for increased involvement with other departments to enhance students’ learning.

“The students’ questions and perspectives around identity, diversity, intent, and impact were insightful and powerful,” said Geraldine.

This cross-department involvement rounded out the production and created an opportunity for students not only to better understand their roles, but also to learn how to apply research to acting.

NEW PRODUCTION MANAGER ALREADY MAKING HIS MARK As part of Windward’s efforts to increase the professionalism of our Performing Arts program, the School hired a new Production Manager, John Henningsen. John comes to the School with over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit theatre and over a decade as an arts manager.

Previous posts have included the California Institute for the Arts in Valencia and The Secret City of Los Angeles and New York. He has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theater Management/Producing from CalArts.

Those who attended the production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this Spring witnessed the impact John’s experience and creativity are already having on our School productions. The inventiveness of the sets helped to make the production the huge success that it was.

“My passion is developing new work and providing artists with the tools they need to grow and expand their craft,” John says.

Over a three-month period in the fall, a select group of Middle Schoolers prepared to perform The Little Mermaid Jr. after school. On Dec. 10 and 11, all of their hard work culminated in two incredibly successful live performances. With the help of the Performing Arts Initiative, the production gained professional artists through both set and lighting design. In addition, Windward’s costume class worked in the C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio with faculty member Lyn Hoge to create wearable technology for the performance. This year’s cast delivered on all levels, from rehearsal to the final production.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 15

Middle School Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr.

Instrumental Concert at the Conga Room

IN THE

Choral Concert at the Grammy Museum

SPOTLIGHT

16 - PERFORMING ARTS

Evening of Dance event held at Zipper Concert Hall at The Colburn School

Choral Concert at the Grammy Museum

Middle School Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr.

Instrumental Concert at the Conga Room

R

ehearsals may take weeks of practice and creative energy, but when the spotlight finally flickers on, Windward’s talented performers always bring down the house! Windward’s many dance, theater, and music productions draw sold-out audiences, providing heart-pumping incentive to step on stage and put on an incredible show. Both on campus and at professional venues, students entertain at theatrical shows and outdoor concerts, coffee house revues and improv jams, demonstrating without a doubt that they can slip into character, dance with grace, and sing with total heart. Bravo!

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 17

2016 Minimester was full of excitement as students traveled as far and wide as Costa Rica and Washington, D.C.

T

he Costa Rica Minimester trip departed on Valentine’s Day and traveled to Sarapiqui, where they had the chance to visit the Britt Coffee Plantation and learn about the history and process of coffee production— from plant to cup of coffee. They then spent two days working with local students and teachers at La Trinidad Elementary School.

This unique opportunity allowed the 8th graders to get an in-depth look into the education system of a foreign country. It also allowed them a chance to interact and ask questions with the locals.

The 8th graders brought snacks and games for the students and formed lasting bonds with the children. Upon their arrival to the school, the Costa Rican students played music, sang, and prepared a folkloric dance for the 8th graders.

It was an emotional goodbye when their two-day visit concluded.

There were hugs all around and the children lined the street waving to the bus as the Windward students drove off.

The group also visited Earth University, a world-renowned institute of higher education that has dedicated itself to researching the environment, biology, and ecology of our planet, where they attended two workshops led by university students.

The first workshop was a tour of their fully integrated farm.

From pig breeding and production, to management of animal waste into compost and methane gas, to the four-pond system used to naturally clean and recycle waste-water, and the water buffalo and dairy cow farm, this closed circuit farm is an amazing example of sustainable and eco-friendly farming. The second workshop was an urban gardening workshop, where students saw examples of unique ways to produce food in small areas, using recycled materials, even in the absence of dirt.

18 - MINIMESTER

A favorite moment of the trip was a visit to the beautiful, 9,000 foot peak of Poas Volcano and ziplining through the jungle on nine separate lines over the canopies.

This year’s local Minimester, Take One, included a tour of Sony Pictures Studio and Sony Animation. Students had the opportunity to do voiceover work at Sony Animation and also created a short film, “Hillary Clinton: The Musical.”

Eighth graders who attended Windward’s Washington, D.C., Minimester visited the Supreme Court, the Holocaust Museum, the Capitol Building, the White House, the Vietnam Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the WWII Memorial, and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

The group heard from a panel of young staffers from the Department of Education, where senior advisor Maria Pastrana Lujan led a talk entitled, “Fulfilling America’s Future.” They also had the opportunity to meet Congressman Ted Liu’s Chief of Staff Marc Cevasco.

“The opportunity to engage in a hands-on, deep study of an area of interest is one of the most rewarding experiences for the students and the faculty.”

- ERIC MANDEL, MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 19

SERVICE LEARNING U PD AT E

In March, the spring session of Windward’s after-school service programs began in partnership with the Westside Children’s Center, Grand View Blvd. Elementary School, and the Salvation Army Transitional Village (SATV). The newest program offerings have been developed to meet the needs of our partners.

GRAND VIEW BLVD. ELEMENTARY

SALVATION ARMY TRANSITIONAL VILLAGE

In Secret Artist’s Society, an after-school offering on the campus of Grand View Blvd. Elementary, Windward students build further upon existing curricula to help encourage new levels of engagement and creativity via visual art workshops.

The enrichment program, the Discovery Academy, is offered on campus for Grand View students in grades 3-5. This spring, we are hosting 30 students in Media Bytes and Junior Scientist Club, generating yet another use for our flexible learning

20 - SERVICE LEARNING

Game Time at SATV connects the desire for games and sports that we have seen from the children at SATV with our basketball players and athletes for bi-monthly afternoons of play and friendship. We have already witnessed an incredible level of interest for this new offering.

WESTSIDE CHILDREN’S CENTER

facilities, such as the C.R.E.A.T.E. studio and our science labs. In addition, the Science Department continues to engage consistently with teachers and students at Grand View. As an example of this fruitful partnership, Windward’s 8th graders hosted a group of 5th graders for a day of engaging lessons in both earth sciences and coding this past January. With the increasing frequency of these sessions—which allow for a wonderful exchange of ideas and building of new friendships—students and teachers from both schools benefit from their learning and growth.

Our longstanding early-childhood literacy program at Westside Children’s Center, now called Book Buddies and Garden Group, continues to generate great interest. This

summer, we will be assisting in the creation of a STEM yard at Westside Children’s Center, to further our partnership with this community organization.

Survey/Community Changemakers (MS)—featuring a range of community partners, including the Youth Justice Coalition, the Downtown Women’s Center, Heal the Bay, and more.

SERVICE IN THE SUMMER

In all, Service Learning at Windward is thriving, in large part due to the Student Service Coordinators (SSCs), a new group of committed leaders responsible for taking our service programs from vision to reality. Thanks are due to the SSCs and to all Windward students who made service a part of their lives this year.

Looking ahead, this summer’s offerings— Service and Leadership and STEAM Service camps—will help to further the evolving relationships with our partners. In the offing are two servicefocused elective courses—Social Justice and Service Learning (US) and Service

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:

JUNIOR ZACH ELBAUM Tennis and community service have always been a large part of Junior Zach Elbaum’s life.

The varsity tennis star started playing at the age of 6, grew up volunteering at homeless shelters throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and logged more than 100 hours volunteering with the Special Olympics during the summer.

Just this past December, he had a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to combine his two passions through a weeklong service trip to Havana, Cuba, during which he worked with hundreds of kids ranging in age from 5 to 20 years old to develop their tennis skills.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, Zach held drives to collect new racquets, shoes, and balls for the kids. Once Zach arrived in Cuba, he handed out the equipment he had collected to the children and also helped the trip leader run drills and clinics. Although there was a slight language barrier, Zach connected with the children through play.

“The kids were much better at tennis than I thought they would have been. They have great coaches, but their facilities are minimal and are definitely holding them back. With the right equipment, tennis can have a huge impact on them. Giving them all the new equipment made the kids really happy, which made me feel good,” said Zach.

“That was definitely my favorite part of the whole experience. Being able to help the kids was very satisfying to me personally because it is something they really want to pursue, but it is hard for them because they don’t have the means or access to the proper equipment to do so.”

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 21

Winter Bowl

Therapy Dog Visit to Campus

Winter Bowl

The 2015-16 school year has been a year of meaningful connections between our students, faculty, and families.

22 - STUDENT EVENTS

Girl Up

Young Women’s Retreat

girls and three faculty members exploring concepts of identity and support; Girl Up, a student-led organization, sponsored a ride at Soul Cycle Culver City to support Girl Up’s efforts to provide access to education for girls worldwide; Windward’s Parent Inclusivity Committee hosted Winter Bowl and gathered a huge crowd at Bowlero Mar Vista to build connections that will strengthen our school community; and a student favorite from grades 7-12, Elyse Forman (Class of ’19) organized a visit of therapy dogs to campus just before mid-term exams in order to reduce stress in our student body and spread some joy!

Girl Up

Young Women’s Retreat Girl Up

T

he 2015-16 school year has been a year of meaningful connections between our students, faculty, and families.

We have seen student leadership take on a whole new level of depth and intensity, and our community events outside of the classroom have appealed to a growing number of our community members. Highlights include: the Young Women’s Retreat, an overnight journey with junior and senior WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 23

SHIRLEY’S SLAMS & JAMS: HONORING SHIRLEY WINDWARD

F

estive balloons, vinyl records, and colorful stagecraft framed the background for performers of all ages during January ’s Shirley’s Slams and Jams, a lively celebration of music and the spoken word in the tradition of co-founder Shirley Windward. A wide range of talent was on display to honor the spirit of the Arts, with the main stage hosting group choral and instrumental performances, virtuoso solos, and a stirring selection of spoken-word poetry penned by Shirley herself.

24 - SHIRLEY’S SLAMS AND JAMS

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 25

$2,132,604 as of April 18, 2016

GOAL: $1,750,000 $1,575,000 $1,400,000 $1,225,000 $1,050,000 $875,000 This past year the Windward Fund kicked off its 100 Days of Giving with a goal of $1.75 million and 100% participation in the first 100 days of school.

Congratulations to all of you who helped us surpass our fundraising goal! Donations exceeded $2.1 million.

26 - WINDWARD FUND

$700,000 $525,000 $350,000 $175,000

ADDITIONAL FUNDS Because of your generosity in helping us exceed our goal, we were able to apply the additional funds to make the following additions and improvements, all of which greatly enhance the student experience.

MANCUSO FAMILY

DESIGN STUDIO

PEAK

PERFORMANCE

CENTER

• Full Set of MacBook Pro Computers • Tech Additions • Upgraded Patio Work Area

• Showers

• Added Display Wall • Glow Force Hi-Tech Laser Printer

PERFORMING

ARTS

(BLACK BOX) • Upgraded Stage Sets • Upgraded Sound & Lighting System

VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS

• Upgraded iMacs (Room 900)

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 27

GIVING TUESDAY

On Dec. 1, 2015, Windward participated in “Giving Tuesday,� a national event that demonstrated to our students the importance of giving back.

In the spirit of co-founder Shirley Windward, our community gave back in multiple ways, whether it was by participating in service projects, by sharing our sentiments of gratitude with friends and family, or by contributing to local organizations. On campus, we brought back a Windward tradition: packing lunches for the homeless. During Nutrition, our community came together to assemble lunches for the homeless children who are served at Safe Place for Youth; the group also filled bags with doggie treats for their pets. The love and care that was packed into each lunch bag was felt and appreciated by all the children at the shelter.

28 - WINDWARD FUND

2015-16

WINDWARD FUND VOLUNTEERS Support of the Windward Fund plays a vital role in ensuring that Windward is able to fulfill its educational mission. Special recognition is due to all of those Windward Fund volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to helping the community realize our important goals. Thanks to your help and leadership, we are making possible programs and innovations that will have an immediate impact on the lives of many.

Windward Fund Co-Chairs Bob and Rachel Clifford Basil and Natalie Iwanyk

7th Grade – Class of 2021 Jamie Angus Darren Dworkin Gaby Cosgrove Jenny Gordon Caroline Kunitz Nancy Lurie Brett and Carol Mayer Monica Rice Jocelyn Solomon Brent and Maxine Stratton Liz Tyler Karyn Weber

8th Grade – Class of 2020 Don Arnold and Emily Liman Kerry Benderson Beata and Jeff Daniels Stacey Farish Craig Farkas Brad Pomerance Scott Silver

9th Grade – Class of 2019 Nadine Bell Tony Bernardo Hillary Hartman Neal Koch Wendy Leshgold Todd Sherman Cynthia Sikes Alan Weil

10th Grade – Class of 2018 Jenny Blum Lisa Colacurcio-Cahierre Dave Hodess Monte Lemann Vaughan Meyer Joy Rothenberg

11th Grade – Class of 2017 Sandy Becker and Ann Blanchard Dan Brussell Josh Elbaum Steve Miller Howard Perlow

12th Grade – Class of 2016 Berit Kerner Tidi Lambert Ed Lin Mary-Dorothy Line Sharyn Nichols Levey Sharon Novey Linda Rachlin Viviana Suaya

Leadership Committee Chairs Perrie and Candice Weiner

Leadership Committee Jon and Nancy Glaser Stephen Grynberg and Susan Winfield Alex and Jenny Kwit Michael and Laura Richter Joseph Sliskovich and Jennifer Harris Richard Stone and Rita Tuzon Marvin and Clare Suomi Adam and Trina Venit Neil and La Donna Wertlieb

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 29

MEET THE TEAM:

FACILITIES

The Facilities Department serves as the backbone of the School. These dedicated staff members work Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer and after-hours year-round to ensure our campus is clean and functioning at a high level. Here’s a look at the people who make all of our school days go smoothly.

Miguel Castellanos

FACILITIES MANAGER

Oversees the Facilities Department

“My favorite part of my job is to serve with dedication and see happy faces after the jobs are done. I enjoy our events, our athletics activities, and keeping our facilities in a good-looking condition.

And all the results are a product of an effort of teamwork. I am happy to have a great team.”

30 - MEET THE TEAM

Maynor Castellanos Event coordination Repairs, installations, plumbing Assisting with electrical needs

FACILITIES ASSOCIATE Storage organization Locker repairs and combinations Field maintenance

“My favorite part of my job is preparing and painting the field for all the athletic events. It’s always a great pleasure to see how the students, coaches, teachers, and parents all appreciate how the field ends up looking.”

Nora Portillo

FACILITIES ASSOCIATE

Bus transportation Events set up and break down Lunch clean-up

Stocking supplies Maintenance supply Locker combinations changes

“My favorite part of my job is being able to witness the dedication the students have to their sports, as well as being able to participate in the variety of events and be part of a team that is able to help everyone.”

Alejandro Zuniga

FACILITIES ASSOCIATE

Bus transportation Set up of daily events Prepping Foley Field for games

Set up for morning meetings and games in the gym Lunch clean-up Plumbing maintenance

“One of my favorite roles in my job is to operate our brand new school bus and transport students to all of their activities and games. I like taking the students to their destinations, but what is most important to me is that they arrive in a timely and safe manner.”

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 31

Congratulations to members of the Class of 2016 who have already been accepted to the following schools. No matter what your decision may be, you will be greatly missed.

Remember that you will forever be a member of the Windward Community.

Indicates accepted school in state

A sampling of schools the Class of 2016 has already been accepted to: American University* Arizona State University* Babson College Bard College* Barnard College Bates College* Boston College Boston University* Brandeis University* Bucknell University* California Baptist University California State University, Northridge Carleton College Case Western Reserve University Chapman University* Colby College Colgate University* Colorado College Columbia University* 32 - COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

Cornell University* Davidson College Drexel University* Eckerd College Ecole H么teli猫re de Lausanne Elon University Emerson College* Emory University* Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles Fordham University* George Washington University* Georgetown University Gonzaga University Goucher College Hampshire College Hampton University Howard University* Indiana University at Bloomington*

Johns Hopkins University* Johnson & Wales University, Providence Kenyon College* Lewis & Clark College* Loyola Marymount University* Marymount Manhattan College Miami University, Oxford Middlebury College New York University* Northeastern University* Northwestern University Oberlin College* Oregon State University Pace University, New York City Pepperdine University Pitzer College* Reed College* Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute*

Rice University Rochester Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Rutgers University-New Brunswick Santa Clara University Seattle University* Skidmore College* Sonoma State University Southern Methodist University* St. John’s College* Stanford University* Swarthmore College Syracuse University* Temple University The New School Tufts University* Tulane University* University of California, Berkeley* University of California, Davis*

University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles* University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara* University of Chicago* University of Colorado at Boulder* University of Denver* University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign University of Kansas* University of Miami* University of Michigan* University of Oregon* University of the Pacific University of Pennsylvania University of Rochester* University of San Francisco* University of Southern California*

University of St. Andrews University of Texas, Austin* University of Vermont (College of Arts & Sciences) University of Wisconsin, Madison Vanderbilt University* Vassar College* Washington University in St. Louis (School of Art)* Wesleyan University* Western Oregon University* Williams College* Worcester Polytechnic Institute* Yale University*

* indicates multiple students accepted

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 33

PARENT PERSPECTIVES:

ON VOLUNTEERING

By Kate Briscoe (parent of Emilia Garel-Jones ’21)

P

arent volunteerism is thriving at Windward.

It helps to foster the School’s mission as a nurturing community and sends a clear message to the students of how much their parents value all aspects of their education. Every parent is automatically a member of the Parent Guild, and the number and breadth of opportunities mean there is something that works with almost everyone’s schedule.

For example, some committees don’t require on-campus visits during regular school hours. Among these are the Communications Committee, whose members contribute articles for School publications and the website. Elsewhere, parents plan and set up snacks and drinks for plays and concerts that take place in the evenings and on weekends.

Summer Guide volunteers solicit feedback—both positive and negative—from the whole parent body on summer activities undertaken by Windward students across the city, country, and even abroad. They use this information to compile an invaluable resource for parents planning future adventures for their children. The Holiday Gift Program for the faculty and staff is another “coordinating and communicating” volunteer initiative that provides a flexible way for parents to contribute their time in a meaningful way. Some parents’ schedules enable them to come onto campus to assemble and mail Alumni Care Packages to Freshmen, Sophomores, and Seniors. Others work as cashiers in the Pavilion during Nutrition and Lunch—the spots for this one fill up fast.

The benefits of volunteering are felt throughout the community. Faculty and staff appreciate the efforts of various committees created to support and recognize them. During the tight schedule of teacher parent conferences, parent volunteers provide a much-needed coffee cart and treats for the teachers. The Faculty/Staff Appreciation Committee organizes a lunch for faculty and staff after mid-terms in February as well as sweet treats at other times of the year,

34 - PARENT PERSPECTIVES

such as traditional Mexican hot chocolate and “pan de muerto” for Dia de Los Muertos.

The second group of beneficiaries is the students who express so well what it means to them when their parents participate this way. “I love seeing my mom at the games. That makes me happy.” Another student says: “I appreciate how she always supports me, shows up to all my games and is the team parent.” One alum says: “I love getting the care packages and it makes me feel connected to Windward.”

The volunteers themselves also benefit in several ways. The more obvious benefits include getting to know other parents who they might not otherwise meet. Working alongside parents of older grade students, a 7th grade parent, for example, hears about the School experience in upper grades and becomes more comfortable and familiar with what’s ahead. Through volunteering, parents also form their own community and often feel connected to School in a way that surpasses expectations. There are also some less obvious benefits such as the chance to try something outside existing skill sets or comfort zones. Parents can also propose and develop new programs, such as Parent Service Learning, which enables parents and students to work together on service projects. Additionally, parents can build and sustain leadership skills in the volunteer environment. They also gain a different perspective on what’s happening at School and deeper insight into the whole educational experience.

From the all-hands-on-deck efforts for Homecoming in September to the communicating and coordinating roles that can be done off campus, as well as team parent and parent grade representative roles, there are over 20 committees that enhance the school day, year, and beyond. Even when our children graduate, there are still opportunities for parents to stay connected to Windward through the “Mums of Alums” committee. It is only a matter of time before “Dads of Grads” adds its name to the Parent Guild roster.

Shirley’s Slams and Jams

Young Alumni Luncheon

Young Alumni Care Package

Shirley’s Slams and Jams

Young Alumni Care Package

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 35

ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni continue to stay connected through sporting events, networking nights, reunions, panels, and much more. Whether they want to catch up with old friends and teachers, compete with classmates on the field, connect with alumni professionals, or share wisdom and advice with current students, alumni have more opportunities than ever to be active members of their community.

1 2

3

4

5

If you would like to learn more about upcoming alumni events, please contact Jeff Gilder ‘08 at jgilder@windwardschool.org or 424-289-1047.

36 - ALUMNI EVENTS

6

7

8

9

10

11 1. Alumni Thanksgiving Football 2. Alumni Soccer 3. Young Alumni Luncheon - Emily Brooks ‘15, Samantha Schriger ‘15, Carly Weiner ‘15 4. Young Alumni Luncheon - M ichael Shephard ‘13, Emma Rust ‘13, Alec Kupelian ‘13, Sophie Hoblit ‘13 5. Young Alumni Luncheon - Jason Lurie ‘14, Aaron Klevan ‘14, Aaron Resnick ‘14, Carrie Creighton 6. Alumni College Panel - Samantha Wapner ‘13, Logan Solomon ‘11, Taylor Tabb ‘14, Emily Brooks ‘15, Emma Rust ‘13, Jolie Abrams ‘15, Charlie Lyttle ‘15, Brooke Rosenthal ‘15 7. Alumni Entrepreneurship Panel - Russell Kern ‘74, Alexa Gray ‘08, Yehuda Duenyas ‘92, Ernie Levroney

12 8. Student Professional Skills Workshop - Brandon Hakim ‘08, Rafe Furst ‘86, David Foley ‘01 9. Student Professional Skills Workshop - Ali Landes ‘04 10. Student Professional Skills Workshop - Jeremy Adell ‘85 11. Student Professional Skills Workshop - Rafe Furst ‘86 12. Alumni Council - (From Left to Right) Top Row: Jeff Gilder ‘08, Jorge Flores ‘84, Derek Leavitt ‘95, Emily Kovner Moss ‘91, Rob Solomon ‘87, Elliot Gordon ‘74, Rob Pasnau ‘85, Greg Simon ‘85, Stephanie Mirkin McDevitt ‘03; Bottom Row: Leslie Katzman Wallach ‘84, Ali Landes ‘04, Alexa Gray ‘08, Michael Sugarman ‘05, Linda McLoughlin Figel ‘81; Not Pictured: Hillary Gordon ‘77, Barry Turbow ‘89, Manish Raval ‘92, Taos Huskey 93, Josh Lippman ‘95, Heather Regnier ‘04, Lauren Hoffman ‘05 WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 37

Derek Leavitt ‘95 and Nicole Chiu ‘10 fellow Windwardians and now co-workers at Modative, a modern architecture firm

ALUMNI

CONNECTIONS: BUILDING AN ARCHITECTURE BUSINESS

By Allison Blythe ’17

38 - ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

A

fter architecture school in Rhode Island, Nicole Chiu ’10 came back to her Windward roots, to Modative, the design-build firm, where she found an internship in high school.

“I was back from school, and I had been kind of keeping in contact with them as I was at school, but I came back to Modative and it ended up being a really good fit.” Nicole said.

Modative to life is so ingrained in the company that it’s even in the name.

“Modative” is a mix of the Italian word “moda,” which means “way of doing things,” and the English word “innovative.”

“It’s really just pushing anything forward in any way,” Derek said. “Innovation and creativity go hand in hand.”

As a Senior in high school, Nicole interned at Modative, an architecture firm founded by fellow Windward alum Derek Leavitt ’95. In her time at Modative, Nicole has borne witness to the evolution of the company.

How does innovation shape Modative as a company?

“Nicole can attest to the fact that when she first came to work for us, it was very different than it is now. It was just our business partners and Nicole in a tiny little office,” said Derek. “It was a very different office environment than it is now. The fact that we were able to compensate her with class credit made it all possible, and felt like a win-win for everyone. We didn’t have real employees at that point in time.”

Innovative architecture certainly plays a role in Modative. While Derek can appreciate the nostalgic value in traditional approaches to the craft, he doesn’t feel bound to follow past methods simply for the sake of doing so. “What [modern design] really means is almost having no rules, that’s how I see it,” Derek explained.

Despite its current success, the company did not get off to a quick start, thanks to the recession of 2008. However, in line with the innovative thinking that defines Modative, Derek can see the benefits of the recession.

“As I look back, [the recession] wasn’t the worst thing.”

Derek said. “We learned how to get by on very meager resources, really with almost nothing. We spent a lot of time building the core of the company. How we are organized, what our website looks like. When you are forced into a situation where you don’t have as much work and you are just kind of working enough to get by on a very small salary, it forces you to spend time on these things and build toward when the market gets better.”

Now, all the time spent planning is paying off. Even the employees’ dogs roaming the office and greeting visitors at the door cannot detract from the calm, efficient work environment. The innovative thinking that brought

“For us,” Derek explained, innovation “is not even just about the architecture. A lot of it has to do with the process and the way the company is run.”

And, with that mindset, Modative keeps moving forward.

“ MODATIVE” IS A MIX OF THE ITALIAN WORD “MODA,” WHICH MEANS “WAY OF DOING THINGS,” AND THE ENGLISH WORD “INNOVATIVE.”

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 39

Alumna Anna Paquin ‘00 shares how Windward impacted her and gives advice to students interested in the creative arts.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

ANNA PAQUIN ‘00 In 1994, Anna received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the film “The Piano.” This incredible achievement at age 11 made her the second youngest winner in Oscar history and put her on a path towards success in the entertainment industry. Anna also appeared in films such as “Fly Away Home,” “Almost Famous,” “X-Men,” and series such as “True Blood,” where she won a Golden Globe in 2009 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series-Drama.

WW MAGAZINE: Who was your most memorable teacher, and what made them so memorable?

ANNA: Jim Stevens, my photography teacher, was definitely my most memorable teacher. I’d always been interested in photography in both still and moving format, and he gave me the skills and 40 - ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

inspiration to be able to use photography as an organic expression of my creative and ideological self. Also, in retrospect, with the transition from film to digital, I feel so grateful to have learned what I feel to be the true craft of photography (beginning with the use of manual cameras, to developing my own film, to doing all my own darkroom work) from someone as passionate as Jim. Not to say

that digital photography is in any way a lesser art form, but on film you have to be more certain of what you want to capture.

You don’t get to check the pictures and keep shooting, you have to develop an inner sense of when the photo has come together in the way you intended. I can’t say enough about how amazing of an experience photography was with Jim.

WW MAGAZINE: How did your experience at Windward shape who you are today?

ANNA: As an international transfer student going into my junior year at Windward, I found that my previous school had not prepared me for the rigors of academia that Windward required. I had always been a good student, but Windward’s high standards just made me work even harder.

I had always been incredibly disciplined in my professional life, but not in the structured way that Windward trains its students. Leaving Windward, I knew that if I was willing to put the work in, there was no ceiling on what I could achieve.

WW MAGAZINE: What advice would you give someone looking to find success in the entertainment industry, or even more specifically, as an actor?

ANNA: Go to an academically demanding high school, go to the best college you can get into, and study anything but acting.

Most people, unfortunately, aren’t able to sustain themselves through salary from creative work alone. Being well educated will serve you well not only as an artist, but provide what I consider to be an essential safety net. Creative talent doesn’t have an expiration date. It will still be there when you’ve finished college.

WW MAGAZINE: What professional accomplishment have you been most proud of and why?

ANNA: Most actors start out doing small projects and theatre and work their way up to being visible on a larger scale. My career started the exact opposite way. I was bizarrely successful as a small child for the first job I ever did, and it never really

felt like I had “earned” it. After college, I started doing a lot of creatively challenging and completely inspiring Off-Broadway theatre. The various accolades I received for that felt more important than the Oscar I won as a child since I had really worked for them. It wasn’t just some fluke.

WW MAGAZINE: Anything else you would like to share with teachers, former classmates, or fellow alumni?

ANNA: I strongly believe that the discipline that goes into being a successful student in a demanding environment like Windward instills a work ethic that benefits you for

the rest of your life. Discipline is a skill that can be learned and practiced. And once it is second nature, I truly feel people can accomplish astonishing things.

“Creative talent doesn’t have an expiration date.”

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 41

More than 170 attendees joined the Alumni Association’s first-ever Networking Night at the Culver Hotel on Tuesday, March 15.

A

lumni enjoyed reconnecting with former classmates, networking with fellow alumni professionals, and catching up with old teachers at the historic Culver City venue, the Culver Hotel. The goal of the evening was to strengthen the bonds that tie alumni together and in the process, build a Network valuable to all Windwardians.

The idea of the Windward Network is not a new one, as alumni have always benefited from parent and fellow alumni connections leading to personal and professional growth. But as events like this one continue to draw large turnouts, the Network becomes significantly more accessible to all alumni seeking the support of community members.

Parents and alumni interested in supporting Windwardians—both students and young alumni—can sign up to be a mentor through the Network Advisor program. Over 130 Network Advisors are accessible through the Windward Network on the Evertrue Mobile App and available for Windwardians seeking professional advice and guidance.

For some alumni, these connections have become much more than a one-time meeting; they have evolved into lifelong relationships.

42 - NETWORKING NIGHT

(L-R) Sherry Wisener ’97, Nicole Chiu ’10

David Schwartz ’01

(L-R) Lauren Kaplan ’96, Veronica Lombardo ’97, Amy Yukich ’96

(L-R) Lucas Meyers ‘88, Greg Richling ’88

(L-R) Haley Greenberg ’08, Tim O’Halloran, Baraneh Kazemi ’08

(L-R) Brett Gottleib ’85, Jeremy Adell ’85, Verna Helbling ’85, Greg Simon ’85

(L-R) Michael Sugarman ’05, Eliot Dreiband ’08, Tony De Los Reyes

NETWORK ADVISOR SIGN UP

bitly.com/networkadvisor

WINDWARD NETWORK APP

bitly.com/wwnetworkapp WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 43

2016

SUMMER CAMPS SPORTS:

Volleyball Soccer Basketball Football Track and Field Tennis Baseball Softball

ACADEMIC:

Discover your passion.

Develop your skill.

GET INSPIRED!

STEAM STEAM Service Service and Leadership Lego Robotics Robotics Camp CREATE Programming & Game Design Debate CSI

ARTS:

Performing and Visual Arts

FUN FOR ALL: Camp Tyrone

Visit WWW.WINDWARDSCHOOL.ORG/SUMMER to find out more and register online.

44 - SUMMER CAMP

STAY CONNECTED

R

egardless of whether you visit Windward regularly or reside a continent away, it’s easy to keep connected with our school community through a wide selection of customized digital tools. If you’re carrying a smartphone or browsing the web on your desktop, you have a powerful gateway to access live streaming athletic and speaker events, reconnect with classmates on social media, or download a dynamic school calendar so you can get alerts on upcoming activities.

Interested in the latest on emerging programs or classroom innovations? Start with a visit to our newly relaunched website at www.windwardschool.org—a hub for news stories, photo galleries, School information, ticket purchasing, and additional content contributed by students, faculty, and parents. Created with the latest responsive design technology, there’s no need to download any apps—the site will change itself to look its best on whatever device you’re using.

While you’re there, be sure to visit Windward’s social media hub—just a click away on the “SOCIAL” button atop any of the site’s pages. Here you can quickly browse a steady

stream of incoming videos, images, and comments. If you’re a user of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, Google+, LinkedIn, or YouTube, you can also dive into a handy digital directory with links to Windward’s accounts.

Wherever you are, be sure to come visit us online today! www.windwardschool.org/social

To register, go to: bitly.com/nycnetworkingnight

WINDWARD MAGAZINE

11350 Palms Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90066 www.windwardschool.org