In so many respects, we cherished the before days—the in-person classes, the maskless smiles of teachers, the on campus flutterings with friends hither and thither, the dynamic joy of communing together as Falcons on the sunny hilltop. But just as new roads are forged toward newly-needed places, new bridges span spaces that we, in the before, had not realized we needed to traverse. Despite all that we had been through during the distance-learning eons of the pandemic, York Summer Bridge eased our crossing back to a new kind-of-like-the-before days.
Our return to campus in June was global and multi-faceted. Students learned everything from Spanish songs to Russian anthems, and from Model United Nations debates to Design Thinking.
Our return to campus this summer was adaptive. We hadn’t thought acting was really possible while being physically distanced on stage and masked. And yet when Paul Davis led a successfully adapted play production of A Couple White Chicks Sitting Around Talking, we knew that drama still abides despite the masks that hide our faces.
Our return was hands-on. We built robots in engineering courses. We mimicked natural adaptations by designing machines that copied nature—for example, machines that can burrow like moles (and that, perhaps one day, could help drill through rubble to rescue victims of structural collapses); or machines that can wiggle likes snakes to shimmy through otherwise non-linear, hard to reach spaces (and this design also could rescue people who suddenly find their location hard to access).
Our return was healing. The balm of old friends’ smiling eyes; the warmth of new friends’ welcome; the laughter that masks cannot contain; the renewed understanding of how very good it is to be together—all of these were like a soothing bite from an energizing York Peppermint Pattie.
Through our return to campus this summer, we thrived.
This renewed energy and optimism will continue into the future. York Summer Bridge hopes to build on our successes from our inaugural summer—and even extend our programming to also serve middle schoolers. So, although the sun has set on the summer of 2021, Summer Bridge’s continuation augurs more rejuvenative learning—and fun.
B y J osh B loom
CLASSROOMS OF THE FUTURE
B y s ean R
York School believes classroom design informs student learning and dynamic teaching requires dynamic classrooms, so young minds acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We are grateful to the Barnet J. Segal Charitable Trust for kickstarting our classroom renovation project with a generous donation to the school. The goal is to renovate classrooms one through six along the front of school corridor.
York’s new classrooms will be easily reconfigurable, able to host traditional lectures and presentations but also switch seamlessly to collaborative, project-based group activities in which small learning teams work closely together. These classrooms will allow students to inquire, experiment, partner and flourish. They will support our development of courageous leaders and creative, independent thinkers.
To complete this project in its entirety, York will raise additional funds at a benefit scheduled for April 23, 2022.
aymond
COVID-19
When a global pandemic strikes, York responds.
In the spring of 2021, as students made their way back to campus for the first time since the pandemic began, Kevin Brookhouser, Director of Safety (as well as Director of Technology and Innovation) joined forces with All-InMonterey and CAPRx in Pacific Grove to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to our wider community ages 12 years and older. During the months of May and June, the York campus became an official vaccination site, with sign-ups filling up in a matter of days for those who wished to get vaccinated.
Then, in the fall, as we happily returned to campus for in-person learning, Kevin quickly established a free testing opportunity for our students, faculty and outside community members.
Once again, York became an example of community service, by becoming an official testing site for free rapid antigen testing. Partnering with Lightspeed Testing and Sameer Bakhda, MD, free COVID-19 testing has been available each Wednesday since the start of the 2021-22 school year. We are proud to report that as of the time this article was written, York School has experienced only two positive cases of COVID-19 in our community, both within the first two weeks of school, and with no evidence of any further spread.
YORK XC
CROSS COUNTRY
B y s teve P ete R s
As far back as 1967, the York School Cross Country program has had a long and storied history in the California Central Coast Section.
In 1967, York hosted the CCS Championships, and numerous CCS Region IV races were held at York in the 1970s. The legendary and brutal 1.9 mile trek included the dreaded ”Horrible Hill,” referring to the bucolic sunny hilltop on which the campus perches. The runners would descend near the Head’s Residence and ascend where the current softball field is located. Many local runners recall the course to this day, full of pride that they survived and eager to tell the tale.
Due to COVID-19, high school sports did not resume in Monterey County until February 2021, with York hosting the very first sporting event, a home cross country meet. From this date, high school sports were back!
Michael Julian ‘22 ran and won all of his races during the February and March cross country season, as well as setting personal records in the 1600 & 3200 meters during the track season. When Michael was in 7th grade, he ran his first mile in PE, and ended up winning. His coach suggested joining track, and in 8th grade, he set the Pacific Coast record for the mile. When Michael joined York in 9th grade, he was ready to lead the York Cross Country team. Michael is also a competitive swimmer. He started with the Seaside Dolphins around the age of 8, and has been swimming ever since. Michael maintains a brutal training regimen, running in the mornings before school, going to cross country or track practice after classes, and finally swimming in the evenings. As a senior, he currently has his sights set on a university in Southern California, where the weather is mild and with a prospective team that already feels like family. Inspired by Mrs. Durkee’s biology class, Michael hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon someday, but not before winning a NCAA championship.
York’s hundred-acre Outdoor Lab is now home to York’s stellar cross country course, with views of the bay, where large and competitive meets regularly occur, such as this year’s Brian Rogers Jamboree, with over 100 runners, and the PCAL Center Meet, with 370 runners participating. A new generation of runners will have the indelible memory of a challenging course from their heady high school days. With talented coaches (and faculty members) Jeff Hanna and Eli Colby leading the charge, York Cross Country and its incredible history have a running course with many more years of great stories and wonderful successes ahead. Make history and Go Falcons!
MICHAEL JULIAN ‘22
Photo
Committed and hard-working, Kate was the president of the York School student body in her senior year. She is a natural leader who founded her charity Made 4 Change in 2020. Kate and the group’s 35 volunteers, from both Monterey County and around the country, create a variety of products to be sold, donating proceeds to support targeted causes. Thus far, Made 4 Change has supported the Black Oaks Center (building resilient communities), the Black Organizing Project (working for racial, social, and economic justice in Oakland), the Oakland LGBTQ Center (educational, social, and health-related activities, programs and services for LGBTQ individuals, families, and allies), Undocufund Monterey Bay (helping to support undocumented immigrants during COVID-19), and relief funds for those affected by the Carmel and River fires.
Kate is deeply involved on all levels and facets of Made 4 Change. She organizes all the logistics of the organization, including working with photographers, graphic designers, product developers, and artisans. In addition, she designed the group’s website (made4changeshop.com) and also maintains their social media presence. Kate was an active citizen of York School, and she is a fearless leader who is a prime example of a creative, independent thinker. After graduating from York in 2021, Kate currently attends Fordham University, where she is majoring in New Media and Digital Design.
We are so proud of you, Kate!
KATEPOPKY‘21 AMANDA BOYCE‘22
Amanda Boyce first showed an interest in horseback riding at seven years old, attending a summer camp at The Riding Academy. Regular lessons soon followed, but when her skill set graduated to jumping, she almost quit because of a certain jump that was particularly scary. Her coach, Sabrina Miller, said she was welcome to quit, but Amanda was not a quitter and she had to brave that purple jump first.
Turns out, Amanda conquered that jump, igniting her passion, and she went on to win her annual barn olympics. This new confidence propelled her to the High Point Shepherd Ranch Beginner Novice Reserve Champion, and with her natural feel for horses and dedication to training, she went on to win, as a 9th grader, the USEA National Novice Championships held in Colorado in 2018.
Amanda has continued to climb the rankings and maintain a winning record. As a junior in 2020, she finished second in both West Coast Modified Challenges. In the second Challenge held in Galway, California, she rode in the open division against professional riders, and sharing the ring with some of her heroes in the sport was a highlight. Then, in 2021, she rose another level and won the first Modified USEA Event on the West Coast and qualified again to ride in the National Championships (AEC) in Kentucky. Unfortunately, at the end of the cross country course, her horse clipped a jump and she chose to retire to protect her horse’s health. Disappointing as it was, Amanda had accumulated enough points and was named Area VI (California and Hawaii) Training Junior Rider for 2021.
Currently, Amanda is setting her sights on the Preliminary/CCI2 Star level. Not many riders advance to this stage, and it is particularly demanding physically as well as time consuming. Maintaining High Honors at York each year and pursuing her passion of an outside school sport is challenging. The faculty at York have been so supportive and encouraging in helping Amanda reach her dreams and still stay on solid academic footing.
After fourteen months of online learning and sheltering in place, the York class of 2021 was overjoyed to be able to come together as a class in person and outside for an incredibly meaningful celebration of their senior year.
On May 20, 2021, seniors were treated to a special day at San Clemente Rancho, courtesy of senior class parents, Jane Hand, Wendy Schmidt, and Sara Hall.
A privately owned 2,600-acre tract located near the end of Robinson Canyon Road, south of Carmel Valley, San Clemente Rancho is a bucolic and serene getaway that hosts 100 cabins, owned by members. Our seniors were provided access to the clubhouse and its surrounding recreational facilities including swimming pools with an awesome water slide under redwoods; tennis, bocce, and basketball courts; an 18-hole miniature golf course; a bbq and picnic zone; and a boating lake, stocked with canoes and paddle boards.
Traditionally, York seniors embark on a senior trip each year in the fall, often in the Santa Cruz mountains, where they bond together, revel in the outdoors, and forge connections that guide them through their culminating year of high school. Due to COVID-19, that much loved ritual, which sets a positive, joyful tone to the year was unfortunately just not possible; and after being cooped up for over a year, separated from cherished classmates as well as the sunny hilltop at York, this year’s seniors were over the moon to not only have their special senior trip together but to do so under sunny skies and the splendor of the Rancho’s tranquil canyons and enjoyable facilities, where these appreciative teens were fortunate to experience the place all to themselves.
Faculty and staff volunteered to drive students and enjoyed an amazing warm spring day filled with smiles, laughter, adventure, and a whole lot of fun with our seniors.
As soon as students arrived and quickly sprung from their vans the festivities began, with seniors jumping in the pools, playing tennis, volleyball, bocce, mini-golf, and simply relishing the opportunity to sit closely together, with no screens or internet to guide the day – just grateful young adults sharing in-person eye contact, big smiles, and heartfelt conversations.
The highlight of the day came when the group made the short trek from the clubhouse to the lake. That enjoyable hike brought a blissful stroll through tall redwoods and the welcome visuals of the canyon’s dark green ridge overhead. Once on the banks of the lake, teams chose their preferred crafts and paddled their way around and through the middle of the lake, some in tandem, some solo, where paddle races, swimming, dock jumps, and all kinds of gleeful silliness unfolded in the tranquility of the canyon’s verdant bowl and the lake’s easy waters.
By sean Raymond
RANCHO San Clemente
CLASS OF 2021
57th
COMMENCEMENT
CHARGE TO CLASS: Michael Borrowman
WELCOME: Kate Popky, Student Body President
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS: Courtney Hand, Valedictorian
WELCOME NEW ALUMNI: Rogers Hawley, Class of 2001
FAREWELL: Lily Tran, Senior Class President
SPECIAL AWARDS
Emod Brunner Award: Courtney Hand
Faculty Award: Anna Mejia Contreras
Head of School Award: Gabrielle Schmidt
Parents of the Year: Angie and Rob Burks
Auxiliary Award for General Excellence: Seth Madden
Rising Falcon Award: Heather Galinato
Distinguished STEAM Scholar: Seth Madden
Distinguished Global Scholars: Anna Mejia Contreras, Chris Berte, Courtney Hand, Leonardo Del Toro, Seth Madden, Cynthia Ortiz-Naranjo, Sarah Stoker, Jasmine Agha
May 29, 2021
COLLEGE DESTINATIONS:
Boston University
University of California-Berkeley*
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Santa Cruz*
Cal Poly-Pomona
Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo*
Central European University
Central Washington University
Colgate University
College of William and Mary
Columbia College Chicago
Fordham University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Missouri
Monterey Peninsula College
New York University*
Northeastern University*
Oberlin College
University of Redlands
Santa Clara University
University of Toronto
Tulane University
University of Vienna
GLOBAL SCHOLARS
SCHOLARSHIP AND MERIT AWARDS
*Multiple students from the class of 2021
Jasmine Jayne Aisha Agha
Kaira Yanova Aldape Duron
Christopher Berte
Levi Alexander Irish Brusseau
Leo Michael Burks
Adam Chaabane
Issac Chen
Jordan Eron Chiantelli-Mosebach
Winston S. Chu
Omid Kevin Daliri
Leonardo Del Toro
Arnold Fleishman
Gabriel Francesco Gargiulo
Angela Mary Goulart
Mason Daniel Hall
Courtney Hand
Christopher Hein
Colin Michael Hodges
Shuqi Kris Huang
Kayden Vega Huffman
Ryo Ishiguro
Mahonna Jo Lucile Keech
David Kent Lin
Seth E. Madden
Anna Isabel Mejia Contreras
Jason Mao
Cynthia Ortiz-Naranjo
Kate Louise Popky
Abigail Jocelyn Romero
Gabrielle Elena Schmidt
Sun Parker Schuette
Alana Naomi Shapiro
Sarah Alexandra Stoker
Danica Tang
Lily Tien Tran
George Atlee Willaman
We are delighted to welcome 36 graduates of the Class of 2021 to the York alumni community. These graduates are a remarkable group of people who showed us what true friendship, resilience and perseverance is.
We are so proud of each of you, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Congratulations and welcome, new alumni!
SPRING 2021
Brianna Bailey ‘24 places third in the chemistry category at Monterey County Virtual Science Fair and receives a prize from the Northern California Institute of Food Technologists (NCIFT).
York School hosts the first athletic event in Monterey County, on February 23.
Shelly Chen ‘22, Esmie Ortiz ‘22, Tyler Dwelle ‘22, and Ashlyn Wang ‘22 are all National History Day Award winners in the Senior Historical Paper division and advance to thesState competition. Shelly receives the Colonial Dames Award.
March 29 students return to campus for in-person learning. Grades are grouped and come to campus on alternating days in order to adhere to state guidelines.
York School wins Best Private School in Monterey County from the Monterey Herald
Giordana Rock ‘06, Joyce Sherry, David Oliver ‘24, Seth Madden ‘21, Courtney Hand ‘21, Omid Kevin Daliri ‘21 speak at the 6th TEDx York School: The Elephant in the Room.
Juliet Oliver ‘22, Jon Truong ‘22, Kurrun Sethi ‘22, Hannah Stackpole ‘22, Xinrui (Sherry) Wu ‘22, Aria Asmuth ‘23, Noah Stackpole ‘24, Madison Chu ‘24, Sebastian Del Toro ‘24, Maria Mejia Contreras ‘24, Jonny Goldberg ‘24, Normandy Filcek ‘24 From mid-Feb to mid-May, thirteen York students serve as virtual tutors for Monterey Bay Charter School students during their distance learning.
JETS Engineering Club students place 1st and 5th in the nation at the annual TEAMS competition.
Savannah Abbott ‘22 is accepted to the Mississippi StarTalk program funded by the federal government to provide high school students with intensive instruction in Chinese on the Ole Miss campus in Oxford during the Second Summer Session.
YorkSchool
Jara Gomez ‘22 and Taiga Minami ‘24 qualify for the CCS Individual Golf Tournament.
Jasmine Agha ‘21, Chris Berte ‘21 Leonardo Del Toro ‘21, Cynthia Ortiz-Naranjo ‘21,Courtney Hand ‘21, Sarah Stoker ‘21, Seth Madden ‘21, Anna Mejia Contreras ‘21, earn Distinguished Global Scholars certificates.
We welcome our York parents to campus for our in-person Back-to-School Night.
York alumni parent, Jim Newman, an American physicist and former NASA astronaut, leads the dedication of our newly installed solar tracker, followed by a celebration of math and science at York. Juliet Oliver ‘22 and Alan Yang ‘22 also speak about their new solar project.
York students outshine their competitors around the world on the National Latin Exam. Twenty-nine students take the exam, over 2/3 earn recognition, and an astounding 50% of earn gold or silver medals, showing the motto "Sapere Aude."
Jara Gomez ‘22 finishes second overall in the PCAL Girls Golf Championships, and as the CCS league qualifying tournament for Teams and Individuals, Jara advances to the CCS Tournament in November at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch!
Juliet Oliver ‘22 is selected as one of only ten young artists who will perform at this year’s Bach Festival.
York School launchs its first-ever summer camp program for middle school and high school students on the Monterey Peninsula.
York School is named Favorite Private Upper School for the second year in a row!
By Felicia PFlegeR
CHLOE WILSON ‘06
Chloe Wilson ‘06 started painting in high school, starting her artistic endeavor at York. As a senior, she was already advanced as a painter, and Chuck Harmon (Head of School at the time) and art teacher, Jan Wagstaff, offered Chloe the opportunity to take an AP art class, which previously wasn’t offered at York. She was the only student in AP art, and took full advantage of having the art studio to herself. It gave her a glimpse into what being a professional artist might look like, and ignited the desire to continue on a path to becoming a fine artist. While being in AP art, she also took a 3D art class at York.
After graduating from York, she went on to study at University of California, Davis as a fine arts major, minoring in Spanish. She spent a year studying abroad in Barcelona, during which she spent a lot of time traveling and, incidentally, photographing the sky. While at UC Davis, she did not focus on painting, but rather took the opportunity to explore different types of art mediums. She would find professors she loved, and then take all the classes they offered: ceramics with Annabeth Rosen, printmaking with Stella Ebner, and art classes offered through the Chicana/Chicano Studies department with Malaquias Montoya. During her college years, while being home for the summer, she took a plein air painting class at Monterey Peninsula College, which turned out to be the only painting class focusing on landscapes during her educational years.
After graduating from UC Davis in 2010, Chloe lived in Chicago for about a year, followed by a move to Oakland, before moving back to the Peninsula in 2013.
One might think that Chloe has always been a landscape artist, but this isn’t true. After exploring various mediums in college, she was actually more focused on figurative and portrait work. It wasn’t until a 30 days/30 drawings challenge on Instagram in 2016 that she started to paint small nightscapes. Chloe was (and still is) drawn to the beauty of the sky in its daily transition from light to dark, especially that fleeting quality of light that elevates the mundane into something more. But, for her, the visual content of
her paintings is secondary to the process of painting them. For her, the sky as a subject matter was an inroad that led her back to painting, and the meaning it has for her or the viewer is just an aside.
Chloe currently works part time at a local nonprofit, while continuing to work on her paintings. She is excited to be working on a bigger scale and to challenge herself to experiment with a looser style of painting. Artists are constantly critiquing and exploring different ways to create and hone their skills.
Chloe has certainly been doing this throughout her artistic career.
As art shows are slowly starting to open back up, Chloe is looking forward to being able to attend fellow artists exhibitions, as well as being able to showcase her own work. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Chloe!
PERRY CHOI ‘11
By eRin tucKeR
For many the concept of thriving entails having clearly defined goals and ambitiously pursuing them. For others, the journey to discovering those goals is just as much a part of the success as achieving them. Perry Choi has been redefining what thriving means to him since his graduation from York School in 2011.
Perry naturally has an inclination toward music, playing guitar, piano, and the clarinet. His comprehensive understanding of composition and execution is second nature. But of these, clarinet was his catalyst to becoming a musical virtuoso.
While at York School, Perry found a new interest that captured his attention. While in Cammy Torgenrud’s AP Psychology class, Perry was introduced to the book, “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" by neurologist Oliver Sacks, composed of 24 essays outlining his patient’s various neurological disorders. It was in this class and through this reading that Perry, “fell in love with the idea of understanding the human mind, what people think, why they do things, and how that can go awry.”
During his senior year, Perry decided that he would not go to conservatory but instead pursue a psychology degree at Harvard University to eventually become a psychiatrist. He continued his musical practice by playing clarinet in chamber ensembles during his time as an undergraduate.
While in this program Perry started volunteering with National Alzheimer’s Buddies, a nonprofit organization that pairs college students with Alzheimer's patients to enrich their lives. Perry would visit his buddy weekly and would perform music for her with his friends. Eventually, Perry would watch alzheimers claim his buddy’s mind, and eventually watch her pass. This devastating process inspired him to change course and start a neurobiology track with the goal of getting a PhD in Chemistry.
It was in this program Perry had his first opportunity to observe an operation which would become a defining moment in his life. He was able to see the similarities between music and operating: a team of people working in concert to achieve one goal, the
economy of motion being executed, the feeling of high pressure to perform (although he acknowledges the difference in consequence should the team err), and the necessity for precision.
Perry went on to graduate with a degree in neurobiology and is now a resident at Stanford Hospital to become a Board-certified Cardiothoracic surgeon. His understanding of the human mind, deep empathy for those struggling with medical challenges, and inclination toward the precise all serve him in this endeavor.
Continuing to stay involved in the York community, Perry is returning to campus this school year to speak to students about his journey. His takeaway thus far and advice to current York students, is simple:
“Find good mentors who will support you even if you don't go into their field, people who care about your future and will have your back and don't be afraid to take scary paths, don’t be afraid to change course.It is important to walk your own path and challenge yourself to try new things,even the things that scare you,especially the things that scare you.”
Perry’s love and contribution to the musical arts continues to live on through Keeping Music Alive, a program he started while a senior at York School to bring instruments and lessons to underserved communities free of charge.
KYLAN HUFFMAN ‘90
By ian maRtin ‘90
I hold a memory of Kylan sitting in the library. It’s our junior or senior year at York, sometime in the late 1980s or, perhaps, in 1990, the year we graduated. He’s stretched out in one of the large dark brown Naugahyde lounge chairs that used to line the building’s lower level, along the windows—perpendicular to the front of the chair, with his legs draped over one armrest, his back and head leaning against the other. His gaze is directed past his feet, toward the twisting coast live oaks visible beyond the windows. The big room’s lights are out, but subdued light washes in from outside. As I recall, he’s wearing a white t-shirt. (His attire typically landed on the Fonz-James Dean spectrum: leather jacket, aviator sunglasses, jeans.) In this particular recollection, we fall into a conversation, and as I typically did, I let Kylan lead it as he always had more interesting things to say than I did. He explained in a calm and matter-of-fact tone that some infinities were more infinite than others—that if I could imagine a string of numbers going on forever, then that string wasn’t truly infinite. True infinity was unimaginable.
I also remember Kylan as compassionate and wise beyond his years. Once, when I was in tears on discovering that I might flunk chemistry, I recall his look of concern, and his earnest offer to help me in my studies. I didn’t take him up on that, which was a loss on my part, but I know it was sincere.
Although I didn’t hang out much with Kylan outside of school, I know that his friendship shaped me in lasting ways. Our discussions expanded my mind, sometimes uncomfortably, and it's when we’re uncomfortable, of course, that true growth occurs. I remember our being locked in a somewhat heated exchange about gun control, for instance, Kylan saying that a gun was simply a tool used to make a hole from a distance. I strongly disagreed with what seemed to me a facile argument, but he had made it, and he was someone that I liked, admired, and deeply respected. This was new territory for me—learning that I could appreciate, and be friends with, someone whose worldview didn’t always align with mine.
Kylan and I hadn’t spoken for over a decade when, in what must have been early 2003, one of our classmates struck up an email correspondence with him, and cc’d a few of their fellow York alums, me included. Suddenly, Kylan was back in my life, albeit indirectly, and I relished the prospect of reconnecting with him. I never got the chance. As many of the people reading this essay know, he was killed in Iraq just a few months after that email exchange.
York ’90 friends and classmates Won Woo, Ben Jealous, Michael Parrish, and I went to Kylan’s memorial service at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Heidi Jones-Huffman, who was a year ahead of us at York and whom Kylan had married, walked up and down the aisle of the enormous chapel greeting and embracing Kylan’s friends and colleagues as they made their way to the podium. There, they wrestled past their grief to deliver their recollections and eulogies about our friend. It was astonishing to hear from so many people I’d never met whose lives Kylan had influenced, just as he had influenced ours. Just as he had influenced mine.
The stories of Kylan’s post-York life were all impressive, but one in particular stuck with me. It came from someone who had served with Kylan in the Navy. As I recall, it went like this:
Kylan was aboard a ship patrolling the Persian Gulf. It wasn't unusual for Iranian military radio operators to call up American war ships and harass them. One day, two operators called, and Kylan picked up the handset. He answered their taunts with a classical Persian poem, recited in perfect Farsi. There was a pause on the other end. Over the next few days, Kylan and the Iranians developed a rapport, and traded selections of poetry. The skipper of the American ship wasn't thrilled about this, and apparently, neither were the superiors of the two Iranians. They stopped calling.
I love this story. It offers a glimpse of the man Kylan became, an adult version of the teenager whose friendship had enriched me while we were students together at York.
It’s difficult for me to describe the delight and pride I felt when my fellow York faculty, John Daniel, announced that my daughter, Camilla ‘22, was the recipient of York’s Kylan Alexander Huffman ’90 Humanities Award. York was an incredibly special place for me, and I love that it has become so special for Camilla, too. This powerful connection to York is something that my daughter Camilla and I will always have in common, and I’m moved considerably that Kylan has now played a role in both of our experiences there.
YORKETTES
When you ask the Yorkettes how this all started, there is an entanglement of answers spanning years, volunteering at York, holiday parties, and the relationships between their children. It’s like a snowball of warm fuzzy feelings that gathered speed down hill picking up women along the way. That’s the thing about building a decades-long friendship; you often don’t realize that with each phone call and each coffee date, you are investing in a relationship that will pay dividends for life.
“These ladies I think reflect the York community in the very best way. We are a diverse group from all over the world and at first our only connection was our children through York School.” – Maureen
The Yorkettes are a group of eight women who met through their involvement at York. All but one of them are parents of former students and two of them are former faculty and staff members. They have now been meeting monthly for fifteen years.
Brenda Aronowitz (Former Faculty, and Assistant Head of School, Trustee Emeritus; Leora Weitzman '79, Karen Weitzman '81, Mitchell Dyck Evan '88, Alan Dyck '91)
Sigrid Daffner (German Faculty, Student Council Advisor 1993 - 2007)
Susie Gularte (Nick ‘02, Louis ‘04, Anna ‘07)
Jeanne Gavrin (Kiri '04, David '06, Daniel ‘09)
Belle Smith (Spenser '04, Bryant '06)
Maureen Cain (Madeline ‘06)
Temby Wishnak (Samantha '06)
Mary Kay Acquazzino (Katy McCourt ‘07)
By eRin tucKeR
LILLIAN ‘81 & LAURA ‘80
A YORK STORY OF FRIENDSHIP THROUGH DECADES
By eRin tucKeR
For alumnae Lillian Dean ‘81 and Laura Frank ‘80, the 2021 Alumni Reunion truly lived up to its name. When the two met at York School in 1977, they became fast friends. Lillian thought Laura was “the star of the school,” and Laura was taken with Lillian’s keen acting skills. Seemingly starstruck by one another, the girls shared their love of theater and each other over the following years.
After graduating, life took them down different paths. Laura went on to run a business, get married, and have three daughters who would become York alumnae as well. Thinking fondly of her high school friend, Laura even gave one of her daughters “Lillian” as a middle name. Lillian’s acting career took her to LA and then the East Coast. She married, had a son, and eventually returned to Monterey.
It would be twenty-nine years before the two vibrant friends would see each other again.
“I’m thrilled and touched deeply that York is doing Diversity and Equity planning–every body should have this. I was given the support I needed, I was given the scholarships–and what a beautiful gift. Everyone deserves that.”
-Lillian Dean ‘81
Laura describes her arrival at reunion, “I walked up to the registration table to see Lillian and Marianne Gawain ‘76 and thought, ‘This is going to be a good day!’” Laura shared in this sentiment, “It was such a lovely surprise!”
The two started the day on the Outdoor Lab Hike with science faculty member, Kim Kiest, exploring the former Fort Ord land. Laura reminisced with Lillian about never having explored the land in her time at York, but that her three daughters had. They laughed remembering the “bomb talks” and discussed the display board of unexploded ordnances the US Army representatives brought out to advise York students against touching on the land. (Yes, “bomb talks” still happen!)
“All 3 of my daughters have thanked me repeatedly for insisting that they go to York because it was such a formative experience for them.”
-Laura Frank ‘80
The women spent the rest of the day catching up on the past three decades, attending the day’s activities, eating lunch with the legendary classics teacher, Nicholas Sturch, and soaking up the nostalgia at the memorabilia table. During lunch, Lillian learned that Laura had
Susan Long, had passed away some twenty years ago. Susan was a member of the Carmel Art Association and an accomplished painter. She had galleries in Jackson Hole, WY; Burlingame, CA; and Kansas City, MO; where she displayed her works of the human figure and the occasional landscape. Lillian’s reconnection with York School and to her beloved friend, Laura, inspired her to donate some of her late mother’s pieces to York.
“I loved my time at York. I came so painfully shy and that’s just not true anymore, everyone at York brought me out.”
-Laura Frank ‘80
As the reunion wound down, Laura and Lillian were in agreement: it had been far too long and they wouldn’t let that much time pass again. Since then, they’ve spent an afternoon strolling Asilomar Beach and had a brunch date at Lillian’s house, where the two introduced their husbands, coincidentally both named Russell.
ALUMNI REUNION
By eRin tucKeR
Virtual Kick-Off
From Shanghai to Mexico, Japan to Australia York Alumni had a wonderful time reconnecting, raising a glass, and chatting about the good old days. We even had special guests John Pomeroy, Nicholas Sturch, and Murray Walker join us!
On Campus
After a year of being unable to gather in person, we had a wonderful turn out at Reunion in August. Alumni enjoyed reminiscing about the past over the memorabilia table, sharing news of their present lives with each other, and participating in a conversation about the future of York with Head of School, Doug Key and Director of Teaching and Learning, Jon Zeljo. Once again, York alumnus, Michael Troutman ‘82 took wonderful pictures of the festivities.
Alumni Reunion 2022
Thursday-Saturday, March 3-5
ALUMNI WINTER MIXER
Home for the holidays? Gather at alumna owned Stokes Adobe in downtown Monterey and raise a glass with your fellow alums. Newly renovated and opened by Sarah Orr ‘97, Stokes has a whole new vibe, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to experience it!
Join us on Thursday, December 30, 2021 5-7 p.m.
STOKES ADOBE
500 Hartnell Street Monterey, CA 93940
Questions?
Contact Erin Tucker at alumni@york.org, or 831.372.7448 x 114.
TOGETHER
WE THRIVE
PHILANTHROPY REPORT
July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 *Pre-audited figures.
We wish to thank our generous donors who contributed to a successful 2020-21 school year. Should you have questions or comments about York’s financial outcomes, please contact Fana Oldfield, Director of Finance and Operations, at foldfield@york.org or at 831.372.7338 x135. If you have questions about philanthropic outcomes, contact Erin White, Director of Philanthropy and Community Partnerships, at ewhite@york.org or at 831.373.7448 x128.
Contributions to the York School endowment equaled $51,058 last year, bringing the school’s total endowment to a $12,110,144.
Over the past 10 years, York’s endowment has had an average return of 7% over the past 15 years, with a 5% return in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Dear York Community,
I am energized by the strength of our community, the commitment of the Board of Trustees, and the steadfast leadership of our Head of School, Doug Key. Seeing the campus buzzing with energy, listening to students share their excitement about being able to return to campus for in-person learning, and witnessing the faculty go out of their way to connect with each student gives me great confidence for York’s future. Also, this year establishing new and fun traditions for each grade level and across the entire school body brings an enthusiastic new vibe to the York campus that will continue to drive us forward with confidence as we create a vision for tomorrow.
As I embark on my first term as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I recognize how fortunate I am to stand on the shoulders of all those who came before me. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Ellen Gaucher, Immediate Past Chair of the Board, for all of her support, guidance, and commitment to ensure that my path leads to success.
This year was a challenge as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am immensely proud of the York faculty and staff, and fellow trustees, parents, and alums for supporting each other, contributing their talents, and pivoting to excel in online learning environment and cohorts, proving that the York spirit can continue even in the toughest of circumstances.
One of the main roles of our Board is to set the direction for the School. Setting direction provides the vision which guides the School forward to deliver on the promise of a York education. Our current strategic planning process was a great undertaking, especially during unprecedented times of having to navigate this during a pandemic. Nevertheless, we not only came together with a common goal, we prevailed. Our strategic process gave us input that reinforced our commitment to ensure York continues to provide a high quality education, with a renewed focus on school spirit, deepening connections with our community while strengthening financial sustainability.
York School sets the bar high for students both academically and in terms of citizenship. Faculty and administration care about each student, enabling them with academic confidence for college, teaching them life skills, focusing on social-emotional learning, as well as serving as a source of support to listen to and encourage them to explore their many interests.
York Students and alumni continue to strive to make an impact in their communities, becoming leaders in the areas they are passionate about. It is inspiring to know that their time at York enables them to excel with confidence in their life’s pursuits. Our new value proposition is based on these principles that serve as a guide for both our internal and external community to highlight the benefits of a York education. As we continue to deliver on the promise of empowering students to reach their fullest potential and embark on their college education with confidence in their readiness, we also recognize the importance of our community.
Moving forward with a strengthened commitment to our mission and values, requires participation from all of us. I invite you to become an active member of the York community so that together, this extraordinary school is able to continue to provide not only exceptional academics, but also the safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for our Falcons to soar high by becoming courageous leaders, active citizens and creative, independent thinkers. This does not happen by accident, but rather it is cultivated by ensuring that our programs and policies are true to our mission and values. Together, we can thrive, no matter the circumstances.
I look forward to working with our entire community, and I know I speak for the entire Board when I say that we welcome your ideas, energy, and support to make York School an exceptional place for our students on the sunny hilltop.
Best Regards,
Norelle Boyce Chair of the Board of Trustees
DONOR SPOTLIGHT JULIA HIRSCH WEDEKIND
By eRin White
Julia Hirsch Wedekind, a veteran York trustee and supporter, is arguably the founder of modern-day alumni relations and philanthropy at York. Julia joined the York team in 1975 at the behest of former board member and co-founder, Lew Fenton, who knew Julia from their mutual involvement in the Stanford Alumni Association. At the time, the school was weathering a financial rough patch, and Julia had recently started her own consulting business in organizational management, a venture brought about by two decades working with the Stanford Alumni Association, the California Institute of the Arts, the National Center for Voluntary Action, and running a California gubernatorial campaign. Lew knew Julia was the right person to take York into the next era, one that included financial and volunteer support from parents, alumni, and other key stakeholders in the school community. Prior to Julia’s arrival, York had been primarily funded by a small group of committed benefactors.
Looking back on that time, Julia is quick to deflect credit for creating a sustainable financial model and culture of philanthropy at York: “None of our work that year would have been possible without the volunteers. Principalamongthemwasthelibrarian,Jane Holmes; faculty member Nicholas Sturch; interim Head of School, John Pomeroy;
and student leaders like Marianne Gawain ’76, Celia Perez Martinez ’77, and many others.” She also expresses gratitude for later Board members, like Mary Kay Higgins Crockett and Agnes Chien for carrying the torch for York’s advancement in the decades that followed. Above all, Julia credits York’s early success to the person who helped found the school, Lew Fenton.“Lew was a remarkable person,” says Julia. “When he called me that day in 1975, he said the school had to raise $150,000 by fiscal-year-end, and we had about four months to go. I got in my car and arrived at York that very afternoon.That’s the type of person Lew was.”
Over the next few months, Julia and the team solicited donations from literally everyone who was affiliated with York–every single one of the Board members, faculty, administration, students, and parents gave. “Everyone gave, and the students took a real leadership role in the process,” remembers Julia.
This effort gave the school new footing and got the attention of new foundations and individuals. The school met its goal by the close of the fiscal year, giving way to a new era of community support and ownership at York–and soon the hiring of its first full-time Director of Development, Jerry Mapp, to assist the Head of School and volunteers. From that year forward, alumni reunions commenced and all members of the York community encouraged each other to support the school year after year. Today, the York Fund garners over $500,000 in annual contributions from over 500 alumni, parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and foundations.
Julia remained involved at York until 2000, serving 25 years on the Board and also helping to recruit three heads of school during that time. In 1977 she joined Boyden Global Executive Search as a partner and as a managing Director for 30 years. In that time the firm grew from 14 offices around the world to present day 75 offices in 45 countries.
When asked why she remained with York for so many years, Julia responds, “Unlike many institutions,York School does exactly what it says it’s going to do.Every time.The people are passionate about its mission and that’s been true the entire time I’ve been involved.” Julia acknowledges the influence of York’s founding Head, Father Emod Brunner, who focused primarily on building a strong academic community for students from all backgrounds. Julia recalls a particularly poignant moment during York’s first Founders’ Day Celebration which was held in 1975: Father Brunner was invited back as the honored guest. He had not been back to the campus since 1965, his last year as Head of School. Speaking to the assembled audience full of faculty, students, parents and guests, Father Brunner shared a story from his own childhood in Hungary from which he was forced to flee. “When my home country was overtaken nearing the end of World War II, all the famous dancing horses were confiscated to be plow horses in the fields. But I remember that even then if they heard some music they danced! Thank you for letting this old war horse dance again!” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
When Julia thinks about York today, she sees the school’s founding principles hard at work. Moreover, she sees the culture of acceptance, diversity, and caring in our alumni, who live and express York’s mission in organizations, communities, and families across the world. When asked why alumni should continue to support York after graduation, Julia says, “Because they want to. Because they want future generations to have the same opportunities they had. And because they are asked.”
On behalf of York students, faculty, staff, and alumni, we extend gratitude and appreciation to Julia for ensuring that we have the opportunities she and others had the foresight to see before us.
IN MEMORIAM
On August 9, 2021, the York Community lost a valued York parent, trustee, and community leader with the passing of Alfred Diaz-Infante. Our deepest condolences go out to Elvira, Marcos ’16, Karina, and Alexis. We have the greatest respect and admiration for Alfred and all his work.
Alfred was kind, compassionate, and thoughtful. Those who knew him experienced his ability to calmly approach challenging problems with clear-headed decision making. Despite his multiple roles in the Salinas and surrounding communities, he was always generous with his time and willing to offer useful advice. For those who didn’t know him, Alfred was a wonderful human being.
As a York trustee, he served many years as the chair of the Committee on Trustees, recruiting talented board members to our school. He gave insightful guidance based on his business and housing development background about campus construction projects. Alfred cared deeply about York’s mission to create a diverse community of creative, independent thinkers by championing York in the Salinas community. In fact, he assisted with tours for families in Spanish and helped raise funds to provide financial aid for low and moderate income families. Alfred believed in the potential of a York education to transform students’ lives.
As a tribute to Alfred’s legacy and impact on the York Community, Gary Ray and Katy Castagna, parents of Aaron ’15 and Hannah ’17, generously gave the first donation to establish the Alfred Diaz-Infante Memorial Scholarship Endowment. The funds from this endowment will be used to help provide access to a York education, a cause that was near and dear to Alfred’s heart.
The York community asks for your support of this endowment as a way to remember and honor all the work Alfred accomplished for both York School and the Monterey community. If you choose to donate via Paypal or Venmo, please indicate that your gift is for the Alfred Diaz-Infante Memorial Scholarship An option to support this endowmnet is also incuded on the enclosed gift envelope.
In loving memory of the York community members we have lost in the past year.*
Frank Brunings
Edgard Coly
Robert Gay
Brian Rogers
Stillman Sprague
John McEnery
Max Bell
Christian Pollock
Philip Durkee
Hector Grijalva
Karlheinz Woehler
David Maxner
Eddie Takashima‘89 was born in Santa Clara and raised in Salinas. He is a current parent of York student, Regan ‘25. Eddie learned to appreciate local agriculture at an early age having spent much of his youth helping at his family’s nursery. After receiving his BS in Business Marketing from University of Southern California, he returned to the area and worked for two prominent grower/shippers in various capacities from sales/ marketing, business analyst, and category management. Today, Eddie works for Alco Water Corp. as Director of Procurement and Acquisitions. Eddie joined the Board in 2021 and serves on the Admissions and Marketing Committee, as well as the Committee on Trustees.
Ken Scates practiced architecture in Texas before moving to Monterey. Ken is the president and owner of HGHB Architects with a diverse but specialized professional experience in the design of educational facilities. He has overseen a number of architectural projects at York, most recently, The Gawain Family Theater. He joined the Board in 2021, is the Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and serves on the Committee on Trustees.
Paul Matsui ‘89 is the founder and Principal of The Antigrav Group, a product development consultancy focused on supporting emerging companies in the healthcare, financial services, and education industries. He draws from more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, specializing in provider finance and reimbursement, clinical technology/innovation, strategic planning, and healthcare analytics. Paul serves on the Admissions and Marketing Committee, as well as the Strategic Design Committee.
Lara Sailer Long dedicated nearly 20 years to being a brand ambassador, as well as a marketing executive for many prestigious champagne brands including Krug, Veuve Cliquot, Roederer and Salon. Motivated to live where she and her kids most liked to spend their free time, Lara moved from Marin to Carmel Valley where she spent the next several years running the wine program for Pebble Beach Food & Wine. She is the mom to current York student, Tristan ’25. Lara serves as an advisor to the Admissions and Marketing Committee.
YORK SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2021-22
OFFICERS
Norelle Boyce
Chair of the Board
Giff Lehman Vice Chair of the Board
Rich Hamilton Treasurer
David Foster-Bates
Secretary
Ellen Gaucher Immediate Past Chair
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Doug Key Head of School
Norelle Boyce Chair of the Board, Chair of Admissions & Marketing Committee
Giff Lehman Vice Chair
Rich Hamilton Treasurer
David Foster-Bates
Secretary
Heather Oliver Co-Chair Philanthropy & Community Partnerships
Debbie Hale
Chair Committee on Trustees
Ellen Gaucher Immediate Past Chair
BOARD MEMBERS
Javier Aldape
Brenda Aronowitz**
Bishop Lucinda Ashby*
Peggy Downes Baskin**
Norelle Boyce
David Foster-Bates
Scott Fujita*
Ellen Gaucher
Marianne Gawain ’76
Debbie Hale
Rich Hamilton
Greg Jamison
Scot Johnson, Faculty Representative
Doug Key*, Head of School
Giff Lehman
Paul Matsui ‘89
Ben Nurse
Heather Oliver
Ken Scates
Matt Simis ’88
Eddie Takashima ‘89
Ana Toledo
Jim Tunney**
Steve Webster**
Hannah Xu ‘23, Student Representative
** Trustee Emeritus
* Ex-Officio
2020-21
OFFICERS
Ellen Gaucher
Chair of the Board
Norelle Boyce Vice Chair of the Board
Javier Aldape
Treasurer
Kathleen McInnis Scarr Secretary
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Doug Key Head of School
Ellen Gaucher Chair of the Board
Norelle Boyce Vice Chair of the Board
Javier Aldape Treasurer, Chair of Finance Committee
Kathleen McInnis Scarr
Secretary
Debbie Hale Chair of Committee on Trustees
Heather Oliver Co- Chair of Advancement Committee
Ben Nurse
BOARD MEMBERS
Javier Aldape
Brenda Aronowitz**
Bishop Lucinda Ashby*
Peggy Downes Baskin**
Norelle Boyce
Marilyn Calciano
Carlos Camacho
Alfred Diaz-Infante
Dan Fenton ’76
David Foster-Bates
Scott Fujita*
Ellen Gaucher
Marianne Gawain ’76**
Debbie Hale
Rich Hamilton
Greg Jamison
Scot Johnson, Faculty Representative
Doug Key, * Head of School
Chair of Admission and Marketing Committee
Giff Lehman
Celeste McGuire ‘22, Student Representative
Kathleen McInnis Scarr
Ben Nurse
Heather Oliver
Matt Simis ’88
Ana Toledo
Jerry Traynor
Jim Tunney**
Steve Webster**
** Trustee Emeritus * Ex-Officio
Past Trustees Continuing their Service as Advisors to the Board of Trustees:
Gary Ray, Advisor to the Audit Committee
Marianne Gawain ‘76, Advisor to Building and Grounds Committee and Co-Chair Philanthropy & Community Partnerships Committee
Marilyn Calciano, Advisor to the Finance Committee
Kathleen Scarr, Advisor to the Finance Committee
Dan Fenton ‘76, Chair of Diversity Committee, Advisor to the Philanthropy & Community Partnerships Committee
GetInvolved!
We are so happy to have students and teachers back on campus for the 2021-22, and that means family members, alumni, and friends, too. Please check out the opportunities below for ways to stay involved and connected with our special York community. It’s good to be together again!
York Parents (YP): All are welcome to join in activities that seek to support, enrich, and connect our community. We hope you consider becoming involved in a way that is most meaningful to you! Check out the YP group in myYork for current activities.
The Alumni Council is excited to announce that we are recruiting new members!
Do you have opinions about how York can better foster its relationship with alums?
Do you love events and celebrating the York community? We have just the job for you! Reach out to our alumni relations coordinator, Erin Tucker, Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Community Partnerships, to learn more: etucker@york.org (831) 373-4438 x114
Treasurer: Cindy Schroeder (Samantha ’19, Joe ’23)
Save the Date!
York School’s Annual Benefit - Saturday, April 23, 2022
Family, Alumni, and Friends:
Every year, The York Fund raises over $500,000 from alumni, foundations, parents, grandparents, and friends to help address the highest priorities of the school. People are more likely to support the York Fund when asked by other people they know–classmates, friends, and fellow parents. Would you like to join our effort?
Please contact Erin White, Director of Philanthropy and Community Partnerships, at ewhite@york.org
This year’s benefit promises a new location, new energy, and a fun night out on the town–all in support of York School! Do you love events? Decor? Entertainment? Auctions? Corporate sponsorships? We need YOU!
Please contact Erin White at ewhite@york.org to sign up for the Benefit Committee. All are welcome, and many hands make light work!
Alumni Council 2021-22
Rachel Dart ’03
Lillian Dean ‘81
Marianne Gawain ’76
Jim Horning ‘83
Adam Rose ’00
Elizabeth Welden-Smith ’01
Planning for York’s annual benefit is underway! Join us this spring as we bring our community back together in a safe and convivial setting to celebrate friendship, food, wine, and York. We’ve missed being together and look forward to unveiling our special location in upcoming news!
PARENTS & GUARDIANS ALUMNI
THE YORK FUND ANNUAL BENEFIT
YORK SCHOOL IMPACT REPORT IS PRODUCED BY:
Felicia Pfleger
Director of Communications and Marketing
PHOTOGRAPHY
DMT Imaging
York School
CONTRIBUTORS
Josh Bloom
Norelle Boyce
Doug Key
Ian Martin
Steve Peters
Felicia Pfleger
Sean Raymond
Erin Tucker
Erin White
Jon Zeljo
York School recognizes and thanks those individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations included in this report for their generous contributions during the Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021). Gifts received after June 30, 2021, will be acknowledged in next year’s Impact Report.
While we strive to provide accurate recognition of our donors for this report, errors and omissions sometimes occur. If you contributed as a donor and your name was inadvertently omitted, listed in the wrong place, or misspelled, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us at 831.373.4438.
Thankyou!
9501 York Road, Monterey, CA 93940 | 831.372.7338 | york.org
GRADES 8 – 12 | Leader in education on the Monterey Peninsula
If you receive duplicate copies of this publication, or a copy for an alum who now has a separate permanent address, please let us know at alumni@york.org or 831.373.4438 x114.
York School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the California Association of Independent Schools. York is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and One Schoolhose consortium of schools.. York School admits students of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to students at the School, and the School does not discriminate on the basis of these factors in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid program, or athletic and other school-administered programs.
of our philsophy is teaching, living, and building green.
