August 2021 OLP Magazine by Academy of Our Lady of Peace

OLP MAGAZINE

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE (SUMMER 2021)

OLP

MAGAZINE

LEADERSHIP Head of School Lauren Lek, Ed.D. Interim Assistant Head of School Aarón González Leadership Team Becca Fink Shiva Gholami Stephanie Kanaski ’99 Alison Knoll Cara McMahon '95 Jessica (Goncalves) Occhialini ’88 Inez Odom Sara Osmus Toni Russo Andrea Seikaly '10, J.D. Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Ed.D., Head of School Damian McKinney, Board Chair Francesca Castagnola Monsignor Richard Duncanson Clair (Cunningham) Kennedy ’81 Diane Koester-Byron Deacon Lane Litke Gayle McMahon Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea, CSJ Carrie Sawyer Michele Schiele '85 Seanna Thompson '93, MD Timothy Truxaw Danitza (Ramirez) Villanueva ’98 Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ Provincial

MAGAZINE TEAM Contributors Beatriz Cabañas ’13 Becca Fink John Galvan Aarón González Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64 Stephanie Kanaski ’99 Kaila Weedman ’08 Editor Becca Fink Designer Hollis Maloney ’07 2 | O L P M A G ACopy ZINE

Editor Lisa Danaher

Dear OLP Pilot Community, Both the beauty and the bittersweet reality of the academic life are the habitual ebbs and flow of the school routines. As quickly as we are blessed with these remarkable girls, too soon we must say goodbye as we watch them take flight out into the world. On May 27, 2021, gathered together on North Terrace with parents and family, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace said farewell to our largest graduating class on record. These extraordinary 194 OLP Pilots in the graduating Class of 2021 were the singers, dancers, athletes, musicians, engineers, artists, mathematicians, scientists, writers, and programmers who have touched our school for the past four years. Collectively, Dr. Lek with Class of 2021 Valedictorian Anjali Paye they were extended more than 1,125 offers of admission to colleges and universities internationally, and garnered more than $24 million in merit-based scholarships and academic grants across 60% of the graduating class. In addition, 15% are the first in their family to pursue a college degree and a record 44% plan to pursue a STEM-based major in college. These Pilots will be heading out to the top colleges across our nation and world, and even more importantly will be embarking on this next chapter as women of faith, women of heart, women of courage and women of excellence. These young women are a testament to the power of an OLP education – a tradition that has been preparing generations of women. These are women poised to be leaders in whatever path they choose, and to have the strength of their faith to carry them. The impact of OLP can be clearly seen through the lives of our alumnae, many of whom continue to return to their alma mater and serve again at OLP. In this edition, you can read about one such legacy family – Beatriz Cabañas ’13 and her mother Beatriz Castellanos de Cabañas ’85, both now serving at OLP. We also feature stories of our tremendous military alumnae committed to the care of our nation through their dedicated military service. Fernanda Gonzalez ’16 (Air Force), Spencer McVeigh ’16 (Navy), and Christina Ratajczak ’13 (Army) are each an incredible testament to servant leadership. A commitment to academic excellence and Gospel values, upon which the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded our school 139 years ago, is the legacy that continues today. As we preserve the significant traditions of the past while pushing our vision of excellence for the future, the administrative team has made decisions to ensure academic rigor guided by current researchbased practices. This is most evident in our groundbreaking work seen through Boundless: The Sequel. Read more about our upcoming construction and partnership opportunities to support our newest St. Thérèse Learning Center and Performing Arts Complex, scheduled for completion by Winter 2022. As always, a lot is going on at OLP with our newest Class of 2025 just joining our sisterhood! We look forward to welcoming them and their families into our community of unifying love. I wish you all a wonderful fall.

God Bless,

Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

OLP ALUMNAE SERVING OUR COUNTRY

IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER 2021

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E CLASS OF 2021

BOUNDLESS: THE SEQUEL

OLP ALUMNAE SERVING OUR COUNTRY

MARK YOUR CALENDERS!

O U R M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T

Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”

N O N - D I S C R I M I N AT I O N STAT E M E N T

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace admits students of any color, race, ethnic origin, or faith to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, ethnic origin, or faith in the administration of its educational policies, scholarships, financial aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs. OLP MAGAZINE

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Tears were shed, laughs were had, and prizes were awarded to our students at our Evening of Excellence on Thursday, May 13. We were thrilled to have our seniors join us in person for this celebration. Congratulations to all our Pilots who won awards and scholarships.

OLP MAGAZINE

Class 2021 THE

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OLP MAGAZINE

Celebrating the Class of 2021 BY BECCA FINK

On Thursday, May 27, 2021, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace presented 194 diplomas to the Class of 2021 on the school’s historic campus. The in-person graduation was a beautiful celebration for the graduates and

The Class of 2021 received a total of 1,125 offers of admission to

their families who were able to watch the

universities across the United States and the world, including Ivy

graduates receive their diplomas.

selective private schools.

League institutions, top tier public research institutions, and highly

From this incredible class, 15% are the first in their family to pursue a college degree and 44% of these graduates plan to pursue a STEM-based major in college. In a class of 194, 60% were offered at least one merit-based scholarship amounting to $24 million awarded by colleges and universities. That equates to an average offer of $123,933 per student!

“We are a better school because of you: from your talents in the classroom, commitment to service in the community, and putting your faith in action. Just as I hope you have been transformed by your educational journey, I want you to know that you too have had an indelible impact on all of us, the faculty, staff, and your fellow OLP sisters. Each of you has touched us, and we have in turn been touched by you,” said Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School.

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OLP MAGAZINE

Congratulations

OUTSTANDING TOP 10 SENIORS As a college preparatory high school, OLP values academic success and is proud to recognize the following students who have demonstrated academic excellence, persistence, and a desire for lifelong learning. Students with the top 10 cumulative grade point average for the Class of 2021 are:

A N J A L I PAY E , C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 VA L E D I C T O R I A N Georgetown University to major in International History Enjoy the unexpected and seemingly ordinary moments, because looking back, those are the ones that will come to mean the most. I've loved every small, random, and spontaneous moment with each of my OLP sisters that have collectively come to mean the world to me. All the ordinary moments that we have now come to realize were the extraordinary ones.

REINA PIMENTEL A full scholarship to Harvard University to major in English and minor in Earth Science During the college admissions process, not only did girls send each other resume templates, and give essay advice, they encouraged each other to pursue their passions and reach high. This experience highlighted my past four years, how I went from shy and tentative to deeply compassionate about my sisters. Even though we'll all be separated next year I know we are all rooting for one another and will always have the love and support from our entire OLP community.

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ANNA PINGOL, C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 S A L U TAT O R I A N UC Berkeley to major in Bioengineering

ALEX BOREN UC Berkeley to major in Molecular Biology OLP will always be a second home to me. The OLP environment gave me the space and support I needed to grow into the best version of myself–my confidence and freedom of expression have skyrocketed over these past four years. I was able to explore new sides of myself without fear of judgement while meeting lifelong friends who have changed my life for the better.

P R E S L E Y R AY O N UC Berkeley to study Political Science At OLP, I participated in Mock Trial, Academic League, National Honor Society, ASB, Feeding America, Architects of Change, and Women's Symposium!

AIMEE RAMIREZ Harvard University to major in Molecular and Cellular Biology with minor in Ethnicity, Migration, Rights

OLP MAGAZINE

OUT S T A N DI N G TO P 10 S E NI O RS

JANE COX Recruited to the rowing team at the University of Southern California where she will major in Environmental Studies

CHRYSANTHE FRANGOS Stanford University to major in Earth Systems Science As cliche as it sounds, the best part of OLP is the sisterhood. I was able to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and make new friends in every single class during my four years. I will remember the people above all else. With OLP's small school community, I truly felt like I was making an impact on the school as a whole and was able to grow close to so many of my peers. Still, there were so many diverse opportunities to branch out and try something new.

AMANDA TRAN UCLA to major in Neuroscience At OLP, I was part of the Science Olympiad and All Girls STEM Society clubs, and was president/ co-president of Mathletes, the EPICS club, and the OLP NHS chapter.

FIORELLA HUNTER UCLA to major in Climate Science

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SENEY LARSON MORENO Northeastern University to major in Chemical Engineering

ELIANA OLIVER Following a Gap Year, Loyola Marymount to major in Screenwriting

GRACIE BRADLEY US Air Force Academy

L A U R A VA Z Q U E Z Cornell University to major in Biological Sciences The experiences I had, the teachers I had the pleasure of learning from, and the bonds I created on such a wonderful campus made my time at OLP extremely memorable. I will forever cherish the memories I created inside and outside of the classroom and I feel so blessed to have finally experienced what it means to have and be a sister. OLP guided me to achieve the successes I have today, and every day I am thankful to have been a part of something so wonderful.

OLP MAGAZINE

All in The Family:

LEGACIES AT OLP

BY B EAT R I Z CA BA Ñ AS ’ 1 3

rowing up in San Diego, my mother would always point out Villa Montemar as we

drove southbound on the 805 freeway. “That’s the school you will attend one day,” she would say. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but I now understand the

importance to my mother of continuing a family tradition by sending her daughter to OLP. In 1954, my grandmother, Beatriz Cota de Castellanos ’60, began her time at OLP as a 12-year-old entering the seventh grade. My grandmother crossed the Tijuana-San Diego border every morning with her sister, Clara Olivia Cota ’64. Both women adored their time at OLP. My grandmother flourished as she grew academically and discovered new passions. She was involved in student government, the arts, and was president of the Spanish Club. When I asked my grandma about her experience, she said, “The values I learned there and the rich faith practices made my experience unforgettable.”

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RIGHT PAGE - LEFT TO RIGHT: Beatriz Cabañas ’13 in her senior year Senior picture of Beatriz Cota de Castellanos ’60 Beatriz Castellanos de Cabañas ’85 (right) with friends LEFT PAGE: Beatriz Castellanos de Cabañas ’85 (left), Beatriz Cota de Castellanos ’60 (middle), Beatriz Cabañas ’13 (right) Class of 1960 Senior Class Officers featuring the Senior Secretary, Beatriz Cota de Castellanos ’60 (right) Beatriz Castellanos de Cabañas ’85 in her senior year

My grandma understood the importance of an OLP education and valued the morals that were instilled in her. She sent my mom, Beatriz Castellanos de Cabañas ’85, and my aunt, Adriana Castellanos de Peniche ’90, to OLP for the same opportunities of growth. Although my mom only spent her final two years of high school at OLP, she cherishes the memories she made and continues to stay in touch with her former classmates. She also recently joined the OLP staff as the Attendance Clerk. My mom says, “I knew it was important to continue the legacy because of the quality of education OLP offers. The sisterhood, teacherto-student relationships, the emphasis on faith--these characteristics are present in me and will always define OLP.” I graduated from OLP in 2013, where I participated in Carondelet Circle, Spring Sing, and sports. My cousin, Adriana Sofia Peniche ’21, continued our family tradition. My cousin’s story is even more special, as both of her grandmothers are OLP alumnae, Beatriz Cota de Castellanos ’60, and her paternal grandmother, Emma Bustamante ’59. I am incredibly grateful to have such deep roots in this institution’s history. As OLP’s Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, I often have the opportunity to meet other legacy families and am overjoyed. Legacy families are not rare at OLP, but each contributes a unique story to the school's tradition of sisterhood and community. Alumnae know the importance of the OLP experience and how much of an impact it has on the lives of students. This school is more than just a place to get an education. It is a place where girls form strong bonds that will last a lifetime. Legacy families' decades-old stories about OLP’s tight-knit community, rigorous education, and dedication to faith show how these values and traditions speak volumes to the school's lasting impact on its alumnae and the community.

OLP MAGAZINE

OLP Alumnae Serving Our Country BY JEANETTE HANDELSMAN ’64

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace is very proud of our alumnae who have chosen to serve their country as members of the various branches of the U.S. Military. Gracie Bradley ’21 will be joining her fellow alumnae in this endeavor! We are excited to highlight a few of them here and to extend our expressions of pride and gratitude for all our alumnae who have chosen to serve. They have all followed in the path of “care for the dear neighbor.”

FERNANDA GONZALEZ ’16

graduated from the

United States Air Force Academy in 2020 as a 2nd Lieutenant with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences. She is now a student at the University of Florida working toward a Masters in Spanish, with a future goal of returning to the Academy as a Spanish teacher. After finishing her Masters program in December, Fernanda will attend “tech school” for her official Air Force assignment in Information Operations. “I chose to join the military because I am grateful for the opportunities I have had in my life since I moved to San Diego for middle school. I wanted to give back and serve the country that has given me so much to be grateful for,” said Fernanda. Her three brothers are also in the military: an Air Force pilot, a future Navy doctor, and a Marine intelligence specialist. Her one sister, Maria Fernanda Gonzalez Ruiz

performance and morale of any team, squadron, or group of people.”

’14, serves as a nurse in her community. Her time at OLP and the CSJ

She gives special recognition to her video production instructor at

charism truly inspired her to care for the dear neighbor, a dedication

OLP, Mr. Gilberto Moreno, who as a classroom leader believed in

that in Fernanda’s words “transcends occupation or role, can be

his students and provided emotional support, creating a caring

anyone, a friend, a family member, a spouse, classmate, subordinate

environment that empowered his students to think creatively and

or leader. Prioritizing caring for the dear neighbor elevates the

perform confidently when facing challenges.

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SPENCER MCVEIGH ’16 graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in English and rank as an Ensign. She is currently completing her first year of active duty on the USS Barry, DDG52 in Yokosuka, Japan. Spencer had no thoughts of pursuing a career in the military until her junior year at OLP; however, she shares, “It is in my blood” since her mother served in the Marine Corps. She attended a Summer Program at the Naval Academy during the summer before her senior year and she was “entranced.” A career in the military provides Spencer with a challenge and a purpose along with a very unique sense of camaraderie. As a sophomore at OLP in Mrs. Lisa Danaher’s Honors World Literature class, Spencer and her classmates were given a “License to be Witty and Intellectual.” She saw this gift as guidance on how to employ one’s voice, both personally and professionally -- balancing brilliance with humor, cleverness with focus, education with intuition. “In every aspect of my life, especially in the military, this license has served me well,” Spencer said. She is not sure what her future may hold, but right now she wants to learn everything, be a good division officer and see where the sea takes her. Her life goal is to be an English professor, inspired by her English teachers at OLP: Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Favela, and of course, Mrs. Danaher.

CHRISTINA TAKEDA RATAJCZAK ’13 graduated

from the University of Oregon in 2017 as a Second Lieutenant in their Army ROTC program with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. As she transitions out of the Army, she serves as a Logistics/Support Operations Officer and will complete a Masters in Forensics Psychology in August 2021. Next for Christina is a Doctoral degree in Psychology. With these credentials, she hopes to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, serving her fellow comrades with PTSD and other traumatic mental health concerns. At the University of Oregon, her program leader, COL Pond, provided Christina with the motivation to continue her career in the U.S. Army, teaching her valuable leadership skills that she has used to help others. During her time at OLP, Christina learned the value of working hard toward her goals, even in the face of adversity. The life skills she learned at OLP equipped her to overcome any challenge. She also learned the value of teamwork and the importance of respecting diverse opinions, both of which have allowed her to serve as a unit leader who recognizes and respects team members of different races,

a big smile. There she learned the value of the OLP sisterhood and

ages, and genders as they achieve their missions. She is particularly

the motivation to be a woman of hope and courage. We are proud to

grateful for the time she spent in the classroom of Mrs. Lori Favela, who

announce that Christina is now a member of the OLP staff, serving as the

warmly welcomed Christina to her Block A freshman English class with

Facilities Department Administrative Assistant.

OLP MAGAZINE

Boun THE S

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ndless EQUEL

OLP MAGAZINE

Boundless T H E S E Q U E L

ST. THÉRÈSE

“St. Thérèse of Lisieux is a powerful role model for all Catholic Christians, but especially for young women, because she understood and embraced wholeheartedly Jesus’ instruction '…unless you become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.' She died when she was just 24 years old. Her classic book, “The Story of a Soul,” is all about being small and doing the smallest things with great love. Her simple approach to spirituality is known as the 'Little Way.' Quite appropriately for the students at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, St. Thérèse is the patron saint of pilots.” - Fr. Richard Duncanson, OLP Board Member

DANCE STUDIO 20 |

"Being a member of the OLP Dance Team has been the highlight of my high school years. I have made lifelong friends and have been able to do what I love the most, which is dance. Our current dance room is small and it can be difficult for the whole team to dance without bumping into each other. This new building will provide a much larger dance room where students could dance together and have a new space where they can express themselves. Choreographing for pep rallies, football games, and competitions will be easier with the much larger space that will be provided. I know how thrilled my coaches and teammates are to have this new dance room. I’m so excited to see OLP MAGAZINE what will become of the OLP dance team." - Melissa Hernandez '22

LIBRARY

“As the OLP Librarian, I believe our students must have a designated space to think, create, grow and share their knowledge. In the library, students are encouraged to extend what they learn in the classroom by exploring new resources, building information literacy skills and collaborating with classmates to deepen their understanding of new ideas. This new building will extraordinarily enhance how services and programs are offered in the library. We will be better equipped to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles, foster collaborations infused with technology and bring our community together for events that spur intellectual curiosity.”- Siobhan MacManus ‘01, OLP Librarian

COMING SOON: St.. Thérèse Learning Center and St Performing Arts Complex

THEATER spent so many hours after school in OLP’s old, beloved “I theater. It was there that I made some of my dearest friends and where I discovered I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. The theater has been a home to so many over the years, and I know the new theater will be the same welcoming, safe haven for future generations of OLP students.”- Kira Lukasik ‘19

ORCHESTRA ROOM "The new facilities will enable the music department to grow and achieve things that have never been done before due to the limited capacities of the old music room. I believe that music is such an important and necessary art that we all experience in different ways and the exposure that these new facilities will bring will allow a bigger part of the OLP community to have these experiences. I am eager to see what new opportunities or programs the facilities will bring for the music department at OLP." - Sofia Carranza '22 OLP MAGAZINE

Boundless T H E S E Q U E L On Thursday, July 29, 2021 we celebrated the opening of Esther Sanfilippo Navarra Hall and the Shiley Center for Science and Innovation, along with the groundbreaking of the St. Thérèse Learning Center and Performing Arts Complex.

Scan the QR code to make your gift to Boundless!

CURTAIN CALL $12 MILLION GOAL $11.3 MIL L ION RA ISED T O DA T E CASH GIFTS PLEDGES ESTATE GIFTS

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LEAVE YOUR LEGACY S L ID E $ 7 5 ,0 0 0

DID YOU KNOW? • Naming opportunities range from $1,500 to $1 million • Pledges $15,000 and above can be fulfilled over multiple years

T HE A T ER $ 1 ,0 0 0 , 0 00

• In addition to recognizing donors, naming opportunities can also be used to honor someone else (a family member, alumna, faculty member, etc.) • Naming opportunities can be reserved by multiple donors giving together. For example, 3 alumnae can come together to name a classroom for less than $3,000 each per year! There are a variety of spaces available to choose from in both buildings and a wide range of pricing options.

NOOK $ 1 5 ,0 0 0

Investing in OLP is easy with a multi-year pledge! $15,000 Pledge Over 5 Years > $250 a Month > $8 a Day

HELP US RAISE THE CURTAIN ON BOUNDLESS! Don't miss the chance to leave a lasting legacy at OLP. Make your donation today!

Scan the QR code to support Phase II of Boundless! OLP MAGAZINE

In Memory of Mr. Michael Stringer BY J O H N G A LVA N, D I R E C T O R , O F F I C E FO R S C H O O L S , D I O C E S E O F S A N D I E G O

“Don’t stop believin’...” (Journey) For anyone associated with the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) over the past two decades, it would not be uncommon to walk by the Art Room only to hear classic rock streaming from the doors and windows. Upon closer inspection, you would experience a creative wonderland of 3-D fantasy creatures, multimedia projects on easels, giant parade banners, public art drafts, paintings in mid-completion, ceramic teapots, vintage Chargers posters, and most importantly, engaged students joyfully focused on their artistic progress. At the center of this action was Mr. Michael (“Mike”) Stringer, the “master” architect of a learning environment that brought out the absolute best in his students. He made them believers in themselves.

the Academy. In addition, Mike co-led the Butterfly Project, whereby students created dozens of ceramic butterflies to represent the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust of WWII. The Butterfly Project can be experienced on the Holy Family Event Center’s promenade wall. Mike’s distinct influence did not stop at the green gates of Villa Montemar. Mike’s artistic contribution to San Diego stretched to Balboa Park’s Christmas on the Prado/December Nights, to a downtown San Diego seascape mural in collaboration with Wyland, and over 15 San Diego St. Patrick’s Day parades-all with his art students helping to lead the way. Mike brought joy to children throughout the world in the Memory Project, giving his students a way to express their love of art by painting portraits of children who were suffering

Mike embodied all that is true, good,

and living in exile in other countries. He

and beautiful in a Catholic school

also brought great joy to those living

teacher. More specifically, he embraced

closer to home. On most NFL weekends

the CSJ way of loving the dear neighbor

you would find Mike and his wife, Liz,

without distinction. Without force,

hosting epic tailgates at their beloved

he was a man of faith. Having taught visual art beside Mike for over 10 years, my life was enriched by this humble and gifted man. Mike taught me how to teach art, and in his 22 years of teaching at OLP, he had a positive influence on countless students and colleagues. His influence was itself influenced by generosity, gratitude, respect, and an uncompromising commitment to his students and their art. He was a listener and showed such genuine empathy to students and colleagues alike--again, without distinction. His love for OLP was memorialized outside the chapel wall in a mural he organized with his students chronicling the history of

Chargers games. Mike was a native San Diegan, and he spent over 40 years taking pride in cheering for San Diego’s team. To honor this great man and his contribution to both OLP and the greater San Diego community, the Mike Stringer Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Arts has been created to offset the costs of an OLP education for deserving students who display a commitment to the visual and performing arts. From his fully stocked art studio in heaven, I know Mike is at peace with this as his legacy.

Mr. Stringer, you believed in us. Because of you, we will never stop believing! 24 | O L P M A G A Z I N E

Scan the QR Code to visit the Mike Stringer Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Arts webpage.

To celebrate the 135th Anniversary of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Mr. Stringer gathered more than 30 students to design and paint a mural in the Chapel Garden dedicated to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and their founding of the school.

Photo Caption: Justin and Lorran with their son, Kanoa

OLP MAGAZINE

Tijuana Sin Hambre BY B EAT R I Z CA BA Ñ AS ’ 1 3

COVID-19 undoubtedly impacted communities around the world. Locally, not only did we see the city of San Diego endure the challenges of a global pandemic, but we witnessed Tijuana struggle to stay resilient and overcome immense obstacles since March 2020. OLP alumna Maru Rique ’01 wanted to make a difference in her own community and founded Fundación Tijuana Sin Hambre, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to impoverished communities in the city. Tijuana Sin Hambre translates to Tijuana Without Hunger. Not only does the organization

Students in the OLP Tijuana Sin Hambre Club volunteering in 2020

In an interview with OLP’s Architects of Change Club, Rique explained what led her to create this organization. “I have always had a great love for helping those most in need,” said Rique. “I felt that it was

provide food for the hungry, but it aims to create a network

the right time to realize my dream of having a foundation that

of love and support for the improvement of the quality of

could make a difference, that could make history. And today, with

life of those most affected by the current health crisis.

a passionate Board of Directors and 150 tireless volunteers from Tijuana and San Diego, we work every day to improve the quality of life of families affected by the pandemic.” Maru’s cousin, OLP senior Isabella Cubillas ’22, has expanded the organization’s reach and started a Tijuana Sin Hambre Club on campus, which consists of OLP students wanting to give back to something bigger than themselves. Both the non-profit organization and OLP club are committed to easing the hardships low-income Tijuana families continue to fight to this day. Since last April, volunteers have served nearly 22,000 people in Tijuana. Although COVID-19 restrictions are slowly being lifted, that number continues to grow as an endless number of families are still in need of support. When it came to starting the OLP club, Isabella Cubillas was excited to welcome her OLP sisters to participate. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Isabella said, “Tijuana Sin Hambre has been the bridge between good-hearted people and families in extreme poverty… We need to continue engaging good-hearted people who have the desire to help us with this cause, in order to build a stronger, bigger bridge to more people.” The partnership between Maru and Isabella is unstoppable as they continue to give their time and resources to alleviating hunger in Tijuana, “not only the hunger for food, but the necessity for a better quality of life, stability, and social justice.”

Isabella Cubillas ’22

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From A Nearly Cancelled Season to CIF Championships! BY AARÓN GONZÁLEZ

If someone had told OLP’s tennis coach Maria Morgan '17 and

singles round. Moving into the girls’ and boys’ doubles, the OLP/

Coach Ruben from St. Augustine (“Saints”) that they would not

Saints team came together to win 4 out of the 6 doubles matches:

only win a CIF championship but would do it as a co-ed tennis

2 girls’ doubles and 2 boys’ doubles. The third boys’ doubles team,

team during a pandemic, they both would have laughed out loud and perhaps even had some choice words to share about co-ed tennis. Well, that’s exactly what transpired at Barnes Tennis Center on May 14, 2021.

consisting of Mario Garcia ’24 and Julio Salazar ’22, barely lost their match in a tiebreak. One of the last girls’ doubles matches played in the round, the team of Camila Inarritu ’24 and Valeria Padilla-Choy ’22 (both new players on the Varsity team), came down to a close tiebreak as they edged out a victory to put the OLP/Saints team ahead 7-5. Going into mixed doubles, the OLP/Saints team needed

As late as January 2021, the high school tennis season was up in the

to win two matches for the title. Victories by the outstanding teams of

air. Traditionally, girls’ tennis is a fall sport and boys’ tennis a spring

Isabella Gelastopoulos ’21/Tommy Gilcrest '22 and Mariel Tarriba ’22/

sport. CIF’s resident tennis guru Ron Marquez proposed a co-ed tennis

Julio Salazar ’22 clinched it.

season to ensure that if the boys would be able to play in the spring, the girls would also have an opportunity to play. Mr. Marquez went to

There was a joyous and raucous celebration as the team realized they

great lengths to convince local coaches to try the co-ed model—even

had just won a CIF title. This is the first time a CIF championship was

hosting a Zoom call with tennis legend Billie Jean King and league

won by two different schools and the first tennis championship for

representatives to move the idea along.

Saints in seven trips to a final. OLP last won a CIF tennis championship in 1993. This was truly a historic accomplishment for both schools!

With CIF greenlighting the co-ed tennis season, the work of making it happen had to be done. All of the other schools in the county are

Through tears of joy, Coach Morgan shared that while she had

co-ed, and their coaches usually coach both teams. OLP and Saints

initial reservations about the season, due to its new format and the

faced unique challenges. How could two separate schools with different

pandemic, she couldn’t envision it happening any other way now. Her

schedules and two different coaching staffs make this happen? What

favorite part of the season was watching the students come together

usually took one meeting to accomplish now required three to four

as one team, with each player contributing to the successful season

meetings with a lot of coordination and collaboration between the two

and the CIF championship. Coach Ruben echoed that sentiment. “If

coaching staffs and the athletic administrators. It didn’t take long for the

you would have asked me if co-ed tennis in high school was a good

two programs to stop seeing each other as two distinct tennis teams,

idea before the season, I would have let you know exactly how bad of

from two distinct schools, but instead as one team.

an idea it was. Having shared this season with Coach Morgan and the OLP students, I think maybe this is the way to go.”

A winning regular season led to a No. 1 seed for OLP/Saints as they headed into the competitive CIF postseason. Before reaching the

We congratulate the OLP/Saints tennis team on winning the first ever

championship match versus the No. 3 seed San Dieguito Academy,

Division 1 Co-ed Tennis CIF Championship and providing another

OLP/Saints defeated Cathedral Catholic 10-7 in the semifinal. Against

example of the OLP mission of honoring the individual (in this case

San Dieguito, the OLP/Saints team were tied 3-3 in matches after the

individual schools) while at the same time fostering community.

OLP MAGAZINE

Mark Your Calendars!

The OLP community is invited to join us in person at events throughout the next school year. Save the date for some of our biggest events! We can’t wait to see you.

SATURDAY SEPT. 11 2021

OLP Hackathon OLP will host its second annual Hackathon on Saturday, September 11, 2021. This all-day event for girls is a meeting of the minds to challenge current notions, problem solve, create, and collaborate. OLP’s Engineering Projects in Community Service club (EPICS), the host of the annual Hackathon, focuses on how STEM can solve global issues using science, technology, engineering, and math. This year’s theme is centered around Engineering World Health. This is a friendly competition and the teams will be presenting their solutions to a panel of judges. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT AOLP.ORG/HACKATHON.

SUNDAY NOV. 7 2021

OLP Open House Join us on the OLP campus for an introspective look at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace where we will dive

THURSDAY OCT. 21SATURDAY OCT. 23 2021

Shrek The Musical OLP’s Fall Musical Don’t miss the OLP Drama production of "Shrek The Musical" this fall! This production is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Shrek the Musical transforms the contemporary children’s book and popular animated feature film into a stage musical that is sure to entertain and make audiences believers in happy endings for all.

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deep into research and academic rigor, the holistic OLP Pilot experience, and social and emotional learning at OLP. Your family will have the opportunity to tour our campus and choose which conversations between faculty and students you would like to take part in as well as the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of our Head of School, Dr. Lauren Lek, and our Interim Assistant Head of School, Mr. Aarón González.

FRIDAY NOV. 19 2021

FRIDAY DEC. 3 2021

Grandparent's Day

Grandparents are invited to join their granddaughter(s) on the OLP campus for a special Mass and celebration. More information to follow.

Winter Wonderland

30th Annual Golf Tournament & Spa Day

FRIDAY FEB. 11 2022

FRIDAY MAR. 4SATURDAY MAR. 5 2022

Save the date for OLP’s Winter Wonderland! The 21+ event will take place in the evening on OLP’s historic North Terrace. We look forward to sharing festive food and drinks with you while celebrating the Christmas spirit!

OLP’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament is planned for February and you won’t want to miss this two-course event at Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan. Non-golfers will have the option to enjoy a day at Sycuan’s newly renovated spa and pool before rejoining the golfers for an evening reception with live music. A la carte tickets for the evening reception will be available.

Spring Sing Our annual Spring Sing tradition is back! The event will be held at the Balboa Theatre. More to follow!

THURSDAY APR. 7SATURDAY APR. 9 2022

The Greek OLP’s Spring Production OLP’s Drama department has already selected the spring production, The Greek.

FRIDAY MAR. 11 2022

OLP Women's Symposium

Save the date for the Eighth Annual OLP Women’s Symposium! Open to the public, from high school students to seasoned business professionals, the 2022 Women’s Symposium will feature a series of workshops, lectures, and highly curated panels with prominent leaders in their industries.

THURSDAY MAY 26 2022

Class of 2022 Commencement

The Class of 2022 will gather on North Terrace for their commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 26, 2022.

FRIDAY MAY 27 2022

Class of 2020 Commencement

As promised, we will be holding an in-person graduation for the Class of 2020! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this class held their commencement ceremony virtually (the only class to do so in our school’s 139-year legacy!). We look forward to celebrating this group of amazing young women in person and giving them their chance to receive their diplomas on OLP’s North Terrace. OLP MAGAZINE

a DAY i n the LIFE Students enjoyed some delicious ice cream to kick off the first week of Summer Session II Alumane from the Class of 2020 participated in a reconnect on the OLP campus which included a selfie scavenger hunt

OLP's Basketball team was a 2021 Division 4 Southern California Finalist The Class of 2021 showcased their college decisions at College Rock Painting Day

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We celebrated the Class of 2021 at our annual Senior Farewell Assembly

OLP Track & Field team finished second in the Eastern League Community Day Mass on the grass

Our Architects of Change Club established a Little Free Library on the corner of Oregon St. and Copley Ave.

While our annual Spring Sing looked different this year, becoming "Spring Thing," all four grade levels put on fantastic performances around this year’s theme, Television. Yearbook signing on the last day of classes

OLP MAGAZINE

Students joined us on campus for Summer Session I

4860 OREGON STREET S A N D I E G O, C A 92 1 16 @ACADEMYOFOURLADYOFPEACE ACADEMYOFOURLADYOFPEACE @OLPNEWS ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE

In a class of 194 students, 60% of the Class of 2021 received at least one merit-based scholarship.

This amounts to more than $24 million awarded by colleges and universities to OLP’s graduating class.

OPEN HOUSE I S S U N D AY, NOVEMBER 7

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· AP 35+ &

44% OF THE CLASS OF 2021 PLAN TO PURSUE STEM MAJORS IN COLLEGE

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Learn about sisterhood, the OLP difference, and why 100% of our grads go on to higher education.