COMMUNITY Magazine

ARCHITECT OF

FUTURE

Dear Buckley Community,

To say that Buckley had a lot on its plate last year is an almost laughable understatement. Like every school across the globe, we were managing remote learning and the mental health of students and faculty, along with safety protocols for in-person learning. Like everyone across the country, we were engaging in a long overdue racial reckoning and a growing understanding of gender. Add to that tumultuous political waters, an urgency around protecting the planet, and a foregrounding of technology in all of our lives, and you can imagine the serious thinking we had to do!

Fortunately, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents stepped up and did just that. Together, we created an educational vision, a Portrait of a Graduate. Led by a small committee of faculty and staff and facilitated by Leadership+Design, a Bay Area consulting firm, Buckley created this Portrait to help guide curricular and co-curricular programs, assessment practices, pedagogical approaches, and socialemotional supports for years to come.

To read more about the attributes and demonstrated behaviors that we chose to embody the Buckley graduate, see page 14. We are so incredibly proud of our process and the document that grew out of it. Many of our teachers have already begun implementing new lessons and teaching strategies that nurture these qualities in our students. In the pages that follow, you’ll see some of the incredible work teachers are already doing to bring the Portrait to life.

We also see so many of our alumni, out in the world, continuing to cultivate these qualities in themselves and others. In fact, one of the attributes—True Friend— was inspired by alumni. We hear over and over again from our graduates, whether they are celebrating their golden, 50-year milestone this year or just matriculated in the last five years, that their friends from Buckley are friends for life.

What better gift could we give to the next generation?

Alona Scott Head of School

Every morning, Head of School Alona Scott welcomes students as they walk, drive, and bike to campus.

THEN & NOWTHEN & NOWTHEN & NOW

OUTDOOR ED THROUGH THE YEARS OUTDOOR ED THROUGH THE YEARSTHROUGH THE YEARS

Each year, Buckley students spend time all around California to experience the outdoors and grow as individuals through the Outdoor Education Program. “Outdoor Education trips are valuable in so many ways. They allow students to bond with peers outside of the school campus, experience California’s different ecosystems, get away from technology, and be independent,” says George Russo, Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of Students.

“[We see] students appreciate being away from their normal lives and technology. These trips instill a sense of how lucky they are in what they have and can survive on.”

seventh grade

UNVEILING THE MEDIA & TECH LABTHE MEDIA UNVEILING THE MEDIA & TECH LAB

Before

it became the Media and Tech Lab, Room 171 was home to the senior lounge, textbook room, technology department, English classes, and so much more. After construction began last summer, plans were made to create a space where students and faculty across Buckley’s K–12 divisions could gather to learn, brainstorm projects, and integrate tech into classrooms.

“It was our vision to create a K–12 space like no other on campus,” said Albert Park, K–12 Lead Technology Integrationist. “In this room, students can use technology to problem-solve, innovate, and explore new tools for communication and storytelling.”

Students and faculty can find virtual reality exploration opportunities, microphones for podcasting, game design equipment, and more to boost learning in the classroom.

Alumni Engaging Students Alumni Kudos

Safia Smith ’19 (left), Lilly Linden ’18 (center), and Hanna Young ’17 (right) led members of the senior class in a college info session, sharing their experiences for making the most of life in college.

Josh Clement ’03 (left) and Julius Hampton ’05 (right) joined current students in a lunchtime conversation on the intersectional identities of LGBTQ+ individuals who are also part of the BIPOC community.

Dr. Alex Hakim ’97 served as a guest speaker sharing the importance of building an authentic identity rooted in moral philosophy for the 2021 NHS Induction Ceremony.

Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon ’93 spoke to current film and new media students on scriptwriting in preparation for their Buckley Film Festival entries.

Samantha Garrick ’12 shared the incredible work she does for the Best Buddies International program during our annual DEI Symposia.

Andres Quintana ’89 served as the 2022 NHS Induction Ceremony alumni speaker sharing his formula for living an amazing life by creating amazing everyday moments.

Abi Nosrati ’17 introduced her published poetry collection, I Only Speak Catharsis, to current students during a recent visit. Abi’s poetry addresses current issues young people face, including peer pressure, societal expectations, and body image, helping students envisage possibilities in life after Buckley.

Alumni Engaging Alumni

Candice Lapin ’95 facilitated a positivity workshop through her company, The Ladder Method, as part of our Health & Happiness Series.

Alex Scolari ’11 led alumni in an invigorating full-body health and fitness class as part of our Health & Happiness Series.

Sheridan March ’14 (left) and Rebecca Freed ’14 (right) shared their personal experience with launching their self-care brand, SELFISH, during a most unusual year and what they learned in the process, as part of our Griffins in Conversation Series.

BUCKLEY

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dream a reality when

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In January, Burch,

a linguistics student at Yale University where he

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Jem Burch ’21 with Head of School Alona Scott receiving his diploma where he was also presented with the Isabelle Buckley Award at the 2021 Buckley Commencement Ceremony.

Photo by Elaine Lee

BRIDGING THE GAP (YEAR) WITH JACK BARRETT ’20 AND MASON LEE ’20

After finishing at Buckley in May of 2020, alums Mason Lee and Jack Barrett were planning to attend college at Brown University and Reed College, respectively. But the onset of a global pandemic and a desire to do something to help the environment inspired them to consider a different path.

Throughout his time in the Upper School Applied Science program, Lee had conducted scientific research focusing on how technology can help heal the environment. Barrett hoped to take a gap year to further his education. With these goals in mind, Lee suggested they sign up for a year with the California Conservation Corps (CCC), an organization that provides young adults from across the state with opportunities to conserve and protect California’s natural resources. Both were accepted and started with the CCC in the summer. Throughout, they fought wildfires in Northern California, working 24 hour shifts and helping to prevent hundreds of acres from burning.

After completing their time with the CCC, Lee and Barrett bought a truck and trailer with their earnings and traveled around the country. They visited 37 states over 4 months, rock climbing along the way.

Each Buckley alum is now thriving at their respective institutions. Reed College declined Barrett’s request to defer for a year, so he gave up his spot in college and decided to reapply the following year. He is now studying environmental policy and international relations at Claremont McKenna College. Brown University, however, granted Lee’s request to defer, and he is currently there studying AI and machine learning for earth systems. He was recently featured as one of three fascinating first year students at Brown.

Barrett highly encourages other high school students to consider a gap year, especially with the CCC. “There is only so much you can learn at school," said Barrett. “Having to pull 24 hour shifts of intense manual labor on the edge of fires taught me about my own limits and the value of real work.”

Photos contributed by Susan Reichmann and Jack Barrett ’20

Mason

Jack Barrett ’20

Deep into remote learning in the winter of 2020, the Buckley community established, through an iterative process of many stages, a commitment to helping create Creative Thinkers, Dynamic Storytellers, Resilient Explorers, Inclusive Leaders, and True Friends

Establishing a “Portrait of a Graduate” is best practice among independent schools and often stands in as an educational vision. By deciding what set of attributes and demonstrated behaviors the school values most and would like to cultivate in each student, administrators can

better design curriculum, faculty can hone lesson plans and students understand more deeply their ultimate place in the world.

As the first step in a “backwards design” process around its next strategic plan, Buckley’s faculty, staff, students, parents, and guardians helped create a “Portrait of a Graduate.”

Watch our video about the Portrait and the process used to create it by scanning the QR code to the right. SCAN HERE!

MISSION, VISION, VALUES

FOUR-FOLD PLAN

Drafted in 1933 by Dr. Buckley, the Four-Fold Plan represents our founding philosophy and timeless approach to education. The four pillars of Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Moral Education, remain the foundation of our school.

COMMITMENT

The Buckley Commitment was created by students in 1995 to guide the community in school-wide standards of behavior; these values include Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Kindness, Self-Reliance, and Self-Discipline.

MISSION

The Mission, drafted in 2017, represents major organizational priorities, such as a commitment to equity and inclusion, while simultaneously providing our reason for being. The Mission is more than what we do—it represents who we are.

During the 2020–2021 school year, the entire Buckley community developed the next iteration of our core values, the portrait of a graduate.

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

The Portrait of a Graduate represents our shared vision and understanding of the specific skills students will need to thrive in the future. These skills drive the development of the student experience at The Buckley School.

ACTRESS CHARLIZE THERON JOINS BUCKLEY STUDENTS FOR Q&A SESSION ON ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Academy Award-winning actress and producer Charlize Theron made a virtual appearance on campus to share her experience in the entertainment industry with Upper School Intermediate/Advanced video and theatre students at Buckley. In the Q&A, Theron shared insight on alternating between acting and producing, knowing when to say no to job offers, and the importance of including all voices in a production. Theron’s Q&A was part of a bigger initiative set by faculty and administrators to introduce students to industry professionals who can give advice as they prepared for the first annual Buckley School Film Festival.

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE SPEAKER SERIES WITH JOHN W. ROGERS

“Diverse ideas matter, rigorous inquiry matters,” John W. Rogers, CEO and founder of the first Black-owned investment firm told a Buckley gathering on March 14, 2022 in The Center for Community and the Arts.

During his conversation with Head of School Alona Scott, Rogers spoke about what it means to be an inclusive leader, how to support leadership, and his decades of experience in values-based investing.

“When you search everywhere for talent you will find stronger teams,” said Rogers.

Students in the Lower School have spent time participating in a number of team-building activities that encourage students to work together, listen to each other’s ideas, learn from one another, think creatively, and have fun while learning! Recently, students have:

• Thought outside the box to build the tallest standalone structure using index cards and tape

• Put innovation to use by building tall stand-alone structures using cups

• Fostered the connections with their groups to create a diorama of a Chumash house and its environs

TRUE FRIENDS: SERVICE LEARNING STUDENTS

JASPER G.: SLEEP OUT!

Jasper G. participated in Covenant House’s Sleep Out for the fifth year in a row. Jasper was joined by his mother, sister, and hundreds of other participants nationwide to raise funds and awareness for homeless youth who are just a little older than him. According to Jasper, “I choose to “Sleep Out” and give up my bed for the night because it’s simply not okay that over 50% of young people age out of foster care only to find themselves homeless within 6 months!”

M F.: COVID QUILT

M’s COVID quilt (pictured left) started as her Buckley Global Studies Project and has evolved into a nationwide effort to honor the lives lost due to COVID. The Caring Institute selected our very own M as one of the top five Caring during Covid Youth Ambassador Nominees for 2021. Out of thousands of nominations they receive, only the top five nominees are selected to be presented for voting by the public.

JONAH N.: CHILDREN’S LIFESAVING FOUNDATION

Jonah N. raised funds for the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation this year with our Buckley School Griffins #GivingTuesday Online Fundraiser. The fundraiser supported both the Project Angel Wings Holiday Program and the Step Forward Emergency Family Fund for COVID-19 Relief programs designed to make life better, happier, healthier, and more stable for LA county’s underserved families.

RESILIENT EXPLORER:

MIND MAGAZINE

What started as a fun project in InDesign turned into a subscriptionbased online magazine by Nathan P. (’23) who is dedicated to making science accessible to everyone.

“I love building a community, and that’s why I established the magazine in the first place. It’s a community and platform where students can learn about science together,” said Nathan P. Writers across the country now submit articles to the monthly publication, and creator/Editor-in-Chief Nathan P. encourages his Buckley peers to be curious and contribute to the magazine.

“The whole point of these articles is to make science fun and not too scientific. We try to make it something for people who may not be interested in STEM,” said Nathan P. Other Buckley students contribute to the magazine, including Sarah S. (’23), MIND social media director James S. (’23), MIND executive board member Vale R. (’22), Jane S. (’23), and Ariel K. (’23).

Visit www.mindmagazines.com to read the publications and learn more about the magazine.

Photo by Lisa Smith

ATHLETICS

COMEBACK OF TRACK AND FIELD

When a group of Upper School students heard about Buckley’s new athletic director Coach Mathis’ goal of creating a Buckley track and field team, they jumped at the opportunity.

"Through the pandemic, a lot of students picked up running as an outlet,” says Amelia Mathis, Director of Athletics and Wellness. “As we're thinking about athletics, we're looking at ways to give students new avenues.”

The team’s philosophy for this year is to provide students with an understanding of the beauty and diversity track and field involves. The students’ dedication on and off the track led to great success this year, with Lorelei B. making Buckley history by qualifying for CIF Finals in the 1600 and 3200 meter events and Marley M. beating his personal best in the 200 meter event.

“The next phase is adding more coaches and facilities to keep this moving forward,” said Mathis.

COACH

SHERMAN LEADS BUCKLEY TENNIS TO MAKE HISTORY

SueSherman: math teacher, varsity girls

tennis coach of 30 years, and varsity boys tennis coach of 36 years.

This year, with Sherman’s coaching, the varsity boys tennis team made history when CIF officially designated the team as a Division 1 ranking—the highest level of competition a Buckley team has competed.

Sherman’s role as a coach and her philosophy focuses on uplifting the student-athletes and choosing the right captains to lead the team.

“Peer-to-peer is a greater [influence] than coach-to-player. That’s my philosophy. I give the captains a lot of room to mentor and set the tone,” said Sherman.

Throughout the years, Buckley Tennis has moved to finals and achieved success, and this year’s recognition is a result of the years of dedication and determination from Coach Sherman and the Buckley student-athletes.

“There’s a phrase I use all the time which is, ‘success is determined by how determined you are to succeed.’ [To keep the players determined], I make notepads and playoff packets to remind them why we’re in it.”

“Certainly we’re in it to have fun, but we’re also in it to compete and make a name for the school,” said Sherman.

Students Marley M. (left) and Lorelei B. (right) pose for a photo after finding out they qualified for CIF championships. Marley qualified in four events and was a triple league champion. Lorelei qualified in two events and was a double league champion.

Q&A WITH ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AMELIA MATHIS

We checked in with Buckley’s new K–12 Director of Athletics and Wellness, Amelia Mathis, about her first year and some of her big-picture goals for Griffins.

What did you see as some of Buckley’s immediate strengths?

This is a great culture. We have a community. It’s obvious that we’ve got tons of talent, we won league in several sports, had athletes named league MVP, and competed in CIF playoffs in most sports. We’re doing it and now we’ve just got to take it to the next level.

What are some opportunities you see for growth?

I think there is some room for growth in facilities and in rebranding. We need to ask ourselves, What does athletics look like at Buckley? How can we empower girls in particular? They are strong, yet not as supported—yes volleyball, but other teams, not so much. I’d also love to see more girls do both dance and athletics. We’ve got some athletes who are also great dancers and vice versa. Buckley Athletics is a family and I want us to all be on the same page when it comes to support, regardless of gender.

Q&A WITH COACH RAE BASMAGIAN

RaeBasmagian, or some may know her as Coach Obie, is a name familiar to many people in the Buckley community. Right out of college, she found herself at Buckley as the girls Athletic Director where she also coached the volleyball teams, basketball, track, softball, and boys volleyball. These days, Basmagian is the Assistant to the MS & US Heads and the Assistant Coach for the girls volleyball team. In this Q&A, Basmagian shares her fondest memories from Buckley and her passion for athletics.

How did you find your path into coaching at Buckley?

When I was playing at UCLA, I played with the daughter of the principal of Buckley at the time. As I was nearing graduation, she shared that Buckley was looking for an athletic director and I was the only volleyball player she knows who also plays basketball. That’s how I got the interview. [I remember] my first year, the gym hadn’t opened yet. It opened in 1975. We played a lot of our matches outside on Gilley Field while we watched the gym get built.

What is your favorite thing about volleyball and coaching?

It’s fun. Once the coaching bug got into me, I loved seeing the improvement in the athletes, the camaraderie, and the life lessons you learn—win or lose. Once I got to be better at [coaching], I loved the challenge of being the best coach and having the best team that we could. It sounds like a

simple answer, but it was just fun.

What is your favorite memory from your time and involvement with volleyball at Buckley?

In 1979, the volleyball team switched from the small schools division into the prep league. Nobody had ever beaten Mayfield in the prep league in recent years, and we ended up winning twice in league!

That was the first team that had gone to CIF Finals in Buckley’s history. Then in 2017, the team won the division championship with Caroline Bloch ‘18 as the Player of the Year.

How do you relax after a long week of games and practices? The coaching doesn’t wear me out. It feeds my soul. I never really feel drained from it because it’s fun and I enjoy it. If I’m ever at school and the day gets hectic, I just walk to the gym. I taught in that building for 15 years, so it holds a lot of memories.

SPOTTED ON CAMPUS

Photos by Elaine Lee

ALUMNI PARTICIPATE IN 10K RUN

On October 23, Buckley alumni gathered on campus before embarking on a 10K run together! This event was started by Buckley alum Brian Daneshgar ’11 as a way to start a new tradition at Buckley. Runners started at the school’s front gate and proceeded up Dixie Canyon. Participants gathered back on campus for post-run snacks and Buckley gear! Stay tuned for details on the next 10K run!

During a school visit, Leah Purvis ’15 met with Assistant Head and Dean of Upper School George Russo, Assistant to the Middle and Upper School Heads Rae Basmagian, and Director of Athletics Amelia Mathis. She currently plays professional basketball with Elitizur Holon in Tel Aviv, Israel. Here for the summer summer months, she returns to Tel Aviv for her final season in October.

MEET THE NEW ADMISSION TEAM

We have a mostly new admission team this year! If you or anyone you know has questions about the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office:

Erwin Wong, Director of Enrollment

Molly Wooden, Associate Director of Admission, Lower School

Cristina Delgado, Associate Director Of Admission, Middle School

Marie Philman, Assistant Director Of Admission, Upper School

Adit Dan, Admission Counselor

Maribel Wallace, Admission Assistant

Scan the QR code to get in touch with our Admission team!

The Next Generation Griffins are alumni whose children are currently enrolled at Buckley.

Eric Biddle ’94 with Zoe ’24 and Lena ’24

Sabine Abadou ’89, Upper School Service Learning coodinator, with Leelu ’23 and Ponti Lambros ’89

Stephen Siercks ’03, Noah ’32, and Jae Sierks ’04

Marina Afshar ’99 with Alex ’34 and Julian ’30

Leigh Stein McNamara ’91, Blythe ’30, and Jacob ’29

Jessica Ekeberg Oakes ’00 with Charlotte ’30 and Lucas ’33

Grant Chang ’89 and Noah ’27 Lindsay ’25 with Austin Chen ’91

Row

Adit Dan, Molly Wooden, Marie Philman

Cristina Delgado, Erwin Wong, Maribel Wallace

CLASS OF 2020 CELEBRATION

In 2020, the pandemic put an abrupt stop to high school graduation celebrations and important milestones. On August 13, 2021, members and families of the Class of 2020 gathered at the CCA to celebrate with speeches from faculty, the 2020 class president, and valedictorian.

The Class of 2020 selected science teacher Dan Kelleher to deliver the faculty speech, which included memories, a pop-quiz, and inspiring words. “Kell” said his hope for the class of 2020 is to “take advantage of higher education, become informed voters, and save the environment.”

We caught up with a few alumni about their favorite memories at Buckley and how they’re impacting the world. Scan the QR code to read what the alumni had to share.

Photos by Elaine Lee

HERE!

ACADEMICS

your hand if you took biology in the ninth grade and physics in the eleventh grade. Now raise your hand if it was the reverse—physics first, then biology.

Raise

Chances are, if you went to Buckley, you took biology first. Buckley’s science department has ordered the Upper School science curriculum as biology, chemistry, physics since the early nineties. Whether you had Dr. Griffis, Dr. GonzalezSerricchio, Dr. Hogan, or another teacher of the life and physical sciences, you likely followed a similar order.

After researching Physics First sequencing and speaking to other schools who follow it, interim department chair Anat Fernandes presented it to the science department for consideration. Based on all the evidence, they decided this was the strongest path forward for Buckley.

“Physics is the foundation of science,” says Fernandes.

Unifying

in Science –

“Topics such as energy, forces, and atomic structure are necessary for a more cohesive understanding of chemistry. Modern biology requires students to understand both chemistry concepts such as bonding, acids and bases, intermolecular focus and concepts such as ionizing and nonionizing radiation.”

In other words, “Physics First” presents science in a more accessible, logical, and easily comprehensible way. Fernandes uses photosynthesis as an example. Now, when students approach the topic as juniors in biology, they already will have learned about the electromagnetic spectrum and visible light, and how light energy converts to chemical energy, oxidation, and reduction.

So they’ll be more than ready for how it all applies to a plant cell!

COLLABORATIONS

Thisyear, a total of three groups received the Buckley Innovation Grants. The grant provides funding to support the collaborative efforts of faculty members. Over the summer, teams worked towards the development of the project, submitted progress reports, and created a timeline for their implementation.

“We are grateful to the teachers for taking risks, diving into work that is uncertain and unknown, and modeling it for all of us,” said Gregg Sacon, K–12 Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning.

Here’s a look at this year’s projects:

• Maria O’ Driscoll & Irie De Lilly created a collaboration between grade 8 and 10 students through project-based learning. During the second semester, students reflected on their own experiences and attended a session led by a guest speaker. Through collaboration and thoughtful reflection, students developed a deeper level of

literary understanding and learned the practice of promoting respectful dialogue.

• Eric Peterson & Sara Palaskas worked together on themes and concepts which are taught in ninth grade English and history classes. During the first semester, classes focused on bigger themes and related the content in each unit. In the second semester, students used their knowledge from the first semester to complete a project.

• Mitch Kohn & Avi McClelland-Cohen collaborated to explore how literary movements are shaped in response to historical and cultural developments. The first semester focused on socioeconomic movements and reading novels that explore the ideas. Second semester focused on exploring other identities and creating assignments that encouraged conversation and collaboration.

English teachers Maria O’ Driscoll (left) & Irie De Lilly (right) present their innovation grant project to faculty and staff during the August opening meetings for the 2021–2022 school year.

ARTS

“OMIGOD YOU GUYS!” BUCKLEY STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE FOR LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL

This year’s spring musical was Legally Blonde: The Musical, a show that follows a journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The cast took the stage in March to perform songs full of humor, wit, and sass!

Photos by Laura Bamford

TWELFTH NIGHT PERFORMANCE UNDER THE STARS

The cast and crew of Twelfth Night achieved greatness through the delivery of their spin on Shakespeare’s play outside of the CCA and were met with extraordinary reviews. In an email to students, faculty, and staff, Head of School Alona Scott applauded the cast and crew by writing, “The result was a marvelously creative production, leading us to hear the bard’s words in a new way, and see the courtyard in—quite literally—new light.”

Photos by Laura Bamford

ELLEN MAHONEY PRESENTS STUDENT WORK AT HER LAST BUCKLEY ARTS ASSEMBLY

In the first in-person annual art assembly since 2019, and her last-ever as Visual Arts Chair, Ellen Mahoney showcased the various awards Buckley artists won for their pottery, eye-catching photographs, stunning oil paintings, and more.

“To be here and show you what other students have achieved is very exciting,” said Mahoney.

In the Western Region Scholastic Art and Writing Awards that spans across 10 states, eight students received gold, seven received silver, and four received honorable mentions.

In the California Art Education Association Youth Art Month Exhibitions awarded to students in the Los Angeles region, Buckley students received all the awards for three-dimensional artworks and one honorable mention for a two-dimensional piece.

In the Southern California region for the California Art Education Association Youth Art Month Exhibitions, Middle School student Madison P. placed third and Upper School student Andrew Z. placed second in the three-dimensional art category.

TaskRanger Collectable Patches by Dakota G. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Untitled by Leela A.-F. Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Coloring by Sophie D. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Hat Shadow by Sophie D. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Exposure Burst by Max G. Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Rough Night by Max G. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Duel by Dakota G. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Rubber Duck by Sophia J. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Reflection by Paul H. First place Three Dimensional art, Los Angeles Region Awards

Growing Up in the Digital Age by Gabi S. Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Window by Tess M. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Commemoration of Beirut by Andrew Z.

Second place Three Dimensional art, Los Angeles Region Awards

Second place Three Dimensional art, Southern California Region Awards

Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Holes by Leila M. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Insecurities by Lumi L. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Piano by Jane S. Honorable mention Two Dimensional art, Los Angeles Region Awards

Iren by Sophia J. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Shade by Davin D. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Zodiac by Madison P. Middle School, Second place Three Dimensional art, Los Angeles Region Awards Middle School, Third place Three Dimensional art, Southern California Region Awards

We the Trees by Tyler A. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Treasure by Madeline S. Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Smoke by Ariel K. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Untitled by Leela A.-F. Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Pieces Together by Bianca M. Third place Three Dimensional art, Los Angeles Region Awards

Late Feast by Max G. Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Skyscraper by Leila M. Honorable mention Three Dimensional art, Los Angeles Region Awards

Scrunch by Tess M. Silver Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Shadow by Davin D. Gold Award, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

DEI SYMPOSIA

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF DEI CHUCK NEDDERMEYER’S TOP 5 DEI MOMENTS

• Working with each of the keynote speakers, including Andre Bradford and Jen Manley. Each brought unique storytelling and demonstrated a vulnerability that allowed our community to understand the perspectives of folks experiencing mental health struggles as well as differently-abled people.

• Watching a wide spectrum of Middle School students who identify as part of the AAPI community come together to share details about their lived experiences was inspiring.

• For the first time in Buckley symposium history, having students bravely share their stories in the Self-Perception and Mental Health discussion was important because it emphasized that being silent about issues impacting our wellbeing should not be silenced with stigmas.

• Having the math department contribute for the first time about women in STEM, because having their department’s voice in this work is critical.

• Learning about Latino activists because of the dynamic and engaging way those students share their research.

MY TOP DEI MOMENT

By Ryan L. ’25, communications intern

Our virtual visit to the Museum of Tolerance was one I will never forget. From getting a short tour of what the museum has to offer, to talking to a Holocaust survivor, the visit was nothing short of amazing. The whole class liked it, too; everyone seemed genuinely interested in everything we saw, and the chances for engagement were great. Reflecting on the experience as a Jewish person myself, it felt like I almost had a connection to what was happening. I hope to make it to the museum in-person one day.

DEI SYMPOSIA TOPICS LIST

SPRING ’22 – MIDDLE SCHOOL

Keynote Speaker – Jen Manley

Representation Matters: Overcoming Obstacles in STEM

Student Presenters: Nadia K., Ella W.-S., Kayla H., Devyn K., Kai L. M.

Advisor(s): Tami Woldman/Paul Barker

AAPI Experience

Student Presenters: Noah C., Nick C., Iris K., Brad J. K., Mia C., Kandice C., Joshua K., Leelu L., Emmett S.

Advisor: Erwin Wong

Women in the Workplace

Student Presenters: Madison N., Scout S., Madison P.

Advisor: Rebecca McMackin

SPRING ’22 – UPPER SCHOOL

Opening Remarks & Keynote Address Guest Speaker: Dr. Phil Woodmore

Self-Perception & Its Effect On Mental Health

Student Presenters: Hannah M., Sienna S., Zoe B., Accius W. Advisor: Mara Tapia

Celebrating Black Culture & A Call To Action

Student Presenters: Maddie E., Sophia W., Khadija N., Vivian J., Moriah E., Madison K.

Advisors: Sabine Abadou/Chuck Neddermeyer

Religion In Contemporary Society

Student Presenters: Maxim S., Avery B., Ava T.

Advisor: Olivier Dalle

Bridging the Gap in STEM

Presenter: Chloe W.

Advisor: Rich Edelen

The Vibrations of Language

Presenters: Juliet Suess, Neil Nash

ANDRE BRADFORD

Fall 2021 DEI Symposium keynote speaker and National Poetry Slam champion Andre Bradford focused on the importance of empathy, mental health, and race during his session. During a poetry slam workshop, Bradford challenged students to “think about who they really are.” The workshop aimed to strip away pretenses and to encourage students to think deeply.

JEN MANLEY

Jen Manley, the keynote speaker at the Middle School DEI Symposia in January 2022, is a Buckley parent to rising ninth grade student Grover S. She spoke about her and her husband’s growth and education through a limb difference Grover was born with, and the enrichment it brought to all their lives. The following is an excerpt from that keynote address, which was broadcast via Zoom in classrooms on the first day of winter symposia.

When we were pregnant with Grover, we learned at our 20-week ultrasound that his right hand had stopped growing and didn’t have any moving fingers. We were shocked, scared, and felt like we had somehow lost something. We didn’t know why it happened and we didn’t know anyone who looked the way our baby was going to look. I worried I had done something and I’m sad to say, I even thought “why me?!” But this difference took us on a journey that turned into a wonderful gift in our lives, beyond the gift of having him as our son.

Grover officially has symbrachydactyly—a condition in which the hand or arm might stop growing while in utero. Symbrachydactyly is a congenital condition, which means babies are born with it, and results in short fingers that may be webbed or joined, underdeveloped, or not developed at all. In our case, Grover’s thumb grew a bit and the rest are little nubs. The muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the hand are usually also affected.

When Grover was little, we kept hearing the phrase “kids are cruel.” But that didn’t sit right. Little four year-olds are clearly not intending to be mean. We quickly realized we were putting meaning to those words, and we decided not to subscribe to “kids are cruel” because it’s not true or helpful. I love how curious kids are, and we’d all do well to

hold on to that quality. I know parents might often say, don’t stare, don’t look, don’t bother them. But I think, if you ever find yourself curious about a person, find a way to ask, even ask if it’s okay to ask. It’s often better than staring or feeling uncomfortable or making your own judgments about a person. And by the way, if you do ask and they seem put off or aren’t open, that’s okay too. You can back off. I think more often than not, you’ll find people are okay with asking rather than staring or whispering.

We chose to react this way because we wanted Grover to know there is nothing wrong with him. If we allowed weird and wrong to upset us, or if we sounded defensive, then he’d think his hand might be something to get upset about. It’s not, and he’s grown up loving his little hand. He likes that he’s unique and thinks his hand is really cool. Grover has a different hand AND he’s also a very typical teenage boy who plays way too many video games! We view his limb difference as a gift, and also a normal part of life. Most days, we don’t even think about it.

Jen Manley, her husband Andy, and son Grover, age 5

COLLEGE COUNSELING

Reed College

Stanford University

UC Santa Cruz

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

UC Santa Barbara California Lutheran University

UC Riverside

UC San Diego

CSU Los Angeles

UC Los Angeles

Loyola Marymount University

Occidental College

Santa Monica College

University of Southern California

Hawaii Pacific University

University of Colorado Boulder

Colorado College

Texas Christian University

Southern Methodist University

TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE THE CLASS OF 2021 IS NOW!

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Syracuse University

Rochester Institute of Technology

University of Wisconsin Madison

University of Michigan

University of Chicago

Purdue University

Oberlin College

Washington University St. Louis

McGill University

Bennington College

Northeastern University

Stonehill College

Wesleyan University Yale University

New York University Barnard College

Pennylvania State University

American University

William & Mary

Vanderbilt University

Tulane University

Emory University

University of St Andrews

University College of Dublin

COMINGS AND GOINGS

2020

NEAL RODEN ended his three-decade career at Buckley in July 2020, while the school was deep in remote learning. He came to Buckley in 1989 as a Lower School teacher and became the visionary behind the creation of Buckley’s Middle School. From the original two divisions—a K–6 Lower School and Secondary School for grades 7–12—Neal carved out three grades for Middle School. He understood that developmentally, sixth graders needed to be with older students, and that seventh and eighth graders needed a division of their own, with faculty who thrive on the energy unique to pre-teens. Neal was ahead of the times in that understanding and put Buckley on the map. From that original insight, Neal had a hand in all aspects of what makes the Middle School program an extraordinary period of self-discovery for students: from Advisory to Exploratory to no-cut athletics and robust Middle School clubs, Mr. Roden was instrumental in the creation of it all. Now, luckily for Buckley and for Sherman Oaks, he continues to substitute in Middle School and has been re-elected to the board of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC), business district 4.

2021

KERRY KULISEK decided

2021 was her last year, not only at Buckley, but in the field of education. She’s ready to retire and live among the bright lights and sounds of the slot machines. Kerry moved to Vegas! After 18 years of service to Buckley, this was quite a big change for her and for us. In her time at Buckley, Kerry oversaw the growth of the athletics program, including the addition of a first-in-class strength and conditioning weight room. But more than the programs or records created

during her tenure, what she’ll be remembered for is her love of sport, her belief that athletics is a key piece of education, that the lessons learned on a team set one up for success in life, her deep belief in relationships, and that if you will it, anything is possible. In the meantime, you’ll find Coach K in her new home in Las Vegas (several Buckley teachers already have :).

STEVE ROLLMAN, after more than three decades of teaching, retired in 2021. His last set—that for Noises Off!—entailed a two-story reversible construction on wheels, a breathtaking feat of engineering and design. It turned out to be the last inperson production at Buckley in two years, struck just days before the campus shut down for the pandemic. As a film teacher and set designer, Mr. Rollman spent more time behind the scene than front and center, but his work, particularly his set design, often stole the show. Many alumni remember the scores and scores of legendary sets he designed, and the building of them brought students together to imagine, create, and build community. Though Mr. Rollman has been back to help out with Buckley productions since, his handiwork, eye, and dedication are sorely missed.

2022

RANDEE BORGGREBE

retires this year as Buckley’s longest-standing teacher and most senior Buckley veteran (moving into the #1 position—Vince Houser!). Borggrebe began her career at Buckley in the fall of 1978 in Lower School, teaching Beginners (pre-K) and P.E. A self-professed “lifelong learner,” Randee then earned a master’s degree in computer education in 1992, when computers were barely in schools. She became chair of the Upper School computer department and bought Buckley’s first round of Macs, “the cubes with handles—

we thought they were portable!” she says, remembering how she carried one around a conference. Borggrebe went from teaching Upper School back to Lower School and also to Summer School, ending her career in the Lower School Library as a technology specialist. This role gave her a “love of reading,” which she will take into retirement, during which she also looks forward to traveling and house projects. “Buckley has been my home away from home,” she says. “Forty-four years is my life.” Always ready with a warm hello, Randee will be truly missed!

ELLEN MAHONEY began her time at Buckley in 1981 when she was recruited by the Upper School Head at the time, David Arnold, to chair the visual arts department. Little did she know, she’d be building the department from the ground up—where students had previously just been given a studio space and time after school to create, Mahoney would now create a curriculum. Today, there is hardly a single Buckley alum who did not take one of her art classes. Whether you created wire sculptures or threw on the wheel, Mahoney likely showed you the ropes. During her time at Buckley, she built a darkroom with enlargers, expanded the digital arts program, won the Music Center’s prestigious Bravo Award in 1999 and the Kennedy Center’s Creative Ticket of Excellence in 2004, and worked alongside seven different drawing and painting teachers. Always Buckley’s resident 3-D teacher (she calls her drawing and painting counterparts “flat people”), Ellen is looking forward to re-engaging her jewelry bench and potter’s wheel in retirement, and to working with warm glass, a passion she acquired while teaching it in Upper School. Her daughter Alice graduated from Buckley in 2012 and currently lives in Paris.

MARTA CONLEY came to Buckley in 2003 as a Lower School physical education teacher and quickly became a coach for several Lower and Middle School athletic teams, “whatever they needed me to do,” she says. Good thing she was not only needed but capable at so much—at coaching girls basketball, volleyball, and soccer, swimming and boys basketball. An authentic “Valley Girl,” Marta grew up sporty and outdoorsy—surfing, cycling, camping (her childhood dream was to be a forest ranger)—but decided her true calling was to teach P.E.

when she landed her first job as a fourth grade P.E. teacher at the age of 18. At Buckley, she says, her goal was “To empower girls to have confidence in themselves, be supportive of one another, and have each other’s backs,” she says. “When that happens, you get the most successful teams.” Students and teachers will miss Coach Conley, her positive attitude, and ready smile.

AFSANEH NURY began her career at Buckley in 1995, a young mother drawn to a part-time opportunity teaching Spanish. Her children, Shirin ‘08 and Cyrus ’12, soon started kindergarten in the Beginners program; Shirin left in tenth grade to go to boarding school while Cyrus went on to graduate, a lifer. Having moved to Los Angeles from Iran as a teenager, Afsaneh earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Spanish from UCLA. She picked up her passion for languages in Iran when studying English, Spanish, and Persian and raised her children trilingual. At Buckley, she taught both Middle and Upper School, and every level of Spanish except 1A. In retirement, “I hope to volunteer,” she says. “Possibly at a homeless shelter for pregnant women or for a tutoring center at a junior college. It would be very gratifying to continue to serve the community.” Nury’s warmth and kindness will be truly missed by all.

STAFF RETIREMENTS

In 2020, 2021, and 2022, Buckley also said goodbye to Director of Human Resources Dave Carter and Accounts Payable and Business Office Coordinator Teresa Faranda. Both became involved in the life of the school beyond their respective roles in the Business Office. A scout leader, Dave loved chaperoning outdoor education trips and traveled with the robotics team one year to a competition in Hawaii. Teresa Faranda was an avid knitter and taught an exploratory class one year in crochet.

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT BOARD

Dear Alumni Community,

We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as co-presidents of the Alumni Engagement Board. It’s been incredibly impacting to see the power and conviction of the alumni voice and spirit. We have been inspired by watching so many of you put your intentions into action. It has been a really special opportunity to get to know the many constituencies of the community and to witness the doors and opportunities opening for alumni input and participation. Thanks for supporting us and letting us represent you all! We both hope to continue impacting and growing our alumni community in meaningful and necessary ways.

We are so excited for Grant Chang ’89 and Chad Lasdon ’97 in their new roles as President and Vice-President of the AEB. We look forward to supporting their work as they lead us in growing and fostering Buckley’s alumni network.

Congratulations, Grant and Chad!

OUTGOING CO-PRESIDENTS

INCOMING PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT

Marlen Grussi ’13, Co-President Eli Goetzman ’07, Co-President

Grant Chang ’89 2022–2023 President

Marlen Grussi ’13 Co-President

Chad Lasdon ’97 2022–2023 Vice President

Eli Goetzman ’08 Co-President

Members

Front

Leigh Stein

Garikian

and Jackie Goldberg

Back

Vincent

Melissa

Meyer

Stan Adelstein

Ron Andersen

Brad Arkin

Susan Arnett-McGuire

Phillip Bailey

Jeff Berke

Ross Bloom

Carla Craft

Gena Darmstatter

Laura Ditto

Marcel Fink

Laura Geis

Jane Gorham

Susan Hess

Robin Howe

Valorie Jacobs-Walker

Max Jamison

Lorelei Kornell

Michelle Kramer

Linda Lary

Idye Lee

Shari Lee

Evalu Lopizich-Vidor

Michele Lyons

Steven Mandel

Jan Martin

Ron Nelson

Ronald Ng

Mark Pedley

Danny Petrasek

Joy Pollakoff

Brant Reed

Andrew Rosenfeld

James Scott, III

Abbe Shillabeer

Charles Skouras, III

Robert Smith Barbara StamatonHessenius

Jeffrey Styler

Karen Thies Wendy Tryon

Michelle Urmer Kimithy Vaughan

Pamela WilsonShepodd Valeri Young

CLASS NOTES

FALL 2019 – WINTER 2021 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

STEPHANIE KRAJCHIR ’80

ROY PATRICK DISNEY ’75 was the first across the finish line for the 2021 Transpac in Honolulu this summer. His boat, Pyewacket, was sailed for many years by his father, Roy E. Disney, with Roy Patrick as a crew member.

(pictured right, with fellow Griffin Laura Farinella ’82) recently announced her retirement as a detective 2 supervisor from the Los Angeles Police Department. Stephanie spent nearly 32 years with the LAPD where her duties included night patrol, officer training, and field sergeant assignments. She was twice selected “supervisor” and “detective of the year.” Stephanie now resides in Arizona where she enjoys bowling, golf, and pickleball as often as she can.

LAURA

MONICA HIGGINS ’80 (top left) finished in the top five out of 139 challengers for the 8th Annual Women Founders Network Fast Pitch competition. She is CEO of Garagify, a tech-enabled design-build company.

FARINELLA ’82 retired after her 30-year career in law enforcement, which included decades at the Long Beach Police Department. She shattered a glass ceiling in March 2015 as Laguna Beach’s first female police chief and Orange County’s first openly gay police chief.

RODNEY MOGEN

’95 earned a doctorate in Financial Planning and a doctorate in Business Administration in December and June of 2019. He currently serves as the economic adviser to the World Health Organization's Coronavirus Committee and also advises most states on economic development in light of the financial impact caused by the pandemic.

RASHI KHANNA WIESE ’02 and husband Eric (with Rupert, Winston, and Estelle) are new hosts of Lucky Dog, a CBS Saturday morning show which premiered January 2, and helps shelter dogs find their forever homes. Rashi and Eric own and operate a boarding/training facility called Happy Puppy L.A. as well as run Wrare Foundation, a non-profit benefiting dogs and shelters. Rashi is proud of her Buckley education and truly feels her student experience served a purpose that has led her to her life's mission of working with and helping animals.

MATT DROOYAN

’04 welcomed new son, Nathan, with wife Laura Schiff.

JENNA ROSHER is a documentary film director and cinematographer. Her most recent featured work includes Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry

AMANDA ZAR ’99 was recently promoted to the national Director of Planned Giving for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and celebrates 13 years supporting the CF community. She also runs the cooking and parenting blog www.saltandasmile.com. Amanda lives in Chicago with husband Robby and sons Asher (10) and Everett (8).

RUBY JOY ’05 is a recent graduate with the Canadian & US Dual JD Program in Windsor, Canada and Detroit, Michigan, receiving her Canadian and US JD in May. Before law school, Ruby spent time as an actress on the Canadian stage and screen, and shares how acting has enhanced her law career.

ALEXANDER MICHAELSON ’07 married in Los Angeles in the spring of 2019. He and wife Nozomi Ando currently live in Tokyo, Japan.

SUZIE RAGA ’07 and husband Andrew welcomed their daughter, Aliza Jade Harris, on July 19, 2020. They live in Charleston, SC where Suzie is a writer for a software company and Andrew is a data scientist. They love riding bikes around their neighborhood and look forward to having Aliza join when she’s older.

MADISON KAPLAN-ZUSMAN ’11 AND ALLISON CARLISLE ’11 participated in the Kicking Cancer 5K RUN/STROLL/WALK in Brentwood in 2019 (pre-pandemic) in honor of family members recently diagnosed with breast cancer and have pledged to run the 5K every year together.

GEORGIA DORFMAN ’16 has launched her very own clothing line All My Love, apparel embracing individuality and comfort for young women. A portion of all profits will be donated to the LEAP Foundation.

NOAH NAZARIAN

’18 has recently launched Bahamii, a natural and organic date-based snack brand for healthconscious consumers and the official snack of USC athletes. Noah, and brother Aaron Nazarian ’19, are students at USC Marshall School of Business where Bahamaii is considered one of the school's best start-ups.

MICHAEL GOLDFEDER ’19

is a member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll at UNC Chapel Hill, while wrestling for the Tarheels. He hopes to be competing at 165 pounds this season and is looking forward to the 2022 Maccabiah International games in Israel. Go, Michael!

Wessam Hazaymeh, Editor

Content Creator whazaymeh@buckley.org

Sally Sacon

Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications ssacon@buckley.org

Clare McCreary

Digital Content Manager cmccreary@buckley.org

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Shelly Schroth

Director of Advancement sschroth@buckley.org

Joyce Jones

Director of Alumni Relations jjones@buckley.org

Erin Fitzgerald

Assistant Director of Advancement efitzgerald@buckley.org

Teressa Mercurio

Advancement Associate tmercurio@buckley.org

DESIGN

Glen Nakasako

PHOTOGRAPHY

Laura Bamford

Wessam Hazaymeh

Elaine Lee

Clare McCreary

Albert Park

Sally Sacon

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PARENTS OF ALUMNI: PLEASE FORWARD THIS PUBLICATION

If your child no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of the new mailing address. Joyce Jones: 818.461.6770 or alumni@buckley.org

Members of founder Isabelle Buckley's family with current Head of School Alona Scott: Isabelle's son Peter Buckley, with his daughters Isabelle Buckley (to his left), and Jody O'Riordan (far right). Peter is holding an illustration of his mother done by current Lower School art teacher Rama Hughes.