The North Shore Weekend, April 6th, 2024

Siblings Greg Gibson and Meg Gibson Revord have launched Pets4Life in Highland Park.

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APRIL 24

100+ PERFORMANCES

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BY MONICA KASS ROGERS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Afternoon sunshine floods the cheerful interior of Pets4Life, Highland Park’s new full-service veterinary hospital and pet care facility. The door swings open and a client, seeing owners Greg Gibson and Meg Gibson Revord, relaxes into happy chat—just the sort of banter between longtime acquaintances that’s been a part of North Shore town culture for decades.

Siblings Greg and Meg grew up on the North Shore in a family home filled with pets. There were “dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, and even a parrot!” says Meg, describing the menagerie. “We have always been animal lovers.”

That the brother and sister team would launch Pets4Life after successful careers in other arenas, comes back to their enduring love for animals.

“We both felt that there was definitely a need for a more holistic approach to caring for animals,” says Meg, whose current home pet roster includes two rescue Siberian huskies, two cats, and more to come. “I had been thinking for several years about what my next career chapter would be, after 35 years practicing law. Greg was also looking for his next challenge, after working in real estate, private equity, and running other small businesses. This venture seemed the right step for both of us.”

As a one-stop-shop, Pet4Life fills the gap Gibson and Revord saw in the pet care sector.  “Our entire business model centers around the vets and their staff and their years of animal care expertise. Here, veterinarians provide input and expertise on all aspects of pet care,” Gibson explains.“In addition to the pets’ medical care, our vets approve and support our grooming processes, pet foods, and other

could expand to include other species of animal pets in the future. And once the Highland Park facility is well-established, the team plans to open Pets4Life locations in other communities.

“We love being located in this vibrant, pet-friendly retail community, “says Revord. “Central Avenue in Highland Park is ideal, convenient place for residents to bring their pets for all of their pet care needs.”

Enhancing the educational aspect of their mission, Pets4Life’s website blog features fresh content created in collaboration with the vets, groomers, and trainers.

“We research to provide articles on issues that are most important, topical, or overlooked before sharing information with our clients, and so far, the feedback has been great,” says Revord.

Adding fun to educational equation, Pets4Life hosts family-friendly, pet-focused events each month. Its Iditarod gathering last month, featuring Siberian huskies and stories of the world-famous race they run, was well attended. Orphans of the Storm will be coming in May with pets available for adoption. And in August, Leader Dogs for the Blind will be at Pets4Life with their trainers, dogs and “puppy pals”—Chicago-area puppy trainers.

pet products. We also provide pet training and soon, will offer day care services for owners and their pets.”

With two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and a pet grooming and spa care expert, the business is well staffed to provide the attention and care needed for this wide array of services. That includes everything from comprehensive pet physical exams and vaccinations for new puppies and kittens to pet spa and salon services such as full body haircuts, baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, hair brushing, sanitary trims, and the “bow on top”—a bandana and spritz of cologne.

A full roster of more intensive veterinary hospital procedures is also provided, as well as emergency pet care during business hours. While the practice currently focuses on cats and dogs, Gibson and Revord say that

“It’s great seeing the community come with their children to learn more about animals and have the opportunity to meet our vets and groomers and tour the facility,” says Revord.

Many are surprised by its size and scope. A state-of-the-art animal hospital with exam rooms and surgical arena at the back, airy retail space in front and dog training, spa, and salon on the lower level, Pets4Life was designed by Santini Studio.

“The goal was to create a best-care facility that pet owners would want to come to for everything related to their pets,” Gibson adds.

“Our design and build team did an amazing job, we are very happy with the result, and we welcome more pet lovers in the community to come in to see it for themselves.”

For more information on Pets4Life services and upcoming events, visit pets4.com.

Pets4Life offers full-service pet care and an animal hospital all in one place.

Veterinarians at Pets4Life provide state-ofthe-art care.

APRIL 6

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

THE ECOLOGY OF DICE AND DRAGONS

WHERE: Heller Nature Center

Venture into the forest and learn outdoor skills, facts about animals of the forest, and play a game of Dice and Dragons. Snacks will be provided. This program is for children ages 10 and older and it is from noon to 3:30 p.m. All children and adults must be registered and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $36 per person. Dress for appropriately as this event is outside. pdhp.org

APRIL 6

TWIST OUT CANCER

WHERE: Writers Theatre, Glencoe

Enjoy an evening of art, storytelling, and celebration at Glencoe’s Writers Theatre. This year, 29 artists from 10 states and five countries will be featured in Twist Out Cancer’s Spring 2024 artist exhibition, “Brushes with Cancer.” A reception will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and tickets include food, drinks, and an up-close and personal look at the exhibits. One ticket is $75, two tick-

ets are $140, and five tickets are $350. twistoutcancer.org

APRIL 6 TO 7

RAGTIME IN CONCERT

WHERE: McGrath Performing Arts Center

Highland Park Players presents Ragtime, a musical portraying the story of three American families and historical figures in the 1920s. There are two shows on April 6 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and a 2 p.m. show on April 7. Highland Park Players are reinventing this Tony-Award winning musical into a concert featuring an expansive choir and a professional 28-piece orchestra. Tickets are on sale now. highlandparkplayers.org

NOW THROUGH

APRIL 15

NORTH SHORE ART

LEAGUE WATER!

WHERE: Community House

The North Shore Art League Water! show is back for its fourth year. This themed art show is on display through April 15 on the second floor of The Community House. Artwork is available for purchase and a portion of all proceeds go towards funding The North Shore Art League. northshoreartleague.org

NOW THROUGH

APRIL 13

SPACE WEEK

WHERE: Lake Bluff Library

In honor of the solar eclipse on April 8, Lake Bluff Library is hosting Space Week! Children can come to the Youth Department and partake in specially themed activities and crafts. This is an all-day event through April 13 and it is free for participants. lakeblufflibrary.org

APRIL 7

BUILDING WITH BITS AND BOBS

WHERE: Wilmette Public Library

Spend an afternoon building at the Wilmette Public Library from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A random assortment of items to upcycle into creations will be provided. Children ages 8 and under must be supervised at all times. Building will take place in the Youth Program Room. wilmettelibrary.info

APRIL 8

TRIVIA NIGHT

WHERE: Lake Bluff Brewing Company

Enjoy a fun night of trivia at Lake Bluff Brewing Company from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Teams of six will compete for prizes and enjoy food and quality time with friends while testing their trivia knowledge. This event is presented by the Lake Bluff Public Library. lakeblufflibrary.org

APRIL 10

APRIL JOB FAIR

WHERE: Wilmette Park District

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., discover exciting opportunities at the Wilmette Park District’s Summer Job Fair. The fair will be held in the Community Recreation Center where applicants can meet with the teams, explore different positions,

find the position that’s perfect for you, and schedule your interview. Interested individuals must be at least 15 and have a work permit. wilmettepark.org

APRIL 10

READ WITH RAGDALE

WHERE: Ragdale House

Join New York Times cartoonist and graphic novelist, Ken Krimstein, for a free book club discussion from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Led by Ragdale Trustee, Ann Walters, this book club will be discussing Krimstein’s celebrated graphic novel

When I Grow Up: The Lost Autobiographies of Six Yiddish Teenagers. Registration is required and the book is available online, at the Lake Forest Library, and at the Lake Forest Book Store. ragdale.org

APRIL 12

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

WHERE: 28 Mile Distilling Co

Join Paws For Patrick for a night of delicious food, drink, and live music performed by The Freddy Jones Band. Starting at 6 p.m. at 28 Mile Distilling Co. in Highwood, there will be a silent auction, which features online bidding a

week earlier. There will also be a live auction during the night. Individual tickets are $250. Sponsorship opportunities are available and levels are listed on the nonprofit group’s website. pawsforpatrick.org

APRIL 19

UNCORKED!

WHERE: Glen View Club

Enjoy an evening of wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Glen View Club in Golf. All proceeds will benefit the building of an outdoor classroom for Rowe School. There is a smart casual dress code; no denim allowed. A streamlined checkout feature will be included this year using the Square app for purchases. Tickets are $95 each. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase. uncorkedfornush.com

APRIL 21

CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY

WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society

Join the celebration of Kenilworth’s 100-year-old homes from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This celebration coincides with the opening of Kenilworth Historical Society’s new exhibit, “Kenilworth

EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Ragdale campus in Lake Forest

North Shore Art League Water! exhibit

Available Tuesday to Friday ~ Lunch and Dinner before 6pm Soup or Salad Coq Au Vin or Lake Superior Whitefish Provencal or w/Caper or Pasta Primavera (7 veges) or Roast Duck a L’orange (served with a starch or 3 veges)

Centennial Homes.” This celebration is free to the public and will include complimentary appetizers, drinks from a bar, and festive cupcakes. Registration is required for this event. kenilworthhistory.org

APRIL 24

WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD

ANNUAL RECOGNITION LUNCH

WHERE: Sunset Ridge Country Club

The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce’s 46th Annual Recognition Lunch returns from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This event will include a meal, silent auction, and a fashion show. Outstanding contributions by local citizens, businesses, educators, and public servants will be celebrated. Tickets are on sale and registration is required. wngchamber.com

APRIL 26

INSPIRE CHANGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

WHERE: Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield  Inspire Change for Mental Health celebrates its premier Spring Gala with cocktails, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. Inspire Change for Mental Health is a nonprofit organization offering mental health scholarships through the Inspire Counseling Center’s locations in Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Evanston. All funds raised benefit the programs and services of Inspire Change for Mental Health.

inspirecounselingcenter.com

APRIL 26 & 27

MORE THAN A NOVEL AFFAIR

WHERE: Shoreacres and Ragdale

Ragdale will be hosting two fundraiser events

at Shoreacres and Ragdale Campus. The April 26 fundraiser will be at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff and will feature cocktails, hors d’oeurves, discussions with the artists, and a book signing. Tickets are $150 per person, $350 tickets include reserved seating and a spe-

To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com. FroggysRestaurant.com • 847-433-7080 306 Green Bay Road, Highwood, IL

cial gift. There is a cocktail party attire requirement and no jeans are allowed. The April 27 fundraiser is on Ragdale campus and will feature a cocktail party and seated dinner with featured artists. Tickets are $500 and include a signed book copy and a special gift. Tickets

are limited for both events and on sale now. ragdale.org

APRIL 27

“SHAKIN’ & STIRRED”

WHERE: 28 Mile Distillery Co. The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital will

host “Shakin’ & Stirred,” an upscale casual event raising funds to support nursing education. Co-chaired by Catherine Bernardi, Jeni Hoogasian, and Anne Stewart, the event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and the band Hello Weekend.

lfhwomensboard.nm.org

APRIL 28

ARTEMIS CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA CONCERT

WHERE: Trinity Episcopal Church

Artemis Chamber Orchestra is holding a free spring concert, “Souvenir de Florence,” at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. Enjoy beautiful music from Fisher, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky. Seats can be reserved online.

artemischamberorchestra.org

Artemis Chamber Orchestra

Chef Thierry Lefeuvre

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Between the NASCAR Cup Series street race in downtown Chicago last summer and rumors of Formula 1 coming to our city in the near future, interest in the sport of racing has never been higher. With that in mind, we take you to Japan for an adventure fueled by tradition, culture, and very fast cars.

BY KEMMIE RYAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

It’s that time of the year again and the race for the 2024 Formula 1 championship is well underway. With Max Verstappen taking the lead on the first two races of the season, Carlos Sainz snagging a victory only two weeks after an appendectomy, and rumors of Formula 1 potentially coming to Chicago in the next few years, fans are in for the ride of their lives.

I was lucky enough to experience a taste of this legendary sport up close and personal when visiting Japan last fall to watch some races on its famous Suzuka Circuit. The perfect blend of ancient culture and the thrill of modern-day racing, it was a journey to remember—one I’m excited to share with racing fans, new and old. Ready to raise the flag on adventure? Let’s go.

long trip (a special thank you to our Seattlebased purser, Tami).

We started our sojourn in Tokyo before quickly jetting off to Osaka. Although the flight was close to 17 hours, the fabulous Delta crew provided the most amazing service on the

Once in Osaka, we found ourselves near a bevy of action and culinary delights. Our first stop was Baccarat’s B Bar Umeda across from our hotel. While the surroundings were beautiful, filled with high-end crystal, rich red tones and black lacquered ceilings, the service was

even better. The B Bar is also a cigar lounge, so if you like to smoke while you drink in a classy setting, this is a great first stop after a long day of travel.

The next morning, we headed to “Osaka’s Kitchen” (aka Kuromon Ichiba Market) for breakfast and other Japanese delights. What began as a fish trade in the 19th century is

now a market filled with authentic local cuisine, knowledgeable shop owners, and plenty of lively color.

While on tour in Japan, prepare for plenty of seafood and high-quality beef. Traveling with friends versed on Japanese food, one of our travel partners suggested we try the fresh Uni or bright orange sea urchin. It was

A view from the grandstands at the Japanese Grand Prix. Photography by James Bustamante

Kemmie Ryan at Kuromon Ichiba Market

ABOVE LEFT: Dotonburi, also known as Osaka’s Times Square ABOVE CENTER: Woman working in the Kuromon Ichiba Market ABOVE RIGHT: Uni

certainly a new flavor that we quickly followed with freshly grilled wagyu beef. The intimate setting at each shop in the market allowed us to practice our limited language skills with the locals who were very generous and kind with

returned home.

The next morning, we made our way to day one of the race (practice 1 and 2). Spirits were high but temperatures were even higher and there were crowds aplenty.

We found our seats in the grandstands, Sapporo beer in-hand, and the festivities began. The Suzuka Circuit is a special one. It was developed in the 1960s (with modifications over the past six decades) and has been one of the longest running venues for Formula 1 races beginning with the Japanese Grand Prix in 1987. From our seats, we could not only see the Ise Bay (leading into the Pacific Ocean), but the magical Japanese mountains. Something that was quite spectacular to take in during the moments a safety car made its way to the track.

The next two days were filled with excitement at the track and although our favorite driver, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, didn’t place in the top three, we still had a fabulous time.

In the evenings, we made our way back to Nagoya, the closest large city to Suzuka. One evening we opted for drinks in the lounge at the top of our hotel, the Marriott Nagoya Associa. Seated at what I would consider the

absolute best table in the area, we had city views as far as the eye could see, with a special look at the Nagoya Castle in the distance. We mingled with fellow racegoers and enjoyed the specialty cocktails and live jazz music. The perfect nightcap.

Our final stop on the trip was Tokyo where we took in the skyline views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shinjuku Goen, one of the region’s most popular parks and arguably the best place to see the cherry blossoms.

Later that evening we opted for Yakitori at a restaurant in Shinjuku followed by the unique experience of barhopping in the Golden Gai area. While we ended up being in the same area, famous for its tiny bars and small alleys, we missed the Red Bull racing team and Christian Horner who happened to be celebrating their Japanese Grand Prix win in Golden Gai as well.

After a whirlwind trip across the globe, we settled into our seats on the flight home and reminisced about the fantastic trip filled with amazing service, kindness, and unforgettable sights.

our grammatical mistakes.

Later that day, we made our way around town—shopping at the plentiful stores, enjoying the historical sites, and grabbing glasses of wine and traditional sake in the most intimate of settings.

We spent the next day in the magical city of Kyoto. Once the capital of Japan, it’s known for its beautiful gardens and Buddhist temples, as well as the beautifully dressed Geishas in the Gion district (Unfortunately, tourists are now banned in the Gion district due to unruly behavior and unsolicited photography by some).

We opted for a traditional Kimono fitting in a nearby shop followed by snacks and wine at a local restaurant. Being dressed head-to-toe in the traditional gowns (both men and women) was such a unique experience and filled with honor and pride for the dressers helping us. The fabrics were luxurious (although rather hot with the five layers in the humidity) and I loved every minute of the experience. My daughter equally loved the photos when I

Arigatō, Nihon!

Kemmie Ryan dressed in a traditional kimono at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

View from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Auctioneers & Appraisers

North Shore Consignment Day

Wednesday, April 24

Our Specialists will be traveling throughout the North Shore collecting Jewelry, Handbags, Watches, Silver and more for auction consignment or outright purchase. Please contact us to schedule a private in-person or virtual appointment.

Diamond Clip Bracelet.

Est. $30,000-50,000.

Diamond Ring.

Est. $150,000-200,000.

Boucheron Paris Diamond Brooch.

Est $25,000-35,000.

Lea.Ogundiran@Doyle.com

305-582-8414

Highland Park’s SAMMI VERHEY believes that impactful documentary films are the best way to forge connections, build trust, and create change. After nearly a decade working for President Barack Obama, Verhey transferred that experience to her role as Executive Director at Chicago Media Project (CMP), a nonprofit in support of films that use media to make a positive impact in the world. Verhey is particularly excited about CMP’s upcoming Doc10 film festival, now in its 9th year. Doc10 has become one of the top documentary film festivals in the country and a key stop on the Hollywood awards circuit, hosting the most acclaimed nonfiction titles of the year. Verhey looks forward to mingling with top-tier filmmakers and watching incredible docs at this year’s festival May 2 to 5 at the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center. Outside of work, Verhey spends time with her husband, Max, kids Winnie (6) and Felix (3), and furballs, Jeppson and Rusty.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

A rotating selection of thrillers, which are my go-to mindless read at the end of the day. And always and forever, Aquaphor. If I could have only one thing on my nightstand for the rest of my life, it would be this Aquaphor as Hydration is my No. 1 secret to a good night's sleep.

#ON MY MOBILE

Usually Googling a combo of how to sneak healthy foods into the repertoire of kids who only eat hot dogs and PB&J, and news roundups like The Skimm. Anything that can give me a quick sense of what’s happening in the world, while juggling a full time job and two young kids.

#IN MY EARBUDS

Since all of the films we support at CMP are social impact in nature, I find it’s a nice balance to dive into pop culture podcasts in my free time. As far as music, we’re always playing something fun on the speaker and our kids are becoming huge music buffs. I love listening to them sing along to songs recorded decades before they were born. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles are personal favorites at the moment.

EDITED BY DUSTIN O'REGAN ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

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YES, NOAM!

Highland Park High School (HPHS) senior Noam Kulbak caps his decorated prep diving career with a gold-medal-winning performance at the state meet—65 years after an HPHS Giant captured the same prize in the event for the first time in program history.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Noam Kulbak’s diving career started with a backward fall into a pool. His father, Shlomo Kulbak, had encouraged Noam—a grade-school student at the time—to take the Nestea Plunge. Go ahead, son, don’t just get your feet wet.

Drench your entire frame.

“I was terrified,” Noam Kulbak recalls.

Shortly thereafter, at the age of 10 at a diving class held at Northwestern University, Kulbak fell again.

In love, this time.

“Everything about the sport of diving excited me,” says Kulbak, now a Highland Park High School senior. “And I was fearless.”

At the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys’ Swimming and Diving State Meet at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont on April 24, Kulbak was matchless. The 5-foot-10, 155-pounder won the state diving title—only the second Giant to do so in program history— with a score of 531.3 points, well ahead of the runner-up’s 508.85-point total.

The only other HPHS male diver to capture a state championship was John Robbins in 1959, when Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev visited the White House and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Chicago’s GoGo White Sox in the World Series.

Bound for Penn State University, where he’ll continue his diving career under Nittany Lions coach Jeff DiNicola and likely major in mechanical engineering, Kulbak owns the Giants’ six- and 11-dive programs records with scores of 387.4 points and 601.3 points.

Kulbak finished fifth at the state meet as a sophomore and second in Illinois in 2023. HPHS’s 2022-2023 squad placed fourth at the state meet, missing a team trophy by one spot. Kulbak performed his crowd-pleasing, trickiest dive—front one-and-a-half with three twists (3.1 degree of difficulty)—for his 10th dive at his final state meet. The plunge requires strength, flexibility, oodles of talent and the uncanny air awareness Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell displayed in Top Gun movies.

“I love the pressure and the intensity of big

moments at big meets,” Kulbak says. “I’m good at focusing, at dialing in, and I meditate between dives, which helps me a lot. At the state meets, I considered the silence of the crowd before my dives much ‘louder’ than the cheers.

I remember being able to feel the crowd’s heavy presence every time I stood on a board as I prepared to dive.”

He was a promising gymnast, excelling on the still rings, before the start of his journey to Chairman of the Boards status. He started tumbling atop mats and attacking apparatuses in gyms at the age of 5, when he lived in Wilmette. But the heart condition Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease (Arnold Schwarzenegger also has the congenital heart defect) forced Kulbak to

“Alik,” Kulbak says, “was intense, with amazing diving knowledge. He was big on repetition, repetition, repetition.

He’s the kind of coach you see portrayed in sports movies.”

Kulbak’s other significant youth coaches: Patrick Schulze, Jonathan Roby, and Walter Schroeder. Schulze coached at Chicago Diving before joining the staff at Northbrook-based Glenbrook Aquatics, where Kulbak has trained since 2019. Roby, a twotime state runner-up (2009, 2010) at Glenbrook North High School, was Kulbak’s HPHS coach and received Illinois High School Boys’ Diving Coach of the Year honors in March for the 2023-2024 season. And Kulbak travels weekly to Milwaukee to work primarily on his 10-meter platform diving (a college event) with Schroeder.

“Patrick got me

the prep level, supplanting the Giants’ varsity 11-dive mark of 450 points with a 475-point effort in his freshman season. He then kept topping his program record season after season, sometimes meet after meet. His six-dive record of 387.4 points obliterated the program’s previous high in the category by more than 123 points. You want more eye-popping numbers?

Here you go: Kulbak once earned a colossal 72.85 points on a dive at a dual meet, thanks to a ‘10’ (on a scale of 1 to 10) from a judge.

“There’s not a better feeling in diving than when you nail a tough dive, but I did not deserve that high of a score from that judge,” says Kulbak, owner of a lofty 4.6 GPA.

He certainly merited state gold more than two months ago. Kulbak’s victorious 586.75-point total at the IHSA Libertyville Sectional on February 17 ranked second among state diving qualifiers to Lincoln-Way East High School sophomore Nate Jackson’s 612.05-point showing at the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional on the same date.

Jackson wound up in fifth place (481.3) at state. Kulbak wound up wowing hundreds.

“I did not sleep well the week of the state meet,” Kulbak says. “I got maybe 10 hours of sleep, combined, the two nights before the preliminaries and the night before the finals session. I remember the ride home after state with my siblings (brother Ori, 26, of Chicago; and sister Dani, 29, of Portland, Oregon) and thinking, ‘What do I do now?’ I felt kind of lonely.”

And tired enough to sleep for 14 hours straight, until 2 p.m. the next day.

I remember being able to feel the crowd’s heavy presence every time I stood on a board as I prepared to dive.

hang up his singlet and rings grips. Kulbak’s mother, Marci, accepted a teaching position at Edgewood Middle School in Highland Park when Noam was 8. The family then moved to Highland Park.

He first ramped up his diving abilities at the Chicago Diving Club under the guidance of Alik Sarkisian, who has since moved to Florida. Sarkisian transformed Kulbak from novice to no-doubt-about-it prodigy in about three years.

through mental slips,” says Kulbak, who placed 26th at nationals (platform) in the 16-18 agegroup division. “I faced my first mental block in the sixth grade, while working on a gainer (a daring reverse-rotation dive). I first met Jon when I was in the eighth grade. The more I practiced diving in high school, the more I appreciated the escape and sense of freedom it provided.”

Kulbak plunged his way to instant success at

Count on Kulbak to be wide awake and ready for whatever awaits him in College Station at Penn State, inside the classroom and off the boards. The young man is thinking about becoming an architect, after setting unofficial records at home in the construction of Lincoln Logs and Jenga structures.

“I love building things,” Kulbak says.

His diving career is sturdier than ever.

“I can’t wait to be a diver at a Big Ten school,” Kulbak says. “I know it will be challenging and require hard work. I won’t win the NCAA title next year, but I plan to do all I can to be a competitive college diver.” John