The Fourth Estate Senior Issue

1

Class of 2012

“Alex is a great guy. He was an awesome captain for cross country, and he will succeed wherever he goes.

Yeah, buddy.”

-Luke

“Allie is really amazing and is a great friend.

She’s always there for you!”

–Estelle

“Vera is hilarious, and I love her laugh!

It’s going to be so much fun at Santa Cruz next year” – Elise

“I like Andrew because his name rhymes with my favorite Pokemon Sandshrew.”

– Alex

“Ari is my favorite of all Aztec royalty and baby phoenixes. I’m awed by how much we’ve grown and experienced together.

I love you, Ari!” – Cameron

“Lab buddy, battle buddy, lunch buddy.

Austin is the best buddy one could have.”

– Kai

ART: ZOE SERBIN

Class of 2012 (from top-right): Andrew McCaffery, Alex Greer, Luke Judson, Justin Shand, Alex Louden, Logan Elder, Austin Abrams, Tucker Atterbury, Troy Ritter, Milo Filip, Jamie Rosenberg, (from bottom-right) Fiona Jessup, Mackenzie Campbell, McKenzie Scarborough, Rebecca Braly, Ari Rodriguez, Lauren Alef, Cameron Platt, Jess Davis, Lauren Conk, Elise Scheuermann, Vera Lopez, Allie Lafitte, Savanna Brown, Brandon Bickett, Amanda Harvey, Kimi Mashhoon, Kai Gamble, Tanner Dalton, Marisa Hutton, Estelle Lewis, and Morgan Raith.

Best of the Class of 2012 From best eyes to best leader. Page 2.

Remember When The senior class memories from four years of high school. Page 4.

Senior Projects Students experience life in the workplace.

Page 6.

Most Likely To...

Predictions for the Class of 2012.

Page 3.

The Laguna Lifer Experience A Laguna Lifer reflects on his experiences at Laguna Blanca. Page 5.

The Next Step Find out where each of our seniors will be going to school next year. Page 8.

“Becca is one of the most amazing, thoughtful, and caring people I know. She is such a great friend, and it’s crazy how much I’m going to miss her next year.” –Fiona

“Cameron wants everyone to think he’s a tough guy, but underneath all that brawn, he’s really a sweetheart.”

– Troy

“Estelle is awesome; I’m going to miss her so much next year.”

– Kimiya

“Fiona is one of those friends that you’ve known for way too long but still every minute is as priceless and exciting as the next. I’ll miss ya, girl!”

–McKenzie

“Jack is an unpredictable, funny, crazy hipster. He will always make

you laugh.”

–Austin

“He likes cameras.”

– Jack

2

Class of 2012

f o s s Cla Winners 2 1 0 2 Best of... e n v i r o n m e n t a l i s t

Allie Milo

hugger

Vera

Austin

Alex & Cameron

book worms

s c h o o l s p i r i t

Alex

h a i r

laugh

Kai

Becca

smile:) Jess

d r i v e r

eyes

Marisa

Savanna

h u m a n i t a r i a n

personality

h i p s t e r s

s p e a k e r

Andrew

Jack & Eva

Justin

leader

a r t i s t Morgan

d r e s s e d

Lauren & Troy

Photos and Layout: Anastasia Antonova

3

Class of 2012

“Justin’s kind personality and joyful disposition in class makes learning fun.”

– Brandon

“Kai is a great friend to have!

He always makes Spanish class very interesting. I’m going to miss him next year.”

– Allie

“Lauren has been a great friend since seventh grade. She is amazing, and I’m going to miss her so much next year!”

–Elise

“I like Luke because his favorite Pokemon is Squirtle and so is mine.”

–Justin

“Ken is probably the most fun person I know. Whenever I’m with her we always have a great time. I’m really going to miss her.”

“Mackenzie is really outgoing and brings everyone together.”

–Becca

–Mackenzie

C.

Most Likely To... ...Be a Professional Soccer Player McKenzie Scarborough

...Be on the Cover of GQ Alex Louden

...Be Her Manager Fiona Jessup

...Be in the Ironman Triathlon Patrick Gainey

...Be ID’d When They Are 30 Becca Braly

...Be President Alex Greer

...Be a College Volleyball Coach Amanda Harvey

...Be Appointed as Chief Justice Jess Davis

...Win a Nobel Prize in Biochemistry Andrew McCaffery

...Be an Acclaimed Literary Critic & Writer Cameron Platt

...Be on the Cover of Time Magazine Brandon Bickett ...Take the Cover Photograph Jamie Rosenberg ...Run Her Own Private Medical Practice Estelle Lewis ...Be a Human Rights Activist Eva Davis ...Be Her Attorney Cameron Matthews ...Create a Fashion Line Lauren Alef ...Design for that Fashion Line Mackenzie Campbell

...Be on the Cover of The Economist Justin Shand ...Become a Famous Cinematographer Jack Davies ...Be on American Idol Allie Lafitte ...Sail Around the World Tucker Atterbury ...Win America’s Cup Savanna Brown ...Be an Olympic Medal Winning Equestrian Marisa Hutton ...Design a Green Community Morgan Raith ...Work for ESPN Luke Judson

...Become a World Renowned Surgeon Tanner Dalton ...Make a Difference Vera Lopez ...Coach Someone in the U.S. Open Lauren Conk ...Become an Aquaculture Engineer Elise Scheuermann ...Compete on Iron Chef James Cornell ...Win an Olympic Medal for Swimming Milo Filip ...Teach Marine Science Ari Rodriguez ...Coach an NCAA College Basketball Team Logan Elder ...Be an Award Winning Microbiologist Austin Abrams ...Own a Martial Arts Studio Kimi Mashhoon ...Be on the Board of Trustees for Laguna Troy Ritter ...Become an Admiral Kai Gamble

ART: MORGAN RAITH

“I’m going to miss my little gingersnap next year. I love her so much!”

—Allie

“Patrick may sleep like a Snorlax and eat like a Garydos, but at heart he’s just a little Jigglypuff.”

—Andrew

“Can’t wait to rock the East Coast with you next year, girl! We’re gonna freeze our butts off, but at least we know we’ll be doing it together.”

—Morgan

“Money Audi A3… pound it!”

—Louden

“Brandon is the most mysterious man ever.”

–Logan

“There is no boring moment with Milo. Meow.”

–Tanner

4

Class of 2012

Remember When Grade 9 The White Out Armand! Mysterious cruise in February...

Luke Gonzales Anatina Roach Allie and Cameron Matthews Troy and Amanda Girls Soccer CIF Chicks with Sticks Obama ‘08 WOLF Camp Ropes Course Boys Lacrosse beats Cate Pippin Grade 10 Dillan’s First Year Ms. Louie makes Swoop fierce Andy and Brianna Swine Flu Hodges returns Slocombe Starts Jesusita Fire Andrew’s Garden Christian Klein CIF Girls Soccer/ Volleyball Sophomore Service Day Mr. Torme “the Torminator” Mr. Luna’s last year Cinderella Grade 11 CIF Football Mud Game No more Ms. Paradis Ms. Richard goes to D.C., Ms. Jenkins fills in Magistra Haycock leaves Ms. Steeber arrives Dr. Barndollar’s last year Tabitha leaves Jess and Marisa arrive!

Christian Klein Debate Team wins Hollywood Invitational Green and Tasty First Field Day Japanese tsunami Myrick Room tsunami Mr. Tur arrives Chicago Grade 12 Mr. Berry leaves Mr. Buchanan (Mr. Love) leaves Ms. Geier arrives Ms. Richard returns WiFi! Ms. Burke’s last year Mr. U gets a new dog, welcome Palmer!

“Detention is for Fascists” USS Billy Budd is sunk/ brutally murdered Christian Klein comes for spring break Kony 2012 Once Upon A Mattress Brianna leaves AP Literature Last Supper Ms. McCord: A substitute for whom there is no substitute

5

Class of 2012

A Lifer Reflects on the Laguna Experience

By ANDREW McCAFFERY

Class of 2012 Lifers People say that great things come in small packages. They also say one is supposed to avoid using clichés in writing, but since these are my final published remarks as an active Owl, certain rules can be forgotten. Forgive me, Ms. Nordgaarden.

Laguna Blanca is a small school, and its students never let themselves forget this fact.

Unfortunately, this remembrance is usually of the wrong kind—one is bound to encounter a lunchtime cacophony of complaints and despairing sighs over our claustrophobic environment.

These jabs, although they may seem commonplace, are possibly the most ill-conceived notions a Laguna student can assume.

Sure, our football field may be miniature and our prom not MTV-worthy, but these are not the factors on which one should base his or her high school experience.

Laguna’s cozy size should instead be remembered as a gift, or a leg-up.

In my case, it was the reason I stayed for high school.

I have been a Laguna student since 2000 when I was in kindergarten with Ms. Diebold, for the second time—my first kindergarten was at the Howard School, which was housed on the current Laguna Blanca Lower School campus until the new millennium.

I was forced to repeat due to my mere five-and-a-half years of age, and the supposed intelligence and maturity levels associated with that age were

deemed insufficient for a first-grade When it came time to consider high student. It took two years to prove this school, my itching to play football was decision wrong; I subsequently skipped tied with my love of performing as my the second grade and joined the third greatest anticipation. in the fall of 2002.

At Dos Pueblos, my alternate to LaI had two great years of wearing uni- guna Blanca, it would not be possible forms, playto split ing capturemy time Here, teachers and the-flag with on the Mr. Robigridiron administrators are more taille and than willing to accommodate with my performing time ona student’s activities, real musistage. aspirations and greatest cals with T h i s Ms. Laza— brings us dreams. back then, back to the Lower the size of School put on shows such as Trea- our school; while some may scoff at the sure Island and Oliver Twist, rather thought of a 200-student high school, I than the current curriculum-tailored am so very thankful for it. shows—then, we moved to the Hope The relatively small population alRanch campus. lows for unmatched personalization For my classmates, this was an excit- and attention. ing return journey, for they were the Here, teachers and administrators last kindergarten class in Hope Ranch. are more than willing to accommodate For me, it was fresh. a student’s activities, aspirations and My fantastic Middle School experi- greatest dreams. ence was largely the result of one man, All of this catering was accompanied Mr. Eli Buchanan—yes, to me, he is by the heavier course-load, elevated still Mr. B. atmosphere and increased academic From the play-offs and orchestra-hi- pressure of high school in general. erarchy in fifth and sixth grade, to the I continued my music, as singer and movie-making and original song writ- guitarist for the Stage Band and played ing in seventh-and-eighth grade band, football, at least until my knee explodI was consumed by Mr. B’s program— ed senior year, but high school was so and, as a somewhat uncoordinated, much more than songs and sports. not-yet-comfortable-in-my-body midThe four years were a grueling but dle school boy whose athletic capabili- enjoyable formative process in creatties had yet to develop, the stage gave ing who I am—or at least in casting the me a place to shine. mold of who I will become.

In doing so, Laguna’s teachers and administration have been ever-careful to prevent any major burns.

However, we are not babied; our mother owl simply waits longer to kick us out of the nest and teach us to fly.

Our wings are exercised but not fully tested for flight. This delayed introduction into the “real world” allows students to develop a broader portfolio of abilities and interests, which, in theory, should lead to greater possibilities later in life.

This grand potential can be seen in the vast array of senior projects taken on by the class of 2012.

We have students working in real estate, health care, business and many other areas of life in which a Laguna education proves most applicable.

In my case, working in Paris for Total Petrochemicals France—a subsidiary of oil-giant Total S.A., I will be flexing my French language skills learned from Mme. Maud Maillard, my public speaking and communication skills from Ms. Trish McHale, and even my computer skills from Ms. Barbara Remick.

As I flesh out these final thoughts and travel through the stratosphere towards the land of croissants and champagne, I can once more confirm that small beginnings lead to large futures.

Laguna Blanca will not immediately unveil its spoils to anyone; however, it will guide us in the right directions, teaching us to find clues and a sense of direction in all endeavors. Slowly, but surely, it teaches one how to navigate life. I am proud to be an Owl.

Class of 2012 6 Greetings from.... Senior Projects!

Since Septe mber, Andre has been w McCaffer working o y n develop connection in g his with Total Petrochemic France . Th als, is is a bran ch of the la company T rge oil otal S.A . w h ich speciali using petr zes in oleum to make plast other produ ic s and cts that are n’t directly to oil . An related drew will be working business div in the ision to lea rn about fi accounting nance , and IT man agement. A chose this ndrew project bec ause he wa find a pro n ted to ject in the field of ch engineering em ical , his inte nded majo working at r , and Total Petroch emicals, Fra the perfect nce is fit. “I’m rea lly looking to learning fo rward about corp orate finan a foreign en ce in vironment where I wil to practice l get my French . My prima is to learn r y goal as much a s I can . It awesome to w ill be make conta cts and po land a futu ss ibly re job!”

A

By CLARA MADSEN

fter drinking countless cups of coffee, tackling the monstrous AP exams, and attending the prom, seniors leave campus to enter the real world and begin their Senior Projects.

Each senior will commence a two-week internship of his or her choice, whether it be a in the workplace, a classroom or a laboratory.

Senior Projects are a capstone to the curriculum and have been a tradition for over 30 years.

The process starts when seniors secure a faculty member who will assume the role of an on-campus advisor and who will guide them throughout their project.

Seniors also must find an off-campus advisor who specializes in a profession and who will be their mentor during their internship.

The Senior Project schedule follows the AP Test calendar. Since this year’s AP testing started later, seniors only had two weeks to complete a minimum of 60 hours instead of the usual three-week 75 hour project.

Each project culminates with a final assessment paper and a presentation of the experience in front of fellow seniors, their parents and teachers.

torytellere S t a g n i th ork will be w ss children in heir e t t i f a L e t el Allie for hom y to stay while with

e r a c y t t i a — a d arbara commun ll be helping ou on the i B Santa work. Allie w hich, depending ren on parents ay activities w ompanying child on the day to d p, include acc ing with them and so age grou the park, playh art activities ng with walks to nd, helping wit id love of worki eller as playgrou ddition to her av rking at storyt ildhood on. In a, Allie chose wo aluate Early Ch looking children or project to ev e major. “I’m They’re her seni n as a possibl und little kids. otic but Educatio to just being arot will be a cha forward nd energetic; i so fun a to weeks!” very fun ART & LAYOUT: MORGAN RAITH

Class of 2012

7

PHOTOS: MR. DAN ARY, MR. PAUL CHIMENT, MR. CHRIS JOHNSON, MS. McHALE, AND JAMIE ROSENBERG

8

Class of 2012

“Tanner’s laugh is contagious.”

–Amanda

“Jess approaches everything with immeasurable passion and grace. Her energy instills in everyone around her a sense of selfvalue and purpose, and I feel so lucky to have her as one of my best friends.

I love you so much Jess!”

-Olivia

“Even though Marisa has been here for only two years, she’s become one of my best friends and I’m really going to miss her next year.”

–Lauren C.

“When I first met her I thought she was really quiet, but after a year, I know she is definitely not! She’s extremely funny and very sweet like a bunny.”

-Marisa

“Amanda’s really good at volleyball, a great friend, and always makes people laugh.”

–Becca

“Logan is a great friend and is always mellow, go with the flow, and easy to hang out with.”

– Joey

Class of 2012 College Acceptances California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo McKenzie Scarborough Chapman University Mackenzie Campbell

University of Arizona Logan Elder

Claremont McKenna College Jess Davis

Colorado College Milo Filip Colby College James Cornell

Union College Eva Davis

Loyola Marymount University Lauren Conk Kimiya Mashhoon

Roger Williams University Tucker Atterbury

Pomona College Austin Abrams Santa Barbara City College Rebecca Braly

American University Alex Shirokow-Louden

Santa Clara University Luke Judson

Dartmouth College Alex Greer

University of California at Merced James Rosenberg University of California at Santa Barbara Marisa Hutton

Gap Year Cameron Matthews

University of California at Santa Cruz Vera Lopez Elise Scheuermann

Princeton University Cameron Platt

University of Southern California Brandon Bickett

Middlebury College Morgan Raith

University of Puget Sound Amanda Harvey

University of Pennsylvania Justin Shand

Duke University Johns Hopkins University Tanner Dalton Lauren Alef

Lake Forest College Fiona Jessup Estelle Lewis

United States Naval Academy Kai Gamble Texas Christian University Allie Lafitte

Boston College Savanna Brown Gordon College Jack Davies Wellesley College Ari Rodriguez

Washington and Lee University Andrew MCCaffery

“James is really shy, but he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.”

–Jamie

“Kimi is the sassiest diva I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. How is your shoulder?”

-Zoe

Williams College Patrick Gainey Troy Ritter

“My intellectual soulmate forever and always.”

-Jess

“Literally unreal.”

-Tucker

“Sperry-sporting Tucker has always been a master of class, even before the new glasses.”

- Morgan

“She is a great person to be around and always makes class more fun.”

–Milo