2019-2020 | 2020-2021 Annual Report
Contents 3.................... In Memoriam: Ernest Lee Levroney 4.................... Our Motto, Our Mission 5.................... Letter from Julie Galles 6.................... Board of Trustees 8.................... Wesley Lifers 9.................... Parents’ Association 12................... Special Thanks: Cumulative $100k donors 14, 15............ Financials 2019-20, 2020-21 17................... Annual Giving 2019-20 20................. Growing with Wesley 23.................. Annual Giving 2020-21 26.................. Jog-A-Thon 2020 30................. Strong-A-Thon 2021 31................... Community Support Fund 32.................. Game on Gala 34, 35.......... Matriculation 36.................. To Wesley, With Love 37.................. Honors & In Memoriam 37.................. Ways to Give to Wesley
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Mr. Ernie That name holds such significance to the Wesley community. Upon hearing the name, saying it, and simply remembering it, feelings of warmth, compassion, hope, and grace emerge. Since July 20, 2020, we have also been overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and loss, but picturing Mr. Ernie’s face or remembering his laugh…oh, that laugh…instantaneously generates feelings of happiness and comfort. Mr. Ernie left behind a beautiful and powerful legacy for the Wesley Family to cherish. Although he was only our Head of School for a short time, his tenure was memorable, meaningful, and strong. So strong that our community continues to embrace the memory of Mr. Ernie and his wonderful impact on all of us. Last spring, conversations ensued about how we could preserve the legacy of Mr. Ernie and fill the space that he so warmly and exuberantly filled. From much discussion and thoughtful deliberation came the vision for the Mr. Ernie mural that would tangibly and visually honor his memory and the lasting imprint he left on our hearts. Above the main walkway to the newly named Wesley Commons, parents, students, employees, and guests are now greeted with the familiar, bright smile of Dr. Ernie Levroney, III. Splashes of purple, majestic bubbles, and silhouettes of playing children surround his likeness and bring warmth to our hearts every single time we see it.
Daily, we are reminded to be more like Mr. Ernie. Is there really any other way to be?
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Academic Excellence and Character Development within the Circle of Family mission statement The Wesley School builds confidence and encourages independence through a challenging academic program that stretches each student to reach the highest level of individual achievement within a supportive, nurturing environment. Wesley cultivates in students strong creative, physical, and spiritual foundations to prepare them to be productive and respectful contributors to a global society.
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Dear Wesley Community, After two very tumultuous years, we are thrilled to present this Annual Report, highlighting both the generosity of the Wesley community and the stability of the school’s finances. The past two school years have been marked by so much trauma, grief, uncertainty, and fear, punctuated by the devastating loss of Dr. Ernie Levroney in July 2020. However, the faculty, staff, parents, and students of The Wesley School united in a truly remarkable demonstration of the “Circle of Family” mentioned in our school’s motto. Now, as we emerge from the darkest of days, our Wesley family is intact and strong, living into the vision of not only Mr. Ernie, but of the founders of our school. In this report, we thank and honor each person who has supported the school through philanthropic giving. We also celebrate and remember the contribution of time from our trustees and Parents’ Association leadership, without whom the school could not function. From the Hot Lunch and Surprise Reader volunteers to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Wesley thrives on community involvement. So to all who helped or gave over the past two years: Thank you! I want to acknowledge that I shared the 2019-2021 time span with Mr. Ernie, and, as you’ve just read, we are all blessed by his likeness smiling over us on campus each day. I am humbled to carry on the meaningful and vital work he started and to journey alongside all of the Wesley families, faculty, and staff as we continue to ensure that The Wesley School will remain a place of joyful learning and familial connection for decades to come. Thank you for playing a role in that vision! With gratitude, Julie Galles interim head of school
Circle of Family 5
2019-20 board of trustees David Hookom, chair Nicole DeLeon (Hoover), vice chair Scott Ault, secretary Alex Young, treasurer
John Aquino Brendon Blincoe Elena Blue-Blum Beth Fulton Marcus Grant Noreen Halpern Robert Ivison Lisa Katz Gary Kirkpatrick Jackie Lay David Monahan Bertha Muñoz Michelle Sacchetto Mason Thune Erin Underhill Paolo Velasco Alain Yotnegparian Norman Kelsey, church delegate
2020-21 board of trustees David Hookom, chair Nicole DeLeon (Hoover), vice chair Scott Ault, secretary Alex Young, treasurer
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John Aquino Brendon Blincoe Elena Blue-Blum Beth Fulton Marcus Grant Noreen Halpern Lisa Katz Gary Kirkpatrick Jackie Lay David Monahan Bertha Muñoz Michelle Sacchetto Mason Thune Paolo Velasco Alain Yotnegparian Norman Kelsey, church delegate
Running toward the roar... Early in his tenure as Board Chair, David Hookom asked The Board of Trustees to ‘run to the roar.’ Behind that phrase is a simple blueprint for facing adversity. When a trial or obstacle presents itself, we often hear the roar of that challenge, are gripped with fear, and run the other way. It’s an instinctual, fight-or-flight panic response. However, when we run from things that scare us, we actually move toward danger, not away from it. David challenged the Trustees to fight that instinct and consider new paths for our school and be courageous in our strategic thinking.
Little did we know how loud that roar was going to be… The challenges the Wesley community has grappled with over the last two school years have been formidable: the tragic loss of our Head of School, a global pandemic which forced an abrupt pivot to distance learning, interrupted lives and livelihoods, exhausted faculty and administrators, a close community unable to gather. Any one of these factors or events, alone, could have pushed the school to its breaking point. Instead, we became stronger. With flexibility and imagination, our faculty, administration, and staff skillfully and quickly migrated in-person education to a remote model that kept our children curious and engaged while also reinventing Wesley’s treasured traditions for a virtual community, holding us together. Back on campus again, through the creativity and commitment of our faculty, the initiative and innovation of our administration, the resiliency and compassion of our community, and the dedication and stewardship of our Board of Trustees, we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. The hardest times reveal the true character of a place, and we will all be able to look back and know our hearts and values led us forward. We learned that to be brave isn’t the absence of fear: it is facing our challenges no matter how overwhelming and moving towards them… running toward the roar. After all, we are the Wesley Lions. With gratitude… the wesley board of trustees
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CLASS OF 2020
WesleyLifers
Students who enjoyed the K-8 experience at Wesley for all 9 years.
CLASS OF 2021
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2019-2020 parents’ association
2020-2021 parents’ association
Jennica Waldman, chair Jenny Hollier, co-chair Aimee Schwimmer, room parent liaison Gia Trasatti, treasurer Roxanne Berardinelli, corresponding secretary
Jenny Hollier, chair Marissa Seeman, co-chair Aimee Schwimmer, room parent liaison
committee chairs
Blood Drive Community Day Earth Day Food Pantry Gala Gobbler’s Feast Halloween Decorating Holiday Giving Train Holiday Boutique Online Winter Outdoor Decor Jog-a-thon Library & Literacy Middle School Dances Multicultural Potluck Wesley Rewards Teacher Appreciation Uniform Recycle Sale Wesley Palooza
Blood Drive Community Day Community Service Earth Day Fall Market Family Day Picnic Food Pantry Gala Gobbler’s Feast Gobbler’s Game Halloween Decorating Contest & Parade Holiday Boutique Holiday Boutique Volunteer Coordinator Winter Outdoor Decor Winter Lighting Singing Santas Hot Lunch Jog-a-thon Library & Literacy Middle School Dances Party Book Wesley Rewards Teacher Appreciation Uniform Recycle Sale Wesley Palooza Volunteer Thank You Coordinator Host Family Liaison school committees CODI
Rebeccah & Gary Kirkpatrick Rosemary Alcantar & Jennifer Santacruz Jessica Stewart, Monique Schiff, Cory Chew Mimi Narducci Lauren Blincoe & Angie Niemeyer Myrna Coen, Jenny Hollier, & Kristen Pratt Monique Schiff & Jessica Stewart Raymond Lopez & Ariana Nakata Greg Baker & Adam Gershon Eddie O’Flaherty & Sylvester Stewart Christine O’Flaherty & Dayna Turcotte Laurie Rowihab & Christa Starr Colette Canepa & Tina Hookom Michelle Mackenzie Deb Fleischman & Michelle Unger Sylvester Stewart Jim Pratt Michelle Mackenzie Juli Cavanaugh & Melanie Elliott Kristen Lorenz, Laurie Rowihab, & Mason Thune Myrna Coen, Deb Vaughan, & Kristen Pratt Aimee Schwimmer & Laurel Thompson Leah Mangum & Jill Whelan Gemma Baker & Lisa Sweeney Larry Sullivan Jamie Koustas, Heidi Lieberman, Tara Rossi, & Samantha Thompson Jenny Hollier, Kristen Pratt, & Deb Vaughan Jessica Stewart
committee chairs Rebeccah & Gary Kirkpatrick Rosemary Alcantar & Jennifer Santacruz Mimi Narducci Jessica New, Garet Batchelor, & Dayna Turcotte Beth Fulton, Lisa Lange, & Mariah Leavitt Greg Baker & Adam Gershon Christine O’Flaherty & Dayna Turcotte Liz Reiter Lauren Blincoe Liz Reiter Urvashi Block-Larson, Juli Cavanaugh, & Jonathan Mitchell Louise Norman & Laurie Rowihab Myrna Coen, Kristen Pratt, Deb Vaughan Rosemary Alcantar Larry Sullivan Heidi Lieberman & Samantha Thompson Kristen Pratt & Deb Vaughan Dick Buckley, David Chalfin, & Jessica Stewart
school committees CODI Melanie Elliott & Bertha Muñoz CODI Cooking Series Janett Meyer
Monique Schiff Monique Schiff Bertha Muñoz & Melanie Elliott 9
We did it! We have made it through one of the most unique, challenging, and downright craziest of school years. And we couldn’t have survived it without the amazing Wesley families! Despite COVID restrictions, we executed over 30 “out-of-the box” events throughout the year in an effort to keep our community together and support one another. Throughout this memorable yet difficult year, we came together to create new traditions and make fun memories. Going into last year, we knew our traditional events needed to be re-envisioned. We looked at every Parents’ Association event from the past and asked, “What is the intent?” Then we tried to reimagine these activities in an environment where families felt safe and could still have fun participating in them. Below are some of the events and ways we pivoted: The first day back to school in September 2020 looked a little different, but we still were able to make it special for all. That year, a Welcome Back Parade was held for each grade via a drive-thru, so each student could get their books, meet their teachers, and get some treats from the school and the PA before starting classes online. We also had some treats the parents could pre-order and enjoy during our first PA meeting that evening. The first day of school parade was such a hit, we pivoted our annual Wesley Family Picnic to a Scavenger Hunt. Families were given audio clues and drove around town finding stops that are pertinent to our school’s origins and philosophical beliefs. Participnts were able to see other Wesley families in their cars and ended up back on campus with games to play from the car, and prizes and treats for all. Halloween was almost canceled last year, but thanks to 12 incredible Wesley Families we created our own drive-thru Trick-or-Treat route. Families drove around town, visiting other families, while trick-or-treating safely from their cars. In addition, the Wesley parking lot was ghoulishly transformed into a spooktacular event. Both opportunities gave Wesley Families safe and fun ways to still celebrate Halloween.
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In November, our Gobblers’ Feast chairs finally shared the famous Smashburger recipe. In lieu of the traditional volleyball games and Dad/Dudes cooking, they created a video featuring our Superhero Dads/Uncles/Grandpas in all their glory being amazing and showing how they kept the fun going and their families safe during the pandemic.
We ended 2020 with a twist on our Children’s Holiday Boutique. Last year, we felt the focus should be about giving back to our local community. The first week of December, we created an online shopping boutique, where parents could shop local small businesses, and Wesley received a percentage back. We partnered with Midnight Mission and the Interfaith Food Pantry, sponsoring a toy drive to help benefit these organizations. It all culminated with a festive holiday driving route where families listened to an audio playlist of songs and stories, while checking out fellow community members’ decked out houses; with one of the stops being our very own Wesley Giving Train where toy donations could be dropped off. Ringing in the new year brought new COVID guidelines and long awaited excitement as Kindergarten-3rd Grade grades were finally all back on campus. In an ongoing effort to keep kids safe, grades K-3 were asked to bring in Valentine cards for each of their classmates and teachers. Administration collected and quarantined them before kids took home their individual bags of Valentine cards. 4th-8th graders, being off campus, were given digital Valentine’s Day card options to select and send to their little buddies and teachers. Love was in the air on February 14th with over 200 digital cards sent! In addition, PA offered Valentine’s Day activities for the kids to do at home and two family dinner options. Both were huge successes in providing some fun for the whole family. It’s showtime! Another successful party book, and our first annual Wesley-Drive-In-Dinner Fest, took place on February 20th! Over 100 families in the Wesley community enjoyed a night out while watching some classic flicks under the stars. PA concession boxes as well as pre-ordered catered meals were offered. Thankfully, during the last part of the school year, we were finally able to welcome all students back on campus, which meant our Parents’ Association could start holding hybrid events and we could begin to feel like we were slowly inching back to normal; better late than never, right?!
To steal a line from our 1st Graders ....“2-4-6-8, Wesley Employees are Really Great!” The first week of May, we were able to celebrate everyone who works at Wesley! The week started with a morning Community dedicated solely to our amazing faculty and staff, with a slide show that left some teary eyes in the house. Then, every day following, there were different surprises -- some consisting of treats and some that allowed individuals to partake in a few moments of relaxation and be pampered. The week ended with lunch and perhaps a cocktail (or two) that could be enjoyed at home or socially distanced on the field (the food, not the cocktails!). Now, we can’t forget about our most popular event of the year - the Wesley Palooza! Kids had the chance to showcase their talents in a Hybrid version of this beloved event that was held on May 15th. Most importantly, all families were welcomed back by grade on campus for the first time in over a year!! They were able to catch up (not over Zoom - yay!), do some art, grab yummy goodies, and then head home to watch their favorite students show off their wide array of talents. These are just some of the events we held throughout the year. The goal of Parents’ Association events is not to fundraise for the school, but to build community, with each event offsetting the cost of the next event. At the end of the year, we proudly donated the remaining $8,000 back to the school. The pandemic may have kept the parents from being together on campus, but the spirit of Wesley and our community bond never felt stronger. We supported each other with check-ins and provided fun activities and delicious snacks to keep people smiling and have something to look forward to. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the administration and parents, who were already stretched thin, but donated their time and resources to keep Wesley Strong! Jenny Hollier & Marissa Seeman parents’ association co-chairs 11
Special
THANKS
Thank you to the following Wesley supporters who have donated $100,000 and above cumulatively across all campaigns from 1999 to present.
Anonymous (2) California Community Foundation The Kirkpatrick Family Karla and Toby MacCary Patsy and Will Mackenzie Jennifer and Kevin Plunkett Natacha Rafalski Elvina and Michael Risley James Rosser The Walt Disney Company 12
Giving at Wesley The Wesley community really is something special. These last couple of years have been hard in ways that I certainly could have never predicted. But through it all Wesley has managed to come closer together. We supported our teachers through the Annual Fund as they taught our kids from Zoom boxes. We established a Community Support Fund to make sure our special Wesley community stayed intact. We even managed to throw the Game On Gala to keep our campus in top shape. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m proud of our community, but I’m not surprised. It has been an honor to chair the Development Committee these last few years. Thank you for your support! Brendon Blincoe development committee chair
development committee 2019-2020
development committee 2020-2021
Brendon Blincoe, chair
Brendon Blincoe, co-chair Beth Fulton, co-chair
members Melanie Elliott Beth Fulton Adam Gershon Lisa Katz Alex Koustas Leah Mangum Aimee Schwimmer Jennica Waldman
members Michael Bernstein Melanie Elliott Jenny Hollier Lisa Katz David Monahan Lisa Sabatino Larry Sullivan Stuart Waldman 13
Financial Reports 2019-2020
Revenue 19-20
2019-2020 revenue
02-91 sesnepxE
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2019-2020 expenses
REVENUE 2019-20 Tuition & Fees Auxiliary & Other Programs Fundraising & Special Events Investment Income Other TOTAL REVENUE EXPENSES 2019-20 Salaries & Benefits Financial Aid Rent & Property General/Management Program Auxiliary Programs Fundraising & Special Events Other TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 9,201,871 503,858 456,466 44,020 248,214 $ 10,454,429
$ 6,259,764 1,222,342 1,025,702 770,152 458,461 275,155 33,227 83,689 $ 10,128,492
Revenue 20-21
2020-2021 Financial Reports REVENUE 2020-21 Tuition & Fees Auxiliary & Other Programs Fundraising & Special Events Investment Income Other TOTAL REVENUE
$ 9,587,857 79,721 416,289 288,420 989,261
2020-2021 revenue
$ 11,361,548
Expenses 20-21 EXPENSES 2020-21 Salaries & Benefits Financial Aid Rent & Property General/Management Program Auxiliary Programs Fundraising & Special Events Other TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 6,320,956 1,616,628 1,032,276 864,443 269,780 19,805 21,981 34,938
2020-2021 expenses
$ 10,180,807
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2019-2020 Annual Giving 16
Wesley Leadership Circle Up to $10,000 and above
Anonymous Amgen California Community Foundation Diane Coates and Greg D’Angelo Garcia Family Jennifer and Adam Gershon Brenna Latham and Paul Koval Angela and Eric Niemeyer Tara Safronoff and Matthew Plunkett Jenna Bans and Justin Spitzer Andrea and Alan Waldman Alexandrea and Kent Young
Wesley Champions Up to $5,000
Tanya and Gerald Abrahamian Catherine and John Aquino Ramsey Avery and Scott Ault Samantha Donnelly and Alex Banner Lauren and Brendon Blincoe Ayodele Carroo Nancy and Mark Daniels Amy and Josh DiBianca Sabrina and Robert Doherty Melanie and Thomas Elliott Beth and David Fulton Susan Hoefer and Toni Graphia Valeria and James Harris David and Tina Hookom Nicole DeLeon and Jason Hoover The Kolanach Family Ernest Lee Levroney III and Fernando Robles
Lyon Daniels Charitable Foundation Patsy and Will Mackenzie Shannon Mazepink Anna Fudacz and Steven Montgomery Noreen Halpern and Kevin Murphy Netflix Betsy and Charles Potts Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter Elvina and Michael Risley Tara and Craig Rossi Michelle and Daniel Sacchetto Aimee and Steven Schwimmer The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation The Walt Disney Company Jennifer Mercer and Andrew Van Meter Carrie and Paolo Velasco Wells Fargo Bank
Wesley Pride Anonymous Heeyeon Chang and Joshua Ames Apple, Inc. Gemma and Greg Baker Mariellen and Peter Bergman Juli and Morgan Cavanaugh Tina and Rob Dickinson Kristin and Joao Dos Santos Debra and David Fleischman Lorene and Jason Fotter J’Vaughn and Marcus Grant
Lisa and Nathan Handlon The Kirkpatrick Family Clare and Wayne Knight Emma and Nicholas Koskoff Maximilian Martini Larry Sullivan and David Monahan Alexis and Sebastian Morton Alana and Gregory Polcsa Jenine Leigh-Pollard and Donald Pollard Jr. Jeanine Detz and David Porter Natacha Rafalski
Rossi Family Foundation Laurie and Craig Silverstein The Wonderful Company Jill and Jack Thomas The Thune Family Hillary and Jermaine Turner Erin and Brett Underhill Lisa Carmiris Waks and Todd Waks Danielle and Josh Zaretsky
2019-2020 ANNUAL GIVING
Up to $2,500
consecutive years of annual giving 5 years
10 years
20 years
17
Wesley Lions
Wesley Friends
2019-2020 ANNUAL GIVING
Up to $1,500
18
Anonymous (3) Bertha Muñoz and Carlos Aguilar Ivette Orozco and Max Avalos Garet and Trey Batchelor Mariellen Bellamy Rob Benedict Rachel and Michael Bernstein Heather Berry Yancy Berry Jill Bogdanowicz Aileen Cuesta-Brown and Douglas Brown Bettina Godi and Richard Buckley Belma Demirovic Chinchoy and Edward Chinchoy Gia Trasatti and Eric Christensen Geena and Scott Cooper Erick Delgado Verena and Russell Denove Tomiko and Pierre Derbier Suzanne Rico Dubrow and Ethan Dubrow Andrea and Frank Epinger Natalia and Scott Ewalt Julie and Jonathan Fisher Athena and Theodore Fleming Lori Caden and Warren Friedman Peter Phillips and Michael Gardner Letizia and David Goldenberg The Gruber Family Nan and Kamron Hakhamimi Barbara Hancock Anderson Oona and Paul Hanson Leslie and Louis Heilbron Jennifer and Peter Heilbron Elizabeth and Stephen Heneveld Rania Shammas and Michael Hetzner Jenny and Christopher Hollier Lisa and Daniel Katz Christine and Dave Kushner
consecutive years of annual giving 5 years
10 years
20 years
Up to $500 Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson Jackie Lay Jennifer and Jeffrey Lehman Heidi and Hal Lieberman Kristen and Glenn Lorenz Libby and Gerrit Lydecker Mackenzie Family Rosemary and David McNutt Steve Artiga and Huey Merchant Merrill Lynch Maryam Malakpour and Rawdon Messenger Laurel Coppock and Robert Mort Mimi and Michael Narducci Marie and Michael Natividad Kirsten and Michael Nielsen Sarah and William Odenkirk Laura Ise and David Ono Daniela and Matt Osborn Jennifer and Kevin Plunkett Ronnie and Pat Puccinelli Elisabeth Abbott and Ryan Raddatz Kristin Porter and Mark Robinson Stephanie and Chris Salay Nicole Carrasco and Erin Saltzman Jessica Lacy and Christopher Sanata Katharine and Paul Shapiro Marla Simon Trisha Singletary Abigail and Conrad Sison Esq. Jessica and Sylvester Stewart Jr. Lisa and Drew Sweeney Amita Shenoy and Ravi Tharani Samantha and Grant Thompson Lindsey and Richard Thune Myriel and Jim Tyree Monique Ussini and Ed Quigley Deb and Peter Vaughan Nicole Kuklok-Waldman and Stuart Waldman The Walters Family Warner Bros.
Anonymous (6) Anonymous (1) Anonymous (2) Homa Alamdari George Alcantar Michelle Allegra Traci Allen Molly Arévalo Ivonne Arias The Arons Family Mohsen Baharvand Jocelyn Baker Amita Balla Lara and Jean-Julien Baronnet Sahar Mehrzad and Hooman Bayat Dena and John Beck Becca and Matthew Bellamy Raf and Roxanne Berardinelli Julie Berchtold Elena Blue-Blum Kristen Brown Olivia Brown Dianna and Scott Buck Rachael and Andrew Campanella Sandy and Joey Campanella Michelle Carlson David Castagnetti Nicole and Joe Castañeda Jr. Laura Cespedes Lucia Ruiz De La Peña and Omar Chaparro Alexandria Simmons-Chapman and Eric Chapman Jr. Cory Chew and Ricardo Chavez Michael Chaykowsky Kathleen and Roger Christensen Laura Claus Sharon and Joseph Cocita Myrna and Dan Coen Wanda and Harry Coutee Anina Denove ‘06 Andrew Dinh Lindsey and Shane Drasin
(continued)
Shauna Edwards Teresa Burke and Bruce Ehrlich Belinda and George Eleftheriades Freddy Escamilla Victoria and Michael Farnham Sarah and Sean Farnham Dyllan Fernandez Linda Cevallos-French and Brian French Jessica and Daniel Fuselier Jaana Gantt Paul Gantt Sandi Gardner-Leikas Barbara Goelman David Greenberg Kevin Greene Jennifer and David Groom Jean Groom Yolanda Grutter Dania and Roman Guaderrama Marla Saltzman and Forest Guider Alita Haytayan and Enrique Guillen Afomia Hailemeskel Joel Hernandez JoAnna and Peter Herschko Joy Herwick Susan and Hudson Hickman Jermelia and Reginald Holling Georgiann Huff Emily and Matthew Ingles Laura and Ethan Jensen Charles Kaitz Alice and Greg Kappy Teri Kennedy Nicole and Wesley Kerr Carlye and Daniel Kesner Sona Kazazian and Gary Kevorkian Samina Khan Rebecca Kitt Jill Whelan and Jeff Knapple Louisa Santarelli Koplan and David Koplan Jamie and Alexander Koustas
Susan Gakwavu and Steven Kwizera Julie Lanctot Matthew Lange Jennifer Lanski Amy Lanstra Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Lauren and Tony Liu Melissa Lowell Karla and Toby MacCary Lauren Makiyevskiy Carol and Dan Martson Mary and Kim McGregor Victoria and Gabriel Mena Tigist Kesete and Bruck Mengistu Edith Mercer Christa Miller Mateusz Mioduchowski Pamela Shafer-Moser and John Moser Rachel and Phillip Mottaz Mario Munoz Beth Gunn and Alec Myers Amber and Kelsey Myers Mary and Kouji Nakata Laura and David Nash Michele and Kotresha Neelakantappa Doug Neil JoAnn Neil Zaida and Ron Nielsen The Nolte Family Louise and Jonathan Norman Clare O’Callaghan Maureen Ocampo The O’Flaherty Family Luz Herrera-Olaya and Marco Olaya Rosemary Alcantar and John Oliveros Sue Paradise Nidia and Fredy Perez Shayla and Gregory Plummer Tracey Pollack Kristen and James Pratt Sara Rue and Kevin Price Naomi and Jason Priestley Ignacio Quintero Sunny Ramos Contessa Redfern
Emily and Kent Rees Linda and Kenneth Rees Sr. Tiffany Reina Jessica and Justin Rhoades Robert Half Hannah Rodner Gretchen Schuette and Rick Romano Carol Rothman Connie and Donald Santarelli Louisa Santarelli Koplan and David Koplan Monique and Michael Schiff Missy and Kenny Schnurstein Dalhia Schuette Giuliana and Bill Schwab Amber and Matthew Sheppo Jennifer Silver Laurel Silver Sarah Simon Lee and Danny Siwek Jenny Soriano Vicky and Guy Strickland Anne Studer Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan Anna Vocino and Loren Tarquinio Jo Taylor Rachel and Chris Thinnes Laurel and David Thompson Karen and Mario Thompson Jr. JoAnn and Stephen Van Meter Melinda and Mauricio Vazquez Daniel Wagenaar Jennica and Jared Waldman Roberta and Robert Waldman Hanna and Fredrick Williams Katie Stone and Robert Wilson Diane and Bernard Witlieb Tania Yanez Claudine and Alain Yotnegparian Teri and Allen Zebrack Daniel Serna Ruiz and Jordan Zehner Marlyn Zura
2019-2020 ANNUAL GIVING
Wesley Friends
consecutive years of annual giving 5 years
10 years
20 years
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Growing with Wesley
As I reminisce over the 15 years my family and I have spent at Wesley, there are many memories and experiences that come to mind. Like many of us, I clearly recall the day back in 2006, sitting in Verena’s office for the in-person interview, the final part of our child’s application process. Flash forward 15 years, my once incoming kindergartener in 2006 is now a sophomore in college and my younger son is a high school junior. Where did the time go? As I look back at our time at Wesley, both as a parent and as an active volunteer serving on several committees, as well as the Board for nine years, one thing I know is that the school has grown and yet still maintains the very special characteristics that attracted us to Wesley. The close community, the warmth, the inclusion, the happy confident children, the well rounded education, and the sense of a second family are just as strong today as they were then. Growth wise, I have seen many changes during my time. Three Head of School transitions, the school’s first capital campaign that led to the completion of the first new groundup building on campus, the increase in lower school enrollment from one class to two, and the addition of the London trip are a few of the significant changes I have witnessed. While there were some challenging moments along the way, it was always heartwarming to witness the community unite and provide the support necessary to get through it. Although the process of selecting a new Head of School can be stressful and instill a feeling of uncertainty for many, each new head brought improvements, right for the times and the school’s growth. They all understood the importance of maintaining the characteristics Wesley is known for. The new building provided the spaces needed for the school’s increased enrollment and growth: large modern classrooms, administrative and faculty areas, along with flexible spaces.
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The London trip was transformative. It provided an opportunity for students to connect their learning inside the classroom to the real world. Personally, one of my son’s fondest memories was seeing Romeo and Juliet at the Globe. I take great comfort in knowing that Wesley is in a solid position for future generations of Wesley students. While change and growth are inevitable and healthy, I know that Wesley will continue to retain the special characteristics and well-rounded, balanced approach for educating our children. It is my hope that one day, I will see my grandchildren experience the Wesley education that my children benefited from. I am forever grateful for the contributions Wesley made in providing the strong foundational basis that allowed our children to develop into fine human beings. Sincerely, Alain Yotnegparian parent 2006-2019 • trustee 2012-2021
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2020-2021 Annual Giving 22
Wesley Leadership Circle Up to $10,000 and above
Anonymous California Community Foundation Jennifer and Adam Gershon Lisa and Daniel Katz The Kolanach Family Brenna Latham and Paul Koval Jenna Bans and Justin Spitzer Andrea and Alan Waldman Wesley School Parents’ Association
Wesley Champions Up to $5,000
Amgen Ramsey Avery and Scott Ault Lauren and Brendon Blincoe Diane Coates and Greg D’Angelo Louise and Andrew Cripps Nancy and Mark Daniels Amy and Josh DiBianca Sabrina and Robert Doherty Melanie and Thomas Elliott Sandi and Stephen Hampar Lisa and Nathan Handlon Jenny and Christopher Hollier David and Tina Hookom Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson Christine and Jung Lim
Lyon Daniels Charitable Foundation Patsy and Will Mackenzie Anna Fudacz and Steven Montgomery Noreen Halpern and Kevin Murphy Netflix Josie Ventura and Raul Ruvalcaba Jr. Aimee and Steven Schwimmer Jo Taylor The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation The Walt Disney Company Hillary and Jermaine Turner Erin and Brett Underhill Jennifer Mercer and Andrew Van Meter Alexandrea and Kent Young Esq.
Wesley Pride Anonymous Catherine and John Aquino Mariellen and Peter Bergman Juli and Morgan Cavanaugh Tina and Rob Dickinson Katharine and Jorge Fernandez Ruiz Lorene and Jason Fotter Beth and David Fulton Kathleen Gallagher Valeria and James Harris Lisa Loeb and Roey Hershkovitz Nicole DeLeon and Jason Hoover
Jackie Lay Jamie Silberhartz and Adam Mays Merrill Lynch Larry Sullivan and David Monahan Laurel Coppock and Robert Mort Clement Mortashed Alexis and Sebastian Morton Gennifer Hutchison and Andrew Ortner Daniela and Matt Osborn Tara Safronoff and Matthew Plunkett Mairin and David Reed Jessica and Justin Rhoades
Elvina and Michael Risley Michelle and Daniel Sacchetto Marissa and Danny Seeman Laurie and Craig Silverstein Aviva and Ben Sokolowski Amita Shenoy and Ravi Tharani Jill and Jack Thomas The Thune Family Jamie and Joseph Tourouk Carrie and Paolo Velasco Jillian Mortashed and Howard Weiss
2020-2021 ANNUAL GIVING
Up to $2,500
consecutive years of annual giving 5 years
10 years
20 years
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Wesley Lions Up to $1,500
Anonymous Anonymous Bertha Muñoz and Carlos Aguilar AIG Gemma and Greg Baker Rachel and Michael Bernstein Yancy Berry Aileen Cuesta-Brown and Douglas Brown Bettina Godi and Richard Buckley Collette and Michael Canepa Ayodele Carroo Allison and David Chalfin Alexandria Simmons-Chapman and Eric Chapman Jr. Erick Delgado Verena and Russell Denove Julie Galles Peter Phillips and Michael Gardner Lisa and Christian Grattan
Soyon and Baz Halpin Oona and Paul Hanson Katherine Hardie Esq. The Kirkpatrick Family Clare and Wayne Knight Louisa Santarelli Koplan and David Koplan Emma and Nicholas Koskoff Ilana and Daniel Krechmer Lisa and Eric Lange Jennifer and Jeffrey Lehman Linda and Darrel Malamut Daphne and James McVay Mimi and Michael Narducci Laura and David Nash Marie and Michael Natividad Kirsten and Michael Nielsen Melissa Bennett-Pinnock and Dale Pinnock Sara Rue and Kevin Price
Ronnie and Pat Puccinelli Monique Ussini and Ed Quigley Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter Leiah and Andrew Robbins Kristin Porter and Mark Robinson Corie and Stuart Rogers Nicole Carrasco and Erin Saltzman Jessica Lacy and Christopher Sanata Katharine and Paul Shapiro Lindsey and Richard Thune Myriel and Jim Tyree Deb and Peter Vaughan Vespina 50, LLC Warner Bros. Elizabeth and Will Weston Danielle and Josh Zaretsky
Belkin International, Inc. Raf and Roxanne Berardinelli Brittany Berg Tammara Billik Elena Blue-Blum Olivia Brown Dianna and Scott Buck Rachael and Andrew Campanella Sandy and Joey Campanella Emily Chen Esq. and Jack Casey David Castagnetti Janine Castagnetti Nicole and Joe Castañeda Jr.
Lucia Ruiz De La Peña and Omar Chaparro Laura Claus Coder School Myrna and Dan Coen Geena and Scott Cooper Crown Media Family Networks J. Kevin Curley Tomiko and Pierre Derbier Kimberly and Matthew Donnan Lindsey and Shane Drasin Angela Perelli and Christopher Ebbott Teresa Burke and Bruce Ehrlich Belinda and George Eleftheriades
Wesley Friends 2020-2021 ANNUAL GIVING
Up to $500
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Anonymous (9) Anonymous Anonymous (14) Michelle Allegra Blanche D’Souza and Neal Ames Molly Arévalo The Arons Family Ivette Orozco and Max Avalos Mohsen Baharvand Amita Balla Michelle Albert and Bryan Barrett Garet and Trey Batchelor Dena and John Beck
consecutive years of annual giving 5 years
10 years
20 years
Freddy Escamilla Kristin and Clint Fairweather Dyllan Fernandez Carla and Mark Frauenfelder Shani French Lori Caden and Warren Friedman Jessica Fuselier and Daniel Fuselier Jaana Gantt Paul Gantt Sandi Gardner-Leikas Barbara and Norm Gershon Jack Goldsmith Christi and David Goodman J’Vaughn and Marcus Grant Sandra and Hank Greenberg Kevin Greene Jean Groom Jennifer and David Groom Dania and Roman Guaderrama Jennifer and Robert Hahn Johnna Hampton-Walker Hansen / Katunich Family Maribelle and Stephen Harlow Elizabeth and Stephen Heneveld Joel Hernandez Rania Shammas and Michael Hetzner Thordis Howard Georgiann Huff Laura and Ethan Jensen Kim Kralj and Dee Johnson Charles Kaitz Patty and Norman Kelsey Peggie and Kenneth Koroncey Christine and Dave Kushner Susan Gakwavu and Steven Kwizera Julie Lanctot Elizabeth and Charles Lanski Jennifer Lanski Mariah and Matthew Leavitt Donna and John Lehman Heidi and Hal Lieberman
Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Kristen and Glenn Lorenz Melissa Lowell Gina Girolamo and Kerry Lyne Karla and Toby MacCary Carol and Dan Martson McCracken Hagen Family Mary and Kim McGregor Rosemary and David McNutt Victoria and Gabriel Mena Inga and Michael Mendelsohn Tigist Kesete and Bruck Mengistu Edith Mercer Maryam Malakpour and Rawdon Messenger Janett Hermosillo and Karl Alonso Meyer Christa Miller Mateusz Mioduchowski Jonathan Mitchell Jean and Harry Monahan Rachel and Phillip Mottaz Janet and Ted Mottaz Beth Gunn and Alec Myers Doug Neil JoAnn Neil NetApp Network for Good The Nolte Family The O’Flaherty Family Luz Herrera-Olaya and Marco Olaya Rosemary Alcantar and John Oliveros Guadalupe Orozco Gloria and Seth Oster Sue Paradise Jennifer and Kevin Plunkett Anne and Tim Plunkett Alana and Gregory Polcsa Tracey Pollack Jeanine Detz and David Porter Ignacio Quintero Elisabeth Abbott and Ryan Raddatz Sandra Raley
Hannah Rodner Tammy Rodriguez Gretchen Schuette and Rick Romano Rachel Kash and David Rosen Carol Rothman Stephanie and Chris Salay Jennifer Santacruz Missy and Kenny Schnurstein Ann Hamilton and John Schouweiler Giuliana and Bill Schwab Amber and Matthew Sheppo Laurel Silver Marla Simon Lee and Danny Siwek Vicky and Guy Strickland Anne Studer Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan Jennifer and Robert Hahn The Blackbaud Giving Fund Laurel and David Thompson Samantha and Grant Thompson Linde Thurman Kathleen Lawton-Trask and Andrew Trask Esq. JoAnn and Stephen Van Meter Melinda and Mauricio Vazquez Daniel Wagenaar Lisa Carmiris Waks and Todd Waks Roberta and Robert Waldman Morgan and Matt Walsh The Walters Family Diane and Bernard Witlieb Timathea and Lyle Workman Ann Borusiewich-Woirhaye and David Woirhaye Tania Yanez Rebecca Yeh Claudine and Alain Yotnegparian
2020-2021 ANNUAL GIVING
Wesley Friends (continued)
consecutive years of annual giving 5 years
10 years
20 years
25
Jog-A-Thon 2020
$25,679 raised
total sponsors: 572 about
= 500 4,471 miles laps run
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most laps (636): 6th
grade
most sponsors (127): 1st
grade
2020 Jog-A-Thon Donors Anonymous (2) Elisabeth Abbott and Ryan Raddatz Suzanne Abbott Tanya and Gerald Abrahamian James Adekayode Carmencita Amador Heeyeon Chang and Joshua Ames Amgen Anusha Angur Apple, Inc. Catherine and John Aquino The Arons Family Angine Aslanian Kimberly Aviles Jamie and Matthew Bakal Gemma and Greg Baker Jocelyn Baker Amita Balla Mandy Bannister Sally and Charlie Bans Claire Barbes June Bardwil Lara and Jean-Julien Baronnet Lana Baronnet Henkie and Matthew Barron Amanda Barstow Elizabeth Bartolomucci Carene Batchelor Susan Beck Steve Becker Ellina Bedros Ryane Belafsky Becca and Matthew Bellamy Gerald Bellamy Mariellen Bellamy James Bellavance Yvonne Belletini Rob Benedict Jason Benesh
Raf and Roxanne Berardinelli Mariellen and Peter Bergman Rachel and Michael Bernstein Heather Berry Sanjeev Bhalla Vanita Bhalla Kim and Michael Bianchi Brendon and Lauren Blincoe Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson James Bogdanowicz Jill Bogdanowicz Theresa and Mitchell Bogdanowicz John Bogush Kelly Fong-Bouchey and Brian Bouchey Doug Brown Rodney Brown Judy and Rudy Browne Susan Bryman Dianna and Scott Buck Shawn Bullen Denise Butler Gina Butler Lois and Ronald Butler Teresita Calderone Melissa Canonigo Aida Carlson Nicole Carrasco and Erin Saltzman Innis Casey Janine Casper David Castagnetti Francis Castagnetti Joan Castagnetti Carlos Castillo Estela and Jorge Castillo Morgan and Juli Cavanaugh Diane Coates and Greg D’Angelo Myrna and Dan Coen Benjy Comley Kathryn Cowsert and Jeff Jonas
Judy and Lex Cowsert Stacey Crawford Alvaro Crespo Nydia Crespo Patricia Crespo Deborah and Bob Crews Daryl Crittenden Mary Croft Lynda and Ian Cummings J. Kevin Curley Jackson D’Angelo ‘21 Marie D’Angelo Erin Dallesandro Mike David Nicole DeLeon and Jason Hoover Tomiko and Pierre Derbier Jeanine Detz and David Porter Anne-Marie Dicce and Ruben Valenzuela Tina and Rob Dickinson Gabryella Dilley Raquel DiSabatino Sabrina and Robert Doherty Kristin and Joao Dos Santos Michelle Downes and Robin Atkin Downes Josephine and Chris Drury Cornelia and Doran Dvorak Monica Eastin Shauna Edwards Melanie and Thomas Elliott Perla Eston and Fred Fudacz Kamonie Financial Services Inc Deborah Flavin Athena and Theodore Fleming Caroline Flood-Joyce Kaesha Fluegeman Brian Fong Marketa and Tyrin Ford Rebecca Fox Connie and Marc Freedman 27
2020 Jog-A-Thon Donors 28
Linda Cevallos-French and Brian French Lizzie Friedman Anna Fudacz and Steven Montgomery Jarad Gaines Garcia Family Charles Gardner Scott Garell Jennifer and Adam Gershon Neda Ghafourian Bethany Gillan Frank Glynn Jack Goldsmith Karen Goldstein Benjamin Gray Richard Grayson Sian Grayson Ana Grey Jennifer and David Groom Elizabeth Guinhawa Ella and Enrique Guinhawa Angela and Steve Gullion Jeff Guzak John Guzak Sarah Haas Michelle Hagen Brenda and Harry Hamell Lisa and Nathan Handlon Valerie Hanelt and Hans Hickenlooper Nancy and Bill Hansen Hansen / Katunich Family William and Liz Hansen Maribelle and Stephen Harlow Michelle Hartmann Elizabeth and Stephen Heneveld Lynne Clumeck and Robert Hermann Ana Herrera Jose Herrera Luz Herrera-Olaya and Marco Olaya Joy Herwick Patty and Mark Herwick The Herwick Family Doris and Mark Hoffeld Cecile Hollenberg Finn Hollier ‘26
Jack Hollier ‘22 Christopher and Jenny Hollier Amy and Andrew Horowitz Megan Horowitz Richard Hughes Daisy Hutton Diane and Doug Ingles Emily and Matthew Ingles Laura Ise and David Ono Sanaz Jahani Lori Jaroslow Helaine Justi Alex Katunich Lauren Katunich Lisa and Daniel Katz Teri Kennedy Charles Kenney The Kirkpatrick Family Samantha Kirner Clare and Wayne Knight Linda Knudsen The Kolanach Family Louisa Santarelli Koplan and David Koplan Emma and Nicholas Koskoff Jamie and Alexander Koustas Marina and George Koustas Brenna Latham and Paul Koval Diana Kuklok Nicole Kuklok-Waldman and Stuart Waldman Ross Lacy Susan Lacy Dave Lawrence Jackie Lay Johnny Lee Jennifer and Jeffrey Lehman Donna and John Lehman Will Lehnertz Mike Leonardo Nicole Lesley Lis Lewend Leilah Lewin Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Violet Lindsay Phyllis and Edward Liu
Lauren and Tony Liu Kathy Loesch Linda Lombard Shana Lopez Kristen and Glenn Lorenz Jennifer Louie Donna Lowell Rita and Juan Ly Mei Ly Tiffanie Lyon Mackenzie Family Patsy and Will Mackenzie Patricia Malik Corinne Marcello Emma and Chris Massey Orson Massey Linda Mathious Sherri and Chip Matthews Michael Matzdorff Divya Maus Chelsea May Kayon McCalla Marcia and Richard McLean Rosemary and David McNutt Sahar Mehrzad and Hooman Bayat Bernardo Mendez Merrill Lynch Stacy and Matthew Michalski Sue and Ray Michalski Tina Miramontes Jonathan Mitchell Princess Moll Betsy Monahan Larry Sullivan and David Monahan Jean and Harry Monahan Barbara Montgomery Helen Montgomery Mary Moreno-Culter Travis Morrison Laurel Coppock and Robert Mort Alexis and Sebastian Morton Henry Mottaz ‘23 Janet and Ted Mottaz Rachel and Phillip Mottaz
Karen Reifschneider Kelli Reifschneider Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter Rowena Reyes Caitlin Rhoades Taylor Ritzel Kristin Porter and Mark Robinson Paula Rosales Catherine Roskam Joan Rue Raffi Rupchian Maryn Russell Daniel and Michelle Sacchetto Geoffrey Sadock Artine Safarian Carol Saltzman John Sampson Jessica Lacy and Christopher Sanata Nirali Sanghvi Marc Schleckman Missy and Kenny Schnurstein Gretchen Steven and Aimee Schwimmer Robin Sedor Sharon Serowski Jane-Ellen Seymour Rania Shammas and Michael Hetzner Jennifer Happillon and Larry Shapiro Randi Shapiro Sarah Shepard Amber and Matthew Sheppo Mercedes and Derek Shields Neysa and Kyle Siefert Carolyn and Barry Silverstein Laurie and Craig Silverstein Abigail and Conrad Sison Esq. Judy Smith Jenna Bans and Justin Spitzer Jim Stancl Leigh Stone Sheryl and Lawrence Sullivan Matt Sullivan Misha Talavera Beverly Tecson
Michelle Tepper Amita Shenoy and Ravi Tharani The Walt Disney Company Jack and Jill Thomas Danna Thompson Mario and Karen Thompson Grant and Samantha Thompson Timothy Thompson The Thune Family John Tillinger Lorraine and Chris Trautwein Ariana Trinneer Connor Trinneer Megan Trinneer Judith and Michael Trinneer Victoria Tsarukyan Hillary and Jermaine Turner Jeanette Tyler Monique Ussini and Ed Quigley Jennifer Mercer and Andrew Van Meter Carrie and Paolo Velasco Andrea Vogel Deena Voloshin Emmy Von Der Ahe Daniel Wagenaar Nicole and David Wagg Andrea and Alan Waldman Jennica and Jared Waldman Roberta and Robert Waldman Jane Weinberg Angela and Steven White Jason and Michelle White-Peterson Ross Williams Allison and Nathan Cesar Yanez Tania Yanez Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan Alexandrea and Kent Young Esq. LauraLeigh Young and Jim Penney Danielle and Josh Zaretsky Liza Zaretsky Theda Zaretsky Candice Zwick
2020 Jog-A-Thon Donors
Chelsea Myers Mimi and Michael Narducci Rahul Naroola Marie and Michael Natividad Netflix Alissa Neubauer Kevin Newman Susan and Mark Nissenbaum Christine Noll Kelly O’Connell-Guzak Edward and Christine O’Flaherty Ken O’Rilley Stephanie O’Connor Sarah and William Odenkirk Lisa and Michael Ondracek Viveca Ongsingco Matt and Daniela Osborn Melissa Padgitt Leticia and Bob Parks Vandrene Parris-Lawrence Luca Pascali Tonja Pastorelle Margaret and Ray Patterson Margaret and Andrew Paul Margaret Paul Taylor Paul Penguin Randomhouse Dawn and Jim Perry Peter Phillips and Michael Gardner Joyce Photopoulos Kathleen Poelke Jeanne and Charles Polcsa Joseph Polcsa Juliet Polcsa Michael Polcsa Keith Popely Carolina and Rafael Portela Rafael Portela Valerie and Edward Price Sara Rue and Kevin Price Corey Printup Matthew Rastomia Kenneth and Emily Rees Eva Reifschneider
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Strong-A-Thon 2021 We were unable to have an in-person Jog-a-thon in 2021 but instead we had a “Strong-a-thon” where we asked people across the Wesley community to send in pictures of them doing their favorite exercises. They also had the option of donating to support health and fitness at Wesley, and the following 47 people raised $3,300 for that cause. Tanya and Gerald Abrahamian Michelle Allegra Elaine Baskin James Bellavance Alice Berman Rachel and Michael Bernstein Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter Brooke Burns Janine Castagnetti Brian Caudle Morgan and Juli Cavanaugh Maisy Cook ‘24 Aileen Cuesta-Brown and Douglas Brown Tomiko and Pierre Derbier Lindsey and Shane Drasin Shauna Edwards Chris Ferry Jack Goldsmith Jack Guzak Jeff Guzak Finn Hollier ‘26 Lisa and Daniel Katz Samantha Kirner
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Ilana and Daniel Krechmer Ken Krechmer Kathleen Lawton-Trask and Andrew Trask Esq. Heidi and Hal Lieberman Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Dean McGovern Victoria and Gabriel Mena Jennifer Mercer and Andrew Van Meter Jonathan Mitchell Dayvia Narducci ‘27 Alan O’Regan Ryan O’Connell Jennelle ORilley Kelley Pataky Jack Pollard ‘27 Malancha Ray-Patel Stephanie and Chris Salay Marla Saltzman and Forest Guider Katharine and Paul Shapiro Jessica and Sylvester Stewart Jr. Seth Suchorita Larry Sullivan and David Monahan Cameron West
Community Support Fund
To ensure that families would not have to leave the school due to pandemic-related hardship, a Community Support Fund was created. In a remarkable show of the generosity, almost 70 people from across the Wesley community contributed over $17,000.
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O
n May 22, 2021, Wesley had its first entirely online fundraising event — the Game on Gala!
Back in January, what started as a simple trivia party-book idea quickly evolved into an even bigger and better night of fun and fundraising than we ever expected. Little did we know that we were putting on a gala, just online style. The big questions were: Are we ready for this? Would people want to come to our silly Zoom trivia event? Would it be better if we sold food? Since we’ll have people together, should we try to sell off some items that were donated for last year’s gala-that-never-was? And lastly, can we use this opportunity to raise money for something the school really needs? We decided the answer to all of that was a resounding “Yes!” and leaned into it, putting together an evening to remember in record time. After a couple of months of strategic planning, we assembled some delicious food and drink vendors (Shappys Pretzels, Low Boy Bar, and Bar Flores), almost 100 silent auction and raffle items, and two amazing live auction items (Thanks to the Fulton Family and the Gershon Family!). All we needed was guests. We ended up with over 200 party people in attendance. Sure, we weren’t all wining, dining, and dancing together in an event hall, but the atmosphere was no less electric. Between rounds of (surprisingly difficult) trivia, people hooted and hollered, caught up with their friends, and even trash talked a little. Some vaccinated families even gathered with their teams in person and had a mini party of their own. It brought the community together in so many more ways than we had dared hope. Not to mention that it raised almost $80,000 for the newly named Wesley Commons!
A huge Thank You to everyone who made this event possible: Lindsey Drasin Dyllan Fernandez Beth Fulton Julie Galles Jenny Hollier Lisa Lange Mariah Leavitt Tammy Rodriguez
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Marissa Seeman Larry Sullivan and Dave Monahan King Trivia
Michelle Albert and Bryan Barrett Garet and Trey Batchelor Becca and Matthew Bellamy Brittany Berg Rachel and Michael Bernstein Lisa Carmiris Waks and Todd Waks Allison and David Chalfin Mark and Nancy Daniels Nicole DeLeon and Jason Hoover Amy and Josh DiBianca Tina and Rob Dickinson Melanie and Thomas Elliott Natalia and Scott Ewalt The Fernandez Mercer Family Lori Caden and Warren Friedman The following donors helped underwrite Beth and David Fulton the cost of the event through sponsorships, Kathleen Gallagher ensuring that Wesley staff could attend Oona and Paul Hanson free of charge. Lisa Loeb and Roey Hershkovitz
Jenny and Christopher Hollier David and Tina Hookom Cathryn Humphris Lisa and Daniel Katz Clare and Wayne Knight The Kolanach Family Ilana and Daniel Krechmer Christine and Dave Kushner Jennifer and Franklyn Larivee Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson Jackie Lay Mariah and Matthew Leavitt Christine and Jung Lim Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Tessa Matthias Alexis and Sebastian Morton Mimi and Michael Narducci Sarah and William Odenkirk Laura Ise and David Ono
Gennifer Hutchison and Andrew Ortner Peter Phillips and Michael Gardner Alana and Gregory Polcsa Jeanine Detz and David Porter Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter Jessica Lacy and Christopher Sanata Abigail and Conrad Sison Esq. Aviva and Ben Sokolowski Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan Larry Sullivan and David Monahan Jo Taylor Hillary and Jermaine Turner Erin and Brett Underhill Carrie and Paolo Velasco Josie Ventura and Raul Ruvalcaba Jr. Andrea and Alan Waldman Morgan and Matt Walsh
The following people raised their (virtual) paddle and made a contribution toward the creation of “The Wesley Commons” Anonymous (3) Michelle Albert and Bryan Barrett Michelle Allegra Traci Allen Catherine and John Aquino Ramsey Avery and Scott Ault Gemma and Greg Baker Garet and Trey Batchelor Dena and John Beck Becca and Matthew Bellamy Lauren and Brendon Blincoe Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson Aileen Cuesta-Brown and Douglas Brown Nicole Carrasco and Erin Saltzman Allison and David Chalfin Kimberly and Christopher Clarke Sr. Mark and Nancy Daniels Julianne and Nicholas Davey Nicole DeLeon and Jason Hoover Verena and Russell Denove Tomiko and Pierre Derbier
Samantha Donnelly and Alex Banner Lindsey and Shane Drasin Melanie and Thomas Elliott Natalia and Scott Ewalt Dyllan Fernandez The Fernandez Mercer Family Alicyn Packard and Jason Friedman Jessica Fuselier and Daniel Fuselier Jennifer and Adam Gershon Kevin Greene Marla Saltzman and Forest Guider Soyon and Baz Halpin Barbara Hancock Anderson Elizabeth and Stephen Heneveld Jenny and Christopher Hollier David and Tina Hookom Thordis Howard Georgiann Huff The Kolanach Family Julie Lanctot Jennifer Lanski
Jennifer and Franklyn Larivee Mariah and Matthew Leavitt Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Tessa Matthias Jamie Silberhartz and Adam Mays Maryam Malakpour and Rawdon Messenger Janett Hermosillo and Karl Alonso Meyer Larry Sullivan and David Monahan Anna Fudacz and Steven Montgomery Alexis and Sebastian Morton Rachel and Phillip Mottaz Mimi and Michael Narducci Marie and Michael Natividad Collette Nolte and Stephen Nolte Gennifer Hutchison and Andrew Ortner Daniela and Matt Osborn Peter Phillips and Michael Gardner Alana and Gregory Polcsa Sara Rue and Kevin Price Elisabeth Abbott and Ryan Raddatz
Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter Tammy Rodriguez Aimee and Steven Schwimmer Katharine and Paul Shapiro Kyle and Neysa Siefert Jessica and Sylvester Stewart Jr. Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan Samantha and Grant Thompson Hillary and Jermaine Turner Jennifer Mercer and Andrew Van Meter Deb and Peter Vaughan Melinda and Mauricio Vazquez Carrie and Paolo Velasco Andrea and Alan Waldman Nicole Kuklok-Waldman and Stuart Waldman Morgan and Matt Walsh Danielle and Josh Zaretsky
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Wesley School Matriculation | Class of 2020
The Wesley Class of 2020, comprised of 37 students, was accepted to 20 schools. Of those 20, they chose to matriculate to 14 - Buckley, Crespi, Dwight Global, Flintridge Sacred Heart, Harvard-Westlake, Immaculate Heart, Loyola, Marlborough, Marymount, Notre Dame, Oakwood, Providence, Viewpoint, and Westridge. Equally impressive is the list of colleges that some members of the Wesley Class of 2016, comprised of 25 students, chose to attend. That list includes American Academy of the Dramatic Arts, Cornell University, Emerson College, Goucher College, Hawaii Pacific University, Loyola Marymount University, Macalester College, Middlebury College, New Mexico State, New York’s School of Visual Arts, Pacific Northwest School of Art, Savannah School of Art & Design, Stanford University, University of Arizona, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
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Wesley School Matriculation | Class of 2021
The Wesley Class of 2021, comprised of 33 students, was accepted to 22 schools. Of those 22, they chose to matriculate to 13 - Buckley, Campbell Hall, Ensworth, Flintridge Prep, Harvard-Westlake, Immaculate Heart, Marlborough, Notre Dame, Providence, SAS at NHHS, Sierra Canyon, VIP Charter, and Westridge. Equally impressive is the list of colleges that some members of the Wesley Class of 2017, comprised of 39 students, chose to attend. That list includes American University, Chapman, Colorado State, Emerson College, Georgetown, Ithaca College, Michigan State, Northeastern, NYU, Oregon, Reed, Rhode Island School of Design, San Diego State University, Trinity College Dublin, Tulane, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Arizona, University of Denver, and University of Vermont.
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To Wesley, With Love... I am often asked to write something about the school, usually admissions or matriculation focused, for a variety of internal publications, and it’s usually not a big deal. This time, however, I find myself struggling with how to address the past two years without having my words be heavily influenced by the pandemic. And yet, how can they not be? And how can there not be the underlying grief so many of us still feel over the loss of our beloved Ernie? I guess it is just that - what we live through becomes a very powerful part of what shapes how we feel and how we experience that time period. I find myself with a mix of emotions - sadness, loss, and exhaustion are constantly counterbalanced by optimism, joy, and the strength I receive almost daily from our community. It is no surprise that our community and its ability to pull together, to 36
be there for one another, and to share in the ups and downs, is what continues to be talked about by long time families and by those who have just recently joined us. For the families who are newer to Wesley, I heard over and over again how disappointed they were in the way things were being handled at other schools. They had heard about how quickly we pivoted to get remote learning up and running and how hard we worked to be able to have children back on campus. They heard about the commitment from the school to help families be able to keep their children at Wesley through the establishment of the Community Support Fund. And they heard about all the ways in which our Parents’ Association worked tirelessly to keep our community connected even when we couldn’t be together in person. This was a place they wanted to become a part of.
As a result, we had the most successful admissions season ever, welcoming 75 new students to The Wesley School. It won’t be too long before these new students and their families share with their friends about their experiences at Wesley and encourage them to come check us out. This is how the admissions cycle works - almost 100% of our inquiries come to us through word of mouth, and we love that this is the case. It tells us we must be doing something right. We are already well entrenched in the next admissions cycle and look forward to learning from our inquiries about how they heard about The Wesley School. Verena Denove associate head of school director of admissions & financial aid
How Can I Give? CARD: You can make a gift by credit card in one or more installments by going to wesleyschool.org/give. CASH/CHECK: If you would like to give by cash or check, you can send it by mail or bring it in to the school office. Checks should be made out to “The Wesley School” with “Annual Fund” in the memo. PLEDGE: If you would like to make a pledge to be paid before the end of the school year, email development@wesleyschool.org with the amount you plan to give.
gifts made In Memory of Jack Bailey ‘17 Leonilda and Stephen Detz Robert Leigh Ernie Levroney Joan Mortashed
MATCHING GIFT: Check with your employer’s HR department to see if they will match your gift. The Wesley School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for your donation. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID #95-4741072.
the wesley annual report is published by the development office Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. If we have made an error or omission, please accept our apologies and contact the Development Office so we can correct our records (development@wesleyschool.org). Thank you to all contributors to this publication, including: contributing writers: Brendon Blincoe Joey Campanella Verena Denove Lindsey Drasin Dyllan Fernandez
Julie Galles Jenny Hollier Tammy Rodriguez Marissa Seeman Alain Yotnegparian
contributing photographers: Photos for this report provided by the following photographers as well as a collection of talented parent and faculty volunteers. Erick Delgado Dyllan Fernandez
Sarah Francis Tammy Rodriguez
gifts made In Honor Of Alfie Arias-Letke LeLoni Bass Verena Denove Barbara Goelman Kevin Greene Judith and James Mitchell Emma Rafalski ‘10 Marla Simon Anne Studer Jill and Jack Thomas Candice Zwick 37
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