Countdown centennial
2013-2014
Volume 1 | July 2012
westridge school Centennial Steering Committee Fran Norris Scoble, Chair former westridge head of school Alison Taylor ’80, Co-Chair Jennifer Schultz Bertolet ’86 Elizabeth Bonamy ’01 Sigrid Burton ’69 Stephanie Chandler Dencik ’90 Patti Johns Eisenberg Michele Nishiyama Esbenshade ’91 Rosemary C. Evans ’71 Judith K. Gain Brooke Larsen Garlock ’70 Leslie Clarke Gray ’62 Dorothy Hughes Matthiessen ’52 Kazue McGregor Sarah Young Miller Molly Munger ’66 Hope Tschopik Schneider ’70 Kristi Wallace ’61 Joni Moisant Weyl ’72 Sabra Clark White ’76 Elizabeth J. McGregor Head of School Anne Scott-Putney Director of Advancement
Our Chosen Path
Founding Values Shape A New Century Westridge is on the cusp of its 99th year, poised to commemorate its 100 year history in 2013-2014. An anniversary of this magnitude provokes reflection amid projection — as an institution, how did we get here, and where are we going? From the beginning, Westridge School’s progressive educational foundation, based on intellect, opportunity, independence, and goodness, was ahead of its time. Those founding values remain, have elevated the school to its present stature, and continue to provide the framework for our next century of educating young women whose joy in learning lead them to meaningful lives as contributing global citizens. The Centennial theme, “Our Chosen Path,” is a testament to Westridge founder Mary Lowther Ranney, an independent, forward-thinking, college-educated woman. An artist and professional who worked as a draftsman for the renowned Greene Brothers, Miss Ranney paved a standard and expectation for Westridge women and what it would mean for them to take their places in an ever-changing world. Westridge’s Centennial will be a celebration of the Westridge community which, by preparing and encouraging young women to forge and follow their own paths, has remained true to Miss Ranney’s vision and purpose for Westridge School. Under the leadership of former Head of School Fran Norris Scoble and an exceedingly thoughtful steering committee comprised of alumnae, current and past parents, and friends of Westridge, planning for Centennial has been well underway since summer 2011. We are grateful for their leadership and guidance. Next school year, 2012-2013, will be a crucial time for gathering historical data to bring the past into the present while looking into the future. It will a be a year of reconnecting with lost friends and making new ones through myriad planning opportunties for volunteers. Next year will set the stage for what will be Westridge School’s most significant milestone to date. Stay in touch. Become involved. You won’t want to miss a moment!
Monica Meñez Director of Communications Ava Megna Centennial Coordinator
Elizabeth J. McGregor, Head of School