Summer 2016 Surgere

WESTRIDGE SCHOOL

Surgere summer 2016

we strive to rise

conte nt s 1

lead story:

Community Action Projects

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our newe st alumna e :

The Class of 2016

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Dear Friends, The lead story of this edition of Surgere describes our new Community Action Project (CAP) graduation requirement, which was introduced to the members of the Class of 2016 during their freshman year.

CAP blends elements of our former community service hours program and the Senior Project graduation requirement into a four-year process intended to help students discover the power of service when it is connected to one’s personal passions. Westridge’s commitment to leadership and service is needed more than ever in today’s world, and the evolution of these programs was motivated by our desire help every Westridge student grow as compassionate leaders and involved citizens of the world.

As you read, you will appreciate how the reports from our alumnae of all ages reaffirm that focusing on programs such as CAP and the school’s highly refined human development program is so important to all we do here. Westridge alumnae are living lives of impact, from the personal to the interpersonal, within the local community and at the international level.

I hope you enjoy learning about what is happening on our campus today and can appreciate the positive impact that a Westridge education has had on so many of our graduates. Alumnae and alumnae families, please keep in touch and share your stories with us. We love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

around cam p u s :

News & Photos from Madeline Drive

12 Q & As:

Rob Greene

8th Grade Science

Jessica Perez del Toro

Middle and Upper School Spanish teacher & Dean of Student Voices

14 ath let i c s h i g h l i g h t s

16 pe rforming arts h igh li g h ts

18 stude nt wor k

22 se n ior re f lection s

23 we stridge pare nt assoc i ati on

24 commun ity update s

Elizabeth J. McGregor Head of School

26 alumnae news

34 class note s & in memori am

Community Action Projects: Re-envisioned Senior Projects are a 4-Year Process to Help Others

Angela S. ’16 teaching art at Union Station Family Center.

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Ruchi presenting at the CAP Showcase event.

Westridge believes it has the responsibility to help girls leverage their talents and passions for the betterment of others and their community. fighting human trafficking

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his sentiment has long inspired Margaret Shoemaker, former Director of Upper School who now serves as Academic Dean at Westridge. During the development of the school’s current strategic plan, which includes goals to go even further in empowering students in service and community engagement, she saw a curricular opportunity in the Upper School — Community Action Projects (CAP).

CAP is a four-year program during which students undertake a series of service projects related to their interests. The program parameters evolve each year to help students discover an issue or cause they are truly passionate about, and ultimately to develop a project that addresses a local, national, or even international need related to that issue. “CAP is a requirement, yes, but it is the antithesis of a box to be checked,” said Shoemaker. “We see it as pivotal to the individual development of our students, and as a process that makes service and community engagement a very personal and consistent part of students’ high school careers.”

“What’s cool to me about CAP is that we aren’t just helping out with something that already exists; that as high school students we can make change and improve or bring something new to organizations in the larger community,” said Miranda D. ’16, whose project addressed the issue of substance abuse. “Westridge can see we have a lot of potential that we might not see ourselves — so forcing us to (push ourselves) is good.”

“One of the things that is unique about Westridge is our balance between challenging academics and an ethos focused on the responsibility to actively work to enrich the world and lives of others,” said Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. “This ethos permeates all we do and can be seen in all divisions of school. But CAP takes it to an even higher level.”

RUCHI P. ’16 HIGHLIGHTS OF HER JOURNEY: During a sophomore Social Justice elective, Ruchi entered a poster contest regarding awareness of human trafficking, which was sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW/LA). Success in the contest led to greater exposure to the issue (and a press conference with the Mayor of Los Angeles) and the realization that human trafficking is happening everywhere, including Pasadena. Ruchi ultimately worked with NCJW/LA on projects to encourage enforcement of the SB 1193 bill that raises awareness of human trafficking and resources for victims. She drafted documents to educate LA City Councilmembers of their role, and even hosted a community training to engage volunteers in helping make businesses aware of the law and its requirements.

REFLECTIONS ON HER PROJECT: I felt like I was a small part of a lot of things that affected a larger goal. After being so heavily involved in the issue of human trafficking, I am more aware of my surroundings and the issues affecting my neighborhood.

REFLECTIONS ON CAP: You don’t have to make news or participate in a large scale project to make an impact.

The overall idea is great — trying to help a community solve a problem and taking action steps to do that — it’s huge and you gain important skills that will aid you in the future.

Grade 9

ENGAGEMENT IN THE JOURNEY

• Goal: To try something new, go outside one’s comfort zone, and begin to identify issues on which to focus a dedicated service project.

• Two distinct service experiences.

• Reflection in a digital notebook.

Photos and videos encouraged.

Grade 10

4-Years Of Cap: • Goal: To gain knowledge and experience into an issue, as well as into one’s passions and interests, as a foundation for developing an individual or group service project.

• Three related service experiences. Students undertake a minimum of three service experiences linked by a common theme (e.g. education or poverty). Variety of experiences and community organizations are encouraged.

• Conduct research related to the theme.

• Reflect on service experience and document research in a digital notebook.

CAP engineering clean water for senegal Community members learn about seniors’ projects at the CAP Showcase.

L AURENCE D. ’17 HIGHLIGHTS OF HER JOURNEY: A backpacking trip prior to freshman year sparked Laurence’s interest in water purification and its potential for Mboro, Senegal, a place where her family has land and which often has limited access to clean water. A discussion with her physics teacher, Aaron Eichelberger, introduced her to the topic of solar powered desalination, and her research has included corresponding with professors working in solar desalination as well as with city officials in Senegal. For her culminating project, which will be presented in the spring, Laurence is designing and building a solar-powered water desalination system, with hopes of bringing the system to Mboro.

REFLECTIONS ON HER PROJECT: I want to be an engineer. For my project, I wanted to create something that would be for the betterment of the world and also help me learn more about engineering.

REFLECTIONS ON CAP: Extending your work over four years takes the stress off senior year and makes it more meaningful. I also think that the school has already given us a base for volunteering — with (CAP), it puts us in a position to interact with others, which helps us to get inspired and allows us to inspire others.

• Goal: Develop proposal in first half of junior year so that project may be undertaken in junior year and summer before senior year to inform the college application process.

• Design Community Action Project proposal including: how issue/organization/cause was selected; the community need being addressed; how student will work with an organization and mentor; research to be completed; and, resources required.

• Engage a project mentor. Each student is partnered with a faculty advisor and must recruit a project mentor from an outside organization related to their project.

• Launch project. Projects can be large or small, but must spring from an area of personal interest and address a need that exists within our local, regional, national, or international community.

Grade 12

Grade 11

Laurence D. ’17 inset: A 3D mock-up Laurence made of her desalination system.

• Goal: Discover the exponential effect of service, both personally and on others, when it is connected to a personal interest or passion; gain experience interacting with people and organizations outside of Westridge; gain leadership experience in executing a project; reflect on the learning over the four-year process.

• Complete project.

• Develop community presentation. The entire school community is invited to a presentation event at which all seniors discuss their project and the process that led to its development.

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CAP is a creative merger of two, the journey over four years, rather long-standing Westridge programs than any distinct project outcome.

— a community service hours re- It’s about the students’ agency with quirement for Upper School stu- and personal connection to an isdents, and Senior Projects, which sue, and the learning experience in essentially asked getting to that girls to learn point.” something new “If our kids or explore a pas“I always really graduate sion. While both enjoyed service had benefits, the learning, but fonot understanding school felt there cusing on one was room to thing makes it that it is a significantly invery different good thing to crease student and I became engagement in share your talents more service these two graduoriented... and with the world, ation requiregained important ments, and to skills,” said Ruthen we’ve have the projects chi P. ’16, whose missed the mark.” work involved better embody the values of the raising awareness school. As such, about human Margaret Shoemaker the CAP program trafficking.

“I represents an inwant to continue tentional shift away from accruing the work in college and get other community service “hours” and students involved.” executing a one-off senior project.

The new framework emphasizes On June 6, the Class of 2016 staged process and reflections, as well as the first-ever Senior Community getting students out into the world Action Project Showcase. The beyond the gates of campus and community wide event, which drew the familiarity therein and to en- hundreds of attendees from across gage with the community in areas the divisions of the school, included of need.

22 student poster presentations and 18 featured presentations.

The Class of 2016 was the first class to complete the four-year CAP “I liked that the event was refocused process. One of things this first class (from Senior Projects Night) onto wrestled with was the lack of speci- the work that students did over the ficity about the ‘project’ require- four years of their journey, rather ment itself. There was no check-list; than on the presentation itself,” said every girl had to chart her own path Willa Greenstone, Upper School because her personal interests and history teacher. “And I enjoyed the connections in the community are different types of presentations, so unique. students could get practice in presenting formally or could just take “Any good learning process is a bit a moment to share with the commessy. CAP has been no exception. munity.”

The Class of 2016’s feedback and experience has helped shape the Changing decades-old traditions is program,” said Shoemaker. “For us, never easy and the young program what is most important is the arc of will continue to be fine-tuned. But

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oral histories of addiction and Recovery MIRANDA D. ’16

HIGHLIGHTS OF HER JOURNEY: After freshman year experiences with Planned Parenthood and a women’s shelter, Miranda sought a relationship with a smaller agency. Discussions with her father, a public defender in Los Angeles, introduced her to Second Chance for Recovery, an addiction recovery center serving a low income population, including many referred from the courts.

There, she tapped her passion for journalism to conduct interviews with the center’s clients. These will be compiled into a handbook with the dual goals of helping those fighting addiction understand that they are not alone and educating the broader community about the complicated roots of addiction.

REFLECTIONS ON HER PROJECT: I had a great mentor and that was a very important part of this process for me. I felt like I gave back to (Second Chance) by creating this handbook and I also felt like I gave back to the people I interviewed. Life can be very short for them — in their condition they can die any day. Knowing their stories could help others was important to them.

REFLECTIONS ON CAP: One of the things I got out of CAP was learning to interact with the community beyond school. It wasn’t just my project; it was the project of the organization and the people I worked with. And I gained a lot from facing rejection and obstacles.

Miranda D. ’16, with her father (left), Head of School Elizabeth McGregor, and project mentor Kenny Cobo (right).

Guide dog in training,Yonder, on campus with trainer Jessica B. ’18 as part of CAP work.

Below: Olivia T. ’16 discusses her work with faculty member Betty Cole.

Below: Margaret Shoemaker and Iliana P.-R. ’16 at the Showcase event.

Ella R. ’16 at the CAP Showcase.

Below: Rileigh C. ’16 created an art history themed activity book for young hospital parients.

vocal youth academy LINDSAY C. ’17

Below: Katie G. ’16 and Carson B. ’16

HIGHLIGHTS OF HER JOURNEY: Lindsay shifted from environmental issues to music (both personal passions) education when her initial proposal had to be modified in a way that damped her enthusiasm. The first organization she approached didn’t have time to engage with her, but referred her to Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, where she found a mentor who connected her with Glendale Cerritos Elementary and its afterschool program. There, Lindsay started the Vocal Youth Academy, filling a hole for a school with no vocal music curriculum. She taught 8-11 year olds twice a week for three months, and plans to continue the program in her senior year.

REFLECTIONS ON CAP: Because it is community based, it prepares you for the real world. It definitely influenced what I think I will write about in my college essays, because the experience made me change my values and has even changed the colleges I am interested in. I want to be around people who want to make impact and to be in an environment that fosters that.

Lindsay C. ’17

REFLECTIONS ON HER PROJECT: It felt like I was giving something to someone because they had no vocal training at all — really no resources, no funds for a keyboard. It demonstrated how fulfilling involvement can be and made me appreciate music more and realize how hard it is to learn. I plan to teach the class again (in my senior year).

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in terms of (author) Rachel Simmons’ levels THE FIRST

of risk – CAP takes us out of our comfort zones into an area of “semi-risk” – and the we stepOF there, the more small steps of A more SAMPLING THEIR PROJECTS semi-risk, the more we will delve into the scary stuff and the more we will realize what we Peer are capable of.”

Tiger to Peer:

CAP GRADUATES

A Dear Abby-style, anonymous website through which a trained peer counselor answered sensitive questions from Westridge middle school students. An alternative to misinformation found on the internet.

Science Curriculum for Boys & Girls Club: Wrote and taught a curriculum of fun, miniscience lessons for the Boys & Girls Club after discovering that science programs at several local elementary schools were in need of strengthening.

with a full-cycle complete, CAP has been successful in engaging students in a deep, student-led learning experience in both community engagement and personal development. The program’s impact on students’ sense of autonomy, leadership, and agency surrounding issues of interest is clear.

“Westridge is about academic rigor and being independent and pushing yourself, but it’s also about giving back through that and CAP integrates these ideals. It makes you less complacent and makes you give back in a way that is more fulfilling than (one-off volunteer experiences),” said junior Lindsay C. “ I was thinking about it in terms of (author) Rachel Simmons’ levels of risk — CAP takes us out of our comfort zones into an area of “semi-risk” — and the more we step there, the more small steps of semi-risk, the more we will delve into the scary stuff and the more we will realize what we are capable of.”

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Videos for Gardens of Ability: Planned, directed, and filmed four 6-8 minute fun and educational videos about environmental sustainability, education, and responsibility for AbilityFirst, a non-profit for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The videos and a companion manual of ageappropriate activities related to the video themes provided AbilityFirst with its first program focused on environmental issues.

Matzah Ball Soup for the Soul: Founded a Twitter account and blog to help forward religious and inspirational writing to peers who struggle with substance abuse.

Used writing and social media as ways to engage with teens about Judaism, the importance of spirituality, and an alternative answer for coping with their problems.

College Sexual Assault: Designed program to encourage dialogue on the difficult issue of college sexual assault. Produced The Vagina Monologues and held a selfdefense workshop.

Art Education at the Union Station Family Center: Taught monthly art classes, while also providing supplies, to children at this residential homeless facility after learning that some public school districts don’t offer visual art and that children who are homeless or living in poverty have even less of a chance to experience the beauty and joy of visual art.

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tutoring homeless children KARINA S. ’16

HIGHLIGHTS OF HER JOURNEY: Freshman year Karina took a servicelearning elective and discovered a love of service and an interest in women’s issues. A summer program before her junior year introduced her to the issue of homelessness and led her to Chrysalis, a non-profit focused on jobs programs, where she was able to shadow administrators as part of her research. Her next service engagement experience was with School on Wheels, an organization that provides tutoring and educational support for homeless children in downtown Los Angeles. She trained with them to be a tutor and was partnered with Malika, who she has been tutoring once a week since last summer.

REFLECTIONS ON HER PROJECT: When I went to Skid Row, I realized how big the issue of homelessness is and that it is everywhere and involves a lot of children. I have developed a really strong bond with Malika and her family beyond just tutoring and I hope to be connected

with her for a long time. Developing a personal relationship made (CAP and my service work) so much more personal, and I plan to continue the work.

REFLECTIONS ON CAP: What I really liked about CAP was the four-year process of coming to the issue.

I didn’t really realize that my project was a project until this year, but it is a process where small things lead to others. You can’t become passionate about something doing the entire project in a month.

Karina presenting at the CAP Showcase event.

congratulations,

class of 2016!

The 47 members of the Class of 2016 earned 267 acceptances to 114 colleges and universities.

They will attend 33 colleges and universities in 15 states and the District of Columbia including:

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he class of 2016 led with kindness and vision, found humor in themselves and their lives, and improved the lives of the school and of those around them in a way one wouldn’t have thought possible for only 47 girls. They are already leading lives of impact, and we are all excited to see the mark they make on the world.

Gary Baldwin, Director of Upper School

American University (2) Barnard College Boston University (2) University of California at: Berkeley Santa Barbara University of Chicago (3) Colgate University Columbia University Davidson College University of Denver Duke University Emerson College Georgetown University Grinnell College Harvard College (2) Lawrence University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University New Orleans University of Maryland, College Park (2) Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Miami New York University (3) Oregon State University Purdue University Rice University University of San Francisco Santa Clara University Santa Monica College University of Southern California (3) St. John’s University Stanford University Vassar College Washington University in St. Louis (5) 7

around campus

College Counseling Expands Programming with

College Connections Fair This year, in addition to hosting its annual college fair featuring admission directors from across the nation, College Counseling teamed with Alumnae Affairs to host a second college fair with a Westridge twist: the 50-plus booths were staffed with alumnae, faculty, staff and administrators, or graduating seniors. Their connections? They had attended the schools, or will this fall, and could provide a very personal view into the schools. (See page 31 for more details and photos.)

Orchestra members with students at Make Music NOLA.

Expert Rachel Simmons Speaks at Westridge Rachel Simmons, co-founder of Girls Leadership and New York Times bestselling author (Odd Girl Out and The Curse of the Good Girl), spent a day at Westridge speaking to students, faculty, and parents on the issues girls face today. The self-proclaimed “recovering overachiever” shared stories of her personal successes and failures and how it is all too common for high-achieving young girls to tie their identities too closely to their accomplishments, especially when faced with the highlight reels of others’ lives on social media.

Her message, which resonated across generations, also hit on topics surrounding risk aversion and being a good friend.

Experiential, Discovery, & Interim Week: From LA to India and Everywhere in Between Lower, Middle, and Upper School students travelled across Los Angeles, the United States, and the world for Experiential, Discovery, and Interim Week, an annual week-long exploration of activities that promote a sense of discovery, creativity, curiosity, connection, and reflection.

The 25 Spring 2016 trips included a 5th Grade adventure to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, a whitewater rafting and rock climbing Middle School trip in the Sierra Nevadas, an Upper School journey to India, and a Chamber Orchestra tour of New Orleans to explore the culture and birthplace of jazz and collaborate with the non-profit Make Music NOLA.

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4th Voices in Literature and Culture Conference Explores

“Memoir and Documentary” In its fourth year, the school’s student-led literature conference, Voices in Literature and Culture, grew to 34 students on seven panels and explored this year’s theme, “Memoir and Documentary.” Students from all divisions (including fourth graders!) presented critical essays, photographic projects, paintings, creative writing pieces, video projects, Power Point presentations, and poster boards that expressed their creative ideas about how and why we document our stories and memories.

Full STEAMWork Ahead!

2015-2016 was quite a first year for the STEAMWork Design Studio. The makerspace, equipped with 3D printers, lathes, 3D scanners, and more, has provided a centralized location not only for our robotics and rocketry engineers to learn and explore, but for a wide variety of interdisciplinary opportunities. Studio projects included a large-scale model of protein sub-unit (Hemagglutinin) in AP Biology, CAD design and 3D printing of cookie cutters (Lower School) and boats (Middle School), and models of new applications of animal adaptations during a 7th grade unit on bio-mimicry. Engineering and technology is a girl’s world after all!

Dr. Skophammer and students install the protein sculpture developed in AP Biology.

Middle School Water Warriors Surpass $50,000 in Funds Raised The Water Warriors, a student group comprised of middle school scholars passionate about global access to clean water, brought in $8,000 at their fourth annual Water Warrior Festival. Combined with funds raised earlier in the school year, this elevated the 2015-2016 Water Warriors’ total donation to H2O for Life to $12,000. Since the inception of the Water Warriors, the club has raised more than $50,000 in support of global water access, allowing H2O for Life to build numerous clean water wells and wash stations at schools in Africa and the Dominican Republic.

Mars Rover rolls over the 6th Grade.

Young Rocketry Team Makes Nationals, Ranks 31st among U.S. Schools!

In just its third year of competition, Westridge rocketry sent a team to the national finals of the largest rocketry competition in the world, Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC).

Qualifying for the event placed them among the top 100 teams in the U.S., and while there they placed 31st. Six students and two team mentors travelled to Washington D.C. for a long weekend of events, including a reception on Capitol Hill and the final fly-off in the Plains,VA.

Junior Ring Ceremony Students celebrate after the beloved annual tradition.

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Class of 2020 Represents at LA County Science Fair In a Westridge first, eight 8th grade students competed at the Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair. Sophie C. received first place in the Engineering Application category for her work on using the magnetic field of the earth as a better GPS system, making her eligible to take her project to the state-level competition. N’Dea G., Brooke B., and Abby Y. received Honorable Mentions. The fair showcased the independent scientific studies of students from more than 465 different LA County schools and projects from nearly 900 student participants.

Campus After Dark:

Westridge’s First-Ever Star Party More than 100 students, parents, students, faculty, and staff got together for an evening of stargazing in May, enjoying sightings of the moon and Jupiter! Executive director of Carnegie Observatories and new Westridge Trustee John Mulchaey hosted a talk and Q&A session pre-viewing.

Students Host Flight of the Refugees Screening, Donate $6,000 to Refugee Relief Efforts Amnesty International Club hosted a screening of the documentary Flight of the Refugees, followed by a Q&A with its director Elias Matar (far left, photo above) for Middle and Upper School students. The film documents the harrowing journey of families as they cross the Macedonian border from Greece to Germany. Before the screening, students were able to learn about the current refugee crisis in history classes, service learning class, and Town Meeting. After the screening, the Amnesty International Club decided to donate the money it has raised over the course of several years to several organizations, including Salam LADC and LEAF, that offer essential resources to refugees.

Meet Phillip Huckleberry, Westridge’s part-time honorary mascot While the Tiger still stands as the Westridge mascot, one peacock tried to edge its way in, taking up residence on campus for the better part of a week this spring.

Senior College Commitment Ceremony (aka, Chalk Day!) 10

Finals week PUPPIES! Thanks to the brilliant thinking of Dr. Skophammer’s advisory, puppies were on campus to help reduce stress during Semester 1 finals week. Research shows that interacting with pets decreases cortisol — or stress hormone — and increases endorphins, squeals, and smiles.

Crowds attested to its success on our campus!

Student Voices Assemblies 2015-2016 Student Voices, the Upper School student leadership group that helps educate our community on issues of diversity and inclusion, held all-school assemblies on the following topics last school year: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The Modern Civil Rights Movement Multiracial Storytelling Cultural Appropriation Ability Political Discourse

congratulations,

6th & 8th graders!

6th Grade Recognition

8th Grade Recognition 11

Q&A

Rob Greene 8th grade science

Rob Greene came to Westridge last fall with an interesting background combining science, education, and environmental studies. After earning a B.A. in Environmental Science from Miami University, he worked for the National Park Services, Audubon Society, and Los Angeles County’s outdoor science programs in Malibu and Big Bear. Next, Greene moved with his wife to Australia, teaching in both the private and public sectors, most notably at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre focusing on astronomy and other STEMrelated programs. Back in the states, he taught at Rolling Hills Prep and Renaissance School designing programs for students with learning disabilities, before finding his home at Westridge. Read on to see what Rob has in store for students.

throughout the year and know how it relates to a bigger picture. The idea came from my own personal interests and I saw an opportunity at Westridge to use my passion for science to develop a framework for the Physical and Earth Science course. There was definitely potential for disaster in designing a new curriculum, but I was able to successfully teach the course in a way the girls responded to.

What can we look forward to seeing from you in your future at Westridge?

What stood out to you about Westridge when you were considering teaching here?

There is an eagerness amongst the school to innovate and the students are receptive to new ideas. I saw lots of possibility in the curriculum and ways I could tie in my own passion for science. And, having taught at several schools in the past, the community oriented staff, faculty, and students of Westridge stood out immediately.

How have you made this first-year experience at Westridge your own?

For quite some time prior to coming here, I’d been thinking about a storytelling approach to teaching and we did that this year in my classes. I wanted to approach learning in a holistic, connected way, focusing on how all the subjects related to each other. Instead of one chapter ending and another, totally new one beginning, I weave in previous lessons and show how they relate to current subject matter. The students retain the information better because they are reminded of it 12

“There is an eagerness amongst the school to innovate and the students are receptive to new ideas.”

I’m working on creating a STEM-focused 8th grade elective course. It will be project-based with a more real-life approach. For example, we’ll study “light” – how it works, the chemistry and scientific processes behind it – and then talk about how it translates to something the girls can relate to, such as photography. Another project I’m excited about is the Outdoor Pursuit Program. We’ll be getting students outdoors and most importantly, disconnecting from technology. I’ve led outdoor trips in my past experiences, and this type of study allows participants to interact with each other (instead of their devices) and notice different things with a greater appreciation. It really is a transformative way of learning that develops more confidence in perceiving the physical world. We’ll be working on it this year and hopefully have something ready for the following school year.

What do you want the Westridge community to know about you?

I like spiders and tarantulas. I cringe each time I see someone step on one.

Who is your favorite scientist?

Brian Greene (string theorist out of Columbia University).

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Jessica Perez del Toro

Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher & Dean of Student Voices Jessica Perez del Toro joined the Westridge team last fall after working within Pasadena Unified as an English-Spanish dual-immersion teacher.

Since her undergraduate days, Jessica has been driven by an interest in social justice and educational equity and access, leading to the pursuit of several additional graduate studies. In addition to a B.A. in History from UCLA, Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from USC. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in UCLA’s Educational Leadership Program and is on track to finish her Master’s Degree in Spanish Language and Culture from the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain’s oldest institution of higher education, this summer.

What led you to Westridge?

I’ve always felt interested in working at an independent school and at a place where I can advance gender equity and serve as a role model for other students.

What made you decide to pursue your doctorate?

I love learning new things and consider myself a life-long learner. Eventually, I would like to go into leadership, and at an independent school, you can do that and still teach classes. I believe that if you want to have a school that provides an excellent education, then teachers need to continue to learn and improve their practice.

Westridge is so supportive of that.

Congratulations on your recent appointment as Dean of Student Voices, where you will be working with the student leaders who are focused on community education around issues of diversity and inclusion. What prompted you to apply for the position?

I am extremely passionate about advancing issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. For my doctoral work at UCLA I am writing a dissertation about diversity and inclusion in independent schools and the work that still needs to be done in this area. So when I heard about the opportunity here, it was almost as if a door had been opened just for me. I look forward to collaborating with student leadership to advance diversity work at Westridge.

How do you juggle so many different roles?

“I am extremely passionate about advancing issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.”

I get it from my dad. He turns 81 in July and he still works full time. Even after he gets home, he keeps working. I feel like I have the best job in the world. I get to work with amazing students and spend the day teaching and talking about the things that I love. Who gets to do that? I also have an incredibly loving husband who always supports me in all of my endeavors.

What were the highlights of your first year at Westridge?

Everything was a highlight for me. Westridge is a special place! I felt really well supported throughout the year, and the students are amazing. More specifically, we’ve done some important curriculum work this year that will be implemented in 2016-2017 and I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of that labor.

What are you looking forward to in year two and beyond?

I’m looking forward to making classes more interactive, and bringing in new things that I didn’t get a chance to do this year while I was getting my feet under me. I would also love to bring an Interim or summer trip to a Spanish speaking country.

What is your favorite thing about teaching students in the different divisions?

I love the energy the Middle School students bring to the classroom. They are still very free spirited. (In Upper School), I enjoy the additional intellectual challenge; the topics are more difficult, we can discuss more things in Spanish and run the class all in Spanish. It’s also interesting to talk to students about college.

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hear us

we are

Tigers, Roar!

During the 2015-16 school year Westridge Athletics experienced much success with Water Polo competing in the CIF-Southern Section Div. 6 Finals, six teams advancing to CIF-SS playoffs, and 20 girls qualifying in individual CIF-SS Championships in swimming (10) and track & field (10).

JV Tennis went undefeated in league play for a sixth-straight year and Middle School soccer finished the season in third place in league. Given the return of many talented and dedicated student-athletes, the Tigers are expected to make some major noise in 2016-2017.

GO WESTRIDGE!

water polo Varsity Water Polo produced its most successful season in program history, finishing the year as the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 runner-up champions. The Tigers wrapped up the regular season as the undefeated Prep League champions, taking home the title for just the second time, and going a program-best 23-7 overall. Georgia B. ’17 was named the CIFSS Co-Player of the Year, Kira O. ’17 and Ava W. ’17 also earned All-CIF acclaim, and Georgia, Kira, Ava, and Cristina F. ’17 earned notice on the Star News All-Area team. Finally, Coach Robert Echeverria was named Star’s Coach of the Year.

volleyball Varsity Volleyball advanced to the CIF-SS Division 2AA quarterfinals, ousting West Torrance and South Pasadena before falling in four sets to eventual champion Village Christian. Westridge placed third in the Prep League, ranked #7 in the final CIF poll, and won the Crescenta Valley High School tournament. Allison M. ’18 was named to the MaxPreps Underclassmen All-American team and was the only underclassmen in the division to pick up All-CIF status.

14

basketball

golf

tennis

Varsity Basketball reached the CIF-SS playoffs for the 11th time in the last 13 seasons, advancing to the second round of the Division 4A bracket. The Tigers topped local rival Polytechnic not once, but twice, marking their first wins over the Panthers in nine years.

In Golf, Andrea L. ’16 successfully defended her Prep League Championship crown, winning the individual title and MVP honors for the second-straight season. She advanced to the CIF-SS individual Golf Championship.

JV Tennis was undefeated in the Prep League for the sixthstraight year and went 9-0-1 overall.

Lauren A. ’16 finished her career undefeated against Prep League opponents.

2015-2016 By the Numbers

23 13

swimming & diving

track & field/ cross country

The Swimming and Diving team placed second at the Prep League Finals and, with just seven swimmers, one diver, and two alternates, placed 10th out of 47 at the CIF-SS Division 3 Championships. Sophia L. ’17 placed fourth in the 200 IM and Ella P. ’17 took eighth in the 200 freestyle, while both the 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay teams (both comprised of Sophie, Rebecca W. ’17, Ella and Anna B. ’16) placed in the top eight. Kimi A. ’19 earned points on the diving board for the Tigers, placing 14th.

In Track and Field, multiple individual Prep League champions were crowned including Caroline C. ’18 (long jump) and Prep League Field MVP Mara R. ’17 (discus and shot put). The 4x100 meter relay team (Samantha K. ’17, Olivia M. ’17, Emma H. ’16, Kaitlin Z. ’19) also won at the league meet, lifting the Tigers to third place overall.

Ten student-athletes qualified for the CIF-SS prelims, with Mara placing 12th in the shot put to lead the way.

soccer Summer G. ’19 and Emma H. ’16 earned All-Prep League first-team honors.

Kaitlin Z. ’19 was selected for Olympic Development Soccer, placing her in the top 22 of more than 10,000 female players.

lacrosse Varsity Lacrosse earned the consolation championship title at the Rose Bowl Jamboree and topped Chadwick for the first time in four years.

The Equestrian team placed 8th out of 74 teams at the Interscholastic Equestrian League Championships, with the Novice division team taking 4th overall.

ALL-PREP LEAGUE FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS INDIVIDUAL PREP LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (4 in track, 1 in golf) ALL-CIF SOUTHERN SECTION FIRST-TEAM SELECTIONS PREP LEAGUE MVPS (2 in water polo; 1 in track & field) SWIM RECORDS BROKEN PREP LEAGUE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

JV Lacrosse, newly added in 2015, concluded the year at 5-2.

US Sa

The Cross Country team fielded its largest freshman class in recent history and the team’s future looks bright! Rachel H. ’19 and Kaley P.-K. ’19 both finished under 22:25 to lead the freshman at Prep League Finals.

equestrian

5 4 3 3 1

ALL-PREP LEAGUE PERFORMERS

From Tiger Stripes to Stars and Stripes

softball Varsity Softball chalked up a 9-7 record, including 6 wins at home.

Allison M. ’18 earned a spot on the 2016 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team. She was one of just 12 players selected to represent the U.S. at the NORCECA Continental Championship this fall.

*** Chloe D. ’19 placed seventh out of 180 epee competitors at the 2016 Junior Olympic Fencing Championships in February. Chloe, who holds a class-A rating, currently ranks 12th in the national point standings in the epee for her age group.

*** Georgia B. ’17 has long been affiliated with USA Water Polo, and is currently a member of the Girls’ Youth National Team after being on the Cadent National Team a year ago.

*** Isabella P. ’18 will compete at the 2016 U.S. Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament, having also played in the 2015 event.

*** Track & Field Coach Kaaron Conwright coached three athletes at this year’s Olympic Summer Games in Rio. 15

Lower School Strings & Choir Lower School students showed off their emerging talents at the Grandparents and Friends Day and Spring concerts, and were arguably the stars of the show at the Holiday Concert, singing heartwarming tunes that would have had even Ebenezer Scrooge humming along.

Middle School Chorus & Orchestra The Middle School Chorus expanded its repertoire, learned three-part harmonies, and showed off students’ vocal ranges in a particularly enthusiastic tribute to Queen during the Middle School Chorus and Orchestra Spring Concert. 7th and 8th graders also earned their orchestra stripes, learning classical pieces by Mozart, but also exploring more modern-era pop songs. Their rendition of “Drive” by Oh Wonder was dubbed “one of the most incredible responses to our music we’ve ever seen” by the band themselves.

Upper School Orchestra The Chamber Orchestra traveled to the home of jazz for their Interim trip: Making Music in New Orleans. Not only did students explore the unique history, location, and culture behind the birth of jazz, they also teamed up with Make Music NOLA, a non-profit organization that offers tuition-free music training to local students.

PerformingArts Upper School Choral Music The Madrigals, Glee Club, Intermediate Choir, and Chorale graced audiences with several performances, featuring everything from standards to pop. The Madrigals lent their harmonies to the barbershop genre, the Glee Club perfected a vocal rendition of the Pink Panther theme, and the Intermediate Choir and Chorale showed off their efforts at the year-end Spring Concert to rave reviews.

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Dance Seventy dancers were featured in two performances of the Westridge Dance Concert, “Center Stage.” The evening included ballet, lyrical, and modern pieces, as well as a Bollywood number and several student-choreographed dances.

Departing senior Iliana P.-R. ’16 earned acceptance into NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Dance Program, a program that admits just 30 students a year.

SAVE THE DATES Westridge’s 2016-2017 Theatre Season of Discovery Twelfth Night October 21-23, 2016

Proof December 2-4, 2016

Mary Poppins March 10-12, 2017

Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever May 11-14, 2017

Theatre The Westridge 2015-2016 Season of Truth and Magic included: > William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted by Director of Theatre Laurie Riffe > The Liar, adapted by David Ives from the play by Pierre Corneille > The spring musical A Little Princess, by Brian Crwley & Andrew Lippa > The 8th Grade production of Still Life with Iris by Stephen Dietz Theatre students impressed at the Henry Kemp-Blair Shakespeare Festival.

Grace O. ’16 and Grace W. ’16 were awarded the top award for Outstanding Scene Presentation for their portrayal of Richard and Elizabeth from Richard III. Anabel S. ’17 and Tess S. ’17 earned the top design award their Twelfth Night costume presentation. Grace W. also won the Los Angeles branch of the English-Speaking Union High School Shakespeare Competition, and performed at the national competition at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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student

art

& writing

4th Grade Recipe for Success In this spring 2016 assignment, 4th graders wrote recipes for success for the incoming 4th grade class of 2016.

By Olivia C. ’24 1 cup of perseverance 3 cups of happiness 2 cups of resilience 7 tablespoons of honesty 4 cups of friendship 1/2 cup bravery 1/3 cup forgivefulness 1 cup creativity First you have to always remember to put your name on your paper.

Don’t be afraid to raise your hand in class. It’s okay if you make a mistake. If you forget to do your homework, don’t try to do it really quickly and have your friend tell you all the answers. You should plan what you’re going to do on which days if you have to get a project done.

If you have a friend who didn’t wait for you at lunch, don’t get sad it will ruin your day. Finally, if things don’t seem to be going right, don’t worry things are probably going to get better.

Gabriella A. ’22

Maggie F. ’16

Katherine M. ’21 18

Law of Averages Mara R. ’17 we have been taught and trained to fall in love with averages.

I am not average. my rolls of skin and scars, my swollen, knotted fingers, my sandbag ears, are not elegant. the thump, thump of my laboring heart and the cracking of my hollow bones are not a symphony. the misshapen curve of my shoulders, pressed delicately with tissue-paper skin, is not magnificent.

Sofie W. ’24

I am not beautiful.

I never cared for averages.

Grace N. ’23

Maya A.-G. ’20

Alisa C. ’17 (part of the Alternative Gallery Space project) 19

Canyonland Grace P. ’17 Yesterday she lost my favorite word in the woods because losing things is so much easier.

I watched her etch words into the branches of a pine that once stood hundreds of feet tall, words that swirled above the tree after it had fallen.

Horse hair firing - Pottery II

Leah S.-G. ’20

Isabella T. ’18

20

Madison R. ’23

Rachel K. ’22

7th Grade Soil Unit Seventh grade student groups make online magazines in their interdisciplinary two-week soil unit.Visit www.westridge.org/ soilunit2016 to view sample magazines. (magazine, left) Reese C. ’21 Danielle D. ’21 Holly H. ’21 Erisa R. ’21

Anya R. ’21

Melissa B. ’19 Natalie D. ’21 (poem below)

Wild and Precious Wild and precious What makes the world spin?

What makes it turn night and day?

Is it the wind?

Not the hard, stinging wind But the gentle summer wind The wind that seems to make the least difference But this wind makes the birds chirp and makes children smile This wind that blows today The wind that gently sweeps the leaves along This wind that makes you get that lazy feeling in the pit of your stomach I don’t know what perfect is I do know how to realize what is pretty close to perfect And this summer breeze is really close

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we asked seniors to fill in the blank

}

Westridge has made me:

the kind of person I wish to become Amanda F.

Happy, Confident, Safe, and Loved

a strong empowered woman who is capable of loving herself whole-heartedly

Emma H.

Anna B.

confident in myself and an independent thinker

f stand up for mysel and what I believe Leanne w.

Ella R.

Christine K.

{

fierce

senior reflections my best bold self Abigail k.

A wonderful Westridge tradition is senior advice to underclassmen, presented via open mic at the last Townhall Meeting of the year. Here are some highlights from the Class of 2016:

“Don’t do things just because you think it will look good on your transcript.”

“Drink water and finish your PE requirement.”

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“If Juanita tells you to do something, DO IT ”

d “The magic wor my brother taught me to get through junior year: TRIAGE.”

“Start with social activism and find what you love.”

“Don’t be afraid if you don’t know what you know or like; you will figure it out.”

“Don’t ever doubt yourself and your capacity.

If someone says you can’t — prove them wrong.”

an to “There is no worse idea th f, and not take care of yoursel u not yo g lin this is not me tel es.” ad gr to worry about your

parent westridge

association 2015-2016 Highlights LEADERSHIP At the Volunteer Breakfast in May, the WPA celebrated June Diarra, the 2015-2016 WPA President, for the many leadership roles she has held at Westridge. At the same time, 20162017 president, Jennifer Schultz Bertolet ’86 was welcomed.

25 YEARS OF SOF This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Summer Opportunities Fair (SOF), a community service event that the entire Pasadena area, as well as our campus, looks forward to ever year. To commemorate this special milestone, Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor held a tea at her residence for past SOF Chairs. Former Head of School Fran Scoble, who brought the event to Westridge, also joined the celebration.

DADS’ CLUB The WPA would not be complete without the enthusiastic participation of Westridge fathers. From grilling burgers at SOF to the musical stylings of Steely Dads, it is always fun working with these dedicated fathers.

WPA SPONSORED PROGRAMS & EVENTS In 2015-2016, the WPA sponsored a variety of events providing dedicated support for students’ academic pursuits.

Some highlights include: • Chinese Culture Magazine Production and printing • Green Guerrillas (student club) Installation of school compost system that launched in May • Rachel Simmons (speaker) Parent portion of the day, including reception, book signing, and extended invitation to the Pasadena community • TARC Competition Equipment transportation to the Team America Rocketry Competition

STRENGTHENING CULTURE & DIVERSITY The Multicultural Parent Collaborative (MPC) was led this year by Halle Yuhan, Jill Fung, and Leigh-Ann Jackson. In addition to hosting several events to raise diversity awareness, they started the MPC Blog to keep our community aware of multicultural happenings around town and on campus.

23

UPDATES

f rom a round th

End of an Admissions Era: Westridge Says Thank You to Helen Hopper for 29 Years of Community Building If your family joined Westridge between 1987 and 2016, you were introduced to Westridge through the eyes and heart of Helen Hopper, the school’s long-serving, and first full-time, director of admissions.

Helen retired in June, after being feted at a tea hosted by the Westridge Parents’ Association. “There is no one who cares more about Westridge and especially about the wellness and success of our students.

Helen worked tirelessly to get to know all of our families so well. And there is no one who seeks out and champions Westridge students more than Helen,” said Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. Please join us in wishing Helen a wonderful retirement filled with fun, adventure, and many trips to Italy!

Meet Sarah Jallo New Director of Admissions With the departure of Helen Hopper, Sarah Jallo joins Westridge as director of admission. She brings extensive experience in pre-K through 12 independent school admissions, including in girls’ schools and in the Los Angeles area with Marymount High School. Most recently, she served as Director of Enrollment Management at The St. Andrew’s Schools in Honolulu. Sarah also has the advantage of knowing Pasadena. She grew up here and graduated from Flintridge Preparatory School. She has a B.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, a master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a Leadership in Enrollment Management certificate from USC.

McGregor Joins NCGS Board Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor has been appointed to the National Coalition of Girls’ School (NCGS) board of trustees. Her term began in July and runs for three years. NCGS is the leading advocate for girls’ schools, conducting research into girls education, empowerment, and leadership, offering professional development for girls’ school faculty and administrators, and promoting collaboration between girls schools across the country.

CURRICULUM UPDATES: New Courses for 2016-2017 3D DESIGN. This Upper School art elective introduces students to foundational concepts in modeling and sculpting, including 3D construction and computer assisted design. The course spans both traditional practices and hand-skill development, such as wood-working, casting, and clay sculpting. 3D software modeling, 3D printing, and other digital fabrication methods are also available through the school’s STEAMWork Design Studio.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERDISCIPLINARY PERFORMING ARTS COURSES. Beginning this year, rather than choose between vocal and orchestral music, Middle School students will participate in innovative interdisciplinary performing arts courses. All 7th grade students engage in a yearlong course in music (vocal and orchestral) and theatre, while all 8th graders partake in a year-long course in music, visual art, and digital media. The courses emphasize having the students utilize fundamental music skills as a means to collaborate and engage in producing works of art that make connections between disciplines.

he we s t r i d g e c a mp us a nd c om m un ity Westridge Welcomes Six New Trustees Please join us in welcoming our newest trustees, and in extending a debt of gratitude to Natalie Naftzger Davis, who retired from the board in June. Natalie brought tremendous legal and financial expertise to the board and will be missed.

Kristan Browne ’86 Life-long entrepreneur in the field of design. Founder and owner of Attriniti, an interior and exterior space consultancy. Leads the Wealth Room Program, designed to help artists, creative entrepreneurs, and design-based business owners maximize their success. Past chair and current member of the Westridge Alumnae Board. B.A. in Fine Art and Geography, Middlebury College. Mother of Caroline R. ’19.

Mike Burke Engineer and seasoned executive in the construction management industry. Founder and former CEO of Trio Engineered Products, a heavy industrial, mine, and quarry equipment manufacturing and distribution company. B.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan. MBA Pepperdine. Father of Kara ’18, Kelsey ’18, and Avery (grade 5). Mike’s wife, Lisa, is active with the Westridge Parent Association.

Laureen Chang Banking executive with more than two decades of experience, including with Northern Trust and Westpac Banking Corporation in Los Angeles. Significant philanthropic commitments, including serving on the board of the USC Pacific Asia Museum and founding the Asian Business League. B.A. in Child Development from Tufts. MBA in Finance and Marketing from UC Berkeley. Mother of Zandie ’05 and Caroline ’16.

Dr. John Scott Mulchaey Astrophysicist and Director of The Observatories of the Carnegie Institution for Science. Extensive body of published research. Taught at UCLA, Loyola College in Maryland, and the University of Maryland. B.S. in astrophysics from UC Berkeley.

Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of Maryland. STScI Graduate Student Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Maryland.

Darrell Spence Economist with The Capital Group. Former trustee at Saint Mark’s School and former Board Chair,Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation. B.A. in economics from Occidental College. Daughter Devon is a member of the Class of 2021.

Laurie Stanford Turner ’82 Long-time marketing and real estate executive, now selling real estate with Coldwell Banker in Pasadena. Member of the Advisory Board, Pasadena Symphony-Pops, and the Board of Governors of the Pituitary Network. B.S. in Marketing, Economics, and Entrepreneurial Studies from Babson College.

8TH GR ADE ELECTIVE BLOCK. In addition to a long-standing Theatre elective, this year, the school is offering three new electives for 8th grade students: Coding and Game Design, Debate, and STEAM Projects, which covers a range of concepts including light, sound, electricity, aerodynamics, force, and energy through a hands-on, project-based curriculum.

THIRD YEAR: PEER-TO-PEER. This semester-long Upper School independent study course is offered to students who, during their Advanced Peer-to-Peer Course, have developed a program to promote peer support at Westridge. Students will create and introduce a peer-support program within the school and study related reading from the field of psychology and mental health.

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A

Alumnae Weekend March 11-12, 2016

Above: Westridge School 4th graders from the Class of 2024 with their Class of 1966 pen pals. Below: Ranney Award Winner Elizabeth Oldknow-Huttinger ’68 with Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor.

More than 200 alumnae returned to Westridge School for Alumnae Weekend. The two-day affair included a luncheon, coffee reception, book talk, STEAMWork Design Studio demonstration, master class in ceramics, campus tour, and a wine tasting reception featuring three alumnae vintners.

Beginning Friday, the Class of 1966 celebrated its 50th reunion, and as part of the festivities, met with the Class of 2024 – aka the 4th graders – for afternoon tea. The Westridge girls of past and present had been pen pals in the weeks leading up to Alumnae Weekend, and the 4th graders relished meeting their pen pals face-to-face and hearing about what campus was like five decades ago.

Alumnae gathered Friday evening at the historic Pitcairn House on campus to enjoy the fruits – literally – of their fellow alumnae’s labor with a special wine-tasting reception. Three Westridge graduates were on hand to pour: Seyburn Zorthian ’66 of Buttonwood Winery in Santa Ynez, Jennifer Zoff Lamb ’70 of Herb Lamb Vineyards in Napa Valley, and Dana Knox Gallagher ’77 of Trespass Winery, also located in Napa Valley, with her sister Deborah Knox Leal ’79.

On Saturday morning, author Lian Dolan led a talk about her book, You’re the Best: A Celebration of Friendship, that evoked not only tears of laughter but tears of joy as many were reminded of the valued friendships in their own lives that have stood the test of time.

Elizabeth Oldknow-Huttinger ’68 was honored during the Saturday afternoon luncheon with the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award. Better known as Tizzie, Elizabeth has spent her career focused on community health, particularly in war-torn or third-world countries. Amongst several other contributions to society, she has successfully led the crusade to end schistosomiasis, a water parasite disease that infects 250 million annually.

Class of

1966

Mary Lennox Oussayef, Lynn Manildi Watanabe, Susan Link Flanagan, Ann Hazeltine Hyde, Seyburn Zorthian, Molly Munger, Gini Good Falconer, Nancy McNabb Twist, Kay Warren Balue, Michele Provost Harrison, Carole Howard, Marcia Howe Adams, and Deborah Paul Barkley 26

Class of

1971

Debbie Lawrence, Mary Russell, Barbara Beckham, Catherine Christian Schultz, Susan Frank, Laurie Hendrickson Mendenhall, Mary Good Lindgren, Linda LeMoncheck, Carol Warner, Julia Tyson La Grua, and Robin Morse Ver Eecke

A

Ranney Tea

Past recipients of the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award joined Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor to celebrate Westridge’s 2016 Ranney Award recipient, Elizabeth (Tizzie) Oldknow-Huttinger ’68, at an Alumnae Weekend afternoon tea. The event, held at Merwin House, the 1905 Greene & Greene residence located adjacent to campus and catered by Barbara Beckham ’71, gave recipients the opportunity to reflect upon receiving the award. Elizabeth (Betchen) Wayland Barber ’58, Julie Cates ’69, Tizzie Oldknow-Huttinger ’68, accompanied

by her daughter Louise Huttinger ’05, Linda LeMoncheck ’71, and Joni Moisant Weyl ’72 shared thoughts about their Westridge years, collegiate and career choices, and what Westridge means to them today.

The award, first presented in 1988, has been given to 31 alumnae. The nomination deadline for the 2017 award is Friday, November 25, 2016. For more information contact Lisa Vandergriff at Lvandergriff@westridge.org or (626) 799-1053 ext. 244.

Pictured: Louise Huttinger ’05 with Ranney Award Recipients Elizabeth (Tizzie) Oldknow Huttinger ’68, Elizabeth (Betchen) Wayland Barber ’58, Joni Moisant Weyl ’72, Linda LeMoncheck ’71, and Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. (Not pictured: Julie Cates ’69, who had to run to the airport before the photo was taken!)

Class of Class of

1976

1986

(front row, from left) Brynne Montgomery Staley, Linda Babcock Broker, Leslie Fiedler, Sue Foster Ohanian, and Shelly Ingram deButts (middle row) Ann Brighouse Cripps, Nancy Kawakita, Maryke Schmidt Bies, Elaine Dunham, Anne Dorsey Long, Julie Rolle Mossel, Jane Wheatcroft Wiser, Alison Marshall, Teri Oldknow, and Sylvia Crowley Holmes (back) Sabra Clark White

Caren Cholakian Colburn, Michele Shibuya, Karen McDowell Brown, Katherine Watkins Schwenck, Cyrena Scott Melich, Kristan Browne, Melissa Furbush Shaw, Jennifer Schultz Bertolet, Katy Ryan Enger, and Whitney Bennett Salerno 27

Class of

Class of

1996

1991

Summers McKay, Erika Tapp, Eugenia Wang Der, Ritu Kumar Epstein, Sarah Kepner Hamilton, Victoria Stubrin Banerjee, and Kalea Nassif Dunkleman

Monica Oller, Brandi Bakewell, Katie Moore, Mary Chess Abelson, Sarah Zaia Rome, and Veronica Roman

Class of

Class of

Class of

Patty Gooch Capps, Julie Patton Barker, and Karen Schirm Irwin

Mary Anderson, Margee Dickason Clar, and Andrea Eldred Walker

1951 Sherry White Bullock, Ann Davies Martin, and Althea Brimm Milbank

1956

1981

Vintners Special Offers

for Westridge Alumnae through September 30 Jennifer Zoff Lamb ’70 of Herb Lamb Vineyards is offering the Westridge community a special discount on the wine poured during Alumnae Weekend. Whether or not you were there to enjoy the Two Old Dogs Sauvignon Blanc, Two Old Dogs Cabernet Sauvignon, or the HL Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, now’s your chance to order your own supply!

To receive a 20% discount on wine orders (through 9/30/16) visit the Herb Lamb Vineyards website to join the mailing list and receive a password, at www.herblambvineyards.com/contact/ then use the code “Westridge” in the coupon field when ordering. In addition, Jennifer will gladly donate 10% of all sales back to Westridge.

Barry Zorthian ’62 and Seyburn Zorthian ’66, having enjoyed being a part of the Westridge family all these years, invite you to become an honorary member of the Buttonwood Imbibers Club family. Enjoy the same 20% discount as club members throughout the summer as you sip on a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, pair your barbecue with a Grenache or Syrah or take a few bottles of Cabernet Franc with you to your vacation campsite. Use code “Westridge” at check out to receive the discount (offer good until 9/30/16). Cheers to Westridge alumnae!

alumnae visit buttonwood Westridge alumnae at Buttonwood Winery on June 4 with winemaker Karen Steinwachs (front row, from left), Seyburn Zorthian ’66, and Nancy Deforest ’87. Back row: Tanja Reutimann ’86, Lisa Babashoff Crane ’85, and Karen Buerner Lyons ’86.

Alumnae Luncheon Speakers The Alumnae Luncheon Speaker Program continues to garner increased participation from juniors and seniors drawn to hearing alumnae talk about their college years and various paths that have led to a host of interesting careers.

Our most recent speakers included Sarah Martin Domb ’96 and Jenny Lin ’10, who provided two different perspectives on the medical field. Sarah, currently pursuing a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at Cedars Sinai/VA, explained how her path to medicine had many twists and turns. After Westridge, Sarah received her B.A. in Studio Art and Human Biology and a master’s in Human Computer Interaction from Stanford in 2000 and 2001, respectively. She co-founded a startup software company in the Bay Area, worked as a graphic designer, and interned for the U.S. Department of the Interior. She eventually turned down admission to law school to pursue a post baccalaureate pre-med program at Scripps College and attend medical school at USC. Sarah graduated from USC Keck School of Medicine in 2011 and completed her residency in psychiatry at UCLA in 2015.

Jenny graduated from UCLA in 2014 with a B.A. in English. During her recent application to medical school she discovered a newfound appreciation for all that she gained as a Westridge “lifer.” At Westridge, she fell in love with both science and writing and has continued to pursue both passions. At UCLA, Jenny was awarded the Scholarship Recognition Award, Chancellor’s Service Award and the Community Service Program of the Year Award. Since graduating, she wrote her first book, Confessions of a Tiger Cub, a satirical overview of the Asian American upbringing. She has also been published in multiple scientific journals and has papers accepted for her research at City of Hope. Jenny was also invited as a speaker to the 12th Annual Congressional for the Society of Brain Mapping and Therapeutics on bone healing using nanotechnology. (Pictured above left are l-r Jenny Lin ’10, Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor, and Sarah Martin Domb ’96.)

Frances Lee Coombes ’88 talked to students about her finance career as a Client Service Executive at Western Asset, one of the world’s largest fixed-income investment managers. She joined Western Asset’s Client Service team in 1998, working with a cross-section of U.S. clients from foundations, insurance, and government sectors. From 2004–2006, Frances was located in the firm’s Singapore office covering Australia’s client base and assisting with the firm’s integration efforts between U.S. and Singapore operations. Prior to joining Western Asset, she served as an analyst for the New York City Office of Management and Budget under then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economy from the University of California at Berkeley where she graduated magna cum laude, and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University. (Pictured above right are ceramics teacher Juanita Jimenez and Frances Lee Coombes ’88.)

Celebrating Lifelong Learning with Ansley Newman Carnahan: Westridge Class of 1943, Burlington College Class of 2016!

The epitome of a lifelong learner, Ansley Newman Carnahan ’43 has found that education is the best place for retirement. Upholding a firm belief that it’s never too late, she graduated Burlington College in May 2016 with a master’s in Law - Political Science and Justice, and plans to continue her studies at The University of Vermont and Champlain College. “I sat in the lobby of my school not too long ago and spoke with a bus driver who was taking prospective high schoolers on a tour of Vermont colleges. He asked me how I got started back to school. Before he left he said, ‘you’ve inspired me to do what I have thought about doing for a long time.’ (See Class Note on page 34.)

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alumnae Irvine Museum

Westridge alumnae in Orange County joined Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor, Director of Advancement Susan Bowers, and Director of Alumnae Affairs Lisa Vandergriff at the Irvine Museum for a private tour of the “Independent Visions: Women Artists of California 1880-1940” exhibit, followed by a lunchtime gathering at a nearby restaurant. Joan Irvine Smith ’51 is founder of the Irvine Museum, located at 18881 Von Karman Avenue in Irvine, CA.

International Women of Courage Several members of the Westridge Alumnae Board stepped up to sponsor Westridge student Laurence D. ’17 to attend the 9th Annual International Women of Courage Celebration, held in Los Angeles for the first time in April. Presented by American Women for International Understanding (AWIU), the AWIU partners with the U.S. Department of State to honor women of courage nominated by U.S. embassies around the world and selected by the State Department for exceptional leadership and courage. Spyglass editor Stephanie D. ’17 also attended, along with faculty member Bonnie Martinez. Past parent Jane Wetzel served as an advisor on the IWOC Committee.

Sally Hunter Mann ’80 hosted Lisa Vandergriff, director of Alumnae Affairs, and Spyglass editor Stephanie D. ’17 at the Wells Fargo table, where they were seated with Awadeya Mahmoud, one of the 16 honorees. Through an interpreter from the State Department, they were able to ask Mahmoud questions about her life in Sudan, where she is known as the Tea Lady. After years of fighting government corruption and shakedowns, followed by four years of imprisonment, she now runs a collective of 8,000 female tea growers in the Sudan. When asked what message she would like to share with students at Westridge, she replied, “Tell them my story. Tell them there’s a woman named Awadeya in Sudan. Tell them to stay in school, learn and work hard so there won’t be any more women like Awadeya.”

Interim College Tours Westridge juniors, chaperoned by Kathleen O’Reilly and Paul Stephenson during the Interim College Tour, met with alumna Jennifer Jones ’13, who shared her experience at Northeastern University in Massachusetts. The trip also included a visit with Rison Naness ’15 at Smith College and Clarke Grayson ’15 at Hampshire College.

The “Exploring India: International Entrepreneurship and Social Change” interim trip included a visit with alumna and Forbes “30 under 30” visionary Diana Jue Rajasingh ’05 (back row, left), co-founder of Essmart (www.essmart-global.com), which brings essential, life-improving technologies — solar lanterns, non-electric water filters, rechargeable batteries, cook stoves that reduce smoke, and fuel use — to poor areas in India. She shared her insight and expertise as she led the group on a visit to one of her enterprises located in rural Coimbatore.

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events Alumnae Share College Experiences with Students at First-Ever College Connections Fair

In late May, more than 400 Westridge community members attended the school’s inaugural College Connections Fair, an event which allowed students in grades 8-11 to learn about prospective colleges and universities from young Westridge alumnae, faculty, staff, and administrators who have attended the schools, and from current seniors who had recently committed to schools for fall 2016. More than 60 colleges and universities were represented, ranging from small liberal arts colleges to large research schools and from American and Brown to Vassar and Yale.

Greeted by friendly alumnae and community members who staffed booths decorated with college banners and pennants, students and families were able to ask questions they might not pose to an official admissions representative. “It was nice to hear from an alumna, student, or teacher who shared their real experience,” said a sophomore student.

In addition to the formal booth-style college fair, the community-building event included food vendors (hot dogs from the Dad’s Club Grill, crepes, and grilled cheese), a raffle, live music by the Steely Dads and the Madrigals, and a performance by Westridge dancers. Alumnae vendors created a mini-marketplace near the Tiger Tail Boutique, with Jeanne Thiel Kelley ’81 and Sarah Tenaglia Taverner ’76 offering samples of the Mixed Berry Lemonade featured in their book, Punch Bowls and Pitcher Drinks; and Dana Icaza Banta ’01 and Catie Icaza Roheim ’04 presenting an array of colorful gifts from The Monogrammed Home (www.the-monogrammed-home.com).

The event, a creative collaboration between the College Counseling and Alumnae Affairs departments, proved to be a great resource for students to learn from their Westridge sisters about the college journey. “You helped my daughter DREAM BIG,” said a Westridge parent.

“This event really highlights the value of our community,” said Elizabeth J. McGregor, head of school. “Opportunities to connect our past, present, and future are incredibly meaningful and fruitful for all involved, in addition to being great fun. And I love that our college counseling team works to think of new ways to assist our students’ college search process that reiterate that this process doesn’t have to be stressful – it should be a fun process of personal discovery. ”

Top photo: College counseling department members Kathleen O’Reilly, Marcie Robinson and Lynn O’Grady flank Metzli Mejia ’12, a proud representative for Berkeley Middle: Lauren Yang ’09, faculty member Becca Marcus, and Kristan Browne ’86 representing Middlebury Bottom left: Laureen Chang with her daughter, Caroline Brockett ’16, at the Duke table Bottom right: Hannah Maltzan ’16 and Erin Golden ’14 for Davidson College

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Westridge Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor with DIAVOLO Executive Director Jennifer Cheng ’78 and Artistic Director and Founder Jacques Heim.

Above: DIAVOLO onstage in the PAC Right: Westridge students take a break during the residency program.

+ Jennifer Cheng ’78 In April, the Westridge School community, including students and families, faculty and staff, past parents, alumnae, and Westridge neighbors were treated to two sold-out performances by the world-renowned dance company DIAVOLO in the Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center (PAC) on campus. The opportunity was made possible by the generosity of alumnae Jennifer Cheng ’78, who is executive director of DIAVOLO, as well as of the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena, which she founded in 2010.

Known formally as ‘DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion,’ the company uses dance to explore the relationship between the human body and its architectural environment.

Dancers perform acrobatic and modern dance movement set on a variety of dynamic, oversized structures, which are fully incorporated into each work to help create metaphors for humanity’s everyday struggles. VoLo, the production brought to the Westridge stage, consisted of nine sections, each featuring its own structure or set piece that is fully integrated into the choreography.

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The idea to bring DIAVOLO to Westridge was sparked during a campus visit in December 2015, when Jennifer was shown the PAC for the first time. One look at the state-of-the-art theater, built in 2005, was all it took. Jennifer asked for the specs and before long,Westridge had two sold-out shows.

Jennifer also sponsored a four-day residency program for Westridge students, giving students the opportunity to work directly with DIAVOLO professionals.

“It was incredible to bring this caliber of performance to our school, but what made it even more special was that an alumna wanted to share it with our community,” said Westridge Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor.

“Jennifer has led such a fascinating life with careers and personal pursuits spanning the law, business, health outreach, and the arts. Connecting the different generations of Westridge students by having alumnae tell their stories of where a Westridge education took them is an important part of our community engagement and this opportunity with Jennifer really took that to an entirely new level.”

alumnae Visitors

We thoroughly enjoy welcoming alumnae back to campus, and appreciate the memories, knowledge, and talent they bring to the Westridge community.

Nina Guo ’11 returned to the Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center on May 11 to perform with double bass player Eddie Kass in a duo called Departure. Since graduating from the New England Conservatory in Boston where she studied classical voice, Nina’s interests have veered toward contemporary music. Benefiting from a grant to perform in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Nina offered to present her program at Westridge, where the Middle School Orchestra and Choir students were entertained by Nina’s creative musical abilities and interactive vocal instruction.

Shahbano Nawaz ’98 (left) and Seema Ahmad ’99 (right) joined Westridge faculty, staff, and administrators at a Diversity and Unity Committee meeting to talk about their work with the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). They were joined by the organization’s public affairs consultant, Edina Lekkovic (center).

Virginia (Ginger) Sterry Hislop ’36 recently returned to Westridge for the first time since the 1950s!

She’s quite an inspiration -- a Stanford graduate who retired just 18 months ago following a lifelong dedication to education in Yakima, Washington. Ginger walked all around campus and marveled at the many new buildings. She was a Roman, played field hockey, and remembers eating lunch on the gym steps, back when everything took place in Braun.

Shahbano received her B.S. in Psychobiology with a minor in Bioethics from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2002, and obtained her doctorate in Pharmacy from USC in 2006. She worked as a home infusion pharmacist before taking time off to raise her two children. After starting as a development coordinator for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, she was recently promoted to development director. She also serves on the board of the USC Pacific Asia Museum.

Seema is a trial attorney with the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles, representing indigent clients at all stages of their federal criminal cases including trial and sentencing. She is also the Chair of the Board of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Seema obtained her B.A. in Economics from Stanford University in 2003 and her J.D. from Georgetown in 2009.

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class Save the Dates for Alumnae Affairs Campus Events Founder’s Day Picnic Sunday, September 18

Fall Play – Twelfth Night Friday-Sunday, October 21-23

Yam Festival Friday, November 18

YAC Holiday Brunch Saturday, December 17

Homecoming and College Conversations Friday, January 6

Summer Opportunities Fair Saturday, February 4

Alumnae Weekend Friday, March 10 & Saturday, March 11

+ reunion celebrations for classes ending in “2” and “7” Spring Musical – Mary Poppins Friday-Sunday, March 10-12

Commencement Friday, June 9

notes 1943

Ansley Newman Carnahan (South Burlington,VT): “Graduated Burlington College May 14 with a master’s degree in Law-Political Science and Justice. Plan to go on with studies at UVM and Champlain. Education is the best place to be for retirement. My youngest son Laurence died April 2015. Brother James and I will place a memorial brick for Laurence in our former green thumb garden in NYC, Memorial Day.”

1951 Ann Davies Martin (San Marino, CA): “Tom and I still live in San Marino.

We are well and busy. Tom plays golf and I play bridge. We are very involved with our daughter and grown grandsons (2). Note: In 8th grade I was Captain of the Romans. The Greeks and Romans “tied” that year.”

1953 Cynthia Crawford Berne (Bradbury, CA): “The class of 1953 meets each June at the home of Gwen Garland Babcock. Usually about 5-7 members are able to attend. We keep in touch via email throughout the year.”

Gwen Babcock ’53 hosted the 32nd annual lunch gathering with classmates, pictured front row from left: Judith Bray Longyear, Gwen Garland Babcock and Martha Doerr Toppin. Back row: Harriet (Holly) Greeff Robinson,Valerie Thom Read, Ann Hammersley Stewart and Cynthia Crawford Berne.

*Regional event dates and details to come!

For more information, contact Director of Alumnae Affairs Lisa Vandergriff, alumnae@westridge.org, 626.799.1053, ext. 244. www.westridge.org/alumnae 34

Gertrude Robbins Fator (Aptos, CA): “Since my husband’s lengthy illness and death on February 4, 2015, I have been gradually getting my strength back and participating by going to play readings at friend’s homes, or concerts, or plays in Santa Cruz, Aptos, and San Jose. I have a wonderful dog, named Maggie, who is a Border Collie/Shepherd that I rescued before Wes passed, who is great company, and a fine caregiver who keeps me organized and runs errands and loves my caregiver, Roxann.”

Sara Clifford Hammond (Ocala, FL): “I have been volunteering with Hospice for the past six years — I do respite care, which means I visit patients in their homes and give their caregiver a three to four hour break, so they can go somewhere. I am also going to Panama in June for two weeks, with a group called Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure travel, and then in August I’m going to tour the Canadian Rockies with the same group. Can’t wait!”

Lynne McKelvey (Washington, D.C.): “I continue to divide my life lopsidedly between D.C. and Pacific Palisades. Four gorgeous grandsons of various hues, a wonderful significant other whom I met in France on an Experiment exchange when I was 16 and reconnected with 50 years later, and my obsession with politics, which classmates will recall from my Westridge years, keep me in D.C. mostly; but one L.A. son, old friends, and the SoCal weather remain powerful West Coast draws. A highpoint this year: taking the grandchildren and their parents to the Galapagos for a week. My first novel, A Real Daughter — think The Bad Seed meets Turn of the Screw — will be published in the fall. Let me know if any of your book clubs would like me to read and lead a discussion of it when I’m in town.”

Marilyn Keyes Roper (Houlton, ME): “Harry and I are happy in our ‘assisted living’ downsized apartment, which is one block away from our 16-room house still for sale. Just got it listed on ‘Green Homes for Sale in Maine’ because of our solar electricity, pre-heating of on-demand water, triple-glazed windows on passive solar addition, etc.”

1954 Elinor Bishop Lindberg (Gardnerville, NV): “I live in Gardnerville, Nevada with my husband of 60 years, Dale Lindberg, and our Labrador dog, Carly. Our granddaughter, Maraya Hoenig, will be getting married in September, in Arizona. The other three grandchildren are single. Our son Greg lives in Incline Village, Nevada, daughter Kay in Tucson, Arizona, and daughter Kristin in Sunnyvale, California.

We travel a bit and keep very busy.”

1957

1959

Laurie Cockburn Morrison (Lafayette, CA): “My husband Dick and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary. Son Peter, his wife, Dawn, and two children, Madison and Huntley live near to us. Other son Richard also in Bay Area (fortunate).

Recently Dick and I were in Kauai (North Shore - Princeville) and my sister, Huntley Cockburn Lewis ‘54 “head of” Romans, came over to Kauai with her daughter Laurie and stayed with us for one week!

We are well!”

Cynthia Nash Hummel (Billings, MT): “Hello from Montana. Travel activities have picked up again. In 2015, after Dave recovered from back and hip replacement surgeries, we cruised along the coast of Africa from Lisbon to Cape Town, visiting 11 countries en route. Of course I had a wonderful opportunity to take literally thousands of photographs. At the beginning of 2016 I spent four weeks in India, then another four weeks in Germany during April before meeting up with Dave in Prague. Thanks to many years of sessions with a photo teacher, my skills have developed to the point where I have been asked to display 30 of my images at a gallery in Red Lodge, a small tourist town about 60 miles southwest of Billings for the month of June. I regard this invitation as a huge compliment. Thanks to those of you in the Alumnae Office who have reminded us of this opportunity to share updates with other classmates. GREAT IDEA. All the best for a healthy, fun-filled summer and rest of 2016.”

Anne Hereford Rohrbach-Walker (Los Osos, CA): “Life continues to unfold in many awesome ways! My longtime sweetheart, Gary Walker and I were married in Newport Beach, CA last summer (where my sister Frances Hereford Pfaff ’51 lives with all of her family). Last week we moved to our ‘dream house with a view of the water’ in Los Osos, CA, just south of Morro Bay, on the Central Coast. We are thrilled to be here, just 15 minutes from my older daughter Carolyn and her family in San Luis Obispo. New address: 2732 Houston Drive, Los Osos, CA 93402.

Home phone: 805-439-3173. Younger daughter Laurie and her five children live in Connecticut, and now we have room for them to stay! Midst of all the chaos of selling, buying, and remodeling, I was able to complete my latest offering called IF/ WHEN Something Happens, Here’s What I Want You To Know. It’s a comprehensive workbook with 47 forms you can choose from to gather in one place all of your legal, estate, financial, personal, and professional matters so that those who might need to handle your affairs can make important decisions and carry out your wishes. For more information, go to www.consciousorder.com. I’ll continue to work part time as a professional and estate organizer because I so love helping people create greater order and peace of mind. And, we’re looking forward to spending more leisure time playing outdoors, spending more time with family, and getting settled in our beautiful new surroundings. Life is beyond good! Oh yes, and, since we’re married and have moved, I’ll now be known as Annie (Hereford) Rohrbach-Walker! Yay!”

Cynthia Nash Hummel ’59 and her husband, Dave, in Prague.

Barbara Holway Ilias (London, England): “Enjoying visits from two classmates this spring: Marcella Wright Ludwig (Marcy) & Bob Ludwig and Jean Farrand Smith & Doug Smith.”

Carol Fisher Minelli (Longmont, CO): “Greetings – Mike and I are still enjoying excellent health. We are great-grandparents to a very active two year-old boy. He has a sibling coming in December, and a cousin coming in November. I’m going on a mother-daughter trip to the Pacific Northwest in August. I have three daughters, so it ought to be lots of laughs. Great to get away together. My best to everyone in the class of ‘59.”

Sally Simonds White (Pasadena, CA): “Two of our granddaughters are attending Westridge which is very special.”

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1962

1964

Ann Sturges Deyo (Park City, UT): “I still live in Park City and am enjoying a beautiful spring. My children both live nearby, and I love spending time with my grandchildren, Lake, 10, and Lola, 7. I survived major surgery last year and am grateful to have my health restored. I am also grateful to serve as a spiritual care volunteer at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, and for the pastoral care training and friendships made through Community of Hope International. I hope to attend Alumnae Weekend in March. Love to all.”

Penelope Dumm Wilkes (La Jolla, CA): “Michael and I spend our time between Eugene, Oregon and La Jolla, California.

We mentor student-athletes at the University of Oregon. Also, we teach writing and photography in the Environmental Studies Program. We are planning a photofari to Iceland.”

Linda Lashley Lennon-Roth (Desert Hot Springs, CA): “I am still selling real estate and keep busy having been elected to a second term as Commissioner here in the City of Desert Hot Springs. I enjoy being able to critique/approve all new commercial and residential projects, however our current focus has been on marijuana cultivation as we voted to approve growing facilities within the City’s industrial area.

From time to time husband, Jerry, and I play golf and seem to always be rescuing a stray dog. Daughter, Jennifer, is a Project Safety Engineer with Arcadis-US and son, David, is a carpenter with the studios and operates his baseball instructional program on weekends. Both are divorced with no children. We plan to take some time to enjoy Laguna Beach this summer.”

1963 Keonan Farmer Yardley (Green Valley, AZ): “Living and loving life, blessed with good health, adequate wealth, and evolving wisdom. Still working creatively, travelling, and seeking adventure.”

Class rep Lynn Tsuboi Saito ’63 sent this photo of her classmates Caroline Grey Ganz,Tudor McCook, Lee Warren, and Keonan Yardley. According to Lynn, Tudor has been hosting these mini-reunions for the past several years for classmates in the Arizona area.

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Nancy Morton (Oakland, CA): “Sorry to have to depart before the reunion dinner, but it was fun to share part of the festivities. Now Tahoe, the East Coast, Berlin, and Prague are on the horizon.”

Lynn Manildi Watanabe (Honolulu, HI) has six grandchildren, hosted a small Westridge reunion in Hawaii last year, and does volunteer work for social services in Hawaii and the Philippines.

1965

1967

Enid Elliot (Victoria, British Colombia): “At the moment my energies are going to supporting early childhood programs that are heading outside to help children connect with the places in which they live.

Some of this is about living like we mean to stay, which means sustainably, some of this is about education that engages young children’s interests and questions, some of this is about the joy of discovery of the life of which we are in the midst.

Presently I am helping to organize the early childhood stream for the World Environmental Educators’ Congress, which takes place in Vancouver in September 2017. All of this combines my interest in young children and my hopes of all of us living more thoughtfully and carefully.”

Pamela Ellis Simons (Charleston, SC): “Look out, Mrs. Winkler! The Ojai 1967 tennis team of Debra Pruitt ’68 and Pam Ellis have been reunited! We are too old now to sneak out the window of the Ojai Valley Inn at night, but we are back on the court again and hoping for a silver trophy, like in the good old days. Deb and I entered the National Clay Court Championships in Houston in April, narrowly lost to the team who came in fourth in the main draw, and wound up in the finals of the consolation tournament. We won pewter. Times have changed. Deb lives in Cambridge, MA and we got together again thanks to mutual tennis playing friends in the Boston area. Except for summers on Cape Cod, MA, my husband and I live in Charleston, SC. When I am not on the tennis court, I am working for equality in the schools and the neighborhoods of the very poor, African-American parts of Charleston that tourists never see.”

1966 Margaret (Margie) Foley Ellis (Ross, CA): “I was so sorry to miss the reunion and hope to catch up with everyone sometime soon. I still live in the same town in Northern California. I serve on the board of a school in the inner city of San Francisco that serves K-8 disadvantaged children. I know that I was so fortunate to have the incredible educational experience at Westridge and hope to pass this gift on to these children. I am lucky to have four grown children and six grandchildren living within blocks of me. I am the ‘ice cream for breakfast’ grandmother so it is all fun and no work! Life is great.”

Julie Rehrig Goodell (Staunton,VA): “I moved from D.C. to the Shenandoah Valley so I could have a few fruit trees and a vegetable garden. Sending good wishes to all from the Class of 1966.”

Pamela Ellis Simons ’67 and Debra Pruitt ’68 at the National Clay Court Championships in Houston.

1970

1973

Jennifer Zoff Lamb (St. Helena, CA): “I had a wonderful time seeing old faces and meeting new alumnae at the Pitcairn House wine tasting earlier this year, and hope to welcome any wine lovers visiting the Napa Valley to taste my Herb Lamb Vineyards wines when they next are visiting the Wine Country. Contact me at jennifer@ herblambvineyards.com.”

Cynthia West Bennett (Altadena, CA): “I can’t remember the last time I wrote you to update my whereabouts. I did attend our big reunion, thanks to Nina Warner’s tireless efforts. I moved back to Altadena five years ago (having left the area promptly at 18) to help with my aging parents. Since then my mother has passed away and my father is still trundling around at the age of 91. While here my grown children have married, and had children of their own, so now I am a grandmother of two. I cast about what to do with myself while here and started a business designing children’s clothing, a dream I have had since forever. It is called Devon’s Drawer (www.devonsdrawer.com), named after my father and grandson. We are going into our third year, and it is starting to take off. When I think of my two short years at Westridge I am grateful for the amazing teachers, and the subject matters that we were taught. It informed my choices for my children, what schools they went to, and what materials to have around for them to enjoy. My only regret is that I did not take full advantage of what was available to me when I was at the school.”

1971 Mary Good Lindgren (Arcadia, CA): “Unbelievable we are celebrating our 45th reunion! I hope to attend. Ken and I still live in Arcadia and are managing industrial warehouses. We are taking a 32-day cruise around South America this year, our longest cruise yet. I’m brushing up on my Westridge Spanish - thanks Miss Tuttle! I’m amazed at how much I’ve retained over 45 years.”

Ann Crary McCormick (Redmond, WA): “Always grateful for my excellent Westridge education and for teachers like Nancy Owen.”

1972 Joni Moisant Weyl (Los Angeles, CA): “Life is very busy and keeps us constantly on airplanes. In June, we were off to Basel, Switzerland, to exhibit in the annual international art fair, and then on to Bilbao, Spain, for a family visit to the Frank Gehry-designed museum and the surrounding region. Our New York gallery has just marked its 33rd year in New York — it’s amazing how quickly the years have gone by — but more grandly, the Gemini workshop, co-founded by my husband (Sidney) and his partner in 1966, is celebrating its 50th year with a major exhibition opening this September at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Sidney will be 92 in September as well, so it will be a big month for us!”

1974 Janet Kennedy (Laguna Beach, CA): “Moved to Laguna from Salt Lake City last year and re-connected with my high school boyfriend. We’ll be getting married this year! My son, Joe, has high functioning autism but is defying the tests and predictions. A high school grad with a 3.2 GPA, he is now working and going to college in Bishop, CA. Life is very, very good!”

of animation, resulting in richer and more diverse entertainment and media that move our culture forward. (http://www.womeninanimation.org) The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the uniquely American genre of symphonic jazz through its commissioning program, and inspiring the next generations of listeners and musicians through its Music in the Schools program, and Community Outreach Program. (http://www.sjomusic.org) Eva (Jenny) Nordenfelt (Lidköping, Sweden): “Hello! I was an AFS student at Westridge 1974-1975. I really loved being a student at Westridge.”

Eva (Jenny) Nordenfelt ’75 lives in Sweden.

1976 Margaret (Maggie) Wells Bentley (Redmond,WA): “I was so sad to miss our 40th reunion. I hear from Anne Dorsey Long that it was a blast. I would expect nothing less from our class! After a two-year stint back in Pasadena, my husband and I are moving back to Seattle again. It was great to reconnect with Anne and Barbara (Barbie) Blake again. Please visit if you are in the Seattle area!”

1975 Jinko Gotoh (Los Angeles, CA) was the executive producer on The Little Prince, directed by Mark Osborne. After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival last year, it finally came to the U.S. screen from Netflix on August 5. Jinko is currently producing The Lego Movie sequel. She is also very active on the board of directors for Women in Animation and the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra. Women in Animation envisions a world in which women share fully in the creation, production and rewards

Maggie Wells Bentley ’76 found this treasured photo while cleaning. It’s from a Dunn exchange, possibly in 1975, and includes Anne Dorsey Long, Susanna Newton Campbell, Elaine Dunham, Cynthia Lages Imada, Daryl Browne Towns, and Maggie Wells Bentley (kneeling).

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Sylvia Crowley Holmes (Pasadena, CA): “Currently I am co-leader and founder of Mulch for the People, and active on Good To-Go and Repair Cafe, all projects of Transition Pasadena, a grassroots group which is part of the global Transition Network.

Here is a recent article about us in the Pasadena Star-News: (http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/opinion/20160524/ transition-pasadena-aims-to-repair-whatsbroken-larry-wilson) I am also the secretary of the Shakespeare Authorship Roundtable and I volunteer with Pasadena Beautiful Wednesday Workdays, Towne Singers production committee, and teach mindfulness at Cancer Support Community.”

1981 Meg Bradbury (Pasadena, CA): “Thrilled that my daughter Carson Becker ’16 is graduating from Westridge this year; she absolutely loved her time as a Tiger. I’m hopeful that Carson’s sunny disposition and all-around sweetness have helped repair any lingering side-eye that I undoubtedly deserve for my own miscreant years as an infamous Westridge hooligan.

To punish myself I do stupid things like mountain ultramarathons -- I am running my first 100 miler this summer.”

1982 Elizabeth Dunton Gould (Phoenix, AZ): “Last June I traveled with my daughter, Carolyn, as I participated in a Choir Tour to Germany, Czech Republic, and Poland.

My youngest, Jay, is graduating from Seattle University June 12 with a degree in Photography! I will soon be a true empty nester.”

1983 Jossalyn Turner Emslie’s (San Gabriel, CA) daughter, Caitlin Emslie ’12 just graduated with honors in Business IT from Juniata College. Daughter Madeline Emslie ’16 graduated from Westridge in June and is planning to attend Purdue in the fall majoring in astronautical engineering. Still organizing class of ’83 get togethers with classmates, local and afar.

Still attending Westridge alumnae book club regularly.

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Heather Pidcoke (Idledale, CO) is being honored by the White House with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Heather says, “This is an incredible honor, and I share it with so many people who mentored me and supported me.

I also share it with my very talented colleagues at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research who are revolutionizing the care of severely bleeding trauma patients.

Westridge gave me a great foundation in writing and science, both of which are essential for a career in research.”

1986 Marian Sullivan Corso (Washington D.C.): “So sorry to miss our 30th reunion.

If anyone is in Washington D.C. visiting, please call me!”

1987 Pavan Stephenson Krueger (Avon, CO): “I am still living in the Vail Valley in Colorado, and still have my own architecture practice. I’m extremely busy, which is great, but makes for a lot of juggling. I have two boys, 9 and 12, and a large boy, Karl, who is an architect and artist. I’m enjoying bike racing still, and have learned how to ski to keep up with my kids. I’ve enjoyed my volunteer work with the public education foundation, and have a blast organizing our big fundraiser — Project Funway — an unconventional fashion design event. I’ll be meeting up with Marian Lipschutz in New Mexico during a visit with my dad. I’m looking forward to getting together for our 30th reunion!”

1989

1992 Laura Kaufman Loofbourrow (Montreal, QC): “My husband, daughter, and I moved to Montréal, Quebec a year ago. I started a business, Gifts That Amaze/Un cadeau génial. If anyone is traveling here, send me an email at lauraloofbourrow@gmail.com and we’ll get together.”

Laura Kaufman Loofbourrow ’92 with her husband and daughter standing on a frozen lake in the Eastern Townships, Quebec.

Megan (Campbell-Risen) Meirav (Waban, MA) was married last spring in Boston. Under an unusually sunny New England May sky, Megan and Udi Meirav, of Jerusalem, Israel, were married in Kenrick Park in Newton, Massachusetts. Megan’s brother David escorted her down the isle and her father Rev. Jack Risen officiated the ceremony. Guests came from near and far, but of those with a very special significance were five of Megan’s fellow Westridge classmates. Tina Gaines, Angela McGill Avogaro, Sieglinda Von Deffner, Marina Merrill and Holly Mead Delaney (Maid of Honor). A reception was held immediately following the late afternoon ceremony, and the girls kicked off the group dancing to Katy Perry’s California Gurls. Taking the California out of a girl is about as likely as taking the sisterhood out of a life long Westridge friendship. It was truly a beautiful event both in form and company. The couple resides in Waban, Massachusetts. Megan is always happy to hear from New England alumnae. Please contact her at Megan.meirav@gmail.com.

April Verlato Seymour (Arcadia, CA) was elected to the Arcadia City Council in April, 2016.

Megan Campbell-Risen Meirav ’92 with classmates Tina Gaines, Angela McGill Avogaro, Sieglinda Von Deffner, Marina Merrill and Holly Mead Delaney.

1995

2001

Erika Ceporius Miller Nguyen (Arcadia, CA) and her husband Oanh Nguyen will be doubling the size of their family this August with the impending arrival of twins! After almost nine years of struggles with infertility, the boy/girl fraternal twins have been fondly named by the family as “miracle babies.” Erika and her husband continue to run a successful non-profit theater company in Anaheim called Chance Theater which is currently celebrating its 18th season with a mission of creating a more compassionate, connected, and creative community.

Dana Icaza Banta (Pasadena, CA): “My husband, Jimmie, and I welcomed James Wells Banta, ‘Wells’ (pictured below), into the world last September. He is an absolute dream! Catie Icaza Roheim ’04 and I just celebrated two years of owning and running The Monogrammed Home, a Pasadena-based shop specializing in personalized gifts for babies, children, men, women and the home.” (www.the-monogrammed-home.com)

1996 Jacqueline Noble MacKay (Mangerton, New South Wales): “Hi! I was a student at Westridge in grades 6, 7, and 8 when my family moved from Sydney, Australia. I am now living on the coast 1.5 hours south of Sydney with my husband and three children. I work three days a week as a family physician which I love. I still have very fond memories of living in Pasadena and my three years at Westridge. A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to see Laura Brereton for lunch as she visited Australia with her husband to watch the Australian Open. Most people would be aware that my sister Monique Noble ’98 passed away from Leukemia not long after we moved back home. My younger sister Danielle now lives in Abu Dhabi and my brother Patrick is working and living in Chicago. Maybe I’ll have a chance to visit L.A. again on my way to visit him. Hoping all my classmates from so many years ago are happy and well.”

Summers McKay (Oxnard, CA) is thrilled to have launched her company, Summers Love Company, an education, media, and natural product company focused on intimate health, sexual education and personal well-being. Lovegasm with Summer McKay, a sexual health and relationship inspiration podcast series, launched its second season in June. Inspired by her shame free education at Westridge, she also has plans in the works for a company that will fund free online sex education for teens by 2020. Donating 5% of all profits to organizations that help women and children, Summers credits Westridge with her “Do Good Do Well” business mission.

Heather Koffman (Claremont, CA) and her husband, Tim, welcomed baby girl Scarlet Grace in January 2015. Since then the family has moved from Chicago back to Southern California - Claremont to be exact. Heather is now Associate General Counsel for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, a global non-profit based in Ontario, CA.

Join the

Westridge School Alumnae Network

We hope you will participate in the Westridge Alumnae Network. If you are looking for advice, information, jobs, or other connections, please visit www. westridge.org/alumnaenetwork.

If you are willing to serve as a resource to other alumnae, join the network by contacting the Alumnae Affairs Office at 626/799-1053 ext. 244 or alumnae@westridge.org.

2003 Morgan Muir Callahan (San Francisco, CA) and Michael Callahan (Dudley) married on April 23 at Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA with alumnae Zoe Hartman Hamilton and Angela Markle ‘03 in attendance, and Alison Yin ’02 of Alison Yin Photography documenting the event. Our announcement also made the NY Times (http://www.nytimes. com/2016/04/24/fashion/weddings/ morgan-muir-michael-callahan-dudley. html?_r=0).

deep ROOTS Alumnae family visitors often return to Ranney Court where the large camphor tree, known as the Ranney Tree, stands and remains an ever-popular climb for Westridge students today.

Penina Segall-Gutierrez ’92 (top right) toured campus with her mother, Doris Segall, and daughter, Tzedek.

“We did it!” said Morgan Muir Callahan ’03, who married Michael Callahan on April 23, 2016.

(Photo by Alison Yin Photography)

Crystal Wu Simpson ’96 (bottom center) visited with her husband, Bryan, and daughter, Eryn.

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2004

2006

Katherine Campbell Guidry (Metairie, LA): “My daughter Katherine “KC” Campbell, now Katherine Guidry, graduated from Westridge in 2004. She then went on to do her undergraduate degree with a double major in Communication and Environmental Policy at Tulane University, Class of 2009. She completed her master’s degree in Urban Planning at New Orleans University in 2015 and went on to manage Crescent Park for the City of New Orleans.

Thought you might enjoy the recent article published by Tulane University about her accomplishments. (http://tulane.edu/news/ newwave/012616_crescent-park_katherinecampbell-guidry.cfm) We appreciate the excellent education that KC received at Westridge! Keep up the great legacy!” writes Westridge parent Marie Campbell.

Mara Leong-Nichols (Pasadena, CA) became engaged on April 24.

Katherine Spada (Glendale, CA) “I am working as the coordinator of volunteers for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. I also pursue writing, storytelling, and performing, and host a popular podcast about the classic series Beverly Hills 90210: The Blaze with Lizzie and Kat. In late summer, The Blaze will be hosting a fundraiser benefiting the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and Jewish Family Service Los Angeles. For more information, contact me at 90210blaze@gmail.com.

2005 Zandie Brockett (Shanghai, China) returned to Pasadena to surprise her sister Caroline Brockett ’16 for her graduation before Caroline heads off to Duke University this fall. Zandie is currently based in Shanghai, China where she works as the Associate Curator of the Shanghai Project, a new cross-disciplinary cultural initiative set to launch this September. Zandie would be honored to serve as an alumnae advisor or mentor to young Westridge girls looking to either live in China or work in the arts.

Shruti Modi (Washington, D.C.): “I just received my J.D. from American University Washington College of Law. I plan to take the California Bar Exam at the end of July and then begin working for the Food and Drug Administration in August.”

2008 Minerva Pinto (Philadelphia, PA) has graduated from the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. While a law school student, she held several positions at the nexus of arts and estates issues. Most recently she worked in the Office of the General Counsel of the Barnes Foundation, in the Trusts & Estates department of Freeman’s Auction, and in Wealth Advisory at The Glenmede Trust Company. She was inducted into the Rubin Public Interest Law Honor Society after spending nearly 500 hours working with the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, an organization that provides pro-bono legal services to low-income artists and arts entities, and where she specialized in estates and legacy issues. Minerva was the Editor-in-Chief of the Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review, and her article on the subject of compelled decryption in context of cloud computing will be published in the same journal later this summer. She will be taking both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bar exams in July 2016.

2010 Rachel Lebowitz (New York, NY) is living in New York City and working at online art gallery Uprise Art, helping connect collectors with affordable, original artwork.

Rachel is also a freelance writer for Artsy (upriseart.com, artsy.net).

2011 Caroline Brockett ’16 and Zandie Brockett ’05 flank Katie Sivers, Zandie’s first photography teacher at Westridge who introduced her to the arts.

Hope Hood (Pasadena, CA): “I attended Westridge from 4th grade through high school graduation, and have realized just how much it impacted my life and my formative years. I would love to give back to this community however I can. I graduated

from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, in May 2015 with a B.A. in Fine Arts and Business Administration. I have since moved home to Los Angeles and have been working in high-budget commercial production (creating television and internet video ads for large companies such as Vaseline, Jimmy Johns, etc.). I have also been working at a post production studio and have moved up the ranks fairly quickly, as I am eager to learn. I believe that this behavior was instilled in me at Westridge. This job requires both my critical and creative thinking skills.

I would love for girls currently enrolled at Westridge, in University, or graduates to reach out to me about Trinity University, the Entertainment Industry, or living in Los Angeles as a young adult in general!”

Paige Lurie (Washington, D.C.): “Since September I have been volunteering on the National Sexual Assault Hotline as a an online support specialist via the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). In May I ran my first 5k to raise money and awareness for RAINN. Thanks to generous supporters (including some of my Westridge classmates and teachers) I raised over $1800 and had more individual donors than anyone else. Can’t wait to run again next year!”

Katie McDonald (Pasadena, CA) has recently graduated from USC with a Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management: the University’s new graduate program housed in the Sol Price School of Public Policy. She will begin at Five Acres as the organization’s new Associate Director of Individual Giving, where she will work with fellow Westridge alumna Jennifer Jackson Berger ’89.

Elyssa Pedote (San Francisco, CA): “I’m currently living and working in San Francisco as an analyst at Heidrick & Struggles in our Associate Development Program. We are a global retained executive search firm specializing in C-suite level placements across all industries. Additionally, after taking a brief hiatus from swimming after competing for the University of Pennsylvania Varsity Swim Team, I’ve decided to join and compete in masters swimming representing The Olympic Club. Most recently we claimed our third consecutive national title at the 2016 USMS Spring National Championships.”

2012 Alexandria Battison (Easton, PA) is graduating with honors from Lafayette College having received the William C. Rappolt and Walther Oechsle Neuroscience Prize, awarded to an outstanding senior based on scholarship in the classroom and laboratory and service to the major, college or community. Alex will be pursuing her Ph.D. in Physiology and Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut in the fall.

Sarah Jackson (Providence, RI) graduated with honors from Brown University in 2016 with a degree in public health and will go on to Columbia Law school in the fall.

Grace Korkunis (Los Angeles, CA): “I’m a recent graduate from USC; I was a theatre major and a marketing minor. I have done a lot of work with PR/Social Media Management for campus organizations and have recently been hired as marketing director for a small production company called Zephyr Entertainment, where I volunteer to help on my own time.”

2014 Erin Golden (Davidson, NC): “Thanks to alumna Katherine Starros ’03, I will be an editorial intern at ATTN: an innovative media company aimed at informing millennial voters. I am beyond excited to work for such an incredibly talented team that has a passion for impactful storytelling. The Westridge connection really helped me out this time!”

EDITOR’S NOTE: See information on page 39 about the Westridge Alumnae Network.

Michelle Ko (Cambridge, MA) is studying biology at Harvard College. She continues her passion for dance as a co-director for the Modern Dance Company and as a volunteer dance teacher at Cambridge public schools under City Step, a non-profit organization. This summer, Michelle will be in Tokyo with Amgen doing biomedical research. Michelle is so grateful for the education, support, and skills Westridge gave to her and wishes the best for all the Westridge women out there!

Save the Dates

for Westridge Alumnae Readers Join us in the Pitcairn House, Leslie Clarke Gray ’62 Alumnae Living Room for the following 2016-2017 book discussions: September 14, 2016

On Gold Mountain by Lisa See

November 16, 2016

The Bloody Chamber - Short Stories by Angela Carter

January 24, 2017

Fates and Furies: A Novel by Lauren Groff

March 15, 2017

Orinoco by Aphra Behn

May 17, 2017

The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

July 19, 2017

A Spool of Blue Thread: A Novel by Anne Tyler with the movie The Accidental Tourist based on the book by Anne Tyler

RSVP to alumnae@westridge.org or 626.799.1053, ext. 244. And remember, no matter where you are in the book, you’re always welcome to the meeting!

Books are available at Vroman’s with a 20% Westridge Alumnae Reader discount.

Visit the Book Information Desk upstairs at the Pasadena store on Colorado Blvd.

The Portable Feast Jeanne Thiel Kelley ’81, a food writer, stylist and edible garden expert who specializes in seasonal and sustainable cooking, has a beautiful new book, The Portable Feast, featuring creative meals for work and play.

At a recent book signing event, she was joined by Ann Cutting ’78, whose photographs are featured on the cover and throughout the book, and Raleigh Renick Young ’80, who helped with book sales.

Pictured l. to r.: Raleigh Renick Young ’80, Ann Cutting ’78, and Jeanne Thiel Kelley ’81.

Your classmates want to hear from YOU! Send class notes and photos for the next edition of Surgere by November 1 to alumnae@westridge.org.

41

In Me

Nancy H. Owen Former Headmistress

Nancy Hughes Owen, headmistress of Westridge School from 1977-1986 and an important figure in the history of Westridge School, passed away April 20 in Portland, Oregon. Nancy dedicated 19 years to Westridge School, having served as the development director prior to her appointment as head of school. She is also remembered as an inspirational English teacher by her former junior and senior students. One of Nancy’s students, Carey Jones Eskesen ’75, herself an English teacher at Denver Academy in Colorado, talks with her seniors every year about Nancy. “She was brilliant, and, even though we giggled at the time when she recited the ‘General Prologue’ aloud in Middle English during class, I know that it was a gift to us—at the high school level. I play a recording of the first lines of The Canterbury Tales, but it is a poor substitute for Nancy’s interpretation.”

Quick witted and kind, Nancy loved the school and her students. Her daughter and Westridge alumna, Gwyneth Owen ’82, remembers her mother as “a fierce advocate for the advanced education of young women and someone keenly aware, ahead of her time, in the importance of sports for young women.” She also embraced diversity. It was with a sense of family that Nancy approached her work and students — with a welcoming acceptance driven by a fierce dedication to the advancement of young women. Nancy retired in 1986 and wrote of herself “There is an inner voice that speaks and says it is time, time to change my life. Nineteen years is long enough. The time is now — it is something I feel and know.”

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Owen, who wrote for the spring 1986 Westridge magazine in honor of Nancy’s retirement from Westridge, “What I remember most — and most gratefully — about Nancy’s years at Westridge, is that with all the demands and all the responsibilities that came to her as head, she never failed, at home, to be a warm, sympathetic, and witty person for our children and for me.” She is survived by her son Geoffrey and his family, as well as her daughter Gwyneth.

In 1986 Westridge established The Nancy Hughes Owen Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor Nancy’s retirement. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Nancy can send their gift to Westridge School designated for the Nancy H. Owen Scholarship Fund.

“A few people in your life are absolute show-stoppers.

They show you what is to be fully alive, they are singers.

Every time you are with them, you are infused with their vigor and energy.

And that is Nancy. She is a show-stopper. “ 42

Pricilla Dunn Flynn ’47 from the Spring 1986 Westridge Magazine

The school has learned of the deaths Nancy Bryner Marston ’38 Nancy passed away February 26 in Santa Barbara, CA. She attended Westridge 1st through 4th grades.

She was preceded in death by her sister Patricia Bryner Conklin ’39.

Josephine Swift Boyer ’40 Josephine died peacefully at her home in Carmel on December 26, 2012. She attended Westridge and Bennington College. While at Westridge she was art editor of the Inlook. Born in Portland, OR she spent her early years in Pasadena and summers in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

After graduating from college she worked for her grandfather at the Chicago Stockyards, and then in the offices of Poetry Magazine and Esquire.

In 1951 she married a Wyoming prospector, Winston Boyer. They lived in Wyoming, Montana, and Moab, Utah with their three children. In 1961 she moved back to California with her children and became a teacher. She had a lifelong interest in, and love for, animals. She is survived by her sisters Harriet Swift Holdsworth ’42 and Lila Swift Monell ’47, her children, and her grandchildren.

Mary Ellen Hayward Brooks ’42 Mary Ellen died on February 5. She spent her high school years at Westridge, serving as editor-in-chief of Inlook and president of the student body. She was married to Captain Daniel P. Brooks USN for 22 years.

They had three children and a foster son. As a Navy wife Mary Ellen enjoyed duty stations in Hawaii, California, Virginia, Connecticut, Guam, and Maryland. She loved to travel. Beyond her Navy days she continued to travel the globe, owned a vacation apartment in Spain, and until the age of 92 spent every winter in California. Mary Ellen worked as a real estate agent in Pasadena and Annapolis. She was also an active volunteer and avid gardener. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat-grandchild.

moriam of the following members of our community.

Mary McLain Ivey ’42 Mal passed away in November of 2015 in Santa Barbara, CA after a fall and brief illness. She was a class representative for the Class of 1942 for many years. While at Westridge she served as a senior class council member. After moving from Pasadena in 2002 she lived in Santa Barbara where she enjoyed the company of several Westridge classmates. Mal was quite active and would volunteer her time and talents, especially for things that related to her interests in art, history, and genealogy. She was predeceased by her husband, Bud, in 1982 and is survived by her son and daughters, Sandra Ivey Peters ’84 and Joanna Ivey ’85, seven grandchildren, and sister-in-law Barbara Butler McLain ’46.

Jeannette Grimsley Shackell ’42 Jeannette passed away November 30, 2015. At Westridge she was business manager of Inlook. After graduation from Westridge she attended Stanford University, graduating with a degree in Political Science. She loved children and being a mother. In 1955 she took her children to Norway on a 24-hour flight to join her husband, Richard Fayram, who was working in a nuclear power plant in Oslo, Norway as a Nuclear Engineer. In 1956 she became a widow and in 1960 married the Reverend Richard Shackell. She is survived by her four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Julia McCook Banning ’44 Judy died April 19. She attended Westridge through 8th grade and spent her high school years at Milton Academy in Milton, MA. In 1945 she enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, later transferring to the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles where she studied clothing design. In 1949 she married Hancock (Bill) Banning III. Their family of seven lived in South Pasadena until 1958 before moves to Santa Monica and Balboa, CA. She completed her college education and graduated from the University of California, Irvine, in 1974 with a degree in History. She and Bill spent their later years in Aliso Viejo, CA at The Covington, a senior community. Judy was an active volunteer participating in many civic and philanthropic organizations. She was also a prolific gardener with a natural gift of floral design. She is survived by her five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Banning Ames ’49.

Marie Cunningham Jones ’48 Marie passed away June 4, at the age of 85. Born in Los Angeles, she grew up in Pasadena and attended Westridge grades 10 – 12. While at Westridge she was a member of the Glee Club and Mask and Brush. She graduated from Scripps College in 1952 and married Louis Winchester Jones, Jr. in 1954, living in San Marino for the past 50 years. Marie was active in the community with many philanthropic organizations and served on the Westridge Alumnae Board. She was a fourth generation Californian and belonged to First Century Families. She is survived by her husband, five children including Diane Jones Bates ’73 and Laurie Jones Cox ’76, and 11 grandchildren.

Eleana deVrahnos Peratis ’52 Eleana passed away peacefully on April 13 at the Stanford Hospital.

Eleana spent her formative years in San Marino, CA. At Westridge she served as vice president of the senior class as well as heading Thanksgiving welfare and Spyglass advertising, and being mistress of ceremonies at Father-Daughter Playday. She attended Stanford University, studying cultural anthropology, which inspired her to pursue a career in travel. An icon in the travel industry, she was a top producer for many cruise lines and international tour operators. In the early ’70s, after several years of working for others, she opened her own agency, specializing in international travel and cruises. She continued to run her travel business while caring for her husband, Paul, until his death in 2012, and later while fighting her own battle with ovarian cancer. All the while, she maintained an unflappable positive outlook on life. She is survived by her two daughters and grandchildren.

Faith Watkins ’61 It is with great sadness that I share with you that Faith died today (April 3) of kidney failure. She died peacefully at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo, near her longtime home in her beloved Los Osos, CA. Faith will be remembered by all of us as a woman with a huge and loving heart, an irrepressible energy, and great warmth. Can you not still hear her in our senior year at morning assembly: “Please come quickly and quietly...” Her effort to corral us so we would be seated and ready to sing with the incomparable Howard Swan! She loved being Head of Glee Club, and she was very good.

Faith cherished her four years at Westridge, and she especially loved her English History class with Miss Lonergan. She made lifelong friends during those years. She enriched the lives of all of us who were fortunate enough to share her sphere.

An accomplished cook, a gracious and generous hostess, a loyal and wise and devoted friend, she will be greatly missed.

Faith is survived by her daughter, Mimi Doll ’88; her granddaughter, Paige Lambert; her sister, Mary Watkins, Westridge Class of ’63; her brother, Paul Watkins; and many godchildren, among whom are Katharine Bull Otto Howard (Mimi Hugens’s daughter); Luisa Dillingham Hyatt (my daughter); and Erin Weaver McDonald.

— Victoria Odriozola Dillingham ’61, Class Rep

43

Susan Spencer Blish ’62 Susan died April 30 in Florida. A long-time resident of Saratoga, Susan was born in Utica, NY and grew up in Pasadena. After graduation from Westridge she attended Pasadena City College.

In 1963 she married Richard Blish. After her son and daughter were in school she began teaching reading remediation parttime to 1st and 2nd graders on a one-to-one basis for more than 20 years. Susan was known for her generous and caring spirit, as the first to pitch in to help others, and as an extraordinary chef, having worked with Jacques Pepin and others. She is survived by her husband, daughter, son, and grandchildren.

Christina Hershey ’66 Christina passed away March 12, 2014 in Eugene, OR from COPD. She graduated from Westridge in 1966 and while a student served as vice president of Mask and Brush. She was also a gymnastic enthusiast. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She worked as a studio medic in the movie industry in Los Angeles for 35 years and retired to Florence, Italy in 2005. Christina was a free spirit and lived life to the fullest. Animal rescue was her lifelong passion and she founded the feral cat rescue at the Burbank Studios. She enjoyed many hobbies, and always was working on a project. Her husband, Michael Carlos Escobosa, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Antoinette Hershey ’67, and nephew.

Cynthia Perry Rosedale ’69 Cynthia died of breast cancer on March 29 at home in Pasadena.

While a student at Westridge she was a varsity cheerleader.

She went on to attend USC and graduate from University of California, Berkeley. Her daughter, Katherine (Katie) Rosedale Enney is Class of 1998. A co-class representative for many years and a member of the Alumnae Council from 1990-1992, she worked at Westridge as Director of Events from the mid-1980s to 1990. From 1992 until her death she was Director of Special Events, Volunteers, and the Senior Games at the Pasadena Senior Center. At the time of her death she was vice chair of the board of directors of the California Senior Games Association. She is survived by her daughter, brother, and two grandchildren.

Cynthia’s mother, Jane Ouerbacker Perry ’41, and aunts Helen Ouerbacker ’38 and Patricia Van Platen Hammer ’48, also attended Westridge.

faculty, Staff, & community members John R. F. Penido, M.D. (Former Trustee) Dr. Penido died January 6 at his home in Pasadena at the age of 92. He was raised in Rio de Janeiro, a descendant of the city’s Portuguese founders in 1565. With a medical degree from the Universidade de Brasilia, he came to the U. S. in 1947 for post-graduate training in Los Angeles and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He began his private practice in Los Angeles in 1959, and performed the first open heart surgery in the San Gabriel Valley in 1961. After 31 years at the Huntington Hospital, including a year as President of the Medical Staff, he retired in 1990. Among his many community involvements he served as a trustee of Westridge School from 1977 to 1987. He is survived by his wife, sons, daughter Marcia Penido Bonnabel ’78, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Diana Mehrens (Former Teacher) Diana died May 18 of metastatic breast cancer. She was a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Westridge, leaving in 1992.

She then attended California State University at Los Angeles and received her master’s degree in Marriage Family Child Therapy.

Moving to Palm Desert, CA she worked as a child therapist at Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center from 1993 to 1999. She then spent two years focused on humanitarian work in Eastern Europe, making nine trips into Romania. From 2001 until she retired in 2008 she was a child therapist in Yucca Valley.

Arthur M. Mack (Former Teacher) Dr. Arthur Mack, who taught American Studies, Cultural Studies, and Latin courses at Westridge between 1978-1984, passed away at home February 29 from Parkinson’s disease. In addition to teaching, he introduced the CROP Hunger Walk to Westridge, coached Middle School basketball, read stories aloud to Lower Schoolers, and introduced his wife, Betty Cole, to teaching at Westridge. He will be much missed, both as teacher and colleague.

Kathy Ignacio (Advancement Staff) Long-time Westridge database manager Kathy Ignacio died unexpectedly on March 18 after a respiratory illness. Kathy joined Westridge in June 1998 and retired in January after nearly 18 years with the school. As the lynchpin of the gift processing and record keeping for our many constituencies, Kathy worked closely with the Advancement staff and the Business Office to assure the financial integrity of all philanthropic efforts. She was integral to many Westridge events including the annual Grandparents Day and Centennial Weekend. Kathy had an extraordinary institutional memory that often saved the day, and was a loyal caring friend to so many of her colleagues.

Editor’s Note: This memorial list includes the deaths of alumnae and other community members that our offices are aware of at press time. Omissions of any sort are unintentional.

44

TH E G I F T of R E T IR E ME NT P L AN AS S E TS :

why pay taxes twice?

Retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) and 403(b) plans can be subject to double taxation — ordinary income and estate tax — meaning that more than 60 percent can go to taxes if left to your heirs.

Retirement plan assets left to Westridge School will transfer tax-free.

In planning your estate, consider leaving Westridge your retirement plan assets, or a portion thereof, and leave more favorably taxed assets to your family.

the

m a d e l i n e

society

did you know?

Most retirement accounts allow the owner to select beneficiaries to receive the plan assets remaining at death. To designate Westridge as a beneficiary, contact your retirement account administer. Please let us know that you have done this so we can appropriately thank and recognize you by contacting Rebecca Potter at rpotter@westridge.org or 626-799-1053 etc. 261.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1986

324 Madeline Drive Pasadena, CA 91105-3399

PARENTS OF ALUMNAE: If your daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office of her new mailing address: alumnae@westridge.org.

Westridge School's Statement of Purpose The fundamental purpose of Westridge School is to prepare young women to live lives of meaning, contribution, and impact.

Our Mission We are an independent, forward-thinking girls' school committed to educating intellectually adventurous thinkers, and courageous, compassionate leaders.

Fundamental Principles • A tradition of academic excellence for girls • A legacy of leadership and service • A commitment to excellence and goodness in every facet of the school • A vision that embraces reflection, innovation, and action