Shamrock Winter 2014

Published for the Chandler School Community

Winter 2014 VOLUMe XXiii nUMBer 2

shamrock

shamrockPUBLished fOr the ChandLer sChOOL COMMUnit y

WWW.ChandLersChOOL.OrgWinter 2014

missionThe mission of Chandler School is to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment. We strive to have our students gain a love of learning, a means of thinking independently and an ability to work collaboratively. A Chandler education seeks to develop good character, self‑reliance and a commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success.

goalsTo uphold the Chandler tradition of academic excellence and intellectual discipline in a program that develops the mind, body and spirit. To promote respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship, which are the core values of our school community.

To foster an educational environment that values and communicates respect for racial, religious, cultural and economic differences.

To serve the greater community, in recognition that as much is given to us, much is expected from us.

Table of Contents

Chandler School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

2 Six Pillars of Character 14 The Tower & Favorite Memories21 What is Next for the Tower? 22 Alumni Visiting Day 25 Alumni & Past Parent Wine Tasting26 Catching Up With Mr. Hill & Mrs. Owen28 Alumni Class Notes32 Historic Chandler School Bells Restored32 Welcome New Alumni Council Members33 Chandler School Annual Fund

On The FROnT COveR: Construction of a new two‑story parking structure and a new Tower began in February 2014. Students participated in a variety of activities commemorating the end of the original Tower on the South Campus. Students wrote poems, dreamed up alternate methods of transporting students from Seco up to campus during construction and created artwork inspired by The Tower. On the cover is a piece by vivian Lu ’14. Turn to page 14 to see more about the Tower, both old and new.

On The InSIDe COveR: The Tower as portrayed by Caroline Stuart ’21.

Message from the Head of School

In the seventh grade Ethics course, Chandler students discuss what obligations they would have if they ever saw a classmate cheating. They examine the ethical dilemma of whether to confront their classmate or tell a teacher. “I shall respect myself, other people as individuals, the property of others, my school for what it is and what it stands for,” reads the first sentence of The Chandler Code. The option of not doing anything goes against our code.

Socrates scoffed at the notion that Athenian youth could not be taught how to be virtuous. The attention that Chandler gives to character education throughout our kindergarten through eighth grade program is one of the reasons why families choose us. In the nurture versus nature debate, we are mindful of the impact that school has on developing a moral conscience and an ethical foundation. We are Socratic in that we believe virtue can be taught as well as caught at Chandler.

Chandler teachers take character education seriously. Teaching foundational academic skills is only part of the job. Our faculty’s positive attitudes in support of our mission and their collaboration in developing the program and deepening their understanding of Chandler students make them role models.

Non-cognitive attributes such as perseverance and optimism are as important to student success as mastering math facts and learning to read. Calibrating age appropriate expectations that develop empathy and caring challenges our faculty’s creativity. Literature selections, role playing, teachable moments, community service, school groups and the buddy program factor into the mix of experiences that we use to teach Chandler students to be good people.

The Chandler Code and our mission express our institutional values. Chandler is also a member of the Character Counts Coalition. Coalition members agree to commit to character education by teaching the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship). We have been a member of the coalition for more than a decade, yet those values have been part of our ethos since Tom and Katie Chandler founded the school in 1950.

This edition of the Shamrock features reflections from current students, alumni and longtime faculty about the importance of character and how planting the seed of good character early helps Chandler students blossom into well-educated, ethical adults worthy of the ancient and modern world.

Most sincerely,

John FinchHead of School

Non-cognitive attributes such

as perseverance and optimism are as important to

student success as mastering math

facts and learning to read.

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Maya Hale ’19“A friend can

trust me by telling me a

secret.”

Clarice Pranyoto ’17 “This is me and my best friend

playing together. You know that if you have a best friend, you can trust

them with anything.”

TurNer THoMPSoN ’14

“Consider everyone trustworthy until they prove otherwise.” Ram Mohan Roy expresses my interpretation of the word trustworthy. As defined in the dictionary, trustworthiness is the trait of deserving trust and confidence. I believe that the attribute of being trustworthy should be innate and not learned. Being true to your word is a stan-dard that is expected of all Chandler stu-dents. If this quality is not shown in a student, it is imperative that this trait be instilled in each individual’s morals. I personally believe and have witnessed honesty and integrity in the Chandler students in our Middle School. We have already developed the quality of being trustworthy. Last year, as a seventh-grader, I ex-perienced a time when I made the right decision. I was in the middle of correct-

ing my math homework. Ms. Cleare, at the time, graded our homework on correct-ness. While correcting my homework, I found that I had made a mistake. For a moment, I considered to mark the question as correct even though my answer was wrong. I took a few moments to think of the pros and cons of lying about my homework score. The pro includ-ed that I would receive a better grade on my homework and the con was that I would not be trustworthy at the time. I realized that receiving one point off from the home-work was less impor-tant than staying loyal to the Chandler code. Staying trustworthy allows me to feel proud about myself. Trustworthiness is extremely impor-tant at Chandler so that students and their teachers create a relationship based on honesty and respect. The trust between students and teachers at Chandler is what makes the school so unique.

Six Pillars of Character

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TrusTworThiness

WWW.ChandlerSChool.org2

VerNoN Hill

In a mobile and changing society, it is worth our time to reflect on those human qualities that have shaped our values and have produced individuals and ideals that are milestones for us all. Let me recall some qualities that I con-

sider to be important. I especially honor the words of Paul from First Corinthians. He singles out hope, faith and charity, and indicates that charity (love) is the greatest of all. I think he makes it readily clear that concern, respect and caring for our fellow man is a keystone in the arch of civilization. Remove these ideals from our values, and we would ulti-mately become barbarians. Pursuing this same tack further to name addi-

tional important values, a host of other words comes to mind: courage, justice, determination, industry, patience, sym-pathy, humility, wisdom, and I think you could name many more. But I suspect, if you are like me, there is one quality that would not immediately come to mind. It was not until I was asked to write something about trustworthiness, or about being trustworthy, that I put this quality in proper perspective. Then it took only a moment for me to decide that this quality is germane to and a part of all the others that I have named. Consider the first qualities that I listed, subtract trustworthiness from them and the remainder is zero. Just suppose any individual or group of people is not trust-worthy. What kind of responsible be-havior might you depend on from them? Again the answer is zero. Fortunately most people are trust-worthy; however, that does not dismiss the fact that trustworthiness is a quality which can be taught and can be learned at a very young age. It is a term that is

unpopular or well-liked/disliked they are at the moment. The stock market some-times calls this buy and hold; whatever you want to call it, it’s important to stand by what you feel is important and valu-able, even during times of duress. When I was a student at Chandler, I had many opportunities to not show in-tegrity. It would have been easy to be nice to students to their faces and to make mean or degrading comments about them behind their backs. Finding ways to cheat on tests might have given me better grades, but they wouldn’t have been honest grades. Loyalty for me goes without saying. I continue to stand behind the schools I attended and the friends I made at those schools, even at times when others don’t. I believe in being loyal to my family, even when they sometimes expect me to spend time with them when I might have some-thing planned with my friends. It’s not always easy to retain integrity, to remain honest, to keep promises or to stay loyal to a cause or person when no one else is. I admit that I’m as imperfect

as the next person and there have been times when I haven’t always adhered to these goals. But I have learned that when I do, I am much more successful in what-ever I am attempting to do. Josephson related that, “A highly scru-pulous politician (this is not an oxymo-ron) was once challenged by a friend:

‘You are so careful to avoid even appear-ances of impropriety, but do you really expect that this will prevent others from criticizing your integrity?’ The politician answered, ‘No, but at least I will know that I am unworthy of the criticism.’” I know that if I do my best to be a trust-worthy person, I will feel better about myself. And that, for me, is a major key to success.

Alex Stevenson ’00 majored in professional golf management (yes, you read that correctly) at Clemson University and lives in West Holly-wood as he pursues an acting career. During the summers he helps his brother teach enrich-ment classes for Summer@Chandler and con-tinues his quest to find a sweatshirt he left on campus 14 years ago.

not too difficult to define and relative-ly easy for young children to understand. In a family that is healthy and happy, its members’ behavior is based on trustwor-thiness. Hence they more readily work together in cooperation and in harmony. They learn the importance of trustworthi-ness early in life. We cannot deny that it is appropriate for schools to teach trustworthiness and to include it in their philosophies, and it is also very important for them to imple-ment it and demonstrate it on all levels. As young students grow up, such learned principles will help them to achieve their best in body, mind and spirit, and to find in these combined values the behavior patterns which will protect, guide and lead them to happier, more successful lives.

Former Assistant Headmaster Vernon Hill taught at Chandler School for 24 years. Catch up with Mr. Hill on page 26.

T r u s T w o r T h i n e s s

Alex STeVeNSoN ’00

Michael Josephson writes, “Trust-worthiness involves four major quali-ties: integrity, honesty, promise-keep-ing and loyalty.” Even though we did not specifically focus on the Six Pillars of Character when I was a student at Chandler, we were expect-ed to behave as if we did. If a person shows integrity, what he believes, what he says and what he does should all be basically the same and should show good moral values. If a person is honest, he should be willing to admit his mis-takes and also be willing to give pos-itive credit to others where credit is due. Loyalty, for me, means standing up for people and institutions you believe in, no matter how popular/


ryan Adler ’19“They are sharing books on a rock.

He is respecting his friend by asking him if he wants to read the books.”

Ben lee ’17“This picture shows how we as citizens care for and respect others, even if we don’t know that person or if that person is different.”

MAdeleiNe PeArCe ’15

Jackie Robinson once said, “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” Each and every person has the right to be re-spected, and Chandler School has and continues to uphold this value. In fact, the moment you set foot into the school, signs of respect are shown. The campus is clean and organized, as the members of the school’s community take pride in caring even for the school grounds. I know that each student at Chandler has a strong sense of respect not only for his or her teachers, but for peers as well. Inside classrooms, the students are listening to their instruc-tor. Myself and the rest of my peers take care to note important sections of a lecture, showing respect at all times. Very rarely will students interrupt teachers. When a student needs to ask a teacher a question through email, great respect is shown to the receiver. Emails always begin with the teacher’s name, and end appropriately with “sincerely” and the student’s name. During morning assemblies, students are known to use respect when reciting the pledge of allegiance and when acknowledging the moment of silence which follows. Lastly, when dismissed to lunch and snack periods, I have seen students hold doors open for others, showing respect to the Chandler community. Jackie Robinson was correct in asking for respect. Teachers and students as well have the same right for respect. Not every-one can be everyone else’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean they do not need to be respected. Chandler shows great respect, especially in this area. I make my best effort to respect everyone as an individual, and I know my classmates do the same. I understand how well Chandler has shaped its students, as I have changed to become more aware of the six pillars of charac-ter, especially respect, in my seven years at Chandler.

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respect that I can recall upon as a matter-of-course. However, it is with incredible clarity that I can reflect on specific instances during my time as a student at Chandler School where I was reminded and encour-aged to treat others with respect. Coinci-dentally, my strongest memory is from my very first day on the Chandler campus. I was a new student starting sixth grade in the fall and my parents thought it would be a good opportunity for me to make friends by enrolling me in the Chandler summer basketball camp. I vividly re-member that I was late and in a hurry on that first day of camp, so I burst through the gymnasium doors and ran to join the other campers who were seated in a large circle. Atletic Director Bill Anderson was doing roll call. He looked up from his roster and politely asked me my name. I answered, “Travis Young,” and he smiled and said, “well, you’re in luck we haven’t gotten to the Y’s yet.” I was immediately relieved that he refrained from embarrass-ing me in front of the fifty new faces I was nervously searching. However, Mr. An-derson later pulled me aside and said to some regard that being tardy can be inter-preted as a sign of disrespect. He thought-fully explained how that might not have been my intention, but that it was of great importance to be on time and when I cannot be on time that I enter the gym or classroom with reverence in an effort to avoid creating any further disturbance. Mr. Anderson’s intonation communicat-ed sincerity and his words were genuine

and heartfelt. I internalized this lesson and to this day I make every effort to be on time. The aforementioned situation is just one example of how the faculty, coaches and staff members at Chandler School perpetuated a respectful atmosphere on campus. That respectful atmosphere nur-tured hard-working students and cul-tivated wonderful friendships between classmates. It is blatantly obvious in the company I keep today; none the more befitting than my wife Erin Kaneko ’96 who is a Chandler School alumna and the most amazing woman I have ever known. I also must mention that many of my closest friends are Chandler alumni and are among the most kind, generous and respectable people I have ever met. I do not think that it is simply a coincidence. I sincerely believe that Chandler School is a very special place that truly embod-ies the six pillars of character: trustwor-thiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Travis Young ’96 is happily married to Erin Kaneko ’96. Read more about Travis on page 32.

just out of college. Former Headmaster Jeff Stephens and former Assistant Head of School Marie Kidd respected that my energy and love of English would benefit the school despite my lack of teaching ex-perience. Their respect for me set my path at Chandler that has allowed me to con-tinuously grow as a person and a teacher. When Jeff and Marie respected me at the start of my career, I learned that when one bestows respect upon another it mo-tivates them to achieve high expectations. In knowing that, I believe as a teacher at Chandler I must respect my students to allow them to become critical and inno-vative thinkers, creative writers and role

models to others. Without the core pillar of respect, learning cannot happen. I must respect my students and they must respect me, otherwise, our minds are not open for progress to happen. So as Aretha Franklin so energetically sings, “Respect, all (we) need is respect” to set our dreams in motion here at Chandler and out in the world.

Seventh grade English teacher and English De-partment Chair Ashley Laird joined the Chan-dler faculty in 1996. She also coaches boys‘ soccer and advises the yearbook. She lives in Monrovia with her husband and two sons.

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ASHley lAird

Aretha Franklin’s song inevitably comes to mind when any adult hears the word respect. “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.- find out what it means to me”! Now as we all sing that song in our heads, I will tell you what respect means to me during my 18 years at Chandler. I began working at Chandler when I was

TrAViS youNg ’96

My time as a Chandler School student was deeply rooted in the belief that respect

is a foundation for any healthy relationship. To me, respect means treating a person, entity or place with dignity and esteem. Respect often further denotes deep consid-eration and regard shown by an individual toward others. Respect cannot be demand-ed, imposed or expected; it is a profound asset that has to be earned. My personal expe-rience with lessons and exam-ples of respect are easily iden-tifiable and relatable, as the majority are common oppor-tunities to demonstrate respect.

For example, when my parents spoke to me I would not interrupt. If a teacher asked me a question, I would answer to the best of my knowledge and use class-room-appropriate language. After sport-ing events, I would shake or high-five the opposing team members’ hands. All are simple and frequent occurrences of


iNdu PANdey ’14

Much like how we all grow year to year, our sense of responsibility blossoms with each passing year of school. As an eighth-grader, I remember how gradually Chan-dler has instilled in me a deep sense of moral obligation toward the actions I commit, and those whom it may affect. In such a tight-knit community, it’s often easier to see the product of your actions, namely the failure or success in taking responsibility. The foundation for responsibility I have built is almost com-parable to Jiminy Cricket from Disney’s “Pinocchio”—my constant guide. The greatest learning experience I have had as it relates to responsibility is undoubtedly my failures to be respon-

responsibiliTy

robert Neithart ’18“This guy is turning in his homework. It’s responsible because that is what you’re

supposed to do.”

sible. Be it procrastinating on my state report in fifth grade or wanting to give up on sports like basketball because I could not for the life of me shoot a basket! By failing to act in the best way possible in these situations, I learned how impor-tant it is to remain responsible and apply my teachings. As a result, now I plan out all of my long-term assignments and even participated on intramural basketball last year. My latest discoveries about responsi-bility have related to being an eighth-grad-er and a leader on campus. Having had a Lower School buddy for three years now, I realize how much of an influence I can be on my younger buddy. Should I be ir-responsible in how I act, I would be teach-ing or even promoting my second-grade buddy to act in a negative way to her class-mates. Examining consequences, much like looking at a food web in science class with Mr. McCarty, has been an important part of my learning about the Six Pillars of Character in Middle School. If you pay little attention to the negative impacts you leave when you make a bad decision on

campus, you can end up affecting many different people. Likewise, when you make a good decision, the after-effects can assist your whole grade. Putting in the utmost effort to exude positive energy and exerting yourself to try your hardest at everything you do can be tiring, but the rewards of being responsible are enumer-able. Seeing your grade level come togeth-er for Spirit Day, acing a test, making a sports team, succeeding at debate tourna-ments or even acknowledging when you have forgotten your homework or didn’t study for a test have lasting effects on you, your class and your teachers. The Chandler community exemplifies people of great character by both being re-sponsible and by admitting when they are not, taking responsibility for the actions they commit. No one is perfect and every student has forgotten a homework assign-ment before—I know I certainly have—but striving for greatness, encourages me to follow the Six Pillars and be a leader of accountability in the community.


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Chloe Palmer ’20“These kids are being

responsible for what they bring to school.”

eriC orTiz ’88

Being successful in life isn’t easy. Chan-dler prepared me for the challenge. Those lessons began with homework in Mrs. Green’s first grade class in 1980. They continued for eight years until graduation and can be summed by John Wooden’s quote on character: “The true test is what a person does when no one is watching.” Surviving the academic rigors of Chan-dler meant doing homework. The alterna-

tive was finding a new school. Homework came in many forms, required responsi-bility to complete and taught me how to think on my own. It also was when my love of doing projects was born. Projects at Chandler meant reports. They presented opportunities to learn about new people, places and things. Cal-ifornia missions for Mrs. Hebgen’s class. Wyoming for Miss Young’s. Chile for Mrs. Anderson’s. Ancient Greece for Mr. Morrison’s. Herbs for Mr. Mac’s. Sub-stance X for Mr. Korn’s. Unlike stan-dard homework, report assignments were given weeks in advance of the due date and often required doing research and writing a paper or giving a presentation. These assignments could not be left to the last minute—though sometimes I pressed my luck. Reports allowed us to learn by doing.

To be creative. Experiment. Explore. Dis-cover. My most memorable report was the “Roots” report every eighth grader did in Mrs. Everett’s U.S. History class. We had to research where our ancestors came from and trace our roots. Everyone had to tell his or her backstory. Then we all shared an international feast on the Point with a dish from each student’s heritage. I haven’t forgotten my roots, and am still learning by doing, now as a father, husband and entrepreneur. My homework is a little different these days, but it’s still the best work of all.

Eric Ortiz ’88 is a 2014 John S. Knight Journal-ism Fellow at Stanford University and the co-founder and CEO of Beekyn, a collaborative news platform for mobile devices.

ative problems while doing their best. They work together and on their own to create work they enjoy and can be proud of. Often students express surprise that they have created something better than they thought possible. Because the art rooms are shared by everyone at Chan-dler, students learn to be responsible by taking care of the room’s tools and mate-rials. It is a place we can all share, enjoy and be proud of.

Art Department Chair Jane Leese joined the Chandler faculty in 1982 and will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 school year. Her children Joe ’00 and Ann ’03 are Chandler graduates.

with what you have promised to do. It is about persevering even when things aren’t easy, about doing your best and learning to think ahead and consider consequenc-es. It means thinking of others, and being the best part of the group you can be. It is seeing beyond yourself, while making the right choices for yourself. It is about being the type of person who does what is right when others around you may not be. It is about focusing on what is right for you, but it is also about doing what is right for everyone, setting a good example. Being a responsible person is not always easy, but it is a worthy goal and something to be learned through prac-tice. In the art rooms at Chandler, stu-dents are asked to solve challenging, cre-

JANe leeSe

For me, this is the most important pillar of character. It speaks to the core of a person. There is an Old English Proverb – “You are responsible for you.” This may sound self-centered, but it reaches far beyond the self. It is the center that makes it all work. As one grows up, responsibility becomes ever more important, and the realiza-tion of this is a sign of growing up. Responsibility is about taking care of yourself, to do what you know to be right and to follow through


F a i r n e s s

Jarvis Kikekawa-Fraser ’20“Two boys are in this picture. One has a badge and the other does not. The boy with the badge is being fair and giving the other boy a badge, too.”


F a i r n e s s

JAKe BowNe ‘16

Fairness plays a big role in every area of our lives—as students, as friends, as sib-lings and as kids. Everywhere people are together, fairness helps connect us. At Chandler, we are encouraged to follow the ‘Golden Rule’ by our teach-ers and our fellow classmates. We spend time in the classroom talking about fair-ness and what it means to us. We are all responsible for our own actions and we try not to blame others. We include our peers in the games and sports we play on the field. In the classroom, we do our own work. Also, we try to listen to others’ ideas and respect their views, even if we don’t agree. In my life, fairness means a lot of things. On tests, I don’t cheat; at recess, I don’t lie about getting tagged out in kickball; after class, I don’t tell people with different schedules the answers to the quiz I just took. It isn’t easy to be fair in all circumstances. However, when I make the choice to be fair, it seems to cause a chain reaction. Other people start to play fair, too. From the time we are born, we understand what it means for others to treat us fairly. But we then need to work hard to develop the character to treat others fairly. Chandler gives all of us a foundation of strong charac-ter, encouraging fairness, responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, citizenship and respect. It is up to us to continue to build on these pillars, which will improve all of the re-lationships in our future.

Alix Fournier-Facory ’22“I am in the lunch line,

waiting in place for my turn because that is what’s fair.”


F a i r n e s s

It seemed like a pretty even playing field, informed by the big round open room. No corners to be sent away to. We took naps on the carpet, evenly spaced, and learned our letters and correspond-ing sounds. We wore uniforms so no one person stood out. Mrs. Jensen was fair and there was equal opportunity for all. I graduated to first grade. At home after school one day, I climbed up to the baby basinet that we had positioned on the top rungs of our jungle gym in the backyard of the white colonial house. In my hand was a scrumptious chocolate-covered glazed donut. I was surveying the world from my perch and savoring the donut bite by bite when, boom! I was on the ground, donut lost and my left wrist broken. Not fair! Donut gone, pain to the max,

everything suddenly out of order. Life isn’t always fair, and we can’t control that. But with a solid foundation, having the experience of fairness, we can practice fairness personally. We must accept that life is not fair, while honoring the moral compass that our own practice of fairness provides. By the way, I did end up with a white plaster cast that everyone signed and a puppy to keep me company!

Sarah Horton Anderson ’72 CHS ’75 attended Chandler for kindergarten and first grade, left, then returned for seventh grade and was one of four graduates of Chandler High School. She and her husband Dave live in Hawaii with their two children. She works as a full-time photographer.

As teachers, we teach our students to show fairness by treating people the way they want to be treated: sharing, taking turns, telling the truth, playing by the rules, thinking about how their actions will affect others and listening to others with an open mind and understanding of what they are feeling. As a school, we try to create an atmo-sphere of fairness by having rules, expec-tations, structure and boundaries. We know children want and need these to feel a sense of predictability and safety. To be fair with enforcement, we generate solu-tions and compromises based on reason and circumstance. Personally, fairness means treating others equitably and to set aside one’s self interest or group loyalty. In a broader sense, it means to me being free from dis-crimination, dishonesty and injustice. Many think of fairness as treating every-one the same, but as a teacher, that may be an unfair way to treat students. All stu-dents are not the same. They have differ-ent motivations for their choices, different needs, different causes for behavior and different goals.

Lower School science teacher John McCarty joined the Chandler faculty in 1985. He is an active volunteer at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif.

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To me, fairness is the most important of the Six Pillars of Character. Showing fair-ness is integral to the other five pillars: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring and citizenship. Being fair is one of the best ways to show a person respects another or that they care about another person. Fairness is such an important aspect of citizenship: our rules, laws and justice system are based on it. What better way is there to show responsibility and trustworthiness than to be fair when in-teracting with others? While the other pillars need to be learned, studies have shown that even infants have a sense of fairness and one study—while controversial—indicates that it may be part of our DNA. As all parents know, fairness is a concept ex-hibited at a very early age with the utter-ance of “That is not fair!” Beginning in kindergarten at Chandler, most conflicts between students occur because of a real or perceived lack of fairness.

SArAH HorToN ANderSoN ’72 CHS ’75

Fairness can be a slippery trait. There are components of fairness: how you practice it personally, and the fairness—or lack thereof—in the world around you. I started at Chandler in 1962. I lived just catty-corner to the front gate of the school, at 1010 Prospect Boulevard. Mrs. Jensen was my kindergarten teacher. She was strict, but not scary.


grACe HiTCHCoCK ’16

In my opinion, caring is a one-of-a-kind characteris-tic because of its qualities. Caring cannot be forced; it is only a born trait. Caring cannot be taught; it is only known. Caring cannot have a bad outcome, only a good one. Caring cannot be mean; it can only be nice. Caring can be a reason, even an inspiration, but caring cannot be irrational; it can only be cogent. This makes the characteristic of caring a supreme goal for me to perform and exhibit every day and at every moment possible. I make it a regular thought to be caring to anyone I talk with or see because I know that I am always so grateful when someone is caring to me and I am always put down or disappointed when I see or talk with someone and they are not caring to me or someone else. I am very glad that I often see the characteristic of caring exhibited at Chandler. I think that it makes the learning environment more welcoming when you know that your peers care about your condition and feelings, whether or not you are best friends with that someone. I see this characteristic exhibited most often in the form of manners at Chandler. For instance, when a student holds the door open for another student when their hands are full. Also, when someone drops something and does not necessarily need the help, but would appreciate it if another student stops to help them pick up whatever they dropped. It is always exhibited in other forms, such as wel-coming and helping a new student adjust to the new environment and peers in the beginning of the school year. I am very grateful that all of the students at Chandler are always willing to be caring to anyone under any circumstance or in any situation.

Jackie Pearce ’18“I am caring for my pet hamster.”

Ava Teng ’21“This drawing is

about caring. I am always ready to learn,

and that helps my teacher teach me.”

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JoyCe greiF

I was asked to write this some time ago and for some reason I found it hard to get started. Finally, deadline approaching, I turned to my memory book, which was presented to me at my retirement in 2010. I cherish the book and the wonderful memories I have of the Chandler commu-nity. The messages are full of that special thing which seems unique to Chandler—a sense of caring and concern. I recently spent time with a family member in the hospital and there is nothing like a hospital environment to remind one of the true value of caring. It makes such a difference regardless of the situation one is dealing with. Just by co-

PAulA MCCullougH BowN ’79We have all heard the adage, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” That princi-ple is possibly more important in an edu-cational setting than anywhere else, and was taught very clearly during my years at Chandler School. I was fortunate to have some of the kindest, most caring teach-ers that I think there ever were. And con-sequently, I loved learning and always wanted to do my best. One great example was Mrs. Wallace, my second grade teacher. I will never forget one particular morning as we all lined up to go into the classroom. I had long hair back then, and one day I wore a short curly wig to school as a joke. Mrs. Wallace came over to me with a huge smile and told me how darling I looked. She said she loved it and then she tried

incidence three of my husband’s physicians are Chandler parents. I choose to believe their level of care and concern is because they belong to the Chandler community, which attracts caring people and their fam-ilies. Back to my memory book... the con-stant message is one of caring which is the trait I value most in my Chandler ex-perience. My memories of Chandler span many years. I walked through the Armada gate with two young children in the mid ‘70’s, became a volunteer and early member of the CFA and finally director of development for 31 years. Those memories are many and varied, but always ones of a caring, supportive environment which en-courages friendships and support systems. During my years at Chandler School I have watched the school go through good times as well as challenging times. The community has always united together in a show of support and caring that assured

to bounce my curls up and down and off came the wig! She thought it was the grandest joke and we all laughed as we stood there. I was not just a student to her but a person, and she loved me. Mrs. Wallace taught us the multipli-cation and division facts. I remember her telling us that we were learning them earlier than other kids but that we could do it. I felt that she had great faith and confidence in us, and I did not want to let her down, so I would go over math facts in my head as I walked down the halls. She also taught us how to write in cursive. I can still see her arm moving across the blackboard as she formed the letters. I re-member standing in line at her desk to get my work checked and she would check it and send me back to work on it until I had it right. She would not accept anything less than my best, and consequently, that is what I gave her. I loved her. Chandler School was a safe place. It was a place where teachers and friends alike cared for each other, and encour-aged each other to succeed. I felt as if my teachers wanted me to do my best because they thought I was capable of doing great things. I loved school and I loved learn-ing. The words of the third verse of the

the best possible outcome. Often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a com-pliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which make a difference in the lives of others. I was fortunate to have been the re-cipient of these kindnesses by the Chan-dler community. My memories of my time at Chandler School are many and I cherish each of them and am grateful for the care and concern for which I have been the re-cipient. The Chandler community will always be an important part of my life. I am indeed fortunate to have been given this gift.

Joyce Greif was the director of development at Chandler for 31 years. She is the mother of Gregory ’79 and Stephanie ’80. Since retir-ing, she has involved herself in local volun-teer work and pursues her love of flowers and gardens.

school song we used to sing aptly describe my feelings. “Though our paths shall leave this place – Still our memories will embraceOur school, friends and faculty – To thee our pledge of loyalty.” Hopefully, we have been true to our pledge and loyal to the principles we learned within the walls of that great institution. As teachers ourselves, or parents, or leaders or friends, hopeful-ly, we are sharing what we know to help others along the path. I believe the only way to successfully do that is to truly care about them.

Paula McCullough Bown ’79 lives in St. George, Utah with her husband Jim and their six chil-dren. Jim works as a gastroenterologist and Paula takes care of the family and teaches 16 to 18 year olds at church. She loves swim-ming, reading, playing piano and hiking with her family.

c a r i n g

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c i T i z e n s h i p

Andrew Kuai ’22“I am helping my friend Brandon put a book away in the classroom.”

izzy lanstra ’21“Mrs. Barry is happy because

I am helping her to open the

door for class. You can see all the backpacks

outside.”


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MATTHew FuTerNiCK ’15

The community at Chandler School is built on the ideas of the Six Pillars of Character. The pillar of citizenship at Chan-dler can be interpreted in many ways. To me, this pillar repre-sents how at Chandler we strive to be ethical people in our ev-eryday lives. This pillar is expressed in the way that the students at Chandler interact with each other face-to-face or online. By being ethical online and in person, we show how as members of a community, we care for one another, which ties into the pillar of caring. Another part of citizenship is being involved with your community and offering to help the community. One example of how a student at Chandler shows citizenship is being involved with Chandler School activities. When a student gives tours at an Open House, they are displaying citizenship by helping out their school. At Chandler, we respect one another. I find this to also show Citizenship. By respecting one another in everyday life we make the community at Chandler a better place, and make for a better school life and better morals in later life. Even in my short time at Chandler School, I have seen amazing acts of citizenship every day, whether it is how we treat each other online or how every student is in-volved in the activities at Chandler. Each year at Chandler there is a Heritage Day lunch. Many stu-

dents at Chandler bring in cultural foods from their country, showing how involved they are in activities at Chandler School. Every day the morals from this pillar of citizenship and the other five pillars are shown at Chandler. To me, the six pillars are more than a set of guidelines: they are a way to live life, teaching respect, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, fairness and citizenship.


often had my students stand up to greet any visitors, including those at school, who entered my classroom. It grew fast from being a strange gesture to becom-ing second nature because they wanted to do this, realizing quickly, from reac-tions, what great respect this showed to others. Interestingly enough, it made a small group of adults uncomfortable, as if it was out of place. If adults do not en-courage such acts of character while chil-dren are young, what type of citizens are we helping shape? An instance of a child who cheated on a test comes to mind. I did not say any-thing, knowing fully well that guilt would take over, allowing the child to come to me and admit what had occurred, which is exactly what happened. A zero was given, but more importantly a conversation took place explaining the wrongfulness of the act, but it also included how proud I was of this individual who accepted responsi-bility and whatever consequences would be delivered. To this day, I hold this child in such high esteem, knowing how much it took to take that giant step forward and admit the truth. I once discussed with a group of stu-dents how they were as guilty as a bully because they had stood by and done nothing to stop an altercation. One of

proof that I was ready to grow and expe-rience the most valuable part of the Chan-dler curriculum. Though all of the Six Pillars of Character are important, my exposure to citizenship at Chandler was, without a doubt, the most meaningful. In reflection, my experiences making the community of Pasadena better are my favorite memories from Chandler. From monthly Girl Scout and Boy Scout meet-ings beginning in kindergarten to the annual Thanksgiving canned food drive to the Arroyo Seco cleanup, the whole community of Chandler is constantly re-minded of the importance of citizenship. Out of all the opportunities that I had to get involved and be a good citizen in the communities of Chandler and Pas-adena, the Head Start Holiday Program was definitely my favorite. Every Decem-ber, beginning in the sixth grade, Chan-dler students work with the Head Start Program, an education program for chil-dren from low-income families, to ensure that all of the children receive a Christ-

these students, presently in the work force, recently stated to me that these words were never forgotten. A valuable lesson had been learned. As adults, we must stress to children the tremendous importance of charac-ter, which sadly is falling by the wayside. Adults at home and those at school must be role models in their honesty and other character teachings because truthfully, children easily see through falsehoods. If adults do not exhibit the highest of char-acter through their actions and words, it cannot be expected of children. I do continue to take pride in so many past students who are performing such good acts, in various capacities, in all areas of the world. I feel privileged and honored to have played a small role in helping lead them along the paths to their successes. They have made my years in the teaching profession so very satisfying and worthwhile by becoming such solid, stellar citizens, and I am deeply grateful to each one.

Bev Jacobson taught fifth grade at Chandler for 21 years. She remains a frequent pres-ence on campus for events and celebrations. She is enjoying increased time for reading and communicating with former students and parents.

mas present. For nine years, I was fortunate enough to grow in a community that not only em-braces the Six Pillars of Character, but also provides its students with count-less opportunities to make a difference in our community. I continue to utilize the lessons and experiences surrounding citi-zenship as a member of the communities of the Westridge School, Girl Scouts, and Pasadena. My “TCR” ring will definite-ly come with me to college next year and serve as a constant reminder of my expo-sure to the Six Pillars of Character for the past seventeen years.

Sara Jane Stephens ’10 is a senior at Westridge School for Girls. She is captain of the golf team, the ASB activities head and a member of the service committee. She volunteers at Huntington Memorial Hospital and is working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award. She will attend Southern Methodist University in Texas next year.

c i T i z e n s h i p

SArA JANe STePHeNS ’10

It was just the other day, when packing up my childhood bedroom, that I discovered a box filled with all of my Chandler mem-orabilia. I found my acceptance letter, my first green jumper, all nine of my year-books, my diploma, and at the bottom, my “TCR” ring. Out of all of the items in the box, I was happiest to stumble across my “TCR” ring, the one memento that I have left from Mrs. Green’s kindergarten class at Chandler. As a kindergartner, there was nothing more that I wanted than to earn the ring that stood for trustworthiness, citizen-ship, care, respect, responsibility and fair-ness, for receiving the “TCR” ring was

BeV JACoBSoN

“Academic marks are important, but it is your character that will get you furthest in this world.” Over the years, I often stated these words to many of my classes, al-though it might not have been the most popular statement with some of my students’ parents. However, the truth lies in the achievements of past students, many with whom I still communicate. Not all the most successful students were my top ones, but they were those who showed respect for themselves and others, who believed in honesty at all costs, who showed compassion, who persevered, who learned that failure was a part of success, who showed good sportsmanship, who learned from their mistakes and who tried their hardest to be good citizens. In latter years of my career, I


The TowerBuilt in 1972 as the entrance to what was formerly Chandler high School, the Tower ended up serving as the gateway to the

South Campus for thousands of students, parents and visitors.

In order to satisfy the master plan submitted to the City of Pasadena, a new two‑story parking structure and Tower are being built as part of the ongoing South

Campus campaign.

As Chandler embarks on the project to construct the new parking structure and Tower, the community has reflected on the Tower and

40 years of memories that start with Chandler high School and continue through this decade. The following

pages contain favorite Tower memories, scenes from the Farewell

to the Tower event held in early February, student poetry and artwork

inspired by the Tower and details of the new Tower and the South

Campus Campaign.


Favorite Tower memories

My fondest Tower memory was hearing a visiting basketball team talking on their way to the gym and getting to the top of the Tower saying something like, “This is going to be a hard game, I bet this team is in great shape doing this every day.”Karissa hurzeler ’05

When my kids (Jon ’97 and Kristina ’00) were little and my office was in the lower reaches of the old Middle School, I used to park in the Seco lot. Since I was usually one of the first persons on campus, I would unlock the lower gate at the bottom of the Tower. My kids never waited for me to unlock the gate. They just squeezed between the bars of the gate and started up the Tower. Mr. Kondrath

I’ve seen a fair number of items thrown off the Tower (cell phones, backpacks, etc.), and I’ve seen them survive to reach the end of

the school year! gabrielle Carroll ’10

You know, it wasn’t that hard to unbolt all those stairs… they all ended up in Tom McCambridge and Tom Chandler’s offices one morning. randy rose ’72 Chs ’76

I remember having lunch with the boys in the side room. That

room was our getaway. If we had been smart enough to take our trash out, we may have not been discovered. Corky Zoff ’73 Chs ’77

The secret room of course... Lindsay Zobrist ’91

The first time I was set to walk up the tower in third grade I was so daunted

that I had my parents drive around to drop me off at the Armada Drive entrance. I’m also pretty sure I have

a dent in my right shin from tripping up the Tower’s stairs one morning

heading in to school. I was a bit accident prone, so when I walked

into the office with an injury at 7:45 a.m., Mrs. Glista looked at me and

just said, “Already?” sidney Karesh ’08

Of course dropping eggs off the Tower in science class!

taliyah Monet robinson ’01

I remember when some of the Middle School productions were staged

progressively. The audience would begin at the bottom of the Tower and

scenes would take place throughout the South Campus. I’m pretty sure at

least “Tempest Tossed” and “Wizard of Oz” were both staged in this

fashion. This was the mid-90’s. randy sinnott ’98

In my early teens I spent a couple summers working odd jobs at

Chandler—earning money for my first car. What I remember

most about the Tower is applying linseed oil to each and every

step one of those summers. Not a difficult task, but it did take some

time to do all those steps. I also learned that you don’t store used rags from linseed oiling the Tower steps near anything combustible. A small fire started in the trash one of those work days,

making for some brief excitement on campus. dave drewry ’84


Farewell to the Tower

Faculty, staff and alumni from Chandler High School pose in front of the Tower:Carmie Rodriguez, Matt Wright ’74 ChS ’78, Priscilla Flynn, Katie horton Safford ’74 ChS ’78, Jay Sullivan ’72 ChS ’76, Randy Rose ’72 ChS ’76, Cortland Zoff ’73 ChS ’77 and Lisa Curry Austin ’74 ChS ’78

More than 300 Chandler community members gathered to say farewell to the Tower on Saturday, Feb. 1. The afternoon included

BBQ, live music and a variety of activities inspired by the traditions developed over the 42 years of the Tower’s life. Children and adults

alike enjoyed one last Tower egg drop as well as new activities, which included writing farewell messages on the walls and steps of the

Tower. Alumni and past parents reminisced about their adventures both in and around the Tower, sharing with one another new stories

about the secret room and more.

A group of Chandler High School faculty, staff and alumni gathered at the bottom of the Tower, the last remaining physical reminder of

Chandler High School, for a final photo in front of the Tower.


Tower art & poetry

we Have to Break upBy noah draney ’14

Dear darling Tower,I do not know how to say this gently

So I will be blunt with youWe have to break upOh please don’t cryIt’s not you, it’s me

I have to leaveGo off to a new place with new buildings

It’s not like we haven’t had our share of great timesLike when…Or maybe…

Ok maybe not too many great times togetherYou were more like lice,

I could never shake you out of my hairEach step of yours leading to a dungeon of reading

and writing and arithmeticSo with gladness I say

Farewell my dear, darling Tower

The TowerBy shaya naimi ’15

The Tower stands and waitsPatient, silent, strong.

The TowerIt rises up from a campus born from spirit

And transformed by radianceThe Tower was constructedOn gratitude and honesty

It is the platform that supportsThe strong community

That we can call our school.The tower welcomes me

With a warm and friendly smileEmbraces me

With arms made from strong, wise wood.Now it greets me for the last time.

We say goodbye to the Tower.Its ancient wood is old,But its memory is new.


The Mountain Climbers of The Tower

By fiona Captan ’15

Thump, thump, thumpI hear the footsteps

Of little feetBig feet

High heelsSneakers

All hiking upOur Mount Everest.

Their gear strapped to their backsNavigation key in hand

Sunshine rays sniffling their backs.

Thump, Thump, ThumpA long way you hike

Up this treacherous pathSinging songs with friends

Laughing till the end.

When you reach the topA heavy load

Lifted off your backYou yell at your friends

Tell them to wait upYou just hiked

the tallest mountain to begin your true journey.

The Stairs from the driveway to Heaven

By Kaley Penichet-Khaw ’15

Arriving everyday to the TowerEveryone’s worst dreamsUp the 42 stairs we go

Racing my brotherOnly 30 stairs to go

We turn the corners up the towerWhere all our memories lieWhen we grab the railing

Splinters dig themselves into our handsEach stair burning our legs

Finally we have come to the gateEntering the heavens of ChandlerWe depart and go on our way

Never forgetting the morning battle of the Tower

The TowerBy Max rosenfeld ’15

It is the gateway to schoolThe portal to learning

It helps us get where we are todayStaying here for all the ups and downs

And all the constructionTo transport you from ignorance

To success.


Every!Single!

Morning!. ...in a bright, sunny, and beautiful day

comes a small but bigdreadful time ....

Filled with fond memoriesfrom students to teachers,

this giant, burnt-umberstands in front of our time

into the gatesof Chandler School.

From racing up,before the bell rings

to racing downto free the day

this giant formationstands in our way.

Tower art & poetry

On occasion,during a stormthis formationkeeps us aridand happylike we all should be!

Everybody awaits,for this time to be done,but after all,our day would be unfinishedwithout walkingwhat seems likea hike to the Himalayas.

After tens of years,we must say goodbyeto this very historical featureof Chandler’s big citizenry.

But! Don’t be depressed‘cause a more modernTower will be comingto town!

Chandler’s Tower of Togethernessby Caitlin fong ’15

The TowerBy Lena Kadogawa ‘14

Groggy, dazed, and confused, I shut the car doorA typical morning, just like the one before

The routine has been the sameFrom the playful days of third grade

To the angsty eighth-grade daysI approach The Tower every day.A skyscraper when I was youngBut just a flight of stairs todayWhat was a tiring expedition

Now just a pesky routine.Aged but strong, it stands majestically

With each wooden step now more splintered than before.Here yesterdayGoing today

Gone tomorrowBut the memories still remain.


what is next for the Tower?

The Chandler School community has bid a long, fond farewell to the iconic Tower that served the school as an entrance off Seco for more than 40 years. By the middle of March, the Tower that had stood over the campus will make way for a larger, two-story parking struc-ture and handicapped-accessible el-evator required by the City of Pas-adena. Work began in mid-February to prepare the site for construc-tion and to install temporary stairs for use during the expected nine months that it will take to com-plete the new entrance complex. Built into the hillside below the Middle School, the new facility will serve as an attractive and wel-coming entry point for the South Campus. The elevator tower, with its 108 wrap-around steps from top to bottom, will have several lookout landings along the way. Both levels of the garage will be able to access the central el-evator tower and will have separate entrances and exits from the driveway. Among the most anticipated elements of the project are 63 much-needed parking spaces for faculty, staff and visitors. Ever since construction began on the first phase of the South Campus Campaign in 2010, parking on the Seco lot has been restricted, and faculty and staff have been shuttled to and from the Rose Bowl parking lots to avoid crowding street parking in the neighborhood. The new parking garage will shorten faculty commute time, provide visitors with off-street parking, and offer a safer pickup and drop-off venue for students. The Tower and entrance facility follow important campus improvements made during the first phase of the Commitment to Excellence: Chandler South Campus Campaign, including a spacious Middle School classroom building with a multipurpose au-

ditorium and library resource center. For the Tower phase, the school has set a fundraising goal of about $9 million, largely to cover the cost of the complex engineering and construction required to build the Tower complex into the steep slope. Naming opportu-nities include the Tower, parking garage and lookout sites. In addition, donors who contribute $50,000 or more will be recognized as special Tower Families on a permanent donor wall situated prominently at the top of the Tower. While anticipation and focus have shifted to the beautiful new entrance facility for the school, the old Tower will still have a place on campus. Pieces of the Tower will be salvaged and repurposed elsewhere so that a bit of its storied history will always be at Chan-dler. For more information on plans for the new Tower and parking facility, or how you can support the project, please contact Director of Development Laura Dicovitsky at 626-795-9990 or [email protected].


Lauren speaking to the improv elective.Sarah speaking with students during a current events elective class.

Jason, Andrea Swain and Jennifer Kaye

chatting with Mrs. Leese.

JasOn ander ’99ad sales marketing and promotions manager, huluhigh School: Flintridge Preparatory SchoolCollege: Boston College

“Walking in was so surreal, but yet it felt exactly the same,” Jason said of re-turning to Chandler. “It felt so natural and refreshing— like home. It was so cool to have that feeling. The ex-perience of Alumni Visiting Day was awesome, and it was what I had hoped for: a chance to reconnect with alumni and faculty. I love Chandler and really enjoyed coming back.” Jason’s advice to the students cen-tered around making the most of every opportunity. “You have one shot at today,” he said, “and there are no do-overs in life. Make today the best you can make it.”

concepts discussed in English and history classes to bear on current policy issues like health care reform. It was a plea-sure coming back, and I encourage all my fellow alumni to do the same!”

LaUren herMan ’99actress: “Pretty little liars,” “90210,” “the office,” “how i Met Your Mother”high School: Polytechnic SchoolCollege: University of California, Berkeley

After earning a bachelor’s degree in mi-crobiology, Lauren decided to not attend medical school as had been the plan, and instead returned to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. “I really enjoyed talking to the kids,” said Lauren of her time speaking with students during elective period and the lunch panel. “I love how curious they

Alumni Visiting day

Alumni and former faculty members converged on campus for the annual Alumni visiting Day, which featured an all‑star alumni lunchtime panel from the Class of 1999. A handful of the alumni from the Class of 1999 participated in Middle School classes, sharing their

experiences and expertise with eager students. The panel was made up of:

sarah aXeen ’99Ph.d. Candidate in health Policy, USChigh School: Polytechnic high School College: Pomona Collegegraduate School: University of Southern California

Having spent several years working on legislation for the Affordable Care Act in Washington, D.C. for the Congressional Budget Office thanks to an opportuni-ty brought to her by a Chandler alumnus, Sarah is now in the third year of the PH.D. program in health policy.“I had a wonderful time coming back to Chandler,” says Sarah. “While all of the buildings look new and different, it is still the same school with exceptional-ly bright students and dedicated teachers. I was particularly struck by the students’ awareness of what’s going on in the world around them and their ability to bring


Jennifer catching up with Mrs. Owen. Mana speaking with students during a current events elective class.Matt answering questions in

Mrs. Dretzka’s english class.

her classmates in the day’s activities. “I had always wanted to be more involved as a Chandler alumna. This school provid-ed me with some of the happiest memo-ries of my life, but I was never sure about how I could possibly contribute at this point in my life,” says Mana. “Alumni Visiting Day this year helped me realize that there are so many ways that I could be a part of the Chandler community for a lifetime. Being back on campus with Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Leese, Mr. Salmon, Mr. Kondrath and Mrs. Laird made it feel like I was their student just yesterday, and made me realize that Chandler will always be my home. “It was especially phenomenal to come back to campus with my amazing classmates, who continue to inspire and amaze me with their accomplishments beyond imagination. I was so amazed to see how far we’ve all come in 15 years since graduating from Chandler, but also how incredible it was that we could just pick up right where we left and still feel like real family. Experiencing the contin-ued bond with some of my closest class-mates was the best gift I could have ever asked for from Chandler as an alumna.”

Matt rising ’99attorneyhigh School: loyola high SchoolCollege: duke Universitygraduate School: UCla School of law

Alumni Visiting Day was particular-ly memorable for Matt, who, in addi-tion to participating in the day’s events on campus, was awaiting his result from the bar examination that evening. [He passed.] Matt joined Donna Dretzka’s eighth grade English class to provide legal context to the class’ discussion of life in the U.S. in the 1930’s, a precursor to the study of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Matt is now an attorney with a boutique law

were about [the alumni panel] and what we do. I was so happy to see that so many of them love a show that the whole crew and I work so hard on.” Lauren focused her remarks on follow-ing passion. “I hope, if anything, I helped them to see that you really have to follow your passions to make yourself happy,” she says. “Even if people may think you’re crazy for going a certain route, doing what you love will end up being the most rewarding.”

Jennifer Kaye ’99Cable sales manager, CBS television high School: Flintridge Preparatory SchoolCollege: Boston College

“I was supposed to be a lawyer,” Jennifer told the students during the lunch panel, “and I’m not a lawyer. And that’s ok. You’re going to find something you like

and then you might find that you don’t like it anymore, or that something better has come along. There’s no wrong answer. Try – the world is open to you.” After returning to campus, Jenni-fer remarked that little at Chandler has changed. “Chandler remains commit-ted to educating the whole person, and the foundation is what makes the person successful. I am successful because I was taught to work hard, and the expectations were set very high, making me expect that much more of myself.” Jennifer in particular enjoyed the lunch panel. “The questions the students asked were good questions, and it was neat to see that the challenges we faced at their age are the same now but with the added layer of the digital age. The stu-dents are trying to figure out their next step.”

Mana naKagaWa ’99Ph.d. Candidate, education Policy, Stanford; internationalresearch lead, “lean in”high School: Polytechnic SchoolCollege: University of Pennsylvaniagraduate School: Stanford University

A Fulbright scholar who spent two years researching in Japan, a member of the “Lean In” team performing internation-al research to promote Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s bestselling book and a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in education policy performing research on gender equality issues, Mana brought a wealth of experience to Alumni Visiting Day. “The friendships you make at Chan-dler are so powerful,” she told the stu-dents, “that in 10-15 years, I hope you are back on campus with your classmates sharing words of wisdom and experienc-es. The friendships and community at Chandler, that’s what brought [the panel-ists] back here today.” Mana was instrumental in involving


The alumni panel from the class of 1999 with Mrs. Jacobson after the lunch program.

Tyler speaking with hunter harper ’12 after the lunch program. Catherine with fifth‑graders in P.e.Andrea with Mrs. Leese

firm in Manhattan that works with start-ups and emerging companies. “Take off on a bunch of different paths,” Matt told the students during the lunch panel. “Whatever interests you, go all the way with it. And when you want to try something new, make a turn and do that. Explore new interests and go full speed ahead. Don’t be afraid to try new things—that will help to form you into the person you are going to be.” Reflecting on Alumni Visiting Day, Matt says, “It was so much fun to re-connect with my classmates and hear about all the interesting things they’ve learned and accomplished since our time at Chandler. It was also such a treat to be able to interact with the current students in the classroom. I was inspired and im-pressed by their thoughtful discussions. Seeing the loving faces of my former teachers and school staff reminded me that Chandler will always be home.”

Catherine stePhens ’99Marketing manager, Walt disney Studios Motion Pictures high School: Polytechnic SchoolCollege: University of Southern Californiagraduate School: University of Southern California

The first person to be able to ride a unicy-cle in P.E. with Mr. Anderson, Catherine sees great value in athletics at Chandler. “Sports at Chandler was such a great op-portunity,” she says. “The skills I learned while working as a team have helped me in the corporate world.” “Explore, discover. Talk to people,” Catherine Stephens told the students, “and ask questions about how they came to be where they are. Ask people to share with you what worked and what didn’t. Stay intellectually curious.”

tyLer stUtin ’99lieutenant, United States Coast guardhigh School: Flintridge Preparatory SchoolCollege: United States Merchant Marine academy - active duty with U.S. Coast guard graduate School: University of California, irvine

Currently in the JAG program and in his second year of law school, Tyler Stutin says he was honored to be a part of Alumni Visiting Day. “I have felt for many years that the academic and social foundation built during my time at Chandler directly impacts each and every endeavor that I have pursued since grad-uating in 1999,” says Tyler. “It was heart-ening to see that the Chandler commu-nity remains so vibrant and so warm. Around each corner of the beautifully renovated campus were familiar faces and forgotten memories. A group of students huddled around Mr. McCarty at recess, a line to buy ice cream from Mr. Korn, Mr. Anderson’s shrill whistle echoing off the gym walls…much has changed, but the Chandler experience remains the same. The world can be a big, impersonal place. Chandler makes it less so. We returned home to a school that knows and re-members us as members of a very special family. I was humbled by the experience

and enjoyed the opportunity to share my own post-Chandler path with current students preparing to embark on their own journey.” “I was in the old Middle School library when I typed ‘coast guard’ into an Internet search engine,” recalls Tyler, “and that was the first step I took on the path I am on today. That’s how it started. And I’ve never looked back.”

andrea sWain ’99Co-owner and Creative director, the Break/Ba Productions llC high School: Mayfield Senior SchoolCollege: Southern Methodist University, the Parsons School

“Coming back to Chandler was so great!” says Andrea. Andrea spoke with students in art class about her choice to pursue art, the value of following one’s passions and the important lifetime friends she formed while at Chandler. “I truly enjoyed interacting with all the young and bright faces,” says Andrea. “It was also great to reconnect with the teachers, some of who are still there and some of who came back for the program. It was an unforgettable day.”


College ConnectionThe Chandler School Alumni Office kicked off the Chandler College Connection for the 2013-2014 school year with a care package stuffing party on Thursday, Oct. 10. More than a dozen past parents gathered in Johnson Library and Media Center to prepare more than 85 care packages for alumni in college with several packages travelling as far as China, Australia and Costa Rica. Through the Chandler College Connection, alumni in college receive birthday cards, care packages, Shamrock magazines, announcements and invitations to alumni and school events.

More than 60 alumni and past parents gathered in the Johnson Library and Media Center on the new South Campus for the annual

Alumni and Past Parent Wine Tasting on Friday, Nov. 22.

A robust spread of food was donated by Richard ’89 and Susan Mandeville via their restaurant

The Fat Dog. Ample wine was on hand, including several cases from Argentina courtesy of a cousin

of Chris Waldheim ’81, who runs Casarena Winery and Vineyards. Chris Wright ’78, himself

a winemaker, donated a few special bottles of a Grenache Syrah blend he made at Carr Vineyards

and Winery in Santa Barbara that were not yet released to the public. Past parent Donn Sells also secured a donation of white wine for the occasion

from his longtime friend John Brass.

Accompanied by “The Rhythm Section,” a jazz combo featuring Chandler alumni Andres Mendoza ’11, Matt

Saltzman ’11 and Sam Hood ’11, attendees mingled and enjoyed the ambience, enhanced with artwork by Patrick

Farrand ’82. Patrick displayed a collection of portraits and landscapes from his studio, Studio 1021 in Long Beach.


head of School John Finch, Katie Chandler, Mr. hill, former headmaster Jeff Stephens, former President of Board of Trustees Mike healy and former Assistant head of School Marie Kidd at graduation in 2005

Mr. Hill

I think that I left The Chandler School about 20 years ago, but in body only [note: Mr. Hill retired in 1992]. In the early ’90s, my wife and I went to Czechoslovakia on a volunteer service program. We spent a year and a half in Hradec Králové, a university center about 75 miles from Prague. We taught English to the doctors in the School of Pathology and worked with youth orga-nizing sports and leadership programs. We discovered many life-long friends. While in Czechoslovakia, we also were able to establish a connection with the State Philharmonic Orchestra. After re-turning home, we arranged to perform three national concerts with the or-chestra, featuring the Faure “Requiem” and the Utah Heritage Choir. As a par-ticipant in the Heritage Choir and a board member, I was able to help set up concerts in Carnegie Hall; in Yervan, Armenia; in Merida, Mexico; to tour Russia with the choir; and to be a well-wisher of the Choir’s performance in China. My wife Janice and I followed our wanderlust for quite a number of years visiting more countries than I can name. In 1993 we settled down in St. George, Utah, a beautiful resort town-ship quite close to Las Vegas and also near three national parks. Our Califor-nia real estate dollars bought us a large home here where we hosted more than 300 overnight guests the first two years we were here. Our home came to be

known as the “Hilton” among many friends and acquaintances. I have had the pleasure of participat-ing in a number of civic organizations and activities. It was indeed an honor to be on the board of the first charter school in Utah. My enthusiasm for painting and writing found many op-portunities in St. George. To my ques-tionable credit I have written a book “Fifty Original Poems.” Here’s one from it:

The Light of Learning I thought that I had been there before

Until you put your hand upon the door.

Darkness as the darkest night

Is what I had perceived as light

Until you opened the door and gave me sight.

I also have written an allegorical fantasy, “After The Dark.” The first printing has sold out. Not everyone thought it was great, but a few did. I am in the process of editing it, and would like to give a few copies to the Chandler library. I aimed it to readers like the ones I knew and appreciated at Chandler. I will finish a play in a few weeks, which will be presented by the Drama Department of Dixie University here in St. George. My first wife, Janice, passed away approxi-mately five years ago. Vilda and I celebrate our third anniversa-ry this year. She also loves travel-ing. This year we will undertake our most adventurous

journey when we sail out of Ft. Lau-derdale, Fla., through the Caribbean Sea for a 50 day tour of South America. We will dock in Los Angeles and recall special memories of a treasured part of my life at Chandler School. I think with abiding love of the many special teachers and students I knew and cared about there. I will be 89 years old this year and I recall the words of a student whose first name was Robert. I’m not certain what the occasion was, but I remember his looking at me intently and saying, “Mr. Hill, it is better to wear out than it is to rust out.” He might also appropriately have added from Kipling’s poem, “If”:

If you can hold on, long after nerve and sinew are gone and there’s nothing left within you but the will which says to

them, ‘Hold on’...(paraphrased) So, through the years after I retired from Chandler, “What have I been doing?” I truly hope I can say: Among other ideals, trying to find out what is a person’s best legacy. And I am sure of this: To find a way how to be of the best service to others, to make a dif-ference in their lives that will change myself and them in a positive way that will last forever. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that one of the best sources for such ideals was found in Chandler School. For this I will always be grateful.


Mrs. Owen

I retired in 2011, the culmination of a 30-year teaching career, the last 19 spent happily at Chandler School. In my first year of retirement, I enjoyed a three-week adventure with family and a dear friend to Russia, Sweden, Finland, Holland and Estonia. Following my travels, I gravitated back to Chan-dler as a substitute teacher. I enjoyed all of the perks of being on campus again with students and friends, and enjoyed working in the Lower School, which was a change from my years of teaching seventh and eighth grade. I had such a fun time! I love visiting family. For years I regularly traveled back and forth from California to South Carolina to visit my sister and extended family. I have since made the official decision to purchase a property in South Carolina, where I split my time with my home in Pas-adena. I return to Pasadena often to see my daugh-ter, Chandler fifth grade teacher Jennifer Smith, her husband Eric, and their children Calvin and Cassan-dra. I also travel to Dallas, Texas to visit my daugh-ter Christiana West, her husband Tom and their three children Nick, Sophia and Isabella. In South Carolina, I participate in my local church and am enjoying an art history course through the University of South Carolina, which partners with a local art museum. I earned a designation as a master gardener after completing a program at Clemson Uni-versity, and I volunteer with a local gardening group in South Carolina and support local country and city efforts to educate the public on environmental aware-ness and horticultural projects. When I came to Chandler, the difference in atmo-sphere was immediately noticeable. In the classroom setting, I found creative and curious students, con-genial and talented colleagues and supportive caring parents. How fortunate I was to be there! The community character of the school was united, moving progressively toward academic excellence. The school’s collective citizenship reflected a sense of pride in its unity. The Chandler Code and Six Pillars of Character are traits unlike the DNA traits with which

we are born. Rather, they can be adopted by modeling and practice and eventually become part of one’s indi-viduality. Just as pillars provide support for a structure, Chandler’s pillars serve as fundamental reinforcement strengthening our purpose. Chandler’s pillars include trustworthi-ness, respect, responsibil-ity, fairness, caring, and communi-ty. I fondly re-member pro-grams which clearly demonstrate these traits:• The Middle School elective that works

with Head Start children• School-wide Arroyo cleanup days• Running in the Race for the Cure• The annual Humane Society dog walks• Cleanup at the Ronald McDonald house• Selling pens for profit to be sent to disaster

victims here and abroad• Collecting shoes and sending them to

third-world countries• Working with Club 21 students

In reflection, as students move on to high school and college to emerge as citizens in their multi-varied careers and lives, I recognize even more the superior value of the Chandler experience.

Martha Owen, Lasley Biven and Mal Wilson on Alumni visiting Day.


a l u m n i

Class Notes

Patrick dougherty ’62 sends his classmates all the best.

debra danner ’74 is a doctoral student and Campbell Fellow in education at the Rossi-er School of Education at the University of Southern California. She recently completed a master’s degree in teaching from USC’s Rossi-er School, with a certificate in gifted educa-tion. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University and a juris doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

laura Brown ’74 received her Ph.D. in English and compara-tive literature from Columbia University. Her book “How to Write Anything: A Complete Guide,” will be published by W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. in April 2014.

Laura will return to Pasadena for a book signing event at Vroman’s Bookstore in Old Town Pasadena in May 2014. While she is in town, Laura will return to Chandler School as a guest speaker for Donna Dretzka’s eighth grade English classes.

laura Sloan Smith ’74 CHS ’78 is living in San Diego and is the principal for a local elementary school.

Heather Bohr unterseher ’81 is living in Pasadena with her husband Thomas and three children ages 13, 11 and eight. She is looking forward to a 35th reunion in a couple of years. Heather and family have been in the process of building a home on her parents’ property in the Linda Vista area for a “looooong” time and look forward to hopefully moving in this year.

Kenji Berliner ’84 owns a law firm in Las Vegas and travels frequently to California for business.

lisa richards russell ’84 lives in Charlotte, N.C. with her husband Daniel and their dog Logan. Lisa works for Wells Fargo as an IT project manager. She and her husband enjoy mountain biking, hiking and anything else that takes them outside. She is really excited

to brag that her nephew, Luke ’22, loves kindergarten at Chandler and she sends all the best to her Chandler friends.

william “Billy” Picture ’85 lives in San Francisco. His company Pink Collar Events is a full-service event production company.

Jennifer Jackson Berger ’85 is the chief advancement officer at Five Acres, The Boys’ and Girls’ Aid Society of Los Angeles County.

Patrick ross ’85 and his wife Lyudmila live in Pasadena practically within view of Chan-dler. They have three boys, ages five, three and one. Patrick is the vice president and cor-porate counsel at International Lease Finance Corporation ILFC, which owns Boeing and Airbus jets and leases them to airlines around the world.

david Neblett ’90 is a board certified ad-miralty and maritime lawyer. He was married on Nov. 9, 2013.

Brecken Armstrong-Kelsey ’91 is an emer-gency medicine doctor. She lives with her hus-band and daughter in Altadena near their families. They love being parents to Gwyn who is three and a half and in preschool. In their spare time, they are renovating their 1920’s tudor revival in Altadena. Brecken has enjoyed reconnecting with Chandler alumni at recent events and hopes to see more of ev-eryone.

rachel Foullon ’92 had her first exhibi-tion with the Halsey McKay Gallery in East Hampton, N.Y. in September, called “Shapen-ers.”

Mary Abdo ’94 has lived in Mumbai, India for the past two years with her husband James. They were married in December 2012 and look forward to welcoming their first baby in July. Living in one of the world’s most exciting, crowded and bustling cities has been life-changing, but visits home to Pasadena

always make Mary wonder why she ever left California. James is a journalist, and Mary works as a consultant in the education sector, which has taken her this year to Australia, Morocco, Malaysia, Gabon, Qatar, and many other new places. She is also (very slowly) finishing a novel.

david Bradley ’94 lives in Santa Barbara, Calif. with his wife Chelsea and two children, Juliet (four) and Colin (two). He spends two nights a week in Los Angeles for his job as chief

operating officer of the Brentwood based hedge fund Hawk Ridge Partners. David is a graduate of Claremont McKenna.

Annabelle Chan ’94 is living in Brooklyn, N.Y. with her husband and two-and-a-half year old daughter. Annabelle is working on educational policy issues as an attorney with the NYC Department of Education.

Catherine ellis deMott ’94 graduated from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and family and human develop-ment. She met her husband at Utah State, and they’ve been married for almost 13 years and have four children. They are living in Idaho on a farm and love the country life. Catherine is a Beachbody coach and runs health and fitness groups online.

Michael dempsey ’94 graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder and has a degree in both English literature and sociol-ogy. He lives with his wife Sarah in San Fran-cisco and is an executive search director for Schweichler, Price, Mullarkey and Barry, a re-tained executive search firm for the technolo-gy industry.


Seanah lebed ’94 resides in San Luis Obispo, Calif. with her husband and son. She graduated from the Califor-nia Institute of the Arts with a degree in musical arts, with a focus on vocal arts. Seanah currently spends her time working as a CFO for

Cloud Company and happily shuffling her son Atreyu around the state for gymnastics competitions.

Frank luh ’94 is a medical researcher for City of Hope.

Claire Pastre Marco ’94 and her husband of seven years, Darren, have just moved to Pasadena after living in New York City, Santa Monica, and Austin, Texas. Claire is a senior merchant at BASE4, a CPG company based in Texas, and mother to George (18 months) and Millo (three months). She still regularly sees fellow alumni Noelle Ito ’94 and Eliz-abeth Parks ’94, and is thrilled to be liv-ing not five minutes from her brother Char-lie Pastre ‘91 and his wife, who are expecting their first child in April.

lauren Poindextre ’94 is studying in Roanoke, Va. at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and plans to enter an orthopedic surgery residency after graduation in 2015. She received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from USC

(thank you, Mrs. Leese!) and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Arkansas. While working as an athletic trainer at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., she fell in love with the operating room. Lauren is a published author on synthetic materials in regenerative medicine. Her current research project focuses on prevention of blood clots in uninsured trauma patients. She is looking forward to moving back to California ASAP!

Christopher rhoades ’94 has been living in London for six years. He works for Disney. His husband heads two classes in a school that caters to

autistic children. They’ve been enjoying their time in Europe, having been to France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Morocco. Christopher has even managed to get to Moscow for work. They are enjoying the country and plan on settling in London long-term. Christopher saw Mary Abdo ’94 in London just before she moved to India.

Neal Salisian ’94 attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with dual degrees in finance and computer applica-tions. While there, he was a two-time monogram recipient on the Division I fencing team. Neal then attended the University of Southern Califor-

nia Law School. After graduation, he became an associate attorney in the Los Angeles office of Philadelphia-based Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and practiced there for five years until he formed a new firm: Salisian Lee LLP. The firm is a six-attorney boutique business and real estate litigation firm located in down-town Los Angeles. Neal lives in west Los Angeles with his wife Stephanie, whom he met while at Notre Dame.

Patrick Stevenson ’94 enjoyed a 10-year tour with his band The BFoundation. Currently living in Sierra Madre, Patrick continues to play music and enjoys playing roller and ice hockey in his free time. He is in solar power sales and teaches model rocketry

and computer classes for Summer@Chandler.

rick Thompson ’94 is a math instructor and soccer coach for Polytechnic School.

Brandon dickerson ‘96 and his wife Chel-sea reside in Pasadena with their son Barrett (21 months). They are expecting their second child in September. Brandon works at ABC Television as the director of the western re-gion in ABC Affiliate Relations.

eszter (lengyel) Neuman ’96 and Ariel Neuman welcomed a baby boy, Zev Loren Neuman, on Aug. 13, 2013 in Los Angeles. In his first few weeks, Zev met Chandler alumna Kelsey (Peterson-More) Szamet ’96, who lives in Pasadena. Zev often

wears green and blue onesies in preparation for his Chandler uniform.

Alumni Panel at 5th grade Parent info Night “Middle School and Beyond” Theo rosenfeld ’12 is a sophomore at Flintridge Prep and had a lead role in the fall play, “Our Country’s Good.” Further activities include playing on the baseball team and the Comedy Sportz improv team.

Sara Jane Stephens ’10 is a senior at Westridge School. She will be attending Southern Methodist University next year. Read more from Sara Jane on page 13.

Alyssa rivas ’10 is a senior at Mayfield Senior. She is the president of the Associated Student Body and captain of the cross country team.

Tyler Fong ’10 is a senior at Flintridge Prep. He is the captain of the cross country team and looking forward to track season this spring.


david Plotkin ’96 lives in New York and is the director of production & creative services for CBS Radio. He enjoyed returning to Chandler in August for a visit and tour of the new campus.

Hilary Tate ’96 attended the University of Miami where she majored in architecture and minored in sports medicine. After college, she moved to New York and practiced archi-tecture until 2011, but fell out of love with it. Now, she is neck deep in pre-med science classes and will apply to dental school in June.

Farrell Heydorff young ’96 is the assis-tant to the head of middle school at Westridge School.

Jon Kondrath ‘97 and Kristina Kondrath ’00 continue to grow ReKon Productions, which they co-founded. At the beginning of 2014, the business moved offices to a larg-er space, which is set to include a medium-sized sound stage. In 2013, a feature film that Jon produced, “A Leading Man,” premiered at the Hawaii Film Festival, followed by a run in the Austin Film Festival. It is scheduled to be the opening night film at the DisOri-ent Film Festival in Oregon in April. Kristina is a USC graduate and former manager of the USC women’s basketball team. Most recently she produced the film “Ending Up” and two web series: “Callbacks,” and “Milk and Hon-ey” starring Debbie Allen and Idris Elba. She currently is working on the feature film “7 on 10.”

Kate Boswell ’98 married Travis Reynolds on Oct. 5, 2013 at the home of her parents, Jim ’66 and Suzanne Boswell. Her brother Cameron ’93 was the officiant. Her sister Liz ’91 and brother Dan ’99

were members of the wedding party. Fellow Chandler grads Lia Wilson ’98 and Matt Gangi ’98 also attended the wedding along with seventh grade English teacher Ashley Laird.

Andrew lebed ’98 is a graduate of Columbia University and is a proud member of the FDNY.

oliver Pilco ’99 is a partner at Landmark Dividend, LLC, which started four years ago

with a team of six and has since grown to 180 people.

Allison House ’03 is living and working in Boston, Mass.

isamu Mcgregor ’03 graduated from NYU and continues to love being based in Brooklyn, N.Y. as a musician, composer and arranger.

Michelle Bigony ’05 is teaching Spanish I at Delcastle Technical High School in Dela-ware.

Justin liu ‘05 returned to Chandler School for Veteran’s Day to speak to the Middle School during morning assembly. Justin is a member of the U.S. Navy. He recalled his desire to serve being fostered at Chandler and deciding in second grade that he wanted to be a naval aviator. Why? He had seen “Top Gun.” Justin is an anti-submarine warfare and legal officer serving aboard USS Gary FFG 51 and describes his service as a “natural step” in giving back to community and country.

Nick grover ’06 is the team captain for the University of Pennsylvania water polo team. The team won the Ivy League collegiate club championship for the first time ever, won the Mid-Atlantic Division championship and placed fifth in the National Collegiate Club Championship, the school’s highest ever finish.

Phil Montoya ’06 will graduate from South-ern Methodist University this May.

Annie young ’06 will graduate in May from USC with a bachelor’s degree in biological sci-ences.

driss guessous ’08 was selected to play in the world championship in Turkey for the U.S. Juniors National Men’s Volleyball team. He is a starting varsity player for Ohio State University men’s volleyball team for the 2014 season and is a physics major.

Sidney Karesh ’08 is a sophomore studying international relations at Brown University. She also plays trombone in the Brown band.

Michael Anastasia ’09 is enjoying the University of Alabama and is a member of

Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity. Michael joined ESPN College Gameday hosts at the Univer-sity of Alabama for the game versus LSU.

Harper umfress ’09 is enjoying the Uni-versity of Washington and is in the midst of some interesting and challenging classes, all in an effort to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Sarah Anderson ’09 is now a freshman at Harvey Mudd College and previously attend-ed Milton Academy.

Jacqueline olive ’09 obtained a science and technology policy research internship at the Baker Institute for Public Policy, a non-partisan political think tank on Rice’s campus, during her first semester. Through this internship, she was able to attend the institute’s

20th anniversary gala and sit a few tables away from presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. Jackie is also a coxswain for Rice’s crew team and their 5:30 a.m. practices.

gabrielle Carroll ’10 is a senior at La Salle High School and currently pursuing her pas-sion as a singer and song writer.

Misao Mcgregor ’10 will be graduating from Westridge School in June.


Matt Saltzman ’11 and his bandmates in The Rhythm Section, Andres Mendoza ’11 on keys and Sam Hood ’11 on drums, are becoming a fixture at Chandler events. They have been playing together since the seventh grade. Andres is at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Sam is at St. Francis. Matt is at Poly and his favorite subjects are English and history. Matt loves all kinds of music and plays rock as well as jazz guitar. Matt performs with the Poly Jazz Band and with the Colburn School Jazz Ensemble. He has volunteered extensively at Libros Schmi-bros, a lending library serving the Hispanic community in Boyle Heights.

eli Snyder ’11 is a junior at Maranatha High School. He plays quarterback for the foot-ball team and was selected to the All-CIF first team offense in the Northwest Division.

Tyler Anastasia ’12 is a student athletic trainer for junior varsity and varsity football at La Salle High School.

James Anderson ’12 is now a sophomore at Brookline High School in Massachusetts.

dylan Crawford ’12 is a sophomore at St. Francis. He is a receiver on the varsity foot-ball team and was selected to the All-CIF first team.

Hanna Barakat ’13 is a freshman at Flin-tridge Prep. She says her transition from Chandler has been perfect as Prep picked up right where Chandler left off in eighth grade. Chandler alumni at Prep are very prepared for everything high school has to offer, both in-tellectually and in terms of organization.

ravi durairaj ’13 and Kami durairaj ‘13 are freshman at Harvard-Westlake and mem-bers of the debate team.

Sohni Kaur ’13 is a freshman at Harvard-Westlake. She says the transition overall has been a good one and she feels very comfort-able with the whole experience despite the challenges that come with attending a new school.

Linda Brackins Willett, mother of alumna Sarah Willett ’04 died peacefully at her home in Pasadena on July 29, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. In addition to Sarah, she is survived by her husband Bob, step-daughter Stephanie and her son Alex, grandchildren Amelia and Nate and older brothers Don and Terry. Eighth grade English teacher Donna Dretzka remembers Linda’s eagerness to lend a hand on campus. “Linda had a law background and for several years, she volunteered her time to assist me with the Chandler mock trial team. Sometimes, she brought along her wonderful husband, Bob, to help us with final preparations. She was a lovely person and so generous with her time and expertise. I think of her fondly.”

emilie Hu ’13 has made many new friends as a freshman at Flintridge Prep, but is still very close to Chandler friends at Prep and other schools. She is glad Chandler prepared her so well.

Alyson lo ’13 is a freshman at Flin-tridge Prep. She says she has been shown her strengths and weaknesses in high school, and she has enjoyed many new experiences. She can’t wait for what else is in store!

lilly Maxfield ’13 is a freshman at Flin-tridge Prep. She says adjusting to a new com-munity has been easy and the homework is manageable. Although it seems really impos-ing, high school is wonderful and there is ab-solutely nothing to worry about. Except may-be finals.

Charlotte Strasburg ’13 is a freshman at La Cañada High School. She is enjoying the amazing experience of high school. She says Chandler prepared her well by teaching study skills and how to prioritize time.

Maya Vasquez ’13 is a freshman at Flin-tridge Prep. She says while going to a new school after being a Chandler lifer was a bit intimidating at first, the transition has been smooth. High school is very fun and more in-dependent and she is enjoying the experience.

Alumni from the class of 2013: Ravi Durairaj, Tony Kukavica, Sabrina de Brito, Kami Durairaj and Sohni Kaur.


Once upon a time, large bells once rang to signal the start of school, change of periods and dismissal in Lower School and Middle School. A graduation gift from the Class of 1962, the Lower School bell originally belonged to Frank Clark “F.C.” Dougherty, grandfather of alumnus, Patrick Dougherty ’62. Located on the floor of a gazebo at his home on Bradford Street in Pasadena for more than 40 years, Dougherty donated the bell to Chandler School. Mr. Chandler and Mr. Shattuck had an idea for the bell’s use, and it became a fixture above the “original” Lower

School office remaining there for the next 38 years. Today, both the Lower and Middle School bells have been restored. The Lower School bell is located in Johnson Courtyard and the Middle School bell is located in the Middle School Courtyard. On Founder’s Day, Sept. 27, 2013, the bells were unveiled and students were dismissed to their classes by the sound of those bells rung by Mr. Korn (34 years at Chandler School), Mrs. Leese (31 years at Chandler School) and Mrs. Jacobson (21 years at Chandler School).

Welcome New Alumni Council Members

Historic Chandler School Bells restored

JOYCE MiTAMurA ’80 is both an alumna of Chandler and a parent: her daughter Yumi Balthazar ’16 is in sixth grade. “She is enjoying life as a Middle Schooler,” says Joyce, “and both she and I have fully immersed

ourselves into the Chandler community.” Joyce was a member of the Chandler Family Associates and served as president during the 2011‑2012 school year.

“Outside of Chandler, I keep busy managing some investment property. It looks like I might be teaching Japanese on a part‑time basis soon, and I enjoy taking fun vacations with my daughter and my husband, Mike. We’ve been to europe and Japan, and are about to embark on a Caribbean cruise with some good Chandler friends.”

AMiT SurA ’96 recalls leaving Chandler as one of the saddest days he can remember, having become so close to friends and teachers

in just two years. he says, “I am very excited at this opportunity to give back and stay involved with the Alumni Council!” Amit is in the middle of a one year fellowship in pediatric radiology at Children’s hospital Los Angeles, having earned degrees in molecular cell biology, business administration and healthcare management. “I am currently searching for any job that will let me practice radiology while allowing me to conduct my research,” he says.

TrAViS YOunG ’96 is happily married to the love of his life, erin Kaneko ‘96, and is the primary caregiver of their two little

boys, Tiernan (22 months) and Declan (two months). Travis is also an internet marketing consultant helping people and businesses increase leads and sales online through search engine optimization, pay‑per‑click advertising and social media marketing. This year he started his own company, Triton Web Marketing.

AnnuAl RepoRt 2012-2013


$1,000,000 tOtaL gOa

L

$887,990raised

$14,400raised

$112,010needed gifts

$35,600needed gifts

$50,0

00 aLUMni gOaL

CHANdler SCHool ANNuAl FuNd

Now is the time to donate to the 2013-2014 Annual Fund!

We are on track to reach our $1 million goal, but support of the entire Chandler community will be necessary to get there. Donations to the Annual Fund from our valued parents, past parents, grandparents and friends directly benefit our students by making possible

New technology and classroom resources Faculty and staff enrichment Creative art and music programs Financial aid

.... and much more.

An important part of our Annual Fund is participation by our valued alumni. Donations from alumni are directed to the Thomas A. Chandler

Scholarship Fund that provides tuition assistance to students who might not otherwise be able to afford a Chandler education. As part of the overall Annual Fund goal, the target for donations from alumni this year is an ambitous $50,000. Reaching this goal will only be possible with increased participation by all alumni. Every gift, no matter the size, is needed and appreciated. Additionally, Chandler School provides special recognition

through the Green and White Circle for donations of any size from young alumni from the classes of 2004-2013.

To make a donation to the Annual Fund, visit chandlerschool.org/annualfund.

To learn more about increasing your gift or reaching a giving level by utilizing a corporate

matching gift, visit matchinggifts.com/chandlerschool.

The Head of School Circle event recognizing donors of $5,000 or above to the Annual Fund was held at Twin Palms in November 2013. Thank you to all who contributed at this level.

in the 2012-2013 Annual report, the graduating years of John ’20 and Ford ’18 Mueller were listed incorrectly in the profile of new Trustee Fred Mueller.

AnnuAl RepoRt 2012-2013


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