Class Notes

All Alumni

On August 24, 2019, the Classes of 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009 celebrated their decade reunions, while the class of 1994 celebrated their 25-year reunion on campus. They enjoyed delicious food and drink, campus tours, and the camaraderie of former classmates and teachers!

On August 25, 2019, alumni of all ages and their families came together at the All Alumni Family Picnic. Guests enjoyed complimentary food, alumni swag, games for the kids, and even live music provided by Brian Jones ’94 and his band on the softball field.

On October 25, 2019, alumni returned to campus to celebrate this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Homecoming events. The 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were Rashawn Allen '01 and Ali Hawkins Pfitzenmaier '06 as athletes, and legendary coaches Bill Cahoone and Rick Woods. After the inductee presentation at the Middle and Upper School Homecoming pep assembly, the inductees, their families and guests enjoyed a celebration luncheon. Later that evening, alumni of all ages and their families reunited at the All Alumni Tailgate before cheering on the Torreys at the Homecoming varsity football game.

On November 29, 2019, football and soccer alumni and their families returned to campus for the annual Alumni Flag Football and Alumni Soccer games. A Thanksgiving Break tradition, both games were played simultaneously on adjacent fields, and everyone came together after the games concluded to enjoy a barbeque.

On December 21, 2019, many alumni and their families returned to campus for the annual Alumni Baseball, Alumni Softball, Alumni Lacrosse and Alumni Basketball games. Now a Winter Break tradition, the four games were held simultaneously with a big barbeque for all alumni and their guests afterwards.

Classes of 2019-2011

The Class of 2019 made their class gift to the school at their second graduation rehearsal on May 23, 2019. Thanks to the generosity of Thespine Kavoulakis and Pradeep Khosla, parents of Nina '19 and Alex '16, each gift made by a member of the class was matched up to $50, for this year and next. We thank the Class of 2019 for carrying on this tradition of philanthropy!

On January 8, 2020, seven alumni from the Class of 2016 participated in the annual Collegiate Alumni Panel, holding a panel discussion with the current senior class. They each spoke about their college experiences, shared advice and took questions from the seniors. This year’s panelists were Sean Kelly, Matthew Coufal, Elise Edman, Rhys Osborne, Milla Stern, Kieran Jha and Julian Caravantes. We thank them for making this year’s panel a wonderful experience for our students as they prepare to embark on their own college journeys!

On December 19, 2019, alumni from the Classes of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, as well as the current senior class, reunited on campus at the Milk Break Reunion. Alumni feasted on a variety of cookies and milk while visiting with friends, former classmates, and teachers!

On December 21, 2019, the Class of 2014 celebrated their 5-year reunion at Ballast Point Miramar! The Class of 2014 showed up in full force to reunite with each other and their former teachers and coaches.

Arman Shah ’17
What’s up Class of 2017. I miss everyone at Country Day and hope everyone is having a great time in college.

Favorite LJCDS Memory:

Senior retreat.

Melissa Moore ’14 is engaged to Benjamin Woods. They plan for a September 2020 wedding.

Katherine Klicpera ’13

Wow, did those four years fly by quickly. Wishing you all the best on graduating!

Nina Church ’12 married Christopher Barber on December 31, 2019.

Becca Feldman ’12
I recently graduated from CU Boulder in May of 2016. I have been taking a little break from school working- nannying full time for two little girls that are 3 and 5. I am in the process of applying for grad school to get my masters in elementary education. I will either stay in Colorado or go back to San Diego, however my parents have moved out to Colorado now too!

Kevin Kuntz ’11 married Jenni Buron on September 21, 2019 in Dallas, Texas.

Sarah Belpedio ’11 is engaged to Drew Doggett. They plan for an August 2020 wedding.

Joelle Juarez ’11

Feels like just yesterday we were goofing around in Ms. Stewart's English Class, going to Tara's after parties, and cheering on the boys at the football games. I'm fortunate to have been part of such a fun and loving group. Class of 2011 will all always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for showing me the true meaning of family.

Brook Mehregany ’11

After leaving LJCDS I went to an accelerated six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri Kansas City. In May, I will be graduating medical school and starting my residency training as a psychiatrist!

Classes of 2010-2005

Shayla Dinwiddie Griffard ’11 married Taylor Griffard on July 7, 2018 in Oceanside, California.

Adam Saven ’08 and Bianca Bianchi Saven ’10 got married on September 15, 2019, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

Lizzie Ellison Staresnick ’08 married Kevin Staresnick on July 28, 2018 in Fallbrook, California.

Missy Ackley '08 is engaged to Jesse Meyer. They plan for an October 2019 wedding.

Austin Lyman ’06 and wife Elizabeth Lyman welcomed son Wyatt Stephen Lyman on July 18, 2019. He joins older brother Bradford Lyman.

John Noerenberg ’06 and wife Cara Noerenberg welcomed son Brayden Scott Noerenberg on February 16, 2019.

Kate Wright ’06 married Harry Fisher on October 21, 2018, in San Diego, California.

Shelley Pressman ’06 married Daniel Himes on October 6, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York.

Vignesh Raman ’05

Since high school, I spent two years in the Singapore Armed Forces, graduated summa cum laude from U.C. San Diego with a degree in biochemistry and cell biology, spent two years working as a cell biologist in Singapore, graduated with a medical degree from Dartmouth College, and am now a junior resident in general surgery at Duke, with the goal of becoming an academic cardiothoracic surgeon.

Favorite LJCDS Memory:

Hiking Angels Landing in Zion, an experience I can look upon with amusement only in retrospect.

Sergio Martinez ’05

Sergio E. Martinez just left the military after 6 years of service. He and his wife, Amanda, moved to northern Virginia earlier this year.

Classes of 2004-1999

Alexa Zigarmi Talbot ’04 and husband Ryan Talbot welcomed daughter Susannah Talbot on February 7, 2019.

Stefanie Lenz Kreamer '04 and husband Jonathan Kreamer welcomed daughter Bethany Jubilee Kreamer on November 26, 2017. She joins older brother Theophilus (Theo), age 3.

Impressively, at the age of 24 days old she traveled with us from Florida where we currently live to San Diego and even made an appearance at LJCDS. Big brother Theo started preschool, Jonathan is an economics professor at Florida State University, and Stefanie is a rural family medicine physician in Gadsden County, FL.

Amanda Gooding Weingarten ’03 and husband Jason Weingarten welcomed son Trevor Nathan Weingarten on January 3, 2019.

Jennie Ellison Chong ’03 and husband Alex Chong welcomed daughter, Taylor Rae, on November 15, 2016.

Natalie Brand ’02

Natalie Brand ’02 became a Washington, DC- based correspondent for CBS News’ Newspath.

Favorite LJCDS Memory: Mr. Fayman's journalism class and Year Book

Maiya Chard-Yaron ’02

For the past five years, I have been living in Washington, D.C. and working at Maryland Hillel, serving the University of Maryland, College Park. In June, I will begin a new role as executive director of Texas Hillel in Austin.

Ali Brooks McCracken ’02 and Casey McCracken ’02 welcomed daughter, Lilah James, on August 30, 2016. Lilah joins big sister Madison (3).

Joely Pritzker ’03 and husband Jacob Gelfand ’02 welcomed son Solomon on June 12, 2016.

Jessica Laun Shaw ’01 and husband Cullen Shaw welcomed son Julian Harris Shaw on June 1, 2019. He joins older brother Solomon Connor Shaw, born Jan 25, 2016 (age 3).

Jorian Polis Schutz ’01

After a few years studying Torah in Jerusalem I bought a farm (literally) in Central Virginia, where I have been collaborating on a regenerative agriculture project that dovetails with aspects of Jewish learning and culture. For instance, I designed and published a circular Jewish calendar called Misaviv (www.circlecalendar.com) and this will be our third year in production, with thirteen different artists each year. As a writer, I am beginning work on a graphic novel, while finishing a book of essays on Yosef and the Jewish holidays. I am also collaborating on a number of other instigatory projects including a quarterly intensive study program in Brooklyn and a music fellowship. I have been an avid practitioner of yoga since 2007, and I underwent a teacher training in 2012.

Keith Jones '00
Dylan (named after Bob Dylan) turned 1 year old. His big sister Ella (named after Ella Fitzgerald) loves dancing and listening to music with her mom Megan and her dad Keith.

Favorite LJCDS Memory:
Being a Country Day lifer.

Keith Jones ’00

Continue to be hands-on servant leader running my family business Ace Parking. Daughter Ella GrAce Jones (3), son Dylan Thomas Malin Jones (1) and wife Megan are the light of my life. Being an active and positive member of our San Diego community remains a core value for my family and business.

Classes of 1998-1993

Christian Navarro ’97

After living and working in advertising in San Francisco for well over 14 years, I decided to move to New York City. I took a job as the associate director of brand at Spotify: somehow magically combining my line of work with my passion for music.

Niki Castle-Kay ’96 and wife Tricia Castle-Kay welcomed son Kai Castle-Kay on March 8, 2017.

James Garfield ’96

I am living in Clairemont and working as a writer/researcher at Integrated Marketing Systems in Pacific Beach.

Kelley Friedgen ’95

My husband Kyle, our son Alexander, and I welcomed our second son Knox to our family on July 25, 2017. Weighing in at 10 pounds and 4.5 ounces, Knox announced his presence with authority. We were lucky enough to have help on hand in the form of my mom and former LJCDS Biology teacher Gloria Friedgen, my father Ralph, and my sister Katie. All are doing well and we are loving every minute with our two boys!

Brian Jones ’94

Love you guys and gals. If you’re in San Diego let’s connect. I miss you and look forward to seeing you!

Classes of 1992-1982

Lisa Liguori ’92 married David Calvo on May 4, 2019 in Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

Laura Drogin Lee ’86

My husband, Bruce, and I have been living in Chicago for 24 years and have raised our 3 children here. Julianna, 22, just graduated from Villanova University. Genevieve, 19, will be a sophomore at Loyola University of Maryland and Chirstopher, 16, will be a junior at Loyola Academy. We love traveling and spending time at our lake cottage in Wisconsin. If you are ever in Chicago, please let me know!

Classes of 1981-1971

Sonia Ahn ’81

It's been many years since I've seen anyone from my class. I would love to hear news of different paths people have taken; my path has certainly taken many unexpected turns. I am currently living in Australia with my husband and son, and our dog, of course. Our class was small and there were more than a few colorful characters. It would be nice to touch base and see what you all have been up to! Pass on your email and telephone number. Wishing you all well.

Favorite LJCDS Memory:

Graham crackers and milk!

Susan Fletcher Baldwin ’76

Aloha Class of 1976,

My life has been full of wonderful adventure since our days at Country Day. I'm happily married, living in Maui and helping run my husband's ranch, Piiholo Ranch. Missed the last reunion by a few days but hope to attend another in the future. Hope life has been good to you all.

Favorite LJCDS Memory:

My favorite memories were the great teachers I had over the six years I attended LJCDS. Our graduating class was under thirty students so individual classes were small in size. So, you were able to get to know your teachers better. A couple who stand out are Mr. Schultz and Mr. Goodell. Mr. Schultz taught middle school French. He was always helping me hide from Mr. Jones, the Middle School Headmaster, when I didn't have the proper uniform on. Kids always loved to hang around his class to talk with him as he genuinely took interest in them. Mr. Goodell, our art teacher, was one of a kind and inspired creativity. I appreciate him to this day.

Lisa Renshaw ’76

I proudly flew from LAX to March for Science on April 22 in Washington, D.C.! Even though I would never have considered myself a political activist (until this year at least), my education at LJCDS taught me that we cannot deny knowledge and science or stop fighting ignorance and greed. Hit me up if you want a copy of my "Patriotic Pussyhat" pattern!

Bonnie Hough '75

Bonnie Hough, principal managing attorney at the Judicial Council's Center for Families, Children and the Courts, was honored with the California Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award on October 11, 2019. The award honors the most distinguished long-term achievements and sustained substantial contributions to the substance or practice of family law in California.

Classes of 1970-1964

Lee Lambert ’68

Favorite LJCDS Memory: Friendships I formed with students (back then) from my class and others. I also enjoyed friendly relationships with many of the teachers from my high school years. From what I know there are still three former teachers from that time period who are still alive. They include: Bud Macatee (Alaska), Dick Springs (Idaho) and John Fahey (Los Angeles).

I became a grandfather for the first time last April (2019) when my daughter and her husband who live near Santa Cruz, CA had their first son. I am working on my third book, entitled "More Amazing Stories of Divine Intervention", a follow up to my 2nd book "16 Amazing Stories of Divine Intervention" (Xulon Press). For contact and more information, go to www.JamesLLambert.com.

Sally Davidson ’68

Such fond memories of "early LJCDS" when it was scattered in buildings in downtown La Jolla, beginning with site of the John Cole's bookstore, and assorted buildings near the Village Pet Shop. Those were the days! We'd walk to the Community Center for recess. Now, there's a gorgeous and impressive campus near UTC. Wow. I still stay in touch with a few of my 1968 classmates and look forward to our 50th reunion in 2018. Hope many return.

Steve Harvey ’67

Graduated from Stanford 1971, MA in Creative Arts Therapy, Lone Mountain College, 1978, PhD professional/school psychology, University of Denver, 1981, private child/family psychology in Colorado Springs 1984-1995. Child Psychologist with the US Army/Navy in Germany and Italy 1995-2003, Consultant Psychologist with National Health Care service in New Zealand 2003-2016, School Psychologist, DoDEA-Andersen AFB currently. Married with two wonder children-now young men. Living around the world has actually been a very interesting life. My wife Connor and I are now teaching some in China and scuba diving here in the Pacific. I keep being challenged by working among so many different cultures, especially those who are indigenous.

Favorite LJCDS Memory:

There were plenty of memories from then, actually. One that stands out now was my being a part of the football team my senior year. We a good football season then, winning several games. I remember being joyous when we won and so devastated when we lost our final game, and sharing this so openly with my mates and coaches. It really became a model for me really investing myself in something and then going with whatever happened before the world became so complex. I also had such a good relationship with a few teachers who really cared about what I was doing; this encouragement helped me believe more in myself.

Bill Booth Jr. ’66

My wife, Maria, and I live on an exotic palms estate on the North Shore of Kauai, the 'Garden Island' in the Hawaiian islands. Perched on the canyon rim of a verdant river valley with huge Albizia trees, we look out over the undeveloped Princeville Ranch to a magnificent vista of emerald green mountains and the nearby Pacific Ocean. Our Australian Cattle dog, Pua, helps us in our outdoor chores and we fish for prawns in the river below our plantation cottage. It's not always perfect, though. As we live only ten miles away from the wettest spot on earth, we do experience rain storms where we receive in excess of fifteen inches in one day. I turn 70 years old this summer and I am most grateful for my good health. Aloha, Bill & Maria

Hal Beecher ’66

I went to what I hoped would be a 50th reunion last fall, but I was the only person from '66, so I had dinner downtown with my son, Julian, who lives in San Diego and operates an oil platform off Huntington Beach (commutes by helicopter). His roommate, Michael Hartfield, was in Rio in the summer as a member of the USA team, long-jumper. We watched him qualify in July in Eugene. In May, I received Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program first Lifetime Achievement Award. I am continuing to publish on the relationship between fish populations and quantity of water in streams and lakes. For the Instream Flow Council (www.instreamflowcouncil.org), I am heading the program committee for FLOW 2018, an international conference on water management to be held in late April 2018 in Fort Collins, CO.

Click here to read more from Hal.

Class of 2016 Milk Break

Alumni Thanksgiving Event

Class of 2011 5-Year Reunion

Class of 2016 Milk Break

Andy Altman and Grounds Manager Lee Sawyer

Decade Reunions 2016

Corey Meyerson, Krista Liskevych Mason and Kelli Davis Pease,10-Year Reunion

Decade Reunions 2016

Decade Reunions 2016

Class of 2011 5-Year Reunion

Homecoming Tailgate

Career Day 2017

Decade Reunions 2016

Alumni Baltimore Reunion

Decade Reunions 2016

Alumni Thanksgiving Event

Legacy Family Dinner

Decade Reunions 2016

Decade Reunions 2016

Career Day 2016

Alumni Baltimore Reunion

Legacy Family Dinner

7Y9A9992

Alumni Thanksgiving Event

Class of 2011 Reunion

Class Notes

All Alumni

Classes of 2019-2011

Classes of 2010-2005

Classes of 2004-1999

Classes of 1998-1993

Classes of 1992-1982

Classes of 1981-1971

Classes of 1970-1964

La Jolla Country Day School

Country Day Connection Newsletter

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