2021 CELEBRATION ISSUE
We hope your summer break is off to a relaxing and restorative start! We have been reminiscing about the many celebratory events during the last few weeks of the 2020-2021 school year. Enjoy these moments again with us in this special celebration issue!
THEY DID IT! LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS 'SMALL BUT MIGHTY' CLASS OF 2021
By Brooke Holland, Noozhawk Staff Writer

Proud graduates wearing flower leis celebrated their commencement ceremony in person Wednesday at Laguna Blanca School’s campus in Hope Ranch.

The Class of 2021 has 32 graduates, according to Laguna Blanca officials.

Maskless smiles were in abundance at Laguna Blanca’s Upper School in Santa Barbara as the students celebrated the hard-earned milestone of high school graduation.

Head of School Rob Hereford welcomed the attendees to Laguna Blanca's 87th commencement ceremony.

Family members were seated in chairs spaced apart on the school’s athletic fields during the graduation.

Hereford recognized the school’s teachers, campus assistants and staff, saying, “These essential frontline workers took a risk, and they believed in our community’s ability to carry out the major protocols and procedures we implemented in order to minimize risk of our collective health.”

He also provided remarks to the graduating seniors and awarded diplomas to members of the graduating Class of 2021.
SENIORS ARE WELCOMED TO THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY AT CELEBRATORY LUNCH
The Class of 2021 enjoyed a special lunch under the cypress trees on June 15 where they were officially welcomed into the ranks of the alumni association. The annual Senior-to-Alumni Lunch follows the last senior project presentation and provides our newest graduates a glimpse into their new role as alumni. Nick Behrman '08 and Blake Dorfman '02 spoke to seniors about how their lifelong connections with Laguna friends and teachers have been stronger than any others.
DAISY FINEFROCK '21 NAMED SENIOR PROJECT AWARD WINNER
The Class of 2021 successfully completed their final assignment of their high school careers on Monday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 15 during their Senior Project presentations.

“This year, we bore witness to a truly triumphant ending of the Laguna careers of the Class of 2021," said Senior Project Program Director Trish McHale at the 87th Commencement Ceremony. "This small, pandemic-weary group had every reason to just go through the motions to find the finish line. Instead, they captivated us, both in the gym and via livestream, with relevant and memorable project presentations."

Daisy Finefrock '21 was recognized with the 2021 Senior Project Award for making an impact on a cherished local institution, Cottage Hospital, during the COVID pandemic.

In her senior project, Daisy discovered that her talents as a magazine writer and publisher were needed at Cottage Hospital, so she took a leadership role in creating the hospital's quarterly volunteer newsletter. 

In addition to publishing the newsletter, she mailed surgical kits, monitored COVID protocols of patient visitors, and finally hit the pavement to experience a 9-hour day of administering drive-through COVID vaccinations.
OFF THEY GO!
CLASS OF 2021 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
We are so proud of the Class of 2021! Check out the full college acceptance list by clicking the button below.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR UPPER SCHOOL AWARD WINNERS!
Upper School students were honored for their many academic, artistic, and athletic accomplishments on Friday, June 11. We are so proud of each and every one of you!
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS HONORED AT
CLOSING CEREMONY
We love looking back on this celebratory afternoon when we sent our eighth graders off with fist bumps and applause! Check out the full photo album below!
FOURTH GRADERS CELEBRATE THEIR TIME AT LOWER SCHOOL AT CLOSING CEREMONY
By Joanne A. Calitri, Montecito Journal

The Laguna Blanca Lower School 2021 Closing Ceremony was held on June 10 at 9AM at the school's outside field area, and was limited to family, masked and socially distant. A livestream Zoom link was provided for those who wanted to join the celebration remotely.

The program started with the graduates' procession to the front stage bleachers, socially distanced and masked. The welcome remarks were given by Head of School Rob Hereford, Head of Middle School Shane Lopes, and Head of Lower School Andy Surber who said, "The Laguna Blanca fourth grade class made history this year by learning and growing together through a pandemic. This group of Owls is made up of students who possess intellectual curiosity, unlimited creativity, and a strong sense of fairness toward others. They demonstrated resiliency and perseverance through mask wearing, social distancing, staying safe, and continuing to have fun on our charming campus. I am so proud of this group, and I wish much success to all of our fourth graders as they move on to middle school on our Hope Ranch campus! Once an Owl, always an Owl."
ANDRA WILSON IS HONORED WITH THE FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD
An optimistic attitude, an open heart, and a beaming smile are three of the most noted qualities of this year’s Faculty Excellence Award winner Andra Wilson. This incredible instructor embodies the phrase “walk the talk” as she sets a positive example for her students, colleagues, and Laguna families alike. 

Andra has taught physical education, health and wellness, and personal development at Laguna since 2006. She has also served as Assistant Athletic Director, PE Coach at Camp Cito day camp, and coordinator of the Middle School Advisory Program for several years. Most recently, Andra became Laguna’s Challenge Success Coordinator, an excellent fit for her as the program emphasizes balance and student wellbeing—two of Andra’s biggest passions.
2021 SUMMER READING LISTS
Take advantage of the longer days and dive into a great book (or two) this summer. At Laguna, there is suggested summer reading for students in Grades EK-4 and required reading for students in Grades 5-12.

SIX BENEFITS TO SUMMER READING
  • Improve Reading Skills.
  • Increase Desire to Read.
  • Improve Self-Esteem.
  • Neutralize Summer Learning Loss.
  • Improve Comprehension.
  • Improve Memory Skills.

CLICK HERE for a list of summer reading by grade level. Then sit back, relax, and read under the sun!
We look forward to welcoming all EK-12 students back to school on Wednesday, September 8. Until then...happy summer!
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY - FRIDAY
9AM - 3PM