Chandler School Shamrock Magazine Spring 2026

CHANDLER SHAMROCK 2026

Message from the Head of School

The 2024-2025 school year marks the official launch of our 75th-anniversary celebration, a milestone that honors our storied past while illuminating a bright future. For seven and a half decades, the mainstay of the Chandler tradition has been the seamless integration of a strong academic program and a deeply rooted community. We have long believed that the pursuit of excellence is only as meaningful as the culture that sustains it; at Chandler, a premier education and a connected, human-centered community are the equally vital pillars of our identity.

This commitment to Academic Excellence, WellBeing, and Belongingness serves as the heartbeat of our strategic plan, Leading Together. While academics remain at our forefront, we are equally dedicated to the well-being of our students as they navigate the complexities of a global and digital world. We strive to ensure that every member of our community feels seen, heard, honored and valuead—growing together with intention, integrity and care. Our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is not just a goal, but a mission-aligned priority that strengthens the very fabric of our institution.

Chandler is more than a school; it is a home and a place where our students, families and employees belong. This was never more evident than in the wake of the Eaton fire, when our priority remained providing a stable, joyful haven for our students and families. Watching our community show up for one another was a profound embodiment of our values, reminding us that Chandler is fueled by connection.

To support our strong academic programs, we were thrilled to unveil the completion of our Student-Centered Campus Redesign. Building upon our commitment to smaller K-2 class sizes and our K-8 Community Library, these transformed facilities—including an updated kindergarten suite and remodeled classrooms—ensured our physical campus is as vibrant as the people it serves.

This commemorative issue of The Chandler Shamrock beautifully captures the many faces of our community. Within these pages, we celebrate our 2025 Faculty Award recipients: Andy Hulm, Kerrie Cardamom and Brandi Williams-Moore. These extraordinary educators live our mission and core values every day. We are also deeply grateful to our visionary donors and our new partner, The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI). Their $2.6M grant—the largest in our history—will support the enrollment of exceptional students, ensuring our future remains as bright as our past.

As we look beyond our first 75 years, I am filled with boundless optimism. I am honored to lead this community and grateful for your continued support and trust in the school.

Warmly,

Emily Brown Head of School

Chandler School 75 Years of Excellence

This year, Chandler School celebrates a remarkable milestone - 75 years of learning, growth and community! Reaching this anniversary invites us to reflect on the generations of students, families and educators who have shaped Chandler into the school it is today while also imagining what the next chapters of Chandler’s story can be - grounded in purpose, strengthened by community and focused on helping students thrive in a changing world.

Through the Lens:

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CHANDLER SCHOOL

As part of Chandler School’s 75th anniversary, a dynamic exhibition of historic photographs and memorabilia offered the community a visual journey through the School’s history and a powerful reminder of the connections that have spanned generations. The collection offered a glimpse into the Schools’ transformation from its early years to the vibrant, thriving institution it is today. Alumni from the 1960s to the 2010s, past faculty and staff, and parents of alumni visited alongside current students, families and employees. Members of the community found themselves lingering over photographs, sharing stories, recognizing familiar faces and discovering how deeply intertwined their experiences at Chandler truly are. Together, the photographs told a story not only of where Chandler has been, but of the people who have carried its mission forward and those who will continue to shape its future. We are grateful to The Scholart Selection and the family of Cindy Wang and Jason Ding for generously donating the gallery space and art services.

As Chandler School marks its 75th Anniversary, we pause and reflect on a legacy shaped by purpose. Seventy-five years is no small feat; it is a testament to the founders’ vision and the generations of leaders who have stewarded the evolution of the school. That spirit of evolution is reflected in a meaningful new partnership that strengthens the commitment to education access and opportunity.

Chandler School is committed to enrolling and retaining exceptional students throughout Pasadena and the Greater Los Angeles area. We seek students from all backgrounds who will thrive in our community built on being Challenging, Caring and Committed. Today, Chandler remains committed to making a Chandler education accessible to families across a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Following a rigorous application and vetting process, Chandler School was selected as a partner school by The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This partnership brings with it a transformative $2.6 million multi-year grant, the largest in Chandler’s 75-year history, which will fully support two incoming Chandler students on their nine-year K-8 journeys for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year.

Beyond full tuition, the grant from TCEI will be used to support essential elements that enable our students to fully experience Chandler’s well-rounded programs, such as technology, outdoor education, extracurricular activities, community events and school uniforms. By addressing both financial and practical needs, this grant represents a pivotal step forward in making the School’s educational offerings accessible to all, regardless of financial background and ensures a comprehensive approach to accessibility and inclusion.

This partnership aligns seamlessly with Chandler’s Strategic Plan, Leading Together, which serves as a guiding compass advancing Academic Excellence, Well-Being and Belongingness. The Strategic Plan calls us to Expand Community Connections, deepen relationships beyond campus, and enroll and retain a diverse student body. Support from TCEI enables Chandler to make meaningful progress toward these goals while staying true to its mission.

As Chandler looks ahead to its next chapter, this partnership represents both a milestone and a promise. By strengthening ties with Pasadena and neighboring communities, and by continuing to invest in students whose perspectives and experiences enrich our shared learning environment, Chandler reaffirms its belief that academics and inclusion are most powerful when they move forward together.

Average financial aid package tuition only of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Total Amount of Financial Aid Awarded Annually tuition only Range of Financial Aid Packages 24% 5 -95% $19,516 $2.1M

Financial Aid at Chandler School supports our Mission of providing each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment.

STUDENT E

ROLLMENT 450 ST U DENTS 471 G( R A D E S 68)

Different Languages Spoken at Home

STRONGER

STRONGER

In the immediate aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Chandler School’s priority was simple: make sure people were safe and cared for. When the smoke subsided across Altadena, Pasadena and the neighboring communities, it became clear that many in our communities had not only lost homes, but had their lives upended overnight. What followed next was a powerful reminder of who Chandler is when it mattered most.

Within the first two days, administrators personally contacted every current family to check on their safety and well-being. At the same time, the School quickly surveyed families to assess both immediate and long-term needs. The most urgent and immediate need was temporary housing. More than 80% of current families were evacuated the days of the fire and many could not return to their homes for weeks and some for months. The caring response from our community of offering extra rooms in their home, ADUs, vacant rental properties and hotel rooms was moving. A true demonstration of family.

Within days, the School established the Eaton Fire Community Relief & Support Fund. What began as a call-to-action for immediate needs quickly became an outpouring of generosity. Our community raised more than $240,000 to support employees and current families impacted by the fires, provide tuition assistance and address emergency housing needs.

In a short amount of time, hundreds of volunteers were mobilized. Families organized snack drives and assembled hygiene kits. Resources were gathered and sent to families. Students wrote hundreds of handwritten cards filled with messages of hope for impacted families and messages of gratitude for firefighters who were working long shifts, many far away from their own loved ones. Care packages made their way into shelters, fire stations and temporary housing sites across the region.

As many families worked to rebuild their lives, Chandler sought to ease the daily burdens of displacement. Chandler provided students free snacks and lunches at school, and extended care was offered at no cost for several months. When we learned that several Chandler families had lost everything, leaving their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing, our community responded with heart. Together, we held new uniform drives and raised

additional money for gift cards. Beyond material support, these gift cards offered families agency and dignity, giving parents and children the power to choose their own supplies and restoring a vital sense of control and normalcy during an overwhelming time.

For families who lost their homes, the journey toward healing is on-going and one that was made in community. Chandler hosted weekly support meetings and dinners to provide a space where families could come together, support one another and process the immense changes they were facing. These moments together reminded us that recovery is not only about rebuilding homes, but about caring for the families within them.

Our commitment to our community also extended beyond our own campus. With approval from the City of Pasadena, we welcomed 25 students and five teachers from Oak Knoll Montessori School, whose campus had been burned down by the Eaton Fire. In their classroom situated in our Center for Innovation, these students joined us for three months, not as guests but as partners in learning.

Responding with Care and Connection

It has been a long road to recovery for many families that continues to this day. Yet through every phone call, volunteer hour, handwritten note and donation, our community demonstrated what it means to be Caring and Committed. In a moment of crisis, Chandler did what it has always done for 75 years - showed up for one another.

440 ART SUPPLIES & CATNIP TOYS

555 HYGIENE KITS & SNACK PACKS

750 ENCOURAGEMENT & BIRTHDAY CARDS

$240,000 EATON FUND

25 OKMS STUDENTS IN A NEW CLASSROOM

290 UNIFORM ITEMS

$4,050 GIFT CARDS

127 VOLUNTEERS IN 3 WEEKS

12,600 SNACK DONATIONS

CLASS OF 2025 CLASS OF 2025

Burbank High School

Campbell Hall

Chandler graduates head to top secondary schools!

Crespi Carmelite High School

EF Academy

Flintridge Preparatory School

Harvard-Westlake School

John Muir High School

La Cañada High School

La Salle College Preparatory High School

Loomis Chaffee School

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

Loyola High School of Los Angeles

Maranatha High School

Mayfield Senior School

Polytechnic School

Providence High School

Sequoyah High School

St. Francis High School

Westridge School for Girls

PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2025

Arthur L. P. Brown Award for Scholastic Progress

Zuma Clai Chavez

Clyde E. MacQuoid Award for Best Girl Athlete Paige Ma and Abigail Wong

Jefferson C. Stephens, Jr. Award for Scholarship Hou Alyssa Xie

Robert T. McInerny Award for Outstanding School Service

Luke Bao Hy Castaneda and Sihou Jin

Thomas A. and Catherine S. Chandler Award for Best All-Around Students

Dylan Kaw and Paige Ma

Vernon L. Hill Citizenship Award

Jayne Jie-Hua Chiang and Cooper Benjamin Conrad

Visual Arts Award

Paige Ma

Will Salmon Performing Arts Award

Hank Julian Goldstein, Brent Elliot Lewis, Kaya Pauline McLean and Addison Kellen Penman

Honorable Mention: Max Farinas-Kastanas and Katherine Ann Tindle

William Wilson, Jr. Award for Best Boy Athlete

Destin Emmanuel Cleveland and Edward Ding

THE 2025 CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

Leona Berzon, Adan Castaneda, Katherine Chang

Kenneth Chen, Jayne Chiang, Hank Goldstein

Raiana Gutierrez, Dylan Kaw, Paige Ma

Kaya McLean, Lucía Navarro

Addison Penman, Elizabeth Swanson

FIFTH GRADE PROMOTION CLASS OF 2028

The Class of 2028 celebrated their entry to Middle School and the end of their Lower School journey with a special Promotion ceremony. As part of this milestone, the students participated in the 5th Grade tradition of giving a speech during the event. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as students reflected thoughtfully on their time at Chandler and shared meaningful, memorable and funny Lower School moments. We are so proud of the Class of 2028 and can't wait to see how they grow in Middle School!

When Susan Dutra ’94 thinks back on her years at Chandler, what rises to the surface isn’t just the academic preparation or the memorable traditions; it’s the people who saw her, supported her and helped her recognize her own promise.

For Susan, Chandler School was a place where teachers made all the difference. She speaks with particular tenderness about her Second Grade Teacher Ms. Hancock who served as an early turning point in her young life.

“What an honor to witness and celebrate something truly momentous: your growth, your emergence, your becoming,” Susan told the Class of 2025 during her Distinguished Alumni speech last spring. It is a sentiment rooted in her own experience of being truly seen by others, long before she knew how to see her own potential.

2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

RECIPIENT

Susan recalled struggling when she first started at Chandler in 2nd grade. What made the difference was Ms. Hancock’s steady conviction that she was capable of more. “She held high expectations for me," Susan said. “Because she believed I could rise to them, I eventually did.”

Susan felt that same grounding presence with Third Grade Teacher Mr. Jeff McClune, who nurtured her curiosity and urged her to push beyond what she thought she could do. Their influence, she shares, “wasn’t just instructional; it was transformational!”

Being at Chandler opened Susan’s eyes to a world beyond her own, fostering a deep love of learning and affirming that academic challenge and well-being and belonging can - and should - coexist. She describes Chandler as a place “where horizons are expanded daily,” where teachers communicated, in big and small ways and that her voice mattered.

Susan’s journey after Chandler reflects a commitment to community that was strengthened by her Chandler experience. Inspired by family values rooted in philanthropy and guided by Chandler’s emphasis on developing a strong character and helping others, Susan built a career in serving others.

Today, she is the Director of Development at My Friend’s Place, supporting young people experiencing homelessness. She sees it as sacred work “rooted in dignity, possibility, shared humanity and love.” In her address, she reflected on the way Chandler students have joined her in that sacred work by holding donation drives and donating their time during Service Learning and Big Service Day to help local nonprofits. This is the kind of service, she says, rebuilds community, strengthens connection and honors the fullness of each person.

Throughout her professional life, Susan has returned again and again to a lesson she first learned at Chandler School - that authentic connection, not achievement, anchors a life of meaning. Her advice to graduates was a reflection of her own Chandler journey. She says, “Your heart is your compass. Use it. Trust in its robust capacity to orient you toward loving action, again and again.”

Susan’s story captures what so many alumni say about their Chandler experience: that the school is more than classrooms and curriculum. It is a community that nurtures, challenges and celebrates each child in their full becoming. As she told the Class of 2025, “Go sing your song… Cultivate your capacity for large-heartedness - generosity, gratitude and joy and look for ways to be of service to your community and the world.”

For Susan, gratitude is not simply a feeling. It is a practice. A compass. A way of living that began at Chandler and continues to guide her, and now inspires the next generation.

BRANDON CHENG ’21

Flintridge Prep | Harvard University

Chandler has helped me immeasurably. From a young age, I was exposed to the demands of rigorous academics, rewarding extracurriculars, and a lovely group of friends. In fact, my best friend, Chase Waldheim ’21, and I met in the first grade at Chandler.

I spent nearly every weekend in high school competing in Extemporaneous Speaking, a form of speech and debate. I was fortunate to win the 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament, place third in 2024 and win the 2023-2024 National Points Race, a cumulative ranking of all tournaments. I encourage all Chandler students to try debate—it sets you up for success in many facets of life.

Chandler students are blessed with countless resources to help them succeed in classes and develop long-term skills. It would be advisable to take advantage of those opportunities! Second, my advice is to take initiative—if there's something you want to see that doesn't yet exist, then start it! In fall of 2020, I co-founded a student newspaper, The Tower, to build community and encourage news literacy among students, and it became one of the most memorable parts of my Chandler experience.

I am now a freshman at Harvard College studying economics and history. This fall, I co-founded the Harvard College Concord Institute, whose mission is to promote patriotism across party lines on campus. I am also involved with the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, an intercollegiate student-managed hedge fund, and the debate team. I am interested in government and business, I hope to dedicate my career to serving the United States.

NATALIA PRADHAN ’21

Flintridge Prep | UC Berkeley

Chandler really built my work ethic from a young age and taught me how to take ownership of my learning. Because Chandler is such a small community, I learned how to form meaningful relationships with teachers and ask for help when I needed it. That skill has been invaluable in high school and now in college. I also developed strong problem-solving skills that continue to help me navigate academic and personal challenges.

My proudest accomplishment in high school was being selected for the 2025 Rose Court. After multiple rounds of interviews, I was chosen based on my public speaking ability and academic achievement. Representing my hometown in the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl festivities was an unforgettable honor and meant the world to me. I also made some of my closest friends and mentors through the Tournament of Roses. It was such a special experience to celebrate something bigger than myself while sharing my story.

My biggest advice is to try everything and stay open to new opportunities. I would say not to stress too much about the exact path to high school, college, or beyond because there is no single “right” way. Focus on making the most of your time at Chandler and being fully present where you are. If you put your best effort into everything you do, things have a way of working out!

I am currently studying at University of California, Berkeley on the pre-med track, where I’ve been exploring both the life sciences and service. I work as a caseworker with the Suitcase Clinic, helping connect members of the unhoused community to medical care, legal aid, and basic needs resources. This summer, I am conducting research in an endocrinology lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, so I am excited to deepen my interest in clinical medicine. My long-term goal is to become a physician who integrates compassionate patient care with broader public health impact.

MONIKA VARGAS ’21

Mayfield Senior School | Cornell University

Chandler did a great job preparing me for high school and college because the teachers truly took the time to get to know their students. Chandler also gave me the opportunity to explore academic, athletic, and social interests through engaging field trips, student led art shows, and fun sporting events. This made me feel comfortable trying new things as I got older since that curiosity was always encouraged. I developed strong timemanagement skills and learned how important it is to communicate with teachers, which has been very helpful to me over the years.

One of my proudest accomplishments in high school was balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. Academically, earning a 5 on the AP Biology exam my junior year was especially meaningful to me because I had to trust my ability to succeed in a demanding course while also training and competing. Athletically, I’m most proud of setting school records in the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles. Managing both academics and athletics required daily discipline, resilience, and balance, and those experiences overall shaped me into a more well-rounded person.

My biggest piece of advice is to become your own biggest supporter, because you can accomplish so much more than you ever imagined when you truly believe in yourself. People often overlook how powerful their mentality is. If you learn to speak positively to yourself and block out negativity, your goals will start to feel much more attainable. Remember that when you set goals for your life, you are the one who has to live that life, and no one else can make it happen for you.

I am currently a freshman track and field athlete at Cornell University, majoring in Animal Science on the pre-med path. I’m surrounded by amazing teammates and classmates who have made the transition to the East Coast much easier for me. I’m taking science classes to build a solid foundation with the goal of attending medical school in the future. Athletically, my goal is to break the Cornell 100m hurdles record and fully enjoy my time as a collegiate athlete. After experiencing multiple injuries and having many strong recoveries with the help of incredible doctors, I’ve been inspired to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. I would love to work for sports teams and athletes so I can support and help them just as my doctors helped me do.

The Class of 2021 has enrolled in these colleges and more

Auburn University

Ball State University

Boston University

Bowdoin College

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Carnegie Mellon University

Columbia University

Cornell University

EHL (Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne)

George Fox University

Harvard University

Hillsdale College

Ithaca College

Oberlin College

Purdue University

Rice University

Sarah Lawrence College

Seton Hall University

Stanford University

Texas Christian University

Tulane University

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, San Diego

University of Chicago

University of Edinburgh

University Nebraska, Omaha

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Southern California

University of Utah

University of Washington

Villanova University CLASS NOTES WILL BE MOVING ONLINE LATER THIS YEAR! Make sure your information is up to date with us so we can let you know when the Class Notes page is up and running. Update your info and/or submit Class Notes at www.chandlerschool.org/alumni

Last spring, the Chandler Family Associates hosted a truly unforgettable celebration as families gathered for the “Shine Bright” Family Fair in honor of Chandler School’s 75th Diamond Anniversary. What made the day so special wasn’t just the games, delicious local food, live entertainment and festive raffle prizes - it was the people.

Current families, alumni, past parents and past faculty filled the campus, reconnecting and celebrating the community that has shaped generations. It was a sparkling day of connection and school spirit, one that reminded us what it means to Shine Bright together.

Since 1974, Chandler’s Family Fair has been a cherished tradition that brings the entire Chandler community together. In the 1977 Annual Report, Chairman of the C.F.A. Board

Wendy Drewery shared: “Family Fair was a day filled with games, prizes, balloons, fabulous food and an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness so typically Chandler’s. The willing involvement and enthusiasm of so many families made the Family Fair special and successful.” Those words still resonate today, over 50 years later, and we are grateful to the CFA for carrying on this special event.

Alumni Reunion

ALUMNI FAMILY BBQ & TIME CAPSULE OPENING

For three generations of the Parry family, Chandler School has been more than a place of learning and curiosity—it is a part of their family history.

The connection began with siblings Ginny ’67 and Gwilym ’63 Parry Chandler’s small size—Ginny remembers only two other students in her second-grade class—ensured that the brother and sister received personalized attention. “I can pretty much rattle off all the teachers I had at Chandler because they all made an impact,” Ginny says.

By the time Ginny and Gwilym’s brother David Parry joined the Chandler faculty in 1982, the campus had new buildings and more students, but the community remained supportive and tight-knit. Head of School Jeff Stephens

and Assistant Head of School Vernon Hill minimized conflict and distractions so David could focus on his work inside the classroom.

“Chandler is the crown jewel in Pasadena for nurturing intellectual curiosity in students and helping them become thoughtful and caring individuals,” says David, who taught English at the Middle School.

Long-time Chandler teachers Paul Korn and Mike Cotton and their families welcomed David, his wife, Susie Parry, and their daughters Leslie ’93 and Emily Parry ’95. Together, the families went on camping trips, celebrated birthdays, and gathered for barbecues and college football. “I immediately felt embraced by the people here,” Susie says.

“To be part of a safe and loving environment that also offered the best education—I tear up thinking about it.”

David showed Leslie and Emily the inner workings of Chandler. Before the school day began for students, the sisters followed their father into the administrative office, where they became familiar with the smells of freshly brewed coffee and the alcohol-based ink from the mimeograph machine. Seeing teachers outside the classroom, talking with each other, did not intimidate them. Instead, the girls felt protected.

Leslie and Emily were drawn to creative pursuits at Chandler. Emily enjoyed music and French, while Leslie found ways to showcase her big imagination, from drawing herself as a mermaid to checking out the scariest books from the school library. Leslie, now a writer, says she did not have to temper her interests to meet Chandler’s high standards.

“There’s a delicate balance between offering a rigorous education and fueling students’ spirits,” says Leslie. “The teachers did an amazing job at both.”

When the time came for Leslie and Emily to find a school for their children— Frances ’32 and David Gerdeman ’30 and Wallace ’33, and Pearl Farabee ’30 —they chose the place that felt the most like home.

As the sisters meet new families and reconnect with alumni parents, Chandler continues to feel like family.

“I really love to see how faculty, staff, administration, and other parents are all invested in the wellbeing of all the children,” Leslie says. “Everyone is looking out for my kids, and I'm looking out for theirs because we want to see everybody flourish.”

Emily enjoys watching her children march in the Halloween parade and visit the Book Fair, traditions she also experienced as a student. Looking at family history repeating itself, she is reminded of the impact Chandler had on her life.

“Every formative experience I had as a child happened at Chandler or was shaped by the people there,” Emily says. “Now, my children get to have that experience with their cousins and share it with the rest of the family. It is a special feeling.”

Ready for School! Emily, David and Leslie in 1989.

PHASE II COMPLETE!

Launched in alignment with our Strategic Plan Leading Together, the StudentCentered Campus Redesign began as a two-year effort to better utilize our existing footprint to better serve the current needs of the school. The goal was simple and ambitious - create spaces that reflect how our students learn best and how our faculty collaborate most effectively - smaller class sizes.

Phase I, completed in the summer 2023, focused on immediate impact. We redesigned office space to create a new Kindergarten and 1st Grade classroom to reduce the class size from about 24 to 16 in each classroom. In doing so, we also established the K-8 Community Library at the heart of campus and created a Lower School Collaboration Center. These changes allowed us to foster stronger alignment across academics, well-being and belongingness. The K-8 Community Library quickly became a hub for storytelling, research and connection.

This past summer, Phase II brought the vision of Chandler’s Strategic Plan into sharper focus.

The most visible transformation during the second phase of the project was the relocation of the Main Office and the renovation of the Head of School’s office. The redesigned office area improves flow, supervision and communication while centralizing our Head of School.

Phase II also allowed us to solidify our K-2 expansion. By thoughtfully reconfiguring existing classrooms and office spaces, we created a permanent Kindergarten classroom and positioned all three Kindergarten sections in close proximity. This adjacency strengthens collaboration among teachers, supports shared resources and creates a cohesive experience for our youngest learners as they build foundational skills. This also made room for our new second grade classroom - completing the expansion with three classes of 15 to 17 students in each class for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.

The impact of smaller classes in K-2 has already been meaningful for both students and teachers. With fewer students in each classroom, teachers are able to spend more time with each child, differentiating instruction and building stronger relationships. As Lower School Director Laura Reardon notes, “When classes are smaller, faculty have time and space to truly know each child, how they learn and where they need support. It allows us to respond more intentionally and create an environment in which every student feels seen.”

With Phase II complete, the Student-Centered Campus Redesign has delivered more than updated rooms, it has created environments that align with how we teach, collaborate and care for children. This project marks an important milestone, and it also lays the groundwork for future planning. Most importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that every space on campus supports and reflects the student-centered community within it.

At the University of California, San Diego, Marcos Moliné ’17 studied how dysfunction in mitochondria, the tiny structures that power our cells, affects healthy aging. Now, as the recent college graduate sets his sights on medical school, Marcos aims to take what he learned in the lab to provide meaningful care to the elderly and those living with neurodegenerative diseases.

As a young child, Marcos did not imagine this future for himself. His parents worked in media and entertainment, so science was not a subject brought up often at home. But when Moliné joined the Chandler School in seventh grade, he discovered an interest in biology and an educator who championed that passion.

Robert “Mr. Cal” Calderon “was the first person in my life to tell me that I thought like a scientist,” says Marcos, who took full advantage of the science activities Chandler offered, including Calderon’s lunchtime science lessons and incredibly difficult eighth-grade microbiology elective. “Without his classes, I can’t confidently say that science and medicine would have been in my future.”

When Marcos decided to compete in the Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair, the aspiring scientist turned again to Mr. Cal, who served as his adviser. “I don't think there are many teachers who would come to school on weekends and holidays to help run experiments just because a kid had an idea to compete in a science fair,” says Marcos, who received an honorable mention for his project. “I’ve always been really grateful to Mr. Cal for taking his own free time to help me.”

During breaks from high school and college, Marcos would visit Chandler and share his research on mitochondria with Mr. Cal. Today, the two are more likely to text each other about family, sports, and surfing in San Diego. “I don’t think I can put into words how thankful I am for the impact he had on my life.”

Chandler did more than connect Marcos to his future profession—he says the school also prepared him for life. The transition from Chandler to Loyola High School was “seamless” because teachers had taught him time management skills. Chandler’s expectations even changed how he talked and presented himself, traits that would help him at UCSD as he worked alongside faculty and graduate students in the lab. Experiences outside of the classroom, from river rafting down the Colorado River on an outdoor education trip to playing five sports in Middle School, to making friends the first day of seventh grade, helped Marcos push himself out of his comfort zone.

To ensure that other Chandler students can discover their talents, grow into confident adults, and embark on new experiences, Marcos is already a regular contributor to the Annual Fund, which provides immediate resources to amplify teaching and learning resources.

“I came to Chandler a scared, goofy 12-year-old, and was welcomed right away,” Marcos says. “Having teachers who wanted to know me outside of class and having a community committed to building my confidence means so much to me.”

makes triumphant return to chandler!

Last spring, Chandler proudly welcomed back girls’ flag football, a program revived thanks to the initiative of Athletics Director Bill Anderson and the support of Spanish Department Chair and Girls Football Coach Oscar Lugo.

After years of absence, the return of girls’ flag football marks a pivotal shift in Chandler’s spring sports lineup. The decision to bring it back stemmed from changes in the athletics schedule for baseball and soft-ball and a growing interest and increased participation across our partner schools, making the timing right for Chandler to rejoin the league.

This year, girls were offered the opportunity to join the flag football team, many of whom enthusiastically accepted. Under the leadership of Coach Lugo, the team came together quickly. “They only had a few days of practice, but they practiced before school and during lunch, as they were incredibly committed,” noted Lugo.

The team joined a competitive league that included High Point, Mayfield, Polytechnic, Westridge, and Clairbourn, making for a six-school rotation of spirited games. Despite the short season, the revival of the program has already made a strong impression, both in terms of student engagement and school pride. Chandler won all four games in the tournament!

A standout in the program’s resurgence has been Simone Cavic ‘27, who was instrumental in getting the team off the ground. “I called athletic directors from other schools myself to get matches on the schedule,” said Cavic. “I’m really proud of what my teammates and I achieved. We worked really hard and I’m excited to be part of the team again next year.” Anderson described her as “a force to be reckoned with” both on and off the field.

Looking ahead, the Athletics Department plans to continue offering girls’ flag football building on last year’s success. “We’re seeing momentum we haven’t seen in years,” said Anderson. “There’s real talent and interest among our middle school girls and we’re excited to keep growing the program.”

The triumphant return of girls’ flag football is more than just a new option, it’s a celebration of choice, inclusion and the evolving spirit of Chandler Athletics.

Max Yang and Vivian Wang knew Chandler School was the right choice for their daughters, Alytheia “Allie” ’28 and Carissa Yang ’30, after a school tour at Chandler’s annual Open House. While the campus grounds were impressive, the couple was more captivated by their teenage tour guide. The middle schooler spoke eloquently, exuded confidence, and had deep pride for Chandler. “After meeting that student, I knew I had to send my girls there, too,” Vivian says.

Now, sixth-grader Allie and fourth-grader Carissa are confident and independent girls who speak up for themselves and take ownership of their studies. Max and Vivian know their girls did not develop these character traits by accident.

“Teachers are the most important factor in creating a successful school,” Vivian says. She and Max have seen firsthand how Chandler faculty develop their children’s time management skills and help them navigate social and emotional challenges. Allie and Carissa often visit their previous teachers in their classrooms during lunch, which speaks to the safety, comfort, and influence faculty provide.

To celebrate the role Chandler teachers have played in Allie’s and Carissa’s lives, the couple recently established the Max and Vivian Yang Faculty Award. The award recognizes educators who have made a lasting impact and embody Chandler’s mission and values. Donny Kincey, an 11-year employee who currently serves as the Teaching Assistant Coordinator, received the inaugural award.

“We were truly delighted to learn that Mr. Donny was selected as the inaugural recipient of this award,” Max shares. “Over the years, he has been a wonderful mentor to both Allie and Carissa, supporting them with patience, encouragement, and genuine care. Our family is very grateful for the positive impact he has had on them.”

The award was especially meaningful for Donny. “Professionally, this is the highest point of my career, and I really appreciate everyone rallying behind me and the friendship and community that we have. Thank you to Max and Vivian for their years of support and friendship,” Donny said. “It is a joy being there with the kids every day. Being their friend. Being somebody they can trust. Being somebody who they know will always be there for them. For me, that’s the paycheck. That is why I do what I do.”

The Yangs’ gift also supports Chandler’s We Are Campaign, a multi-year initiative to bolster faculty enrichment, financial aid, capital improvements, and program support at Chandler.

“We want teachers to be at Chandler for a long, long time,” Max says. “This is part of our vision to support the community.”

Last fall, teachers, parents, and students gathered again for Chandler’s Open House. This time, Allie was guiding newcomers around campus and showing, by example, the type of character-building education Chandler provides. Vivian shares, “It was truly a full circle moment.”

FACULTY FUNDS

A faculty fund to name a Department Chair, Faculty Award or Grant is the highest level of support and recognition one can provide a faculty member at Chandler School. A named fund honors an outstanding teacher and enhances Chandler’s ability to attract, retain and inspire the finest educators by securing financial support for exceptional educators.

Donors who wish to honor teaching excellence at Chandler may do so by establishing a department chair, faculty award or grant. The funds will provide resources to enhance faculty salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities.

ZACK & DEBORAH SNYDER ENDOWED FACULTY FUND

The Zack & Deborah Snyder Endowed Faculty Award was established to recognize an outstanding educator at Chandler School who embodies excellence in teaching and a commitment to our mission and values. This dedicated individual seamlessly integrates arts, design, innovation, and creativity into their teaching approach, nurturing students' imagination and creativity and fostering our strategic core values of academic excellence, well-being and belongingness.

JON & WENDE HEADLEY FAMILY FACULTY AWARD

The Jon & Wende Headley Family Faculty Award was established to recognize faculty who embody the mission and values of Chandler School. Caring, challenging and committed, this dedicated individual exemplifies excellence in teaching, nurtures student engagement and upholds the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.

MALLINGER FAMILY ENDOWED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT

The Mallinger Family Endowed Professional Development Grant was established to provide employees an opportunity to participate in meaningful and impactful professional development that enhances their knowledge and skills in education and directly impacts their work at Chandler School.

CHANDLER SHAMROCK MAGAZINE 2026 is published for parents, alumni, parents of alumni and friends of Chandler School.

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THE 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.

THE GOALS OF CHANDLER SCHOOL are to 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.

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

As part of our commitment to sustainability, the Chandler Shamrock & Gratitude Report will be shared digitally moving forward. If you would like to continue receiving a printed copy, we’re happy to send one your way.

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