Your Gifts at Work

Outstanding Teachers

Science Teacher Comes Aboard

Dr. Christian Reilly joined the Upper School science faculty in the fall of 2008. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Christian spent most of his time trying to figure out what lived in the water, and then explaining what he found to family and friends. As an undergraduate at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, he continued to blend marine biology research with early science outreach and education. Christian went on to complete a master's in marine biology in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and a doctorate in marine ecology and neurobiology at Stanford University's marine laboratory in Pacific Grove, California.

"I realized that as much as I loved marine research, today's real need is in conveying the scope and grandeur of the natural world to the next generation of citizens and scientists," Dr. Reilly stated. "I'm looking forward to working with a students who bring so much thoughtfulness and joy to their work."

A Tradition of Community Service

Lens of Compassion

Taking place each April during Father/Daughter Weekend, Santa Catalina's annual silent auction has raised over $3,600 for Kids with Cameras, a non-profit organization that teaches photography to marginalized children around the world. The money has helped purchase four beautiful acres of land in India for Hope House, a home and school that will be a haven for girls who choose to leave the brothels of Calcutta. Namaste to Claire Lerner and all the students who have truly made a difference in these girls' lives.

Enhanced Programs

Lower School Flag Football Finishes Strong

Both the boys' and girls' flag football teams had a successful season.

Thanks to an exceptionally strong defense, the girls' team went undefeated for a two-year record of 9-0. "They often controlled the opponent to the point that the other team could not advance the ball past mid-field," said coach Jeff Hrepich. "They played tremendously and were a pleasure to watch."

The boy's team finished 4-1. "The boys had a solid season anchored by the eighth grade students on the team," Hrepich remarked. "They dominated in each win they had this year. They played well as a team and got stronger as the year went on."

Endowment Opportunities

Junior Awarded Scholarship to Study in France

Alyssa Dougherty '10 was awarded the 2009 Louise Béland Scholarship, and will spend this summer in Paris taking advanced courses in French language and culture.

The scholarship was created in memory of Madame Louise Béland, a beloved French teacher who taught at Santa Catalina from 1980 to 1998. The annual award is given to an Upper School student who has demonstrated a sincere dedication to her French studies and who will promote French culture and language studies by sharing her experiences with fellow students the following year.

Alyssa is planning on pursuing a career in medicine, and has thought about working at l'Hôpital Américain de Paris. Felicitations et bon voyage!

Preparation for Life

A Lifelong Love of Writing

After Nínive Clements Calegari '89 graduated from Santa Catalina, she earned an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College and a master from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in Teaching and Curriculum. She then spent the next decade working as a public school teacher. There she learned that kids needed one-on-one feedback to improve their writing. However, no matter how dedicated the educator, large classes, lesson planning, and administrative duties got in the way.

Following her passion, Nínive left teaching and co-founded 826 Valencia, an innovative writing center, with author Dave Eggers in 2002. She also serves as CEO of the 826 National network. Both non-profits are dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their writing skills, and to helping teachers get their students excited about writing. Her work is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

Nínive has now recruited over 5,000 volunteers and her programs reach over 15,000 students annually. She is also co-author of Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America’s Teachers. Write on!