LBS Magazine - Spring 2017

CONNECTING WITH

ONE ANOTHER

The joy of learning is not a solitary one. We encourage
our students and families alike to celebrate one
another through connection and engagement, be it
our annual Homecoming celebration, or our Spring
Benefit. We are so grateful for the joy that comes
from knowing one another.

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50 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

WE LOVE LAGUNA
HOMECOMING 2016

That was the vibe at this past year’s All-School Pep Rally
and Homecoming celebration, which saw Swoop and the
entire Laguna community—EK to 12—cheering on our talented
student-athletes. With lots of music, dance—and even a
watermelon-eating contest—fun and heart filled the campus,
colored in Laguna blue.

The weekend kicked off with volleyball, where the Owls won
their third straight Condor League match, sweeping Providence
25-9, 25-13, and 25-13 at Merovick Gymnasium. Sophomore
Maddie Walker set for the Owls and dished out a whopping
18 assists.

On Saturday, the Owls lost 64-34 to Villanova Prep, but they
still had plenty to celebrate. Quarterback Aidan O'Donnell ’18
completed 20 of 25 passes and threw for two touchdowns, and
also ran for a pair. Ty Trosky ’19 carried the ball nine times for
91 yards, scored two touchdowns, and had two interceptions.
And on the defensive front, Miles McGovern ’18 led the team
with eight tackles.

We are so proud of our student athletes, and all of the love
that abounds on our beautiful campus. Go, Owls!

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 51

SAVE THE DATE GRATEFUL FOR GOLF!
ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC
With nearly 80 golfers—including a wonderful mix of parents,
NOVEMBER 6, 2017 grandparents, and alumni—Laguna raised more than $10,000
for our school’s Alumni Scholarship Program as part of this year’s
52 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE Laguna Blanca Ace Angeloff Golf Classic. The annual event has
been held since 2012, and this was the first year a fundraising
component was added to the fun.

This year’s event was held at La Cumbre Country Club. A
special thank you to parent and alumnus Dave Bradley ’99 for
organizing the event for the fifth straight year! And many thanks
to all the players and sponsors who continue to give back to the
Laguna community and support our students today.

Join the fun! Contact Golf Chairs David Bradley '99
and Suzanne Jakubowski '96 to play next year!

THANKFUL FOR OUR
OUR EVENT SPONSORS

BMW Santa Barbara
Chana and Jim Jackson ’78
Christine and Dennis Green - Stewart Green ’11
Costner Family
DD Ford Construction - Misha Marr ’97
Fuladi Family
Heffernan Insurance Brokers - Art Adams ’66
Lilly Family - Parker Lilly ’11
The Habit Burger Grill
Waiakea - Hawaiian Volcanic Water - Ryan Emmons ’08
Walking Company
White & Grube Orthodontics - Stewart White ’83

THANK
YOU

FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE
LAGUNA FUND

Community participation is critical to the
Laguna Fund’s success and ensures we
meet our operating expenses each year.
Even more, it illustrates the commitment
each Laguna family shares in the
advancement of our school. Every gift, no
matter the size, has a significant impact on
our campus.

All gifts received by June 30, 2017
ensure our success! Visit lagunablanca.org
and click “Support Laguna” or call the
development office at 805.687.2461 x201.

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 53

LAUNCHING THE LAGUNA

FUND

Just when we thought the Laguna Blanca Jogathon
couldn’t get any bigger, it did. This past fall, one of Laguna’s
signature traditions helped to launch the school’s new annual
giving program—The Laguna Fund. Together, our students
took to the tracks and ran more than 5,700 laps for our school
community, kicking off our annual campaign to raise $575,000
this year.

Adding to the community fun was a petting zoo, family
barbecue, carnival booths created by Upper School club
members, and an all-school pep rally. All students received a
commemorative t-shirt, which recognized our leadership gift
donors, the Parliament of Owls, who pledged their support of
$2,500+ to the 2016-2017 Laguna Fund.

Thank you to the Parents’ Auxiliary and the entire Laguna
community for your outstanding support and for welcoming a
new, more streamlined season of giving into our school culture.
We could not have done it without your support.

54 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

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¡VIVA LAGUNA!
SPRING BENEFIT 2017

Muchas Gracias! We are so grateful to the nearly
300 community members who came out to celebrate
“Viva Laguna! Feria de Sevilla”—our spring benefit at
Bacara Resort & Spa. In the spirit of camaraderie, joy,
and celebration, we raised more than $500,000 for our
students and school community. THANK YOU for your
support!

In honor of the Spanish-themed fiesta, the Bacara
ballroom was transformed into a classic and elegant
Spanish setting with swirling flamenco dancers from
the Zermeno Dance Academy, featuring Laguna alumna
and 2010 Spirit of Fiesta Erika Martin del Campo ’07;
music by master guitarist Tony Ybarra; and custom-made
paella prepared by Benjamin and Carol Schuster of Santa
Barbara Paella.

This year’s paddle raise was introduced with a beautifully
nostalgic video created by Camila Lemere ’18, starring
Laguna students in childhood home videos. The live
auction included unique packages such as a golf and stay
at Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon; four unforgettable
nights in Barcelona, Spain; a week in Kauai; a heritage
pig roast feast in Los Alamos; and week of indulgence
at a villa in enchanting Isla Navidad, Mexico—all of
which were donated by generous members of our Laguna
community.

Proceeds from this year’s benefit will fund a number
of capital improvements such as the MS Quad (p. 26), as
well as tuition assistance, professional development, and
other school programs. We are so grateful!

Special thanks to our events sponsors and event co-
chairs Belle and Bert Regeer (Izzy Regeer ’26) who along
with their team of talented volunteers helped to make this
year’s spring benefit a success.

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 57

SPRING BENEFIT 2017

58 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

WITH GRATITUDE FOR OUR 2017 SPRING
BENEFIT EVENT UNDERWRITING SPONSORS

ESPANA EL REAL DE LA FERIA

The Bollag Family Anonymous
The Chen Family
ANDALUCIA The Fuladi Family
Hawkins Foundation
Whimsie Fund Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson '78
Ms. Jacquelyn Klein- Brown
SEVILLA Dawn and David Lafitte
Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Nicks
Anonymous Dr. and Mrs. Bert Regeer
The Bickett Family The Rice Family
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Branch Scheinberg Orthopedic
Julie and Michael Davenport Group / Richard and Nora Scheinberg
The Farrell Family Dr. Roberta Sengelmann / SB Skin Institute
The Fowler Family Rob and Meghan Skinner
Ms. Jan Handtmann Ms. Marina Stephens and Mr. Len Homeniuk
Carol and Stephen King The Tobias Family
Mary and Jim Morouse Weaver Family
Stephanie and Peter Smillie White & Grube Orthodontics
Ms. Jessica Smith and Mr. Kevin Brine Laura & Geofrey Wyatt '79
The Tolles Family
Mr. Dana White
Amal and Hani Zeini
The Zhang Family

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60 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

CONNECTING

AS A TEAM

Time and again, our students name Laguna’s athletic
program as one of the most meaningful parts of
their Laguna experience. It builds confidence and
strength, and unlocks hidden potential. Not to
mention: it’s fun. We salute our student athletes for
their dedication and sportsmanship.

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 61

WE ARE SO VERY
PROUD OF OUR LAGUNA

ATHLETES.
CONGRATULATIONS ON
A TREMENDOUS YEAR OF

SPORTSMANSHIP!

62 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

ANOTHER STELLAR YEAR FOR LAGUNA BLANCA ATHLETICS

SOCCER The girls’ soccer team earned a share of the Condor while freshman sensation Katharine Monroy qualified for the CIF
League title and a home playoff game this winter. Juniors Julia Fay Individuals.
and Sophia Fay had stellar seasons for the Owls, who advanced to the
2nd round of the CIF Division 6 playoffs. Junior Kelly Bickett made Since most Condor League schools do not offer boys tennis, our
the Division 6 ALL-CIF team for her outstanding play. Brooklyn squad faced the daunting task of qualifying for the CIF playoffs
Kinsler ’18 played a key role for the Owls as she stepped into the through a free-lance schedule. This means the team had to play a
Goalkeeper position halfway through the year and provided some minimum of 16 matches and have an 80% winning record. The 2017
great defensive play. boys’ tennis team was up to the task, finishing the regular season at
13-3 and earning a much-deserved post-season berth, where they
This year, the boys’ soccer team advanced all the way to the CIF advanced all the way to the Quarterfinals. The singles play of Juniors
Division 7 semi-finals. Seniors Henry Farrell and Luke Smillie Alex Furukawa and Victor Liu helped the Owls earn key wins
provided both outstanding leadership and solid play for the Owls, against Pacifica, Rio Mesa, and Foothill Tech to reach the playoffs.
while Junior Ethan Tyng was recognized as an ALL-CIF player for The number one doubles team of Conor Scheinberg ’18 and Jason
his efforts on the pitch. A strong win against Cate at home highlighted Barnick ’18 provided high-level play throughout the season, while
the season for the Owls, who will return a number of players and look ninth graders Kai Nakamura, John Henry Schulz, and Rhami
forward to another deep playoff run. Zeini played key roles on this year’s team. With everyone returning,
the boys look to make another deep run in CIF next year.
VOLLEYBALL The boys sand volleyball team continues to
make great use of our beautiful courts. This year, the team played BASKETBALL The boys’ basketball team, led by Jackson
competitive matches against San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos Hurley ’18, Ty Trosky ’19, and Wells Fowler ’20, earned their way to
Pueblos. Matthew Goldsholl ’17 and Sam Stegall ’18 provided great the CIF playoffs through hard work and determination. The young
play throughout the season. squad stayed the course through a daunting non-league schedule
and won their last three Condor League games to earn a much-
Caylin Zimmerman ’18, Kelly Bickett ’18, and Sophia Fay ’18 deserved berth in the Division 5 playoffs.
were key contributors for the girl’s volleyball team, which advanced to
the CIF semifinals and once again qualified for the State tournament. SAND VOLLEYBALL The girls sand volleyball team was part of
The Owls were captained by senior Maddy Nicolson and posted a newly formed league created this year to get this emerging sport
victories over Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, and Santa Barbara to claim that much closer to being sponsored by the CIF. Competing against
the unofficial “City Championship.” For their efforts during the mostly public schools, the squad finished in the top four, which
season, Bickett and Zimmerman were named All-CIF. In late May, qualified them for the Channel League Championship Playoffs.
Bickett was also named Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Girls Highlights of the season include a sweep of Santa Barbara and a
Volleyball Player of the Year. split with Dos Pueblos. With only one senior, Maddy Nicolson, on
the roster, the young squad looks to be contenders for years to come.
CROSS COUNTRY The Cross Country team, led by the Condor Junior Kendall White won some key matches for the Owls
League Girls Individual Champion Aura Carlson ’18,had a wonderful while freshmen Macy Christal and Ainsley McGovern
season that was highlighted by the Owls hosting a Condor League gained some valuable Varsity experience throughout the
meet right here on our scenic Hope Ranch campus! Henry Farrell ’17 season.
and Clay Rodgers ’18 led the way for the CIF qualifying boys’ team.
Led by Senior outside hitter’s Henry Farrell and Jack Copeland,
FOOTBALL Senior team captain Will Bartholomew helped lead the boys’ volleyball team captured another Condor League title
the football team to yet another trip to the CIF playoffs. Juniors Laird and qualified for the CIF Division 3 playoffs. The team entered the
Fowler, Alex Furukawa, and Aidan O’Donnell all had standout highly competitive Dos Pueblos Invitational this year and did more
seasons on the gridiron for the Owls and are looking for big things to than hold their own against the tough competition. Juniors Miles
come next year! McGovern and Spencer Rycroft provided a force in the middle
for the Owls, who look to build on this season’s experience, which
TENNIS Girl’s tennis players showed up in record fashion this included a huge home victory over Santa Ynez.
fall as we had over 30 competitors in the program. Seniors Grace
MacNeil and Holly Tobias provided solid leadership for the squad LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 63

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

HENRY FARRELL '17

B y the time Henry Farrell definitely wasn’t watching any Netflix or athlete makes me extremely proud,” said
heads off to Harvard, he will having friends over on weekdays! I would Athletic Director Jason Donnelly. “His
have competed in five different finish practice, drive home to Santa Ynez, work ethic, athletic ability, and commitment
Varsity sports—all during his eat dinner, do my homework, and go to to every team he plays on makes him the
Laguna Upper School career. bed!” ideal competitor.”

As a freshman, it was soccer and tennis— But still, even four sports wasn’t enough Farrell says he has already been in touch
obvious choices considering his mom, Julie, for Farrell. His senior year, he added cross with the soccer coach at Harvard about
was a tennis player, and his dad, Mason country to his schedule, using the endurance trying out as a walk-on for the Crimson
Farrell ’80, is a Laguna Blanca Athletic training as preparation for leading the boys’ team when he arrives this fall. He’ll also
Hall-of-Fame soccer player who played for soccer team to yet another successful season, be re-united with Pierce O’Donnell ’16,
North Carolina State. including a memorable 2-1 comeback who left a legacy of leadership of his own
victory over perennial powerhouse Cate at Laguna.
“When I was little, I spent a lot of time School.
playing tennis and soccer!” he says. “I got a “Pierce definitely set the bar high as far
little burned out playing them so much, so I “He could run forever,” says soccer coach as leadership for our teams,” Farrell says.
decided to mix it up.” Gof Boyoko. “And as a captain, I could “I could see what he did for his teams,
always rely on him on or off the field.” especially in football, and what he did for
The next year, for instance, he added them really made the whole team better. I
beach and indoor volleyball to his list, Even with the heavy sports schedule, wanted to do that too — to make even the
earning four Varsity letters his very Farrell managed to remain a star in the youngest guys play as hard as I do.”
first year. For Farrell, the training was classroom throughout his years at Laguna.
intense. During the spring season, he He was honored with the school’s Scholar- While he was a standout student and
would practice with the tennis team from Athlete award at the Santa Barbara Athletic athlete at Laguna, it was actually Farrell’s
3-5 p.m. and then head straight into the Round Table luncheon as a senior, having leadership qualities that stood out the most
gym for volleyball—not leaving much also acted in the school play in the fall while to his peers. “Henry leads by example,”
time for typical teenage past times like serving as president of the Entrepreneurship says Rhami Zeini ’20. “You go to soccer
socializing and fun. Club and Youth for Direct Relief Club. practice and see how he plays, and it makes
you want to practice harder. As younger
“It was pretty tough in my junior year “Having someone like Henry Farrell players, we look up to him a lot.”
with all of the AP courses,” he says. “I represent Laguna Blanca as a student-

64 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

FAVORITE MEMORIES AS AN OWL

• The soccer team’s 2-1 comeback victory over perennial
powerhouse Cate School.

• Making an appearance in the CIF Finals for soccer his
sophomore year.

• Joining in the CIF Finals for volleyball in his junior year.

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 65

AIDAN O'DONNELL
LAGUNA BLANCA'S PHIL WOMBLE AWARD WINNER
BY BARRY PUNZAL, NOOZHAWK SPORTS EDITOR

The qualities Aidan O’Donnell ’18 brings to athletics, academics, and
student life at Laguna Blanca are what the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports
Award represent.

Strong work ethic, toughness, positive attitude, leadership on and off
the athletic field, leading by example, not afraid to step out of his comfort
zone to help his team are attributes coaches, teachers, and peers get from
O’Donnell.

O’Donnell was honored in January at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round
Table press luncheon as Laguna Blanca’s recipient of the Womble Award.

A three-sport athlete for the Owls (football, basketball, and lacrosse)
who carries a 3.51 GPA, O’Donnell also plays guitar in the school’s stage
band, is a student ambassador on campus, and a camp counselor at
Laguna Blanca’s Lower School summer camp.

Football coach Shane Lopes said he appreciates O’Donnell’s even-
keeled demeanor. “He really brings so much value to our team and our
school.”

From Athletic Director Jason Donnelly: “He leads by example and
is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone for the good of the team.
He represents Laguna Blanca in the most positive way and is extremely
deserving of such a prestigious award.”

Laguna basketball coach Sal Rodriguez said: “He is a respectful and
hardworking young man and it’s been a pleasure to be his coach.”

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LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 67

Class of 1937

68 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

CONNECTING WITH OUR

ALUMNI

No matter when they left Laguna, our alumni remain
at the heart of our school. They are a part of our
legacy, but also provide vision for the future as
they share their professional life experience and
perspective with our campus community. We are so
grateful for their continued connection to our school.

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 69

FORGING In today’s high-pressure world, it can be difficult
THEIR OWN PATH to follow your passions. But that wasn’t the case
for four Laguna alums, who visited the school
TO SUCCESS to share their stories of growing up—and giving
back—since leaving the Hope Ranch campus.
70 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE Panelists included Melissa Holbrook Schmitt '08,
a Ph.D. candidate in African elephant behavior;
Nathan Carey '02, founder of ProYo Yogurt; Sofia
Melograno '07, founder of Beru Kids; and Spencer
Dusebout '11, founder of Hands4Others.

"It's hard for students to visualize their lives
much beyond the age of 18 or 19, which for most
means their college acceptance," explains Assembly
Coordinator Trish McHale. “Our goal with the
panel is three-fold: to help students understand that
there are many paths to a successful professional
life; that there’s no rush to decide what you’ll be
when you ‘grow up’; and that you can follow your
passions. In fact, you should.”

The alumni panel, as well as other new projects
like the Science Research Program (SRP) and
Challenge Success, are helping students to gain
a greater understanding of the career possibilities
that lie ahead in today’s world, and how they can
redefine their idea of “success” by focusing on their
individual gifts, passions, and the greater concepts
of fulfillment and life balance.

The fact that three of the four panelists are
entrepreneurs is a sure sign that Laguna is building
independent-thinkers, committed to changing the
world in their own personal way. An even greater
bonus—all four show a tremendous commitment
to service and social change.

“Think in terms of who you want to be instead
of what you want to do,” Dusebout says. “Five year
plans are incredibly effective in high school as you
contemplate college, but they are less effective for
people in their early to mid-20s due to so many
uncontrollable variables and a lack of knowledge
and experience. Instead of a five-year plan, how
about a 50-year plan? Think about the person you
want to be, the skill-set you want to develop, and
the impact you want to have on the world.”

MEET THE ALUMNI SPEAKERS

NATHAN CAREY ’02 MELISSA HOLBROOK SCHMITT ’08
FOUNDER, PROYO YOGURT PH.D. IN AFRICAN ELEPHANT BEHAVIOR

After suffering a devastating weightlifting accident, Nathan Carey launched A Ph.D. candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg,
ProYo, a high-protein ice cream and smoothie snack that he calls “food South Africa, Melissa Schmitt has studied the behavior of elephants,
with purpose.” ProYo helps people heal and nourish their bodies while also zebras, and even marine biology in her adventurous career. Currently,
enjoying a delicious snack. Even better, ProYo does so while supporting her research focuses on the influences of plant secondary metabolites
organizations like Special Olympics, Military Muscle Society, and the on calculating carrying capacities for the African elephant. She is
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. also interested in what impacts foraging behavior, including fear
and food quality.
SOFIA MELOGRANO ’07
FOUNDER, BERU KIDS SPENCER DUSEBOUT ’11
FOUNDER, HANDS4OTHERS
Sofia Melograno is the founder of Beru Kids, a line of children’s clothing
manufactured in Los Angeles using locally-sourced deadstock and organic When Spencer Dusebout and a few Laguna friends traveled to
fabric. More than a design company, Beru Kids is a value-driven company developing countries and observed the tragic reality that millions of
focused on ethical production, fair wages, and a social mission of giving people around the globe did not have access to clean, safe drinking
a percent of sales back to the community. As Melograno shared with the water, he decided to take action. Starting with a single water system for
Huffington Post in 2017, “Poverty is a very, very real thing in Los Angeles. the village of Bondeni, Kenya, Hands4Others has now brought water to
Being able to provide jobs to LA residents and directly support our local more than 215,000 people in 15 countries. Just a few short years since
economy is quite empowering. If as a company, we’re not paying fair that initial journey, H4O has expanded into an incredible movement of
wages or sourcing things ethically, somebody is paying for that choice. hundreds of young people looking to solve the world’s water crisis.
Working on launching a truly impactful program in LA is high on the list.”

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 71

OWLS
REUNITED

Every year, we celebrate our alums
who make time to reconnect with one
another after taking flight to new lives
and careers throughout the country and
the world. Recently, two classes—1966
and 1996—organized reunions.

72 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

CLASS OF 1996, FROM BRIAN BAKER CLASS OF 1996
Thank you so much for hosting our gathering at Laguna. It LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 73

was a fantastic reunion, and everyone was impressed by your
generosity and having us at the Braun House with wine and hors
d'oeuvres. Paul Chiment led us on a great tour of the campus
with Dan Ary and Trish McHale, and Ace Angeloff took us on a
comedic trip through his memories of our class.

Everyone was impressed by the changes made on campus,
and several people said that they wish they could be in school at
Laguna now. The music and arts center at the top of the campus
and the new library were a few of peoples' favorite new spaces.

This reunion brought several people from our class back to
Laguna who hadn't been there since graduation. It was important
to everyone that we could be on campus. Thank you for all that
you did to help put this together. It meant a lot to us that we could
spend time there.”

AN ALUMNI TRADITION - SOCCER!
Over Thanksgiving weekend, Laguna enjoyed its annual

Alumni-Varsity soccer match—a tradition that dates back to 1940!
This year, alums from 1980 to 2016 joined in the fun, including
Board Chair Mason Farrell ’80. Farrell was a soccer force during
his time at Laguna, serving as team captain in Grades 10-12
and scoring an astounding 26 goals in his senior season. With
his help, the alumni team went on to beat the Varsity Owls, 5-3.

A HUNDRED REASONS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY
This past holiday season, Laguna welcomed more than 100

alumni and family members back to Hope Ranch for a “Sparkling
Sunset by the Sea” reunion hosted by Maddie Stephens ’11 and
her parents Marina Stephens and Len Homeniuk. Attendees from
as far back a 1950 enjoyed a beautiful evening of hors d’oeuvres
and cocktails as they watched one of Hope Ranch’s spectacular
winter sunsets.

Kristen Blabey ’95, a Laguna “Lifer” and President of the
Laguna Blanca Alumni Association, welcomed fellow classmates
to the event. What a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old
friends! We are always so joyful to see our Owls fly back to Hope
Ranch after making their way around the world! Thank you to all
who were able to attend.

"OWL"
ORGANIZE
AN EVENT

If you are interested in organizing
a reunion for your class, please

contact Marcy Jacobs at
[email protected]

to get started.

UPCOMING CLASS OF 1997 (20TH REUNION)
REUNIONS Date: TBD
Contacts: Olivia Milne Marr | [email protected]
74 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE
CLASS OF 1977 (40TH REUNION)
November 4, 2017
Contacts:
Carrie Towbes | [email protected]
Trish Weatherby | [email protected]
Mike Wilk | [email protected]
Danielle Greene Welch | [email protected]

CLASS OF 1967 (50TH REUNION)
August 18-20, 2017
Contacts:
Deborah Brown | [email protected]
Debbie Merritt Willson | [email protected]

REMEMBERING FORMER LAGUNA BOARD Michael Towbes at a Lower
CHAIR AND COMMUNITY LEADER School event in 1990.

MICHAEL
TOWBES

The following is an excerpt of an obituary written by Michael Towbes’
daughter, Carrie Towbes ’77

Michael Towbes, 87, chairman of the Board of Directors of The Towbes Michael Towbes served in various capacities on Laguna’s board from 1981-1995,
Group Inc. and Montecito Bank & Trust, beloved philanthropist and all- and as chair from 1984-1988. Under his leadership, the school reached a $1 million
around mensch, died at home in Santa Barbara, California on April 13, fundraising goal for the first time, making the new Merovick Gymnasium a reality.
2017. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, following
a short but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. “I consider Michael Towbes to have been one of the key pillars of both the Santa
Barbara and Laguna Blanca communities. He served as a board member and chair
Mike will be remembered as a pillar of the Santa Barbara community. of the board for Laguna and has consistently been generous to the school over
For years, he has been admired as a savvy entrepreneur, a generous the years. His stewardship and generosity in regard to the Granada and countless
humanitarian, and a true gentleman. He believed in working hard to build other non-profit organizations underscores his true philanthropic spirit. I can't think of
a better world and giving back to the community that had given him so anyone else who has given so much back to the community. We are all lucky to have
much. had Mike as part of the Laguna Blanca family.”

Mike was born in Washington, D.C. on July 17, 1929. He went on Jim Jackson '78, Former Chair of the Board
to obtain his B.S.E. in Civil Engineering from Princeton University,
graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1951. He pursued In 1980, Mike and Gail started the Towbes Foundation, dedicated to
graduate studies in Structural Engineering at MIT, but in 1952, with the meeting the diverse needs of local nonprofits. The Towbes Foundation
Korean War underway, he joined the Naval Civil Engineer Corps as an focuses on a broad range of organizations from social services to education
ensign. Mike was assigned to the Naval Air Missile Test Center in Point to the arts. The Towbes Foundation started with a $500 donation 37 years
Mugu, California. While stationed at Point Mugu, Mike met his first love, ago and now donates more than $900,000 annually to more than 300
Gail Aronson. Mike was a loving and devoted husband to Gail, who passed organizations.
away in 1996 following a more than 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
Michael met his second true love, Anne Smith Towbes, in 2004
Mike had a passion for giving back that began early in his career. His through their mutual involvement in the Lobero Theatre. He is survived
service began with active volunteerism in the 1960s. As a community by Anne; daughters Lianne Towbes and Carrie Towbes ’77; son-in-law
leader, Mike served and chaired innumerable local nonprofit boards. He John Lewis; grandchildren Allison Lewis Towbes ’14 and Zachary Lewis
was president of the Santa Barbara Foundation and served on the board of Towbes; Anne’s children, Jennifer Smith Hale (Nicholas) and Michael
Cottage Hospital for 27 years, including five years as its chairman. He also Smith (Natali), and her grandchildren, Leighton Hale, Carrington Hale,
served as board president of Montecito Union School and Laguna Blanca Ella Smith and Leo Smith; sister Carol Lee Skinner; step-brother Harold
School, and was a founding board member of the Scholarship Foundation Sinrod (Allison); nephew Robert Skinner (Meghan); and niece Amy
of Santa Barbara. He has served on visiting advisory committees for the Sweeney (Patrick); and four grandnieces and grandnephews.
Princeton University Department of Economics and the MIT Department
of Urban Studies. A public memorial service was held at The Granada Theater on May 23,
2017. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to
The Granada Theatre or to a favorite nonprofit organization.

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 75

LAGUNA BIDS FAREWELL TO

ANTHONY
GUNTERMANN '37

76 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

It is with fond memories and heavy hearts that we share the news that Laguna’s REMEMBERING
oldest alum, Anthony “Tony” Guntermann ’37, died February 11, 2017 at the age TONY GUNTERMANN
of 97. Tony was born in San Diego in 1919. His family settled in Santa Barbara in
1926. He was the last living member of Laguna’s first graduating class. We hear or read about people entering others’
lives and making a profound impact in ways that
“Tony was one of the best friends Laguna Blanca School has ever had,” said are never forgotten. Tony Guntermann was that
Former Headmaster Art Merovick. “He was a loyal and dependable supporter in any person in my life. He was a very special person
dealings with Hope Ranch and the larger community. We were lucky to have such a to me and I shall never forget him. I will always
charming, loyal, and steadfast teammate through the years. Where the dictionary has be thankful for the role he played as a mentor,
the term ‘classy gentleman,’ there is a smiling picture of Tony Gunterman.” good friend, and trusted colleague. I remember
his warm and humble way, his genuine sense of
Tony was a prominent player in Laguna sports during his time on campus, recalls caring for the feelings of others, and his honest
Bam Spaulding ’43. “Tony was my last link to the original and athletically prominent and quiet way of expression.
Laguna. Whenever I saw Tony and talked with him, I thought of the great teams we
had in ’36 and '37. My reflections and prayers are about him now.” “I know that he had a special feeling for
Laguna Blanca School. My wife and I shall always
Tony earned a degree at Stanford University in 1942. He later earned his CPA remember sitting next to him a couple of years
certificate and developed his accounting practice. After his retirement in 1986, ago at a function under a tent on the athletic field
his firm merged with the McGowan office and is today known as McGowan at the school. As he looked up at the school sitting
Guntermann, CPAs. on the hill overlooking Merovick Gym, he said,
‘Even way back then, I had a terrific education
In true Laguna spirit, Tony strongly believed in civic duty and responsibility and and experience at Laguna Blanca School. But as
in giving back to his community. He was one of the founding directors of Santa I look at it today from here, it sure looks different
Barbara Bank and Trust (now Union Bank). He served actively on numerous boards than that little red 'schoolhouse' that I remember.’”
including the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Santa Barbara Zoo, Cottage Hospital,
S.B. Foundation, Committee on Alcohol, Hope Ranch Homes Association, Girl
Scouts, La Cumbre Country Club, University Club, and Santa Barbara Rotary Club.

Tony is survived by his children Penelope ’68, Christopher, and Holly ’73; his
grandchildren Arielle, Corinne, James, and Tony; as well as stepdaughter Janet
Wilson ’73 and her daughter Amy.

A memorial reception was held at La Cumbre Country Club in April. In lieu of
flowers, friends and family were invited to support Visiting Nurses and Hospice, the
Yosemite Conservancy, or their favorite charity.

- Ed Birch LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 77

STUDENTS

#DOIT4DAVIES

IN CELEBRATION OF BELOVED SOCCER COACH

In a tragic accident, beloved Laguna Soccer Coach Davies Kabogoza died on “As soon as I heard the news about Davies, I felt the urge to play soccer because
April 29 while stand-up paddle boarding at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Just in his that's how I connected with him,” explains Kinsler. “After hearing his story and
mid twenties, he arrived in the United States in 2010 from his native Uganda, learning how he sent money to his family after every paycheck, I wanted to give
with help from former Laguna parent Vicky Harbison (Graham Harbison ’06 back to his family to show them what a positive influence he had on our students.
and Crosby Harbison ’10) who met him during a relief mission with the Sports A soccer benefit felt like the best way to achieve this.”
Outreach Institute in Uganda.
Kabogoza did not have an easy life growing up in Africa. His father had
To celebrate Kabogoza’s life and the tremendous impact he had at the school, abandoned the family when he was young, and he dropped out of high school
Laguna students organized a Benefit Soccer Tournament on May 19. The concept to support them when he was just 16—earning 40 cents a day for 12 hours of
for the event was created by soccer player Brooklyn Kinsler ’18 and was fully hard labor. At age 18, he earned his high school equivalency and joined the Sports
organized by the students, who worked hard to create promotional flyers, hold pre- Outreach Institute which led him to Harbison.
event bake sales, and arrange the food, music, and venue for the event.

78 LAGUNA BLANCA MAGAZINE

Davies' professors at Westmont flew his mother in
for his graduation as a surprise last spring.

Kabogoza connected with Harbison during a bus ride through Northern and vibrant never seems to make any sense, however his story will be remembered
Uganda, which had been devastated during the oppression led by Joseph for a long time by the many friends he made here in Santa Barbara.” Indeed,
Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army. During her short trip, Harbison saw participants in the benefit soccer tournament included Westmont and Santa
Kabogoza speak in front of large crowds about the importance of abstinence Barbara City College soccer players, as well as friends from Hayashida Physical
in controlling the HIV epidemic. In him, she saw leadership, compassion, Therapy.
and a love of those around him. She was so inspired that she offered to
sponsor his visa and plane ticket to come to the United States. Kabogoza earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Westmont
College. In addition to coaching soccer, he was a physical therapy aide at
“Davies had few opportunities to seek out higher education and change Hayashida Physical Therapy in Santa Barbara. Since arriving in the United
the course of his life in Uganda,” Harbison says. “Things we take for granted States, Kabogoza sent money home to support his mother and younger siblings.
are just not easily available, be it employment, health and dental care, Over $12,00 was raised at the Laguna celebration and fundraiser and will be sent
medication, and college. The challenge of coming from a lifetime of poverty, to his mother in Uganda.
while difficult, was not impossible. Davies made many of his dreams come
true, with perseverance and a lot of help from so many people here.” During the tournament, food tickets and commemorative
jerseys featuring Kabogoza’s number, 13, were sold.
It was that passion for life that inspired so many Laguna students who Together—along with many additional contributions—the
were fortunate enough to be coached by Kabogoza. He brought light and joy event raised over $12,000 for Kabogoza’s family in Uganda.
to all who knew him. Our deepest thanks to Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant and
Under Armour for their generous donations, ensuring every
“He was charismatic and had an innate ability to relate to a variety of penny raised would go to Kabogoza’s family.
people,” Harbison shares. “His favorite people were soccer players, and he
loved the chance to coach at Laguna! The sudden loss of a person so young

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG 79



SAY HELLO

TO OUR NEWEST ALUMNI
THE CLASS OF 2017

COMMENCEMENT COVERAGE COMING THIS FALL

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All events are set programs, not drop-ins. Find more details at lagunablanca.org.