“Celebration of Extraordinary Lives” Leaves Lasting Memories
Alumni, faculty, students, parents, staff and friends gathered on Saturday, April 27 in the Zalk Theater to celebrate the lives of departed alumni Michael Hathaway ’59, Olivia Barclay Jones ’58, Lana Caffey ’58 and Aleta Friend London ’63. The afternoon began with remarks from our new Head of School, Portia Johnson ’00, followed by an exquisite rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s I Will Remember You by senior Emilia “Emmy” Hilgers ’19 and Music Department Chair Dave Cosby on guitar. Remarks followed from HVF Trustee Jan Caldwell Thorpe ’60 and former HVF Trustee Anne Friend Thacher ’60. Both delivered poignant stories, some that has us tearful and others that put a smile on our faces and made us laugh. Kathy Zotnowski, Director of Development & Alumni Relations read a moving tribute by Linda Zalk Levitt ’59 for “Livi” Barclay Jones and introduced a memorial video presentation of all the deceased. Kevin Henschel ’93, Officer of Development & Alumni Relations, unveiled the “Deceased Student Memorial” – a glorious sculptural fire pit of a phoenix rising, inscribed with “Aun Aprendo” to be placed on top of Senior Hill. The memorial will include the engraved names of deceased alumni, beginning with the afternoon’s honorees among others. The celebration concluded with our traditional music, reading, and moment of silence. Guests then enjoyed a delectable dinner prepared by the school’s culinary staff where they could continue to reminisce and share memories of our dearly departed.
The Alumni and Friends Council
The common purpose of the AFC is alumni outreach with the goal of cultivating relationships that engage with the school, the current student body, and each other.
School Address
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd
Ojai California 93023
805-646-4343
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