Throughout the year, our community has been exploring the theme of Excellence, not as perfection, but as a commitment to growth, effort, and purpose in everything we do. 

To explore what Excellence looks like across campus, we sat down with members of the Viewpoint community representing different roles: a student, a teacher, a staff member, and a coach. In the Q&As below, they reflect on what Excellence means to them and how they strive to embody it in their work and daily lives.

Rohan Shivakumar ’26
Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Scholar

What does Excellence mean to you as a student at Viewpoint?

Excellence goes hand in hand with passion. It’s not just caring about something because of external motivation, but caring enough to keep improving. When your love for what you do is so strong that it replaces the need for “discipline,” that, to me, is excellence.

Congratulations again on being named a Regeneron STS Scholar. Can you share a bit about your project and what this recognition means to you?

My project focused on using satellite imagery to understand how plant-water relations evolve in response to an incoming fire threat. Being named a Regeneron STS Scholar is meaningful to me because I was personally affected by the Woolsey Fire. What began as a way to better understand that experience grew into years of research aimed at improving wildfire prediction.

Can you share a moment when you had to push yourself beyond what felt comfortable in your academic or research journey?

When I first began building FlameFlux, a wildfire spread prediction machine learning model, my early attempts failed completely. At one point, the model predicted a fire would spread 100 miles into the Pacific Ocean. It would have been easier to abandon the idea, but instead I spent months debugging satellite inputs and reaching out to fire agencies for better data. That uncertainty was uncomfortable, but it’s also what made the experience so meaningful.

Who or what has influenced your understanding of Excellence along the way?

My friends have greatly shaped my understanding of excellence. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who embody it in so many different ways—from running to chess and even math.

What advice would you give to other students who are striving for Excellence in their own journey?

Don’t focus on the accolades or awards that may come with excellence. Be curious. The things that shaped me most weren’t the results, but the days and nights spent working on problems that genuinely fascinated me. If you care deeply about what you’re doing, improvement comes naturally and excellence becomes a byproduct of your passion.

Kate Iacoi
Fourth Grade Reading Teacher

What does Excellence mean to you as an educator at Viewpoint?

Excellence is not about perfection or test scores. It is about growth. It is about creating a classroom where curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and every student feels valued. Excellence means holding high expectations while also providing the support and encouragement students need to reach them.

How do you foster a culture of Excellence in your classroom?

I set clear expectations, provide consistent structure, and encourage students to take ownership of their learning. I believe excellence also means modeling the qualities we hope to instill in our students—integrity, perseverance, kindness, and a love of learning. Students learn as much from who we are as from what we teach.

Can you share a moment in your teaching when you pushed beyond your comfort zone? What did you learn from that experience?

One moment that pushed me beyond my comfort zone was implementing book clubs in my reading classroom. This involved more student-led discussions and releasing control of the conversation. This culminating unit is one of the most rewarding parts of the year. Seeing students discuss confidently, collaborate thoughtfully, at times disagree respectfully, and deepen their understanding of the texts has been incredibly inspiring.

Who or what has most influenced your understanding of Excellence as an educator?

My understanding of excellence has been influenced by my colleagues and mentors who thoughtfully balance rigor with genuine care for students. Observing educators who hold firm expectations while maintaining warmth has shaped my own approach. Their example reminds me that excellence grows from both the relationships we build with one another and our learning process.

What advice would you offer to students as they strive for Excellence in their own journeys?

Excellence is not about being the best in the room or never making mistakes. Your journey is your own. Avoid comparing yourself to others. It is about showing up each day willing to try, to learn, and to improve. Ask questions. Take risks. Be brave enough to try, even when you are unsure. Excellence is built through consistent habits—set goals for yourself, stay organized, and take pride in your effort. Excellence is built in the small, consistent choices you make every day.

Marty Brown
Senior Director, Operations & Facilities

What does Excellence mean to you in your role at Viewpoint?

To me, excellence means creating an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive because the campus around them simply works. It’s the combination of intentional planning, proactive stewardship, and empowering the operations team to take pride in their craft. In Operations & Facilities, excellence shows up in the consistency of our work—delivering a safe, reliable, and beautiful campus every single day so others can focus on teaching and learning.

Can you share a moment when you had to push yourself, or others, beyond what felt comfortable to pursue Excellence?

A memorable moment was when our team faced several major events and facility challenges all at once. We had to stretch beyond our comfort zones—reprioritizing quickly, communicating constantly, and maintaining high standards under pressure. It reminded me that excellence shows up most clearly when we’re pushed and still choose to rise together.

What does Excellence look like in the everyday, behind-the-scenes work people might not see?

Excellence often looks like small, consistent decisions: checking a building one more time before leaving, fixing something before anyone notices it’s broken, choosing to communicate proactively rather than reactively. It’s our team showing up early, staying late when needed, and caring deeply about details most people never witness. Those invisible efforts create the conditions for the entire operation to run efficiently across campus each day.

Who or what has influenced your understanding of Excellence along the way?

I’ve been shaped by leaders and mentors who modeled steadiness, humility, and a commitment to people first. They showed me that excellence isn’t perfection, it’s ownership, accountability, honesty, and continuous improvement. My background in camp leadership also ingrained in me that when you take care of people and the environment they live and work in, excellence becomes a natural byproduct of that investment.

What advice would you give to someone striving for Excellence in their own journey?

Excellence starts with consistency. Show up, do the small things well, and take responsibility for your work, even when no one is watching. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, stay curious, and don’t be afraid of failure; growth lives there. Most importantly, remember that excellence is less about achieving a single moment and more about building a daily mindset.

Justin Hackitt
Cross Country Head Coach and Upper School Biology Teacher

What does Excellence mean to you in your role at Viewpoint?

As a cross country coach, excellence is when I see my whole team working together during a grueling hill workout in 90 degrees, working hard and cheering each other on. Excellence doesn’t happen because you have fast runners. Excellence happens when every athlete is willing to put aside their own comfort and push themselves for the sake of the team.

Can you share a moment when you had to push yourself, or others, beyond what felt comfortable to pursue Excellence?

When I first started coaching, I had no idea what I was doing. I was an assistant coach for one season before the head coach at the time moved and gave me the position. I felt deeply inadequate but had to lean into the discomfort and insecurity and utilize every resource at my disposal to learn how to be the best coach I could be.

What does Excellence look like in the everyday, behind-the-scenes work people might not see?

Excellence looks like holding a plan loosely while staying sensitive to the needs of the team and individual athletes on any given day. Each athlete arrives at practice carrying a full day of experiences and emotions—some good, some difficult. Attuning to what they are carrying through conversation and attentive listening is often far more important than executing a seamless or perfect workout.

Who or what has influenced your understanding of Excellence along the way?

One of my earliest and most significant influences was my high school coach. He inspired me to lean into discomfort and to commit to something bigger than myself. I also draw deeply from key principles of my Christian faith, including Jesus’ teaching: “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This perspective emphasizes humility and leading from behind—seeking to serve others, sometimes above pursuing personal wants or recognition. It is a guiding principle that shapes much of my coaching philosophy.

What advice would you give to someone striving for Excellence in their own journey?

Don’t take yourself too seriously, work hard, prioritize rest, and no matter how successful you may become, prioritize selflessness, remember those who got you there, and always pay it forward. The journey is far more important and rewarding than the accomplishments at the end. Don’t take the little moments, good or bad, for granted.

Throughout the month, Viewpoint is celebrating Women’s History Month through classroom learning, campus programming, and stories that highlight the women shaping our community. This year’s national theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The theme expands the definition of sustainability beyond the environment to include economic opportunity, community resilience, education, and long-term impact.

This month, we proudly recognize individuals whose work, leadership, and ideas are contributing to a stronger, more sustainable Viewpoint and beyond.

This is Our Viewpoint. Herstory.

Jennifer Garrison Ross
Science Department Co-Chair

As a science teacher and department co-chair, you help guide both curriculum and student learning at Viewpoint. What first sparked your interest in science and environmental education?

I grew up in a small town and always loved being outside. It was the era of free-range parenting, so I spent a lot of time outdoors and learned to value nature. My dad took me fishing and hunting, which taught me a lot about how ecosystems work and what could be sustained. As a result, I went to college as an Environmental Science major and continued with Conservation Biology and Herpetology in grad school. I first worked with students as a graduate school teaching assistant and really fell in love with teaching. Even after 25 years, working with students is something that I never get tired of. It is always different—day to day and year to year.

You also co-chair Viewpoint’s Environmental Sustainability Council. What inspired your commitment to environmental stewardship, and how do you see that work shaping the student experience on campus?

It is incredibly important to me that the next generation understands and values sustainability and feels empowered to make change. There are a lot of issues that can seem overwhelming to people, but our students are working to develop ways to make positive change and empower their peers. There are so many opportunities for change at the most local level—on the Viewpoint campus and, for students, at home. It’s always gratifying to hear that a student convinced their parents to stop buying plastic water bottles or to help a student work on a sustainable landscaping plan for their house.

In addition to your work with ESC, you teach AP Environmental Science and Honors Seminar in Environmental Science. What do you hope students take away from these courses about their role in caring for the planet?

The most important thing is their agency. Just because they are young doesn’t mean that they can’t make a difference. In addition, I want them to understand the science behind the human impacts on the planet so that they can educate people. There is a huge need for better science understanding in the general public, and these students can be a part of that.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How does that theme resonate with the work you’re doing with students?

One of the things that we talk about in AP Environmental Science (APES) is that the most significant thing that a country can do to become more sustainable is to empower and educate its girls (see this reference). So the more educated our girls are, and the more all students understand the importance of this, the lower our carbon footprint, the greater our GDP, etc. Girls’ and women’s education, including education about the environment, has a significant impact on the environment.

Who are some women—whether scientists, educators, or mentors—who have inspired your journey?

As a woman in science, I have had few role models that I’ve known personally—something I hope is different for my students. However, as a woman in education, I have had some strong women as mentors, one of whom was a former division director and my boss at my last school. She helped me be a better leader, both through her example and with honest and frank conversations along the way. I still have plenty of work to do!

Pam Oseransky
Coordinator of Service Learning

In your role supporting service learning at Viewpoint, you help connect students with opportunities to give back to the broader community. What do you find most meaningful about this work?

One moment that stopped me in my tracks happened just last year. Viewpoint has partnered with My Stuff Bags Foundation for many years, and we send Upper School volunteers to help pack bags at our annual Community Service Day. A student came up to me and shared that, years ago, when her life was being torn apart, she had received one of those bags. She told me how much it meant to her, and that she still has it. I was completely blown away. That story is a reminder of why this work matters and why it is so meaningful. It matters not just to the communities we serve, but to our own students, in ways we may never fully know.

Something else that has been incredibly powerful for me is our connection with the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF). Student volunteers find their service there so meaningful as they connect with residents from the entertainment community who may have cognitive challenges or may simply need someone to talk to. Both of my parents, and our entire family, were supported by their amazing palliative care team, and it is not lost on me that when we talk about supporting our community, that “community” is you and me.

You’ve also worked closely with students through CORE and other service initiatives on campus. What do you hope students take away from these experiences?

My hope is that students leave with a stronger sense of connection to their community, to each other, and to something bigger than themselves. Our work isn’t just about doing good; it’s about developing empathy, humility, and an understanding that our actions ripple outward in ways we might not always see.

In addition to your work in service learning, you’ve coached softball. How has coaching shaped the way you mentor and support students?

Coaching gave me the foundation for everything I do with students today. One thing I’ve carried from coaching is that students and athletes need to feel seen, and that building trust and genuine connection matters more than a hit in a game or having all the answers. I also believe the best thing you can do for students is to help them find their own solutions and to believe they are creative, resourceful, and capable. Finally, allowing them to be accountable builds a kind of confidence that no trophy or banner can ever provide.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How does that idea resonate with the work you’re doing with students and the community?

That theme really resonates with me. Sustainable change starts with people, and that's exactly what we're trying to build here. What I love most is that our students are already doing this. There are so many brilliant and compassionate young women on this campus. They show up, they care, they ask real questions. My job is just to create a space for them to do what they're already inclined to do. If I can help even a few of them see themselves as someone who can make a difference, someone that really matters to others and to our world, that means everything to me.

Who are some women—mentors, coaches, or role models—who have inspired your journey?

There are so many women who have inspired me. As a softball coach, Sue Enquist (the Hall of Fame coach from UCLA) was someone I held in the highest regard. We even brought our Viewpoint teams to compete on the Bruins’ field just for the chance to be around her. She was as down-to-earth and generous as she was accomplished, and that meant everything to me. Billie Jean King has always been a hero, not just for what she did on the court, but for what she fought for. Brandi Carlile has carried me through difficult times with her music and the way she lives authentically, empathetically, always lifting others up. My favorite quote of hers is, “You can dance in a hurricane, but only if you’re standing in the eye.” Dolly Parton is someone I deeply admire for her incredible philanthropic heart. She gives quietly, generously, and without needing attention. She reminds us that you can use your platform to do a whole lot of good in the world. And closer to home, my co-coaches for so many years, Kelly Toovey and Diane Garza, taught me that the most important lessons of all are to put people first, hold the line with care, and never forget to laugh at yourself. I am grateful for all of them.

Evelyn Perez
Human Resources Generalist

This year marks your 10-year anniversary at Viewpoint. Looking back, how has your role evolved and what has kept you inspired in your work here?

Looking back over the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to work and connect with many members of the Viewpoint community. HR plays an important role in helping employees feel supported, whether it’s during onboarding, navigating questions, or celebrating milestones. What keeps me inspired is the people and the shared commitment to creating a positive environment for both our colleagues and our students.

As a Human Resources professional, you help support the people who make up our community. What does it mean to you to help create a workplace where employees feel supported and valued?

To me, creating a workplace where employees feel supported and valued means making sure people know they have someone they can turn to. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a question, welcoming a new employee during onboarding, or simply being available to listen, those moments help build trust.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How do you see your work contributing to a strong and lasting school community?

In HR, much of our work happens behind the scenes, but it plays an important role in supporting a strong and lasting school community. By helping create thoughtful hiring practices, welcoming new employees, and ensuring faculty and staff feel supported, we help build an environment where people can do their best work. When employees feel valued and connected, it strengthens the entire community and helps sustain the mission of the school.

Who are some women—either mentors, colleagues, or personal role models—who have inspired you along your journey?

I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from many incredible women throughout my career. They’ve shown me the importance of supporting others, listening, and leading with empathy—qualities I try to bring into my own work every day. I’m especially grateful for the women I work alongside today, my current colleagues, Heather Kruse and Stephanie Cruz, who bring dedication, compassion, and collaboration to our community. Being surrounded by such thoughtful and supportive professionals continues to inspire me in my work.

Luna Kuhn ’26
Student 

What sparked your interest in environmental science, and what led you to take Honors Seminar in Environmental Science?

I’ve always been passionate about understanding how aspects of the world work ever since I was in middle school. However, as I grew older, the concerning environmental issues, most often human-caused, captured my attention even more. I not only wanted to learn more about these problems, but also possible solutions.

After my year of AP Environmental Science, I still had more questions and wanted to continue challenging myself academically. I also loved being taught by Ms. Garrison Ross. Many articles and labs later, I’m currently writing an academic paper about urbanization’s complex effects on bee populations.

Outside of class, are there any projects, activities, or topics related to environmental science or sustainability that you’re especially passionate about?

First, there’s a habit that I’m dedicated to, which is not using AI. Not only do I do this for personal reasons, but also because of the severe damage AI has done to global water supplies and communities.

Another project I’ve been working on is in my local community. I’ve been helping my neighbors compost and teaching them the benefits of composting their food waste. It’s such a simple act that many people can, and should, do.

Additionally, I try to learn as much as I can, whether that’s reading news articles, going to museums, or attending workshops about environmental issues. In fact, this past week I went to a bumblebee pollinator workshop at the Huntington Gardens. I try to take advantage of any new learning experience.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How do you see young people playing a role in creating a more sustainable future?

How could young people not have a role in creating a better future? Frankly, it has to be up to us. I think what’s so special and inspiring is that younger people are capable of being open to new ideas. In my opinion, being open is the first step to new breakthroughs.

I think another important aspect of young people is our ability to hold others accountable. This allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to understand what is not sustainable and shift to more environmentally responsible habits.

Are there any women—scientists, environmental leaders, teachers, or mentors—who have inspired your interest in science or sustainability?

I think it’s important to recognize the environmental leaders in our local community. Ms. Garrison Ross has had a great influence on me by inspiring me to pursue new knowledge, become more detailed in my writing, and making learning both hilarious and worthwhile.

I’m also inspired by climate activists such as Greta Thunberg for her fearless voice on climate change and other global issues. Additionally, Pattie Gonia, a drag queen environmentalist, inspires me through the large audience she has built on social media and her advocacy for equal access to public green spaces for people of color and the queer and trans community.

The house just up the road from Viewpoint is more than a classroom for Bill Brendle, Middle and Upper School Music Teacher. The Castle Oaks recording studio, once a hub for Grammy-winning artists and film composers, helped shape his career as a professional musician. Today, it introduces Viewpoint students to the same creative process that once brought world-class artists through its doors.

That connection was on display last month when Brendle’s Voices Now students, a select group of Upper School vocalists, took the stage at Catalina Jazz Club. The annual performance gives students the opportunity to experience what it feels like to perform in a professional venue.

“The goal of this concert is for students to have a spotlight, either as a soloist or as a duet,” Brendle said. “Their job is to choose their own song and find something that connects with them somehow. From the beginning, I treat them as if I were working with professional vocalists.”

That philosophy reflects Brendle’s own background as a professional musician, arranger and musical director. He collaborated with Brazilian music legend Sergio Mendes on two Grammy-nominated albums recorded at Castle Oaks, including one that won.

Brendle first connected with Viewpoint in 2001 when he was hired to play keyboard for a Middle School production of “Annie Get Your Gun.” Soon after, he began accompanying a vocal jazz ensemble at the school, which evolved into what is now Voices Now.

His role eventually expanded to include directing the ensemble, composing music for theater productions, and launching Viewpoint’s Digital Music program. Today, he teaches multiple levels of the course, where students learn songwriting, music production and recording technology while creating their own music.

Many of those classes take place inside the Castle Oaks studio. Now part of the Viewpoint campus, the space gives students the chance to step into a professional recording environment once used by artists including Destiny’s Child and Lisa Marie Presley.

“I love seeing their reaction the first time they walk in,” Brendle said. “They realize they’re in a place where real records were made.”

The same space where Brendle once worked alongside professional artists has become a place where Viewpoint students can discover their own artistic path, whether they are performing at Catalina Jazz Club or producing music in the studio just up the hill.