Mission, Vision, & Values

When Nico Hern ’27 first arrived at Reach Academy four summers ago, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Encouraged by his family to participate the summer before Ninth Grade, he initially approached the experience with some hesitation. But by the end of that first summer, something had shifted.

“I challenged myself to open up and be vulnerable, which made my time there better,” Nico said. “Once you open up, you have a brotherhood, and you have people who are there for you and that you can count on.”

Reach Academy is a summer program focused on academic enrichment, leadership, mentorship, and community for young men. Nico spent his first two summers as a Reacher before progressing through the program’s leadership roles, first as a Navigator and, this past summer, as a Fellow. In that role, he mentored younger participants and became the kind of role model he had once looked to himself.

“He has traveled the full arc of Reach: from being a young man receiving mentorship and community to becoming a leader and mentor for younger boys himself,” said Reach Academy Founding Executive Director Nat Damon.

That growth was evident in the way Nico showed up for the Reach community. He was often among the first to volunteer for lunch duty, greeted students and families at carpool, helped during pickup, and led tours for Reach donors.

“He did those things not because someone was watching, but because he genuinely loves the community,” Damon said.

This summer, Nico’s journey came full circle when Reach Academy’s Senior Administrative Team selected him to serve as the graduation speaker. Drawing from his own experience, Nico encouraged younger Reachers who might still be hesitant to open up to embrace vulnerability and allow themselves to grow.

“I wanted to connect with everyone, not just the parents, but the Reachers who didn’t feel ready to be vulnerable, to show that it’s okay to express themselves,” Nico said.

Nico credits Reach with helping him grow as a student, leader, and person. He carries that growth with him into his senior year at Viewpoint. Through real-world learning, opportunities to step outside his comfort zone, and an emphasis on “being your brother’s keeper,” he has learned the importance of showing up for others.

“There is something about Nico that is harder to quantify but perhaps more important than anything else: he makes people feel seen,” Damon said. “He has a way of making younger boys, and really everyone around him, feel good about themselves.”

Four summers after first arriving at Reach, Nico is now helping younger students find the same sense of brotherhood and community he found there himself.

For Hayden Gutierrez ’29, a fascination with the city of Los Angeles and its buildings began when he was just five years old. Over the years, that early curiosity has grown into a deeper appreciation for historic architecture and preservation.

“When I was younger, my favorite place to visit was Downtown Los Angeles. I loved looking at the different shapes and patterns of buildings and how they came together,” Hayden shared. “That grew into an interest in architecture, because I enjoy sketching buildings and skylines.”

That interest eventually led Hayden to the Los Angeles Conservancy, which he first discovered after attending Last Remaining Seats at the historic Million Dollar Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles. Drawn to the organization’s work to preserve historic buildings and the stories and communities connected to them, Hayden began volunteering with the Conservancy in 2025.

Through the Conservancy’s Community Leadership Boot Camp: Next Generation, Hayden researched the historic L.A. Times Mirror Square, including its 1935 Art Deco building, and presented to the board on the need for further protections. His work was later featured in the Spring 2026 issue of the Conservancy’s Landmark magazine.

“Through my experience with the LA Conservancy, I learned about historic preservation in Los Angeles, how to advocate through research and social media awareness, and the importance of these buildings for the communities,” Hayden said.

This past spring, Hayden also participated in Architecture for Communities Los Angeles’ (ACLA) Transform LA program, a hands-on experience that introduces high school students to sustainable architecture and design. 

“ACLA’s Transform LA program taught me how to use sustainable architecture with public spaces to benefit the people who use the space,” Hayden shared. 

Now in his sophomore year at Viewpoint, Hayden is bringing that interest back to campus through Architecture, Art, & Preservation, a new student club focused on the architectural styles and history of buildings throughout Los Angeles.

“I would like students to become aware of and appreciate LA’s culture, history, and significance,” Hayden said. “I have learned that architecture is not just about buildings, it’s about the different communities that surround them.”

LOVE was in the air at Viewpoint’s Twelfth Annual Convocation where the President and Head of School Mark McKee officially opened the 65th academic year, surrounded by the entire student body, faculty, and staff.

Among the most memorable moments was the senior class forming a tunnel for Kindergarten students to walk through as they entered the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC). This beloved tradition reflects the unity of Viewpoint’s student body and underscores the role of older students as mentors and leaders for the youngest members of the community.

McKee welcomed the seniors in the Class of 2027, the Kindergarten Class of 2039, and 172 new students. He reflected on the meaning of love, drawing inspiration from Viewpoint’s founders.

“This year we are lifting up our core value of Love and reflecting on what it means and on how we can put into practice to make our community and our world a better place,” said McKee. “Viewpoint’s founding Latin motto, Fide et Amore, means ‘by faith and love,’ and the founders of this school understood that the best learning happens in a connected community, united by love and by faith, giving us optimism and belief in the future.”

McKee also delivered a heartwarming tribute to Head of Primary School Cathy Adelman who joined Viewpoint fifty years ago as an assistant Kindergarten teacher.

“It is so rare to work with a leader who has devoted an entire career to educating children in one school,” said McKee. “Generations of students, teachers, and parents have benefited from her wisdom, her knowledge, and her gentle and firm commitment to all of us being kind and caring.”

Next, Student Council Executive Board President Samson Harrington ’27 set the tone with remarks on this year’s theme of Love, before Associate Head of School Anneke Emerson invited student representatives from every division to share their own perspectives. Second Grade students Ava Taylor and Jude Klemack; Fifth Grade students Golden Lewis and Braden Sevell; Eighth Grade students Ruby Wagner and Prince Pierce; and seniors Jamey Tsugawa and Parker Forte reflected on the many ways Love is lived and experienced across campus.

Five Viewpoint employees were honored with annual endowed awards recognizing their dedication to the school community. This year’s Spirit of Viewpoint Award was presented to Jennifer Townes, who has given 23 years of service to the school, and is considered a guiding light and invaluable source of institutional knowledge. Her colleagues describe Jennifer as a ray of sunshine, loyal, and steadfast in her work directing the Viewpoint Fund.

Two Excellence in Teaching Awards also were presented. The first went to Primary School Music Teacher, Hannah Lande, recognized for bringing joy and fun to her music classes, and building every young child’s confidence on stage through her thoughtful, innovative teaching and performance choices. The second award honored beloved Lower School Math Teacher, Daynin Blake who is known for bringing heart, dedication, and intention to his work every day.deeply student-focused teacher who has a wonderful ability to make Fifth Grade students genuinely love math.

The Handley Chair of American Studies was awarded to teacher Tom Moore for promoting intellectual inquiry and love of learning in the history, literature, and culture of the United States. It honors Joseph and Elizabeth Handley, who wanted students to share their love of our nation’s values and traditions. From his departmental work with both literature and creative writing, to his intensive work to make all students feel safer and more at home on campus, Tom’s efforts embody the deeply held values of Viewpoint.

Dr. Kristin Herkstroeter was presented with the William Turner Levy Chair for Inspired Teaching award, for consistently creating classroom experiences that inspire intellectual curiosity and love of learning. The award honors Dr. Levy, Viewpoint teacher and Provost from 1978 to 2008. Applauded for her unwavering commitment to teaching and promoting music at Viewpoint, Kristin has built an impressive program that brings in gold medals in music competitions year after year. Her students, across every division, grow and develop from novice to accomplished musicians playing in chamber groups and full orchestras.

The Convocation showcased the talents of the Upper School Concert Choir, under the direction of Middle and Upper School Choral Teacher Carrie Dietsch, with Collaborative Pianist Kyle deTarnowsky. The choir opened with the National Anthem, followed by an uplifting performance of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” arranged by Jack Funk. They closed the program with a heartfelt rendition of the school’s alma mater, leaving the audience with a strong sense of unity and inspiration.

As the school year begins, the spirit of love will continue to guide students, teachers, and staff, driving them to achieve new heights and make a positive impact on their community and the world.

Peyton Goto-Lynch ’29 has been horseback riding for nearly as long as she can remember. She first rode ponies at Griffith Park when she was just two years old and began taking lessons a few years later. 

“There wasn’t a specific spark for equestrian sports; it was just a part of my everyday life,” Peyton said. “I started seriously competing when I was 11 years old, and it wasn’t until then that the possibilities of going far in the sport felt real.”

Today, Peyton trains five to six times a week at Mark Watring Stables in Thousand Oaks, working with accomplished international equestrian and Olympian Mark Watring.

A major turning point in Peyton’s competitive journey came in November 2025, when Watring helped her find her horse, Erne Mountain Dew, known as “Dew.”

“With Dew, I started to improve my riding and jump higher,” Peyton said. “We were getting top ribbons as my show season went on.”

During the 2025-26 season, Peyton and Dew earned multiple first-place finishes, including Division Championships at Desert International Horse Park and the Flintridge Horse Show. Peyton also represented Viewpoint in IEL competition, finishing the season as the IEL Varsity League Reserve Champion in Jumpers.

Balancing school with training and competitions requires careful planning, and Peyton credits her teachers with helping her stay on track when traveling for shows.

“I’m thankful to all my teachers for being willing to help me while I continue to pursue my equestrian goals,” she said.

Looking ahead, Peyton hopes to qualify for Nationals in Las Vegas this November and continue advancing to higher levels with Dew. We look forward to cheering her on throughout the season!