Viewpoint’s annual World Ready Week, held February 23-27, brought our Middle School and Upper School together for three assemblies and two days of student centered and student-led workshops focused on belonging, leadership, and real-world topics. 

The week began in the Carlson Family Theater with powerful words, messages, and acronyms to remember and inspire, as offered by Los Angeles Rams Head Coach and Superbowl LVI Champion, Sean McVay. He shared insights from his journey through athletics and coaching, and from lessons that he has learned along the way. Head of School Mark McKee moderated a Q&A with McVay that also included student-athlete panelists. 

Upper School panelists included Tanner Tyminski ’26, Romy Harari ’26, and Aiden McVay ’26. The Middle School panel featured Lexi Jones-Becconsall ’30, Shiva Patel ’30, Jackson Phillips ’30, and Josh Brown ’30. During the discussions, McVay encouraged students to think about the people and experiences that shape their growth.

“One of the biggest things to remember is that you become the company you keep,” McVay said. “Surround yourself with people who inspire you and push you to keep moving in the direction you want to go. As you’re figuring out your next steps, start by asking yourself, ‘When am I at my best? What are the things that light me up the most?’ That’s often where you start to find clarity.”

Throughout the week, Upper School students designed and facilitated workshops on a wide range of topics, including cultural foods, arts and traditions, mental health and identity to athletics, and strategies for productively navigating difficult conversations. Workshops included “Creating Balance,” “The Pandora’s Box of Artificial Intelligence,” and “Challah Braiding and Shabbat.” 

Middle School students led sessions focused on communication, mindset and global perspectives, including “Academic Validation and Perfectionism,” “Empathy and Constructive Criticism,” and culture-based workshops that invited students to learn through food, games and discussion.

The week included two additional assemblies, one that highlighted “Storytelling through Written Word and Song.” As a requirement for graduation in the Upper School, each senior writes a speech using the prompt, “This I believe,” reflecting on the values and beliefs that shape their lives. Four seniors shared their heartfelt speeches: Max Brown ’26, Noah DiFanti ’26, Chloe Brendle ’26, and Prianna Pierce ’26. 

In keeping with the themes of the speeches, musical performances were woven throughout the assembly. Members of our Upper School vocal ensemble, Voices Now, sang duets by Jamey Tsugawa ’27 and Racheal Chun ’27, as well as Chloe Brendle ’26 and Jake Roth ’26. Phoebe Donlon ’28, David Wang ’27, and Sadie Kieffer ’26 also performed solos throughout the program. 

The week was brought to a close with Upper School and Middle School assemblies that offered reflection time for all. 

“During World Ready Week 2026 we connected through the joyful pursuit of excellence, our word for the year,’ said Patricia Jackson, Chief Belonging and Community Officer. “Students did an excellent job of preparing and presenting their stories and songs, and sharing from their experiences and strength in nearly 50 breakout sessions. Together, we continue to work toward world readiness while centering the mission, vision, and values of our School during WRW and always." 

If you missed Sean McVay’s keynote address, you can watch the recordings below:

• Upper School Keynote
• Middle School Keynote

McVay’s visit to campus was also featured on NBC Los Angeles.