Page 2 - 2017-18 LBS Annual Report_Final_Neat

Dear Laguna Families, Alumni, and Friends,

It’s humbling to celebrate a school’s 85th anniversary, especially a
school like Laguna Blanca. Our founding leadership built Laguna on the values of
community, connection, and experience. We have grown from a small school of 40
boys, expanded to two beautiful campuses, and weathered tumultuous economic,
political, and social times. Still, our foundation has always remained strong. This
year, as we present our 2017-18 annual report, I want to reflect on the decades-worth
of wonderful people who have made that possible.
First and foremost, Laguna is about students and teachers. Everything that
happens here is done in their interest. When students and teachers are at the center
of the conversation, we know we are making the right decisions for our school
community.
Without our teachers, the heart of our school would not exist. Our faculty are the
ones who cultivate the day-to-day relationships that give our students the confidence
to pursue their unique dreams and passions. This has always been true. Even 50 years
after leaving Laguna, our alumni return and recall the impact specific teachers had
on their lives. Our current faculty aspire to be teachers who are remembered in the
same way.
We are also so grateful for our leadership, including our trustees and Emeritus
Society who keep us grounded in our mission and values. Laguna is a school that has
meant so much to so many. Our leadership helps us to remain thoughtful about the
decisions we make for our school.
I want to acknowledge the people behind the scenes—our dedicated staff and
administration, who work tirelessly all year long to ensure the seamless day-to-day
operations of our school. We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do every single day
without them.
Laguna has sustained such a noble history because of its community of parents,
grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, and friends. You are the pulse and energy
of the school. You volunteer at Spirit of Laguna. You chaperone field trips. You
serve lunches. You put in countless hours organizing events including the Spring
Benefit, our largest fundraiser of the year. You contribute to the Laguna Fund, the
philanthropic backbone of our school—all to support our students, faculty, and
programs. You underscore the value of community.
We are so grateful for you and all of the foundations and local organizations that
continue to support Laguna Blanca School each and every year. You are the ones
who help Laguna maintain its relevance, strength, and legacy over the course of 85
years. We see the work you are doing. We are inspired by your contributions, and we
appreciate you more than you know.

Rob Hereford
Head of School

2017-18 ANNUAL REPORT 1