Four Laguna girls compete in Water Polo NCAA National Championships at Stanford

Four girls from Laguna competed in the Water Polo NCAA National Championships at Stanford over the weekend. The girls – Bella Baldridge, Makenzie Fischer, Thea Walsh, and Aria Fischer – have been playing together for Laguna Beach since they were in 10 and under division. 

Stanford won the 2019 NC women’s water polo championship in a 9-8 thriller against defending national champion Southern California. Both teams advanced to the championship after overtime wins in the semifinals. 

The Cardinal’s Makenzie Fischer led the way in the title match with three goals and an assist. She was honored with MVP of the tournament. 

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(L-R) Bella Baldridge, Makenzie Fischer, Thea Walsh, and Aria Fischer

It’s Stanford’s seventh national title in program history since the women’s water polo national championships began in 2001. 

The two teams have combined to win the last nine NCAA titles. Stanford boasts six national championships in its program history (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017), while USC has won five times (2004, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2018).

Laguna Beach High School Junior Varsity Girls Sand Volleyball crowned League Champs

In their inaugural season, the Laguna Beach Girls JV Sand Volleyball team captured the Sunset League championship. The team was seeded 7th to start the competition, but dominated play and won their four team matches during the two-week tournament.

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Back Row: (L-R) Coach Steve McFadden, Emma Bladergroen, Alessandra Nitoglia, Lucy Loughlin, Madison Rogers, Nikki Ruch, Lucky Hauer, Sophie Reavis, Jacqueline Witteman, Sydney Freeman, Natalie Olson, and Annabelle Kiesweter; Front Row: Amelie Sadler, Sophie Black, Harper Bunn, and Luisa LoFranco; Not in photo: Coach Nicolette Martin, Shanti Nunn, and Olivia Policastro.

The championship match pitted LBHS against 8th seeded Edison High School.   

The top-seeded Laguna team of Sophie Reavis and Emma Bladergroen won a hard fought two-set victory over the pair from Edison High School. After taking the first set 21-15, Reavis and Bladergroen were in a back and forth match with both teams having opportunities to win the second set. 

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Emma Bladergroen and Sophie Reavis

Serving at 21-20, Bladergroen served a ball that proved too tough to handle, giving Reavis/Bladergroen the 22-20 win. The Laguna Beach girls won the other four matches as well, recording the following scores: 

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Semi-final victory with Coach Nicolette Martin

--Amelie Sadler & Sophie Black, 21-7, 21-12 

--Lucky Hauer & Luisa LoFranco 21-12, 21-17 

--Sydney Freeman & Alessandra Nitoglia – 21-10, 21-15 

--Lucy Loughlin & Annabelle Kiesweter – 21-7, 21-10 

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Winners!

Edison conceded the 4v4 match, resulting in a 7-0 final championship game tally. 

The team’s dramatic improvement during the year can be credited to coaches Nicolette Martin and Steve McFadden.

SchoolPower’s 3 Clubs Barefoot Golf Tournament is a hole-in-one for Laguna schools

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Monday, May 13 marked the fourth annual 3 Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, benefiting SchoolPower. With the theme of “Peace, Love, & BBQ,” this sold-out event entertained golfers and non-golfers alike.

Generously underwritten by The Ranch at Laguna Beach and Hobie, 100 percent of the over $60,000 raised will benefit our local Laguna Beach schools through SchoolPower.

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Golfers gathered in support of SchoolPower at The Ranch on Monday

Seventy-six barefoot golfers kicked off the afternoon’s festivities with a friendly nine-hole, four-person scramble competition. As in past years, players tackled some nontraditional shots, including teeing off with a softball bat, driving with opposite-handed clubs, and the replacement of putters with a hockey stick. 

First-time golf participant and SchoolPower Trustee Eric Brougher was one of several winners of hole challenges, scoring a golf cap for closest to pin. “The Ranch provided the perfect atmosphere to celebrate SchoolPower and all the kids it positively impacts,” he said. “The Barefoot Classic is a fun and definitely unique event for any level of golfer that is looking to have a great time while supporting a worthy cause with their friends and community.”

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The course was up to par for these happy golfers 

Following golf, the party continued on the patio, where golfers and guests gathered for a cocktail reception that included tequila tastings by Nosotros Tequila and live music by blues guitarist Shawn Jones. Dinner featuring Santa Maria-style BBQ prepared by former NFL player Brandon Jessie’s BBQ81 rounded out the casual celebration. “The beauty of the location and warmth of the staff blew me away,” says guest Suzzette Arnal. “Add to that fabulous food and lively conversation, and it was a perfect night!”

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An awesome custom shirt completed the day 

As in past years, lifelong Laguna resident and longtime SchoolPower supporter Mark Christy took to the podium and served as auctioneer for a live auction. A creator of the Barefoot Classic, Christy’s enthusiasm set a festive tone for the night. “Seriously,” he told the crowd, “spending an afternoon having an informal, kick-your-shoes-off, laughter-echoing-through-the-canyon blast while doing something cool for our schools and the kids? Priceless!” 

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After the golf, the party continued on the patio for a lively reception 

Christy is passionate about public education/giving back to Laguna Beach schools. “Laguna’s schools and teachers were a game-changer for my classmates and me,” says Christy. “We hope that the funds generated will afford our exceptional instructors the flexibility and resources to further connect with students.” 

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These ladies hit a hole in one with their golf attire for the day 

This year’s auction items included a one-of-a-kind glamping trip in The Ranch’s exclusive “Scout Camp,” an overnight stay in the exclusive Treehouse and dinner for four at Harvest, and a custom-made Hobie surfboard. Bidders also faced off to win four seats at the upcoming Angel-Dodgers series, courtesy of John Carpino and the Angels organization. To cap off the night, the crowd was treated to a surprise live performance by Green Day founder, vocalist, and bassist Mike Dirnt, who then auctioned off a signed bass guitar to the enthusiastic crowd.

SchoolPower’s mission is to enhance the educational experience of the whole student as they grow from TK through 12th grade. In 2017-18, SchoolPower contributed over $760,000 to the Laguna Beach school district to help support a wide range of programs, including small class sizes, academics, athletics, visual and performing arts, music, STEM programs, and wellness and student support. 

SchoolPower’s Wave of Giving campaign is on now at this link.

LBUSD Board of Education May 14 meeting recap

At the May 14 LBUSD Board of Education meeting, Chief Technology Officer Mike Morrison presented an update on the status and progress of the technology department, including computer science and research initiatives.

During the meeting, the Board took action to approve an agreement with Kelvin Education, Inc. for the 2019-20 school year. The district is committed to supporting students K-12 in the development of positive personal and interpersonal skills to enhance academic achievement, positive decision-making, and long-term social-emotional health outcomes. 

Staff will utilize Kelvin Education, Inc.’s online-enabled research services, which include unlimited access to student social-emotional wellness screenings, school climate screenings, and a library of social-emotional learning and positive school climate intervention resources. 

The Board also took action to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Laguna Beach to operate an Adult Education program for the period of June 1, 2019, through May 21, 2022. Classes will be offered free of charge to Laguna Beach residents and topics will include computer skills, workforce presentation, ESL, and classes for adults with disabilities.

During the May 14 meeting, the Board received an update on the audiovisual equipment that would need to be replaced in the boardroom to effectively record the meetings. Additionally, the staff discussed the closed captioning requirements during live streaming for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

At the meeting, the Board directed staff to put live streaming of the school board meetings on hiatus while staff investigates potential options to become compliant with requirements. In the meantime, meetings will continue to be recorded and posted on the District website following the meeting. The Board also requested that a contract for upgrading the audiovisual system be brought forward for consideration at a future board meeting.

One of the goals set by the board of education has been to increase access to courses for all students. Dr. Viloria is proud to report that more LBHS students are taking – and passing – Advanced Placement (AP) exams than ever before. Cotinue reading about the work being done in the district to expand AP access to all students in the district in a guest column by Dr. Villoria below.

For more information on the LBUSD Board of Education including future action items, visit www.lbusd.org. The next regular Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m.

Tonight’s School Board meeting includes technology department information update

The agenda for tonight’s (Tuesday, May 14) regular LBUSD Board of Education meeting has been posted online here. Open session will begin at 6 p.m. at the District office, at 550 Blumont St, with closed session occurring beforehand at 5 p.m.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

LBUSD School Boarding meeting tonight (May 14) is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m.

The Board will receive a technology department information update. Action items for consideration by the Board include a MOU with the city of Laguna Beach to implement a jointly operated adult education program and renewal of routine contracts.

The LBUSD Board of Education’s vision is to take ownership of each child’s learning in our schools, accepting no limits on potential. Their mission is that each student gains the knowledge, experience, world perspectives, and skills needed to become a lifelong learner and producer in a competitive and interconnected world.

For more information on District happenings, visit www.lbusd.org.