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On a Saturday last month, Dunn School in Los Olivos hosted a large group of budding entrepreneurs from around the country, who polished their presentation skills pitches for their business and product ideas.

On March 1, for the second straight year, Dunn hosted the regional competition for the Diamond Challenge, a competition billed as “The Ultimate High School Entrepreneur Challenge.”

Dunn Head of School Kalyan Balaven welcomed the competitors and help up the event as an example of what his school and the schools represented are trying to convey.

“This event is the perfect example of how education and innovation intersect,” he said. “The students here are not just dreamers, they are architects of our future.”

Although Dunn did not have any students who competed in the Diamond Challenge, the event matches up well with the efforts of the school to teach the philosophies and practices of business and entrepreneurship.

Dunn teacher Chad Stacy oversees the program as the Director of Entrepreneurship and explained how it works.

“At the heart of program is our student-run store 24/7 convenience store, where students can get food and snacks and other needs and pay electronically,” he said. “It’s our main revenue producer, and it’s where our new students are put to learn the basics. It’s real hands-on.”

Stacy said as the students get older, they can branch off into different areas.

“We can offer additional entrepreneurial courses, where the students can propose and make their own products and sell them in their own store,” he said. “And we have students invest some of the money they make from the store in the stock market and see how that can grow.”

Meanwhile, the competition offered a wide range of business ideas and concepts for the judges to evaluate. Presentations were made in two “pitch rooms” representing two categories: Business Innovation and Social Innovation.

In the Business room, judges heard pitches for many different ideas including those for The Chess Mate, a service to find willing players for chess that includes the ability to organize tournaments and look at tutorials to become a better player. There was also a proposal for a company called (eye)deal, that can detect eye disease remotely with an online camera. And there was Fizzle, proposing a device to installed in stoves to keep them from overheating and causing fires.

“I actually had a neighbor in the San Jose area who had his home damaged because his stove caught fire,” said Ishaan Mandala, who teamed with his Silver Creek High classmates Adarsh Sharma and Tanish Srinivas for the presentation.“So I started thinking about how we could help prevent that, and came up with this.”

Over in the Social Innovation room, threat of fire was also the inspiration for a concept called SkyScouts, which was proposed as a system to predict wildfires, so they can be dealt with before they do too much damage. The judges for that part of the competition also heard pitches for MeloSign (with the slogan “Making Music Tangible”), whose creators envision a way for the hearing-impaired to truly enjoy music, with visual cues on a screen and a wearable device on the wrist with hoptic vibrations to allow the person to feel the beat of the music.

Also in the Social category was Rhythmiq, billed as an all-encompassing online tool for professional, amateur, and aspiring dancers that would be a search engine for affordable training and dance studios, and online help to learn dance steps and create your own routines with the help of AI.

David Zheng, Russell Qian, and Suri Li, who all got to know each other through their dance experience were at Dunn to present their idea.

“This presentation and how we did it is kind of recent, but the idea kind of hatched with me about two and a half years ago,” Zheng said. “I was trying to get into auditions for K-pop and while doing that I realized there were so many talented people who just didn’t have a way to get their foot in the door. So I started looking for a way to create something for that, and meeting up with my partners, we tried to find an all-inclusive tool to help dancers and performers.”

After all the pitches were done, the students heard from the event’s keynote speaker Autumn Badelt-Fanning, a Dunn School alumna who created a mobile veterinary business in Paso Robles and now manages a vineyard in that town with her husband. She told the audience about her difficulties getting the mobile veterinary business off the ground before it was successful, and presented it as a lesson to not get discouraged if thing don’t work right away.

At the end, the winners were announced in each category who would advance to the Limitless World Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on May 1-2.

The winner in the Business Innovation category was Soundwave, the creator of an AI accent moderator for foreign call centers to help they and the customers better understand one another. The winner if the Social Innovation category was GradeWithAI, which use AI technology to modernize methods for grading and “empowering educators to educate.”

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The Santa Maria Valley Elks Lodge honored its two most recent Students of the Month from Santa Ynez High School during recent meetings. Ben Flores is the February honoree, while Mykah Hardy is the March honoree.

Ben, the February Students of the Month, has earned recognition for his athletic exploits, having been a three-sport star all four years at SYHS. He was a team captain and co-MVP in football, team caption and two-time all-league in wrestling, and a four-year varsity letterman in baseball.

Ben is also strong academically, having completed all his A-G requirements to be eligible for a four-year school. 

He hopes to play baseball at Santa Barbara City College or Allan Hancock College and then transfer to Oregon or Cal Poly SLO. He is considering a major in engineering. 

“Ben is such a joy to have on campus,” said Alexa Tomasini, administrative assistant at SYHS. “His attitude is infectious as well as his smile.  I have never seen Ben in a bad mood but I love that I have seen him in a very intense mood. He is someone that gives it all.”

Mykah Hardy, the Elks Student of the Month for March, has distinguished herself with her work in the Santa Ynez FFA. She is currently FFA vice president, participating in public speaking competitions, raising a lamb for the 2025 Santa Barbara County fair, and attended several conferences with SYHS’s FFA chapter, such

as the state conference, where she was a Job interview sectional finalist (public speaking).

Mykah has taken eight college courses and six courses in the A-G pathway. A National Honors Society member, she currently has a 3.5 GPA, and is going to attend Texas Tech University, majoring in pre-vet and minoring in agriculture. She plans to become a large-animal veterinarian specializing in horses and cattle. She has done ride-alongs at Alamo Pintado with Dr. Tyler Stevenson and Dr. Carolina Lopez.

She played varsity softball her sophomore and junior year, serving as team captain her junior year. She also loves rodeo, especially breakaway and team roping, which she does for fun. Outside of school, she currently works at Pico restaurant in Los Alamos a few days a week, and has worked for Fess Parker Ranch Beef, marketing/selling wagyu beef at the Santa Barbara farmers markets on Saturdays and Sundays.

Both students received a check from the Elks Lodge toward future school expenses. Congratulations to Ben and Myka.

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The Santa Ynez High School Theatre Group was able to put its stamp on a memorable Broadway play based on a popular movie, in a show that couldn’t be contained to the stage.

That show was “Andrew Lloyd Weber’s School of Rock,” which the group performed in four shows over three days from March 14-16 at SYHS’s Little Theatre. The show was based on the Broadway musical that itself was based on the 2003 motion picture starring Jack Black.

For those not familiar with that movie, the story follows Dewey Finn (played here by Harvey Ho), an aspiring rock star who gets kicked out of his own band and loses his job at the same time. He happens to take a call meant for his roommate Ned Schneebly (Signy Hansen) and ends up assuming Ned’s identity to take a teaching job at Horace Green School.

After identifying the musical talent in his students, Dewey forms a band out of the fifth-graders in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest, all under the suspicious nose of the school’s principal, Rosalie Mullins (Addisynn Laliberte).

The show, in this case the matinee on Saturday, March 15, featured several musical numbers, and in some of them the actors ventured off the stage and into the aisles to perform. One example was “If Only You Would Listen,” as the Horace Green students stood along the front of stage and up each aisle, while singing about their frustration over parents’ expectations. Another was Laliberte performing “Where Did The Rock Go?,” from the back corner as Ms. Mullins begins to soften her no-nonsense exterior. And, there was even a moment when the actors tiptoed through the rows of spectators to simulate their “sneaking out” for their “Battle of the Bands” audition before the principal could catch them.

“I just like to involve the audience as much as I can, and used every bit of space that we can,” said SYHS Theatre Group director and teacher Amy Curti, who was directing her second show at SYHS. “I like that people have to turn around sometimes, and it’s not such a passive experience.”

In the production’s playbill, Curti mentioned in her director’s note that she decided on “School of Rock,” after exchanging “just a few words” with Harvey last summer, and stated that “Harvey Ho is Dewey Finn.”

Harvey’s performance seemed to bear that out; like actors before him, he was able to portray Dewey as a mischievous and rebellious protagonist, but with enough charisma and humility to convince his students to embrace their talents and rebel a little on their own. That message was conveyed with the number “Stick It To The Man,” which may have been the signature tune for the show.

“I really identified with that part of the character, because the kids are so uptight. They’re smart, but they’re kind of brain dead, like they’re not creative,” Harvey said after the show. “I really like how the [Dewey] character brings out that creative side and then gets them having fun.”

It was a familiar kind of role for Harvey, who said he’s played comedic roles before, like Mr. Macafee in “Bye Bye Birdie,” and the grandpa in “You Can’t Take It With You,” though he said the singing parts were new for him.

That was actually the kind of balance Curti sought when she picked “School of Rock” for the spring production.

“It was the first time we did a musical, and I felt it was very palatable,” she said. “And, a lot of musicals have just singing, but this one had acting too, so I thought this would ease us into it.”

Of course, the musical numbers very prevalent in the show. Curti praised the vocal talents of Addisynn for her “Where Did The Rock Go?” number, as well as Anelly Tovalin, who as Tomika didn’t say much until the second act, when with a little push from Dewey belted out a rousing rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Addisynn expressed after the show how much she enjoyed doing a musical this semester.

“I did ‘Little Women’ back in the fall, but this was different,” she said. “You definitely sweat a lot, because with the singing and choreography we put in a lot more physical effort. But the output was great and it was worth it.”

While the actors did a lot of moving around, the audience was able to hear them clearly as many of them, including Harvey as Dewey, wore wireless microphones while performing. All that due to an outside vendor, Curti said.

“We hired Bill Gaines Audio out of San Luis Obispo, because we haven’t been able to afford our own equipment,” Curti said. However, she said the department is hoping for donations so that it can eventually purchase it on their own.

With two shows under her belt, Curti said she’s looking ahead to next year.

“We’ve already decided to do ‘Emma’ in the fall, since it’s going to be Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in December,” she said. “Then we’ll have another musical next spring, but which one it is will be determined later.”

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“School of Rock — The Musical,” is a Broadway show, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the 2003 movie of the same name that starred Jack Black. The musical follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work rock singer and guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After identifying the musical talent in his students, Dewey forms a band of fifth-graders, in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest.

Three shows are scheduled at the SYHS Little Theatre: Friday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 15, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 16, at 1 p.m. 

Admission to the shows are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the ASB Webstore, 

www.syvpirates.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1053708&type=d&pREC_ID=1468681 

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The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District recently hosted its annual Fall Academic Recognition ceremony, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The ceremony, held during the Winter Sports Rally, highlighted the district’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, improvement, and consistent attendance among its student body.

A standout moment of the event was the presentation of the Most Improved Student Award to Diana Ortega Campos.Diana demonstrated remarkable dedication, raising her GPA by the highest number of grade points from the spring semester to the fall semester. Beyond academics, Diana’s improved attendance and discipline have made her a role model for perseverance and determination. “Congratulations, Diana, on your hard work and dedication!” said ASB Co-President Grace Velasquez.

Academic excellence was on full display as 171 students were recognized for achieving a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Each of these outstanding students received a Santa Ynez sweatshirt as a token of appreciation for their dedication and success. “Congratulations to all 171 students for your unwavering commitment to academic achievement!” remarked ASB Director Mr. Rob Cantrell.

The district also honored 135 students who earned GPAs between 3.5 and 3.9. These students, celebrated for their hard work and dedication, were awarded long-sleeved Pirate T-shirts. “Your dedication to maintaining strong academic performance is truly commendable,” ASB Co-President Sophia Merz shared during the ceremony.

Attendance is a cornerstone of student success, and 459 students were acknowledged for achieving an impressive 95 percent attendance rate. Each of these students received a Pirate Trucker hat as a reward for their commitment to consistent participation in their education. “Thank you for showing up and making the most of your learning opportunities,” said District Superintendent/SYHS Principal Dr. Kimberly Sheehan.

The Fall Academic Recognition ceremony underscores the district’s dedication to nurturing a culture of excellence and resilience. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the hard work of students, teachers, and families who contribute to the district’s vibrant learning community. Congratulations to all honorees for their exceptional accomplishments!

Santa Ynez High School Announces 2025 Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Melanie Dickey

Santa Ynez High School is proud to announce Mrs. Melanie Dickey as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, an honor voted on by her peers in recognition of her exceptional contributions to education and her unwavering dedication to her students.

Described by colleagues and former students as “the educator I always aspire to be,” Dickey embodies the qualities of a truly outstanding teacher. Her thoughtfulness and reflective approach to teaching set her apart. She consistently develops meaningful relationships with her students, motivating them to achieve their best in her class and beyond.

One former student and current teacher shared, “If I did not have her in my freshman year of high school, I honestly believe I would not have found confidence in my abilities in English. I probably never would have majored in English or become a teacher. She has always been one of my greatest role models.”

Dickey’s dedication extends far beyond the classroom. She invests countless hours in designing thoughtful and engaging lessons that adapt to meet students where they are. She holds her students to rigorous standards, ensuring they strive for excellence, while providing the support and flexibility they need to succeed.

Her colleagues praise her as a wonderful teammate who is always quick to help, support, and offer advice. One staff member remarked, “She creates a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to thrive. Her passion for English is contagious, inspiring and motivating her students to reach their full potential.”

Congratulations, Mrs. Dickey, on being named the 2025 Santa Ynez High School Teacher of the Year!

Santa Ynez High School Announces 2025 Classified Employee of the Year: Mrs. Maria Garcia

Santa Ynez High School is proud to recognize Mrs. Maria Garcia as the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year. This honor, voted on by her colleagues, highlights her extraordinary contributions and unwavering commitment to the school’s success and the well-being of its students and families.

Garcia is described as the backbone of Santa Ynez High School, seamlessly managing countless responsibilities with grace and dedication. Her ability to keep everything running smoothly while maintaining a deep understanding of each student’s needs makes her an invaluable member of the school community.

One of Garcia’s most significant contributions is her role as a bridge for families who do not speak English. Through her work as a translator and advocate, she ensures that every family feels seen, heard, and supported. Her guidance has made a lasting impact, empowering families to actively participate in their students’ education.

Garcia wears many hats at Santa Ynez High School, from translating and working with families to coordinating substitutes and supporting school events like football games. Her colleagues describe her as a “trooper” who handles every responsibility with kindness and efficiency. Her caring approach to interacting with students and families sets a standard of excellence for all.

Congratulations, Mrs. Garcia, on being named the 2025 Santa Ynez High School Classified Employee of the Year!

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To assist Santa Barbara County schools that are struggling to meet the classroom technology needs of their students, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated over $79,000 to 10 area schools that applied for grants through its foundation’s Technology in Schools Program for the 2024-25 school year. 

The program encourages Santa Barbara County school administrators and faculty to apply for technology grant dollars to fund specific projects. These grants let schools purchase hardware, upgrade infrastructure, add high-tech resources and boost their curriculum. 

The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 school year is April 30, 2025, and all applications must be submitted online at chumash.gov/foundation

This year’s recipients are Vista Del Mar Union School District in Gaviota, College School District in Santa Ynez, Los Olivos Elementary School, Santa Barbara Unified School District, La Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara, Orcutt Academy High School in Santa Maria, Saint Louis de Montfort Catholic School in Santa Maria, San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, Lakeview Junior High School in Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

“It’s an honor to help enhance the learning experience of potentially thousands of young, learning minds in Santa Barbara County through our Technology in Schools Program,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “An innovative education is crucial to student engagement and the success of our future generations, and we’re proud to be able to contribute by helping put the latest technology in local classrooms.” 

Vista Del Mar Union School District in Gaviota was awarded $8,255 and will use this funding to upgrade its existing Chromebooks so students can use the latest applications, access the State Testing Portal and replace uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for consistent internet during power outages. 

“Vista is incredibly grateful for the support of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians,” said Bree Valla, superintendent/principal for Vista Del Mar Union School District. “Their support will allow us to ensure that Vista students have continued access to quality technology and are prepared for the 21st century. Thank you, Chumash foryour continued support of our community!” 

College School District in Santa Ynez was awarded $9,173.96 and will use this funding to upgrade its STEAM Maker’sLab by purchasing a 3D printer and an interactive whiteboard. 

“We are so excited to be receiving multiple 3D printers from the Technology in Schools Program,” said Anthony Bruemmer, principal for College School District. “This generosity from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians goes a long way in our schools by giving enrichment opportunities to our students that would otherwise not be available to them. Thank you so much for giving back to the youth in our community here in Santa Ynez.” 

Los Olivos Elementary School was awarded $10,136 to purchase seven MacBooks and AppleCare to better supportlearning activities conducted on its Promethean interactive display boards.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (SYVHS) was awarded $7,000 to fund new hardware, software, accessories andtravel expenses to support the launch of its new Esports league.

“Our students at SYVHS have wanted to increase our technology presence and establish an eSports league for some time now,” said David Kirkhart, science teacher for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. “Thanks to the incredible grant made available by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, it will become a reality! The kids are very excited and even with only word of mouth so far, the interest in the [Esports] league continues to grow and grow. We can’t wait to see how far the students will take this and how well they will do. Thank you again for helping make this a reality.” 

Others who received donations from the Chumash include:

• Santa Barbara Unified School District, awarded $10,000 to purchase three digital projectors for its Visual Arts & Design Academy (VADA). 
• La Colina Junior High School, awarded $8,500 to purchase and install Promethean interactive display boards for its math classrooms in advance of a new, modern Amplify Desmos Math curriculum to be implemented next year.
• Orcutt Academy High School, awarded $3,000 for library equipment, including a Paragon Chargebar Table, adjustable stools and portable charging stations. 
• Saint Louis de Montfort Catholic School, awarded $9,500 to purchase new laptops and TI-84 graphing calculators. 
• San Marcos High School, awarded $5,500 to purchase two Cannon EOS R6 digital cameras, 15 SD cards and an iPad Pro.  

In 2015, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians donated the proceeds from its annual charity golf tournament to four local schools in the form of technology grants. Inspired by the success of those grants, the tribe’s leadership created the Technology in Schools Program through its foundation to help fulfill the high-tech needs of classrooms in Santa Barbara County. Since its inception, the program has issued more than $550,000 in grants to area schools.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to hundreds of groups, organizations andschools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. 

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The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge, in collaboration with Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, is pleased to honor Sierra Freedman as the January Elks Student of the Month.

In the eighth grade, Sierra, like many other students,  found herself in the throes of the COVID pandemic. She didn’t want to do schoolwork at all and it took her until her sophomore year to recover from the negative effects of the pandemic. She now maintains a 3.6 GPA. The one thing that turned things around for Sierra was an early birthday gift of her dog, Koda! Koda brought her joy and helped her become more active.

Her love of animals got her involved in the ag program at the high school. She has helped her farm team all four years of high school, where she tends to the ewes and lambs, checking on them every morning and evening. She has been described by an ag teacher as the farm manager.

Sierra has been working since the age of 12 as a baby/petsitter as well as working at OstrichLand in Buellton as an animal caregiver.

Additionally, Sierra has played golf all four years on the SYHS team and helped the Pirates win back-to-back CIF championships in her junior and senior years.

Sierra loves spending her free time at the beach, golfing, and with her dog. Her favorite book is “Lord of the Flies,” her favorite class is veterinary science, her favorite concert is by Pink! and she would love to travel to Yellowstone.

Sierra will be attending Cal State Monterey Bay, majoring in marine biology or wildlife biology. She wants to work with animals, whether domesticated, wild, or marine. Her goal is to work in animal science and environmental conservation.

Santa Ynez Valley Elks honored Sierra with a check for $100. Congratulations!

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The Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge recently was able to reward a pair of outstanding Santa Ynez Valley Union High School students who were named Elks Student of the Month.

Cassidy Robinson was named Student of the Month for November, while Cailin Glover got the honor in December.

Robinson is a senior at the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and is currently enrolled in two AP classes and two dual enrollment classes through Hancock College. She balances that with a part-time job. She still enjoys taking time for herself, driving with the music on, going to the beach, watching the sunset and spending time with loved ones. 

“It is not only important to me to make myself proud but the people around me,” Robinson said. “I enjoy being able to help around the community when I can even if it is as small as lending a friend a helping hand.” 

Robinson hopes to attend Arizona State University next fall, where she hopes to join the cheer team and major in criminal justice. 

“I am interested in making change in the world while also understanding how or why things happen the way they do,” she said. “From a young age I learned grit, determination and perseverance from competitive gymnastics, which showed me that even your hardest battles do not depict who you are as a person but how you deal with them.”

Glover is a student who has shined in athletics, most notably volleyball, where she’s been a three-year captain for the Pirates girls volleyball team, and has been named team MVP and a Scholar Athlete. She also plays for the SYHS girls beach volleyball team in the spring, and also plays for the Flight Academy club team.

Glover is not only a standout in her sport, but also a role model in the classroom, with a 3.9 GPA while taking two AP courses and three Allan Hancock College concurrent enrollment courses. Her teachers describe her as a delight to have in class and say she always contributes positively and with maturity.

“Cailin exemplifies the ideal of a student-athlete,” said SYHS Administrative Assistant Alexa Tomasini. “Her athleticism is unparalleled, as she dominates in her sports with a combination of skill, determination, and an indomitable competitive spirit that inspires her teammates. She consistently demonstrates leadership, strategic thinking, and a work ethic that sets her apart as a force to be reckoned with.”

Cailin hopes to attend the University of Colorado or San Diego State University, majoring in business and marketing, with the goal of being the CEO of a company one day. She loves the Santa Ynez Valley and says this is a great place to live and go to school because it is a small community. She would love to live here as an adult one day with her family, but she will live wherever she can to be near family, especially her brothers. 

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LOS OLIVOS — NBA All-Star and Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas reflects on his journey from the West Side of Chicago to international stardom in the latest episode of “The Whole Student,” Dunn School’s acclaimed podcast. Hosted by Head of School Kalyan Balaven and innovator Mo Pritzker, the episode dives deep into themes of community, mentorship, and education’s role in shaping lives and fostering belonging.

Thomas shares heartfelt stories of resilience and inspiration, including how his mother, Mary Thomas, instilled the importance of education and integrity during their most challenging times. Now the founder of Mary’s Court Foundation, which supports underprivileged families in Chicago, Thomas continues to champion the values his mother upheld.

“My mom, my biggest inspiration, my biggest motivator, … made it all work,” Thomas said. “We had some very, very difficult times … as I’m older now and I look back on what she really did and how she kept us together as a family … I’m in awe of what she did in the ’50s and ’60s as a woman.”

A unique perspective on belonging and leadership

As a student-athlete, Thomas navigated significant cultural and socioeconomic divides, experiencing firsthand the challenges of belonging in private and public educational spaces. He credits teachers and coaches like Bobby Knight for mentoring him through pivotal moments, helping him grow into both a leader on the court and an advocate for community development.

“Leadership, the way I see it, it’s given, it’s not taken,” Thomas shared. “When I look at those who lead … it comes down to trust. Can you trust this person? Can you trust their word to be accurate and also informative?”

Thomas also discussed the evolving challenges educators face in building trust and community in the classroom:“Without the teachers, without the mentors, without that passing on of knowledge, it’s a scary thought of where we would be,” Thomas said. “If we can get the students and our young folk back to being able to look at each other without suspicion, then you got a chance.”

This episode is part of “The Whole Student” podcast’s third season, which focuses on creating community and belonging in educational settings. The season has featured prominent guests like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Academy Award-winning actress Glenn Close, and NextDoor founder Prakash Janakiraman. Each guest brings unique perspectives on how educators, parents, and leaders can foster inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and supported.

A platform for transformative conversations

Since its launch, “The Whole Student” podcast has been a platform for thought-provoking discussions about education and leadership. With episodes exploring the impact of exceptional teachers, women in STEM fields, and the social challenges of modern schools, the podcast has drawn attention from national education publications and local media alike.

“Our mission is to spark meaningful conversations,” said Balaven. “Through stories like Isiah’s, we aim to inspire educators and parents to rethink education’s role in building trust, resilience, and connection.”

The episode featuring Isiah Thomas is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Seasons 1 and 2 are also available on YouTube. The episode comes at a critical time when educators and communities are grappling with how to create environments of belonging amid heightened social and technological pressures. Thomas’s reflections on mentorship and community offer timely insights for those seeking to make a positive impact in their schools and neighborhoods.

About Dunn School: Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley of California, Dunn School is a boarding and day school for grades 6-12. Since its founding in 1957, Dunn has prioritized Whole Student Education, empowering students to grow academically, emotionally, and morally within a supportive community. The school’s mission extends beyond academics to instill qualities like leadership, responsibility, and compassion in its students.

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