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LAUREL SPRINGS ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - June, 2009
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Fiona Spring
President of Alumni Association |
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Welcome to the new Laurel Springs School Alumni Association! You’re one of over 4,000 students who graduated from one of today’s premiere distance learning schools. I’m proud to be associated with you and thrilled that the time has finally come to form an official group. This is a wonderful group to belong to. We represent all fifty states and many countries around the world. Our alumni enjoy diverse professions ranging from acting, the practice of law to being an entrepreneur or a homeschooling parent. I believe the Laurel Springs Alumni Association can enrich all our lives through networking and events. I also believe we can make an incredible difference for current LSS students, by mentoring them and ensuring equal access through scholarships. Our alumni successes testify to our program’s quality. I invite you to think back to your time in school. What were you able to do or overcome because of Laurel Springs? Was there anything Laurel Springs could have done that you believe would have helped you to be a happier or more productive young person? Please share your thoughts with me as we form this amazing global alumni association. And, of course, please let us know what you’re doing now. Let’s stay in touch!
Fiona Spring ‘94
President Laurel Springs Alumni Association |
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Alumni Relations Directory
- Katja Bruinink
Director of Alumni Relations
- Fiona Spring
Class of 1994, President of the Laurel Springs Alumni Association
- Marilyn Mosley Gordanier
Alumni Outreach
- Amber Walker
Alumni Outreach
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Laurel Springs Rises to the Top
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 We are so proud to update you on how Laurel Springs is doing! In a time when there are many options for K-12 distance learners, Laurel Springs has risen to the top with a strong reputation as a personalized college preparatory school. An important reason for our solid position is that our school is founded upon a strong, student-centered mission that hasn’t been diluted over the years. Many families who research the options available to them in today’s distance learning market, choose for Laurel Springs for reasons of its caring and personal touch. During the past few years LSS has integrated an impressive array of new technologies to increase the one-on-one time between teachers and students and to heighten the level of support teachers provide. What’s extraordinary about Laurel Springs is how the focus on individual student needs has been strengthened as the school has grown. In today’s “global” society, the most important things we can teach children are how to understand themselves and how to match their gifts and talents to a lifestyle and vocation that’s fulfilling. We’re able to touch young people’s lives the world over by using new technologies. Technology is often thought of as something that takes away people’s jobs or creates distance between individuals. At Laurel Springs the exact opposite is true. The new MyLaurelSprings.com networking site connects students, teachers, parents, and alumni from around the world for academic, personal and professional inquiry. Virtual meetings allow student clubs to share in real-time and host class discussions. Recent technological advancements at the school have relieved teachers from “office work” allowing for more time with students. We like to say that we take the “distance” out of distance learning. Over the years, LSS has taken students’ educational goals very seriously. The desire of many students to find the college that best suits them has led to an incredible array of services, from personalized academic plans to weekly personal college coaching. Our impressive cadre of highly qualified teachers and staff gives students what they need: a 21st century education with timeless values. Marilyn Mosley GordanierFounder and Director of Laurel Springs School |
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Investing in Our World
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Every year, Laurel Springs awards full and partial scholarships to students in need. Thousands of dollars annually touch the lives of deserving students. However, there is no way to calculate the total impact of scholarship awards. The benefits expand exponentially. It’s not only the complex and subtle ways in which a personalized education enriches a young person’s life, but also, the far reaching implications of that person’s service to our world. It is lives of excellence and service that we have the great pleasure of endorsing through our financial support. Below are profiles of two graduates who have benefited from our scholarship funds.
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 Elizabeth Barr, Class of 2008 came to Laurel Springs for 10th grade, already immersed in her life’s passions: literature, theatre, and dance. We were proud to admit this lovely young person and support her with scholarship funds during all three years she was with us. Elizabeth challenged herself during her time with LSS by taking some of the most rigorous courses we offer, successfully completing several honors courses. She graduated in 2008, with a weighted GPA of 4.14, and was accepted to Dickinson College. Her experiences acting with a Shakespeare company, studying ballet, and working on the Teen Advisory Committee at her local library rounded out her education and made her a desirable candidate for the college of her choice. |
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 If you ever need motivation to do service work, we recommend thinking of John Caridad, Class of 2008, as an example and inspiration. He is a self-starter and leader among his peers. He came to Laurel Springs as an 11th grader, with amazing accomplishments already on his résumé. While attending Malibu High School, he founded and presided over their Junior Statesman of America chapter, which promotes youth involvement in government. There also, he co-founded the Junior Ambassadors – students who promote self-esteem and community service. In his local government, John served three terms as Youth Commissioner for the City of Malibu, California. John’s service and leadership distinctions include (but are not limited to): winning the 2007 Congressional Award silver and bronze medals for community service, physical fitness exploration, leadership, and personal development; participating in security policy in the Presidential Classroom Program; and attending the World Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C., as the Hugh O’Brian Youth Ambassador. We eagerly await an update on John’s college choice and current projects. |
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You, our dear alum, are a very essential element of what LSS is today. And here is why: you attended Laurel Springs, you overcame obstacles and pushed yourself in your education with us, and you graduated from Laurel Springs and are now carrying the heritage of a Laurel Springs education which has propelled you in your pursuit of your goals and dreams.
And this is the reason we are reaching out to you to ask you to get in touch with us, to sign up as a member of our new online social networking community and professional directory, of the Laurel Springs Alumni Association, to update us on how you are doing, and what you are up to in life. What college are you attending? What are your professional engagements? Have you gotten married or had a new baby? What fun things have you done that you’d like to share? Have you received any awards you are proud of?
In addition we wish to offer you opportunities to connect and network with each other, for both personal and professional purposes in the Alumni Group on our private social networking site www.MyLaurelSprings.com.
What can you do now?
- Go to the JOIN tab and join the Alumni Community. It’s easy! Just create a username and password, provide your name and e-mail address and you are in! Please note, the site is moderated and we check whether each person is indeed a Laurel Springs alum. If we have questions about your alumni status, we will contact you.
- Go to the JOIN tab and join the Alumni Association to automatically receive the Alumni Newsletters and other Alumni announcements.
- Send us a Class Note anytime on how you are doing and what you are up to so we can publish you in our next Laurel Springs Alumni Newsletter (Link for Class Note on Alumni Homepage)
- If you have alumni-related questions, please contact Katja Bruinink, Director of Alumni Relations at
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or
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- Fiona Spring, President of the Alumni Association can be reached at
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- Our Alumni Records Officer, Mike Gordanier, can be reached at
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Class Notes are short updates on how you are doing, what you are up to and whatever you would like to share with your fellow alumni. To submit a class note, please go to the Laurel Springs website alumni pages and click on the link for Class Notes or e-mail your class note to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Please attach or send a photo if you would like your photo published with your class note.
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Ariel Yve, ‘2000
 After studying Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, Ariel decided to start her own Event Production and Design company at the age of 21. After four years of being in business Ariel has had her work featured in numerous national media outlets including, "Platinum Weddings" on WE TV, Your Wedding Day Magazine, "The Business of Life" airing on KKZZ AM 1400, Ines Del Mar Magazine, and will soon be featured as a style expert on "Get Married" airing weekdays on Lifetime. Her dedication to craft and inner drive have led Ariel to become an ABC Accredited Bridal Consultant, making her one of only thirty three in the world to hold this coveted title. To learn more about Ariel and her company visit www.ArielYve.com, or visit www.ArielYve.BlogSpot.com for current tips, trends and design inspiration.
Monet Lerner, ‘08
 Hello Laurel Springs! I just wanted to give you an update on what has been happening since I graduated two years ago! Right after I graduated, I got called to go on the HelloGoodbye tour for "Jump 5" ! :) We went all over the US and Canada, and it was one of the best times of my life!!! Since graduation, I've also been going back and forth from Florida and Nashville, recording new songs! The BEST thing that has happened since I've graduated would have to be the MTV show I booked (I can't release any information on it yet... but as soon as I can I will!!!!) I spent two months filming that, and now I have to lay low until the release date, which will be later on this year. I couldn't have done this without Laurel Springs!!!! The program & amazing teachers are part of the reason for my success, because if I wouldn't have been able to graduate when I did, I wouldn't have been able to do as many things as I've been doing! I AM SO THANKFUL!!!! If you'd like to keep in contact with me and see what I'm up to at all times, follow me on twitter! twitter.com/monetmonico I'd love to hear from all of my fellow alumni, current Laurel Springs students, and new students!!!! Don't be shy!!! Shoot for the stars, aim for your dreams and if a Dream is Running away, GO CATCH IT!!!!!! - Monet Monico
Elizabeth Barr, ‘08
It seems impossible to me that it has been almost a year now since I graduated from Laurel Springs. I am currently a mere two finals away from completing my freshman year at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where I am double majoring in English and Medieval and Early Modern Studies, with a minor in German. This year has been such a whirlwind for me; some days I feel as though I’ve been here forever and others I feel like the semester has just begun.
The transition from high school to college has been surprisingly easy for me, to my utter delight. I love my classes, my friends, my entire life here. I am really thriving and, though I do miss home, I feel so lucky to be stimulated and engaged by my school. It’s corny, but just getting the education I am getting and having the opportunity to interact with a variety of people is a truly invaluable experience.
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 Shadiah Jawad, ‘08
My name is Shadiah Jawad, after Laurel Springs then college life. My first decision was to register at a local college to get the process in how it works. It’s nothing like home school. Upon registration I notice all ages from the very young to the very old students. College life is very discipline because you don’t have instructor’s calling your parents and reminding you what need’s to be done. I have a job as a math tutor now, and balancing work, school and keeping my room clean its very hard, it consumes time management for each one. For example, this week I’m preparing myself for final exams, despite my busy work schedule and school. I have definitely learned don’t take on more than you can handle. I was suppose to have this paper sent in to Laurel springs by may 6th and it slipped my mind and this is my obligation to the best school, to all the graduates of 2009 GOOD LUCK there is a lot of temptation out there and keep your eyes on your goals because it’s very easy to get distracted. Live above the influence because you are the best, and nothing is hard it’s just a challenge. It’s a big difference from home school to driving yourself to college and being on time for your classes, especially when you can not find a parking space close by your class building, must walk really fast. Yet, I’m responsible for my future, and I would like to thank Laurel Springs and my parents for preparing in advance.
Nick Marks-Paschal, ‘08
Four feature films and the highest grossing entertainment property in the world credited to his first ten months as a visual effects artist -- it has been an amazing year for Nick Marks ‘Waken’ Paschal. The very next day after graduating from Laurel Springs in 2008, Nick began work as a visual effects artist with top studio CafeFX – specifically recruited to work on the internationally renowned multiplayer game title ‘Halo 3’ for the ‘ODST’ release on behalf of BUNGIE/Microsoft Game Studios. Nick created fluid effects scenes using highly progressive 3D design software programs he mastered during his individualized learning programs begun when he was 14. Look for Nick’s rain scene also still shot for the box cover of Halo 3:ODST releasing in November 2009 for Xbox 360.
Throughout the year Nick worked with a team of highly trained specialists to bring Hollywood’s stories to life. Nick says, “It is amazing how much work goes into making the smallest thing…everyone in this industry looks for the tiniest details. A smoke effect that might be on screen for half a second can take weeks of design, engineering, testing, and rendering on the studio’s 600+ computers. When the lights dim and your artwork shows up on screen for millions of people...it pays off and the feeling is truly surreal.”
It is his job to create drama and support the story with realistic, water, smoke, fire, explosions, and supernatural phenomena – often these events meeting character interaction such as the way Nick’s jellyfish tentacles interact with actor Will Smith in Columbia Pictures ‘Seven Pounds’. Also look for Nick’s film effects work in upcoming 2009 studio releases including Paramount Pictures ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra’, Columbia Pictures ‘Whiteout’, and Disney’s ‘G-Force’.
Nick continues advancing his knowledge in all aspects of design and technology and has new projects in the works. Proud to be Laurel Spring’s first graduate to focus his talents in animation/visual effects Nick added, “Without Laurel Springs and the direction of my supervising teacher Dawn Belden, there is no doubt I would not be where I am today.”
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  ARJAY SMITH
Laurel Springs Alum
Class of 2002
"Laurel Springs did more than just cram my brain with text facts and equations; it also provided me with a deeper education of self-discipline. Laurel Springs’ tutorial structure is built to provide its students with a long term foundation of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-achievement. Through the Laurel Springs Distance Learning program, I found that in order to attain group accomplishments you must first have independent efforts. Thus, the greatest skill/wisdom/insight that a student can attain from Laurel Springs is the ability to be self-determined." ~Arjay Smith~
Arjay Smith, The Hollywood Reporter 2000 YoungStar Awards nominee for Best Young Actor-Performance in a Comedy TV Series, can be seen in the films “First Sunday” and “Be Kind Rewind”. In 2004 Arjay starred opposite Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal in the 20th Century FOX Summer Blockbuster film “The Day After Tomorrow” directed by Roland Emmerich. Prior to his adventures on the big screen, he took his turn with FOX’s Emmy Award winning show “Malcolm in the Middle”, recurring for two seasons as “Cadet Finley”.
History was made when Arjay’s Nickelodeon hit show, “The Journey of Allen Strange”, was picked up for forty (40) additional episodes after less than half of the first season’s twenty (20) episodes had aired. “Alien Vacation”, which aired 12-4-99, was Nickelodeon’s first (1st) 90 minute TV movie that was an extension of a regular series!
Arjay started his career working with Oscar nominated Director John Singleton on the movie “Higher Learning”. His guest star roles include appearances on “Saving Grace”, “24”, “MEDIUM”, “my name is Earl”, “without a trace”, “7th Heaven”, “Charmed”, “Cold Case”, “NYPD Blue”, “Boston Public”, Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven”, “The Bernie Mac Show”, “The West Wing”, “strong MEDICINE”, “ER”, “MAD tv”, “Step by Step”, and a battling scene with Drew Carey on the hit ABC sitcom, “the Drew Carey Show”. As Arjay grew in his craft so did his roles. Yet, he is still remembered for his first series’ regular role of ‘Jared’, a sixth grader who spouted clever and often rhyming phrases, on the hit WB television show, “Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher” (1st season). He is also remembered for “Toothless”, a Disney/ABC movie of the week starring Kirstie Alley that is available on video, and Disney’s original “Movie Surfers”. His additional acting projects can be viewed at imdb.com.
Arjay’s career also includes music videos, commercials, voice-overs, print ads, and performances with the hip-hop dance troupe “Culture Shock Los Angeles”.
If music is your thing, you may have checked out Michael Jackson’s “Childhood”, Steve Wonder’s “For Your Love”, Michael Bolton’s “Completely” or Soul Asylum’s “Runaway Train” video and caught the talented Arjay doing what he does best, entertaining. One of the many highlights so far in his career was appearing opposite basketball great Shaquille O’Neal in the popular Pepsi “All Sport” Grandpa Shaq commercial directed by Joe Pytka along with his national appearances for McDonald’s, Dr. Pepper, KFC, Sony, Best Buy, Kodak, Good Humor Ice Cream, Taco Bell, General Electric, Blockbuster Entertainment and Burger King just to name a few. He has also appeared regionally for Mead, Ross Department Stores and Kohl’s.
This has been a busy time in Arjay’s life: over the past years he has participated as a “coach” at the Braille Institute-Optimist Clubs Track and Field Olympics; collected donations and walked 5K (3 miles) in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women; visited pediatric cancer patients at the Jonathan Jacques Children’s Cancer Center at the hospital located on the campus of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center; served Thanksgiving meals to the homeless; assisted Shaquille O’Neal in distributing toys to underprivileged kids; visited abused children at a resident treatment facility and decorated a Tournament of Roses Float for the city of Burbank, California. He served twice as Jr. Grand Marshal in the Winter Wonderland Parade where he was acknowledged by the city of Los Angeles, California. While making personal appearances, speaking with kids across the United States through the “Philips Let’s Connect” program and helping other celebrities with charitable events, Arjay still found time to successfully host, in conjunction with Childhelp USA, five annual Kids 4 Kids Toy Drives for neglected and abused children.
Growing up watching television occasionally, participating in pageants, and playing sports was the start of his interest in show business. He enjoys meeting new people and being in front of the camera. Being focused and remembering that this is a business, Arjay walks by faith and not by sight. He stays away from the negative things, believes in himself, and believes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.
In January 2009 Arjay reached 16 years as an actor in the entertainment industry.
In October 2008, Arjay released an album entitled "Ch.1-LEGACY" with his group "Black O.C."! The album is available digitally on itunes, rhapsody, cdbaby and various other emusic stores. Currently he runs his own independent music label called, "Jeigh B. Records". Check out his myspace page to keep updated regarding his music. Go to myspace.com/blackoc
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 SHEP BROYLES
Teacher with Laurel Springs since 1994
Why did you want to be a teacher?
Wow, great question! I was "called" to work with kids at nineteen. I wanted to be a person who believed in each child to the end of them believing in themselves. Teaching provided an avenue to show that an adult friend cared for them and acted on that care by providing tools to ignite their "inner lightbulb." As an insecure child, I had several teachers who had mentored this for me and set me on a course to model the same for other students.
How many years have you been a teacher with Laurel Springs and what inspires you about teaching at Laurel Springs?
Sixteen wonderful years. Laurel Springs provides an amazing platform to ignite each student's uniqueness. Can you imagine how exciting that can be to any conscientious teacher???? Can you imagine enrollment counselors who work hard to match each student's uniqueness to just the "appropriate" teacher? That's LS. Can you imagine testing each new student (thanks Victoria and Mariemma) to determine the student's best "Learning Style" and alerting the assigned teacher to relate the work to said "style?" That's Laurel Springs! Can you imagine the luxury of one-to-one frequent conversations with students/parents ......building bridges? (My listening heart has been involved in many a family crisis through earned respect.) Thanks, Laurel Springs! Or how about those redo boxes on the on-line courses that give a student a chance to correct a question and learn from his mistake and earn a better grade? That's LS, not the public school where I also taught! I am one grateful critter!
 What is your favorite student quote?
My gifted student in England...(we actually talk frequently on phone).....Ethan Dorman E. Followwill "Although I'm brought to hand and knee, The hazy paths of future see, This counterpoint; Polyphony, Shadows, dust, or legacy."
Would you share a special memory of working with a student/alum with us?
Brendon Sievers came to LS and assigned to me in ninth grade. Brendon had a learning disability, lived in NYC and had developed a negative attitude from public education. His first assignments were full of expletives and unanswered question. Having tried all my tricks of the trade learned from growing up with only boys, raising only boys and working sixteen years as athletic trainer in high school football programs, I resorted to desperate prayer. "Father, there's a way to each kid....HELLLLLLLLLLLLP! Thankfully, I was reminded that bribery worked on my young sons. Sooooooo, I called, shared the idea with Brandon's frustrated mom, Bernadette, got her permission and then hit Brandon with it. "Hey, Brendon, this is not working, and I am frankly not impressed with your answers and expletives. I've heard it all in locker rooms. So, here's the deal! If by the end of your first semester in ninth grade, you have all "As," I will give you $100. Do you agree to that?" "Yeh!" he shot back. I sealed the deal with a 3,500 mile high-five, and Brandon was off! Not only did Brandon earn that $100, but he was graduated from LS several years ago with four years of straight "As." That's Laurel Springs!
What are you up to that would be of interest to our alumni?
My desire (and I am working to that end) to increase the scholarship fund so that more students can have the above benefits of a Laurel Springs education BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS. In addition I am involved with the YOUNG LIFE Coastal Valleys Board of Directors.
Do you have any special message for our alumni?
Student's testimonies during my fifteen years of graduation ceremonies have always blessed me and often made me cry. The unique climate of our school fosters teacher/student relations that shape lives and often change and restore them; thus, fueling the teachers and school staff. Now, with the publication of this alumni newspaper, more folks will be privy to these success stories. Also, we shall hear of how the Laurel Springs experience has born fruit in the ongoing path of you alumni and your families. YAHOO
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