The Diamond Ball

Get ready to sparkle, shine and give back to some treasured friends. The Diamond Ball, to be held Saturday, November 9th at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is a gala evening with the special mission of raising funds and awareness for animal-related charities. The emotional ties that connect us to the animals we love can oftentimes make the difference in our lives and this wonderful event takes that sentiment to heart.

The 2013 Diamond Ball will support charities whose purpose is to change lives through the assistance of animals. The beneficiaries of this year’s gala are the Wounded Veteran Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets (FOCHP).

Veteran’s Day weekend was intentionally selected as the date for The Ball because it’s a time to honor and reflect on those who’ve served our country proudly. Both CCI and FOCHP support the residents of our local community through their work. Having FOCHP and CCI together as beneficiaries solidifies The Diamond’s Ball’s vision that it’s not just about people saving animal’s lives; it’s about how animals save people’s lives, too.

CCI helps injured veterans put their lives back together by providing assistance dogs that play an integral role in a veteran’s ability to regain independence. Established in 1975, CCI has five regional training centers across the country and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. Through CCI’s Wounded Veterans Initiative, veterans with physical disabilities such as hearing loss, limb amputations and spinal cord injuries receive services that may not otherwise be available.

FOCHP aids homeless and unwanted pets by making them more adoptable. Their mission is accomplished through training, veterinary services, and spay and neuter assistance. FOCHP is operated solely by volunteers and 100 percent of donations received go directly back to the needs of their rescued animals.

This extraordinary evening to honor veterans and The Ritz-Carlton’s charity partners will be a night to remember. Tickets are $250 per person and the evening includes a silent and live auction and a four-course dinner presented by Executive Chef Pedro Contreras. The evening also includes The Diamond Drop Extravaganza, an opportunity for guests to donate gems and jewelry in support of the cause. For more information about The Diamond Ball and to purchase tickets, please visit TheDiamondBall.org.

Luciana’s Ristorante
By Bonnie Small

“Umph and Zing!,” says Jorge Luhan II, are his mother Lucia’s trademark criteria for a well-prepared dish. And as Luciana’s Ristorante, a culinary landmark in Dana Point, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the community is in for a healthy serving of both. Established in 1983, Luciana’s opened in tune with a very different dining culture – guests arrived in black tie and the original menus included detailed descriptions of such exotic drinks as “espresso” and “cappuccino.”

Today’s diners are both more culturally sophisticated and more casual. Jorge Luhan II is thrilled that locals now think of Luciana’s as not just a “special occasion” restaurant, but also as an “any night” destination where families can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and couples can unwind with a delicious bottle of wine after a long day.

All in the Family
A true family business, everyone played a part in the day-to-day operations, including Jorge’s Grandma Mary Vallera who made all of the fresh pasta for the restaurant until she was 90! Before she retired, Mary taught the kitchen staff the “right” way to create it, and even now, as she celebrates her 100th birthday, the first question she has for her grandson is always, “Who made the pasta today?” Mary learned the art of pasta making at just six years of age – strictly by hand – mixing, rolling, and cutting each batch daily, refusing to ever use a machine.

Luciana’s menu has certainly evolved over thirty years, although many of the original family recipes remain, including Grandma Mary’s Ravioli di Vitello and his mom’s Linguine Luciana. The kitchen rarely veers from its emphasis on the simple preparation of high-quality, fresh ingredients. The Mediterranean diet, which is now creating a buzz as a “new” culinary trend, is merely what Jorge’s family has intuitively understood and practiced for decades as part of their Italian heritage. “Farm to table is what we’ve been doing for generations,” says Jorge, “Knowing where your food comes from and eating handmade meals is how my family has always lived.” For years, he’s witnessed his mother and grandmother artfully craft fresh, delicious dishes that would keep the family gathered at the kitchen table for hours. And with the family’s matriarch turning 100, they just may have been ahead of the times. Americans are just recently beginning to transition away from processed and fast foods. “You look at trends and you get to watch them come full circle,” says Jorge.

History in the Making
Lucia and her husband ventured back to her homeland in the late 80’s in search of a quiet retreat from their busy American lives. As they happened on a 500-year-old Tuscan farmhouse in Montevettolini, complete with 18 acres of olive groves, they knew they found home. Within a year, Lucia began pressing olives and creating oil. In keeping with her philosophy of using only the best ingredients of known origin, she’s been supplying the restaurant with Villa Lucia’s organic extra virgin olive oil for years. The Luhans have plans to market their product and hope to have it available for your table in the next few months.

The Legacy Continues
Jorge attributes Luciana’s longevity to the strong family foundation laid by his mother and the internal culture of the restaurant. The Luhans believe that life revolves around the table and feel that the key to the restaurant’s success stems from a willingness to be in tune with what customers want and to provide a consistently high level of personalized service. Luciana’s staff is like a family and Jorge finds that the higher the bar is set, the more they rise to the occasion. As the 2nd generation to oversee the restaurant, he is proud to have carried on the family legacy for over 20 years now. On any given night, you’ll find him warmly greeting guests and stopping by tables to make certain that diners are having an experience that would make his mother and grandmother smile.

Family Expansion
Very active in and devoted to the community, Jorge is a member of several local business organizations and is also involved in the revitalization of Dana Point’s Town Center. In November 2011 the family grew when he married his lovely wife Anne. As a physician and the proprietor of Elite Medezin in Dana Point, Anne has also developed strong ties to the area in which she now calls home.

As Luciana’s kicks off its 30th year, Jorge and his entire family hope that customers of every vintage will stop in and say hello. In the coming months, Luciana’s will feature some favorite classic menu items and they hope that the community will help them celebrate by sharing personal stories of memorable meals and moments at the restaurant.

24312 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point
(949) 661-6500 • Lucianas.com

Dana Point State BBQ Championships

The enticing smell of bbq smoke will ride the coastal winds at the 3rd Annual Dana Point State BBQ Championship. The event takes place on Saturday, October 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the beautiful Sea Terrace Park…and admission is free. This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest is the largest bbq competition on the west coast. Last year’s event set a California state record with 79 teams participating in the championship and organizers are anticipating to eclipse that turnout this year with a goal of 100 teams. The City of Dana Point encourages local residents and amateur barbeque enthusiasts to form teams and join in the friendly competition.

KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 15,000 members worldwide. The KCBS places their stamp of approval on over 400 barbeque contests throughout the country. A blind judging process is used by KCBS certified judges to ensure fairness and KCBS judges are trained in a manner that allows them to appropriately assess all types of barbeque, from St. Louis and Texas styles to Memphis and Carolina styles. Judges will sample and assign a point total to each entry based on appearance, taste and texture. Each teams’ cumulative points not only determine the winners at the Dana Point competition, but also go towards regional and national titles like the California BBQ Association’s Team of the Year.

BBQ enthusiasts from Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and across the state are competing again this year for a share of $20,000 in prize money – with the ultimate goal of being crowned the Grand Champion. Teams will compete in four different bbq categories: brisket, pork, ribs and chicken. A special contest category for all you sweet lovers is being served up this year – dessert! The committee has included a bonus contest called the Ranchers Reserve, which will award the most deserving team a cash prize of $900.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 will be selling BBQ Tasting Tickets for $2 per tasting, so the public can try some of the mouth-watering BBQ prepared by many of the competitors. All of the proceeds from the public tastings will go directly to the VFW.

The entire family can savor a delicious meal while having some fun at the BBQ Championship. Along with the BBQ, there will be Microbrew Tastings and a food court where full entrees and beverages will be available. Bring the whole family, even the dog, to enjoy the festivities. Plenty of live entertainment will be performed throughout the afternoon from Chris Lozano and the Dixie Playboys, to The Tricia Freeman Band and Turn the Page (a Bob Seger Tribute band).

Proceeds from the food court and beverage area will benefit the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, American Cancer Society’s Dana Point Relay for Life, Pet Project Foundation and other deserving non-profit groups that support local residents.

Parking will be available on Stonehill Road and at Dana Hills High School. A complimentary shuttle bus will run from Dana Hills High School to the BBQ Championship from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To become an event participant or for more information, please contact the Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department at 949.248.3530 or visit
DanaPointBBQChampionships.com.

Smashburger
By Bonnie Small

Founded in Colorado in 2007, Smashburger is a nationwide sensation, and thanks to owners Ernie and Stephen Sandoval, locations in South OC are sprouting up everywhere! The newest digs in San Clemente’s Gateway Village Plaza (adjacent to San Clemente High School) has been smashing for just over a month to rave reviews.

Smashburger’s goal is to bring back the classic American burger and they accomplish their mission by using a precise method of “smashing” a ball of 100% Angus beef on the flat top grill, resulting in a burger perfectly seasoned, expertly seared on the outside, and juicy inside.

The Smashburger core menu is available at each location, but specialties like the OC burger are unique to each region. Starting with either a beef patty or chicken breast, the OC brings some sophistication to quick food with the addition of baby portabella mushrooms, baby arugula, grilled onions, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo. One tip – a side of flash fried green beans and carrots (no batter!) is the perfect accompaniment.

No-fuss burger lovers will love the Classic Smash – American cheese and traditional burger condiments are perfected with the addition of Smash Sauce (think Thousand Island dressing made with mustard instead of ketchup.) If you like it hot, head for the Spicy Baja burgerwhich layers fresh jalapenos, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo on – wait for it – a chipotle bun!

Anyone can order off the menu board, but you can impress your family and friends by ordering from Smashburger’s secret menu, which includes fried pickles and the jackpot-worthy Sin City Burger topped with a fried egg, bacon, grilled onions, haystack onions and Smash Sauce.

Nothing rounds out a classic burger better than a classic shake, which the Smashburger crew whips up with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. For a scrumptiously nostalgic blast, try the PB&J shake made with vanilla Häagen-Dazs, strawberry syrup and Nutter Butter cookies. (PB&J is featured for a limited time, but will soon make its way to the secret menu!)

Open daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

806 Avenida Pico, San Clemente • 949.218.4900 • SmashBurger.com

Nanch Pellegrino, NP Aesthetics
By Shelley Hudson

Nancy Pellegrino, NP is much more than a pretty face. Although it’s difficult not to notice her flawless skin and sparkling blue eyes, she’s also the brains and expertise behind thriving NP Aesthetics, Inc. in Newport Beach. Just ask any of Nancy’s loyal skin care devotees, and you’ll quickly learn that she’s not only an age fighting authority, but a trusted and attentive professional who delivers results-based aesthetic medicine to men and women ages 18 to 88.

What sets Nancy Pellegrino apart from her colleagues is what can’t be taught through formal education. She has 15 years of experience providing injections, laser and skin care treatments, in addition to graduating from UCLA at the top of her class. Her innate ability to assess each patient’s face and to visualize the possibilities allows Nancy to personalize each and every injection, achieving natural and consistent results. “I am in the business of providing happy medicine, but am serious about fighting the aging process with safe and proven solutions. I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients, helping them match the outside with how they feel on the inside,” shares Nancy.

Nancy’s clientele ranges from stay-at-home moms to the entertainment industry’s familiar faces. “Several of my patient’s livelihood’s are dependent on their appearance, so it’s imperative that I offer innovative services that deliver the perfect balance of classic elegance and glamour. I want my clients to look like they’ve just returned from a restful vacation, not that they’ve been noticeably injected with Botox or fillers,” says Nancy. Peggy Tanous from the OC Housewives agrees, “Nancy Pellegrino is the best injector I have ever been to. Being a TV host and a model, my appearance is everything. She has a way of distributing Botox and fillers so it reaches all areas, not just one. You look rejuvenated rather than frozen
and expressionless!”

As a member of Allergan’s advisory board and a highly regarded A.C.E speaker and trainer for the company, Nancy stays one step ahead by having advanced knowledge of products before they’re widely available. She trains doctors and other medical professionals, educating them on the technique and use of Botox and Juvederm. Patient and former OC Housewife Lynne Curtin says, “I am so lucky I found Nancy Pellegrino. She is definitely the Michelangelo of Botox, fillers and other non-invasive treatments for women who are not ready to make that step towards a surgical procedure. Along with her amazing staff, Nancy is changing lives and breathing new life and hope into women of any age. I highly recommend a visit to her beautiful state-of-the-art facility which offers the latest and greatest procedures
and products.”

Nancy Pellegrino’s success has resulted from her passion for the field of aesthetics and because she genuinely cares about her patients. “I’m very grateful for the loyal, happy clients who have trusted me with their faces for years. I’ve been their friend, confidant and have shared in their major life moments. It’s rewarding when they leave NP Aesthetics looking and feeling amazing… and my reputation depends on it.”

Nancy Pellegrino holds R.N. (Registered Nurse) and N.P. (Nurse Practitioner) certifications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from CSULB and a Masters in Nursing (MN) from UCLA. Nancy is a member of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners and The Aesthetic Practice Association. She is also a trainer, speaker and on several advisory boards for Allergan, Inc.

Nancy Pellegrino, N.P.
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 160
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 706-9919
npaesthetics.com

Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has always been a jewel in the heart of San Clemente. This year ushers in a new Executive Director, Berenika Schmitz, along with an array of new programs for the community to enjoy.

“Berenika is the ideal Executive Director to lead Casa Romantica due to her Harvard, Oxford, Juilliard and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts training and background. Her energy to engage artists, performers, guest speakers, and arts and science educators is remarkable. She will continue the Center’s dedication to history and California culture, while also broadening its reach and engaging the community. The Board and I are tremendously happy to welcome her,” says Ruth DeNault, Casa Romantica’s Board President.

“This 2013-14 season will have extraordinary programming with something for everyone – a season that will bring the very best artists, speakers and performers to the Casa,” shares Berenika, “We can be a premiere Southern California Cultural Center.”

Highlights of the season include the performance of the acclaimed Christ Church Cathedral Choir from the University of Oxford in England. The Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles will lead the audience through site specific choreography that will make the Casa location become as much a part of the performance as the dancer’s bodies. A Casa Nutcracker will also be presented during the holiday season.

The Casa has always hosted a variety of guest speakers and lectures which will expand to include Malcolm Warner, director of the Laguna Art Museum, and Timothy J. Clark, world-renowned California artist. A new Casa Wellness Wednesdays program will present UCI Medical Health speakers, as well as guest yoga classes from Asana Fit and Pure Yoga. A Casa Cool Jazz series will feature a salsa dance lesson and Latin Jazz. Open Casa will highlight visual artists, starting with Rick J. Delanty, celebrated San Clemente fine visual artist, who will present “The Color of San Clemente: A Collection of Original Paintings of San Clemente and its Surroundings.” These visual art openings will be free to the public.

Berenika is particularly excited about an expanded Casa Kids program. The Casa has always encouraged a love of reading through its Wednesday morning StoryTime at 10 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. This year, the Casa will offer programs in music and theater from the Arts and Learning Conservatory. A Visual Arts class for toddlers taught by local artist and teacher Fery Khadivi and STEM based science programs by Mad Science will be new additions for children in the community. “I cannot think of a more inspiring and pleasant place for parents to spend time with their children. The programming is of incredibly high standards, and we hope that it will also give parents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the magnificent gardens and grounds of the Casa,” remarks Berenika.

“Sustaining arts in our communities is of fundamental importance to me, and I have a fantastic board, staff and volunteers to help make this year at the Casa truly special,” says Berenika. The Casa Captivating 2013-14 Season is ready to begin, and reservations are open as is the Casa: a warm welcoming San Clemente home and Cultural Center, open to everyone.

For more information about Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, call 949.498.2139 or visit CasaRomantica.org.

Ricardo’s Place
By Bonnie Small

Ricardo Beas and his eponymous restaurant, Ricardo’s Place, have been pillars of San Juan Capistrano for over a decade; known as much for their commitment to our local community as for their delicious traditional soups. As a lifelong Mexican food devotee, I have spent the last few years branching out from the world of combination platters in order to acquaint myself (and my doubting family) with the lighter side of the menu.

On a recent visit, we began with a beautiful plate of ceviche made with fish and octopus and garnished with slices of avocado and lime wedges. I had to battle the skeptics for my fair share.

We also enjoyed Ricardo’s shrimp cocktail served in the traditional Mexican style – large chilled prawns immersed in a delicious sweet tomato sauce with diced avocado, onions and tomatoes. This dish is eaten like chilled soup – with a spoon and a handful of saltine crackers.

A word about condiments – the housemade pico de gallo is delicious and, if you have a thing for salsa, make sure you ask for Ricardo’s roasted jalapeño and green chile salsa, tomatillo salsa, and chile de arbol salsa which each have some spice, but mostly you’ll be dazzled by their depth of flavor.

If you’re feeling festive, try a Mission Margarita – a refreshing blend of lime juice and tequila modernized and amplified with the addition of muddled cucumber and fresh jalapeño.

Other notable favorites at our table were the chicken fajitas – the sizzle alone draws me in every time – and a platter of tender, slow-cooked, pork carnitas; each is served with beans and rice, but the kitchen will gladly substitute a green salad if you prefer.

We shared Ricardo’s flan for dessert and those few bites of velvety custard with golden caramel sauce were the perfect way to round out the meal.

Ricardo’s Place is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group and The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial
By Shelley Hudson

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group and The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial partner to provide exceptional maternity care. With offices in San Clemente, Laguna Hills and Irvine, Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group has provided personal, comprehensive care to over 50,000 women in the local area. The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial has been the birthplace of over 60,000 babies, serving the community for over 25 years.

The Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group’s (OCWMG) Talega office in San Clemente opened in 2007 with the goal of offering convenience to expectant mothers and other busy women seeking personalized care, user-friendly resources, and exceptionally skilled physicians. The group’s partnership with The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial ensures that patients benefit from the highest standard of healthcare available. Obstetrician Dr. Elizabeth Johnson describes the office’s familial atmosphere. “San Clemente is a special community, and it is where my family calls home. Caring for patients here is particularly gratifying and unique,” she says, “On any given day I might run into a neighbor, local business owner, or friend I have had the chance to care for during an important life event.” Fellow physician Dr. Todd LaRocque agrees, “I feel privileged to work in this field and share experiences that are frequently joyous and often challenging throughout the stages of a woman’s life. I look forward to continuing relationships with the families who make this area such a vibrant place to live and work.”

Specializing in maternity care from preconception planning through post-partum care, OCWMG provides onsite ultrasound, nutritional counseling, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) services, and gestational diabetes management. Patients enjoy the scheduling flexibility and proximity of the Talega, Laguna Hills, and Irvine offices for these services and for routine appointments, and they deliver exclusively at The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial in Laguna Hills.

Terri Deeds, Executive Director of The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial, is proud of the network of specialists and the hospital staff who work together to ensure the safety and comfort of mother and child—no matter what the circumstances. “Our on site Level III neonatal intensive care unit is adjacent to the labor and delivery department, and our round-the-clock Board Certified neonatologists are here to care for critically ill babies,” explains Deeds, “Of course we plan for perfect deliveries and healthy babies, but we’re more than prepared and equipped for any outcome.” A 24/7 staff of OB-dedicated anesthesiologists and hospitalists (physicians available to evaluate patients who arrive with pregnancy issues) provides an additional safety net and
peace of mind.

In its 25-year history, The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial has delivered over 60,000 babies, many of whom were multiples—even quintuplets! The newly remodeled luxury birthing suites have been designed to provide the most healing and relaxing environment for expectant parents. With the convenience of local offices and the security and standard of excellence of The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial, Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group is the comprehensive, confident choice in women’s healthcare.

Visit www.ocwmg.com for physician bios, appointments, healthcare resources, and questions for the advice nurse. For more information about The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial, go to memorialcare.org/saddlebackbaby.

Choya Japanese Cuisine
By Bonnie Small

So you think you know sushi? Choya Japanese Cuisine has launched in Dana Point’s Ocean Ranch and its goal is to heighten American-style sushi to its pinnacle in addition to introducing authentic Japanese-style sushi to an eager South OC audience. Chef S.B. See personally selects the fish each day and offers only the finest that the waters of Boston, Hawaii and Japan can offer – no lesser varieties are ever substituted.

After noshing on an order of piping hot Garlic Edamame, we dove into an amazing selection of fresh Kumamoto oysters, sweet shrimp, tuna, and yellowtail sushi, each of which were textural perfection. We then tasted the Mexican Roll which exceeded every expectation – each component was perfectly executed, beautifully presented and unbelievably delicious.

Traditional Japanese sushi has little to do with the multitudinous variations of the California Roll that are synonymous with American sushi. Chef See is introducing South OC to Donburi, which literally translates to “bowl.” We opted for the Chirashi Don, a bowl of über-fresh salmon, tuna, octopus, eel & scallop sashimi beautifully arranged atop a bed of sushi rice and garnished with a quail egg. In a word, it was transformative.

I could not resist trying the red snapper sashimi, which was flown in from Japan that morning, sliced Carpaccio-thin, and dressed with a lightly vinegary sauce – it just melted in my mouth. The landlubbers in our party were thrilled at Choya’s non-fish options which are prepared with equal attention to detail – a favorite at our table was the free-range chicken breast with balsamic teriyaki sauce.

Looking for a little something sweet to finish off the meal, we were delighted with our richly colored and velvety smooth green tea ice cream and rumor has it that red bean ice cream is arriving soon!

32545 Golden Lantern • Dana Point

949.488.0933 • ChoyaJapaneseCuisine.com

Halstrom Academy
By Shelley Hudson

Mission Viejo’s Halstrom Academy thinks outside the box when it comes to educating 6th through 12th graders. The school’s one student, one teacher approach is the core principal behind its academic success and an impressive college admissions record backs that up. An environment where customized schedules, online classes and a content mastery philosophy that allows students to progress at their own pace is the norm at Halstrom, not the exception.

Most notable is Halstrom’s hyper-focus on the individual needs of each and every student. How the Academy engages its students is equally as important as the curriculum it provides. By implementing a one size does not fit all environment – students, parents, teachers and the school’s administrative staff partner to develop a tailored plan for individualized learning. Whether a student’s vocation or sport requires remote classroom access, or a child thrives through one-to-one instruction, Halstrom employs a cooperative approach with no limits to achieving academic excellence.

Katie Vandermost
Creative Writer / Artist / Intern / Volunteer / Student Body President

This Fall will mark Katie Vandermost’s third year at Halstrom Academy. She excelled at her former school, but found the “existing friend groups” intimidating and the schedule daunting. She was originally introduced to the school by a neighbor. “I went to an open house and fell in love with everything,” enthuses Katie. “At Halstrom, I’m able to think freely. I have room in my life for creative outlets, and I’m more motivated to succeed. I have real relationships with my teachers, and I know when I’m doing something right.”

Katie’s involvement with the National Charity League and her summer internship at a local ad agency keep her busy but grounded. “I just wouldn’t have the time to dedicate to my other interests if I went to another school,” Katie acknowledges, “This way I can do everything I like but still have fun along the way.”

Connor Perkins
Eagle Scout / Marine Biology Enthusiast / Piano Student / Athlete

Social Studies and Science are Connor Perkins’s favorite subjects, but this almost-ninth-grader has a lot more on his mind than the next midterm. He found attending a school with six jam-packed classes per day both stressful and limiting. Connor’s mom, Marianne, explains, “Everything is so efficient at Halstrom. Connor missed sports practices and time with family because of the heavy homework burden at his former school. Now he can have the lifestyle he wants and still experience academic growth.”

According to Connor, the rank of Eagle Scout would have been impossible to obtain without a flexible schedule. His final project for the Scout promotion was a booth at Newport Beach’s “Kelp Fest” which included a touch tank and other educational materials. “It was a lot of work to put together and report on,” says the ambitious teen, “but definitely worth it.”

Summer & Serenity Phillips
Competitive Equestrians / Athletes / Aspiring / Veterinarian and Chemist

Sisters Summer and Serenity Phillips have been riding horses and rising through the equestrian ranks for eight years. Their grueling training and show schedules made it difficult to concentrate on studies and enjoy time with friends until they switched to Halstrom Academy. The school’s individualized approach allows each girl’s academic talents to shine and the flexible scheduling provides them time for their sport. Summer has won awards in all of her most recent competitions and Serenity has advanced her technique by leaps and bounds since they started at Halstrom two years ago. “This school has changed me as a student,” says Summer, “My teachers focus on what I need to improve.” Serenity agrees, “I just feel smarter here because I don’t get passed over.”

26440 La Alameda, Ste. 150, Mission Viejo

(949) 348-0608 • HalstromAcademy.org

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of our Halstrom Academy photo shoot! ]