Grandparents Flock to Thacher

In perfect timing with virtually every orange tree in Ojai bursting with blossoms, so did many Thacher grandparents come out in force for their special two spring days on campus. When you toss into the happy mix several current parents, younger siblings, other kin and friends who came along for the ride, the extended CdeP family grew by well over 100. Talk about a destination resort! Folks traveled from as far away as Illinois, Texas, Washington and Wyoming, Florida, New Hampshire, South Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ontario (Canada)—even Dublin, Ireland—to bask in the reflected glow of youthful accomplishment unfolding in an unparalleled school setting.

Grandparents’ Days 2011 began with a short walk or golf cart ride from the Gate to the Pergola, where the revelers enjoyed afternoon tea under the pepper trees and in the Thacher Commons. Head of School Michael Mulligan welcomed everyone to the event, spoke about Thacher’s long and rich history, lauded those present for the support they give their children’s children and the School itself, in small and big ways, and answered questions about various programmatic elements of Thacher today. From there, it was on to dinner with their grandsons and daughters, and a performing arts sampler showcasing the talents of students in Jazz Workshop, Dance Ensemble, Chamber Singers, and the Freshman Chorus.

After Wednesday morning classes, an all-School Assembly at which several Thacher graduates were recognized (grandparents Mac Jordan CdeP 1938, Elliot Hayne CdeP 1948, Tad Williamson CdeP 1950, Tom May CdeP 1952, and Peter Voevodsky CdeP 1953, as well as parents Peter Jordan CdeP 1968, Sean Ehringer CdeP 1979, David Chao, CdeP 1984), and an al fresco lunch, many guests hopped on the TOADS bus, which delivered them to race-side seats at a classic Wednesday gymkhana. In all, the days provided a savory and sweet taste of what these folks’ lucky progeny are blessed with every day of their Thacher lives.

Thanks to the many energetic folks who made it happen, among them parent volunteers Therese Voevodsky (chair of the event), ShahKeyah Allahjah, Isabel and Sean Ehringer, Susan Hardenbergh, Kathy Couturie, Eric Eilar, Karen Kelly, Sudha Rajasekaran, Patricia Teague, Sheryl Whipple, and Mary Kay Yu; past parent Katherine Wilkinson; Development Office members Michelle Cyr, Amy Elmore, Suzie Nixon Bohnett (P ’10, ’14), Karleanne Rogers (P ’09, ’12, ’15), Brandon Doyle, Jamie Moore, Diane Murphy (P '11), and Mimi Van Sohn; Chuck Evans, Marcy Sanchez and the Maintenance Crew; and, for keeping the food delicious and plentiful, Richard Maxwell and the Bon Appétit staff.