Lightning Insider

Sage Hill’s spring musical cast members preview “Mamma Mia!” which is set to premiere on Thursday, April 23, in the Kazu Fukuda Black Box Theater. Showtimes will run through Saturday April 25. Guests include Colette Moshayedi ’27, Juliet Ro ’27, Samuel Gabriel ‘28, Ryan Kline ‘28 and Carlen Le ’28. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns to spotlight recent Athletes of the Week and share the rundown on upcoming athletics events. Wellness Coordinator and Physical Health Instructor Merja Connolly sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest edition of Lightning Round.

S.A.M.E. symposium committee members Breeze Estrada ’27,  Max Konovalov ’27 and Marcos Pravongviengkham ‘27 preview what the Sage Hill community can expect at Multicultural Symposium 2026 on Wednesday, April 15! Director of Athletics Megan Cid gives the rundown on upcoming athletics events including the College Bound Athlete Signing Ceremony during lunch on Tuesday, April 14. Facilities Supervisor Kyle Pheasant sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest edition of Lightning Round.

GEMfest student leaders Annika Shah ’26, Vivi Ta ’26 and Tina Tahbaz ’26 preview what to expect and how to register for the Girls Empowerment Movement’s event at Sage Hill School on Saturday, March 7! Campus Safety and Security Manager Adam Paterson also sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Director of College Counseling Carolyn Blair shares the latest on AI and the college admission process. Blair also previews the Coastline OC Case Studies Program at Sage Hill on Wednesday, January 28. All 11th grade students and parents are strongly encouraged to join families from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and Tarbut V’ Torah Community Day School at this informative event. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and highlights our recent Athletes of the Week. Lastly, Visual Arts Teacher Amy Bergener sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Head of School Patricia Merz shares her end-of-year message and looks forward to the middle school’s opening in August 2026.   Girls’ Tennis team members Arya Rawal ’26, Alexia Beyrath ’26 and Cordelia Cieplucha '26 recap their senior season and share advice for their teammates.   Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and spotlights the Athlete of the Week, Boogie McLeod '29.   Lastly, Chinese teacher Joanne Chen sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Sage Hill Model United Nations co-presidents Shaurya Mittal ’26 and Aurora Li ’26 share about how students gain a global perspective and debate the biggest issues of our time through MUN. Learn more about one of the largest academic teams at Sage Hill. Director of Athletics Megan Cid spotlights our recent Athletes of the Week and gives the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events. Spanish teacher Pablo Giustorobelo sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.

May Shen ’26 and Dylan Han ’26 of the Documenting Change Service Learning Group shared their experience producing a short documentary on homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in Orange County. Volunteering at a nonprofit and interviewing formerly unhoused individuals provided an intimate perspective of this complex societal challenge. Director of Athletics Megan Cid spotlights our recent Athletes of the Week and gives the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events. Bear Balossi ‘26, Griffin Robinson ‘26 and Bryce Pruter ‘27 preview Football Senior Night on Friday, October 24. Personal Counselor Lynn Mountain sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.

Director of Admission & Financial Aid Peter Jordan and student ambassadors Annika Shah ‘26 and Brady Lee ‘26 preview what prospective families can expect to experience at Admission Open House on Saturday, October 4. Director of Athletics Megan Cid spotlights our recent Athletes of the Week, Athletic Trainer Jacqueline Davidson on a recent CIF-SS Champions of Character award and gives the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events. Learning Specialist April Leavenworth sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.

Sage Hill student council president Ella Wong '26 and spirit commissioner Finley Callero '27 preview the upcoming happenings for Homecoming Week 2025. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update for the fall season. Lastly, School Nurse Reanna Kirzhner sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Dean of School Life Dominic Campeau returns to Lightning Insider to preview the Ninth Grade Student Retreat in Big Bear and Club Fair 2025, as well as a reminder for students to maintain their outlets for fun. Director of Athletics Megan Cid gives the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events. Lastly, Admission Office Coordinator Tina McDaniel sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.

Lightning Insider debuts for the 2025-2026 school year! Head of School Patricia Merz reflects on Convocation 2025, shares an update on the Middle School and Second Gymnasium project and looks ahead to the coming year. Director of Athletics Megan Cid also returns with an Athletics Update for the fall season. Lastly, Academic Program Assistant Allyson Webb sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

In our final episode of the 2024-2025 school year, Head of School Patricia Merz previews what Sage Hill families can expect at the Awards Ceremony and Commencement for the Class of 2025. She also shares an update on the Middle School & Second Gym Project as well as takeaways from her first year as a Sage Hill parent. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with exciting news about our 2025 CIF State Boys’ Volleyball Champions and other highlights from the past year. Sarah Christeson, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of School Life, is our latest Lightning Round guest. Lightning Insider will return to its usual program schedule in August 2025.

Bella Giarla ’25, Alyssa Cuff ’26 and Social Studies teacher Teryn Bentley discuss the results of the sixth annual Sage Hill Start-Up Business Competition. This end-of-year project for the Principles of Business class brings students’ business plans in front of a “Shark Tank”-style panel of judges. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with exciting playoff updates from Sage Hill’s spring athletics teams. Lastly, Spanish teacher Dr. Ruth Rubio-Gilbertson sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.

Sara Graham, Sage Center Assistant Director for Global Education & Inclusion, shares some pro tips for traveling abroad and previews Spring at Sage 2025. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update on some spring post-season achievements. Lastly, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Jill Livermore joins host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.

As cast members of the Spring Musical, Paul Cauffman ’26, Fiori Lee ’25 and Evan Pak ’25 preview what audiences can expect from “Hadestown” premiering on Thursday, April 24 in the Kazu Fukuda Black Box Theater. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update, including our recent Athletes of the Week! Lastly, Physical Eduction & Wellness Department Chair Amy Ray sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Alyssa Flynn, Associate Director of Ninth & 10th Grade College Counseling, rejoins the podcast to advise current and prospective families on what they should keep in mind as they prepare for their journey to college. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update, including shoutouts for our recent Athletes of the Week. Lastly, History & Social Studies Department Chair Kate Ball sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Isaac Alegria ’26, Aisha Muhsin ’26 and Naomi Tran ‘25 of Sage Advocates for Multicultural Education (S.A.M.E.) preview Multicultural Symposium, which will host seminars and panels for all Sage Hill students on Wednesday, April 16.   English teacher & Ninth Grade Dean Elizabeth Anauld also sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

GEMfest student leaders Fiori Lee ’25 and Annika Shah ’26 preview what to expect and how to register for the Girls Empowerment Movement’s event at Sage Hill School on Saturday, March 8! Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update, including the reopening of our modernized baseball field after months of construction. Lastly, Director of Facilities Dan Livingston sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Reimagined Upcycling Club Co-Presidents Anna Yang ‘25 and Lauren Stoney ‘26 preview the sustainable fashion show returning to the Kazu Fukuda Black Box Theater at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 14. School Nurse Reanna Kirzhner also sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Summer at Sage Co-Directors Issac Sierra and Sarah Christeson join the podcast to share what’s new this year with our summer camps, workshops and credit classes.   Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. Finley Maynard ’26 and Lizzy Ball ’26 also recap the Girls’ soccer season in a sports spotlight.   Lastly, Director of Human Resources Angela Oliver sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.

Science teacher Beril Tekin shares about her recent visit to the Harvard Graduate School of Education as a mentor for future STEM teachers. Tekin also previews her original screenplay recently produced by Netflix Türkiye. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update.  Lastly, Sage Center Director Sanan Shirinian sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Head of School Patricia Merz recaps the exciting groundbreaking ceremony for Middle School and Second Gymnasium and shares her end-of-year message.  S.A.M.E. members Naomi Tran ’25 and Maya Desai ’27 reflect on their experiences and lessons learned from the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Denver. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. Lastly, Associate Athletic Director Mike Farzley sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Director of Advancement Matt Sahlin and Director of Annual Fund Melissa Deckers stopped by during the giving season to share about the Annual Fund and other campaigns underway in the Advancement Office. Director of Athletics Megan Cid shares the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events and gives shout outs to recent Athletes of the Week. Dylan Rosmann ’25 and Luke Weichert ’26 recapped the 2024 Water Polo season. Claire Sueyoshi ’25 and Baominh Le ’25 of Sage Hill Junior Classical League are also interviewed about their experiences co-chairing the Southern California Regional Amici Madness recently hosted at Sage Hill. Lastly, Pavle Filipovic, College Counseling Coordinator and Head Coach for the Water Polo and Swim & Dive Teams, sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

School Counselors Lynn Mountain and Anjali Sheth talk about how students can maintain their mental health during an often stressful period of the school year. They also share advice on how students can find perspective and agency following a polarizing election cycle. Director of Athletics Megan Cid shares the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events as the fall sports post-season wraps up and winter sports get underway. Lastly, Verginie Touloumian, Assistant Director to the Sage Center for Service Learning and Internships, sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Director of Middle School Dr. Joseph Moody shares his vision for how Sage Hill plans to add grades 7 and 8 to its program in August 2026. Director of Athletics Megan Cid shares the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events and shouts out our recent athletes of the week. Bella Giarla '25 and Claire Casey '25 also drop in for a recap of the Girl's Volleyball season. Lastly, Young Alumni Program Manger Catie Chase sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for a Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

The College Counseling Team joined our mid-semester huddle to offer encouragement for seniors as they wrap up their early college admission applications. Our college counselors also shared tips to guide juniors as they look ahead to the coming year.   Director of Athletics Megan Cid shares the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events and highlights our recent athletes of the week.   Lastly, Receptionist Lisa Willett sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

It’s time for Admission Open House! Peter Jordan, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, is joined by Student Ambassadors Justin Kline ’26 and Madeline Stagg ’25 to preview our largest event of the year for prospective families.   Director of Athletics Megan Cid shares the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events and highlights our recent athletes of the week.   Lastly, World Languages Department Chair and Latin teacher Dr. Jeffrey Feland sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Sanan Shirinian, Director of the Hamoui Family Sage Center for Innovative Curriculum, shares an overview of Sage Hill’s signature programs, previews Sage Center Orientation Day and offers the community some advice on how to grow through this presidential election cycle. Director of Athletics Megan Cid gives a rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events and shouts out our recent athletes of the week. Lastly, Biology teacher Derek Shapiro sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Dean of School Life Dominic Campeau returns to Lightning Insider to preview the Ninth Grade Student Retreat in Big Bear and Club Fair. He also shares how we made the most of his summer break and predictions for the 2024 MLB World Series. Associate Athletic Director Mike Farzley gives the rundown on upcoming Lightning Athletics events and is joined with a special shoutout from Lightning Football from Justin Graham ’25 and Dylan Dolotta ’25. Lastly, Mathematics teacher Rena Dear sits down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Lightning Insider returns with its first episode of the 2024-2025 school year! Head of School Patricia Merz shares some of her biggest takeaways from the first day of school, becoming a Sage Hill parent and an update on the Middle School & Second Gym Project. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns to announce exciting happenings in the Fall Athletics Season. Lastly, Mathematics teacher Cece Angotti sat down with host Daniel Langhorne for the latest Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

In our final episode of the 2023-2024 school year, Head of School Patricia Merz previews what Sage Hill families can expect at the Awards Ceremony and Commencement for the Class of 2024. She also shares an update on the Middle School & Second Gym Project as well as her biggest takeaways from the past year. Instrumental Music Director Dr. Brent Dodson is our Lightning Round guest. Lightning Insider will return to its usual program schedule in August 2024. (Illustration by Sabrina Chang ’24)

Ella Wong ‘26 shares about the Kindness Initiative, which encourages school community members to report random acts of kindness in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month. As the incoming Student Council vice president, she also gives us a rundown on student activities and programs she’s planning for the 2024-25 school year.   Director of Athletics Megan Cid offers exciting updates on postseason competition, the Spring Athletic Awards Celebration and construction underway at Ramer Field.   Lastly, Science Department Chair and Chemistry teacher Anie Robinson joins us for Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Judge Carly Edelstein ’04 shares how her experience as a Sage Hill student propelled her to a career of public service as a teacher, federal court clerk, public defender and most recently as an Ohio appellate judge. English teacher Elizabeth Chung also joins us for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Director of Admission & Financial Aid Peter Jordan and Associate Director of Admission & Financial Aid Leyla Hanjan share an update on the Class of 2028, why our newest families chose Sage Hill and a preview of upcoming Admission events   Director of Athletics Megan Cid shouts out our CIF-SS student athletes of the year and gives the rundown on competition in the final weeks of the Spring Athletics Season.   Lastly, History teacher Steven Duxbury joins us for Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Director of Advancement Matt Sahlin and Director of Annual Fund Melissa Deckers share what Sage Hill parents, alumni, employees and guests can expect from our signature event on Saturday, May 4.   We also have a preview of the 2024 Spring Musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” including interviews with Senior Kamran Ansari and Junior Zabelle Martin.   Make sure you tune into the 10:43 time marker for a special announcement from Director of Athletics Megan Cid regarding our Girls’ Flag Football program.   Lastly, English teacher John Paulsen joins us for Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

S.A.M.E. Co-Chairs Alia Sajjadian ’24 and Isa Palacio ’24 as well as Secretary Grant Franey ’24 give a preview of what the school community can expect at Multicultural Symposium 2024 on Wednesday, April 17. We’ll also give you a rundown on upcoming athletics and other school events. Lastly, World Languages teacher Diego Izurieta joins us for a Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Alyssa Flynn, Associate Director of 9th & 10th Grade College Counseling, briefs ninth grade-families on what they should keep in mind as they start their college application journey. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. Payton Westcott ’27 shares about her career as a F1 Academy sponsored Pro Kart driver. Lastly, Advancement Office Coordinator Libby Desmond joins us for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang ‘24)

Sara Graham, Assistant Director for Global Education & Inclusion in the Hamoui Family Sage Center, shares what’s in store for students during Spring at Sage 2024. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. GEMfest co-presidents Anne Chen ’24 and Riley Robinson ’24 preview the GEMfest summit for 200 middle school girls on March 16, 2024. Gracie Johnson, Administrative Assistant to the Sage Center, also joins us for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

The College Counseling Team joins Lightning Insider to share an overview of its office and dispel some common college admission myths. We highlight some upcoming Sage Hill happenings and Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. Lastly, Science teacher Tom Ronan joins us for a Lightning Round.   Sage Hill students, parents, faculty and staff are invited to call the Lightning Insider hotline and leave a shoutout to their Advisory, Athletics Team, Club or maybe a favorite friend, teacher or coach. Remember to leave a voicemail with just your first name. Our hotline number is (949)-799-2284.    (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Lead Learning Specialist April Leavenworth offers advice on how students can resharpen their organizational and study habits in the new year. We highlight some upcoming Sage Hill happenings and Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. Lastly, Science teacher Dr. Todd Haney joins us for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Head of School Patricia Merz shares an exciting update on the proposed middle school project and her end of year message. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update. Lastly, Mathematics chair and teacher Dr. Drew Ishii joins us for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)  

School Counselors Felicia McCulloch and Lynn Mountain talk about their roles in supporting students' mental health in our inaugural mental health matters episode. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and theatre teacher Mary Kildare joins us for a Lightning Round.   (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Sanan Shirinian, Director of The Hamoui Family Sage Center for Innovative Curriculum, shares about her journey to Sage Hill and our signature programs designed to help students develop core competencies they need to become courageous and compassionate participants of local and global communities. These include Sage Center Days, the Spring at Sage global education program, service learning, the Sage Center Speaker Series and Sage Hill Internship Program. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and we'll also give you the run down on Sage Hill happenings for the coming month. Lastly, Ricky Sharpe, Assistant Athletic Director, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Assistant Football Coach, joins us for Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Theatre teacher Mary Kildare and Claire Sueyoshi '25 preview the fall play, "Radium Girls," set to run in the Kazu Fukuda Black Box Theatre from Thursday, November 2 to Saturday, November 4. Ms. Kildare also offers an overview of the theatre program in the Studio at Sage Hill. Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and we'll also give you the run down on Sage Hill happenings in the coming weeks. Lastly, History teacher Stephen Schumacher joins us for Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

It's time for the Lightning Insider Homecoming Edition! We sit down with our Alumni Office: Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Lynne Stroner and Young Alumni Program Manager Catie Chase as well as Director of Advancement Matt Sahlin. They'll give us a preview of what to expect at the Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game on Friday, October 20! Director of Athletics Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and spotlights our Athletes of the Week. Lastly, Spanish teacher Dr. Analaura Brophy joins us for Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

It's almost time for Admission Open House! We'll give you an inside look of what to expect during our discussion with Director of Admission and Financial Aid Peter Jordan and Student Ambassadors Riley Robinson '24 and Sina Emtiaz '24. Athletics Director Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and spotlights our Athletes of the Week. We'll also give you the run down on Sage Hill happenings in the coming weeks. Lastly, English teacher Boyd Jorden joins us for Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Assistant Head of School for Academics Dr. Matt Balossi discusses his path to Sage Hill, why it's important for students to maintain balance in their school and personal lives, Back to School Night and more! Athletics Director Megan Cid returns with an Athletics Update and we'll also give you the run down on Sage Hill happenings in the coming weeks. Lastly, Mathematics teacher Nate Miller joins us for Lightning Round. (Original Artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Dean of School Life Dominic Campeau discusses his path to Sage Hill, the Honor Code, Club Fair, Co-Ed Advisory and more. We'll introduce Athletics Director Megan Cid for our first Athletics Update and special guest Danyel Khan '24 of Lightning Football. We'll also give you the run down on Sage Hill happenings in the coming weeks. Lastly, Chemistry teacher and Head Girls' Volleyball Coach Dan Thomassen joins us for Lightning Round. (Original artwork by Sabrina Chang '24)

Welcome to Lightning Insider, the official podcast of Sage Hill School! For our inaugural episode will sit down with Head of School Patricia Merz to discuss exciting updates about the 2023-24 academic year.   Original artwork by Sabrina Chang '24.