In Memoriam

Sara Liz-Anne Jones ’91

Sara Liz-Anne Jones ’91 passed away peacefully in her home this morning, January 28th. Thanks to the generosity of friends, her final days were filled with the sounds of a crackling fire and the sight and smell of daffodils. She was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the support she received throughout her last few months.

Sara was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her father Graham Jones, her brother CJ Read-Jones, her sisters Jackie Valerio (Will Valerio), Jenny Jones (Kimberleigh Jones), Debbie Norris, and by her niece and nephews Ashley Valerio, Tyler Valerio, Trey Norris, and JJ Norris. 

Sara led a life of service. She was a long-time volunteer with the American Red Cross, the Amateur Radio Club, the Sheriff’s search and rescue patrol, and the Yale Club of San Diego. She was a tireless advocate for sexual harassment survivors. She never missed an opportunity to connect people who might help one another. 

A consummate educator, Sara loved helping people get from where they were to where they wanted to be. This passion took many forms, from middle school teacher to disaster consultant to special education aid to leadership coach. She always informed and inspired when she taught, and always with great preparation. In her spare time, she read, gardened, baked, and trained for triathlons. She held a black belt in ninjutsu. She was a modern day renaissance woman.

In lieu of flowers, Sara has requested donations be made to either the San Diego Chapter of the Red Cross or St. Peter’s Church in Del Mar. She would also like you to remember that the fifth is for flowers.

On a more personal note, I am indebted to Sara as the one who encouraged me to re-engage with Yale after a more than 25 year absence.  I found her friendship and counsel to be invaluable through the subsequent years.  She will be missed.  I can only hope that I may lead by her example for the benefit of Yale Alumni.   — Jason P. Luján ’89. YCSD President

Yale Book Awards 2020

The Yale Book Awards are offered each year to outstanding junior high school students from around San Diego County.  Each participating school selected a junior student using the following criteria: The student is in the top 2-3 % of the class; has leadership skills; is an “All-American;” and demonstrates outstanding personal character and intellectual promise.

The following students listed in alphabetical order received the Yale Book Award.  Their respective high schools and counselor-liaison (in parentheses) are also included:

1. Elianna Amador. The Preuss School at UCSD (Ms. Erin Patrick)
2. Dillon Terrence Broderick. Patrick Henry HS (Ms. Claudia Gonzalez)
3. Andrew Diep-Tran. Mission Hills HS (Mr. Randy Amos)
4. Jordyn Duby. Point Loma HS (Mr. Brian Compagnone)
5. Sarah Lesmeister. San Dieguito Academy (Mr. Duncan Brown)
6. Samantha Lorr. Coronado HS (Ms. Lindsay Goldman)
7. Aubteen Maroufi. High Tech High (Ms. Nicholle Wyatt)
8. Boston Moreland. La Jolla Country Day School (Mr. Damien Fatongia)
9. Isabella Nazur. SD School of Creative & Performing Arts (Ms. Kim Abagat)
10. Kaitlin Ordonio. Academy of Our Lady of Peace (Ms. Anita Heveron)
11. Eric Pan. The Bishop’s School (Mr. Andrew Jezierski)
12. Stephanie Rios. Barrio Logan College Institute (Ms. Karla Zuniga)
13. Jerome Christian Santiago. St. Augustine HS (Dr. Jerry Rey)
14. Andrew Schmidt. Santa Fe Christian Schools (Mr. Steve Strimple)
15. Jacob R. Todd. Del Norte HS (Ms. Kathleen Marron)
16. Diana Flores Valdivia. Chula Vista HS (Ms. Karen Saiki)
17. Luis Velediaz. University City HS (Ms. Kelsey Bradshaw)
18. Christian Yoon. Scripps Ranch HS (Ms. Justina Estrada)

Regrettably, this year’s reception at the La Jolla Riford Library had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.  A packet was mailed to each student instead including:  a Yale Book Award certificate; an award book with Yale bookplate; a Yale prospectus entitled Embrace the spirit of And; a letter directing students and parents to Yale.edu to learn about academic programs, financial aid, and virtual campus tours; and a YouTube link for the enjoyable and informative Yale student musical: That’s why I chose Yale.

This year’s award books by category were:

• History: The heart of the Declaration; Paris 1919: Six months that changed the world.
• Biography: Henry Clay: The essential American.
• Literature: Immortal words: History’s most memorable quotations and the stories behind them.
• Contemporary issues: Collusion: How Central Bankers rigged the world; American Breakdown: The Trump years and how they befell us.
• Science: She has her mother’s laugh: The powers, perversions, and potential of heredity.

Congratulations again to all the recipients of the 2020 Yale Book Award.

—Giovanni Chimienti, Acting Chairman for the 2020 Yale Book Awards