As Stratford School marks 25 years of educational excellence in the Bay Area, our Stratford Pleasanton Middle School is celebrating its unique and enduring bond with its alumni. This bond, formed through shared experiences and a mutual commitment to lifelong learning, is a testament to the strong spirit of our school community. “We are fortunate to have an exceptional group of alumni who are achieving remarkable things in high school, college, and beyond. We are thrilled to share their experiences and knowledge with our current students, providing them with a unique perspective from those who have walked the same hallways and lived the Stratford experience. Their perspective is invaluable to our students and our faculty,” says Daisy Salazar, Principal of Stratford School Pleasanton.

Daisy and her team felt that this milestone year was the perfect year to engage with Pleasanton’s talented graduates by creating an open door for them to return to the campus as guest speakers and mentorship program leaders. This initiative has enabled alumni to volunteer meaningfully, benefiting both the students and themselves.

“These alumni have so many interesting and exciting success stories to share with the students. What an opportunity to give our students that spark of inspiration to help motivate them as they move through these critical years in their education,” continues Daisy.

This November, seven alumni visited the campus to mentor students and teach class lessons. 2024 alumna Ria Sharma facilitated a Spanish review session for current students, while fellow 2024 alumnus Ethan Chan visited the visual arts class to talk about the importance of the artist statement. Previously, the Stratford Pleasanton Middle School graduates have enthusiastically returned to participate in some of the campus’s annual events, helping out at the Maker’s Market, hosting community service projects, assisting computer teachers during the campus Hackathon, and volunteering their talents to the Food Truck Frenzy event. The excitement from students and faculty when the alumni return to campus has been heartwarming.

The overarching message that the graduates have shared with the students is to value what they learn and appreciate the gift that education gives them—an invaluable message from the most trusted source. Ria Sharma also emphasized the impact that Stratford has had on her, saying, “Stratford really taught me how to connect with the teachers and have a really good social connection so that I’d be prepared for high school. Now it’s really easy for me to connect with my teachers, ask questions, and also make a lot of friends.”

The Stratford Pleasanton Middle School campus is eager to continue the tradition of alumni returning to campus in the coming years and has plans for many more events and opportunities to highlight the inspiring messages shared by these exceptional young alumni. As we reflect on our past, we also look toward the future, committed to fostering more meaningful connections and strengthening our sense of community. This shared experience is one that enriches the joy of learning for all of us.

Visit StratfordSchools.com/Pleasanton to learn more about our Pleasanton campus.