EL SEGUNDO HERALD August 8, 2019 Page 15
Movie in the Park from page 2
Carsten had his first ice cream cone. The Kinecta Credit Union Ice Cream truck was a big hit with lines all afternoon. Isabel Brummond makes her way to the top of the climbing wall.
From left, Lilly Craig, Maura Slavens, Melissa Albers, Michele Rogers, Julie Stolnack, Eloise Mendez and Jennifer Craig pose in front
of the crowd before handing out raffle prizes.
The little ones enjoyed a train ride.
It’s a family affair for the Brown family. From left, Wilson, Celeste (mother), Abby, Kirk (father) and Clara. Ashley Krumbach dances away as Dax Olsen (left) and her son Konrad tighten their ice cream grip while dancing.
Film Review from page 5
ESUSD from page 6
letter of recommendation to the selection
committee near the end of March. Sheahan has
worked with Duquette for the past decade as
a supervisor, mentor and colleague. Her letter
of recommendation noted how Duquette “has
maintained a committed focus and advocacy for
students, teachers and her school. She is able to
see the big picture and apply broader concepts
into practice at the campus and at the student
level.” Sheahan pointed out that Duquette is
“always looking for a challenge,” calling her
an “extremely articulate communicator. Her
ability to communicate a vision, manage and
lead instructionally, and facilitate learning makes
her a highly valued and impactful leader.”
Asked why she sought the middle school job,
Duquette said that “there is something very
signature… in that the schools are true
partners” with the community. She mentioned
her tenure in the Phoenix School District,
where the locals took a great interest in
school day activities and after-school events,
and partnered to provide internships for
students. She added that her “mini-district”
cultivated a small-town vibe, hosting and
anchoring parades and special events.
“The school and community become one and
the same,” Duquette said, mentioning that she
sensed a similar form of support in El Segundo.
Duquette said she “believes deeply in highly
rigorous expectations for every student” and that
ESMS will offer, in a positive way, the chance
“for students to feel that rigorous pressure to
take advantage of the opportunities” at a school
where they are “highly supported.” A big
proponent of tech integration, Duquette called
landing her new position a “dream match for me.”
Duquette also noted that she was fortunate
to be a summer hire, which has allowed her to
slowly immerse herself in the ESUSD culture
prior to the first day of classes. She attended a
staff meeting before the close of the 2018/19
school year, was a spectator at the ESMS
promotion ceremony, and partook in two days
of faculty professional development activities.
“It’s a slow start,” she said, which gave her the
opportunity to “do some reading and formulate
some [school] plans in July.”
Duquette emphasized that she firmly
believes it is paramount that school officials be
active in the community. “I hear only
good things about the inviting and welcoming
nature of El Segundians,” she said. She
also stressed how important the middle
school years are to shape the future success
of her students.
“I know we are only the middle school, but
we cannot be short-sighted when [considering]
what does our student have to look like when
they head off to college or a career,” Duquette
said. “At the end of the day, it is all about
cultivating positive relationships with students,
ensuring that they feel safe, and feel ready to
thrive and learn. That is our responsibility.” •
as much art and experiences as he could in
his young life.
Beyond his creative and artistic drives, one
of the most genuine parts of the documentary
is the relationship between his parents, Viktor
and Irina Yelchin. Former Russian figure skaters
fleeing Jewish persecution in Ukraine, the
Yelchins immigrated to the US where they raised
their only child, Anton aka Antosha. Whether
it was hugging, dancing or showering her with
his affection, Love, Antosha demonstrates his
purity of heart by the many handwritten notes
that he gave her, all signed, “Love, Antosha.”
Love, Antosha is a beautiful dedication of
a great artist and missed human being who
inspired so many. There’s no shortage of loving
things that people have to say about him,
remembering how much of an old soul and wise
beyond his years he was. But the film also
succeeds by not shying away from the other
truths of his life. In revealing the insecurities
and fears that drove him, it paints an honest
picture of a young man’s journey to understand
life. It’s in continuing to be curious and
compassionate that, beyond just watching his
films, Anton will always live on through us all.
Love, Antosha is now playing at Landmark’s
Nuart Theatre. •