Pacifica Stories

Meet Katie Ragins '26

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

As she begins her next chapter at San Francisco State University, Pacifica graduate Katie Ragins '26 leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Throughout her time at Pacifica, Katie was involved in Young Life and Red Cross Club, while also serving her community through Girl Scouts and other volunteer opportunities. But one of the most transformative experiences of her high school years came last summer when she attended American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State, a leadership and government program for high-achieving young women from across California.

Selected to represent Pacifica, Katie spent a week at Sacramento State University participating in a hands-on simulation of local and state government. She was elected County Recorder/Auditor, helped manage county finances, and collaborated with students from diverse backgrounds across the state.

"It was the most amazing thing I've ever been able to be apart of by far," Katie says.

One of the highlights of the program was writing a bill focused on increasing social programs to help prevent abuse of foster children in foster homes. The bill was selected by her city's senator and ultimately passed in the Girls State Senate.

More than anything, the experience confirmed Katie's future aspirations.

"Getting be apart of the process of forming a government solidified my desire to work in human rights and social justice law."

That passion for serving others has been shaped by her years at Pacifica. When asked what she loves most about the school, Katie points to the community.

"Because I believe you're only as good as the people around you and I have the best people around me."

Katie credits her friends with teaching her "how to value other people's opinion and what genuine friendship looks like." She also appreciated the way Pacifica strengthened her faith and expanded her perspective.

"Coming here and gaining more understanding of my faith has helped me to know that I want to spend every day helping people that need me like Jesus did."

Academically, Katie especially enjoyed U.S. History with Mr. Kim, whose interactive approach brought history to life. One of her favorite Pacifica memories was the school's 2024 Spring Break trip to the United Kingdom, where she was able to combine her love of history with her first trip to Europe.

As she begins college at San Francisco State, Katie plans to continue pursuing volunteer work, social justice initiatives, and her long-term goal of becoming a lawyer. With a heart for service and a passion for making a difference, she is well-positioned to leave a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

2026-2027 Theme of the Year

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Over the past several years, Pacifica has reflected on time and our place within it.

We began by Looking Up: lifting our eyes beyond ourselves toward God and the eternal. We then spent a year Looking Back: celebrating God’s faithfulness and remembering Pacifica’s first twenty years with gratitude and humility. Last year, we turned to Looking Forward: casting vision, embracing hope, and imagining what God might do in and through us.

This year, we arrive at the present.

Our theme for 2026–2027 is:

Be Present: Fully Here. Fully Known. Fully Alive.

In a distracted age, presence has become increasingly rare.

We live in a culture of constant motion, always remembering, recording, planning, scrolling, anticipating, achieving, and moving on to the next thing. We replay the past and worry about the future. We become fragmented, anxious, and disconnected. We are everywhere and nowhere at once.

But Scripture invites us into another way.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10

Biblical stillness is not passivity. It is attentiveness. It is confidence. It is learning to stand firmly in reality because God is present and at work.

Because of the Cross behind us and the Resurrection ahead of us, we are free to live now. With the past and future in view, we enter the present with courage. We can be fully engaged in our classrooms, friendships, families, work, worship, and community. We can pay attention. We can listen. We can celebrate. We can forgive. We can create. We can serve.

We do not live trapped in regret. We do not live consumed by anxiety. We live in peace.

This year, Pacifica will ask:

What does it mean to truly pay attention?
What does it mean to love people who are right in front of us?
How do we cultivate depth in an age of distraction?
How do we become people of clarity, courage, kindness, confidence, humility, and wisdom?
How do we engage the concerns of our day without losing our souls?

Being present does not mean becoming trapped in the moment or worshiping the now. Presence is not immediacy. Presence is not self-focused.

Rather, understanding our past and our future frees us from being addicted to the present moment and from believing that this world is all there is.

Our understanding of time is ultimately held together by something greater: the eternal.

So this year, we integrate and claim all elements of time as we seek to think and live well. We are thankful for the past, look to the future with hope, and reach for the eternal as we are fully present today.

Blessings,

Jim Knight

Head of School

Pacifica Students Teal Green and Joe Holscher Advocate for California’s Coastline Before Coastal Commission

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When Pacifica juniors Teal Greene and Joseph Holscher stepped before the California Coastal Commission last month, they weren’t simply speaking as surfers. They were speaking as student leaders, advocates, and co-founders of SurfersWhoServe, a student-led organization dedicated to empowering young surfers through community service, environmental stewardship, and leadership.

Alongside fellow student advocate Arshayan Desai, the students addressed the Commission in opposition to AB 1740, sharing concerns about the long-term health and protection of California’s coastline and urging continued commitment to the Coastal Act’s environmental safeguards.

Their testimony reflected not only research and preparation, but years of lived experience in the waters of Santa Monica Bay.

As Joseph Holscher explained to commissioners:

“The ocean is not a hobby for us. It’s our community, our outlet, and honestly our way of processing everything this generation deals with. We want future generations to be able to experience the same connection to these beaches and waters that we’ve had growing up.”

Throughout the hearing, the students described the environmental pressures they have witnessed firsthand along the Southern California coast—from pollution and water-quality concerns to the lasting impacts of recent fires and marine ecosystem decline. Their message resonated with commissioners.

Following the hearing, California Coastal Commission Vice Chair Dr. Caryl Hart commended the students’ testimony, stating:

“The power and intelligence and passion that these students have displayed has the potential to really make a difference going forward. It’s very uplifting to see this.”

Commissioners also encouraged the students to continue their advocacy by bringing their perspectives directly to state lawmakers in Sacramento. This is an invitation Teal and Joseph intend to pursue as AB 1740 continues to be debated.

Their engagement before the Commission is part of a broader commitment through SurfersWhoServe, which has already included student advocacy before the Santa Monica City Council and ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and coastal stewardship among young surfers.

In addition, the students recently co-authored an op-ed published in the Palisadian-Post, further contributing to the public conversation surrounding the future of California’s coastline.

At its core, their work reflects a growing reality: youth voices are increasingly shaping conversations about environmental stewardship and public policy in coastal communities.

We are proud of Teal Greene and Joseph Holscher for representing Pacifica with clarity, conviction, and humility. Their willingness to engage thoughtfully in complex public issues reflects the kind of leadership we seek to cultivate: leadership grounded in responsibility and service.

As they continue their work through SurfersWhoServe, they remind us that meaningful leadership often begins with paying attention, caring deeply, and stepping into conversations that matter.

Meet Noah Avoungnassou, Pacifica Rising Senior

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

For rising seniorNoah Avoungnassou, Pacifica has been a place of discovery—of friendship, confidence, and a love for the performing arts.

Noah first encountered Pacifica through the theatre program. While attending the school's 2022 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he found himself drawn not only to what was happening on stage, but also to the sense of belonging that filled the room. "I saw the amount of fun and passion put out on stage, and the communal support and love around me at the seats. I knew I wanted to be a part of such a welcoming family."

Since then, Noah has become an active member of PACARTS, performing in this year's fall musical Anastasia and spring play Wit. One of the defining experiences of his time in the program came last summer, when Pacifica's cast and crew traveled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform The Theory of Relativity at the world's largest performing arts festival.

"It was so inspiring seeing so many other groups and people perform, as well as watching professional shows and exploring cities around the UK with my friends," Noah says. Among his favorite memories from the trip was a quiet evening spent with friends, when he saw shooting stars for the first time.

For Noah, however, the arts are only part of what makes Pacifica special. He points to the community as the school's greatest strength. Whether in theatre, athletics, or other programs, he has found people who value one another beyond talent or achievement. "Everyone inside and outside clubs, sports teams, and arts are genuine friends, and see past your skill level." Even during his time on the Track & Field team, he says he looked forward to practice simply because of the people around him.

That support has helped Noah grow in meaningful ways. "Middle school Noah was much more introverted," he reflects. "Through my time here, I've become comfortable enough around the people around campus to fully be myself, and loudly display my goals with the support of the friends I've made."

Looking ahead, Noah hopes theatre remains part of his life long after high school. Pacifica helped him discover a passion for performing, and he plans to continue pursuing it while balancing college and a future career.

For now, you'll likely find him on stage—doing what he loves alongside a community that helped him find his voice.

Three Student-Athletes Inducted into the Seawolf Athletics Hall of Fame

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

At the Seawolf Sports Banquet, Pacifica Christian High School had the privilege of honoring three exceptional student-athletes with induction into the Seawolf Athletics Hall of Fame: Ty Hampton, Anika Buford, and London Johnson.

The Hall of Fame recognizes athletes whose accomplishments, leadership, character, and contributions have left a lasting impact on Pacifica Athletics. This year's inductees exemplify those qualities and have helped shape the culture and success of Seawolf sports.

Ty Hampton

Ty Hampton made an extraordinary impact on Pacifica's Girls Soccer program during her four-year career. As a leader on the team, she played a pivotal role in the Seawolves' CIF-SS Championship season in 2025-26 and earned CIF-SS Player of the Year honors for her outstanding performance.

Ty's athletic excellence extended beyond soccer. She was also a standout competitor in Cross Country and Track & Field, earning multiple First Team All-League selections and contributing to league championship teams. Her dedication, competitive spirit, and leadership have made a lasting mark on Pacifica Athletics.

London Johnson

Although he joined Pacifica as a transfer student, London Johnson quickly established himself as one of the school's most impactful athletes. A key contributor to the Boys Varsity Basketball program for three seasons, he earned First Team All-League honors twice and helped lead the Seawolves to a league championship.

In addition to his success on the basketball court, London excelled in Track & Field, particularly in the high jump. He earned recognition as a two-time CIF-SS finalist and Masters Meet qualifier, demonstrating both athletic talent and consistency at the highest levels of competition.

Anika Buford

Anika Buford distinguished herself as one of Pacifica's most accomplished multi-sport athletes. Throughout her high school career, she competed in five varsity sports: Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field, and Soccer.

Her long list of accomplishments includes Tournament MVP honors, four First Team All-League selections, League MVP recognition, five league championships, and First Team All CIF-SS honors. Beyond the accolades, Anika's willingness to compete across multiple sports and contribute wherever her teams needed her made her a valuable and respected member of the Pacifica athletic community.

A Lasting Legacy

The accomplishments of Ty Hampton, Anika Buford, and London Johnson reflect the excellence, perseverance, and character that define Seawolf Athletics. Their achievements have inspired teammates, coaches, and future generations of student-athletes, and their legacies will remain an important part of Pacifica's story for years to come.

Congratulations to our newest Seawolf Athletics Hall of Fame inductees.

Stephen Roberson, 2026 Faculty Member of the Year

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

At this year's Senior Dinner, Pacifica Christian High School honored Stephen Roberson as the 2026 Faculty Member of the Year. As a Philosophy teacher and Director of the Center for Philosophy & Theology, Mr. Roberson has become known for creating a classroom where students encounter something increasingly rare: the opportunity to slow down.

In a season of life often defined by productivity, his classroom offers students space to wrestle with meaningful questions, consider ideas from different perspectives, and engage thoughtfully with one another. Students leave not only with a greater understanding of philosophy, but with habits of attention and reflection that shape the way they approach the world.

Mr. Roberson has a remarkable ability to draw every student into the conversation. Those who enter the classroom unsure of themselves find encouragement and confidence. Those accustomed to having quick answers discover deeper questions worth pursuing. Under his guidance, students learn that genuine learning is not a competition to be won, but a process of growth that requires humility, curiosity, and patience.

The impact of that work extends far beyond graduation. Long after specific assignments and readings have faded from memory, students carry with them the ability to listen carefully, reason thoughtfully, and engage others with charity and respect. In helping students cultivate those habits, Mr. Roberson is doing more than preparing them for college or careers—he is helping them become the kind of people who can navigate life with wisdom and purpose.

As Director of Academic Counseling Carly Barforth shared during the award presentation:

"Your classroom is a place where everyone comes together. You have a unique ability to level the playing field. You reach the student who never thought they could succeed, and you not only show them a path forward, but you create an environment where they can thrive. At the same time, you challenge the student who walks in convinced they already have all the answers. In your classroom, everyone grows."

Congratulations, Mr. Roberson, on this well-deserved recognition.

Head of School Commencement Address

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

“The Night Sky and the Kitchen Table” by Jim Knight

Congratulations Class of 2026. What a great day.

First, I want to share the flow of the ceremony. We begin in a reflective posture and gradually move toward celebration, a continuum that starts with reflection and culminates in joy.

We will reflect on the journey, the growth, and the people who made this moment possible. We will pause to consider

what has been learned, what has been overcome, and what has been formed along the way.

Then, we will turn toward celebration, celebrating the goodness, the accomplishments, and the culmination of years of effort, perseverance, and community.

Let us move together from reflection to a great celebration.

Parents and students, as you leave Pacifica and head off to college, you will connect this summer on ground rules. Things like how money will be handled, grade expectations, communication conversations, and so much more. When my oldest daughter, Lindsey, went off to college, we sat down, and I asked her, “How often should we text each other?” I was excited to get her perspective as we entered a new phase of our relationship. She responded, “Dad, that is a good question…how about once a month?” I was stunned, inwardly horrified, and not ready for such a number. I could barely breathe. Outwardly, I held it together, played it cool, and responded, “That’s what I was thinking, once a month. Perfect! We can do that.” The day came to move Lindesy into her dorm at UCLA. We unpacked, set up, went to lunch, and made a few target runs to pick up a few things we needed. We walked around campus, explored, and then it was time for us to leave. There were hugs, some tears, and some poignant comments. We got in the car and drove away. A few minutes later, the phone rang. It was Lindsey. She was in tears, almost sobbing. She said, “Dad, you can text me whenever you want.” In that moment, I knew I had won the day and that everything would be great. Our father-daughter relationship would move to the next stage. We would be ok, she would be ok, I would be ok.

Ground rules: you will have these conversations and many more during this special summer of growth.

Earlier this week, I sat and signed your diploma. As I did, I prayed for you by name. I prayed for your future. I thought of you personally and a bit about your story. Four years ago, when your acceptance letter to Pacifica was sealed with wax, the staff prayed for you individually, that no matter where you ended up for high school, it would be a good journey. As you entered and as you leave you were prayed over.

Four years ago, when you entered Pacifica, you were guided in by a bagpiper. Today, as you leave Pacifica, you will be guided out by a bagpiper.

These bookended moments serve as a symbol of God’s goodness and faithfulness, a reminder that He has been present at the beginning, present along the way, and present as you step into what comes next.

Class of 2026, here we are. Graduation. A holy moment. A joyful moment. A moment suspended between what has been and what will be.

This semester, you have been standing at the edge of two worlds. One foot still planted in Pacifica, chapel, Wolfshack runs, rehearsals, Wilshire Boulevard, classrooms, friendships, ordinary Tuesdays. And one foot stepping into adulthood, college, moving out, moving in, responsibility, courage, and the unknown.

You are leaving something beautiful. And you are walking toward something beautiful.

Today I want to speak to you about two places: The night sky and the kitchen table. Those two images may seem unrelated. But together they reveal something essential about how to live.

Years ago, when I was seventeen, I attended a summer retreat in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. One evening, our speaker gave us a simple instruction. Ten minutes. No conversation. No agenda. Just silence. He asked us to spread out and sit alone under the rocky mountain sky.

I remember walking away from the group and sitting quietly. At first, under the night sky, nothing happened. Then the noise settled. And I looked up. Above me stretched a sky unlike anything I had ever seen. Thousands upon thousands of stars. I felt I could reach up and touch the Milky Way. Endless. Brilliant. Silent.

I remember feeling something I could not fully explain. Small. But not insignificant. Humbled. But strangely hopeful. I realized, for the first time, that life was bigger than me. That there was something beyond achievement, popularity, and plans. Something eternal. The night sky has a way of doing that.

It pulls your eyes upward. It reminds you that your life matters, but that you are not the center of everything. It awakens wonder.

Scripture says: “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Creation points beyond itself. The beauty of the sky does something important. It reminds us to look heavenward. Not to escape this world. But to understand it. Because paradoxically, when we become aware of eternity, we often become more present.

And that brings me to our school theme for next year. I am sharing it now because I hope that you will take a little bit of Pacifica with you.

Next year's theme, which Mr. K so eloquently shared at the senior dinner on Tuesday evening, is Be Present - Be Present Fully Here. Fully Known. Fully Alive.

In a distracted age, presence has become rare. We are always somewhere else. Looking backward. Planning forward. Recording. Scrolling. Achieving. Comparing. There is another way: Presence. Attention. Stillness. Not passivity. Attentiveness.

The Christian understanding of time is beautiful. We look backward with gratitude. We look forward with hope. And because of the Cross behind us and the Resurrection ahead of us, we are free to live now. T

o notice. To listen. To celebrate. To forgive. To create. To love the people right in front of us.

The eternal does not pull us away from the present. It anchors us in it.

And that is where the second image comes in. The kitchen table.

Because while the night sky teaches us to look upward, the table teaches us to look outward.

Think about a kitchen table. Meals. Stories. Homework. Arguments. Prayer. Laughter. Late-night conversations. Parents giving advice. Friends showing up unexpectedly. Questions are being asked. People are known.

The kitchen table may be one of the most formative places in human life. Around tables, people reconcile. Around tables, people celebrate. Around tables, people grieve. Around tables, people become family. And in many ways, the Christian story unfolds around tables. Meals with disciples. Breaking bread at the Last Supper. Hospitality. People gathering.

Tables remind us that we were not made to live alone. Pacifica has tried to give you both.

The night sky. And the kitchen table.

A place that encouraged you to look upward toward truth, beauty, goodness, and eternity.

And a place where teachers, coaches, classmates, mentors, and friends helped form who you are becoming.

You need both. Wonder. And belonging. Transcendence. And community.

Without the sky, life becomes small. Without the table, life becomes lonely.

Class of 2026, do not settle for a small life. You were made for more. Not merely to consume experiences. Not merely to build a résumé. Not merely to curate an image. You were made for significance. For worship. For relationships. For courage. For responsibility. For joy.

And most of those things are built quietly. Not through viral moments. But ordinary faithfulness. One conversation. One friendship. One prayer. One difficult decision. One act of courage. One apology. One dinner. One day. Over time. The older I get, the more convinced I become that some of the greatest moments in life happen sitting across from another person.

My closest friends from college still gather nearly four decades later every single Sunday. We laugh. Pray. Tell Stories. Carry burdens. Celebrate.

That kind of life does not happen accidentally. It requires intention.

So, graduates, fight against isolation. Fight against distraction. Fight against cynicism. Stay soft-hearted. Stay grateful. Stay connected. Look up often. Sit at tables often. Practice presence. And remember, one of the greatest gifts you can give another human being is your full attention.

Be there. Fully here. Fully known. Fully alive.

Class of 2026— in a few moments, you will cross this stage. A bagpiper will lead you out as he led you in four years ago at our freshman dedication service. You will gather in that beautiful courtyard as a group one last time. Photos. Family. Grandparents. Celebration. Goodbyes. I will stand to the side and watch all the goodness. I will be a witness to something beautiful. As the families leave, and the graduates disperse, and the sun goes down, I will reflect, watch, and pray. As the final family leaves, I will walk out full of joy and meaning. I will know it has been a great day. I will know it has been a very great day.

As you go, carry wonder. Carry gratitude. Carry courage. Carry eternal hope.

Keep looking upward. Keep gathering people around tables. Keep becoming fully present. Continue to think and live well.

Class of 2026, we love you. We are proud of you. And we cannot wait to see what you build.

Congratulations. God bless you.

Pacifica Summer Reading: Unreasonable Hospitality

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Authentic relationships and hospitality are hallmarks of the Pacifica experience. Strong relationships between students and teachers, within the student body, with parents, and with the community are essential to a strong community. These relationships are founded on the Great Commandment - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. From this commandment in scripture, we create community, love one another, build relationships and offer hospitality. This coming year, how can we become unreasonable in our hospitality?

The staff will be reading our staff will be reading Will Guidara's book, Unreasonable Hospitality.

I would frame Unreasonable Hospitality not simply as a book about restaurants, but as a book about leadership, service, culture, excellence, and the intentional care of others. These themes connect naturally to Pacifica's mission of teaching students to think and live well.

At first glance, a book about restaurants may seem like an unusual summer reading choice. Yet Unreasonable Hospitality is not really a book about food. It is a book about people.

Will Guidara tells the story of transforming Eleven Madison Park from a respected New York restaurant into one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world. Surprisingly, the transformation did not happen because of better recipes, more talented chefs, or a larger budget. It happened because the team became committed to a radical idea: people matter more than transactions.

Guidara argues that excellence is not enough. Technical skill, competence, and achievement are important, but they only take us so far. What people remember most is how they were treated. They remember generosity, kindness, attentiveness, and the feeling that someone genuinely cared.

Throughout the book, Guidara challenges readers to consider how small acts of intentionality can create extraordinary experiences. Whether in a restaurant, classroom, workplace, family, or friendship, hospitality has the power to transform ordinary moments into meaningful ones.

At Pacifica, we seek to cultivate lives marked by wisdom, courage, character, and service. This book offers a compelling invitation to think deeply about how we treat others and how excellence and kindness together can create communities where people flourish.

Albert Kong, 2026 Staff Member of the Year

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Pacifica Christian High School is pleased to recognize Albert Kong, Director of Student Life, as the 2026 Staff Member of the Year.

In his role, Albert helps shape the culture and student experience that define life at Pacifica. Through countless conversations, moments of encouragement, and acts of service—many of which happen quietly behind the scenes—he has become a trusted mentor, leader, and advocate for students and families alike.

Albert's influence stems not only from what he does, but from who he is. Colleagues consistently point to his integrity and faithfulness as defining qualities of his leadership. Whether empowering students' dreams of new clubs, planing school dances, or coordinating service projects, he demonstrates the same commitment to excellence regardless of whether anyone is watching.

This is because Albert's leadership is marked by humility. Rather than seeking recognition, Albert consistently seeks opportunities to serve and help students flourish. He approaches every responsibility with a desire to support, encourage, and equip those around him; and he does it all with a spirit that knows how to balance fun and depth.

Perhaps most significantly, Albert is a transformative presence within the Pacifica community. His influence encourages others to pursue what is good, to lead with character, and to live with greater purpose.

As Chapel Director Trevor Debenning shared during the award presentation:

"Albert is a person of transformation. You cannot be around him and remain the same. By being around him, you tend to love the right things more. He is an amazing leader, a godly man, a servant-hearted person who changes others. He is a great husband, and this year he has become a new father. It is my honor and privilege to introduce and announce the winner of Staff Member of the Year: Albert Kong.”

Congratulations, Albert, on this well-deserved honor and thank you for the countless ways you help Pacifica students think and live well.

Honoring Memorial Day

Mon, 25 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Memorial Day invites us to pause in remembrance, honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. In the midst of a holiday weekend and the beginning of summer, it can be easy to lose sight of the solemn meaning behind this day.

At Pacifica, we remember with gratitude those whose service secured the freedoms we enjoy today.

Originally known as “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day began after the Civil War as communities gathered to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves. Over time, the holiday became a national day of remembrance for all American service members who died in military service.

At Pacifica Christian High School, we reflect with gratitude on the example these men and women set through their steadfast commitment to others. Their lives remind us that true service calls for humility, perseverance, and a willingness to place the good of others above ourselves.

As we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, may we also consider how we are called to live—with gratitude for the freedoms we have been given and with a renewed commitment to serve our neighbors and communities well. This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those whose legacy continues to inspire us.