Laguna Blanca’s second Global Studies awareness program will focus on the American diplomacy and the role of the Foreign Service officer and embassy. Students and faculty will tackle the topic from historical, present day and future perspectives. We believe that each and every one of our students should leave Laguna Blanca aware of the challenges and responsibilities they will face as global citizens. As a result, the school initiated a global studies program last year and students gained a first-hand glimpse of the problem of genocide.

“Most Americans have no idea of the complex duties of diplomats. We are extraordinarily privileged to have three Ambassadors and an officer from the joint state and commerce department to give our students a firsthand look at diplomacy,” said Upper School history teacher Martha Elliott, who also coordinates the Laguna Global Studies Program.

The program begins on Wednesday and Thursday when Ambassador John Ordway attends classes and speaks to Grades 7-12 students on issues as diverse as the importance of disarmament with the Russians and the importance of being able to speak a foreign language. He will also visit with Lower School students on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, we welcome Ambassador Susan McCaw to campus for a special assembly where she will talk about her experience as .

On Friday morning from 8:30-12:30 on the Hope Ranch campus, Ambassador Susan Elliott will begin our special Grades 7-12 program when she addresses the Laguna community live from Tajikistan. Students and parents will also hear from former diplomat and Laguna alumnus Geoffrey Walser ’62 about his experience promoting commerce abroad. The keynote speaker of the morning will be Ambassador Ordway who will later join Mr. Walser in a panel discussion. All K-12 parents are invited to participate.

The Global Studies Program is made possible by a grant from The Mosher Foundation.

SPECIAL GR. 7-12 SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 19
* Early dismissal for Grades 7-12 students

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION (8:30-8:40)

Ambassador Susan Elliott on the importance of Southwest Asia to America and Q & A session (8:45-9:45)

BREAK/SNACK (9:45-10:00)

Geoffrey Walser – Presentation on Promoting American Commerce Abroad followed by Q & A (10:10-10:45)

Ambassador John Ordway – Life in the foreign service and Q & A (10:50-11:30)

PANEL DISCUSSION: The future of American Diplomacy (11:30-12:00)