Students at The Grauer School, an independent school in Encinitas, have found success at surfing, horseback riding and as a glider pilot, according to a news release. The Grauer School’s co-ed high school surf team competed at Avalanche in Ocean Beach and did well in their individual events. Sadie Sonneborn Malecki placed in the top five with her equestrian team and individually in the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Zone Championships. Senior Milan Bregman ranked in the top three of the F5J Over the Rockies glider competition.
“At The Grauer School, we pride ourselves on helping students find success both inside and outside of the classroom. We foster an environment that encourages students to pursue ions that aren’t always accessible or included in traditional schooling,” said Dana Abplanalp-Diggs, M.Ed., head of school for The Grauer School, in the news release. “Surfing has always been a part of The Grauer School from its foundation, and we have always provided enough space and time for students to pursue other ventures that they are ionate about outside of the classroom.”
One of The Grauer School’s original athletic programs, the co-ed high school surf team program is coached by Surf and Physical Education Coach Karch Rondo. Although surfing is not a California Interscholastic Federation-sanctioned sport, the Grauer surf team competes against schools throughout San Diego in five multi-school meets throughout the season from early October 2024 through March 2025. At the Avalanche competition in Ocean Beach, junior Ty Morgan placed sixth in the longboard division, freshman Zahara Hamzeh-D’Ovidio placed fourth in the shortboard division and senior Ronin Mortimer placed third in the bodyboard division.
Grauer freshman and equestrian Sadie Sonneborn Malecki was selected to compete in the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Zone Championships, which includes riders from 11 states, as one of the top 25 riders in her event. She qualified to compete in the event based on the competitions she completed around Southern California throughout the year. At the competition, her team placed second, and she placed fourth overall individually.
Grauer senior and glider pilot Milan Bregman finished in third place overall in the F5J Over the Rockies glider competition in Denver, Colo., competing against 26 other glider pilots. This win has helped Bregman qualify for the World Championships, and he may be invited to the USA Team as a junior in the World Championships next year in Cordoba, Argentina. Bregman has participated in these glider competitions for several years.
