A chance encounter on Diagonal with a "champagne puppy" who answers to Drake reconnected Spanish actress and alumna Claudia Bassols '97 to the school. Drake's owners are high school and IB Spanish teacher Ms. Luisa and her husband, Hollis, who was out with the pup when Claudia asked to pet him.

"I can't pay enough compliments to Claudia: she is so real and down-to-earth. She will be a true inspiration to the students," said Hollis, who recalled how "Claudia spoke so positively about ASB, sharing that she feels American because of the school, which left a strong impression on her since she graduated."

The couple were able to introduce their children, Sawyer and Emery, to Claudia over the weekend, together with Drake, who was a Christmas present in place of a mobile phone.

Claudia has worked on a variety of projects during her early career, including "Iron Chef America" (Food Network, 2003–2014) and "Spain: On the Road Again" with Gwyneth Paltrow (PBS, 2008–09).