Ten Years Later, Class of 2016 Alum Comes Home to ASB

Last week, we welcomed back ASB alum Ruben Abdellah Sánchez from the Class of 2016 for his first visit since graduation.

Touring the campus, Ruben was struck by how many familiar faces were still on staff. Among them was his very first teacher, Ms. Cristina Torrengo, who taught his PK3 class and has since become ECC Principal.

He also reconnected with former third-grade teacher Ms. Meg Holmes, former fifth-grade teacher Ms. Anne Mattison, middle school teachers Ms. Dawn Austin and Ms. Laia Sole, high school physics teacher Mr. Steve Bartlett, and long-serving high school secretary Ms. Minu.

Several teachers needed a moment to place him. Ten years, and, as more than one pointed out, much shorter hair, will do that. Once the introductions clicked into place, though, the hugs were warm, filled with old stories and updates on where life has taken him since.

Ruben is now a music producer, a path that traces directly back to his years at ASB. His most meaningful reconnection was with former music teacher Ms. Bronwyn, who taught him throughout elementary and middle school.

She remembered him fondly, including the Friday improv sessions he used to lead with friends, a small but telling sign, in hindsight, of where his musical instincts would eventually take him.

Ruben also looked back on his high school years playing in The Conca Jones Band alongside good friends Lindsay Valentine (lead singer), Will Roberts (guitar), Cesc Clavé (bass), and Jan Davidson (drums). The band was a fixture at school events during their time here, including performances at Halloween celebrations that many on campus still remember.

Today, Ruben continues to make music on his own terms, producing original work outside the mainstream industry. Those curious to hear more can find him on Instagram at @azzzzzziiiz____.

ASB was thrilled to welcome Ruben back to the campus that helped shape him, and even more delighted to see how much of it he still recognized. Welcome back, Ruben!