Alumni Stories
As EBSB enters its second decade our community is able to see the impact our alumni are making in the world. Although their journeys may be different, their courageous, thoughtful, and justice-minded approaches to life reflect EBSB’s long-lasting influence.
If you're a graduate of EBSB, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our office at info@ebsfb.org.
Jordan and Justin Walton, Class of 2016
Twin brothers, Jordan and Justin Walton are sophomores in college. Jordan studies Applied Human Psychology at Chapman University and Justin studies Recorded Music at the NYU Clive Davis Institute.
Post-EBSB, Jordan academically thrived at Saint Mary's College High School, where he received a Diablo Black Men's Group Award. While at Saint Mary’s Jordan also excelled on the Varsity Track and Field team, where he ran the 200 Meters in 24.37 seconds at the TCAL Championships.
As Jordan deepens his studies at Chapman University he will focus on Biomechanics and Kinesiology so one day he can work at the Nike Sports research lab. Jordan fondly remembers stepping out of his comfort zone through the wide range of electives at EBSB. He remembers learning how to cook for himself in Mama’s Kitchen, and gaining insight into the mind-body connection in Capoeira class. “Overall, EBSB made me a more independent person,” Jordan reflected.
After graduating from EBSB Justin attended Oakland School for the Arts (OSA), where he was an award winner and featured speaker in the #GraduateTogether national multimedia event. At OSA he also received the 2020 Willie Archie Scholarship Award for his academic achievements and community involvement.
Justin, known professionally as Jwalt, is signed to Create Music Group. He has been recognized as Oakland’s Next hip-hop star by the SF Gate and was recently listed as one of Northern California rappers to look out for in 2022 by media companies The Innovators and Rosecranesave. His hit songs "The Taking" and "Blessed" were picked up by ESPN, being featured on NBA countdown appearing on worldwide television. He credits EBSB for being a place where he could explore his creativity in a supportive, unbiased community.
Henry Lawton, Class of 2016
Henry Lawton is a Program Associate for Ever Forward—a social-emotional learning enterprise seeking to change the way students and adults approach education and community building. In his role, Henry is the lead videographer for Ever Forward’s community workshops. Henry is a self-starter and self-directed learner and credits these qualities to his experience at EBSB.
As a founding member of the skateboarding club at EBSB, Henry wrote proposals, facilitated meetings, organized videos, and advocated for the needs of his club. Today Henry continues his entrepreneurial and community-minded organizational spirit through his work with OAT—a competitive men's Ultimate Frisbee team. He hopes to one day play professionally for The San Jose Spiders.
Juri Michahelles, Class of 2019
Juri discovered his lifelong passion for skateboarding and woodworking at EBSB. He combined these passions with a conservation mindset when he began crafting cutting boards out of broken skateboard decks. Today he creates stools, chairs, and other furniture with an original artistic and aesthetic style. He currently lives in Vienna, Austria, and attends the renowned Montessori school, Wien Sekundarstufe. He is academically drawn to art history and art theory.
EBSB is pleased to welcome Juri back to our campus this spring, where he will be a guest teacher in our shop class. He will instruct alongside his former teacher Kyle Metzner.
Two recent multicolor pieces crafted from found wood. Juri believes his work should be functional, sustainable and pleasing to the eye.
Jeffrey Martinez, Class of 2016
Jeffrey is a sophomore at UC Berkeley, studying astrophysics and math. He is fascinated by space and is determined to pursue an intellectual career studying it. Jeffrey is a graduate of Lick-Wilmerding where he excelled both academically and as a student leader. He credits EBSB in building a belief in his self-worth, and motivation to be able to step into uncharted territory without the hesitation of normal social pressures.
Jeffrey’s story of growing up Lakota in Oakland was spotlighted by author Tommy Orange. You can find his article in Esquire here.
Logan Brockbank, Class of 2015
Logan was a recent member of the BackCountry Trails Program. As a member, Logan helped build trails, rebuild rock walls, plank and redeck old bridges, and maintain the natural beauty of the trails. He is a graduate of Bishop O'Dowd High School, where he was a longtime participant of their renowned Mock Trial Team. He is interested in making an impact on society through a career in ecology and land preservation.
Logan credits EBSB with giving him the confidence to be able to see a project through from the planning stage to the execution. Logan reflects warmly on the non-judgemental space where he was able to be himself and grow without fear.