Alumni Weekend at Webb is a cherished annual tradition where graduates return to the hillside campus to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate. This year’s event took place from October 24th-25th, drawing alumni from multiple class years back to familiar walkways and well-loved classrooms. Throughout the weekend, visitors joined students in activities, sat in during classes, and shared stories that bridged past and present. 

The Webb Canyon Chronicle spotlights three alumni: Michelle Noyes (’15), a playwright; Jasmine Scott (’16), a producer; and Carley Paris (’10), a finance professional in New York. Their stories embody the curiosity, courage, and community that continue to define their paths beyond Webb.  

Professional journey 

For Michelle Noyes (’15), science has always been a way to explore the unknown. After graduating from Webb, she studied at the University of Chicago and later undertook graduate research at the University of Washington. Her work focuses on understanding mutation rates in the human genome. 

“I’ve always been fascinated by how much our DNA can tell us,” Michelle said. “It’s like reading the history of life through science; every answer opens another question, and that curiosity is what keeps me motivated.” 

While Michelle’s path led her deep into the world of science, Jasmine Scott (’16) carved her career around storytelling. After earning her MFA in creative writing from CalArts, she wrote and produced her own play, which was showcased at the Hollywood Film Festival last year. 

“I love exploring people’s experiences through dialogue and performance,” Jasmine said. “Writing allows me to connect emotions and stories in a way that makes people think. Seeing my own work come to life on stage was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.” 

In contrast to Jasmine’s creative path, Carley Paris (’10) brought her Webb values into a completely different arena—the fast-paced world of finance in New York City. For Carley, the lessons of courage and integrity she learned at Webb continue to guide her through every step of her career. 

“In finance, things move quickly, and you have to be confident in your decisions,” Carley said. “Webb taught me to be courageous and to lead with authenticity. Those lessons have shaped how I approach every challenge and every opportunity.” 

Most memorable Webb experience 

One of Michelle’s most memorable experiences came from her freshman-year Peccary trip, a signature experience for many Webb students. The freshman Peccary trip is one of Webb’s signature traditions, where students travel to Barstow to camp in the desert and dig up real fossils alongside their classmates and teachers. It introduces freshmen to hands-on paleontology and gives them an early taste of Webb’s spirit of exploration and discovery.  

However, she confessed that, at first, the trip was not something she wanted to do. 

 “I kind of dreaded the trip in the beginning,” Michelle said. “You had to sleep on a random tarp, and anything mandatory never sounds fun.” 

The thought of camping in the desert, away from the comfort of dorms and phones, didn’t sound appealing. But somewhere between the long hikes, Michelle found herself surrounded by something much deeper than discomfort.

“During meteor night, we saw so many shooting stars,” she said. “It was an incredible view and one of those moments that made us all feel connected.” 

What started as a trip Michelle had little interest in later became one of her most meaningful Webb memories. 

“Through the midst of the dread, I found beauty,” Michelle said. “It’s one of those moments you never forget.” 

Like Michelle, Carley also found lasting meaning in Webb traditions. For her, Chapel stands at the heart of it all—a place where Webb’s spirit has continued to thrive through decades of change. 

“Some things are the same, like greeting the speakers with a high five or handshake and still singing a hymn or one of the school songs,” Carley said. 

Those small gestures, for many, created a sense of closeness that made Webb feel like family.  

Yet, Carley also noticed how much has shifted since her student days.  

“Back then, everyone had their assigned date,” she said. “You were going to give a talk, whether you were excited or nervous.” 

Now that Chapel Talks are optional, Carley sees it as a loss of an important tradition. She encourages current students to seize the opportunity: stand before their peers, speak openly, and embrace the vulnerability that once felt insurmountable.  

How Webb shaped their journeys 

For Michelle, Webb was where her love of discovery began to take shape. 

“My teachers pushed me to think beyond what was comfortable,” Michelle said. “They encouraged me to go after opportunities that seemed intimidating, and that mindset has carried through everything I’ve done since.” 

She said Webb’s focus on communication and leadership also had a lasting impact. Chapel Talks, class presentations, and even morning announcements helped her learn how to share her thoughts clearly and with purpose. 

“Webb taught me how to speak up and express myself with confidence,” she said. “That might seem small, but in science, being able to explain your work clearly is just as important as doing the research itself.” 

Michelle said those early lessons helped her find her voice as a researcher and thinker, both in the lab and beyond. 

For Jasmine, coming to Webb completely changed what she thought her high school experience would be. She was admitted on a volleyball scholarship, expecting to focus on athletics, but instead discovered a passion for theatre that took her—and her family—by surprise. 

“I came in thinking I’d be an athlete,” Jasmine said. “Then I found theatre, and I fell in love with it. My dad was kind of upset because he really wanted me to stay with volleyball, but I knew I wanted to perform.” 

She said the teachers at Webb encouraged her to take that leap, especially Stefanie Plumley, Chair of the Fine Arts Department. 

“The teachers were so supportive,” Jasmine said. “Ms. Plumley really encouraged me to explore theater and try something new. She saw something in me that I hadn’t seen yet, and that gave me the confidence to keep going.” 

“Webb gave me the freedom to try something unexpected,” she said. “It’s where I realized it’s okay to take a different path and follow what really inspires you.” 

Advice for Webb students 

As Alumni Weekend came to an end, each graduate offered words of wisdom to Webbies, reflecting how Webb’s lessons continue to shape their lives through perseverance, curiosity, and courage. 

Carley said the strength she built at Webb continues to guide her through challenges in the world of finance. 

“Persevere through the hard times,” Carley said. “Even if you’re one of the only people who looks like you in your field, continue to advocate for yourself. Webb taught me to lead with courage, and that’s something I carry with me every day.” 

Michelle encouraged current students to take advantage of everything Webb has to offer. 

“Enjoy all the programs and opportunities Webb offers,” Michelle said. “Never take an opportunity for granted because you never know what you might miss. Some of the best experiences come from trying something new, even if it seems small.” 

Jasmine urged students to follow their instincts and pursue what truly inspires them, even if that means changing direction. 

“Always do what your heart desires,” Jasmine said. “If you want to drop a passion and pursue a new one like I did, do it. You might end up finding your calling.” 

Their words captured what Alumni Weekend is all about: celebrating the lifelong impact of Webb’s community, the confidence it builds, and the courage it inspires in every graduate who continues to carve their own path.