New Chapters for our ISSD Alumni
Aryana Mahasseni
Aryana Mahasseni is an ISSD alumna and graduating senior this year who will be attending University of California, Los Angeles this fall, where she plans to major in Biology and English while pursuing a career in medicine. Throughout high school, she has enjoyed contributing to Peyk and remaining connected with the Iranian community through writing and involvement in cultural events. She is deeply passionate about social justice, literature, and using writing as a way to help encourage greater empathy and connection. Aryana feels grateful for the support and encouragement of the ISSD community and looks forward to beginning this next chapter.
Leanne Mahmoudi
ISSD graduate and teaching assistant, graduated from Westview High School. She will be attending University of California, Berkeley to major in Applied Mathematics and Psychology.
Bahar Motarjemi
Bahar Motarjemi will be studying Language, Culture, and Society at University of California, Santa Barbara. She has volunteered for the Persian Cultural Center for five years, through PCC’s Youth Committee. In addition, she dances at annual performances for the Iranian School of San Diego. She has written for Peyk for almost three years, and she loves having the opportunity to share ideas and information with the community. Alongside her Peyk articles, Bahar was an editor of her school’s newspaper and hopes to work on the Daily Nexus at UCSB. Bahar looks forward to writing more articles for Peyk and continuing her writing career!
Melody Hashemi
With hearts full of pride and gratitude, we celebrate the graduation of our daughter, Melody, from Pacific Ridge School. This fall, she will begin an exciting new chapter at the University of California, Berkeley, where she will pursue a degree in Applied Mathematics. Her dedication, perseverance, and curiosity have brought her to this milestone, and we know they will continue to guide her in the years ahead. We wish Melody a future filled with success, growth, meaningful friendships, and unforgettable experiences at Berkeley and beyond.
Marshia and Mehran Hashemi
Saba Honarvar
We are pleased to announce the graduation of Saba Honarvar, ISSD alumni, who has earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Department of Psychology. She completed her major in Psychobiology as part of the Class of 2026. We are extremely proud of her achievement.
Kian Kalantar
Kian is continuing his study to become a medical doctor at the University of Minnesota. He finished his undergrad at UC Santa Barbara in three years with a GPA of 3.98. His MCAT score was 100%. He graduated from Westview High school with a GPA of 4.37. His ACT score was also 100%. He was captain of the swim team, as well as marching band leader of saxophones.
Kian has volunteered for UNICEF, ISSD, Poway School District, Santa Barbara Public Schools, Santa Barbara Doctors without Walls, serving the homeless community, and the underserved communities of Central and South America, accumulating 3,000+ hours of work experience in the medical field.
He expresses he owes his leadership skills and dedication to volunteer work to his ISSD fundraising experiences and years of TA volunteer work at the school. His parents are indebted to ISSD for his recognition and understanding of his heritage and his community ties and pride of identity.
Parvaneh Khosrovani Majd
It is with profound sorrow and immeasurable love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and the heart of our family, Parvaneh Khosrovani Majd, who peacefully departed this world on April 28, 2026.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Parvaneh was the youngest of two daughters born to Afsar and Shojah Khosrovani. She was raised in a family rooted in strength, intellect, and devotion. Shojah was an attorney and one of the distinguished Khosrovani brothers, all of whom served their country with honor as influential figures in government, while Afsar was the pillar and strength of the family. Parvaneh spoke often and lovingly of her childhood and of the special bond she shared with her parents, sister, grandmother, and beloved uncles, whose presence shaped many of her happiest memories. She later married Reza Majd, and together they built a life grounded in sacrifice, resilience, and deep devotion to family. With tremendous courage, they left their homeland to build a new life in the United States so their daughters could have greater opportunities and a brighter future. Despite the immense hardships she endured throughout her life, Parvaneh carried herself with grace, dignity, and unwavering strength.
Parvaneh’s striking movie-star beauty extended far beyond appearance; it radiated through her compassion, kindness, humor, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She was the soul of our family—our source of comfort, our steady presence, and the glue that held generations together. Her four daughters, Mojgan, Marjan, Maryam, and Sanaz, were the center of her world and the greatest joys of her life. Her love extended endlessly to her five cherished grandchildren, Yazdan, Yasmin, Devin, Chloe, and Laila, who brought her immeasurable happiness.
Though our hearts are shattered by this loss, we remain endlessly grateful for the privilege of having been loved by her. The world has lost a truly beautiful soul, but her love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her, especially within the family she cherished so deeply.
Fly high, beautiful Maman Parvaneh. You were, and always will be, loved beyond words. Roohetoon Shad.
— by Sanaz Majd
Ramiz Darafshandar
I’m heartbroken to share that my father, Ramiz Darafshandar, passed away on April 24, 2026. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his kindness and strength will be remembered always. We are grateful for the time we had with him and will miss him dearly.
Ludi Sadr
