THE CUSHMAN SCHOOL
CENTENNIAL BALL
Celebrating a Century of Excellence in Education
3.15.25
Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
Centennial Ball Countdown
Honoring our Three Heads of School
This year’s Centennial Gala will honor our three Heads of School over the last century: Founder Dr. Laura Cushman, her successor, Dr. Joan Lutton, and current Head, Dr. Arvi Balseiro. In over 100 years, The Cushman School has been under the leadership of only these three female visionaries determined to remain steadfast in adhering to the School’s mission while successfully navigating much change in the educational landscape and the world at large.
Dr. Laura Cushman (1924-1980)
An accomplished teacher in the Iowa county school system, Dr. Laura Cushman moved to Miami and opened The Cushman School on the porch of her home in 1924. A century later, The Cushman School is Miami-Dade’s oldest, continuously operating private school known for the same idealism and excellence in which it was founded.
Dr. Joan Drody Lutton (1980-2012)
Dr. Cushman began looking for her successor in the late 1970s. In 1980, Dr. Joan Lutton, former journalist turned high school teacher, became Principal and then Head of The Cushman School. With great passion and enthusiasm, she continued the School’s innovative pursuit of excellence, inspiring so many educators to maximize their talents to offer students a unique journey until her retirement in 2012.
Dr. Arvi Balseiro (2012-Present)
After serving in many influential roles at the School, Dr. Arvi Balseiro became Cushman’s third Head of School in July of 2012. The Cushman School has grown significantly under her leadership which now includes a high school and a virtual division. Today, she presides over an astonishingly diverse body of students and brings tremendous vision for the ongoing evolution of the School to meet the personalized needs of its families.
Honorary Gala Chair – Mrs. Sara Colombo
A heartfelt thank you to Board Chair, and this year’s Honorary Centennial Ball Chair, Mrs. Sara Colombo, for her years of service to The Cushman School.
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© The Cushman School 2025