Derryfield Today, Spring 2005

today

Derryfield

NEWS FROM THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL

SPRING 2005

Commencement Recap Independent Study Coming of Age: Derryfield at 40

Peter Pan see details on page 5

contents Table of

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dianne Connolly Chair Windham, NH

DERRYFIELD TODAY

John Allard ’83 Manchester, NH

Annie Branch Editor

Bradley Benson ’78 Derry, NH

Griffin Bodi Krause Design

James Cahill Concord, NH

Puritan Press Printing

Steven Burke Treasurer, Corporate Secretary Bedford, NH

Jim Davis New Boston, NH

CONTRIBUTORS

Pamela VanArsdale Secretary Bedford, NH

William Davis II Hopkinton, NH

Bruce Berk Director of College Planning

Nigel Donovan Bedford, NH

Tom Curley History Faculty

Dr. Louis Fink Bedford, NH

Adam Grodman ’06

Arthur Coviello Vice Chair Hollis, NH

SPRING 2005

features FEATURES

Commencement Recap

10

by Annie Branch

Randle Richardson Head of School Concord, NH

Brian Guercio ’97 Terry Flahive Bedford, NH Joseph Horton Manchester, NH Maria Holland Law ’75 Bedford, NH

Coming of Age: Derryfield at 40

16

by Chuck Sanborn

Independent Study

22

by Annie Branch Andy Moerlein VAPA Faculty Randy Richardson Head of School Chuck Sanborn Retired Faculty

Paul LeBlanc Manchester, NH

Patrick Santoso ’01

Donna K. Lencki Candia, NH

ADVANCEMENT

David Lockwood Manchester, NH

Annie Branch Director of Communications

Lourdes Maldonado Manchester, NH

Gail Gordon Advancement Assistant

Eric Nickerson Windham, NH

Alice Handwerk Director of Advancement

Jeffrey Pollock Bedford, NH

Tracey Perkins Director of Alumni Relations

Chris Cikacz ex officio Chester, NH

Jen Pierce Director of Annual Fund

What Do You Want to Be?

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by Tom Curley

departments DEPARTMENTS

Message from the Head Around Campus Cougar Athletics Summerbridge Spotlight Update on Alumni Life After Derryfield Alumni Spotlight

2 4 18 20 26 30 32

ERRATA: The editor regrets that the names of valued contributors Maura Spiegelman ’04 and Eric Spierer ’06 were misspelled in the Winter 2005 issue of Derryfield Today. In addition, the recipient of the Hockey Award for Heroic Dedication, Dan LaGuerre ’05, was omitted from the Cougar Update Section. I apologize for these oversights.

FRONT COVER: Graduates proceed to the reception line.

Derryfield Today is published by the Advancement Office at The Derryfield School. If you note errors, please notify us at 603.669.4524, ext. 123 or send an email to abranch@derryfield.org. Correspondence may be addressed to: Director of Communications, The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, NH 03104-1396. The Derryfield School welcomes students of any race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin. The School does not discriminate in its hiring, admission policies, or programs on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Taylor Goudreau ’11 studies surface tension though experimentation.

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INSIDE FRONT COVER: The Indians prepare for attack in the Middle School musical Peter Pan.

TOP: Connor Garstka ’06 works on a poem with English teacher Bob Cole.

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head

Message from the

The Educational Journey here is so much good Derryfield news, especially dur‑ ing this season of celebrations and graduation, that it would be easy to fill this page exclusively with accounts of joy and success. It is important to acknowledge, however, that the educational journey is demanding and more important than the neat package at the end of the jour‑ ney symbolized by the award or diploma. Without this understanding, we might not be ready for the obstacles, and we could lose the full appreciation of the athletic champi‑ onships, dramatic and musical triumphs, beautiful artwork, gifted oratory, and inspiring academic feats. These achieve‑ ments are largely the result of the determination and strength required to seek and overcome challenges.

T

“...the educational journey is demanding and more important than the neat package at the end of the journey symbolized by the award or diploma.”

As an extra reminder of the somewhat winding and ardu‑ ous path of education, we faced some relatively significant disciplinary problems in both the middle and upper schools this spring. In the upper school, the problems revolved around the use of alcohol and marijuana. In the middle school, some students were involved in damaging school computers. These students have faced consequences, some‑ times significant and painful, based on what we believe was fair, appropriate, and most likely to allow the student to learn.

It is often difficult to insist that students learn from mis‑ takes. However, we know that it is far better that students

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learn the lessons now so that they can avoid future mistakes that might have far greater consequences. In this spirit, we continue to do all we can to make Derryfield a safe and sup‑ portive community with high expectations of all of our members. We also focus on maximizing learning by identify‑ ing not only the lesson for the individual but also for the whole community. One illustration of this effort comes in the form of a message from Mark Blaisdell, Head of Middle School: The final lesson is perhaps the most difficult to understand – and certainly to teach. It revolves around the idea that the students themselves share in creating the kind of community in which they live. That their action or inaction will help define which behaviors will be tolerated and which ones will not. As much or as little that adults will know regarding student behavior, they, the students, have an awesome responsibility in this regard.

There are certainly some mistakes that we wish our stu‑ dents would avoid, but we know that each and every one provides an opportunity to learn and forms a vital building block in the educational process. They are also evidence of our success as a school because our students are accepting challenges and taking risks. As you read about graduation and the Independent Senior Projects in this magazine, please consider all of the mistakes, effort, creativity, ambition, and courage symbolized by the speeches, reports, and diplomas.

Randy Richardson Head of School

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

AUGUST – DECEMBER

events LETTER TO THE COMMUNIT Y from Brian Guercio ’97

don’t know many people who would truly enjoy working on some‑ one else’s art project for twelve hours a day for a week or who would go on a trip to Park City, but spend vir‑ tually the entire time in a garage filled with fumes so toxic that we had to leave all the windows of the house open for three days just to sleep properly.

Guercio on a ski break with Cottonwood Canyon But, as everyone at Derryfield knows, in the background. (Courtesy B. Guercio) Andy Moerlein, like many of your teachers, is a truly rare and special soul. And, in a roundabout way, he is partially responsible for my tackling the project in the first place.

During my first year of Advanced Studio Art with Mr. Moerlein, I came up with the idea of building an eight‑foot tall Pez dispenser. He and my mother con‑ spired to make me finish it, no matter what. A few weeks before the following school year began, I turned it in. I still think that it’s one of the best pieces I’ve ever done. More importantly, I came to learn a simple lesson made famous by a sneaker company: “just do it.”

Even if there’s no reason to think that you could ever pull it off. Just figure out how and make it happen. Don’t worry about having never worked with fiber‑ glass or pourable, expanding polyurethane foam or that you’ve never poured cement, gotten a building permit, researched the strength of 3/8” triple‑zinc bolts, or registered an L.L.C.… just figure it out and do it.

This lesson was reiterated in my art classes at Middlebury, and I have applied it on a number of snow‑covered mountains, but I first learned it at Derryfield.

And it has influenced my decisions ever since. For example, I am in the process of applying to medical school. Does it matter that I studied art in college, suf‑ fered badly through Mr. Bradley’s Honors Chemistry class, or that I spent two years as a ski patroller out West? No, it doesn’t. In fact, I’m probably better off for it. After all, Derryfield showed me the value of what T.H. Huxley calls a “liberal education” and of doing what it takes to have a well‑rounded life. What’s more, I know that I am better off for having been connected with Derryfield long enough to be able to make the transition from “Mr. Moerlein” to “Andy.”

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calendar

AUGUST Young Alumni Summer Send Off

11

Fall Varsity Preseason Begins

15

Alumni Golf Tournament

19

Retreats

29 & 30

First Day of Classes

31

SEPTEMBER Back to School Picnic

9

Back to School Night

22

40th Anniversary Forum Series

29

Make a Difference Day

30

All-School Talent Show

30

Reunion Cocktail Party

30

OCTOBER Country Fair

1

Reunion Class Parties

1

Gallery Opening

1

40th Anniversary Gala

1

Grandparents’ Day

7

Summerbridge Saturday

29

NOVEMBER Upper School Play

3-5

Gallery Opening

4

Admission Open House

19

Alumni Games

25

DECEMBER Winter Concert

9

Summerbridge Saturday

17

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campus

Around

STORIES

epitomizes the idea that you can be and do anything and everything.” Mr. McNeil, known in the bike world as “Teach,” has given bike safety lectures including stunt demonstrations to the middle school stu‑ dents. To learn more about “Teach” and the Urban Street Bike Warriors, visit www.stonefilmsnyc.com.

Defying ‘Classic’ Stereotypes Rowing to Nationals

Peter Pan Thespians Inducted A New Perspective Founders’ Day

Rowing to Nationals

Service Program Profiled

On June 11th, senior Corey Davison wasn’t sitting on stage with the rest of his class‑ mates, ready to receive his diploma; he was rowing his heart out against the strongest teams in the country with the boys’ first boat at the 11th Annual USRowing Youth Invitational in Cincinnati, OH. The Derry‑ field boat, which included Corey, Parker Mitchell ’07, Tim Jundanian ’06, Eric Spierer ’06, and coxswain Chiara Arcidy ’06, placed eighth in the United States at this national championship regatta. Ten of the fifteen crews they raced were large community programs that draw athletes from several high schools. Coach Vin Broderick said of his crew, “They were test‑ ed in racing four 2000 meter races in 28 hours, something that challenges not only their stamina, but their mental toughness.

We were very happy with the results.”

Derryfield has competed at the USRowing Youth Invitational once before, in 2003, when the varsity girls’ crew placed seventh.

HELP-U.org The College Fit

Chris McNeil giving a stunt demonstration to the Derryfield Middle School.

CREATIVE WRITING AWARDS

Defying ‘Classic’ Stereotypes

NON-FICTION AWARDS

Middle school Latin teacher Chris McNeil is once again challenging preconceptions of what a Latin teacher should be. This sum‑ mer Mr. McNeil has traveled to Cuba, Poland, France, and California as part of a touring troupe of stunt riders called the Urban Street Bike Warriors. Their trip to perform in a daredevil biking exhibition for the troops at the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, drew a crowd of 3,000. The tour was profiled in both The Union Leader and Super Street Bike Magazine, and is being filmed as part of a DVD series.

Head of Middle School Mark Blaisdell was quoted in The Union Leader story as saying, “Chris strikes a great balance with the stu‑ dents... it’s great to have a teacher who

1st: Leslie Stonebraker for Widow’s Walk 2nd: Nick Nardini for Fish in the Sea 3rd: Katherine Myers for Dumb Blonde Honorable Mention: Isaac Wheeler for

Learning to Run FICTION AWARDS: 1st: Isaac Wheeler for Dangle 2nd: Elizabeth DeBold for Martini’s Twist 2nd: Leslie Stonebraker for The Man Who

Walked on Water 3rd: Alyssa Faro for Serpentine POETRY AWARDS: 1st: Elizabeth DeBold for The Naming 2nd: Isaac Wheeler for Human Remains 3rd: Jennifer Cox for Rain

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Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

AROUND CAMPUS

Thespians Inducted

Peter Pan The Middle School Players have once again defied expectations in the pre‑ sentation of their spring musical, Peter Pan. This fantasy story stimulated the audience’s imagination and drew them into the story through a number of special effects and the skill of a large and talented group of actors.

Just as the action of this classic chil‑ dren’s story was getting started, Peter Pan soared through the air, eight feet above the stage. The addition of aerial action enhanced many scenes, includ‑ ing the final fight between Peter Pan and Captain Hook, when both were doing somersaults through the air as they attacked each other. Parent

Captain Hook (Marcel Robinson ’09) is haunted by the Crocodile (Camille Smith ’09).

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volun‑ teers manned the flying appa‑ ratus that sent the actors reeling through open space.

To add to the surprise, music teacher Robb Fogg developed an impressive percussion number that involved all of the Indians spread throughout the audience with drum‑ sticks. The astounded spectators were suddenly pulled into the middle of the action. Bruce Berk, faculty member and father of Indian Ariel Berk ’10 says, “I think it speaks to the genius of the directors that they could make each of the 36 Indians become an integral part of the production.”

The Indians and Pirates enhanced the performances of a talented group of leading characters. Marcel Robinson ’09 played a demonic Captain Hook, constantly haunted by the Crocodile (Camille Smith ’09) who had eaten his hand. Andrew Cox ’10 portrayed an enchanting Peter Pan with a boundless energy that led Wendy (Alex Donovan ’10), John (Fritz Manson ’09), and Michael (Philip Melanson ’10) on a wild adventure into Neverland.

With Philip and Andrew already having had roles in the past two upper school musicals, the Derryfield com‑ munity can be confident that even more amazing productions are in the future as this large group of young thespians further develop their talents.

On May 16th, The Derryfield School was treated to a lively performance by the current members of the Inter‑ national Thespian Society (ITS) as they welcomed their newest members in a round of songs inspired by the musical Grease. The ITS is the only organization to honor secondary school students for their outstanding contributions to the‑ atre. Thespian membership is granted for the performance of meritorious work in theatre arts that meets the Society’s guidelines. The 2005 Derry‑ field inductees into the ITS are Wright Smith ’05, Chiara Arcidy ’06, Connor Garstka ’06, Paige Herlihy ’06, Nguyen Doan ’07, and Jackson MacKenzie ’07.

Peter Pan (Andrew Cox ’10) finds his shadow.

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AROUND CAMPUS

A New Perspective From February until June of 2005, I spent a semester studying and experi‑ encing life in Israel, living on a kib‑ butz, while taking classes in Hebrew, Jewish History, and other standard courses.

Throughout my travels in Israel, I learned so much and feel as though I changed as a person. My outlook on life changed, as well as my personality.

I understand much more about people and the world in general because of my intense physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences.

On the kibbutz, we took classes five‑ and‑a‑half days per week. We also traveled extensively inside and outside of Israel. In March, we received a taste of the army through Gadna, a one‑ week basic training boot camp that is typically for high school students in Israel preparing for the mandatory years in the army, or kids with disci‑ plinary issues. In my case, it was used to give 100 Jewish Americans a taste of routine Israeli life. While there I learned how to fire a machine gun and live under very strict rules. This army program was physically and mentally challenging for all of us.

Adam with friends from his exchange group during their hike across Israel.

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Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. (All photos courtesy A. Grodman)

The biggest emotional challenge of the trip was traveling to Prague and Poland to visit the concentration camps. The size of Auschwitz‑Birkenau was astounding. In operation, 100,000 people were stuffed into the camp.

This death factory served as a reminder for the Jewish past, and brought a great amount of sadness upon me.

Looking upon the gas chambers, cre‑ matorium, and old piles of Jewish hair reminded us of these horrific years. I believe that the essential way to try to understand as much of the Holocaust as possible is to visit the concentration camps.

Our third trip came at the end of April when we hiked for four days and four nights across the northern part of Israel (from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean Sea). The hiking was not difficult, but it was still tiring because there were four full days of hiking. At night we would sleep out‑ side in a sleeping bag, and freeze to death in the morning.

The last of our long excursions came at the end of May when we traveled south to the Negev Desert and hiked for another four days. The weather was a bit different this time, as we were hiking in 100 degree dry heat every

day. It was beautiful at night though, looking up at the stars in the middle of the desert, sleeping in a perfect tem‑ perature.

In addition to the great travels, I made amazing friends. Sticking togeth‑ er in difficult times and celebrating the great times created an extremely strong bond between the group. This was something very unique and spe‑ cial that I will cherish forever. Living thousands of miles away, experiencing a different culture, and seeing the Middle East from a different perspec‑ tive made this trip unique. Overall, my four months in Israel was a once in a lifetime experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. ‑Adam Grodman ’06

Adam in the Negev Desert.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

AROUND CAMPUS

Founders’ Day As the School’s 40th Anniversary cele‑ bration heads into its final months, the Derryfield community took some time out to honor the Founders who made it all possible. Several Founders returned to Derryfield for Founders’ Day, held on Friday, April 15th. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Founder Ted Krentzel, who passed away in August. Founders’ speaker Bill Glahn, past parent (Brooks ’91 and Ben ’95) and former Board Chair, referred to the Founders as being just as radical as those who were marching on picket lines in the 1960s. These families risked their children’s futures in the belief that students would reap the benefits of a superior education in the long run.

Both Glahn and Head of School Randy Richardson pointed to the rela‑ tionships at Derryfield as a pivotal aspect of the School’s success after 40 years. According to Richardson, “The people and the connections – personal, intellectual, athletic, and creative – are the engines of The Derryfield School.”

Glahn elaborated on Richardson’s com‑ ments, exploring the relationships between students and teachers, parents and teachers, and the students them‑ selves. He read one of Jeff Pill’s advisor comments for his son to exemplify the strength of the relationships between faculty, students, and parents.

After the induction of new members to the 2005 National Honor Society, Maria Holland Law ’75, Alumni Council President, introduced Rich Sigel ’81 as the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus. Sigel, who serves as Chief of

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Staff to Governor John Lynch, impart‑ ed a few pieces of advice to the stu‑ dents. He urged students to take risks for the things they believe in, and advised that if they want to change the world, there is no better place than their own backyard. Sigel finished by saying, “if you could take all the ener‑ gy and talent and passion in this room and transplant it up to the legislature in Concord, I think we could wrap things up in two or three weeks!”

Alexa Warburton ’05, the 2004 Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar, then imparted a lesson to the audience that she learned on a trip to Namibia. She arrived in Africa expecting to learn about a foreign culture, and discovered that there were more similarities than differences. “Through examining my own life and the lives of these African people, some better and some worse off than I, I find that we are all search‑ ing for happiness, and this search

The 2005 Founders’ Scholar, Glen Frieden ’06, with the 2004 recipient, Alexa Warburton ’05.

unites us more and more.” Warburton concluded by announcing the 2005 Founders’ Scholar, Glen Frieden ’06, whom she described as one who has succeeded in many areas of life, yet is always looking for room to grow as a scholar, athlete, and friend.

CONGRATULATIONS

inductees

national honor society

The following Derryfield students were inducted into the National Honor Society during the 2005 Founders’ Day celebration.

Class of 2005

Class of 2006

Class of 2007

David N. Batchelder Derek C. Boelig Christopher J. Kiley Emma F. LeBlanc Linda S. Paiste Victoria A. Starr Nicholas C.W. Stepro

Emily K. Monty Nathalie M. Morison Isabel A. Plourde Eric D. Spierer Martin C. Topol Isaac S. Wheeler

Lauren S. Baker Natalie R. Coviello Carl N. Crafts Kristin E. Migliori

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AROUND CAMPUS

Marcel Robinson ’09 trying to find a lego for his buddy from Webster School.

Service Program Profiled Community service coordinator Kathy Hill has spent the last two years culti‑ vating an already thriving service pro‑ gram that is central to The Derryfield School’s mission. This commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for service was highlighted in a March 28th article in The Union Leader. The piece quoted Hill’s goals for the pro‑ gram: “We try to create a culture where the kids realize this is some‑ thing you don’t just do one day

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out of your life, that donations of time are lifelong. We’re trying to create a lifelong commitment to service.” The article cited the high membership in Key club, the active involvement of upper school students in Summer‑ bridge Manchester, and the creation of service learning opportunities in the middle school as key factors in the School’s successful service program.

One of the programs mentioned was the middle school Builders’ Club week‑ ly trips to the Webster School. Every Thursday during Activities period, members of the Builders’ Club and the Athletic Committee work with 5th grade students in Webster’s English for Speakers of Other Languages program.

On March 10th, while the 6th and 7th grades were on a field trip, the Derry‑ field 8th grade hosted 40 of the Webster students for a day of activities that included math games, physical educa‑ tion, crafts, and writing stories. Each Derryfield student was paired with a Webster 5th grader for the day. Advisor Candy Chaplin reported that the day “was a wonderful experience, not only for these Webster School students, but also for our 8th graders, who truly stepped up to the plate and discovered the excitement of teaching.”

HELP-U.org Not many high school students attract the praise of kings. Derryfield junior Chiara Arcidy has done just that through the work of a charitable orga‑ nization that she founded. HELP‑U.org is a student‑run charitable organization dedicated to environmental and educa‑ tional causes. Funds are raised through donations, grants, and the selling of apparel, and then donated to other organizations in need. While coordi‑ nating a fundraiser, Arcidy went in search of a non‑profit organization that would sell t‑shirts at a low cost. Unable to find such a group, she decided to start one herself. Not only does HELP‑ U.org sell low‑priced t‑shirts to non‑ profit organizations, they also use eco‑ friendly organic cotton in their T‑shirts and are trying to spread the word about the negative environmental impact of commercial cotton.

Arcidy raised $700 to donate to Selula Sandla Orphanage in Swaziland, an orphanage that restores, supports, and improves the lives of children orphaned by AIDS. Her resolve to help caught the attention of Prince Cedza Dlamini, whose assistant sent Arcidy a note stating, “HELP‑U.org is just the kind of social and business partnership that Prince Cedza advocates, especially since it’s initiated by youth.” He went on to offer his assistance to her organi‑ zation. Arcidy accepted, and organized to have the Prince speak to the 8th grade at McKelvie Middle School in Bedford.

This summer, Arcidy is organizing a group for the Easter Seals Walk and recruiting volunteers to HELP‑U.org.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

AROUND CAMPUS

The College Fit The college admissions cycle for the Class of 2005 is filled with positive out‑ comes. Although the admissions pro‑ cess remains highly competitive, Derryfield students are accepted at their programs of choice, among the best programs in the nation. Each of the 55 members of the Class of 2005 can tell a unique college selection story.

These include a student’s successful quest for an excellent small liberal arts college in the far west, a physical ther‑ apy program in the mid‑west, a music theater opportunity in the south or a construction management major in the northeast. Again and again, Derryfield graduates are seeking program over name and the best fit for their interests and goals. Consistent with previous years, students are declining invita‑ tions to schools with stronger name recognition in favor of schools that bet‑ ter meet their academic and social aspirations. The search process leads them to a rural location in New York, an engineering program in the moun‑ tains of Colorado, an elite voice major opportunity at a local college, or a school “across the pond” in Scotland.

Whether a student’s final decision is based on location, program, a merit award, or the “fit,” this year’s class is testimony to our students’ ability to find schools that will inspire and chal‑ lenge them. ‑Bruce Berk

Class of 2005 Matriculation List Timothy Allen ................ University of New Hampshire

Stephanie Kruskol ............ Plymouth State University

(Whittemore School)

Amanda Kutz ........................... University of Vermont

Ryan Audley .................................. Boston University

Daniel LaGuerre ... Wentworth Institute of Technology

David Batchelder ................ Johns Hopkins University

Melissa Law ..................................... Boston College

Jenna Bee ......................................... Elon University

Emma LeBlanc ............................... Brown University

Noah Benton ................................. Lehigh University

Douglas MacKenzie ............................ Bates College

Derek Boelig .................................. Lehigh University

Brittany Marcott ... Wentworth Institute of Technology

Katharine Bolduc .................... Saint Louis University

Trevor Mathes ............... University of New Hampshire

Andrew Bonifant ............................ Marietta College

(Whittemore School)

Leigh Cameron ................................. Boston College

Mark McCormick .......... University of New Hampshire

Charles Carrier ............................. Colgate University

Brett McLarnon ....................... Harvey Mudd College

Claire Churchill ............. University of New Hampshire

Steven Morgan ....................... University of Colorado

Kimberly Cohen ................................... Colby College

(Boulder)

Cooper Cunliffe .............. University of North Carolina

Alexandra Moser ...................... Connecticut College

(Asheville)

Sarah Murphy ........................... American University

Jeffrey Davison .......................... Wesleyan University

Nicholas Nardini ...................... Vanderbilt University

Elizabeth DeBold ........................... Skidmore College

Christina Nyquist ............................... Smith College

Kendra Decelle ..................... University of Pittsburgh

Linda Paiste ................................... Emory University

Kathryn Dewey ............... Loomis Chaffee School (PG)

Christopher Pellegrini ............... Lake Forest College

Nicholas Dupuis ............................ Boston University

Jessica Pritchard ................ College of the Holy Cross

Gabriel Duran ............. Franklin and Marshall College

Alan Raff ....................................... Tulane University

Joshua Enos .............................. American University

Heather Schofield ............................ Boston College

Alyssa Faro ............................... Connecticut College

Wright Smith ............................... College of Wooster

Emily Fritch................. George Washington University

Victoria Starr ...................................... Colby College

Carolyn Goodwin ......................... Gettysburg College

Nicholas Stepro ............................... Tufts University

Julie Grimm ................................... Whitman College

Leslie Stonebraker ..................... Middlebury College

Matthew Jacoby ............ University of New Hampshire

Andrew Todd ......................... University of Edinburgh

(Whittemore School)

(Scotland)

Sabina Khan ................................. Wellesley College

Ashley Travis ............... George Washington University

Christopher Kiley ............................... Elon University

Alexandra Warburton ................. Middlebury College

Andrew Kosiarski .................. Saint Joseph’s College

Andrew Warren .......................... University of Tampa

Members of the class of 2005 line up for the procession into their commencement ceremony.

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recap

Commencement

The Class of 2005

Alumni Award Given to a member of the senior class whose support and service to The Derryfield School best exemplifies the spirit of Derryfield as deter‑ mined by members of the graduating class and the faculty.

Carolyn C. Goodwin ’05

Alumni Service Award Given by The Derryfield School Alumni Association to recognize an alumnus/a who has made a major contribution to the School.

Kathleen W. Rutty-Fey ’87

Art Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of art.

Emma F. LeBlanc ’05

Citizens Bank Scholar Award Presented to an upper school student who is a graduate of the Summerbridge Manchester program, in recognition of academic excellence, exemplary service and commitment in Summerbridge Manchester and The Derryfield School Community.

Robert F. Lemire ’06

Class of 1994 Award Presented to the member of the senior class whose personal integrity, caring manner, and quiet strength inspire school spirit and higher aspirations in all of us.

Julie E. Grimm ’05

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A common thread was echoed by the student speakers at Derryfield’s thirty‑eighth commencement ceremony: take risks to follow your passions and get the most out of your experiences. Some felt they had done this better than others, but all encouraged their classmates to get the most out of life.

Leigh Cameron started off the trend in her welcome address. “I think it is safe to say that none of us are the same people who walked onto this campus, scared and insecure, our freshmen year,” but, “as much as we have developed over these four years, we are still not even close to being the people we hope to become.” Leigh recalled how each year as she started school, she would vow to be more outgoing and to take advantage of everything life had to offer, but each year she would fall back into the comfort of her shy persona.

It wasn’t until the last few weeks of her senior year that she had the courage to make the changes she had wanted to make for so many years. Leigh spoke of the freedom offered by reinventing oneself in a new place, with no preconceived notions of who one is, but she warned, “College won’t change us unless we first change ourselves.” Leigh conclud‑ ed by reminding her classmates that, “whoever we become over this next section of our lives, we have Derryfield, our teachers, our family, and our friends to thank.” She rein‑ forced this with a quote from the popular television show, Boy Meets World: “I don’t know what’s going to happen to me, but I do know that I’m going to be a good person who cares about people. I blame you for that.”

The class of 2005 chose Bill Madden to give their com‑ mencement address. Mr. Madden started working in the buildings and grounds department the same year that many members of the class arrived at the new middle school, but

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

knew several of them prior to that from their time at McKelvie School in Bedford. Mr. Madden lauded the achievements of the class. “Individually, you’re each an inspiration to the underclassmen. Together, you’re an even better example of what it takes to be steadfast, true leaders of the not‑so‑distant future.” He encouraged the graduates to let the work ethic that they have so clearly displayed shine through in their personal lives. “Be it for a parent, family member, relative, significant other, friend, or even neighbor, always strive to go that extra mile, or be willing to give that extra time when that ‘extra’ is needed the most.”

Having related the graduates’ experiences at Derryfield to several Beatles song titles, Mr. Madden closed with a perfor‑ mance of a special rendition of the Beatles’ Strawberry Fields, entitled Derryfield School Forever, to honor a promise he had made to the class.

Brett McLarnon’s valedictory address echoed Leigh’s ear‑ lier sentiments. He read a quote from his yearbook page, which translates to, “It’s time to toss the dice.” Brett admit‑ ted that he had followed this advice far less often that he would care to admit. He regretted pursuing solely academics during his time at Derryfield, cherishing the memories of the people more than the classes he took. Brett felt that he was offered a second chance when asked to give the valedic‑ tory address. It was an opportunity to tell his story and encourage his peers to learn from his experience. “I am not calling on you to grieve this change, to fill yourselves with regret. Instead, let us cherish the memories we do have –

Community Service Awards Honoring those seniors who have given unselfishly of themselves in extending time, interest, and concern to the School and the community.

Jenna A. Bee ’05

Gabriel L. Durán ’05

Trevor P.D. Mathes ’05

Noah A. Benton ’05

Carolyn C. Goodwin ’05

Sarah E. Murphy ’05

Derek C. Boelig ’05

Julie E. Grimm ’05

Victoria A. Starr ’05

Leigh C. Cameron ’05

Sabina Q. Khan ’05

F. Alexandra Warburton ’05

Computer Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of computer science.

Brett A. McLarnon ’05

D.A.R. Good Citizen Award Given to a senior in recognition of honor, dependability, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.

Victoria A. Starr ’05

Dartmouth Book Award Given to that member of the junior class who, through pursuit of academic achievement as well as through participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities, has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and has otherwise exerted a positive impact upon the quality of student life.

Isabel A. Plourde ’06

Drama Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of drama.

Elizabeth B. DeBold ’05

English Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of English.

Nicholas R. Nardini ’05

Jennifer Melkonian, Head of Upper School, sends the seniors off to the ceremony with some wise words.

www.derryfield.org

11

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

2005 Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar The Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar Award is presented annually to that member of the junior class who has best combined academic achievement with personal responsibility, independence, and ethical sense.

Glen E. Frieden ’06

French Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of French.

Christopher J. Kiley ’05 Christina N. Nyquist ’05

Harvard Book Award Given to a junior who “displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.”

Martin C. Topol ’06

History Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of history.

Emma F. LeBlanc ’05

Dennis F. Holland Mathematics Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of mathematics.

for they are all that remain to tie us together as we venture out into the world – and let us realize that what we have before us is another rare second chance. This next year brings the opportunity to start again and to take the chances we did not take at Derryfield. May we all have good sum‑ mers, may our inevitable separation be slowed by future gatherings, and may we never hesitate to toss the dice.”

Class President Victoria Starr presented the class gift to Randy Richardson after wishing her classmates luck in exploring “the infinite abyss.” The class of 2005 donated $3,500 to complete the purchase of a sound system for the gymnasium, and bequeathed the remaining $610 to the class of 2006 in appreciation of their tireless fund‑raising efforts this year. After a performance by the Concert Choir seniors and the presentation of diplomas by Board Chair Dianne Connolly, Leslie Stonebraker gave the farewell address.

Leslie discussed the meaning of the word “coy.” She believes that being coy is a way to talk circles around what one really means, and serves only to protect oneself from a fear of rejection. She encouraged her peers to follow their desires. “Please, desire to go for your dreams. Desire not to be coy with yourself. Desire not to forget the past, especially those kids sitting to either side of you.”

And with a parting benediction and the singing of the school song, the most recent members of the alumni body recessed from the auditorium and formed a receiving line to accept the well‑wishes of their teachers, families, and class‑ mates.

David N. Batchelder ’05

R. Philip Hugny Head of School Award Given in memory of Mr. Hugny, first Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to that member of the graduating class who, through all‑ around service, has made valuable contributions to the School.

Victoria A. Starr ’05

Commencement speaker Bill Madden bids a final farewell to members of the class of 2005.

12

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

DERRYFIELD SCHOOL FOREVER

Marcus D. Hurlbut Head of School Award

by Bill Madden Given in honor of Mr. Hurlbut, fourth Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to the senior who, by caring, leadership and force of character, has been an inspiration to others.

(inspired by Strawberry Fields)

Kathryn G. Dewey ’05 CHORUS: Let me take you down, Cause I’m going to... Derryfield School Where everyone’s cool,

Latin Award

And so much to be proud about,

Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of Latin.

Derryfield School forever.

Sarah J. Elfenbein ’06 Martin C. Topol ’06

Watching you play, learn, mature, and grow, I selfishly don’t want you to go, But you passed the grade and learned from the very best,

Lamplighter Athletic Award

I’m sure your parents will agree.

Given to the boy or girl who, through spirit, attitude, loyalty, and over‑ all performance, has been an inspiration to his or her teammates and a credit to the School.

CHORUS Victoria A. Starr ’05 Sometimes I think the graduating class is unreal, I’ve never met such gifted students, Artists, Scholars, Athletes, and Literary sorts,

Mayor’s Award

You all will succeed on any court.

The Mayor's Award is presented to that member of the graduating class who has, throughout his/her tenure at the Derryfield School, demonstrated a high level of dedication to the ideals The Derryfield School stands for and has exhibited leadership traits worthy of emula‑ tion by his/her peers.

CHORUS

Victoria A. Starr ’05 Always know that sometimes it’s me I know your time here’s been a dream,

Music Award

I think there’s a graduate who will Rewrite what I have just done,

Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of choral music.

And my best guess is Jenna Bee. Jenna A. Bee ’05 (Choral) Stephanie A. Kruskol ’05 (Choral) Let me take you down, Cause I’m going to... Derryfield School Where everyone’s cool,

Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of instrumental music.

And so much to be proud about,

Nicholas C.W. Stepro ’05 (Instrumental)

Derryfield School forever.

Derryfield School forever...

2005 graduates forever...

www.derryfield.org

13

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

William B. Pfeifer Head of School Award Given in honor of Mr. Pfeifer, third Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to the senior who, by loyalty, presence, and total commitment, has helped make Derryfield a better place to be.

Mark T. McCormick ’05

Physical Science Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of physical science.

Leslie K. Stonebraker ’05

Ken Piatt Memorial Scholarship Award Given in memory of D. Kenneth Piatt ’82 to the boy or girl who com‑ bines excellence in athletics with outstanding achievement.

Kendra R. Decelle ’05

Rensselaer Medal Given to the outstanding student in mathematics and science in the junior class.

Sean A. Kehoe ’06

Rhode Island School of Design Award Julie E. Grimm ’05

Rotary Cup The Manchester Rotary Cup Award is given to a senior who “is giving of himself or herself through strong community service and who shows the greatest promise of making a difference in the world through strength of character and qualities of leadership.”

From top to bottom: Brett McLarnon ’05 giving the valedictory address. n Chris

Sabina Q. Khan ’05

Kiley ’05 and Ryan Audley ’05 are ready to go before the ceremony. n Sabina Khan ’05 and Emma LeBlanc ’05 share a laugh during the ceremony.

14

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

Scholar-Athlete Award Given to the senior boy and girl who best com‑ bine athletic ability with intellectual curiosity and academic achievement which in the eyes of their teachers and coaches distinguish them as being worthy of Scholar‑Athlete recognition.

Derek C. Boelig ’05 Frances A. Warburton ’05

Ralph J. Scozzafava Head of School Award Given in honor of Mr. Scozzafava, second Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to the senior student who, scholastically and athleti‑ cally, best represents the ideas and ideals of The Derryfield School.

Derek C. Boelig ’05

Spanish Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of Spanish.

Sabina Q. Khan ’05

Barbara J. Stahl, Ph.D. Life Science Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of life science.

Kimberly B. Cohen ’05

Wellesley Book Award Given each year to that junior girl who has contributed most to the life of the School through leadership and good citizenship, while maintain‑ ing a high scholastic achievement.

Anna K. Sims ’06

Matthew L. Young ’88 Memorial Scholarship

of 2005 for the example they have set. n Trustee Chair Dianne Connolly and Head

To perpetuate the spirit and positive influence of Matthew Lawrence Young, Class of 1988, on the Derryfield family, this scholarship is awarded annually to that member of the junior class who, through enthusiastic participation in activities, significant contribution to the well‑being of others, and scholarship, has had an enduring impact on the Derryfield community.

of School Randy Richardson listen attentively. n Some senior girls share a laugh as

Katherine F. Myers ’06

From top to bottom: Commencement speaker Bill Madden congratulates the Class

they line up for the ceremony. (Portraits courtesy Grondin Photography)

www.derryfield.org

15

years

Celebrating

40th Fund Raising The 40th Anniversary endowment fund raising is off to a great start! With over $18,100 raised by only 31 donors, the goal of raising $40,000 is achievable with your help. Alumni, parents, Founders, and friends of Derryfield have chosen to honor the School with their financial support for the unrestricted endowment fund. Their contributions will allow The Derryfield School the flexibility to direct the funds to the greatest need of the school, whether that is faculty salaries, financial aid, or building enhancements. It will ensure the School’s vitality in the years ahead.

To show your support for the 40th Anniversary fund-raising effort, please visit www.derryfield.org and click on “make a gift”. Please be sure to include the words “40th Fund” in the giving instructions. For more information about giving to Derryfield, please contact the Advancement Office at

Coming of Age: Derryfield at 40

by Chuck Sanborn In many ways, the coming of age of an institution parallels the coming of age of a person. On the road to adulthood, each must pass through birth, childhood, ado‑ lescence, and young adulthood, with the journey shaped by diverse experiences, experimentation, dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled, expected and unexpected chal‑ lenges, and changing realities. For both, maturity brings confidence, poise, a will‑ ingness to move into uncharted waters, positive response to constructive criticism, the strength of character needed to deal with ambiguity and to live in the ‘teeth of paradox,’ and the ability to look beyond self to respond to the needs of others.

During the past 40 years, The Derryfield School has passed through these stages and enters its mature years with a strong ethical foundation, a clear vision of its future, and

advancement@derryfield.org or by phone at 603.669.4524.

Headmaster Bill Pfeifer talks with students on a Head’s Holiday in Boston’s Government Center.

16

Chuck Sanborn sends the graduates off with some words of wisdom. (All photos courtesy Derryfield archive)

the confidence to respond in positive ways to changing realities. The depth and breadth of Derryfield’s academic program; its inspiring visual and performing arts program; its highly successful athletic pro‑ gram; and a community service program, spearheaded by the Key Club and Summerbridge Manchester, which reaches out to the community‑at‑large in meaning‑ ful and important ways, are testimony to the successful coming of age of The Derryfield School. As the School has grown from 105 students in grades 7‑10 to 380 stu‑ dents in grades 6‑12, it has brought life to the founding principle that “...a school must provide effective and inspiring teach‑ ing, sound discipline, and guidelines for

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

C E L E B R AT I N G 4 0 Y E A R S

Students take part in a trust activity during a fall orientation trip.

both mental and physical develop‑ ment...without losing the warmth of individual attention to the needs of each student.” (1965 catalog) Imagine the excitement, anticipa‑ tion, wonderment and apprehension 40 years ago as the Founders, Headmaster Philip Hugny, newly appointed faculty, and pioneer students gave birth to The Derryfield School. Imagine the ques‑ tions: Would the reality of the School match the vision, dreams, and aspira‑ tions developed by Founders and fac‑ ulty? Would students buy into this new vision and venture? Would the plans and schedule for the curriculum and flow of the school day unfold smoothly? How long would it take for all constituencies of the School to iden‑ tify with Derryfield and develop a sense of community, a sense of belong‑ ing, a sense of loyalty? Will we be able to meet financial commitments? How will traditions develop? Will we be able to find a permanent home? The ques‑ tions were undoubtedly endless, some‑ times unsettling, and always motivat‑ ing, as this infant school began the stages of coming of age.

www.derryfield.org

From the perspective of 2005, it is clear that the pioneers of Derryfield did their job well. To be sure, there were ups and downs, successes and disappointments, and adjustments that had to be made, but the founding vision of Derryfield persevered and was nurtured by generations of loyal and committed trustees, administra‑ tors, faculty, students, and parents. In this process, traditions developed, con‑ sciously and unconsciously, that embody the essence of the School.

Recently, I read: “Sometimes, trying to pinpoint the beginning of a college tradition is like trying to spot the moment of high tide – you only know it’s occurred in hindsight.” My thoughts immediately turned to the role of traditions in the development and coming of age of Derryfield, and questions flooded my mind: How do traditions come into being? What determines why some events and prac‑ tices become traditions and others do not? Can traditions be orchestrated or are they spontaneous, unconscious happenings that become embodied in the psyche of a school? When does a

change become a tradition? Do traditions define a school? How do traditions reflect the values of a school? What is the relationship between traditions and a sense of community, a sense of belong‑ ing in a school? How are traditions passed down? How do traditions chronicle the history of an institution?

Answers to these and similar questions will offer insight into Derryfield’s com‑ ing of age – small, diverse happenings, practices, events knowingly and un‑ knowingly, becoming incorporated into the spirit of the School and carrying it through the journey from conception, birth, childhood, and adolescence to the maturity of young adulthood. In the coming months and years, as archival material is gathered and orga‑ nized, I look forward to sharing with you vignettes of this exciting and inspiring journey devoted to “prepar‑ ing students to excel in life.”

David Haight tries to keep warm in the dunking booth at Country Fair.

17

athletics

Cougar

COACHES’ AWARD Kathryn G. Dewey ’05 Trevor P.D. Mathes ’05

Spring wrap-up

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Varsity Softball

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

Kendra R. Decelle ’05

Season Record: 10-4 NH Championship Quarter-Finalists (Class S) Amanda Kutz ’05, Senior All-Star, All-State (Honorable Mention) Tory Starr ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award, Senior All-Star, All-State (1st team), All-Conference, Class S Player of the Year

Season Record: 9-4 Trevor Mathes ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Douglas E. MacKenzie ’05

TOP TEN CLUB Derek C. Boelig ’05 Cooper M. Cunliffe ’05 Kathryn G. Dewey ’05

Varsity Baseball

Nicholas D. Dupuis ’05

Season Record: 13-3 NH Championship Quarter-Finalists (Class S) Derek Boelig ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award, All-State (1st team), All-Conference Larry Longo ’08, All-State (3rd team) Nick Stepro ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award, All-State (3rd team), All-Conference

Gabriel L. Durán ’05 Julie E. Grimm ’05 Andrew P. Kosiarski ’05 Amanda M. Kutz ’05 Melissa M. Law ’05 Douglas E. MacKenzie ’05

Boys’ Varsity Crew

Trevor P.D. Mathes ’05

USRowing Junior Invitational: 1st boat – 8th Northeast Junior Regional Championships: 1st boat – 1st NEIRA: 1st boat – 10th Winner of 2005 Davison Cup Corey Davison ’05, First Mate Award

Alexandra Moser ’05 Sarah E. Murphy ’05 Christina N. Nyquist ’05 Heather K.H. Schofield ’05 Wright B. Smith ’05 F. Alexandra Warburton ’05 Andrew E. Warren ’05

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AN INDEPENDENT SPORT AWARD Steven G. Morgan ’05 – Freestyle skiing

18

Boys’ Varsity Tennis Season Record: 16-0 New Hampshire State Champions (Class M/S) Doug MacKenzie ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award, All-Conference, Granite State Conference Player of the Year Charles Carrier ’05, Co-Captain, All-Conference Cooper Cunliffe ’05, All-Conference

Girls’ Varsity Tennis Season Record: 14-2 NH Championship Finalists (Class M/S) Christina Nyquist ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award Samantha Mastrogiacomo ’06, Co-Captain, All-Conference Kayla Sirkin ’04, All-Conference

Girls’ Varsity Crew Winner of 2005 Davison Cup Lejla Kadic ’06, First Mate Award

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Season Record: 11-2 NH Championship Finalists (Division III) Kate Dewey ’05, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award, All-State (1st Team) Diana Maldonado ’06, All-State (Honorable Mention) Isabel Plourde ’06, All-State (2nd Team) Grace Romanowsky ’07, All-State (2nd Team) Rachel Romanowsky ’06, All-State (1st Team) Alexa Warburton ’05, All-State (Honorable Mention)

Clockwise from top: Boys’ first boat pulls together on the sprint at the NEIRA Championships. n Doug MacKenzie ’05 gearing up for a serve. n Drew Bonifant ’05 follows through on a pitch. n Noah Benton ’05 escapes pursuit in a lacrosse game against Kennet High School. n Girls’ first boat takes a power ten during practice. n Saym Mastrogiacomo ’06 swings through in a match against Somersworth. n Molly Lyford ’06 rounds the bases to home while the opponents scramble for the ball. n Isabel Plourde ’06 takes a shot on goal in a game against John Stark Regional High School.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

C O U G A R AT H L E T I C S

www.derryfield.org

19

spotlight Summerbridge

A BREAKTHROUGH

SUMMER FACULTY 2005

PROGRAM

Samantha Allard* – Central High School Shuyang Bai – Northwestern University Ben Canning – Stanford University Farrah Desrosiers ’04* – Boston College Nguyen Doan ’07* – The Derryfield School Leah Durán – Brown University Kevin Finefrock ’03* – Connecticut College Renée Grinnell* – Cornell University Kate Hallinan* – Lesley University Trevor Hancey – New York University Meggie Harvey ’03 – Wesleyan University Lejla Kadic ’06* – The Derryfield School Julia Lehman ’04 – Vassar College

School-Year Review Between the experiential, workshop‑based Summerbridge Saturday and the English and math skill enrichment of School After School, the past school year has been one full of great successes for students and teachers at Summerbridge. The close bonds that form when high school students come together to mentor and teach Summerbridge middle school students is best described in the words of those young people who are directly affected by the experience: Central High sophomore Beth Lang listens as Chase Perkins reads a story at School After School.

Rob Lemire ’06* – The Derryfield School Jessie Levesque* – UNH Diana Maldonado ’06*– The Derryfield School

"I was able to establish a good

Cass Mercer – Memorial High School Peter Nelson – Phillips Academy Andover

relationship with my advisees and

Dimitry Pompee* – Memorial High School

keep them involved."

Paul Renolis* – West High School

– Kristen Moran '06

Kate Richey ’06 – The Derryfield School Laura Rincón – UNC-Chapel Hill Drew Samuels ’03 – Trinity College Ethan Schwelling ’04 – Emerson College

Hale Melnick ’06 explains fractals to Laura Tebbetts and Ngan Hoang. (All photos courtesy Summerbridge)

Anna Sims ’06 – The Derryfield School Billy Smith – UNC-Chapel Hill Maddy Staub* – Central High School Marissa Strniste – Boston University

"I am most proud of the workshop and game I designed and ran on

Liza Townsend ’04 – Middlebury College

my own Summerbridge

Lisa Wang – Northwestern University

Saturday."

Bill Welsh – Swarthmore College Matt Witter – San Jose State University *Denotes a teacher who is also a student graduate of Summerbridge.

20

– Glen Frieden '06 Sabina Khan ’05 looks on as Bakhan Beg works on an assignment.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

SUMMERBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

Lights… Camera… SB! Four students and graduates from Summerbridge Manchester were spe‑ cial guests on the Manchester Community Television show, For Young People, facilitated by Marty Boldin, Director of Youth Services in the City of Manchester. Our students spoke elo‑ quently and genuinely about their experiences as students in the summer and school‑year sessions, as well the resources they have used as graduates in high school and college planning.

The 30‑minute interview show was broadcast during the months of May and June and will eventually be avail‑ able online at www.Manchester Access.com.

Students appearing on the show were: Nick Oberlies, SB Class of 2005; Kadina Mazic ’10, SB Class of 2004; Khiet Nguyen, SB Class of 1999 and current Summerbridge Saturday teach‑ er; and José Maldonado ’03, SB Class of 1997 and former SB teacher.

"Summerbridge not only helped me grow as a student and a leader, finding confidence in the classroom and hallways, but I also know that the relationships formed with my students, especially this year's eighth grade, no matter how big or small, impacted them in their formative times."

– Carolyn Goodwin '05

Teach at Summerbridge!

Annual Fund Goal Attained

Although we are in the thick of our summer 2005 session, we are already accepting applications from high school (grades 10‑12) and local college students for school‑year teaching posi‑ tions. Teach in either the Summerbridge Saturday (one Saturday a month) or School After School (Thursday after school) programs. For more information about volunteering to teach for these programs or to download an application, visit our website at http://summerbridge.derry‑ field.org or call Trevor Munhall at 603.641.9426.

Thank you to all who contributed to the Summerbridge 2004‑05 Annual Fund. In addition to giving to Derry‑ field, many individuals and families also choose to contribute to Summer‑ bridge Manchester’s separate annual fund.

Summerbridge relies on support from individuals, foundations and cor‑ porations to help provide this educa‑ tional program for Manchester stu‑ dents. Through our partnerships with The Derryfield School, the Manchester community and the national Break‑ through Collaborative, we are able to spread the mission, work and value of “students teaching students.” The program also welcomes any in‑kind gifts that could support an academic program (school supplies, art supplies, digital camera, etc.). Give your 2005‑06 gift online at http://summerbridge. derryfield.org.

Kate Richey ’06, Meredith Milnes ’06, and Molly Platt ’06 dance to YMCA at the last Summerbridge Saturday.

summerbridge.derryfield.org

21

Independent

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Discovering Passions Outside the Classroom

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study

C AT E G O R Y

ach spring, a portion of the senior class elects to drop their books and head out into the real world. In most schools, these students would fail to graduate, but at Derry‑ field, these experiences are encouraged.

These students have chosen to do an Independent Senior Project (ISP). Since 1985, seniors have been offered the opportunity to spend the last six weeks of their Derryfield careers pursuing an outside interest. The ISP committee, currently consisting of faculty mem‑ bers Sandy Townsend and Bruce Berk, encourages seniors to weigh the advan‑ tages of continued classroom work ver‑ sus those of an independent project.

This isn’t simply a six‑week vacation at the end of high school. Participants are frequently surprised at how much work it turns out to be. Rebecca Rideout ’00, who put together a pho‑ tography exhibit of her own work, comments, “years later I still remember how much work it was, but how every day was fun and challenging.” The project involves a total time commit‑ ment of 30‑40 hours per week, a daily journal, a weekly meeting with a facul‑ ty advisor, a final meeting with the ISP Committee, a short presentation to the school community, and a final written evaluation of the project.

E

www.derryfield.org

The School believes that an indepen‑ dent project is a valuable and logical conclusion to a Derryfield education, and in most cases the project proves to be more valuable than time spent in class. The hope is that seniors will gain a deeper appreciation of their own tal‑ ents and of the importance of serving and learning from others. Mr. Berk and Mrs. Townsend have encouraged stu‑ dents to pursue their passions for the past 20 years. According to Mrs. Town‑ send, “We have seen countless seniors undergo an awakening as they venture out of the classroom into the work force as interns or into other fields that allow them to explore their artistic and creative selves. Many marvel at the responsibility that is immediately placed in their hands, many claim that they work harder than they ever did in school, many grow in stature and con‑ fidence from the experience. Students are tested in new ways. The indepen‑ dence they long for at this stage in their lives is realized as much through the freedom from academics as it is through the commitment to the com‑ pletion of a specific assignment.”

Because the focus of an ISP is often built upon a student’s passion, these projects frequently are the first step on the path to a lifelong career. Professional

actor and comedian Sarah Silverman ’89 made a video of the class of 1989 with classmate Alex Sturke. Cam Brensinger ’94, who hiked and camped in the White Mountains with classmate Chris Swift, has founded NEMO, a camping equipment company. Brian Guercio ’97, spent his senior spring welding an original sculpture, and just completed his first commissioned work of art in Park City, UT. Morgan Melkonian ’00, who participated in a management training program at CR Sparks, graduated with a degree in hotel management. Rebecca Rideout’s photography exhibit led to a college major in documentary video and pho‑ tography, and she now works at a com‑ munity access station. Even for those

OPPOSITE: Dan LaGuerre standing on the scaffolding around the house he is helping to build.

TOP: Claire Churchill’s 1975 Triumph Spitfire.

ABOVE: Andrew Kosiarski and Nick Stepro performing at assembly.

23

I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY

who do not continue in the field of their ISP, the sense of empowerment that is gained by succeeding outside the walls of Derryfield has had a pro‑ found effect on their future, whether it be an increased confidence during freshman year in college, or skills applied later on in the job force.

Gerard Murphy ’98 interned with the Chairman of the House of Health and Human Services. He recalls, “I was shocked to learn that as a 17‑year‑old high school student, I could help shape a piece of legislation that would affect thousands of people and save the state millions of dollars.” Emily Newick ’00 notes, “It is one of the only chances during your education where you are given a tremendous amount of autono‑ my to direct your learning.”

The ISP committee continues to encourage participation and delights in the ongoing ingenuity that goes into each proposal. The success of the pro‑ jects is intricately linked with the ini‑ tiative of each participant. The follow‑ ing is a recap of the five Independent Senior Projects that were undertaken by six members of the class of 2005.

Claire Churchill Claire Churchill spent six weeks restor‑ ing a 1976 Triumph Spitfire. She and her father had been working on the car since August 2004, but Claire wanted to have a period of time devoted to making it drivable. She and her father, who served as her onsite advisor, set up a detailed list of tasks that seemed straightforward in theory, but turned out to be much more complex in prac‑

24

tice. It was by encountering these set‑ backs, researching possible solutions, and often assembling and disassem‑ bling some piece of the car several times that she achieved great break‑ throughs. There were days when she was not sure she would reach her goal of driving the car to school. In the end, Claire did reach her goal, but realized that “driving the car was not nearly as significant as what I learned about it.”

Her father is confident that, “Claire will think differently when she gets behind the wheel of a car... This level of immersion should give her confi‑ dence that will last a lifetime.” Her advice to future seniors is “to attempt an ISP if they are really fascinated by something. It’s not worth all that work if you don’t really care about it. My ISP was a truly worthwhile experience, and I do not regret one minute of it.”

ed by challenges beyond their control, such as malfunctioning equipment, but found that the tracks came more easily as they progressed. They learned the valuable lesson that one cannot force creativity. Their final product, Joyride, has received positive feedback from their peers, and both would recom‑ mend a musical ISP to other students, despite the challenges they faced. Nick remarked during his final meeting that it was easily his best six weeks at Derryfield.

“It is one of the only chances during your education where you are given a tremendous amount of autonomy to direct your learning.”

– Emily Newick '00

Andrew Kosiarski and Nick Stepro Andrew Kosiarski and Nick Stepro spent their ISP playing, which turned out to be a lot more challenging than they had imagined. Known collectively as 1100 Union Street, the boys collabo‑ rated to record an album of original music. Both had done individual brain‑ storming on music in the months lead‑ ing up to the project. The challenge came in communicating their ideas to each other and then making the music on the CD sound like what they had imagined. Music teacher Rob Fogg gave them weekly technical feedback, after which they would go back to their equipment and fine tune the tracks. Andrew and Nick were frustrat‑

Dan LaGuerre Dan LaGuerre decided to get some practical experience in his future area of study. Dan, who will be studying construction management next year in college, spent his senior spring build‑ ing a house. His experience was part contractor, part construction worker.

While he put many hours of hard labor into the house, he also had the oppor‑ tunity to do a lot of the organization that is involved in coordinating the many facets of construction. Dan was responsible for managing the electrical work and getting state approval for the building. For him, the most gratifying part of the project was completing the

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY

pine tongue and groove floor in the master bedroom and seeing the fin‑ ished product. But he also learned how to deal with the unexpected during the project. While digging for a founda‑ tion, the team hit ledge, and he had to spend many grueling hours drilling away at the stone. Dan’s ISP has affirmed his desire to continue in the field of construction management, and he is continuing to work on the house this summer.

Brittany Marcott Brittany Marcott spent her ISP immersed in the workings of an interi‑ or design business run by Derryfield parent, Donna Rodanas. Brittany spent hours upholstering cornices, sewing valances, and installing window treat‑ ments. When she wasn’t working in the studio, she went on sales calls with Mrs. Rodanas, which enabled her to follow the entire design process, from picking out a fabric to installing the delivered piece. Through these visits, Brittany learned the importance of treating a client’s home with respect and building a client base. She also developed a great deal of patience when projects weren’t going smoothly or had to be completely redone. “I learn‑ ed that things are going to go wrong no matter what. So when something does go wrong, just stop and figure out how the problem can be fixed.” Brittany plans to major in interior design in col‑ lege, and believes that her experience this spring provided a solid foundation on which to build her future career.

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Leslie Stonebraker

PAST INDEPENDENT SENIOR PROJECTS

Leslie Stonebraker has had a story knocking around in her head for the past three years. This spring she decid‑ ed to get it down on paper. Leslie’s goal was to create a screenplay, Amber, inspired by the popular children’s story Peter Pan. For the first few days, she felt aimless, not quite sure how to approach the momunental task. But with the help of Syd Field’s book Screenplay and the script‑writing soft‑ ware Final Draft, she was underway.

Once Leslie started writing, the story flew from her fingertips, and she wrote at least ten pages every day. Leslie also visited her “onsite” advisor, film critic Anne Brody in Toronto, where they discussed her screenplay and Anne’s agent offered to read the script and shop it around. What began as a high school project could possibly become a feature‑length movie. Leslie says of her experience, “I never really believed I could get this far until now. I have more self‑confidence and drive from this experience than from any other in my life.”

2001 Zach Bioteau: Volunteer – NH Hospital Children’s Center Marguerite Congoran: Art Teacher’s aide – Hopkinton Elementary Schools Andy Cochran: Intern – airport and flight school Matt D’Alessio: Intern – Lavallee/Brensinger architectural firm Matt Fortier: Restoration and upgrade of a 1985 Jeep Lori Hendrickson: Research Pablo Neruda and study Spanish in Chile Brian Horton: Internship in business and management at CR Sparks Andrea Schwartz: Intern – McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton law firm Torrey Townsend: Intern and office manager – Hippopress Lorelei Westbrook: Teacher’s aide – Shaker Road School 2002 Sarah Charpentier: Volunteer at orphanage in Nicaragua Jamie Feinberg: Direct and produce play Ryan Fox: Intern – Raytheon, Brazil Robb Goodwin: Intern – architectural firm Kristin Kelsey: Intern – interior design Heidi Lindner: Record vocal selections for CD Matt Reno: Intern – Fidelity Investments Martha Stebbins: Intern – Sununu Campaign 2003 Melanie Lindner: Pre-school teacher’s aide – Jewish Federation Ashley Millspaugh: Intern – United Airlines Jessica Saturley: Photography/Philosophy 2004 Laura Desjarlais: Equestrian internship Shalini Patel: Intern – Concord Feminist Center David Pham: Record original compositions for CD Maura Spiegelman: Intern – Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Robby Zeller: Create counselor program manual for Sentinel Baptist Camp

25

alumni

Update on

Births To Robina Gregg O’Rourke ’84 and her husband, Charlie, a son, Gregg, in June 2004.

To faculty member Mary Perkins and her

The news contained in this section covers the period of March 24, 2005 – June 13, 2005. For more recent news, or to post a note, please visit the Alumni Community at www.derryfield.org.

husband, Justin, a son, William Charles,

shows and festivals near and far as well.

Maybe Derryfield can be next! I do a bit of teaching here and there and learned to scuba dive last year. Time Out NY calls me, ‘sort of a Lucy Ricardo – Little Tramp hybrid.’

My website is www.hilarychaplain.com.”

on May 6, 2005.

Marriages Kristin Rand ’88 to Keith Zibolis in May 2005 in Newburyport, MA. Lisa Tuttle ’95 to Matthew Hultgren in June 2005.

Jennifer Goodrich ’96 to Tyson Heilhecker in June 2005.

Elizabeth Jorgensen ’99 to Chris

1969 Nancy Ekman Dorner writes, “Our twins, Sarah and Andrew, are completing their sophomore year in college at Brandeis and Northeastern, respectively. I have returned to school to complete a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) at Plymouth State University in Mental Health Counseling.”

1983 Kristen Norton Mugnai writes, “I recently became part owner of a small animal prac‑ tice in Maine where I have practiced for nine years. My daughter started riding this year and just got her own horse.”

Nickerson ’01 on May 28, 2005, in Manchester, NH. Faculty member Carson Smith to Amy Howell on July 16, 2005, in Rye, NH.

1974 Hilary Chaplain writes, “I’ve been per‑ forming my solo physical comedy theatre piece, A Life In Her Day, for the past three‑ and‑a‑half years. In that time I’ve performed it in Hong Kong, Prague, Melbourne, Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, SC, and the New York International Fringe Festival, where I received an Excellence Award for Solo Show. In 2005 I will perform in the US, England, and possibly Argentina and Brazil. I also have a repertoire of short comic pieces that I’ve performed in variety

26

Founder Merv Weston with a sculpture he is donating to the Derryfield sculpture garden. (Photo courtesy A. Moerlein)

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

Daneil Copertino Kuftinec ’87, Robert Kuftinec ’87, and their son, Hunter, with Kathleen RuttyFey ’87 (center) at commencement.

1984 Robina Gregg O’Rourke writes, “My husband, Charlie, and I have been liv‑ ing in Portland, ME for six‑and‑a‑half years. We have two children, Phoebe (2 1/2) and Gregg (11 months)! We got together with Matt Purington and Jay Villani and their families last month, and it was great fun!”

1987 Class Correspondent: Kathleen Rutty-Fey krutty@derryfield.org

Darin Maier reported to Kathleen Rutty‑Fey, “Greetings from the Magnolia State. The last year has been one of tremendous change. Starting around this time last year, I began a master’s program in educational administration at the University of Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg. I am slated to finish this summer with a master’s degree in hand. As it turns out, all this is very timely, as I accepted an offer this spring to become the Associate Head

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of the Middle School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, MS, where I have been teaching history, political science, and helping to coach a nationally competitive speech and debate team. While I will have to retire from the coaching ranks, I will still be teaching Advanced Placement Government in my new position. I am looking forward to the new challenges that I will have beginning July 1st.”

1988 Alexandra Terninko and her husband, Ben, welcomed a baby girl named Mira Terninko Steinberg on March 18, 2005.

She was over 7 lbs., happy, and healthy. n The engagements of two members of the class were recently reported in The Union Leader. Matthew Wasdyke and Rebecca Smukler are engaged to be married on September 18, 2005. Matthew is employed as an

architect at Gund Partnership in Cambridge, MA. Kristin Rand is engaged to wed Keith Zibolis of Plaistow, NH. A May 2005 wedding in Newburyport, MA, is planned.

1991 James Galluzzo III writes, “Greetings from Dushanbe, Tajikistan! I have been working here, on temporary assign‑ ment, at the U.S. Embassy in the Defense Attache Office. I am currently assigned at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany, and expect to graduate in June with a follow on assignment to the United States.

During my time here in Tajikistan I was afforded the opportunity to write and deliver a paper/speech on U.S. for‑ eign policy in Central Asia. The paper was printed in both English and Russian. This was a great experience

SAVE THE DATE

reunion 2005 schedule Reunion will be held for the classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000 on September 30 and October 1, 2005, in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary Celebration weekend. Individual class events will be held off site. For more infor‑ mation about event details or if you are interested in helping to plan your reunion celebration, contact Tracey Perkins in the Alumni Office at 603.669.4524, ext. 136 or at tperkins@derryfield.org.

Thursday, September 29th 40th Forum Series, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, September 30th Service Day, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Reunion Cocktail Party 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 1st Country Fair 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Reunion Class Parties 6:00 p.m.

40th Gala Celebration 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

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U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

in London obtaining a MSc in violence, conflict, and development at SOAS ‑ University of London. I will be back in New York at the end of September. I am about to start my dissertation and will be traveling back and forth to Africa to do research.”

1993 TOP: Greg Willenbucher proposes to Stacy Denham ’93 at aspring training game.

BOTTOM: Greg and Stacy with Johnny Damon.

that, hopefully in the future being clos‑ er to New England, I will be able to return to Derryfield and share with the students. The text that was published and ran in a couple of papers is avail‑ able on Google.com using the key‑ words ‘Galluzzo Central Asia.’”

The Union Leader reports that Stacy Denham and Greg Willenbucher were engaged in March 2005 at a spring training Red Sox game in Fort Meyers, FL. The experience had many similari‑ ties to the plot of Fever Pitch. The two are living in Baltimore, MD.

1996 Jed Van Sciver writes, “After traveling the west living in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, I have finally gotten my fill

of 100+ day years of powder riding and have decided to settle in Denver. I am an estimator and project manager for a general contracting firm specializing in property loss restoration and remodels.

Other than that, I spend my time with my girlfriend and my dog, playing gui‑ tar and snowboarding. All is well hope everyone is healthy and happy.” n Elizabeth Angoff writes, “Well, I final‑ ly have news to add: I’m engaged! My partner’s name is Jeanne, she’s from North Carolina, a proper southern belle (or not), and she just got a job at a clinic in Oakland. Looks like I’m stay‑ ing put for a good while. Some day we might actually be able to get married if politics allow. Until then we’ll just make like a couple and fight over who gets to be the donor when we have kids. Otherwise, I’m still working with a few of the New Small Schools in Oakland, which are a grassroots attempt at reforming public schools, hopefully counteracting any of the

1992 Geoffery Fiedler writes,”I recently purchased a house in Charlestown, MA, and am gearing up for a big reno‑ vation. I’m still working at Cerner Corporation, a health care information systems company, in business develop‑ ment and sales. Jason Donnelly, Tyler Merrill, Jeff Reed, and I are planning an annual trip to see the Red Sox.” n Amy Holland writes, “I am currently

28

During the middle school trip to Canobie Lake Park, Derryfield faculty members Karen Robichaud and Candy Chaplin ran into AnnMarie Gaffney ’04 (center), who works at the park.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

nightmares of the district (I don’t know how many of you have read about Oakland’s demise). I’ve been helping them start up their family centers, which means I get to hang out with parents and support them while they go out and change the world. It’s a good gig. In another year I’ll be a School Psychologist and then all the parents will be afraid to talk to me. I’m still dancing many times a week – hip hop and swing dancing mostly (a strange combo but it works). Some things never change. Hope you all are well.”

1997 Brian Guercio wrote to Andy Moerlein to let him know that he will be work‑ ing on a project for Park City town government to construct a fiberglass stucture for the city’s bus shelter. His proposal was accepted along with a handful of others to make this one of a kind piece. (See story on pg. 32 and let‑ ter on pg. 1) n Aaron Rosenthal writes, “After spending a year in Washington D.C., I moved to sunny southern California about a year‑and‑ a‑half ago, where I now work for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. I keep myself busy keeping my year‑round sunburn and exploring as much of California as I can. If you’re ever in the area drop me a note!”

A large Derryfield contingent at the wedding of Chris Nickerson ’01 and Bitsy Jorgensen ’99 in May. Front Row (L to R): Darren Bishop ’01, Luke Jorgensen ’09, E.J. Nickerson ’08, Nicole Ponemon Kokhnovitch ’99, and Bitsy. Second Row (L to R): James Jorgensen ’06, Jim Beaurivage ’01, Christina Hancock ’99, and Chris. Back Row (L to R): Kate Jorgensen ’11, Alex Moerlein ’01, Katie Nickerson ’03, Rory Jorgensen ’97, and Julie Jorgensen ‘02.

1998

1999

Anna Purtell reports that Amelie Baudot is finishing her master’s in international relations in Geneva, Switzerland, and will be beginning law school in the fall. She hopes to be liv‑ ing in New York or Boston. Monisha Dandekar is entering her fourth year of medical school at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. She is hoping to move back to the East coast for her residency. Heather Fine is working in Boston while preparing to attend med‑ ical school next year. Megan Crosby is working at a gallery in Boston after spending a year getting a postgraduate degree in art history in London.

Faculty member Terri Moyer reported seeing Laura Reis at a half marathon in Wolfeboro. Laura is attending Dartmouth Medical School.

2000 Class Correspondent: Laura Hunter hunterl@dickinson.edu

Dena Marrinucci reports, “I moved out to San Diego last August. I was accepted into the Biological Chemistry Ph.D. program at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. I have joined a lab here doing cancer cell biology, specifically looking at circulating tumor cells in blood samples from can‑ cer patients with metastatic disease.” n continued on page 34...

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29

LIFE AFTER DERRYFIELD

“To an American it is very

Building Bridges

strange to walk down a furi‑ ously busy metropolitan street

by Patrick Santoso ’01

with a smile on your face, yet in Thailand it is almost impos‑ sible not to. The good humor has an infectious quality and before you know it you're smiling at everyone you see.”

Patrick Santoso ’01 stands atop a mountain in Thailand. (All photos courtesy P. Santoso)

Patrick Santoso ’01 is a Civil Engineering student at the University of New Hampshire. He became involved with Engineers Without Borders in the fall of 2004 and was appointed the chief design engineer for an irrigation bridge rebuilding project in Santisuk, Thailand. He traveled to Thailand this winter to complete the project. Patrick will graduate in December with a BS in civil engineer‑ ing and plans to continue his studies towards a master’s degree.

30

fter months of preparation and more than 24 hours of flight I found myself in Bangkok, Thailand, at 1:10 in the morning two days after the magnitude 8.7 earth‑ quake rocked South‑East Asia and caused the tsunami that would claim more than a quarter million lives. I was exhausted, excited, and without any of my luggage which had apparently been misplaced somewhere between San Francisco and Peking. Thailand is known as the land of smiles and the first person I interacted with exempli‑ fied this stereotype perfectly. “Your luggage will be delivered to your hotel tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.”, he assured me with a broad smile. I did not believe him nor did I care.

During the weeks I spent traveling the country before journeying north to

A

the tiny mountain village of Santisuk, I was overwhelmed by the Thai culture.

The smiles are as free flowing as the courtesy and lightheartedness is a way of life. When asked about the tsunami which had devastated the country only days earlier, the universal response was “It is a very sad time in Thailand,” and then immediately the subject was changed and the smiles crashed back onto the Thai faces. It is almost impos‑ sible to dampen the Thai spirit.

To an American it is very strange to walk down a furiously busy metropoli‑ tan street with a smile on your face, yet in Thailand it is almost impossible not to. The good humor has an infectious quality and before you know it you’re smiling at everyone you see.

When we arrived in Santisuk for our seven day stay after months of plan‑ ning halfway around the world, we were awestruck. All of our research calculations and planning did not pre‑ pare us for the hospitality and happi‑ ness which emanated from the thatched

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

LIFE AFTER DERRYFIELD

huts and dirt paths of the village. We had been told how poor the village was and how the deterioration of three crucial bridges carrying irrigation water was damaging crop returns and crippling their subsistence living.

These were the facts that were present‑ ed to us in the U.S. on clean crisp white paper. Nothing was said about the feasts we would be given three times daily or the afternoon soccer games and nightly dancing to Thai renditions of House of The Rising Sun. To Americans their situation had sounded depressing and their ‘subsis‑ tence’ lifestyle so unfortunate. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

In the days that followed we labored in the jungles of Northern Thailand side by side with the villagers to demolish and rebuild their three irriga‑ tion bridges. We did all manner of impossible tasks with no power equip‑ ment, a smile on our faces, and a light heart, as is the Thai tradition. We hauled 250 lb. sections of fourteen inch

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ABOVE: Villagers and colunteers carry cement foundation forms across a river.

BELOW: A team works on the support structure for the irrigation pipes..

PVC pipe half a mile through the jun‑ gle over rivers and through fields laughing and smiling. We pried the ail‑ ing bridge piers out of the ravines in knee deep mud using nothing but our backs, all the while giggling uncontrol‑ lably. The villagers dug trenches five feet wide and two feet deep using plas‑ tic baskets as shovels in 95 degree heat and their smiles never faded.

Over the course of the seven days we constructed three irrigation bridges successfully. The new bridges are structurally sound and will not be washed out during the monsoon sea‑ son. We also eliminated the 60% water loss which used to occur over the bridges due to poor splices in the cor‑ rugated zinc roofing they had bent into U shapes to carry the water over the old bridges. Because of the bridges

their crop yield has the potential to increase 40%, and they no longer need to hastily rebuild the bridges after washout in the wet season to ensure enough irrigation water in the follow‑ ing dry season.

I have been back in the states for six months now and have been trying to keep some of the essence of Thai living with me. It may seem like a hard task, but living with a smile on your face and a light heart is the easiest thing in the world.

31

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Alumni Spotlight Collaboration Brian Guercio ’97 emailed me in March to say that he had been awarded a commission to create a sculpture to decorate a bus stop in Park City, UT. We had been in intermittent correspon‑ dence for years, sharing art objectives and successes, and regularly exchang‑ ing ing our latest ski, kayak, hiking adventures, but this commission was a neat opportunity to really learn from each other.

Brian had some great ideas for how his work could be constructed. I had some suggestions and experiences to offer. We began very regular contacts, and the media he was working with interested me. I suggested a trip to Park City to help him with this huge commission, and to watch and learn.

Brian jumped on the offer of labor and support, and Derryfield supported my request for travel. I flew out and spent six days learning and helping. It was fun to be with a fellow artist. To be an artist, and especially a sculptor, one must be part inventor, part experimenter and mostly a worker drone.

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Certainly this project was no exception.

Brian had scripted his materials, plans, and concept through careful discus‑ sions with a variety of resources. He met with previous teachers, specialists in foams, fiberglass and paints, build‑ ing inspectors, and engineers. He drew drawings, planned structures, threw away ideas, and re‑planned. Yet when I arrived on the scene, well into the final surface application, Brian was still con‑ fronted with daily, hourly decisions

“Being with a fellow artist and sharing the process made my return to my own studio somehow more exciting and less lonely.” about materials, texture, color, strength, fit. It was remarkable to work beside Brian and share in the excite‑ ment and learning process. Art making is often a solitary and isolating activity.

Being with a fellow artist and sharing the process made my return to my own studio somehow more exciting and less lonely.

Besides learn‑ ing new media, I experi‑ enced a lot

Guercio standing outside of the finished product.

of new sensations. Being in the home and employ (of sorts) of a person whom I have known since he was 15 years old, it was remarkable to trust instinctively the values and personali‑ ties that we each took for granted.

Brian was unchanged, just more mature. I felt comfortably accepted for my role as friend and peer, despite my having been Brian’s teacher (and all that baggage) in a previous moment in our lives. It was a comfortable passage for each of us. I was not present for the final result. I actually assisted on only a small aspect of this monumental project. Brian created a work of impor‑ tance that he can be most proud of, and I had an experience that I will treasure and ponder for a long time.

Curious? Visit the Alumni Community at www.derryfield.org for more photos following Brian’s Great Spring Adventure! ‑ Andy Moerlein

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

From the Alumni Council Dear Derryfield Alumni, I would like to thank the Alumni, The Alumni Council, and Maria Holland Law ’75 for this great oppor‑ tunity to serve as President of the Alumni Council. As Maria steps down from serving seven full years in this role, I would like to thank and acknow‑ ledge her for all of the hard work that she has put in. Over the past three years, the alumni body alone has helped in raising over $300,000 for the School and helped host engaging events.

Over the past year‑and‑a‑half I have found the Alumni Council serves as a tremendous catalyst not only to raise funds for the School but to share com‑ mon experiences. Maybe it was dodg‑ ing Mr. Burk’s chalk, or bombing down

Sudden Pitch, or a Mr. Bradley “Celebration!”, or a battle over dress codes, or a “Say what you mean.” from Mr. Holland, but whatever it was we all have shared them.

Our goal on the council is to help us all recognize these bonds help promote alumni involvement with the School community, and each other. It is fun and exciting for us as alums to not only look back on these experiences, but to share new ones, at a bar, ball‑ park, or reunion. With that in mind we have a partial list of events for next year: August 19th – Kickoff Classic Golf Tournament September 31st – 40th Anniversary, Reunion, and Country Fair Weekend October – Portsmouth Reception March – Boston Reception April – Senior Dinner Summer – Red Sox Game If you would like to be a part of the council, or have an idea or suggestion for a possible alumni event, please contact me at cnorwood@thenorwood group.com or at 603.668.7000, ext. 212.

You are also welcome to contact Tracey Perkins, Director of Alumni Relations, at tperkins@derryfield.org or by phone at 603.669.4524, ext. 136.

Sincerely,

Chris Norwood ’99 School Involvements: The Derryfield Players, X-C Running College: Babson College Current Employment: The Norwood Group, Inc.

www.derryfield.org

Chris Norwood ’99 Derryfield Alumni Council President

The Alumni Service Award Well‑known as “an energetic, charismatic, consummate Derryfield Cheerleader,” Kathleen Rutty‑Fey ’87 was awarded the 2005 Alumni Service Award at Awards Day in May. Kathleen attended Hobart William Smith College in New York, and later worked as a waitress and self‑ proclaimed ski bum in Killington, VT. After a brief time in sales at EF Educational Tours in Boston, she returned to her Derryfield roots.

Kathleen has held numerous positions on the Derryfield Faculty since return‑ ing to the School in 1996. She started out as the Development Assistant, and then spent two years as the Director of the Annual Fund before moving to the Admission Office in 1999. She has been the Director of Admission since 2000, focusing her boundless energy on the task of spreading a positive message about the School to prospective stu‑ dents in surrounding communities.

This spring, Kathleen has once again redefined her role in the Derryfield community by encouraging the addi‑ tion of the position of Dean of Enroll‑ ment to the office staff. This position, which will be held by Sarah Edwards, focuses on broader admission issues, allowing Kathleen more time to devote to marketing and student retention. It is for her energetic devotion and ser‑ vice to The Derryfield School that Kathleen Rutty‑Fey ’87 has been awarded the Alumni Service Award.

33

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

...continued from page 29

Joshua Lucas has spent the last year studying in Jordan and plans to return to New Hampshire in June to prepare for GRE’s and LSAT’s. n Laura Hunter reports that Elana Feder has been liv‑ ing in Boston and working at a charter school for the past year. Anja Wallace wrote to Laura, “I’m working for Applied Marketing Science in Waltham, MA, which is a small (when I say small, I mean 20 people) market research consulting company. We do market related research for companies hoping to develop new products, and we also do research for class action legal cases and trade dress/product confusion cases.” Caroline Foster writes, “I am a Presidential Intern at the American University Center for Adult and Continuing Education in Cairo. I spend most of my days cov‑ ered in dust in the archives at the Rare Books Library, though. I love living in Egypt and have been able to travel all around the country meeting wonderful people. In November, I went to Jordan to visit Josh Lucas. Besides seeing the magnificence of Petra, the highlight of that trip was watching Josh play the bagpipes in a Roman ruin in the north of Jordan. We stumbled across a Jordanian piping band and he played a delightful rendition of Scotland the Brave with them!” n Rebecca Maglathlin has spent the last year pur‑ suing a Ph.D. at Purdue in Indiana for organic chemistry. n Rebecca Rideout reports, “I graduated from Bennington College last June, focusing in docu‑

34

mentary video and photography. I did a lot of internships and travel during my four years there, as part of their Field Work Term program. Now I am living in Easthampton, MA, working at Easthampton Community Access Television, and also at Florentine Films. I live with my boyfriend of four years, and I’m loving post‑college life!” n Aaron Baker reports, “After spend‑ ing a year working for Yale Psychiatry at the National Center for PTSD in the West Haven, CT, VA Hospital I have received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Israel for a year. I will be par‑ ticipating in research with Dr. Arieh Shalev at Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem while taking classes at Hebrew University, Mt. Scopus campus. My wife, Stephanie (Manchester Central ’99), will be join‑ ing me when she completes her mas‑ ter’s in museum studies at NYU this summer. My focus in Israel will be on childhood Post‑traumatic Stress Disorder, which is an area I hope to

pursue in a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program when I return. If you find yourself in Jerusalem during this upcoming school year, e‑mail me at drdreydle@yahoo.com.”

2001 Patrick Santoso writes, “I am graduat‑ ing from UNH in December with a BS in civil engineering. This spring, I’m running out my term as American Society of Civil Engineers UNH President, as well as student advisory board member. I’ve been involved with just about everything you could imag‑ ine at UNH, from designing pre‑ stressed concrete bridge decks for a fast track bridge repair in Tilton to serving as chief design engineer for the Engineers without Borders student team. We designed three irrigation bridges for a small village in northern Thailand. We traveled there this winter to construct them. The project was a

(Left to Right): Kristen Geiger, Julia Hutchinson, Anne Lucas, and Heather French (all ’02) at an Australian Rules Football match when Heather visited the three studying at the University of Melbourne.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

uates from Boston College with a major in economics and a minor in international studies on May 23rd.

She’s furiously apartment hunting now in New York City, and starts with Morgan Stanley on June 26, 2005.

2002 Graduate students Ben Glahn and Karen Anderson (both ’95) appeal to their mothers’ emotions in place of expensive Mothers’ Day cards from the top of a mountain in the Cascade range of Washington State.

huge success. A documentary will be aired on PBS, and possibly the Discovery Channel, about this project. I look forward to more adventures, and hope everyone is well.” n Matthew D’Alessio writes, “As of May 2005, I will be a graduate of The George Washington University and valedictori‑ an of my major, applied science and technology. This summer, along with a friend from GW, I will be riding my bicycle from Virginia to Oregon in sup‑ port of the James P. D’Alessio Esophageal Cancer Fund at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This fund was founded as part of the wishes of my father, who passed away on Easter 2005. You can follow our progress across the country and make donations to the fund through information pro‑ vided at VAtoOR.blogspot.com.” n Blake Marston is attending Stonehill College and is playing baseball for the college. n The Bow Times noted that Alex Moerlein graduated from Tufts University in May with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While at Tufts, he wrote for the Tufts

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Daily newspaper, was active on the crew team, was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, managed the student take‑out cafe and was on the dean’s list. He will attend graduate school at Penn State University on full scholarship in the fall. n Board Chair Dianne Connolly reported that Rebecca Connolly grad‑

golf

Julie Jorgensen reported to faculty member Ed Lemire, “Things here are going well. I don’t know my summer plans for certain yet, but I know I’m in charge of the summer garrison regi‑ ment (summer school) for three weeks, and I have a three‑week soccer presea‑ son in August. Currently, I’m slated to work with a field artillery unit in Fort Sill, OK, as a drill instructor for the rest of the summer. I have all my fingers

SAVE THE DATE

tournament

The Alumni Association’s 11th Annual Kick‑off Classic Golf Tournament will be held this year on August 19th at Candia Woods Golf Links. Alumni, parents, teach‑ ers, and friends of Derryfield are welcome to take part in the tournament. An anticipated group of more than 150 people, golfers and non‑golfers alike, will meet to celebrate the last few days of summer and to kick off the 2005‑2006 school year.

The proceeds from this fundraiser go directly toward student finan‑ cial aid. Last year, the tournament raised $18,550, enough for one full tuition. For more information on attending or becoming a tourna‑ ment sponsor, please contact Tracey Perkins at 603.669.4524, ext.

Randy Richardson receives a check from the Alumni 136 or at tperkins@derryfield.org.

Association for the amount of one tuition.

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U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

Merritt Smith ’02 playing the bagpipes for his brother Wright ’05’s graduation

crossed that instead I get approved to work at ASU with some new computer software that can analyze speech con‑ tent. Classes are busy as usual, soccer is going well (we have a new assistant coach), and everyone is counting down the days until graduation, when we officially become seniors. I can’t wait.” n The Windham Independent Newspaper reports that Maureen Harrington has been selected for inclusion in the 2004‑ 05 National Dean’s List. The National Dean’s List is the largest, most presti‑ gious publication in the country recog‑ nizing gifted students. She is a junior English major and scholar field hockey athlete at Lehigh University. n Allison Messier performed with the Manchester Choral Society as the mezzo‑soprano soloist in their performance on May 7 and 8, 2005. n Molly Zink writes, “I am still at UMass Lowell, and my classes are going really well. I am majoring in plastics engineering, but I

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have also decided to get a minor in business. Through UML I am able to take part in a great scholar‑intern program. During summer and winter breaks, I work with engineers. I am currently working with Freudenberg‑ NOK in Manchester, NH.” n Kristen Geiger writes that she, Julia Hutchinson, and Anne Lucas are studying at the University of Melbourne and having an amazing time!

“Australia is incredible and the people here are so nice. It has been lots of fun that the three of us have been able to live together this semester. Anne and I went sky diving on our fall break.”

2003 Laura Munoz writes, “I truly enjoy Yale, if not always for the very difficult courses, then for the amazing people that I have the opportunity to interact with. I have a great group of friends who get me through tough times, and they come in handy with the classes I’ve been taking. I often manage to for‑ get where I actually go to school, but sometimes when I’m just walking around campus, or maybe when I’m reading an assignment and I realize that the author of the aforementioned assignment teaches one of my other classes... that’s when it hits me that I’m here at Yale.”

2004 Drew Moerlein recently returned from riding in the AIDS Life Cycle in California, and sent a recap of the event. “The AIDS Life Cycle is a 7‑day, 585‑mile ride down the coast of California, from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Each of the 1,600 riders must raise at least $2,500 dollars each to ride in the event, and they have to have been training for months before. There are also 400 ‘roadies,’ or volunteers, involved in the ride, who set up signs and rest stops, etc. I got involved in the ride because a professor of mine in the Drama Department at Syracuse University. Her father died of AIDS, and and nine other students and I decided we would partake in the event. We all trained for months and then had the time of our lives riding together and bonding. It was amazing to be part of a gigantic group of people who all joined together to raise over 6.8 million dollars for AIDS and HIV research.”

Drew Moerlein ’04 sporting a Derryfield jacket during the AIDS Life Cycle in California.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2005

W H AT D O YO U WA N T T O B E ?

profile

Faculty

John Bouton: Changing Roles With Changing Times hat do you want to be? We have all faced this question from the time when the stock answer is fireman or policeman, through college, when it seems every‑ one we meet asks and expects a single answer, until we find a job and, magi‑ cally, are something. The power of a profession to define our existence is often overwhelming, pointed out here by a simple choice of verbs: “be,” rather than “do.” It is a well‑guarded truth, however, that an occupation does not define a person, and, further, that it is possible to change professions at times of personal discovery – to shape what one does to suit what one is.

Upon graduating from Dickinson College, it was clear to an ambitious and energetic John Bouton that his life should be in the publishing industry.

After turning an internship into a posi‑ tion at Conde Nast, he found himself working in sales and advertising for GQ, Time, and Chief Executive maga‑ zines, stepping up the ladder at each place. Living the corporate, urban life in New York was a far cry from his childhood as “the preppy son of a preppy flatlander,” but it was just the thing for him nonetheless. Meeting a like‑minded woman in a class at New

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www.derryfield.org

York University only seemed to strengthen the resolve to keep moving and shaking in the publishing world.

Seven years into it, however, something changed. The desire to be something else arose, and in turn created the desire to do something else – some‑ thing more meaningful, which for Mr. Bouton meant teaching.

After a year at Teacher’s College, John and Carrie moved to the Kent Place School in New Jersey, where he taught for three years. Carrie’s accep‑ tance to Antioch College necessitated a move to the wilds of New Hampshire.

At the same time, there arose in Mr. Bouton a “Thoreauvian impulse” to find a simpler, more physically direct way of living, and New Hampshire seemed just the place to do it. The chal‑ lenge to connect physical skills and spiritual ones became a central one for Mr. Bouton.

In the years that followed, he per‑ formed quite a few jobs at Derryfield: teacher of World Civ and English, director of publications and develop‑ ment, strategic planning, and, finally, department head. These would have been challenging changes for anyone, but they did not offer enough for Mr. Bouton, who also earned an M.A. from

Breadloaf in the summers. Thoreau still beckoned, however, and the last three years have seen him follow.

Two summers ago, to encourage and strengthen his family’s love of animals, Mr. Bouton built a barn on an existing foundation next to his house. He milled lumber from his own land and built it from the ground up. This summer, with help from Derryfield and the Ocean Classroom Foundation, Mr. Bouton is going on two Outward Bound trips.

The first is a sailing course on small whaling boats off the coast of Maine.

The second is a maritime history course on the 125' schooner Westward, which will see him sailing for two weeks in the open ocean. He undertook both of these programs to “push physical lim‑ its, and to spend time reflecting on ath‑ letics and the body and what that means for the spirit.”

Mr. Bouton’s is a journey through impulses. First doing, then being, and finally choosing courses of action that suit who he is. While the skills he has picked up along the way make him into yet another Derryfield faculty Renaissance man, it is the lessons he has learned that serve as a fine exam‑ ple for the rest of us. ‑Tom Curley

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

The April 9th Derryfield Parents Association Auction, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was a huge success. Chaired by Chris Cikacz and Edith Houlihan and held at C.R. Sparks, the 2005 Auction raised over $65,000 to go towards program needs for the School.

Parents of alumni: If your son or daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Advancement Office at 603.669.4524 of the correct mailing address. Thank you.

2108 River Road Manchester, NH 03104-1396 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO. 290