Derryfield Today, Spring 2008 by The Derryfield School

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THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL

NEWS FROM SPRING TERM 2008

Commencement 2008 > Derryfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Core Values > When Work and Play Are One

ELL Literacy Program

Members of the eighth grade read with their English Language Learner buddies from the Beech Street School and Webster School on the final day of their literacy project.

contents Table of

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steven Burke Chair Bedford, NH Nigel Donovan Treasurer Bedford, NH

DERRYFIELD TODAY

John Allard ’83 Manchester, NH

Annie Branch Director of Communications

Bradley Benson ’78 Derry, NH

Diane Allen Staff Writer

Christine Cikacz Chester, NH

Puritan Press, Inc. Printing

SPRING 2008

features FEATURES

Core Values

by Diane Allen

Craig Sellers Head of School Manchester, NH

Dianne Connolly Windham, NH

CONTRIBUTORS

Cathryn Vaughn ’91 Secretary Manchester, NH

Jim Davis New Boston, NH

Kate Erskine Director, Breakthrough

L. William Davis II Hopkinton, NH

Tom Sadler ’73

Dr. Louis Fink Bedford, NH

COMMUNICATIONS BOARD

When Work and Play Are One

by Tom Sadler ’73

Chris Cikacz

by Diane Allen

Diane Allen Preston Hunter ’98 Bedford, NH

John Bouton

Laurie Lamp Bedford, NH

Annie Branch Charlotte Evans ’08

departments DEPARTMENTS

Message from the Head

Paul LeBlanc Manchester, NH

Whitney Lockwood ’00

Donna K. Lencki Candia, NH

Laurie Lamp

Around Campus

Lourdes Maldonado Manchester, NH

ADVANCEMENT

Commencement Recap

Diane Allen Alumni Coordinator

Cougar Athletics

Walter Milne ’82 Manchester, NH

Lori Evans ’00 Associate Director of Advancement

Breakthrough Spotlight

Constantinos Mokas Manchester, NH

Gail Gordon Advancement Assistant

Update on Alumni

Christopher Morgan Amherst, NH

Alice Handwerk Director of Advancement

Life After Derryfield

Thomas Manson New Boston, NH

Volunteer Profile

Eric Nickerson Windham, NH

2 4 10 16 18 24 28 33

Jeffrey Pollock Manchester, NH Janice Romanowsky Hampstead, NH Richard Sigel ’81 Manchester, NH

Special thanks to John Bouton and Diane Allen for their assistance in producing this issue of Derryfield Today.

FRONT COVER: Lauren Satkwich ’08 gets a hug from Dennis Holland after commencement. (Keith Spiro Photography) INSIDE FRONT COVER: Eighth graders read stories to local ELL students.

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.

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BACKGROUND: Shireen Patel ’09 works on a sculpture in art class. TOP: Jeff Cousineau tests a project by Greg Baldassarre ’08 in Engineering & Design.

head

Message from the

Looking to the Future have had the pleasure to be a part of a strategic planning process at our School for the last several months. The process had remarkably broad and passionate input from a variety of faculty, parents, students, alumni, and commu‑ nity members. We did many things well, balancing visionary aspirations and attention to nuance. The decision I remain most pleased with was the need to start with creating a mis‑ sion statement and core values, both of which will endure and guide us toward our 50th anniversary and beyond. The best mission statements express a reason for being, and capture an institution’s soul in a memorable, uplifting manner. I am pleased to share The Derryfield School’s updated mission statement with you, as follows: “The Derryfield School inspires bright, motivated young people to be their best and provides them with the skills and expe‑ riences needed to be valued, dynamic, confident, and pur‑ poseful members of any community. “ Core values are a set of timeless guiding principles that should not change. I hope you agree that the following tenets (see opposite page) accurately capture the DNA of our School, and are worthy of being called “core values.” Derryfield was started by a group of parents committed to excellence in academics, arts, and athletics – they urged us to “aim high” in everything we do, and this core value remains our true North. A balanced approach to school, and to life, remains a growing challenge for any organization committed to pre‑ paring people for college and beyond. Teachers know that preparing students for their future, not our past, is the touch‑ stone of an excellent school. Valuing balance, and learning from the ensuing tension, is essential to Derryfield’s future.

The best independent schools exploit the opportunity to reflect on character, and they urge community members to grow in ways beyond the classroom. Respect, integrity, com‑ passion, perseverance. . . we spend a lifetime exploring these traits, and our students report the origin of the exploration comes from relationships they formed here. One measure of a community is how well it welcomes people. Another measure is how well those with authority empower others. Each of us may have our community lit‑ mus test, and yet we continue to respect each other’s view‑ points, and serve along the way. One of the most distinctive aspects of our School can best be described as a family‑feeling. It is not just from the thir‑ teen children of faculty who will attend here next year. It is the sense that we invite families in, and expect that the best education for our children happens in an atmosphere of home‑school collaboration. Our abiding strength is that so many different kinds of students and teachers are comfortable here. We treat indi‑ viduals with respect, and work to foster everyone’s ability to grow, change, and find (or pursue) their passions. You will hear more about our strategic plan in the coming months. For now, however, I hope you spend time reflecting on our School’s progress in proclaiming who we are, and what we aspire to be – today, in 2014, and beyond.

Craig N. Sellers Head of School

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

JULY – NOVEMBER

events I M AG E S F R O M T H E S P R I N G For more photos, visit our online gallery in the ‘Exploring Derryfield’ section of www.derryfield.org.

calendar

JULY Summerbridge Visitors’ Days

24 & 29

AUGUST Young Alumni Summer Send Off

Breakthrough Celebration

Fall Varsity Preseason Begins

Class Retreats

26 & 27

First Day of Classes

SEPTEMBER

Derryfield’s Core Values

Back to School Picnic

Back to School Night

All-School Talent Show

Country Fair

Paul Keiner Farewell Party

Reunion Class Parties

AIM HIGH: Young people achieve their best in a culture of high expectations and encouragement.

OCTOBER

BALANCE: We offer inspiring academic, artistic, and

Grandparents’ Day

athletic opportunities, promoting the development of healthy habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the

NOVEMBER

skill to balance creative tension.

Lyceum Gallery Reception

CHARACTER: We actively cultivate respect, integrity,

Middle School Musical

7&8

compassion, and perseverance in our community

Admission Open House

members.

Breakthrough Super Saturday

COMMUNITY: We seek a diverse community defined and sustained by close relationships, social interdependence, and service. FAMILIES: We embrace the family’s role in the life of our day school, celebrating collaboration between home and school. INDIVIDUALITY: We encourage young people to grow as unique individuals through the discovery of new passions and a love for learning, self-knowledge, critical inquiry, and reflection. Clockwise from top left: Mr. Moerlein shows some students the development of chicken embryos. n Emmy Keller ’11 slides into home base. n Engineering & Design students test the strength of a tower in class. n Taylor Huxtable ’14 and Lindsay Moss ’14 do research in the library. n The Derryfield School’s Core Values.

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DERRYFIELD

theatre

repertory

Come see members of the Derryfield Repertory Theatre perform on campus this summer. The cast includes several Derryfield thespians. For more infor‑ mation, visit the webpage in the Exploring Derryfield section of www.derryfield.org.

campus

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STORIES Founders’ Day 2008 An “Eco” Country Fair No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles Alumni Essay Contest Simeon Kass Award Announcing Bond Projects Bella Roma Creating a Habitat

2008 WRITING AWARDS NON-FICTION AWARDS: 1st: Anne Rynearson ’09 2nd: Bonnie Frieden ’09 3rd: Sandra Stonebreaker ’09 HM: Aviva Paiste ’09

Founders’ Day 2008 As we participate in the day‑to‑day activi‑ ties that make The Derryfield School what it is, we can easily become lost in its pace and begin to take it for granted. Founders’ Day reels us in and reminds us how fortu‑ nate we are to be part of this community and how much we owe to its founders. On May 2, we celebrated our good fortune and honored those who made it possible 44 years ago. Head of School Craig Sellers proudly introduced Richard Winneg, one of our Founders and the 2007 Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Mr. Winneg recalled the Founders’ vision for an independent day school in Manchester and the hours spent making it a reality. He marveled at the changes made over the years while keeping the vision intact.

Bruce Berk, Director of College Planning, took personal pleasure in intro‑ ducing this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Major Kevin L. Johnston ’84, who had just returned from his tour of duty in Iraq. While there, he had kept in touch with Bruce and the student body through emails. Kevin took the stage to a standing ovation and thanked the community for its support. Acknowledging that during his time as a student he never considered that 24 years later he would feel so close to his high school, Kevin challenged the student body to stay connected after graduation. A new scholarship funded by the Boelig family was introduced and awarded to its first recipient. Elizabeth Dirth ’08 was awarded the Simeon Kass Award for Writing and Humanistic Inquiry. An excerpt from her winning essay can be

FICTION AWARDS: 1st: Mitchell Simon ’08 2nd: Bonnie Frieden ’09 3rd: Elizabeth Baseman ’08 HM: Claire Dickey ’10 HM: Christina de Bruyn Kops ’09 POETRY AWARDS: 1st: Bonnie Frieden ’09 2nd: Margaret Steer ’09 3rd: Cynthia Simonoff ’08 Founders’ speaker Richard Winneg, 2008 Founders’ Scholar Bonnie Frieden ’09, 2007 Founders’ Scholar Allison Fink ’08, and Distinguished Alumnus Kevin Johnston ’84 at Founders’ Day in May.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

AROUND CAMPUS

found in this edition of Derryfield Today. Before introducing Bonnie Frieden ’09 as the 2008–2009 Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar, this year’s Scholar, Allison Fink ’08, gave her address. Captivating her audience, Allison made a plea to balance “virtual exis‑ tence with a life that is grounded in reality” during these days of commu‑ nication through Facebook. She warned how easy it is to lose ourselves in virtual friendships and encouraged students to find their equilibrium between the safety of Internet enter‑ tainment and the complications of the real world. The program included musical inter‑ ludes by our upper school instrumen‑ talists led by Rob Fogg and ended with the community singing the school song, Sing Out for Derryfield.

An “Eco” Country Fair This April, faculty members Kathleen Rutty‑Fey ’87 and Tom Curley met with a group of faculty and staff inter‑ ested in developing next year’s Country Fair with an “eco” twist. The group brainstormed ways to incorpo‑ rate an awareness of environmentally sustainable practices while maintaining its traditional elements. The idea is to make this a week‑long focus culminat‑ ing with the fair itself. The vision of the Country Fair orga‑ nizational team of Kathleen, Tom, and Craig Sellers is “to create New England’s leading school‑sponsored eco/sustainability fair.” As many of our students are passionate about environ‑

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mental issues, the team feels that adding the ecological element will also model our mission of inspiring “bright, motivated young people to be their best by providing the experiences and skills needed to be valued, dynamic, confident, and purposeful members of any community.” We hope that infusing the Country Fair with today’s ecological issues will inspire more people to be part of the “new and improved” Country Fair. We would love to see alumni who are in Manchester for reunions later that evening sponsor booths and otherwise support the School’s effort. There will be room for Trustees to get involved along with parents, students, faculty, and staff. We even hope to invite other schools and our broader community to participate. If you would like to get involved in the planning or implemen‑ tation process, please contact Tom Curley at tcurley@derryfield.org or Kathleen Rutty‑Fey ’87 at krutty @derryfield.org.

both about the change of pace and the fact that they would get to wear sweat‑ pants if they walked or biked to school. People sought out neighbors, made adjustments to their daily routines, and took on some serious challenges, like the large group that walked from Bedford. There was even a Facebook group to organize that piece of the day!” With 114 participants, we walked or biked 340 miles saving 12.59 gallons of gas and avoiding 244.24 lbs. of CO2 emissions. Several students and faculty members have already expressed the hope that we can do this a few times next year.

No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles It began with an announcement by Dean of Student Life Tom Curley at an all‑school assembly. All faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to par‑ ticipate in National Bike/Walk/Carpool to Work Day on Friday, May 16. And what happens when you give this com‑ munity a challenge? The results were far better than even Tom could have hoped for. “On the eve of the event, the stu‑ dents were abuzz with excitement,

Than Moore ’08 unicycled to school from Bedford.

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Alumni Essay Contest The following is Charlotte Evans ’08’s winning essay from the Alumni Essay Contest answering the question, “What lasting effects do you think your time at Derryfield will have on your future?” Failure. As a child, the concept of looking weak or incapable was the ever‑ present fear that lingered in the back of my mind. Afraid to step outside of my comfort zone, for this would, without a doubt, result in a fault on my part, I hid behind my strengths and did not dare to try anything different that I might find challenging. Therefore, as a ten year old, my pencils and books became my best friends. While I could repeat my multiplication tables and spell all the words on the worksheets, I did not dare run around the playing field, for I fretted that the slightest con‑ tact with a soccer ball would land me face down in the muddy turf. Walking into Derryfield as a sixth grader, the School appeared to be a perfect fit for me because academics were of a high priority there. I would be able to spend all my time learning and not have to focus on anything else, anything that might make me look inept. Looking back over the seven years, though, I am so glad that the School did not live up to my prelimi‑ nary expectations. While Derryfield has certainly pushed me in the aca‑ demic arena, as I had predicted, the lesson that has had the greatest influ‑ ence on my approach to life, surpris‑ ingly, did not come from the classroom. Through pursuing school‑related activities outside of academics, I have

realized that the fastest route to a ful‑ filling and successful life is failure. The message might seem contradictory, but I believe it is an important philosophy to live by. As I began to step outside of my comfort zone with the encourage‑ ment of teachers, classmates, and friends, I realized that it was actually enjoyable to be adventurous. However, taking risks inevitably led to failure. At first, it seemed terrible, but rejec‑ tion has actually been extremely bene‑ ficial to my outlook on life. Since Derryfield offers such a plethora of opportunities to its students, I was able to easily create another path for my time at Derryfield after one pursuit was blocked. I discovered other pas‑ sions, including cross country skiing, journalism, and community service. I have learned to embrace my weak‑ nesses along with my strengths. Most importantly, I have realized that while rejection is clearly not enjoyable, it is essential to keep going, to keep taking risks, to keep living. Had I not taken those first steps during the early years at Derryfield, and had I not failed, I would have maintained my ten‑year‑ old lifestyle of continuous fretting. I, sadly, am not the only one who has been plagued by this fear. While Derryfield was my panacea to this ter‑ rible disease, and I am so grateful for being cured, there are many who still have my previous mentality. Therefore, after bidding farewell to Derryfield, I plan to not only live my life by this idea of pushing beyond failure, but to spread this message to anyone who is in need of a cure.

Simeon Kass Award The first Simeon Kass Award, a gift from the Boelig family in honor of Sim Kass, was presented to Elizabeth Dirth ’08. See a full award description on page 13. Below is an excerpt from her essay, the whole of which can be found online. If anyone asked me during my freshman year of high school what I wanted to do with my life, my imme‑ diate response was that I wanted to be a writer. Although my desire to be a writer hasn’t changed, what I want to write about has. Instead of aspiring to publish novels and collections of poems and short stories, I aim to start a geopolitical, literary, and artistic magazine that also acts as a non‑ governmental organization to provide service to poverty, disease, and terror‑ ism tormented cultures and locations around the globe. My vision of run‑ ning an NGO magazine aligned a con‑ crete concept to my abstract craving for understanding international inter‑ actions and analyzing history and human conflicts, as well as my self‑ selected necessity to make an impact on the world at large that had seemed utterly unattainable and intangible. In large part the history classes that I have taken at Derryfield have aided me in my conclusion that ultimately contributing to the diplomatic, social, and economic well‑being of countries that cling to their Olive Tree, or intrinsic culture, as Thomas Friedman called it, is more important than adding another book to the ominous fiction section at Barnes and Nobles.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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Announcing Bond Projects We have some exciting news to share. The Board has finalized a multi‑month process with Citizens Bank, allowing us to take advantage of the favorable interest rates and the amortization of our present bond. The result: a reduc‑ tion of the School’s annual debt service while securing an additional $1.7 million for the School. The Board con‑ sidered ways to spend the funds fol‑ lowing three requirements of use: n The use should create a high‑ profile impact on our community with a message that our School is moving for‑ ward with energized purposefulness. n The use should add to our com‑ petitive advantage in the marketplace.

more about The Derryfield School. n In the summer of 2009, we will replace the Art House that holds our admissions, business, and advance‑ ment offices, in addition to our Breakthrough Manchester program. We will add an academic space in the form of a seminar room, further con‑ necting the administration to the life of the School while transforming the first impression in our admission process. We are particularly pleased that these enhancements will not have an impact on the cost of tuition, nor require us to increase the fund‑raising volume in our community.

The projects must be manageable by our current staff and may not add substantially to our operating budget upon completion. The following two projects met these criteria and will be implemented: n This summer we will install a 71,000 square foot all‑weather, multi‑ sport artificial turf field in place of the existing “lower” field. This surface will allow our student athletes to prac‑ tice and play many more days of the year, greatly enhancing the spectrum of existing outdoor sports and activi‑ ties. Sharing the facility as appropriate will further our community outreach, and allow us to play host to other schools and teams who should know

KEEPING UP-TO-DATE

derryfield newsonline Want to know more about what’s happening at Derryfield every day? Check out the online news portal by clicking on ‘News & Events’ on www.derryfield.org. Here are the introductions of a sampling of stories from the spring term.

Examining the Arab-Israeli Conflict Online On May 6, seniors Hannah LeBlanc and Taylor Nagel presented a forum on the Arab‑Israeli conflict. It was the culmina‑ tion of an independent study that the students had created with history teacher Carrie Foster ’00. . .

The Roman Empire Lives On! On May 6, the middle school Latin students took part in their seventh annual Roman Holiday celebration and the gods couldn’t have given us a better day!. . .

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Eighth Grade Promotes Literacy It is May 13, a day when rain was expected. But Mother Nature decided to cooperate as the eighth grade hosted a diverse group of ELL students from the Beech Street and Webster Schools. . .

“That’s Disgusting! Spit That Out!” Other comments heard at a recent chem‑ istry class taught by Rob Bradley included, “It’s not that bad; just don’t think about the way it looks.” and “I’m afraid I’ll throw up!” Is Mr. Bradley trying to poison our students?. . .

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Bella Roma During March break, 15 parents, faculty, and staff members accompanied an excited group of 25 middle school students on a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip to Italy. Armed with a week of Italian classes, a code of conduct, room assignments, travel tips, internation‑ al cell phones, and passports, our travelers arrived in Rome on March 18 for a week they will never forget. Below are snippets taken from Head of Middle School Mark Blaisdell’s nightly emails to parents.

Tuesday We arrived in Rome tonight, had some‑ thing to eat, and everyone is retiring for some rest. We got stuck in the Charles de Gaulle airport but we used the extra time to take the metro to see the Eiffel Tower! It was the first time for many of us, and I must admit that we were impressed. Ciao bella! Marco

Wednesday We had a gorgeous day in Roma today visiting the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Forum, and some other piazzas in the city. I think

we have taken 20 centuries worth of photos already as a group! Buonanotte amicos. Marcus Aurelius Blaisdell

Thursday Another great day beginning with a trip to the Circo Massimo where the earliest chariot races and gruesome contests occurred. We saw an active dig site. It seems anywhere you dig in this city you’ll find antiquity, which is why the metro system is limited. On to the Vatican! Many of us had never seen the Sistine Chapel and were in pure awe at its scale and artistry. Did you know that in Michelangelo’s only self‑ portrait he depicts himself without bones to represent the effect that the nine years of work had on him? Buonanotte! Marc Anthony Blaisdell

Friday Today we headed to the beautiful town of Orvieto – home to a number of popes who came because of its country charm and because the little city (three‑ mile circumference) sits on the top of the remains of a volcano which created

a natural wall for protection. A cathe‑ dral at the top is breathtaking for its sheer size and is one of the best sole examples of the Gothic period that Italy has to offer. Arrivederci!

Saturday Florence – we began in the museo that houses Michelangelo’s David, which took him three years to complete using one solid piece of marble. His innova‑ tive approach to proportion changed the art world forever. The city also con‑ tains tributes to other great Italians like Dante Alighieri and Machiavelli. After a quick demonstration on how leather is made, we were off to shop, eat, and get back on the train. Quite the dolce vita! Buonanotte! Signore Markelangelo

Sunday Pompeii – made famous by an angry volcano and a series of unfortunate events. Our guide was fantastic, hold‑ ing all of our attention with stories about the time and people. We saw further ruins in the town between Pompeii and the Mediterranean that was, incredibly, intact. Tonight the

Middle School students at Pompeii in the shadow of a cloudy Vesuvius.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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group has gone on a night bus tour of Rome. Buonanotte! Marco

Monday Tonight we ate at a restaurant with a view of the Colosseum. At some point, when we are all home and the wel‑ comed familiarity of our creature com‑ forts begin to fade, it will undoubtedly hit us all in some way. . . perhaps it will be the next time we are standing in line waiting for our take‑out pizza and we see in the mirror behind us a fresco of some building we have touched with our own hands. Or maybe it will be when we bite into a pizza americana and know now what could be! Ciao bella!

Creating a Habitat Fourteen members of the Derryfield community spent a week of spring break working for the Almost Heaven chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Franklin, WV. The group installed heating systems and windows, primed and painted, poured cement, laid foundations, and much more. “One particular day, as most of those in the van were sleeping, the chaper‑ ones drove us past the center where we were staying and up the road so that we could see where the people that we were building homes for currently lived. We passed run‑down shacks and trailers that appeared to be aban‑ doned, but they weren’t. For ‘Mary’ and her three kids, living on the street is not an option. A single mom supporting her kids and paying over $14,000 a year on rural driving, a

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decent home is a difficult goal. She said to me one day, ‘If I didn’t have kids, I would have so many more options, but I do, and I want them to grow up. I want to spoil them.’ The selflessness that I witnessed despite their bad living conditions was a bless‑ ing. I returned home with a greater appreciation for the life that I live and for those who are in it.” – Yasmin Adam ’09 “It’s not just about building a house for someone who needs a place they can call home. It’s also about establishing a community where you feel that you are a part of something bigger – more important. It is about everyone work‑ ing together. While one lays the foun‑ dation, the other sands to smooth the edges. I learned a lot about construc‑ tion and the Habitat for Humanity pro‑ gram, but also about myself and the people surrounding me. We started with a pile of gravel and ended up flat‑ tening that pile down, only to find that a new pile was coming in. That’s life.” – Alexa Hasselman ’09

Faculty chaperones Jack Sanford, Susan Grodman, and Jo Davidson at the Habitat project.

DERRYFIELD

student standouts Rebekah Volinsky ’08 has earned a gold key in the National Scholastic Art Program. New Hampshire submitted over 3,000 works of art and only seven earned this honor. Bekah’s painting will be exhibited in a gallery in New York City.

Faculty members and students sacrific‑ ing their break time to make life a little better for others included: school coun‑ selor Jo Davidson, Community Service Coordinator Susan Grodman, faculty member Jack Sanford, Yasmin Adam ’09, Arthur Chen ’08, Neil Donnelly ’08, Charlotte Evans ’08, Alexa Hasselman ’09, Sean O’Reilly ’09, Patrick Rachel ’09, Jacob Romanowsky ’09, Sandra Stonebraker ’09, Akash Vadalia ’08, and Hannah Walters ’08.

Anupa Murali ’11 has qualified for the third level exam of the National Math Contest, called the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad. Allison Fink ’08 and Hannah LeBlanc ’08 have been selected as National Merit Finalists. Congratulations to Lydia MacKenzie ’09, Alex Green ’08, and Larry Longo ’08, who have been selected as Players of the Year in their leagues for girls’ tennis, boys’ tennis, and boys’ baseball, respectively. Congratulations as well to the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams, both of which were Class M/S State Champions.

recap

Commencement

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.

Charlotte H. Evans ’08

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

Christopher A. Norwood ’99

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

Shireen S. Patel ’09

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.

Kerlyne Desire ’08

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.

Charles Lister-James ’08

The Class of 2008 With the sun peeking through on June 14, the Class of 2008 lined up along the bridge to have faculty process through them on their way to the auditorium for the 41st commence‑ ment ceremony. Teachers beamed with pride and marveled at the young adults about to become Derryfield alumni. The ceremony began with greetings from Derryfield’s seventh Head of School, Craig N. Sellers, who spoke of the many talents of this year’s graduates. Alumni parent Rev. Dr. Emily Geoghegan gave the invocation and Hannah LeBlanc proceeded with the welcome address. Hannah com‑ pared the high school experience to the “first pancake,” which is usually an oddly‑shaped, folded‑up, greasy mess. Like that first pancake, high school sometimes lends itself to some awkward, painful, and less than perfect experiences. They are both necessary, however, opening up opportunities for more perfect pancakes and experiences to follow. The Class of 2008 chose former history teacher and Dean of Students Carson Smith to give the commencement address. He recalled his seven years at Derryfield and the students who kept him here six years longer than he had intended to stay. Reminding the graduating class that they are excep‑ tional people, he implored them on behalf of his 14‑month‑ old daughter to remember the lessons learned here and to help make the world a better place. He advised them to find something that fuels their passion and pursue it with great vigor. “To put one’s soul into work which one believes has great meaning and to see it come to an apparently glorious conclusion is a reward which I cannot effectively describe.” Following a stellar performance by the Concert Choir, Allison Fink gave the valedictory address. She reflected on her seven years at Derryfield, likening the experience to being on a shuttle (DS’08 space ship) journey to Mars. “For

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

our middle school and/or high school careers, we have spent an inordinate amount of time with our 51 other classmates, and I believe it has taught us a unique kind of tolerance.” She concluded, “I have faith that if we want to, we are equipped to make the world (or even the galaxy) a better, more peaceful place.” Class Vice President Anthony Bernatas acknowledged how fortunate he has been to be in a nurturing environment over the past seven years. On behalf of the Class of 2008, he presented the School with several gifts, including a swing set, a bike rack, and new microwaves and toasters for the upper school cafeteria. A final gift of Red Sox tickets was reserved for Susan Flagg, College Office Assistant, for all the help she has given to the Class of 2008 this year. Diplomas were presented and the class was almost on its way. Kelly Schwarz delivered the farewell address, counting down the five most important pieces of advice she could conjure. She concluded with the number one piece of advice being, use more madlibs, and brought laughs to the audi‑ ence with a madlib story about her class. The faculty hon‑ ored the class with their rendition of And Wherever You Go, Rev. Dr. Geoghegan delivered the Benediction, and the Class of 2008 became our latest alumni, processing to the senior walkway to receive their guests to the piping Johnny Bassett, who donated his talent as a gift to his former classmates. Derryfield changes with the graduation of each class. The absence of the Class of 2008 will chip a little bit away from everything we love about The Derryfield School. All we can do is wait for the fall to see who will come in their place, and look forward to discovering the gifts that our newest students have to offer.

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

Caleb E. Birchard ’08

Nathanial P. Moore ’08

Charlotte H. Evans ’08

Audrey C. Morgan ’08

Allison M. Fink ’08

Danielle R. S. Potter ’08

Jesse A. Grodman ’08

Kelly A. Schwarz ’08

Hannah F. LeBlanc ’08

Akash J. Vadalia ’08

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

Charlotte H. Evans ’08

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.

Katherine DiPastina ’09

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

Mallory K. Rinker ’08

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

Allison M. Fink ’08 Lillis N. Meeh ’08

2008 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.

Bonnie J. Frieden ’09

The final performance for seniors Than Moore, Anthony Bernatas, and Alan Keith.

www.derryfield.org

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

French Award

Class of 2008 Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of French.

Margaret P. Steer ’09

Maxwell Allard ................................................ The George Washington University Gregory Baldassarre ....................................................... Northeastern University Sarah Arden Barlow .................................................................. Wheaton College

Harvard Book Award

Elizabeth Baseman ...................................... University of California at Santa Cruz

Given to a junior who displays excellence in scholarship and high char‑ acter, combined with achievement in other fields.

Anthony Bernatas ....................................................................... Bentley College

Margaret P. Steer ’09

Caleb Birchard ......................................................................... Colorado College Nicholas Bryan ................................................ The George Washington University Daniel Carlson ................................................... United States Air Force Academy

History Award

Arthur Chen ....................................................... Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of history.

Hannah F. LeBlanc ’08 Katharine E. Stover ’08

Molly Cikacz ......................................................... Southern Methodist University Kierston Coke .......................................................... University of New Hampshire Kerlyne Desire ....................................................................... Gettysburg College Maria DiManna ....................................................................... Suffolk University

Dennis F. Holland Mathematics Award

Elizabeth Dirth ................................................................... University of Chicago

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

Neil Donnelly .................................................................... University of Delaware

Kelly A. Schwarz ’08

Charlotte Evans .................................................................... New York University Matthew Falkenham .................................................. Coastal Carolina University Allison Fink ........................................................................... Stanford University

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.

Taylor L. Nagel ’08

Jessica Ginsberg ................................................... Southern Methodist University Alexander Green ...................................................................... Boston University Jesse Grodman ............................................................. Johns Hopkins University Andrew Grothen ................................................................ University of Wyoming Alan Keith .............................................................................. Colgate University

Marcus D. Hurlbut Head of School Award 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.

Caleb E. Birchard ’08

Chad Kelsey .............................................................................. Whittier College Sarah Kosofsky ................................................................... Connecticut College Peter Kutz ............................................................... University of New Hampshire

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

Matriculation List

Simeon Kass Award for Writing and Humanistic Inquiry Honoring Sim Kass, beloved mentor to two Derryfield alumni, Matt Boelig ’01 and Derek Boelig ’05, the Simeon Kass Award for Writing and Humanistic Inquiry is presented to a senior who demonstrates out‑ standing writing skills, an appreciation of other cultures, a burning inquisitiveness, and the disposition to take a position and challenge received opinions. A panel of faculty reviews applications for this annual scholarship.

Lauren LaGuerre ............................................................. Northeastern University Hannah LeBlanc ....................................................................... Brown University

Elizabeth P. Dirth ’08

Charles Lister-James ..................................... University of St. Andrews (Scotland) Brett Logan ........................................................................... Gettysburg College

Latin Award

Lawrence Longo ................................................................... Keene State College

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

Julia Maldonado ........................................................................... Trinity College

Lillis N. Meeh ’08

Lillis Meeh ...................................................................... University of Edinburgh Nathanial Moore ........................................................................... Colby College Audrey Morgan .................................................. The Culinary Institute of America

Lamplighter Athletic Award 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.

Taylor Nagel ......................................................................... American University Danielle Potter ................................................................... Quinnipiac University

Danielle R. S. Potter ’08

Kathleen Reynolds .......................... The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Mallory Rinker ......................................................... University of New Hampshire Rex Rodanas ........................................... Pennsylvania State University – Altoona

Mayor’s Award 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.

Lauren Satkwich .................................................................. Muhlenberg College Kelly Schwarz ................................................................ Johns Hopkins University Mitchell Simon ......................................................................... McGill University

Charlotte H. Evans ’08

Cynthia Simonoff .................................................................. Brandeis University Katharine Stover .................................................................. University of Oregon Kathleen Stull ....................................................... Franklin and Marshall College Michael Swartz ...................................................................... Emmanuel College Akash Vadalia ...................................................................... Brandeis University

Music Award Given to the students who show outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of choral and instrumental music.

Elizabeth J. Baseman ’08 Allison M. Fink ’08

Rebekah Volinsky ........................................................................... Reed College Hannah Walters .................................................................... Clarkson University Mallory West ............................................................................ Drexel University Hannah Will ................................................................................ Tufts University

Clifford R. Nyquist Memorial Scholarship Established in Clifford’s memory by his family, this college scholarship award is given annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated unselfish and enduring friendship to all, as well as gen‑ uine respect for diverse ideas and beliefs, and deep personal integrity and fairness. The recipient must have demonstrated a purposeful involvement in The Derryfield School and a meaningful commitment to our local and global communities.

Anthony V. Bernatas ’08

www.derryfield.org

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.

Lauren H. Satkwich ’08

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

Gregory M. Baldassarre ’08

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.

Hannah J. Will ’08

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

Scott R. De Noble ’09

Rhode Island School of Design Award Colette M. Chretien ’09

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.

Audrey C. Morgan ’08 From top to bottom: Former Dean of Students Carson Smith gives the commencement address. n Mallory Rinker ’08 gets a congratulatory hug from Bruce Berk. n Chad Kelsey ’08 and Max Allard ’08 celebrate their graduation.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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.

Allison M. Fink ’08 Akash J. Vadalia ’08

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.

Nathanial P. Moore ’08

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

Charlotte H. Evans ’08 Julia A. Maldonado-Rivera ’08

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.

Kelly A. Schwarz ’08 Hannah F. LeBlanc ’08

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.

Rose Z. King ’09

Matthew L. Young ’88 Memorial Scholarship 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.

From top to bottom: Dennis Holland processes to the commencement ceremonies of his 40th year teaching at Derryfield. n Hannah Will ’08 and Taylor Nagel ’08 are all

Lauren Bradley ’09

smiles before the ceremony. n Bekah Volinsky ’08 jumps for joy at becoming an alumna.

www.derryfield.org

athletics

Cougar

COACHES’ AWARD Kelly A. Schwarz ’08

Spring wrap-up

Peter J. Kutz ’08

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Hannah J. Will ’08 Peter J. Kutz ’08

TOP TEN CLUB Maxwell J. Allard ’08 Caleb E. Birchard ’08 Kerlyne Desire ’08 Charlotte H. Evans ’08 Allison M. Fink ’08 Jessica G. Ginsberg ’08 Chad W. Kelsey ’08 Peter J. Kutz ’08

Girls’ Varsity Tennis

Boys’ Varsity Crew

Season Record: 16-0 New Hampshire State Champions (Class M/S) Jess Ginsberg ’08, Co-Captain, State doubles quarterfinalist, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Lydia MacKenzie ’09, Co-Captain, State singles quarterfinalist, State doubles quarter-finalist, All-Conference, Class M/S Player of the Year Camille Smith ’09, All-Conference

Mitchell Simon ’08, Class of 1970 Award

Boys’ Varsity Tennis Season Record: 13-1 New Hampshire State Champions (Class M/S) Alex Green ’08, State singles finalist, State doubles semifinalist, All-Conference, Class M/S Player of the Year, Class of 1970 Award Than Moore ’08, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Henry Morgan ’11, All-Conference Akash Vadalia ’08, All-Conference

Charles Lister-James ’08 Julia A. Maldonado-Rivera ’08

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse

Nathanial P. Moore ’08

Season Record: 2-11 Hannah Walters ’08, Co-Captain, Senior All-Star, All-State (Honorable Mention), Class of 1970 Award Hannah Will ’08, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Kathleen M. Reynolds ’08 Kelly A. Schwarz ’08 Akash J. Vadalia ’08 Hannah F. Walters ’08

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AN INDEPENDENT SPORT AWARD Elizabeth P. Dirth ’08 – Equestrian

Season Record: 6-10 Katherine DiPastina ’09, All-Conference Kelly Schwarz ’08, Co-Captain, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award

Boys’ Varsity Baseball Season Record: 14-1 NH Championship Quarter-Finalists (Class S) Max Allard ’08, Co-Captain, All-State (2nd Team), All-Conference Steve Burke ’10, All-State (1st Team) P.J. Kutz ’08, Co-Captain, All-State (1st Team), All-Conference Curtis Lamp ’09, All-State (3rd Team) Larry Longo ’08, Co-Captain, All-State (1st Team), Senior All-Star, All-Conference, Class S Player of the Year, Granite State Player of the Year, Class of 1970 Award Matt McCormick ’09, All-State (2nd Team), Junior All-Star

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Season Record: 5-10 Nick Bryan ’08, Co-Captain, Senior All-Star, All-State (1st Team), Class of 1970 Award Ryan Clauson ’09, All-State (Honorable Mention) Neil Donnelly ’08, Co-Captain, All-State (1st Team), Division III Goalie of the Year, Class of 1970 Award Chad Kelsey ’08, Co-Captain, Senior All-Star, All-State (Honorable Mention), Class of 1970 Award Ian Will ’11, All-State (Honorable Mention)

Girls’ Varsity Crew Kathy Stull ’08, Class of 1970 Award

Girls’ Varsity Softball

OPPOSITE (clockwise from top left): Charlotte Walters ’11 drives past a defender. n John Kalliel ’09 pitches in a game against Hinsdale. n Sadie Fowler ’09 serves in a match against Sanborn. n Chris Coppinger ’10 takes a shot on goal. n Boys’ first boat powers through practice. n Than Moore ’08 returns a shot in a match against Interlakes. n Alyssa Attar ’11 sits ready for the ball in a softball game. ABOVE: Kathleen Reynolds ’08 practices in a pair.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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

www.derryfield.org

spotlight Breakthrough

FORMERLY SUMMERBRIDGE

MANCHESTER

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR SENIORS The Breakthrough Class of 2008 will head off to their first year of college in the fall! We are proud of their hard work since they began Breakthrough as fifth graders. Below is a partial list of colleges and universities that have accepted Breakthrough seniors this year: Boston University Colby Sawyer College College of the Holy Cross Duke University Florida International University Franklin & Marshall College Gettysburg College Hofstra University New York University Northeastern University Plymouth State University Queens College (NY) Regis College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Techonolgy St. Anselm College

Eighth Graders Raise Funds for Animal Shelter A major part of the eighth grade program at Breakthrough is a service learning pro‑ ject designed to help students understand and address a specific community concern. Amelia Marden’s eighth grade class at School After School chose to serve the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire (ARL). After a tour of the shelter and a meeting with Robin Ahlgren, ARL’s Director of Development & Community Outreach, students learned that pet popu‑ lation control is a critical issue in the area and places a strain on shelters around the state. Eighth graders Melissa Cabrera, H.R. Droge, Jon Ericksen, J.B. Muyuka‑Lisika, and Nicole Pius got right to work planning their project. The group worked for eight weeks, including time during their school vacation to plan a fund raiser that would also increase awareness of the benefits of spaying and neutering pets.

Suffolk University Trinity College University of Florida University of Miami University of New Hampshire University of Pittsburgh University of Central Florida University of South Florida

"I will be the first person in my family to go to college, and I'm proud to say that Breakthrough will help me along the way." spayed or neutered. Students collected $403.66, which will spay or neuter five ani‑ mals at the ARL, as well as pet supplies and food donated by those in attendance. Melissa Cabrera remarked, “I felt like help‑ ing someone in the community was really important. I feel good that we put it all together ourselves.”

Thank You, Derryfield PFA!

Stonehill College

Yale University

The evening event included a brief pre‑ sentation by Diane Frost, the Humane Educator at the ARL, and her dog, Molly; a showing of the film Ratatouille; and a pre‑ sentation by the eighth graders that demonstrated the rapid growth in the ani‑ mal population if just one dog or cat is not

Kemal Kadic ’09 works with a Breakthrough student.

Thanks to the inspiring support of many Derryfield families, $29,250 was raised for Breakthrough during the PFA Auction on April 12. This kind of support allows us to offer our program tuition‑free to all of our families for seven years of service. Breakthrough student MJ Ortega, a sixth grader at Southside Middle School, delivered the following thoughtful testi‑ monial about his experience at Breakthrough.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

BREAKTHROUGH SPOTLIGHT

MJ Ortega speaks at the PFA Auction.

Good evening, my name is MJ Ortega. At Breakthrough Manchester, we learn, work hard, and have fun at the same time. Also, Breakthrough helps me get to college. College is important to me because I know it will help me have a good life. Before Breakthrough, I wasn’t doing my best in school. My teachers always told me I had the smarts, but I wasn’t reaching my potential, or my goals. My hardest subject in fifth grade was math. Before I applied to Breakthrough, I was planning to hang out all summer, go to Hampton Beach, and listen to music with my cousin. I was planning to have fun, basically. Homework? In the summer?! WHAT?! But then, I

BREAKTHROUGH

days

visitors’

Have you ever wondered what Breakthrough is all about? Find out at one of our summer Visitors’ Days on Thursday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 29.

www.breakthroughmanchester.org

thought about how Breakthrough could help me. My mom and cousin encouraged me to go, so I decided to give it a shot. At Breakthrough, my teachers helped me to understand what I was learning, step‑by‑step. My math teach‑ er, Andrew, helped me to understand positive and negative numbers, and he even made up a dance to help my class understand. I finally got it! My advisor, Mark, was always encouraging me to do my best and to never give up. All my teachers gave me the help I needed when I needed it. I will be the first person in my fami‑ ly to go to college, and I’m proud to say that Breakthrough will help me along the way. Thank you for your support of Breakthrough.

Volunteers Make Our School-Year Session Run! Thank you to all of our volunteer school‑year session teachers and tutors. Combined, they have given over 1600 hours, teaching, tutoring, and mentor‑ ing our Breakthrough middle school students during the 2007–08 school year. We are grateful for their generosi‑ ty of time and energy to make our school‑year program both beneficial and fun for our students. In addition, we want to recognize Sandy Townsend and Reina Reidy for their support and guidance as school‑year mentor teachers.

Dan Carlson Mickey Cunliffe Kerlyne Desire Justin Eldridge Erin Ferguson Allison Fink Katherine Grisanzio Dan Jin Kemal Kadic Rose King Hannah LeBlanc Julia Maldonado Kadina Mazic Philip Melanson Drew Mokas Maeghan Provencher Anne Rynearson Kelly Schwarz Elise Shattuck Kate Stover Mike Swartz Akash Vadalia Hannah Wilson

Tutors Valera Filatov Allison Fink Bonnie Frieden Katherine Grisanzio Christina de Bruyn Kops Hannah LeBlanc Taylor Nagel Kate Stover

Teachers Lauren Bradley Nick Bryan Leah Burke

Rose King ’09 works with a Breakthrough student.

core values

Defining our

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Aim High Balance Character Community Families Individuality

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A BUSY SEMESTER...

Proclaiming Who We Are, and What We Aspire to Be

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by Diane Allen

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s we continue to redefine ourselves in the community and in the world, Derryfield prepares to adopt a new set of six core values on which to base the way we function as a school. As we began to study them, however, several stories from this past academic year came to mind, suggesting that they are not really new core values for the Derryfield community at all. We offer excerpts from website publications to serve as examples of how we are already projecting these values in the life of the School.

Core Values Aim High: Young people achieve their best in a culture of high expectations and encouragement. Balance: We offer inspiring academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities, promoting the development of healthy habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the skill to balance creative tension. Character: We actively cultivate respect, integrity, compassion, and perseverance in our community members. Community: We seek a diverse community defined and sustained by close relationships, social interdependence, and service. Families: We embrace the family’s role in the life of our day school, celebrating collaboration between home and school. Individuality: We encourage young people to grow as unique individuals through the discovery of new passions and a love for learning, self-knowledge, critical inquiry, and reflection.

Aim High Students Tackle Energy Issues Tom Curley, Dean of Student Life; Danielle Chandonnet, Director of Finance & Operations; and Michael Van Lier, Buildings & Grounds Day Supervisor are working with a team of students on a project to save energy and lower costs at Derryfield. These community members will participate in a program called STEM – Savings

www.derryfield.org

Through Energy Management. STEM is a five‑full‑day program offered by Wilson Educational Services, Inc. and funded by Public Service of New Hampshire. Our stu‑ dents will learn to study all energy use in the School, gather data, calculate savings in fuel and dollar units, and present the information effectively. The program includes a rigorous final exam and a written report, which the

students plan to present and explain to the Board of Trustees. Participation in this program not only gives students new ways to learn math, science, and technology, but it also exposes them to a variety of job skills. Knowledge gained will enable participants to help Derryfield, as well as their individual families, to conserve energy and save money. Energy conscious students partici‑

D E F I N I N G O U R C O R E VA L U E S

pating in this program include seniors Neil Donnelly, Hannah LeBlanc, Hannah Walters, Taylor Nagel, Allison Fink, and Arthur Chen along with juniors Alexa Hasselman and Leah Danny and freshman Max Nagel.

and eight grade health classes when they study non‑communicable diseases. Besides keeping busy with her vol‑ unteer work for JDRF, Mia Sobin is an active member of the Derryfield com‑ munity. She had a primary role (Irene) in the middle school musical produc‑ tion of Hello, Dolly! She is on the mid‑ dle school lacrosse and ski teams and has played the piano for the last six years. Mia is also an active participant in the Builders Club, volunteering her time to help others.

Character Balance

A World of Difference: Setting the Rules

When Sobin Speaks, Politicians Listen

“Ouch! That hurts.” Someone has just said something that has offended another. Instead of ignoring it as one may have in the past, students are now learning to call the offender to task and remind him or her that what one says without forethought can easily hurt someone else’s feelings. Since Columbus Day break when 30 upper school students attended a three‑day, 18‑hour training session, these same students have been meeting with their A World of Difference advi‑ sors in weekly sessions learning how to create a safe space at Derryfield, talk about identity and language, examine bias identifying with victims, and con‑ front bias as an ally and a leader. These skills are now being shared by the stu‑ dent leaders with all upper school stu‑ dents in monthly meetings during activities periods during the school year.

Studies indicate that as many as 85% of the general population experience anx‑ iety when speaking in public. But not eighth grader Mia Sobin, who regular‑ ly speaks on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Mia was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when she was just five years old. Today, at thirteen, she makes it a prior‑ ity in her already busy life to spread the word about her disease in an effort to find a cure. An “unofficial” spokesperson for the JDRF, Mia has addressed private com‑ panies, senators, and house representa‑ tives advocating for stem cell research, diabetes education, and funding. She speaks for five to ten minutes about what it is like living with diabetes. She also had the honor of meeting the inventor of the portable insulin pump that she wears, Dean Kamen. Mia addresses Ms. Leclerc’s sixth, seventh,

Community It’s That Service Time of Year Where there is a need, you will often find students of The Derryfield School. The Special Olympics were held this year from March 2–4 at the Waterville Valley ski resort. Eighteen Derryfield students were there to help, staying overnight Sunday and Monday to be there for every event. Community Service Advisor Susan Grodman says, “Derryfield is the only school in the state with the kind of participation that we have. The Special Olympics of New Hampshire organization (SONH) has come to depend on us.” Meanwhile, the eighth graders were preparing to begin their service project at both the Webster and Beech Street Schools. On March 10, they traveled to their respective schools to meet their “buddies” and conduct interviews to become better acquainted. They will

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

D E F I N I N G O U R C O R E VA L U E S

meet once again at Webster and Beech Street before the ELL students come to Derryfield. The third meeting will be the culmination of the eighth‑grade service project with a full day of activi‑ ties organized and run by the eighth graders themselves. The following day found sixteen members of the National Honor Society at the New Hampshire Food Bank. Making sure that people hard hit by the times have a hot meal on a cold winter day is a good way to give back, and that is just what our student volunteers did. Service plays a major role in the curriculum at The Derryfield School. At any time during the school year one can find students helping those less fortunate through Key Club and the Builders’ Club. It is yet another way that our students distinguish them‑ selves.

Department of Justice. They walked away with a sense of urgency about the safety of their children in this frightening new world of cyber predators. In fact, a recent Justice Department‑sponsored survey revealed that one in seven youth have been sexually solicited online and more than one in three said they had an unwanted exposure to sexual mate‑ rial in the past year. Ms. Royer presented six warning signs that a child might become a vic‑ tim as well as helpful tips for parents to both identify and prevent problems. A booklet entitled “Internet Safety Guide for Parents and Teens” was made available as a link on the Derryfield website portal and can be found in PDF format online at the New Hampshire Department of Justice‑sponsored website, www.connectwithyourkids.org.

Families

Individuality

Parents in Charge: Internet Safety

Sarah Kosofsky ’08 Heads to Congress

On Friday, October 26, parents of both upper and middle school students gathered in the auditorium for what may have been the most important meeting of the year. The guest speaker was Melissa Royer, an accomplished forensic examiner who brought her history from the medical field to address parents about the computer forensic process and to teach them about the precautions necessary to catch and prevent all forms of online abuse. Approximately 80 parents attended the seminar, which was funded by the

Susan Grodman recently disseminated information regarding student oppor‑ tunities – something she often does. Sarah Kosofsky ’08, was particularly interested in a political leadership workshop offered by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America being held in Washington, D.C. To apply for the free, one‑week camp at the end of June she was to write an essay answering the question, “If you were a presidential candidate, what domestic issue would you con‑ sider most important and what would you do about it?”

www.derryfield.org

Sarah’s essay discussed her opposi‑ tion to gun control. She said that she put a lot of thought into the topic and chose this one because she thought it would ring different than the majority of submissions. It was just too easy to choose global warming, health care, or poverty. But Sarah found that her essay was causing controversy even before she submitted it! Although her father supported her view, he did so quietly so as not to damage marital harmony as Sarah’s mother clearly disagreed with her viewpoint. Sarah stuck with it and submitted her essay and will reap the rewards in our nation’s capital June 21–27. She will be one of approximately 60 stu‑ dents nationwide who have won this opportunity, which will include visits to all the government buildings and with New Hampshire congressional representatives. The group will partici‑ pate in a model congress and, by the end of the week, will lobby to get a bill of its own design passed by the United States Congress.

alumni

Update on Rachel Huynh, daughter of Lisa Newman ’88 and Dang Huynh, enjoys the snow.

Looking for a Host Anyone in the Dover-Portsmouth, NH area able to host a gathering of Derryfield alumni this summer? We’d love to come and are looking for some-

The news contained in this section covers the period of March 24, 2008 – May 25, 2008. For more recent news, or to post a note, please log on to the Derryfield Portal at www.derryfield.org.

thing a little different than the normal “pub night.” Contact diane.allen@ derryfield.org.

Summer Send-Off BBQ Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 4–6 p.m. Classes of 2005, 2006, and 2007 Join us to send the Class of 2008 off to college in style. Bring your advice, stories, and appetite!

Reunion 2008 Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:00–11:00 a.m. Dunlap Invitational Tennis Tournament 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

1968 It has been a busy year for Kathryn Worrell Newton and her husband, Craig. She writes, “Last September we had a beautiful garden wedding for our 24‑year‑ old daughter Sarah at our home in Vermont. Everything went beautifully and the bride just glowed – as did the groom! Right after the wedding Craig and I went to Bermuda for some rest and relaxation, only to have me break out with shingles. It was horrible! You can only get it if you had

chicken pox (weirdly enough) and it causes a lot of pain, skin eruptions, and itching! I guess once the wedding was over my immune system relaxed and ‘Bang!’ In February we took a three‑week trip to Australia – something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. We found ourselves snorkeling with six‑foot sharks! Think Jaws music! To top that off, Craig went to Labrador on a snowmobiling guy’s trip when we returned from ‘down under’ and I spent a couple of weeks near Tucson visit‑ ing my snowbird parents. Now I’m back in the gardens, doing aerobic dance, and enjoying the sunshine! I’d love to see any of my old classmates should anyone come to Vermont. Craig and I did spend a nice evening with Mary Jane Peabody last fall after her quilts were in a show here in Vermont! Hi to all!“ n Sherry Ford

Country Fair (with an eco twist!) 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Alumni Soccer Game on new turf field 1:00–2:00 p.m. Girls’ Varsity Soccer Game on new turf field 4:45–5:45 p.m. English Class taught by Paul Keiner (get Keinerized one more time!) 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farewell party for Paul Keiner 7:30 p.m. Individual Class Reunions for 3s and 8s

Founders and distinguished guests at the Founders’ Day celebration on May 2, 2008. Front row (L to R): Head of School Craig Sellers and Founders Hilda Fleisher, Elenore Freedman, Jean Pinckney Nelson, and Robert Shaine. Back row (L to R): Alumni parents Lori and Charles Boelig, Matthew Boelig ’02, former faculty E. Charles Sanborn, Wendy Sanborn, Distinguished Alumni Maj. Kevin Johnston ’84, Founder Allan Richardson, Evelyn Richardson, Founder David Stahl and Founder Richard Winneg.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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

Levesque writes, “Having enjoyed the adventure of a new school (as a stu‑ dent in Derryfield’s first graduating class), I’m now enjoying the ‘new‑ school adventure’ from a different per‑ spective – as Director of Admissions of Maharishi Academy of Total Knowledge – High School for Leadership. Opening in Antrim, NH, Maharishi Academy will be the first boys’ boarding school in the U.S. to incorporate the Transcendental Meditation program as part of the cur‑ riculum in order to improve health and increase the happiness and success of the students.” A girls’ school is slated to start in the future. See www. maharishiacademy.org and www. stressfreeschools.org. n Mary Jane Peabody is still living half the year in North Yorkshire, England, and half the year in Wilmot, NH. She just got home to New Hampshire for the summer. She says she frequently sees Rebecca Millimet when she’s in England – Rebecca lives about 20 minutes away, so they get together regularly. Mary Jane has been doing a lot of rug hook‑ ing, and six of her rugs were in an exhibit at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont this fall, and a few others were in an exhibit in High Bentham, North Yorks in the U.K. this winter. She still is coming to terms with losing her brother Douglas so suddenly, and thanks all those who were in touch with her after Doug’s death.

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1973 Jean Melrose Wright received the teacher of the year award for her Ohio‑ based Head Start agency in April. In May, she received the Head Start employee of the year award and the LEADS community Action Agency Employee of the Year Award. She spent three months teaching in two separate classrooms in separate counties men‑ toring new teachers, training student teachers, continuing her own educa‑ tion, and doggedly agitating for con‑ tinued funding and attention to be given to early childhood education issues, particularly for lower income children and their families. She will be teaching summer school again for financially challenged children and their families.

1983 Amy Keller Gleed is the International Sales Manager for the Kalwall Corporation, a New Hampshire‑based manufacturer of the world’s most high‑ ly insulating light transmitting wall and skyroof systems (also invented by her grandfather and Derryfield Founder Robert Keller, Sr.). Recognized as an expert in daylighting and on the topics of light and health and daylight simulation, Amy serves on several committees of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, including Sustainable Lighting, Daylighting Metrics, and the Lighting for the Aged and Partially Sighted

Mary Jane Peabody ’68 and Rebecca Millimet ’68 at Holker Hall in the U.K.

committees, which write national light‑ ing standards. Amy is also a technical reviewer for Greenbuild, today’s largest international trade show and educational venue for sustainable design. Amy’s daughter, Jesse Stephens, is in the Class of 2010 at Derryfield. n Danielle Currier earned her Ph.D. in sociology and a graduate certificate in women’s studies at the University of Connecticut in 2004. She taught for one semester at Harvard University, then moved to Virginia to teach at Radford University. In the fall of 2008, she will be taking a visiting professor position at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

Shelly Stout ’88 with her fiancé, Ken Fajans.

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

1988

Chris Coulter ’92 and his wife, Frankianne.

Danielle has become an avid kayaker and cyclist. Her biggest achievement in that realm was to do a 300‑mile, 5‑day biking trip called Bike Virginia in the summer of 2007. Any and all visitors are welcome when she moves to Yorktown, VA in August 2008. You can contact her at dmcurrier@radford.edu or 860.798.5424. n Kym Kearsley Harmon catches us up: “I am mother of four, two girls and two boys ages 6–17, happily married, and celebrating our 20th anniversary this summer. I am heavily involved in musical theater, of all things, mostly at the Palace Theatre in Manchester and StageCoach Productions in Nashua. I’m not per‑ forming personally, but as a stage wife and mother. I am hoping to pursue personal interests (world travel) at some point in the future; I’ll let you know if I ever cross that bridge. I also spent four years on the Amherst Lacrosse Board with Peggy O’Brien’s brother. Small world.”

Roger Shattuck writes, “I have been stationed at the 282nd Army Band at Ft. Jackson, SC for about a year. This makes band number seven. I’m finish‑ ing up my B.A. in music and I have two great dogs, Bunky and Patches. I did my bit for the War on Terror by playing in a rock’n’roll band in Iraq and Afghanistan. It really worked because after we were done, they’d chuck rockets and mortars at us!” n Laura Coulter will marry Gavin McCarthy, a professional musician and music teacher, on June 29, 2008 at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA. They will continue to make their home in Allston, MA where they will welcome their first child in November. Laura is working to re‑establish her custom couture and bridal apparel design business (www.lauracoulter.com). She’s been designing costumes for a Boston‑ based multimedia/dance company called KINODANCE (www.kinodance

.org), most recently for the premier of two new original pieces (Fuse and Behemoth) performed in April at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. Finally, Laura is pursuing a master’s degree in education (part‑ time), and is an adjunct professor in the School of Design at Mount Ida College in Newton, MA. n Lisa Newman reports, “I’m living in Northampton, MA with my husband and our beautiful 20‑month‑old daugh‑ ter, Rachel. We moved here three years ago from Boston and feel fortunate that my twin sister Andrea ’88 and brother‑ in‑law moved to our neighboring town a year later. I work down the road from our house as a computer pro‑ grammer on the administrative sys‑ tems at Smith College. Rachel has been keeping us busy, but we are hoping to get back into some whitewater kayak‑ ing and hiking this summer.” n Matt Wasdyke tells us that he is living in Arlingon, MA and architect‑ing in Cambridge and that things are good.

Sam Foster Villegas ’88 enjoying her two sons Max (4) and Leo (1).

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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

Triplets born to Amily Dunlap Moore ’93 and her husband, Tyler (L to R): Alexander, Philip and Griffin.

He and his wife, Rebecca, attended Duncan Rotch’s wedding last August in Portland, OR. He has also seen Jeremy Freund and his family a few times over the last couple years, so he’s managing to keep in touch with at least a few Derryfield folks. n Samantha Foster Villegas writes, “Roger and I just celebrated the first birthday of our second son, Leo. Leo has already started tormenting his older brother, Max, who’s four. While I love my job – I am in my ninth year as Communications Manager for a pro‑ gressive water utility – nothing tops being a mom. Roger just finished his first year as owner/president of ProMax Builders, a small construction business. We will celebrate our eleventh wedding anniversary this August.” n Shelley Stout will marry Ken Fajans, originally from New York but now living in New London, on October 25, 2008. The couple will make their home in Concord, NH. Ken is a dog whisperer with magical powers over Shelley’s Jack Russell, Flynn. He has an M.Ed. from UNH and a B.S. from Clarkson. After burning the can‑

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dle at both ends in New York, doing everything from owning a restaurant in the Hamptons, to web development in Manhattan, to working at Hamptons Magazine as a director, Shelley decided it was time to come back to New England and enjoy something new. She’s been working on stained glass and joined the Steering Committee of the New Hampshire Creative Club. She is a project manager/designer/ writer at Concept Communications, a strategic communications agency based in Nashua.

1992 Raymond Campanile writes, “I have formally accepted the Director of Athletics position at Green Mountain College. Although this does not assist in the alleviation of workload, it is a step in the right direction for my fami‑ ly and me.” n Chris Coulter writes, “I’m in Little Rock, AR working as the financial and recovery analyst for the Law Firm of Hosto, Buchan, Prater & Lawrence, PLLC. I’m still cycling,

though my racing days are far behind me, and Little Rock is – surprisingly – one of the most cyclist‑friendly cities I’ve ever seen. In really big news, I was married on May 3, 2008 to Frankianne Elizabeth Heenan and we have recent‑ ly returned from our honeymoon in Hawaii. Franki is Senior ERISA Counsel for Windstream Communications, and though our schedules prevent us from visiting Derryfield anytime soon, we are hop‑ ing to be in town for the reunion week‑ end this year or next.”

1993 Amelie Baudot ’98 tells us that her sis‑ ter, Laura Baudot, received her Ph.D. from Princeton University in 2005 in 18th century English literature. She is now an Assistant Professor in the English Department at Oberlin College. n Lydia Holden married Craig Wilkins on January 3, 2007. She writes, “Of the seven attendees at the continued on page 30...

Sara Brennan Adams ’98 shows off daughter Sydney.

LIFE AFTER DERRYFIELD

When Work and Play Are One by Tom Sadler ’73

How many Derryfield graduates have moved on with the hope of making a living out of following their heart? G. J. Thomas Sadler, Jr. ’73 has done just that. With a passion for fly fishing, Tom has found a way to make a living out of doing what comes naturally to him – and protecting wildlife while he's at it. had not even started working for The Trust for Public Land when I got a call from Alex Diekmann, one of TPL’s project managers in Montana. “Hey Tom, I understand you are a big‑ time fly fisherman. We are working on this super cool project on the Madison River and I need your advice.” Me? He wants my advice? Heck! I don’t even work for these people and already they are looking for advice? What could I know that would be helpful? “Listen, do you know where Three Dollar Bridge is on the Madison?” Alex asked.

“Wouldn’t be much of a fly fisher‑ man if I didn’t,” I replied. “Well we purchased an easement and I am writing the language so there will be permanent fishing access along the river. We have never done this; it’s gonna cost us and I wonder if the fly fishers will even care,” he said. “Care! Care! You will be a freakin’ hero! Public access is a big deal. They will love you. They will write stories about you!” And so started the best job of my life – conserving land for fishing. Since I left Derryfield 35 years ago my life has followed a winding path to where I am today: college, family busi‑ ness, senate staffer, lobbyist, Naval Officer, foundation president, fly fish‑ ing guide and instructor, volunteer wild land fire fighter, wilderness search and rescue volunteer, and lobby‑ ist again. Sometimes I felt I was living a Johnny Cash song, “I’ve been every‑ where man.” And, I suspect some of

my classmates and former teachers are shaking their heads in wonder or laughing out loud as they read this. I mean, really, 35 years ago most of those things were probably not on any‑ one’s “most likely to do” list when it came to me. Frankly, I never expected to be in Washington, D.C., let alone being here for over 27 years. When I left Derryfield that summer I went to France to work in the mountains with plans to be a smoke jumper when I returned. But there you go, the best laid plans, as they say. . . Somehow through it all I always knew that what I learned at Derryfield was serving me well. My work at TPL – conserving land for people – is the most rewarding of these years in D.C. Since 1972, TPL has worked with willing landowners, com‑ munity groups, and national, state, and local agencies to complete more than 3,500 land conservation projects in 47 states, protecting more than two mil‑ lion acres. Since 1994, TPL has helped states and communities craft and pass over 330 ballot measures, generating almost $25 billion in new conservation‑ related funding. We conserve land from city parks to mountain peaks. But the best part for me is combining my passion for fly fishing with conserva‑ tion, especially in the Madison Valley of Montana. A good example is the Three Dollar Bridge project. Alex got the easement written and now there is more public fishing access on the Madison River. Using funds provided by Congress,

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

TPL conveyed a conservation easement to the U.S. Forest Service on the 1,521 acres that make up the main part of the historic Olliffe Ranch and are located on the north side of Highway 287, adjacent to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area in the Beaverhead‑Deerlodge National Forest. But more importantly, TPL also acquired a fishing trail access easement on the 400 acres that the Olliffe family owns on the south side of Highway 287 along the Madison River. This successful project was also used to illustrate a complicated tax issue in Field and Stream Magazine last year. Oh yeah – and Beth and I got mar‑ ried there! Yup, this is a great job. Then there is the O’Dell Creek Headwaters and Wetlands Restoration Project located on the Granger and Longhorn Ranches, south of Ennis, MT. Here the land owner is voluntarily taking cattle‑grazing land out of use and restoring the wetlands complex, which had been ditched and drained in the 1950s, to its original function and value. It is an ambitious, multi‑year effort to restore and enhance one of the most significant and important

Clockwise from above: Tom and graduate students from Michigan State University at Tom’s two-day flyfishing school. Tom and stepson Matt Henderson on a fly-fishing trip. Laura Henderson, her mom Beth Sadler, Matt Henderson, and Tom Sadler ’73 at the Sadler wedding by the Three Dollar Bridge.

wetlands complexes in southwest Montana. The primary goal of restoring the 12‑mile long O’Dell Creek system is to rehabilitate the headwaters and vari‑ ous channels of O’Dell Creek, restoring them to natural channel dimensions, form, and function while, at the same time, closing and restoring the various ditches that run through the project area. Significant wildlife and fisheries benefits are also expected to result. Brown and rainbow trout populations are expected to increase significantly, with heightened reproduction benefit‑ ing downstream fisheries – especially on the main stem of the Madison River, one of Montana’s premier blue‑ribbon fly fishing streams. It looks like I will get to show off this exceptional restoration effort on TV this summer. TRCP’s Life in the Open is planning on filming a segment there. Maybe you will see us catch a native cutthroat. Across the valley is the Sun Ranch where the landowner is raising native Yellowstone cutthroat trout for reintro‑ duction into the Madison River. The Sun Ranch is over 18,700 acres. Some 6,800 of these acres are already protect‑ ed by a conservation easement, held by

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The Nature Conservancy of Montana. Almost all of the remaining 11,900 acres are located immediately to the south between Highway 287 and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The ranch contains some critical wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors and big‑ game winter range. Elk herds exceed‑ ing 3,000 in number are a common sight on the ranch during the winter and early‑spring months. When TPL completes this transaction, we envision that there will be conservation ease‑ ments on at least 90% of this remaining land. In a lot of ways what I am doing today is not such a surprise. For those who knew me during my Derryfield days, those outing club adventures, ski trips, and camping trips foreshadowed a love for the outdoors. Today that love manifests itself in my work as well as my recreation. As Robert Frost wrote: “Only where love and need are one, and the work is play for mortal stakes, is the deed ever really done for Heaven and the future’s sakes.” Indeed. Thanks Derryfield.

CONGRATULATIONS

alumni

parents To Samantha Foster Villegas ’88 and her husband, Roger, a son, Leo, in the spring of 2007. To Amily Dunlap Moore ’93 and her husband, Tyler, triplet boys, Alexander Holmes, Philip English, and Griffin Dunlap, on February 12, 2008. To Staci Boucher Olson ’95 and her husband, Andrew, a son, Abner Oscar, on April 14, 2008. To Matt Fossum ’97 and his wife, Keri, a daughter, Christina Marie, on March 4, 2008. To Sara Brennan Adams ’98 and her husband, John, a

Dan Chen ’02, Bruce Berk, and Rick Morgan ’96 catch up at the Cornell Club in New York City.

daughter, Sydney, in October 2007. ...continued from page 27

To Technology Coordinator Julia MacIntosh and her husband, Tim, a daughter, Jacqueline Leigh, on April 7, 2008. To Director of Communications Annie Branch and her husband, Rich, a daughter, Emma Catharine, on June 23, 2008.

CELEBRATING

alumni

weddings Laura Coulter ’88 to Gavin McCarthy on June 29, 2008 in Sudbury, MA. Chris Coulter ’92 to Frankianne Heenan on May 3, 2008 in Little Rock, AR. Lydia Holden ’93 to Craig Wilkins on January 3, 2007 on

beach ceremony on Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, two were fellow ’93 alumni: David Holden and Ginny Cowenhoven. Craig and I live in Boston with our dog, Dory.” n Amily Dunlap Moore writes, “My husband Tyler and I welcomed triplet boys on February 12, 2008 when I was 35 weeks along. Alexander Holmes Moore weighed 6 lbs., Philip English Moore weighed 5 lbs., 4 oz., and Griffin Dunlap Moore weighed 5 lbs. We were so lucky that after four days in the hos‑ pital, we all came home together (which is rare for triplets). We sold our condo in downtown Boston two weeks after the boys arrived and now we’re living in Amherst, NH. Hilary Hornor

Jost Van Dyke, BVI. Avery Holland ’94 to Colin Murdock on June 14, 2008 in Wolfeboro, NH. Sara Schwartz ’99 to Jeff Mohan in June 2008. Stephanie Fiebrink ’03 to Tim Broderick on May 31, 2008

Boynton ’92 has given us many helpful hints since she has a trio as well; and Stacy Denham Willenbucher has lent a hand a few times too (which is great!). We’re having a fabulous time with the boys!”

1995 Congratulations to Staci Boucher Olson and her husband, Andrew, who welcomed their first child, Abner Oscar, to their family on April 14, 2008. He weighed 9 lbs., 4.4 oz. n Charles Hendricks writes, “I’m happily pursu‑ ing my acting career in New York City. I had three speaking role appearances recently on Guiding Light and As the World Turns. I also am freelancing with two commercial agents, who are send‑ ing me out regularly for national spots.”

in Bristol, VA.

Tom Flahive ’03 and Michael Ekman ’69 bridge the generation gap at the Cornell Club.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

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

1997 Shawn Farrell writes, “I have a beauti‑ ful son named Kayden Shawn. He was born on February 5, 2006 during half‑ time of the Super Bowl. All is well and I’m looking forward to linking back up with friends and others from my vivid, yet influential past.” n Matt Fossum was a recent invitee to Derryfield’s annual volunteer breakfast. In conver‑ sation over coffee and muffins, we found out that not only was he mar‑ ried on August 16, 2003, but he and his wife, Keri, are the proud parents of a baby girl, Christina Marie, born on March 4, 2008.

1998 Amelie Baudot graduated from NYU School of Law in May. After gradua‑ tion, she moved to France to spend the fall at the European Court of Human Rights before returning to New York City in January 2009 to start work at a

law firm. n Elizabeth Stefany writes, “I’m still living in Carrabassett Valley, enjoying life as a ski instructor, wait‑ ress, swim instructor, and odd jobs worker. The big season for my jewelry business is coming up, and I have 20 or so days of craft and art shows planned for the year. It would be great to see everyone in September if I can get a weekend free!” n Sara Brennan Adams writes, “The two biggest changes in my life are that my husband and I welcomed our first child – our daughter Sydney – into the world in October 2007, and that I’ve established my own marketing agency. Check it out at www.skaworks.com. Hope to see you at the reunion!” n We hear from classmate Dana Green that Dan Shiber is graduating with a Ph.D. in mathematics from UCLA this year and was recently married to Ananda Lima.

Jenna Sirkin ’00, Elspeth Faiman ’00, and Craig Sellers at the Boston alumni event.

1999 Peter Keeler writes, “After three years in finance at the world’s most success‑ ful hedge fund, I’m returning to my favorite pastime – politics. In 2004, I served as Chief Technology Officer for John Lynch’s first bid for Governor of New Hampshire, and now I’m plan‑ ning to reprise that role in Jeanne Shaheen’s bid to capture a seat in the U.S. Senate. To learn more, go to www.jeanneshaheen.org!”

2003 Sara Dewey has hit the political scene. She writes, “I’m working as the Concord‑area field organizer for Jeanne Shaheen’s campaign for U.S. Senate. It has been fun running across Derryfield families on the campaign trail. If anyone is interested in getting involved in the campaign, please let me know!”

Matt Purtell ’97, Moira Delahanty ’02, Rob Bradley, and Julia Hutchinson ’02 reconnect in Boston.

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

2004 Joelle Emery writes, “I just finished my last college paper and am looking forward to two weeks of relaxing and celebrating before graduation. I have accepted a job at Germaine Lawrence in Arlington, MA which is a residential treatment program for teenage girls with emotional and behavioral issues. While I’m sure it will be a challenge, I’m really looking forward to it and hoping I can stay on my toes and not let angry teens intimidate me (I’m sure some of the teachers could give me some advice!). Hope everyone is doing well.” n Farrah Desrosiers graduated from Boston College this spring with a B.A. in sociology and a minor in Africa and African studies. She will spend the next year doing social work focusing on homeless outreach before pursuing her master’s degree at Columbia. Farrah is already looking forward to her fifth reunion in 2009.

Justin Shaka ’00, Kyle Rushton ’03, and Jose Maldonado ’03 at the Boston alumni event.

Ali Geiger ’00, Lori Evans ’00, and Kristin Kelsey ’02 at Clarke’s in Boston.

2007

Faculty

Megan Tsai writes, “I’m currently at WPI studying computer science and living off campus, enjoying the experi‑ ence of independence. I’m involved in SMAS (society of medieval art and sci‑ ence) where we beat each other up with foam pipe. I’m also part of the karate club on campus where we beat each other up without foam pipe.” n Susan ‘Uzi’ Souza reports from Savannah College of Art and Design, “So far, I’ve made it through Drawing I and II, and am currently taking Life Drawing, which proves to be much more interesting. Life has been rela‑ tively slow‑paced, interspersed with the semi‑regular periods of frantic working to complete a project (my time‑management skills are still devel‑ oping), and there have been the occa‑ sional tornado sirens, but it is most definitely getting warmer down here in Savannah.”

Julia MacIntosh, Derryfield technolo‑ gy coordinator, gave birth to her first child, a girl, on April 7, 2008. Jacqueline Leigh MacIntosh was born at 3:37 p.m., weighing 8 lbs., 9oz. Jacqueline will make her home with mom and dad, Tim, in Derry, NH.

MANY THANKS

alumni service

award

Congratulations to Chris Norwood ’99, Alumni Council President for the past three years and recipient of the 2008 Alumni Service Award, presented on Friday, May 30 at the awards day assembly. The award is given to recognize an alumnus/a who has made a major contribution to the School.

Derryfield Today – Spring 2008

THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL GIVES THANKS

profile

Volunteer

Chris Cikacz – It’s All About Giving Back ome parents send their children to The Derryfield School. Others send their children and are happy to help with events when called upon. Then there is Chris Cikacz, who has set the bar for volunteering at new heights. The Cikacz family came to Derryfield with Molly ’08 as a sixth grader. Chris had been an active volun‑ teer with The Pike School and found that she was a bit lonely in her new environs. Although she and her family enjoyed the pizza party for newly‑ accepted Derryfield families, she thought more could be done, and she wasn’t afraid to help. This marked the beginning of Chris’ quest to take a great independent school and make it better. Chris worked with the Admission Office to bring the Family Connections Program to Derryfield. Fashioned after the Pike program, it serves to connect new families with returning families through several events so that everyone enters Derryfield with at least one friend. She made phone calls to accept‑ ed families to give them a parent’s per‑ spective on why making a Derryfield decision would be a wise family choice. Chris’ next project was the Parent Association, as it was known at the

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time. Chris worked with Jim Davis as co‑president and quickly assessed a lack of parent enthusiasm as a major problem. She spent hours networking with other parents one‑on‑one, recruit‑ ing them to help her with specific pro‑ jects. Board membership for the Parent Association doubled in size by the fol‑ lowing year and has increased six‑fold to twenty‑four current members. Faculty members were admitted as members at large, and the association became the Parent Faculty Association (PFA). While drumming up PFA member‑ ship, Chris took on the project of rewriting the outdated association bylaws. This involved research into the bylaws of other independent schools in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The Board voted to adopt these changes at the beginning of the 2004–2005 academic year. Chris also saw the need for, and implemented, a budget for PFA events. The PFA has had many successes over the past several years, none as vis‑ ible as the annual PFA Auction. In four years, monies raised from the Auction have increased from $30K to over $130K. For the first time last year, a Breakthrough (Summerbridge) piece

Chris Cikacz at the helm of the 2007 PFA Auction.

was added, with $16K raised specifical‑ ly for scholarships. This year that num‑ ber nearly doubled with $29K pledged, paying for more than 19 two‑year scholarships. Chris still has two years left as a member of the Derryfield Board of Trustees. She insists that her volunteer work is her way to give back. “It’s not just about paying tuition; it’s about giv‑ ing back of your time and energy as well as the money.” She is quick to give credit to the “quiet volunteer” in her household. Her husband, Michael, has supported Chris in every endeavor, giving up meals and evening/weekend company with nary a complaint. “I could never have done any of this without his unwavering support. It’s been a family effort.” – Diane Allen

Roman Holiday Hailey Moll ’14 and Genevieve Corman ’14 are dressed to the nines as they prepare for the chariot race on Roman Holiday.

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