The Avonian: Fall 2023 by Avon Old Farms School

FALL 2023

Sustaining a Legendary Brotherhood

FA L L 2 0 2 3

contents

COVER STORY

MEMBERS OF THE BROTHERHOOD

FEATURED ARTIST:

FACULTY FOCUS:

Derrick Li ’24

Win Ford

FEATURED ATHLETE:

IN MEMORIAM:

Shikhar Motupally ’24

Remembering Peter A. Aron ’65

FEATURED AVONIAN:

FEATURED ALUMNUS:

Warden Hudson Miller ’24

Chase F. Donaldson ’68

Sustaining a Legendary Brotherhood

The Avonian // FALL 2023

from the EDITOR

DEPARTMENTS

3 4 16 50 64

Head of School Village Green Athletics Class Notes Parting Shot

FOLLOW US /AvonOldFarms @AvonOldFarms /AvonOldFarms avon.old.farms Search Group: Avon Old Farms School Alumni Association avonoldfarms.smugmug.com

Everyone who knows Avon Old Farms agrees on one thing: the Brotherhood is unique. It’s so special that we treat it like a proper noun when we write about it: the Brotherhood. But the Brotherhood can be difficult to define. What makes the Avon Brotherhood so special? Some say Mrs. Riddle’s original vision for the campus is responsible for the unique bonds that develop on campus and remain strong long after Avonians depart to begin their journeys into adulthood. Living, working, eating, and playing together day in and day out goes a long way in forging strong bonds. The Old Farms physical plant is extensive, and over the years, the administration has built on the original footprint to create spaces intended to strengthen the Brotherhood, including the Beatson Performing Arts Center, the Brown Student Center, and the Ordway Science Center. This past summer, a new patio and pavilion space was constructed on foundations Mrs. Riddle laid in the 1920s. Some say it has to do with the people invited into this special community. Admissions officers have gone so far as to say that during an interview with a prospective student, they know he’s not only a Man of Avon but that he will one day lead the school as warden. Such was the case with featured student Hudson Miller ’24. It also is likely due to those who choose to give their time, talents, and support to Avon for decades, as was the case with Peter Aron ’65, whom we remember in this edition. Regardless of what started the Brotherhood, Avon administrators know it is special and keep an ever-watchful eye on ways to help strengthen it. In this issue of the Avonian, readers meet Win Ford, a faculty member, a dean, and the person on campus who helps the boys understand what being a good man means. Head of School Jim Detora P’12 made it his personal mission to keep students off their phones while walking around campus and encouraging them to look up, take in this magical place, and be present with the brothers around them. After all, they’ll be here for only a few years, and everyone knows the years fly by at Avon. Aspirando et perseverando, JACQUELINE KELLER, EDITOR

kellerj@avonoldfarms.com (860) 404-4116

Established 1927

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Jim Detora P’12 ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Robert J. Whitty ’87, P’16 EDITOR

Jacqueline Keller

500 Old Farms Road Avon, CT 06001 www.avonoldfarms.com (860) 404-4100 ADMISSIONS

(800) 464-2866 admissions@avonoldfarms.com ALUMNI

We enjoy hearing from you! Please send us your latest news and notes: EMAIL:

alumni@avonoldfarms.com WEBSITE:

www.avonoldfarms.com/classnotes ARCHIVES

archives@avonoldfarms.com EMAIL

Members of the administration and faculty can be emailed by using the following formula: last name + first initial @avonoldfarms. com. The directory on the school website also includes email links. Avon Old Farms School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disabilities, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Greetings,

ost of the people reading this letter have heard me say “it’s all about the boys” many times. On the Avon campus, people live and breathe this motto, and I lean on it when making challenging decisions as the head of school. The Brotherhood theme, mentioned in this issue, is palpable at Avon. Any person who visits our campus can relate to the sense of community each of us feels. The Brotherhood, the unbreakable bond that forms during the years on Mrs. Riddle’s campus, sets us apart. It’s our magic elixir. And generations of Avonians agree, as you will see in this issue. The fall return to campus always brings a renewed energy with brothers reuniting and new bonds forming over classwork, sports, and meals together. We are midway through the first semester—the leaves have changed and winter sports are on the horizon. The many summer projects are finished, and the community is enjoying them, especially the new pavilion built on Mrs. Riddle’s original foundations outside the Evans Alumni and Development Office on the green. It’s another beautiful gathering spot on campus, one that will create new memories for current and future classes. We hope you will visit and reconnect with your brothers at one of the many alumni events throughout the year. For those with an upcoming reunion year, I’m excited to mention that we will move Reunion Weekend from June 2024 to October 2024, when a home football game is scheduled. We will know the specific date soon. We are excited to showcase the many areas of campus and offer opportunities to engage with students and athletes. If you have a son who might be interested in attending Avon, this is a great opportunity to bring him to campus! I hope you and your loved ones have a chance to reconnect with family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday. We all have much to be thankful for this year. Aspirando et perseverando, J I M D E TO R A P ’ 1 2

Head of School

village green

THE COMPASS PROGRAM

egarding the creation of Avon Old Farms School, founder Theodate Pope Riddle wrote, “The main purpose of Avon College is to develop in each boy a sound moral character. There is great need today for men of independent thought who are capable of assuming responsibility on a strong, ethical basis.” What she wrote of “the great need” was true when she wrote it and is at least as clear and true today as it was in 1927, a fact illuminated by the

continuity between what Mrs. Riddle wrote nearly 100 years ago and the school’s current mission statement: Avon Old Farms develops boys into men of strong moral character with conviction who learn together in an inclusive, time-honored community defined by academic, athletic, and creative excellence. To continue to uphold both the mission of its founder and the current mission of all faculty and staff at Avon, the school introduced a new program designed to help

guide students down the right path. Dubbed “Compass,” it is led by English teacher Dr. Tim Watt. “Our Compass program is rooted firmly in our mission and in the first principle Mrs. Riddle articulated for her school: ‘to develop in each boy a sound moral character.’ Her statement is not only a first principle but also a commission to all of us who teach, coach, and guide the boys here,” Watt explains. “We named the program Compass to characterize its purpose and remind us of our commission—to provide

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We named the program Compass to characterize its purpose and remind us of our commission—to provide real, sustaining, moral, and spiritual direction— whether religious, artistic, personal, professional, or otherwise. The compass we are talking about is a moral compass. — DR. TIM WATT

real, sustaining, moral, and spiritual direction—whether religious, artistic, personal, professional, or otherwise. The compass we are talking about is a moral compass.” He continues, “It is not enough to just have a compass, however, whether that compass is a faith tradition, a martial discipline, a meditative practice, or an artistic vision. To have one is perhaps better than nothing, but it is not good enough. A person must know how to use it. In other words, our boys must

be offered a variety of compasses and then shown how to use them and practice using them in a world of the good, the bad, and the ugly; in this world of uncertainty, division, distraction, and noise; and of truth, beauty, kindness, peace, and strength.” Associate Head of School Robert Whitty ’87, P’16 explains that the Compass program works in conjunction with the already existing Vespers and Prep4ward programs. “Compass has, in a way, expanded our Vespers program, which is a tradition here that goes back decades. They offer a foundation of timeless values that our families are looking for,” he says. Similar to Vespers and Prep4ward, Compass meetings take place regularly throughout the year. Every Wednesday morning, students gather in the Susan Casey Brown Auditorium to hear a speech from a faculty member, an alumnus, or another guest speaker. Each speech provides a personal anecdote from the speaker’s life that showcases what being a good man means and/or the importance of morals and conviction. Just as in a typical Chapel service or Vespers, the community joins

VILLAGE GREEN

together in song during Compass, always concluding with “Men of Avon.” Unlike Chapel, however, the musical accompaniment during Compass is performed by a group of students eager to take the opportunity to practice their instrumental abilities. Watt says the commitment from speakers and the organizers of each Compass session is laudable. “It is a demanding thing to ask of our faculty, of whom much is already demanded, but it is a privileged effort, worthy of our exhaustion. If we do not guide our boys and teach them the spiritual discipline of directing their wills to their goals and their goodness, others who do not and will never love them will do so, down trodden paths—seen and unseen—leading to nowhere good.”

Expected Speakers for 2023–2024 FACULTY AND STAFF

ALUMNI

Mrs. Bartkiewicz P’16, ’18 Maj. Bourgault ’80, P’09 Mrs. Couch Mr. Custer P’04, ’05, ’10 Mrs. Doemland Mr. Doyle P’12, ’14 Mr. Ford Mr. Lea Mr. Mihalich Ms. Pinton Mr. Rice ’76, P’15 Mr. Schloat Mr. Symes ’81, P’16 Dr. Watt Mr. Whitty ’87, P’16 Mr. Wholley

Aaron Aryee ’14 Jack Ginter ’23 Col. Jamie Hayes ’88

PARENTS/ASSOCIATES/ SPECIAL GUESTS Rev. Dr. Ned Edwards

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Visiting Author: DR. ROBERT BALLARD

primary goal of Avon Old Farms School is to inspire young men to aspire and persevere in the pursuit of selfdiscovery. The Visiting Author Program is just one of many ways the school works to accomplish that goal. Dean of Faculty Dr. Trevor Stern says the chosen author is always someone who exemplifies what it means to aspire and persevere. “As always, we want the author to align with the ethos of the school, someone who upholds our values or school motto to aspire and persevere or someone the kids can look up to and be inspired by.” He says this year’s author checks all the boxes. Many people might know him as the guy who found the Titanic wreckage, but Dr. Robert Ballard is so much more. His illustrious career merged the fields of exploration, oceanography, geology, archaeology, history, biology, and even military strategy. In addition to locating the Titanic, he led the teams that discovered the sunken vessels Lusitania, Bismarck, Yorktown, and PT-109—the World War II boat captained by a young John F. Kennedy. Ballard served in the military and continued his service even after leaving active duty by helping inform naval strategy. Through his exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean, he discovered new life-forms that rewrote the definition of life on Earth and possibly other planets. He traced ancient trade routes in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, finding and

recovering artifacts that dated back as far as 2000 BC. He pioneered the field of undersea exploration, developing robots that could handle the pressure and other dangerous elements of the deep sea. Ballard’s book Into the Deep: A Memoir From the Man Who Found Titanic details his storied career, including all the well-known discoveries that made headlines as well as the lesser-known struggles he overcame along the way. The latter was an aspect of the book that English teacher Dr. Tim Watt says he particularly enjoyed. “One of the things I really liked was his acknowledgement of his shortcomings. He did it in a way that made it clear he recognized his flaws and tried to grow from them. That’s a lesson I hope our boys take away.” Stern says he also hopes students see Ballard as an example that passion and perseverance are vital to finding success. “He didn’t just wake up and become Dr. Ballard, the foremost explorer of his time,” Stern says. “He worked hard and followed his passion even when the road was difficult.” Just a few challenges Ballard had to overcome in his 60-plus year career include a lifetime of undiagnosed dyslexia and the loss of his oldest son at just 20 years old. Stern says he hopes the primary takeaway for students is a fresh perspective. “The ultimate goal every year is that they think about life in a way they never have and that they feel inspired.”

The entire visit, as is the case with the Visiting Author Program as a whole, would not have been possible without support from the Parents of Avon. “We in no way would be able to run this program without the Parents of Avon’s generosity. We’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Stern says. “It’s a unique opportunity to interact with an author in an intimate way.” Through the Visiting Author Program, an author/book is selected to be an all-school read. The author then spends an entire day on campus—answering questions, giving presentations, and ultimately becoming a member of the Avon community for a day. “We appreciate that authors come and get a feel for who we are as a whole. They really get to discover the community we have here,” Stern says. This year, the author’s visit will take place later in the school year than usual. Ballard will be on campus on Monday, December 4. For anyone interested in hearing Dr. Ballard’s presentation to the school and/or his Q&A session with students, the event will be live streamed on the school’s website at www.avonoldfarms.com/ livestream. Of course, those who are interested can also learn all about him by reading his memoir, Into the Deep.

VILLAGE GREEN

How Avon Admissions Helps BUILD THE BROTHERHOOD

he Avon Old Farms admission office is unique. Dean of Enrollment Patrick Miller is a member of the Class of 2007. Associate Director Mark Naclerio is Class of 2011. Director of International Admission Christel Rooney is a past parent as are assistants Kim Whitty and Kelly Giamalis. We think it’s safe to say our admission team gets Avon. So, how does the team help build the next generation of the Avon Brotherhood? Here’s what they had to say:

PATRICK MILLER ’07, DEAN OF ENROLLMENT

“This past spring, Chris Stone ’88 was honored as a distinguished alumnus and spoke to our student body about his life experiences, his career, and his memorable time at Avon. He paid homage to an Avon legend, Peter Evans H’18, P’98, when he recounted a time Peter addressed the student body at a meeting. His words struck a chord with Chris—‘take time to find out who you are while on this campus.’ “With that in mind, I always like to remind myself that Mrs. Riddle built this campus to be a safe haven for boys. There are no finished products

walking through the admission doors, but I am confident that we have the faculty, facilities, and resources to care for and support all students to help them find their best selves. “The job of members of the admission team is to find students who genuinely want to take advantage of the opportunities available while communicating the responsibility of each student’s role in improving our community. Not every student will one day become warden or starting quarterback at Avon, but each will play a part in making it a better home for the next generation of Avonians while unlocking their own potential. “We have introverts and extroverts that come in every different shape and size, but the constant we look for is sincerity—essentially good eggs. Although times have changed, includ-

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ing class offerings and hairstyles, the direction of the school has stayed constant from George Trautman H’98, P’75, ’81, ’82, GP’03 and Ken LaRocque H’19, P’01, ’10 to Jim Detora P’12. Our goal is to develop men of strong moral character and conviction who will one day be great husbands, fathers, and leaders.” MARK NACLERIO ’11, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION

"The main traits I look for in a prospective student are character and the ability to positively impact the community. During the application process, getting an idea of how each prospective student will fit into our culture is important. I observe how students interact with their parents, other students, and faculty and staff and how they present themselves. We want students who will embrace all aspects of life on campus academically, athletically, and socially." CHRISTEL ROONEY P’18, DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION

“What I'm looking for when an international candidate comes to campus or interviews with me via Zoom is mostly a student who is motivated, curious, and interested in being part of the Avon Brotherhood. By motivation, I mean

that he is a driven student, an artist, an athlete, or a natural leader who wants to participate in student government or community service. I'm also looking for the student who goes beyond the books, is interested in the opinions of others, and has a love of learning or the potential for that. I'm looking for a new Avonian who is a brother to all on campus and does not limit himself to a single interest.” KYLE JACKSON, DIRECTOR OF LACROSSE PROGRAMS

“I look for a charismatic student who can carry on a conversation. I look for someone who is interested in much more than just the athletic piece of our great campus. I hope to pry a little bit of character out of a student while keeping a keen eye on the relationship with his parents/family/guardian.” KIM WHITTY P’16, ADMISSION ASSISTANT

“It is not unusual for me to welcome a very nervous prospective student to campus, and it is really fun to see a very different student exit the office doors after his visit. “I personally enjoy chatting with a prospect about secondary school opportunities here at Avon and watching a dream become a reality when a young man decides to attend

and join the Brotherhood. Although I am not part of the interview process, I get to know the families very well through the phone calls and interviews and helping to navigate the admission process along the way. My belief is that an Avon boy has the characteristics of a well-spoken, kind, outgoing young man who works hard to support his brothers and will grow as an individual who will help shape the Avon community and pay it forward many years after graduating.” KELLY GIAMALIS P'07, '10, '16, ADMISSION ASSISTANT

“I've been a part of the admission office for 13 years, and I really enjoy speaking with and meeting prospective students and their families. Having had three sons graduate from Avon, I find sharing my experiences as a past parent very easy. My sons were day students, so when I meet prospective day students, I especially focus on sharing with them just how much day students are an important, integral part of our community. The more they are involved and on campus, the better their experience will be. Our community is like a family, and the Brotherhood is real! My sons graduated years ago, yet their connection to and with their Avon brothers remains strong. When speaking with a prospective student, I try to get a sense of his interest in becoming a part of the AOF community.”

VILLAGE GREEN

NEW PATIO AND PAVILION: Building Community on Theodate’s Campus

hen Theodate Pope Riddle first developed plans for Avon Old Farms: A School for Boys, she planned two programs: the secondary school course and the junior college course. She also laid foundations for two quadrangles: the Pope Quadrangle and the Brooks Quadrangle, which would be connected via Elephant Dormitory. However, several buildings, including the Brooks Quadrangle, were never completed. Over the years, school administrators, friends, alumni, and architectural

visionaries came together to continue the founder’s work. In the 2000s, the Brown Student Center and the Beatson Performing Arts Center officially opened, built in the area originally envisioned for the great hall, cloister, chapel, court, and guest house. After the recent completion of tunnel preservation on campus, there was a lot of energy around how to carry Mrs. Riddle’s vision into the future. Avon’s newest campus additions, the outdoor pavilion and patio spaces, are built on already existing foundations Mrs. Riddle intended for the

book bindery and scouts quarters. Along with the site’s history, the development of this project is rather unique, a story in itself. In 2021, Head of School Jim Detora’s youngest daughter, Nicole, was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and interning with SLAM, an architecture firm with integrated construction services, landscape architecture, structural and civil engineering, and interior design. “My involvement with the new patio space on campus came about serendipitously. When I applied for

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the internship at SLAM, I was unaware of its previous architectural contributions to our campus and personal connection to the school. My relationship with Avon went similarly undiscovered until my first week with the firm. SLAM chairman and Avon alumnus Rich Connell ’74 quickly connected the dots and soon after initiated my work with this unique area of campus.” Dan Granniss, head of the landscape architecture studio at SLAM, proposed integrating the historical footprints into the design of the new space, Nicole explains. “I had always been drawn to projects of historical significance in my design classes at school, which made me particularly excited to work on this.” Through her internship, she ran with the idea, conducted research, drafted plans, and completed a presentation on what this vision could be. “It was a special experience to grow up on this campus, to be surrounded by these spaces. Growing up here is likely what inspired my interest in landscape architecture,” Nicole says. “Theodate brought her mastery not only to the architecture of the buildings but also to the planning and design of the entire campus. A walk through the Quad or Village Green attests to her ability to create spaces as extraordinary as the buildings surrounding them. Though I have shifted away

from landscape architecture and into the related field of urban planning, I still see this campus as an influence. The concept of village-style, walkable developments has become increasingly popular as people imagine a more resilient future. We emphasize the importance of community and the idea of living locally. In essence, I think that is what Theodate envisioned for Avon: a campus where people would work, learn, and grow together.” When Nicole’s presentation was completed, she was connected with both the alumni and development office to find a donor to sponsor the creation of the new spaces and with Director of Facilities Glenn Wilcox to put the plan into action. The intent was to create places for small, informal gathering spaces on campus. “When we shared the project with donors, we talked a great deal about the need for outdoor learning and community space on campus,” Director of Development Sarah Blanchard P’24 comments. “We’re very excited to have this new space on campus, and we know we’ll also be able to utilize it for alumni gatherings moving forward.” An anonymous current parent stepped forward to get the project started. In the summer of 2023, as soon as students left for summer vacation, excavation began. Stones were laid, and wood beams were hoisted into

position. Slate roofing was added to the dark-stained pavilion to match the existing aesthetic. The vision for this space was coming to life. But, as Nicole explains, the construction itself is not the end. “Integrating this space into the rest of campus will come with the maturation of new plantings. Much of my initial vision for this space was actually inspired by the landscape at Hill-Stead and the English cottage gardening style popular in Theodate’s time. Spaces such as the Sunken Garden at Hill-Stead are evidence of the immersive quality that vegetation can bring to an area. However, with the historical foundations lying directly below the patio, we had to get creative with how to emulate this effect. Low masonry walls, similar to the ones seen on the patios around the Village Green, can be implemented alongside garden beds and ornamental trees to create a similar feeling of an outdoor room. In the future, I hope to see larger trees planted in the vicinity of the pavilion and patio spaces at a safe distance from the underground foundations.” The school community is excited for the spaces to continue to evolve as landscaping elements are added but is most excited about how two Avon women worked together across nearly a century to complete them.

FEATURED ARTIST

Derrick Li ’24

uring the summer months, the liveliness of the Avon Old Farms School campus fades into hibernation. Faculty members leave the Village to take advantage of a well-deserved break, and students return home uninhibited by English essays and science projects. The few admissions tours and construction projects taking place cannot replace the buoyant bustle more than 400 teenage boys create. With the rest of campus all but empty, one student sits alone in the Estabrook Fine Arts Center in a paint-covered T-shirt with a paintbrush pressed to a canvas. Music plays from the phone sitting on a nearby table, but he’s not paying much attention to it. Derrick Li ’24 is fully immersed in his task and his creation. “It’s really good to clear my head. I’m sitting here thinking ‘why does this finger not look right?’ instead of everything else that’s going on.”

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For Derrick, a four-year day student from Southington, Conn., the art room is an oasis even in the summer months. He is there three to four days a week working on personal projects or perfecting school assignments that satisfied both his teachers and art contest judges—but not him. “I’m really bad at deciding when a piece is done,” Derrick explains. “It’s perpetual torture. I’m never really satisfied. A lot of times, I have to be told to move on to the next assignment.” “At some point, you have to let the mistakes go and move on,” Visual Arts Department Chair Cristina Pinton explains, adding that as an artist, she doesn’t like to enforce deadlines, but as a teacher, she has to from time to time. She says those mistakes aren’t necessarily a bad thing, that they indicate who an artist was at the time and where he was in his development as an artist. This Sisyphean effort for perfection

has helped Derrick capture plenty of awards for his artwork. As a sophomore, he earned an honorable mention at the 2022 Emerging Young Artists Exhibition at UMass Dartmouth, and as a junior, he won two gold keys in the 2023 Scholastic Art Competition. Considering the amount of time he spends painting and the award-winning results, learning that Derrick was not interested in painting until he took an Avon art class may be surprising. “I used to think I was pretty terrible at art. I dreaded art class in middle school,” Derrick says. When he first enrolled at AOF, he assumed his focus would fall somewhere within the realm of engineering— his older brother, Spencer ’22, had been a champion of the school’s robotics program. Though Derrick always knew he would follow his brother to AOF, it became clear right away that their paths would be different. Freshman

year, Derrick dropped an engineering class in favor of Drawing 1. He said this turned out to be a great decision. His new class was much easier, and his art skills improved rapidly throughout the year. “Under Mrs. P’s and Mr. Calibey’s guidance, I’ve really improved. I don’t think I’m unbelievably talented; I think it’s more due to the art program itself.” Derrick has taken multiple art classes every year and is currently enrolled in AP Studio Art. Many of his works are on display in either the Estabrook Fine Arts Center or the Ordway Art Gallery. Derrick has become a leader in the Visual Arts Department at Avon, according to Pinton. Last year, the school began a new mentorship program with Covenant Preparatory School, an all-boys middle school in Hartford. When Derrick heard about the program, he jumped at the opportunity to expose students to the arts at Avon and led them in an

FEATURED ARTIST

art exercise. He also volunteers his time as a member of the National Arts Honor Society in organizing the annual local student art exhibit in which work by students from other middle and high schools in the surrounding area is showcased in the Ordway Art Gallery. “He’s very enthusiastic, and he’s a natural leader,” Pinton says. Derrick also spent the fall of his junior year training to be a junior tour guide at the Hill-Stead Museum, an art museum that was originally the home of school founder Theodate Pope Riddle. In the winter and spring months, he spent weekends giving tours, sharing his knowledge of the arts and of Theodate. Readers may be surprised to learn that art is not Derrick’s only ambition.

In fact, one reason he’s on campus so often in the summer is because it’s on the way to an EMT class he’s taking as he prepares for a future in the medical field. After Avon, Derrick plans to pursue medicine, specifically pathology. He is exploring the option of majoring in fine arts as an undergraduate, but his final goal is medical school. He has completed multiple AP science classes and is a member of the school’s chemistry club. Balancing intense science coursework alongside the technical and creative requirements of fine art may seem difficult, but for Derrick, the two coincide in many ways. “In medicine, you have to know empirical information, but you also need to understand human emotion. That’s

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what I like to do with my painting. It has the technical elements, but you need to feel something as well.” Having art as more of a hobby allows Derrick to find inspiration naturally. “It’s hard to draw inspiration if art is your main focus,” he shares. With his senior year underway, Derrick has his sights set on Brown University to continue his education. He says he is attracted by the prospect that Brown allows students to join a pre-med program in which they can major in anything but still end up in medical school, which opens the opportunity to pursue art further. Before he graduates, however, Derrick has a few big projects ahead of him. He still has to complete his AP Art portfolio and has agreed to take on another project—a full-length wall mural on the newly constructed patio outside the Estabrook Fine Arts Center. “I’m really excited for that because it should be really fun,” Derrick says. He already has his concept mapped out: an Andy Warhol–style repeating pattern in varying colors with a flower as the focal point. Pinton says the mural space will be a perfect place for different students to leave their mark as they come and go and that Derrick was the obvious choice to paint the first edition. “Derrick was the perfect one. He loves to paint, he’s always here, and he’ll be able to use it for his AP portfolio. We’re both really excited about it,” she says. Overall, Derrick says, he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Avon and offers a piece of advice for current and future students: “take an art class.”

In medicine, you have to know empirical information, but you also need to understand human emotion. That’s what I like to do with my painting. It has the technical elements, but you need to feel something as well. — DERRICK LI ’24

athletics

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ATHLETICS

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FEATURED ATHLETE

Shikhar Motupally ’24 AN EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT, ATTACK-MINDED PLAYER

very team needs forward-position players with a hunger for scoring goals— the individuals who put the ball in the net, the ones who call out for a pass. However, not every player possesses the maturity to understand that winning requires more than just one person scoring. Being a true team player is a special talent and challenging to teach. Avon varsity soccer player Shikhar Motupally ’24 embodies this quality, and Avon Old Farms is fortunate to have had him on the soccer team for the past four years. “I’ve been playing soccer since the age of 3, but I’ve had my feet on a soccer ball forever,” Shikhar explained this summer after a team lifting session at the campus gym. “My older brother played from a young age, so there was always a ball in the yard and someone to kick it around with, even when I didn’t fully grasp the game of soccer.” Shikhar went on to describe that as soon as he stepped onto the field and heard his brother and father cheering from the sidelines whenever he scored a goal, he realized that soccer was his passion. He grew up playing for various club teams, always eager to outperform his opponents. He shared that his parents were “extremely invested in my athletic journey, driving me across the country for tournaments as a child. They

have been my biggest supporters, and all of my successes can be attributed to them.” In 2015, his family relocated from Milford, Conn., to Avon, where he had the chance to join the FSA Club team—a team he had often competed against but rarely defeated. “I knew the FSA team was really good, and I was excited for the opportunity to learn and play with them once we moved.” He began with the U09 team in 2015 and continued to play throughout the years. Nevertheless, the day he stepped onto Carriuolo Field with the Avon Old Farms varsity soccer team as one of only two freshmen, he quickly realized he faced a new challenge. “I had been playing competitively all my life, but Avon Old Farms was on a different level. My first two years at AOF were a wake-up call. I wasn’t good enough, I wasn’t big enough, I wasn’t quick enough. My confidence as a player hit rock bottom. I wasn’t sure I’d ever reach the level I aimed for. I felt humbled, but I held onto the belief that working hard to get stronger, faster, better was my mantra. Giving up was not an option.” Shikhar mentioned that he had dedicated himself to improvement on the field and had committed significant time to strength training in the gym. When he returned to the club team after Avon’s season ended, he

ATHLETICS

Being a part of the Brotherhood is the opportunity of a lifetime. The Brotherhood offers the unique chance to grow through the challenges of adolescence in a community filled with support. To me, brotherhood means standing up for and supporting your brothers through times of adversity. — S H I K H A R M O T U PA L LY ’ 2 4

noticed how much he had progressed compared to other players. His hard work paid off, and he began ascending through the ranks on the team as a sophomore. “Avon taught me to never settle: always strive to outdo yourself today compared to yesterday. However, an injury during my junior year also taught me that being better today isn’t solely about physical performance,” Shikhar explained. “Coaching Shik has been a pleasure, watching him evolve into the player he is today. What I admire about Shik is his constant pursuit of improvement and his coachability. Every year, I’ve pushed him to improve, and every year, he’s risen to the challenge,” stated Coach Carl Stensland. “On the field, Shikhar contributes in various ways. We mainly deploy him as our center attacking mid, relying on him to facilitate as well as score. Before his injury last year, he was our second-leading goal scorer and led the team in assists.” During a varsity home match on Family Weekend last October, Shikhar was chasing the ball down the field when he tore two

ligaments in his ankle. He was sidelined for much of the second half of the season, which posed a significant challenge for him. “Soccer had always been my outlet for expression. My time on the field was my mental escape, emotional release, a way to let go of negativity and fuel up on positivity. When I couldn’t play anymore, I did a lot of soul-searching. I needed to figure out how to contribute to the team in other ways.” Despite his injured ankle, Shikhar took on responsibilities such as distributing water during practices and games. He retrieved balls from the field and supported from the bench. In return, he felt an overwhelming wave of support from his teammates. “Many of my teammates rallied around me during my recovery and pushed me to overcome challenges. They checked in on me and encouraged me to give my all to return before the season ended.” He did make a comeback toward the end of the season and was thrilled to be back for his senior year. Furthermore, Shikhar had used his time off the field to excel academically and continued to be a campus leader by partici-

The Avonian // FALL 2023

pating in the Student Council, serving as an admission ambassador, and taking on the role of head monitor. As a member of the Riddlers and president of the Sing-ed Beavers, Shikhar also expanded his involvement in the singing community on campus, using singing as a means to channel his emotions. The life lesson he gained from his time away from the game inspired Shikhar to launch a new club on campus: a mental health club, with Director of Health and Wellness Heather Callaghan P’25 as the club’s faculty advisor. Shikhar has achieved success in all aspects of life at Avon—academically, athletically, and artistically. He has also been a potent campus leader since his freshman year. The mental health club is yet another facet that Shikhar will add to his Avon legacy. “I found my place at Avon, and I’m glad I made the choice to come here, even though I wasn’t always sure it was the right move for me,” he explained. “My older brother, Saagar ’21, found his place within the Brotherhood here at AOF, but I didn’t always assume it would be the right fit for me. Before touring Avon, I actually considered Taft, Loomis, and Westy because I didn’t want my brother’s experience to influence my decision. I wanted to make my own choice, and it just happened that the Brotherhood at Avon felt like the only community that resonated with me. I could immediately sense that at Avon, everyone is striving to elevate one another, and I wanted to be a part of that. I desired to be in an environment that nurtures the pursuit of excellence. After my tour, I knew Avon would be unparalleled.” As he enters his senior year, Shikhar affirms that the soccer team always sets concrete goals: a Founders League championship and a New England championship. Yet, on a personal level, he also aspires to become a stronger leader and help the younger players on the team find their places, much as he did.

“I aim to be a positive role model for every individual on the team, particularly the younger players who are still seeking their paths. I want to consistently set the right example and offer support. It takes a level of maturity to realize that soccer isn’t solely about scoring goals. Eighteen individuals comprise a team, each with his own role. Last year, our successful season was built on the foundation of our connections off the field. When game day arrived, we trusted each other and sought to pass to one another. Our success wasn’t just about my goals; it was about the team’s victory. I aim to impart this insight.”

ATHLETICS

COACHES CORNER

Mark Naclerio ’11:

oach Mark Naclerio ’11 has loved hockey since he began playing at age 4. He recognizes that the game gave him so much, including the opportunity to receive a great education, travel, and grow as a person. In 2020, Mark decided to step away from his desk job and approach his love for hockey from a new perspective: the coaches’ bench. “Hockey taught me important lessons: how to work with others, be a good teammate, respond to adversity, and put team success ahead of individual success. All these coincide with what it means to be a good man, which is what I hope to

A S S O C I AT E H E A D C O A C H , VA R S I T Y H O C K E Y

pass on to the next generation of players.” In 2022, Mark was presented with the opportunity to return to his alma mater and was honored to give back to the program that helped shape him into the man he is today. “The tradition of brotherhood is a pillar at Avon and one of the main reasons I wanted to return to this special place. The support system here is unmatched, and I couldn’t be more excited to help my players pursue their dreams. I always knew being a part of this community again would be special, but I didn’t know how much it would better my life as an adult.” During his first year coaching at Avon, Mark was reminded of the great rivalries, traditions, and memories he had as a Winged Beaver. In addition to helping build character, Mark’s goal was to provide his players with the same memory he has: winning a New England championship. Watching the team achieve this goal during his first year back was special. Mark takes a relational approach with his players, similar to the ways Avon faculty work with their students. Because he’s also an Avonian, his players know he’s been

in their shoes. “My relationship with the players is built on a foundation of mutual respect. When I establish a rapport with my players, I can push them to be their best selves on and off the ice.” When reflecting on his coaching career, Mark shares that helping players chase their dreams while simultaneously showing them what being good men means is the most rewarding part of the job. Mark reflects on the importance of being a good teammate first and says championships are won by putting team goals ahead of individual goals. Mark remembers this value being instilled in him during his time playing for Coach Geoff Barlow ’98 on the JV squad during his freshman year and later on Coach John Gardner’s varsity team during his next three years at Avon. Mark now has the opportunity to coach with an amazing group of leaders and some of the very people who helped ignite his love for the game. “Being able to stand with them on the bench is a true honor. I look forward to continuing to work with them, along with Coach Murphy and Coach Dunham, to help these student-athletes find success.”

the

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elephant remembers “Where Boys May Be Boys” FROM THE ARCHIVES:

he cornerstones of today’s Avon experience are the differentiators that give boys a reason to choose Avon Old Farms over Deerfield, Salisbury, and Hotchkiss. We put a lot of energy into explaining and promoting the Prep4ward Program, the Afternoon Independent Project Program, Intersession, and the importance of school jobs, sit-down dinners, Vespers, and more. But, as is relayed in this article from June 13, 1925, published within the pages of The Woman Citizen, the underlying concepts that provide a solid foundation for these differentiators were purposeful from the start. It is perhaps these shared experiences that foster the Avon Brotherhood as we know it. “ S U P P O S E T H AT O N A R R I V I N G AT T H AT S C H O O L YO U W E R E A S K E D W H E T H E R YO U WA N T E D T O S H O E A H O R S E , OR RAISE CHICKENS, OR T I N K E R I N A M A C H I N E S H O P, O R S AW O U T A S H I P M O D E L IN A CARPENTRY SHOP OR R U N A P R I N T I N G P R E SS .”

FEATURED AVONIAN

Hudson Miller ’24 A

s an aspiring hockey player, Hudson Miller ’24 always knew about Avon Old Farms School, one of the top hockey institutions in the world. However, the Manhattan native quickly realized when he first stepped onto Mrs. Riddle’s campus that this place was so much more. “Hockey was definitely a big part of it, but touring the school, you get the feeling it’s a really special place,” he says. “Coming here was one of the best choices of my life.” One aspect that immediately stood out to Hudson was the welcoming environment. Feeling intimidated when starting at a new school is common, but he says this wasn’t the case at Avon. “Everyone is just so friendly. Whether it’s an upperclassman, a teacher, or an advisor, everyone here is ready to support you with whatever you need.”

Part of that support system is constant encouragement for students to pursue their passions or to discover new ones. That was how Hudson got started with the Student Council. He says that in his previous school, St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School in New York, he had been a member of the student government clubs but was uncertain whether he wanted to continue that at Avon. He knew he would enjoy it but was wary about whether he was a worthy representative of his peers. “When you’re a freshman, you look up to those guys. I wasn’t sure at first, but Mr. Murphy encouraged me to go for it, and it’s been a great experience.” Mike Murphy, the academic dean for freshmen at the time, explains why he told Hudson to go for it. “Even as a freshman, he was a quiet leader who drew people to him. You could tell he would have a positive

impact. He just needed a little bit of encouragement.” As his confidence and leadership abilities grew each year, the prospect of becoming warden of the school began to seem like a real possibility. Hudson admits that although he enjoyed serving on the Council, the thought of leading the entire student body was a bit daunting. “It’s exciting, but it was out of my comfort zone for sure.” As the student elections loomed late last year, his chances of being chosen as warden grew from a possibility to a probability. “Some of my friends were telling me they thought I might get it. I just knew that either way, I wanted to keep serving on the Council.” In the end, Hudson was chosen for the position, and it wasn’t only his fellow students who felt he was the right person for the job. Matt

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Mihalich was Hudson’s math teacher his freshman and sophomore years and his advisor for his junior and senior years. He says he always knew Hudson had what it takes to be a leader. “I think what makes him such a good choice for warden is he’s both authentic and has great character. He’s got this perfect blend. It allows him to be a good decision maker and a role model for the students around him,” Mihalich explains. “He doesn’t have to change anything about himself to be a good leader or a good guy—he just is.” One unique component of an Avon education is that students are prepared to handle themselves in a room full of adults, which comes easily to Hudson. “It makes him a natural branch between students and the administration, which is perfect for a warden,” Mihalich says, adding that Hudson also gels well

FEATURED AVONIAN

with fellow students. “I’ve seen him have conversations with kids, and from the interaction, it looks like they’re best friends. Then I come to find out that it was a first encounter.” Long-time AOF hockey coach John T. Gardner shares a similar sentiment. “I think Hudson has proven to be an honest, responsible, and reliable young man in his past three years at Avon and thus was chosen to be the warden for this school year. He has a welcoming personality and a good way of interacting with his peers as well as the faculty. I think he’ll be an excellent mentor as well as a role model for the younger students at AOF.” It was likely all those traits plus his skills on the ice that led Hudson’s teammates to elect him co-captain of Avon’s renowned varsity hockey team. He says as both a team captain and the school’s warden, he’ll be

required to step up and use his voice much more this year. “It’s two different types of leadership, but there are definitely some traits that translate.” He says that in both roles, making sure everyone bonds as a cohesive unit and leading by example are the most important steps for success. “When everyone is so passionate about something, when everyone has that same drive, that helps make you successful.” Hudson is no stranger to success. He was an instrumental member of last year’s varsity hockey team, which won the NEPSAC New England championship for the first time since 2010. Obviously, he hopes to repeat that feat this year. Off the ice, he has big plans as well. Last year, Hudson and the rest of the Student Council canvassed the student body to discover requests and needs students think are important. They then

What makes the Brotherhood special is that everyone is motivated to be a better friend and teammate, driving to achieve success. This drive allows all of us to improve and develop as men, helping to provide a foundation for our community. — HUDSON MILLER ’24

compiled that information into a packet and delivered it to administrators. Some of those requests included reinstating common rooms, the implementation of brunch instead of lunch on Saturdays, and bringing back consistent work crews for misbehaving students. One of Hudson’s personal goals as warden is to help incorporate new students into the Brotherhood even sooner. “There’s usually like a oneor two-month gap of kids still being nervous. I want to help them feel comfortable right away.” He says being a part of the AOF Brotherhood is something special. “In my mind, the Brotherhood is Avon’s strongest component; this community is there when you need it. You can rely on your teachers,

The Avonian // FALL 2023

dorm parents, monitors, and brothers to help you reach your goals in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the arts. What makes the Brotherhood special is that everyone is motivated to be a better friend and teammate, driving to achieve success. This drive allows all of us to improve and develop as men, helping to provide a foundation for our community.” In his Chapel Talk, Hudson shared a story from his childhood when Hurricane Sandy decimated Rockaway Beach, a special place for Hudson where much of his family is from. “People’s treasures and memories were gone. It was devastating.” He said it changed his perspective about how to respond when going through tough times and how precious life can be. “In the end, Hurricane Sandy was a tragic event that disrupted the lives of thousands of people, but the community of Rockaway Beach came together and only got stronger. That is what a community does.” He compared it to the Brotherhood at Avon Old Farms School. “As a new school year begins, we will all have our own ups and downs, but let’s lift each other up and support each other during those lows. The Brotherhood reminds me of the Rockaway community because of its strength, support, and energy that members bring daily. Let’s continue these traits as we begin a new school year and always look out for each other and support one another.” Although he’ll definitely miss everything Avon has to offer, Hudson has a bright future ahead of him. He has already committed to continue both his education and his hockey career at Yale University. He hasn’t

decided exactly what he plans to study but is leaning toward pursuing an undergraduate degree in business. For now, none of that is on Hudson’s mind. “Right now, I’m more focused on enjoying my last year here, taking in the moment. It’s a special year for everyone, so I’m going to take it all in before I have to move on to that next chapter.”

The Avonian // FALL 2023

FACULTY FOCUS

Win Ford T

o fully tell the story of Win Ford would require many more than the limited number of pages available in this magazine. It began in a manner all Avonians can relate to: Win was the child of two New England boarding school teachers. His father taught English, wrote poetry, and was a legendary crew coach at various schools, including Westminster. His mother served as a guidance counselor and eventually a dean of students before becoming the head of school at Miss Porter’s. From his parents, Win developed a love of literature and fervor for intellectual discourse. From his grandparents, he found a passion for the arts—especially opera. “When I first started hearing opera, it was the indescribable beauty of it but also the physical demands that drew me in,” Win explains. “The lowest level of an opera performance has to be perfect.” After high school, Win enrolled in Skidmore College. He studied music, rowed for the crew team, and ran his first marathon his freshman year. Following that first year, he focused fully on performing opera. He made his professional debut as a soloist at the age of 17 and for the next 15 years alternated between teaching math and traveling for opera performances. “Sometimes the performances

involved six weeks of rehearsal, and a prep school teacher can’t afford to miss six minutes of the school year. When I was cast in an opera, I had to pull out of teaching.” Win went on to perform in well-known venues all across the country and internationally. During periods when he was not teaching, practicing, or performing, he filled his time with motorcycles, martial arts, and boxing—often serving as a sparring partner for professional boxers in New York City. When Win was in his mid-30s, he made the decision to end his opera career and commit to teaching full-time for two reasons. “I would sing exclusively for a few years, but then I would really miss the school setting,” he explains, adding that reaching the very top of the opera world would have required altering who he was mentally and emotionally. “I love the depth of emotion in opera, but the only way to get to that part of your voice is through an intense commitment. To sing at the level I wanted required that I become a man I did not want to be.” He summarizes by saying that being a teacher fulfills him more completely than singing. It checks all his requirements for meaningful employment: the job is something he

enjoys doing, it makes the world a better place, and the character of the person doing it matters. Based on his background, one might wonder why Win teaches advanced mathematics rather than English or music. One reason is that although he loves indulging in music and literature, he enjoys teaching mathematics more. “There are really two reasons why I love teaching math the most. The first is the sound that happens exclusively in math class: the elongated ‘Ah!’ a student makes when he realizes he just grasped an elusive concept, and, to quote an actor-turned-amateur-mathematician, ‘mathematics is the only place where truth and beauty mean the same thing’—the study of mathematics utilizes all the activities of the mind I love most.” That isn’t the only reason Win embraces teaching math over other subjects. He says understanding math makes a person a better thinker, regardless of what he or she thinks about. “I do think it’s the most important subject to study. It’s the best way to approach a problem; you can fail, but then you go back in, find what you did wrong, and come to the right solution.” He compares it to learning through sports, saying that although a football player might

FACULTY FOCUS

learn to improve at playing football, he simultaneously learns lessons about teamwork, discipline, and leadership. With math, students don’t learn just that day’s lesson; they also learn a valuable way of thinking. Win began his full-time teaching career at a private school outside

Boston, then moved to New York City where he took on leadership roles that included math department chair and dean. He moved to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the Middle East to teach at a new school modeled after New England boarding schools. The new king of Jordan had attended Deerfield Academy and wanted to create a school in his country with similar values and traditions. Win enjoyed riding motorcycles from King Abdullah’s massive collection— even riding alongside his majesty from the palace in Aqaba to Wadi Rum. Win eventually took a job teaching at a private, K–12 school in North Carolina where he was put on a path to become a future head of school. That path changed abruptly one Easter morning when he noticed a strange lump on his calf and went to a doctor. Eight days later, on April 24, 2014, he was diagnosed with leukemia and given 24 hours to live. “They said

I should’ve been dead two weeks earlier. They said that 97 percent of my blood cells were cancer cells.” He was rushed to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill and immediately began three different treatments simultaneously. Doctors told him that even with the harshest chemotherapy and total-body irradiation options available, he would have enough time only to say good-bye to his loved ones. “For the next four and a half years, I had a life-span of two weeks. That’s what doctors kept saying.” Over the course of nearly five years, Win underwent a bone marrow transplant, began recovery only to have his cancer return, had to be revived twice, had another bone marrow transplant, and dealt with years of medication, therapy, and more than 18 months of living in the hospital and ICU before finally finishing treatment in the summer of 2019. “Doctors said I’m one of only a

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One of the many things I want the boys to understand is that being a good man and a good brother are the most important things, and there are many ways to do that. — WIN FORD

handful of people ever to survive what I had. They said it was a miracle.” Unfortunately, Win still experiences daily physical pain and with a new immune system still at a young age, he often experiences more severe symptoms and side-effects from the common contagions of boarding school life. That isn’t all he’s had to overcome. The expenses for his treatment placed him in medical debt that cost him his house, his retirement savings, and any other earnings he had from singing opera, training as a heavyweight boxer, and teaching. Win was still dealing with all of these issues when he accepted a teaching job at Avon Old Farms School. Win teaches calculus and leads the school’s latest Prep4ward program, designed to build character and help boys discover what being a good man means. Win’s almost unbelievably unique story makes him the perfect candidate to deliver

this message to AOF students. “The suffering I went through—there are adjectives, but they can’t really capture it. All of those experiences led me to a place where I wanted to talk about character and masculinity and brotherhood. Those were just vague concepts to me before, but now they are the reason I’m alive.” As Win lay in a hospital bed, and his strength dwindled to the point where he was unable to peel a banana, he began to realize that “who” you are and “what” you are don’t mean the same thing and that masculinity is not defined simply by strength. “I assumed, and I think a lot of people assume, that strength is somehow related to being good, and weakness is a character flaw. That’s a lie. There’s nothing inherently good about strength or toughness. Eventually, your strength will be taken from you, and resiliency and will are all that is left.” He came to realize that there are a

lot of ways to be a good man. It’s one mountaintop, and there are many ways to reach it. That is something he conveys to students as part of the Prep4ward program. “One of the many things I want the boys to understand is that being a good man and a good brother are the most important things, and there are many ways to do that.” Win is a prominent figure on campus both literally and figuratively. At 6’6’’ and 285 pounds and sporting a long beard, he can often be seen riding his motorcycle through campus alongside his wife, Christie Reif, who works in the college counseling office. His prominence can also be seen in the students’ characters and in the strength of the Brotherhood. “The one thing I hope the boys take away is that character is what matters most and that being a good brother at Avon is a small-scale way to be a good man.”

LEGENDARY

BROTHERHOOD

The Avonian // FALL 2023

ach boys’ school—no matter how large or how small—emphasizes the cultural construct of male bonding. However, the ways a school's administration fosters togetherness and the undeniable feeling of brotherhood can mean something different at each institution. At Avon Old Farms, the Brotherhood is the force that unites the many moving parts of the school. From running all-boys classrooms using interactive encouragement to supporting the groups of young men who go into the community to purposefully make a difference in the Avon Outreach program, the Brotherhood breathes life and meaning into individual students and the institution as a whole. What is the secret to nurturing and harnessing the power of this brotherhood energy? At Avon, the Brotherhood is part indefinable magic and part intentional development. The magnetic draw and benefit of the Brotherhood builds over time with the proper cultivation. What does Avon do to ensure that the Brotherhood is the stuff legends are made of?

SUSTAINING A LEGENDARY BROTHERHOOD

T HE IMPORTANCE OF BRO T HER HOOD IN AN ALL -BOYS SC HOOL

RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY TOLERANCE HONESTY

Avon Old Farms boldly lifts up brotherhood as its preeminent core value. The school once had eight core values but chose to consolidate them into four: brotherhood, scholarship, integrity, and sportsmanship. The core value of brotherhood encapsulates the following four original tenets: Respect: a Man of Avon should pay those around him his highest level of respect. Responsibility: a Man of Avon should be responsible for his own actions and the actions of his teammates, classmates, and dormmates. Tolerance: a Man of Avon should welcome all people. The plaque outside Brown Auditorium, where students attend Morning Meeting as a school community on weekdays, reads, “The ways in which we differ are far more important than the ways in which we are alike,” words from our founder, Theodate Pope Riddle. Honesty: a Man of Avon must hold himself and his brothers to the highest level of honesty throughout life’s endeavors. For Avon Old Farms, brotherhood is the secret sauce made up of regard for one another (respect), taking charge of one's own life and helping others do the same (responsibility), showing empathy and inclusivity to one another (tolerance), and being true and honorable (honesty).

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Whether in the dorms, programs, teams, or classes, Men of Avon display a great love for their school and for their brothers. The boys care about each other, challenge each other, and support each other—all at the same time. — MICKOY NICHOL ’14

10s

ENGINEER ING BRO T HER HOOD

T HE : MICKOY NIC HOL ’14

A brotherhood as remarkable as the one Avon Old Farms supports didn't appear out of thin air. Although there is an inexpressible, almost mystical quality to the Avon Brotherhood, from Avon's inception in 1927, the school worked to build sustainable bonds among boys. Mrs. Riddle even planned her architecture in a village-style layout to promote increased interaction among students. Continuing to today, the AOF leadership designs ways to build a lasting Brotherhood on campus. Five generations of Avonians still on campus have plenty to say about how Avon fosters the Brotherhood.

“Being a part of the Brotherhood is incomparable—it means you are a part of something greater than yourself. You become part of a lifelong family composed of men who hail from different walks of this Earth, different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and different life experiences. “The structure of our community at Avon makes this Brotherhood palpable. Whether in the dorms, programs, teams, or classes, Men of Avon display a great love for their school and for their brothers. The boys care about each other, challenge each other, and support each other—all at the same time.

SUSTAINING A LEGENDARY BROTHERHOOD

“When a student applies, is accepted, and decides to attend AOF, we pair him with a current student who serves as a Big Brother. Big Brothers help with the transition to Avon and provide new students with the opportunity of knowing someone prior to arriving on campus for the school year. Avon also has student monitors who live in the dorms. Monitor’s rooms are located in the centers of halls so they are the first rooms students see when they enter a dorm. This is intentional and allows students easy access to and communication with the monitors. “Avon Old Farms is a special school, filled with passionate, dedicated, brilliant, and supportive educators. The Brotherhood is simply an additional treasure that puts this school community over the top.”

00s

T HE : BR I AN M ALC HOFF ’07 “Many of my fondest memories come from my time as a student at Avon Old Farms. When I attended Avon, I was a day student. What I loved so much about our school was the fact that I always felt welcomed by the boarders. My friends were always willing to open their doors to me, and I developed some great relationships with students from all over. Even as a day student, I often spent my Friday and Saturday evenings on campus. The school’s strong sense of community allows day students to feel included in everything that happens on campus. I think that is unique and special to Avon. Should they choose, day students have the opportunity to really be a ‘boarder without a bed.’ As a faculty member now, I am committed to passing on the same type of experience to today's students.”

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We spend a lot of time together as a community—meals in the Refectory, Morning Meetings—but the Chapel is, to me, one of the most special gathering places, and it very much has a quaint village feel to it. — GRAHAM CALLAGHAN ’95, P’25

90s

T HE : GR AH AM CALLAGH AN ’95, P’25 “I think there is something to close-quarter living. The rooms are small, which I think gets students out in the halls to socialize. It's difficult for them to really get space from one another—a blessing and a curse, perhaps—but it forces residents to settle whatever differences there may be. The close living reminds me of perhaps being on a ship together. “The faculty apartments that join the Quad dorms allow students to be a part of family life. Students typically end up babysitting for or playing with the faculty kids. If not directly involved, they are indirectly involved just seeing the faculty families on a daily basis, teachers being parents. When I lived in Brown House, my son was often out in the halls of the dorm as a toddler, looking for someone to play knee hockey with him or throw him some Wiffle balls to hit outside. There was never a shortage of boys for him to play with. “We spend a lot of time together as a community—meals in the Refectory, Morning Meetings—but the Chapel is, to me, one of the most special gathering places, and it very much has a quaint village feel to it. That the Chapel was originally the carpenter's shop where the materials for the school were stored to use in the construction of the rest of the school buildings makes it an essential piece

of school history. That a number of faculty members have been married in the Chapel— Callaghans among them—makes it even more significant. It's more than just a school building. Faculty families start there, and often the wedding guests are predominantly fellow faculty members, which again deepens the sense of community and belonging we feel here in the village of Old Farms.”

SUSTAINING A LEGENDARY BROTHERHOOD

80s

70s

T HE : JOHN BOURGAULT ’80, P ’09

T HE : K E V IN DR ISCOLL ’72, P ’08

“Avon Old Farms made an indelible mark on me during my formative years, and I have very strong and fond memories of my time here. From the time I graduated, I always wanted to return to the school and provide the same experience to a new generation of Avonians. “A few years ago, the father of one of my wrestlers died. Calling hours at the funeral home were from 1–4 p.m. on a Sunday. At Morning Meeting, I announced that I would be driving a toaster van to Long Island and could take a few kids with me to support our teammate and show respect. After the meeting, so many kids signed up that I had to rent a charter coach and find another faculty member to drive a second toaster. “In total, 80 boys, whose only day off was Sunday, gave up their free time. They spent almost three hours in a bus, stood in line for 30 minutes to pay their respects, and then another three-hour drive back to campus. And every single boy wore his vespers dress without being asked to do so. “Though that was a sad time for that boy, this memory has been a shining moment for me during my time at Avon: it exemplified what the Avon Brotherhood stands for.”

“As a student, my experience at Avon was much different than it is today. We could not leave campus without proper dress, and our only mode of transportation was hitchhiking. That, combined with the lack of technology—no cell phones, computers, Wi-Fi, etc—made for a very immersive Avon Old Farms School experience. There were no other options, no other places to go, so we embraced the space we had. That created very strong bonds among the students. “When I returned as a member of Avon's faculty, one faculty duty was Master on Duty, which meant you were 100 percent responsible for the entire student body. Between teaching, coaching three seasons, dinner, study hall, and residential life responsibilities, we got to know the students very well. “As dean of students, I leveraged my own life experiences at Avon and knowledge of the campus to implement new programs that would better the experience. That's where Enrichment Hour came from: it helped both students and faculty. They would be in their classrooms to give extra help to any student seeking it during a dedicated period of time, which meant no more students knocking on your door for help during your family time. “Vertical housing was also a solution that

The Avonian // FALL 2023

As dean of students, I leveraged my own life experiences at Avon and knowledge of the campus to implement new programs that would better the experience. — KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08

ensured the entire school belonged to the entire community. For a long time, I was the head of Pelican Dorm, which was the senior dorm. It made for some rambunctious springs. I proposed vertical housing in each dorm—a hall of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen in each building—to encourage seniors to take on “Big Brother” roles with underclassmen in their dorms and to ensure that everyone felt comfortable everywhere. There was no ‘seniors only’ house or area anymore. I really saw success when one Saturday, a postgraduate, a senior, a sophomore, and two freshmen signed out to have lunch with one of their parents.” The Brotherhood at Avon Old Farms never dies. After walking through Alumni Gate as graduates, Men of Avon stay in touch with

their brothers. The Alumni Office hosts several gatherings every year—spanning the world—to provide events at which Avonians from all generations can catch up with one another and with current administrators. Avon Old Farms works to connect students and alumni with each other professionally, knowing that working with a fellow Avonian is always a solid move. Avonians remember and honor the brothers no longer with us. The American poet Edwin Markham stated, "There is a destiny which makes us brothers; none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own." At Avon, the Brotherhood is real, and the results are extraordinary. We believe Mrs. Riddle had a hand in creating that Brotherhood and think she would be proud.

IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERING

Peter A. Aron ’65

hen Avon Old Farms School lost Peter A. Aron ’65 in July, the obituary that summarized his life exemplified the school’s motto: Aspirando et Perseverando. Peter spent a lifetime aspiring and persevering in all that he did. He was a Renaissance man who chose to serve his country and earned a Bronze Star, among other awards, for his service in Vietnam. A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, he was successful in business and served as president, chairman, executive director, or trustee of various philanthropic, cultural, educational, and medical institutions for more than 40 years. He was an avid reader, a helicopter pilot, a scuba diver, and an annual participant in Mardi Gras festivities, but his first priority was the future of his family. How he managed to fit so much into his 77 years is hard to comprehend, yet those who knew Peter knew there was no other way. Gerard de Gunzburg ’65 met Peter during their

sophomore year. “His room was next to mine, and from the beginning, I was amazed by his fascination for learning and sharing what he knew with others. Those traits lasted his entire life.” Their friendship lasted a lifetime too. In 1966, the pair embarked on a 41-day road trip around the United States that further solidified their friendship. “We named our expedition ‘The Endless Search.’ The trip was about discovering our vast country and, very important, having fun!” says Gerard. At Avon, both young men became close friends with Sidney Clark H’65, a former chair of the English Department. They were inspired by Sid’s passion for literature and life, and both kept their Senior English notebooks and referred to them over the years. Peter’s love of Avon wasn’t limited to excellent faculty members. He cared for Avon’s history so deeply that he initiated and published Aspiration and Perseverance: The History of Avon Old Farms School on the occasion of the

The Avonian // FALL 2023

CHERYL AND BILL BEATSON ’59, DEBRA AND DEAN GRAHAM ’84, AND ERIKA AND PETER ARON ’65 GATHER ON THE MCSHANE PATIO DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BROWN STUDENT CENTER AND THE BEATSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ON CAMPUS IN NOVEMBER 2006.

school’s 50th anniversary. His historical knowledge of the school was virtually encyclopedic. His direction and vision earned him the title of editor. When asked what it was about Avon that kept Peter engaged with the school after he graduated, his wife of 51 years, Erika, explains that it was the impact of his teachers on his education and life and their guidance that helped create his desire for lifelong learning. Faculty members instilled in him a love of literature and history, and one could always find Peter reading late into the night. He was a bibliophile, and his greatest fear was that he would never be able to read all the books in his library during his lifetime. Peter knew the strength and impact of his Avon education, which was why he was dedicated to the school for so many years. He wanted to ensure that every Avon student had the same opportunity and experience he had been given. Simply put, Peter was generous to a fault when it came to Avon—with his time, his talent, and his financial support. “In the midst of his many and varied passions, Avon Old Farms School held a special place for Peter Aron,” shares Peter Evans H’18 P’98, former development director. “Peter generously committed himself to the school’s Board of Directors for nearly four decades and served as chairman from 1992 to 2003. Humble, yet never inclined to bestow credit upon himself, Peter invariably focused on pursuing the betterment of Avon. If making a difference in an institution and, consequently, in the lives of so many others is the measure of achievement in life, Peter succeeded mightily as Avon Old Farms has flourished.” When asked to write about his dear friend Peter Aron, Class of 1959’s Bill Beatson’s first reaction was quite brief: Impossible! “Where does one start? Where does one end by best describing this remarkable man? Peter would not want me to detail his contributions over the years. Thus, I will merely state that over many generations of Avonians,

not one individual has given more of his or her time and financial assistance to our school than Peter Aron.” Bill explains that years ago, he agreed to oversee all new building construction at Avon Old Farms School with only one condition: that Peter Aron be his partner. That speaks volumes, not only of their relationship but also the confidence Peter’s friends had in his abilities to take on such a monumental task. “Peter willingly agreed, and the rest is Avon history. Along with others, we both made meaningful financial contributions. Of course, such a huge undertaking requires a team effort, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Dean Graham ’84 and Director of Facilities Glenn Wilcox. At the dedication, Peter and I stood shoulder to shoulder relishing what we had just delivered to our school. As Peter wisely stated, ‘Bill, we did it for the boys.’” In all, Bill describes Peter as the consummate gentleman. “He was wise, smart, so thoroughly honest, and a total team player. He sought no attention for his many achievements. He loved our school, but his first love was always his amazing family: his wife; his two daughters, Heather and Holly; their husbands, Ross and Marty; and his six grandchildren. Peter and Erika were a magical couple who supported each other in all their endeavors, and when he spent endless hours on campus, away from his family, they always understood and supported his ultimate goal: to enrich the education and lives of every student who passed through Avon’s doors.” At the memorial service to celebrate Peter’s life, Gerard de Gunzburg read the words to “Men of Avon,” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” was performed. How fitting to hear those words. “Men of honor, Men of will. Set our hearts upon the mountains and our destiny fulfill.” After all, says Bill Beatson, Peter was one in a million, and he was an Avonian through and through. He truly fulfilled his destiny. Peter left this world knowing he had done his duty to his family, his friends, the institutions he loved, and his country. According to Erika, his mother, Jane, always told him, “Remember who you are and what you represent, for you have an obligation to others, yourself, your community, and your country, and always try to do the right thing.” Peter’s desire in life was always to give back to others through “loving acts of kindness.” He achieved that goal, and it gave him ultimate peace.

IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERING

Dr. Robert Gryboski ’57, P’88, ’99

von lost another long-time pillar of its alumni network with the passing of Dr. Robert Gryboski ’57, P’88, ’99 in May. An Avonian through and through, in 2021 Robert wrote an autobiography which included two chapters on his time at Avon: “The Crazy Lady and the School She Founded” and “At Avon Old Farms.” On the pages within, he shared that his mother had grown up next door to Theodate Pope Riddle and often played with her two adopted wards. Later on, his mother “would frequently visit the school while it was being constructed during the 1920s and even afterward when it was open and functioning as a boy’s prep school. She told me she always had a wish that one day her sons, if she ever had any, would be able to attend the school.” Robert did make it to Avon after receiving a scholarship awarded to the winner of a Hartford County writing competition. He spent five years at Avon, and during that time, he was a top student and the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and the yearbook. Robert had a deep love for Avon Old Farms and

always credited the school for giving him the foundation for his subsequent successes. “I thoroughly enjoyed my five years as an Avon student. Not only did I learn many practical skills which served me well in later life, but the school instilled in me a set of values by which I have always tried to live.” Robert also maintained that of all his life’s accomplishments, he was most proud of the fact that he had two sons who eventually became wardens of their respective classes at Avon, Rob ’88 and David ’99. Robert often quoted Theodate Pope Riddle’s view that “the ways in which people differ are far more important than the ways in which they are alike” and encouraged both Rob and David to take advantage of the opportunity Avon offered to cultivate friendships with other boys with diverse backgrounds. Robert’s house in Farmington eventually became a second home for dozens of Avonians who frequently enjoyed off-campus weekends there. Robert always insisted on hosting reunion class dinners at his home, not only for his own class but for Rob’s and David’s as well.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

REMEMBERING

Dave McShane ’59 BY MICHAEL FINNEGAN ’04

hen Dave McShane '59 and Michael Finnegan '04 were together, Dave always said to people, “We went to school together!” with a deadpan expression, just waiting for the look of confusion to cross his audience’s face. But the two were Avon Brothers as close as any classmates. Michael met Dave when he served on the Board of Directors and Michael was invited to serve on a student panel to share the current student experience with board members. Over the years, a deep friendship developed, making Michael the perfect person to reflect on Man of Avon Dave McShane. “Dave McShane’s name and impact can be seen and felt all over the AOF campus—he cared deeply for the school and did much to give back. Dave always saw Avon as a special place—it provided him lifelong friendships and formidable life lessons and direction. “Dave was a student during the Pierpont era, and he often told stories about how purposeful Don Pierpont and

other school leaders were in their interactions with each boy, taking the time to genuinely get to know them, relate to them, and show that they truly cared about helping shape them into men. Whether he consciously knew it or not, Dave embodied this mind-set in his own approach to supporting the Avon community. Whether it was as a board member or as an alumnus, he always maintained a line of sight into what the true needs were from the student perspective, hearing directly from the boys how things were. In that approach, he continued to gain friendships and imparted his own life lessons and direction to those he interacted with. I was fortunate enough to be one of those students who met with Dave to share my perspectives on the school and to begin to learn from him as well. As I progressed beyond Avon, Dave became a close friend and mentor. Though he’ll be missed by those lucky enough to call him a friend, his legacy and impact will clearly live on throughout the Avon community.”

The Avonian // FALL 2023

FEATURED ALUMNUS

Chase F. Donaldson ’68 A STRONG THREAD KEEPS THE BROTHERHOOD CONNECTED

von Old Farms School felt quite different in the 1960s than it does today. Provost Don Pierpont greeted students at the gate. The original Pope Quadrangle and Riddle Refectory existed, but structures such as the ice rink and student center had not yet been built. Instead, after dinner, students slipped out back to hang out on the ramp to “Saxby’s Place,” a makeshift school store selling snacks. On weekends, students had a few hours on Sunday afternoons to get off campus if only they could find a ride and a place to go. That was during the time Chase Donaldson ’68 found himself at Avon Old Farms School. His family lived in New York City when his parents sent him to Avon in search of a safer environment—one that would keep him out of trouble. “To be honest, I had started to hang around with a group of guys in New York … they weren’t a gang, but they weren’t always on the straight and narrow, so I think that scared my mother,” Chase says. “A family member had attended Avon for a couple of years earlier and was a star on the track

team, so Avon was the one boarding school my parents had in mind.” Chase and his mother took the train to Hartford, and when they arrived at Avon Old Farms, Don Pierpont interviewed Chase. “Though I was terrified walking into his office, he put me at ease. I think he did that for many students in my era who were being sent away from home and into the unknown. He must have taken a liking to me because as long as I spent a few months in summer school catching up after being in Colombia for a year, he said, there was a spot for me at Avon.” Though not all students from the Pierpont era look fondly on their time at Avon, Chase saw it as another adventure. He had lived in Colombia with his mother’s extended family the previous year, so being away from home wasn't new to him. He was fluent in Spanish, and he joked that he easily earned A’s in his Spanish courses with Mr. Consuegra. But Chase also got involved on campus, making the most of his experience, including meeting the woman he would eventually marry, Judy, during one of his Sunday afternoon off-cam-

pus trips! He discovered and learned to play lacrosse under Coach Billings, football with Coach Consuegra, and wrestling with Coach Cochran. Chase was also elected to the Student Council and was responsible for proposing a sanctioned smoking spot on campus, an alternative to students going to the woods for a smoke after dinner. He was a monitor in Diogenes and then head dorm monitor of Eagle. Although some innate leadership qualities were apparent in him, Chase attributes many of his accomplishments at Avon and beyond to his faculty and coaches. “Teachers taught us integrity, honesty, and respect and helped mold us into men. The coaches taught us the importance of teamwork. Don Pierpont taught us leadership and provided us with a spiritual foundation through our chapel services. Through their actions in the classroom and out, they all exemplified what leadership was really about.” Chase also recalls how several faculty members on campus welcomed him and other students into their homes, becoming adoptive

FEATURED ALUMNUS

Chase has a wonderful, genuine, warm personality. Coupled with his passion for Avon, it’s no wonder he has relationships with many alums, even those from different decades. — CHRIS WEBB

families. “It was part of what made Avon feel like home, and many of the relationships I built with faculty members lasted for years after I graduated. My English teacher, Sid Clark, even helped me find muchneeded financial aid during my college years, pointing me in the direction of the J. Aron Foundation. Thanks to dedicated personal coaching from Bruce Billings, I earned a lacrosse scholarship at Franklin and Marshall College.” When Chase was a junior at Franklin and Marshall, he and Judy married. The best man at their wedding was George Madeira ’68, and classmate Don Janney was also present. Avon faculty Sid Clark, the Consuegras, the Krons, and the Billingses were among the wedding guests. Chase joined the Naval Officer Program during his junior year in college and earned his commission after graduating from F&M and attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. He chose aviation and became a naval flight officer, flying in P-3 Sub Hunters during seven years of active duty at Moffett Field, Calif. During this time, he caught up with his Avon classmates Brian Mullins ’68, P’04 and Don Janney, both of whom then lived in San Francisco. While in the Navy, Chase also earned his MBA by attending night classes at the

University of Santa Clara. He continued serving in the Naval Reserves for another 17 years and retired as a Commander. After active duty in the Navy, Chase’s first job was in Hartford, Conn., working in marketing for the Heublein Corporation. With the move to Connecticut came the opportunity to renew his connection to Avon Old Farms. “Once I was back in Connecticut, I made a point of visiting faculty and the campus. Judy and I would go on picnics with Sid Clark, or we’d visit him in his summer home in

Haddam. Though it had been several years since I had graduated, a lot of things felt unchanged.” Later on in life, while making business trips to Miami, he visited with Miriam and Jorge Consuegra '51, P'77, '80, GP'11, '14 and their son Andy '80, P'14 as well. Ironically, Chase and Andy became business contemporaries in the early 2000s when they both had their own companies. Around the same time, Chase began helping out as a class ambassador. He participated in Seth Mendell ’52’s “phonathons,” not just to ask alumni to support the school but also to rebuild connections with his classmates. Henry Coons '71, P'07 invited Chase to be a member of Avon’s National Council, a dedicated group of volunteer alumni and past parents who serve as active advisors, ambassadors, and advocates for Avon Old Farms.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

“Chase has a wonderful, genuine, warm personality. Coupled with his passion for Avon, it’s no wonder he has relationships with many alums, even those from different decades,” comments Chris Webb, who oversaw the National Council. “This was certainly important when we asked him to join. Within a short period of time, we recognized that his attention to detail could be of even greater service to the National Council. When a new slate of executive officers for the National Council was nominated, we asked Chase to assume the role of secretary, which he began last year. As expected, Chase has served incredibly well in that role. On a personal note, Chase is an amazing Avonian and fun to be around! I feel lucky to have a close connection to Chase and his partner in crime, Judy!”

Chase shares that although not all of his fellow Avonians care to reminisce about their time at Avon, those he has stayed engaged with have made significant impacts over the years. He is especially proud of the creation of the Class of 1968 Donald Pierpont Scholarship Fund, established in tribute to Don Pierpont on the 50th anniversary of his last graduating class. Proceeds from the fund support scholarship assistance to worthy students who need the financial support necessary to afford an Avon education. The class eventually renamed the fund, removing “Class of 1968” with the goal of having more classes from the Pierpont era feeling welcome to contribute to the fund. As a result, it has grown substantially, and Chase and other lead donors continue to promote the fund.

“But, more than anything, staying engaged and connected to Avon and my classmates is what has been most rewarding,” says Chase. “By becoming a class ambassador and later serving on the National Council, I was able to learn and appreciate more about Avon and pass that knowledge along to my classmates.” Chase notes that Avon now offers much more to students than what was available in the 1960s. “It’s great to see how Avon has evolved over these past 50-plus years, not only in sports but especially in the arts, music, and sciences as well as teaching students to be more involved with the outside world through the need for community service, etc. It’s not just about learning the basic liberal arts curriculum and sports anymore but about teaching young men to contribute to society and be Men of Avon.”

FEATURED ALUMNUS

Chase is also a strong advocate for bringing alumni together, especially for reunions. “When we gather on campus, it’s like nothing has changed. This past spring, Miguel Carpio '68, P'00, '08 was finally able to return from Venezuela for our 55th reunion. It was a significant effort for him to get here. Even after not seeing each other for all these years, it was just like old times as soon as we all connected on campus.” Seeing another classmate, Phil Shew, was also a joy after so many years. During Reunion Weekend in the spring of 2023, in recognition of his constant efforts to stay connected to Avon and to rally his fellow alumni,

Chase was awarded the school’s Mendell Medal. The Mendell Medal was established by the Avon Old Farms Board of Directors in 1990 to honor alumni who have made substantial, lasting contributions to Avon Old Farms School. The award commemorates Seth Mendell, Class of 1952, who served as director of alumni and development from 1970 to 1990 and played a pivotal role in creating the robust alumni and development program the school enjoys today. “Receiving the Mendell Medal was a highly unexpected surprise and honor, given all the years that Seth dedicated to the school, its students, and alumni. Seth

is someone I knew and respected greatly both as a teacher when I attended Avon and later when he led the alumni and development office. I am truly grateful and deeply humbled to have received this prestigious award from the school.” No story about Chase Donaldson would be complete without a call to action for alumni, so we’ll conclude by saying this: Chase would love for you to reconnect with him and all of your fellow alumni next year during the annual Reunion Weekend. The 2024 reunion will celebrate milestone reunions for classes ending in 4 and 9, but all are welcome to attend!

Receiving the Mendell Medal was a highly unexpected surprise and honor, given all the years that Seth dedicated to the school, its students, and alumni. — CHASE DONALDSON ’68

The Avonian // FALL 2023

C HAS E ’ S R E F LE C TIO N S ON THE AVON BROTHERHOOD “What does the Avon Brotherhood mean to me? It’s all-inclusive. It’s the impact that the teachers and the administration had, from teaching me how to study to being a team player in sports. It’s the leadership I developed, from being a monitor and on the Student Council, and it’s the lifelong friendships that I formed with my classmates. It’s Avon’s profound, lifelong influence on me as well as seeing how other Avonians have developed in life with their careers and families. “It means working to keep friendships alive. As a class ambassador, it brings me great joy to reconnect with as many classmates as I can and to keep them informed

about the school. It also means giving back to the school, not just financially (although that’s very important) but also by identifying potential students who would benefit from attending Avon and also mentoring students where possible. “The Brotherhood isn’t just about our own classmates; it’s also about friends we’ve made from surrounding classes as well as all alumni. Seeing and experiencing firsthand what other alumni have done to support the school through their philanthropy, time, service, and/or creating new initiatives to try and improve the school has helped build a stronger, more cohesive Brotherhood that we all share.”

Seeing and experiencing firsthand what other alumni have done to support the school through their philanthropy, time, service, and/or creating new initiatives to try and improve the school has helped build a stronger, more cohesive Brotherhood that we all share. — CHASE DONALDSON ’68

class notes

THE KISTLER FAMILY P’24 HOSTED A SUMMER RECEPTION FOR THE AVON OLD FARMS COMMUNITY ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD IN AUGUST. LEFT TO RIGHT: SCOTT HANNAH ’04, AUSTIN SPERRY ’96, JIM DETORA P’12, BRETT FULLER ’05, JONATHAN HASPILAIRE ’07.

50s

’55 CLEON M. SHUTT JR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador chipsamerica@hotmail.com

’50 HARVEY S. RUBIN

’56 CHARLES R. SCAGLIONE

Head Class Ambassador harvo2516@verizon.net

Head Class Ambassador scag3328@gmail.com

’51 WARREN T. FORD SR.

’59 CHARLES W. DAVIS

Head Class Ambassador jodir@aol.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador cwdavis@waretec.com

’52 SETH F. MENDELL

’59 DOUGLAS B. MARSHALL

Head Class Ambassador sethalicemendell@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador douglas.marshall@raveis.com

’54 DOUGLAS H. MACPHERSON

60s

Head Class Ambassador dhmacpherson@verizon.net

’60 RICHARD L. WILLIAMS

’55 EDWARD J. HAWIE

Co-Head Class Ambassador ehawie@bellsouth.net

RICHARD AND DEE GORDON P’90, GP’21 WITH DICK TAYLOR ’58 (RIGHT)

Head Class Ambassador rclumberclan@aol.com

The Avonian // FALL 2023

’61 GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR.

’74 GEORGE J. GIANNONI

’76 ALEXANDER N. WORLEY

’77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA JR.

Head Class Ambassador gfhjr@aol.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador ggiannoni@cox.net

Head Class Ambassador alexworley@sbcglobal.net

Head Class Ambassador jconsuegra29@gmail.com

’62 ALAN D. ROZINSKY

’74 EDWARD P. MOLLOY

Head Class Ambassador alroz@lycos.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador tmolloy@ArraySoftware.com

’63 JACK R. STOKVIS

’75 THOMAS B. BYRNE III

Co-Head Class Ambassador smarts@galaxy.net

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com

’63 THOMAS “KNICK” CURTIS

’75 GORDON F. LINKE

Co-Head Class Ambassador knickc@fastmail.fm ’65 PERRY BENSON JR.

Head Class Ambassador pbenson@jacobswyper.com ’66 MICHAEL D. BARKER

Head Class Ambassador barkermike@aol.com ’67 JAMES W. CORRIGAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador cecorrigan86@gmail.com ’67 WILLIAM F. ROBERTS JR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador wfroberts@fast.net ’68 CHASE DONALDSON

Head Class Ambassador cfdifly@gmail.com ’69 DAVID F. COLEMAN

Head Class Ambassador davidcoleman1150@gmail.com

70s ’70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III

Head Class Ambassador hbucklin3@gmail.com ’71 TIMOTHY B. BEEBLE

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbeeble@aol.com ’71 HENRY R. COONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador henrycoons29@yahoo.com ’72 KEVIN J. DRISCOLL

Head Class Ambassador driscollk@avonoldfarms.com ’73 CHRISTOPHER L. ATKINS

Head Class Ambassador catkins702@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador gflinke@gmail.com FRED HAACK ’75 (below) had

the opportunity to meet and have lunch with the AOF golf team when the boys visited the RedStick Golf Club for a practice round last March during spring break. Richard and Dee Gordon P’90, GP’21 hosted. The guys were a wonderfully conversant group and very talented players. All is well with Fred and Lita; they have two daughters, Alexandra and Christina, both married. Alexandra has two children, and Fred is excited to be a grandpa! Fred and Lita’s son, Ben, is an emergency room technician and an EMT ski patrolman at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah.

TOM STERNBERG ’77 (CENTER) VISITED JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11 (LEFT) AND HIS WIFE, MARIA, IN OLD GREENWICH, CONN. DURING A WALK, THE GROUP RAN INTO PETER HAMILTON '80 (RIGHT).

CLASS NOTES

STU BEATH ’77, P’06, ’07, ’09 (LEFT) AND JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11 (RIGHT) WENT FOR A WALK IN OLD GREENWICH, CONN., IN AUGUST 2023.

HOST ANDY CONSUEGRA ’80, P’14 AND MARIA VELASCO P’14 WELCOMED A NUMBER OF AVONIANS TO THE KEY BISCAYNE YACHT CLUB IN MARCH. EVERYONE ENJOYED THE LOVELY EVENING.

DEAN PETOW ’77 (LEFT) AND TOM STERNBERG ’77 (RIGHT) HAD A GREAT VISIT AT DEAN'S LAKE HOUSE IN CONNECTICUT IN AUGUST 2023.

’78 JOHN M. GARVEY

Head Class Ambassador jmgarvey@garvspace.com ’79 ANTHONY M. GRAY

Co-Head Class Ambassador tgray@tonygray.net ’79 SCOTT B. LINKE

Co-Head Class Ambassador scottblinke@comcast.net

80s

JOHN GARVEY ’78 TRAVELED TO OREGON FROM LONG BEACH, CALIF., WITH HIS DAUGHTER, JESSIE, AND GOT TO SEE CASEY ROGERS ’18 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON'S SPRING FOOTBALL GAME.

’80 THOMAS E. DAVEY JR.

Head Class Ambassador thomasdaveyjr@gmail.com ’81 SAMUEL C. BOOKBINDER IV

Head Class Ambassador samuel.bookbinder@wfadvisors. com

’82 BRIAN B. CONROY

’83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT

Co-Head Class Ambassador brianconroy1@mac.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador billeschert@gmail.com

’82 GREGORY T. FISH

’83 RICHARD C. GREGORY

Co-Head Class Ambassador greg@gregorytfishllc.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador rick@rcgregory.com

The Avonian // FALL 2023

MATT WEIR ’84, MARK MCGINLEY ’84, PRESTON CHEROUNY ’84, KEITH TANNY ’84, AND FRED KENVIN ’84 REUNITED IN OHIO TO PLAY GOLF.

’84 JOHN S. GORDON

’88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON

Head Class Ambassador falconatlfan@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador shawnatki@gmail.com

’85 SAM L. RUBENSTEIN

’88 PETER D. REED

Head Class Ambassador srubenstein127@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador pdreed18@gmail.com

’86 STEPHEN R. GORMAN

’89 ROBERT M. WILEMAN

Head Class Ambassador stephen.r.gorman@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador rmw@wilemanagency.com

AT THE COUNTRY CLUB OF NEW BEDFORD, RICH BRACCIA ’85; HOST JOHN ASHE ’86, P’15, ’17; BRIAN LEETCH ’86; JOHN GARDNER; LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04; MIKE CAVANAUGH; AND MIKE JOYCE PLAYED A GREAT ROUND OF GOLF AND ENJOYED SOME LAUGHS AT THE 19TH HOLE.

’87 HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR.

Head Class Ambassador hal.beacham44@comcast.net

JEROME KENNEDY ’88 AT HIS FOOD STAND, NEWMAN & MARLEY'S, IN PITTSBURGH.

KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 AND RAVI DASWANI ’88 ENJOY LUNCH IN MIAMI IN SEPTEMBER 2023.

GREG PARADINE ’89, HEAD MEN’S LACROSSE COACH AT LENOIRRHYNE UNIVERSITY IN HICKORY, N.C., LED HIS TEAM TO THE DIVISION II MEN’S NCAA LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP, BEATING MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY 20-5 AT LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD IN PHILADELPHIA, PA. IT WAS THE FIRST NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP FOR LENOIR-RHYNE IN ANY SPORT.

CLASS NOTES

90s

’94 GRAHAM C. FULLER

Head Class Ambassador grahamcraigfuller@gmail.com

’90 PETER J. DECKERS

’95 JOHN P. MCAULIFFE

Head Class Ambassador deckersp@avonoldfarms.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador john.mcauliffe@sig.com

’91 ROBERT A. DOWLING JR.

’95 ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO

Head Class Ambassador dowlingr@avonoldfarms.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador tony.silvestro@insperity.com

’92 WILLIAM P. AUSTIN

’96 MARK A. CARUSO

Co-Head Class Ambassador wpaustin55@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador mcaruso@gmail.com

’92 DAMIEN J. EGAN

’97 TIMOTHY B. STAY

Co-Head Class Ambassador degan2@hotmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador timothystay@gmail.com

’93 LANCE A. CASHION

’97 KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST

Co-Head Class Ambassador lancec@christchapelbc.org

Co-Head Class Ambassador bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com

’93 ADAM K. CLINE

’98 J. ANDREW CORRIGAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador adamcline50@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador jamesandrewcorrigan@gmail.com ’99 DAVID R. GRYBOSKI

Co-Head Class Ambassador david@ghgdevelopment.com ROB DOWLING JR. ’91, P’22 POSES AT HIS SUMMER CAMP WITH GRANDSON OF KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08, BRAYDEN DRISCOLL (LEFT), AND NEPHEW OF GEORGE SPRINGER III ’08, BRYCE LYTTON (RIGHT).

KURT SJOGREN ’93 VACATIONED AT KURE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: GABRIELLA, KURT, DORY, AND AVA.

The past year was busy! Gabriella graduated from the Episcopal School of Dallas in May and decided to attend Wake Forest University in the fall. Ava had a terrific year as a freshman in the classroom and on the athletic fields, winning starting spots and joining her older sister in the

midfield on the varsity field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse teams. She was named the Southwestern Preparatory Conference freshman of the year and All Conference for soccer. Dory kept busy producing AT&T commercials for the Super Bowl and the Masters, summer planning, and getting the girls ready for the upcoming school year. In May, I celebrated 10 years at Bank of America and was tasked with building a new Governance and Oversight team for the Global Technology line of business, which has been both challenging and rewarding. We concluded the summer at our favorite place on the beach in North Carolina to escape the Dallas heat and enjoy time together as a family.

’99 STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE

Co-Head Class Ambassador zappones@yahoo.com

KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 AND HIS WIFE, MARIA, SPENT TIME WITH TOM MCGARRITY ’92 AND HIS WIFE, RAE, IN CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

00s TOM SWON PLAYED THE GRACIOUS HOST FOR SOME WINGED BEAVERS AT SOMERSET HILLS COUNTRY CLUB IN SOMERSET, N.J. LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, PJ CHESSON ’97, AND KYLE YOUNGQUIST ’97 JOINED THE FUN. KYLE HELPED WIN THE FRIENDLY MATCH ON THE 18TH GREEN WITH A BEAUTIFUL 20-FOOT PUTT.

’00 MICHAEL J. O'NEILL

’05 DANE G. LEMERIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador michaeloneill27@yahoo.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador dlemeris@gmail.com

’00 DANIEL J. SEIDEN

’06 KEVIN T. DRISCOLL

Co-Head Class Ambassador seidend@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com

’01 CHRISTOPHER D. COLEMAN

’06 JOSHUA P. PAVANO

Co-Head Class Ambassador christopherdcoleman@gmail.com ’01 NICHOLAS H. LAROCQUE

Co-Head Class Ambassador larocque.nicholas@gmail.com ’02 WILLIAM N. PALMER

Head Class Ambassador wnpalmer@gmail.com ’03 JAMES T. TANG

Head Class Ambassador jamesttang@gmail.com ’04 LUKE R. ARCHAMBUALT

Co-Head Class Ambassador archambaultl@avonoldfarms.com ’04 MATTHEW H. MORAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador matthew.h.moran@gmail.com ’05 ANDREW B. LAWRENCE AT A MUTUAL FRIEND'S GOLF TOURNAMENT AT RHODE ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB, MIKE HOLTMAN ’98 AND IAN CASELLA ’09 WERE ON THE SAME TEAM AND CART! THE TWO HAD NEVER MET BUT HAD A GREAT TIME AND SHARED A LOT OF AVON MEMORIES.

JOSHUA BRUFF ’01 HOSTED JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11 FOR LUNCH AT GOOGLE'S AMAZING OFFICE AT PIER 57 ON 11TH AVENUE OVERLOOKING THE HUDSON RIVER IN NEW YORK CITY.

Co-Head Class Ambassador mooklawrence@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador jpavano@gmail.com ’07 CASEY R. COONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador caseycoons4@gmail.com ’07 TYLER C. HADDAD

Co-Head Class Ambassador tyler.c.haddad@gmail.com ’08 DOUGLAS J. BEYER

Co-Head Class Ambassador dbeyer11789@gmail.com ’08 WILL H. HENDRICKS

Co-Head Class Ambassador willheatonhendricks@gmail.com ’09 JOHN B. BEATH

Co-Head Class Ambassador beathj@gmail.com ’09 JAKE R. BOURGAULT

Co-Head Class Ambassador jake.bourgault@gmail.com

MICHAEL DRISCOLL ’08, BRAYDEN DRISCOLL, AND JOHN DRISCOLL ’09 HAD DINNER AT PIZZARTE IN NEW YORK CITY.

CLASS NOTES

AT A HARVARD VS. CRIMSON FOOTBALL GAME, KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 RAN INTO PATRICK CREAHAN ’10.

PATRICK MACGREGOR ’10 AND HIS WIFE, RENEE, WERE MARRIED IN NEWPORT, R.I., IN 2022.

JAKE REDFEARN ’10 AND PATRICK MACGREGOR ’10 PLAY IN THE MINNESOTA POND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2023.

CHRISTON GILL ’11 AND CODY DOYLE ’14 BOTH WENT ON TO BECOME FOOTBALL COACHES. CHRISTON COACHES AT SALISBURY SCHOOL AND CODY AT TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

CHRISTON GILL ’11 COACHED A FOOTBALL CAMP FOR KIDS IN BRIDGEPORT THIS PAST SUMMER.

10s ’10 PATRICK D. HAMPTON

Head Class Ambassador pdavishampton@gmail.com ’11 HARRISON M. LYONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador hlyons@suffolk.com ’11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN

Co-Head Class Ambassador ollie.rothmann33@gmail.com

DENNIS CAULFIELD ’13 MARRIED ALLIE ON JUNE 17.

CHARLIE O'BRIEN ’12 WAS PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT ON THE USS NIMITZ ON FEBRUARY 26, 2023.

’12 CONNOR P. DOYLE

’13 WILSON P. MEYER

Co-Head Class Ambassador doyle12187@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador wilsonpmeyer@gmail.com

’12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER

’13 JOHN VAN ALLEN III

Co-Head Class Ambassador shamburgerd@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador jjghyu@gmail.com

’14 MICKOY R. NICHOL

Co-Head Class Ambassador nicholm@avonoldfarms.com ’14 RYAN D. PHILLIPS

Co-Head Class Ambassador rydphillips@gmail.com

CLASS NOTES

PJ RYAN ’15 MARRIED ELYSE ON AUGUST 11. ’15 WILLIAM C. DAVIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador cdavis7@me.com ’15 CHRISTIAN E. DI ANTONIO

’17 KEVIN A. SIEBER

Co-Head Class Ambassador diantoniochristian@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador ksieber@friars.providence.edu

’16 MATTHEW T. HORTON

’18 KEVIN E. HUVELDT

Co-Head Class Ambassador matt.horton.t@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador kevinhuveldt4@gmail.com

’16 ALESSO R. MARCOGLIESE

’19 MAXWELL A. MILLER

Co-Head Class Ambassador alessio.marcogliese@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador mmiller20413@gmail.com

CONNOR KELLY ’14 AND ROB JAMISON ’89, P’27 JOINED FORCES AND BROUGHT THE CONNOR KELLY RED HOT LACROSSE CAMPS TO AVON THIS SUMMER.

NOAH MCMILLAN ’11, NICK QUERCI, CAM MCMILLAN ’14, AND DENNIS CAULFIELD ’13 AT CAM'S WEDDING THIS SUMMER.

KEVIN SMITH ’14, KIERAN MORRIS ’11, AND PIERCE O’HERN ’19 TRAVELED TO THE PIERRE HOTEL IN NEW YORK CITY TO CELEBRATE THEIR COUSIN’S WEDDING.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

THE RETTALIATA FAMILY P’16, ’21 HOSTED A FABULOUS SUMMER RECEPTION FOR THE AVON OLD FARMS COMMUNITY ON LONG ISLAND IN JULY.

CHARLIE WINSOR ’17 SHARED A PHOTO FROM HIS WEDDING. BACK: OWEN WEATHERSBY ’18, CHARLIE WINSOR ’17, CONNOR FOX ’17, JIMMY LITTLEFIELD ’17, LANDON LAWRENCE ’17, REBECCA WINSOR. FRONT: WILL ROSENBLATT ’20, RYAN LANCHBURY ’17.

CAITLIN RYAN, JACK RYAN ’18, PJ RYAN ’15, AND DAN RYAN ’13.

JACOB WHITTY ’16 AND HIS FIANCÉE, FRANKIE WOLF, WELCOMED THEIR FIRST SON, GRAYSON JAMES WHITTY, ON AUGUST 22, 2023. THE BABY WEIGHED 8 LBS., 1 OZ. AND WAS 21 INCHES LONG.

MICHAEL LEESFIELD ’19 AND KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 CAUGHT UP AT DREW UNIVERSITY IN NEW JERSEY.

MILES WOTORSON ’19 COMPLETED AN INTERNSHIP WITH TWITTER AND GRADUATED FROM ENDICOTT COLLEGE IN MAY 2023.

CLASS NOTES

SPENCER KNIGHT ’19 RETURNED TO CAMPUS DURING INTERSESSION TO TALK TO THE HOCKEY TEAM ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BEING A GOALTENDER.

20s

KALEB BORG ’23, AFTER AN AMAZING THREE YEARS AT AVON, RETURNED HOME TO WHITE ROCK, BC, CANADA IN EARLY JUNE AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN HIS JOURNEY TOWARD HIS DREAM OF BEING A PILOT. IN LESS THAN A MONTH, HE COMPLETED HIS FIRST SOLO FLIGHT. KALEB THEN TOOK AN EXTENDED BREAK TO ATTEND THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES BUT COMPLETED ALL TESTING AND OBTAINED HIS PRIVATE PILOT’S LICENSE WITH DETERMINATION AND COMMITMENT BY AUGUST 12.

’20 AUGUSTUS G. SHAMBURGER

Head Class Ambassador shammyg12@gmail.com ’21 PATRICK “PJ” A. NEAL

Co-Head Class Ambassador pneal@bowdoin.edu ’21 WILLIAM B. SMALLEY

Co-Head Class Ambassador will.smalley@fairfieldcountryday.org ’22 NIKHIL SATPATHY

Head Class Ambassador nikhilsatpathy@gmail.com

GREG PELTZ ’21 FLASHED HIS NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP RING FOR HOCKEY AT SALLY'S APIZZA IN NEW HAVEN, CONN.

NICHOLAS LYNCH ’23 SHOWS OFF HIS KEVIN DRISCOLL BOWL RING FOR FOOTBALL. JACKSON HARPER ’23 AND MARCO SCARANO ’22 SPENT TIME THIS SUMMER WORKING WITH KIDS WHO ATTENDED THE AOF BASEBALL CAMP.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

ERIC LINDSTROM ’23 AND HIS FATHER VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME.

HILL-STEAD

MATT TROTTA ’24 PROVIDED A TOUR OF THE HILL-STEAD MUSEUM IN MAY 2023 AS A PART OF HIS AIP. PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: DONNA MCDERMOTT P’25; BARBARA NOBLE P’25; MONIQUE BANNON P’24, ’25; DEBRA FITTING P’24, ’26; MATT TROTTA ’24; DEE GORDON P’90, GP’21; JULIE MALAN P’26; AND JESS LISTER P’25.

CLASS NOTES

JAPAN WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR WONDERFUL ALUMNI AND FAMILIES FOR HOSTING US IN TOKYO AND YAMAGATA, JAPAN.

The Avonian // FALL 2023

KOREA THANK YOU TO ALUMNI AND FAMILIES IN SEOUL WHO HOSTED A WONDERFUL RECEPTION HONORING THE CLASS OF 2023 AND WELCOMED NEW FAMILIES AND ALUMNI TO GATHER AND CELEBRATE THE AVON BROTHERHOOD.

THE SCHOOL HAS LEARNED OF THE FOLLOWING DEATHS: SAUNDERS “PAUL” JONES ’43 DAVID C. BIGELOW ’44 JOHN N. MCMATH JR. ’46 RICHARD E. LEARNED ’55 WILLIAM C. TOST ’55 ROBERT A. MCLAUGHLIN ’57 ROBERT A. GRYBOSKI ’57, P’88, ’99 DAVID R. MCSHANE ’59 THOMAS S. WHITMAN JR. ’59 FRANK D. COSTELLO ’60, P’85 STEPHEN M. RUBICAM ’64 PETER A. ARON ’65 SAMUEL W. OFF JR. ’66 JEFFREY P. KENT ’68 WINFIELD A. FOREMAN ’72 WINDLE S. DAVIS ’73 FREDERIC H. ECKER ’75 JOHN R. LYON II ’77 WARREN A. PETERSON III ’83, P’14

PARTING SHOT Students Matthew Counter ’25, Collin Anderson ’25, and Michael Mushok ’25 pose for a photo outside the Riddle Refectory classroom during the first day of classes on September 8, 2023.

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