Spring 2022 Avonian by Avon Old Farms School

SPRING 2022

Cristina Pinton Celebrating 10 Years at Avon

SPRING 2022

contents

COVER STORY

Faculty Focus: Cristina Pinton

SPOTLIGHTS

FEATURED AVONIAN:

FEATURED ATHLETE:

Javier Calderon ’22

Brian Dowling ’22

FEATURED ARTIST:

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

Michale Xie ’22

Andreas Zavitsas ’55

DEPARTMENTS

3 4

Head of School Village Green

22 46

Athletics Class Notes

58 60

The Last Word Parting Shot

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

from the EDITOR Welcome to the people edition! Though I did not plan such a heavy emphasis on profiles for the Spring 2022 Avonian, as I worked my way through the second half of the school year, more wonderful stories piled up, destined to be shared in print. Brendan Faulkner ’91 told me his story about personal tragedy and how the Men of Avon showed up at his bedside, and I knew I needed to share it. I met Josh Bruff ’01 via Zoom for a conversation about the A5 Mentorship Program and knew I needed to give it more light. I heard current student Javier Calderon ’22 give a Chapel Talk about why he returned to AOF for more than his planned one year and knew he needed to be the next Featured Avonian. Finally, as Head of School Jim Detora P’12 and I met to discuss some of the amazing faculty at Avon, we realized that after 10 years, it was time to tell Cristina Pinton’s story in full: she came to Avon in 2012 and has been a driving force on campus ever since. Many people know pieces of her story because she is involved in so much: she is the visual arts chairperson, the founder of the AIP program, and one of the most vocal advocates for Avon students. But though she has been behind many articles over the years, we wanted to put a spotlight on all that she’s done over the past decade—all the Avonians she helped find their voices, paint their portraits, tell their tales. On the cover, we feature just a small sampling of those students, and several of them wrote to share their thoughts on one of Avon’s most beloved teachers. In that way, our cover story isn’t just a faculty profile; it’s a review of 10 years of stories discovered at Avon.

Every page in this publication tells someone’s story and illustrates how all stories are influenced by someone else’s. In the end, I realized that’s what we’re all about: educators are in the business of creating good people— and good stories. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

avon.old.farms Search Group: Avon Old Farms School Alumni Association avonoldfarms.smugmug.com

Aspirando et perseverando, JACQUELINE KELLER, EDITOR

kellerj@avonoldfarms.com (860) 404-4381

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 PHONE:

(800) 336-8195 WEBSITE:

www.avonoldfarms.com/classnotes 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.

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Avonians,

von is back! Spring 2022 has blessed us with a return to normalcy. It has been wonderful to see our students enjoy Mrs. Riddle’s campus free of restrictions for the first time in two years. The last few months of the school year are always filled with contagious enthusiasm: spring sports are in full swing and senior excitement grows as commencement nears. This spring feels especially sweet, and I am beyond proud of our community’s resilience. After more than 40 years, Kevin Driscoll ’72, P’08 will retire from Avon Old Farms. His stellar career at Avon has made him a beloved mentor, teacher, and coach for many among the Brotherhood. Though everyone around campus and on the football field will miss his day-to-day presence, he will forever remain a part of our community. I am sure you join me in wishing him well as he enjoys retirement with his family and grandchildren. On May 21, we welcomed the Class of 2020 back to campus for the first time since COVID heartlessly interrupted their senior year. It was amazing to see these classmates re-connect and have a fun-filled weekend celebrating the Brotherhood with beloved faculty and mentors. Avon’s 88th awards ceremony and commencement were held on May 28–29 for seniors and their families on the Village Green. Celebrating the Class of 2022 with Coach Driscoll as our commencement speaker made for a special day indeed. I wish each of our graduates success as they move on to the next chapter in their lives. After two years without an in person Reunion Weekend, we are thrilled to welcome back our alumni for an epic weekend over June 3–5. We are thankful to finally have an in person opportunity to memorialize George Trautman, the man who led Avon for 29 years, with alumni and friends during this special weekend. I hope to see many of you there! Aspirando et perseverando, J I M D E TO R A P ’ 1 2

Head of School

village green A

2022 MUSICAL:

The Theory of Relativity

SCENE: Fifteen students sit for a physics exam. The first question: “If person A is 7 miles from person B and walking at a speed of 4 miles an hour and person B is walking at 5 miles an hour at a 45-degree angle to the path of person A, how long will it take those people to meet?”

7 selim 4 .m .p .h

ike ships passing in the night or planets orbiting the sun, people cross paths with others every day, never knowing how or when they may connect. If people adjusted their pace, could they shift what happens in the future? If a person doesn’t get out of someone else’s way, could what ensues be a chance encounter from which love buds or a disastrous collision? In this winter’s production of The Theory of Relativity, 15 characters—from a germophobe to a crazy cat lady to a Spokane, Wash., native who just hates apples—bring those existential questions to life as they explore the interconnectedness of all things. The musical, a quick one-act show lasting just about an hour with a book by Brian Hill and music and lyrics by Neil Bartram, ran in Avon’s Adams Theater from February 24 to 26. Through 20 seemingly unrelated songs, scenes, and monologues, five Avonians (Xander

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

B 5 m.p.h. Ratledge ’22, Jerry Wijaya ’22, Christopher Jensen ’23, Justin Manafort ’23, and Joon Lee ’25) and 10 actors from Miss Porter’s School seesaw from lighthearted drama to serious trauma in a way that leaves the audience cheering for the characters as they share their personal journeys. Unlike productions in which the players come and go, the performers are onstage for the duration of the performance, perching on stools atop a set constructed to resemble Earth as they listen to each number. As the show travels through space from one character to another, the audience begins to form connections as time compresses and story lines double back on themselves: in the 15th number, the audience meets Julie, a cat lover who is clearly the subject of affection from song number two: “I’m Allergic to Cats.” Throughout the musical, a college physics student struggles with the abstract notion of love compared to what mathematics and physics can explain so perfectly: “Love is a concept that wise men ignore. Numbers are perfect, like pi equals three point one four.” In the second-to-last number, “Manicure,” everything that has come before is expertly woven together, illustrating the interconnectedness of all things—the relativity of human lives. In a twist of irony, the audience learns that the narrator tying everything together is meeting the physics major and pi lover that night for a blind date. A recording of the show is available for the Avon Old Farms School community. Simply visit www. avonoldfarms.com/theoryofrelativity to begin an interstellar journey!

E=mc

From “Relativity”

I stand on a marble That hurdles through space. My orbit and path are unique. Around me the planets, They swirl and they race, While I stand here humble and meek. I'm held to the earth By a force I can't see. But I strive every day to take flight. I am energy. I am mass. I am light. So this is my journey. My time on this rock. I’ll chart out a course while I'm here. With my modest resources, And my eye on the clock, My perspective unjaded and clear. I study the vectors, With quantum techniques And I pray my equations are right. I am energy. I am mass. I am Light as it speeds, Light as it shimmers, Light as it pierces the sky. Something awakes, It trembles and simmers. A force that is yearning to fly. But the terrain is unpredictable. Complex mysteries appear. There are paradoxes here to undo.

And now relatively speaking, Something's relatively near. And I'm relatively certain It's a clue. And it's you On this marble, Hurtling through space. With a path just as thoughtful and wise. I stand here I beside you And I look in your face And I see myself in your eyes. Now look all around us, More travelers, more eyes. With passions they long to pursue. And there's you. And we're all on this marble That hurtles through space. Our orbits and paths are unique. But with someone beside me To measure my pace, Somehow, I'm not quite so meek. So I learn what's important. I evolve and I grow. I reach for your hand and hold tight. We are energy Energy. Energy. We are mass. We are light.

VILLAGE GREEN

SPECIAL SPEAKER: Patrick Nelson Shares Leadership Insights

n Friday, January 28, the monitors of Avon Old Farms School politely filed into two rows of folding chairs set up in the Commons Room of the Brown Student Center. In front of them, a tall, smiling man waited patiently for everyone to find a seat. Then, just as the last student entered the room, he clapped his hands, and his voice rang out loudly: “Everyone in the first row—pick up your chair and make a circle to my left. Everyone in the second row—pick up your chair and make a circle to my right. Now!” Stunned, the students followed instructions, which became harder to do as the lesson went on. Every boy was handed a blindfold and told to put it on. Then each was given a very strangely shaped object along with two rules: no one else can touch your shape, and you can ask only one

question: what color is my shape? As two competing teams, the groups had to figure out which specific piece—shape and color—the guest held in his hand. It happened so fast that several students missed the objective. There was a lot of confusion, frustration, and yelling. However, slowly but surely, groups began working together to figure out how to complete the mission. Out of three missing shapes, one group guessed one of them; the other group identified two. It was fun, lively, engaging, and effectively taught key leadership lessons. You can’t do it all yourself. You have to learn to work together to reach your goal. You have to listen. You have to lay ground rules. Yelling doesn’t make it easier to hear you. You don’t have to go fast to win. Later in the day, the speaker

shared his story and why he was there with the entire community. A product of rural Minnesota, Patrick Nelson felt a call to arms in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks. He dropped out of college and became a paratrooper. He shared that four years later, while on a tour near the Pakistan border, he made one of the biggest mistakes of his life: a soldier was tagging along on a mission, and though Nelson thought about telling the young man to go back and get his helmet, he realized he didn’t have a helmet on either and chose to say nothing. Suddenly, they were under rocket fire. Nelson was knocked unconscious by the blasts. The young soldier died from wounds to his head. “He died because I didn’t do the right thing. I could have easily said, ‘Hey, let’s go grab our helmets.’ It wouldn’t have delayed anything.

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

He might be alive today.” Following that, Nelson said he had three tips for students and hoped they would choose one to incorporate into their lives: 1. Change have to get. Say you get to go to class. You get to play sports. There are so many people in the world who would change places with you in a heartbeat. It’s all about attitude. 2. Wind the clock. In the military, Nelson had a friend who attended airborne school and shared that when a plane is hit, the first thing a pilot does is wind the clock. “When all these alarms and bells are going off in the cockpit, they don’t punch any buttons or pull up on the yoke. They wind the clock. It’s a simple task that won’t mess anything else up, and it gives the pilot’s brain a moment to dial in, focus on a simple task, and get ready to assess the situation before reacting.” When it’s easy to panic and react, it’s usually best to take a moment, gather yourself, and only then engage. 3. Seek the heat. Nelson said this one took him a while to learn: leadership isn’t a position, it’s accountability. Though it’s easy to be accountable when things are going well, only when a man is ready to seek his part in a negative situation and identify ways to do better—only when he seeks the heat of owning blame—will he be a leader others want to follow. After seven years and three combat tours, Nelson returned to college.

While studying sports management, he landed an internship with the Minnesota Vikings. A veteran with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, sometimes he had to take orders from another intern with a clipboard. But the three lessons he shared with Avonians proved to be worthy in all settings. Nelson worked on the NFL sidelines until he lost his job in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He quickly regrouped and founded

Loyalty Point Leadership, through which he now travels and shares his stories to help develop leaders at all levels. “My experiences have shaped how I live and instantly connect with diverse audiences on topics ranging from leadership to overcoming adversity and effective communication.” Avon Old Farms School is grateful to alumnus Jack Courage ’11 and his family for recommending this speaker and for paying for his visit.

Only when a man is ready to seek his part in a negative situation and identify ways to do better— only when he seeks the heat of owning blame—will he be a leader others want to follow. — PATRICK NELSON

FEATURED AVONIAN

JAVIER CALDERON ’22

While visiting the campus and meeting with Mr. Kowalchick in the Admissions Office, I had a feeling that Avon was the place. Something about it felt comfortable and right. — JAVIER CALDERON ’22

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

s a high school freshman living in Mexico City, Javier Calderon was presented with an opportunity few receive: a year studying abroad. Though not a foreign concept, pursuing a year of study in the United States was still a huge decision—it would be a year-long adventure of learning a new language and a new culture. What started out as something easily defined, however, flowered into a much greater, more impactful experience than the Calderons could have imagined. “Two of my family friends were already studying abroad in Connecticut, at the Salisbury School. Originally, we thought I would spend one year of my high school career there too, but my parents wanted me to look at several options, just to be sure.” So, while Javier traveled to the Northeast region of the United States, a few more schools made it on to his list of stops: one, of course, was Salisbury rival Avon Old Farms School. “While visiting the campus and meeting with Mr. Kowalchick in the Admissions Office, I had a feeling that Avon was the place. Something about it felt comfortable and right. Then, when we eventually made it to Salisbury, my commitment to Avon strengthened. My Salisbury

friends thought it was crazy that I liked Avon, but I knew it was the best fit for me.” Another person who contributed to Javier’s decision to enroll at Avon was a friend from Mexico. Jeronimo Amezcua ’22 shared how great the school was and that it was the best place for a one-year experience in the United States. Javier was accepted and enrolled at Avon for his sophomore year. He admits that in the beginning it was hard, but everything was going well. He had a lot of support from his advisor, Ms. Bartkiewicz. “She speaks Spanish, so I had someone to talk to, but beyond that she was always available for me and full of great advice,” he explains. Another person who helped Javier tremendously in his first days in Avon was Ms. Jensen, who helped him feel comfortable in all his classes and become more familiar with the language. In the classroom, Javier was pleased with his courses and enjoyed the chance to explore new things, including learning to play the trumpet in the Avon jazz band. He says he was extremely grateful for Mr. Raposo’s support in the classroom and for Ms. Jensen’s help in the Bigelow Learning Center. “Without these amazing faculty members,” he shares, “I wouldn't have survived my first year at Avon.”

VILLAGE GREEN

By the end of winter break, he had settled in with his peers in Elephant III Dormitory. He picked up the language and enjoyed Avon’s culture. He was most excited to return after spring break to a campus infused with energy, sunshine, and tradition. He looked forward to Founder’s Day, which everyone talked about. He would join the school’s tennis team and don a school jersey for the sport he had loved since age five. It seemed like the perfect ending to his year abroad. Unfortunately, the spring of Javier’s dreams in reality was the spring of 2020: the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic and a spring with no students on Mrs. Riddle’s campus— not the spring full of positive life experiences he had heard about. Though Javier wanted to return to school with his friends at home in Mexico, he knew Avon had more to offer. So, with the support of his family, he decided to return in the fall of 2020 for another year. In Javier’s second year, he and his

classmates fought to have a normal high school experience. They played sports (albeit noncompetitively) and made the most of whatever traditions COVID restrictions allowed. Then, halfway through the year, his dorm head, Mr. Kowalchick, approached Javier with a proposal: a dorm monitor was stepping down from his duties and believed Javier could fill the role. “Mr. Kowalchick’s confidence in me and my abilities as a peer leader was a turning point for me,” Javier explains. “Never in my childhood had I thought of myself as a leader, but here was an alumnus of the school and a dorm parent believing in me and my ability to help Avon. It made me realize that I could do a lot more.” Javier had to quickly go from being a kid running the halls to a leader monitoring them but felt up to the challenge. In the spring of 2021, Javier and his classmates took full advantage of the spring term. He enjoyed tennis and experienced his first-ever Founder’s

Day. He also thought about what else he might be able to do at Avon and began to ponder whether he could, or should, stay in his new home. “I was learning a lot about myself at Avon— that I could try new things and succeed. I was learning to be responsible for myself, to pick my classes and my sports, and how to spend my free time. I was learning what being part of the Avon Brotherhood meant, and though I missed my friends back home and always intended on graduating from high school with them in Mexico, I had a whole new world ahead of me at Avon.” After weighing his decision carefully and gaining support from friends and family, Javier decided to graduate from Avon Old Farms School in 2022. After making that decision, he threw himself whole-heartedly into his life at Avon. He ran to become a monitor again his senior year and also campaigned for and won the one additional senior spot on the Student Council. He accepted the role of club president for the Investment Club and cofounded Bible Study Club. When asked who or what had inspired him to do all these things, Javier referenced Jordan Bernard ’20. “Jordan set a huge example for me during my first semester at Avon. He was always willing to help his peers and was there for them whenever they needed. He always was full of positive energy and seemed to really love life at Avon. He was everywhere and enjoyed everything he was a part of. I wanted to be that example for new students at Avon during my last year here.” Javier also learned that his passion for the Avon community and helping

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

I was learning a lot about myself at Avon—that I could try new things and succeed. I was learning to be responsible for myself, to pick my classes and my sports, and how to spend my free time. I was learning what being part of the Avon Brotherhood meant. — JAVIER CALDERON ’22

others is something he can pursue further in life: he plans to either study law in Mexico, where he can assist his local community, or study international relations in the United States or abroad. As a senior, he got a jump-start by enrolling in AP U.S. Government and Head of School

Detora’s leadership course. “My life has forever been changed by Avon Old Farms School. I want to thank Mrs. Doyle for giving me the opportunity to work in the Hawk’s Nest. I want to thank the squash team and Coach Reece—it was a pleasure to play with great people who pushed

me to do better. And of course, I need to thank my family because with their support and sacrifice, I was able to enjoy three years at Avon. These have been the most impactful and important years of my life, and I am eternally grateful for the experience and brotherhood.”

VILLAGE GREEN

FEATURED ARTIST

MICHAEL XIE ’22

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

Michael had a strong drawing talent when we met, but more important, he had a high observational level. One can’t paint or sculpt what one can’t see, and Michael’s ability to discern small nuances and details allowed him to then represent them in his work. — MR. GREG CALIBEY

ichael Xie ’22 sees beauty. In calculus, it may be cold and austere. In transcendentalism, it may be divine. In the music of Chopin, it’s emotional. In Degas’s The Tub, it’s intimate. Michael has spent much of his time at Avon exploring what participating in the creation of that beauty as an artist means. He’s shared his vulnerabilities through painting, his aspirations through sculpture, his power through conducting, and his overall passion for art and its history through work at the Hill-Stead Museum. Michael has experienced four years of exponential growth, and the Avon community is happy to have been a part of his artistic journey. Though no one would claim that his artistic talent surfaced at Avon— he had experience with figure drawing and working with acrylic paints and took piano lessons from the time he was a young boy— Michael does say that Avon gave him the room and opportunity to explore several areas of interest at whatever depth he desired. Having a Steinway piano always available and the art studio’s doors open kept creativity flowing over summers, after hours, and on weekends.

Visual Arts Michael’s artistic endeavors are not confined to one area. During his first term, he completed an Advanced Independent Project (AIP) in drawing with Ms. Pinton. Mr. Calibey, who often works with advanced artists on the techniques of oil painting, noticed his talent immediately. “I met Mr. Calibey at the end-of-year art show during my first year at Avon, and he assumed—based on the level of my art—that I was a graduating senior and he had missed the opportunity to work with me,” explains Michael. “But once I told him I’d be at Avon for another three years, we immediately began talking about projects we could explore together.” Michael jumped into the world of oil painting, which was entirely new to him, but he learned quickly. His second work in oil, A Friend in Light, won a Scholastic Art Awards gold key. Later that year, he was on his way to Morning Meeting when he saw an intriguing woman and felt compelled to paint her. The problem was that he lost track of his muse during the meeting and didn’t know where on campus she worked. “I was late to my classes that day because I was running between offices on campus

looking for her,” he laughs. “Somehow, I got lucky and found her: Ms. Meaney in the College Counseling Office. I asked her if she would sit for me for a painting, and I was pleased when she agreed.” Even though Michael’s first paintings won awards, he still challenged himself to grow as an artist with this one. He didn’t want it to simply be a figure drawing—he wanted to add abstract techniques to it. “Tinting was new for me, and I never was fully happy with her hands, but I was glad to struggle with something and push myself to grow. Originally, I think, I had some natural talent, but then I needed to work hard to take it to the next level.” He also explains that at 34 inches tall, it was the largest piece he had done to date. More than a bust, this piece was a nearly complete body, including those difficult hands and clothing that needed to be addressed. He struggled with the work and, when he finished, saw his new techniques take form. “Michael had a strong drawing talent when we met, but more important, he had a high observational level. One can’t paint or sculpt what one can’t see, and Michael’s

VILLAGE GREEN

ability to discern small nuances and details allowed him to then represent them in his work,” observes Mr. Calibey. “On top of that, he is a very fast learner who, when shown a technique once, understands and integrates it quickly. He learned more like an adult than a high school student. I would describe his time as a journey toward self-realization as an artist. Michael fully embraces the struggle to find passion and truth in his work. His relentless desire to learn and grow as an artist is matched by his drive to persevere and excel. He is just beginning.” Michael was spending a great deal of time working on his art, and it began to consume more and more of his emotional life, dripping with depth and feeling. His favorite, to date, is a work he completed of a girl holding flowers—something he started when he was dating that girl and returned to finish after their

relationship ended. “That painting caught the attention of a lot of people, and I’ve had some inquiries to purchase it, but it means too much to me to ever part with,” he shares, explaining that there was a lot going on with his life during that time, and, as is the case with many artists, the canvas was a place for catharsis. As he reworked the oil on the canvas again and again, he was sorting through pieces of himself. When it was done, he was emotionally in a new place. It was time for a new challenge. Last summer, when Michael was staying with a friend in West Hartford, he went to campus almost daily to use the weight room and then found himself in the art studio. One day, he bought some clay at Jerry’s Artarama and began to sculpt on his own. He completed a figure of Ms. Meaney, working mostly from photographs. When he finished, he took it to Associate Head of School Mr. Whitty as a

proof-of-concept and asked if he could pursue yet another AIP with Mr. Calibey, this time in sculpture. Of course, the answer was yes. That fall, Michael completed a full torso of classmate Donovan Crowley ’24, who often worked nearby in the robotics lab.

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

“Going from oil painting to sculpting was actually an easy transition for me. With painting, I was dealing with capturing the structure, realism, and space of my subject on one hand while also worrying about the composition of colors and textures on the other hand. With sculpting, half of that was taken out of the equation, and I could focus solely on space. It was much more relaxing.” This spring, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards announced Michael as a 2022 National Gold Medalist for his sculpture. Performing Arts In tandem with his exploration of the visual arts, Michael was opening new doors in the music department. A piano player since elementary school, he joined the chamber ensemble playing keyboard. Though he had set out on a mission to perform each

At the end of my freshman year, I asked if I could conduct a piece for the last show of the year, and Mr. Raposo agreed. To me, that was just one example of how Avon Old Farms lets students find their own passions and — MICHAEL XIE ’22 then supports them in their pursuit. piece of Chopin’s music, his favorite artist by far, he was struggling to find satisfaction with his work in the ensemble. Wanting more, he approached Mr. Raposo, his conductor, with an idea. “At the end of my freshman year, I asked if I could conduct a piece for the last show of the year, and Mr. Raposo agreed. To me, that was just one example of how Avon Old Farms lets students find their own passions and then supports them in their pursuit. It was a dream to conduct a group, and having that come true here was an extremely meaningful piece of my education. Having the opportunity to conduct … I don’t think students get that chance

anywhere else.” As the group's talent shifted from year to year, gaining and losing components depending upon who enrolled in the ensemble that term, Michael learned how to bring a group together, set the tempo, and bring forward sections that needed greater presence. “Mr. Raposo has such a strong musical sensibility, and observing him making adjustments taught me how to listen. He showed me the true power of conducting. Sometimes I was too soft. When he took over and put the power into the music, I could feel it. Through working with him, I learned how to incorporate that into my own direction.”

VILLAGE GREEN

Michael’s enthusiasm for music, from his deep love of Chopin to his interest in becoming a conductor, propelled him to take on bigger and better things each year, something Mr. Raposo describes as an evolution. “Michael has evolved into a leader in several areas of our school without any official titles. His development as a leader has made him a stronger artist. Michael is not inhibited by wondering what others think of him. He is uniquely Michael. He has taken chances by conducting and evolved into a thoughtful, caring, creative man. We should all be so lucky to live as freely and uninhibited. A great lesson for all of us!” Giving Back to the Community As if being a visual artist and performer weren’t enough, Michael’s infatuation with the art world led to his work at the Hill-Stead Museum, the homestead of the Avon Old Farms School founder, Theodate Pope Riddle. Last fall, Michael spent his Wednesdays working with

Museum Archivist Melanie Bourbeau and Director of Education Kate Ebner, studying the collection of paintings and memorizing the facts and history of the Hill-Stead. As a part of his internship, in November Michael presented sections of the tour to the sophomore class—along with students from Miss Porter's School—and presented his first official full-length tour in December to a group of students and administrators. “Michael's passion for the arts is evident as he is an accomplished painter, musician, and conductor. Michael uses this passion to provide perspective, context, and history for each piece of art, making the pieces come alive in the eyes and ears of the listener,” explains Mr. Whitty. Michael's charm, wit, and passion for the arts and history are evident and in brilliant form whenever he leads a tour. “We hope that Michael's initiative and enthusiasm as a student liaison to the museum will inspire others and cement our joint

history through Theodate Pope Riddle’s history and legacy. We are excited that such an opportunity has begun and hope future students will step into this role with the same amount of curiosity and pride,” shares Ms. Bourbeau. What Michael says he enjoys most about working at the Hill-Stead is being able to view the incredible art on a regular basis and observe peoples’ reactions to it. He can study the works of Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, Edouard Manet, James McNeill Whistler, and others and how people interpreted them up close, which he feels can only help him as an artist. “If I ever pursue a career in art, knowing how a museum runs will be a huge benefit.” In the end, Michael says, he finds inspiration in all things and is always looking for a spark in one area to trigger an idea in another. The interconnectedness of all things inspired him to push the boundaries of his artistic abilities every day. And, he says, that wouldn’t have been possible without the community that is Avon Old Farms. “I don’t think there are many places like Avon that can make an international student feel so at ease, so at home,” he says. “When I couldn’t return to China during breaks or over the summer, people I didn’t know opened their homes to me and allowed me to set up studios in their basements. The music rooms were always open to me, and when I got tired of the sound of one Steinway, I could just move to another for a while. Where else is that even possible, having multiple Steinways to practice on? I will miss this place and all that it gave me, which is a great deal.”

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

ALUMNUS JOSHUA BRUFF ’01 Helping Today’s Avonians Through the A5 Mentorship Program

oshua Bruff ’01 knew when he was 12 years old what he wanted to do with his life. He remembers the excitement around a new AMC movie theater being built in the center of his hometown, Bloomfield, Conn., and recalls feeling the buzz as the building went up and new storefronts appeared on Wintonbury and Park Avenues. “I want to do that,” he remembers thinking, believing that was construction. However, as time went on, his childhood excitement blossomed into an interest in real estate and property management. More than 20 years after graduat-

ing from high school, today Joshua is the facilities manager for Google’s Pier 57, a redeveloped site that will be the new standard for what offices, entertainment, and mixed-use developments will look like throughout the United States to entice people to return to the office. As the first manager in place for the grand opening of the facility, code named Moonshot, Joshua can point to a lot of people and instances along his journey that helped click his interests into place with a profession and a purpose, three of which he shared recently.

Story 1: Playing Soccer at Fisher Meadows “As the son of immigrants from Jamaica, the only football accepted when I was a kid was not American football. Instead, I played soccer and once had a match in Avon just across from the Avon Old Farms baseball field. We somehow got lost on the twisting roads and ended up on Avon’s campus. My father and I thought it was a small college. We rolled down a window, and a young man quickly approached our car. ‘Excuse me, can I help you?’ he asked. My father was immediately impressed

VILLAGE GREEN

I had to show up every day and be my best self. I had the fortune of being a youth in America, and I needed to take every bit of what my parents gave me and make the most of those opportunities. —JOSHUA BRUFF ’01

with the young man’s poise and grace. Later on, as I progressed academically and the public school system no longer was a challenge, we began to look at area private schools, and Avon, of course, was on that list.” Story 2: From Soccer to American Football “Once I enrolled at Avon as a sophomore, I felt it was my chance to try out for the football team. I attended summer preseason practices and remember Coach Detora being a maniac as he pushed the offensive side through drills. At the end of that first preseason, Coach called me into his office for a one-on-one meeting. He cut me from the team, which was a big blow, but he took the time to offer advice on what I could work on as I played the season for a lower string. My junior year, I again endured the preseason three-a-day training only to be called to Coach

Detora’s office and given the bad news. But he had more advice for me on how to improve. As a senior, I not only wasn’t cut—they don’t cut seniors—but I was a starter. I had a good season, and that was supposed to be the end of my playing football. “Fast forward to that spring. I vividly remember walking through the Quad toward Diogenes with Coach Detora. We got to the center where the paths converge, and he asked, ‘So where are you going to play football next year?’ I laughed and told him I was done playing football. ‘No, no, no,’ said Detora. ‘You need to play football in college. You need the structure. You need the camaraderie. Bring me a list of all the colleges you got into, and we’ll figure out where you’re going to play football.’ So, once more I met with Coach Detora, and we went through my list. He reached out to the college coaches, asking for training programs

and what I should do to prepare for the upcoming season. Soon after, I got my first letter. And that’s how I chose to study and play football at Hamilton.” Story 3: A Teammate’s Recommendation “During football training camp before my senior year at Hamilton, a teammate asked what my plans were post-college. I shared my interest in real estate development, and he replied that he had interned at a country club in Cleveland, designed by a company that had recently established a public real estate investment trust. ‘They have a management training program. You should send them your résumé,’ he told me. So, I did. Within 20 minutes, a gentleman called me back, saying he liked me and was sending my résumé on to human resources. Ten minutes after that, HR called and said

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they would be setting up a formal interview the following week. Over winter break, I met in person with eight different executives. In the end, I was one of four out of 75 applicants who got a job. And that’s how my career took off.” For these stories, and many others, Joshua is thankful. He knows that any one person is not an island; in fact, people do best in a village. Though the stepped connections of these stories may make it feel like Joshua’s village ensured everything fell into place for Joshua, most know better. “My parents raised my siblings and me to never use the color of our skin as an excuse because the world is not only Black. They knew the sooner we recognized that and learned how to represent ourselves with confidence and authority, the

better off we’d be,” he says. “I had to show up every day and be my best self. I had the fortune of being a youth in America, and I needed to take every bit of what my parents gave me and make the most of those opportunities.” It took a lot of hard work and dedication to show up every day being the best he could be. Then, when opportunities presented themselves, he was ready: He was accepted into Avon because of his character and drive. He made it to the starting line that way too. And when it came to getting a referral for a job, Joshua’s reputation undoubtedly preceded him. In addition to his parents, Joshua credits his AOF English teacher Lee Huguley ’92 as having a huge influence on his life. Not only did Mr. Huguley introduced Joshua to the art of story-

telling, drama, elegant writing, and being a classy man, but he was perhaps the second largest player in Joshua's time at Avon behind Jim Detora. “Especially during my first year at Avon, seeing someone who looked like me holding a position of authority—a faculty member, a coach, a dorm parent—was a subconscious motivator. Knowing that someone else like me has done it before is always a confidence builder. Also, Mr. Huguley introduced his students to the brilliant work of several Black authors, including Richard Wright and Langston Hughes. My one class with Mr. Huguley was very intense, but it set me up for success throughout the balance of my time at Avon. I learned to write well, to express myself. He was a terrific mentor.” Joshua is grateful every day for the support system and network that

VILLAGE GREEN

The A5 mentorship has been very helpful; it's always great to know that I have someone with similar interests in my corner. Joshua has given me valuable wisdom not just about school but also about life. Especially when things get hard throughout the year. — N AT E WA LT E R S ’ 2 2

propelled him along the way and has been inspired to take the extra step for others as often as he can. To that end, Joshua and a dozen other Avon alumni signed up for the Avon African American Alumni Association (A5) Mentorship Program this past fall. The program has three goals: provide a support system and a stronger sense of self for students; provide guidance, academic encouragement, and campus involvement; and facilitate a positive role-model relationship. New Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ahmad Cantrell says, “As Black male students at an institution where they are the minority, these young men face a unique set of challenges navigating this space and learning to be the best version of themselves in such a complex world. A5 provides mentoring that establishes trusting, supportive, and empathetic relation-

ships. As Black Avon alumni, mentors possess the knowledge and tools to help students find success.” Through this new mentorship program—although the A5 Scholarship has been around since 2014— Joshua was paired with senior Nate Walters from Hartford. He met the program requirements of meeting with Nate virtually twice a month and took the extra step of showing up in person for Nate’s first basketball game of the season against Salisbury. As an alumnus of color, Joshua has been able to coach Nate to accomplish his goals and guide him to the right answers or appropriate resources. The relationship also creates a safe environment in which students can make mistakes without losing credibility, enhancing their selfesteem through supportive, healthy, and nonjudgmental discussions. “I was paired with Nate because

we were both from Hartford County, had siblings who attended Renbrook School, and were interested in business. Nate aspires to become an entrepreneur, and my job as his mentor is to help him figure out how to get into his college of choice, encourage him to play basketball at the next level as a way to learn how to balance life priorities, and ask him to reflect upon what kind of person he wants to be. Figuring that out now will have long-term impacts, from raising a family to being a good coworker.” Joshua is no newcomer to mentorship. In fact, he’s been mentoring for more than 10 years, starting with Hamilton College from day one. Professionally, he also is engaged with the International Council of Shopping Centers and was an inaugural member of the ICSC Launch Academy, a program that helps racially diverse college

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students secure internships at top real estate companies. Joshua also reflects upon how challenging the world is today for young people. Narratives are highly polarizing, and communities are dealing with trauma from history. However, he is glad to see that Avon is focusing on making students aware of the challenges ahead and providing all the resources it can to give students the tools they will need to be successful. “Thinking back to my time, as phenomenal as it was, having a mentor who looked like me would have really helped me navigate not only the Avon process but also life beyond. The Avon Brotherhood is sown on the farm but

really blossoms beyond graduation. Leveraging our collective network and resources needs to be a priority, not only for Black boys of Avon but all boys of Avon because these are the world’s future leaders.” And one never knows what will stick. In reflecting on his current career, Joshua laughed that maybe Avon influenced the way he approaches taking pride in the little things. He shares that, at Avon, boys are taught to respect the campus with simple tenets: don’t walk across the grass. Don’t pass by a piece of trash on the ground; pick it up. Today, he treats his properties with the sense of ownership and pride Avon taught him. These are subtle actions,

but the small details often make the greatest difference. “Though this is only the beginning of the A5 Mentorship Program, Avon’s program by far will be my favorite,” he says. “It’s what Avon means symbolically to me. My participation is a tribute to my time here. Honestly, any time I encounter adversity or I’m struggling, I still channel what I did when I was at Avon and up to my eyes in stress and swamped with work. By giving the next generation of Avonians an even stronger experience, I know I’m doing my part in keeping the Avon Brotherhood strong. I hope that more alumni will become engaged in this important initiative.”

athletics

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ATHLETICS

Growing up, my family always gave me the option of attending Avon Old Farms or another school, but in my heart, I knew Avon would be it. — B R I A N D OW L I N G ’ 2 2

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FEATURED ATHLETE

BRIAN DOWLING ’22

More Than a Legacy Player

t’s not everyday someone graduates from Avon Old Farms School and leaves the place he has called home since birth. But that is the case for Brian Dowling ’22, son of Amy and Rob Dowling ’91. To say Brian’s Avon journey has been unique is probably an understatement but to say he is an exceptional Avonian is not. Before he sets off for Harvard in the fall, the Avonian sat down with Brian to learn what being a part of Avon, specifically Avon baseball, for so many years has been like. People often say top baseball players were born with a bat in their hands, and in this case, that statement isn’t far off. Brian says he began swinging a bat by the age of two and was dressed up as a baseball for the Avon Old Farms Halloween costume contest even before then. He was just a youngster when he began attending AOF baseball practices, serving as the team’s bat boy and traveling with the team to Florida for spring break training. “Growing up, my family always gave me the option of attending Avon Old Farms or another school, but in my heart, I knew Avon would be it,” begins Brian. “I played hide-and-seek in the Field House as soon as it opened, watched baseball games on Carpenter Field, and ate meals in the Riddle Refectory. Avon was a home I was in no hurry to leave—just the opposite. I couldn’t wait to join the community and earn the title of Avonian after living among them for so long.” When he enrolled as a freshman in the fall of 2017, Brian was the one telling new students how to find the Elephant 44 classroom and which field fifths soccer practiced on. He also has a cohort of seven Avon public school friends who enrolled at AOF with him, so the transition to high school was fairly easy. When it came to baseball, Brian tried out for the Avon varsity team in the spring of his freshman year. Though he was cut that first season, he knows it was the right move and is grateful for the opportunities trying out provided. “I knew as soon as I saw the other varsity candidates that I was not ready to be on that team, but I was still able to go on the March spring break trip to Florida and spend some time with those guys. I played on JV, and we ended up finishing with a record of 12-0. It was a lot of fun playing that spring.” That freshman season was also when Brian began to see himself as a pitcher. He was still hitting a bit, but he and two other guys were the go-to pitchers for the JV team. That summer during AOF baseball camp, alumnus Mike Castellani ’13 shared some techniques with Brian, and from there his progress continued. The following summer, he put a lot of time and energy

ATHLETICS

I really enjoy being a pitcher because I’m always in control of the play. I’m not left hoping someone else will do what I would do. It’s a mental battle, taking the pitcher’s mound, and I love the — BRIAN DOWLING ’22 challenge of it. into developing his pitching skills, and from that point forward, he knew his place on the field. “I really enjoy being a pitcher because I’m always in control of the play. I’m not left hoping someone else will do what I would do. It’s a mental battle, taking the pitcher’s mound, and I love the challenge of it,” he explains. “I have to be on my A game every pitch, and I also have to imagine what the batter thinks I’m going to do, what I can do instead, and how I can make it look to him. I need to know the right pitch for each situation. I also love that baseball isn’t a game of brute force; there’s a lot of finesse to it, especially in terms of pitching.” After finishing his first year on varsity at the end of his sophomore year, Brian had a big decision to make when it came to his game and his future: should he repeat his sophomore year? Brian explains that his father had always pushed the merits of having an extra year under his belt before moving on to college, but Brian wasn’t

always on the same page. He worried what that would mean socially and how his peers would perceive it. However, once he began to focus his skills and grow as a player and as a student, he began to see the benefits. “Actually, my uncle Patrick came to Avon to repeat his junior year and graduated as a senior in 2000,” Brian explains. “I always wanted to follow in my dad’s and my uncle’s footsteps when it came to baseball, and when it was time to really hone my skills, I knew that repeating would give me the best college prospects in the future. The extra year would benefit me as a student and as an athlete.” The Dowling intuition for repeating was fruitful: as soon as Brian began his repeat year, colleges began to reach out, saying they’d be interested in having him on their team when the time came. That winter, he traveled to Harvard’s prospect players camp. He wasn’t pitching especially fast yet, but the coaches said they’d be keeping an eye on him. He knew he wanted to improve as much as he could and looked forward to another season with the varsity team when something no one could have predicted happened: COVID-19 cancelled the spring 2020 term, including all spring sports. In response, Brian doubled-down on his commitment to baseball. Without a season, he once more turned to the Avon network literally in his backyard: he began working out with Coach Callaghan, starting with P90X in his basement. When he realized how his gains in strength and conditioning could improve his game, he was all in. He also credits his younger sister with helping him make significant gains, sharing that she has a knack for nutrition and often had a protein shake waiting for him when he returned from the gym—and with any luck, one of her fabulous bowls too. With her help, he gained almost 40 pounds in a single year, and his fastball speed went from 79 to 87 mph. That summer Brian began sharing film of his improved technique and increased

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speed. In the fall of 2020, as Avon prepared to reopen its doors to students for in-person learning, Brian sent a flurry of emails to all the colleges he had any interest in—just before September 1, when they could legally contact him for recruitment. “I got a few calls, but the process took some time. Coaches would ask me how my fall was going and request current video, but recruitment picked up when the first offer came. I think knowing I was receiving offers began putting the pressure on other schools to follow suit, and on October 28, Harvard called. The coach said, ‘We’re going to offer you a spot.’ They said all I needed was to get a certain score on my SATs, and then it would be secure. When my SAT results came on November 4, I called them back and told them I had done well, and that was it. I was officially recruited by Harvard to play baseball. “I never thought going to Harvard, let alone getting recruited by them, would be possible. It’s more like a dream than reality,” Brian says. “But, when the opportunity came, I was thrilled. The academic environment combined with baseball, my relationship with the coach, and being in Boston is a special opportunity I realize I am fortunate to have.” As it turns out, all the years of being a bat boy for the likes of George Springer ’08 and living next to his high school math teacher can be the road to big things. But there’s more to Brian Dowling’s story than baseball and good grades. In addition to five years of Avon baseball, Brian also put in five years of Avon basketball. He started on thirds as a tall and lanky player but eventually worked his way to varsity with Coach Mihalich his junior year. “My first two years at Avon I was on thirds, which was a lot of fun. During my repeat year, I had the opportunity to be the last man on the varsity squad but decided to play on JV instead. When it came time to play varsity, I thought maybe I’d get a free sweatshirt and some good times on the bench, but it was the year of COVID,

ATHLETICS

and we were down some major players. I ended up starting and battling with my teammates through a tough but fun season.” At the end of the season, Coach Mihalich asked Brian if that would be his last time playing varsity basketball, but to the coach’s delight, Brian agreed that he’d be back the following year to finish his Avon career with the varsity team. Brian says that he’s enjoyed how different the games of baseball and basketball are: one is more focused on a group of individuals working together in separate plays; the other is truly a team sport. He’s also enjoyed getting to throw his weight around on Cole Court in more of a show of strength and force than he can on

the baseball diamond. “I’m still waiting to get my free sweatshirt from Coach; maybe as a graduation present, I’ll get it. But, if I traded that for minutes during my last year at Avon, that’s not a bad deal either,” he jokes. Like many Avonians before him, Brian also packed a lot more than sports into his time at Avon. During his five years as a student, he took eight advanced placement, two post-advanced placement, and eight honors courses. He was an admissions ambassador and a club leader, a Big Brother, a peer tutor, a head day-student monitor, and a Special Olympics volunteer. He gave up leadership positions so others could have them for their college applications and often struck out on his own to make a name for himself as a Avonian. One such endeavor was wearing a child’s Sofia the First backpack all fall semester and replacing it with a Lightning McQueen child’s backpack in the spring when the first one could no longer hold up to the weight of large textbooks. In his Chapel Talk, Brian explained, “At the beginning of this year, a few seniors thought it would be funny if we bought kindergarten backpacks. I bought

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If you leave yourself open to experience and act on personal choices regardless of the possible reaction of others, you will learn who you are and, from that, be a true version of yourself. — BRIAN DOWLING ’22

mine early but soon realized no one else had followed through. I decided to keep mine because if you let other people’s perception of you dictate your behavior, you will not grow as a person—if you leave yourself open to experience and act on personal choices regardless of the possible reaction of others, you will learn who you are and, from that, be a true version of yourself.” Brian is also a shameless Taylor Swift fan and loves trying to be an example of irony on campus. But as much as he’s known for being a bit of a jokester, he also wants people to know he’s a genuine guy who deeply cares for the Avon community. “I strive to practice empathy all the time and push myself to be aware of what’s going on around me. I try my best to not leave anyone behind. I take the

time to get to know people and their stories. Growing up at Avon could have been like living in a bubble, but if you’re open to it, you can take Avon for the diverse microcosm it is and learn to be a global citizen.” As his Avon student chapter closes, Brian reflects on his time as one of true growth and says that the school he thought he knew so well gave him much more than he ever would have expected. “I know it’s the school cliche, but I understand now why Avon is where boys become men. I started as a wide-eyed 14-year-old with a developing work ethic, but Avon taught me how to mature as a person, a student, and an athlete. I am leaving here more prepared for the next step in my journey than I ever could have imagined.”

COACHES CORNER

COACH JOHN T. GARDNER:

Lessons Learned after Nearly 50 Years of Coaching High School Sports

December 2021, Coach John T. Gardner hit a major milestone: 800 career wins. With that much experience, both on and off the ice, he likely learned a few truths along the way. The following is some of what Coach Gardner learned and believes to be true during his 47 years of teaching and coaching.

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Team sports, particularly contact sports, are great training for life because people need courage to play these sports and must sacrifice their personal egos for the sake of the team. • Certain rules are hard and fast, such as being on time. • Try to treat everyone the same but know that is impossible in managing a team of different personalities. • Always be prepared and know what you want and are going to do for each practice. Always have a sheet with drills to do. It may vary or change, but you need structure and preparation. • Coaches must be good teachers and communicate clearly. • Try to teach values and good habits as in class and with your team, but don’t be political or proselytize your religion. • Realize the game is for the players, not the coaches. Sublimate your ego, and know parents want to win but that their children’s success is number one. • Embrace the idea that you can always learn from others. As my father said, “The more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know.” • Practice is usually a pretty good indicator of how players will perform in a game. If they can’t do it in practice, chances are they won’t do it in a game. • If you think your team played poorly, it’s usually not that bad when watching the video. Conversely, if you think they played really well, it’s not always the case on video. • Learn to read people through their actions, not what they say. Body language! • When recruiting a prospective player, remember the apple does not fall far from the tree. • Fame is fleeting. There will be highs and lows. Try to remain balanced. • Know that sports can often bring a group or school together. In a boy’s boarding school, athletics are the glue that brings all together in a common cause. • Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. However, if you lose, use that loss as motivation to perform better in the next contest. • The only way to ensure failure is to give up. “Never, ever give up.”—Jim Valvano. • The best coaches never stop working to make their teams better. Success is a product of hard work and preparation. Having good players helps!

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF ART

FACULTY FOCUS

Cristina Pinton

A Decade of Leading the Arts— and Other Initiatives BY JACQUELINE KELLER

s. P loves a challenge. From the postgraduate who declares on day two of classes that he’s going to drop his art course to the freshman boy who doesn’t dare take a risk in the art studio, Cristina Pinton has been persuading Avonians to give art a chance for 10 years. She’s one of the most vocal advocates on campus when it comes to standing up for what she believes in, and during her whole career, that’s been one thing: people need art. Pinton grew up in Canton, Conn., where she drew from the moment she could hold a pencil. The youngest child in the family, Pinton admired her older brothers and their interest in the fantasy world of Michael Wheelan, complete with imaginative castles and dragons. Mythical art always covered the bedroom walls, and the rest of the house was adorned with Renaissance art thanks to her Italian American father and aspiringactress mother, but she didn’t begin to find solace in the art studio until high school.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF ART

“It really was my two high school art teachers who made the difference: Renee Hughes and Jim Gorman. They pushed my boundaries and opened my eyes to the worlds of jewelry, ceramics, drawing, painting, and more,” Pinton shares. “At the same time, the art studio became a safe-haven and a source of inspiration. I battled the classic ‘artsy-smartsy kid’ thing in a school of jocks and good-looking teenagers, and the art studio became my territory. Canton High’s studio was always open to me, and I often stayed into the evening until the janitors locked up. As a freshman, I worked alongside upperclassmen and was treated with respect. That time spent in the studio was a source of

I actually got to know Ms. Pinton through one of the most difficult times of my education. It was my sophomore year, and I was torn between my cultural identity and my personal identity. During this lost adolescence time, I actually got to produce one of my personal favorites and most important pieces of art in my life so far. Under Ms. Pinton's guidance, I was able to fully explore and manifest my self-identity through painting. The self-portrait In the mirror, I am also myself not only helped serve as a self-reminder of who I truly am but also convinced my parents to support my application to architecture school. To this day, when I face a difficult creative decision, I still look back to those days and the self-portrait as a source of inspiration and reminder. — JACKIE CHEN ’15

strength and courage that fueled me throughout my adolescence.” One day she happened to find an old pamphlet from Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program. Her teacher encouraged her to pursue a teen workshop at the craft school, and the rest is history. “It’s really quite amazing that one encouraging word from a teacher you trust or one old pamphlet at the bottom of a bookshelf in the back of an art room can change your life forever,” she muses now. College and Beyond After Canton High, she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y. Although she studied art, she’s quick to remind people she took advantage of the school’s well-rounded curriculum and earned A's in her criminology, sociology, and psychology courses. Her first job was working for the Department of Corrections teaching pre-education classes. Her experiences there

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and her future roles teaching in low-income areas and with at-risk students after earning her master’s in art education from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design showed her how much young people need art as an outlet, a form of expression, or an escape. “I learned both sides of the coin: teaching in the most challenging circumstances with both economic and behavioral challenges and teaching some of the most artistically talented young folks. Through teaching these populations, I began to see how important education is and why I am the fierce advocate for the arts I am today,” she explains. “Shouldn’t everyone teach the thing they think is essential?” Pinton goes on to explain that art is at the core of all education, saying, “Art helps people learn who they are and what they think about the world. How they weave a solution together for an abstract prompt reflects a lot more than artistic ability. How could art not be important?” Finding Her Future In 2004, Cristina moved to Italy to soak up the culture where her family originated. There, she created and taught art classes to college students, focusing on hands-on, on-site, truly experiential and experimental learning. “I was teaching about the architectural feats of Brunelleschi standing in front of the massive dome he built, in the Piazza del Duomo … I was surrounded by pigeons, passing out charcoal and sketchpads to my students, and drawing 1,000-year-old sculptures!” she excitedly recalls. Lured by the food, art, language, and history, she remained until 2011. It was in Italy that she met her husband, Klajd, but they eventually agreed that their future was in the United States. Curiously, that mysterious school hidden in the woods near her

Ms. Pinton was one of my closest teacher relationships, and that did not stop after Avon. She was the first person I called when I decided to switch my major to art and design at the University of Delaware, and we talked often when I decided to transfer to the Cleveland Institute of Art. I graduated from Cleveland with a BFA in drawing. I have shown in multiple galleries, painted murals of my own in Cleveland, and am currently a paint apprentice at Colossal Media in Brooklyn, New York, hand painting murals and advertisements around the country for clients like Nike, Chanel, Gucci, Patagonia, and many more. If it wasn't for the classes I took at Avon, my life would be very different right now. — NICK BIRNIE ’14

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF ART

Ms. Pinton's greatest impact on my career at Avon was providing me with a safe, judgment-free space to create. The art building became an oasis for me; it was a place I could go to at any time to escape. It didn't matter what was happening on the fields or in the classroom; the environment Ms. P created in that art building allowed me to express myself in a healthy way. Having that outlet was a big reason for my success as an artist, a student, and an athlete. The freedom I and so many other students felt and still feel in that building is a testament to Ms. Pinton’s passion and love for showing young men the arts and the importance of expression. She makes each and every student feel welcomed in that building and creates an environment that does the same. — MAX RIESER ’16

childhood home called out to her on her return. “When we came back to Canton, it was meant to be temporary. I took a position as a temp art teacher for 600 elementary schoolers while a woman was on maternity leave. At the end of that, I myself was pregnant and looking to settle down when a position at Avon Old Farms appeared.” That was in 2012, and over the past decade, Pinton has become a defining feature of not only the arts but also Avon. Under her leadership, the department has expanded to include more teaching staff and more classes. It’s moved forward with the times, offering classics such as dark room and drawing but also new skills, including digital photography and graphic design. “We’ve not only grown our own skills through each other and through professional development but have also transformed our curriculum and projects from year to year based on what students are attracted to. There’s a constant discourse and reflection of what’s

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happening in the art world, what’s happening in our boys’ lives. That’s what keeps us—both teachers and students—engaged.” She also spearheaded the Advanced Independent Project Program (AIP) for students who show exceptional skill in a niche area. Through the program, students work under the expertise of professionals both on and off campus to learn how to expand their own gifts and desires to excel. Each student is required to complete a significant project or series of projects— ranging from portfolio building to medical research, athletic training to finance and investment and more—and then present what he learned to the entire student body at the end of the time allotted. Given the space to experience a trade with the guidance of trained and proven adults, students build their résumés and gain invaluable experience as they seek further education in that field. “I know that not every kid is an artist and an athlete. I wanted to challenge that perception while making a space for the boys who have a different facet that needs to be shined up. The AIP helps do that, and with more sides shining, the more brilliant they become. The boy who loves medicine can intern with Jackson Labs. The boy who loves fashion design can sew and create a brand. It’s completely up to them, and if they prove to be dedicated to working on that project, we now have a spot for that to happen.”

Ms. Pinton was my photo teacher all four years, and seeing her grow and push herself to be a better, more creative artist gave me a greater appreciation for art and for high school teachers and in turn pushed me to be a better student and creative artist. She helped me be the artist I wanted to be and was always trying to show the world that her students had talent worthy of being seen. Ms. Pinton elevated my time at AOF and helped elevate my spirit. — LUKE O’CONNOR ’16

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF ART

More Than a Workplace

My afternoons immersed in art and showcasing my work through the many exhibits Ms. Pinton organized were some of my most memorable times at Avon. After graduating, I found myself less occupied with art because of the demands of being a pre-med undergraduate at Johns Hopkins. As I look back at the impact Ms. Pinton had on me, I understand how my love for art has now been filled with research. The biggest lesson Ms. Pinton taught me was to project myself into the work I'm engaged in. As a neuroscience researcher, this is the approach I take when asking questions about how the brain allows us to perceive and navigate the world. The creative energy I put into perfecting an artwork at Avon has seamlessly transferred to tackling scientific problems at the lab. — YOUNG JUN SONG ’16

Through her constant advocacy around campus, everyone—even those who do not take art—knows Ms. P, her husband, and her boys, Orion and Xhulian. They’ve lived in the Coop since day one, and Avonian Jackie Chen ’15 was first to see Pinton and her first newborn baby when they came home from the hospital. “When I think about my family, Avon is interwoven now. I think about Orion, and I remember being seven months pregnant at the start of the school year, worrying how all my students probably wanted my big belly to stop banging into the backs of their chairs. I think about Arden Coleman ’16 excitedly knocking on my door to show me something and not understanding that I had a sleeping baby upstairs so he had to be quiet. Those memories are beautiful because I’m still in touch with dozens of those boys from every year I've taught art!” To that end, Avon isn’t just about art for Pinton. Avon is where she’s lived and raised a family, just steps away from the studio she works in each day. That space is an extension of her family, a space she cares for deeply. She’s cultivated a place on campus where kids can relax, complete homework, listen to music, and just be kids. It’s not sterile, so when a new student comes in, he isn’t afraid to grab a marker and some paper and settle into a quiet corner. It’s also a space full of respect, and the students take that to heart. “Whether it’s an art student bringing a friend with him

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

Ms. P impacted my growth at Avon tremendously. She was not only my art teacher and academic advisor but also a parental figure, someone I could go to for guidance and comfort. She frequently invited other advisees and me to her family lunch/dinner at her house in the Coop. Those were some of the best memories I had at Avon. — BON BHAKDIBHUMI ’19

or a boy I’ve never worked with before emailing me about using the digital arts lab on a Saturday morning so he can make a hockey poster for his roommate, boys know they can come in and feel free to be themselves—as long as they respect the space and each other. Very few have ever taken advantage of that, and when someone does try, usually there are students who set him right.” Pinton also knows that creating a judgmentfree environment is necessary for the kids who need art to work through thoughts and ideas they don’t yet have words for. Some boys paint their fears. Some boys paint their aspirations. But only if they know they’ll be supported through that are they comfortable putting it down in any tangible way. “When I was in high school, the art studio was an area of no judgment, no limitations. I remember how important it was for me to have that untamed outlet for self-expression, and that’s

something that I keep at the forefront of my teaching every day,” she says. “I intentionally write vague prompts and encourage students to create something that is meaningful to them, to give students room to run with an idea. ‘Show me your connection to home,’ for example, can be taken in a different direction by each student, and seeing someone formulate an idea and surprise himself with an outcome is what fuels me. I know the story of each boy’s AP portfolio and his journey to that point of expression. I remember faces and can feel their individual energies—though some may have been goofier than others, or less serious about art, they each found a place to learn something new about making or being.”

As a teacher, Ms. Pinton helps her students explore the full extent of their creativity. She also listens and feels strong empathy for each of her students. I think that's a great strength because it helped me a lot to realize what I can do with the skills that I have. I've become more expressive than before and find it easier to express my thoughts and feelings. — MATT SON ’20

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF ART

Passion Recognized

Ms. Pinton was the first person to show me the possibilities I could have with a medium, which was art in my case. From my first year of Avon to my last, she pushed me when I needed motivation and gave me support when I needed strength. As my advisor, she took me in as a part of one big family of various artists, and under her guidance, I was able to create an environment where I could focus on furthering my passion with art and animals while growing my work ethic in classes. — EUGENE KIM ’20

Pinton’s excitement for her students has been well documented. She has led the development of the art curriculum as chair of the Visual Arts Department. In 2019, Pinton was voted Connecticut Art Educators Association (CAEA) Art Educator of the Year. She has presented at the International Boys’ Schools Coalition’s conference, celebrating all-boys education and bringing awareness to boys’ voices through art. She brought the National Arts Honor Society to Avon and also dreamed up a special annual show at Avon to feature the art of local middle schoolers and high schoolers—in a gallery space she created on campus—with the goal of supporting all young people in the arts. During her time at Avon, she has been named the Independent School Representative for the CAEA and received the 2017 AOF Fanning Faculty Award. Even more recently, Pinton began writing for SchoolArts (Davis Publications), which seeks art educators who are talented in the classroom and yearn to share their experiences and discoveries with peers and colleagues in the field. Her efforts don’t come easy: answering the call of a student at night when she’s just sitting down to dinner with her family or supervising the studio on a weekend when her children are outside playing in the grass are active choices. It takes a special family to love and appreciate being part of such a demanding community and a keen understanding of being apart from your family to empathize with the boarding students. Though it comes with perks such as family/ student pick-up soccer games in front of the Coop and Pokémon cards from all over the world for the children, the Pinton family

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

Ms. P is unmatched. She’s always had a super power for knowing students' capabilities and energy for the arts. Once you are in her class, it isn't a free period. She demands a serious and explorative attitude from every student. She knows what her students are capable of and expects them to live up to the potential she sees. Her class was intense but one of the most rewarding because she pulls out her students’ potential and leaves us surprised with ourselves. To anyone in the future taking a class with Ms. P, get ready to work hard, have fun, and create work you would have never guessed you could do. — GRAHAM DECKERS ’20

gives just as much to the community as their matriarch, and Avonians are grateful to have been a part of her decade of work and selflessness. “The truth is, I live through the art of my students, and sometimes I get more excited about what they’re doing than they do. Then, when a student who said he’d never like art walks away on graduation clutching something he completed that he’s prouder of than anything else, it’s all worth it.”

Having Ms. Pinton as a teacher is like having a cool aunt. In short, she’s not just an exceptional teacher, but she’s a mentor, a friend, and someone you can trust like family. I signed up for art to impress my girlfriend. Little did I know art would become my career pursuit. My point being, Ms. Pinton helped to turn a simple new experience for a trivial reason into a core part of my current being. Even when I had an idea that conflicted with the traditional assignment, she would help me mold it into an applicable piece. She supported all my abstract ideas all the while helping me turn them into beautiful visualizations. By doing all of this, Ms. Pinton helped me find my path even when I couldn’t quite see it myself. — XANDER SANBORN ’21

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS:

Andreas Zavitsas ’55 I

n the late fall of 1954, Andreas Athanasios Zavitsas boarded a plane and traveled from his home in Greece to Avon Old Farms School. The opportunity had been organized by a Greek American association to thank the young defenders of the Greek nation in the face of Hitler’s invasion. Private schools, such as Avon, agreed to give these men an education so they could one day return to Greece and pull their country out of despair. Speaking little to no English when he arrived, Andreas planned to spend one year learning the language and the culture before enrolling at an American university. He never could have foreseen the wide-reaching scientific and academic career that would be his future. “When I arrived, I had no idea where I was. Several feet of snow covered the grounds, and I didn’t even know where to find the bathrooms. I was comforted seeing the Greek philosopher Diogenes sitting atop one of the dorms and the Greek Doric columns that sat in front of the bank. But I disliked the rural setting of Avon Old Farms so much that when the Greek American association that got me to America said I would matriculate to a small college in the woods of New Hampshire if I received good marks on my Avon exams, I failed on purpose. I would rather have been sent back to war-torn Greece without an

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

When I arrived, I had no idea where I was. Several feet of snow covered the grounds … I was comforted seeing the Greek philosopher Diogenes sitting atop one of the dorms and the Greek Doric columns that sat in front of the bank. — ANDREAS ZAVITSAS ’55

American education than spend more time in the woods! In Avon’s rural village setting, I was a fish out of water.” Fortunately, an observant science teacher brought Andreas’s failings to the attention of Don Pierpont, who got to the heart of the matter quickly. “I owe Don Pierpont a lot; he was the one who sat me down and said, ‘What the hell is happening here? No one can fail a true/false exam, getting 98 percent of the questions wrong. You’ve done this on purpose!’ The faculty didn’t have to care or look into it. But they did.” When Andreas explained his desire to be in an urban setting, Don called the Greek American association and renegotiated where Andreas could matriculate. Don’s demands were of course agreed to, and after his year at Avon, Andreas attended the City College of New York from 1955–59 and continued at Columbia University, earning his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1962. He then accepted a two-year post-doctoral position for research with stable and radioactive isotopes coming from the nuclear reactors of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island. His next career stop was with the Monsanto Chemical Company in Chicopee Falls, Mass., where he researched synthetic resins, such as Formica. These materials are highly heat

resistant, strong, and nonflammable. The timing of his work there—1964–67—proved important. “In those days, NASA was planning the moon mission. President Kennedy was told that we had the power to leave Earth, go to the moon, land, get back off the moon, and return. However, one little problem did remain,” he explains. “The craft would come back to Earth with the velocity of a speeding bullet, and that, paired with our

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

IMAGE CREDIT: NASA

scholarly articles published

3,000 citations

APOLLO 8, THE FIRST MANNED MISSION TO THE MOON, ENTERED LUNAR ORBIT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, DEC. 24, 1968. THAT EVENING, COMMANDER FRANK BORMAN, COMMAND MODULE PILOT JIM LOVELL, AND LUNAR MODULE PILOT WILLIAM ANDERS HELD A LIVE BROADCAST FROM LUNAR ORBIT, IN WHICH THEY SHOWED PICTURES OF EARTH AND THE MOON AS SEEN FROM THEIR SPACECRAFT. SAID LOVELL, "THE VAST LONELINESS IS AWE-INSPIRING AND IT MAKES YOU REALIZE JUST WHAT YOU HAVE BACK THERE ON EARTH." THEY ENDED THE BROADCAST WITH THE CREW TAKING TURNS READING FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS.

international journals of research in chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and engineering

$2.4

million in grant funding received for Long Island University

atmosphere, would raise the craft’s temperature to the point of vaporizing its occupants. NASA asked Monsanto and the other leading chemical companies of the age to create something lightweight that could protect the ship upon reentry.” Thanks to Andreas and his overengineering of Monsanto’s components, the 1968 Apollo 8 mission was a success. As exciting as having any part in the nation’s space program could be, Andreas was looking for an academic position to support his expanding interest in research. In 1967, he opted to take a 40 percent pay cut for a position at Long Island University in Brooklyn. N.Y. He’s called it home ever since. Google Scholar reveals that since 1967, Andreas has published 91 scholarly articles, which have been cited nearly 3,000 times in more than 90 international research journals

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

in chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and engineering. He has received several grants for the university, totaling about $2.4 million. He taught until the fall of 2021 but is currently continuing his academic research into the properties of a very valuable and cheap substance: water. “We still do not fully understand why it does what it does. No other liquid can support life. How come?” he asks. His latest paper, “Properties of aqueous solutions: A treatise against osmotic and activity coefficients,” published in December 2021, aims to build research in that area. Andreas met his wife of 62 years, Lourdes, nee Romanacce, during his first weeks in the United States. When Avon shut down for Thanksgiving break, he traveled to New York City to stay with a Columbia student. That student took him along one day to his job at the radio station—there Andreas first laid eyes on Lourdes. “She was sitting behind a console, with all these buttons and slides, running the whole thing. It was incredible,” he recalls. “She asked the Columbia student, ‘Why doesn’t your friend talk?’ When it was shared that I couldn't speak English, she asked, ‘Well, what does he speak?’ Translating through the student, we determined that we both spoke French. From that day forward, we have been together. She was studying physics at Columbia’s Barnard College and went on to earn a master’s in mathematics at City College of New York. Cute as a button and smart as a whip.” Though none of Andreas’s family immigrated to the United States, his academic work came with a perk: summers off meant he could travel to Greece to spend time with his loved ones. When asked why he never did return to Greece permanently, he spoke to the corrupt landscape left after World War II. “I felt

obligated to fulfill my duty to the Americans who paid for my education by returning to Greece and contributing to the rebuilding of the nation. However, when I accepted a contract and returned after completing my degrees, I was told I didn’t have a job. The boss wanted to hire his friends for the work that I was contracted to do. The board of directors pointed out that this man’s wife was the sister to one of the junta leaders—the militia group that had taken control of the government in a coup d'état. It was suggested I leave the country or face execution as a communist. I got the first flight back to New York.” Today, with a 50-plus-year career as a U.S. science and technology educator behind him, Andreas knows the importance of teaching the hard sciences as early as possible. He believes students need to gain an interest in and curiosity for discovery, and only investing in science and youth will make future innovation possible. He aims to be a part of that support network as long as he can. For that, and all of his work adding to the field of science, this June during Reunion Weekend, Avon Old Farms School will present Andreas with its Distinguished Alumnus Award, a prestigious award bestowed upon a deserving alumnus who has achieved distinction in his professional career, humanitarian endeavors, or other areas of his life.

CLASS NOTES

class notes

SEVERAL ALUMNI GATHER OUTSIDE THE HEAD’S HOUSE DURING A FALL VISIT TO CAMPUS.

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

DONORS by the DECADE As the years go by in a development office, it’s easy to remember certain names when people donate annually. It’s a strong reminder of how important philanthropy is to Avon’s success—especially from our strong alumni base. As we prepare for one of Avon’s likely largest reunions and begin to think about our centennial, this spring we took a look at engaged Avonians and asked some of our most dedicated supporters why they give to Avon year after year. Here’s what they had to say.

30s

50s

DONOR of the DECADE

DONALD DAVIDSON

SETH MENDELL

CLASS OF 1938

CLASS OF 1952

I have a great feeling about the direction of the school and its current leadership. I enjoyed all of my four years and Avon very much—Avon set me up to succeed, and I am proud to be an alumnus and to give back year after year!

Following my postgraduate year at Avon, then college and two years in Germany with the US Army, I returned to the campus in the fall of 1959 to teach, coach, and eventually

serve as the director of Alumni and Development. During those 30 years, I became part of the fabric of the school and was proud that I had a part in educating young boys and watching them mature into young men during their Avon years. I fell in love with the campus when I first came in 1951 and consequently returned to make Avon my life's work. It would never occur to me to not support the school that has done so much for me and, more important, the many hundreds of boys who have trod its walkways and now lead productive lives of their own.

COOKIE BOYD ’67 IS THE HEAD STARTER AT THE SHEEP RANCH COURSE AT BANDON DUNES (OREGON) GOLF RESORT. SET ALONG THE PACIFIC OCEAN, BANDON DUNES IS ONE OF THE TOP GOLF DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD.

60s ’60 RICHARD L. WILLIAMS

’50 HARVEY S. RUBIN

Head Class Ambassador HARVO2516@VERIZON.NET

DONORS of the DECADE

Head Class Ambassador rclumberclan@aol.com ’61 GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR.

’51 WARREN T. FORD SR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador jodir@aol.com

Head Class Ambassador gfhjr@aol.com

’52 SETH F. MENDELL

’62 ALAN D. ROZINSKY

Head Class Ambassador sethalicemendell@gmail.com

Head Class Ambassador alroz@lycos.com

’54 DOUGLAS H. MACPHERSON

’63 JACK R. STOKVIS

Head Class Ambassador smarts@galaxy.net

Head Class Ambassador dhmacpherson@verizon.net

’64 W. BRADFORD HARWOOD III

’55 EDWARD J. HAWIE

Head Class Ambassador wbhtcc@aol.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador ehawie@bellsouth.net ’55 CLEON M. SHUTT JR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador chipsamerica@hotmail.com ’56 CHARLES R. SCAGLIONE

Head Class Ambassador scag3328@gmail.com ’59 CHARLES W. DAVIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador cwdavis@waretec.com ’59 DOUGLAS B. MARSHALL

Co-Head Class Ambassador douglas.marshall@raveis.com ROLF OLSON '59 was voted one year ago into the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. The Blue Knights are an international law enforcement motorcycle club and may accept up to 10% of their membership as non-law enforcement members.

KNICK CURTIS

MICHAEL BARKER

CLASS OF 1963

CLASS OF 1966

Avon gave me the confidence to do whatever I wanted and do it well, with a moral compass to understand how to proceed. I give back to Avon not only because of how it helped me, but—more important—how it has improved as an institution and continues to do so in so many ways!

I didn't realize or appreciate it while at Avon, and I don't think that I ever properly thanked my parents for the opportunity they gave me to become an Avonian. I give every year to thank them and to allow Avon to continue to offer all that it does to class after class.

’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

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

70s DONOR of the DECADE

BOB MORAN CLASS OF 1973

As I look back regarding my 48 years (and counting) of giving to Avon, I think about the notion of giving back that was presented to us in our senior year by Seth Mendell, then the director of alumni, and the one and only George Trautman. They gave a talk about transitioning from student to alumnus, and a part of that is staying connected and lending some support to the school. I took it to heart and have made some level of a donation to Avon every year since graduation. Let’s say Seth and George got me off to a good start. At the root of it, in my mind, if you want to be a well-rounded person, a part of you needs to be charitably inclined. Giving back to AOF after my experience there was a no-brainer. Of course, it wasn’t about the size of the donation but that you get your name on the list of those who support the school. It’s important. The tradition of giving from alumni, parents, and friends of the school makes a difference. Tuition alone is not enough to keep the school running, retain the dedicated faculty and staff, and provide a terrific experience for the boys. The campus has changed dramatically for the better since my day—in fact, I would say there has been constant improvement of the facilities—and this would not have been possible without the generous support of many.

HENRY COONS ’71 SAVORED TIME WITH HIS GRANDSONS NICO NOBLE AND HENRY COONS (SONS OF CASEY COONS ’07) OVER THANKSGIVING.

THIS U.S. HISTORY GOLDEN SHOVEL AWARD HANGS IN MULBERRY STREET, A MANCHESTER, CONN., RESTAURANT OWNED BY BOB SULICK ’74. AWARDED BY HISTORY TEACHER COURTNEY BIRD.

CLASS NOTES

BELOW, FROM 1972: LEFT TO RIGHT, FRONT ROW: TIM AGUDA ’73 (DECEASED), DENIS GROSVENOR ’75. BACK ROW: MARK DRISCOLL ’73, JIM RODENBUSH ’73, TIM TRAUTMAN ’75, JEFF BROWN ’73

ABOVE, FROM 2014: LEFT TO RIGHT: TIM AGUDA ’73 (DECEASED), JIM RODENBUSH ’73, TIM TRAUTMAN ’75, JEFF BROWN ’73

’70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III

’71 HENRY R. COONS

Head Class Ambassador hbucklin3@gmail.com Class of 1970

Co-Head Class Ambassador henrycoons29@yahoo.com

NICHOLAS WELLS ’70

celebrated his and Renee's 50th wedding anniversary with their kids, grandkids, and his 96-year-old father. Then they spent a week on the beach in Vero Beach, Fla. He’s decided it’s time to retire after helping shepherd GFA International, Inc. through its private-equity acquisition and subsequent merger with Universal Engineering Sciences. He is happy to announce his retirement in March. After tax season ends, he plans to spend as much time as he can with family and grandchildren both in Florida and Brooklyn. Nick is looking forward to the return of the South Florida AOF reception at the Gozzo's and then returning to campus in June to finally celebrate his 50th reunion. He hopes as many of the Class of '70 as possible will return to campus for the celebration.

’72 KEVIN J. DRISCOLL

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

Co-Head Class Ambassador catkins702@gmail.com ’73 ROBERT H. MORAN JR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador bobbymo@cox.net ’74 GEORGE J. GIANNONI

’77 FREDERICK M. MICHEL

’79 ANTHONY M. GRAY

Co-Head Class Ambassador frederickoffrederick@comcast.net

Co-Head Class Ambassador tgray@tonygray.net

’78 JOHN M. GARVEY

’79 SCOTT B. LINKE

Head Class Ambassador jmgarvey@garvspace.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador scottblinke@comcast.net

Co-Head Class Ambassador ggiannoni@cox.net ’74 EDWARD P. MOLLOY

Co-Head Class Ambassador Tmolloy@ArraySoftware.com ’75 THOMAS B. BYRNE III

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com ’75 GORDON F. LINKE

Co-Head Class Ambassador gflinke@gmail.com ’76 ALEXANDER N. WORLEY

Head Class Ambassador alexworley1989@gmail.com

’71 TIMOTHY R. BEEBLE

’77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA JR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbeeble@aol.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador jconsuegra29@gmail.com CHRIS CARGEN ’66 HOSTS TIM TRAUTMAN ’75 AND TOM STERNBERG ’76 ABOARD DARK STAR AT THE ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW IN OCTOBER 2021.

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

80s DONOR of the DECADE

KENNETH BLANCHARD CLASS OF 1980

It is a privilege to help Avon’s young men make discoveries and grow. Giving to Avon makes me feel closer to school. As Avon taught us, it is important to be selfless for something bigger than yourself.

LEFT TO RIGHT: MIKE LECH ’88, P’23; CHASE DONALDSON ’68; MIKE CONROY ’85, P’22; CHRIS WEBB. SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ATTEND THE FALL FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST KENT.

’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

Co-Head Class Ambassador brianconroy1@mac.com ’82 GREGORY T. FISH

Co-Head Class Ambassador greg@gregorytfishllc.com '83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT

Co-Head Class Ambassador Billeschert@gmail.com ’83 RICHARD C. GREGORY

Co-Head Class Ambassador rick@rcgregory.com ’84 JOHN S. GORDON

Head Class Ambassador falconatlfan@gmail.com ’85 SAM L. RUBENSTEIN

Head Class Ambassador SRubenstein127@gmail.com

LEFT TO RIGHT: MIKE LECH ’88, P’23; PETER DUGGAN ’91; DAMIAN FOX ’91, P’23; AND LUCA FOX ’23 ATTEND AN AVON FOOTBALL GAME IN THE FALL.

CLASS NOTES

’86 STEPHEN R. GORMAN

Head Class Ambassador stephen.r.gorman@gmail.com ’87 HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR.

Head Class Ambassador hal.beacham44@comcast.net ’88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON

Co-Head Class Ambassador shawnatki@gmail.com ’88 PETER D. REED

Co-Head Class Ambassador pdreed18@gmail.com ’89 ROBERT M. WILEMAN

Head Class Ambassador rmw@wilemanagency.com

ALUMS PLAYED A ROUND OF GOLF IN HONOR OF COACH GARDNER AS HE CONTINUES TO CONNECT WITH FORMER HOCKEY PLAYERS AT THE INTERNATIONAL IN BOLTON, MASS., HOSTED BY PHIL O'CONNOR ’85. LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN GARDNER, BRIAN FITZGERALD ’94, PHIL O'CONNOR ’85, MIKE TETREAULT ’87, LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, BRIAN O'CONNOR ’87.

90s DONOR of the DECADE

STEVE ROGE CLASS OF 1992

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to an Avon faculty member through a friend of a friend. This connection afforded me the opportunity to return to campus after a long hiatus and speak with the students. As soon as I stepped on campus, I realized how much Avon meant to me and the long-lasting impact my one year as a PG had on me. I am now a member of the National Council and have made Avon one of my top philanthropic priorities. Access to education and doing my part to ensure other deserving young boys can experience Avon is something I am committed to.

’90 PETER J. DECKERS

’94 PAUL M. GOZZO

Head Class Ambassador deckersp@avonoldfarms.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador 11pgoz@gmail.com

’91 ROBERT A. DOWLING JR.

’95 JOHN P. MCAULIFFE

Head Class Ambassador dowlingr@avonoldfarms.com

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

RYAN LEIRVIK ’91 recently wrote Understand, Manage, and Measure Cyber Risk: Practical Solutions for Creating a Sustainable Cyber Program. (Amazon link: https://www.amazon. com/Understand-Manage-Measure-Cyber-Risk/dp/1484278208)

’95 ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO

’92 WILLIAM P. AUSTIN

Co-Head Class Ambassador wpaustin55@gmail.com ’92 DAMIEN J. EGAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador degan2@hotmail.com ’93 LANCE A. CASHION

Co-Head Class Ambassador lancec@christchapelbc.org ’93 ADAM K. CLINE

Co-Head Class Ambassador adamcline50@gmail.com ’94 GRAHAM C. FULLER

Co-Head Class Ambassador grahamcraigfuller@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Ambassador tony.silvestro@insperity.com ’96 MARK A. CARUSO

Head Class Ambassador mcaruso@gmail.com ’97 TIMOTHY B. STAY

Co-Head Class Ambassador timothystay@gmail.com ’97 KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST

Co-Head Class Ambassador bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com ’98 J. ANDREW CORRIGAN

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

Co-Head Class Ambassador david@ghgdevelopment.com ’99 STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE

Co-Head Class Ambassador zappones@yahoo.com

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

COLIN CHASEL ’90 TOOK HIS SON, WILL, TO MRS. RIDDLE’S VILLAGE FOR A CAMPUS TOUR.

JOHN MCAULIFFE ’95 HOSTED THE SECOND ANNUAL JOHN GARDNER INVITATIONAL ON OCTOBER 5, 2021, AT WOODWAY COUNTRY CLUB (DARIEN, CONN.). THE DUO OF BRIAN WILHELM ’92 AND DANNY NEW ’08 TOOK HOME THE TOP PRIZE. LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK ROW: JOHN MCAULIFFE ’95 (HOST), JEFF BLANCHARD P’24, PAT NEAL P’21, PAT MACGREGOR ’10, JOHN GARDNER, LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, JEFF HAMILTON ’96, JIM DETORA P’12, JOHN MORI ’05. FRONT ROW: MIKE HEINKE ’90, P’25; DANNY NEW ’08; BRIAN WILHELM ’92; TONY MINELLA ’94.

CLASS NOTES

DOUGLAS KOOLURIS ’92 WELCOMED ‘THEODATE’ INTO HIS LIFE THIS FEBRUARY.

WESTERN AND EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY ALUMNI CAME TOGETHER FOR A GREAT ROUND OF GOLF AT LONGMEADOW COUNTRY CLUB HONORING COACH GARDNER’S HOCKEY LEGACY, HOSTED BY JAMIE MEADOWS ’92. LEFT TO RIGHT: MATT BISCALDI ’00, CHIP KOHN ’93, TRAVIS TUCKER ’90, PETE MEUNIER ’90, JAMIE MEADOWS ’92, LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, KEITH FESTA ’91, AND COACH JOHN GARDNER.

00s DONOR of the DECADE

DANE LEMERIS CLASS OF 2005

I give because Avon has always been at the core of who I am and the man I have become. How could I not say “thank you” every year for that? Every time I give, my mind goes back to fall sports camp, Sunday night Vespers, Boar's Head Festival, trudging to class in 2 feet of snow that spring Headmaster’s Day, or the slow march around the Green on that sunny graduation day. AOF is such an important part of who I am, and I love taking that moment each year to pause and remember all the great memories, teachers, and friends I made at Avon. That’s why I give.

CRAIG CHESTER ’01 AND HIS WIFE, AMY, CELEBRATED THE BIRTH OF THEIR SON, MORGAN, ON DECEMBER 31, 2021.

’00 MICHAEL J. O'NEILL

Co-Head Class Ambassador michaeloneill27@yahoo.com ’00 DANIEL J. SEIDEN

Co-Head Class Ambassador seidend@gmail.com ’01 CHRISTOPHER D. COLEMAN

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

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

’04 LUKE R. ARCHAMBAULT

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

Co-Head Class Ambassador matthew.h.moran@gmail.com ’05 ANDREW B. LAWRENCE

Co-Head Class Ambassador mooklawrence@gmail.com ’05 DANE G. LEMERIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador dlemeris@gmail.com ’06 KEVIN T. DRISCOLL

Co-Head Class Ambassador kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com ’06 JOSHUA P. PAVANO

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

Co-Head Class Ambassador caseycoons4@gmail.com MICHAEL RECCHIA ’07 MARRIED GABRIELLA SCHIRALDI IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, ON AUGUST 14, 2021. THE COUPLE WAS THRILLED THAT MARIA AND KEVIN DRISCOLL, AS WELL AS MANY CLASSMATES, WERE PRESENT. THE WEDDING TOOK PLACE AT THE BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL. DINNER AND DANCING AT THE DEYOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FOLLOWED. MICHAEL LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS 15-YEAR CLASS REUNION.

CASEY COONS ’07 and his

wife, Kristen, welcomed their second child, Avery, into the world last May. She and her brother, Henry, are keeping their parents quite busy. Casey started a new job in Cambridge, Mass., with a company called Mersana Therapeutics, a clinical-stage oncology-focused company. ’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 SHANE FALCÓN ’05 AND JOE SIDES ’05 AFTER SIDES’S GAME AGAINST FLORIDA EVERGLADES IN ESTERO, FLA. SIDES PLAYS FOR THE JACKSONVILLE ICEMEN.

CLASS NOTES

10s DONOR of the DECADE

CONNOR DOYLE CLASS OF 2012

I am inspired to give back each year because Avon is a truly special place. The community and people are so supportive and genuine and are making a difference in the lives of students and alumni each and every day. I always enjoyed my time at Avon, but I don't think you recognize how amazing the Brotherhood is and how kind and encouraging the people are until you move onto college and the real world. In my opinion, it is rare to find a place that will be as supportive and welcoming as Avon Old Farms School.

PAUL CADENHEAD ’10 AND SAM MARVIN '10 GOT TOGETHER WITH THEIR FAMILIES OVER THE HOLIDAYS. MARVIN'S SON (SONNY) AND CADENHEAD’S SON (JUDE) WERE BOTH BORN IN 2020 ABOUT SIX WEEKS APART AND HAVE HUNG OUT WITH EACH OTHER A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.

’10 PATRICK D. HAMPTON

JORDAN WHALEN ’12 is the

’15 WILLIAM C. DAVIS

Head Class Ambassador pdavishampton@gmail.com

disbursing officer of the USS Bataan, overseeing financial services and systems on the ship.

Co-Head Class Ambassador cdavis7@me.com

’11 HARRISON M. LYONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador hlyons@suffolk.com

’13 WILSON P. MEYER

Co-Head Class Ambassador wilsonpmeyer@gmail.com

’11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN

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

’13 JOHN VAN ALLEN III

Co-Head Class Ambassador jjghyu@gmail.com

’12 CONNOR P. DOYLE

Co-Head Class Ambassador doyle12187@gmail.com ’12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER

Co-Head Class Ambassador shamburgerd@gmail.com

’14 MICKOY R. NICHOL ENS. JORDAN WHALEN, SC, USN

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

Co-Head Class Ambassador rydphillips@gmail.com

’15 CHRISTIAN E. DI ANTONIO

Co-Head Class Ambassador diantoniochristian@gmail.com ’16 MATTHEW T. HORTON

Co-Head Class Ambassador horton_matt@bentley.edu ’16 ALESSO R. MARCOGLIESE

Co-Head Class Ambassador alessio.marcogliese@gmail.com ’17 KEVIN A. SIEBER

Head Class Ambassador ksieber@friars.providence.edu

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

’18 KEVIN E. HUVELDT

Head Class Ambassador kevinhuveldt4@gmail.com ’19 MAXWELL A. MILLER

Head Class Ambassador mmiller20413@gmail.com Class of 2019 RICHARD ZHAO ’19 is proud to announce the formation of the Babson Healthcare & Biotech Club. As founder and president, he will work to connect Babson students with health care and biotech companies for career develop-

ment and discover entrepreneurship opportunities in the industry. Babson College was named the No. 1 undergraduate school for entrepreneurship for the 25th consecutive time. The club looks forward to bringing Babson’s strong reputation and knowledge to the health care and biotech industries. HR recruiters or Babson alums in the industry interested in joining an on-campus or virtual event in the future should contact Ricky at rzhao2@babson.edu.

SAM KRUPNIKOFF ’19 STUDIED ABROAD IN LONDON THROUGH BOSTON UNIVERSITY.

20s ’20 AUGUSTUS G. SHAMBURGER

Head Class Ambassador shammyg12@gmail.com ’21 PATRICK “PJ” A. NEAL HAYDEN VOEGTLE ’17 RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM VIRGINIA TECH WITH A DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING AND WAS COMMISSIONED A SECOND LIEUTENANT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AS A COMBAT ENGINEER OFFICER. AT HIS COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, HE HOLDS A PICTURE OF HIS GRANDFATHER WAYNE WELLER, A FREQUENT FIXTURE AT AVON OLD FARMS ATHLETIC GAMES, WHO PASSED AWAY IN OCTOBER 2020. HAYDEN WILL BE STATIONED AT THE BASE WHERE HIS GRANDFATHER SERVED 65 YEARS AGO.

Co-Head Class Ambassador ’21 WILLIAM B. SMALLEY

Co-Head Class Ambassador EUGENE KIM ’20 (CENTER BACK WITH ARMS STRETCHED OUT) SERVES IN THE SOUTH KOREAN MILITARY.

CLASS NOTES

The Last Word When Winged Beavers Lifted Me Up BY BRENDAN FAULKNER ’91

hen I came to Avon Old Farms as a sophomore boarder in 1989, I was told to observe two important rules: “No boarding students in the day boy room” and “Never get into a car driven by a day boy.” Who were these lucky “day boy” classmates who seemed to have the best of both worlds? The answer, it turns out, is that they are some of my closest lifelong friends. Two years ago, Damian Fox ’91, P’23 appeared at Hartford Hospital, where I was fighting for my life. Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in 2020, I thought I had the flu. It turned out to be endocarditis that led to five cardiac surgeries. I was on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for a week and had my left leg and half of my right foot amputated. My wife, Holly, had never met Damian before he walked down the ICU corridor that January day wearing a burly jacket and a Yankees cap and cradling something that seemed at once illicit and precious. He drew closer,

The Avonian // SPRING 2022

All of these relationships are what I believe Theodate Pope Riddle had in mind when she created the Avon Old Farms Village, designed to provide a connection to the past and a bridge to the future.

and from a blur of blue and maroon, Holly sighted the Winged Beaver emblem. Damian introduced himself and offered her his gift of an AOF hockey jersey. As they talked, my wife felt peaceful—as though she was enjoying a comforting chat with a good friend. I was in the ICU for 46 days. Jared Rucci ’91 was among the first visitors, making the trip up from New Jersey. He showed Holly the AOF group chat about my hospitalization. As more Avonians came to my bedside, Holly and our boys—ages 11, 9, and 6 at the time—were astonished by and grateful for the unwavering generosity and kindness of these unexpected visitors. “We just had no idea anyone liked him so much,” marveled Holly. Day after day, Avonians arrived bearing restaurant gift cards, movie tickets, flowers, and, most crucially, their love and stories. “Ninety-nine point nine percent of our stories are not family friendly,” warned Peter Duggan ’91. “But remember how we all hung out together and had so much fun? Remember the time we broke into the rink and skated late at night and drove the Zamboni? Remember when we decided to walk into town during a blizzard, and when the snowfall intensified, we had to seek shelter in a guard booth on an abandoned golf course? Remember when we dropped the huge poops made of wadded up brownies out of the back of the dragon during Boars Head?”

While I was hospitalized, Damian put together and pulled off an evening my sons Fred, Charlie, and George will never forget. He took them to the Avon campus, where they had dinner in the Refectory at the head table. “That’s an honor I never had as a student,” observed Damian. This was followed by touring the hockey locker rooms, meeting Coach Gardner and Mr. Whitty, and enjoying a hockey game. Damian treated the boys to milkshakes at the Hawk’s Nest and whatever apparel they wanted from the store. One thing an extended stay in the hospital gives you, assuming you survive, is time. Somehow, in the everyday tumult of work and fatherhood and life, I had lost touch with some of my AOF friends. I felt like a bad alum. In so many ways, my near-death gave me a second chance. Now I am in touch with them weekly, sometimes daily. I spend as much time on campus as possible, taking my boys to Avon for hockey, signing them up for John Gardner’s summer camps, and guest teaching during Intersession. All of these relationships are what I believe Theodate Pope Riddle had in mind when she created the Avon Old Farms Village, designed to provide a connection to the past and a bridge to the future. As Jacqueline Keller wrote, “Ms. Riddle’s village . . . has given life to something else: Eternal brotherhood to all who pass through our famed arches.”

PARTING SHOT Alumnus Andrew Corrigan ’98 judges architectural blueprints for the Tiny House Design intersession course final competition, run by Dean of Studies Graham Callaghan ’95.

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Spring 2022 Avonian

Articles inside

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The Last Word