SPRING 2013
The Finest Faculty: Master Teachers of Yesterday and Today
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GAIL LAFERRIERE SAYS GOODBYE
AVON  OLD  FARMS  SCHOOL Established  1927 Â
Headmaster Kenneth  H.  LaRocque
Provost John  T.  Gardner
Editor Morgan  C.  Cugell
Director  of  Development Daniel  Seiden  ’00
Designer 2k  Design www.2kDesign.com
Alumni  Notes Lizabeth  Abramson
Photographers Seshu  Badrinath
Printer Benchemark  Printing,  Inc.,  Schenectady,  NY
Contributors Thanks  to  everyone  who  contributed  to  this  magazine.  Special  thanks  to  Lizabeth  Abramson,  Seshu  Badrinath,  Cheryl  Benoit,  Michael  Dembicer,  Susan  Haile,  Carol  Ketcham,  Ken  LaRocque,   and  Dan  Seiden  ’00. The  Avonian  is  published  for  the  alumni,  parents,  and  friends  of  Avon  Old  Farms  School.  It  is  distributed  to  approximately  8,000  readers.   All  rights  reserved.
Avon  Old  Farms  School 500  Old  Farms  Road Avon,  CT  06001 www.avonoldfarms.com (860)  404-Â4100
Admissions (800) Â 464-Â2866 admissions@avonoldfarms.com
Alumni We  enjoy  hearing  from  you! Please  send  us  your  latest  news  and  notes: Email:  abramsonl@avonoldfarms.com Phone:  (800)  336-Â8195 Fax:  (860)  675-Â7135
Email Members  of  the  administration  and  faculty  can  be  emailed  by  using  the  following  formula:  last  name  ¿UVW LQLWLDO #DYRQROGIDUPV FRP 7KH GLUHFWRU\ RQ 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.  Â
Alumni  Gate,  as  painted  by  beloved  longtime  faculty  member  Gail  Laferriere,  who  is  retiring  at  the  end  of  this  school  year.  For  more  on  Gail,  please  see  page  24. Â
FROM THE EDITOR…
FEATURES
14 The Finest Faculty: Master Teachers of Yesterday and Today by Morgan C. Cugell
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36 A Fallen Hero: Andrew Pedersen-Keel ’02 by Morgan C. Cugell
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dormitories and on the athletic fields,
are the heart and soul of our school,
SPOTLIGHTS
and their efforts extend far beyond
10 Athletic Spotlight: Vince DeBlasio ’13 by Morgan C. Cugell
the confines of their classrooms. And
11 AOF U: Khaseem Greene ’08 by Morgan C. Cugell
teachers bring enthusiasm and expertise
24 Faculty Focus: Gail Laferriere by Susan Haile
and skillfully prepare our students not
30 Student Spotlight: Wilson Meyer ’13 by Morgan C. Cugell
to many—but certainly not all—of our
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Headmaster
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yet, for so many, it is in the classroom where they excel most. These master to their disciplines, and they creatively only for further study, but also for the world at large. This issue introduces you master teachers of yesterday and today, and varied as they may be, they all share a profound passion for bettering their students’ minds each and every day. Also in this issue, we remember two recently departed alumni: Richard
DEPARTMENTS
Loveland, a former faculty member and honorary alumnus, and Army Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel ’02, who fell while serving in Afghanistan.
10 Athletics
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than teach. From their work in the
the 400 young men of Avon, teachers
34 Alumni Spotlight In Memoriam: Dick Loveland ’59H by Susan Haile
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Teachers at Avon do so much more
to their roles as advisors and mentors to
60 The Last Word by Glenn Sieber
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Dear Readers,
And finally, we’ll say goodbye to Gail
32 The Elephant Remembers
Laferriere, a veritable Avon legend, as
34 Alumni
she retires this spring after 43 years on
38 Class Notes
campus. Mrs. L, you will be missed!
Cover photo: Gail Laferriere is retiring after 43 years at Avon Old Farms School. Photo by Seshu Badrinath.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Aspirando et perseverando, Morgan C. Cugell
Find past issues of The Avonian online at www.avonoldfarms.com/avonian
Are you following us?
cugellm@avonoldfarms.com 860-404-4239
/AvonOldFarms @AvonOldFarms /AvonOldFarmsSchool Search Group: Avon Old Farms School Alumni Association
Cert no. SW-COC-002935
From the Headmaster by Kenneth H. LaRocque
H
enry Adams once wrote, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” The vast majority of people across the world, I am sure, agree with this quote and remember at least one particular teacher whose impact on them was dramatic and has endured. In speaking with Avon Old Farms School alumni during their visits to campus and in my travels throughout this country and the world, I am reminded that our faculty have inspired their students over the years and continue to do so today. So many Winged Beavers remember fondly the teachers who changed their perspective on the world, on life, and on themselves. Of course, Avon, as a boarding school, provides special opportunities for faculty to interact with and profoundly influence the young men with whom they work. While the classroom is the most obvious and formal setting for
learning, the playing field, the dormitory, the Refectory, Beaver Pond, the Nimrod Cabin, and any number of places on Mrs. Riddle’s campus are apt venues for teachers to guide and shape students. Modeling is such an effective learning dynamic, and since Avon’s faculty work closely with students from early in the morning, throughout the day, and into the night, they are constantly impacting students in important ways. Fortunately and by design, Avon offers a rich array of role models whom students can choose to emulate, at least in part, as they begin to explore their path to adulthood. This issue of The Avonian looks at some of our faculty who have made a special difference in the lives of Winged Beavers over the years. Choosing to teach at Avon is choosing a life of service knowing that the extra effort you extend daily
“Fortunately and by design, Avon offers a rich array of role models whom students can choose to emulate, at least in part, as they begin to explore their path to adulthood.” - K E N N E T H H . L A R O C Q U E
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FRO M THE HE ADMA S TE R
on behalf of an individual student or a group of young men will not often be accompanied by any recognition or fanfare. Understanding that as a faculty member at Avon you are in a position to change the world one student at a time and to inspire young people to believe in themselves, is appreciating the powerful station you hold in the world; teaching is such an honor. The rewards of a life so lived are seldom immediate, but they are harvested gradually and richly as intrinsic gifts in speaking with grateful parents, in emails from appreciative alumni, in watching one of your “special projects” triumph and receive his diploma, in reconnecting on Alumni Weekend with your former pupils and protégés, in a simple smile from one of your students acknowledging that he finally understands, and in a thousand more subtle ways, all different, but all affirming that you have made a difference. Ultimately, no profession offers more satisfaction and psychic income than living and working in a school community like Avon Old Farms. Gail Laferriere is retiring this year after selflessly serving generations of Avonians. For the past 43 years Gail has enthusiastically championed the visual arts at Avon, mentored hundreds of young people, orchestrated the production of dozens of award-winning yearbooks, offered support and friendship to countless faculty, and extended herself completely to the Old Farms community. I have worked with Gail for over three decades and have always been impressed with her ability to connect with our boys and help them to discover and explore their artistic talent. Mrs. L’s art studio has provided, over the years, a welcome haven from the pressures of school life and a relaxed setting for our aspiring
artists to gather, collaborate, and create. While we will all miss her creative, engaging spirit next year, we will always be inspired by the example she set. Gail, thank you and good luck in your future endeavors! On March 11, 2013, Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, a 2002 graduate of Avon Old Farms, was shot and killed in the Jalrez District of Afghanistan while serving our country bravely during Operation Enduring Freedom. PK, as he was known at AOF, was a highly respected leader in his class and a man of principle who leaves behind a legacy of integrity and service. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery on March 27, PK reminds us of the high price of freedom and our duty to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve it. His spirit will always inspire us. As the 2012-2013 school year comes to an end, I thank our students, faculty, board of directors, staff, parents, alumni, and friends for honoring our mission through your efforts and support. This chapter in the Avon Old Farms School story is one of which we should all be proud!
We’d like to hear from you! Do you have any special Avon anecdotes? Memories of your time at the Farm? Please send in any thoughts on your Avon experience for possible inclusion in future publications.
Master Teachers, 1927 The Avonian Spring 2013
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Avon Online Summer Courses Offered A von Old Farms students can now enroll in online courses taught by Avon Old Farms faculty. Avon is excited to be one of the first independent schools to offer online courses during the summer of 2013; these online courses serve the interest of the 21st-century secondary
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education with an emphasis on college preparation. Considering that 6.1 million college students (31 percent) took online courses in 2011-2012 as part of a college curriculum and 60 to 70 percent of college undergraduates will take an online course as part of a four-year degree, the need to prepare our students for success in an online learning environment is apparent. AOF online courses are designed with our specific curriculum and students in mind. Students may enroll in the online summer courses either for credit or to preview. Students who successfully
complete a for-credit course will receive credit on their Avon Old Farms transcript and may enroll in a higher- level course for the following school year. Alternatively, students may enroll in a preview course to strengthen their understanding of concepts in preparation for a full-year course in that subject during the following school year or as a follow-up to a course in that subject taken during the previous year. Whether students elect to enroll for credit or to preview, they will earn a grade based on their work completed during the eight-week course of study, from June 10 to July 31. We are pleased to offer the following online courses this summer: Physics, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Precalculus, and Calculus. For more information, please contact Dean of Faculty Jim Detora at detoraj@ avonoldfarms.com.
Village Green Catching up with…
Chris Canning ’07 Director of Sustainability
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hris Canning ’07 always thought he might return to Avon Old Farms some day—he just didn’t know that day would be so soon! While perusing the local Hill-Stead farmer’s market, Chris ran into faculty member Graham Callaghan ’95, who invited him to come check out the school’s new community garden. Chris soon found himself back on campus and talking with Headmaster LaRocque about the new director of sustainability position that was available. And the timing couldn’t have been any better. Chris, who graduated from Oberlin College in the spring of 2012, had spent his college career immersing himself in sustainability and the environment. “The campus was ripe with energy and ideas surrounding this new and exciting field,” explains Chris, who helped run the Oberlin Ecolympics for two years, and also participated as a member of the Oberlin Environmental Dashboard think tank. In the spring of 2012, at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education conference at Ball State University, Chris presented important research findings supporting how real-time feedback can be used to educate, motivate, and empower students living in dormitories to conserve electricity and water. Although Chris seems to have found his calling in his sustainability efforts, his path wasn’t always so clear. After graduating from Avon Old Farms in 2007, he embarked upon the adventure of a lifetime: a gap year, spent traveling in Europe. The year began in Salamanca, Spain, where he took Spanish language classes. During his European tour,
“What we think of as waste here in America is not considered waste in other parts of the world. Food waste is composted, clothing is reused or repurposed as rags, electronics are repaired, and anything else that can be salvaged is recycled. Waste is minimized. We should adopt this mentality here in the U.S.” he took trips to Portugal and Italy in addition to traveling around Spain. He traveled throughout Latin America, often for stretches with fellow Winged Beavers, touring Costa Rica with Ben Kimmerle ’06, teaching English classes and translating for a medical clinic in Ecuador with Mike Cesaro ’06, working at an orphanage teaching swimming lessons in Panama, and hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru with Dan Cardon ’06. In addition to enjoying his travels, Chris found the gap year to be personally transformative. “In many ways, my travels were an extension of my education, but in a less traditional form,” he explains. “My time away from home and out of the country allowed me to gain some real life experience— how to manage my money, how to spend my time, how to interact with people with different lifestyles. It turned me into a more open-minded, cultured, educated person.” Chris also took note of different cultures’ views on sustainability, observing his host
families’ conservation efforts, fresh eating habits, and waste management. “What we think of as waste here in America is not considered waste in other parts of the world,” he says. “Food waste is composted, clothing is reused or repurposed as rags, electronics are repaired, and anything else that can be salvaged is recycled. Waste is minimized. We should adopt this mentality here in the U.S.,” he comments. Even more, he hopes to bring it to Avon Old Farms. “I hope we can focus on managing better our campus waste in all its forms: food waste in the refectory, trash and recycling produced in the dorms, and electronic waste,” notes Chris, who also hopes to conduct waste audits in the Refectory as well as tour the school’s single-stream recycling facility to make the process easier. In his role as director of sustainability, Chris is tasked with tending to the community garden, leading the Environmental Club, and raising sustainability awareness on campus. Chris looks forward to working with students, faculty, and staff this year at Avon to inspire a culture of environmental stewardship in all facets of life on campus.
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The Show Must Go On! Damn Yankees Delights Avon Old Farms School presented its winter musical, Damn Yankees, to eager audiences who sought refuge from winter storm Nemo in the Adams Theater. Originally scheduled for February 8-10, the show was postponed until February 10-11 after Nemo brought ice, wind, and several feet of snow. But the show must go on, and audiences were not to be deterred! Featuring the men of Avon Old Farms, the women of Miss Porter’s School, several Avon faculty children, and guest performers from the Evjen Academy of Performing Arts in Farmington, Connecticut, Damn Yankees brought the house down with music, comedy, and a little help from the devil. In Damn Yankees, middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to the devil, also known as Mr. Applegate, for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life he’s left behind. Joe ultimately outsmarts Applegate, returns to his former self, and shepherds the Senators to the World Series.
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Damn Yankees featured Duncan Cooke ’13 as Joe Boyd and Joe Hardy. Sera Takata, of Miss Porter’s School, played Meg Boyd, Joe’s loving wife. Jas Spearman ’14 played Mr. Applegate, the devil, while Olivia Wilcox, of the Evjen Academy of Performing Arts, played Lola, the devil’s assistant. Katie McElheny, also of Miss Porter’s School, acted as Gloria Thorpe, a sassy reporter who loves the Senators, while Seamus Donovan ’13 took on the role of Van Buren, the Washington
Senators’ coach. The musical was directed by Rebekah Hawkinson, with Joe Lampe serving as co-director and production manager. Musical director was Bryan Zaros, while Gayle Robinson served as artistic director and James Kassel as technical director. Robert Volo was orchestra coordinator and Morgan Harris provided sound assistance, with help from sound technician Charlie Carpenter ’15 and lighting technician Devin McKenna ’15.
Avonian Artists
Duncan Cooke ’13
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uncan Cooke ’13 is a music man. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Duncan has been singing for much of his life. He attended the prestigious American Boychoir School for middle school, where he honed his talent and also got to see the world, spending several 30-day periods throughout the school year touring with his classmates. Duncan’s three years at the American Boychoir School prepared him well for life at Avon Old Farms, where he arrived as a freshman and quickly began laying a path for himself that many of our young musicians hope to follow: he leads the Sing-ed Beavers, Avon’s completely student-run small a cappella ensemble; he is an impact member of our elite singing group, The Riddlers; and he just finished a starring turn on stage as Joe Boyd in this winter’s musical, Damn Yankees. Yet, despite his impressive resume, Duncan didn’t arrive at Avon quite so sure-footed. In fact, he recalls feeling nervous—“like every other freshman” —and oftentimes humbled in front of an audience, a surprising challenge, given his many years of performance experience. He turned down the chance to audition for a role in the musical, and instead
Village Green chose to play basketball. He was tasked, as all students are each winter, with reciting a poem for Avon’s annual recitation contest, but claims he was anxious about delivering it. “I managed to win my class section,” he recalls, and then had to compete with the other freshman section winners—and he won again. He was excited, of course, and even began to feel confident about his odds—until he found himself in front of the entire school, as one of the last men standing, reciting alongside the sophomore, junior, and senior class winners. After singing on so many stages— such as at Carnegie Hall, in front of more than 3,000 people, with none other than Sir Paul McCartney—and performing around the world, Duncan says he was “sure that reciting a poem in front of 400 people would be no problem. “But I was in for quite a surprise,” he continues, revealing that despite how poised he may have appeared on stage, his nerves had kicked in. “At the end of the competition, I was the runner-up. “But you can’t get better by doing what you’re already good at; you have to go out of your comfort zone,” he comments, noting that he soon began investing himself even more in what Avon had to offer, and setting even higher goals for himself. “My sophomore year I challenged myself in the classroom and on the athletic fields, and tried to spend more time in clubs. I was part of the musical West Side Story and it, too, was something out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed that show so much I never
returned to basketball and I’ve stuck with the winter musical ever since.” Duncan’s hard work paid off. In addition to his turns in West Side Story and Damn Yankees, he also starred in Guys and Dolls. He has been a member of the Connecticut regional choir for four years, an All-State choir selection his sophomore year, and a Northeastern Regional Choir selection this year. A Dean’s List and Headmaster’s List student, Duncan earned the Earnest and Persistent Effort award his freshman year. He has played on the JV soccer and baseball teams, is the president of the fishing club, and is the vice president of one of Avon’s most storied groups, the Nimrod Club. But perhaps his most notable achievement is as leader of the Sing-ed Beavers, of which he has been a member for four years. The group is entirely student-run, Duncan explains, noting that they find their own venues for performances, and arrange all their own music. He spent much of his summer arranging pieces to teach the group, and still spends some of his time in study hall working on music. He may be busy, but for Duncan, it has all been worth it. “Now it is my senior year, and my time here at Avon is coming to a close. I’ve kicked the last soccer ball I ever will while wearing an Avon jersey; I’ve performed in my last musical and recited my last poem. My time at Avon is not over, but it will be soon,” he notes. “I’ll be moving on to a new chapter next year, but I don’t think I will find the brotherhood anywhere else.”
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Forensic Farewell Carol Reller Retires campus is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of her job. Carol Reller, one of Avon’s most beloved “I enjoy seeing my husband during science teachers, is retiring this spring the day. When Tom was here and we after 14 years at Avon Old Farms. Though both adapted to that, it was fun to see teaching was a second career for Carol, him as a student,” she recalls, also noting she found profound success in it, and her that having the opportunity to see Tom connections with students will endure from the teacher’s perspective, when she long after she supervises her last lab. taught him his senior year, was equally Prior to joining the faculty at Avon, she taught in the Connecticut community college system for three years. Before turning to a teaching career, Carol spent a number of years in the manufacturing sector, in the commercial and aerospace explosives field. Now in her 14th year at Avon, Carol has taught various levels of chemistry, including general, an honors section, and an AP class. She has taught forensics, one of the most popular senior electives, for the last five years, starting that class on her own and watching it grow with pride. Carol, despite being a day faculty member, has immersed herself in the culture of this community, serving on duty crew, and acting as the advisor of the investment club, since its inception, rewarding. “His senior year, he drove me and to the stock market club up until nutty at lunch, as he and some of his day this year. She was also involved in early boy buddies would all cram in to my table, recycling efforts with the environmental even though they weren’t supposed to—it club. In 2012, she traveled with students was definitely a case of pick and choose from Avon and Ethel Walker to Alabama, your battles, and I was outnumbered on as a chaperone on the ServCorps spring that one!—because they all wanted to have break trip, to help rebuild homes ravaged lunch with their ‘mom.’” by the tornadoes of 2011. Clearly, the feelings were mutual. Carol’s husband, Ed, is also employed “I think the most rewarding aspect is by Avon, and their son, Tom, is a member working with the boys in and out of the of the Class of 2009; having her family on By Morgan C. Cugell
“I think the most rewarding aspect is working with the boys in and out of the classroom. They keep me young and it is very rewarding to know you are doing something that potentially is helping a young man get ahead in life.”
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classroom,” says Carol. “They keep me young and it is very rewarding to know you are doing something that potentially is helping a young man get ahead in life. Eating meals with them and being around them out of the classroom, even if it is just enrichment, presents an opportunity for me to get to know them, and for them to get to know me in a different way than in a public school.” That time spent building relationships with students has not only added to Carol’s gratification of her job, but also helped her endure challenge, as well. In 2005, she was faced with an early-stage cancer diagnosis, and underwent treatment while teaching. She recalls joking with her students during her treatment, when side effects were obvious. “The laughter was great medicine,” she says. “I have been very upfront with the boys about my health issues. One reason for this is to help them understand about cancer, and medical tests, and treatments, so that they are better informed. It may not be part of the curriculum,” she observes, “but it is a teaching moment that is important.” Other, less serious “teaching moments” stand out among the many memories Carol takes with her at the conclusion of her Avon career, including snowball fights with the Nimrod Club as they cut down the school’s Christmas tree in the Rellers’ front yard; seniors stopping for hugs during the graduation procession; and traveling on the bus with the senior class to watch the hockey team compete in the playoffs and championship game in
Village Green
2010. “They were not ranked number one, but they went on to win the New England title. They had heart!” she explains, remembering watching the children’s move trilogy of Mighty Ducks on the bus with the boys over the course of the three games. Another highlight was Tom’s graduation from Avon in 2009, for which he received a proper sendoff from the Avon fire department. “Tommy’s graduation was special not just because he was my son but because he had really grown up while at Avon and achieved a lot,” recalls Carol. “The best part was having the fire truck at graduation. This was the first time an Avon fire cadet had graduated from AOF. It was quite the shock to all when they called Tom’s name and the horns and sirens went off on the fire truck—what more exciting sendoff could you have?” Carol and Ed plan to relocate to their home in New Hampshire to enjoy their retirement, looking forward to being more involved in the community, visiting with friends and family, and spending more time volunteering. “I am looking forward to long walks with my dogs and husband!” she says. And while she doesn’t know for sure, she can imagine tutoring or substituting part time— and, as she did for so many students at Avon, she will be sure to bring her passion, her talent, and her sense of humor to all those lucky enough to be in a classroom with her. Good luck, Carol, in all your future endeavors!
Clockwise from top left: Seamus Donovan ’14, Jake Rochford ’15, Luke O’Connor ’16, and Colin Tiernan ’13
Annual Poetry Recitation Contest Colin Tiernan ’13 takes on D.H. Lawrence for the win “Poetry predates literacy,” explained Brad Carpenter, chairman of the English department, in his introduction to the contestants and the audience before the poetry recitation class competitions. “Since the beginning of human history, men have been reciting poetry as a way of remembering history and culture. Poems ensured that what was known would stay known, allowing for culture to advance.” The men of Avon Old Farms continued that tradition this winter, as they always do, with the all-school poetry recitation contest. Every year, students in each English class section select poems to memorize and then recite in front of their classmates. A winner is decided for each classroom section; those section- winners then compete against the other section-winners from their grade. The
four grade-winners then compete again in front of the entire school community during the last morning meeting before the spring break. This year, Colin Tiernan ’13 was crowned victorious after reciting D.H. Lawrence’s “Snake.” Colin captivated audiences with his articulate and thoughtful presentation of the poem, which also included a British accent, giving the piece an air of authenticity that helped it stand out from the rest. Luke O’Connor ’16 earned an Honorable Mention for his recitation of “Help Wanted” by Shane Koyczan. Also competing were Seamus Donovan ’14, who took on Julius Ceasar (III. ii) by William Shakespeare, and Jake Rochford ’15, who recited “Get Drunk” by Charles Baudelaire. As Mr. Carpenter noted, “Memorizing poems doesn’t just earn us a grade or demonstrate our ability to memorize. It keeps history and culture alive and vital. You keep history and culture alive and vital.” The Avonian Spring 2013
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Saturday Night Lights The Hall of Fame Game On Saturday, November 10, Avon Old Farms School welcomed the 1987 varsity football team for its induction into the athletic Hall of Fame. Sixteen members of the team attended a reception, where they were welcomed by Headmaster LaRocque and coach Kevin Driscoll ’72. Each player received a commemorative jersey featuring his name, number, and a patch boasting their Erickson League championship title. During the reception, three helmets with the Erickson League logo were presented to John Gardner (assistant coach for the 1987 team), George Trautman (their headmaster), and
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Shawn Atkinson ’88 who, while not on the team, was on the Hall of Fame selection committee and worked hard to get as many members from the team as possible back to campus for the induction. Following the reception, the players joined the rest of the Avon community at the varsity football game under the lights on Ryan Field, with an enthusiastic student section and the special nighttime game further contributing to the exciting and celebratory atmosphere. During halftime, faculty member Rob Dowling ’91 announced each player’s name, and they gathered on the field as Headmaster LaRocque formally unveiled the Hall of Fame sign that will hang in the field house in honor of the 1987 varsity football team.
Vince DeBlasio ’13 Many people know Vince DeBlasio ’13 because of his skill as an athlete. A four- year boy from Pittsburgh, he is a member of the varsity cross country, wrestling, and track teams, having captained the cross country and wrestling teams for two years. Last year, he was awarded the Jennings Cup, the prize reserved for the top underclass athlete. And indeed, Vince himself acknowledges that some of his most memorable experiences at Avon have been with his teammates— most notably, winning the Canterbury and Western New England wrestling tournaments his freshman year, and placing in the Founders League and New England track tournaments. “I felt a depth of accomplishment I have never felt before,” he recalls of the wrestling victories, noting that his time on that team has been paramount for him. “It was not the wins themselves that made me feel this way, but rather the way my team reacted. The guys made me feel like I had done the impossible; like I was standing at the top of the world.” “I feel like I have built a strong bond with the other guys on my team, and I make a difference in making them better wrestlers and stronger people. In turn, I believe these guys on the team and wrestling overall have made me a better person, as well,” he says. And yet, Vince is quick to explain that, while he has excelled as an athlete here, he has grown even more as a person—and he has Avon to thank. President of Avon Outreach and the corresponding secretary on Student Council, Vince is also the head monitor in Elephant dormitory, a staff writer for the Avon Record, and a member of the Nimrod Club. “Since I arrived at Avon I have had myriad experiences in community service, education, and sports. I have become a much better student, athlete, and person. Avon has become more than a school for me. Avon’s teachers and students have become more like a family to me,” he states. “And nothing compares to the time I have spent with my friends.”
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Khaseem Greene ’08 Drafted by the Chicago Bears A senior linebacker at Rutgers and a two- time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Khaseem Greene ’08 was recently selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the NFL draft. He’s come a long way since his postgraduate year at Avon Old Farms School. Khaseem arrived at Avon after winning the 2006 state championship with Elizabeth High School in New Jersey, earning All-State honors as a safety. During Avon’s 2007 football season, he was a powerhouse on both 12
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offense and defense. He helped lead the Winged Beavers to a record of 5-2-1, earning team MVP accolades and All-Conference and All-New England honors. He finished the season with five interceptions and 315 receiving yards. “Khaseem was one of those players with a very high football I.Q.,” recalls head coach Kevin Driscoll ’72. “He learned the playbook and the techniques almost immediately and would never make a mistake twice. He was a natural leader on the field.” In addition to his athletic talents, Khaseem impressed with his wholehearted endorsement of the brotherhood so many students come to cherish at Avon Old Farms. “He took
advantage of everything that Avon offered, and gave back to the community as a hard-working student, exceptional athlete, and a friend to all,” notes Driscoll. Khaseem remembers his Avon experience with equal fondness. “It changed my life,” he says. “Avon Old Farms was my second chance, and it was my rebirth as a football player and as a person. Lord knows where I would have been if I hadn’t gotten the chance to play at Avon. I loved it up there. “Avon was a tremendous blessing for me. Not only was I able to excel athletically and academically, but also socially as part of the community,” he says. “It was a changing point in my life. It was a group of guys who took me in as a brother.” Khaseem took to the field for Rutgers in 2009 and never looked back, appearing in all 13 games that first year, with 33 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks. The 2010 season saw Khaseem start all 12 games at free safety, finishing the season with 77 tackles and three interceptions. Khaseem was named the Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year after his stellar 2011 season, during which he recorded one of the best defensive seasons in school history, leading the Big East and ranking fourth in the nation with 141 tackles. In 2012, he earned repeat honors as Big East Defensive Player of the Year, garnering spots on the All-Big East first team and multiple All-American teams. Khaseem finished his tremendous career at Rutgers at fourth on the school’s career tackles list, with 387. At the end of his career, he took out an ad in the student newspaper to thank the Rutgers community for its support over the years, a true testament to his gratitude, humility, and loyalty. "The NFL is exciting and everything that comes with it financially is great,” notes Khaseem, “but I want to make sure that I take advantage of what that platform provides to set a good example for others with my actions and words.” One of the best collegiate linebackers in the country, Khaseem Greene is also one of Avon’s most treasured Winged Beavers. Good luck in the NFL!
Athletics Power Between the Pipes The Goalkeeper Legacy of Avon Lacrosse Avon Old Farms School has long been known for its storied tradition of powerhouse athletics. Lately, that tradition has grown to include a surprising niche: outstanding lacrosse goalkeepers. This spring, Nolan Callahan ’14 looks to propel the varsity lacrosse team to yet another Founders League title. He joined the ranks of Will Ryan ’12 and Jack Runkel ’10—the last two starting net minders for the Winged Beavers—when he committed to Syracuse University last winter. Jack Runkel was the first of this trio of keepers. Captain in 2010, he helped lead the team to one of Avon’s best finishes in a decade, with a record of 15-3 and an undefeated run in
the Founders League to capture the championship. He matriculated to Loyola University, and though he began his sophomore season as the number two keeper, Jack was starting by the fourth game of the year, and ended the season as a member of the NCAA All-Tournament Team; he led Loyola to its first-ever NCAA title. Will Ryan filled Jack’s spot in net as a junior in 2011. He was selected for the summer UnderArmour Underclass All-America Games, where he was a co-recipient of the MVP award, and in 2012 helped lead the Winged Beavers to their second Founders League Championship in three years. Will committed to Johns Hopkins University, where, now a freshman, he awaits the graduation of a senior All-American goalkeeper and the
chance to compete for the starting spot. Nolan Callahan got his first big chance last season, filling in for an injured Will during a critical match-up against league rival Hotchkiss —and making 25 saves. This year, he hopes to follow the example of his predecessors, with another league title and, hopefully, a shot at an NCAA title with Syracuse, as well. There must be something special about the number 24 jersey—Runkel, Ryan, and Callahan are all sporting it with pride. And with these three gifted athletes playing at such top-tier competitive programs, vying for collegiate championships, whoever tends the net when Callahan graduates might be wise to consider wearing it, too.
Pictured above: Will Ryan ’12. Pictured below: Nolan Callahan ’14. Pictured at right: Jack Runkel ’10.
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By
MORGAN C. CUGELL
With CAROL KETCHAM, ARCHIVIST
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” HENRY BROOKS ADAMS
What makes a master teacher? Is it the teacher who can recite the periodic table of elements backwards in his sleep? The one whose students earn fives on their AP tests? The one who can effortlessly analyze a poem or deconstruct a battle? Or is it the teacher who reaches the boy in the back row? The one whose students stay seated, entranced, long after the bell has rung? A master teacher is just that—a master. Of knowledge, of teaching, and of connecting. Of bringing light and life to a topic. Of exploring potential a student did not even know was there, waiting, dormant and longing for inspiration. Of imbuing a student with confidence, with passion, with determination. Over the next few pages, you’ll get a look at some of our many talented teachers, of yesterday and today. Though they are a diverse group, they share a few commonalties: they teach because they love their disciplines, they care for their students, and they simply could not imagine doing anything else. Avon Old Farms School has many cherished master teachers. Here are just a few.
John Sherman Custer The Custer family legacy at Avon Old Farms began with John Sherman Custer, who joined the faculty in 1930, just three years after the school’s founding, and stayed until 1944, when the school was forced briefly to close. He served as history department chair, lived in Diogenes, and raised two sons on campus, Tom ’36 and Edwin ’43. Since then, a long line of Custers has lived, worked, and gone to school at Avon.
Paul Child Working at Avon from 1932 to 1943, Paul Child is remembered as a Renaissance man of sorts. He taught French and fine and applied arts, and penned the lyrics to “Men of Avon,” the school song. He was a faithful contributor to the Nimrod Club for his entire time at Avon, and also taught judo on campus. He later married renowned French chef Julia Child. “If I could tell my high school self one thing,” recalls Jim Stewart ’43, “it would be listen to Paul Child!” Many other alumni would agree, given Paul’s penchant for helping students improve their reading abilities.
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Oscar Cauldwell General Oscar Cauldwell worked at Avon from 1948 to 1951, and then again from 1954 to 1959. He was one of many teachers in Avon’s early years who had returned from the battles of World War II, an experience that affected his teaching— and his students. As Frank Leavitt ’52, another Avon master, commented, “Their mission was quite different. All of us as kids were coming out of the war—blackout curtains, submarines torpedoing oil ships off the coast. Sometimes we were very selfish as a country, but during the war, there was nothing selfish; it was all about trying to do more than you can do—that was the whole attitude of the nation, and a lot of our teachers came from that. They fought in the war, and it was kind of a different mindset of a whole new world. We were the recipients of this very special dedication that was beyond books, beyond what was on the chalkboard. In its infancy, Avon Old Farms was like a flower coming up for the first time; after having been buried for the war, life was coming again. It was an exciting period.”
Art Custer
> History
Charlie Pfeifer ’15 calls Art Custer “quite possibly the best teacher I have ever had.” Tough, fair, and passionate are other words that come to mind about the man who refers to a day without class as “a day without sunshine.” “He goes out of his way to make sure we succeed in and out of his class by having enrichment almost every night of the week, as well as going the extra mile for assessments by making review videos and PowerPoints for us. He does not hand out good grades on a silver platter but instead makes you work on it to the point where you are not just going through the motions to get the work done.” Art is passionate not just about education, but about history itself, a
love that extends into many areas of his life outside the classroom. A Civil War enthusiast, Art has participated with the same reenactment group for many years. He is also working on a history of the school. “I genuinely enjoy working with the students and I very much want them to succeed,” comments Art. “They also know I love history and really enjoy talking about it. My guess is that my teaching style differs markedly from many, but all of us convey a love of our discipline and an affection for our students.” Whatever his teaching style may be, it is working, and our young men continue to reap the benefits. “It is fair to say my beliefs about teaching are pretty ‘old
school,’ in that I believe in education for its own sake; that trying to put some sort of traditional value on education misses the point in some ways. “That said, my focus is on helping my students acquire skills that will be useful to them throughout their lives,” he explains, “to listen, to read and think critically, to communicate effectively, and to solve problems. I know they won’t long remember the significance of Macon’s Bill #2, but if they do retain some of how historians look at the world, and if they can apply that effectively in their own lives as appropriate, I will have served them well.”
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Seth Mendell ’52
his passion for contemporary or Russian history to his students. He was riveting. Seth brought the past to life, connecting it to the Working at Avon from 1959 to 1990, Seth present. I listened, watched, and learned, was a stalwart in the history department, striving to do the same in my way.” being named chair in 1964. He eventually Many people who recall Seth instantly took on the role of director of development remember Frank Leavitt ’52, as well. Their in 1981. But he will always be remembered time at Avon was spent as both students for his mastery in the classroom. “Seth Mendell, my mentor, was the quintessential and faculty members together; they ran school man,” comments Dean Peter Evans. the Nimrod Club together; and they remain great friends today. “Seth is a gifted “Over a period spanning four decades, storyteller who brought life to history,” whatever Seth did—teach, coach, advise, comments Frank. “When he talked about administer—he did incredibly well. He the battles—the students were in the war, gave of himself fully and unselfishly, all they were there, and they could hear the of his talent and all of his energy, to the mission of the school. As a young teacher, I bombs blasting outside the quadrangle.” Seth’s legacy continues today, with remember standing outside of Seth’s Pelican the Mendell Chair in history and the 20 classroom, listening to him transfer ongoing Mendell Initiative, which is naming a classroom in Pelican Dormitory. The Mendell Medal was established in 1990, with Seth as the first recipient, given to an outstanding alumnus who has made a significant contribution to the alumni program.
Brad Carpenter > English
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“Brad models the curiosity and passion that he wants his students to possess,” explains fellow English teacher Gayle Robinson. “Instead of being satisfied with how things are, he hungers for that morsel that lies just beyond his reach. He is a master craftsman—he steadily and artistically builds a lesson that teaches the boys, in a meaningful way, about literature and life. His students walk out of his class more curious than when they walked in. In fueling their curiosity, he is able to teach them even when they are not inside the walls of his classroom.” Indeed, Brad Carpenter, the chair of the English department, seems to be a new breed of teacher, focusing on the young men in his classroom not merely as students, but as humans, he says, a philosophy that urges him to look everywhere for those proverbial ‘teaching moments.” “I filter almost every experience I have through the question: how could I share this
Sid Clark Known as “the mole” to much of the student body, Sid Clark is remembered by all—for better or for worse. Described as “a tough old bird” and “an angry old man,” Sid was nevertheless one of Avon’s most beloved English teachers. Hired on the spot after a casual conversation with Don Pierpont in 1958, he began teaching English at a time when there were only 185 students, retiring in 1995. He took on the role of department chair in 1961 and was also the advisor to the student yearbook. His gruff disposition and intensity in the classroom were unconventional, but cherished. Frank Leavitt ’52 states simply, “Sid Clark brought the written word to life.” Seth Mendell ’52 agrees, and cites Sid’s “love of literature, and his ability to express it in the classroom and get his students involved so they became a part of it.” He remembers the many parents who shared their gratitude for Sid’s transformative work with their sons. One student’s father visited Seth, then the director of development, to sing the praises of his son’s English teacher; “ ‘I can’t remember his name, only that they
with my students? Moreover, I seek out new material all the time to share with them,” he explains. “I’m always finding a way to bring the outside into the boys’ worlds and to show them that being curious offers the most rewarding way of living, since a life of the mind continually gives back.” On most days, he says, Brad reminds himself before class starts to “make this the best 50 minutes of their day. “I think my job is about making young men see that life is short and that making the most of it matters,” he comments. “I try to show them that the stuff they think matters, doesn’t really, and I offer them some ideas of what could matter to them.” Dylan Shamburger ’12 found the approach to be refreshing and effective. “Mr. Carpenter is without a doubt the most influential teacher I’ve come across thus far in my education,” he says. “He has such a stake in what he teaches.
You can tell after one class with him that he has a sincere emotional interest in what he teaches, and that interest is infectious to his students. Mr. Carpenter’s passion and authenticity make him teach in a way that his students can’t help but be influenced by him. He has and will continue to inspire his students well beyond the end of his course or their Avon career. He is a great teacher and a true friend.” It is clear that Mr. Carpenter’s English classroom is so much more than reading and writing—but even there, he excels and with a novel methodology. “From my first days, I resolved that I would know the material I was teaching inside and out, so I started the habit that I still keep to this day of reading my assignment every night,” he explains. “For example, now, after having taught the novel probably 20 times, I still will read The Great Gatsby each night along with my students. The reason I do this is not to be the class
called him the mole!’, he said,” recalls Seth. “When this student got here, he could hardly write his name. He’d only been here a couple of months when the parents began to get letters. At first it was just fragments—words strung together saying what he was doing. A few weeks later, another letter, and there was a complete sentence. Then another letter, and two or three sentences. Pretty soon, there were paragraphs. He was telling what was going on at school, and talking about himself, and pretty soon there were regular letters coming. ‘Any teacher that could do that for my son—I want to shake his hand,’ said the boy’s father. Sid had that knack,” comments Seth. “It didn’t work for everyone, but it worked for a lot.” Former Board Chairman Rolf Olson ’59 agrees. “Once Sid found Avon Old Farms, he dedicated his life to the school and to the students,” he says. “Many of the returning alumni speak of the very special impact Sid’s teaching had on their lives. For me, Sid was a special friend, and I always sought out Sid whenever I visited the Avon campus. Sid could have taught anywhere, but his love and dedication were to Avon Old Farms and the students. How lucky for us all.”
expert on the novel but to be ‘loose’ with it. I know the text to forget the text; I know grammar to forget grammar. Then I’m free to play with the poetry of teaching those well, because I don’t have to look directly at them when I teach them. Instead, I get to pay attention to my audience, listen to them, hear where they are going, and riff off their questions and uncertainties.” Every class affords a new opportunity for Brad to offer his students a new perspective— on a novel, a poem, or the world. “Remember the stakes are low,” he explains. “There are no ‘it-must-be-so’s,’ no sacred cows, no traditions so permanent that they cannot be pushed aside for a new idea or a new approach. The boys are resilient, and in remembering that, a good teacher is free to try new things without fear. “I love watching that ‘light bulb’ illumine, knowing that a mind has been opened, and seeing real growth in another human being.”
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Bill Kron “ Bill Kron had an ability to bring the classroom alive,” claims Seth Mendell ’52. “ He had a unique ability to connect with the students, to make their subject and the learning experience enjoyable. He had his own intellectual curiosity that he was able to transport to his students.” As Frank Leavitt ’52 put it, “ He came with his silver convertible and he brought science alive at the school.”
Director of Development Dan Seiden ’00 agrees. “We were all in awe of Mr. Kron,” he commented. “He was the smartest man alive! There was a sign that sat on his desk that read, ‘Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken.’ If a student was able to correct Mr. Kron he earned the right to turn the sign over as a symbol of his victory. Like Diogenes, however, it proved to be an eternally fruitless quest. The sign sat upright and taunted us the entire year.” Working at Avon from 1966 to 2006 in the science and math departments, he served as chair of the former from 1970 to 1978. He was also academic dean from 1994 to 1998, and again from 2002 to 2006, in addition to serving as dean of faculty from 1998 to 2002. First and foremost, though, “Bill Kron was a scientist,” says Seth. He was a student of science. He knew his subject exceptionally well. The other thing I admired about him
Tim Roller
> Economics
Finishing his 17th year as a teacher at Avon Old Farms, Tim Roller has enjoyed great success here. Perhaps it’s because he grew up on the campus of Tabor Academy, where he went to high school; he knows the ins and outs of boarding school life. More likely, however, it’s because he simply has a passion for what he’s teaching. That passion is clear to his students—and it makes them better. “Mr. Roller always knew how to keep the classroom environment exciting,” says Ben LaRocque ’11. “He was funny but always kept you on your toes. He ignited my interest in economics, which is now my major in college.” Because of the nature of economics, observes Tim, “I am able to use current events on a regular basis and I think that really helps to keep the guys interested, focused, and excited about class.” Tim’s philosophy is straightforward: you get what you give. “I believe in setting a very high standard for the level of work I expect from the students, and then I make the kids accountable for reaching that standard,” he explains. “I think that my expectations for
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was his ability to grow with science. The best example is computers. With the advent of the computer, Bill was right there. He kept himself right up with the cutting edge, and did a lot of the advising about what we should be doing at the school. That’s the kind of guy he was—he always wanted to get it right and do it right.”
the students are very clear and they appear to appreciate that. Then it is up to them to produce work that is in the proper format and is of very high quality. “Whenever possible, I also try to stay away from just having them regurgitate facts back to me,” he notes. “While they do have to learn certain facts, terminology, and formulas, I also regularly make them apply those concepts, to connect ideas, and to think analytically. While some might struggle with it at first, I think they all end up appreciating this approach in the long run.” Tim comments that he gets the most satisfaction out of watching a student “master a tough concept, make a connection, or just show real signs of improvement.” Equally important, however, is the feedback he gets from former students, who oftentimes tell him that they felt his class helped to prepare them “for economics, or business classes, or college in general. “I have even been fortunate enough to hear back from a couple of students who might not have truly enjoyed the process of my class while they were in it, but seem to have come to appreciate it later on,” he recalls.
Chandra Narsipur Chandramouli Narsipur taught history at Avon from 1982 to 2003. “What Chandra brought was a multinational view of things,” states Seth Mendell ’52, who shared a classroom with Chandra for several years. “That whole Eastern concept of a thought process, of a culture, of a society, and a way of thinking and a way of viewing. He knew how to convey the message of what he was trying to do. He had wisdom and patience, could draw the students out—they came to him. He was a good man.” Former faculty member Kevin Buechler recalls Chandra’s precision. “One of my finest memories was having him tell me about why he cared about maps,” he recalls. “Hearing him explain what it was like to
Bryan Zaros
> Music
Excellence, imagination, and passion: these are the three core values that inspire Bryan Zaros’s approach to his students. “It begins with a commitment to excellence and a desire to inspire them to be the best they can be,” he explains. “With this as a compass, I work on activating their imagination, which in turn ignites the student to think creatively. When material is presented in such a way that the student can understand its value, passion develops. With this passion, their potential is unlocked and their growth is exponential.”
go through India as a young man with a surveyor and engineer and try and make sense of a chaos with lines and colors on paper—it taught me the need for creative discipline in all aspects of learning!” Chandra felt as passionately about Avon as his students felt about him. In a 1999 chapel talk, Chandra observed, “Avon stands for affection and not for affectation, for aspiration and not for blind ambition, for compassion and not for cutthroat competition, for intelligence and not for intellect, for perseverance and not for pretense, for innovation and not for imitation, for goodness and not for glamour, for humility and not for humbug—so that we may always remain true to our founder’s resolve.”
Though he may be a young, relatively new teacher, having joined the faculty in 2009, Bryan’s dedication to his craft—both as a musician and as an educator—closely mirrors some of his veteran colleagues. His natural abilities, and his work ethic, are integral to his connections with the students. “If I have been successful it is because I have worked hard to keep true to my values,” he observes. “I am committed to pursuing excellence with my students and take great pride in showing them of what they are capable. I enjoy sharing and engaging with others and with such qualities, I feel that I become an approachable and dynamic personality.”
Bryan’s students agree. “Mr. Zaros keeps a relaxed environment while also getting a lot of work done each rehearsal and keeping us motivated to do our best,” comments Kelvin Agyenim-Boateng ’16. “He truly cares about us and the music that we make.” “At times, progress does not come quickly,” Bryan explains. “The real reward of teaching is being able to observe a student’s growth from complete novice to a level of mastery. “In Chorale, there are always a few students who enter their freshman year not taking it seriously,” he continues. “I really enjoy changing their perception and showing them how transformative and fun music can be.”
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Theodate Pope Riddle
Until recently, female faculty members have been few and far between on the Avon campus. Here are a handful of women over the years who are well-loved and often remembered by the alumni whose lives they touched.
Michelle Custer > French
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Michelle Custer is a superb French teacher— so much so that she has, at times almost single-handedly, taught the entirety of the French courses available to Avon students, guiding them through year after year of language immersion. And yet it is not her mastery of the language itself but, in fact, her ability to connect that speaks to her students and affords her such success in the classroom. “I think they can sense that I care about them,” Michelle explains. “The boys know that I listen to them whether it is about how hard it is to memorize irregular verbs or how grueling practice was or how tired they are or how concerned a parent is about college, or the ghost that is reputed to live in Eagle!” Indeed, most of her students, when speaking about Michelle, speak first about
Avon’s founder and the architect of not just the school, but also its mission, Theodate promised to build an “indestructible school for boys.” An innovator, a progressive thinker, and Connecticut’s first licensed female architect, she was self-taught and emerged as incredibly influential in a field long dominated by men. Her vision and determination to create a school for boys were influenced by the arts and crafts movement, and the ideals of the old New England farm. Avon’s original stone and oak architecture is modeled after English Cotswold and Tudor styles using traditional English methods, with many of the materials hewn from the school’s property. In the founding years, Avon combined the best of English and American secondary school traditions with a daring and radical modern curriculum, and the school found many early successes despite facing the challenges of being a young institution. However, Mrs. Riddle, a passionate patriot and personal friend of FDR’s, closed the school during World War II so it could serve as an oasis for blinded Army veterans. The Old Farms Convalescent Hospital, as it was called, gained national prominence for Mrs. Riddle’s architectural masterpiece. Theodate’s legacy endures on the beautiful campus, and in the educations of the boys who become men at Avon Old Farms.
Judy Batson
her as a person before they even mention how great she is at helping them learn to read, write, and speak French. Jaekyung Song ’13 comments, “She’s one of the few people on campus that I feel comfortable confiding in.” Kyle Kosofsky ’14 agrees, noting, “Mrs. Custer is the nicest, most caring teacher on campus. Throughout the years she has become my second mother and I cannot imagine my Avon experience without her.” Michelle clearly feels the same way, so much so that the end of the year can be a difficult time for her. “Every class becomes its own little family. We spend a lot of time together in cozy classrooms so we bond as a group.The end of the school year is always sad for me because that family disperses and
you never have it again,” she says. “I have been very fortunate to have the chance to teach the same boys several years in a row. I end up feeling almost as though they are my own children. Needless to say, that makes Commencement a very bittersweet day.” Mrs. Custer gives her all to her students— her knowledge, her patience, her sense of humor, and her love, hoping that they will not only develop an interest in learning rules of grammar and lists of vocabulary, she explains, but to “let their curiosity develop and to immerse themselves in it. “It’s important to recognize and to honor the different strengths that each of us has,” she says. “Some boys are math ‘studs,’ some boys can write virtually flawless essays, some can recite poetry well enough to hold
Judy Batson, a French teacher and chairman of the language department from 1981 to 2000, “brought depth to the language program, a depth that was missing,” recalls Frank Leavitt ’52. Not only that, he says, she brought the female perspective. “She had sons and was used to young teenage boys—she wasn’t daunted in any way by them! She was a mother to them, as well.”
Joan Brodie The 2002-03 school year saw the appointment of Joan Brodie as the chair of the department of English. Joan, who taught at Avon from 1995 to 2008, was a role model to not just her students but also her colleagues. Graham Callaghan ’95, who took over as department chair when she left, notes, “Joan was full of energy, humor, and passion for teaching English, which undoubtedly contributed to her influence in the classroom and in shaping our English department curriculum. And her mentorship, as department
chairperson, of me as I first began teaching English at Avon, helped me to realize and understand what a valuable experience I could have in the classroom.”
Rose Ellovich Working at Avon from 1959 to 1977, Rose Ellovich worked in remedial language and developmental reading, helping hundreds of boys improve their reading skills and providing them with the confidence they needed to support their academic journeys.
Mary Norman Mary Norman worked at Avon from 1973 to 1979, as the assistant librarian and the chapel organist, a role she—and the community—cherished until long after she left her position in the library. Like the few female faculty members around her, Mary took on a maternal role for many of the boys. “She was a mother for many,” comments Frank Leavitt ’52. “She had boys over on weekends for dinner, and it was a real plus for those kinds of kids who could use a little lift.”
an audience spellbound, some boys execute beautiful plays in their chosen sport, some bring tears to our eyes with their music, some add color and new perspective to our world with their artwork. But there are also the boys who make us laugh, who are always there to help, who watch out for their friends, who are favorites of the faculty children, who, in a beautiful sequence of movements, can cast a fly just within reach of a trout in Beaver Pond, who really mean it when they ask how you are, who have smiles that light up the classroom. All of these gifts are of tremendous value to our community and to our world. I try to appreciate all that each boy has to offer us and encourage my students to do the same.”
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Faculty Focus
The End of an Era Gail Laferriere Retires By Susan Haile
“If you work out…” The year was 1970, and the Avon Old Farms faculty was pretty much an all-male bastion. Yet Headmaster George Trautman was about to hire young Gailanne Tyskwicz to teach art—to be the art department, in fact, and also to be the first full-time female faculty member to live on campus. As anyone who knows George Trautman can imagine, he had a few frank words for her: “If you work out, we may hire a few more!” She worked out. Gail remembers it this way: “I had returned from studying in Italy and was working for Cashbox magazine, but I decided I wanted to teach.” She taught briefly in public schools, where she says there were plenty of openings. “But George kept calling. He asked me, ‘Do you want to be a teacher or do you want to be an artist?’ George saw something in me that I didn’t even realize myself.” Trautman’s instincts were spot on. And 43 years later, the Avon Old Farms faculty is now close to 30 percent women, including Gail. “They are doing a great job, by the way,” she says with pride.
shirt as a smock,” Gail explains. “One of my students decided to present me with a more unique cover-up and purchased an apron. He thought it would be great to have it monogrammed; however, ‘Laferriere’ was too long a name to be sewn to the front of the apron. So it because simply Mrs. L.” That original iconic apron eventually found a home in the school archives. “I’m now on Apron No. 2,” she adds. In a setting that is itself a work of art, Mrs. L. quickly became synonymous with the visual arts at Avon. Flip through any issue of The Avonian since her earliest years, and you’ll find stories about her annual spring art trip to New York City. Award-winning artists and yearbooks (she took over from Sid Clark as yearbook advisor in 1991). The annual Commencement Art Show—a stunning array of student work. You’ll read about the Ordway Gallery’s major renovation—and Gail’s guiding hand throughout the process. You’ll also see plenty of examples of her students’ artwork, as well as stories about alumni whose chosen careers in the world of art can be traced back to Mrs. L.’s influence. How does one describe an Avon legend? It’s not easy. “Constant motion,” says one former student. “Nurturing,” says another.” ‘Straightforward.” “A relaxed style—but with high expectations.” “Devoted.” “Always in the studio.” “Great sense of humor.” “One of the nicest people around.” Friend. Kelvin Roldan ’96 once told her, “Mrs. L., you’re a powerful woman on campus!” She’s not so quick to agree, but she says, “I do sort of tell it like it is.”
“I love the boys. They’re wonderful to work with. They’re not all Michelangelos, but all the boys who take art really enjoy themselves. And that’s what is most important.”
Mrs. L. A few months after moving into her apartment in the old Chicken Coop, Gail got married and the name Tyskwicz was quickly lost. Soon she became simply “Mrs. L.” “In the early ’70s I worked in the studio wearing an old
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Avon Old Farms Salutes Gail Laferriere Ken LaRocque Headmaster
“In the fall of 1970 when Gail first arrived on campus, she put the entire visual arts program on her shoulders and has been carrying that load ever since. Mrs. L, as the boys call her, has endeared herself to a couple of generations of Avonians. She has been a big sister, a mother, and a grandmother figure to students over the years, and, in each of these roles, she has also been a champion of the visual arts, flying that banner proudly. From her extraordinarily successful leadership of our yearbook over the past few decades, to her mentoring of our artistically gifted students, to her love of all things Avon, Gail has been an icon in our Village for almost a half a century. It is hard to imagine our School without Mrs. L as an integral part of it.”
Art Custer
Dean of Faculty
“My favorite Gail story concerns a ceramics class I visited a few years ago. It was a group of older students, many of them athletes, and Gail was introducing the process of ‘throwing’ pots on the wheel. They all watched intently as Gail quickly whipped up a simple pot. As she talked about the need to keep the width of the walls even, she unexpectedly grabbed a wire and sliced the new pot in half top to
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bottom. Her purpose was to let the boys see the width of the walls, but they gasped audibly, shocked that she could so casually destroy this beautiful new pot. If it had not already been clear, I’d have known then that she had them in the palm of her hand.”
Michael Mangan ’09
Senior art major at Parsons The New School for Design
“In the spring of my freshman year, I spoke with Mrs. L and asked if I could show her my portfolio. We met in the studio and went over my work, and she convinced me that I would be foolish not to take any classes with her. Luckily, I listened to her. Gail stood by me and pushed me and my work to levels I could not imagine. I joined her on the yearbook as her editor-in-chief, where she demonstrated to me the power that a book of reflections could have on people. Working with her each day pushed me towards a career in the arts and ultimately pushed me towards attending one of the top art and design institutions in the world… She is without a doubt one of the main reasons for where I am today.”
A home for the arts Over the years Gail’s campus home has moved, albeit not very far: from the old Chicken Coop, to what is now Brown House, to her current apartment opposite the new Coop. Her other campus home—the art studio—has moved, as well. She remembers teaching her first ceramics classes in the classroom off the Chapel, and other courses in the old studio on the first floor of Brown House. The opening of the Estabrook Fine Arts Center in 1989 was a milestone for the visual arts, providing a visually engaging and comfortable space that has remained Gail’s “home” for nearly 25 years. “We’ve come a long way,” she notes, with just a hint of irony in her voice. But clearly it’s not about the facilities. “I don’t think there’s another school like Avon where we care so much for these kids,” she says. “Some schools have more money; some have better facilities.” None has Mrs. L., though. Gail’s art credentials are significant. The Hartford native earned her BFA from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford (winning the school’s Excellence in Art Education Award two years in a row), then went on to study at the Tyler School of Art in Rome, eventually finishing her MEd at Central Connecticut State University. She pursued additional graduate studies at the University of Hartford, Adelphi, SCAD, and Bennington College. Over the years she was also awarded three Avon summer study grants, traveling to Greece, Germany, and Hawaii to study ceramics, painting, and watercolor. Gail has been publicly recognized for her extraordinary efforts on several occasions. She won the Swan Award from the WALKS Foundation in 1991 for her high standard of teaching, character, and leadership, and was named Avon’s Teacher of the Year in 1992. She has exhibited in many regional galleries—and as far away as Italy—and her works can be found in American and international corporate and private collections.
Faculty Focus “They’re not all Michelangelos…” But for Gail, it has never been about recognition; it has been about the boys. “I love the boys,” she says simply. “They’re wonderful to work with. They’re not all Michelangelos, but all the boys who take art really enjoy themselves. And that’s what is most important. Some do go on to pursue art as a career, and of course, that’s wonderful to see too. They don’t realize, often, until they leave, the value of their Avon experience. “But the most satisfying thing is building relationships with these boys,” Gail continues, “spending time with them in the summer, going to their weddings, even being godparents to their
children. It’s not like a whole football team that you get close to— it’s only a handful of kids each year. But it’s so satisfying.” Satisfying—and also very hard work. Gail has been at the helm of a visual arts department that, significantly, now has five members, all the while juggling a five-course teaching load and all the other duties required of a full-time faculty member. Over the years she has taught the always-popular ceramics course, design, AP Studio Art, photography, printmaking, Art and Man, and independent study in art. “When I first came,” she recalls, “I taught only two different courses—now we are up to nine. And I have a department now—with colleagues! “I spent a lot of time on the curriculum; I still do,” Gail admits. “It’s a complex landscape: I wanted to reach kids’ capacity and help them reach their potential.” And even as the decades have passed, Gail has never mailed it in. “I constantly try to figure out what boys would like to do—they love the hands-on stuff. They want to paint. They want to sculpt. They want to use their camera. I spend a lot of time developing lessons.”
Bobbie Rozinsky Former faculty colleague
“Gail is as fine a person and excellent educator as ever was. Living on campus for 32 years and tutoring and teaching at AOF for 26 years, I enjoyed Gail’s company more as a ‘sister’ than merely a friend and colleague. Her gifts of wisdom, kindness and care are priceless. “My husband, Al ’62 [former faculty 19801994], and I received great comfort from the fact that Gail taught, advised, and mentored our two sons, Brian ’91 and Mike ’94. They are proud to have benefited from Gail’s comforting advice, steadfast loyalty, and constructive criticism—not to mention the most significant impact of having worked with a mentor who spared no energy to help them reach and surpass their estimation of their own potential. “Gail is an excellent administrator who leaves nothing to chance, all the while avoiding the limelight and working carefully to ensure others are recognized for their contributions. She encouraged students to reach for the stars! “The array of responsibilities at boarding school is incredible, and many people find it
overwhelming. Gail just kept on going… Almost single-handedly, she was involved in planning and remodeling the Ordway Gallery about a dozen years ago. Gail’s effort culminated with an opening show of her pastels and ended with an alumni art show. How cool is that? “As a sounding board and confidante, she was my closest colleague and will continue to be a lifelong, precious friend. She has a keen dedication to her work, profession, family, and friends. The critical assets she brought to Avon Old Farms are unrivaled. She does her best at every turn and brings out the best in others. Finding a more cheerful and dedicated person than Gail Laferriere is impossible. She is simply THE best.”
George Trautman Headmaster Emeritus
“I hired her because she was an artist, and a very balanced young woman, and I wanted to have more of a feminine presence on campus. She has been
wonderful. Terrific, in fact! She got kids to do things that were unbelievable, in my opinion. I’ve always liked her enormously, and thought she was excellent for Avon. She’s tough— and we didn’t always see eye to eye!—but she has always worked long, long days with those kids in the art studio and got amazing things from them.”
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Seth Mendell ’52 Former colleague
“Gail certainly has proven her worth, many, many times over. She loves to teach! But she is an artist through and through. She really connected with her students. And when she took over from Sid Clark as advisor to the yearbook, those publications won prize after prize.”
Rich Connell ’74
Perennial award winners
“Mrs. L. is a creative artist who has devoted her career to unlocking the talent in virtually every student. While some came to Avon with clear creative ability, most of
Over the years, Gail’s students have been recognized time and again for their accomplishments. They have won Scholastic Art Awards of every color: gold, silver, and bronze. “Competition is fierce,” Gail points out, “and the number of applicants is limited by the number of art teachers, so a smaller school is working at a disadvantage.” Yet Avonians regularly win major awards. The Winged Beaver, Avon’s yearbook, is also a perennial award winner, recognized by both the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the American Scholastic Press Association. “When I took over [advising the yearbook] from Sid Clark, for the first couple of years we were just trying to
Former student and faculty colleague, principal architect at the S/L/A/M Collaborative, architect for Avon’s Beatson Performing Arts Center
Jamie Gilmour ’76
“What you want the boys to come away with is the feeling—the confidence—that they can be artisitic and make it part of their lives.”
President of Pavilion Floors, Inc.
“Gail was most inspirational to me; she taught me how to be myself in a very competitive world. Her ability to work with the widest variety of art mediums—silk screening, pottery, painting, drawing, and even art history— always kept my interest.
Her demand of accountability and quality standards she established in the studio has stayed with me and still plays a role in how I guide myself both in business and in my personal dealings in life… I can never repay all that she has done for me.”
us had latent artistic skill hidden somewhere in the right side of a developing adolescent brain that needed to be unlocked. Whether it was drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, sculpture or pottery, she has been able to help each student find his artistic voice. For some, it meant excelling in a way that would translate into a vocation, for others it became an outlet that would help create a balance in the development of a whole person, and for all it gave an understanding and appreciation for the visual arts that would enrich our lives forever. “I came to Avon in my sophomore year without a particularly strong artistic background and left three years later heading to Rhode Island School of Design with a clear career objective to become an architect. I credit Gail with guiding me through this CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 >>
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find out what we had to do to win awards,” Gail notes. “And for the last number of years we’ve gotten gold. Not many private schools have reached that level.” Awards are fine, but Gail tips her hand when she adds, “These kids really learn a lot.” Gail is also proud of the art club. “It’s the second oldest club on campus, second only to Nimrod!” she boasts. Each spring, art club members invariably look forward to the New York City trip, where they spend a day visiting artists at work in their studios—artists such as Christo, photographer William Wegman, and illustrator Peter Max. “It’s fun to visit museums, but you learn the most from going to an artist’s studio,” Gail asserts. “That’s where the real learning happens, and that validates the experience of making art.”
“A woman in this environment” Most women in the 1970s could easily have found the Avon experience overwhelming. Not Gail. “When he hired me, George expected me to do all the duties—dorm duty, weekend activities,” she says, “just like everyone else. I thought it was really challenging, particularly as a woman in this environment, but there was never any resentment or power struggles among the guys. I was accepted. And I always felt comfortable here.” And somehow, 43 years have passed, as hundreds of men of Avon found a home in her art studio. “I didn’t know Avon was where I wanted to stay,” Gail acknowledges. “Every 10 years or so, I’d think about leaving. I had a few offers, a few interviews, but I thought, ‘I already know how things work at Avon.’ And I’m from the old school—when I like something, and I’m into it, time seems to pass.” She has witnessed many changes to the Avon campus and ethos, but one constant, for boys interested in the visual arts, has been Mrs. L. in her studio, encouraging, nurturing, and teaching.
Faculty Focus “A personal sense of who they are” What does Gail hope her students have taken from their art experiences at Avon? “What you want boys to come away with is the feeling—the confidence—that they can be artistic and make it part of their lives,” she says. “I think students have taken away a personal sense of who they are. When they see their work on display, or others notice it, it gives them a self-worth that is hard to come by—a great sense that they can contribute to a community. It also helps when they apply to college,” she adds practically. “If they are an artist or a musician, it gives them an edge. “I never tell a boy he should go to art school,” Gail adds. “But if they come to me and really want to do it, I’ll certainly do everything I can to help. But art school is tough; the passion has to come from the student.” After 43 years, one might think Gail would harbor a few regrets. “None,” she insists. “When you find your place, there’s satisfaction. I cherish the memories and the people. And wherever you go, there seems to be someone from Avon. “Can you believe it? I actually outlasted Bill Kron and Sid Clark,” she jokes. In fact, only Dean Peter Evans, hired in 1971 and still going strong, may ultimately surpass Gail’s record as Avon’s longest-serving faculty member. “But now it’s time to practice what I’ve been teaching.”
Time for the rocking chair…? A few years ago, Avon presented Gail with a rocking chair to honor her 40th year at the school. “I’m not planning to use it very much,” she says with a laugh. From their home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, the Laferrieres have plans to set out on frequent adventures together. “We will travel more, visit galleries and museums and experiment with some new creative and artistic adventures. I’d love to see our country and have the time to document it. And it will be nice to do my own work.” Gail says her favorite media are pastels and watercolor, although she may venture into mixed media, “now that acrylics have become so good.” “I don’t think I’ll ever just sit around,” she asserts. “And that’s what I tell kids: your art will last a lifetime. You don’t see people playing football at the age of 90, but plenty of people are still doing art at 90.” Does she have a destination in mind? “I have always been in love with the American landscape,” she confesses, “and my long-term plan has been to travel around the U.S. with my husband in an Airstream/studio, documenting the beauty of the states in a sketchbook. Our route would cover Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico. Imagine Las Vegas in pastel and Hawaiian vistas in watercolor!” As only Gail Laferriere could envision them. “We would end up in California, because the beach is my most magical journey,” she adds. Avon Old Farms has had a “magical journey” of its own: 43 years with Gailanne Laferriere.
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discernment process. My father saw me pursuing business, I was headed towards teaching, but she had other ideas! I credit her and the influence of Mrs. Riddle’s architecture with helping me make that decision. “Following my graduation from RISD, I returned to Avon to teach with Gail full-time for a year and part-time for the next nine years while I began my architectural career…During this time, I gained an appreciation for Gail’s amazing ability as a mentor but, even more importantly, the opportunity to watch her working with students. I discovered that my experience as one of Gail’s students was more the rule rather than the exception as I watched her guide the artistic development of so many Avonians. From a mentoring perspective, my abilities as a teacher of photography and architecture were continually enhanced under her guidance. She helped me through the
challenges, encouraged me, and eventually through her example, allowed me to experience the joy that she has experienced as a teacher when some of my students headed off to pursue artistic careers. In many ways, what I have achieved today as an architect actually has more to do with her mentoring of me as a teacher than her initial encouragement to pursue architecture. “Gail is a wonderful friend. The Laferrieres have become part of my family, not to mention the godparents of my oldest son. She will leave an indelible mark on Avon Old Farms. While she may be retiring, I’m looking forward to what she does next!”
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Student Spotlight:
Wilson Meyer ’13 By Morgan C. Cugell
I
t’s no surprise that Wilson Meyer ’13 will attend a service academy next year—West Point, to be specific— since he spends the majority of his time on campus serving others. “I have wanted to go to West Point my whole life, because I have wanted to serve my whole life,” comments Wilson, boasting his certificate of appointment and a phone call from his recommending Congressman, John Campbell, both of which he received mid-February. “I have wanted to serve because I love America, and it seems like a fun, rewarding, and great way to give back to my country. “It is a way to protect the freedom I have, for everyone else, especially my own children one day.” Though his excitement is palpable, Wilson knows the transition to the West Point way of life will be a challenge, but
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it’s one he has prepared for after three years of learning the Avon way, and filling his days with service—to the school, to the community around him, and to himself, as he has grown into the exceptional young man he is today. The Newport Beach, California, native left the West Coast for Avon Old Farms after one year at Mater Dei High School. “I felt like I was not getting the education that was fit for me,” explains Wilson. “I was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.” Arriving as a sophomore, Wilson seems to have found the right fit at Avon, excelling now as the head monitor in Eagle dormitory, an admissions ambassador, recording secretary for the Student Council, president of the young conservatives club, and a second-year president of Avon Outreach. He is also a tri-varsity athlete, on the cross country, riflery, and track and field teams.
“This is the first time I truly took my life and changed it for the better, without the influence of others. My parents did not tell me to look at schools, they did not say I should go, and they did not tell me what to do when I got here. This adventure has been completely mine.”
“My time as a monitor has been incredibly fulfilling,” notes Wilson, who enjoys being able to guide younger students in the dorm— perhaps because his own experience in the dorm his first year was so impactful. “We had absolutely nothing in common,” he says of his hall-mates, “but we got along amazingly. It was the best year of my life.” Wilson, a Dean’s List student, received the University of Pennsylvania Book Award last year. He hopes to major in mechanical engineering with a focus in aerospace engineering, and eventually hopes to serve his country in the Army; right now he hopes to join the infantry. He owes his aspiration to what he’s discovered as an Avonian.
“Avon has been an experience that fit my needs and interests perfectly,” states Wilson. “It has opened doors I would not have dreamed about if I had stayed home. I have learned about myself and what I can accomplish. “This is the first time I truly took my life and changed it for the better, without the influence of others,” he comments. “My parents did not tell me to look at schools, they did not say I should go, and they did not tell me what to do when I got here. “This adventure has been completely mine.”
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Elephant The
Remembers…
Over the years, about five dozen alumni have returned to Avon to teach—some for a lifetime, some for a short while. Pete Hart (1918-2011), who loved his years as a student at Avon, returned to teach under Don Pierpont. Pete was head of the Language Department from 1948 to 1951. Pete was a great friend of the School, and he sent these notes to the Archives in 2009.
Remembrances from Pete Hart ’36
Above, right: One day, during the period 1933- 36, The Gook (Mr. Gookin, teacher of religion and German), in his little old Ford, took me and Ed Riley out to the island, where we used to have periodic picnics. On our way, Ed, who was standing on the running board, smelled something burning. He had stuffed a lighted pipe he was smoking into his pants pocket and his clothes began to catch fire. Another island memory—I was asked to see how many of Verne Priest’s pancakes I could eat at one supper. I said, “Let’s see.” I ate 33. Verne was very pleased and the boys carried me back from the cabin to the school on their shoulders. At right: In September 1932, my father took me over to AOF to enroll me as a student. We two were having a chit-chat conversation with Dr. Kammerer, the provost. After the preliminary niceties were exhausted, my father turned to Dr. Kammerer and asked, “Dr. Kammerer, how much does it cost to send a oy here?” Dr. K. replied, “$1,500 per year, Mr. Hart.” “Would you take $500?” asked my father. “Sure!” answered Dr. Kammerer.
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F R O M T H E A R C H I V E S Compiled by Carol Ketcham
Left, above: Pete graduated with a small
but distinguished group in 1936, including Reed Estabrook, who served on the Board of Directors, for many years as chairman, and Pete Seeger, the world-famous folk singer. John Iverson Jr. was son of the estate manager, and one of the first ‘faculty kids’ to graduate from Avon.
At left: In the ‘old day,’ AOF did a lot with polo and hunting on horseback. Once, when a hunt was to take place, I mounted a thoroughbred mare, a very nervous and high-strung animal, and joined the hunt at the sound-off. I could not control the mare and she ran with me on board out in front of the Master of the Fox Hounds, an absolute disgrace. Then, I fell off at the first jump. Buck Rogers, a classmate, said scornfully, “I thought you could ride.”
Pete Hart ’36, as a member of the faculty, from the 1950 yearbook
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Alumni Spotlight
In Memoriam:
Richard Loveland ’59H By Susan Haile
A
von Old Farms has lost an old and dear friend. On December 8, 2012, Richard Loveland, former chair of Avon’s history department and a lifelong educator, lost his courageous battle with cancer; he was 82. Measured in calendar years, Dick’s time at Avon—1953 through 1960—was relatively short. But his influence was profound. Students adored him. The Class of 1959 dedicated their yearbook to him and made him an honorary member of their class. That dedication reads, in part, “Rarely does a preparatory school have the opportunity to enjoy the teachings and presence of a man such as this… his sincere devotion to high moral standards has instilled in us a sense of honor and a love of truth. His humor, his assistance in time of need, his genuine concern for individuals and the life about him are but a few of the reasons why we dedicate our yearbook to Mr. Richard K. Loveland, a superb teacher and a true friend.” Nearly half a century later, in 2004, the Class of ’59 invited Dick and his wife, Margot, to join their 45th reunion celebration. They all had the time of their lives, none more than Dick. Perhaps it’s no surprise that education was his enduring passion; Dick’s father had been a much-loved high school Latin teacher in Cranford, New Jersey, where Dick grew up. Avon Old Farms was Dick’s very first teaching job. After earning his undergraduate degree from Princeton and serving in the Army in Korea, Dick began the search for work. One day, with perhaps a bit of frustration in her voice, Margot asked, “Do you think someone is going to call you and offer you a job?” Later that same day, the call came from Avon. Within a few years, young Avon faculty members were looking to Dick for advice, support, and a moral compass. “He held my hand all that first year,” recalls Seth Mendell ’52, who arrived at Avon to teach history in the fall of 1959. “I’d never taught a day in my life.” Seth remembers a mentor, a colleague, and ultimately a friend. “He was very compassionate, very supportive, and very positive in his outlook. He was also extremely moral and ethical. To him, what was right, was right. He’d say, ‘Let’s not shade the truth.’” For the Mendells, Dick
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Loveland was practically family: Seth’s cousin, Patty Tripp, was Provost Don Pierpont’s secretary at the time and a good friend to the Lovelands, as well. Dick was instrumental in the running of Avon’s ROTC program, and he also developed the school’s Contemporary History course, a course that Seth Mendell took over from his mentor in 1960 and continued to teach for more than two decades. Meanwhile, Margot became the school’s librarian, a position she held until the birth of their son, Ward. Interestingly, Dick was one of an extraordinarily large group of Avon masters from that era who went on to become headmasters of other schools. “Don Pierpont’s headmasters” also included former Avon faculty members Richard Davis, John Dunn, Stetson Holmes, Frank Effinger, Francis Froelicher, James Kaptyn, and Winston Johnson. After Avon, Dick went on to serve other schools in a variety of administrative capacities: Buffalo Seminary as assistant headmaster, Sidwell Friends School as dean of students, and the Kimberley School as headmaster, before landing at the Crystal Springs School in Hillsborough, California, as headmaster in 1973. An educational visionary, he helped transform Crystal Springs from a faltering girls’ school into a preeminent co-ed day school, known today as Crystal Springs Uplands School. Dick retired from CSUS in 1989, taking on one more role—interim head of school at Colorado Academy for a year—before ultimately retiring to Medford, Oregon. Throughout his career—a career launched
“He was very compassionate, very supportive, and very positive in his outlook. He was also extremely moral and ethical. To him, what was right, was right. He’d say, ‘Let’s not shade the truth.’” –Seth Mendell ’52
“I felt profound thanks for the beginning Avon gave me to my career of 37 years in private schools… Avon seems to have kept the tightest grip upon timeless virtues and valued ideals. Considering the difficult passing times, we who love Avon should thank Don [Pierpont], George [Trautman], and Ken [LaRocque] for preserving those values that Mrs. Riddle planted here.” –Richard Loveland
at Avon Old Farms—one theme predominates: Dick Loveland loved his students and sought to serve them well. Even as a busy headmaster, Dick made time for his old school, hosting Avon’s first alumni reception in San Francisco in the early 1980s. “We had a fantastic turnout, especially from the ’50s and ’60s,” said Seth Mendell. “That was the kind of guy he was: Avon first.” When in retirement he returned to Avon for the Class of 1959’s 45th reunion, Dick penned a long and thoughtful reflection on the start Avon had given him. “My clear remembrances, face after face, of the gray-suited 1950s boys I taught in those stone classrooms and coached down on the field are still fresh,” he wrote. “The same reunited men of 2004 looked not greatly different; I felt comfortable with them and loved their company now as before. “When Avonians return to their school after long absences, they must be impressed by the perfectly blended architectural additions greeting them and inspired by the human talent they observe,” Dick continued. “Moreover, like me, they must be comforted to know that dear old friendships powerfully endure at Avon Old Farms School. “I felt profound thanks for the beginning Avon gave me to my career of 37 years in private schools,” Dick wrote. Reflecting on the seven schools of which he had been a part, he added, “I realized that of all of them, Avon seems to have kept the tightest grip upon timeless virtues and valued ideals. Considering the difficult passing times, we who love Avon should thank Don [Pierpont], George [Trautman], and Ken [LaRocque] for preserving those values that Mrs. Riddle planted here.” There are others to thank, as well. Surely Dick Loveland can be counted among them. “He went to many schools, but his great love was Avon,” reflected Seth Mendell. “It was deep in his blood, as it is with all of us who love the school.” Dick died at his home in Medford, Oregon. Just a few weeks later, on December 30, Margot, his loving wife of 60 years, also passed away peacefully. They are survived by their son, Ward; their daughter-in-law, Patricia; and their grandson, Christopher.
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A Fallen Hero
In Memoriam:
Andrew Pedersen-‐Keel ’02 By Morgan C. Cugell
A
ndrew Pedersen-Keel ’02, affectionately known as PK, was killed on March 11, 2013, while bravely serving in Afghanistan. The victim of a well-coordinated attack, he was one of two soldiers killed by an Afghan policeman who opened fire while PK was leading a briefing in Wardak. According to reports, it is not known whether the assailant was targeting the Afghan policemen along with the U.S. special operations forces; it is also unclear whether the incident was directly related to the simmering tensions between villagers in Wardak who are unhappy with the U.S. special operations forces and their Afghan partners. A U.S. defense official in Washington and a coalition official in Afghanistan said 10 Americans—both special operators and regular soldiers who worked in a combined team—and at least 12 Afghans were wounded in the attack. Throughout his impressive four-year career at Avon, PK embraced all that the school had to offer. As a Dean’s List student, tri-sport varsity athlete, two-year dormitory monitor, and editor of the Avon Record, he was one of the most well-respected members of the entire school community. He was also involved in Habitat for Humanity and the Model United Nations. Beyond all his academic and athletic achievements, however, was PK’s appreciation for the brotherhood and camaraderie that exist at Avon. He was a leader of men, which is why it came as no surprise when he was admitted to West Point to serve his country proudly, from which he graduated in 2006. “I will always remember PK’s enthusiasm and energy,” said Headmaster LaRocque. “He displayed such passion as a
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young man and obviously continued to approach life with that same vitality at West Point and beyond. While it is so sad to lose such an impressive young man, PK loved being a soldier, serving his country, and his life. He understood the risks that accompanied his profession and embraced them courageously. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.” Dean Kevin Driscoll ’72, who coached PK in football and was dean of students at the time, called him “the alpha dog” despite being one of the smaller players at 5 feet 10 inches tall, and 180 pounds. People listened to him; “he was the man,” Driscoll said. He described him as a hard worker who taught others loyalty and had a high moral standard. PK was never someone who’d just sit around, Driscoll said. PK’s friendships were profoundly important to him, and he earned the trust, respect, and admiration of those around him. Nate Miller ’02, his best friend and his roommate at Avon, commented, “PK was someone who showed unconditional and unrestrained love for those closest to him, and through that had an amazing ability to allow people to be who they truly are around him.” Describing PK as the brother he never had, Nate nevertheless explained that wasn’t always the case—but once they found their friendship, they never looked back. “We most definitely were not friends, and were known to argue for no reason long into the night, annoying our neighbors,” he recalls. “Around Thanksgiving of our freshman year, we both hit a rock bottom point in our lives, and realized that the only
way we’d get through it was with each other, and that became the foundation of our friendship. “PK was unrestrained, infectious, hilarious, trustworthy, courageous, genuine, loving, and real,” commented Nate. “He was a guy that you always wanted on your team, and I’m infinitely thankful to have been on his.” PK was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. According to his Army biography, he was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 for a 12-month tour, serving as a company executive officer and platoon leader. Following that deployment he began Special Forces training, which he completed in 2012. At the time of his death, he had been in Afghanistan for his first tour as a Special Forces commander for less than a year. PK’s awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism
“Just surrender to the cycle of things, give yourself to the waves of the Great Change, and when it is time to go, then simply go, without any unnecessary fuss.” -T’ao Chien PK’s senior yearbook quote
Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Air Assault Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff to honor PK. “Captain Pedersen-Keel made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our state and our nation,” Malloy said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his unit during this very difficult time. We pray for a safe homecoming for our troops who are stationed around the world, and thank them for their bravery and service.” PK’s body was returned to the United States, to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, in a dignified transfer, where family members were waiting. After a family funeral service in Guilford, Connecticut, PK was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Avon Old Farms honored PK at a memorial service on May 18, during Alumni Weekend.
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Please send us your personal notes! Class Notes can be submitted to Lizabeth Abramson at: AbramsonL@avonoldfarms.com
Austin Chambe rs ’58 and his wife , Susan, at the wedding of their son, Robert.
Poulson “Pope” Reed ’63 [on left] lives near Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, Ellie. He recently gave Bobbie and Al Rozinsky ’62 a wonderful tour at “Field Days of the Past,” a three-day event dedicated to preserving Virginia’s agricultural heritage, held every September, with approximately 35,000 people attending.
The deadlines for Class Notes submission are: Fall issue: September 1, 2013 Spring issue: March 1, 2014
The family of Rick Duff '63, from left: Rick's son-in-law Max Rodriguez; daughter Clare "Seaby" Rodriguez; wife Marcia; and Rick.
Class Notes 42 RUSSELL HUNTER , Head Class Agent
P.O. Box 22, Farmington, CT 06034-0022
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JOHN NICHOLS , who joined classmates for their
HARVEY RUBIN , Head Class Agent
102 Barbour Cir., Newport News, VA 23606 harvo@cox.net
51 WARREN FORD , Head Class Agent
115 Center St., Wolcott, CT 06716 jodir@aol.com
52 SETH F. MENDELL , Head Class Agent
28 North St., Mattapoisett, MA 02739
hekate28@verizon.net SETH MENDELL reports that he was busy this
past winter giving a series of five lectures on the tsars of Russia. After teaching Russian history for 25 years at Avon, he enjoyed getting back into the subject. This enjoyment was shared by 50 people who attended his lectures at the Mattapoisett Public Library. Seth spoke recently to FRANK LEAVITT
40
in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and found him well, enjoying the abundance of winter snow on his cross- country skis. When not skiing, he teaches classes for the Coast Guard Auxilliary in Portland.
Spring 2013 The Avonian
60th reunion last May, walked his step-daughter down the aisle in Oahu last summer. Recently he has not been well, but he is recovering and his doctor says he still has five of his nine lives.
54 RUST KESSEL , Head Class Agent 3785 Thistlewood, Okemos, MI 48864 amasarkessel@aol.com
58 AUSTIN CHAMBERS , Head Class Agent 317 Flanders Rd., Stonington, CT 06378-2109 Hilltop12@aol.com AUSTIN CHAMBERS conversed recently
with JOHN WADDY, who is enjoying life and grandchildren in Hilton Head, South Carolina. After graduating from Avon Old Farms, they were roommates during their college years at Babson.
59 CHARLES W. DAVIS , Class Agent
6905 West 99th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 cwdavis@waretec.com DOUGLAS B. MARSHALL , Class Agent 2 Berkshire Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002 marshalldb@raveisre.com
60 RICHARD L. WILLIAMS , Head Class Agent P.O. Box 218, South Orleans, MA 02662-0218 Rclumberclan@aol.com
61 GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR. , Head Class Agent 101 Seminary Rd., Bedford, NY 10506 gfhjr@aol.com
62 ALAN D. ROZINSKY , Class Agent 13620-B Via Flora, Delray Beach, FL alroz@lycos.com AL ROZINSKY and his wife, Bobbie, are well and settled into a wonderful community with lots to do in Delray Beach, Florida. Al emailed, “We spent Thanksgiving week with ROLF ’59 and
Cal Magruder ’46 joined more than 70 alumni and friends at The Fours in Boston last November. Knick Curtis ’63 wit h his wife, Lynn Ar mstrong, dog, Tes sa, and air plane, “Pop.” The plane reg istration is 5181P, and in the phonetic alphabet, ‘P’ is Papa, hence, “Pop.”
Robin Taliaferro ’63 and Carl Emmons ’63 remain friends 50 years after graduation. Robin returned for Reunion in May from Santa Barbara, California, while home for Carl is Brookfield, Vermont.
Sioux Olson, with whom we visit as often as we can! It was the first time in 45 years that Bobbie and I weren’t with cousins and extended family in Connecticut for Thanksgiving, so sharing the holiday with AOF ‘family’ was particularly meaningful. In March we’re looking forward to a family gathering as our son, MIKE ROZINSKY ’94 , Leah Bokenkamp, Kai (5), and Joanna (3) from Marblehead, Massachusetts, will join our son, BRIAN ROZINSKY ’91 , and Caryn Shefter, from Boulder, Colorado, who will be here to celebrate my mom’s 92nd birthday! There’s nothing like a party shared by four generations!”
63 RICHARD R. BENNETT , Class Agent
11776 Stratford House Pl., Apt. 1208 Reston, VA 20190-3385 Bennett@American.edu THOMAS K. CURTIS , Class Agent
4306 Pomona Rd., Dallas, TX 75209-2822 knickc@fastmail.fm RICK DUFF returned for his 50th Reunion in
May and volunteered in the inaugural Career Forum, held on Friday afternoon of Reunion Weekend. Rick works as a career consultant and coach with people all over the world from ages
16 to 60. It was great for Avon Old Farms students and graduates to benefit from his professional expertise, whether advising about new job opportunities or changing course after years in a certain profession.
are known for our work in higher education. I am divorced with four children and nine grandchildren. I find it hard to believe our 50th is approaching. Where did the time go? Not sure, but I’ve had a lot of fun along the way! God Bless, Capt. B.”
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BALFOUR WALKER wrote, “In the last 10 years
W. B. HARWOOD III , Class Agent
24 Overhill Ave., New Britain, CT 06053 wbhtcc@aol.com SPENCER SOKALE , retired founder of Landmark Calendars, is looking for a home to buy on Cape Cod. He and girlfriend Jay were in the Osterville area during the search, and met up with Sue and Peter Evans in February at Wimpy’s in Osterville.
65 PERRY BENSON , Co-Head Class Agent 2135 Naudain St., Philadelphia, PA 19146 pb2@jacobswyper.com BARTON G. BARRETT , Co-Head Class Agent
1 Maple Ave., Richmond, VA 23226-2339 BGBRealtor@aol.com CHARLES DOUGLAS BULLOCK emailed, “I am sailing or golfing when not working as a management consultant in a small consulting firm in Easton, Maryland. We cover the United States and
especially, I have come to realize how important my education was. I can form sentences, thanks to Sid Clark’s English class. Thanks to SETH MENDELL ’52, I know something about democracy, oligarchy, monarchy, fascism, socialism, and Marxism, and can now recognize the obamination where most people cannot. From Herb Cochran, my football coach, I learned ‘Black and blue don’t make no difference! Get back in there, Squire!’ From ice hockey I learned how to handle a giant fire hose at 3 a.m. spraying water on the rink before there was artificial ice. From lacrosse, I learned that our best players came from Baltimore and that STEVE ROSENBLOOM ’63 loved to go crazy and run the field with the ball from defense. From the Nimrod Club I learned I could reconnect to the tranquility of the woods. From my roommate, JOHNNY SHAW ’64 , I learned humor, a good laugh, pranks, right from wrong, and lasting friendship. From Don Pierpont, I learned, ‘The ways in which
The Avonian Spring 2013
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Class Notes
of his daughter, Keating Pepper ’65 celebrated the wedding , Maine. Island t Deser Mt. on , 2012 8, Elly, on September y, Elly From left: Keating Pepper, Kim Pepper, Jay Tanse Pepper Pepper, Keating Pepper ’65, and Sergeant
Westminster ’56 attended the Adams McHenr y Chair man Tom of y tes Show cour Kennel Club Dog ughter, Laura da d wife, Sandra, an s his th wi ley ad Br ura Henrich, Adam t: Vicki Lovin, La adley Br m Henrich. From lef To d an y, ndra McHenr McHenr y ’56, Sa people differ are more important than the ways they are the same.’ From Theodate Pope Riddle I learned that handmade buildings have a soul. I also learned self-sufficiency and responsibility by studying on my own and preparing for tests. This part has been huge and leads to effective problem solving later on. I am so fortunate to have attended Avon and Fessenden before it. Private school is the way and Avon Old Farms is tops!” WHIT BLAKELEY has made Atlanta home for
26 years where he enjoys his five children and 4½ grandchildren. When not busy running a large consulting firm, Whit enjoys squeezing in as much golf as possible and traveling with his wife, Karen, to the Georgia coast. He enjoyed having lunch with Ken LaRocque and Dan Seiden ’00 in Atlanta several months ago. Whit emailed, “I can’t believe our 50th class anniversary is in a year and a half. Hope to see old friends back on campus in 2015!”
66 MICHAEL D. BARKER , Head Class Agent 139 Kirkwood Rd., West Hartford, CT 06117-2835 barkermike@aol.com
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Spring 2013 The Avonian
67 JAMES W. CORRIGAN , Co-Head Class Agent
826 Gould Hill Rd., Contoocook, NH 03229 jwc915@gmail.com WILLIAM F. ROBERTS , Co-Head Class Agent 786 Brownsville Rd., Sinking Spring, PA 19608 wfroberts@fast.net
68 GEORGE L. PURNELL, Head Class Agent
4822 Brighton Lakes Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33436 glpluvssports@gmail.com GEOFFREY DOUGHTY has published his 23rd
book, Northern Pacific Through Passenger Service, focused on America’s privately operated passenger services before Amtrak. The book covers this railway’s famous trains and the political, social, and industry challenges that made it so difficult to provide privately operated passenger service following the end of the Second World War. Geoff is currently working on finishing a new book about the Great Northern Railways through passenger services that includes the famous Empire Builder. [Note: All Geoffrey’s books and articles are available in the AOF Library in the Sid Clark collection.] Geoff is in his 38th season
as radio announcer for the Portland Symphony Orchestra and is safety director for the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association and the Vermont Truck & Bus Association.
69 WINSTON P. MCKELLAR, Head Class Agent
4711 N. 68th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 wmckellar@yahoo.com
70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III, Head Class Agent 3004 Margaret Jones Ln., Williamsburg, VA 23185 hbucklin3@aol.com PAT OUTWIN is well and living in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. A historian, researcher, and author, Pat has most recently been published in the June 2012 edition of Maine History. His essay is entitled “A Company of Shadows: Slaves and Poor Free Menial Laborers in Cumberland County, Maine, 1760-1775.” Pat was granted a Ph.D. in history from the University of Maine in 2009. He is a member of the Maine Historical Society, the New England Historical Association, and Phi Alpha Theta. Pat’s wife, Carolyn, was elected the first female president of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association in April. It was founded in 1815, and still promotes skilled trades.
John Bourget ’73 ran into his former teacher, Seth Mendell ’52, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum last summer.
Henry Coons ’71, aka “Pop Pop,” with his grandson, Nico, born September 25, 2012, to daughter Brittany and her husband, Andrew Noble.
Honorary Director Spencer Beal ’65, Dr. Donald Floyd (father of Mark ‘99), Robin Brown ’93, and Director of Development Dan Seiden ’00 enjoyed lunch together at the Petroleum Club in Midland, Texas, last November.
71 JOSEPH C. VECCHIARINO III , Head Class Agent
P.O. Box 2103, Westport, CT 06880 drvvv@sbcglobal.net TONY AMENDOLA lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico,
where he is the head of Amendola Publishing Company. JOE VECCHIARINO wrote, “Happy Birthday, Tony, on your 39th birthday this past March 3rd!” BRAD BLAKELEY is alive, well, and enjoying
life in Delray Beach, Florida. TIM BEEBLE is on the organizing committee for
the North American Fiat Convention to be held on Long Island in July. JOSEPH VECCHIARINO has been asked by the
founder of Soldier Socks.com, a citizens’ group that sends supplies to our troops in the Middle East, to design and lead a program that would raise scholarship money to help our veterans, who are returning home, re-enter the work force. BILL CHILD , who sang his original songs at last
year’s reunion concert with the combined voices of the Avon Heirs and the Riddlers, is busy writing and composing new songs for the next Class of ’71 Reunion in 2015.
RANDY KOONS is the creative and technical
director at Iris Studios LLC and lives in Troy, New Hampshire.
Winnetka, Illinois; and daughter Brittany and her husband, Andy, presented Marie and Henry with their first grandchild, Nicolas [see photo].
MORGAN HENRY of Alexandria, Virginia, still plays the bass guitar and enjoys teaching lessons.
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RALPH PALMER and Pam Garcia were married
October 11, 2012, in Florida, at a private family wedding (Ralph said he would remember the date as 10-11-12 so he wouldn’t forget his anniversary). Ralph’s friends in Florida hosted a pirate theme party that weekend to celebrate. STEVE HIGGINS was on the Atlanta, Georgia,
Planning Committee for the ’96 Olympics. Today Steve lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and was invited to submit a bid for the 2024 Olympics. Could Steve be Memphis’ lucky charm? JOHN SPENCER will be in Brazil for three
months to work on a study of leprosy. John is an internationally recognized expert and researcher in the field of leprosy. HENRY COONS updated the activities of his family: son CASEY ’07 has moved to south Boston and a new job at Ironwood Pharmaceutical; daughter Christina is in her second year of teaching at North Shore Country Day School in
DAN CARPENTER , Class Agent
18 Pondside Ln., West Simsbury, CT 06092 dcarpenter@usbgi.com
73 CHRISTOPHER L. ATKINS , Head Class Agent
415 East 52nd St., Apt. 4HC New York, NY 10022-6482 clatkins1@gmail.com TONY COPPOLA wrote, “I’m happily retired, living with my wife, Haydee, in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I had my own computer software design business for over 34 years—Driven-Ware Systems. I worked primarily for legal defense firms in the New York City metropolitan area. I also worked for some collection agencies designing and maintaining their systems. We have two sons, Anthony and Stephen. We tragically lost Anthony, our eldest, in a gun accident three years ago. Stephen, our youngest, is now a sophomore at NC State studying mechanical engineering. I enjoy golf, cards, and I am active in the Knights
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Class Notes The children of Margot and Ned Thompson ’74: Charlie Thompson ’03 with fiancée Jessie Martin, sister Blaire, and brother Preston Thompson ’08, with girlfriend Danielle Ayers. Preston and Danielle were at Union College together. Preston is with Honda research and development in Marysville, Ohio. Charlie and Jessie are at Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City, Utah. Blaire is at Sotheby’s in New York City.
Mike Cercone
of Columbus. I fondly remember my four years at Avon. It truly feels like yesterday, and not 40 years ago. I warmly remember my classmates and the faculty. I sincerely hope to see many of them at our next class reunion. My health is much better now, but around a year ago I had a quadruple coronary bypass. It was a complete surprise to me as I had no symptoms. I played golf four times a week and felt quite well. At an annual checkup my doctor caught a slight change in my EKG, leading to a stress test where it was determined I had 90 percent blockage. As they say, ‘All’s well that ends well.’ I’m doing fine now and hope all my classmates are so, as well. Cheers to the Class of ’73.” CHRIS ATKINS wrote, “When I graduated
from AOF, the very concept of age 40 seemed incomprehensible, and now this year is our 40th reunion. It was great to see everyone again, many for the first time since 1973.” JOHN BOURGET emailed, “During a sailing layover, I visited the New Bedford Whaling Museum and was surprised to recognize a voice I hadn’t heard in decades—one belonging to a gentleman that I’ve often cited as among the best teachers I ever had. Seth Mendell ’52 and I had fun recalling his animated stories of Ivan the Terrible! On a personal note, my son, Remy, graduated from Brown and we
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Spring 2013 The Avonian
’75 with Sena
tor John McCai
n.
survived Sandy with no catastrophic damage to our shoreline home. My wife, Wendy, and I managed for the 31st consecutive year to re-visit the Avon Chapel on our December anniversary. Each year, I am more and more impressed by the young men of AOF when I interview them for Tufts.”
74 GEORGE J. GIANNONI , Co-Head Class Agent
36 Twilight Dr., Granby, CT 06035-1212 GGiannoni@cox.net EDWARD P. MOLLOY , Co-Head Class Agent 6 Winhart Dr., Granby, CT 06035 E.molloy@cox.net
75 TOM BYRNE , Head Class Agent
31 Helena Rd., Avon, CT 06001-3433 tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com RANDY BECKER serves on the Board of Directors
for the Provider Office Staff Advisory Committee for Community First Health Insurance Company in San Antonio, Texas. Randy’s son, Jordan, graduated with a degree in public administration and geography from Texas State University at San Marcos last December and his daughter, Leslee, graduated from the University of North Texas with a second bachelor’s degree in music theory and
music performance. Leslee had the opportunity to play background cello for the latest CD of the Shake Russell Band from Mesquite, Texas. Randy’s youngest daughter, Sara, is in the 5th grade and published her poem, “My Friend,” in the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans 2012 edition. Sara is an honor roll student and participates each year in the KiDS ROCK Marathon and cross country team [see photo]. DAVID JACK spent the last year and a half writing screenplays and getting his certification in assistant directing at Quinnipiac University where they shot a film starring John Ratzenberger of Cheers and Pixar fame. David emailed, “Recently, I joined a firm based out of San Francisco in the digital media analytics space and am enjoying it tremendously. My daughter, Emily (20), is finishing her junior year at Eastern and will be studying abroad at Westminster this summer. My son, Greg (16), is deeply involved with his girlfriend, Sabrina, and they’ve been going out for nine months. Her dad is an ex-Navy SEAL which keeps him in line if you know what I mean. Greg is also deeply involved in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). At 6’ 3”, he’s a pretty formidable presence as is his (our) 103-pound German shepherd puppy named Otto who could play 24/7 if we let him. Lastly, my wife, Tammy, and I are lucky enough to be celebrating our 30th anniversary in July.”
Sara and Rebecca Becker, daughter and wife of Randy Becker ’75, at the 2012 KiDS ROCK Marathon in San Antonio, Texas, last November.
Ginny and Steve Patsos ’75
Stan Per ry ’74 overlooking Laguna Niguel, California, where he resides.
TOM BYRNE recently bumped into BILL ANGEL
at a UConn basketball game where Bill is a season ticket holder. Bill Angel’s daughter, Melanie, is a former member of the UConn pep band and Bill still enjoys getting to the games. Melanie now spends some of her time working with Bill at his Relax-the-Back stores. TOM BYRNE’S daughter, Kelsey, a sophomore at Villanova, plans to participate in an eight -week language study program in Chile this summer. Kelsey spent spring break in Costa Rica with Villanova Voices, the campus choir, touring the country and performing in several venues. Recently several of the Voices sang the national anthem at the Wells Fargo Center in advance of the Nova-Syracuse basketball game. Nova was victorious in that one and the court was stormed by jubilant Wildcats. JASON BEEBLE emailed, “I recently sold my medical distributorship and am now doing the corporate thing with Zimmer Holdings, an orthopedic implant company. Our son, ADAM ’05, is in his second year of medical school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and got engaged in December. Our middle son, Ryan, is set to graduate with his bachelor’s in marine biology from Florida State in May, and our youngest, AJ, is a freshman at FSU. I guess I should have taken more classes with Mr. Kron.”
76 ALEXANDER N. WORLEY , Head Class Agent 20 Shore Grove Rd., Clinton, CT 06413 alexworley@sbcglobal.net
77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA , Head Class Agent 5 Andrews Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830 jorgeeconsuegra@yahoo.com FRED MICHEL has been listed in Who’s Who of
American Business Executives by Cambridge Publishing. Fred is CEO of Michel Property Management, LLC. As the new membership chairman of the Property Owners Association of Greater Frederick, Fred writes, “I am serving my fourth consecutive term as
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Class Notes
Brien Biondi ’81 and his wife, Amy, enjoyed an evening in October with Gwen and Stuar t Holliday ’84 at the Meridian Ball [photo courtesy of Washington Life].
Brad Pierce ’79 brought his family to Avon from their home in Hawaii this fall. Pictured are Brad, his wife, Liza; son Gardner (15); and daughter Noelle (13).
Henry White ’80 and Eric Johnson ’80 on Martha’s Vineyard.
a board member with our local landlords group and am also a current member of the Sergeant Lawrence Everhart chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and have become a member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. I have recently taken up an interest in art appreciation and collecting [see photo].”
78 KENNETH G. CLOUD , Head Class Agent 8317 Kingsthorpe Terr., Richmond, VA 23229-7465 kencloud@cloudconsulting.com RANDY PIKE retired after 30 years with Shell Oil Company. In February, he wrote, “My last day was two weeks ago. I plan to take my boat on a one-year sailing trip beginning in April 2014. It will entail taking the Intracoastal Waterway from
Texas, around Florida, and up the East Coast to Massachusetts, or at least to Long Island Sound. When fall approaches, I’ll head back south in order to be in Florida at the end of hurricane season. I’ll then hop over to the Bahamas and spend the winter cruising in the Caribbean. I am also investigating various non-profits that I can devote my time to when I return from my trip.”
79 ANTHONY M. GRAY , Co-Head Class Agent 6212 Wagner Ln., Bethesda, MD 20816 tgray@tonygray.net SCOTT B. LINKE , Co-Head Class Agent 116 Eleven Levels Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877-3011 scott_linke@ml.com ACE BAILEY is moving his family to Seattle,
Washington. His wife, Alixe, has accepted the position of upper school director of Lakeside School,
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Spring 2013 The Avonian
an independent school. Alixe wrote, “Although we are bummed to be leaving Concord and our jobs and lives here, it is an incredible opportunity for our family. Instead of four of us heading out in four different directions every morning, the boys and I will walk across the street from our on-campus housing to school. Ace is going to take a six-to-12 month sabbatical in order to get us settled (which will be no small feat) and then will begin to explore opportunities in the area for himself. The school is a dream. Ace described it as ‘Brown University in a high school’—pretty much the best compliment I can imagine! The chance to be part of the leadership of a school like that is a wonderful professional opportunity. To have our boys, Zander (12) and Miles (10), there is an incredible bonus. We don’t imagine that we are leaving the East Coast for good. Certainly, we will back every summer for as much time as possible. And then who knows where we will go next? For the moment we are thinking about this as a five-year adventure. With the boys the ages they are, it seems the perfect time to do it. We look forward to lots of hiking, camping, sailing, kite boarding, kayaking, cross country skiing, or mountain biking, and hope that many of you will come out and join us on these adventures.”
Fred Michel ’77 [far right] at the dedication of the John Hanson National Memorial statue in Frederick, Maryland, last August.
Dave MacKinnon ’79 hosted a great Boston reception at The Fours and enjoyed catching up with Dean Peter Evans.
Wade '82 and Wendy McDevitt hosted a wonderful reception for alumni and parents at their beautiful home in Devon, Pennsylvania, in February.
80 KENNETH H. BLANCHARD , Co-Head Class Agent 846 Mountain Rd., West Hartford, CT 06117 kenkhb99@aol.com THOMAS E. DAVEY , Co-Head Class Agent
4816 Sandestin Dr., Dallas, TX 75287 Thomas.Davey@lighting.ge.com
81 SAMUEL C. BOOKBINDER , Head Class Agent Wells Fargo Advisors LLC, 30 South 17th St., Suite 2000, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2707 samuel.bookbinder@wfadvisors.com
82 GREGORY T. FISH , Co-Head Class Agent 56 Blue Ridge Dr., Simbury, CT 06089 greg@gregorytfishllc.com
83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT , Co-Head Class Agent
24 Westlands Rd., Avon, CT 06001-3197 billeschert@comcast.net RICHARD C. GREGORY , Co-Head Class Agent 30 Walnut Farms Dr., Farmington, CT 06032 rick@rcgregory.com
Juan Nieves ’83, new pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox [pictured with the white baseball glove], at a Red Sox spring training game in Jupiter, Florida, last February. Al Rozinsky ’62, who took the photo, said, “Juan looked right at home in the outfield during batting practice as he carefully watched pitchers warm up in the bullpen, jogging from place to place on the field, chatting with fans, etc. He could easily be mistaken for someone 10 to 15 years younger than he actually is!”
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Avon Move on the
Boston
Fall Reception at the Fours Hosted by David MacKinnon ’79
Matt Smalley ’05 is presented with a custommade bat to honor the official naming of Smalley Stadium, the birthplace of our stickball tradition.
Former National Council members Bill Maag ’81 and George Iverson ’79.
Kyle Sheffield ’95 and Brian Emerson ’96 catch up at the gathering. Kyle welcomed a baby boy, Piers, to the family in December.
Headmaster Ken LaRocque greets Jorge Moran, father of Inigo ’14
New York City
Winter Reception at Sotheby’s
Many thanks to the evening’s host, National Council member David MacKinnon ’79
A proud father and son: Sotheby’s Chairman and reception host George Wachter with his son Brahm ’08.
David Rothschild (left) converses with current Board members Fern Wachter and Stratford Dennis ’00.
Flint Reilly ’08, one of three Reilly brothers to graduate from Avon, meets up with National Council member Peter Reed ’88.
Fun times remembering the glory days on the gridiron for Derrick Barker ’06 with Coach Kevin Driscoll ’72.
Hosted by George and Fern Wachter (Brahm ’08)
Armand Wilson ’07, Josh Zweig ’01, and Peter Harrison ’01 reconnect with Parent Fund Director Kim Crocker (Ben ’11).
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Young alumni came out in full force. Pictured (l-r) are Mook Lawrence ’05, Brendan Mahoney ’05, Steve Heller ’09, and Matt Smalley ’05.
Spring 2013 The Avonian
Chicago
Andrew Block ’09 reconnected with Jonathan Haspilaire ’07, who was to thank for such a large young alumni turnout.
Representing Lake Forest College! Reggie Mills ’11, Jack Courage ’11, and Robbie Barker ’12 all made their way from campus to downtown Chicago.
Jonny Hoak ’03 and John Froman ’08 had a great time at the Windy City reception.
Before saying farewell for the evening, one Avonian pulled out an AOF banner for this group shot.
Spring Reception at Ditka's Restaurant Hosted by Michael Sorvillo ’00
The Class of 2000 reunited! Saud Qazi, Dan Seiden, and Michael Sorvillo had a blast retelling stories and trying out their best Mr. Narsipur impressions.
Maryland Fall Reception in Chevy Chase Hosted by Dean ’84 and Debra Graham
Former Chairman of the Avon Board of Directors Dean Graham ’84 welcomes Adam Stifel ’98 to the reception.
Danny McNamara ’01 and his wife, Andrea. They are soon-to-be parents of a baby girl.
Panama Spring Reception at the Manrey Hotel
Bobby Novey ’01, Dean Kevin Driscoll ’72, Stephen Giannotti ’97, Mario Bárcenas ’01, and Alvaro Tapia ’04.
Cristian Smith ’00 with his wife, Susana, Kevin Driscoll ’72, Stephen Giannotti ’97, Alvaro Tapia ’04, and Dan Seiden ’00.
It was a beautiful evening on the rooftop of the Manrey Hotel.
Sung Jin Jeong ’09 enjoyed the reception along with Mighty Mighty Fourths teammates Jackson Howard ’05 and Yoon Namgung ’06.
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Class Notes Stu Baker ’85 with a catch in Ticonderoga on September 9, 2012.
Ravi Daswani ’88, part of Avon’s undefeated ’87 football team, caught up with Sue Evans after being inducted into Avon’s Hall of Fame.
Ravi Daswani ’88, Shawn Atkinson ’88, and Headmaster LaRocque.
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JOHN GORDON , Class Agent 246 Nacoochee Dr. N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30305 John_Gordon@timeinc.com
JOHN G. ASHE , Class Agent
MATT WEIR and his wife, Courtney,
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announce the birth of Katherine Kirby Weir, on February 20, 2013.
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HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR. , Class Agent
15 Old Meadow Rd., Dover, MA 02030 hal.beacham@comcast.net
SAM L. RUBENSTEIN , Head Class Agent
2640 Endsleigh Dr., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 richmondsr@aol.com STU BAKER has lived in Ticonderoga, New York, with his family since 2005. He is the senior planner for community development for the town of Queensbury, New York. Stu currently serves as an officer in the BPOE #1494 Ticonderoga Lodge, as chairman of the Ticonderoga Planning Board, and as a member of the Board of Directors of PRIDE of Ticonderoga, a non-profit rural preservation and community development organization.
When it’s not warm enough to be casting lures into the LaChute River or cold enough to enjoy the slopes at Gore Mountain, Stu can be found trying to keep up with the activities of his wife, Tracey Cross-Baker, and their children, Douglas (13) and Chloe (9).
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50 Edgewood Ave., Longmeadow, MA 01106-1308 jga1967@comcast.net
Spring 2013 The Avonian
JOHN TRACY and his wife, Jennifer, enjoy life in Epping, New Hampshire, with their children, Jacqueline (8) and Jacob (4). ALEX HITZ was at Society of the Four Arts when
Bobbie and AL ROZINSKY ’62 saw him in Palm Beach, Florida [see photo]. Alex is the author of My Beverly Hills Kitchen: Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist. Al emailed, after the book signing and lecture, “Alex gave a spellbinding presentation of his career and world-renowned success as a chef. Alex fondly remembered AOF memories in great detail, including memorable (according to Alex!) moments in my economics class. Alex asked to be remembered to people on campus.”
WHIP BURKS emailed, “I would like to thank all of my classmates who made the effort last year to attend our 25th reunion from Avon. It was such a pleasure to reacquaint with so many of my old friends. I also wanted to let those people who were not able to attend this year know that we initiated a new tradition in asking some of our teachers back for that special occasion. On Friday night we got to see ALAN CHABOT, JOCK GRACEY, ALEX WEINER, TOM GIELLA , and BUD GOUVEIA . It was so great to catch up with these guys and it was like we were back in our days of school. We also welcomed back BILL SUGGS who I had run into on Facebook earlier in the year and mentioned that it would be great to get him back to Avon. I had forgotten that he didn’t graduate with us, but will say he fit right back in. On Friday night we had close to 25 classmates back and it was awesome, nearly five times our reunions of past years. I hope that for our next reunion we can double our efforts and see a majority of our class back. So much has changed there, but it lives in all of our hearts and it would be great to see all of you again.”
Alex Hitz ’87 with Bobbie and Alan Rozinsky ’62 in February at “A Day With Alex Hitz,” sponsored by Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida.
Yancey Stribling ’85, Will du Pont ’85, and Mark Hawkins ’85 in Homosassa, Florida, in September.
Dan Seiden ’00, Fernando Cardoze ’88, Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Eduardo Navarro (father of Eduard ’12) at the Manrey Hotel in Panama City, Panama, in February.
Matt Weir ’84 enjoyed pheasant shooting in England last November with Director Joe Giannamore ’84. Matt wrote, “I feel blessed to have made such good friends from my time at Avon!”
88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON , Co-Head Class Agent
shawnatki@gmail.com PETER REED , Co-Head Class Agent 91 Butternut Ln., Southport, CT 06890 preed@caldwellpartners.com SHAWN ATKINSON emailed, “Congratulations to the 1987 varsity football team for being honored and recognized by the athletic Hall of Fame. Several members of the team and families attended the halftime ceremony on November 10th. We look forward to seeing everyone this May 17-19 for our 25th Reunion.”
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Class Notes Pat Ashe ’91, seen with Dean Peter Evans, was honored as part of Avon’s undefeated ’87 football team and inducted into the Hall of Fame last fall.
Todd Weaver ’90 and his wife, Megan, announce the birth of their first child, Joey, born on October 12, 2012. Todd emailed, “Joey can’t wait to be a Winged Beaver! He told me he wants to play football and hockey at AOF!”
89 ROBERT WILEMAN , Head Class Agent
7425 N.E. 97th Terr. Oklahoma City, OK 73151-9121 rmw@wilemanagency.com BRIAN MURPHY and his wife,
Paige, welcomed a son, Tanner George Murphy, on August 15, 2012.
90 PETER J. DECKERS , Head Class Agent
500 Old Farms Rd., Avon, CT 06001 Deckersp@avonoldfarms.com BRIAN FARRELL and his wife, Lisa, announce
the birth of their son, Jack Dominic Farrell, born on May 13, 2012. DAVID GORDON emailed in November, “We
were just at Boston College to see BC beat Notre Dame 3-1 in hockey. Four BC players , team captain PAT MULLANE ’09, COLIN SULLIVAN ’12, PARKER MILNER ’09, AND QUINN SMITH ’10 , are graduates of Avon Old Farms,
and are key contributors on the team. After the
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game, much to the delight of my son, Tyler, and his friend, Colin, the four signed their BC jerseys. Tyler and Colin attend John Gardner’s hockey camp, which is the highlight of their summer, and aspire to play hockey one day at Avon” [see photo, p.57].
91 MICHAEL M. MULLIN , Head Class Agent
8 Nickerson Ln., Darien, CT 06840 michael.mullin@db.com BRETT HARTLEY and his wife, Ali, announce
the birth of their son, Blake Robert Hartley, born on September 1, 2012. Blake weighed 7lbs. 11oz. and was 21 inches. BRIAN ROZINSKY teaches English at Peak to
Peak Charter School in Lafayette, Colorado, and spent school break of the Veterans Day long weekend visiting his parents in Delray Beach, Florida. Brian is an avid skier, mountain biker, ultimate Frisbee player, world traveler, and enthusiastic educator. In February, Brian presented at the Colorado Council International Reading Association in Denver.
92 DAMIEN J. EGAN , Head Class Agent 52 Brookview Ct., Groton, CT 06340-5528 degan2@hotmail.com
93 TRAVIS MERRITT , Class Agent 23 Church St. Apt. A, Flemington, NJ 08822 merritttravis@gmail.com LARRY HUA and his wife, Lily, announce the
birth of their son, Lyonel, born December 20, 2012. Big sister Chloe (2) welcomed him home.
94 GRAHAM C. FULLER , Head Class Agent
2937 Morris Rd., Ardmore, PA 19003-1832 grahamcfuller@hotmail.com
Kathryn and Lance Cashion ’93 with Nelson (3) and Lilly (2).
Dean Peter Evans and Headmaster Ken LaRocque spent a wonderful day with Andrew Cordova ’89 prior to the Avon reception in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Andrew has an impressive playing career in the world of squash and is currently the head squash professional at the Maryland Club.
Tim Skibitsky ’95 and his daughter, Lili (3), enjoyed Disney World last January.
his kids on Rober t Wileman ’89 and e, Arizona, in dal tts Pinnacle Peak in Sco a freshman in high Januar y. Blake will be Alexandra will be a school next year and rsity of Arkansas. ive Un the at freshman
95 ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO , Head Class Agent
3 Beech Cir., Andover, MA 01810-2901 tony_silvestro@administaff.com LUKE CLINE and his wife, Lauren, announce the
birth of Thomas Kulynych Cline on November 1, 2012. He was welcomed home by his big sister and brother, Mae (6) and Oren (5).
96 MARK A. CARUSO , Co-Head Class Agent 124 Westminster Rd., Chatham, NJ 07928-1364 mcaruso@mlp.com JOHN T. JONES , Co-Head Class Agent 202 Pine Tree Dr., Brick, NJ 08723-6020 GRAEME BROWN and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their daughter, Charlotte Frances, into the world on January 2, 2013. Graeme wrote, “ Mom and daughter are doing well. Dad is already overbearing.” AUSTIN SPERRY and his wife, Sally, announce the birth of Genevieve Marie Sperry, born on Valentine’s Day 2013. Genevieve weighed 6 lbs. and was 21 inches. She was welcomed home by big brother Jack (2).
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Class Notes
Mario Barcenas ’01 piloted Director of Development Dan Seiden ’00 and Dean Kevin Driscoll ’72 on a tour of Panama during their Februar y visit. Dan reflected, “From the Canal to the new developments, this country is booming! It is a special place full of proud Avonians.” From left: Dan Seiden ’00, Mario Barcenas ’01, Dean Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Rafael Barcenas ’99.
Chapin Elizabeth, daughter of Maggie and Jeff Carter ’99, was born on December 1, 2012, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She weighed 9 lbs. and was 22 inches. Sybil Chase Stifel was born February 19, 2013, to Adam ’99 and his wife, Laura.
Benjamin James Jr., son of Jacqueline and Ben James ’98, sports the Avon tee!
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TIMOTHY B. STAY , Co-Head Class Agent 2024 Upland Way #201, Philadelphia, PA 19131 timothystay@gmail.com
JONATHAN M. CARROLL , Co-Head Class Agent 3746 Tennyson St., San Diego, CA 92107 joncarroll3@gmail.com
KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST, Co-Head Class Agent 2 14th St., Apt. 321 Hoboken, NJ 07030-6765 bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com
DAVID R. GRYBOSKI , Co-Head Class Agent 101 South Bay Blvd., Suite B-3, Anna Maria, FL 34216-0732 dgryboski@tampabay.rr.com
CHIP BUZZEO was named the head lacrosse
The past year has been full of many new beginnings for JEFF CARTER . On December 1, 2012, Jeff and his wife, Maggie, welcomed their first child, Chapin Elizabeth, to their family in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, Jeff founded Grand Coast Capital Group, a national real estate finance and investment firm with offices in Boston and San Diego. Both baby and business are keeping Jeff busy, but he still manages, on occasion, to find his way to the squash courts.
coach for New Canaan High School.
98 GEOFFREY R. BARLOW , Co-Head Class Agent 500 Old Farms Rd., Avon, CT 06001 barlowg@avonoldfarms.com J.A. CORRIGAN , Co-Head Class Agent 300 North State St. #3508, Chicago, IL 60654 jamesandrewcorrigan@gmail.com BRIAN LEMEK and his wife, Keegan, announce
the birth of their third daughter, Laurel, born on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012 [see photo].
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BRAD STEWART completed a master’s of liberal arts with a concentration in government from Harvard University. He pursued the degree on a part-time basis while living in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Jem, and working full time for the federal government. Brad wrote, “My thesis, A Diversifying Threat: Terrorism and the Use of the Internet Post-9/11, has been an excellent complement to both my profession and my previous master’s from the University of St. Andrews.” JAYME DORR emailed, “My wife and I are proud
to announce the birth of our daughter, Zoey Harlo Dorr, born on January 23, 2013. Zoey weighed 7lbs. 8 oz. and is a very healthy and happy baby. She joins our two labs. We still live locally in East Hartford and we’re always rooting hard for the AOF sports teams. Let’s go A!” ROD BLACK moved to Boston and works for BILL BONK ’96 at The Smith Companies, Ltd. Rod is an annuity marketing consultant. ADAM STIFEL and his wife, Laura, announce the birth of their daughter, Sybil Chase, born on February 19, 2013.
Chris Caulfield ’00 completed his residency in internal medicine and began practice as an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in 2011. Chris married Kristen Elizabeth Amann, who is a physician in internal medicine and pediatrics, in June of 2012 and the couple reside in Chapel Hill. Todd Marr ’99 at his wedding with his bride, Griffin, his parents, and sister, brother-in-law, and their children. Vincent Montalbano ’00 and his wife, Katharine, announce the birth of their first child, Giancarlo Adrian Montalbano, born on January 22, 2013.
An Avon teddy bear enjoys the company of Fiona, daughter of Bridget and Matt Rampone ’99. Fiona was born on September 10, 2012.
00 MICHAEL J. O’NEILL , Co-Head Class Agent 242 Kendall Rd., Tewksbury, MA 01876 michael.o’neill@fmr.com DAN SEIDEN , Co-Head Class Agent 59 Fox Hollow, Avon, CT 06001 seidend@avonoldfarms.com
01 CHRISTOPHER D. COLEMAN , Co-Head Class Agent 3801 39th St. NW #E83, Washington, DC 20016 christopherdcoleman@gmail.com NICHOLAS H. LAROCQUE , Co-Head Class Agent 2151 Williams St., Palo Alto, CA 94306-1417 larocque.nicholas@gmail.com CRAIG CHESTER recently moved to Washington, D.C., from Miami, Florida, to work with Smart Growth America, a national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for, and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide.
The Lemek family: Brian ’98, Keegan, Lilly, Lizzy, and baby Laurel.
RODRIGO TAPIA and his wife, Ana Melinda, announce the birth of their daughter, Emma Rose, in January 2013.
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Class Notes
Brooks Fisher Hamilton was born on December 1, 2012, to Charlie Hamilton ’03 and his wife, Kerin.
Evan Bowen ’04 married Eileen Tabler on Saturday, August 18, 2012, in Seattle, Washington.
Jonesy, the band of Matt Jones ’05 [far right]. Alumni Office groupies recommend “Foolish Nights” on iTunes.
The wedding of Sam Cole ’04 to Heather Lange in Texas (left to right): sister Liz Cole; father and Director Marty Cole; Heather; Sam; mother Terri Cole; sister-in-law Tori; and brother Jack Cole.
02 WILLIAM N. PALMER , Head Class Agent
4736 Terr. St., Kansas City, MO 64112 wnpalmer@gmail.com BRIAN COHANE and Stephanie Amato, a friend from Green Mountain College, were married in February 2013. KEVIN THIBADEAU and JASON HULL ’03 attended. Brian is currently in the National Park Service Law Enforcement Training Program and working at Okemo Mountain in Vermont.
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BRETT STEGMAIER completed PGA Tour
Qualifying School, called Q School, in La Quinta, California, and gained full exempt status on the Web.com Tour for the 2013 season. Q School is competed in three stages. Stages one and two consist of four rounds each and then the final stage is competed over six straight days in early December. Stage one started with roughly 1,000 players, stage two whittled that down to about 500, and the final stage consisted of 172 golfers. Brett, having completed his final six rounds in 10 under par, finished in the top 75 to earn his exempt status on the Web.com Tour. The Web.com Tour starts its 2013 season with three straight events in South and Central America before returning to the States.
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JAMES TANG , Head Class Agent
300 East 84th St. Apt. 2A., New York, NY 10028 jamesttang@gmail.com
DANE G. LEMERIS , Head Class Agent 1763 Second Ave., Apt. 3N, New York, NY 10128 dlemeris@gmail.com
CHARLIE HAMILTON and his wife, Kerin,
ROBBIE TESAR plans to attend Naropa
announce the birth of their son, Brooks Fisher, born December 1, 2012.
University in Boulder, Colorado, next fall to earn a master’s degree in religious studies.
Roll'n ’80s reunion at the 2013 Pond Hockey Classic. From left, members of the Class of 2005: Porter Sargent, Bobby Jaramillo, Chris Davis, and Cour sen “Diggsy” Schneider.
04 MATTHEW H. MORAN , Head Class Agent 4114 Manayunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128 matthew.h.moran@gmail.com KYLE BREWER moved to Dallas, Texas, and accepted a position as AVP of investor reporting for Vericrest Financial. NICK PACQUEE emailed, “I still live down in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where I work at Citrix doing IT sales for the Northeast and Canada. KYLE BREWER recently came down for a visit.” EVAN BOWEN and his wife, Eileen, moved to downtown Seattle, Washington, where he leads the West Coast sales effort for Operation Media.
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Class Notes
Mook Lawrence ’05, Brendan Mahoney ’05, and Matt Smalley ’05 enjoyed the Avon reception in Boston last fall.
Nick Bonino ’07 scores his first NHL hat trick against the LA Kings on February 2, 2013. Hank Coons ’71 and son Casey ’07 attended the Boston gathering at The Fours.
07 CASEY R. COONS , Co-Head Class Agent
182 West 8th St. #3, South Boston, MA 02127-2536 caseycoons4@gmail.com TYLER C. HADDAD , Co-Head Class Agent
125 Saint Paul St. #1, Brookline, MA 02446-5247 tyler_haddad@dfci.harvard.edu WILL SIEBER is an account manager in the
government channels division of Immix Group located in McLean, Virginia.
06 KEVIN T. DRISCOLL , Co-Head Class Agent
2 Hawks Nest Ln., Green Village, NJ 07935-3500 kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com JOSHUA P. PAVANO , Co-Head Class Agent
77 Fieldstone Run, Farmington, CT 06032 jpavano@gmail.com BEN KIMMERLE emailed, “I’m entering my
second year as a media planner at MPG in Boston, living just north of the river in Somerville, and also coach part time at CrossFit gym downtown; things are busy, but balanced!”
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RYAN WARD works as an account executive at Yelp.com in Phoenix, Arizona, doing marketing and advertising.
08 WILL HENDRICKS , Co-Head Class Agent P.O. Box 38, Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA 18356 willheatonhendricks@gmail.com KEVIN SISTI , Co-Head Class Agent 64 Pinnacle Rd., Farmington, CT 06030 ksideas@aol.com
Richard Woodwell ’08 with his sisters, Eleanor and Margaret, after his graduation from UMass.
Tom Cousins ’06 with his sister and parents.
Bill Austin ’92, Conor Price ’09, Dan Seiden ’00, and Strat Dennis ’00, at Cucina in Palm Beach.
GUSTAVO CARPIO is studying mechanical engineering after a summer job in a combustion turbines thermoelectric company. He notes, “It was a fascinating experience that dramatically altered my views on different technologies and views on the application of my studies and experiences. I always apply Avon’s philosophy, aspirando et perseverando, as it’s given me a special way of setting goals.”
09 J. BEN BEATH , Head Class Agent
12229 Prince Towne Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141 beathjohnbenjamin@yahoo.com MATT LAURO accepted a position with Fidelity
Investments following graduation from RPI.
Chris Wolfel ’08 was recognized by the popular website BostInno as part of their “50 on Fire” issue featuring the city’s top innovators.
DAN JANDREAU spent his winter in Washington, D.C., doing an internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers. RYAN COLATRELLA , who is graduating from
Ohio State University, has accepted a position in the consulting division of KPMG and will begin his career in Boston in August.
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Class Notes
Colin Sullivan ’12 signs a jersey for Tyler Gordon, son of Dave Gordon ’90, after the BC win over Notre Dame last November. Dan Kinek ’12 and Derek Sganga ’12, roommates at Avon and part of last year’s Founders League champion lacrosse team, played against each other in a fall ball scrimmage. Dan plays midfield for Michigan and Derek is a long-stick midfielder for Marist.
Tar Heels Fans Unite! Stratford Dennis ’00 and Director of Development Dan Seiden ’00, along with their wives, Ashley Alston and Brooke Seiden, were guests of Ed and Janice Story P ’10 at a UNC-Duke basketball game in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Stratford and Janice are fellow members of Avon’s Board of Directors.
12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER , Head Class Agent 4345 Brookview Dr., Atlanta, GA 30339 shamburgerd@gmail.com ANDRES GARCIA DE PAREDES emailed from
of Ryan Yen ’12 and Sterling Raphael, co-founder at the HERSTAR and other entrepreneurial startups, ng during Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landi rence. the Tau Kappa Epsilon Regional Leader Confe
10 MATTHEW R. COZ , Head Class Agent 438 Russell Ave., Suffield, CT 06078-1610 cozm1215@yahoo.com
11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN , Head Class Agent
10 Ardsley Way, Avon, CT 06001 olliekloss@aol.com ALISTAIR MACDONALD enjoyed his second year at Manhattanville and plans to double major in political science and technology. He is a founding member of the school’s technology club.
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the University of San Francisco, “I do not miss the weather or walking to morning meeting, but I do miss my boys. I just came from San Diego with MARIO DAVILA and then we went to the Staples Center to watch the Heat play the Lakers. We had a lot of fun and it was great to see my former roommate.” RYAN YEN recently emailed, after switching
majors, “I am having a productive year studying software engineering. My biggest news is I have been working with fellow Avonian PEDRO VEGA , on rechartering a fraternity here on the campus of Clarkson University. I am leading the charge and currently the prytanis/president. I am expected to be initialized in late March and hopefully Tau Kappa Epsilon will be colonized by the end of the spring and planned to be chartered sometime next year.”
In Memoriam The School has learned of the deaths of the following alumni:
ROBERT TOBEY ROOD ’36 MALCOLM G. MAGINNIS ’42 JAMES MARTIN STEWART ’43 BROOKS “JERRY” STEVENS III ’45 NEIL GLOVER SMITH ’46 WALTER WHITE ’47 EDWARD L. GREENBLATT ’57 DR. RICHARD K. LOVELAND ’59H ARTHUR H. ROVETTI ’62 CRAIG H. KEYSTON ’65 PETER YOUNG MARTIN ’66 WILLIAM H. MILNOR ’70 MICHAEL D. PHILLIPS ’79 ALAN THOMPSON PEARCE JR. ’83 GERARD S. DEVERIN ’83 STEVEN J. GREENWOOD ’86 ANDREW K. CLARK ’97 BRADLEY DAVID LORD ’01 FRANK D. B. DICOCCO ’02 CAPTAIN ANDREW MICHAEL PEDERSEN-KEEL ’02
Please contact the Alumni and Development Office at (800) 336-8195 for further details, full obituaries, or contact information.
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Class Notes Erin Hallenbeck, a nurse at Avon Old Farms, represented our school in Haiti, volunteering to help care for sick children.
Richard Reece, son of faculty member Jamie Reece and his wife, Mary Ellen, was born on October 29, 2012. He was welcomed home by big sisters Louisa and Charlotte.
Orion Drogu was born on Nov ember 13, 2012, weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz., to faculty member Cristina Pinton and her husband, Klajd Drogu. Orion is lear ning to speak Albanian, Italian, and English!
Euan Howard-Sorrell ’11 atop Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine.
Wi n ged B eav er s Around th World e
We want to see where you’ve been! Send in your photos of alumni representing Avon—with a hat, sweatshirt, or even a rally towel—and we’ll print the best photo in The Avonian. So where are you headed next? Make sure to take Avon with you!
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Spring 2013 The Avonian
Bill Austin ’92, with wife Becky and daughter Beatrix.
“My experience at Avon, be it the friendships I formed or the values instilled in me, has helped define both my personal and professional life. It gives me great pleasure to give back to a school that has provided so much to me, and a planned gift through the Riddle Society will ensure that many more generations of boys will have the opportunity that I was so fortunate to have.” -William Austin ’92
For more information about planned gifts for Avon Old Farms School, please contact Daniel J. Seiden ’00, director of development, at 860-404-4265, seidend@avonoldfarms.com, or visit our planned giving website online: www.avonoldfarms.gift-planning.org/
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The Last Word By Glenn Sieber
The following chapel talk was delivered this winter by faculty member Glenn Sieber.
W
hen I first started teaching at Avon Old Farms, there was a student, who I will call John, in my mathematics class. He was a great athlete—big, fast, a great track and football player. But despite those prominent labels, I have two very personal memories of John. My first memory of John was when I was collecting my very first homework assignment from my algebra class, and John handed me a very detailed pencil drawing he had done of a nude woman. So, here I was, as a new teacher, thinking about factoring polynomials, and here John was thinking of…well, nevermind what John was thinking. It was truly a wonderful drawing, but I had to look at John and simply say “Why?” He said, “Hey, I stink at math, but I didn’t want you to think I stink at everything. I think I could be a pretty good artist.” I was hard-pressed to criticize his point. My second memory of John was when, at the end of class, I was returning students their first graded quiz, and one of my students, who failed this particular quiz, actually started crying. Now, this student was without question what you guys would call a “geek.” The only thing he was missing was the plastic pocket protector and the masking tape on his eye glasses. John did not need to be, or likely want to be, seen with this student. Nonetheless, as class was ending, John went back to this student and put his arm around him and said “Hey, don’t let this math tool get to you; you’ll get him next time around.” The student smiled. And as I was about to lunge at John for calling me a “math tool,” he looked up and winked at me. And I realized what John had just done for his classmate. So, despite everyone else’s memory of John as a great athlete, I will always remember John for two things: his artistic talents and his compassion for his classmates. Why do I tell a story about how I remembered someone? Because when you get to be my age, on rare occasions, you start to think about how you will be remembered when you leave this earth. You guys are far too young to start thinking about how you will be remembered on this earth. But our lives are generally lived 64
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in phases. And you are at a very significant phase in your life right now—the phase where, arguably, many of you will transition from being young boys to becoming young men. And I would suggest that you want to lead your lives during this important phase here at Avon Old Farms in a manner so you will be well remembered, not necessarily by merely a label such as athlete or scholar or artist or musician, but by words that truly describe your reputation, your values, and your character. Words like courageous, generous, compassionate, ambitious, trustworthy, and honorable. You know, of all the countless gifts I received throughout my business career for different speeches, visits, or conferences I attended, I have kept only one. This gift was given to me by a friend of a work colleague of mine whose family I helped through a very difficult and painful medical trauma. The gift is a simple cellulite block which still sits on my desk at home. Inside the block is inscribed a message that says, “Ultimately, what really matters is a courageous spirit and a generous heart.” I look at that cellulite block every morning and try to remind myself that if, when I leave this earth, I can be remembered in some small way as courageous and generous, then I have led a noteworthy life.
How are each of you going to be remembered here at Avon Old Farms, where you became a young man? What words will your friends use to describe how they remember you two, five or 10 years from now? What’s going to be your legacy? As some of you know, my oldest son is currently serving as a Corpsman with the Marines over in Afghanistan. He always admired the Marine motto that referenced courage, honor, and commitment. But he did not understand until he began to serve with his comrades that those words are not a “motto,” they are a code by which he and his comrades must live their lives, day in and day out, in order to protect themselves and each other. You young men are old enough to start thinking about the code by which you choose to live your lives day in and day out. Despite John’s size, speed, and athleticism, I will always remember his artistic talents and his compassion for his classmates, no matter how “uncool” his classmates may be. Not a bad legacy, even if it is from a “math tool” such as me. How are each of you going to be remembered here at Avon Old Farms, where you became a young man? What words will your friends use to describe how they remember you two, five or 10 years from now? What’s going to be your legacy? I would encourage you to make it a damn good one. One minor footnote before I conclude—for the record, my little speech about John does NOT give my Calculus or AP Statistics students permission to submit pencil drawings of nude women for their homework, no matter how good the drawings!
From the Archives
The first faculty, 1927, seated on the front steps of the Provost’s House. Theodate Pope Riddle jotted a note on the back of the photo, “Froelicher, the first Provost, in knickers.”
Among the details regarding Avon, Old Farms, about which many questions are often asked, is that of the definite opening of the school. While no date has been announced, it is known that the faculty and department heads will all be on the estate after August 1. When the thirty, or more, students arrive there will be no formal opening to which the public is invited. From the Hartford Daily Times, June 18, 1927
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID 500 Old Farms Road Avon, Connecticut 06001 www.AvonOldFarms.com
Change Service Requested
A Fallen Hero " Avon remembers Andrew Pedersen-Keel ’02
Albany, NY Permit #97