SPRING 2016
Who Is An Avon Boy? Admission at Avon Old Farms School
WINNING WINTER SEASON FAREWELL TO BRENDON WELKER ’91 AVON ON THE MOVE
AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL Established 1927 Headmaster Kenneth H. LaRocque
Associate Headmaster John T. Gardner
Editor Morgan C. Cugell
Designer 2k Design www.2kDesign.com
Alumni Notes Lizabeth Abramson
Photographers Seshu Photography Will Cook Nan Flanagan Tom Honan John LaPerch TJ Shaw ’18 Tyler Varsell
Printer Benchemark Printing, Inc., Schenectady
Contributors Thanks to everyone who contributed to this magazine. Special thanks to Liz Abramson, Seshu Badrinath, Robin Delnicki, Carol Ketcham, Ken LaRocque, Melissa Vega, and Brendon Welker.
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) 404-4100
Admissions (800) 464-2866 admissions@avonoldfarms.com
Alumni We enjoy hearing from you! Please send us your latest news and notes: Email: abramsonl@avonoldfarms.com Phone: (860) 404-4268 Fax: (860) 404-4631
Email Members of the administration and faculty can be emailed by using the following formula: last name + first initial @avonoldfarms.com. The directory on the school website also includes email links. Avon Old Farms School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disabilities, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
FROM THE EDITOR…
FEATURES
16 Who Is an Avon Boy? Admission at Avon Old Farms School by Morgan C. Cugell 10 A Winning Winter
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56 The Last Word by Jake De Saint Phalle ’16 SPOTLIGHTS
12 Athletic Spotlight: Jordan Abate ’16 by Morgan C. Cugell
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26 Faculty Focus: Leon Hayward by Morgan Cugell 28 Student Spotlight: Joonseok Park ’16 by Morgan C. Cugell 32 Alumni Spotlight: Brendon Welker ’91 by Morgan Cugell
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DEPARTMENTS
2 Headmaster 4 Village Green 10 Athletics 30 The Elephant Remembers 36 Class Notes Cover photo: Andrew Waltzer ’16, one of Avon’s top scholars and a captain on the varsity football team. Photo by Seshu Photography.
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Dear Readers, Once again, we are at the end of a school year—a banner year by all accounts, highlighted by the superb efforts of our students and faculty in the classroom, on the stage, in the studio, on the fields, and in the community. As we bid farewell to the Class of 2016, and celebrate their many contributions over the last four years, we look forward to meeting the Class of 2020, which will join us in the fall. Who is an Avon boy? This issue explores that question, and the unique, personalized admission experience at Avon Old Farms School, as it has evolved over the years and continues into the future. Avon’s immediate future will be under the direction of Leon Hayward, our newest dean of enrollment, as we bid farewell to Brendon Welker ’91, who served Avon for nearly 20 years. See page 32 for more about Brendon’s tenure and page 26 to get to know Leon. In the issue, you’ll also meet some of the extraordinary students already calling Avon home: scholars, musicians, athletes, and community servants. These are Men of Avon who will be lifelong brothers—just take a look at our Class Notes!—and it all begins in the Office of Admission. We hope you enjoy a peek inside. As always, I welcome your feedback. Aspirando et perseverando, Morgan C. Cugell cugellm@avonoldfarms.com 860-404-4239
Find past issues of the Avonian online at www.avonoldfarms.com/avonian
Are you following us? /AvonOldFarms @AvonOldFarms /AvonOldFarmsSchool Search Group: Avon Old Farms School Alumni Association
Cert no. SW-COC-002935
From the Headmaster by Kenneth H. LaRocque
Greetings,
Avon’s admission season begins in earnest in mid-summer and basically ends with the calendar year, as our application deadline is January 10. Throughout this period, we meet and greet many hundreds of boys and their families who are on campus to learn more about our school, and the type of student who flourishes here. They want to know “Who is an Avon boy?” Knowing our students for the past 35 years, understanding the rich mosaic of boys and young men who are enrolled this year, and having enjoyed meeting so many of the admitted students for the coming year, I know there is no easy answer to this question. In this issue of the Avonian, we explore this question, knowing that self-assessment is a valuable exercise for individuals and institutions. Although Avon Old Farms’s mission is crystal clear—“We strive to be the best college preparatory school for boys by cultivating young men of integrity, who honor wisdom, justice, inclusion, service, and the pursuit of truth”—no one type of
boy stands out as an ideal candidate, as “mission appropriate.” Our strength as a school lies in the ethos of community that permeates campus life. Clearly, it would be difficult for a young man to benefit richly from his Avon experience if he was not willing to embrace our closely knit community, and strive to understand and honor our core values of brotherhood, integrity, scholarship, and sportsmanship. However, a young man’s personality type, religious affiliation, academic interest, extracurricular passion, race, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or any such personal characteristic does not make him more or less likely to blossom into a successful Avonian. Fundamental to such growth is a student’s willingness to change, courage to take responsibility for his actions, and openness to move from a self-centered construct of the world to an othercentered vision. Our programs and structures are designed to encourage young men, from the time they set foot on campus, to welcome the opportunity to grow even though it means stepping
“We have never been a school that takes the easy way. Instead, we have always been the school that asks, ‘What is best for the boys?’ ” — B R E N D O N W E L K E R ’ 91 , D E A N F O R E N R O L L M E N T A N D E X T E R N A L A F F A I R S
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FRO M THE HE A DMA S TE R
out of their comfort zones. It is the job of our admission team to identify and admit candidates who are ripe for the Avon experience, a job at which they have excelled for generations. As I look back at my long career in the Village of Old Farms, I have been privileged to have been a friend to and colleague with three several impressive admission directors. When I first arrived on campus in the fall of 1981, Frank Leavitt ’52 was leading our admission program, and his passion for Avon, forged by the years he had spent as a young boy living on campus and later, by his time as a student, persuaded many a family and boy to join our ranks. Terry Cutler, whose son Matt ’91 celebrated his 25th reunion this spring, led our admission program effectively for many years with her gracious and charming nature as well as her steadfast commitment to our boys and school. Since 2004, Brendon Welker ’91 has directed our enrollment program skillfully, helping us navigate the ever more complex and sophisticated world of independent school admission. Unlike Frank Leavitt, who taught an honors course in geology, and Terry Cutler, who taught an honors course in European history in addition to running our admission efforts, Brendon Welker took over leadership of our program at a time when technology had brought a level of complexity to secondary school admission that demanded his full attention, and he was not able to teach. Dramatic increases in the diversity of our student body, number of applications, yield percentages, and standardized test scores of accepted students, as well as a strengthening of the academic profile of our student body, have occurred under Brendon’s leadership. I have known Brendon since he was a sophomore here in the fall of 1988 and have
watched him mature into a successful educator and fine family man. Everyone at Old Farms wishes Brendon well as he heads off onto the next adventure in his life journey. Leon Hayward, who will assume leadership of our admission office on July 1 of this year, follows in the footsteps of the legendary admission leaders who preceded him. I have every confidence that Leon will take our admission process to the next level by utilizing technology to provide the information we need to look strategically at the challenges we will face in admission in the near and long term. Excellent communication skills, a warm and welcoming demeanor, rich experience in independent school admissions, and strong relationships with educational consultants and feeder schools, are only some of the attractive parts of Leon’s profile, which complement nicely his broad technological background. As we look toward our 90th year as a school, I encourage you to visit campus and engage with students and faculty. Avon Old Farms is a dynamic community of learning.
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.
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Village Green Hot Glass Students Learn the Art of Glassblowing
On
Saturday, February 20, four students along with teacher James Kassel traveled to the glassblowing studio of Peter Greenwood in Riverton, Conn., to experience the art of glassblowing for themselves. Without any prior experience or knowledge of the materials used, Arden Coleman ’16, Rex Godbout ’17, Joseph Stallmeyer ’17, and Cole Kammler ’17 participated in this hands-on visit. Over the course of several hours, each made three glass objects: a glass globe or paperweight, flowers, and a vase.
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“The studio and process are hot. It requires muscle to control the rod, swing the blown glass like a pendulum, and place it just right into the raging heat of the glory hole to gather molten glass,” says Visual Arts Department Chair Cristina Pinton. “This is the stuff boys are made of: sweat and strength and beauty.” This is one of many workshops the Visual Arts Department offers to students throughout the year. Each
workshop is made possible by the Parents Association. The glassblowing experience was so popular that another trip was added later in the spring.
Village Green Village Green
The Walks Foundation, Inc. Founded 1956
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von Old Farms School is proud to be a partner school in the WALKS Foundation and each year welcomes WALKS Scholars who go on to become integral parts of the Avon community and enjoy tremendously successful Avon careers. The WALKS Foundation consists of five independent schools in Greater Hartford working collaboratively to provide educational opportunities to deserving students whose horizons are limited by family income, but whose talents, commitment, energies, and motivation to succeed promise community leadership in the coming years. Initially, this program benefited
the children of blue-collar working families; in the 1980s, the program began to concentrate on students of color from Greater Hartford. In 2015–2016, 80 percent of the students receiving WALKS scholarship aid are students of color, 27 percent are from the City of Hartford, and 100 percent are from families with financial need. In 2015–2016, WALKS was supported by 68 individuals (including past scholars), 10 corporations, and 14 foundations. One hundred percent of the directors personally support WALKS; directors and advisory board members serve on a volunteer basis. Ninety-nine percent of WALKS Scholars—of which there have been nearly 400—attend a four-year college
“Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family.” –Kofi A. Annan
or university. Other WALKS programs include the Barnes Service Awards, for outstanding volunteer efforts, given annually to one student from each of the WALKS schools, as well as the Constitution essay contest, a competitive and scholarly inter-school essay contest held annually to promote research on the Constitution as it relates to today’s issues.
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Village Green
Academic Spotlight: Co-ed Ethics
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would be to hear the male perspective. ntroduced in 2014, the co-ed As these boys and girls get ready for global ethics course may be co-ed higher educational settings, the relatively new to Avon Old idea was that this class would be a Farms School, but it is quickly cementing its position in the curriculum as it ° Discrimination: Differentiation seeks to challenge among people and things students and provoke higher ent of ° Prejudice: A negative judgm levels of thinking. someone or something before one has The popular encountered this person or thing course, which this year pairs students from the Ethel Walker School and Avon Old Farms together in one distinctive great way to transition and to share class, was created and implemented by intellectual thought and debate. I got Major Gifts Officer Chris Hampton approval from both campuses to create ’79 seven years ago, when he was a seminar intended for senior boys and teaching at Miss Porter’s School. girls only. The students had to apply and He brought the course with him had to be committed to giving up their when he arrived at Avon in 2014. Sunday nights for their spring semester “I am so proud of this unique and senior year. Each year, the students get necessary course,” Chris says. “Many better and better. Topics range from years ago, I began to think how cool it euthanasia and genetic engineering to
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“I am so proud of this unique and necessary course.” —Chris Hampton ’79
equity and pay, from affirmative action to the ethics of war. “My goal is to give the students the facts of every issue before engaging in personal perspectives. Without a solid foundation and true understanding of all sides of an issue, one cannot discuss in a clear and grounded manner. I am hoping to keep this class going—it has become a tradition in its own right!”
Village Green
The Vicksburg Campaign Renowned Civil War Scholar Visits Avon
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n Saturday, February 13, Avon Old Farms welcomed Ed Bearss, national scholar, author, and nominee for a Congressional Gold Medal. He delivered “The Vicksburg Campaign, Grant’s Military Masterpiece,” a talk discussing the siege of Vicksburg, a critical turning point in the American Civil War. The event, open to the public, was cosponsored by the Avon Historical Society. Bearss discussed, in his own popular, engaging style, the campaign that occurred
between March and July of 1863, a series of maneuvers and battles directed against Vicksburg, Miss., a fortress city that dominated the last Confederatecontrolled section of the Mississippi River. The Union Army of the Tennessee, under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, defeated Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton’s forces, capturing this stronghold and gaining control of the river. A native of Montana, Bearss is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II who saw service with the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion in the invasion of Guadalcanal
and the Russell Islands. He was severely wounded by Japanese machine gun fire and spent 26 months recovering before being honorably discharged as a corporal in 1946. He financed his education on the G.I. Bill and became engrossed in the study of the Civil War and fascinated by the battlefields around the country. He raised his family in Vicksburg, where he was able to focus on much of the Civil War and the battlefields around the South. He is considered by many to be a preeminent Civil War scholar, with more than 30 books on the subject. He is a nominee for the Congressional Gold Medal for being, according to the Smithsonian Institution, “a living national treasure” with an encyclopedic knowledge of military history and the Civil War. At the age of 92, he is still telling the story of his favorite time in history, having been a foot soldier himself.
Scholastic Art Awards Artists Earn Accolades
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he Avon Old Farms School Visual Arts Department is thrilled to announce that once again, our student artists have earned recognition at the Scholastic Art Awards. Each year, Avon submits its best artworks for possible inclusion in the Scholastic Art Awards exhibit in Hartford. With thousands of entries this year, the competition was fierce and at its most competitive. Two artists were presented with prestigious Gold Key awards: Young Jun Song ’16 for his charcoal drawing, Pieces of Home, and Max Rieser ’16 for his drawing From Pieces. Winning works were on display at the Silpe Gallery at the University of Hartford from January 17 to February 5. Students received their awards on January 31 during the official reception and celebration at the Lincoln Theater.
Early this spring, Rieser received further good news when he learned that his drawing had garnered national recognition. This fall and winter, students across the country, and from countries abroad, submitted nearly 320,000 works of art and writing to the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Nearly 18,000 works that had earned regional Gold Keys advanced to New York City for national adjudication. Of those Gold Key works, just 2,400 received National Medals. Rieser was ranked in the top 1 percent for all works of art and writing submitted to the 2016 Scholastic Awards, and we honor him for this impressive achievement.
From Pieces Max Rieser ’16
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Village Green
A Day in the Life… At Riddle Refectory
Winter Musical and Concerts Murder at the OK Corral by Blair Graeme
Musicians take the stage
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he Old Farms Theatre Company got lots of laughs during its winter production, Murder at the OK Corral, by Blair Graeme. Thespians from Avon and Miss Porter’s School put on a remarkably impressive show on the nights of February 19, 20, and 22. In the play, eccentric German director Helga Von Kibble drags her seemingly talentless cast to a remote set in the desert in pursuit of ultimate realism. When Helga drops dead under questionable circumstances, the actors must determine for themselves what is genuine and what is not. Jackson Berry ’17 led the cast as Hoyt Hite, the dopey star of Von Kibble’s ill-fated show, and his deadpan delivery was a constant source of amusement. Riley Johnson ’17 proved a fan favorite as Fred, the tight-lipped
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bartender who saves the day when he reveals himself to be a moonlighting police officer and catches the murderers by surprise. The real showstopper, however, was Pengyu “SP” Si ’19, who played Bosco, a cynical, sarcastic cameraman. SP’s clever quips and over-the-top acting had the Avon audience in stitches. Equally crucial to the performance were eight Miss Porter’s students. Thank you to all who attended the performance and congratulations to the Old Farms Theatre Company on another fine performance!
Avon musical groups presented superb winter concerts, with the Chamber Ensemble and choral groups performing on February 21, and the jazz ensembles playing on February 25. The concert season began with a lively rendition of Paul Desmond’s “Take Five,” featuring an energetic drum solo by Jun Yong Song ’16. After a stirring rendition of the classic “Ashokan Farewell,” Joonseok “John” Park ’16 gave the audience a beautiful performance of the theme from Schindler’s List on the cello. The Chamber Ensemble completed its set with “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and several of the Sing-ed Beavers provided impressive a capella entertainment while the stage was set for the choral performances. The Chorale opened with Ralph Vaughan Williams’s “Antiphon,” before singing a medley of Civil War songs. Dean of curriculum and instruction and Civil War reenactor Art Custer joined
Village Green Village Green
the singers on stage, marching across the stage in a full Union Army officer’s uniform with sword held high. After a selection of Western songs, the Riddlers gave a wonderful rendition of Daniel Gawthrop’s “Sing Me to Heaven.” They were joined onstage by the Wamogo High School Choir to sing Mozart’s classic “Ave Verum Corpus” and Aaron Copland’s more modern piece “The Promise of Living.” The Chorale and Honors Chorale rejoined the Riddlers for John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” before the night ended with a surprise performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which featured a guitar solo by Patrick Witkowski ’16. The jazz concert began with the Avon Big Band performing Les Sabina’s up-tempo song “Brouhaha.” Next they took on Rich Sigler’s silky smooth classic “On Green Dolphin Street” before taking the audience south of the border with Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Waters of
March.” The Big Band closed with Paul Clark’s “Catch the Wind,” featuring an impressive alto sax solo from Chris Frutuoso ’19. Next, the Super G Jazz band charmed with Horace Silver’s “Song for my Father” before making way for the New Avon Sound, which opened with Alfred James Ellis’s rousing
number, “The Chicken,” including a rare bass solo from Evan Carp ’17. The group kept the energy up with Howard Rowe’s swing number, “Jiver’s License,” which featured blistering dueling guitar solos from Witkowski and Leo Luo ’17, and cooled things down with Spencer Williams’s New Orleans blues tune “Basic Street Blues.” Then things got funky with a slick rendition of Jeff Taylor’s “Eclipse,” as Surya Ramasamy ’16 and Zac Thurlow ’16 provided solos on the alto sax and trumpet respectively. The New Avon Sound closed the concert season with the classic, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” Congratulations to Avon’s excellent musicians for another season of successful concerts!
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Athletics
A Winning Winter S everal of Avon’s athletic teams enjoyed tremendous success this winter, capping superb seasons with some impressive victories and league titles. The wrestling team led the charge into postseason play by placing third in the league tournament, the Western New England Championships, and sending seven wrestlers to compete in the larger New England Championships held on our own campus on February 19 and 20. Seniors Vince Caputo, Luke O’Connor, Tommy Healy, and Stephen Thibault compiled impressive seasons as did juniors TJ Brooks and Max Gonzalez. The varsity squash team finished a notable fourth place in the U.S. High School Division I National Squash Championships in Philadelphia. Led by number one Belal Nawar ’16, the squash team dominated nearly all its competitions this season and clinched a Founder’s League championship by beating the Hotchkiss School 7-0 on February 24. The team placed third in the New England Interscholastic Squash Tournament on February 27, with Nawar placing first overall
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and five other Avonians making it to the semifinals in their respective positions. The varsity basketball team also officially won the Founder’s League on February 24 with a resounding 78-49 victory over Taft, and followed that up with a gritty 70-58 win against Canterbury on February 27 to win the Tri-State League Championship and launch themselves into the playoffs. Their success this year came from a teamfirst attitude up and down the lineup that led to a potent offense averaging 69.5 points per game. Four different players averaged double-digit points per game, proving that the Winged Beavers were always willing to move the ball around to get the win. Head Coach Tim Roller was named New England Class A Co-Coach of the Year, and senior Packy Witkowski joined fellow postgraduate teammates Isaiah Nichols and Rodney Henderson in garnering league and New England recognition for their play during the team’s outstanding 18-7 season. Nichols earned First Team All New England Class A, First Team All Tri-State League, and Tri-State Co-MVP honors. Henderson earned First Team All Tri-State League honors
Village Athletics Green
while also making the Second Team All New England Class A list. Witkowski joined Henderson on the Second Team All Tri-State League team and earned a position on the Second Team All New England Class A squad. With a Founder’s League championship already secured,
the varsity hockey team closed out its regular season campaign with a dominant 7-3 win over Canterbury on February 24 and a 3-1 victory over Loomis Chaffee in a packed rink on February 27. Though the team lost in the NEPSAC quarterfinals, an assertive 9-2 win over Brunswick School in the quarterfinals saw hundreds of AOF hockey fans traveling back to campus during spring break to cheer on our Winged Beavers as the season wound down with an astonishing 21-2-4 record. Seniors Patrick Harper and Adam Karashik were named to the All New England Prep Team, voted on by the New England prep hockey coaches. Harper played center for the team and was named as a forward on the All New England team, and Karashik was named as a defenseman. During regular season play, Harper scored 20 goals, had 39 assists, and accumulated 59 points to lead the Winged Beavers in scoring. He was the leading scorer, surpassing the 100-point mark in his two years at Avon with 106 points. Harper will play for Boston University in the fall. On the defensive side, Karashik accumulated 29 points on three goals and 26 assists. Congratulations to all our high-flying Winged Beavers!
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Athletics
Jordan Abate ’16 By Morgan C. Cugell
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four-year day student from Avon, Jordan Abate ’16 spends most of his free time on campus devoted to his many athletic commitments: he’s on the varsity cross country, swimming, and track teams. And though his track coach—a former track standout himself—Matt Biggart ’02 calls him “one of the greatest track athletes the school has ever had,” Jordan remains humbly focused on the spirit of brotherhood and competition rather than the many impressive accolades he has amassed. A school record holder in both the 400-meter dash and the 4x400-meter relay, Jordan took second place in last year’s 400-meter dash at the New England Division I championship. He was named MVP of the track team as a junior. This spring, he’ll look to win the New England title— and hopes to break the 50-second mark in the 400-meter dash along the way. His coaches and teammates have come to rely on his outstanding abilities and tireless work ethic, but for Jordan, the benefits of his training and competition measure far beyond his fastest times and growing trophy collection. “The best part of competing as a Winged Beaver is not the competition itself but instead the guys competing with you, wearing the same AOF jerseys,” he explains, recalling his experiences as a sophomore on the 4x400-meter relay team alongside teammates from China, Finland, Africa, and the Czech Republic. “Competing with guys from around the world was an incredible experience,” he notes. “I still consider them my brothers.” His prowess on the track is unmatched, and he devotes his “offseason” to keeping up with his training, competing at the varsity level on the cross-country team to maintain endurance and the swim team to avoid impact while still obtaining a cardiovascular workout. Despite
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“Avon opened up the door for many new opportunities for me: to compete at the highest level in sports, to challenge myself academically, and to pursue new interests I would never have imagined. In my time at Avon, I have accomplished way more than I would have ever imagined possible.”
Pink the Rink Hockey Players Fundraise for American Cancer Society struggling with track injuries, including muscle tears and strains, throughout his four years on the team, Jordan has learned what he needs to do to stay healthy, including stretching, eating right, and getting enough rest. His power and perseverance extend beyond his individual performance: Jordan is dedicated to the annual Push Ups for Patriots fundraiser, benefiting injured servicemen and servicewomen, and last year finished the entire 24-hour event on his own, completing 7,500 push-ups and running 26 miles, a feat he hopes to perform again this year. Jordan found the experience to be so inspiring and memorable that he chose to write about it for his college application essay. Despite the time Jordan puts into finetuning his craft, he is equally conscientious when it comes to the classroom: in addition to the four years of math courses he has taken, he has also given up part of his summers to take two additional online math courses, allowing him to advance into the rigorous differential equations and multivariable calculus courses. He is a four-year Headmaster’s List recipient, was awarded the French book prize both freshman and sophomore year, and last year received the Trinity College book prize. Jordan will pursue a career in math or science next year at the School of Arts and Science at Tufts University, where he will also run on the track team. Jordan is certainly one of the hardestworking—and fastest moving!—members of the Class of 2016, and he credits Avon with much of his success. “Avon opened up the door for many new opportunities for me: to compete at the highest level in sports, to challenge myself academically, and to pursue new interests I would have never have imagined,” Jordan observes. “In my time at Avon, I have accomplished way more than I would have ever imagined possible.”
his winter, the varsity B hockey team continued what has become an exciting and important tradtion each year: the fourth annual Pink the Rink game. Players don pink uniforms for their game against the CT Chiefs, a fundraising event with all proceeds going to help fight breast cancer through the American Cancer Society. To raise additional funds, students sold pink AOF T-shirts for $10 as well as the opportunity to participate in a dress-down Friday for $5. There was a also a bake sale at the game in addition to a prize raffle. Students from Miss Porter’s School and the Ethel Walker School joined our Men of Avon in supporting this important cause. Because of their efforts, the VB hockey players donated an impressive amount—more than $1500— to the American Cancer Society to continue the battle against breast cancer.
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WHO IS AN
Admission at Avon Old Farms School By Morgan C. Cugell
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Avon Old Farms has long been a leader in the education of boys. Our traditional approach to education provides our student body with the tools necessary to be successful leaders, thinkers, and innovators in today’s world. And though our academic, athletic, and artistic programs are rigorous and outstanding, our focus remains on the development of the whole boy. Our goal is to prepare our students to be good men as much as it is to prepare them to be exemplary scholars. But who is an Avon boy? Here you’ll find the star pianist is also the captain of the football team; the gifted cellist is also a top scholar. The leader of the Nimrod Club is also the editor in chief of the student newspaper; the poetry recitation contest winner is also a winning wrestler.
Our boys are exceptional, and it is the job of the team in Avon’s Office of Admission to find and accept these young men—with seemingly limitless potential—to enrich the student body and change the community around them. The admission team is tasked with building a diverse, passionate, remarkable collection of scholars, musicians, athletes, and artists—of good men who will become leaders—who will thrive given the many opportunities presented to them at Avon Old Farms. It is a challenge they accept willingly each year. Over the next few pages, you’ll learn more about our students, our leaders, and our mission. You’ll understand why we invest so much in our interactions with prospective families. And you’ll meet members of Avon communities past and present who have helped shape countless classes of Avonians and shepherded the admission process into one that is personal and profound—and uniquely Avon. The Avonian Spring 2016
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Student Body, 2015-16 27 States 24 Countries 77 International Students (19% of student body) 80 Legacies (20%) 38 Brothers (19 sets) 75% boarding 25% day 35% of students awarded financial aid scholarships Accepted Students, 2016-17 23 14 43 14 32
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rom start to finish, the application process is personal. Students and their families are encouraged to visit campus for tours with our admission professionals, observing the timeless natural beauty of our Village and its original architecture alongside stunning structures that house unparalleled academic, artistic, and athletic programs. Interviews give students and parents alike the chance to get to know our campus, our programs, and our community, while student Admission Ambassadors offer a more intimate connection to the student perspective of the Avon experience. Choosing a private school is an important and tough decision, and finding the best fit isn’t always easy. Though it can be difficult to capture the true essence of any school, it is particularly difficult to do so with Avon Old Farms, which offers so much more than a classroom education. Open house events each season are designed to offer prospective students and their families a comprehensive overview of Avon Old Farms School. The open house programs help to highlight the many value-added opportunities we afford young men, such as our close-knit community and our focus on
States Countries Legacies Brothers American Students of Color
character development, by exposing them to a message from the headmaster, inviting them to sit in on classes and a meal, and having them hear from student and faculty panels. The program begins with registration and presentations from both the dean for enrollment and the headmaster, followed by a student music performance. Potential students then sit in on two classes, while parents hear from both student and faculty panels and have the opportunity to ask questions. After being escorted on tours of our distinct campus, families enjoy lunch in Riddle Refectory, where faculty members, program leaders, and varsity coaches are available for more information. Finally, the Avon Today programs for accepted students provide recently admitted families with opportunities to meet future classmates, visit classes, hear from members of our school community, spend time with students and faculty, and begin to forge a relationship with Avon that will last a lifetime. Featuring information sessions for students and parents, an activities fair, presentations from current students, and the chance for students and parents to sit in on classes or meet current teachers, administrators, and parents, Avon Today is just the beginning for our newest Avonians.
ADMISSION THEON ROAD Beyond meeting with candidates and their families on campus, the team in Avon’s Admission Office is on the road year-round, searching for those young men who can make a difference at Avon Old Farms School. From local prep school showcases in New England to school fairs and conferences on the West Coast and all the way to South America and Asia, we know that the world is full of extraordinary young scholars, artists, and athletes—brothers in a global village—and we’re always looking for future Men of Avon! 18
WHO AVON BOY?
IS AN
“The student body at Avon Old Farms is a rich mosaic of young men “An Avon boy is a student who are inextricably who embodies our four linked by their desire to core values of brotherhood, reach for excellence in all integrity, scholarship, and areas of their lives. This sportsmanship. He is a bond is the foundation of dependable, hardworking, our brotherhood, which and caring young man encompasses all Avonians who understands that he and includes boys with a is not the center of the wealth of interests, passions, and skills who hail from all universe, but a global citizen striving to make across this country and the the world a better place.” world, and who embrace Jim Detora P’12, Provost a variety of cultural and religious traditions. To see such a diverse group “An Avon boy is a young of individuals working man of honorable character together, believing in a who treats everything—a common mission, while difficult task, a friend in each explores his own gifts, need, a family member, a is inspiring and provides conflict between friends, hope for the future.” a challenging project, a Ken LaRocque P’01, P’10, person in line ahead of Headmaster him—with respect and kindness. It is the true Avon boy whom I can trust to be thoughtful and respectful, the kind of boy I know will make good choices when on his own, with no one but himself to judge. It’s all about character: the very core that he must depend on to lead him in times of struggle and the foundation “An Avon boy is honest, we build on to develop open, and enthusiastic, strong, motivated, sensitive, with no hidden agendas, independent young men.” who wears his heart on his sleeve.” John Gardner, Associate Headmaster
Cristina Pinton, Chair of the Visual Arts Department
“I would have to say what really makes an Avon boy is the fact that he has the life skills required to be successful in whatever interests him when graduating with an Avon Old Farms education.” Matty Horton ’16, Warden of the student body
“An Avon boy is a lad with high morals, a sense of self, and a willingness to extend himself for others.”
“What is wonderful about the Avon boy is that he is hard to define. Apart from being a moral being, he comes in varied packages. As Mrs. Riddle said, ‘The ways we differ are far more important than the ways in which we are alike.’ We are enriched by their diversity of thought, culture, and gifts.” Holly Mathews, faculty
George Trautman, Former Headmaster
“What sets a true Avon boy apart from other students is his willingness to take on new challenges, and then ask for more. The most successful students I have seen here are the ones who balance that hunger for success and that willingness take on new things.”
“An Avon boy is passionate about his interests in the classroom, on the athletic fields, or in the art studio. He treats others with respect and kindness while striving to make positive contributions on campus and in the community.” Geoffrey Barlow ’98, Athletic Director
Ryan Davey, faculty
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DIRECTORS OF ADMISSION AT AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL Bernard Hammons Shortly after moving to Connecticut in the 1930s, Bernard Hammons became associated with Avon Old Farms School, beginning as a riding instructor and retiring in 1964 as director of alumni relations and alumni secretary. In his earlier years as assistant to the provost, he was responsible for public relations, fundraising, alumni relations, and admissions. For more than three decades, Bernie Hammons was an integral part of campus life—he and his wife, Anna, lived on campus and welcomed students and families from around the world.
Admission Administration School administrators shared admission responsibilities 1927–1968 Harry Rice, Director 1969–1971 Frank Leavitt, Director 1971–1994 Terry Cutler, Assistant Director 1991–1994 Todd Holt, Director Terry Cutler, Associate Director 1994–1997 James Cunningham, Director Terry Cutler, Director of Enrollment 1997–2001 Terry Cutler, Director 2002–2004 Brendon Welker ’91, Director 2005–2016
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Spring 2016 The Avonian
Frank Leavitt ’52 to Retire Director of Admissions for 20 Years
The following article was printed in the 1994 fall issue of the Avonian.
By Susan Haile
F
lip through the 1952 Winged Beaver and you will come across the following entry: “Frank ‘Butch’ Leavitt—A friendly, likeable guy, who just can’t help doing the right thing.” A 1994 update might read: “Director of Admissions Frank G. Leavitt—a friendly likeable guy, who has done just about everything right.” Retiring in October after a love affair with this institution that has spanned nearly fifty years, Frank has been the gateway to Avon Old Farms School for countless Avonians, conducting interviews and tours, answering questions, and providing each visiting family with a brief but penetrating glimpse of life at Avon. As a student during the critical years of Avon’s reopening following World War II, Frank quickly rose to become a school leader, serving on the Student Council, editing the yearbook, joining the Nimrod, Owl and Radio Clubs, and ultimately being voted Warden of the school in 1951. He went on to Dartmouth, and then a two-year stint in the Army, before Avon Old Farms beckoned once again. In 1959, Frank returned to the school he loved as a member of the faculty, and later, following graduate studies, he began assisting Harry Rice, Director of Admissions at that time, with admissions responsibilities. When
Harry suffered a fatal heart attack, Frank was asked to step in until a replacement could be found. But what began as a temporary appointment as Director of Admissions soon became a permanent position, and Frank has been the
“Watching and helping these young men to grow at this vital state of their development has been a wonderful experience—and tremendously satisfying.”
backbone of Avon’s Admissions Office ever since. “I had a lot of help back then,” Frank admits, “and of course, Harry Rice had paved the way.” He also credits John Green and George Trautman with helping to keep things together in the early seventies. In essence, though, the Admissions Office operated with just two full-time staff members until 1986. “Times have certainly changed,” Frank comments.
“Up until 1985, our admissions for the following year closed in April—those were the halcyon years.” But as the economy tightened and demographics shifted, the Admissions Office was forced to expand its efforts—and its staff—to continue to attract and enroll a qualified and diverse student body. Because of Frank’s steady and skillful leadership, Avon’s admissions picture has remained bright, with the school currently interviewing over 450 boys annually, hosting numerous admissions receptions throughout the country, and keeping a full enrollment of roughly 375 boys each year. While the world of admissions has changed, “Avon Old Farms has not,” according to Frank. Working with boys has provided him with a unique experience, and the time, he confesses, has passed quickly. “Watching and helping these young men to grow at this vital state of their development has been a wonderful experience—and tremendously satisfying,” he adds. High points? There have been many, including the opportunity to work with his good friend Seth Mendell ’52, who retired as Avon’s Director of Alumni and Development in 1990. Teaching Honors Geology each year to highly talented and motivated seniors has also brought Frank a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. And the former Nimrod Club member has also enjoyed being faculty advisor to this popular outdoor club. “but for me,” he adds, “this way of life has been most
meaningful—working with boys in a boarding school that is run and structured the way Avon Old Farms is, and having the good fortune to be a part of a wonderful faculty team.” As he leaves Avon Old Farms, Frank acknowledges that the school is poised at a very positive point. “Some loose ends are being tightened,” he comments, “and Avon continues to be a unified school with a clear sense of purpose.” Upon retirement, Frank, along with Emmy, his wife of twenty years, will be returning to his Maine roots. The couple has purchased a home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, where Frank is looking forward to fly fishing, sailing, gardening, and future involvement in the Maine Geological Society and Trout Unlimited, an organization dedicated to restoring polluted streams and rivers. Frank Leavitt was honored this spring at Avon’s Alumni/ Faculty Dinner, with Chairman of the Board Peter Aron paying tribute to the many years of dedicated and distinguished service Frank has given to Avon Old Farms. As a student, a teacher, and a key member of the school’s administration, Frank has left an indelible mark on this school. For three decades he has provided Avonians with their first glimpse of life at Avon, an introduction that for many was pivotal in their decision to enroll here. He will be greatly missed. But he takes with him the grateful thanks and good wishes of the extended Avon Old Farms community.
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CATCHING UPWITH
TERRY CUTLER Former Director of Admission
AVONIAN: What brought you to Avon, and
why did you feel Avon was a good fit? Can you give us some background about your professional experience? TERRY: In 1973, my family and I moved to a home that was a mile from the Avon campus, and I always admired the beauty of the school from afar. When our older son, Adam, went to kindergarten, his teacher was [longtime AOF faculty member] Sue Evans. As time went on, many of my friends and neighbors sent their sons to Avon, and I heard only the most glowing reports about the school. I grew up in California and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. I taught history in public high schools and took time off to raise our two sons. When I went back to teaching, I was dissatisfied with the public school experience and decided to apply for a teaching position at Avon. George Trautman hired me in 1987, and I taught modern European and U.S. history for four years. In the summer of 1991, after our younger son, Matt, graduated from Avon, George asked me to be the associate director of admission. I had never worked in an office before, so I was not sure if I would like this new position. Of course I loved it! I did teach one history class for a number of years, and that helped my admission work, as did the fact I was the parent of an AOF student. I was eventually named director of enrollment management and then, ultimately, director of admission. All told, I worked at Avon for 17 years, retiring in 2004. AVONIAN: From your perspective, who is an Avon boy? TERRY: An Avon boy is a regular kid. He is wholesome, straightforward, honest, polite, altruistic, most often athletic, and a supportive team player. He is not snobbish or exclusive. He has the common touch. I always used to say that if a boy was not “regular” before he came to Avon, he would be much more “regular” by the time he left. This behavior was modeled by the upperclassmen and faculty, and the younger boys followed their excellent example. AVONIAN: What did you enjoy and find
challenging about selecting students? What did you look for in prospective candidates?
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TERRY: I loved meeting both the boys and their parents. I looked for boys who would add something positive to the school. I always wanted smart boys who tried hard in school, but there were also boys who had great potential but were not working up to that potential. I felt Avon was the perfect school to help them be the best students and people they could be. I also looked for talented boys who were musical, artistic, and athletic and those who could become school leaders. It was always challenging to take a chance on a boy who I thought would
with. Avon is special because it’s all boys. I believe the boys would not be as comfortable if there were girls around. They would be much more macho, and they wouldn’t try as many new things for fear of being criticized as uncool. The school is also special because the faculty is so supportive of the students, and the students are supportive of one another. The school spirit is amazing and such a positive force. Avon is special because it is a friendly place and a civil place. Everyone was very polite and considerate, and if someone was not, he was quickly
per year. In addition, we were able to provide financial aid to other outstanding students who were not selected as Hoffman Scholars. As we became more diverse, more students of color felt comfortable visiting, applying, and enrolling. Their parents were secure in knowing their sons would be understood and valued. And Avon, as good as it had always been, became a much better place. As an admissions officer, I realized that Avon could provide financial aid but did not provide money for fees or books. Many students needed money for these items, so my husband, Les, and I
“An Avon boy is a regular kid. He is wholesome, straightforward, honest, polite, altruistic, most often athletic, and a supportive team player. He is not snobbish or exclusive. He has the common touch.”
flourish at Avon but who did not have a proven track record. It was the greatest feeling when those boys succeeded, and I knew that the AOF experience was crucial to their success. AVONIAN: What exactly is it about the
Avon experience that offers that success to students, especially those who need someone to take a chance on them? What do we do differently from other schools? TERRY: Avon is so special because of the
faculty and students. The physical beauty of the campus is utterly extraordinary, and a day didn’t go by that I didn’t appreciate it. However, it is the people, traditions, and Avon culture that are so special. I loved working with the faculty because they were all good, intelligent people who wanted what was best for the boys. They were not hypocritical or political but were supportive, constructive, and very easy to get along
corrected and shown the proper way to behave. Everyone knows everyone, and there are no secrets. People revel in one another’s success. The boys were truly proud of one another. I also thought the boys wanted to be heroes, to do the right thing and help others. They were kind and charitable, and they looked after one another. make in the Admission Office—such an important part of school life?
established the Cutler Fund to provide these necessities. Some years later, one of Avon’s parents, Mark White, wanted to make a significant contribution to the school in my honor. We were undergoing major building initiatives, but I wanted the contribution to go to the Cutler Fund, which is now known as the Terry Cutler Minority Student Fund. I am grateful to Mark for his generosity, and I am proud of the fund’s accomplishments in helping students of color manage their Avon education.
TERRY: I am most proud of the fact
AVONIAN: What have you been up to since
that I believed diversity was extremely important, and I worked hard to bring more qualified students of color to the school. I felt we should have a more diverse student body and visited Hartford area middle schools to find outstanding students. We established the Hoffman Scholarship, which provided full financial aid for four years to one deserving student
TERRY: I have been retired on Martha’s Vineyard for almost 12 years. We enjoy the life here immensely, and we have also been able to travel. My husband and I have become “gym rats,” and I also practice calligraphy, card making, painting, and making collages. We have five grandchildren whom we love to visit and have them visit us. I feel truly blessed.
AVONIAN: What impact did you hope to
retiring from Avon?
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MEET
THE
IN THE
TEAM
OFFICE
“Our job is to help each boy identify and foster his own leadership style. We seek leaders during the interview and application process, and it is something that we discuss at great length in admission committee. Although grades and scores are important, we seek high character— emotionally intelligent boys who will also be difference makers for us, and for the world at large. Above all, Avon boys are good people.” Brendon Welker ’91 Dean for Enrollment and External Affairs
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“An Avon boy is a boy with a smile on his face, who is eager and willing to take on a challenge, and who has the courage to do what is right.” Leon Hayward Senior Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid Coordinator
“I enjoy working in admission because it gives me the opportunity to share my love for AOF. Having had three sons attend Avon, I can speak firsthand about how special our school community is.” Kelly Giamalis P’07, P’10, P’16 Admission Assistant
“The Brotherhood is strong!”
“Both of my sons attended Avon Old Farms and had wonderful, life-changing experiences. They were each able to build a solid foundation, gain a love of learning, and transform from boys into good men, qualities I know they will carry with throughout their lives. I feel very honored that I can share their experiences with other boys and their families.” Suzanne Buenaventura P’08, P’15 Director of International Student Relations Associate Director of Admission
J.Matthew Kowalchick ’99 Associate Director of Admission
“An Avon boy works harder than he worked the day before, starting strong, staying strong, and finishing strong, always being a brother and having a brother for the rest of his life. A boy comes to Avon not knowing exactly who he is, and leaves knowing exactly who he wants to be.” Kimberly Whitty P’16 Admission Assistant
A team of 32 dedicated, passionate, energetic Avon students serve as Admission Ambassadors for prospective families. Their role is to speak with students and parents who are visiting for tours and interviews. Some of Avon’s biggest advocates, Admission Ambassadors offer a glimpse into our extraordinary student body. They answer questions, speak honestly about their experiences on campus, and give prospective students a more personal connection as they discuss life at Avon Old Farms. The head Admission Ambassadors this year are Michael Giamalis ’16, Jake Whitty ’16, and Nathan Bergin ’17.
ADMISSION
AMBASSADORS
“Avon boys are both challenged and supported during their years at this singular school. They are individually known, respected, and cared for on multiple fronts. The experience is profound and life changing!” Dr. Henry Flanagan GP ’16, Dean
“An Avon boy believes in hard work—academically, athletically, artistically, and so on. He pursues perfection wherever he has passion. It’s important that Avon uses Admission Ambassadors because students give the best insight on Avon. They are able to answer the most important questions, such as “What is it like to go to an all-boys school?” or “Do you feel as though there’s a strong community here?” I love representing the school as best as I can. There aren’t many things that make me happier than getting to talk about Avon.” Michael Giamalis ’16
“An Avon boy is someone who cares for his fellow brothers, and for the Avon community, and models himself on the school’s core values. He is able to persevere through the everyday hardships faced here at Avon, and to aspire through them. I enjoy being able to share my love and appreciation of Avon—and the lessons that I have learned throughout my time here—with prospective families. When a family is able to gain the same appreciation and passion that I have for the school, in an hour-long meeting, it is extremely rewarding. Avon has shaped me into the man I am today; because I have such a strong devotion to the school and its values, I am able to give families a comprehensive understanding of Avon from a student’s perspective.” Jacob Whitty ’16
“An Avon boy competes, no matter what situation he finds himself in, whether it be in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in his own personal pursuits.”
“An Avon boy is someone who has integrity, and who looks at every situation for the opportunity rather than challenge. He is willing to persevere through obstacles and come out stronger. Being an Admission Ambassador gives me the opportunity to describe all the factors that make Avon so unique and special. I recognize what a privilege it is to go to school at Avon, and believe in the methods used by the school. I’m able to communicate that effectively, and I like talking to prospective families about that. There are certain intangibles that just can’t be covered in a tour or statistic; they have to come from a student.” Nathan Bergin ’17
Patrick Miller ’07 Associate Director of Admission The Avonian Spring 2016
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Faculty Focus
Leon Hayward By Morgan C. Cugell
L
eon Hayward gets it. As a student at Tabor Academy, and later as a teacher, an admission officer, a coach, a mentor, and a dorm parent, Leon has spent much of his professional career enmeshed in the many facets of boarding school life. He understands and appreciates students—and can identify those who will thrive in the boarding school environment—on a fundamental level. It is fitting that this summer, Leon will use his many years of personal and professional experience to guide Avon’s Admission Office as its newest dean of enrollment. Leon was appointed to the Avon Old Farms faculty in the summer of 2014. As a senior associate director of admission and financial aid coordinator, he has spent much of his time at Avon working on strategic enrollment initiatives, traveling to represent the school at both the local and national level, and assisting in coordinating the financial aid budget. Before joining the Avon team, he spent seven years in boarding school admissions at the Taft School and Governor’s Academy, addressing issues of affordability as an assistant director of financial aid, recruiting students from non-traditional boarding school backgrounds, and serving as a liaison between athletics and admission to streamline athletic recruitment. Leon attended Northeastern University on an ice hockey scholarship. After graduating from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern with a concentration in entrepreneurship, he went on to a successful American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League career, which included a Kelly Cup (ECHL) championship, during which Leon was named the Kelly Cup finals MVP. After coaching professionally, he transitioned to work in boarding schools. In addition to his work in admission, he has taught math and
marketing courses, worked in student activities and residential life, run a dormitory, and mentored advisees. As a hockey coach, he has been both an assistant and a head coach and has coached football and lacrosse at multiple levels. He is currently a varsity hockey coach for the Winged Beavers. Last year, Leon earned a master’s certificate in leadership in enrollment management from the Rossier School of Education at USC. In 2014, he completed his MS in leadership with a concentration in nonprofit management from Northeastern University. His capstone project, S.P.O.R.T (Social Physics, Optimism, Responsibility, Talent), focused on developing a leadership curriculum for boarding school students. With so much experience under his belt, Leon is primed for great success in his new role. Equally as important as his résumé, however, is his compassion— and his appreciation for what an admission team must do. “Working in admission is personal for me,” he explains. “I was an average student who wanted to do well, but didn’t work as hard as I should have. An admission office took a chance on me, which forever changed my life. I remind myself of that each year before I read files. This is what I love about admission. “We get a window into the potential of boys,” he continues. “We get to envision boys becoming young men here, and we can see their future success. We have an amazing admission team that Brendon has built and shaped. It is our responsibility to continue to find future Men of Avon—as 14- or 15-year-olds—which is a very cool and powerful responsibility.” Leon’s experiences as a student at a private school provided him with a solid foundation and allowed him to grow—academically, athletically, and as an individual. “I had a great
“We get a window into the potential of boys. We get to envision boys becoming young men here, and we can see their future success.”
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“There is no mistaking what Avon is, and what we can offer boys during their most important years of development. We have moved forward in many ways academically and artistically, but the core of who we are—and what the school has stood for—has not changed.”
advisor who challenged me to be better each day,” Leon recalls. “He was fair, but always honest about what I needed to improve. Boarding school is where I began to find my true voice, and form my own views on what I valued most. I played multiple sports, acted in plays, was a head tour guide, and served on the academic honor committee. “I learned it was OK to take risks and fail,” he says. Leon quickly observed, when he visited with his wife, Jessica, and two sons, Ellison and Harlan, that Avon was doing the same for its students. “We knew that Avon was a place that we wanted to be
for a very long time,” he notes. “We could tell—from the faculty, to the boys we met, to the leadership at the top from Headmaster LaRocque.” Leon also believes in the unwavering mission at Avon’s core. “There is no mistaking what Avon is, and what we can offer boys during their most important years of development,” he says. “We have moved forward in many ways academically and artistically, but the core of who we are—and what the school has stood for—has not changed. Avon has remained grounded as a traditional school for boys but now has dynamic educational and artistic opportunities that serve a range of boys. Along with that, we have maintained our belief that athletics and being on a team matter. “Everything about our school resonates with what I believe in and what I want for my own two boys. “More than anything, I love that at Avon we believe in boys,” he states. “We believe in their potential, we believe in their ability to work through bumps in the road, and we have patience to let this process happen. There is tremendous institutional knowledge here. We know our students, who they are and what they want to be, and we help them get there.”
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Student Spotlight
Joonseok Park ’16 By Morgan C. Cugell
“Ghandi once said, ‘Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.’ That is how I feel when I play cello, and it is how I want to connect with everyone, not only in my community, but also throughout the world.” —Joonseok Park ’16
J
oonseok “John” Park ’16 began playing the cello in the fourth grade. “I practiced every day until I grew callouses on my fingers,” he recalls. At first, he was daunted: “string instruments require a lot precision and accuracy,” he notes. “So during the first couple of months, I was stressed out and did not want to continue.” Like a true Avonian, however, he persevered—and his practice paid off. Now a nationally recognized cellist, John has spent countless hours perfecting his craft in the years since he first picked up the instrument. He has become an extraordinary musician and has also developed a passion and appreciation for the art itself.
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“Some of you might wonder why I do this,” he muses. “It is solely to express the exquisiteness of humanity. I feel a deep, universal connection when I play music in front of an audience.” John has been treating Avon’s audiences to his masterful performances ever since he arrived as a sophomore from South Korea nearly three years ago. Over the years, he’s taken the stage in front of his peers here at Old Farms and all over the country and the world, as his musical résumé grows. During his time at Avon Old Farms, he has received numerous honors, performing each year in the Northern Region High School Festival as well as the All-State festival of the Connecticut Music Educators Association. John was seated as third cellist at the
All-National Ensembles of to overcome obstacles; our the National Association for swim team was very small, Music Educators in 2014, and our record was not very and again performed on the good, but he told us to keep national stage as a cellist at on going. We finally won the the Music for All Honor Division III New England Orchestra of America in 2015. championship last year.” Though John is clearly John also credits his one of Avon’s premier parents for instilling in him musicians, the cello is not a purposeful mantra: “stay his only talent: he also excels hungry and stay foolish,” he as a scholar, an athlete, notes. “I believe nothing is and in the community. A impossible in this world if Headmaster’s List student, you are young and spirited he has been the recipient and passionate, and I hope of a Harvard Book Prize, everyone in the Class of 2016 a Mandarin 4 Book Prize, will carry on that Avon spirit.” and a Chamber Ensemble John will attend Carnegie Class Prize. He also assists Mellon University next year, underclass students with and intends to pursue a double math and chemistry as a peer major in computer science tutor. John founded the Red along with computational Cross Club his sophomore finance, mechanical year, and since then has engineering, or business. Music helped organize several remains his biggest passion, on-campus blood drives as and he plans to continue to well as CPR training and play the cello and compose the Red Cross Ball volunteer music during his free time, service. He is president of with the ultimate goal of the Environmental Club and creating an album of classical was a leader of the movement music before he graduates. —Joonseok Park ’16 to bring an apiary to Avon; “Cello has allowed me he even supervised the to communicate with people Beekeeping 101 Intersession through my passion and also course this winter. For his work with the Red Cross Club and shake their emotions through my expression of music,” he the Environmental Club, John received a Club Leadership explains, citing Plato: “‘Music gives a soul to the universe, Award. Athletically, he was a two-year member of the varsity wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to swim team, which he manages this year. everything.’” In fact, John cites his swim coach, Chris French, as an “Ghandi once said, ‘Happiness is when what you think, invaluable resource in helping him become a true Avonian. what you say, and what you do are in harmony,’” John “Mr. French helped me, both physically and mentally, to grow continues. “That is how I feel when I play cello, and it is how strong, and taught me how to be a ‘level five’ person—a person I want to connect with everyone, not only in my community, who thinks all people are great,” he explains. “He taught me but also throughout the world.”
“Cello has allowed me to communicate with people through my passion and also shake their emotions through my expression of music.”
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Elephant The
Remembers…
From
the
Archives
Compiled by Carol Ketcham, Archivist
Admission in the
Early Years Avon shall always stand for sound, progressive methods of education, whatever may be the form and manner in which these methods manifest themselves in the future. —1926 Prospectus
Avon does not believe that a certain type of youth is especially to be desired or that the School’s function is to mould boys to this type. On the contrary it values boys as separate and distinct individuals. —1932 Catalog
The Faculty is vitally interested not in the sameness among boys but in differences, not in a pattern but in personalities. —1935 Catalog
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First Impressions
Boys whose previous scholastic records are commendable and for whom satisfactory evidence is furnished as to their good character and industry, are eligible for admission. Appropriate examinations may be required. We place much emphasis on individual personality. Therefore, a personal interview during which a boy and his family become acquainted with our Provost is a prerequisite to admission. —1948 Catalog
Opening Day
What is the contribution of a good independent school to the education of Americans? The question is pertinent as you see Avon’s freshcheeked youngsters going about their tasks…there are certain things which a good preparatory school is well fitted to do which no other institution can handle in quite the same way. —1955 Catalog Moving In
We are interested, as we have always been, in the first-rate, highly competitive academic candidate. We are also interested in the boy of adequate ability who is ambitious and willing to work hard. We are convinced that these two kinds of boy can and should work together to their mutual advantage. —Alan McMillen, Acting Headmaster, 1968, following Provost Pierpont’s death.
Provost Pierpont with New Students
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Alumni Spotlight
Brendon Welker ’91 By Morgan C. Cugell
N
early 20 years after he first returned to campus, joining—and eventually leading—the admission team, Dean for Enrollment and External Affairs Brendon Welker ’91 will depart Avon Old Farms School this summer. Though he is excited for what lies ahead for him professionally—and for the opportunity to spend more time with his family—the transition is sure to be difficult for this man who has lived and breathed Avon for so many years: as a student, as an administrator, and as someone who truly believes in the school’s mission. Brendon grew up in Hampden, Mass., attending public schools until he came to Avon as a repeat sophomore, the first in his family and perhaps even his small, rural hometown to attend a boarding school. His own interests were the driving force behind his school search, but his parents were less than thrilled about the idea of sending their son away. “It took a lot of convincing,” he recalls. “The entire process and culture were foreign to all of us, but I was convinced that I wanted to go away. I was drawn to all of the opportunities at boarding school—academic, athletic, living with kids from all over the world. “I looked at a handful of schools and ultimately visited Avon last. I can say, with complete honesty, that after meeting with [Admission Director] Frank Leavitt, I knew I had found my school,” Brendon explains. “Beyond all of the opportunities present at Avon, the school simply felt ‘right’ to my parents and
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me. It’s hard to put my finger on what, exactly, it was, but we all felt it, and I am grateful, to this day, to my parents for affording me that opportunity. “I continue to be inspired by how hard my parents both worked to provide my sister and me with countless educational, athletic, and social opportunities,” he says. At Avon, Brendon played hockey and baseball and was a dormitory monitor for two years, serving as head monitor of Brown House his senior year. Today, he speaks enthusiastically to prospective families about the transformative experience he enjoyed at Avon. His passion for the school is readily apparent, a direct reflection of the many years he has been here—and the many hats he has worn: student, alumnus, and faculty member. His perspective is multifaceted. He notes, however, that Avon was not always easy for him; he struggled at first, a homesick introvert who was out of his element. “Living in a dorm with 40 or so other kids proved to be a challenge at times,” he says. “Beyond that, I looked around and everyone I saw was talented—they were smart, they were athletic, they were successful and, frankly, it was somewhat intimidating that first year. Everyone seemed to be good at everything, and if I wanted to be successful, I knew I had to elevate my own performance. I really learned to push myself— not so I could measure up to others, but so I could see what I was actually capable of accomplishing. “I really learned what it meant to be a student,” Brendon
“Beyond learning to advocate for myself, to take responsibility for all that I did (or didn’t) do, or to simply build the tools necessary to be successful later in life, I really learned to push. And though I wasn’t always successful, it was at Avon where I learned to be resilient. For this, I am forever grateful.”
continues. “The small classes, the focus of an all-boys classroom, and the incredible care and mentorship of the faculty allowed me to move from an average student to one who excelled in the classroom. I was also forced to work harder than I ever had in my life—both in and out of the classroom—but the ‘work’ was never really work. I embraced it and thrived on the challenge. “When we talk about boys becoming men, this was certainly the case for me,” he states. “Beyond learning to advocate for myself, to take responsibility for all that I did (or didn’t) do, or to simply build the tools necessary to be successful later in life, I really learned to push. And though I wasn’t always successful, it was at Avon where I learned to be resilient. For this, I am forever grateful.” Brendon matriculated at the College of the Holy Cross, where he studied political science and played hockey. After graduating from Holy Cross in 1995, he began working for Brian Lees, then the Massachusetts Senate minority leader, as a legislative aide. Though he realized after 18 months that politics was not for him, Brendon credits his time with Senator Lees as incredibly rewarding professionally. “Obviously, my time at Avon provided me with the intellectual and social tools necessary to be successful in college, and my time at Holy Cross helped me to develop strong writing and reasoning skills, but Senator Lees was the person who taught me what it meant to be a professional business person,” he comments. “Senator Lees demanded excellence and, as a 23-year-old, I was learning what this meant on the fly. I’m grateful to Senator Lees for exposing me to a vast array of civic and professional leaders, for including me in a variety of campaigns, for always expecting the very best from me. I also learned the value of diplomacy with Senator Lees, and this is something that has stayed with me over the years and has benefitted me as a leader, a manager, and an admission professional.” Brendon found his way back to Avon, accepting a job under former Director of Admission Terry Cutler, who served as a mentor to him as he learned the ways of the job. “Terry mastered the art of diplomacy,” Brendon says. “Always kind and always honest, Terry was exceptional at making families feel welcome and at articulating the value of an Old Farms
education. Her emotional intelligence was also off the charts. I think this is one of the most important traits an admission professional can have, and Terry was second to none in ‘reading’ students. I always tried to pay close attention to her when she would speak with me about this. Terry was patient with me in those early days. She taught me so many important professional management skills that I continue to practice today. Terry continues to be one of the most positive human beings I’ve ever met, and I credit her for helping me to become a successful admission director.” In 2004, Brendon was named director of admission and financial aid, a title he held for 10 years until he was promoted to dean for enrollment and external affairs in 2014. Throughout his nearly two decades on campus, he assumed a number of additional roles, as well, including hockey coach, dorm parent, and advisor to the Italian Club. He also served as a student advisor each of those 19 years. “I value this role tremendously,” Brendon states. “As someone whose job is squarely focused on the external part of school life, my work with my advisees has always helped me to stay closely connected to student life. I came to Avon to work with students and to have a similar influence on their lives that my mentors had on mine.” Brendon’s willingness to integrate himself into the student body has given him tremendous insight into the types of young men best suited for acceptance when it comes time to make those decisions each year. “To be charged with shaping a class of Avonians, year after year, has been something that is both exciting and terrifying,” he observes. “The excitement obviously stems from my love of the school and my desire to keep Avon at the top of the independent school world. The ability to shape a class with dynamic, talented young men is invigorating. As my team and I recruit, interview, and then review the applications of the 700 or so boys who apply each year, we are focused on enrolling mission-appropriate students who will help to keep Avon’s legacy strong. As exciting as that process is, it’s also incredibly challenging and it’s the responsibility that I take most seriously.” Beyond meeting enrollment goals, Brendon and his team are charged with meeting a number of specific institutional
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priorities set by the Board of Directors and by the headmaster. “From ensuring our academic profile remains strong, to building a global community, to meeting coaches’ and program leaders’ needs for their particular activities, there are so many factors at play,” he says. “Couple that with balancing a financial aid budget and making sure our class sizes are where we want them to be, and it is a massive puzzle that we have to piece together to create the mosaic that is Avon Old Farms.” Despite the challenges, Brendon handles his many responsibilities with confidence built from years of experience—and an unwavering belief in the value of an Avon education, something that has endured, alongside years of forward progress. “We have never wavered from our mission. Though the school has changed in so many positive ways over the years under Ken LaRocque’s leadership—from transformational campus improvements, to a revamped curriculum, to an increased focus on the arts, and an overall focus on helping Avon become the most balanced school that I know of, we have always remained true to helping boys become their best selves,” comments Brendon. “As basic as that sounds, it is something that has always set us apart from others. I love the fact that we continue to put as much emphasis on the character development of each student as we do on his intellectual or athletic growth. Avon boys are different. Because our expectations for them are so high in all that they do, our students carry a sense of duty and a sense of confidence throughout their lives. “We have never been a school that takes the easy way,” he continues. “Instead, we have always been the school that asks, ‘What is best for the boys?’ As a result, the amount of time and sweat equity we put into educating each boy is unmatched in the independent school world. Each boy that comes to Avon does so with the makings of a great man. Be it through classroom interactions, sit-down meals, competition in the athletic arena, or navigating residential life, we push our boys to strengthen
the talents they know they have, discover new ones, and constantly explore the tenets of manhood. “Despite all of our new buildings, programs, and initiatives, at our core, we are very much the same school, driven by the same goal,” Brendon observes. “Any changes that have been made have kept our students’ interests and needs in mind. And as we look to the future, I’m certain that Ken and the board will continue to be guided by these same principles. It is what made Avon great and what will continue to keep Avon as the leader in boys’ education.” Brendon believes that much of the success in the Admission Office—“beyond the school’s being a great place”—is due to the personal nature of the admission and application process. “There is nothing that replaces time and personal care,” he explains, noting that Avon is one of very few schools to still rely on the admission team, as opposed to students, to give tours to prospective families. “The institutional knowledge that we possess is so helpful during the tour; families feel informed and, as important, students feel at ease when we sit for the interview,” he says, explaining that Avon’s talented and dedicated student Admission Ambassadors play an equally large role, speaking with families when they return from their tours. “Though nearly all schools have their students lead tours, it makes it difficult to have a ‘real’ conversation with those students, as they are focused on running through all of their talking points and hitting all of the key spots on campus before heading off to their next class,” he says. “With our model, the families have quality time to sit and speak with our boys in a low pressure, non-rushed way.” The result, observes Brendon, is that the families can sense the time investment during the process—and understand that it reflects the time Avon plans to invest in their sons. Equally important, claims Brendon, is the leadership
“We have never been a school that takes the easy way. Instead, we have always been the school that asks, ‘What is best for the boys?’ As a result, the amount of time and sweat equity we put into educating each boy is unmatched in the independent school world. Each boy that comes to Avon does so with the makings of a great man.”
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Alumni Spotlight “The prospect of tackling new challenges and new opportunities is energizing. I’ve enjoyed my work and appreciate all of the growth opportunities I’ve been afforded, but the idea of starting a new chapter—still within the world of education—is very exciting. This new job will also afford me more time with my family, which is incredibly exciting.”
at the top—specifically, from Headmaster Ken LaRocque. “I can’t think of a better leader and I am grateful for the faith that he has placed in me over the years,” Brendon notes. “Ken has provided me with every opportunity to grow in my leadership and has been by my side throughout my 19 years. He has never wavered in his support, and as a professional, I have been blessed to work for someone who not only has tremendous vision, but also has been so committed to my own growth and success.” The support of the community has long been a hallmark of Avon Old Farms School, and Brendon’s experience was no exception— particularly with regard to his family: his daughters, Natalia and Isabella, and his wife, Liz Schmitt, also an admission professional, at Miss Porter’s School, where Natalia is a student. “As a parent, I am always thinking about providing my girls with experiences and opportunities that will help to shape them into strong, confident, balanced women,” he explains. “Avon is—and always has been—a place that upholds the values I seek to instill in my children, and I am blessed to have been able to raise my girls here. This is the place where they spent their formative years and established their core relationships. Eating hundreds of meals in the refectory, listening to conversations among trusted neighbors and friends about ethics and right and wrong, or standing on the sidelines cheering on our teams, certainly left a lasting mark on both girls, and I am grateful to the school to have been able to provide them with that experience.” For all that Avon has given to him—and his family and his career—Brendon has given back his time, his passion, his energy, and his expertise to help bring Avon into its next generation. “I hope my time will be remembered as one where the school experienced tremendous growth,” he says. “When I look at Avon’s position in the marketplace today, I am proud of the work that my team and I have done—along with our faculty and students—to help Avon become the finest school for boys in the
nation. I love that we have some of the best and brightest students anywhere, our sports teams continue to win championships, our artists are being recognized at the national level, and our fans continue to be the most passionate of any school anywhere. “I believe deeply in the impact and value of an Old Farms education,” he says. “It was a transformative experience for me, and it’s been a transformative experience for thousands of others.” So what’s next for Brendon? He won’t be straying too far from his admission roots, as he will join the educational consulting firm of McMillan Education Group in Boston, an organization that has sent countless students to Avon Old Farms over the years. “I know that I will be surrounded by colleagues who care about families, who work to find the right schools with their clients, and whose focus is always on what is best for the student,” says Brendon. “The prospect of tackling new challenges and new opportunities is energizing,” he explains. “I’ve enjoyed my work and appreciate all of the growth opportunities I’ve been afforded, but the idea of starting a new chapter—still within the world of education—is very exciting. This new job will also afford me more time with my family, which is incredibly exciting.” Yet, after spending so much of his life in this Village— as a student, a leader, and a father—his departure will be bittersweet. As another chapter in the Avon Old Farms School history book comes to a close, the Brendon Welker era will surely be remembered as one punctuated by integrity, passion, and a tireless drive to make Avon a better place— where boys become men. “I still love Avon with my soul,” he states. “It has always been much more than just a job for me. I’ve never believed in anything more than Avon and despite the fact that I am going to begin a new chapter in my life, Avon will always be home to me.”
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Please send us your personal notes! Class Notes can be submitted to Lizabeth Abramson at AbramsonL@avonoldfarms.com The deadlines for Class Notes submission are Fall issue: September 1, 2015 Spring issue: March 1, 2016
Class Notes 42 RUSSELL HUNTER , Head Class Agent
David Billings ’66 with his favo rite history professor, Seth Mendell ’52
PO Box 22, Farmington, CT 06034-0022
50 HARVEY RUBIN , Head Class Agent 102 Barbour Cir., Newport News, VA 23606-2201 harvo2516@verizon.net
51 WARREN FORD , Head Class Agent
115 Center St., Wolcott, CT 06716 jodir@aol.com
52 SETH F. MENDELL , Head Class Agent
230 Tellidora Ct., Fort Myers, FL 33908-1618 sethalicemendell@gmail.com SETH MENDELL and his wife, Alice, enjoy living in the retirement community at Shell Point in Fort Myers, Fla. The location makes it a desirable place to visit during the winter months. In January, daughter Phyllis visited, and in February, Margaret and granddaughter Kelsea (10) came. All enjoyed the pool, the sun, the warm temperatures, and
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the beaches at Sanibel and Captiva. The Mendells did have a scare during the Thanksgiving week when Alice had triple bypass surgery. However, her surgeon was fantastic, the hospital staff excellent. Currently, she participates in a cardiac rehabilitation program and is also singing again with the Shell Point Singers. Seth is busy with his lecturing. This past fall, he did five lectures on World War I and recently gave a lecture on the making of salt from seawater on Cape Cod during Revolutionary times, which was the topic of his master’s thesis at Trinity College in Hartford during the 1960s. Seth talks frequently with FRANK LEAVITT in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Frank has recently moved into a retirement complex in Cape Elizabeth not far from where he had been living. Seth also visited with another classmate, RICHARD WALKER . Richard and his wife were vacationing from England on Florida’s east coast.
He and Seth shared stories and plan to attend their 65th reunion in May 2017.
54 DOUGLAS H. MACPHERSON , Class Agent 5405 Dranes Tavern Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030-4603 dhmacpherson@verizon.net DOUG MACPHERSON emailed, “When thinking
about our last great adventure, we feel there’s no place left for us to explore that can equal SE Asia: the five tropical paradises of Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. They represent ancient civilizations hidden in the jungles with histories to match, not to mention, food to die for [or to die from, if you aren’t careful]. These places offer modes of transportation that are uncommon in the West or are life threatening. Above all, we remember the beautiful, happy, forward-looking people who live in these places.”
serie in the Can Can Bras Alumni gathered at left: Kevin om a luncheon: [fr Richmond, Va., for rt ’53, Pope Bu y nr He , ’79 Snow Driscoll ’72, Greg Henr y , ’59 r he d Sandy Fis Reed ’63, Mary an Allen ’70, Bob idg Br , ’67 erd bb Coons ’71, John He Sutton ’66 sty Aver y ’67, Kelly Patterson ’67, Ru
Granny Toogood ’61, Sam Chew ’61, Lynn Chapman, and Jeff Henschel ’61 all came to campus during homecoming to support fellow classmate, Bill David ’61 at his induction into the Avon Hall of Fame.
Seth Mendell ’52 and his wife, Alice, relocated to Florida. The Caloosahatchee River is near their new residence in Fort Myers
Ed Hawie ’55 with Dean Peter Evans
ll ’72; Avon Kevin Drisco i-captains, tr football team 6, Gibby ’1 r ne on Jesse B , and Andrew Preston ’16 d Coach ; an Waltzer ’16 t ith the mos Bill Mella w Hall of Fame ic et recent Athl ill David ’61 inductee, B
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Lanny Ga rdner ’59 , Rolf Ols ’59, and on Stephen Schwolsk enjoyed th y ’59 e Miami re ception.
CHARLES W. DAVIS , Co-Head Class Agent
6905 West 99th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 cwdavis@waretec.com; DOUGLAS B. MARSHALL , Co-Head Class Agent 2 Berkshire Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002 douglas.marshall@raveis.com LANNY GARDNER , Honorary Director ROLF OLSON , and STEPHEN SCHWOLSKY enjoyed an evening together at the Avon reception in Miami held at the home of fellow Avonian, ANDY CONSUEGRA ’80 .
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EDWARD J. HAWIE , Co-Head Class Agent
CHARLES R. SCAGLIONE , Head Class Agent
138 Hampton Point Dr. St. Simons Island, GA 31522-5426 ehawie@bellsouth.net
3328 Eagle Nest Point, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 scag12@verizon.net
RICHARD L. WILLIAMS , Head Class Agent PO Box 218, South Orleans, MA 02662-0218 Rclumberclan@aol.com
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AUSTIN CHAMBERS , Co-Head Class Agent
GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR. , Head Class Agent 101 Seminary Rd., Bedford, NY 10506 gfhjr@aol.com
CLEON M. SHUTT JR. , Co-Head Class Agent
511 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117 chipsamerica@hotmail.com ED HAWIE from St. Simons Island, Ga., was able to
catch up with the Avonians at the Atlanta reception, hosted by JOHN GORDON ’84 .
317 Flanders Rd., Stonington, CT 06378-2109 Hilltop12@aol.com; STEPHEN HOLT , Co-Head Class Agent 75 Bridge St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 stephenholt@comcast.net
BILL DAVID was inducted into Avon’s Athletic
Hall of Fame last November at the Homecoming football game.
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Class Notes
David Billings ’66 and his wife, Beverly
Cathy Tattersfield and Lynn and Chris Cargen catch up with Kevin Driscoll at the Miami reception in January
Chris Cargen ’66 and John Wendler ’68 enjoyed a luncheon last November at the Hutton Hotel with Avonians from the Nashville area.
Al ’62 and Bobbie Rozinsky with Headmaster LaRocque at the Avon reception held in Jupiter, Fla
GRANNY TOOGOOD returned to campus, along with many from the Pierpont era, to help celebrate the induction of BILL DAVID into the Athletic Hall of Fame last fall.
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MICHAEL D. BARKER , Head Class Agent
GEORGE L. PURNELL , Head Class Agent
139 Kirkwood Rd., West Hartford, CT 06117-2835 barkermike@aol.com
4822 Brighton Lakes Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33436 glpluvssports@gmail.com
DAVID BILLINGS and Beverly Hall have been
ALAN D. ROZINSKY , Head Class Agent
W.B. HARWOOD III , Head Class Agent
married for three years and enjoy their home, multiple gardens, and private Asian art museum on Nantucket. On a beautiful September day, David honored retired chairman of the Avon History Department, SETH MENDELL ’52, with a gourmet lunch and tour of the Billings Asian Art Museum, located on the Billings’s Nantucket property. David said, “Seth Mendell was the most inspiring and influential teacher I ever had. His approach to history led me to my love of research and Chinese art.”
24 Overhill Ave., New Britain, CT 06053 wbhtcc@aol.com
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13620-B Via Flora, Delray Beach, FL 33484 alroz@lycos.com
63 THOMAS K. CURTIS , Head Class Agent 4306 Pomona Rd., Dallas, TX 75209-2822 knickc@fastmail.fm
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JAMES W. CORRIGAN , Co-Head Class Agent
65 PERRY BENSON , Head Class Agent
2135 Naudain St., Philadelphia, PA 19146-1218 pb2@jacobswyper.com
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Spring 2015 The Avonian
Spencer Beal ’65; his wife, Karen; and daughter s Rebecca an d Kimberly with their fam ilies, including youn ’95 (left) with wife, Alyssa, an g Spence d daughter, Ashley, visited Hawaii.
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
69 DAVID F. COLEMAN , Class Agent 35 Adelaide Ave., Barrington, RI 02806 dfc@colemanrealtors.com
70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III, Head Class Agent 3004 Margaret Jones Ln., Williamsburg, VA 23185 hbucklin3@aol.com PAT OUTWIN has been teaching at the new Mid-Coast Campus of Southern Maine Community College in Brunswick for more than a year now, where he serves as a master adviser. He also is cathedral historian at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Portland, where he publishes regularly.
ug Chasser Nick Wells ’70 and Do vin Driscoll Ke ing see ’01 enjoyed ’72 in Jupiter, Fla.
On their September visit to Nantucket, from left: Peter and Sue Evans, David Billings ’66 (host), and Seth Mendell ’52 and his wife, Alice (photo taken by David’s wife, Beverly).
’71: Christina Family of Henry Coons rie Coons, Ma , ’07 ns Coo Coons, Casey o Noble ’30, Nic ns, Nora Noble, Henry Coo on ny (Co s) Noble. Andy Noble, and Britta
71 JOSEPH C. VECCHIARINO III , Head Class Agent
5 Ohehyahtah Pl., Danbury, CT 06810 drvvv@sbcglobal.net JOE VECCHIARINO received commendation
from the Town of Westport, Conn., in appreciation for his outstanding and continuous service to the community. Town selectmen acknowledged, “Through the years, ‘Dr. Joe’ has served Westport in immeasurable ways. We are grateful for his longstanding and unwavering commitment, dedication, and support.”
72 KEVIN DRISCOLL , Class Agent
500 Old Farms Rd., Avon, CT 06001 driscollk@avonoldfarms.com KEVIN DRISCOLL enjoyed a trip to Panama in
February, catching up with Avonians at a reception at the home of the Arguedas family (DAN ’07 ). He also attended the wedding of his nephew STEPHEN ’06 (son of JOE DRISCOLL ’72 ), who married Annie Mendez on February 13, 2016, in Buenaventura, Panama.
73 CHRISTOPHER L. ATKINS , Head Class Agent
PO Box 706, Hilldale, NY 12529-0706 catkins702@gmail.com
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At the Decem ber Chevy Ch ase reception we re La ’71, John Rich rr y Hammer man ter (P Jack ’1 8) Driscoll ’72, and Tony Gray , Kevin ’79.
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 NED THOMPSON and his wife, Margot, traveled in February to Park City, Utah, where they shared in the joy of their first grandchild, Josephine Kathlyn Thompson, who was born February 8, 2016, to their son, CHARLIE ’03 . Ned wrote, “This grandparent thing is really special.”
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Class Notes
Huey Baker ’76 and Charles McGraw ’68 enjoy an evening reception at the home of Wade McDevitt ’82 in Villanova, Pa., in February.
Classmates Tim Straus ’75 and Tim Trautman ’75 got together at an Atlanta reception last fall.
Tim Straus ’75 with his son, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Cindy, all attended the Atlanta reception at the home of John Gordon ’84 last fall.
Class of ’75 members and Linda Woodwell enj oyed getting together on October 19, 2015. on Nantucket Front, L to R: Richard Woodwell ’08, son of Woodwell ’75; Linda Wo Richard “Woody” odwell (member Avon Board of Directors); Bo ’75. Back row, L to R: b Applegate John Van Sant ’75, Do n Gallup ’75, Jamie Osb the annual October Na orne. Missing ntucket oyster har ves ting reunion this year was ’75. Present for the eve Jason Beeble nt, but missing from pic ture, was Will Van San t.
Linda Woodwell (board member and wife of Woody Woodwell ’75) sponsored a hole for Play for Pink Golf Tournament at the Ridgewood Country Club, giving Avon credit.
80 THOMAS E. DAVEY , Head Class Agent 6806 Joyce Way, Dallas, TX 75225-2718 Thomas.Davey@lighting.ge.com ANDY CONSUEGRA hosted a great reception
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TOM BYRNE , Head Class Agent
JOHN M. GARVEY , Head Class Agent 389 Haines Ave., Long Beach, CA 90814 jmgarvey@garvspace.com
31 Helena Rd., Avon, CT 06001-3433 tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com
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JOHN GARVEY wrote, “My daughter, Jessie,
ALEXANDER N. WORLEY , Head Class Agent
20 Shore Grove Rd., Clinton, CT 06413 alexworley@sbcglobal.net
started middle school. I am happy to report all my brothers (JIM ’79, JOE ’80 and JERRY ’82 ) made it to California to visit this year.”
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77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA , Head Class Agent
5 Andrews Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830 jorgeeconsuegra@yahoo.com
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 links@attglobal.net SCOTT LINKE ’s son KURT ’16 graduates this spring. Good friend and skating/pond hockey buddy TONY GRAY also has a son, JAKE ’16 , at Avon.
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at his home in Miami, Fla. Twenty-five Avonians attended the January event. KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72 has known Andy since 1971, when Andy, son of faculty members JORGE ’51 and Miriam Consuegra lived on campus and taught Spanish.
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 RICHARD ENGLISH, his wife of 17 years, Colleen, and their 16-year-old son currently live along the Farmington River in Barkhamsted, Conn. Rich is the owner of Studio 360 Professionals, a photography firm specializing in 360-degree panoramic images and virtual tours. Rich and his family enjoy traveling and spending time together with friends and family. Rich is currently pursuing a private pilot’s license and looks forward to visiting Avon and seeing old friends and classmates this spring for his 35th class reunion.
Peter O’Connor ’82 with his wife, Kathleen, and daughter Allyson after the alumni hockey game this winter. Alfredo Arguelles ’82 met up with Brady Schofield ’85 at the Miami reception in January.
LaRocque, Headmaster ’83, Dean Juan Nieves s an Ev Peter
Matt Paskus ’80 and Pat Bahn ’81 both attended the Chevy Chase reception in December.
Andy Consuegra ’80 with long-time friend Kevin Driscoll ’72 at Andy’s Miami home
Tony Tattersfield ’81 and Kevin Driscoll ’72 enjoyed the Miami reception in January.
Lacrosse aficionados Tim Trauman ’75, Brett Jefferson ’84, Director Dean Graham ’84, and Coach Skip Flanagan at Cipriani for a fundraising reception in New York City that supports the Tewaaraton Award.
82 GREGORY T. FISH , Head Class Agent 56 Blue Ridge Dr., Simbury, CT 06089 gtf324@yahoo.com PETER O’CONNOR lived in Uxbridge, Mass.,
until 2000, when he moved to Holden. After working in power plants in Milford and Bellingham for 20 years, Peter now works in Springfield for Covanta. His oldest daughter, Meaghan, works for Ambry Genetics and lives in Boston. His daughter Allyson and his wife, Kathleen, came with Peter to an Avon hockey game this winter.
83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT , Co-Head Class Agent
24 Westland 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 SEBASTIAN MILLER wrote, “I have been with
the French Foreign Legion for the last three years as well as being the UK man in West France. I deployed to Mali and Nigeria with 2 REP which was great fun and an eye opener. I am now back in the UK and commanding a surveillance and
reconnaissance unit, which is proving very demanding. I have only five years left to serve, and then I retire to start a new life. We will see what that is. Merlin (16) is a student at Cheltenham College. He wants to join the Army after university of course. His mother is furious. I am not convinced much of the British Army will exist by the time he is eligible. We will see.” JUAN NIEVES got together
with Headmaster Ken LaRocque and Peter Evans in Florida last January. The three met at Roger Dean Stadium, where Juan is now the pitching coach for the Miami Marlins.
JOHN GORDON and his wife, Jennifer, hosted an Atlanta reception Monday, November 9.
BRETT DUFFY and his wife, Alison, celebrated
TRAUTMAN ’75 , and Skip Flanagan, Avon lacrosse coach, attended the Tewaaraton Lacrosse gathering held in New York City. Both Jefferson and Graham are on the foundation board.
20 years of marriage in 2015. Their daughter, Carly, is 16 and son, Tyler, is 14.
84 JOHN GORDON , Head Class Agent 246 Nacoochee Dr. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30305 falconatlfan@gmail.com
BRETT JEFFERSON, DEAN GRAHAM, TIM
85 SAM L. RUBENSTEIN , Head Class Agent
2640 Endsleigh Dr., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 richmondsr@aol.com
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Class Notes
Margarita and Fernando Lopez Garcia ’86 enjoyed an evening with other Avonians last February when the Arguedas family opened their home in Panama for a reception.
Children of David Hession ’87: Ryan (13) and Cassidy (11)
Mike Mullin ’91 and Rob Dowling ’91 were invited on to the field with George Springer ’08 before the Astros vs. Yankee game last August.
Rob Dowling ’91 and his fam ily: from left: Amy, Rob, Kathryn (9), and Brian (13).
Alex Barnes (parent of Ted ’15), Dan Harrop ’88, and Matt Green ’86 got together at an Avon reception for alumni and friends in the Philadelphia area.
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STEPHEN R. GORMAN , Class Agent
ROBERT WILEMAN , Head Class Agent
13 Smith Ln., Burlington, CT 06013-1201 srg_2966@hotmail.com
7425 N.E. 97th Terr., Oklahoma City, OK 73151-9121 rmw@wilemanagency.com
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HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR. , Class Agent
PETER J. DECKERS , Head Class Agent
6 Pleasant St., Dover, MA 02030 hal.beacham44@comcast.net
500 Old Farms Rd., Avon, CT 06001 Deckersp@avonoldfarms.com
DAVID HESSION and his wife, Diane, live in
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Mequon, Wis., with their children Ryan (13), and Cassidy (11).
88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON , Co-Head Class Agent 428 Ridgewood Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 shawnatki@gmail.com PETER REED , Co-Head Class Agent 91 Butternut Ln., Southport, CT 06890 preed@caldwellpartners.com
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Spring 2016 The Avonian
MICHAEL M. MULLIN , Head Class Agent 8 Nickerson Ln., Darien, CT 06820 michael.mullin@db.com SEAN HANKARD relinquished command of his
battalion in Twentynine Palms, Calif., on June 1, 2015, and now attends the Army War College where he will receive his second master’s degree. His wife, Kathy wrote, “We will be here for only a year, and then we will be on the road again! We hope to make it to AOF for a visit before that happens.”
Lt. Col. Sean M. Hankard relinquished command of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment during a change of command ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. He assumed command in June 2013 and led the battalion through its participation in Special Purpose-Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command 15.1. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and Combat Action Ribbon. Throughout his time as battalion commander, Hankard led the “War Dogs” through a time of change for the Marine Corps. “We started off trying to train for anything,” Hankard said. “In time we learned to take it back to being proficient in the basics.” Sgt. Maj. Fredrick Smith, battalion sergeant major, 2/7, expressed admiration for Hankard’s ability to lead Marines. “The best part about Hankard was he was calm, cool, and collected at all times,” Smith said. “His leadership was above reproach. He set the standard, which is the Marine Corps’ standard, and he held his Marines to it.” Following a speech from Hankard, his wife and three daughters were presented with flowers.
Matt Wagner ’88 converses with his former Spanish teacher, Sue Evans, at the Avon reception after the induction of Bill David ’61 into the Avon Athletic Hall of Fame.
Ed Boland ’94 and Dean Peter Evans attended the Miami reception last January.
HC Wicko ’92 and Bob Moran ’73 (P Matt ’04) enjoyed an evening at the Chevy Chase Club during the Avon gathering in December.
Director Bill Austin ’92 met classmate Taj Lewis ’92 at the Harvard Club in New York City during the Avon reception last fall.
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and Henry Tim McAndrew ’95 moment at the a re Coons ’71 sha Harvard Club the at n tio ep rec n Avo y Cit k in New Yor
DAMIEN J. EGAN , Head Class Agent 52 Brookview Ct., Groton, CT 06340-5528 degan2@hotmail.com JOHN RUAN and his wife, Alison, visited Florida
from their home in Iowa several times this year, and in March, they caught up with John’s former history teacher, Peter Evans, and his wife, Sue.
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ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO , Head Class Agent
TIMOTHY B. STAY , Co-Head Class Agent 2024 Upland Way #205, Philadelphia, PA 19131 timothystay@gmail.com;
4 Haskell Rd., Andover, MA 01810 tony_silvestro@administaff.com
TRAVIS MERRITT , Class Agent 21 Monroe Ave., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 merritttravis@yahoo.com
TIM MCANDREW graduated from Hobart and is vice president at Arch Capital Group in New York City.
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GRAHAM C. FULLER , Co-Head Class Agent
2937 Morris Rd., Ardmore, PA 19003-1832 grahamcraigfuller@gmail.com PAUL M. GOZZO , Co-Head Class Agent 15 Country Farm Cross Road, Dover, NH 03820 11pgoz@gmail.com
KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST , Co-Head Class Agent
2 14th St., Apt. 321, Hoboken, NJ 07030 bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com
MARK A. CARUSO , Head Class Agent 124 Westminster Rd., Chatham, NJ 07928-1364 mcaruso@gmail.com KENDALL CHEATHAM and his wife, Mary Brittain, welcomed their daughter, Althea Harper Cheatham, on December 9, 2015. Althea weighed 6 lbs. 9oz and was 20¼ inches.
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Class Notes
The Bárcenas brothers: Mario ’01, Rafael ’99, and Guillermo ’03, with their father, Rafael, all attended the Avon reception in Panama.
James Jennings ’99 brought Fatima Rahmati to the fall reception in New York City at the Harvard Club.
Craig Evans ’98 and family
Adam Stifel ’99 and his wife, Laura, enjoyed the gathering with other alumni at the Chevy Chase Club last December.
Kayser Dixon ’98 married Harmony Prom at his parents’ house on September 26, 2015. From left: Brian Lemek ’98, Brooks Garber ’99, Neil Sirni ’98, Harmony and Kayser Dixon ’98, Chris Migliore ’98, and Jesse Carlto n ’98.
ANDREW M. KUNISCH , Co-Head Class Agent
98 GEOFFREY R. BARLOW , Co-Head Class Agent
500 Old Farms Rd., Avon, CT 06001 geoffbarlow34@gmail.com; J.A. CORRIGAN , Co-Head Class Agent
78 West 85th St., Apt.5B, New York, NY 10024 jamesandrewcorrigan@gmail.com CRAIG EVANS and his wife, Claire, welcomed baby
number two on March 28, 2016. Big sister, Camille, was two on April 3; baby brother Benjamin William slept through the party. Craig is dean of students at Hillside School in Marlborough, Mass.
99 DAVID R. GRYBOSKI , Co-Head Class Agent 101 South Bay Blvd, Suite B-3, PO Box 732, Anna Maria, FL 34216-0732 dgryboski@tampabay.rr.com
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Spring 2016 The Avonian
1431 33rd St. NW, Apt. 2 Washington, DC 20007-2851 kunisch23@yahoo.com STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE , Co-Head Class Agent
20 Dudley Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759 zappones@yahoo.com SCOTT RESNICK returned to academia to
pursue a doctorate in English after several years of working as an insurance actuary in Hartford, Conn. This fall he entered his fourth year as a doctoral candidate at Boston College, where he specializes in 19th-century American literature and teaches English and writing. Over the summer he met his cousin, BRIAN SOHOCKI ’97 in Vermont to attend a family wedding, play golf, and offer best wishes to a young gentleman in their hotel who was wearing an AOF shirt and who, they found out, was starting his first year at Avon. Many fond reminiscences followed.
00 MICHAEL J. O’NEILL , Co-Head Class Agent 2 Saltaire Dr, Old Lyme, CT 06371 michaeloneill27@yahoo.com DAN SEIDEN , Co-Head Class Agent 76 Crabapple Ln., Asheville, NC 28804 seidend@gmail.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 RYAN MOORE and his wife, Beth, announce the birth of their son, Brady James, born on September 18, 2015. DUSTIN LOWERY and his wife, Lisa, were
transferred to Norfolk, Va., for at least two years. Lisa has started a more family-friendly job with her Navy career, and Dustin is studying for the MCAT this spring.
Nico de la Guardia ’00, Eduardo Jaen ’00, and Guillermo ’03 and Mario ’01 Bárcenas enjoyed being together at the Avon reception in Panama last February.
Dan Cappello ’01 and his wife, Kiley, were able to attend the Philly area reception in February at the lovely home of Wendy and Wade McDevitt ’82.
TIM WARNER works as director of sales for
WordStream, Inc. and lives in Wakefield, Mass., with his wife, Alicia, and children: Dougie (4), Charlie (2), and a third to be born in August. Tim and his brother, MIKE ’00, both played in the alumni hockey game last January.
Finnegan (3) hangs out with his dad, Mike O’Neill ’00 after an alumni hockey game.
Anthony Brooks, son of Brooks ’02 and Melissa Clinton
Tim Warner ’01 holds his son, Dougie (4), Paul Warner, father and proud grandfather holds Charlie (2) and Mike Warner ’00 balances his children, Mickey (4); and Maggie (2) in Avon’s rink after an alumni hockey game.
Brady Edward, son of Jake ’02 and Kate Clinton
Tom Wenstrom ’02 holds his son, Will (six months), and gives him pointers on stick handling—initial preparations for Winged Beaver hockey Class of 2030?
Ryan Moore ’01 and family guardian, a Bernese mountain dog, watch over Brady, the newest member of the Moore family.
Director Strat Den nis ’00 with his wife, Ashley, a nd Sadie (1).
02 WILLIAM N. PALMER , Head Class Agent 4736 Terr. St., Kansas City, MO 64112 wnpalmer@gmail.com BROOKS CLINTON and his wife, Melissa, announce the birth of their son, Anthony Brooks Clinton, born on November 19, 2015. Anthony weighed 6 lbs. 4 oz. JAKE CLINTON and his wife, Kate, announce the birth of their son, Brady Edward Clinton, born on December 14, 2015. TOM WENSTROM emailed last fall, “On August
10, 2015, my wife, Nathalia, and I welcomed our first child, William Lawrence Wenstrom. He already has his first hockey stick and the plan is for Will to become an Avon brother around 2030!”
o Bobby Novey ’01, Guillerm zalde ’01 Bárcenas ’03, and Tomás Mer n alumni all live in Panama, where Avo in Februar y. n ptio rece enjoyed an evening
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Class Notes
Harry Murray ’06 and his girlfriend, Kelly Latterman, were in Panama in February for the wedding of Annie and Stephen Driscoll ’06.
Stu Beath ’06, Kevin Driscoll ’72, Sam Patterson ’06, and Harry Murray ’06 enjoy a balmy February evening in Panama after attending the wedding of Stephen ’06 and Annie Driscoll.
The marriage of Stephen Driscoll ’06 to Annie Mendez (MPS ’07) brings together several Miss Porter’s sisters with their Avon Old Farms brothers.
in Panama Avon brotherhood one of their for the wedding of ). From left: ’06 ll sco Dri en own (Steph ll ’72, sco Dri in Joe Driscoll ’72, Kev Driscoll ’08, ise Bla , ’09 a tur Ven Ace Patter son ’06, Harry Murray ’06, Sam and Stu Beath ’06
Ken Trentowski ’07 proposed to Stephanie Rinschlertly, on Avon’s Village Green January 31, the day of the alumni hockey game. Ken works as a compliance officer at JP Morgan.
Quinn Bannon wedding: Ryan Offenhartz ’05, Kevin Driscoll ’72, Lauren and Quinn Ba nnon ’05, and Andrew Valentin e ’05
07 CASEY R. COONS , Co-Head Class Agent 414 West 4th St., Unit 1, South Boston, MA 02127 caseycoons4@gmail.com;
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JAMES TANG , Head Class Agent
DANE G. LEMERIS , Head Class Agent
300 East 84th St. Apt. 2A., New York, NY 10028 jamesttang@gmail.com
619 E 5th St., Apt 29, New York, NY 10009 dlemeris@gmail.com
MAREK KROWKA recently moved to London as
MATT JONES was engaged to Sabine Schaefers on
a vice president in the financial products unit to build the International Mergers & Acquisitions underwriting division for Arch Capital Group.
December 21, 2015, in Nevis, West Indies.
CHARLIE THOMPSON and his wife, Jessie,
announce the arrival of their daughter, Josephine Kathlyn Thompson, born on February 8, 2016.
KEVIN T. DRISCOLL , Co-Head Class Agent
700 1st St., Apt 6Q, Hoboken, NJ 07030 kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com JOSHUA P. PAVANO , Co-Head Class Agent
04 MATTHEW H. MORAN , Head Class Agent 1605 Sansom St. #206, Philadelphia, PA 19103 matthew.h.moran@gmail.com
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Spring 2015 The Avonian
60 Forest Hills Dr., Farmington, CT 06032-3017 jpavano@gmail.com STEPHEN DRISCOLL and Annie Mendez (MPS ’07) were married in Panama on February 13, 2016.
TYLER C. HADDAD , Co-Head Class Agent
81 Brookside Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106-2319 tyler.c.haddad@gmail.com BRIAN MALCHOFF teaches pre-calculus and
AP Physics and coaches hockey and lacrosse at Avon. During the intercession program in January, Brian had an opportunity to teach his passion—fly fishing and river etymology. In the summer, he leads guided fly-fishing trips on Bristol Bay rivers in Alaska. For more, see www.wildriverfish.com.
08 WILL HENDRICKS , Co-Head Class Agent 117 NW Trinity Place #31, Portland, OR 97209 willheatonhendricks@gmail.com; KEVIN SISTI , Co-Head Class Agent
64 Pinnacle Rd., Farmington, CT 06030 ksideas@aol.com
Kevin Driscoll ’72 enjoyed reconnecting with JJ West ’07, his fiancée, Kelley King, and his brother James West ’04.
r) completed tin ’10 (cente Sam Mar n on City Maratho the New York , and 15 20 1, r mbe Sunday, Nove e by lin h is at the fin was greeted and ft) (le 1 ’1 ld na Bobby MacDo (right). Alex Ball ’10
Matt Conetta ’08 proposed to Marya Goodman at Vero in New York City on May 23, 2015, and she said yes!
From left: Tomás Merizalde ’01, Rafael Bárcenas ’99, and Domingo Diaz ’09 attended the Avon reception at the Arguedas home with other Panamanians.
which forced him to miss a few games. Parish saw a few minutes on the field this year, and hopes to start next year. They both plan to major in economics. SKYLER WILLIAMSON and OWEN GREY are
at St. Lawrence playing football, and they won the Liberty League title this past season. HENRY NARLEE began college at Boston University, where he was playing lacrosse, but, transferred to Clemson University, where he does not play lacrosse.
15 WILLIAM C. DAVIS , Co-Head Class Agent
11 Parker Road, Avon, CT 06001 cdavis7@me.com
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JOHN (BEN) BEATH , Head Class Agent 12229 Prince Towne Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141 beathj@gmail.com
MICKOY R. NICHOL , Co-Head Class Agent 174 Upper County Rd., Apt. # 2-3 Dennisport, MA 02639 mnichol@bates.edu
CHRISTIAN E. DIANTONIO , Co-Head Class Agent 520 Dingleton Hill Rd., Cornish, NH 03745-4521 harleyald@msn.com
RYAN D. PHILLIPS , Co-Head Class Agent
south last summer, with BRANDON GROVER and both the Haskin brothers [HUDSON ’18 and PARKER ’19 ] in the East Cobb program. I finished up my first semester at Princeton and love it there. I had shoulder surgery on my right, non-throwing arm in January to deal with complications from a chronic injury originally sustained sliding into third in a game this past summer. I am going to miss this season, and I am taking a year off of school in order to retain four years of eligibility at Princeton. I am not officially declared but am planning to major in neuroscience, and will return to Princeton in the spring of 2017 to start my second semester and first baseball season. I hear great things from many recently graduated Avonians, most notably from DEREK KASPERZYK . He is in the middle of a PG year at Cushing and has committed to play baseball at Quinnipiac. JACK NEDOROSTEK and I talk often, and he is enjoying Holy Cross, playing on the club hockey team there. NATE USICH just started his lacrosse season at Dickinson.
WILL COZ will marry Valeria Cerda on May 14, 2016, in Quintana Roo, Mexico, near Cancun. The two will reside in Boston.
10 MATTHEW R. COZ , Head Class Agent
214 Cherry Brook Rd. Canton, CT 06019 mcoz@trinity.edu
11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN , Head Class Agent
10 Ardsley Way, Avon, CT 06001 olliekloss@aol.com
12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER , Head Class Agent 4345 Brookview Dr., Atlanta, GA 30339 shamburgerd@gmail.com
13 WILSON P. MEYER , Head Class Agent 2 Torrey Pines Ln., Newport Beach, CA 92660 wilsonpmeyer@gmail.com
621 Allen Ct. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327-3511 ryanphillips@utexas.edu MICKOY NICHOL wrote in February, “Bates is going great. I am now a second semester sophomore, and I plan on majoring in sociology and education. I am still a member of the football team, and I hope to play the remainder of my college career. I also just joined the track team, and I love it. I attend school with DUKE BROWNJONES ’15 , whose lacrosse season just started, and he’s hoping to see the field as a freshman. He has yet to declare a major. He is quite a popular kid on campus and has a lot of friends. All the other students say the Avon boys are so sociable, friendly, well-mannered, and easy to get along with. A major thank-you to the Avon Old Farms School community for transforming two young boys to outstanding young men.” BRAD SEEBER and PARISH SIMMONS are students at Lafayette. Brad still plays soccer but unfortunately suffered a concussion this season
CHRIS DAVIS emailed: “I played baseball down
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Alumni Hockey Game The 44th Alumni Hockey Game took place on campus January 31, 2016. With three minutes left in the last period, Team Eagle was leading 7-4 when Team Diogenes caught fire and scored 3 unanswered goals to tie the game in regulation. With 1:46 expired in overtime, Team Eagle scored to take home the trophy 8-7. Team Eagle now leads the series 16 to 13. The Team Eagle (even years) vs.Team Diogenes (odd years) started in 1986 and the first 14 alumni games were varsity against alumni. Alumni won two, and varsity won 13 of those games.
Faculty Notes
Back row: David Gordon ’88, George Giannoni ’74, Corey Salvatelli ’00, Charlie Ward ’02, Mike O’Neill ’00, Mark Stuzynski ’88, Chad Dlugolecki ’94, Ted Molloy ’74, Pat MacGregor ’10, Mike Symes ’81, Blake Forkey ’09, Devin Keogh ’07, Tom Carroll ’05, Greg Kearney ’09, Jon Pintoff ’99, Bill Green ’67, Ryan Petersen ’07, Mike Recchia ’07 Front row: Damien Fox ’91, Tim Warner ’01, Bob Ingraham ’88, Tom O’Connor ’90, Brian Farrell ’90, Mike Cuccia ’00, Mike Warner ’00, unidentified player, Casey Coons ’07, Mark Berrian ’97, Scott Linke ’79, Brady Kain ’07, Kent Trentowski ’07. The Driscoll family travelled to Panama for the wedding of Joe and Tish’s son, Stephen Driscoll ’06. From left: Tish, Maria, Blaise ’08, Kevin ’72, and Joe ’72.
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Spring 2015 The Avonian
Dean Skip Flanagan and his former teammate, Oren Lyons met recently at the Tewaaraton ceremonies held in New York City. For many years, Lyons has been the chairman of the Iroquois National Lacrosse Program and has been a key representative of Native Americans at the national and international level.
Former faculty member and lacrosse coach Rick McCarthy stopped by Avon and met Tim Trautman ’75
The The Avonian Avonian Spring Spring 20162015 49 49
Boston
Avon Move
The Fours October 1, 2015
on the
Juan Mercado ’12, Kevin Driscll ’72, and Jaime Carrabias ’13
Harry Lyons ’11 and Drew Widger ’98
Ian Lapin ’09 and Ben LaRocque ’10
Kevin Driscoll ’72, Morgan Barrieau ’04 and his wife, Danielle, Matt Dallin ’04, and Peter Evans
Ken LaRocque, John Kettlewell ’85, and Kevin Driscoll ’72
Mark DeBlois ’74, Steve Lang ’75, Peter Evans, and Tim Trautman’75
Michael Barros ’11 and Cooper O’Connor ’11
New York
The Harvard Club of New York City. October 28, 2015
Honorary Director Stephen Lash ’58 with Headmaster Ken LaRocque
Director Bill Austin ’92 converses with Henry Coons ’71.
Headmaster Ken LaRocque with James Jennings ’99
Skip Flanagan, Hakeem Lecky ’10, and Kevin Ludwig ’99
Chris Hampton ’79 with his wife, Renée, and Andrew Corrigan ’98
From left: John Harker ’80, Hakeem Lecky ’10, Bronson Kelly ’11, Donal Flaherty ’10, Bobby MacDonald ’11, Director Bill Austin ’92, Kevin Ludwig ’99, Skip Flanagan, Kieran Morris ’11, John Gordon ’84, Tim Trautman ’75, Henry Tesar ’10, and Alex Ball ’10
Susan Hrvatin, David Mullane (P Derek ’16) and John and Bronwyn McElroy (P Owen ’17)
Tim Trautman ’75 and Bob Signorino (P Robert ’19)
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Fall 2010 The Avonian
Honorary Director Tim Jones (P Matt ’05, Dennis ’18) and Kevin Driscoll ’72
Susan and Tom Campbell (P Chris ’08, Drew ’10, Jeremy ’12)
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony The Hall of Fame induction speech was delivered by Kevin Driscoll ’72 before Avon’s Homecoming football game.
Bill David ’61 and Kevin Driscoll ’72 with a Saturday Night Lights poster signed by all members of the current Avon football team and presented to Bill at his induction.
Bill David ’61 was inducted into the Avon Old Farms Athletic Hall of Fame on November 7, 2015.
Bill David ’61 with a copy of the Hall of Fame recognition plaque, which is now displayed in the Brown Student Center
Dan O’Connor ’82, Peter Theis ’06, Will Allred ’10, RC Sayyah ’82 (P Preston ’18), Jake Redfearn ’10, Eckhart Richter (GP Jack ’18)
Atlanta The Gordon Home. Hosted by John Gordon ’84 and his wife, Jennifer. November 9, 2015
Ben James ’98 with John Gordon ’84
Hall of Fame inductee Bill David ’61, with Headmaster LaRocque
Janice Story (P Alex ’10), Kurt Wassenar ’81, Ben James ’98, and event host John Gordon ’84
Peter Evans, Jennifer Gordon, Peter Theis ’06, RC Sayyah ’82, John Gordon ’84, and Tim Straus ’75
Nashville 1808 Grille in The Hutton Hotel November 11, 2015
Standing from left: Chris Cargen ’66, Lynn Cargen, Jamie Cheek ’89, Dave Farrell ’98, Peter Evans, John Wendler ’68, Tim Trautman ’75 Front row from left: Paul and Angela DiGiovanni (P Luca ’17), Brett Stoffer ’88, James Thibadeau ’00, and George Crook ’94 The Avonian Spring 2016
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Avon Move on the
DC Area
The Chevy Chase Club, Hosted by Dean ’84 and Debra Graham, December 2, 2015
Sam Orr ’05 catches up with Headmaster LaRocque.
Headmaster Ken LaRocque with Brad Stewart ’99 and Shane Lieberman ’97
Elliot Wagner ’91, Headmaster LaRocque, and Shane Lieberman ’97
George Trautman H ’96, Matt Paskus ’80, Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Peter Evans
Henry Coons ’71 with Honorable Richard J. Leon, U.S. District Judge for D.C.
Kevin Driscoll ’72 with the host of the Chevy Chase reception, Director Dean Graham ’84
Bob Moran ’73 with Assistant Director of Development Robin Delnicki
Will Sieber ’07, Henry Coons ’71, and Tom Mapes ’07
Peter Evans with Colonel Jamie Hayes ’88
Tim Trautman ’75 with hostess Debra Graham
Miami The Consuegra Home. Hosted by Andy Consuegra ’80. January 20, 2016
Host Andy Consuegra ’80 with Lynn and Chris Cargen ’66
Front row: Lanny Gardner ’59, Peter Evans, Ken LaRocque, Jorge Consuegra ’51, Miriam Consuegra, Alfredo Arguelles ’82, Stephen Schwolsky ’59, Andy Consuegra ’80. Back row: Cathy Tattersfield, Lynn Cargen, Terry Cole (P Sam ’04), Chris Cargen ’66, Brady Schofield ’85, Tony Tattersfield ’81, Marty Cole, Kevin Driscoll ’72, honorary board member Rolf Olson ’59, Ed Boland ’94, Jon West ’07, and James West ’04
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Fall 2010 The Avonian
Above: Peter Evans, Kevin Driscoll ’72, Miriam and Jorge Consuegra ’51, and Ken LaRocque Left: Brady Schofield ’85 with board Chairman Marty Cole (P Sam ’04)
Jupiter
The Gozzo Home. Hosted by Skip and Pam Gozzo (P Greg ’11 and Jon ’12). January 21, 2016
Reception host Skip Gozzo (P Greg ’11, Jon ’12), Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Kevin and Sarah Inwood (P Austin ’16, Brandon ’15, Cam ’19)
Jim Sadler, Director Kitty Ordway (P Gilman ’04 and Tyler Callsen) and Ken LaRocque
Peter Evans, Doug Arute, and Jim Sadler
Shawn LaBonte ’95, Bobby Mark ’80, and Laurie and Chris Wieland ’08
Kate Keith, hostess Pam Gozzo (P Greg ’11, Jon ’12), Jen Torey (P Jason ’09, Dylan ’11), Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Sarah Inwood (P Austin ’16, Brandon ’15, Cam ’19)
Director Bill Austin and George Trautman H ’96
Director Dr. Andy Caputo (P’ Vince ’16, AJ ’17) with Bobbie Rozinsky and Honorary Director Rolf Olson ’59
Philadelphia
The McDevitt Home Hosted by Director Wade McDevitt ’82 and his wife, Wendy February 2, 2016
Headmaster Ken LaRocque, Stephen Driscoll ’06, Mike Finnegan ’04, Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Tim Trautman ’75
Matt Foley ’02, Matt Moran ’04, and Ali Foley
The Driscoll boys: Kevin ’72, Stephen ’06, and Jude
Left: Director Hank Smith (P Henry ’17) and Jay Simpson ’81
Above: Tim Trautman ’75, reception host and Director Wade McDevitt ’82, Ken LaRocque, Kevin Driscoll ’72, and Peter Evans
Tim Stay ’97, Peter Evans, Graham Fuller ’94, and Mike Finnegan ’04 The Avonian Spring 2016
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Avon Move on the
Panama
The Arguedas Family Home Hosted by Danny Arguedas ’07 and his parents, Luis and Jacqueline February 17, 2016 Above: Standing: Stephen Driscoll ’06, Blaise Driscoll ’06, Danny Arguedas ’07, Ace Ventura ’09, Guillermo Bárcenas ’03, Kevin Driscoll ’72, Rafael Bárcenas ’99, Nico de la Guardia ’00, and Fernando Lopez Garcia ’86. Seated: Tomás Merizalde ’01, Eduardo Jaen ’00, Bobby Novey ’01, Domingo Diaz ’09, and Mario Bárcenas 01. Left: Mario Barcenas ’01, Rafael Barcenas ’99, Eduardo Jaen ’00, Guillermo Bárcenas ’03, Brazilian Ambassador to Panama Adalnio Senna, Kevin Driscoll ’72, Danny Arguedas ’07, Harry Strunz ’01, Tomas Merizalde ’01, Bobby Novey ’01, Ace Ventura ’09, Domingo Diaz ’09, Nico de la Guardia ’00, and Fernando Lopez ’86
Host of the Panama reception Danny Arguedas ’07 with Guillermo Bárcenas ’03
Michelle and Arturo Tapia (P Rodrigo ’01, Fernando ’02, Alvaro ’04, Alejandro ’11) with Kevin Driscoll ’72
Nico de la Guardia ’00 and Kevin Driscoll ’72
The school has learned of the deaths of the following alumni: THOMAS A. JACKA ’40
MILTON WILKINSON ’55
WALCOTT A. YOUNGER ’45
DONNELL MCKESSON CAMP ’59
DAVID G. MASON ’50
RICHARD H. LEE ’59
PAUL J. CARROLL ’53
DR. EDWARD J. ZNEIMER ’60
JONAS MILLER ’53
MORTIMER H. “TERRY” HESS III ’65
CHARLES R. BETTS ’54
NELSON W. LOGAN ’67
LAWRENCE D. BUHL JR. ’54
PETER HINRICHS ’77
KERRY A. MAYER ’54
BRIAN REBELLO ’93
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Fall 2010 The Avonian
Blaise Driscoll ’08, Stephen Driscoll ’06, and Ace Ventura ’09
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 Robin Delnicki, Associate Director of Development, at 860-404-4156, delnickir@avonoldfarms.com, or visit our planned giving website online: www.avonoldfarms.gift-planning.org/
The Last Word A chapel talk by Jake De Saint Phalle ’16
I ’m
sure a lot of you have heard of John Scott after his NHL All-Star game appearance. For those of you who haven’t yet, read his article, “A Guy Like Me,” on the Players’ Tribune. It’s really a great read. For those of you who don’t know, Scott was an NHL player on the Arizona Coyotes. As it does every year, the NHL conducted a fan vote to choose the captains of each division’s All-Star team. When the final results were tallied, it was revealed that Scott would represent the Pacific Division as its captain. Now, those of you who don’t follow the NHL are probably thinking he would have to be a pretty talented and high-scoring player if he was selected as an All-Star captain, but that isn’t the case. Scott, in fact, is among a dying breed in the NHL: a big, tough, gritty enforcer who drops the gloves to provide protection to his more skilled teammates and give his team some extra motivation. He was not always that type of player, though. Growing up, Scott never wanted to or expected to be a fighter at the next level. He idolized Ray Bourque, the 11th all-time leading scorer, with 1,579 points in his 23-year NHL career. That’s far off from Scott’s current 11 points through his first nine seasons. Regardless, Scott always knew he wanted to play hockey; he just never envisioned that it would be as a fighter. Scott’s path to his dream conveys a message that resonates with me today. Since kindergarten, I have loved hockey. My dad, a college hockey player himself, had me hooked since I was four years old and he took me out on the pond to skate. This is a comparable start to many NHL careers, but that’s where the similarities end. As time went on, my brother really took on the hockey player role while I lagged behind. I never really seemed to fit on the ice past squirts, and soon enough I played only for my middle school team, which had one practice and 12 games a season. I still loved to watch and play the sport, among others. When I came into my junior and senior years at Avon, however, hockey began to create more negative emotions in my life than positive. Somehow, playing two shifts a period just didn’t hold the same appeal. There were times when I really hated the sport and dreaded going to the rink for practice every day. I had always known I had no future playing competitively, but I found that I could no longer even play just for fun. I feared enduring this would ruin the game for me. What kept me going was an alternative area of sports that I found my sophomore year when my advisor, a few friends, and I started Prep Sport Report, a social media platform we used to 56 56
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report on athletics in the prep school leagues. I really embraced PSR because it was something I was actually pretty good at, and it still involved what I love most: sports. Scott faced a similar juncture in his path. He was a stay-athome defenseman when he played youth hockey, and admitted he was never the best player. In his own words, he was cut from every Junior-B team he tried out for. Regardless, he knew he loved hockey, so he worked to improve and, eventually, procured a scholarship to play at Michigan Tech, a Division I program. From there, he received an improbable offer to play for the Houston Aeros, the then-AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Prior to that stint in the AHL, Scott had never been in a hockey fight, odd for a guy tabbed as an enforcer. Then, one game, he fought one of the biggest guys in the AHL and said this about the experience: “Oh, OK. Wow. This feels good. Not my face. That feels bad. But it feels good to make my teammates go nuts.” As a result, he decided to embrace the role of enforcer, not because it was his nature, but because it was his way forward. Lo and behold, by his third year in the AHL, he got a call up to the NHL and became an All-Star in what he loves to do. In my case, I decided to take up sports journalism and broadcasting as a full-time gig because it beats sitting on the bench any day, and it was my own way forward. As a result, I now write articles that hundreds of people in New England prep sports read and have become the Eddie Olczyk of AOF hockey (and I choose Eddie O. because I do not want to compare myself to Pierre Mcguire). The one thing that I hope you all take away from this is not how John Scott punches people in the face for a living or how I’m some kid who can’t play hockey, but that you must find what you love and make it work for you. Scott changed his whole game to make a career in what he loves to do. I changed professions in the sports realm to find a legitimate way forward in what I love to do. So, even if what you love looks impossible to accomplish, it’s not. There is always a way to modify it to make it your own and to excel at whatever that may be. If you do this, one day you too will be an all star.
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