Avon Old Farms School established 1927 Headmaster Kenneth H. LaRocque Provost John T. Gardner Editor Graham Callaghan ’95 Director of Development Daniel Seiden ’00
Village Green The
SUMMER 2012
Designer 2k Design www.2kDesign.com Photographers Seshu Badrinath John Benoit David Newman Spencer Sloan Printer Paladin Commercial Printers and Mailing Services Newington, CT The Village Green 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
2 Blue Blazer Ball
22 from the editor
2012 Distinguished Alumnus Awards
Admissions (800) 464-2866 admissions@avonoldfarms.com
10 Commencement
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Headmaster
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News and Notes
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Athletics
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Alumni We enjoy hearing from you! Please send us your latest news and notes: Email: abramsonl@avonoldfarms.com Phone: (800) 336-8195 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.
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Dear Readers, Welcome back! What you have here is what we hope is a fun and informative glimpse back at the spring—perhaps a refreshing memory to build some excitement for the coming school year as we endure the dog days of summer. Look inside for some great photos from the Blue Blazer Ball and Reunion Weekend, including information about the Distinguished Alumnus Awards. You’ll also find coverage of this year’s Commencement ceremonies, featuring awards, matriculation information, student artwork, and thoughts from the outstanding speaker, Governor Dannel P. Malloy. I welcome your feedback (which I will pass on to Morgan Cugell, associate director of communications and editor of The Village Green, as she triumphantly returns from maternity leave—welcome baby girl Emma!) Aspirando et perseverando, Graham Callaghan
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from the
Headmaster Greetings. I hope that this issue of The Village
Green helps bring to life some of the exciting events we enjoyed on campus over the course of the past few months. From the Blue Blazer Ball, to Grandparents Day, to Alumni Weekend, to Commencement, this spring was filled with the spirit of tradition that makes Avon Old Farms such a unique and special community. Our students, faculty, administration, parents, and staff joined together numerous times to host successfully hundreds of visitors to campus. Among the highlights of the spring term we honored Seth Mendell ’52, Brendan McKernan ’89, and Kevin McKernan ’91 as “Distinguished Alumni” during Reunion Weekend, the Parents Association hosted the annual Blue Blazer Ball, which raised over $165,000 to benefit the Student Enrichment Fund, and our school community joined with Miss Porter’s School to host a Relay for Life event, which raised approximately $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. On Friday evening, April 20th, musicians from Avon Old Farms joined with musicians from area schools to present a coffee house to entertain and to raise money to feed needy children in Haiti, and on May 11th, we held our prom at the Tower Ridge Country Club in Simsbury.
by Kenneth H. LaRocque
In the sporting arena, our athletes excelled as our baseball team once again won its league championship, as did our lacrosse team, and our golf team captured first-place in the Western New England championship. The arts also flourished at Avon this spring. On stage, we featured our production of Zoo Story, and Michael Gagnon ’12 wrote and produced his first play, The Woods. On Commencement weekend we were proud of the creative talent on display at our art show as our students’ work with pottery, photography, architecture, woodworking, painting, and drawing greatly impressed all. Our Commencement Concert was memorable and moved the audience to rousing ovations on more than one occasion. Finally, the Class of 2012 enjoyed spectacular weather for its graduation on Sunday, May 27th and we were honored to have the Governor of Connecticut, Dannel P. Malloy, deliver the commencement address. The 2011-2012 school year, our eighty-fifth, will be a rich chapter in the history of the Avon Old Farms School. Our accomplishments were commendable in every area of school life and we were unwavering in our focus on our mission of building men of high character. Thank you for your continuing interest in and support of Avon Old Farms!
Was Your Best Man an Avonian? The summer is wedding season, and Avon Old Farms hosts a number of ceremonies and receptions for alumni in the chapel and Refectory. And, at the end of each summer, the Headmaster welcomes new students at their orientation with the prediction that the best man at their wedding years down the road is very likely to be sitting in the room with them at that moment. We’re wondering about the accuracy of that prediction. Whether you were married here at the Farm or not, we’re interested in hearing from you if your best man was a fellow Avonian. Please send replies to Liz Abramson in the Alumni Development Office: abramsonl@avonoldfarms.com.
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News and Notes
The Blue Blazer Ball Celebrating AOF Students and Spring
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shining highlight of the spring season was the Blue Blazer Ball and auction organized by the Parents Association, led by Co-Presidents Dana Wasserbauer P ’09 and ’12 and Lisa Szewczul P ’13. The evening provided entertainment for the school community while raising significant money for the student enrichment fund. “Hard work from all the PA auction committee members, other current parents, past parents, and school personnel paid off handsomely, and we had a good time doing it… the evening was over before I knew it,” comments Mrs. Wasserbauer. A cocktail party and silent auction in
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the Field House opened the festivities as Avon administrators, faculty, and parents mingled and did battle with pen and clipboard to win the likes of weekend getaways, golf outings, sports memorabilia, art, and gift certificates, not to mention the opportunity to dine with the Headmaster, sit at the Head Table for Boar’s Head, and declare a Dress-Down Day. The framed, signed posters of the Riddlers and Hockey Team were especially hot commodities. A student jazz ensemble provided background music, and all relished in good company, good food, and the relaxing start to an exciting evening that ushered in the final month of school.
AOF Parents As so ciation M is sion Statement
With the concurrence of Avon Old Farms School’s Headmaster and the Avon Old Farms School’s Board of Directors, and in accordance with the School’s philosophy, the mission of the Avon Old Farms Parents Association is to promote camaraderie and a sense of community among its families and friends and enhance the academic, athletic, and extra-curricular experiences of the Men of Avon.
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evelers exited the Field House to find seats in the Refectory for the dinner and live auction, and on the way the women were treated to complimentary flipflops, a nice way of setting the tone for further relaxation and enjoyment to follow after circling the tables at the silent auction. Outside the Refectory, a student wait staff, marshaled by Director of Dining Services Jim Kirschner, welcomed the guests to an elegantly appointed dining room for a main course of surf and turf. Laughter and lively conversation complimented the meal, and, as dessert began, Stephen Lash ’58, Chairman Emeritus of Christie’s, Inc. took the podium. Paddles rose high in the air for
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guitars autographed by Kristian Bush ’88 of Sugarland; state-ofthe-art kitchen appliances; trips to Italy, Colorado, and Martha’s Vineyard; golf on Fisher’s Island; a Red Sox Game and an ESPN behind-the-scenes tour package; and a magnificent painting by John Traynor P ’01, ’03. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Student Enrichment Fund and the Outreach Program. An important event by any measure—community-building, fund-raising, fun-having—the Blue Blazer Ball was, again, a resounding success. We all look forward to the 2012-2013 school year, enhanced, in part, by funds raised from the 2012 event, and another Blue Blazer Ball on the horizon.
AVON IN THE COMMUNIT Y
News and Notes Rob Barker ’12 was the driving force behind the AOF community garden, which produced vegetables this spring for the Refectory. Here, Rob stops for a photograph in the high tunnel, with organic garden consultant Kelly Bull in the background. The high tunnel allows for plants to be started earlier so they can produce by April and May. Ben Freiberg ’12 (inset) helps out in the garden as part of Senior Community Service Day.
Community Garden Empty Bowls Jihad Harkeem ’12 enjoys his creation and some laughs with a friend from Ethel Walker School (left). Nathaniel Moore ’12 gets some advice from Jackie Chen ’15. On Sundays this year AOF students and EWS students got together to make bowls to be used at a benefit dinner to fight hunger.
Spearheaded by RJ Fiondella ’12, campus events raised $10,000 to contribute to the Haiti Benefit fund, which would help feed hundreds of students in a Haitian school located in one of the poorest areas in the western hemisphere. Among those events was a Coffee House, where student performers entertained with music and poetry readings. RJ Fiondella ’12 presents a check to Jeremiah Lowney, president of the Haitian Health Foundation (inset) and Jake Whitty ’15 reads an original work.
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Haiti Benefit
Hawks Nest Party AOF student DJs provide the beats for Saturday night dance parties in the Hawks Nest. Among the crowd favorites were Jack Williams ’12 (pictured above).
Prom
Relay for Life
AOF boys pose for a pre-prom group shot. Joe Sylvia ’12 (left) smiles while walking with his date and Sam Ravech ’13 (right) shares a laugh with his. Perfect spring weather and soaring spirits set the tone for prom fun at The Tower Ridge Country Club.
Miss Porter’s School hosted the Relay for Life event this spring, which raised close to $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. Jeremy Ross ’12, co-president of Avon Outreach, poses for a photo op with René Hampton P ’09, ’10, ’11 and Michelle Custer, current AOF faculty member and P ’04, ’05, ’10.
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SUMMER SPORTS
Athletics “ The Tradition. The Spirit.”
Coppola Cup and Kingswood Invitational Varsity Golf (22-4) played at the top of the
league, led by Captain Zach Rubenstein ’12 along with Patrick Albanesi ’14, Wayne Carter ’12, Jack Lahey ’12, Sam Ravech ’13, Taylor Stone ’13, David Szewczul ’13, and Jackson Tucker ’14. Highlights included winning the Coppola Cup, placing 2nd in the Founders League, and winning the Kingswood Invitational at the end of the season, which is considered the Western New England Championship. With five returning lettermen and several strong players coming up from the Junior Varsity, the team will continue to be a force in New England Prep School Golf.
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Stickball, the unofficial-official
sport of Avon Old Farms, once again took center stage in the after-dinner hours of post-spring break Avon life. Each evening student and faculty fans lined Smalley Field, the place where Stickball Legends are made, to watch teams battle for league supremacy. This year Plan B took home the treasured title, defeating The Goon Squad, who was led to the championship tilt by freshman phenom Chris Davis. Last year’s champion, Got The Runs, was ousted in the semi-finals despite the efforts of captain Travis Kozak ’14, who Commissioner Gardner pegged the MVP of the Stickball League, if there were such a thing.
Varsity Baseball’s 20 Wins Capture Colonial League and Founders League Titles Varsity Baseball (20-2) recorded another banner season by securing both the Founders League and Colonial League championships. Seniors taking their offensive and defensive skills to the next level include Dan Palazzo (Bryant), Nick Quattro (Endicott), AJ Zarozny (Bryant), Jack Sundburg (UCONN), Dom D’Antonio (Bentley), Travis Mistretta (IONA), Mitch Leeds (Lafayette), Jed Robinson (UCONN), and Owen Solberg (George Washington).
Varsity Lacrosse Secures Another Founders League Title Varsity Lacrosse (10-5) won their second Founders
League Championship in the last three years with dramatic wins over Westminster, Hotchkiss, Taft, and Choate. The season will also be remembered for the four-overtime win against Tabor, 10-9, and the double-overtime loss against Salisbury where Avon rallied for two goals with under a minute to play in regulation. Salisbury was ranked #2 in the nation. Seniors looking to play in college include Paul Alberti (Union), Jack Burke (Washington College), Liam Cardon (Kenyon), Gavin Clark (Hobart), Ben Casella (University of Richmond), Tim Fox (Trinity College -CT), Jonnie Gozzo (TCU), M.J. Keady (Hobart), Dan Kinek (Michigan), Kris Molinaro (Colby), Dan McDougall (Delaware), Chris Paddock (Limestone College), Emmet Rogers (Marquette), Derek Sganga (Marist), Will Ryan (Johns Hopkins), Paul Rakoczy (McGill University), Finn Sullivan (Hofstra), Pat Wallace (Richmond), and Harrison Wasserbauer (Hobart)
Varsity Track Impresses at Founders League Championships
Varsity Tennis Makes New England Tournament
Varsity Track (3-10) Varsity track
Varsity Tennis (10-5) had a great season with solid wins over Loomis Chaffee, Salisbury, Kent and Westminster. The team was selected for post-season play in the New England tournament and faced #2 seed Exeter in a match played at Andover. Avon played well, but did not go on to the semi-finals. The #1 doubles team of Captain Brendan Conry ’13 and senior Ben Davis won two matches in the New England Invitational Prep School Championships held at Choate and lost in the finals to St. Paul’s.
experienced a rebuilding year with several younger runners and field athletes making good progress throughout the season. Avon finished 6th at the Founders League Championships with impressive performances from Jeremy Campbell ’12, with a 2nd place in the High Jump, Petey Parker ’12, earning a 3rd place in the 300IH, 4th place in the 110HH, and 6th place in the High Jump. Other notable performances include Mickoy Nichol ’14 finishing 5th in the Triple Jump, Nnamdi Amilo ’12 finishing 6th in the 300IH, Joe Colton ’12 finishing 5th in the Javelin, and Luke Tiedemann ’13 finishing 6th in the Javelin, and our 4x100m relay finishing 5th.
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79th
Commencement Exercises 2012
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t the special request of Avon’s Headmaster, Governor of Connecticut Dannel P. Malloy was invited to address the Class of 2012 and the crowd gathered on the Village Green to celebrate Commencement on May 27, 2012. The Governor shared some of the personal trials he overcame in order to persevere and become a success as a student and politician. With physical handicaps, and thought by those outside his family to be mentally handicapped until he reached fourth grade, the Governor learned early on how to compensate for physical and learning differences,
graduating magna cum laude from Boston College and then receiving his law degree from Boston College School of Law. He ran for and lost the governorship of Connecticut in 2006, but did not let that dissuade him from persevering and winning the election in 2010. He spoke highly of the students at Avon Old Farms and their commitment to academics, athletics, the arts, and community service. He implored them to continue to live a life of service, to be remembered for having made the lives of those around them and the communities in which they would live, better for their care.
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Commencement Exercises 2012
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s can be seen from the recognition that so many of the graduates received at Avon’s 79th Commencement, these young men have made a difference at Avon Old Farms. From Nnamdi Amilo, the Scholar of Distinction, for having maintained the highest grade point average throughout his four years at Avon Old Farms; to Reykelis Rosario for the most earnest and persistent effort in the academic area; to Timothy Fox who received the Paul-Karl Schiller Award ’78 for persistence and sacrifice in triumphing over difficult circumstances; to Myles Riley, recipient of the Gregg Richard Linburg ’87 Sportsmanship Award for bringing honor to his school, his teammates, and himself by demonstrating selfless devotion to the unheralded ideals of endurance, grit, and hard work; and to all those many others who left their mark on Avon Old Farms, we remember the Class of 2012 and look forward to the new school year.
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college matriculation From left to right, Brian B. Conroy ’82, Nelson Peltz P’09, ’12, Governor Dannel P. Malloy, and Kenneth H. LaRocque P’01, ’10
Jonathon P. Ahern Saint Anselm College Paul C. Alberti Union College Nnamdi R. Amilo University of Connecticut Jonathan P. Amour Lake Forest College Alexander A. Banfield Franklin and Marshall College Robert B. Barker Lake Forest College Patrick M. Belding Gettysburg College J. Andrew Benson Jr. University of Connecticut Max T. Blumenfeld University of Michigan Santiago M. Bohmer Berklee College of Music Keith A. Boratko Pace University Manwon K. Brisbane University of Massachusetts John K. Burke Washington College Brendan P. Campbell Arcadia University Jeremy A. Campbell Susquehanna University William C. Cardon Kenyon College John W. Carricato Quinnipiac University Wayne H. Carter IV Virginia Polytechnic Institute Mario Carvajal Suffolk University Benjamin J. Casella University of Richmond Nicholas A. Castillo Catholic University of America Siyuan Chen University of Rochester Wei-An Chen University of California at San Diego Xuanxu Chen Carnegie Mellon University Gavin S. Clark Hobart and William Smith Colleges Joseph A. Colton University of Massachusetts Mario A. Davila University of San Diego Benjamin T. Davis Gettysburg College Darnell J. Davis Jr. Alternate Year Antonio De La Torre Franklin and Marshall College Matthew J. Detora Boston University Dominic J. Di Antonio Bentley University David J. Dietrick Stevens Institute of Technology Timothy B. Dirgins Hobart and William Smith Colleges Markus A. Donahoe Marywood University Porter R. Dowling Bates College Connor P. Doyle Connecticut College John P. Even Skidmore College Samuel J. Feibel Franklin and Marshall College Robert J. Fiondella Providence College Timothy R. Fox Trinity College Benjamin T. Freiberg Skidmore College Michael D. Gagnon Hamilton College Andres Garcia de Paredes University of San Francisco Jonathan E. Gozzo Texas Christian University Jihad Harkeem Fordham University Elliot A. Howe Alternate Year Alex J. Johnson Norwich University Matthew Johnston University of Strathclyde (Scotland) Michael E. Keady Jr. Hobart and William Smith Colleges Daniel J. Kinek University of Michigan Kyle B. Klett Elon University Landon S. Kost American University Christian F. Krauter The University of Alabama John P. Kristian Babson College Jack T. Lahey United States Naval Academy Connor W. Latz Ohio Wesleyan University Won Bok Lee Babson College Wonil Lee Carnegie Mellon University Yong Woong Lee New York University Mitchell L. Leeds Lafayette College Alain Leneus University of Massachusetts Tong Li Suffolk University Ian R. Lindahl Trinity College Timothy A. Liptrot St. Bees School (England) E.S.U. Scholar, Oberlin College
Eric N. Mack Bentley University Carmine L. Magnoli USMC Joseph T. Masinter College of Charleston Hunter F. McArthur High Point University Daniel P. McDougall University of Delaware Scott A. McLeod University of Mississippi Daniel R. Menard Roger Williams University Juan S. Mercado Northeastern University Cameron R. Metz Eastern Kentucky University Alexander E. Michell High Point University Travis G. Mistretta Iona College Kristofer Molinaro Colby College Nathaniel S. Moore Hofstra University Santiago Moran Connecticut College Charles F. Murphy Southern Methodist University Eduardo A. Navarro Jr. Roanoke College Michael A. Nicolia Adelphi University Warit Nimmanahaeminda Drew University John D. Oberg Villanova University Charles J. O’Brien Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Javier Ortiz De Zarate Lynn University Christopher D. Paddock Limestone College Daniel A. Palazzo Bryant University Nicholas J. Papadopoulos Boston University Soon Kyu Park Boston College William P. Parker James Madison University Darren J. Peltz New York University Evan C. Phillips University of Denver Grayson L. Pollock Hobart and William Smith Colleges Richard J. Previdi Tulane University Darrius Pritchett University of New Haven Nicholas M. Quattro Endicott College Paul J. Rakoczy McGill University Myles C. Riley University of Montana Jed S. Robinson University of Connecticut Emmet Rogers Marquette University Reykelis Rosario Colby-Sawyer College Samuel D. Rosichan College of Charleston Jeremy D. Ross Babson College Zachary L. Rubenstein North Carolina State University William G. Ryan Johns Hopkins University Michael Santaguida Mercyhurst College Derek R. Sganga Marist College John D. Shamburger Bowdoin College Owen Solberg George Washington University Justin W. Spolarich University of Wisconsin Jeffrey M. Stallmeyer Jacksonville University Colin P. Sullivan Boston College Finn E. Sullivan Hofstra University Jack S. Sundberg Bentley University Joseph R. Sylvia Hobart and William Smith Colleges Haddis Tilahun Jr. Manhattanville College Pedro L. Vega Jr. Clarkson University Patrick Wallace University of Richmond Harrison J. Wasserbauer Hobart and William Smith Colleges Jordan T. Whalen University of Connecticut Andrew R. Wildish Texas Christian University Robert G. Willett Maine Maritime Academy Jack H. Williams Hobart and William Smith Colleges Matthew J. Yacovino Central Connecticut State University Ryan K. Yen Clarkson University Adam J. Zarozny Bryant University Mutian M. Zhai Emory University
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Commencement Exercises
honors, awards and prizes
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THE ORDER OF OLD FARMS Nnamdi R. Amilo Keith A. Boratko Benjamin J. Casella Wei-An Chen Matthew J. Detora Connor P. Doyle Samuel J. Feibel Benjamin T. Freiberg Cameron R. Metz Daniel A. Palazzo Jeremy D. Ross John D. Shamburger Colin P. Sullivan Ryan K. Yen CUM LAUDE SOCIETY Nnamdi R. Amilo Wei-An Chen Xuanxu Chen Matthew J. Detora David J. Dietrick Samuel J. Feibel Michael D. Gagnon Yong Woong Lee Owen Solberg JaeyungSong
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THE FOUNDER’S MEDAL Jeremy A. Campbell Community Service Siyuan Chen Academic Excellence Xuanxu Chen Academic Excellence Gavin S. Clark Community Service, Town Government Darnell J. Davis Jr. Community Service David J. Dietrick Academic Excellence Markus A. Donahoe Community Service, Town Government Michael D. Gagnon Academic Excellence, Community Service Jihad Harkeem Community Service Alex J. Johnson Community Service Yong Woong Lee Academic Excellence Mitchell L. Leeds Community Service, Town Government Timothy A. Liptrot Academic Excellence
Michael A. Nicolia Community Service Nicholas J. Papadopoulos Academic Excellence, Community Service Owen Solberg Academic Excellence Jack S. Sundberg Community Service, Town Government Harrison J. Wasserbauer Community Service Mutian M. Zhai Academic Excellence THE LOUISE B. ADAMS AWARD William M. White THE MARK FRENCH ’93 AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVE Darren J. Peltz THE PETER A. ARON ’65 AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Dominic J. Di Antonio, Robert J. Fiondella THE GEORGE A. MURRAY CUP Jack S. Sundberg
THE JENNINGS CUP Vincent F. DeBlasio CHRISTOPHER R. HETHERINGTON ‘91 CUP FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS-GRADE NINE Matthew G. Ruhlig CHRISTOPHER R. HIGGINS ’02 CUP FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS-GRADE TEN Mickoy R. Nichol RECOGNITION AWARD FOR THREE SEASON VARSITY ATHLETES Nnamdi R. Amilo, Benjamin J. Casella, Darnell J. Davis Jr., Dominic J. Di Antonio, Markus A. Donahoe, Connor P. Doyle, Mitchell L. Leeds, Daniel P. McDougall, Juan S. Mercado, Jack S. Sundberg, Joseph R. Sylvia. SCHOLAR OF DISTINCTION Nnamdi R. Amilo NATIONAL COUNCIL AWARD William G. Ryan
GRADE PRIZES FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 9th Grade Edmund T.Takata 10th Grade Byunghoon Kwon 11th Grade Jaekyung Song 12th Grade Nicholas J. Papadopoulos AWARD FOR EARNEST AND PERSISTENT EFFORT IN THE ACADEMIC AREA 9th Grade Jacob J. Whitty 10th Grade Mickoy R. Nichol 11th Grade Benjamin M. Charette 12th Grade Reykelis Rosario
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING IMPROVEMENT IN THE ACADEMIC AREA Pedro L. Vega Jr. CORNELL BOOK AWARD Manuel Barnes Caso Bercht MIDDLEBURY BOOK AWARD Conor D. McEneaney
YALE BOOK AWARD Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong THE KENNETH A. FANNING FACULTY AWARD Barbara Rozinsky THE CASHION FACULTY AWARD Glenn Sieber
DARTMOUTH BOOK AWARD Colin B. Tiernan
THE STUDENT COUNCIL SPIRIT AWARD Michael A. Nicolia
TRINITY BOOK AWARD Seamus N. O’Brien
THE STUDENT COUNCIL AWARD Melvin Davis, Sr.
HAMILTON BOOK AWARD Edward A. Arnheiter
THE ADAM ’93 AND LUKE ’95 CLINE AWARD Gavin S. Clark, Robert A. Higgins
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOOK AWARD Wilson P. Meyer
THE RICHARD WOODWELL ’75 AWARD Ryan D. Phillips EDWARD SOMERVILLE VOSS AWARD Connor P. Doyle GREGG RICHARD LINBURG ‘87 AWARD Myles C. Riley PAUL KARL SCHILLER ‘78 AWARD Timothy R. Fox THE SIDNEY C. CLARK POST GRADUATE AWARD Joseph A. Colton
THE TIM STRAUS ’75 AWARD Mitchell L. Leeds
HARVARD BOOK AWARD William M. White
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Alumni
Remember that time Reunion Weekend Highlights 2012
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deal New England spring weather welcomed over 250 reunion-goers back to campus from Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20. On Friday, the annual alumni golf outing got things started about mid-day, and that evening, clusters of alumni classes were reunited at gatherings on and off campus at local restaurants and homes of alumni. For the first time in many years, the Forge was used as a location for the class reunion dinner for the Classes of 1971, 1972, 1973 Cluster Group. Hosted by Dan Carpenter ’72, the reunion dinner was a success, and all enjoyed the atmosphere of the Forge. Regardless of the location, old and new friends gathered to rehash stories from the Farm and to re-connect with laughter and good cheer. A crisp Saturday morning treated some hearty outdoorsmen to fishing and flapjacks at the Nimrod Cabin. Later that morning, the annual Memorial Service to honor and remember those who have passed since the last gathering took place in the Chapel prior to the Alumni Parade. Avon’s own marching band, under the direction of Chairman of the Music Department Rob Volo, led the alumni through the quadrangle on their way to the Beatson Performing Arts Center and the Susan Casey Brown Auditorium for the Distinguished Alumnus Awards (see pp. 26-27 for details). Current students lined the parade route, cheering on the
parade of alumni and their families. A dedication of Victory Hall on the lower level of the Field House punctuated the afternoon ceremonies. Following lunch on Saturday, athletes and fans headed down to Avon’s new turf field for a spirited alumni lacrosse game with over thirtyfive former AOF Lacrosse players participating. Alumni also had a chance to watch our outstanding Varsity Baseball team (20-2) earn its 18th win of the season against Trinity-Pawling on the recently refurbished Carpenter Field. Our JV and Thirds Baseball teams also competed that afternoon to round out the athletic contests. The Brown Student Center was the perfect gathering spot for the Headmaster’s Reception and Cocktails prior to The Avon Heirs/Riddlers 25th Anniversary Concert on Saturday evening. The concert was a triumph, featuring over 25 alumni vocalists ranging from the Class of 1957 to 2011. Candles burned brightly long into the night in the Riddle Refectory as revelers celebrated the enduring brotherhood that is Avon at the Reunion Banquet. On Sunday, alumni gathered again in the Refectory for a fabulous “getaway” brunch before heading back home with bags full of Avon Old Farms clothing and memories of a weekend full of reconnecting with their classmates, faculty, and their school.
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Reunion
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Alumni
Class of ’52 and Henry Daden ’43
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’52
Class of ’52 with Henry Daden ’43: Danny Winston ’52, John Nichols ’52, Frank Leavitt ’52, George Black ’52, Richard Walker ’52, Henry Daden ’43 Class of ’52 (with Seth Mendell ’52): George Black, Danny Winston, Seth Mendell, John Nichols, Richard Walker The 50s: Andrew Stern ’57, Don Monaco ’55, Rolf Olson ’59, Chuck Davis ’59, Austin Chambers ’58, Elliot Tuckel ’57, Bob Gryboski ’57, Danny Winston ’52, John Nichols ’52, Frank Leavitt ’52, George Black ’52, Henry Daden ’43, Jock Davenport ’59, Richard Walker ’52, Richard Thorndike ’57 The 60s: Jerry Robinson ’62, Winston McKellar ’69, Brian Sullivan ’67, Sam Chew ’62, Brian Mullins ’68, Al Rozinsky ’62, Karl Aschenbach ’62, Jerry Blakeley ’62, Hank Gardner ’62, John Wicart ’62, Stephen Zee ’62, Chris Hall ’62, George Seifert ’62, Bud Usich ’62, Charlie Kohn ’62, Tony Hoyt ’62 Class of ’62: Karl Aschenbach, Jerry Robinson, Al Rozinsky, Jerry Blakeley, John Wicart, Stephen Zee, Chris Hall, George Seifert, Bud Usich, Charlie Kohn, Hank Gardner, Tony Hoyt
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Alumni
Cluster Classes ’67, ’68, ’69
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’82
Cluster Classes ’67, ’68, ‘69: Dave Coleman ’69, Jay Goldstein ’68, Brian Sullivan ’67, Seth Mendell ’52, Jimmy Newman ’67, Bill Kirkland ’67, Brian Mullins ’68, Josh Lipman ’67, Andy Schorr ’67, David Pinkham ’67 Class of ’77: Ted Sanford, Bill Kron (H’07), Dean Petow, Fred Michel, Jeff Thompson, Dal Williams, Greg DeMaio, Jeff Sherrill, Jim Onerato, Charlie Bishop, Corky Shepard, Peter Hinrichs, Tom Bissell, Lincoln Young Class of ’82: RC Sayyah, Greg Stanton, John McCormick, Rich Protasewich, Philip Wellman, E.J. Jarboe Class of ‘87: Bill Suggs, Hal Beacham, Warner James, Reid Hipp, Eric Delnicki, Whip Burks, Todd Frodyma, Chip Ernst, Andrew Leidner, David Reuter, Randy Peck, Jim McCormick, Carter Redd, Greg Stocklan, Pete St. Clair
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’90s
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’07 The 90s: Mike Rozinsky ’94, Bill Austin ’92, Tony Salerno ’97, Scott Goodwyn ’92, Brendon Welker ’91, Lance Cashion ’93 Class of ’02: Brooks Clinton, Jake Clinton, Dylan Gould, Matt Biggart, Rick Stevens, Charles Ward Class of ‘07: Standing: Nick Bonino, Brian Malcoff, Armand Wilson, Mike Rechhia, Tom Mapes, Ken Trentowski, Ryan Petersen, Grant Palermo, Matt Beath, Dan Arguedas, Devin Keogh, Luke Seymour, Kneeling: Nathan Zinn, Andrew Lyons, Casey Coons, Craig Kubasek, Juan Parra, Eddie Sumner Usich Generations at Avon: Jed Usich ’85, Bud Usich ’62, Nate Usich ’14, and Jon Usich ’89
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The National Council Spotlight
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n the Thursday and Friday of Reunion Weekend, the National Council convened one of its bi-annual meetings to do its work for the school. Of course, as the saying goes, when you love what you do, the work does not really seem like work. To a member, the National Council all share a love of Avon Old Farms, and serving on the Council provides the opportunity to remain an active and influential part of the school community. Council Officer Sam Rubenstein ’85 comments, “giving back to the school that gave me so much [is one of the most rewarding aspects of being on the Council]”; the desire to give back in recognition of the school seems to be a common motivator. And, since its inception, the Council has evolved into its own identity defined by a unique culture of interested giving with the school as the fundamental benefactor. The Avon Old Farms School National Council was originally founded as the Headmaster’s National Council. In May of 2007, the “management” of the National Council was handed over from the Headmaster’s office to the
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membership and they instituted by-laws to govern their activities. Since that time, they have continued to refine their responsibilities to the school and have focused their efforts on several key projects. The current officers of the Council are Chairman Chris Hampton ’79, Vice Chairman Chris Drew ’85, Secretary Mike Conroy ’85, and Nominating Committee Chairman Sam Rubenstein ’85. Anne Black is the current staff liaison to the National Council. Its membership is limited to 60 and currently there are 52 members. This does not include the Headmaster or Rob Dowling ’91, who is an Honorary Member and the first staff member to act as the liaison to the National Council. Dowling comments, “The Council is an active organization of effective advisors,
ambassadors, and advocates for the school. The role it has played in Avon’s continued development is crucial.” The National Council is an influential group, to be sure, comprised of men and women who love the school and are willing to work diligently to bring projects to fruition. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is one such project. There is a selection committee of the National Council, which makes a recommendation to the Headmaster for who should receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. It is given out every other year (on the even years). Additionally, it was upon the recommendation of the National Council that Reunion programming was revamped to include two cluster groups of three years coming together at each Reunion. The
new plan was instituted for Reunion 2011 and was successfully repeated in May. Another effective initiative is the establishment of a National Council Fund to which members and former members can direct gifts to be used in support of their activities (the officers allocate these funds in consultation with the Headmaster). The Avon Old Farms affinity credit card and a couple of other affinity programs being led by individual members of the Council have proven to be successful endeavors to have monies come back to the school.
The National Council contributes not just to the programmatic and financial enhancement of the school, but also to the physical enhancement. Not yet completed, but actively underway is a plan to fund a custom-designed, recognition wall that will be built in the Brown Student Center to showcase those who have received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The National Council is also developing a plan to install a Veterans Tribute on campus. The Council will undertake the design and fundraising for these initiatives.
Additionally, as ambassadors for the school, members regularly volunteer to participate in regional receptions and to support admission efforts. They have also supported the Entrepreneurial Club by hosting students at various businesses. Possible expansion of this will be a mentoring/networking program for Avon alumni in college and in launching into careers. The extent of the Council’s activity is evident, and the school looks forward to its continued involvement.
from the Mission Statement: The Avon Old Farms School National Council has the primary goal of enhancing communications and the exchange and implementation of ideas between the Avon Old Farms School community, and a select group of Avon’s most dedicated alumni, parents, and friends. Members of the National Council serve as informed ambassadors for Avon in their spheres of influence and as effective resources for the Avon community.
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Distinguished Alumnus Awards Kristian Bush ’88 songwriter and musician Because of his performing schedule as a member of the award-winning country duo Sugarland, and hence his inability to be present for the ceremony on Reunion Weekend, Kristian Bush received Avon Old Farms School’s
Distinguished Alumnus Award March 2, 2012 when he visited campus with his son. A talented song-writer, musician, singer and performer, Kristian Bush of Sugarland has won multiple awards including Grammys.
Kevin McKernan ’91 scientist and entrepreneur
Having been honored at the White House for his part in mapping the human Genome at the Whitehead Institute at MIT and having spoken at Parliament, UK in 2008, Kevin McKernan has designed and built robotics that were integral to the
process of DNA sequencing. Kevin has been blazing a remarkable trail in the rapidly expanding field of Genomics---virtually a new science driving major biological and medical research innovations in the 21st century. As a consequence of his work and that of others, science is now harnessing the powers of genetic testing, drug research, and gene therapy in attacking various diseases while accelerating toward a world of personalized medicine. Soon you may be able to ask realistically the question: what medicines and even foods will work effectively for you personally, and which ones
should you avoid-as determined by your unique genome? Two successful companies, Agencourt and Agencourt Personal Genomics, were created and sold by Kevin and his two older brothers. Most recently, Kevin is founder and CEO of Medicinal Genomics, which was then acquired by and is now a research division of Courtagen Life Sciences, a company focused on the sequencing of patients’ mitochondrial genes, and where Kevin continues to be Chief Scientific Officer. This last company reunites Kevin with his older brothers Brian and Brendan McKernan, who founded Courtagen.
from the Mission Statement: The mission of Avon’s Distinguished Alumnus Award is to recognize a deserving alumnus who has achieved distinction in his professional career, humanitarian endeavors, or other areas of his life. This award honors an individual who has embraced the core values emphasized at Avon Old Farms. By celebrating the accomplishments of the recipient, Avon Old Farms nourishes the strong sense of pride within our school community and acknowledges the inherent value in recognizing excellence among our alumni. The prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award is bestowed based upon the selection and recommendation of the National Council of Avon Old Farms School and in consultation with the Headmaster.
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For more about the Distinguished Alumnus Award and past recipients, please visit the “Alumni” page at avonoldfarms.com , and click on “Distinguished Alumnus.”
Brendan McKernan ’89 entrepreneur, investor, mentor
Brendan McKernan, President of Courtagen Life Sciences, besides playing a major role in the creation of Courtagen and creation and sale of Agencourt and Agencourt Personal Genomics, is also a guest lecturer at Rensselaer’s and Babson’s School of Management and a mentor and investor to early stage companies through Boston Harbor Angels. A member of Rensselaer Lally School
Seth Mendell ’52 educator, historian, community servant
of Management’s Advisory council, while at Rensselaer for graduate school, Brendan received the Delmar W. Karger Award in Management for outstanding academic and leadership achievements, and was named the 2006 William F. Glaser ’53 Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year. Brendan is also a member of Avon’s Board of Directors.
Seth Mendell has devoted his life to Avon. A graduate of 1952, he came back to work at Avon, teaching history, coaching soccer and riflery, heading dormitories, leading the Nimrod Club, heading the first development office at Avon, and being a class agent continuously. Seth not only taught the boys, but also mentored the younger teachers. In retirement, he has continued to attend Avon board meetings (in an ex-officio capacity) and National Council meetings in an effort to provide stability to Avon, since he has worked with decades of Headmasters from Don Pierpont to George Trautman and Ken LaRocque. Retired to Massachusetts, he has continuously given back to his community, partnering to raise $1.4 million for the expansion and renovation of the 100-year-old Mattapoisett Free Public Library and being named a Standard-Times Man of the Year for Mattapoisett, Massachusetts in 2003.
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Student artwork The 2012 Commencement Art Show
This page, above: Colin Lenfest ’14. Center: 2011-12 ceramics course, taught by the Chairman of the Visual Arts Department, Gail Laferriere. Opposite page, top to bottom: Jeremy Campbell ’12, Lane Valimont ’13, Krit Pranich ’12, Lane Valimont ’13
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Avon, CT 06001 Permit No. 12
500 Old Farms Road Avon, Connecticut 06001 www.AvonOldFarms.com
Change Service Requested
Cover Photo: Commencement 2012. Photo by David Newman.
Congratulations to our 2012 Champions! Varsity Golf Western New England Championship
Varsity Lacrosse Founders League Championship
Varsity Baseball Founders League and Colonial League championships