16 STUDENTS EMBARK ON A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ADVENTURE IN COSTA RICA, REKINDLING GLOBAL EXPLORATION.
Bancroft
Stephanie
Jody
Shari
Design
Photography Erin
Gil
Paul
On The Cover: ¡Vamos a Costa Rica! Students embark on a learning adventure in Costa Rica. ¡Vamos a Costa Rica! STUDENTS EMBARK ON A
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Josephine “Jo” Herron Truesdell. 1972 Graduate. Trustee. Former Faculty. Past Parent. And more recently, a bookstore owner.
I’m a map person and always have been. I got it from my father who could find his way anywhere and spent countless hours pouring over maps. When my husband, Mark, and I hike the trails around our home on the side of Wachusett or in Leominster State Forest or on a new set of trails, I always want a map with me. In new cities and across international lines, I’m an easy traveler - as long as I have a map in my bag. I’m also deeply rooted in the stretch of the St. Lawrence River where I grew up. When I was young, the nautical maps of the river helped me explore that beautiful waterway.
In this edition of the Bancroft Bulletin, you’ll find an article about Jacob Friedman ’17 and his company Treeline Terrains. Jacob crafts maps out of wood, capturing the topography of beloved locations. His maps are accurate and very detailed, but you don’t travel with them as a guide. Instead, they give you a way to hold a place that you love and keep it present. They can be a lasting reminder of where you’ve been and where your center is.
Also In this issue, you’ll read about the Spanish immersion trip to Costa Rica over spring break, a student experience that has returned to the calendar after a multi-year hiatus. In another international trip this past June, students once again were able to visit Bermuda to study marine biology. While our students can explore the big world out there, they can also experience the power of immersive education right here on campus. You will also read about French Immersion Day, another tradition that was redesigned and brought back, giving students an important opportunity to surround themselves with French culture and language for a full day.
We have regularly taken students beyond Shore Drive this year, giving them meaningful cultural and community experiences. Our 4th graders traveled to Boston in March to tour the Boston Tea Party Museum and ships. Here in the Worcester area, the 6th grade visited Mechanics Hall to learn some of its history and view some new portraits. At the end of April, much of the Middle School was off campus for the division’s Youth Equity in Action Program, helping non-profits around the city. Advanced Spanish students visited Worcester State to work in the Latino Education Institute. And, Upper School students have visited the Blackstone Water Treatment plant as part of their work in Environmental Studies.
Experiences and adventures for our students require the guidance of trusted adults; great people who are great teachers. These are mentors who know the way - who understand how to read the map if you will. I’m so very proud of the Bancroft Faculty as they show our students paths to knowledge and understanding.
We don’t always need to travel to explore completely different ideas and worlds. Here in Worcester, we can visit former faculty member and current Board member and alum Jo Truesdell ’72 at Tidepool Bookshop, which she runs with her husband Huck. Outstanding guides through the world of books, they can show you the way to your next read. I invite you to read about their experience as bookshop owners and as guides through the landscape of books.
With our understandable focus on student safety and wellness, it may seem at times like even good schools can be isolating or isolated places. Certainly, the early COVID era kept everyone close to home, and the school needed to be fairly insulated. Now, however, Bancroft is reaching out again, into the community and the larger world. This is as it should be for a school that fosters curiosity and caring in its learners. We are using our maps again to find our way to new places and to return to old favorites, always knowing that we have an anchor place. In this case, it is Shore Drive.
Stephanie S Luebbers Head of School
DONORDONORSPOTLIGHT
The Class of 2023
During our most recent Giving Day campaign, months after their Commencement ceremony, the Class of 2023 demonstrated their deep understanding of the importance of philanthropy. Generous contributions highlighted their recognition of fostering a culture of engagement with their alma mater, building a bridge between being a student and becoming an alum. To further illustrate the importance of supporting Bancroft School, three of the many members of the Class of 2023 shared their motivation for giving back.
Nolan Byron ’23 was an active member of the Bancroft Community. He was a member of Big Buddies, a three sport captain, a member of Student Council, and was recognized for his outstanding achievements during the Upper School Awards Ceremony where he was the recipient of the prestigious Thomas Hovey Gage Medal. Nolan chose to make a gift on his first Giving Day as an alum because “the sense of community was a transformational experience throughout my time on Shore Drive. Giving back is one way to ensure that the Bancroft community remains strong and continues to serve students in the future”. Nolan is a rising sophomore at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.
Abigail "Abby" Epple ’23 was a Sandboxer, member of the Speech Team, participated on the softball team, and was captain of the volleyball team. Abby “donated on behalf of the Speech Team and their efforts to create more opportunities for their students. The
Speech Team at Bancroft was one of the most fun things [she] did and is something [she] still finds [herself] being helped by everyday. It means a lot to [her] to be able to give the current team members the same incredible experience that [she] had when [she] was a student”. Abby is starting her second year at New York University.
Leart Jahaj ’23 was a member of the Art Club, Student Council and the tennis team. Throughout his time at Bancroft he received the Bancroft Scholar award in 9th and 11th grade, the Middle School Gage Medal, and the Gauthier Language award. Leart decided to give back because “[his] Bancroft education bestowed upon [him] incredible friendships, everlasting connections with teachers, and an extensive preparation for college and beyond. [He] felt it is only right for [him] and [his] fellow classmates to demonstrate [their] gratitude in any way [they] can. That is why [he] chose to give to Bancroft, and why [he] will continue to do so for many years on!” Leart is entering his sophomore year at Providence College in Rhode Island.
As these three young alumni from the Class of 2023 continue to make their mark on the world, their generous contributions illuminate the enduring spirit of Bancroft School. Their stories inspire us all to give back and shape a brighter future for our community.
Thank you to all the members of Class of 2023 who generously donated on Giving Day.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CLASS OF 2023 ALUMNI AND DONORS NOLAN BYRON, ABIGAIL EPPLE, AND LEART JAHAJ
BANCROFT NEWS
Eclipse on Shore Drive
Our community was abuzz with eclipse excitement in the hours leading up to our solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8. At 3:00 p.m. students, faculty, staff, and families began to gather to view the cosmic spectacle. Equipped with solar glasses and ‘eclipsicles’ (popsicles with a special name), eyes took to the sky to witness the 93% sun coverage. Science teachers across campus led programming in the days leading up to the event to teach students about the eclipse, safety during viewing, and to generate excitement. Thanks to all who were able to join us for this fun community event!
Level Up
Girls Tennis Captain Evin Cosar ’24 might have graduated this spring, but her tennis career will continue at the collegiate level next fall when she joins the Connecticut College Camels! Evin only dropped 1 match in her senior campaign as the #1 singles student-athlete for the Bulldogs. Athletic Director Garth Adams, Head Coach Brian Foley, family, teammates, friends, and faculty celebrated Evin’s official signing day in the Fletcher Athletic Center on May 20th.
MS Space Exploration
In early February, our 7th graders visited the Christa McAuliffe Center for Science Education at Framingham State University. While there, students took on various collaborative roles in a simulated mission to Mars. “They worked in both Mission Control and the Spacecraft collecting data, reporting their findings and making decisions in an ever changing environment,” said MS/US Science teacher, Abby Morgan. “The trip expanded on the 7th grade science curriculum which focuses on the examination of the requirements for life, evaluation of the ability of a planet to support life as we know it, and discovery of the science and technology of space exploration.”
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Harrington Theater exploded with color, energy, song and dance as the Upper School musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” took the stage for four outstanding performances earlier this spring. Congratulations to the cast and crew on an amazing production!
CO-FOUNDERS ALEX GEMME, NATHANIEL KLEIN AND BANCROFT ALUM, JACOB FREEDMAN ’17 GRADUATED FROM
LEARNING THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY
Jacob Freedman ’17, Co-Creator of Treeline Terrains
By Emily Baker
Jacob Freedman, a member of Bancroft School’s Class of 2017, co-founded Treeline Terrains with two friends after graduating from Middlebury College in 2021. The company began as a heartfelt gesture to their supervisor at the Middlebury Snowbowl Ski Resort. To show appreciation for her guidance, the trio crafted a 3-dimensional terrain map of the Snowbowl Mountain, utilizing their combined skills in topography, woodworking, and machinery. The gift deeply moved their supervisor, inspiring them to explore the potential of this unique craft further.
MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE AND LAUNCHED TREELINE TERRAINS IN 2021. PHOTO BY ERICA HOUSKEEPER.
What started as a thoughtful art project for a colleague soon grew into a passionate endeavor. During their final semester at Middlebury, Jacob and his friends enrolled in an entrepreneurship class to learn how to transform their hobby into a viable business. Interestingly, none of them had initially planned to pursue business; two co-founders were on a pre-med track, and Jacob was focused on environmental conservation. However, their passion for creating detailed topographic maps led them to launch Treeline Terrains.
Based in Vermont, Treeline Terrains began in a small, rented workshop. By this past spring, the business had expanded to a larger facility, equipped with all the tools necessary for their craft. The company’s growth has been driven by a deep sense of community, a value Jacob attributes to his time at Bancroft School.
At Bancroft, Jacob was an active student, participating in the crew and ski teams, the environmental club, and founding the TED Talks club. His involvement in various community activities taught him the importance of collaboration and giving back. Bancroft’s emphasis on outreach and community involvement in Worcester left a lasting impression on him. He recognized the mutual support between the school and the local community, a lesson he has carried into his business.
Treeline Terrains has continued to prioritize community, hiring local employees who share a love for the state of Vermont. “Being in rural Vermont doesn’t have the same allure as a big city like Boston or
Worcester, especially for young people, but there’s a strong sense of community here. We wanted to create good jobs for local people,” Jacob explained. The company also engages in nonprofit work, partnering with organizations like the Vermont Adaptive Ski Program to make skiing accessible for people with different abilities. For visually impaired skiers, Treeline Terrains creates 3-D maps of ski mountains, enabling them to feel the trails and anticipate their paths.
As the business expands, so does the team’s vision. In September 2023, they launched a design tool on their website, allowing customers to select specific areas on Google Maps and instantly see a 3D representation of their desired map. This innovation has significantly boosted sales, and the team plans to expand into stock and wholesale markets, offering ready-made maps of larger regions, such as entire states.
Jacob’s journey with Treeline Terrains is a testament to his love for commemorating special places and stories through his work. As the company evolves, the core value of community support, instilled during his years at Bancroft School, remains a constant guiding principle.
Explore Treeline Terrains and their artwork at https://treelineterrains.com/.
Reunion Spread (Photos)
REUNION WEEKEND 2024
Reunion Weekend 2024 at Bancroft School, held on May 17 & 18, was a heartwarming celebration of community and connection. Alumni from across decades returned to campus, rekindling old friendships and creating new memories. The festivities kicked off with guided campus tours, where alumni marveled at both the familiar and the new, followed by a vibrant student art show that showcased the exceptional talent of Bancroft’s current students.
A highlight of the weekend was the 50th Reunion dinner for the Class of 1974, held at the Worcester Club. It was an evening filled with nostalgia, laughter, and reflections on a shared past. The celebration continued on Saturday night with the Blue Moon Cocktail Reception and Reunion Dinner at the Bancroft Field House. Here, the alumni community came together to honor outstanding achievements and contributions.
Dr. Henry Perschak ’74 was presented with the prestigious Esther Forbes (1907) Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement, recognizing his remarkable career and impact. Katherine ‘Kat’ Landry ’14 received the 2024 Young Alumni Achievement Award, celebrating her early yet significant contributions to her field.
Catherine Colinvaux P ’15, P ’19 was honored with the Milton P. Higgins 1918 Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft School, acknowledging her dedication and commitment to the school community.
The weekend was a true testament to the enduring spirit of Bancroft, as former and current faculty and staff, and alumni of all ages came together to celebrate the past, present, and future of the school.
ALUMNIALUMNIAWARDS AWARDS
ESTHER FORBES (1907)
AWARD
FOR DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT
Dr. Henry Perschak ’74
Dr. Henry Perschak is an accomplished Physician, Innovator, and Advisor with over 30 years of professional medical experience. He received his MD from the University of Zurich in 1981 and later became the Head of Internal Medicine at the International Medical Center at Klinik Hirslanden, part of the leading private clinic group in Switzerland. Henry currently runs a practice for Internal Medicine and Personalized Health with a keen personal interest in improving patient care and follow-up. As a testament to his dedication to the medical and healthcare industries, a colleague noted that “apart from Henry’s obvious brilliant mind, he is an excellent supervisor and world-class mentor”. It is with this wide range of skills and commitment to continuous improvement within his discipline that makes Henry a perfect selection for the Esther Forbes (1907) Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement.
ALUMNIALUMNIAWARDS AWARDS
YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Katherine 'Kat' Landry ’14
Kat Landry is a stage and production manager whose international live entertainment career has taken her to nearly 60 countries around the world. In her 10 years since graduating from Bancroft, Kat has gained experience in theatre, the circus, theme parks, cruise ships, concerts, conferences, award shows, and many other major events both domestic and international.
Some of her favorite projects include managing Celebrity Cruises’ partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, producing major headline talent concerts for the World Expo in Dubai, and touring as a stage manager with Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría in North America, Asia, and Europe. Kat is passionate about leadership and cross-cultural collaboration, which are frequent topics on the podcast she co-hosts titled TheatreArtLife. She is a certified Project Management Professional and a proud graduate of both Bancroft School and the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. We are thrilled to present Kat with the Young Alumni Achievement Award and look forward to watching her continued success.
MILTON P. HIGGINS 1918 AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO BANCROFT SCHOOL
Catherine Colinvaux P ’15, P ’19
Since her first exposure to the school as a parent in 2002, Catherine Colinvaux has been a dedicated, caring, and passionate presence in the Bancroft community. A member of the Board of Trustees since 2012, President of the Board of Trustees from 20172020 and 2022-2023, Treasurer from 2013-2016, a part of the BluePrint 125 Strategic Planning Team, and an active philanthropist, Catherine has dedicated over 20 years to helping Bancroft forward. Time and time again, Catherine has volunteered her time and expertise to help ensure Bancroft continues to live its mission. For her unwavering commitment, we are honored to present Catherine with the Milton P. Higgins 1918 Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft School.
Community Connections
Josephine “Jo” Herron Truesdell. 1972 Graduate. Trustee. Former Faculty. Past Parent. And more recently, a bookstore owner.
BY EMILY BAKER
JoHerron Truesdell ’72 comes from a tight knit Bancroft family that spans 117 of the School’s 125 years. Her mother, Frances Dresser Herron, was class of 1937; her grandmother, Josephine Dresser, was the first female President of the Board of Trustees; her sister Molly Herron ’83 graduated from Bancroft; and a slew of aunts, cousins, and an uncle attended Bancroft, were on the board, and one – her aunt Rose Dresser ’27 – came back to Bancroft to teach. Shortly after graduating from college, Jo, too, found herself back on campus. During the spring of her senior year at Middlebury, knowing she wanted to teach but not feeling ready to take on a classroom of her own, she got in touch with Wyatt Garfield to see if there might be a possibility for some kind of internship, preferably in the Middle School. He didn’t have anything to offer in the Middle School, but he happened to be looking for an assistant in a new K-1 transitional classroom. Jo
snapped up the opportunity with the goal of staying for only one year, just to gain classroom experience. The following year, however, when Barbara Root retired, Jo was hired to teach Kindergarten under beloved Head of Lower School Hope Graham. Five years or so later she began to question whether it made sense to continue teaching at the same school she attended for high school. While musing over this with her cousin one day, he asked, "Do you love what you do, and are you challenged by what you do?" The answer to both was a resounding “yes”, a feeling that would continue throughout her 41-year career.
Although still loving what she did and still being challenged by what she did, in 2017 Jo did decide that it was time to give someone else the opportunity to teach Kindergarten, so she packed up her guitar and her Monarch Butterfly cage (from which almost every year at least one caterpillar would escape), and retired, ever-so-grateful for her years at Bancroft School, and grateful that her son, Sam Truesdell ’02, was able to enjoy the benefits of being a Sandboxer during that time.
Shortly after Jo retired, she and her soon-to-be-retired husband, Huck, began thinking about next steps. At that time, Worcester no longer had an independent bookstore selling new books. With so many colleges and universities in the area and a population closing in on 200,000, there was indeed a need, and it became clear what Jo and Huck’s next life adventure would be. While it seemed scary to start this passion of theirs – Jo having been a teacher and Huck having been in land acquisition for wildlife habitat, neither had any experience in retail, except on the buying end -- Jo stated that “one thing Bancroft taught me, both as a student and as an employee, was the courage to try something new and different”. As a student, Jo remembers being inspired by her teachers to take
risks, to try new approaches, to challenge herself, whether it be in the classroom, on the playing field, or on the stage. The same was true when she came back to Bancroft and sat on the other side of the desk, as teachers were also continually inspired to try innovative techniques and approaches, to come up with new ideas to encourage children to be active participants in their learning. That viewpoint is what gave her the courage to try an idea as grand as starting a business. Little did the couple know the journey that would lie ahead of them.
The first step for Jo and Huck in starting their business was getting in touch with the American Booksellers Association where they took a course on what one needs to do in order to open a bookstore. Next, it was all about trying to find the right location, and finding the right spot is where the first Bancroft connections began. When they went to tour their first space, it turned out the building was owned by former Bancroft parent Hamid Mohaghegh. The timing ended up not being quite right for them, but Hamid was incredibly helpful ... and, as it turned out, his daughter, and Jo’s former student, Neelu Mohaghegh ’14, was able to open Fuel America in the space two years later. Past parent Ignatius Chang, father of Maureen Chang Colasono ’99 and Trustee Michael Chang ’96, ultimately became Jo and Huck’s landlord. Jo described their location as the perfect place because “it had everything we needed -- visibility, parking, and accessibility – and it has ambience, too. Plus, Ignatius has been a great landlord”.
With the perfect venue, opening day for TidePool Bookshop was set: March 2020. Due to the pandemic this open date did not end up happening, which Jo described as a blessing in disguise as it gave them time to open more gradually. Instead of opening the brick and mortar portion of the bookstore that spring, they got the online side of the bookstore going instead ... and they did so with more Bancroft connections. Ingrid Jeppson Mach ’72 took on the task of creating TidePool’s website. Jen Davies, past Bancroft parent, who had run Bancroft’s Bookstore for many years, took on the task of getting Huck and Jo organized – no easy task, according to Jo! -- and five Bancroft seniors did their Senior Co-op at TidePool that May. The students set up a YouTube station for the bookstore’s Zoom events, created Facebook posts to begin spreading the word about the new store, and videotaped YA book reviews for the website. With their technological skills they showed Huck and Jo ways to promote the store even before it actually opened. People began ordering books, and, thanks to Bancroft connections, TidePool Bookshop was underway!
From customers to guest speakers to class field trips,
Bancroft and TidePool Bookshop have maintained a nurturing and supportive relationship. Each year Jo and Huck continue to welcome Co-Op students into their store, and Bancroft’s 6th grade English classes have taken field trips to the bookstore to write “spine poems”. A number of Bancroft alums have done events at TidePool, including Caroline Camougis ’80, Warner Fletcher ’63, Allen Fletcher ’65, Eleni Gage ’92, Bonnie Johnson ’82, and Solon Kelleher ’11 and his mom, Kathy Tsandikos, and Jo and Huck keep their bookstore stocked with alumni authors, among them a Summer of ’24 New York Times best-selling author Sarah Beth Angelini Durst ’92
For Jo, however, the unexpected delight to come from opening her bookstore is the number of former students, parents, and colleagues she has been able to reconnect with. She recalled coming back from a meeting soon after the bookstore opened to find a student from her very first class, Maggie Johnson, shopping for books with her mom. Jo said that “former students would not just show up at my house to pop in and say hi. I feel extremely fortunate to have a place where they can stop by and where I can see people from my Bancroft days”. The connections Jo has made throughout her time at Bancroft are what she thinks of as lifelong connections, and is what has helped build a community around her.
TidePool Bookshop is located at 372 Chandler St Unit 101 Worcester, MA. For store hours and more information, visit www.tidepoolbookshop.com
¡Vamos a Costa Rica!
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, students and faculty traveled abroad this past March to the beautiful country of Costa Rica to learn more about language, culture, and themselves.
Here is a firsthand account of bringing global studies trips back to Bancroft from the 3 faculty members who planned and accompanied students on the journey.
Jody Stephenson Middle School World Language Teacher
“It’s so beautiful, Señora, just like you said it would be”. This statement, spoken from one of my eighth graders as she peered out the plane window at the rollings hills of the Valle Central, was one of my initial memories of taking students to Costa Rica for the first time in 2012. As a Spanish teacher, bringing students to experience the magical place where you fell in love with the language yourself is truly special. Costa Rica is a country home to incredibly warm and welcoming people, abundant natural wonders, and a ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle in which life is good and joy in the little things is what matters most.
This Costa Rican student travel experience is designed with our school’s mission and values in mind. Students are immersed in the language and culture, interacting with the local people, advancing their Spanish, taking risks, growing, and broadening their horizons.
Fast forward through amazing travel experiences in 2014, 2016, 2018 in which sixty Middle School students had the opportunity to accompany me to Costa Rica – to the winter of 2020. We were all set to go - 15 students - 2 chaperones. The itinerary was finalized, the plane tickets purchased. I had even packed my suitcase a few weeks early. It sat in the corner of my room anticipating the exciting journey ahead.
We had all heard about the Coronavirus, of courseit had come to the United States - it had even come to Boston, but there didn’t seem to be any cases in Latin America. Everything was going to be fine.
I’ll never forget when Mark Taylor, who was the Director of Community Engagement at the time, called me on March 1st and said that we needed to talk.
As we walked, meeting half way down the path between the McDonough Building and the playground, I knew what he was going to say. “We have to cancel the trip. Governor Baker has announced that no student travel is allowed from MA due to the spreading Coronavirus”. That didn’t prevent me from bursting into tears. How would I relay this news to my students? They were going to be so disappointed.
Returning home that afternoon I glanced at my packed suitcase in the corner. It seemed to be mocking me - a cruel reminder of an adventure that would never come to fruition. Would I ever get to take students to my favorite place again?
Fast forward to the spring of 2023. I remember walking out of a department meeting one afternoon when my Upper School Spanish Colleagues asked if I had a moment to chat. “It feels like we are ready to bring back student travel”, they remarked. “What do you think about trying to run a combined MS and US trip to Costa Rica next year? This would allow for students who were supposed to travel with you in 2020 to have this experience before they graduate.” That’s all I needed to hear; I was on board.
This past summer, the three of us met for lunch at NU Kitchen to create a trip proposal that would be (hopefully) approved by the Bancroft administration. As we discussed our goals for the trip, many questions arose. What would it be like traveling with students from grades seven to twelve? How would we manage the different levels of Spanish ability?
The Adventure begins: March 2024
Like so much in life, it was the little moments of this trip that created the most vivid and cherished memories.
On the Tuesday morning of the week we were at our host language school, CPI, in Monteverde, Costa Rica, our group drove up to the Reserva Santa Elena for a guided walking tour of the cloud forest. We were hoping for a glimpse of the mystical bird, the Quetzal named after the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, and, hopefully, other hidden gems. While cloudy skies were not unusual in Monteverde, there was no clearing at all that morning and, instead, the rain poured down relentlessly. We divided into two groups, each with a Costa Rican guide, and started our walk through the rain and mud. Although we had suggested bringing a raincoat on the trip, some students made do with a bunched up cotton sweatshirt as a hat. One student sheepishly wore the full-length hooded poncho that her mother had insisted she pack and remained the driest of all. Sometimes moms DO know best!
While our group’s guide, Juán, stopped every once in a while to lean in closely into the undergrowth or to listen more closely for the sounds of creatures moving around, we all stood there getting wetter and wetter by the moment. Despite the rain, we did get the occasional “treat” viewing of a tarantula nesting in the hollow of a tree or a tiny, camouflaged insect.
One by one, the students caught my eye pleading to turn around and head back to the visitor’s center. Much to their chagrin, I just smiled and silently urged patience as we were there as Juán’s guests in the magical world of the Santa Elena cloud forest.
Shari Belanger Upper School World Language Teacher
...that hour turned out to be one of the most magical moments for me...
Eventually, we made it back to the visitor’s center, bought everyone a snack, and dropped them off with their host families to change clothes before the afternoon’s classes.
While the students were in their language classes that afternoon, I noticed that a dance class was planned for 5:15 p.m. and couldn’t imagine them rallying at that hour to learn merengue or bachata. It turned out, however, that I was completely wrong and that hour turned out to be one of the most magical moments for me. They spent the next hour learning 4 different Latin rhythms, dancing individually, and with partners, beaming smiles and giggling the entire time. Two generally reserved boys twirled each other left and right, not giving up even when they ran into each other or stepped on their own feet.
When the dance class was over, it had gotten dark and the students still had to walk back home to their host families. One group of girls, whose host family lived the furthest away, asked me to accompany them on the walk back.
As we walked down the hill, they regaled me with stories of meals with their host families and shared that a wild capibara had crossed their path on their walk home the previous afternoon. When we got to their host family’s home, I could see through the window that the table was set and their host family had prepared a meal and were about to sit down together. They thanked me for accompanying them and entered the house joyfully. They clearly felt at home with their host family.
The next evening, and from then on, they no longer needed anyone to accompany them, and tackled each day with more and more confidence. It was inspiring to see that happen before my own eyes.
In many ways, the trip to Costa Rica was just the beginning for our students. The beginning of friendships, the beginning of memories, and the beginning of a life-long shared experience. The hard moments have become funny stories to tell and the experiences that challenged perspectives and assumptions have turned into advice for younger students. The moments of fun and joy have become smiles and laughter.
As I have pondered what my favorite part of the trip was, I have begun to realize that it is the moments that I now - a few months after the trip endedcontinue to share with students. It is the moment when a graduating senior tells me that he wants to go back and visit his host family if he ever gets the chance to travel to Costa Rica again.
It is the 7th grader who I didn’t know before the trip that smiles and says “Hola” when we pass each other in the hall. It is the line “Señora, do you remember when….” that I hear several times a week as students think back to their experiences. It is the book I just finished reading and then passed along to a student because it reminded me of a story that she shared with me one evening in Monteverde.
It is the moment when I get to listen to the AP student, whose confidence in his language skills blossomed on the trip, share his ideas in class. It is the student who recently asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her college applications and whose request made me cry and laugh in equal measure. She reflected on how our relationship has evolved because of our time spent
Heather Moon
Upper School
World Language Teacher
together in Costa Rica. It is the bulletin board of smiling facessnapped in moments of joy on the catamaran cruise or while picking coffee beans - that I look at every day as I sit at my desk at work.
One student recently wrote, “Everybody on the trip was basically one big family for an entire week of Spanish learning and fun activities.” I love the use of the word “family” because that is exactly what we were for 8 days. A family that shared meals, explored new places, faced challenges, and laughed together. A family that grew closer because of all of those shared experiences.
10
YEARS OF FRENCH IMMERSION EXPERIENCES
Flavien Collet Upper School
French and Spanish Teacher
When I came to Bancroft in 2014, I expressed my desire to launch a new program to provide students taking French with an opportunity to expand their learning beyond the classroom. The concept of French Immersion Day was not new to me as I had already implemented a similar program for adults when I worked as Executive Director at the Alliance Française de Providence, the primary Rhode Island chapter of an international network of French language schools and cultural centers.
French Immersion Day essentially means spending a full day speaking exclusively in French through interactions with other learners and engaging in various workshops led by native speakers. Through language immersion, students access the “stretch zone” where they expand their learning while exploring the sounds of the language, sharing a heartfelt conversation, or laughing over a funny translation, with joy as the common ground.
In the years up through 2020, participants would start the day with some fresh croissants at 9:00 a.m., and then gather in the Bancroft Dining Hall to play games, connect with old friends, and meet new ones. After a welcome greeting and a couple of icebreaker activities, students would be divided into two groups and begin a rotation between traditional French cooking and another cultural workshop. At lunch, participants usually shared the dishes that they made during the morning cooking workshop. The afternoon was then divided into two distinct sessions.
Malian drummer Issa Coulibaly, for example, came to Bancroft three times (2015, 2019, 2022) to share his passion for djembe culture (a deep West African tradition) and showed students how to communicate with drums. French guitar player Bertrand Laurence (2016, 2024) engaged students in voice exploration and songwriting. Actor and playwright Priyamvada Purushotham (2020, 2023) directed miniperformances. French teacher Laure Hallworth (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) from Bishop Feehan High School led cooking lessons. French artist Philippe Lejeune (2016) taught participants how to paint on wood. The list of previous presenters is long, from personal French friends of mine, to scholars, cultural attachés, and even Captain Yann Cariou of the frigate Hermione, who crossed the Atlantic in the wake of Lafayette - 235 years later! Enjoying specialty treats such as quiches, clafoutis, macarons, and croissants has also been a key part of the French immersion experience.
Until January 2020, French Immersion Day traditionally occurred on a Saturday in either January or February and was offered to both Middle and Upper School students from any school. Many students joined us, even some from as far away as Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Anywhere from 25 to 40 students would interact with one another in the language that united them that day: French.
After the pandemic disrupted the annual tradition, we reflected on how to bring back the experience to campus and decided to focus on the needs of Bancroft students rather than running it as a public event.
French Immersion Day became ‘French Immersion Experience’ and all students enrolled in French at Bancroft gathered at the Field House for a special retreat - and special treats!
Looking to the future of our French Immersion Experience, the World Language Department will continue to invite French-speaking leaders with expertise who will connect with the interests of the Bancroft students so they can apply their learning to new situations while increasing their motivation. Trying to find ways to increase the frequency of such events to once a semester or even once a quarter would be ideal! We look forward to continuing to find ways to engage students in culturally enriching activities across our campus.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
I enjoyed focusing on how we pronounce French words, the importance of tone, and making sure when you speak that you are making an actual statement by being confident and making sure your voice is heard.
—I’Ryee Adjeman ’24
I enjoyed my experience a lot!
—Iliana Cania ’24
This French immersion was very vibrant and inclusive… The speaker was very funny and full of energy, which motivated others to participate.
—Marcos Fernandez ’26
I think it was really cool that music was infused with the learning, and I liked how we associated the poem with actions because it helped me memorize it too.
—Laksha Balaji ’27
I had the most fun during the acting activity because you were able to collaborate with so many other people who are learning that language alongside you and create something you and others can enjoy watching and performing.
Joan Millar Lincoln and her husband Al made a five-month visit to Morocco, not as tourists, but there to support the efforts of the Baha’i community to build unity among the country’s very diverse populations, focusing on the moral and academic education of young people. The country itself is quite spectacular and thousands of years old, with many different cultural, religious and national influences over the ages.
Joan continues with her various musical endeavors, but she finds Moroccan music challenging, with its quarter tones and intricate rhythms. They returned to Portsmouth, NH for the summer to see family, and welcome a visit from anyone who comes their way.
Richard “Dick” Pierpont’s wife Leslie is recovering successfully from ankle replacement surgery, and she should be up and dancing in no time. Dick is well, playing a lot of golf, and occasionally shooting his age. He is enjoying his time in their Nova Scotia cottage this summer. He sends his best to all.
Richard Knight is still teaching skiing at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. He met his wife there during his first year of teaching in 1971. They have three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom are skiers. The youngest are 4 and 5 years old.
Pam Kinnicutt Motley Pam's eldest granddaughter, Abi graduated from Tulane University in May. She was on the varsity sailing team, and her team has qualified for the college national championships the past 2 years. Her twin sister Emma is in the Co-op program at Northeastern University, and will graduate in 2025. Their younger brother Sam is a sophomore at Tulane. My daughter Kendra’s eldest, Cate, is a first-year student at George Washington University in D.C. I am glad that I do not have to foot the bill for college tuition at the current rates. I have been fighting a battle with Melanoma for the past two years, but seem finally to be gaining the upper hand due to immunotherapy infusions and the fantastic care of my medical oncology team. We are all optimistic now, hoping the good results will continue.
1964
Submitted by Class Secretary Christine “Chris” Carr Hague woodentent@gmx.com
Adele Griffith Krumpholz keeps in touch with Adelaide “Addie” Sherer Vander Salm, Sally Carter LaPlant and Virginia “Ginny” Steele Felch, whose photography has been exhibited locally and in Stinson and Bolinas, CA. Natalie West Sellin is also a talented photographer. The class of 1964 sends Adele condolences on her husband’s passing last year, and wish for a complete recovery from foot surgery. She is now in the Worcester area again, looking forward to her granddaughter’s graduation, summa cum laude, from Clark University.
Nancy Smith Whelan and her husband spent six weeks in southwest Florida this winter.
Mary Bomba Danenberg has taken up painting after retiring as a speech-language pathologist. She exhibits through several local art associations. She and her husband, a
retired headmaster, live in Old Lyme, Connecticut, not far from daughter Amy, a school social worker and mother of two adored grandchildren. Son Michael is Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning at Trevor Day School in Manhattan, where he lives with his wife Victoria.
Christine "Chris" Carr Hague co-chaired a meeting of the Eleanor Campbell Charitable Fund Scholarship Committee. Last year the fund awarded over $40,000 in scholarships. She’s also the fund president. Chris meets weekly with the Kitchen Table Writers, a small local group. Her publication history includes short stories and poems, while three novels are resting peacefully on her computer. She and her husband Paul make trips to the midHudson Valley to visit daughter Emily and her husband, who work for environmental conservation organizations, and to play with four-year-old grandson Sam.
There are many more of us from the Class of 1964 who haven’t checked in yet to share the new interests and explorations available to us at this stage of our lives.
RICHARD KNIGHT ’62 WITH HIS FAMILY SKIING AT WATERVILLE VALLEY
1969
Submitted by Class Secretary Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs djacobs@midrivers.com
Beverly Bolton: I'm still working for a major commercial bank but am considering retirement. Then maybe more travel. I usually go on cruises and my favorite one was to Alaska. But I also enjoyed the cruise on a paddle boat on the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis. Lots of interesting history in the south. I'm still living in Arizona and after all the years I've been here, it's home. Thanks to climate change, the weather has been crazy. After an extremely hot summer with hardly any rain, now it's cold (for AZ) and we've been having a lot of rain. I also enjoy volunteering as an usher at a theater in my town. They've had several of the old rock groups from the 60's and 70's and they are just as good as they ever were. Hope my classmates are doing well.
Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs: Like Beverly, I feel the West is home. We have been in Montana since 1996 and continue to love it. We are staying home this year, so I am looking forward to my vegetable garden and a quiet summer. We are planning another trip down under for 2025. Grandchildren (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are all doing well.
1972
Submitted by Class Secretary Josephine “Jo” Herron Truesdell thehats@aol.com
Thank you to all who wrote in this time. Much appreciated!
Mary Driscoll is back in Central MA, teaching at Millbury High School three days a week and enjoying helping students in English classes and Civics. She recently became Treasurer of the Worcester County Poetry Association, where she is happily hanging out with poets and writers. (The WCPA meets at our bookstore, so Mary and I are back in touch coordinating the gatherings. Small world!) Mary spent a month visiting her daughter, Molly, in Sydney, Australia last summer, and got some skiing in this past winter. As she notes, she is doing her best to live strong!
Upon her retirement, Andrea Salloom Cali started teaching tap dance to adults, including seniors, most of whom had “learning to tap” on their bucket list. (I’ll have to start re-thinking my list!) She is also a class manager at Jazzercise (reminding us that Jazzercise is, as she notes, “still a thing”!), which, keeps her exercising as well. Andrea continues to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for kids in
the foster/state system, and helps out at the tap studio as their Grant Director. Most exciting is that her daughter got married in October, so they have added a wonderful son-in-law and his family to their family. Congratulations!
Barbara Petter Putnam spent April in Italy, working with a colleague on a project to make research data visible on three different species of endangered seals. Her colleague, Luigi, and she will be giving a talk at Ca’ Foscari University about collaboration that joins two disciplines to communicate to a broader audience, and will then be heading to a conference in Catania, Sicily. Barb notes that she is learning to use natural dyes, which has opened a world of interesting information about sustainable harvests and historical use dating back to directions on cuneiform tablets!
Judy Schechtman wrote in response to hearing about Mr. White. I am including her note as written. You may remember she never used a capital letter in Upper School, and will be heartened to know that she still doesn’t! Unless, of course, she really LOVES something! Her note reads: “we had an amazing exposure to truly talented teachers who took a deep interest in our intellectual, emotional, analytical, and social development - even if they weren’t our direct teachers. it was a lovely community and i am forever grateful for the ways in which it allowed me to argue with, bristle at, explore, learn, and grow with them over my 4 years there. mr. white had a quiet yet impactful presence. i loved sparring with him about freud, along with his chronic search for symbolism. wasn’t there something about the green light at the end of the dock in the great gatsby? and other such things? i professed to hate my mother for pulling me out of public school and making me go to bancroft - but that lasted only a few weeks. Suddenly i LOVED school for the 1st time! you know the joni mitchell line - you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone? well, i think we did know. we just know it at a deeper level now as we “mature”. and let’s not forget how special our class was!”
Jo Herron Truesdell As for me, Huck and I are still enjoying spending our retirement at TidePool Bookshop. We now have three fabulous booksellers which is allowing us to take time off this June to head to Ireland with our son and his wife, and my sister Molly and her family. Looking forward to it!
The Class of ’72 was deeply saddened to hear that Mr. White had died. Upon hearing the news we were brought right back to his transformative classroom. Thank you, Mr. White … and our deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
1975
Elizabeth “Beth” Sarantos Class Secretary esarantos@verizon.net
Seth Garfield: I have sold my oyster farm to a past employee who worked with us as a youth and has hired me to help her for 3 years. She is marketing the Cuttyhunk oyster in Boston at many fine restaurants. I also joined the Bancroft Board of Trustees and am enjoying learning about the school and helping as needed. Very fun to hang out with Mr. A many decades later. Still am heavily involved on Cuttyhunk and am trying to slow down but there is plenty to keep busy. Staying in touch with Lorenzo Majino ’75. Looking forward to seeing you all during our 50th in May!
1991
Jessica Macomber Class Secretary jessmacomber@hotmail.com
Roel Torres: I was back at Bancroft on April 9, 2024 to talk to 8 different classes in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools (from the 3rd graders all the way up to the Upper School Advanced Portfolio class). Everyone was awesome and it warms my heart to see Bancroft in such great shape and in such good hands. It's been 33 years since we graduated, and I am happy to report that the school has never looked better, and the future looks very bright indeed.
ROEL TORRES ’91 WITH A LOWER SCHOOL STUDENT DURING HIS APRIL 9 CAMPUS VISIT.
1993
Alicia Davis Downs Class Secretary awddowns@gmail.com
Kevin Ramos-Glew: It was a joy to see so many friends and teachers at our 30th last spring. I hope all of you from the Class of ’94 rallied and attended in large numbers to yours. Not only is Bancroft better than ever, but Worcester is in its glory as well. It's been a joy taking my family to Worcester to visit my parents and even tour Holy Cross with our first born. Thanks for the continued education and memories, Bancroft! It was sugaring season this past winter, so we made syrup amidst nordic skiing and living a very NH life.
1995
Jennifer Harter Alves Class Secretary jharteralves@gmail.com
Curran Ford: I was proud to lead the Wooster Generals to the boys NEPSAC 2023 class D soccer championship. My former coworker, Bancroft soccer coach Kevin Spreadberry was in attendance to cheer me on. I wanted to thank my former Bancroft coaches Russ Enlow, Dan Rocha and Mark O'Brien for teaching me the way! And a shout out to the girls ’05 Bancroft soccer team, for showing me how much fun it was to win a NEPSAC game.
1998
Samuel Kressler Class Secretary
Gregory Lapidas: On July 1, 2024 after 22 years of service, I retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col). If you’re in the Hawaii area, feel free to swing by. The ceremony was on May 10, 2024 on the deck of the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After retirement I’ll be returning to United Airlines as a pilot to fly the Boeing 777.
2006
Mary “Mally” Anderson Class Secretary mallyanderson@gmail.com
Curtis Reid Class Secretary curtisR27@gmail.com
Vanessa Theoharis Class Secretary vtheoharis@gmail.com
Nate Erskine and his wife, Hedrick Strickland, welcomed their first child, Kathryn Hedrick Erskine in January 2024. The whole family is doing well. Nate returned from the biopharma industry to clinical training, and is a physician resident in preventive medicine / public health at UNC Chapel Hill. He plans to specialize in addiction medicine.
2010
Alisheya “Ali” Luthman Class Secretary amluthman20@gmail.com
Russell Oliver Class Secretary rboliver44@yahoo.com
Sylvia Parol: A gathering of Bancroft friends. Pictured from left to right are Matt Caron, little Karson Kriner (Ashley's son), Stefanie Dec Engelhardt, Ashley Sparhawk Kriner, and Sylvia Parol.
KEVIN RAMOS-GLEW ’93 WITH HIS FAMILY ON A NORDIC SKI TRIP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
2012
Guillermo Creamer Jr. Class Secretary guillermocreamer@gmail.com
Olivia Collette Rosenberg: On Saturday, October 14, 2023 surrounded by family and friends I married my best friend at the West Dennis Yacht Club. In attendance were a handful of my dear friends and classmates from Bancroft. Former Head of School Scott Reisinger was also our officiant. Even after all these years Bancroft still plays an important role in my life.
2015
David Turley Class Secretary dturls55@gmail.com
Kristen Descoteaux Liu: Together since 2014, high school sweethearts Kristen Descoteaux and Tianxing “Roger” Liu ’17 tied the knot at the beautiful Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA on October 22, 2023! In attendance were a handful of Bancroft alumni, staff, and former students including Jim Condon ’83, Blaise De Souza, Fanfei Kong, Kristen Descoteaux Liu, Tianxing (Roger) Liu ’17, Katelynn Descoteaux ’17, Ivana Lamptey, Christopher “Chris” Condon ’19, Damon Degre ’24, Benjamin “Ben” Condon ’24, Weijia “CJ” Zeng ’18, and Haomeng “Felix” Qin ’18.
2014
Bella Tropeano Rapp Class Secretary isabellamtropeano@gmail.com
Emory Payne: Having been inspired by the Bancroft science fair, I defended my PhD in chemistry from the University of Michigan in December 2022. Since then, I've moved to the Philadelphia area where I'm working in vaccine development. It's been nice to be back on the East Coast where it's easier to connect with Bancroft friends!
EMORY PAYNE (CENTER) WITH PARENTS, GIRLFRIEND, AND BROTHER AIDAN PAYNE ’08
LEFT TO RIGHT: JIM CONDON ’83, BLAISE DE SOUZA, FANFEI KONG, KRISTEN DESCOTEAUX LIU, TIANXING (ROGER) LIU ’17, KATELYNN DESCOTEAUX ’17, IVANA LAMPTEY, CHRISTOPHER “CHRIS” CONDON ’19, DAMON DEGRE ’24, BENJAMIN “BEN” CONDON ’24, WEIJIA “CJ” ZENG ’18.
KRISTEN DESCOTEAUX ’15 & TIANXING (ROGER) LIU ’17
OLIVIA & ERIC ROSENBERG ALONGSIDE CLASSMATES FROM THE CLASS OF 2012.
In Memorium
ALUMNI
1942
Henry “Harry” Dewey October 23, 2023 at 99 Worcester, MA
Henry B. Dewey, 99, retired lawyer and civic leader, died at his Worcester home. Born in Worcester, the son of Francis H. and Dorothy Bowen Dewey, he leaves his wife of 70 years, Jane Kenah Dewey; three daughters, Janie Dewey, Ann Hofmann, and Sally Dewey ’78 and her husband, Douglas Jensen; two grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and two step great-grandchildren. A brother, Francis H. (Chuck) Dewey ’36 and two sisters, Elizabeth Marangoni ’31 and Dorothy Gilman ’39, predeceased him. Dewey, known as Harry, was educated at Bancroft School, Deerfield Academy, Williams College, and Boston University School of Law. At his retirement in 1994, he was a senior partner at Bowditch & Dewey, the law firm with which he was associated for forty-two years. Mr. Dewey was active in the community’s cultural scene. He served on numerous boards and was the last surviving founder of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation of which he had been a director. In World War II he served in the European Theatre where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and earned three campaign stars.
1950
Patricia "Pat" Spaulding Parmenter November 17, 2023 at 91
Pat was born on March 14, 1932 in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, she graduated from the Bancroft School in 1950 where despite her short stature, according to her, she excelled in basketball. After high school, Pat attended Wheaton College. Pat had a true joy for life and was always ready for the next adventure. She was very active and picked up tennis after a hiatus of many years. As a member of two tennis teams, she played until she was about 80 years old. Pat loved playing the slot machines too. Following the activities of the great-grandchildren was another love, whether it was on a sports field, in a theater or watching the highlights of an event on her iPad. Pat was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers. She is survived by her three children, two stepchildren, three step grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
1953
Kathleen "Kate" McCann Benson
January 17, 2024 at 88 Hanover, NH
Kathleen E. Benson passed away peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Kate was predeceased by her loving husband, William "Bill", in 2016, along with three brothers. She leaves behind her four children and their families, 11 grandchildren, sister Ellen McCann McNally ’52, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and their families.
Kate was born on March 28, 1935 in Worcester, MA, to James and Katherine McCann, the third of seven children. She was raised in a close-knit family as a devout Catholic and expressed her strong faith throughout her life. The McCann siblings remained her closest companions throughout her life.
Kate graduated from Bancroft School in 1953 and then with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from The New England Conservatory of Music and Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Newton, MA.
Kate was a giver who volunteered her time to a variety of community organizations. She has been a matriarch and wonderful role model to her children and grandchildren. Her kindness, sweetness, and selflessness were truly inspiring.
Sarah Harrington Williams March 25, 2024 at 87
Sarah Harrington Williams was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Robert D. Harrington, Sr. and Anne Harrington.
Sarah was predeceased by her husband, Jefferson E. Williams, as well as two of Jefferson's children and one grandchild. She is survived by her husband's three children, three grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and her sister-in-law.
Sarah went to Bancroft School in Worcester and later attended Sargent College in Boston. Sarah was a highly skilled equestrian and competed at Madison Square Garden on at least one occasion. She was also an accomplished golfer and enjoyed her "Sports Club" group of fellow golfers. But Sarah's grand passion was the Treasure Hunt Farm, a non-profit farm animal sanctuary in Rutland, Massachusetts which operates for the purpose of providing shelter and care and prevention of cruelty to animals. Sarah's heart and acceptance of any animal that came her way knew no bounds and she never said 'no' to any request of Treasure Hunt Farm that involved taking in and caring for animals.
While Sarah could be shy with people she did not know well, with friends she was outgoing and always offered help to anyone who she thought might need it.
1954
Suzanne St. Pierre
April 24, 2024 at 87 Worcester, MA
Suzanne Alida St. Pierre, a well-respected and longtime producer of CBS’s “60 Minutes” and trailblazer for women in news media, passed away at her home. Born August 12, 1936, in Worcester to Henry and Beatrice Lajoie St. Pierre. She is survived by 3 nieces, 3 nephews, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, a great grandnephew and great grandniece, and one step daughter. She is also survived by her brother Edward St. Pierre and wife Marianne; her sister Nanette St. Pierre-Locke ’62 and husband Roger; her brother Richard St. Pierre ’64 and wife Barbara; and her sister-inlaw Linda St. Pierre of Worcester, MA. She is predeceased by her husband Eric Sevareid, brother Henry G. St. Pierre, and nephew Henry G. St. Pierre Jr. She graduated from Bancroft School in 1954 and graduated from Smith College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. She started her career in journalism in 1968 at NBC News as assistant to the director Frank Jordan. She would become an integral part of the “60 Minutes” team, where she served as producer for over 50 segments. As a result of her investigative work on the “60 Minutes” segment “Lennel Geter’s in Jail” an innocent young man was freed who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison for an armed robbery he did not commit. She was awarded a Peabody, three Columbia-duPont awards, four Emmys and an American Women in Radio and Television award for her work.
1957
Alex Newton
January 3, 2024 at 84 Oak Bluffs, MA
Alex was born on May 28, 1939 to
Leon Sydney Newton and Alice Friend Newton in Worcester. His parents sent him to the Bancroft School in Worcester. He earned his high school diploma from The Cambridge School of Weston and his associates degree in business at Nichols College. His earliest and most special professional career was working as a manager and store buyer at Barnard’s department store in Worcester. He worked for his father Leon, who was the president and owner of the store for 41 years.
He looked forward to meeting new people and spending time with friends. Cribbage was his favorite game and he often had it ready to play anytime. He was excited about good food and restaurants though his favorite meals were those made by his wife Elaine. Alex is survived by his wife, Elaine J, Valentzas Newton, their three children, his sister, Janet Newton Weinberg ’54, nephews, great nephews and many other relatives and friends.
1958
Erwin “Dusty”
Miller
December 5, 2023 at 83 Worcester, MA
Erwin H. “Dusty” Miller died peacefully at home surrounded by family, love, music, and stories. He lived his life deliberately, pragmatically, and with great curiosity and integrity. Born in Worcester on March 21, 1940, he was the eldest child of Dr. Erwin Curtis and Harriet (Wright) Miller and big brother to his sister, Edith “Deedie” Miller Heier ’60. Dusty completed his early education at the Bancroft School in Worcester. He attended high school at Deerfield Academy, graduating Cum Laude in 1958. He went on to earn a BA from Dartmouth College in 1962 and a JD from Yale Law School in 1965. He spent his career practicing law, retiring after 50 years at Bowditch & Dewey.
His most epic journey was his 55-year marriage to his wife, Margi. Together they traveled the world visiting myriad countries and seeing all but one continent. He and Margi raised three daughters, Emilie, Betsy Miller ’89, and Sarah, who are very proud to call Dusty “Dad”. In addition to his wife, Dusty is survived by his three daughters and their partners;
five fabulous grandchildren including Hap Miller-Vickers ’18, his sister, his niece, and a number of far-flung cousins.
Dusty was a long-time loyal supporter of cultural and community-focused organizations. and was proud to receive a number of awards for community service. One of Dusty’s most memorable experiences was his participation in the final leg of the third historic march from Selma to Montgomery, AL in late March, 1965. Along with his parents, he joined thousands marching in support of the proposed Voting Rights Act. Those who had the good fortune to know him will miss his kindness, his humor, and his beautiful smile.
1959
Robert "Bob" McPherson
October 7, 2023 at 79 Spencer, MA
Robert "Bob" McPherson died at home on October 7th. He leaves his wife Carol of 59 years, his daughter Beth McPherson, his son Bruce McPherson and his wife Roberta, his brothers William and Donald McPherson and his sister-in-law Mary Ann Smith. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Lunt and brother-in-law Donald Smith. Bob loved the Town of Spencer and he received the Meritorious Public Service Award and his picture was placed in Leadership Hall of the Spencer Town Hall in appreciation for his volunteer work in the Town of Spencer. He produced the stage show "Feelin' Good About Spencer" which raised funds for the Vietnam Memorial and hosted and produced over 50 episodes of Feelin' Good About Spencer" for Spencer Cable Access.
1961
Meridith Daniels Wesby
January 7, 2024 at 80
Meridith Daniels Wesby left this earth peacefully in the early morning of Sunday. She was born in Worcester, MA on May 31, 1943 to Jane and Clarence W. Daniels, Jr. ’37. She married the love of her life Joseph S. Wesby III on June 19, 1964.
Her education included Bancroft School, Dana Hall School, and Smith
College. As a passionate lifelong learner, Meridith found joy and purpose through her education.
Meridith was a proud member and Vice President of the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation up until her retirement in 2017. In her spare time, she loved to spend time at the theatre, in her gardens, at one of grandkids sporting events or dance competitions. Holidays with the family were always an extravagant affair. Meridith lived a great story. Meridith will be greatly missed by all those who knew her or were touched by her.
She was predeceased by her parents and only by hours her sister Suzanne Daniels Schwaiger ’68. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph Wesby III, her daughter Wendy, son Joseph Wesby IV ’87 and grandchildren. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, brother in law, sister in law along with many friends and associates in the business world.
1962
George “Geof” Booth II
December 24, 2023 at 79
George F. Booth II (Geof) died after a sudden decline in health. He leaves behind his loving wife, Penny Booth (née Dewar) whom he shared 37 years with. Geof was born on August 17, 1944, in Worcester, MA. He attended Bancroft School, Tabor Academy and Denison University, where he graduated with a liberal arts degree. Upon graduation from Denison, he entered the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School and served in Vietnam on a converted LST. He was honorably discharged as a Lt.(jg). He received the National Service Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Geof carried on the Booth family tradition of supporting Old Sturbridge Village and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. At Old Sturbridge Village, he was a member for 40 years and in volunteer leadership positions spanning 30 years. Geof supported many other non-profit organizations in the Worcester area. The son of Howard M. Booth and Mrs.
Barbara A. Booth, he leaves his sister Brenda Booth Clapp ’57, niece Hilary Kreitenstein and her family. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Pene Booth Rockwell ’56.
Lorna Erickson Wayland
February 19, 2024
Lorna E. Wayland, 79, of Bristol, R.I. and Wellington, Fla., at home after a short illness, which she fought with great strength. She was the wife of William F. Wayland.
Born in Worcester, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Roland and Roxie Erickson. In addition to her beloved husband Bill, she is survived by her 2 children and their families, three stepchildren and their families, and 10 grandchildren.
A woman ahead of her time, Lorna Wayland built a trailblazing career as a business executive. Lorna became the first female Senior Vice President at Wang Laboratories, and the first female Executive Vice President at Citizens Financial Group. She was also the first woman to chair the board of directors of Rhode Island Hospital. Lorna was a graduate of the Bancroft School in Worcester, Mass., and received a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Mount Holyoke College.
She was a kind, selfless, and inspiring woman, who lit up every room she entered. Devoted to her family and friends, Lorna found joy by helping others and will be missed by all those whom she touched in her life.
1963
Kenneth Payson May 24, 2024 at 79
Kenneth H. Payson, Rutland, MA and Sun City Center, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at UMass Medical Center. Ken was born in Worcester, the son of
Carlton B. and Barbara "Emmy" Emmons Payson ’38. He earned his education from Bancroft School and Worcester Academy and later a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College. Ken served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. He worked as an accomplished professional racecar driver and was a lifetime member of the Sports Car Club of America. Ken was a well decorated driver who won a National Championship, 30 Divisional Championships, over 100 National Wins in the SCCA and over 60 Track Records. He was a former loan executive at United Way, past president of both Greater Worcester Jaycees and Worcester Big Brothers and Big Sisters and was a former Conservation Commissioner.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife Lori J. (McGinn) Payson; his daughter and her husband; two step-sons and their spouses; his brother and his wife; six grandchildren; a brother-inlaw; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two sisters, Carla Payson and Patricia Payson McAllister ’73.
1968
Suzanne "Sue" Daniels Schwaiger January 6, 2024 at 74
Suzanne Daniels Schwaiger passed away at her home surrounded by her children. Born on July 26, 1949, in Worcester, MA, Sue's life was a tapestry woven with profound love for nature, her horses and dogs, her family, and life itself. A 1968 Bancroft School graduate, Sue thrived in sports like field hockey, basketball, and softball, embodying determination and sportsmanship. Her journey continued at Green Mountain College as an art major. Not only could Suzanne illustrate from an early age, particularly horses, at Green Mountain she learned how to create lovely pottery. Her greatest joy was her family. Sue's love for her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren was immeasurable, and she delighted in sharing her homestead and her passion for horses with them. Her often reserved demeanor shed to expose her playful side when they were around. Her final year was brightened by the arrival of two new great-grandchildren. Preceded by her parents, Clarence White Daniels Jr. ’37 and Jane Gerety Daniels, Sue was shortly survived by her sister Meredith Daniels Wesby ’61, of Worcester, MA, who succumbed to her own illness, just ten
hours after Sue’s passing. Sue is survived by her children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, her friend and children's father, Jakob Schwaiger,her brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and a community of friends and extended family. Suzanne Daniels Schwaiger's spirit will continue to thrive in the hearts of those she touched, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
1969
Ann Sheperdson
March 5, 2024 at 72 Colchester, VT
Carol Ann Sheperdson passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Ann was born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1951 and grew up in Worcester, Mass., with her parents, Virginia June Sheperdson and John Parry Sheperdson, and her brother, William Parry “Bill” Sheperdson.
Ann attended Bancroft School in Worcester, then Dana Hall School in Wellesley. She studied psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences from Tufts University in Boston. She received a master’s degree in clinical mental health and guidance counseling from Antioch University New England and a certificate of advanced study in education from the University of Vermont.
Ann married Courtney Price on the shore of Lake Placid in 1988. Although they divorced in 1998, their bond was strong; they reunited a year later and were life partners until her death.
Courtney was an exceptional caregiver for Ann during her illness and decline, shepherding her through her final days with love, kindness and fortitude.
A dedicated lifelong supporter and champion of women and girls, Ann worked tirelessly to protect the rights, safety and well-being of women and children and to advocate for justice. This commitment drove her professional life, which included establishing one of the first shelters for battered women in Vermont, in Brattleboro, and teaching young children in both remote and urban settings.
Ann was a generous, devoted and reliable friend to many, always remembering birthdays, holidays and
anniversaries. She had an infectious laugh, a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a wonderful sense of humor. And she was a wise and quiet listener. Ann is survived by her life partner, Courtney Price, her stepson, her niece, her cousins, and her many friends. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Bill.
EXTENDED COMMUNITY
Carleton “Jay” LaPorte III,
Former Student
February 16, 2024 at 50 Merrimack, New Hampshire
Carleton H. LaPorte III, “Jay” sadly left us following an unfortunate accident in his home.
He is survived by his wife Michelle, his daughters Caitlin, Hannah, Alexandra, and Emma; his father Carleton H. LaPorte Jr, his stepmother Maryellen Lyons, his brothers William and Justin, and his nephews Justin Jr, Eli, and William, along with aunts and many cousins.
Jay attended Bancroft School and was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in English. Jay had a 25-year career in retail, managing multiple stores including Joseph A Banks, Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, Levis, and many others. Jay took tremendous pride in his work and providing great customer service. Jay’s greatest joy in life came from his family, his wife, and his daughters.
Robert Blute
Brother of Carol Ryan
November 5, 2023 at 75
Robert D. Jr. MD Passed away peacefully, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Bob was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, the eldest of the eleven children of Dr. Robert D. Blute, Sr. and Ann-Marie Blute of Shrewsbury. He graduated in 1966 from St. John's High School in Shrewsbury and
Boston College in 1970. He attended the St. Louis Medical School and graduated from Tufts Medical School in 1974. In 1981, he joined his father's urology practice in Worcester. He was also an Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His wife and love of his life for 57 years, Elizabeth Kennedy, passed away last year. He leaves three children, Robert D. Blute, III and his wife, Betty, Matthew W. Blute and his wife, Erin, and Courtney K. Blute Perna ’97 and her husband, Thomas J. Perna, Jr., seven grandchildren, and ten brothers and sisters including former faculty member Carol Ryan.
Judi Sbrogna
Former Faculty, Past Parent
December 5, 2023 at 75 Berlin, MA
Judith L (Hammar) Sbrogna, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and teacher, passed away. She formerly lived in Shrewsbury for 37 years. She died peacefully at home with her family by her side after a 2-year journey with cancer. She grew up and lived in Paxton with her parents and six siblings. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Worcester State University.
For 23 years Judith worked as a reading specialist and a certified dyslexia therapist at the Bancroft School in Worcester. She was honored to devote her career to helping students learn to read and succeed. Although she loved teaching, her most important and fulfilling role was being a mom, and is one she performed with great patience, generosity, and grace. Long before she became ill, she would tell her four children, “do not be sad when I die, you have given me so much enlightenment, entertainment, comfort and joy, that I shall die a happy woman.”
Judith leaves her 4 beloved children and their families; Ralph "Chip" Sbrogna, Jr. ’94, Dr. Kristen A. Sbrogna ’95, Derek A. Sbrogna ’00, and Matthew B. Sbrogna ’04. She also leaves four grandchildren, three sisters, and three sisters-in-law. She is predeceased by her parents Lillian and Herbert, and brothers, David, John and Stephen Hammar. She is the former spouse of Ralph Sbrogna.
Jackie Sobel
Former Faculty, Past Parent
March 20, 2024 at 65 Hobe Sound, FL
Mary Jacqueline "Jackie" (Walsh/ Gardner) Sobel passed away. She was born on April 9, 1958, in Warwick, RI, to the late Jackie and Ray Walsh. Jackie was a beloved art and math teacher, sharing her passion for learning at Hudson Catholic High School, Bancroft School, Worcester State University, and as the Director of the middle school math department at Meyer Prep School. She graduated from Fitchburg State College. In her free time, Jackie enjoyed gardening, running, participating in Disney half and full marathons, sewing, and cleaning the beach. She is survived by her children and their families: Emily Gardner Lindblad ’02, Eileen Gardner ’04, Betsy Gardner ’06, Thomas Gardner ’11, and Margaret Gardner ’13. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, husband David Sobel, an aunt, and five siblings along with their spouses. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Brian Walsh Former Faculty
Brian R. Brian R. Walsh, passed away on August 10, 2023. During his forty-twoyear career in independent education, he served as president of the Independent Schools Association of Massachusetts from 1979-1982, president of the Elementary School Heads Association from 1990-1991 and president of the New York State Association of Independent Schools from 1995-1997. He was known as a wonderful public speaker and for his many published essays on education. A graduate of Yale, with a Bachelor's degree in psychology, he then served in the Army until 1960 when he joined the faculty of the Bancroft School in Worcester, Massachusetts.
While at Bancroft School, Mr. Walsh was an Upper School U.S. History Teacher and later the Head of Middle School. He served in the Army Reserve, maintaining the rank of Captain until 1971 when he resigned his commission in order to accept his first school headship.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Mr. Walsh was raised there and in Scarsdale, New York. He was a longtime resident of Katonah, New York and Northeast Harbor, Maine. A devoted father, he particularly loved being a grandfather. He maintained many connections in the world of independent education until his full retirement in 2015. His humor, charm, and diplomacy will be sorely missed. He is predeceased by a brother, Walter Walsh. He is survived by his wife Daphne of 36 years, and one brother, Robert Walsh. He is also survived by his three children and by five grandchildren.
Steve White Former Faculty, Past Parent February 23, 2024 at 89 Brunswick, ME
Stephen T. White passed away at Mere Point Longterm Care in Brunswick, Maine. Stephen (Steve) was born in Boston, MA on March 14, 1934. He was the son of Edwin T. and Madeline R. White. Steve was the middle of three sons, between Jim (deceased) and Tony. Steve leaves behind his wife, Clare Hayden White ’52, and his daughter, Lisa White Kelsey ’79. His son, Mark (Bancroft ’78), predeceased him in 2019. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Turner, Alden, Peter and Sarah. Steve grew up in Rutland, VT and attended Phillips Academy Andover for his junior and senior years. He attended Brown University where he met his future wife, Clare, in their freshman year. Four years later, they married, three days after their graduation. That fall Steve and Clare moved across the country where they lived in Berkeley, CA while Steve earned his Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of CA at Berkeley.
Shortly after earning his Master’s, Steve received notification from the Rutland Draft Board that he was first on their draft list for the Army. He promptly enlisted in the Navy, serving for two years.
After a brief time teaching in the Scituate public schools, Steve accepted a job teaching English Literature to Upper School students at Bancroft School in Worcester, MA. When Steve started this teaching position in 1961, the Upper School was all-female, and when he retired, 47 years later at the age of 74, he
had taught the grandchildren of some of his former students. Steve was a gifted teacher, in the most quiet of ways. His love of his subject, and his ability to make connections between literature, history, cultures, and religions, was extraordinary. Steve’s knowledge, his kindness, and his quiet sense of humor made him one of the school’s “favorite” teachers during his long tenure at Bancroft School.
Steve’s other love was traveling with Clare, around the globe, and throughout the American Southwest. They spent many summers at their condo in Ridgway, Colorado, hiking in the San Juan mountains, and horseback riding at their two favorite dude ranches.
Steve also loved South Bristol, Maine, where his wife’s family has owned a cottage since 1940. Wherever Steve traveled or spent time, his ability to strike up a conversation with people of every age and from all walks of life was both genuine and endearing.
CONTACT US
If you would like to submit class notes, a change of address, or information regarding the passing of a Bancroft School alum, former faculty member, or other community member, please email Alumni Engagement Officer, Emily Baker, at ebaker@bancroftschool.org.
110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605-3117
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
If this publication is addressed to your child and they no longer maintain a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of their new mailing address. Thank you!
