Bancroft Bulletin Spring/Summer 2017 by Bancroft School

BULLETIN | SPRING/SUMMER 2017

t f o r t c a n a B s t he Ar

Contents Bancroft Bulletin | Spring/Summer 2017 110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508-853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org

Bancroft Bulletin is published twice a year and mailed to alumni, parents, and friends of Bancroft School. It is also viewable online at bancroftschool.org/bulletin Head of School James P. “Trey” Cassidy III Advancement Team Tobey Fossey Chief Advancement Officer Lynn St. Germain Director of Alumni Relations Elisabeth Borg Capital Campaign Director Julie O’Malley Director of Marketing & Communications Karla Cinquanta Marketing & Creative Content Manager Jaime L’Heureux Advancement Associate Contributing Writers Dominic Dipersia Tobey Fossey Julie O’Malley Lynn St. Germain

IT’S YOUR EDUCATION. OWN IT! ‘Own your learning’ has become somewhat of a motto at Bancroft. It’s a strong statement that encapsulates the active, studentdriven nature of a Bancroft education.

ALUMNI PUTTING THEIR PASSIONS TO WORK................................................................14

Design Greg Gilman Photography Karla Cinquanta

DEPARTMENTS Head of School’s Message..................................................................4

On The Cover Bancroft’s new racing shell sends a proud message as the sun begins to set on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond. Photos by Karla Cinquanta.

Erratum Due to an editing error in the Fall 2016 Bancroft Bulletin, an article honoring retiree Gary Mathieu mistakenly stated that he had served in Vietnam. Gary brought the error to our attention. Our apologies.

Faculty & Staff Retirements...............................................................5 Bancroft News.........................................................................................6 Commencement.....................................................................................8 Alumni Awards...................................................................................... 16 Reunion.................................................................................................... 18 Alumni Class Notes.............................................................................. 21 Reflections on Pearl Harbor - Steve White............................... 35 In Memoriam......................................................................................... 36 Spotlight on Giving............................................................................. 38 LS & MS Graduations......................................................................... 39

A Message From The Head of School

Dear Bancroft Friends, t; a context that informs There is a philosophy behind the teaching and learning that takes place at Bancrof ment are carefully designed to our decisions. Our schedule, teaching strategies, and active learning environ they're doing today matters support our students' sense of control and ownership of their learning. What to them. Why is that important? to make a computer game • Ask the eighth grader who used his scheduled project period all year long graders in their tech class. console from scratch, then loaded it with games created by fourth and fifth dog by measuring a live • Ask the Upper Schoolers in physical computing class who built a robotic changing, and bulldog, designing and making the parts, programming, troubleshooting, fixing, sure their creation make to — t ncemen Comme of g adapting their design — right up until the mornin could stand and move on its own four legs. tion Imagination team

• Ask the student who lobbied her advisor to launch a Middle School Destina that later went on to win 1st place in the state competition.

“We each bring a unique As Shubh Agrawal ’11 told our newest Cum Laude Society inductees this spring, we intentionally create set of skills that, put together, are really a force to be reckoned with.” When ally and collectively, we individu success, ce meaningful and impactful occasions for students to experien their way and light the way find to sion help them develop the ingenuity, resilience, confidence, and compas for others in our complex global society. teaching, schedules, or While other schools are still having conversations about changing pedagogy, School and our students our keep to physical spaces; we’re living those changes and taking the next steps out in front. We’re pleased and grateful that you’re on this journey with us. Best,

Trey Cassidy Head of School

FACULTY & STAFF RETIREMENTS ROBERT DEC ART DEPARTMENT CHAIR Helping students experience the world as artists and craftspeople, Bob Dec has served the School since 1983. He taught studio art, woodworking, photography, and more, inspiring countless creative projects and career choices among our alumni, and offering guidance to faculty colleagues and fellow professional artists. Many students would agree with Michael Barshteyn '17, a studentphotographer who has won multiple prestigious awards and had his work published in Photographer's Forum, who said, "Mr. Dec has not only been an excellent mentor, but also a great friend. Without his leadership and support, I wouldn't be the confident photographer I am today." Bob is also a fine artist and photographer in his own right; just this spring, one of his pieces, an acrylic and burnt collage on canvas, was chosen for the ArtsWorcester Biennial Exhibition. In addition to his visual artwork, Bob is a professional musician with the Tom Petty tribute band, Petty Larceny, not to mention the parent of alumnae Melanie '07 and Stefanie '10. Retirement will provide more time to spend with his family, his bandmates, and his art.

MARILYN BUTLER PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER "None of us really wanted to play violin when we started. It's not something your average 6-or 7-year-old thinks is fun," admitted Joe Ricca '17, "but thankfully we met Ms. Butler, and she made it awesome." Joe was speaking at his final Spring Concert in May, as he and two other senior violinists made a special tribute to their longtime teacher as they graduate and she retires. Classmate P.J. Mara '17 praised Marilyn's patience and ability to channel children's abundant energy into their music. "I know she has succeeded because we were those overly energetic students ourselves at one point!" Jacob Freedman '17, agreed. "Clearly, her dedication to musical education has paid off for all of us." In addition to helping hundreds of children develop their musical skills on violin, viola, cello, bass, hand bells, and hand drums—with a bit of contra dancing thrown in for good measure—Marilyn also taught the first Chinese language classes at Bancroft, starting us on the path to the four-level Mandarin curriculum we offer today. We are very grateful to Marilyn, and wish her the very best as she and her husband travel the world.

LYDIA BARTER ADVANCEMENT ASSISTANT Lydia was well-known around campus as the parent of Stan '94 and Andrew '96 when she joined us as the front-desk receptionist in 1993. In the Admission Office, and then the Advancement Office, her encyclopedic knowledge of students, alumni, parents, and procedures kept things running smoothly until her retirement this year. "The first time Lydia tried to retire, we lured her back three days a week," says CAO Tobey Fossey. "But finally, reluctantly, we agreed to 'let' her retire officially." Lydia is a world champion cyclist with multiple gold medals in the Masters division. She looks forward to spending time with her husband, her sons, and their families.

BANCROFT

NEWS

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY Modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the Cum Laude Society recognizes superior scholastic achievement in high school. In April, Bancroft welcomed 12 students into this esteemed circle; six from the Class of 2017 (Paris Jensen, Tianxing “Roger” Liu, Sarah Nano, Divya Navani, Rose Pellegrini, and Alejandra Williams) and 6 from the Class of 2018 (Jonathan Conroy, Nicholas Conroy, Lindsay Igoe, Philip Onffroy, Ryan Polhemus, and Chelsea Sheldon). Our new inductees join seniors Lydia Cochran, Jacob Freedman, Alessandra Veinbachs, and Yehan “Sally” Yuan, who were inducted in 2016.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE In January, Bancroft awarded the Robert W. Stoddard (1923) Award for Outstanding Community Service to Allen Fletcher ’65 for his commitment to the City of Worcester. Allen uses his talents as a writer, speaker, architect, and urban design expert to help restore Worcester to its full glory and rightful place as “a city you want to live in — one your children want to come back to.” He has applied his passion for the environment, social justice, and community service in local nonprofit and civic activities, building a long list of leadership roles throughout the City. Living in Worcester’s Canal District for the past 12 years, Allen also serves as chairman of the Canal District Alliance. He is deeply invested in reinvigorating the District to allow mixed-zoning development and create a vibrant, multiuse community. Next time you’re in Worcester, visit the Green Street/Water Street area and you’ll recognize that his vision is well on its way to being realized. 6

BANCROFT

NEWS

SUPPORT FOR

BE LIKE BRIT In May, Olivia Collette ’12 and her mom Gail Collette traveled to Haiti to volunteer at Brit’s Home, a safe, nurturing residence for orphaned

children in Haiti. Brit’s Home is run by Be Like Brit, a Worcester-based organization with many connections to Bancroft (just this year, our US Table de Français Club raised over $1,000 from crêpe sales, MS students donated more than 600 items for the children, and Bancroft donated its two former team buses to Be Like Brit). Gail was kind enough to share this photo from Haiti, showing Olivia and driver Frankie with one of the donated Bancroft buses, already in use! "It was an amazing, life-changing experience for both of us to spend a week in Haiti as a Britionary," says Gail.

A MARRIAGE OF CULTURES During the Upper School trip to Andalusia in southern Spain, our 13 students and Spanish teachers Nadine Telenson

and

David

Conner

were

watching a local wedding party when the bride and groom insisted they join them for a photo. This joyous connection was one of the highlights of the trip.

WORCESTER

CITY SCHOLARS Some 200 people braved winter’s chill to attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser for the Worcester City Scholars program in January. Over the years, dozens of Worcester's brightest, most promising, yet financially disadvantaged students have attended Bancroft's Upper School tuition-free as Worcester City Scholars. Heartfelt presentations Worcester City Scholar speakers, Quanuquanei Karmue '01 and Monique Goring '07, were joined by fellow WCS alumna Karlie Fitzgerald '12 (center).

by former Scholars and a piano concert by Mackenzie Melemed '13 helped raised over $100,000 for the program, which strengthens both the Bancroft and Worcester communities.

Bancroft School's 116th Commencement

The Bancroft community proudly celebrated the 47 members of the Class of 2017 at the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 116th Commencement on June 9, 2017. As they go forth as lifelong learners, teachers of others, and citizens of the globe, Bancroft School is deeply proud of each and every graduate, and grateful to all those who supported their journey.

N W O

! T I

HAT OF A MOTTO EW M SO E M O EC B S A RNING’ H ENCAPSULATES THE T A ‘OWN YOUR LEA TH T EN M TE A ST A STRONG UCATION. ED FT O R C AT BANCROFT. IT’S N A B A F RIVEN NATURE O ACTIVE, STUDENT-D

OICE & CH O I DENT V C E STU 10

AUT H E N T I C A U D I E N

Y D U T S D L E FI

RESEAR CHOR IEN TE

R U O Y S ’ T I . N O I T A C EDU

TICE RAC EP TIV EC

RE FL

ATIVE INQUIR R O B A L Y L O C

IT CE

ST U

“WHEN WE TALK ABOUT OWNING YOUR LEARNING, I like to use the analogy of a sandbox,” says Head of School Trey Cassidy. “It’s up to the students to get their hands dirty, play in the sand, make their own connections, and figure out how to meet the goal. The teacher designs and frames the sandbox, determines the size and scope, defines what’s expected, and provides the tools.”

Building in reflection as part of the process is critical. Looking back on what went right and what went wrong, considering the options, planning next steps, and executing the alternative — that’s how students learn from the experience. Failure is nothing to fear; it’s sometimes just part of the creative process. Reflective practice works whether you’re learning violin, lacrosse, or calculus. If students are to own their learning, it’s our job to optimize the environ-

ment in which they do it. Bancroft is working to make sure every aspect of the School supports the elements of active, project-based learning — student voice and choice, field work, research, collaborative inquiry, reflective practice, and an authentic audience. Flexible learning spaces and schedules, community partnerships, local field trips, international travel opportunities; it all feeds into a robust environment for learning. We have innumerable resources in our community and region, and we want our students to have access to them on a regular basis. Owning your learning starts small, and builds upon itself as the students gain skills and understanding. Learning to ask the right questions is an important part of the research process and it begins for us in the lowest grades. Children are all about collaborative inquiry and curiosity. Teachers use that curiosity to move the project forward. For medieval studies in first grade, each child writes down something they hope to learn about. Researching the answers to their simple questions (“Did they have pencils?” “I wonder why so many nobles were so cruel?”) gets them started thinking about bigger concepts such as literacy and relationships, connecting the past to the present.

FIEL D ST U DY

NQUIRY I E TIV A OR B LA

Teachers encourage students to try new things — academically, artistically, athletically, socially. They’re there to offer guidance, help students consider how technology can help, nudge them back on track.

ICE & CHO ICE VO NT DE

REFLE CTIV EP RA C

AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE

CO L

CHRESEAR ORIENTED

It’s up to the students to get their hands dirty, play in the sand, make their own connections, and figure out how to meet the goal.”

In second grade, children have many opportunities for field study as they learn about local history and culture, then expand their focus to other states in third grade. For the culminating third-grade State Fair project, students have voice and choice about which state they study, and how they answer an open-ended question (“Why would a tourist want to visit this state?”). Choosing Minnesota because her grandparents live there, student Helen Taylor pitched the fact that Minnesota is the birthplace of Bob Dylan, the number one turkey-producing state, and the home of a General Mills factory where you can see Cheerios and Chex being made, among other attractions. Final presentations reflect what each student values, and their excitement comes through because the material is meaningful to them. Owning your learning also means finding your way around roadblocks. Two years ago, then-sixth grader Brent Stefani ’22 wanted to start a Minecraft Club. He asked teacher Michelle Lessard to sponsor the club. “I wanted to support his goals, but I struggled to see the academic value in playing a video game,” she recalls. A little research, a little reflection, and Brent found a way. “I looked into something called ‘modding,’ which is a way to program modifications into the game,” he explained. Impressed with his initiative, Lessard took a leap of faith and agreed to sponsor the club. When modding turned out to be beyond the club members’ coding skills, Brent owned it again. He

CE N E DI

T VOICE & CHO STUDEN ICE

TUDY S LD FIE

AUTH E N TI C AU 12

TED EN

RESE ARC H-O RI

ORATIVE IN COLLAB Q U IRY

took programming classes over the summer and shared online tutorials with the club. “The outcome was much better than I expected,” says Brent. “We play Minecraft, but we also learn a little more about Java coding every day. I am overjoyed to see that so many kids are interested in my club.” Lessard shares his enthusiasm. “Not only are we building a productive club around programming, we’re developing great peer leaders and teachers.” By Upper School, owning your learning is becoming second-nature for Bancroft students. They pursue their individual and collective interests through their choice of classes and electives, arts, sports, clubs, and more. The intensive independent-study course Research & Scientific Inquiry (RSI) is a quintessential example of students owning and driving their own learning. Taught by science teachers John Beauregard and Taryn Surabian, RSI requires students to develop a question about a scientific topic that interests them, perform research and experimentation to answer that question, and then present their findings at the regional science fair. Two of this year’s RSI students, José Garciá-Chope ’17 and Grace Lyons ’18, teamed up on a project to examine

E RACTIC VE P CTI FLE RE

how exercise affects the longevity of C. elegans (a nematode whose nerves and tissues are genetically and functionally similar to those of humans). The pair moved on from Regionals, to States, to the Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles. Each new audience gave them a chance to circle back, reflect on the feedback they received, make improvements. In Los Angeles this May, competing among the best-of-the-best science students in the world, the two won a $1,000 Third Place Grand Award in Biology. Charting your own educational course is a lifelong journey of discovery. Each experience gives you a clearer sense of your unique strengths and weaknesses, teaches you how to find Plan B (or C or D) when you hit a snag, and strengthens your creativity and collaboration with others. Ultimately, our students emerge as lifelong learners who know how to find the answer to any question, work toward their goals, and achieve their own definition of success.

READ ON FOR EXAMPLES OF BANCROFT ALUMNI WHO ARE DOING JUST THAT! 13

ALUMNI PUTTING THEIR

PASSIONS TO WORK THREE ALUMNI ILLUSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF OWNING YOUR LEARNING. THEY’VE WORKED HARD, DOGGEDLY PURSUED WHAT THEY’RE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND ARE DEFINING SUCCESS IN A PERSONALLY MEANINGFUL WAY.

NIMISHA PATIL ’13

“U

SC is a great school if you’re into a lot of things,” says Nimisha Patil ’13, who is indeed into a lot of things! This former National Merit finalist, now a USC senior, is pursuing a double major in Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Film & Television Production. That’s not a combination you hear of every day, but Nimisha is definitely owning it. “Everyone in my family is into science, and I was always into science. I’m still into it,” Nimisha explains with genuine enthusiasm. “I love BME! Filmmaking is a departure, but it’s just something I’m super-passionate about.” That passion is what drove Nimisha’s decision to apply to USC, which has one of the best film schools in the country. She got a full merit scholarship. During her freshman year, Nimisha applied to USC’s engineering school, as well. She got in. And so began her double-major undergrad odyssey. She has gained experience as a producer at a campus TV station, worked on student films, and done a variety of internships for ABC’s General Hospital and Sony Pictures. Those who knew her at Bancroft are not surprised that Nimisha still has a wide assortment of interests. After winning the grand prize at the regional science and engineering fair in eighth grade, she loved the idea of designing her own research projects, a subject she discussed at length with Mrs. De Maria, her former US science teacher. Nimisha’s enthusiasm planted a seed that later grew into Bancroft’s Research & Scientific Inquiry independent-study elective.

Her love of filmmaking also gained a foothold at Bancroft. “I took a short films elective in Middle School with Mr. Belanger,” she reflects, “but mostly I’d just make movies on snow days and rope my sister [Ruhi ’18] into acting,” she laughs. Slowly her hobby turned into an obsession. Mrs. Buckley’s History Through Film class in her senior year gave Nimisha experience analyzing and looking at films critically. She loved working on the Pep Rally video that year, and her senior thesis was titled, “Lights, Camera, Transformation: The Westernization of Bollywood.” Nimisha is still finding ways to combine her many interests. Beatboxing with the USC a cappella group is her “biggest stress reliever and social go-to.” Not surprisingly, she worked beatboxing into her studies. She designed a research project called, “Comparison of Basic Beatboxing Articulations Using Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” which won a First Place Interdisciplinary Award at the recent USC research symposium! With her multiple interests, diverse passions, and boundless energy, Nimisha takes the concept of owning your learning to an entirely new level. Does it ever feel like too much? “No regrets. I would do the same thing again,” says this young woman who’s on track to graduate summa cum laude in December.

TIM MCKONE ’06

ike many a young Bulldog, Tim McKone ’06 had big plans for himself. His basketball aspirations always pointed toward playing in the NBA. Shortly after his first varsity basketball game against Pingree, however, he realized he might need to rethink his dream. Despite the realization, his passion for sports continued. If he couldn’t suit up on the court, he decided, he could suit up on the sidelines with a microphone and a tie to stay close to the action. A career in sports broadcasting became his new goal.

After graduation, Tim headed off to Roger Williams University and followed the advice of his Bancroft advisers, pursuing his passions by landing internships. “Real-world experience is such an important asset to have in the working world today,” he said. “I wanted to build relationships as soon as I got in. My background at Bancroft taught me to build toward the greatest goals I had for myself,” he says. “It’s such a unique school. I have friends from Bancroft who are now doctors, lawyers, musicians.

The teachers set you up for a successful future and give you the tools to lead.” Tim has used those tools to full advantage. He took an internship at NBC-10 in Rhode Island, while also writing for the sports section of his college paper. After completing a double major in Education and Communication at Roger Williams, Tim returned to Worcester to a position at WTAG radio and then moved to Charter TV3, Worcester's local news station, as a reporter and anchor. "Those were some really busy times but I was passionate about what I was doing and enjoyed every moment of my work.” The long hours and relationship-building have paid off. In June 2016, he was hired as a full-time sports anchor covering the New England Patriots and college basketball for NBC-10, in Providence, RI.

ALEXIS

KELLEHER ’08

hen you enter Crust, an artisanal bakery on Main Street in Worcester, you’ll notice two things: the overwhelming aromas circulating through the air, and the familiar face behind the counter. Alexis Kelleher ’08 is the new owner and head baker of Crust, a hot-spot in the constantly growing downtown area. Alexis grew up working at Worcester’s iconic Coney Island Hot Dogs, her family’s business, but baking was her true calling. She kept at it throughout high school and college, and eventually found her way back home to a delectable career. “I was a Sandboxer, so Bancroft was the only community I knew growing up,” she explains. “My teachers and coaches always supported my endeavors, so it’s easy for me to be confident in my passion because of that,” Alexis said. “I felt the freedom to create my own path while being pushed to work hard.” At Bancroft Alexis used baking as an escape to relax and reset after school, coming in with delicious creations for her teachers and friends. As a female member of the male-dominated golf team, she discovered that her habit of making Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies for road trips was a good strategy for building camaraderie while competing at a high level in the sport. Later, at Wellesley College, she pursued a double major in English and religion, played golf, and took a part-time bakery job to fill what little spare time she had. Alexis next headed to Vermont for a four-month baking program, finished her classes, and moved to Virginia for further studies. Returning to Worcester, she found her way to Crust as head baker, working for the

family from whom she eventually purchased the business. “I’m happy to be back where it all started for me,” said Alexis. “I see a fair number of former teachers from Bancroft, and they are huge supporters to what I’m creating here.” Alexis remembers learning about time management starting in third grade. “That’s something that is key to my everyday work at the bakery.” Now with a space she can call her own, she’s able to give back to the community that helped shape her into the person she is today. She has hosted Bancroft students from French, Latin, and history classes, as well as the Gourmet Club, at Crust. “I’m excited to see the change that Worcester is going through, and I’m proud I can give back to Worcester and Bancroft while I’m here.” Crust is rising to the occasion in a growing community thanks to the passion and vision that Alexis has set in place. Next time you're in the area, stop by Crust at 120 Main St., Worcester.

Tim also works at 98.5 The Sports Hub, the number one-rated radio station in Boston. He began as a sports anchor, working Bruins intermissions and Celtics halftimes, and has recently been hosting his own show. As he continues to make his professional dreams a reality, this Central Massachusetts native has not forgotten his roots. He considers the City of Worcester a “huge component” of his success. “There are so many great opportunities in Worcester, and there will only be more as the city continues to grow.” Even though we will never see him hitting a game-winning three-pointer in the NBA, we look forward to hearing him on the air calling that very play in the years to come. 15

2017 ALUMNI AWARDS Scott R. Reisinger The Milton P. Higgins (1918) Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft School As Headmaster from 1999 to 2014, Scott Reisinger brought Bancroft School boldly into the 21st century. His 15-year tenure guided Bancroft through advances in every aspect of school life, from technology, sustainability, and diversity, to global connections and STEM. He led Bancroft through a capital campaign that helped double the School’s endowment and brought the McDonough Center construction and Fuller Science Center renovations to fruition. Scott spearheaded the strategic thinking efforts that led to Vision 2016, which strengthened the School’s focus on global citizenship, goodness, and the the learning laboratory method. PreKindergarten, the Hope Graham Program, and expanded global initiatives with China all began under Scott’s leadership.

Trey Cassidy, Kerri Aleksiewicz Melley ’90, Scott Reisinger, and Neil McDonough after Neil presented the Milton P. Higgins Award to Scott on April 21, 2017.

Early in his tenure Scott worked with the Board of Trustees to define a simple guiding principle of the School—one that remains a touchstone today—that every decision must be driven by the question: What is best for the student? Through strong leadership, deep caring, and committed stewardship of the School that he loves, Scott laid the foundation for the transformative changes that Bancroft School is building on today. Now Head of School at Trevor Day School, Scott lives in Manhattan with his wife Anne and daughter Hannah ’12.

Lorna Erickson Wayland ’62 Esther Forbes (1907) Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement “I very much credit Bancroft for reinforcing the importance of character, integrity, self-confidence, and being able to build productive relationships with those around you,” reflects Lorna Erickson Wayland ’62. Lorna used those qualities to build a trailblazing career in Human Resources, earning her a reputation as a leader who aligns HR initiatives with business objectives.

Although Lorna Erickson Wayland ’62 could not be there, Trey Cassidy accepted the 2017 Esther Forbes Award in her honor at Saturday’s Reunion dinner.

After graduating from Mount Holyoke College in 1966, Lorna entered the field of human resources and operations with Paul Revere Insurance and its parent company Avco. In an era when few women held leadership roles, she rose to the position of Executive Director of HR. When Textron acquired Avco, Lorna became a VP, overseeing HR for 30 operating divisions. Raising two small children while her career progressed, Lorna became the first woman Senior VP at Wang Laboratories, the first woman Executive VP at Citizens Financial Group in Rhode Island, and the first woman to Chair the Board of Rhode Island Hospital. Throughout her career, she used her finely tuned interpersonal skills to build executive leadership teams, strengthen compensation programs, and negotiate contracts at the highest organizational levels. In 1997, Lorna parlayed her expertise into her own successful executive consulting business, LEW Associates. Now retired, Lorna and husband Bill enjoy their time in Rhode Island and Florida with their large blended family.

Bancroft’s Alumni Association, in partnership with the Alumni Office, was proud to present the following Awards during Reunion weekend on April 21 & 22, 2017.

Benjamin I. Dobson ’97 2017 Young Alumni Achievement Award Ben Dobson’s quick rise into leadership roles in the competitive industry of television news is a testament to his talent and dedication. As a Bancroft eighth grader, Ben Dobson had already begun hosting online chat conferences for CNN Newsroom via AOL. In high school, he helped lead a live, online interview with then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Although he called the Albright interview “an incredible thrill,” many believe it was Ben’s role as a weatherman in a video produced in Ms. Telenson’s sophomore Spanish class that truly sparked his passion for news reporting. Whatever its origins, Ben’s career path has had an undeniable upward trajectory. Since graduating from Ithaca College, Ben has crisscrossed New England, making his mark in the competitive industry of television news. Ben worked as an on-camera reporter for CharterTV's Kerri Aleksiewicz Melley ’90 and Russell Oliver ’10 present the Young Alumni Worcester News Tonight and hosted the popular Central Mass Achievement Award to Ben Dobson during Saturday’s Reunion dinner. Chronicles public affairs show. His talent and dedication—already apparent in these early jobs—soon caught the attention of larger stations. Ben rose through the ranks at WHDH in Boston, NBC in Hartford, and NECN in Boston (country’s largest 24-hour regional cable channel) before moving to NBC. He helped launch the new NBC Boston this past year, and is now Vice President of News at NBC Connecticut. Despite the demands of his career, Ben remains committed to the Bancroft School community. He is a generous mentor to fellow alumni, has served on the Board of Directors since 2005, and is the VP of the Alumni Council. Ben and his husband Timothy Harrington live in Boston.

Class of 1967 Celebrates 50th Reunion Eighteen members of the Class of 1967 returned to Bancroft to celebrate their 50th Reunion, joining in a weekend of events. Beginning with a special dinner at the Worcester Club, where classmates reminisced about their Bancroft days, they shared photos, memories, and stories of their lives. Many came out to the 5K Memorial Run around Indian Lake, enjoyed the cook-in at the new field house, and danced like it was 1967 at Saturday night’s dinner. All took home a Memory Book filled with photos and stories of lives well-lived.

Seated (l to r): Janet Harrington Slabich, Kathy Ewing, Valentine Callahan, Donna Eteson Kishibay, and Amy Corbett. Standing (l to r): Elayne Hunter, Jane Difley, Steve Plumb, Rick Graham, Kate White Sawdon, Rindy Higgins, Liz Young, Elsa Nilsson Hill, Karen Arthur Rickley, Marsha Kunin, Peach Rives Warren, Ruah Donnelly, and Ann Bryant.

REUNION 2017 Close to 300 alumni, faculty, family and friends reconnected at Bancroft for Reunion weekend in April. The rain didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dampen the spirit of community Bancroft is known for. Highlights include a 50th celebration for the Class of 1967, a memorial 5K walk around Indian Lake, a cook-in at the new field house for family, two special evenings where we celebrated our Award recipients and alumni from classes ending in 2s and 7s.

“You tell two friends,

and they’ll tell two friends…”

This early social networking concept, which helped sell Faberge Organics Shampoo back in the ’70s, also produced a great turnout at Bancroft’s Reunion 2017 weekend. We want to thank all of our Class Secretaries who steppedup to help plan and encourage attendance, and all of you who texted, posted, tweeted, shared, forwarded, and otherwise spread the word. With your help, we welcomed close to 300 alumni and their families, significant others, parents, and past and present faculty to Worcester for Reunion weekend. Two stories in particular highlight the power of the personal connection: Lauren Shuster ’77 spearheaded the 40th Reunion group. Classmates began early on sending group emails with school photos. Lauren’s consistent follow-through and coordination with others in the Class (Zareh Avakian and Joan Moynagh Sholley) led to a weekend full of activities, both on and off campus, with members of the Class traveling from around the world to attend. Class Secretary Anthony Selvitella teamed up with his high school Activities Board Co-Chair, Emily Easton, to help make their Class of 1997 20th Reunion unforgettable. From their homes in New York and Chicago, respectively, the two worked diligently to encourage classmates to

1997

2017

attend, and got “local” classmate Padgett Berthiaume to join in the planning. An impressive 28 of their classmates attended at least one Reunion event, and the group got together at the Grove Street fire station to recreate their senior class photo on the same Worcester firetruck, this time including their families!

Next year’s Reunion is for all Classes ending in 3's and 8's.

SAVE DATE THE

APRIL 20&21

2018

And don’t forget to tell two friends!

REFLECTIONS ON

PEARL HARBOR by Steve White

In 1941, I was seven and unaware of the world at large and America’s role in it. I cannot remember President Roosevelt’s speech in which he called the attack on Pearl Harbor a “day that will live in infamy.” Early on the Sunday morning of December 7, 353 Japanese planes bombed our naval forces. Especially hard hit were the battleships. Eight of these major ships were damaged and four sunk. All but the Arizona were later raised. Fortunately, our carriers were out at sea, for in the coming war, carriers would replace battleships. Today the battleship Arizona, still leaking oil, lies on the bottom of Pearl Harbor. The Arizona Memorial is built over her hull, and marks the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed in that surprise attack. These men belonged to what has been called the “Greatest Generation”. They grew up in the Great Depression and then risked their lives in the war against fascism and the armed forces of Germany, Italy and Japan. Soon the last of this generation will be gone. Some of the sailors who were stationed aboard the Arizona on December 7, and who survived the war, have chosen to be buried with their old shipmates. Their remains, placed in urns, are returned to the sunken hulk of the ship Arizona upon which they served. A steady stream of people comes to honor those resting below. Recently, a navy man myself, I was one of them.

patriotism. In the hallway of my school were posters of Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo. We had air raid drills as though German planes were about to bomb us even though there were more cows than people in the state. We also collected material that could be used in the war effort and suffered a little from rationing on such things as gas, meat and butter. Decades later, no longer protected by enrollment in graduate school, I was corralled by my draft board, and spent two years on carriers that were used to find and destroy enemy submarines. I became a journalist as my college courses in Romantic and Victorian poetry gave me the relevant training. Our primary potential enemy was then the Soviet Union. Today, we are part of the shield that protects Germany, Italy and Japan, a reversal of wartime allies/enemies.

Former faculty member Steve White and daughter Lisa White Kelsey ’79.

At Pearl Harbor, Japanese midget submarines were failures, and during the war I saw one of these on a freedom train that came to Vermont to inspire

At Pearl Harbor, 2,403 Americans were killed. On September 11, 2001, in another surprise attack, that number was exceeded. No one knows how long we shall have to fight outside threats to keep our democracy safe. It is only clear that our greatest threat comes from atomic weapons, which were developed and twice used to end World War II.

The battleship Missouri, on the deck of which General MacArthur received the Japanese surrender in 1945, is anchored near the Arizona. These two ships bracket the beginning and end of the most destructive war in history. Now the Greatest Generation is fast becoming an honored memory. 35

In Memoriam Alumni Phyllis Andreson Nassikas ’45 January 11, 2017, West Falmouth, MA at 89 Phyllis joined high school at Bancroft in Grade 10 and immediately became immersed in the School, joining the Glee Club, Dramatic Club, Blue Moon Board (she served as the 1944 Chair), and becoming Class President in her junior year. After graduating from Bancroft, she attended The Knox School, The Garland School and Pine Manor College. She did her student teaching at Bancroft’s middle school, and worked as a nursery school aide at Bancroft from 19491952. Bancroft remained a large part of Phyllis’ life as she and her husband Lewis raised their three children in Worcester and educated them at Bancroft. Phyllis was a dedicated alumna and served on the Board of Trustees from 1972-1980. Active in the Worcester community, she was involved in many organizations, notably the Worcester Garden Club, Girls, Inc., Memorial Hospital Aid Society, and the Worcester Center for Crafts. On her husband’s retirement, she and Lewis moved to their West Falmouth home, where Phyllis became known as “The Mayor of West Falmouth.”

Lewis A. Nassikas October 13, 2016, West Falmouth at 85 Married for 58 years to Phyllis, Lewis was an enthusiastic supporter of Bancroft. He held senior positions for many years at Table Talk Pies and Idlewild Foods. A bibliophile, he read several books a week, founded one of Worcester’s long-standing book clubs in 1964 and was an elected member of the American Antiquarian Society. After retirement, he volunteered many hours on Cape Cod and especially loved his hours at the West Falmouth Library and at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Phyllis and Lewis are survived by their children and their families, Kristina Matsch ’76, Lewis A. Nassikas, Jr. ’77, Alexandria Skouras ’81, as well as a large extended family including, Irene Camougis ’48, Nicholas G. Andreson ’51, Caroline Camougis ’80, Betsy Kasha ’82, Sarah Young ’85, and Derek Andreson ’87.

Jane Metcalfe Heald ’43 November 25, 2016, West Falmouth, MA at 90 Jane graduated from Bancroft in 1943, earned her teaching degree in three years from Tufts University, and began her career as a biology teacher at Lasell Junior College. She then raised her four children in the Worcester area, and resumed her career once they were grown, teaching students with special needs at the Quimby School. In her later years, Jane remained active as a dedicated Bancroft alumna and a committed volunteer in her West Falmouth community. Jane was predeceased by her siblings and former husband Philip ’46. She is survived by her children, Linda ’73, Lisa Zuar ’74, Roger ’76, and Philip ’78, and their families.

Betty Louise Johnson Mitchell ’45 May 10, 2017, Falmouth, MA at 91 Betty Louise attended Bancroft for several years, graduating in 1945. She went on to graduate from Edgewood Park Junior College and married Charles Mitchell. Together they raised three children. She was an accomplished pianist, and had a lifelong love of the water and Cape Cod. It is not surprising that after living in many places in the U.S., when the couple decided to settle back in Massachusetts, they chose Falmouth. There she was active in the local community, sang in the church choir, boated with the Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary, and was a member of the Woman’s Club and Garden Club. Betty is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Charles, and three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Cynthia Carey Taylor ’45 October 28, 2016, Worcester, MA at 89 Cynthia attended Bancroft from Grade 7 until her graduation in 1945. She was an active and engaged alumna throughout her life, becoming a Class Agent and joining Bancroft’s Historical Society. She graduated from Connecticut College and received her M.A. from Assumption College. Cynthia was married to Harrison Taylor for 59 years until his death in 2010. They raised their

family in the Worcester area and were active in the local community. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.

Janet Coe Carroll ’46 February 23, 2017, New Castle, NH at 88 Janet attended Bancroft from nursery school until Grade 10, and went on to graduate from Miss Porter’s School. She attended Pine Manor and Salter School, then went on to raise her family. She loved to play piano and tennis, and to read plays from the ’40s. Janet was predeceased by her daughter Elizabeth, and siblings Richard ’41, Elizabeth ’45, and Roger Coe ’49. She is survived by her son and stepchildren and their families.

Joyce Reed Richardson ’47 May 1, 2017, Lancaster, MA at 88 Joyce entered Bancroft in Grade 7 and attended until graduating in 1947. She went on to earn her B.S. in Education from Wheelock College and taught public school before following her husband Daniel to Oklahoma. Joyce and Daniel raised two children, returning to Worcester to work in her family’s business, Reed and Prince. Throughout her life, Joyce was active as a freshwater fly fisherman and as a volunteer for the Junior League and other Worcester organizations. She leaves her husband, her two children, Daniel ’72 and James ’76, and their families.

Sally Heald ’49 October 23, 2016, Falmouth, ME at 84 Sally attended Bancroft until Grade 10 then graduated from Walnut Hill. She studied to be a medical technician at Newton Wellesley Hospital then moved to Allentown, PA. Sally worked in various roles honoring her faith, which was very important to her throughout her life. She enjoyed the outdoors, the Red Sox, and her garden in Maine. She is predeceased by her brother Philip ’46 and survived by nieces and nephews Linda ’73, Lisa Zuar ’74, Roger ’76, and Philip ’78.

Carol Hinds Ziegler ’52 January 17, 2017, Bend, OR at 82 Carol attended Bancroft until moving to Bend, OR in 1949, where she graduated from Bend High School. She married and raised her family in Oregon. It is said Carol was happiest when she was volunteering, something she did all her life for Red Cross disaster teams and for local community organizations. Carol was predeceased

by mother, Bernada DeMallie Hinds ’30, her husband Cyril, and son Marc. She is survived by her children and their families, and siblings Ted ’55, Pete ’60, and Kela Hinds Chase ’58.

Gerald Barrington ’56 October 1, 2016, Fort Myers, FL at 78 Gerry graduated from Bancroft’s eighth grade before graduating from Tabor Academy and Middlebury College. He went on to earn his M.B.A. at the Columbia University School of Business. Gerry served in the U.S. Army in the Finance Corps before starting his career as a stockbroker in New York City. He held several executive positions at investment companies, until he began a home remodeling company in semi-retirement. He and his wife Alda raised their daughter in Connecticut before retiring to Florida. He was predeceased by his sister Cynthia ’59 and is survived by his wife, daughter, and sister Faith Barrington ’61.

Martha Hammond Kerr ’62 July 8, 2016, Portland, OR at 71 Martha attended Bancroft for two years before graduating from Walnut Hill School. She then graduated with a degree in English from Wellesley College. She married and raised her family in Oregon. In 1984 she began a 20-year career in the travel industry, enabling her to travel all over the world. She is predeceased by her husband and sister Margaret ’65, and survived by her children and grandchildren.

Linda Peterson ’72 February 23, 2017, Worcester, MA at 62 Linda graduated from Bancroft and went on to study at Skidmore College. She returned to Worcester and studied nursing at Hahnemann Nursing School, where she continued to work once it merged with UMass Memorial Hospital. Linda suffered a brain aneurysm in 1999, and persevered through many adversities during her recovery, never losing her smile or determination to succeed. She is survived by her partner Gerald Wise.

Extended Community Mary “Sid” Callahan April 2, 2017, Worcester, MA at 93 Sid was a lifelong resident of Worcester who dedicated her life to making her City a better place to live. She and her husband Frank Callahan raised their family in Worcester where she was an active and involved volunteer, serving on several Boards including the Art Museum, League of Women Voters, and United Way, and was involved in the restoration of Mechanics Hall. In 2004, Bancroft’s Alumni Council presented Sid with the Robert W. Stoddard Award for Outstanding Community Service. She was predeceased by her husband Frank, and is survived by her children, Sarah Callahan Lenis ’71, M. Valentine Callahan ’67, Frank Callahan, Laura Callahan, and Luisa Heffernan, six grandchildren including Laura Salmon ’03 and Laura Lenis ’07, and two great-grandchildren.

Lois Enman February 8, 2017, Worcester, MA at 85 Mrs. Enman worked as an Administrative Assistant at Bancroft from 1975 until her retirement in 1996. She held several support roles in the main offices including Admission and Business. She was known as “Lois Diamonds Enman” because she loved Neil Diamond music and always had a brilliant smile on her face. She was predeceased by her husband and son, and is survived by her daughter, three sons, and their families.

Merl Norcross January 7, 2017, Brant Lake, NY at 89 Coach Norcross, longtime leader of Bancroft’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, was a devoted mentor who shared his love of running with hundreds of students through his lifetime. He enjoyed working with young people and helping them reach their potential. In the words of his athletes: “Coach Norcross was the type of person that you only meet once in a lifetime. He passed on wisdom or happiness to everyone whose life he touched. There was never a dull moment when you were with him.” “Coach Norcross made every runner excited to come to practice and always kept them entertained. The Varsity Cross Country team will miss the legendary Coach Norcross, but will always remember him by sharing his jokes and running with the same passion he coached with.” He is survived by his wife of 50 years, two sons and their families.

Ann Prouty April 21, 2017, North Dartmouth, MA at 101 Mrs. Prouty was known throughout Bancroft and the Greater Worcester area as a loving mother and dedicated volunteer. She was a member of Bancroft’s Board of Trustees in the 1950s, and together with her husband Richard, raised five children. She was known for her grace, kindness, wit, and strength. Predeceased by her husband, son Richard ’68, daughter Jane ’65, and grandson Skyler, Mrs. Prouty is survived by her large family including children Jonathan ’62, Hilary ’62, and Lewis ’64, and their families.

Bruce A. “Tony” King ’52 May 13, 2017, Southborough, MA at 83 Tony attended Bancroft for Grade 2 one spring, as he and his sister stayed in Worcester with his grandparents during a polio epidemic in his hometown of Toronto. He returned to Toronto, but came back to Worcester during summers to work with his grandfather at the family business, Washburn Garfield Co. Tony received his B.A. from Hamilton College and spent his junior year at the Sorbonne in Paris. He never forgot that time in Worcester in second grade and one classmate in particular—Judy Stoddard ’52. Tony and Judy married in 1958 and together raised four children in the Worcester area, educating them all at Bancroft. He became president of Washburn Garfield until 1987 when he purchased George Clark Co. and Waites Industrial Supply Co. Tony is best known for his ability to capture grace and dignity with his camera. As a photographer of nature and the human potential, he photographed and wrote extensively about the world around him, publishing several books. Although he was only a Bancroft student for a brief time, Tony was a dedicated and engaged alumnus. He received the 2002 Esther Forbes Award for Professional Achievement, and captured Bancroft student life through photos in the 1970s (A Place to Believe In). He is survived by his wife, Judy Stoddard King ’52, four children, and their families: Jennifer Paradee ’76, William King ’81, Wendy King Pickering ’82, and Bruce King ’86, five grandchildren, including Annalise Pasnau ’05, two step-grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Spotlight on Giving

Longtime Bancroft Family Makes Major Gift To

Out In Front Campaign Incoming Board President Catherine Colinvaux and her husband Phillip Zamore (parents of Sandboxers Hannah ’15 and Eli ’19) have been deeply involved in the life of the School for 15 years. Catherine shared her thoughts about Bancroft and the family’s philanthropy, including a recent leadership gift to Bancroft’s Out In Front capital campaign, now in its earliest phase. 1. WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE TO BANCROFT?

For us, giving back is a value, a joy, and a way that we can do our part to keep Bancroft strong and accessible to a broad range of people. Whether we contribute to the Bancroft Fund to help cover the actual cost of individualized, expert education that Bancroft provides each year or through the campaign for institutional priorities, we know our gifts are helping Bancroft now and over the long term. 2. HOW DID YOUR CHILDREN GROW AND DEVELOP AS A RESULT OF ATTENDING BANCROFT?

For each of our children, there have been transformative moments, some happy and some hard, but we have been blessed in Bancroft to have a school that is our partner. Our children are very different, each from the other, but both have felt known and appreciated as individuals, for their unique qualities, at Bancroft. Now that our daughter is in college, we have new perspective on the ‘value’ of her Bancroft education. As compared to her college peers, our daughter feels she arrived much better prepared, not only to succeed, but also to relish learning. To our astonishment, she was even awarded a merit scholarship that covers half her tuition. Thank you, Bancroft! 3. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT STEPPING INTO THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD?

This is an interesting time for education. Technology has democratized information to an extent I could never have imagined when I used to pore over encyclopedias as a child. Increasingly, we do not need education to access information, but rather to know what questions to ask, what information to trust, and how to use that information responsibly to solve particular problems. In such a world, the job of schools is harder, but much more important. Bancroft is a leader in this exciting new educational landscape, and I feel privileged to be a part of the game-changing work that is happening here.

“Bancroft is a leader in this exciting new educational landscape, and I feel privileged to be a part of the game-changing work that is happening here.” - Catherine Colinvaux, P ’15, ’19 38

▲ CLASS OF 2024 MOVES ON TO MIDDLE SCHOOL 8th GRADE GRADUATION FOR CLASS OF 2021 ▼

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605-3117

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

“INSPIRATION” Joins Bancroft's Crew Fleet Champagne was flowing on April 11th as the Bancroft Crew Program christened its new Swift Club A 4+/x racing shell. Aptly named Inspiration, the vessel was purchased with the generous support of parents Nicholas Tretter and Sue Hardy Tretter '82. Shown (l-r) are: Tracy Jones, Coach Ellie Barr, Sue, Trey Cassidy, and Nicholas. Also among the guests were parents Robert Sulik and Kathleen Wood, who made a gift of the oars, and all the crew athletes.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID North Reading, MA Permit No. 8