BANCROFT BULLETIN & ANNUAL REPORT FALL 2016
Growing Bancroft’s Learning Laboratory
Art Takes Shape in the City 8th Grade World History discovers the public art murals of Pow!Wow! Worcester
Students help prepare materials for Stickwork, an art installation at Holy Cross
A Senior Co-op project uses art to transform nursing home halls in Shrewsbury
Contents Bancroft Bulletin | Fall 2016 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.
Head of School’s Message...................................4 Bancroft News.........................................................5 Highlights of faculty and student activities on and off campus.
It is also viewable online at bancroftschool.org/bulletin Head of School James P. “Trey” Cassidy III Advancement Team Tobey Fossey Chief Advancement Officer
Commencement.....................................................8
A look at the 2016 115th Bancroft Commencement exercises.
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 Lydia Barter Advancement Assistant
Growing Bancroft’s Learning Laboratory......10 Our teachers are always finding new ways to infuse their programs with active, inquiry-based learning opportunities that help students build real-world skills
Jaime L’Heureux Advancement Associate
Worcester City Scholars: The First 20 Years..................................................16
Contributing Writers Dominic Dipersia Lori Ferguson Tobey Fossey Julie O’Malley Lynn St. Germain
Reunion................................................................... 20
Design Greg Gilman
As we prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this meritbased scholarship program, three of the program’s graduates share how their Bancroft experience has impacted their lives.
Alumni Class Notes............................................ 23
Photography Karla Cinquanta
On The Covers:
Annual Report 2015-2016.................................. 39
Front Cover: Middle School Head Trevor O’Driscoll and the 8th grade class got their hands dirty doing some active learning at the Natick Community Organic Farm this fall. Back Cover: On Homecoming weekend in September, junior Penh Alicandro shot drone video footage of our beautiful lakeside campus. Photos by K. Cinquanta (back cover photo is a digitally enhanced frame from the drone video).
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A Message From The Head of School
Dear Bancroft Friends, Every year around Thanksgiving, Bancroft publishes the Fall Bulletin & Annual Report. The timing of this special issue could not be more appropriate, because it is all about celebrating, reconnecting, and seizing the opportunity to say, “Thank you.” To the alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends who came to Bancroft to join us in celebration at Reunion, Commencement, Lower and Middle School Closing Assemblies, and alumni events, thank you. We hope you enjoy the photos you’ll see on these pages. To our amazing faculty and staff, who work every day to strengthen our programs and create an innovative learning laboratory for our students, thank you. We’ve shared a few stories in this issue, and know that there are many more examples of your good work. To the students who embrace the challenges we put before them, who ask the questions, dig for the answers, and share their knowledge, thank you. By taking ownership of your learning, you are building the skills and creativity to go forth into this global society as thinkers, doers, and leaders. And to each and every one of you who invested in our students, our School, and our shared mission by making a gift, thank you. Your generosity impacts the children today, and contributes to the culture of goodness that defines our safe and connected community. In addition to Thanksgiving, fall is also the season of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The shining lights of Diwali signify the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Thank you for shining your lights—and bringing your best selves— every day. Best,
Trey Cassidy Head of School
In September, Trey ran into Reed Heim '15 at the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center. Reed was finishing up his summer job, and Trey was there with the Bancroft 6th graders on a team-building retreat! » 4
HONORING FOUR SHINING STARS — 2016 RETIREES Four dedicated members of our faculty and staff retired in June 2016, each leaving a joyful legacy of distinguished service and lives touched for the better. Over 150 people turned out to honor the four at a special dinner on campus. We are deeply grateful to Gary Mathieu, Barb Chenot, Peg MacGilpin, and Bonny O’Rourke for their extraordinary contributions to our School. We look forward to many more years of friendship and connection with our community.
Gary Mathieu Assistant Headmaster Retiring after 47 years, Gary Mathieu is part of the very fabric of Bancroft School. From 1969 until his retirement, Monsieur Mathieu was a beloved educator and administrator who began as a seventh and eighth grade teacher of ancient history and French. Eventually serving under five heads of school, Gary became a department chair and dean of students, administrative coordinator of testing, made the master schedule, served as yearbook advisor, took over as acting head of Upper School for a year or so, was named assistant headmaster (the title he held until retirement), and even served as interim headmaster for a time. Always a world traveler, Gary was also the driving force behind Bancroft’s international exchange and study programs. Through all the years, teaching French was Gary’s most consistent and treasured role — the one he called, “the best part of my day.” Gary grew up in a French-speaking home in Grafton, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Assumption, and began his professional life as a reporter and assistant city editor at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Before too long, Gary felt the pull of academia, and soon found himself with two job offers — one at Worcester Academy teaching history, and another at Bancroft. It was our good fortune that he opted for the latter. Asked why, Gary quipped, “I had the chance to teach French — and there was no dorm duty!” Gary is the 2016 recipient of the Isa Bayon Bowl for “sowing the seeds of a lifetime,” and was the 2014 recipient of the Milton P. Higgins (1918) Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft School. This beloved educator has improved the lives of generations of students, alumni, and colleagues. A bientôt, M. Mathieu!
Over 150 people turned out to honor our four 2016 retirees in May: (L–R): Gary Mathieu, Barb Chenot, Bonny O’Rourke, and Peg MacGilpin
Barbara Chenot
Bonny O’Rourke
Margaret MacGilpin
Barb spent 30 years teaching in Bancroft’s Lower School, first in Grade 2, and then as our LS science teacher. Her natural curiosity and eagerness for new knowledge inspired all those around her, especially her students. Barb may have retired from teaching, but we know she will never stop learning.
Bonny’s enthusiasm, genuine love of her freshmen students, and passion for Shakespeare and The Classics characterized her role as ninth grade English teacher. After instilling a joy of literature in her students for 13 years, we know that Bonny is now reveling in that same joy herself.
When Peg retired from her role as Business Manager, she had served in just about every administrative department at Bancroft, including a stint as interim CFO. Through it all — for over 30 years — Peg’s signature common sense and graceful manner contributed greatly to the overall strength of the School.
LS Science Teacher
US English Teacher
Business Manager
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BANCROFTNEWS SNEAKING A PEEK — NEW FIELD HOUSE
As Bancroft was evaluating potential capital improvements for the coming years, the renovation of the athletics field house at 100 Shore Drive held such a clear value proposition that the Board of Trustees fast-tracked construction. Now complete, the new facility features an indoor turf field and running track, flexible spaces for community gatherings, and a spectacular wall of windows overlooking Indian Lake. The new field house will be a point of pride for our student-athletes and the Worcester community. (Keep an eye out for your invitation to the grand opening!) In September, Head of School Trey Cassidy invited parents and alumni for a sneak peek.
THE ART OF TEACHING — MARY EDWARDS Bancroft’s Lower School art and Upper School ceramics teacher Mary Edwards was honored with the 2016 Carpe Diem Award, which recognizes service to the Bancroft community, excellence in the classroom, pursuit of professional development, and peer leadership. Her faculty colleagues nominated Mary, who truly “seizes the day” for her students, fostering creativity in the studio and coordinating art trips abroad to expand their horizons. For 20 years, Mary has shared her time and talents to help Bancroft’s children see, understand, and create a more beautiful world. 6
BANCROFTNEWS LEADERSHIP IN ACTION — 5TH GRADE One of the most exciting things about becoming a fifth grader at Bancroft is that you and your classmates become the leaders of the Lower School. With that role comes much responsibility. Starting on the first day of school when fifth graders are matched with first graders to help the newbies navigate the dining hall, balance their trays, and find their tables. To prepare the students for this important year, the Lower School designated the last week in September as Fifth Grade Leadership Week. Throughout the week, the students and their classroom teachers, Lisa Kunhardt and Betsy Rocha, joined in various activities focused on team-building, decisionmaking, and communication with instructors from the Kieve Leadership School of Maine. Collaborative skills came into play as the students picked vegetables at the Community Harvest Project, and set individual and group goals for the year. There is much in store for these students in the year to come— including an all-class stage production and a week at Camp Kieve—but armed with these leadership tools, we know they will rise to the challenge.
MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB — 7TH GRADE A two-night retreat in the mountains of New Hampshire is a powerful experience for Bancroft seventh graders starting off the new year. Being with classmates, away from home, builds trust and confidence that they carry back home. One of this year’s chaperones, Dominic Dipersia, shared some insights into the value of this rite of passage: “In many ways the experience, organized by a dedicated team of teachers, served as a microcosm for this school year. Teachers want their students to challenge themselves, both in and out of the classroom. The idea that they can climb a mountain on their second day of school should give them the confidence to get through any obstacle that comes their way…this year and beyond.” Visit www.bancroftschool.org/msblog to read more. 7
Bancroft School’s 115th Commencement | June 10, 2016
“At Bancroft we were supported and encouraged to try new things and to take risks. Only here would a 240-pound clumsy guy like me be convinced to tap dance in the Upper School musical in front of the entire school.” — Ben Wagner ’16, in his Student Address
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Congratulations to the 53 graduates in the Class of 2016
“It is more important to want everything you have than to have everything you want…Stuff will never fulfill you.” — #4 of the 10 pieces of life advice imparted by Upper School teacher Alexis Stevens in her Commencement Address
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Growing Bancroft’s Learning Laboratory The premise of the Learning Laboratory Method (LLM) is simple: give students voice and choice in their educational experience by having them engage in active, inquiry-based learning. For teachers, LLM means acting as facilitators and learners in the process. Among the questions that teachers are asked to consider: ‘Are there opportunities to learn outside of the classroom?’ ‘Are there opportunities for crosscurricular work?’ and ‘What real-world connections and applications exist?’ We spoke with some of Bancroft’s veteran teachers about their thoughts on LLM .
The Learning Laboratory Method incorporates student-driven, inquiry-based learning,
abundant opportunities to see and experience the world beyond the classroom, the chance to share knowledge with an authentic audience, and a post-project reflection on the entire learning experience.
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Amy Pearson
Upper School Science Teacher
Now in her 40th year at Bancroft, Upper School science teacher Amy Pearson says that the Learning Lab Method is a natural fit for her courses. “I’m excited about the focus on LLM,” she says. “This style of teaching is really what I do, though there are some aspects of the methodology that I want to develop further in my classes. Science lends itself to experiential learning — asking questions and testing hypotheses. And I’ve found that having a multi-sensory experience is key to engaging students. Hearing, smelling, touching, building — it’s an approach to learning that’s compelling, and nature is a great teacher.”
calls a “crash-course” in tides and plankton, they read, research, and begin to understand the intertidal ecology, coastal habitats, and geologic history of Cape Cod. Then they pack their boots and waders for an overnight trip to Cape Cod and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). The students gather deep-water plankton on a boat, then get out and explore a salt marsh, an oceanside beach, and a bayside beach. Pearson quizzes them as they uncover organisms in the sand, under rocks, and in the water. Back at the hotel, they set up microscopes to identify the life forms collected during the day.
Pearson has engaged in outside the box (and outside the classroom) teaching for much of her career at Bancroft, whether testing egg drops in physics, or guiding students in field research for the summer course she leads in Bermuda. The latter offering grew out of an early professional development workshop where Pearson was the student experiencing marine science on the Isle of Shoals. “I loved learning that way, so taking that approach to teaching was a natural follow-up.”
The Cape Cod experience provides a foundation for further learning throughout the year. “We have been offering the Marine Bio course for 30 years,” says Pearson, “and each year brings something new.” For example, last spring her students wrote, produced, and acted in videos for WHOI’s #SpeakfortheOcean contest. The challenge, ‘to thank the ocean and give it a voice,’ provided an authentic audience for their work. “The hardest part was keeping it to 30 seconds,” says Pearson. “They had so much they wanted to say!”
The students in her Intro to Marine Biology course also benefit from this approach. Starting in September with what Pearson
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Halley Allen
LOWER SCHOOL Teacher
Halley Allen, a teacher at Bancroft for 29 years, experienced the power of LLM last year when she employed the method to teach a unit on the American Revolution to 4th graders. Allen and fellow fourth grade teacher Elaine Shack, in collaboration with Kevin Briggs (Lower School computer science) and Rachel Wagner (Lower School drama), tasked students with writing a play to teach others about the Revolution. They asked students to choose eight to nine aspects of the event that they thought were important, then divide up into groups to write scripts and ultimately perform the play they had crafted. “The process was interesting, but also challenging,” Allen admits. “When you’ve been doing direct teaching for years, it’s hard to ask fourth graders, ‘What do you think you should be learning?’ and it also raises the question, ‘How do we know that the kids are learning?’
Fourth graders perform a play they wrote about the American Revolution.
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But the process worked out beautifully,” she says. “The kids liked working in groups and loved the play. And at the conclusion of the unit, one of the students said to me, ‘Do you think the colonists knew what they were starting when they complained about taxes?’ All I could think was, ‘He got it!’” With one course under her belt, Allen is eager to do more and grateful for the latitude the administration offers. “Support for professional development has always been an institutional touchstone at Bancroft. From the time I arrived in 1987, there’s been an expectation that I would continue to grow as a teacher, which is very exciting. The ongoing opportunities for professional development keep my work fresh and keep me invested in the process, which ultimately benefits the kids. Bancroft’s innovative environment is ripe for this type of teaching.”
Water samples from the Blackstone River (left) provide data for a sixth grader’s presentation on water quality in the Blackstone River (right).
Abby Church & Carrie Whitney middle school Teachers
Even before Vision 2016 officially made LLM one of the School’s strategic initiatives, veteran teachers Abby Church (MS history and English) and Carrie Whitney (MS science and math) had been collaborating on an LLM-style curriculum for their sixth grade students. The Blackstone Valley Expo, or BVE program, uses the local region as the backdrop for real-world lessons about history, industry, geography, conservation, and more. Church and Whitney conceived the BVE program about five years ago, building on the School’s end-of-year showcase project. “We wanted to make learning more real for our students,” Church explains, “so we came up with the idea of an interdisciplinary research project that would bring them into contact with the heritage, culture and landscapes of their own backyard — the Blackstone Valley.” During the project, students choose their own research topic, interview an expert in the community, create a product to showcase their findings, and present the results of their work to peers, faculty, and parents in a community event. “The process gives students a sense of autonomy and provides an opportunity
for them to discover themselves as learners — it’s a nice launching point for the rest of their middle school career.” Designing and teaching the program with Whitney has been exhilarating, Church notes, but also a little unnerving at times. “Sometimes students choose research topics that we know nothing about, and that’s a little scary. There’s not a manila folder with all the answers that we pull out of a drawer — as teachers, we’re learning every year.” Nevertheless, Church and Whitney are grateful for the chance to stretch themselves professionally, and were honored to be invited to present their BVE experience and insights at the upcoming Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE) annual teaching conference in December. At the AISNE conference, described as "teachers teaching teachers," they will help other educators identify and access resources and experts in their own communities, and develop clear action plans to begin building their own placed-based curriculums. “Carrie and I are excited about what we’ve developed and now we’re taking it on the road!”
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Think Camp2016 A three-day summer workshop that empowered our teachers to adapt or create new curriculum to expand the reach of LLM for their students.
Bancroft’s Think Camp 2016, a three-day summer workshop featured all of the signature characteristics of the Learning Laboratory Method. There was plenty of hands-on learning, collaboration, cross-pollination, tapping into others’ expertise, and reflection. The unusual part was that the learners were not students, but faculty! “It was wonderful to have the time and space to explore new possibilities and work on projects we know our students will love,” said Robin Silverman, Upper School Latin teacher and Grade 9-10 Dean. Silverman worked with Department Head and fellow Latin teacher Karen Fuller to provide the framework to guide their students in designing a Roman garden on campus that will be a permanent outdoor classroom for the community. Middle School faculty Meg Swan ’00 (academic support), Jim Kamosky (science), and Lyssa Steponaitis (math) collaborated on ways to make the Introduction to Physical Science (IPS) course more navigable for students with learning differences and working memory issues. Kamosky described it enthusiastically as “breathing new life into the curriculum by updating how we teach.” Swan explained that the inquiry-based IPS course “creates great moments of discovery for students. We're modernizing the text of the curriculum itself, to better suit our technology and the needs of our learners.” In all, nearly 30 faculty took part in Think Camp, and like all good LLM practitioners, they shared their experiences and lessons with their colleagues.
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Español en el mundo real Reimagined Spanish Class Builds Global Connections in Worcester Knowing that the practical use of a foreign language leads to its greatest mastery, Upper School Spanish teacher Martha Hosey was exploring new opportunities for her students to interact with Worcester’s Spanish-speaking communities. She enrolled in a professional development class called Taking It Global through the National Association of Independent Schools. Energized by what she’d learned, Señora Hosey and fellow Spanish teacher David Conner (who also teaches English as a Second Language) joined Director of Community Engagement Mark Taylor to connect with Hilda Ramirez of the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University. The group identified ways for Bancroft students to contribute to the Institute’s long-term initiative, the Latino History Project of Worcester (LHP), whose mission is to collect, share, and celebrate the Latino experience in Worcester. By the end of the year, students in Hosey’s Spanish V course were conducting oral history interviews for the LHP. One student, Aurea De Souza ’16, now a freshman at UMass–Amherst, did her Senior Co-op project there. She created a webpage for LHP to help chronicle the stories of Latino citizens in Worcester, modeled after the hugely popular blog, “Humans of New York.” “It had a profound impact on me,” she said. “It made me realize that I have the resources and skills needed to help this organization, and therefore, the people who rely on it.” Hard work and collaboration brought the group closer to the goal of a truly community-based Spanish course. With Bancroft’s adoption of a new schedule — featuring longer periods that allow time for off-campus learning — the final piece was in place. “The expansion of this project-based learning class was made pos-
sible by the new schedule, the many connections David Conner has with the Latino community in Worcester, and with the enthusiasm of the students,” says Hosey. With support and guidance from Department Chair Karen Fuller, Spanish V was reinvented as Spanish in a Global Context. This year, LHP’s Ramirez met with the Spanish in a Global Context class to discuss a special exhibit called Neighborhoods to be held at the Worcester Historical Museum. Our students were tasked with contributing to an interactive exhibit that relayed the history of the Latino people in Worcester. They worked together to create a vision for the exhibit, and set their plan in place, using a multimedia approach to present and describe the artifacts on display. As 250 visitors explored the Neighborhoods exhibit at the Museum, our students were on hand videotaping and interviewing people in English and Spanish to capture their stories. As the year proceeds, the class will continue to work supporting the LHP. They are putting their own creative touches on the webpage Aurea created last year, adding interactivity, and leaving a template for future classes to build upon. “Last year,” says Taylor, “Martha enrolled in a professional development seminar. This year, she is implementing many of the strategies highlighted in the course, to the benefit of our students and the local community. This is a perfect example of LLM in action and a model for breathing new life into existing curriculum.” Learn more about this class at www.bancroftschool.org/global
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WORCESTER CITY SCHOLARS: The First 20 Years
A look at the merit-based scholarship program that has been strengthening our remarkable and diverse student body since 1996 Bancroft School has been a leader in Worcester for 116 years because we welcome bright, motivated students, surround them with others who share their educational vitality, then raise the bar, igniting the flames of curiosity and passion for learning and community. In this way, we foster good people who emerge as tomorrow’s leaders, humanitarians, and globally engaged citizens. It’s no surprise, however, that the cost of a Bancroft education can be insurmountable for some of Worcester’s most promising students, especially those who come from families of recent immigrants, refugees, and other underserved populations. Twenty years ago, with typical Bancroft forethought and boldness, the School launched the Worcester City Scholars program to support socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity and inclusion at Bancroft, and to better serve the City of Worcester. The Board of Trustees made a commitment to award Worcester City Scholarships to two new ninth grade students from Worcester each year, covering the full cost of tuition and fees for all four years of Upper School.
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Acceptance into the Worcester City Scholars program is a distinct honor reserved for highly capable but financially disadvantaged students who live in Worcester and have demonstrated: • Exceptional performance in a demanding middle school curriculum; • Intellectual curiosity; • Strength of character; and • Desire and readiness to fully engage in Bancroft’s robust college-preparatory academics, arts, athletics, and co-curricular programs. Bancroft has kept its promise for all these years, offering scholarships to eight Upper School students annually. Bancroft’s investment in the Worcester City Scholars program — approximately $350,000 per year — continues to strengthen our community immeasurably.
Where Are They Now? A conversation with three alumni By Mally Anderson ’06 The experiences of our Worcester City Scholars graduates reflect the program’s importance in the Bancroft and Worcester communities alike. They’ve gone on to pursue a wide range of studies and vocations, but all look back on their time at Bancroft as a transformative opportunity. Many of the program’s graduates are now pursuing careers that also give back to their local communities. This is hardly a coincidence. The legacy of a Bancroft education is much deeper than academics, as the program’s amazing alumni can attest. We spoke to three graduates about what being a Worcester City Scholar meant to them.
Monique in 2007 as a Bancroft graduate, and in 2016 receiving her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina.
Monique Goring ’07 As an eighth grader, Monique Goring ’07 heard about the Worcester City Scholars program from her piano teacher and decided to apply. Monique’s transition to Bancroft was difficult at first, but she now remembers her Upper School experience as overwhelmingly positive. “My freshman year was really challenging and a culture shock. The economic and demographic change was very new for me, figuring out where I fit in, getting used to being challenged academically,” she says. “After I understood what the expectations would be and found
my group of friends and started playing sports, I really enjoyed it. It was the first time I’d really been interested in the learning process. The choices I had for college wouldn’t have happened for me otherwise.” Monique went on to study child development at Tufts University and recently earned a master’s at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, where she now lives and works as a speech pathologist. “My writing skills from my English classes alone have carried me, not just in college, but also in my career,” she says.
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Shirley in 2001 with classmates, and in 2016 with area CEOs at the Women’s Leadership Conference.
Shirley Harrison Konneh ’01 Shirley Harrison Konneh ’01—one of the first Worcester City Scholars—agrees. “In the beginning of my freshman year,” she says, “writing was such a difficult task. However, with the help of Mr. McMillan, I now enjoy writing and find it easy to write 100+ page papers.” Shirley, who lives in Worcester with her husband and two children, went on to earn an MBA and is currently working on a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. As she remembers, “there was definitely a lack of diversity in the nineties, which was a challenge for me, trying to fit in. The faculty and administrative team were always welcoming.” She defines her education broadly, including “the exposure to new adventures that I never
would have done on my own, such as the camping trip during my junior year.” Attending Bancroft “was one of the best opportunities I ever received,” she says. “Bancroft prepares you for higher education and the real world,” she said. “The peers that surround you inspire you to do better and embark on social change.” These days, she makes time to volunteer in the City. She is a Corporator for the YWCA, a member of Worcester’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and was the lead organizer of the 2016 United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative Conference.
YEARS
CITY SCHOLARS
Join the Celebration! January 28, 2017 18
Donald Rodriguez ’11 Donald Rodriguez ’11 credits his years at Bancroft with challenging him to leave his comfort zone. “I found myself trying things I thought I would never try, like theater, exploring a lot of different activities I might not have been able to do otherwise,” he remembers. “It was a safe and encouraging environment.” Donald studied biochemistry and psychology at Yale University and is now in his first year of a joint MD-PhD program at the
University of Chicago, where he hopes to specialize in cancer research. “Looking back at Bancroft and my time at Yale, there’s a common thread of being given this huge chance, not just through funding, but having an administration trust in my capacity,” he says. “That is such an honor—it’s exciting, but humbling.”
Donald in 2007 as a freshman, and in 2016 as the guest speaker at our Cum Laude Society Induction dinner.
“My time as a Worcester City Scholar just opened so many doors. I hope the program continues so that other students can get the same chance I did.” - Monique Goring ’07
To honor the program’s first 20 years and raise funds for its endowment, Bancroft will host a celebration on January 28, 2017. The evening will feature guest speakers who were Worcester City Scholars at Bancroft, and will honor the School’s many connections across the city of Worcester. Highlights will include the presentation of the Robert W. Stoddard (1923) Award for Outstanding Community Service to Allen Fletcher ’65, and a performance by piano virtuoso Mackenzie Melemed ’13. Please spread the word, and plan to join us for this celebration of our School, our city, our scholars. Look for an invitation in the mail soon or visit www.bancroftschool.org/WCS to reserve tickets or to become an event sponsor.
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Reunion 2016 Bancroft’s Reunion Weekend 2016 was a great celebration of alumni classes ending in 1 or 6. Festivities included a Friday night reception and special 50th Reunion dinner, a Saturday afternoon cookout, and evening Blue Moon dinner. The weekend also gave the Alumni Council a chance to honor some very special people with prestigious awards: Patricia Condon (Milton P. Higgins Award for Service to Bancroft School); Roberta Josephs Prada ’56 (Esther Forbes Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement); and Alicia Arinella ’96 & Jessica Arinella ’94 (Young Alumni Achievement Award). Bancroft connections last a lifetime!
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Alumni Spotlight: Peter Bovenzi ’14 From Bancroft to Division I and Beyond
Alumni Connections Bancroft pride shines on long after graduation. As alumni, your Bancroft connections will continue to enhance your life no matter how many years or how many miles separate you from our campus. Any time you meet up with a Bancroft person — socially, professionally, or unexpectedly — snap a picture and share it with us! • Post it on the Alumni Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BancroftSchoolAlumni, • Email it to us at alumni@bancroftschool.org, or • Send it to your Class Secretary for Class Notes!
Peter Bovenzi ’14, a native of Lunenberg, MA, was a vital part of the Bulldogs’ success throughout high school. Capping off his Bancroft career was his election to the 1st Team EIL in baseball, as he posted a 1.05 ERA en route to the 2014 EIL Baseball Championships. Bancroft baseball coach Mark O’Brien, who was there every step of the way, knew that Peter always wanted to play for a Division I school — the highest level of college ball — and had what it takes to realize that dream. He was right. After a postgrad year, Peter was accepted at the University of Richmond in Virginia, and has been pitching for the Division 1 Richmond Spiders ever since. Peter credits his Bancroft coaches, especially O’Brien, with helping him handle the transition from high school to college, where he found himself up against the best high school players. “Though it was tough, I’ve enjoyed every moment of trying to prove myself,” he said. “Having coaches that knew I would face this kind of adversity when I got to the college level was instrumental to making my transition a lot smoother.” Last summer, Peter’s baseball career took another upward swing when he was recruited to play for the Worcester Bravehearts. He jumped at the chance to come home and play in the Futures League against some of the best college baseball players in the country. The Bravehearts were the two-time defending champions in the league, and Peter helped them to a third straight championship series. When the League put out the 2016 All-Star Game Final Vote, the fans chose Peter as the Bravehearts’ representative. He pitched one inning in the AllStar Game, striking out all three batters. “It was an awesome experience to be voted in, and cheered for by an entire stadium full of fans in a city I consider to be my second home.”
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To read more about Peter’s amazing journey, visit the News section at www.bancroftschool.org.
Bancroft teachers Pam Sheldon, Amy Pearson and Brian Kondek meet fellow educator and alumna Sue Lamdin ’72 at ocean science summit in Portland, ME.
Trey Cassidy meets Emily Mandara ’09 and Rebekah Weiner ’87 at a local triathlon.
SAVE THE DATE! APRIL 21 & 22, 2017
Class Notes 1941
1954
Brad Gooch bradgooch1@gmail.com
Notes from Class Secretary, Brad: Ruth Harold Zollinger writes “Having been
Linwood Erskine ’41 and grandson, Nate Erskine ’06, enjoy the Bancroft reunion celebration in May—their 75th and 10th respectively.
1945 Our condolences to Phyllis Andreson Nassikas and her children on the loss of her husband of 58 years, Lewis on October 13, 2016.
1946 Marge Asher Russem was sorry to miss the 70th
reunion in May. She had a family wedding to attend in Philadelphia that weekend. “Hope some of my classmates get there. Give them my love and tell them I’m still enjoying my ‘senior years’.”
1947 70th April 21 & 22, 2017 Joy Anderson Nicholson PO Box 128, Grafton, MA 01519
1949
Alison Alton Robb nature@cape.com
1951 Winfield “Jim” Scott: “I had fun working and
showing others not to quit too early in life and still enjoying others.”
Bob Gow: “This is a photograph (above) of my
Hacienda in Yucatan Mexico. It is called Xixim, dated on all government maps since the year 1,000. I have fully restored this 1000-acre Hacienda, Xixim, and live there about four months out of the year.”
1952 65th April 21 & 22, 2017
a member of the University of Arizona College of Science Board for several years, I have recently been elected to chair the Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences board for the department. Living in the southwest, where drought is omnipresent we quickly became acquainted with the importance of water as well as the need for renewable energy in this arid but very beautiful state. Novel ideas and innovative research at UA are leading to some promising outcomes. But it occurred to me that classmates might have some interesting projects or ideas about what their local communities and states are doing. If so, I would ask that they send me a link or a note and I’ll look into it.” Congratulations, Ruth. Mary Ingalls Waddell writes that she is now
For a while, in the years following college, Judy and I lost touch, both of us busy on our separate paths. But then a Bancroft reunion was organized, when we were about fifty, and Judy and I were back in business. That gave us more than 25 years of visiting, with Judy and Dan graciously hosting me a number of times in their home, and even meeting my plane in Portland, ME, so we three could drive up to join Marcia Mattson Todd at her summer home north of Boothbay Harbor. If I wasn’t their most frequent visitor, I had to be Number Two. Did I feel taken care of ? Yes. Like family? Yes. Like a blood sister. I’ll surely see you later, Judy. We are forever.” Judy passed away in May 2016.
1957 60th April 21 & 22, 2017 Betsy Glass Engvall appleby1939@gmail.com
living “just the life of a heart patient” but she does much “really enjoy the 8th grade news.” She is particularly interested in any of you who have FaceBook pages hers is Mary Waddell, Tiverton RI. Contact her; she would love to hear from you.
We’re looking forward to getting the Class together for a 60th Reunion luncheon at April’s Reunion weekend. Email Betsy if you would like to help with the planning.
I [Brad] have been wrapped up in filling a Bucket List Dream: I am having an octet of professional singers record 10 of my short choral compositions in September at Berry College. The choral director there has brought them together from Atlanta, Nashville, and Washington DC and has turned my manuscripts into printed form. He will rehearse them and then I will conduct for the recording session. I must admit to being hugely thrilled at this event and have fingers crossed that all goes well. I trust more of you will get in gear for the next Bulletin!
Martha Coes Thayer marthav260@aol.com
Your Humble Secretary, Brad
1956 Sally Poor McHenry remembers her “blood sister” Judy Hunter McCann. “Probably no one
knows this, but for many years, I have had a blood sister. When I entered Bancroft, in the 6th grade - Mrs. Wilson’s class - I met Judy Hunter and we soon became good friends. In the spring of that year, when I was visiting Judy at her home one day, on Hapgood Way in Shrewsbury, we decided to do something special. We collected some trinkets we considered meaningful, marched down to the end of the street and into the woods, and expertly dug a secret hole. Into that hole we placed our trinkets, and, as planned, we then cut our index fingers with a small knife we had stealthily removed from the kitchen, and pressed our bloody fingers together, declaring ourselves blood sisters, forever. Solemnly we covered in the hole with dirt and leaves, and walked back to the house. That was the same day that Judy’s mother was giving a party, and we had been instructed to play quietly. So we went upstairs to the bedroom that housed their pet parakeet, and thinking that the bird would enjoy being out of its cage a while, Judy let it out. Big mistake… [Let’s just say] blood sisters do not reveal everything.
1958
1959
Judith Phillips Jarmer jejarmer@yahoo.com Philip Kinnicutt leafishing@aol.com Frank Sessions: “My wife Susan and I hosted Bill Mayher, his wife Caroline and fellow former
Worcester resident Dick Corsini and his wife Sue at our home on Orr’s Island, ME in August. We spent time cruising on Casco Bay recalling and laughing about our days in Worcester. Bill lives in Brooklin, ME and Dick lives on Cape Cod.” Eugenia Rideout Parrott: “The news from here
is that we moved to a newly constructed house just two blocks from the old one which was my husband’s brother’s house. We bought it from him in 2012 when we moved from Wichita. The house is close to the area airport and my husband, having been a corporate pilot for Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, is always on the lookout for the approaching aircraft. Our so-called summer vacation has been spent in getting moved in and hanging pictures and watering the yard. There are shrubs and no lawn so that makes for a different approach. Our Kansas and Seattle daughters and their families came for 10 days and two weekends. We took several road trips to the mountains and to see the gorgeous water scenery around here. We have been blessed with many sunny days but have not had any rain which is sorely needed. Anacortes is a thriving community with an excellent school environment. The town is at the beginning of the San Juan Islands chain, with an abundance of boating and commercial fishing people and the marine businesses that keeps them all humming.
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Class Notes
Mr. Walsh both remembered this class as one of their favorites and were sorry they were not able to attend. From the looks of this photo, everyone had a great time reminiscing.
Several years ago Anita Reetz Kurashige, also from 1959, contacted me and we belong to the same book club.”
1967 50th April 21 & 22, 2017
Our sympathies to Phil Kinnicutt on the loss of his wife of 47 years, Annetta in June 2016.
1960
Rev. Christina Gummere Laurie preacherpoet@comcast.net Judy Sawyer McKeown: “Hi, gang. Jim and I are
still in NH...but, next year we move to Colorado! Both girls and kids are there, even in the same town. We are very excited to think about being even more involved with grandchildren, ages 13, 12 and 10. Hope you all are well.”
1962 55th April 21 & 22, 2017 Pamela Kinnicutt Motley pamelamotley@msn.com
Notes from Class Secretary Pam: Our class must be keeping very busy, as very few had time to send in any news. Hopefully, that means most of us are still active and relatively healthy! Jane Goldthwaite MacIntosh writes that she
lost her husband of 48 years, David, in August of 2016 after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. Our hearts go out to Jane at this very sad time in her life. Dick Knight has been retired for a little over two
years, but manages to keep very busy. He had a great summer of sailing, tennis, Harley rides and enjoying his four grandchildren. He is looking forward to ski season, and will once again be teaching skiing at Waterville Valley on weekends, which he has done for many years. Lisa Johnson spent a week in Jamestown, Rhode
Island in August with cousins, nieces and siblings.
I (Pam) made a trip to Hawaii in August, to help celebrate the life of my brother Phil Kinnicutt’s ’59 wife Annetta, who had lost her battle with COPD. She had struggled with this for a long time. While I was there, I managed to have lunch with Lee Higgins, who lives on the north shore of Oahu. Her great-grandson also lives on Oahu, but at the other end of the island. She tries to visit with him when she can. I have enjoyed my first summer living right on the ocean, watching boats, birds and all the action of the water as it ebbs and flows. The apartment managed to stay cool, even during the many hot and humid days we endured in this area. Let me know if there is any interest in having any kind of gathering for our 55th Reunion next April 21 or 22? Bancroft will set up a Reunion Luncheon if there is enough interest.
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Dick Knight ’62 enjoying a ride on his Harley.
1963
M. Valentine Callahan Valentine.callahan@gmail.com Elizabeth Young fdlcamp@aol.com
Charlotte Millard Harrington cwharrington4@comcast.net Ellen Gould: “Daniel and I are well, as is our
extended family. We now have growing grandchildren (grand cousins, really, since we do not have children) who, at 11, 9 and 6 occupy a lot of our time and hearts. Work-or in my case-a new musical play, [Seeing Stars] has been taking up the rest of my time and devotion. When completed (within this next year, hopefully) it will be a four-character one-woman show specifically about visual impairment but more broadly about vision in all its senses. It’s the first big project I’ve attempted in many years and it happily keeps me up at night with melodies running through my head or a new idea for a lyric. Sometimes I’m also thinking I’m too old to be jumping back into the fray but wherever this project takes me, I’m just too excited to turn back now! Daniel and I are going to Carmel Valley, CA for a family wedding and will add a few days to our trip to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. How fast the good things go. Sending end-of-summer warm thoughts to you and all my Bancroft family.”
1966
Cynthia O. Kaltsas cynthiaolympia@yahoo.com
A special thanks to Yana Posovsky and Cynthia Kaltsas for helping to get a large group of 1966ers together for their 50th Reunion. Former teacher, Mr. White stopped by campus to remind them of the days in English class, 50+ years ago. Ms. Greenman and
Does it seem like 50 years ago when this photo was taken? Be sure to save the date for your 50th Reunion to return to Shore Drive to reminisce!
1969
Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs djacobs@midrivers.com
Notes from Class Secretary, Hester: Linda Taylor Robertson writes she visited her
88-year old mother at her home in Eastham on Cape Cod where Linda vacations every August for two weeks. Her grandchildren Ella (4) and Emil (2) were there for a week with their parents as well. They love Cape Cod and call here ‘Bubbles’ because they blow bubbles together. Linda spent two days with Kathy Amorello Rose ’68 in Newburyport at Kathy’s home. She also has a new job as a Breast Care Coordinator working with, caring for, and supporting women having breast biopsies and then supporting them through a Breast Cancer diagnosis. She loves it. Linda is also a five-year survivor of breast cancer.
A large group from the Class of 1966 came from across the country to celebrate their 50th Bancroft Reunion in May.
Joe Meigs wrote in from Denver, Colorado where
he works as a hydrogeologist for Lytle Water Solution, a water consulting firm specializing in surface and ground water resources. Recently, he has been very busy working on the hydrogeologic analysis of a large basin in Southern California for a public water utility. He and his wife, Susan, have lived in Colorado now for over 20 years after first meeting in the Bay Area of California where they both worked for an environmental consulting firm. Susan is a project manager for the Regional Transportation District in Denver working on the light rail system being designed and constructed around the Denver Metropolitan area. Both Joe and Susan enjoy being outside working in their yard and hiking in the mountains. Joe still enjoys skiing as much as possible and is looking forward to another great ski season this winter. Martha Johnson Hertzberg writes: “On June
18th my grandson Luke Philip was born weighing 8 lbs. My granddaughter, Madison, 20 months is a beauty! I broke my hip last April dancing. After two
surgeries I’m out on the floor again preparing for competition...hello to all my classmates from 1969.” Susan White McChesney: “Living life in the
mountains of Western North Carolina! Having left Phippsburg ME for Asheville, NC two and a half years ago, I have ‘settled in’ as time has gone on. I’ve recently moved to north of the city, enjoying the rolling ‘hollers’ and mountains of Madison County. I’ve been drawing Barns, and it has led me to involvement with the Appalachian Barn Alliance, an organization documenting the old barns before they disappear back into the landscape. Wooden silo? The barns tell wonderful stories about the region’s agricultural history and its influences. I still teach Drawing, with a new emphasis on Color Journals, teaching in a variety of settings with various participants of all ages. It still gives me great pleasure to share what I have learned over the years, and I am still watching my teachings open new vistas in the
participant’s desire to draw. I am very fortunate, and feel strongly that Louise Ewing approves. She was the first to introduce me to the Maine coast 50 years ago, which I have lived in or visited steadily since. My sons Chas (28) and Avery (32) have both been here in Asheville—Avery with wife Molly and 4-year old Safi, a true blessing. Anyone near me here or passing through? Do let me know at www. mcchesneyart.com. We’ll hoist a pint at one of the many breweries, toast our hilarious (?) times at Bancroft (and Pomfret, and Worcester Academy.)" “As for me (Hester), it seems hard to believe we came to Montana 20 years ago. I have now lived here longer than anywhere else, including Worcester as I went away to school at the age of 15 and was only home for vacations. My husband David and I love our adopted state and remain active in our local community 90 miles outside of Billings. We both volunteer for the volunteer fire department and I still run the weekly senior meal at the community center and I’m on the board of the county Council on Aging. Having just
Bancroft Summer Gathering
Alumni and families joined Bancroft parents and teachers for summer get-togethers hosted by the Lotuff family in Osterville, MA and the Cassidy family in Wells, Maine.
25
Class Notes qualified for Medicare, I like to learn about the issues that face us as we get older. I will be attending our Governor’s Conference on Aging in September where I always learn a lot about services and health. Travel this year has included a road trip to Michigan with my daughter Becca (33) and two of my grandchildren ages 5 and 3. David and I made a quick four-day trip to Kailua, Hawaii in June after my brother Phil Kinnicutt’s ‘59 wife passed. On our ranch we have chickens, ducks (new addition), sheep, goats, dogs, and cats as well as a large vegetable garden. It is also fire season and so far we have been luckier than California and the western part of Montana. I too would love to see anyone who is headed this way for any reason. Let me know and we can make plans to meet.”
1970 Congratulations to Sally Birch who graduated Cum Laude from Framingham State University in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is busy working on two film scripts, and volunteering at Access Framingham TV.
1971
Sarah Callahan Lenis sclenis@aol.com Wendy Jane Rickles wendyrickles@gmail.com Susan Garrison Liming and Lucia Polanik Melehov represented the Class at the 45th Reunion
in May. Time to start thinking about our 50th!
are enjoying watching their two granddaughters Lenja (3) and Elea (1) grow, and February will bring more excitement when their daughter Tina gets married. Ruth and Adrian are both planning to retire at the end of the school year, and have plans to do lots of travelling, beginning with a safari in Nambia in April. Unfortunately, he is not able to make our upcoming reunion, but he did say that he has our 50th on his radar! We were sad to hear that Adrian’s mom died at the end of July; the Class of ’72 sends warmth and condolences to the entire Perschak family. Continuing to feel “honored to accompany people on their life’s journeys -guiding/supporting them thru the challenges, and celebrating the joyous moments,” Judy Schechtman moved her practice across town from Newton Center to Newton Highlands. She and her husband have two grandsons, aged four and seven, and in August they welcomed a granddaughter to the fold. Judy notes that life is busy, but it is indeed filled with wondrous things! They continue to go back and forth between Newton and Cape Cod, and are delighted that their grandkids have succumbed to the lure of the Cape! David Nicholson wrote in to say that son Scott
’04 was married in June in Manchester, VT to Kelsey Stone of Concord, MA. The festivities were held at Hildene, the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, and were blessed with large families on both sides, many friends, and perfect weather. Congratulations! Back on the road again, Lynn Hutchins recently visited her sister Ann ’74 in L.A., where they took the opportunity to visit La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, and the Getty. As she was flying home in early September she realized that we would have been starting our senior year at just about that time 45 years ago. Hard to believe! Sue Barnard Lamdin wrote in to say many family
members, including her 92-year-old mom, gathered in their backyard in Brunswick, Maine in September to celebrate the marriage of her sister, Phoebe ’79 to John Bowey. “Phoebe has been living either in South Africa or Namibia since 1983, doing important climate change and biodiversity work, and hopes to continue that on this continent. We are all looking forward to having them closer to home!” Barbara Petter Putnam is back at St. Marks for
1972 45th April 21 & 22, 2017 Jo Herron Truesdell thehats@aol.com David Nicholson davidnicholson@endeavorproducts.com
Notes from Class Secretary, Jo: Adrian Perschak wrote in with greetings to all
from Switzerland. In June, he and Ruth celebrated their “Ruby Wedding Anniversary” with friends and family on the shores of Lake Zurich. (I had to look it up; congratulations on your 40 years of marriage!) They
26
a brand new year, but she scooted down to Louisville, KY in early September for a two-person show with Deborah Cornell, the head of printmaking at BU. Barb was in London over the summer taking a course on Islamic Pattern Design, something she became interested in while researching the Alhambra for art history. Not only did she practice the geometric art form itself, she learned where and why particular patterns have been used in the Middle East.
Speaking of Barb, she will be having a show at Bancroft during our reunion, something you will definitely not want to miss. So, pop the weekend of April 21 & 22, 2017 on your calendars, and we will look forward to seeing everyone then. In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up for the Class of 1972’s Reunion Page on Facebook which John Dearborn set up for us. News from classmates will be there, as will information about our upcoming reunion. As for me [Jo], I am excited to be back at school.
The campus is a busy place with lots of building and renovating going on. It will be all set and ready for you when you come in April! Can’t wait to celebrate our 40th with everyone!
1974
Louisa Gebelein Jones ljones@pomfretschool.org
Becky Meigs and Louisa Gebelein Jones visit in July at the Cape alumni gathering.
1975 David Stone: “I celebrated my 30th wedding
anniversary with my dear wife Valerie. How many of you can say the same? The secret: be continually inventive and remember it may help to consider the maxim that modern Love writer Ada Calhoun recalled: ‘Life is suffering — and yet.’ I started my 3rd company (7th startup I’ve had some key role in); it’s called Forager (www.goforager.com); and its focused on making locally sourced food more widely available to all. My five kids are mostly grown up now, except for Gracie who is entering grade 10 at Waynflete. Sadly, my right knee is completely shot limiting my mobility to a great extent: football, wild, often extreme skiing, aggressive cycling, and ‘engines redlined’ for too many years in my pursuit of too many professional related heights. That said, I have no complaints, I’m very grateful and am very pleased I challenged myself to the extent of my limits. As I knock on the door of sixty, I’m wondering how so many of you are doing. Other than the few and faithful I see at the reunions, I don’t know where life has taken you. Where to end...”
Anyone perusing the Fall 2016 Vineyard Vines catalogue may have noticed a familiar face. Dorothy and Seth Garfield, and their company, Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms, were featured in the Fall edition titled Real Good People, Real Good Life. Check out the interview with the Garfields on the Vineyard Vines website.
1978 Jeffrey Gratton: “Had a lovely lunch with George Tsandikos in August in Midtown
Manhattan where we both work. George’s wonderful remark: ‘Jeffrey ... It’s like time stood still.’ Meanwhile, I love my new career as a recruiter/ placement specialist/counselor in the rarest niche of all: placing nannies, housekeepers and personal assistants to families in the 0.000001% ... Great people ... Names I can never repeat ... And lots and lots of laughs...!”
1979
Jean Breidenbach barker97@msn.com
1982 A large group from ’76 were joined by a few friends to celebrate their 40th Reunion in May.
1976
Rodney Ferris rodneyjferris@gmail.com John Howe Jhowe1@netzero.net John Howe reports, “A great crowd from the class
of ’76 made it to Bancroft in May for our 40th reunion. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time seeing all the changes to the campus and catching up with each other. After the events at the school many of the group headed over to O’Connors Restaurant to continue the conversation and have something to eat. The only one that made it to Bancroft, but did not join the group for dinner was Bill Nicholson and his wife Missy. They were doing double duty of saying hi to old classmates, and picking up their son Will, who is currently a junior at Bancroft. The arrangements for our group dinner were handled by Pam Lee Veith, and a big thank you to her for making sure we all had something to eat. Fortunately, Pam got us a large table as the crowd included: Liza Bullock Chandler, Anna Gebelein Keegan, Barbara Stebbins-Boaz (along with her husband and brother), Marina Matuzek, Doug Peterson (and his wife LeeAnn), and Cynthia Forzley Galletto. Also joining us was David Porter from the class of ’77, and John Howe. Ann Woodbury was not able to make it to Bancroft, but did join us for dinner. There was so much to catch up on, as so many of the class members have children that are now grown and out of the house, or about to leave for college. Others had lots to talk about concerning jobs and careers. And there was a lot of reminiscing about our days at Bancroft, both the good and bad. If you missed this event, now is the time to start thinking about our 45th reunion. It would be great to see even more of the Class attend our next reunion.”
1977 40th April 21 & 22, 2017
35th April 21 & 22, 2017 Let’s start planning your 35th Reunion today. Email Lynn at alumni@bancroftschool.org to help make this a great event.
Lauren Shuster abeautifulview.lauren@gmail.com
We learned congratulations are in order to Craig Hedges on having his book, The Fish Whisperer’s Chronicles for sale on Amazon. Let’s all get together for our 4Oth Reunion in April to see what everyone’s been doing.
Three generations of Lorings celebrate Jackie’s graduation in June.
1983
Jim Condon jimcondon@charter.net
1984
David Bennett dtbconsulting@metrocast.net
Congratulations to Susan Bernardin who was the 22nd recipient of the Susan Smith Faculty Prize for Academic Excellence at SUNY Oneonta where she is professor of English and chair of the Women’s and Gender Studies Department. Susan delivered the annual Smith lecture in the spring, titled Story-HistoryStory: Contemporary Native American Literary and Visual Arts.
Three generations of Wells family gathered at Reunion 2016 to celebrate Pat Condon’s Award and Giles’ 10th Reunion. Pictured (l-r): Nancy Tivenan, Eric Wells ’77, Jerry Wells, Giles Wells ’06, January Wells, and Demmie Wells.
Team Richard rides again in Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life in October. Joining Dave Bennett, his son Josh, and Matt Rogers this year was Bancroft’s head of school, Trey Cassidy. Although the race director cancelled the 65 mile route due to bad weather, the team rode the course anyway! Dave also joined Bill Bjork ’86 and team in the CF Great Strides Walk in Chicago in May. Dave and Matt are looking for people to join Team Richard at next year’s ride-although they can’t guarantee good weather, they can guarantee lots of fun for a good cause—to find a cure for CF.
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Class Notes 30th Reunion was a great reason for the Class of 1986 to get together in May.
2016 Team Richard includes, Trey Cassidy, Josh and Dave Bennett ’84, and Matt Rogers ’84.
1985
Jessie Boardman Glockner lpjglockner@msn.com
1986
Becca Condon Zieminski rmzieminski@gmail.com Rob Gray gray@graymediagroup.com Khurston Ellia-Epple Kellia-epple@unum.com
1987 30th April 21 & 22, 2017
Class of 1987 in Grade 3
1988
Marc Starzyk marc.starzyk@marickgroup.com James Morel james@jamesmorel.com James (Jase) Morel recently relocated from
Los Angeles to Warsaw Poland to re-connect to the long lost “Morelewicz” heritage. If you find yourself in Europe and want to connect, email: james@jamesmorel.com or just go to Instagram: @ jamesmorel.
1989
Liz O’Hearn Galvin lizohearngalvin@gmail.com
Congratulations to Greg MacGilpin who was recently installed as the new Head of American Community School at Beirut. This summer Greg and Melissa Macomber and their three daughters moved to Beirut Lebanon from Costa Rica.
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Michael Stillman: “I’ve been feeling nostalgic
recently. Perhaps due to the fall weather, perhaps due to an upcoming move to Philadelphia. But, my mind has been routinely turning to Central Mass. (‘God’s Country’) and Bancroft. Adolescence was easy for exactly none of us. But, I find myself chuckling about Ponzio wrestling six at a time during lunch break… and Chris Davis ‘Boob’ and Melissa exposing me to U2 (Joshua Tree and Unforgettable Fire, respectively)…and feeling embarrassed as others bloomed before I did…and Feni teaching me my Vonnegut…and dance parties in Jed’s basement… and Tommy sinking a game winner against some (seemingly) semi-pro team…and Sheena and Lisa aping Paula Abdul routines…and Pooch skipping about to ‘Workingman’s Dead.’ And so many other moments. To have just one more day of that! Steve and I have been together for twenty-three years and have spent the last four on the road. We moved from Boston to Louisville to Seattle to (imminently) Philadelphia, where we hope to re-lay roots. We’ve both taken faculty positions at Sidney Kimmel Medical College—he as Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine and I as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs—and are eager to explore a new city and to get back to the Northeast. There is something about that region’s well-intended brashness we’ve sorely missed. We feel like we’re returning to ‘our people.’ I read a great deal. I struggle with my fitness. I cook rather poorly. My Normie (class of ’88) is the best! If any of you find yourselves in or around Philly, please let Steve and me know.”
Class of 1991 celebrates 25th Reunion in May.
1990
Andrea Pantos Berger Andreab264@gmail.com Kerri Aleksiewicz Melley kamelley@hotmail.com
Our condolences to Laurie Jasperson Kovalik and her family on the death of Laurie’s father Stephen Jasperson on October 5, 2016.
1991
Jessica Macomber jessmacomber@hotmail.com
1992 25th April 21 & 22, 2017 Eleni Gage Eleni_gage@yahoo.com Scott Kurland: “I’ve got some big news to share
this year...got married at The Bel Air Bay Club in Palisades, California on May 6th to my wife, Candice McDonough. The two of us have been bicoastal between Santa Monica and NYC for the past few months, but will be settling down in our new apartment in NY towards the end of this year. Looking forward to hopefully seeing everyone at the Reunion next April!” Congratulations to Sarah Beth Angelini Durst on the release of her 10th book, The Girl Who Could Not Dream, a novel for children published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Clarion books.
1993
1998
Erica Driscoll Ribeiro eldr@hotmail.com
Michael Cohen recently received a grant from the
Alicia Davis Downs awdd@targetconsulting.com
Sam Kressler sam@kressler.org
Abby Driscoll Gilligan abbygilligan524@gmail.com
National Endowment for the Humanities to complete the publication of the correspondence of James K. Polk, the eleventh president of the US. Michael is the editor of the Polk project and a research associate professor of History at the University of Tennessee.
Chip Sbrogna csbrogna@gmail.com
1999
1994
1995
Jennifer Harter Alves jharteralves@gmail.com
1996
Michael D. Chang mdjchang@gmail.com
1997 20th April 21 & 22, 2017 Anthony Selvitella aselvitella@gmail.com Emily Easton emily.w.easton@gmail.com
Congratulations to Ben Dobson who is now Vice President of News at NBC Connecticut. Notes from Class Secretaries Anthony and Emily: There are many high points to being ‘97’s Class Secretaries. Of course, hearing from fellow class members before the Bulletin comes out is one of them. Another is announcing and helping to plan our Reunion. So, here’s that long-awaited announcement: We are swiftly entering our 20th Reunion Year! April 21-22, 2017. Cue the cheering. This year we are planning on a big turnout and working hard to make sure that there’s something for everyone. From cocktails and dinner on campus, to a ’97 off-campus dinner, to a star-studded awards night only rivaled by the Oscars, to activities for class members who want to bring the whole family along—which we hope you will—we promise you won’t go away disappointed. We are even arranging for a block of hotel rooms to be set aside for those who no longer have family in the area. (Please contact the alumni office or one of us for more information). Join our Bancroft School Class of 1997 Facebook group and keep up to date and share your ideas and photos! There are also, unfortunately, times when being a Class Secretary has its low points. One is trying to express on behalf of the Class our deep sorrow at the loss of one our fellow classmates. Thomas (Tom) Mutti died this past August, much before his time. While we know that we cannot begin to express what his close friends are feeling, we do feel confident in saying that he will be missed by the entire class, most especially during our upcoming reunion. There are only 49 of us in ’97 and any loss is felt acutely; this being no exception. We know in April we all will be warmly remembering Tom.
Ketan Vakil ketan@ketanvakil.com Mia Pearson Williams: “Cortney Kitchen
married Tobey Carman in the beautiful Grand Teton Mountains of Wilson, Wyoming in September. Maureen Chang and I attended and ensured that Cortney arrived at the ceremony on time (almost). Cortney and Tobey plan to kick off their honeymoon as nomads, adventuring around the North American continent in their camper. Meanwhile, Maureen firmly resides in New York City where she often sees her brother and parents. Mia lives in Hong Kong and will be there for the foreseeable future with her husband and two daughters.”
2000
Win Ruml winthrop.ruml@gmail.com Samantha Welch Zappia welch.sam@gmail.com
Three classmates announce new additions to their families in 2016. On May 31, Martha Castro-Walker and husband Bobby Walker welcomed Gabriel Jaime Walker. Kate Cranshaw Mogan and husband Jeff Mogan
welcomed Cameron James Mogan on September 8, 2016. Laurent Martin and wife Helena welcomed Theo
Tiger Martin on September 23, 2016.
Derek Haas was featured in The Huffington Post
about his startup company, Avant-garde Health. Derek developed analytics tools for health care providers to deliver quality and cost effective health care. According to the author “He is on a mission to make the delivery of healthcare more cost effective.”
2001
Liza Michie Laurent eliza.m.laurent@gmail.com
Notes from Class Secretary, Kelly McKallagat Rogers: After a fun reunion that included appearances from Ngozi Eze, Ant Dalli, Matt Rosales, Shirley Harrison Konneh, Liza Michie Laurent, Eric Wellman, John Tumolo, Patrick Sheehan, Tony Arous, and me class notes bring updates from three classmates. First up is Nick Choy. Nick reports: “I’m doing great just been missing in
action with the Bancroft folks~ I’m living in Boston. Hope everything is good with you!” Also missing from reunion but providing an update is Dave Wright. He writes: “I proposed to my (now) fiancée Gabby in March, and she said yes! We’re getting married outside of Charlottesville, VA, next April. I started a new job last fall at a small clean energy nonprofit called Groundswell, working on energy efficiency and community solar for low income communities in DC and Baltimore. I’m still playing soccer and also started singing with The Washington Chorus, a 175-person group that performs regularly at the Kennedy Center.” Congratulations Dave and Gabby, hoping you’ll share a photo of your festivities! Finally, those who were at reunion know Liza was expecting. Well he’s here! Liza writes: “It was great to see so many people at our reunion! The big news for us is that we welcomed the fourth member of our family, Thomas William Laurent, into the world on August 6! Hope everyone is well!” That’s about all I have. Until next time have a great weekend and stay out of jail! –FH Thank you to Kelly who has been a dedicated Class Secretary since graduation. She has made sure the Class of 2001 was always represented in these pages, probably one of the only classes with that claim. She is leaving big shoes to fill, however we are confident another in the Class of 2001 is up for the challenge. Email alumni@bancroftschool.org if you want to be Class Secretary.
2002 15th April 21 & 22, 2017 Rebecca Holden McCullough rebeccahmccullough@gmail.com Alexis Tumolo Alexis.tumolo@gmail.com
Notes from Class Secretary, Becky: Hey there, Class of 2002! We saw lots of changes in 2016, with folks growing their families, making amazing progress in their careers, and exploring new parts of the world (or coming home!). I [Becky] recently celebrated my one-year anniversary at HubSpot, the marketing software company in Cambridge, where I’m Director of Recruiting for our North America offices. On the nonwork front, we sold our home in Andover and moved a bit south to West Concord, where we’re having a blast doing some renovations to an 1820s Colonial we just bought. That, coupled with celebrating Hudson’s second birthday, made it quite a busy summer!
Mike and Liza (Michie) Laurent’s children: Charlie and baby brother Thomas who was born on August 6.
Here’s what some of our other classmates have to say: Lexi Tumolo writes: “Life is good in Denver! I’m
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Class Notes taking on a Chief Cardiology Fellow role this year, as I start my Cardiac Electrophysiology fellowship at University of Colorado hospital, so I’m doing a lot of teaching and a lot of learning. Elliot [Chase] and I were married on September 10th, and had an incredible celebration with many wonderful Bancroft friends. Elana Kaufman Dean, Moira Finicane and Dorsy Yoffie, and my brother and his wife, Emily Bender, gave beautifully heartfelt toasts, and my brother’s oldest son, Jack, was the star of the wedding as a very charismatic ring bearer. Looking forward to seeing other lovely ‘02 classmates in April!” Rebecca Kowaloff writes: “I’ve had a busy but
great summer. In June, my boyfriend and I bought a house in Wakefield. I still work in Southern Maine and stay up there a few nights a week, but otherwise the commute is doable and it’s so fun to have a house. It was built in 1839, and I love all the historic details! I’ve been keeping myself pretty busy with decorating! Toward the end of the summer he and I spent two weeks in Switzerland and England. We explored beautiful Zurich, hiked in the Alps, and did a road trip around southern England visiting places I hadn’t visited on previous trips. On our last day in England, John proposed to me! We are so excited and are planning a wedding for next summer/fall!” Dena Raffa Mayerhofer and her husband, Matt,
welcomed Luca Anthony on July 8, 2016. Luca joins big brother, Vincenzo. Congrats, Dena! Congratulations to Zach Lewis, who married Rebecca Lewis in March 2016! Peter Habib writes: “Currently I’m working on a
design for a 700-Unit Residential Project in the South End in Boston. The project is in the early design phase and is starting to pick up speed, which is very exciting! I attached a few images of my renderings for the project for the proposed design. At the same time some of my earlier work is already in construction or complete. The Reading Public Library, The Pearce High Rise Residential Tower in Fenway & a few other smaller Academic projects.”
Greta Scheibel writes: “After eight years abroad,
I recently moved back to the Worcester area with my husband, Richard. We spent the better part of 2015 traveling and deciding where to settle down, ultimately buying a house in Northborough. There’s nothing like seven years in the developing world to make you appreciate Massachusetts! I’m working at Tufts Vet School in North Grafton, and enjoying settling into suburban life with our 15-week-old Golden Retriever, Riley--quite a change from the semi-chaos of life in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. All in all, it’s great to be back in the area.”
Congratulations to Ben Weisberger who married Elizabeth Botcheller on May 14, 2016 in Bristol, RI. Living in Cambridge, Ben is Chef de Cuisine of No. 9 Park and Elizabeth is an RN at New England Baptist. Looking forward to seeing many of you at our 15! year reunion April 21-22, 2017! Becky
Jessie Feldman Prunell writes: “It’s been an
exciting year for us! On August 1st we welcomed our second child (another boy!) Oliver Joaquin Prunell. So far big brother Charlie (2.5) is handling the transition well. We’re still living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and both my husband Justin and I work at Google. I just celebrated my 6-year “Googleversary” and am enjoying my awesome six-month maternity leave! This past Fall we spent three months living and working at Google London which was such a cool experience. While we were there we also took a weekend trip to the Cotswolds in the English countryside, and to Madrid, Spain. This summer we stayed pretty local and waited for the baby! We managed to squeeze in trips to Nantucket, the Cape, the Jersey shore and Vermont. Also a couple Boston visits to see my sister (Sara ’00) and Margaret Bacon Duddy and their growing broods.”
Dena Raffa Mayerhofer ’02 with sons Vincenzo and baby Luca.
Caitlin McDonough writes: “I’m still working on
my PhD in Biology at Boston University, hoping to defend in time to be Dr. McDonough at our reunion! I had a great summer working at Acadia National Park — it was my last field season collecting dissertation data, and Mara’s first field season as a baby scientist. Can’t wait to see everyone in the spring.” This architectural rendering is just one example of Peter Habib’s ’02 work as an Associate at CBT Architects in Boston.
2003
Stephie Cohen has been with Resy—a restaurant
Ariane Lenis Salmon ariane.lenis@gmail.com
reservations tech start-up—a year and a half now managing sales and operations. The founders of the company saw a disconnect between restaurant operators and one of their most-used systems, OpenTable, and saw that as an opportunity to build something better. Resy is headquartered in NYC and partners with restaurants in over 30 cities across the country!
Jamie Yood jamieyood@gmail.com
Cecilia Grace Chand
Congratulations to Chris and Uyen Le Chand who welcomed Cecilia Grace on October 15th.
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Caitlin McDonough ’02 enlists the help of daughter Mara to monitor leaf on a mountain in Acadia for Caitlin’s PhD work.
Jon Dunn ’03 and his wife Christina welcome Theodore on April 15, 2016
2007 10th April 21 & 22, 2017 Kate Anderson kate.anderson004@gmail.com
Notes from Class Secretary Kate: Justine Popik: “I continue to pick up freelance
work in NYC and now teach in Massachusetts as well. I am also preparing for a series of orchestral auditions, in hopes of landing a more permanent position. This spring, I ran my 11th marathon and finished in a Boston Marathon qualifying time. I will be tackling Chicago this fall and Boston next spring.” CJ Silva: “I’ve been working at Embrace Home Theodore Matthew Flajslik born on Leap Day.
Notes from Class Secretary Ariane: Kristen Brownell Flajslik: “My son, Theodore
Matthew Flajslik, was born on leap day, February 29th, 2016 at 1:06 am. He weighed 6 lbs. 13.5 oz. and measured 20.5 inches. With my husband Mario, I am enjoying caring for our beautiful baby boy. He has blue eyes and light brown hair like me and is very long and skinny like Mario. Teddy is a very happy baby and is growing fast. He enjoys kicking his legs vigorously for extended periods of time, so I am hoping for a future runner or swimmer. He unknowingly participated in several races before he was born, and has watched me compete in two triathlons and 5Ks this past summer.” Ryan Harrington, D.M.D. graduated from Tufts
University School of Dental Medicine in May of 2014. He completed a residency at the Togus, VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine and has been working there for the past two years. Ryan married his long-time girlfriend, Rachel Lukas in July of 2015 in Stowe, VT. Good friend to bride and groom, Jamie Yood, officiated the ceremony and did an amazing job. Ryan’s wedding party included his two brothers as his Best Men, Tim Harrington ’06 and Mike Harrington ’08, and his good friends Paul Wright and John Tumolo ’01. Ryan and Rachel have recently moved back to central Massachusetts. In August, Ryan joined Leicester Dental Associates in Leicester, MA. He is excited to be back in the area and treating members of his community. Jonathan Dunn: “My wife, Christina, and I
welcomed our first child, Theodore Curran Dunn, to our family on April 15, 2016. Theodore has added so much joy to our life and every moment with him is a gift. I love watching him grow and discover new things and could not be happier being a dad. Teddy enjoys playing with his feet and listening to Disney songs, especially when sung by his mother. He is also excited for his first trip to Disney World to meet Mickey Mouse in October.”
Kiran Patwardhan: “I got married on July 30,
2016 to Gopal Varma at the International Golf Club and Resort in Bolton, MA. We are living in Coolidge Corner in Brookline. I also started a new job as an Instructional Designer and Training Specialist at a startup called CloudHealth Technologies in the Seaport District.”
2004
Jennifer Deprez jennifer.l.deprez@gmail.com David Slatkin dslatkin@gmail.com
2005
Sarah Allen sarahelliottallen@gmail.com Hannah Holdstein Hannah.holdstein@gmail.com Alexa Dickman: “Almost four years after
graduating Suffolk University Law School (Class of 2012), I sat for the New York bar exam this past February, and I passed! I don’t have any definite plans yet, and there’s still a few other (much less daunting) requirements to fulfill before I can actually be admitted to the bar, but I genuinely feel like the sky’s the limit! For now, I’m staying in my corporate contracts job in the DC metro area.” Congratulations Alexa!
2006
Mally Anderson mallyanderson@gmail.com Curtis Reid Curtis27@gmail.com Vanessa Theoharis vtheoharis@gmail.com
Congratulations to:
Loans in Newport, RI for over a year in the Marketing Department. My role is constantly evolving in a growing company, and I’m dabbling in sponsorships, event planning, recruiting and general branding techniques. I’ve been having a great time, and couldn’t be happier with my current geography! Also, as of a month ago, I’m engaged to my beautiful fianceé Athena. Though she’s a Yankee fan, I somehow was able to see past such a personality flaw (she’s going to slap me for writing that, but it’s totally worth it). Aside from those recent items, I continue to play baseball in a few 18+ leagues, and coach the Junior Gulls AAU baseball team. Overall, life is going swimmingly and my door is always open to fellow ‘Bancroftians’, especially those in ’07 class. If you find yourself in the small state, definitely let me know—always great to see you guys!” Alyse Dunn DiMattia: “I recently got married
on August 6th to Joe DiMattia and it was a blast. The weather was beautiful and it was a great time to celebrate with friends and family. In Disney tradition we spent a week in Disneyland and then went to Hawaii. About a year ago we bought a house right in Worcester, so I am a local again. I hope my classmates are all doing well.” Kristin Magnuson: “I moved back to the east
coast from southern California at the beginning of the year and am now living in the D.C. area and working as an environmental health sciences consultant. Though I miss living near the beach, I am enjoying D.C. and am looking forward to the changing seasons!” Kate Anderson: “I am still in Cambridge working
at a small education start-up that works with underperforming school districts. I have been playing a lot of rec league soccer lately and had the opportunity to play with a number of Bancroft alumni, including Sam Broadhurst ’09, Meg Anderson ’10, Olivia AngoodHardy ’10, and Dave Stillman ’10. I am looking forward to seeing the Class of 2007 at our 10th year reunion this April!
Callie Lekas, who was named head field hockey
Of course the entire Bancroft community was stunned and saddened by the loss of classmate Vanessa Marcotte. The Class of 2007 remembers:
Myles Dunigan who received the 2016 Emerging
“I remember Vanessa as a genuinely kind person with an infectious smile and effervescent laugh. Though we did not keep in touch after high school, I see that Vanessa’s kindness only grew deeper, and her generosity greater. I hope her good nature and grace live on.”
coach at Clark University. Callie becomes just the fourth coach in the 39-year history of the program and first in 32 seasons. Artist grant from Artfile Magazine.
Meredith Crawford who married Andrew
Scaplen on August 27, 2017 in Portland, Maine.
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Class Notes “Vanessa was such a vibrant and kind soul. She had an infectious laugh, bright smile, and was a friend to us all. She will certainly be missed. May her memory be eternal.” “Vanessa was a wonderful part of our class and it’s sad that such a tragic thing happened to our tight knit school family. I’ll be dedicating all of my races to her memory.” “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us” - Helen Keller
with Gabie Trotter for a few days. She drove us to her office on her moped today; we might have broken 40mph Tokyo Drift style. I’m still working in sales for InVisionApp and really loving it. DJing is going well too. This year I’ve been fortunate enough to perform in Boston, Worcester, LA, San Francisco, Oakland, and Hawaii. I even snagged a spot on What The Festival’s line-up this year, warming up the Splash Pool stage for JackLNDN and Louis the Child. I’m pretty much living paycheck to paycheck since I’m spending all my money on plane tickets and DJing equipment but we all know your 20s is the perfect time to be financially irresponsible. Hope everyone’s killing it out there in the real world.”
2008
Gabe Drapos gdrapos@gmail.com Alexis Kelleher lexikelleher@gmail.com
Congratulations to Azarmeedokht “Azi” Azizi ’11 who received her Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in May, shown here with her sister Sepeedeh Azizi ’15.
Congratulations to April Gammal who is now a published author. Her article, Operating Your Business Above the Baseline was published in the September 2016 edition of SumNEWS, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) magazine.
2012 5th April 21 & 22, 2017 Guillermo Creamer Guillermo.creamer@outlook.com
Sylvia Parol ’10 aka DJ Silly Syl getting ready for her set at What The Festival in June. Russell Oliver: “Happy to say I’m back in
Massachusetts now! After spending the last two years producing the morning news at WCSH—the NBC affiliate in Portland, Maine—I am now producing for NECN and soon for NBC Boston. Starting January 1, 2017, NBC is launching a brand new station in the Boston television market called NBC Boston. In the meantime, I’m helping put together newscasts for NECN (which is also part of the NBC family) and preparing for the NBC Boston launch. It’s a very exciting time and I’m thrilled to be working in my home state on a project that is sure to change how the people of Massachusetts get their news. As of this writing, I don’t know what specific NBC Boston newscast I’ll be producing, so stay tuned!” Isabel Zinman ’08 was married on June 25, 2016 in the town of Delft in the Netherlands to Jeff van der Ree. Clara Zinman ’10, Sarah Morris ’09, and Isabel.
2009
Molly E. Jackel Molly.e.jackel@gmail.com
2010
Ali Luthman aluthman@grad.bryant.edu Russell Oliver rboliver44@yahoo.com Sylvia Parol: “Hi everyone! This update is coming
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to you live from Philly, PA! After coming back to the east coast for a wedding, I decided to stop by and hang
2011
Courtney Ordway courtney.ordway@assumption.edu Solon Kelleher solon.kelleher@gmail.com Courtney Ordway: “Hi Everyone! It was great
catching up with the group that went to Coney Island! It wouldn’t be a reunion if we didn’t go there since we went there for our senior skip day! I can’t believe how much we have changed over the years! Keep it up Class of 2011 and change the world like we are all supposed to do!!” Congratulations to Uday Agrawal who was accepted into Harvard Medical School this summer. He thanks science teacher Joan Carlson for inspiring him.
A few members of the Class of 2012 met up this summer in New York City. Pictured (L-R): Guillermo Creamer, Calla Simeone, Eryl MacConnell, Jenny Wallace, Hannah Reisinger, Felicia Pellegrini, Danielle Cahn, Olivia Collette.
2013
Adrienne Chodnowsky adriennech@comcast.net Eura Myrta Eura.myrta@tufts.edu
Congratulations to Mackenzie Melemed who was awarded the prestigious Gina Bachauer Scholarship from Julliard in May. He was one of two who won this juried competition. The full-tuition scholarship also includes a performance at Julliard in the fall that will air on WQXR in New York. Mackenzie will be entering an accelerated master’s program at Julliard in the fall, and will be performing at Bancroft’s WCS 20th celebration on January 28, 2017.
Births Martha Castro-Walker ’00 and husband Bobby Gabriel Jaime Walker May 31, 2016 Laurent Martin ’00 and wife Helena Theo Tiger Martin September 23, 2016 Kate Cranshaw Mogan ’00 and husband Jeff Cameron James Mogan September 8, 2016
Keeping up the 2011 tradition, some members of the Class met at Coney Island Hot Dog on Reunion weekend. Pictured back row (l-r): Matt Kapaon, Donald Rodriguez, Priya Dharampuriya, Alex Kennedy, Shubh Agrawal, Zoe Richman, Andrew Hitzhusen, Solon Kelleher. Front Row (l-r) Ryan Burns, Nikolai Doytchinov, Lucy Duncan, Rachel Fahlstrom, Madeline Ostrow, Alyssa Kotin, and Courtney Ordway. Ned Brose: “Spent my junior year abroad at Oxford
University studying Philosophy and Politics. Then, this summer, while working in D.C., I attended the Democratic National Convention to rub elbows with party leaders and officials. I’m currently working on Hillary’s campaign as well as writing a senior thesis about Middle East defense policy.”
Ned Brose ’13 (right) at DNC with MA Senator Elizabeth Warren.
2014
Kat Landry klandry@andrew.cmu.edu Akanksh Chaudhary Akankshc96@gmail.com
2015 & 2016 Now that you’re settled into your post-Bancroft life, become the Class Secretary: email alumni@bancroftschool.org
Class of 2016 College Matriculation Anna Maria College Assumption College (2) Bentley University Berklee College of Music Boston University (3) Bowdoin College Brown University Colby College College of the Holy Cross (5) Connecticut College (2) Cornell University Davidson College Fitchburg State University Franciscan University of Steubenville Franklin & Marshall College Hampshire College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Massachusetts College of Art & Design Massachusetts Maritime Academy Middlebury College Muhlenberg College New York University Northeastern University (2) Purdue University Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Roger Williams University Stonehill College (2) Trinity College University of Connecticut University of Massachusetts, Amherst (4) University of Pennsylvania University of St. Andrews Wake Forest University Wentworth Institute of Technology Worcester Polytechnic Institute (4)
Numbers in parentheses indicate number of students matriculated
Eliza Michie Laurent ’01 and husband Mike Thomas William Laurent August 6, 2016 Uyen Le Chand ’02 and Chris Chand ’02 Cecilia Grace Chand October 15, 2016 Dena Raffa Mayerhofer ’02 and husband Matt Luca Anthony Mayerhofer July 8, 2016 Caitlin McDonough ’02 and husband Mike MacKenzie Linden Mara Hope MacKenzie September 2015 Jessie Feldman Prunell ’02 and husband Justin Oliver Joaquin Prunell August 1, 2016 Jon Dunn ’03 and wife Christina Theodore Curran Dunn April 15, 2016
Theodore Curran Dunn
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MARRIAGES
1 3
Scott Kurland ’92 to Candice McDonough May 6, 2016
4 Meredith Crawford ’06 to Andrew Scaplen August 27, 2016
9 Ryan Harrington ’03 to Rachel Lukas July 2015
Isabel Zinman ’08 to Jeff van der Ree June 25, 2016
5 Alyse Dunn ’07 to Joe DiMattia August 6, 2016
10 Jennifer Deprez ’04 Tim Harrington ’06 July 2, 2016
1 Courtney Kitchen ’99 Tobey Carman September 24, 2016
6 Zach Lewis ’02 to Rebecca Lewis March 2016
11 Chuck Gammal ’04 to Tory Sheppard September 3, 2016
2 Alexis Tumolo ’02 to Elliot Chase September 10, 2016
7 Kiran Patwardhan ’03 to Gopal Varma July 30, 2016
3 Ben Weisberger ’02 to Elizabeth Botcheller May 14, 2016
8 Kelsey Watkins ’10 to Connor Johnson August 6, 2016
4
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5
6
8
7
9
10 11
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In Memoriam grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Paul Morgan ’41.
Alumni Anny MacLaurin Winch ’41 Palm Beach, FL at 92
Paula Kenney Hepworth ’47 May 13, 2016, Coral Springs, FL at 88
Anny attended grades 1-7 at Bancroft, graduated from House in the Pines boarding school in Norton, MA, and received a degree from the Modern School of Fashion in 1945. She lived a full and rich life with her husband John, who passed away in 2014. Anny remained engaged with Bancroft throughout her life and continued to have “fond memories of her days at Bancroft.” She passed away earlier this year leaving a generous bequest to the School.
Peter S. Morgan ’42 June 16, 2016, West Boylston, MA at 91 & Margery “Jerry” Morgan April 7, 2016, West Boylston, MA, at 89 Peter attended Bancroft until grade 8, and graduated from Governor Dummer Academy. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and received the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star Medal for heroic action. After serving his country, Peter married Jerry in 1947. He worked for 40 years in the family business of Morgan Construction Company. Jerry served on Bancroft’s Board of Trustees from 1967 to 1971. She enjoyed spending time with family and was actively involved with the Worcester Art Museum and the Herb Society. Peter and Jerry enjoyed their lives together and leave five children: Peter Morgan, Merrill Morgan Hill ’68, Gail Morgan ’70, Carol Morgan ’73, and Jane Morgan ’74; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-
Paula attended Bancroft from grade five and graduated in 1947. She attended the Edgewood Park School for Girls in NY and went on to work in advertising for McCan Erikson. She lived for many years in Fort Lauderdale, FL with her family. She was predeceased by her husband Arnold and leaves her two daughters and their families.
Lane “Woody” Goss ’51 May 6, 2016, North Andover, MA at 83 Woody attended Bancroft until grade 8 and graduated from Worcester Academy. He earned an AB from Dartmouth College and MBA from the University of Virginia. He was a commercial banker for 35 years, including 16 years as Vice President at Mechanics National Bank. He served on the Bancroft School Board of Trustees in the sixties and volunteered for many other organizations throughout his life. He remained an engaged volunteer at Bancroft, helping to organize his 60th Bancroft reunion. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Nancy, and his sister Georgia Goss Drew ’47. He leaves three sons and six grandchildren.
Barbara Burdick ’52 April 25, 2016, Carmel, CA at 82 Barbie graduated from Bancroft and attended Vassar College. After college, she and her mother moved to the Monterey Peninsula, where Barbie led an active life where she enjoyed bridge, gardening, tennis and golf and was an active supporter of the SPCA. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers.
Judith Hunter McCann ’56 March 31, 2016 Shrewsbury, MA at 79 Judy attended Bancroft through grade 10 before graduating from the Knox School and Clark University. She did postgraduate work in French at Assumption College and Art History at the University of Georgia. Judy was a docent at the Worcester Art Museum and an educator, administrator, trainer, and counselor for over two decades for Planned Parenthood League of Central MA. Judy co-founded the League of Women Voters in the late 1960’s and served on numerous boards throughout her life. Judy was a dedicated volunteer at Bancroft for her Class of 1956, and was a member of Bancroft’s Alumni Council for many years. Her commitment and energy will be missed. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Thomas Hunter and Dr. Edith Jewell ’19. She leaves her husband of 53 years, Daniel, and their children Judith McCann Yarossi ’82, T. Hunter McCann ’85, Hilary McCann, and W. Caleb McCann ’91 and seven grandchildren.
Patricia Farnum Mallard ’57 March 30, 2016, Keene, NH at 76 Trish attended Bancroft through grade 8, graduated from Worcester High School, and earned her BA from Elmira College. She worked as director of human resources at the Worcester Art Museum for 20 years. Her interest in art was evident throughout her life, attending art shows, galleries, and collecting fine art. She leaves her sister Linda Farnum ’59, and many close friends.
Vanessa T. Marcotte ’07 August 8, 2016, New York City, NY at 27 Vanessa graduated from Bancroft in 2007 and then earned her BA from Boston University, College of Communication graduating Cum Laude. She worked for Google in the New York office since January 2015. She was an avid runner and had run in the Falmouth Road Race in 2012 and 2014 as part of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s team to raise money for cancer research, and loved Boston sports, skiing, and yoga. She volunteered at Harlem Grown, NY, and was named ‘tutor of the year’ at Tutoring Plus of Cambridge, MA. She leaves her father John Marcotte, her mother Rossana Campagna Marcotte, her grandmother Madeleine Marcotte, many aunts, uncles, and cousins including Elizabeth ’01 and Caroline Tocci ’09. Those celebrating Vanessa’s life at her funeral were touched by the words:
“The headline story the world needs to see is the love that she lived every single day of her life.” 36
Stanley Morton, Jr. ’59 March 18, 2016, Pocasset, MA at 74 Stan was known as Duke when he attended Bancroft until grade 8, and then graduated from Governor Dummer Academy and Hillsdale College. He worked as an industrial sales representative throughout his professional career. An avid sailor, woodworker, and volunteer, he inspired others to have “someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to!” He leaves his wife Julia, two children, four grandchildren, and twin sister Millinda Morton Olson ’59
Bruce Marshall ’81 October 14, 2016, Gardner, MA at 54 Bruce attended Bancroft until grade 9 before graduating from Noble and Greenough and the University of Connecticut where he played on the hockey team. He went on to become the head hockey coach at UConn for 25 years, becoming their winningest hockey coach. Before his death, he was head hockey coach at Franklin Pierce University. He leaves his parents, four children, and siblings including sister Kristin Marshall Rogers ’78.
Thomas J. Mutti ’97 August 6, 2016 Leominster, MA at 37 Tom graduated from Bancroft in 1997, and attended Carnegie Mellon University and Oberlin College. He worked for the Ronald M. Ansin Foundation of Leominster, and was actively involved with the Leominster Health Alliance Hospital Guild, serving on its Board as Treasurer, Boy Scouts of America, United Way and other local organizations. Known to his friends as “the volunteer who never said no,” he leaves a legacy of helping others through community service. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his contagious smile, and his compassion for people from all walks of life. “Tough to fill the void left by Thomas Mutti” was the headline in the Leominster News days after his death. He is survived his family and many friends.
Patrick C. Oroszko ’99 June 5, 2016 Worcester, MA at 34 Pat attended Bancroft until grade 8 and graduated from St. John’s High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Clark University and Master’s degree from Anna Maria College. Always an avid basketball player. As Director of Student Recruitment for Clark’s Graduate School, he traveled extensively to Europe, Asia and South America. He was also assistant basketball coach of Clark’s men’s basketball team for seven years. The University held a celebration of life for Pat where people wore red and white, the colors of Clark’s teams. “Pat’s spirit and perseverance never waned as he battled this horrible disease and his toughness was something that made all of us proud.” He is survived by his wife Courtney and their two children, his parents Charles and Linda, and his brother Christopher ’96.
Elizabeth Brennan ’01 October 9, 2016, North Grafton, MA at 34 Libby attended Bancroft from Kindergarten to grade 12. She received her bachelor’s degree from Union College and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School. She worked for the Worcester District Attorney’s Office for several years, and later in her father’s private law practice. She is remembered as an enthusiastic athlete, and devoted daughter and sister. She was predeceased by her mother Martha, and survived by her father Joseph, and brother Joe Brennan ’00.
Extended Community Suzanne L. Casey June 29, 2016, Holland, MA at 80 Sue was Bancroft’s school nurse for 24 years from 1983 to 2007. After retiring, She continued to work and volunteer at many community organizations. She was predeceased by her husband and is survived by five children, one great-grandchild, and nine grandchildren including Suzanne Casey ’12.
Margaret Cooper Heald April 13, 2016, Worcester, MA at 83 Peggy was a tireless volunteer at Bancroft, serving on the Board of Trustees from 1978 to 1983, and helping to organize the Holiday Marketplace, but Bancroft was just one of many organizations she dedicated her energies to. She graduated from Middlebury College with a Bachelor’s degree in Art and she brought her artistic eye to all of her work in Worcester including Preservation Worcester and the Green Hill Park Coalition. She was also known for her competitive spirit and compassionate sportsmanship. Peggy is survived by her husband of 48 years, James N. Heald II ’45, their two children, Margaret ’88 and Richard ’87, and two grandchildren.
Pamela A. Meskus August 8, 2016, Worcester, MA at 50 Pam was a dining room staff member from 1996 to 1998. She is remembered with fondness. She leaves her husband Eric and their two sons.
Ann Minahan February 14, 2016, Worcester, MA Ann worked as a substitute teacher in all 3 divisions of Bancroft, as well as acting as a long-term substitute bookstore manager and after-care aide. Ann will be remembered as a dedicated volunteer. She leaves her son John Minahan ’91 and family.
Henry S. Poler May 14, 2016, Grafton, MA, at 78 Henry served as a Bancroft School Trustee from 1975 to 1978. He was a dedicated volunteer at several organizations including Cub Scouts, Grafton Land Trust, and VNA Care network. He treasured the arts, travelling, and writing poetry, most recently writing the complete script and song lyrics to a musical “Always A Girl,” which was produced and performed on stage during the summer of 2015. Henry spent 41 years working at Lawrence R. McCoy & Company in Worcester and was its Chief Executive Officer at age 36. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail, and their children Craig Poler ’80, Laura A. Poler Ward ’81, and Dwight Poler ’82, and eight grandchildren.
Susan Shanahan July 18, 2016, Princeton, MA at 51 Susan was a dedicated volunteer for Bancroft’s PFA and in her hometown of Princeton. She is survived by her husband, Michael, and four children, Liam ’14, Collin ’16, Clare ’20 and Quinn.
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2016-2017 New Faculty and Staff Tracy Jones | Director of Athletics Tracy comes to Bancroft with 20 years of professional experience as a coach and administrator in independent school, college, and international youth sports organizations, most recently as Athletic Director at St. Mark’s School and as a trainer with Positive Coaching Alliance. Tracy has an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from DePaul University and a BA in International Relations from Brown University. Tracy believes strongly that participation in athletics builds critical life skills including resilience, discipline, problem-solving, perseverance, leadership, and dedication to a cause greater than oneself. “In the 21st century,” she states, “it is more important than ever to teach students how to compete, how to persist in the face of adversity, and how to embrace the discomfort of a struggle, as they strive for success.” Elisabeth Borg, Capital Campaign Director
Kim Landers 7th Grade Hope Graham Teacher
Liz joins us after 10 years at Quinsigamond Community College, where she was the Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement. Liz has led multiple successful campaign and annual fundraising efforts. She holds a BA from Smith College and an MM in Opera Performance from Longy School of Music.
Kim has extensive training and experience in Orton-Gillingham tutoring, and spent the past 11 years at The Windward School in NY, a school for learners with dyslexia. She earned an MEd in Reading and Language Arts, and a BS from University of Vermont.
Patricia Cox, Dean of Students
Clementine McNamara, Academic Support
Trish was Dean of Student Life for the past 11 years, as well as a math teacher and varsity field hockey coach, at Oldfields School in Glencoe, MD. She holds a BA from Goucher College and a Master’s in Liberal Arts Education from Western Maryland College.
Clem has been teaching for over 20 years, most recently at Leominster Public Schools. She also operates her own private tutoring business. Clem comes to us with a MEd from Cambridge College as well as a BS in Education from the University of Maine.
Kendra Davis, Student Billing
Marlon Perez, LS Spanish
Kendra brings a strong bookkeeping and management background to our Business Office, with nine years of experience in financial positions. She has a BS in Education from Fitchburg State College and she is a certified bookkeeper.
After serving as our interim LS Spanish teacher for most of last year, Marlon has taken on the role full time. Marlon taught science and social studies in his native Venezuela, and served as a substitute Spanish teacher in the Worcester Public Schools before joining Bancroft. He has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Education from the University of Carabobo.
Dominic Dipersia, Substitute Coordinator
Grant Phillips, MS Math
Dominic is our in-house substitute teacher and sub coordinator, as well as our Student Activities Communications Liaison and a coach. Dominic has a BA in English from The College of the Holy Cross.
Grant is entering his 20th year of teaching at the MS level and comes to us from Dana Hall. He also has experience beyond the classroom as both an architect and an assistant ring director for the Big Apple Circus. Grant has a Master’s in Mathematics Teaching from Harvard, as well as a BA in Economics from Haverford College.
Wendy Forgie, Academic Support Coordinator
Nathaniel Reden, US Physics and Math
With over 25 years of experience in educational settings, Wendy most recently taught at Arlington High School. She earned an MEd from the University of Pennsylvania in Psychological Services and Special Education and holds a BA from Tufts.
A love of teaching drove Nathaniel to defect from the world of physics laboratories where he began his career. He joins our Upper School after teaching at CATS Academy in Newton for the past two years. Nathaniel has a B.A. in Physics from Amherst College, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Brandeis.
Elisabeth Gondek, LS Music
Brad Sicchitano Associate Director of
As Bancroft’s former chorus director, the longtime musical director for our US spring plays, and a professional voice teacher and singer, Beth was well prepared for her return to Bancroft last year as the new LS music teacher. Beth holds a BA in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Anna Maria College.
Admission / Director of International Admission Brad joins Bancroft after nine years at Fay School, where he was Director of Primary and Lower School Admission, and taught reading and English. Brad also taught at Maimonides and Dexter Schools. He has an MEd from Boston College, and a BA from Colby College.
Mason Hendershott, LS Science
Taryn Surabian, US Science
Mason had been teaching in the Worcester Public Schools for two years, and was a program coordinator and teacher at Nature’s Classroom for seven years before that. He has also worked summers at Bancroft since 2004, serving as a teacher and science coordinator for the Worcester Partnership program. Mason earned his BA at SUNY Potsdam.
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Taryn joins Bancroft after teaching at Ursuline Academy in Dedham. She also worked for The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard doing scientific research in their genome sequencing platform. Taryn holds BS from The College of the Holy Cross.
Lower & Middle School Closing Ceremonies June 7, 2016
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