BULLETIN | SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Traditions in Motion
Spring Traditions
Upper School Musical: We Came to the Cabaret!
Playathon: Bancroft’s Got Talent
Blackstone Valley Expo: 6th Grade Celebrates Our Region
Contents Bancroft Bulletin | Spring/Summer 2018 110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508-853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org Bancroft Bulletin is published twice a year and mailed to alumni, parents, and friends of Bancroft School. It is also viewable online at bancroftschool.org/bulletin Head of School James P. “Trey” Cassidy III Advancement Team Tobey Fossey Chief Advancement Officer Lynn St. Germain Director of Alumni Relations
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Elisabeth Borg Capital Campaign Director Julie O’Malley Director of Marketing & Communications Karla Cinquanta Marketing & Creative Content Manager Christa Papula Advancement Associate Contributing Writers Dominic Dipersia Lori Ferguson Jordan Papula ’16 Hannah Reisinger ’12
A LAUNCHPAD FOR LEARNING........................................8 Bancroft’s Prouty Library is a maker space and meeting place where Lower Schoolers fuel up on collaborative, creative problemsolving to propel their future learning.
ALUMNI HEADING FORWARD.......................................... 12 Three former headmasters’ kids reflect on good times, awkward moments, and their deep commitment to Bancroft.
Design Greg Gilman Photography Karla Cinquanta
Head of School’s Message..................................................................4 On The Cover: Kindergarten students head to the library for their next learning adventure. Photo by Karla Cinquanta
Bancroft News.........................................................................................5 Reunion....................................................................................................14 Alumni Awards...................................................................................... 16
Erratum Randy and Donna Becker (parents '06 & '08) were listed in the incorrect giving category in our 2017 Annual Report. The Beckers' gift to the Bancroft Fund should have been listed in the $500–$1,499 giving category. We regret the error.
Alumni Class Notes.............................................................................. 17 Alumni Spotlight..................................................................................30 In Memoriam.......................................................................................... 31
A Message From The Head of School
Dear Bancroft Friends, Sixty years ago, our school moved from Sever Street to Shore Drive. The original designers of this campus gave us modern buildings with expansive windows to invite the surrounding landscape into the classroom. They made fresh air, green space, and water views an integral part of the experience as students and faculty moved through their days. Their design reflected things that we value. A lot has changed in our six decades on Shore Drive, but human interactions and connections to nature are still among the top priorities as we focus on enhancing our learning environment. These factors come into play whether students are heading to the library, walking across campus, moving about in the classroom, or thinking, talking, and sharing. To remain in the forefront of innovative education, Bancroft is undertaking a capital campaign (aptly titled OUT IN FRONT) this fall to support these priorities. The campaign has already allowed us to renovate the field house and music
room with walls of windows and access to the outdoors. We’re also arranging Upper School offices, classrooms, and collaborative spaces to allow easier connections among peers and faculty. We’re bringing in new seating and worksurface options that allow a boundless array of student and teacher interactions. Creative faculty, flexible schedules, innovative programs, and learning spaces connect our community members with each other and with their natural surroundings. Grounded in a tradition of experiential learning, we continue to foster a student-friendly laboratory for learning. As you can see from these photos of students in action, and from the stories in this Bulletin, it’s working. We hope that you will join us for the OUT IN FRONT campaign launch on October 27, 2018, and learn more about how these changes will elevate the student experience. Best,
Trey Cassidy Head of School
Testing an airplane design
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Collaborating in a math classroom
Planting bulbs around campus
Sculpting a statue for the Roman Garden
FACULTY & STAFF RETIREMENTS AMY PEARSON | 41 Years Upper School Science Teacher Whether in the salt marshes of Cape Cod, the coastal marine habitats of Bermuda, the Worcester labs of a global pharmaceutical company, or on campus during a butterfly-release ceremony with the kindergartners, Amy Pearson has been providing students with fieldoriented experiential learning since 1977. She has inspired generations of Bancroft students, including her own children, Mia ’99 and Erik ’04, to love biology and the natural world. Recent grad Penh Alicandro '18, who is headed to Eckerd College this fall, credits Amy with being part of the reason he chose a marine biology track. “The Bermuda and Cape Cod trips she leads are amazing. She cares so much about marine science and likes to see kids love it as well.” Amy’s accomplishments are innumerable, so a few highlights will have to suffice. She was selected as an NOAA Teacher at Sea in 2007 and spent 17 days aboard a research vessel. She is the author of a field guide on the walking trails and plants of coastal Bermuda. She won a Bancroft School Carpe Diem Award for excellence in teaching. She served as the faculty sponsor for the Social Concerns Committee and
other clubs; she had her students “Speak for the Ocean” by creating videos for a Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institute contest, and she has maintained close connections with many of her former students, attending weddings, reunions, and alumni gatherings. Amy, we honor and thank you for the many ways you have strengthened this community, taught us about the world, and helped us see the path ahead with a scientist's eye.
PAT PROBERT | 10 Years | College Counseling Assistant
Pat Probert shepherded her two children, Colin ’02 and Julia ’07, through Bancroft before joining our Upper School staff. “She is the calmest, smartest, kindest person you’d ever want to meet,” says Upper School Assistant Patti Rim. “She knows the answer to everything — not just for her job, but on any subject. I don’t know what I’ll do without her advice and wisdom.” Pat’s generous spirit and deep knowledge have eased the college search process for hundreds of Bancroft students, alumni, and their families for the past decade. Happy “graduation” to you, Pat!
MARY BAGLEY | 10 Years Director of Library Services “Bancroft is losing one of its biggest and brightest Crown Jewels,” says Annabelle Huffman ’19, one of Mary Bagley’s advisees. Mary’s selection as the 2018 Isa Bayon Bowl Award recipient — a member of the faculty or staff who “sows the seeds of a lifetime” — is clear evidence that her peers agree. Mary has been an important force in curricular development, a strong advocate for students, and a fierce defender of a flexible and open library for a total of 10 years at Bancroft. A beloved mentor and friend to her colleagues, she has kept our library moving forward with traditional and cuttingedge resources that fuel our students’ research and inquiry-based projects. She is also an amazing listener, says Annabelle, and “a kindhearted giver” who proves that “you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to make the biggest impact.” Read on, Mary!
JOHN ESSLINGER 21 Years Campus Enhancement When he retired in December 2017, John Esslinger had been one of Bancroft’s unsung heroes for over 20 years. He served behind the scenes as a member of the evening crew, making sure our campus was well maintained, safe, and attractive for students, faculty, and staff. “I think very highly of John,” says colleague Mike Costa. “He’s a quiet guy and a good mentor. He taught me everything I know about this job. He showed me what to do, and then gave me the freedom to try.” Thanks for a job well done, John!
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BANCROFT
NEWS SPRING BREAK This March, Middle and Upper School students stepped beyond the familiar to immerse themselves in the landscapes, languages, and cultures of Québec, Canada; Shanghai, Guilin, and Chengdu, China; and San José, Costa Rica. Costa Rica
Canada
Canada
bancroftschool1900 • Follow Bancroft School
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China
Costa Rica
China
TAKING ACTION Giuliana Russo ’18 (in yellow) already had a keen interest in civil liberties and social justice issues when she applied for the ACLU Summer Advocacy Institute for high school students. She had attended protests and marches, and led Bancroft’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance. As a longtime member of Bancroft’s Speech Team, Guiliana always chose poetry and prose pieces that would “leave the judges and the audience thinking.” The ACLU Institute, she said, “seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. With all of the political happenings of the past few years, I wanted to be part of the conversation.” Last summer she joined a diverse group of high school juniors and seniors in Washington, DC, actively engaging with political strategists, lawyers, and grassroots activists, networking, and experiencing the complex world of Capitol Hill. “Being surrounded by so many kids my own age who care was really amazing and inspiring,” she says. “It left me with a sense of hope that our generation will have the ability to effect change.” Giuliana is headed to Barnard College this fall, where she will pursue a pre-med track. “I’ll find a way to work social justice into it,” she promises.
BREAKING RECORDS Page Cassidy ’20 smashed two long-standing Bancroft records at the NEPSTA Division III Track & Field Championships. Her 2:28:05 time in the 800m event surpassed the 2009 record by 4 seconds and her 10:50:32 time in the 3000m shaved more than 11 seconds off the record set in 2002. A week earlier, Cassidy’s 2nd place time of 5:04:14 at the EIL Championships broke the 2002 record of 5:05:19 in the 1500m. Here are some words we've never said before — Bancroft has a new record in pole vault! With his coaches’ approval, Elijah Choate ’21 challenged himself to become Bancroft’s first-ever pole vaulter. Choate set the bar at 9’6” in a meet in early May, then held that same mark at the EIL Championships the following week. One week later, at NEPSTA, he shattered his own record by a full foot, clearing 10’6” and finishing 7th in New England. Up and over!
MAKING HISTORY It’s safe to say that the pilot year of the Upper School independent-study course, Research and Historic Inquiry (RHI), was wildly successful. RHI students Chelsea Sheldon ’18 and Mikaela Linder ’18 both earned first place awards and multiple accolades at the Regional and State National History Day (NHD) contests, and Chelsea will soon be competing on a National stage. Upper School history teachers Gail Buckley and Jane Merritt developed the class using the National History Day (NHD) year-long academic curriculum which offered an ideal platform for the kind of independent, project-based history course they’d been wanting to develop. Chelsea completed a paper, Legalizing Conscience: The Civilian Public Service and the Compromise That Created It. Mikaela created an exhibit, Suspicious Surveillance: How COINTELPRO and the Church Committee Redefined U.S. Surveillance Policy. As required, they presented their work at the Regional NHD contest in March. Both took first place and advanced to the State contest. Chelsea again took first in her division, and Mikaela earned Honorable Mention, as well as a prestigious award for best use of primary sources. “I’m so proud of what these students have accomplished,” says Gail. “They each chose a topic that fit their personality, and they totally crushed it, first time out of the gate!” As we go to press, Chelsea’s paper is awaiting publication in the New England Journal of History.
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Learning A LAUNCHPAD FOR
Bancroft’s Prouty Library is a maker space and meeting place where Lower Schoolers fuel up on collaborative, creative problem-solving to propel their future learning. by Lori Ferguson
Run, Marble, Run! After reading I SPY: School Days and Skyping with photographer Walter Wick about his successes and failures building the Rube Goldbergstyle marble run featured in the book, our third graders engineered their own cardboard structures that could keep a marble running for at least a minute. Another out-of-the-box library adventure!
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They’re pleased when they attain success, but they’re extremely resilient when they don’t. They evaluate the situation, then start afresh with renewed determination.”
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Cultivating a robust library program means ensuring that students are information-literate and prepared for the educational challenges they will face in their Middle and Upper School courses. To that end, Leach works closely with teachers from PreK to Grade 5, designing programs and experiences that teach students to connect ideas to their own interests, distinguish between fiction and non-fiction resources, find and summarize facts, write note cards and draw conclusions about the main ideas, pull out keywords and fact fragments, and cite sources. “We're always scaffolding the skills, so by the time students reach Grade 5, they’ve been exposed to these organizational methods many times.”
The Lower School library is a fun, free, and flexible learning space where experiences are bound only by imagination. Leach works hard to inject wit, humor, and inspiration into every library experience she helps to create. From the hopscotch rug at the entrance to the beanbag chairs scattered about the space, the recurrent message is, ‘This is a place that’s welcoming and fun.’
The programs offered through the library are as varied as the students themselves. For example, after attending a MakerSpace workshop together, Leach and Grade 3 teacher Megan Jackel created an ‘Outside the Box’ program that challenges students to collaborate, design, experiment, and build. “We start with an open-ended question and then ask students to come up with a solution,” Jackel explains. “Last year, the children had to take two big boxes and create something that was functional, moveable, and would accommodate two third graders.” This year, Leach and Jackel challenged students to design a maze that takes a marble more than a minute to run, using only boxes, duct tape, corrugated cardboard, and packing tubes.
g l a n c e i n s i d e w i l l r e v e a l a pile of books on kindness, a set of Lincoln Logs, a smattering of LEGO® blocks, magnets, and Tinkertoys, and a stack of pool noodles. In other words, it’s a typical weekday morning in the Prouty Library, where students from PreK to Grade 5 not only learn how to use the myriad research tools the library offers, but also let their curiosity lead them. “If you give children materials, tools, sufficient work space, and adults who encourage their curiosity, you never know what might happen,” says Librarian Lisa Leach.
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That’s Using Your Noodle! Lightweight, cheap, and colorful, pool noodles are ideal tools for some of the creative, hands-on projects that originate in the library. Here, our students use their noodles and the power of gravity to build functional water pipelines.
If children pick topics they’re interested in, they’re inspired and invested in the learning process, and having a library that can support that learning is critical.” The children’s efforts have been rewarding to watch, says Jackel. “They’re pleased when they attain success, but they’re extremely resilient when they don’t. They evaluate the situation, then start afresh with renewed determination.” At the end of the year, students will take what they’ve learned and create a large-scale maze on the playground, using a combination of zip ties and the aforementioned pool noodles. “It’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm,” says Jackel. “They’re all totally engaged.”
and electronic resources, from traditional books to ebooks, databases and apps like ‘Noodletools,’ an electronic research tool that allows students to organize notes, create bibliographies, and more. She also helps teach students to use a Chromebook to create 3-D presentations or movies to share with their peers. “These resources enable the children to choose how they take what they’ve learned and present it to others,” says Shack. “Not everyone has to do a book report or a presentation. It’s inspiring – they’re excited to go to the library.”
To energize the learning experience for Grade 4 students, Leach and teacher Elaine Shack traveled to the Clark University Archives last year to investigate primary sources for students researching the American Revolution. While there, the pair happened to meet a Revolutionary War re-enactor who agreed to come to Shack’s class and speak to students. “He dressed as a Continental soldier and brought some primary source materials with him,” she says. “He came last spring and he’s coming again this year – the fourth graders loved it.” And this is but one of the many experiences that Leach has facilitated for her students, Shack notes. “The library is very much a part of our curriculum – literacy, social studies, math – it’s a vital component of our teaching, not a separate entity.”
The flexibility inherent to the learning process is a huge part of the library’s success, agrees Jackel. Bancroft's Learning Laboratory Method is much more open-ended than other types of learning, she explains, and places a lot of accountability on the students. “If children pick topics they’re interested in, they’re inspired and invested in the learning process, and having a library that can support that learning is critical. It’s great working with Lisa – I can come up with any idea and she can figure out how to resource it for me. She is constantly asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ She’s a great partner and a tremendous resource.”
“Co-teaching is really fluid at Bancroft,” agrees Leach, who works hand-in-hand with teachers to introduce students to an array of print
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Leach is delighted that the library is such an integral part of the learning process. “I’m always trying to make connections, not just with classroom teachers, but with other specialists such as art teacher Mary Edwards.” The two recently brought art history to life by
I think that if you give children materials, tools, sufficient work space, and adults who encourage their curiosity, you never know what might happen.” A
Onward&
Upward
Circling Back to the Library in Middle & Upper School
researching artists in the library and taking students on field trips to the Eric Carle Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Worcester Art Museum. When they returned to school, the students created artwork in various styles. In addition to classroom activities, the library offers programs that engage students from multiple grade levels. From January through March there’s the Family Read-Along Program. Each week, children select a colorful fabric bag containing a book, an activity sheet, and a puppet or manipulative connected to a story. Parents are encouraged to read the story, invite their child to play with the manipulative, and try some of the suggested creative activities. “The entire program creates excitement around reading, offers parents ideas for discussing the stories, and gives children a chance to read,” says Leach. “It also offers students exposure to books on subjects they may not have selected for themselves.” Read Across Campus with Spike (the school mascot) is another popular library offering for students in Grades 2 through 5. Children keep track of their reading in a logbook, and for every 20 minutes that they read, they get to color in a pawprint and earn a raffle ticket to place in a basket denoting the prize of their choice. “The kids love having that added incentive to read,” says Leach.
“One of my favorite aspects of the World Fair project is that we spend three weeks at the library researching and writing,” says History Teacher Michael Urban, referring to the traditional interdisciplinary English/history project that wraps up the 8th grade year. After reading a novel and researching the protagonist's country and culture, students present their findings at World Fair Night. “By 8th grade, these kids have had lots of great exposure, analyzing sources and navigating their way through research databases. You could say that the World Fair research paper is a culmination of many years of library time.” Gail Buckley, who teaches and chairs the Upper School History Department, agrees. "As they move through the divisions, our students are always doing research, creating bibliographies, and presenting their work—World Fair, 10th grade World War I paper, junior U.S. history paper. For many of our kids, Senior Thesis is no big deal because they’ve built up those skills sequentially.”
Library research is key to developing an impactful World Fair presentation.
A third library offering, Snuggle Up & Read, is one of Leach’s favorites. Families are invited to come to the library for an evening of bedtime stories. Children wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal to read to. They cap off the evening with hot chocolate, cookies, and milk. “I’m always trying to get reading materials into the children’s hands,” Leach says. “I want them to know the richness of books, then they can go to the electronic devices to further their learning.” Teachers and librarians are dedicated to making Bancroft’s Lower School Library a destination for a lively learning experience, which leads one to wonder what Lower School students would say about the space. When asked, Leach says, “I hope they would say, ‘It’s a fun place. I feel comfortable there and I learn a lot,’ and maybe, also, ‘Mrs. Leach is cool,’” she says with a laugh.
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ALUMNI HEADING
FORWARD by Hannah Reisinger ’12
They attended Bancroft in different eras, but Hannah Reisinger ’12, Seth Garfield ’75, and Henry Tiffany III ’58 share a rare bond — each called their headmaster “Dad.” As students, they saw the depth of their parents’ commitment to the School. As alumni, they carry those family traditions forward by remaining actively involved.
As many can attest, Bancroft School is more than just a school. While yes, there is a campus, with buildings, classrooms and chairs, markers and crayons, what stands out about Bancroft is the community. The people that make up this community, or as I like to call it the Bancroft family, are truly the essence of the School.
School. He graduated in 1975 and went to the University of Rhode Island. Seth went on to teach science at two independent schools, Wheeler and Friends Academy in Dartmouth, where he carried on the family tradition and taught his own children. Seth also received his master’s degree from Mass Maritime Academy.
Most every alum or faculty member since Bancroft’s inception in 1900 would be able to give a personal story about their headmaster. However, there is a unique perspective seldom considered in assessing the history of our School: that of the headmaster’s children. Allow me to paint a brief picture of three of us, all alumni, who had the privilege of attending Bancroft as part of the School’s “first family.”
And finally, there is me, HANNAH REISINGER, the daughter of Scott Reisinger who was the headmaster of Bancroft from 1999 to 2014. An only child, I started at Bancroft in kindergarten in 1999, and continued until I graduated in 2012 — a “Sandboxer.” After my 13 years at Bancroft came to a close, I attended George Washington University in Washington, DC, and have since moved to New York City. I currently work for the City of New York as a paralegal and plan on attending law school in the fall of 2018.
HENRY (“TIFF”) TIFFANY III is the son of Headmaster Henry Tiffany Jr., who led Bancroft from 1946 until 1959. Tiff, along with his brother and sister, attended Bancroft with his father only until his eighth-grade year, as at that time Bancroft’s Upper School was all girls. Tiff then attended Deerfield Academy to finish out his high school career. After graduating from Deerfield, he took a gap year and served six months in the Army Reserves, after which he attended Middlebury College for two years, traveled to South America and Alaska, and founded a company he named Deadhorse Haulers, which went on to build the airport at Prudhoe Bay. Despite his father being an academic of the highest caliber, having graduate degrees in economics, he “never once nagged me about finishing college or getting a degree,” Tiff said. A few years later Tiff thought, “after all he has done for me, I can do this for him” and went back to Middlebury and received a degree in anthropology. Tiff and his wife Ginette own Control Concepts in Putnam, CT, as well as companies in Alaska. SETH GARFIELD is the son of Bancroft Headmaster Wyatt (“Wye”) Garfield, who served as the headmaster of Bancroft from 1960 to 1981 and again as interim head from 1998 to 1999. Seth and his five siblings attended Bancroft while their father was the headmaster. Seth was in one of the first fully integrated co-ed classes in Bancroft’s Upper
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Three children of headmasters. Three perspectives from different times, yet all somehow intertwine and ring true to each other.
Childhood Ups & Downs Being the children of the headmaster had its ups and downs. As Tiff remarked, “minister’s sons are unwanted rebels,” and remembered a time during his sixth-grade year when his father caught him in a fight with a fellow student during a game of Red Rover, Red Rover. Henry Tiffany the elder marched Tiff over to the office at Lee Street Grammar School and said, “my son goes here now.” For the next year, Tiff attended Lee Street, until being let back into Bancroft by the Assistant Headmaster, Edith Jones, in his seventh-grade year. Seth, too, recounts a moment of awkwardness, when he was too rowdy towards a guest speaker in an assembly and had to be taken to the headmaster’s office. A fate arguably worse than being scolded by your headmaster is when he wears the other of his two hats, that of a scolding father.
Alumni in Action: Hannah Reisinger ’12 joins a panel of college alumni addressing Bancroft seniors. Seth Garfield ’75 speaks at the 2018 Reunion about Bancroft’s newest Campaign, and Henry Tiffany ’58 (holding yearbook) engages with a classmate at his recent Reunion. Or, there was the time in the first grade when I so slyly took a popular toy known as the “Skip-It” home from the playground because it was a prettier color than the one that I owned. When I confessed my guilt to my father a week later, he made me march in to the Head of the Lower School, Helen Seale, and confess my sin. I was told years later that Mrs. Seale—as I sobbed in her office about how sorry I was and how this was the worst thing I could have ever done by disappointing my parents—had to hold back her laughter. These comical troubles, however, are far surpassed by the memories and opportunities we were afforded because of our close association with the School.
Lasting Connections While we all recall fond memories of the campus and the superb academics, what we still cling to years later are the memories made with friends and teachers. Seth recalls that teacher Hope Graham “saved my bacon,” as she helped him in first through fifth grade with his dyslexia. Seth also remembers his father as being a great advocate at Bancroft of assisting students with learning differences. Years later, my own father, Scott Reisinger, began the Hope Graham Program at Bancroft, a program for students with language-based learning differences — named after the very teacher who changed Seth’s learning experience. What is remarkable about Bancroft is that experiences like the one that Seth had with Hope Graham are, in fact, everyday occurrences. The teachers at Bancroft are incomparable, inspiring in their students a love of learning that they carry with them into a world beyond Bancroft. I used to sit for hours in various teachers’ classrooms as they took the time to listen to the trials and tribulations of my adolescent years. This faculty shaped the world for us and enabled us to be confident, inspired adults. Tiff states that “friendships tie me back to Bancroft,” and talked fondly about his many Bancroft friends he has stayed in touch with, including his late business partner John Morgan. Seth told me that a
main reason he is still involved with his alma mater is because of the friends he made from his time there, including the children of other teachers at the School. As for me, some of my closest friends are those I went to Bancroft with. I have taken trips around the country and even the world with them from Mexico to London, Peru to Korea, and beyond. I have turned to them for important life advice as well as the ever-important, “Should I buy this or is it an ugly color with my complexion?” questions. These lifelong friendships are a part of the ever-growing Bancroft family that keeps people coming back time and time again.
In Their Footsteps Being the headmaster’s children shaped all of us in one way or another. Tiff states that because of his experience at Bancroft and his father’s influence, he put all six of his children through independent schools. He knew the importance of a well-rounded education and community in building who you are as a person. Today, he says, “Bancroft has my continued support because it supported me.” Watching his own father at Bancroft helped Seth to find his career path as a teacher in independent schools. “Because all my brothers and sisters went through Bancroft when my dad was head,” says Seth, “I feel a commitment to stay involved.” Knowing first-hand the importance of education and a supportive community, he wants to help as many other families as he can get the same rounded education that he received. Being the headmaster’s daughter shaped me in more ways than I can count. Watching my father’s leadership style taught me the importance of being a kind and empathetic human being and remembering the goodness and dignity of all people. Bancroft is a community of lifelong learners, global citizens, and teachers of others that will always have support from the three of us. To Bancroft, we say thank you. Thank you for supporting us, helping us grow to our full potential, and for being a truly essential part of our families for so many years.
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’78 ’98 ’68
’88 ’13
Missing trophy returned 30 years later
’93 with Class Gift
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’58
’83
Celebrating Worcester Partnership Tony King ’52 Exhibit
April 20–21, 2018 Picking up right where they'd left off with school friends and former teachers, alumni from the Classes of 1958 through 2013 came home to celebrate Reunion 2018 in style! The weekend's activities reminded everyone that they were, are, and always will be part of the Bancroft family.
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2018 ALUMNI AWARDS Charles K. Aleksiewicz The Robert W. Stoddard (1923) Award for Outstanding Service to the Community “Through Mr. A. and the Partnership, we are constantly surrounded by amazing people who encourage us to succeed in everything we do.”—Shanez’e Johnson ’17 For almost 50 years, Charlie Aleksiewicz, better known as Mr. A, has made a significant impact on young people in Central Massachusetts. From his roles at Bancroft as teacher, coach, and administrator, to his latest role directing the Worcester Partnership enrichment program for underserved children, he has been an unstoppable force for good. What makes him special is his belief that he can make a difference—and he does, one child at a time. Through his tireless commitment and work, Charlie inspires good people to join him in his efforts. Not only has he raised close to $1 million for the Partnership, he is the biggest cheerleader for “his kids.” In them, he has given the City of Worcester a true gift: a generation of children who have a bright dream for their future and the tools to achieve it. Charlie and his wife Mary, have two daughters, Kerri Melley ’90, and Kathleen Aleksiewicz ’92, and are grandparents of Tim Melley ’22 and Sarah Melley ’26.
Shanez’e Johnson ’17 and Trey Cassidy presented Mr. A with the Stoddard Award.
Linda Tilton Gibson ’83 Esther Forbes (1907) Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement “I realized I not only had a voice, but that my voice mattered and was welcomed.” —Linda Tilton Gibson ’83, reflecting on her relationship with her Bancroft teachers
Mary Halpin Carter ’83 (right) presented the Forbes Award to classmate Linda Gibson.
Linda has built a successful career as an executive and leader in the field of global finance. Known for her exemplary work ethic and drive for results, Linda is a skilled negotiator and relationship builder, with proven success in forming, leading, managing, and operating complex financial organizations in both the private and public sectors. During her 18-year tenure with Old Mutual Asset Management (OMAM) she was a key member of the company’s executive team, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s business. As the Executive Vice President and Head of Global Distribution/CEO and Director of OMAM International, Linda was instrumental in taking the company public. She holds a B.A. from Bates College, a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Linda’s Bancroft roots run deep, as her late mother Virginia, her aunts, and three sisters are alumnae, as are her two children, Reese ’14, and Gray ’12. Her husband Kevan is a former President of the Board, and together they live in Boston.
Michael D. Cohen ’98 The Young Alumni Achievement Award Accepting his award, Michael humbly remarked that many have accomplished so much and asked for a round of applause for classmate Greg Lapidas, who is on active duty in the Air Force as a pilot. Michael graduated cum laude from Bancroft in 1998, earning the School’s highest academic honor, the Gage Medal. He carried his love of scholarly pursuits from Bancroft to Carleton College, where he graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in History and Mathematics, then went on to earn his Ph.D. in History from Harvard University. Now a Research Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee, Michael has become a noted historian. He began work on the James K. Polk Project in 2009, taking over as editor in 2015. His work transcribing, annotating, and publishing President Polk’s letters has emerged as an essential resource for students and researchers. He is currently working on the publication of the 14th and final volume of the series. Michael’s first book, Reconstructing the Campus: Higher Education and the American Civil War, published in 2012, received both the Critics’ Choice Book Award from the American Educational Studies Association and the Linda Eisenmann Prize from the History of Education Society. Michael currently makes his home in Minnesota.
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Spanish teacher Nadine Telenson presented the Young Alumni Award to Michael Cohen.
Marianne Glick Brown ’55 (center) enjoys reconnecting at the Bancroft Reunion wine and cheese gathering in April.
Class Notes Adam DelRossi ’92
Alumni Connections As we welcome 58 students from the Class of 2018 into the ranks of Bancroft’s alumni, we wonder where their Bancroft education will lead them. So many alumni have gone on to live their passion—and many choose to share their experiences and knowledge with our students. Traveling from Italy, Adam DelRossi ’92 visited campus with his wife and daughter. Not only was Adam able to reminisce with several of his teachers during the day, he spoke to students in French class about the unexpected career path he took. As a leader of cycling tours through Europe, Adam uses both his abilities with foreign languages with his understanding of other cultures to create a busy, adventure-filled life with his young family. We hope that you, like Adam, will come home to Bancroft and share your experiences. We look forward to seeing you on campus!
Read about Taylor Zork ’07, another alum taking an unexpected career path (Page 30).
1947
Joy Anderson Nicholson PO Box 128, Grafton, MA 01519 Joy Anderson Nicholson: “My 7th great-
grandchild arrived on January 29, Hadley Joy born to grandson David ‘02 and his dear wife Laura. She has a wonderful disposition and beautiful blue eyes. Looking forward to a big family celebration in May as I turn 89—can’t be true—but it is! Other exciting news is my 8th great-grandchild is due in early July. I am truly blessed. Best wishes to my classmates and other Bancroft alums.”
1949 70th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Alison Alton Robb nature@meganet.net Nina Heald Webber: “Closing in on 87, dividing my time between Florida and Cape Cod where I see Ann Brown O’Connell, and Alison Alton Robb for a long, enjoyable lunch. The Cape gathering of alumni at Barbie [Davies] Ramsdell’s ’53 was a wonderful occasion. Very well attended, and a nice time to catch up or find new Bancroft friends.”
1951 Nicholas Andreson wrote in: “I am a retired attorney. Each day I speak with my Bancroft classmate Jack Harris who lives in Marlboro. We discuss the merits of the Yankees and Red Sox. I am blessed with 5 grandchildren. My son G. Derek Anderson ’87 attended Bancroft, now works as a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and has 3 children, Tristan, Aspen, and Alexis. My daughter, Nicole who is a medical malpractice attorney, lives in Burlington, Vermont and has 2 children, Sierra, and Luke. I am truly blessed.”
1953 Nancy Hedberg Whatley writes that she
wishes she could have attended Reunion, but “I’ll be in New York for my 2 grandchildren’s concerts.”
Kate McCann Benson says “All is well with
me in New Hampshire and my sister Ellen [McCann McNally ’52] in New Jersey,” and sends her warm greetings to her classmates.
1954 65th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Brad Gooch bradgooch1@gmail.com
Notes from Brad: We were saddened to lose Ginger Rice Carothers in December. “I remember Ginger as a vivacious, fun-loving girl, but more, I remember her as a long-term Secretary who helped give the '54's cohesion and a sense of being a class together. Frankly, I cannot recall a Secretary before Ginger. She served nobly and for the '54's she will always be respected for her deep commitment to our class. Thanks Ginger, and a fond farewell; rest in peace.” Only two of you were able to respond, so many thanks, Roz and Mary (aka Tookey), and I will add a brief note. Roz Kochman enjoyed "Eclipse Day at Vail” where she now spends her summers. She lost her husband to a "protracted bout of cancer in January of 2017." However, she continues to enjoy travel, her volunteer work as a docent at the Brooklyn Museum. I am jealous of her "most recent trip [which] was an Around the World trip with the National Geographic Expeditions"; Mary and I had a similar trip planned until my cancer cancelled it. Roz is off and running again "for two trips with Harvard Alumni Association (HR Class of '58) first to South of France and next to Australia/New Zealand."
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Class Notes She adds that "My 3 adult children are well as are my 4 grandsons." She sends "Best Regards to all my classmates at Bancroft." Mary Waddell allows as there is "no news since [she is facing] at least a stage 2 colon cancer" operation April 16th. We wish Mary well in dealing with that; cancer seems rather rampant among our generation. A speedy recovery, Mary/Tookey!
I [Brad] had the pleasure of conducting the Berry College Singers in rehearsal for their performance of my arrangement of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" perhaps my final time of arm-waving, but it was exciting to do and then to hear how their conductor brought that arrangement to vivid and powerful life in their Lessons and Carols Service. That was a once-ina-lifetime thrill. You all who are reading this but have not made your mark as a contributor, please do write a note for the next Bulletin. Your Humble Secretary, Brad.
1955 Marianne Glick Brown writes, “Life has been busy with work, family, friends, travel and volunteer activities. The latest addition is my 18-month old grandson, John Luca. Of course he is smart and full of fun! I wish everyone at Bancroft a kind and beautiful spring.”
Hilary Hosmer and husband Bob Holden represent the Class of 1963 for Reunion
10-week trip East last year to see relatives and friends and to attend my 55th Bryn Mawr College Reunion, so I wasn't be able to attend the Bancroft one. We traveled 12,500 miles and had lots of fun. Art’s Parkinsons is fairly well controlled and we’re glad we were able to make the trip. Good wishes to all.” Kela Hinds Chase sent her regrets that she couldn’t attend Reunion. “It has been so many years since I have seen many in the class, but I have very fond memories of my time at Bancroft and the friends I made there.”
1959 60th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Judith Phillips Jarmer jejarmer@yahoo.com Philip Kinnicutt leafishing@aol.com
Dr. Sandra Gustafson Kirchner ’58 (center) visits campus with her daughter (left) in April for her 60th Reunion.
1958
Martha Coes Thayer marthav260@aol.com Judy Jacobs Hall: “My husband and I enjoy
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living in the Northwest. While we have a lot of rainy weather, at least we don’t have to shovel rain! My son and his wife live near us in Olympia and we see them often—it’s nice to finally be in the same phone area code! We live right on an inlet that comes in to Shelton from Puget Sound. We see eagles, lots of gulls and migrating birds—deer and raccoons visit our yard so we keep our 7 cats in the house. We made a
Judy Phillips Jarmer: “We took a family Disney cruise in February, and I must admit I enjoyed it more than I had expected. My 2 little granddaughters, both almost 4, LOVED it, as did my 2 grandsons, 11 and 14, as it was an opportunity to be independent of grownups for much of the time. I'm looking forward to warm weather, spending a month at our home in Nantucket, and beaching it here in southern NJ. If anyone is around either of those places, come visit.”
years ago. I have visited friends and family in California, Florida and New England and will be joining a 10-day Williams College alumni class trip to Northern Italy this September. My future plans are a bit murky, but my daughter Leiana, wife Julie and my grandson Nakoa moved to Swampscott, MA last summer from Tiburon, CA and that should bring me back to the Boston area on a regular basis, something I am looking forward to. It is hard to accept the idea of 2019 being our 60th reunion year but as they say, getting old is really not for sissies.”
1960
Rev. Christina Gummere Laurie preacherpoet@comcast.net Judy Sawyer McKeown: “We are so happy to
be living in Colorado! Snowcapped mountain views every day, being near the kids, meeting wonderful people and being outdoors every day. The move was the right thing to do!”
“Harriet Davis, Lois Jacobson Edinberg, Sue Wright Hight, and myself [Cinda Sessions McDonald] had lunch together in
December when Harriet came to Boston. Great fun, lots of laughs and a 4-hour get together. Such a fun time, sorry that some of you had other plans and could not join us.”
Millinda “Duch” Morton Olson: Duch is still in Vero Beach, FL and her four kids and eight grandchildren are located in New York City, Charlotte, NC and the Boston area. Sadly, her husband of 30 years, Norris, passed away in February. Phil Kinnicutt: “I have been doing a lot of work on my house here in Kailua on the island of Oahu and adjusting to life as a single senior citizen after the passing of Annetta nearly two
1960 Classmates get together for lunch
1962
Pamela Kinnicutt Motley pamelamotley@msn.com
Notes from Pam: Lee Higgins sent in news just after she moved to The Villages, Florida from Hawaii late last year. She was having a tough time adjusting and was missing her ocean and mountains. She can walk to the pool and a hiking trail, which she does every evening. She is looking for advice on acclimatizing and sends “Aloha” to all. Ted Bent and his wife Rebecca are still hosting
a Pakistani girl while she attends school in the United States. Insha Afsar lost her left leg in the Kashmiri earthquake of 2005 when she was five years old. She will be going to Bates College in the fall. She has become a standout alpine skier, skiing on the Berkshire School ski team for 4 years. She trained at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Colorado, aiming for the Paralympics but didn’t quite make the cut. She has been a wonderful addition to their family and has made them very proud.
Jonathan Blake and friend
macular degeneration). Ellen, herself, was diagnosed with Stargardts at age 15. Good luck, Ellen!
1964 55th MAY 3 & 4, 2019
1965
Insha Afsar on the slalom course. Ned Tarasov writes, “Last year, I built a
second home—Sound of the Sea—in Bar Harbor, Maine (home of Acadia National Park), in which all the rooms are 75 feet from the ocean. It’s quite spectacular! Our first home up there—Rising Sun—is set up on a hill with 220-degree panoramic ocean views. Our son Nick and I work hard to make sufficient rental income to pay our real estate bills, or at least most of them! Bancroft classmates will get 10% off if they’d like to vacation there (zephyrshore.com).” He has been caring for his aging Rhodesian Ridgeback, an experience which has changed him as a person. Physical caretaking is not one of his attributes, but he has come to appreciate the process and the love involved. He is accelerating his work on cancer. His hypothesis is that there is almost enough knowledge to cure cancer, but it is not organized in a functional way. His goal for this year is to build his organization (M7-Cure) and learn to reprogram otherwise fatal tumors into healthy tissue.
Pam Kinnicutt Motley’s ’62 seven grandchildren and Nakoa, the grandson of Pam’s brother Phil Kinnicutt ’59.
My [Pam Kinnicutt Motley] grandson Sam (15) will be joining his twin sisters at Milton Academy next year, carrying on a Kinnicutt tradition. Having all three at the same school will make life less complicated for their parents. Abi and Emma were both on the varsity ski team this winter. Emma is playing varsity lacrosse this spring and Abi is doing sailing. I am still working part-time in Boston, having managed to reduce my hours to 15-18 per week, which works very well. I have retired from a couple of my volunteer Treasurer jobs, and plan to shed the remaining two during the next year or two. So, I am easing into this stage of life known as retirement. I aim to stay involved in the community and active in sports as long as possible.”
Jonathan Blake: “Been traveling the World. Stepped foot on every continent. Latest trip was to India this past February, March, very interesting trip, lots of wonderful people. Did stay at the Marigold Hotel. Wood fired hot water heater. Quite the experience. Currently we are on-board Sundance at Ft Pierce Florida. Logged over 12,000 miles on Sundance the last ten years. Headed to Russia, Germany in fall to visit with grandchildren and Barre in Hamburg, Germany. Susan and I are looking forward to getting back to Cape Cod in June and seeing all 4 grandchildren.”
1966
1963
Charlotte Millard Harrington cwharrington4@comcast.net
Emmy-Award-winning writer and performer Ellen Gould has just completed her newest solo musical, “Seeing Stars,” about five women personally affected by Stargardts (juvenile
Isabelle Guiney’s first trip to a restaurant, with her proud grandmother, Kathy Lloyd ’66.
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Class Notes 1967 Valentine Callahan: “I’m busy renovating my
Back Bay condo in Boston, but my favorite thing to do is babysit my granddaughter. Also, my son Mark recently married Sarah Bedoya. My email is not working so contact me by mail at 2247 Beacon St. Apt. 1, Boston, MA 02116-1359.”
1968
Susan White McChesney's ’69 artwork
Mary Louise Persons Hoss ’68 with husband Richard Mary Louise did join the group to celebrate their 50th Reunion in April, but missed the Reunion photo!
MAY 3 & 4, 2019 IS OUR 50TH REUNION I hope to be there!
1969
1970
50th MAY 3 & 4, 2019
Aviva Diamond: “After decades as a journalist and then a corporate media and presentation trainer, I've returned to my first loves—art and music. My photography and drawings have been in group shows in LA-area galleries and one was just in a show at the Griffin Museum of Photography! And I'm learning to sing jazz! Lots and lots to learn, but I'm having fun!” www.avivaartphotography.com
Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs djacobs@midrivers.com Susan White McChesney: “Having settled in the Asheville, NC area 4 years ago, I am finding myself inspired by the mountains. Having drawn primarily for 40 years, with some watercolor work thrown in, I started pressing local flowers last year, and am creating collaged landscapes reminiscent of the surrounding landscape. Unique work, using the pressed petals as I would paint, I am now showing work at Flow Gallery in Marshall, NC, and Miya Gallery in Weaverville, NC. www.mcchesneyart.com.” Hester Kinnicut Jacobs: “As for me, it was a
very long, cold winter here in Montana. We are volunteer weather reporters for CoCoRAHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network) helping to gather weather data for the National Weather Service. Our first snow was October 3, 2017, the last one April 13, 2018. We measured 112.5 inches of snow at our house 70 miles NE of Billings. The April 13th storm dumped 10 inches on us. So I am busy getting vegetable seed in the ground to catch up. My son, Chris, paid a short visit from New Zealand in January. Unfortunately, his trip was for the death of his best man, but we also had some fun times while he was here. My grandchildren are amazing-Odin
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14, Io 12, Orion 10, Macy 8 and Max 6. I am enjoying watching and hearing about all their projects. Macy has just joined Girl Scouts and as a lifetime Girl Scout, I couldn't be happier. Otherwise, life in rural Montana continues to agree with me.”
1972
Josephine Herron Truesdell joherrontruesdell.bancroftalum@gmail.com
David Nicholson davidnicholson@endeavorproducts.com
Notes from Jo: Andrea Salloom Cali continues to enjoy retirement and wonders how she ever had time to work! She volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, works part-time as a class manager in her exercise class, represents a band, still tap dances, and has started taking flamenco. Best thing is that she hopes to make our next reunion! Dave Nicholson sent news of his first grandchild, Hadley Joy Nicholson, born on January 29th. What a sweetie! Sarah Ireland writes that she and Rita recently
returned from a long and wonderful vacation in April, visiting family in Florida, connecting with two of Sarah’s mentors from 1985, cruising the Caribbean, and participating in a
volunteer effort in Puerto Rico in the closed community slum of La Perla. As Sarah noted, “After Rita lost her oldest son in January, we are choosing to live our lives eliminating the words ‘we should have’ and ‘why didn’t we?’. It has been a tough couple of years in our house, held together by our tribe of friends here on the Outer Cape. Light and love to all.” Words to live by, Sarah. Thank you. Adrian Perschak sends greetings to all from Switzerland, with a special “Hello!” to Charlie A. for his well-deserved award! Adrian and Ruth are thoroughly enjoying this phase of their lives, with plenty of travelling, time spent with their three grandchildren, and periodic substitute teaching engagements. In August they will be flying to Vancouver to cruise the Inside Passage to Alaska. On their way back to Switzerland they are planning a stopover in Boston from August 24 to 28. Sounds like a perfect opportunity for a ’72 reunion. Will any of the rest of you be in the area at that time? Would be great to have a gathering!
As for me [Jo Herron Truesdell], while I certainly miss spending time with kindergartners each day, I am fortunate to still be involved at Bancroft so am keeping that connection going, and I have also managed to find opportunities to connect with children by continuing to volunteer at Worcester Children’s Friend Society’s Carriage House and, through MA Audubon, working with Worcester’s Family Partnership Program. Our son, Sam ’02, recently moved to Portland to work at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute – great having him within driving distance! – and Huck and I spent time in the Okefenokee Swamp in March and are headed out to Jackson Hole in June. Most of our time, however, has been spent focused on trying to open an independent bookstore here in Worcester. Keeping our fingers crossed that everything falls together; will definitely keep you posted!
1975 Beth Kirkendall Hotz: “My first grandchild Waylon Austin Hill was born 05/06/18 in Charlottesville VA. I arrived later in the day and just returned home from helping Emily. He is healthy and handsome! Started a new job in December with VyStar Credit Union. Enjoy staying in touch with Facebook.” Judi Hutchins Bastion: “All is well in North Carolina. Two of my quilts were juried into exhibits and one has been sold! I am working to create quilts for a solo show at Revolution Mill, a former flannel mill in Greensboro. The designs are based on photos taken around the mill. The exhibit will run from August 18 through September 23.” David Stone: “Hello fellow class of 1975ers. David Stone ’75 and wife Valerie in Banff
The Class of ’72 sends warmth to Becca Guild Jenness, whose mom died in April. My
memories of Pat are actually not so much as Becca’s mom but as a colleague, as I was fortunate enough to overlap with her when I began teaching at Bancroft … and I can still hear her laugh! Those were wonderful days, and I cannot believe how lucky I was to have both Becca’s and Will’s moms as my mentors.
1974 45th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Louisa Gebelein Jones ljones@pomfretschool.org Betsy Abeles Weiss: “I’m delighted to have
moved to our Maine lake home full time and am grateful for the amazing job I took at Great Lakes Caring in Home Health. Fortune Magazine named it one of the top 20 companies to work for in US healthcare. My youngest daughter also moved to Maine with her new husband and is teaching Spanish at a Portland private school and planning to attend law school. My older daughter is getting her masters in social work from Simmons and lives in Worcester in her first home not far from Bancroft. We’re well and engaged and blessed to lead the lives we have. Happy spring to you all.”
Betsy’s daughter’s wedding last fall.
Richard Johnson: “Busy year here as son Rob married his sweetheart Brenna in May a week after sister Lizzy graduated from Gettysburg. Rob and bride are in Berkeley where Brenna is a one L at Cal Law and Rob is a book editor in San Francisco, a short walk from our beloved Giants home at AT&T Park. The Sports Museum had its best year ever on our 40th anniversary last year. I’m in my 37th year in a job I adore as curator. And I’ve also just collaborated on another book with my friend Glenn Stout, “The Pats, An Illustrated History of the New England Patriots” slated for Fall 2018 publication by Houghton Mifflin. Best regards to my Bancroft friends. Such a great school and warm welcoming community. Fond memories of pond hockey, music in the art room, shooting baskets with Mr O’Brien and John Sebuc admonishing certain of us with the warning, “You Go Garfield.” Which many of us did.” Paul Heffernan: “Girls are doing well. H #1 is in Ireland getting a Masters in Digital Marketing with hopes of staying there with her Irish Lad!! H #2 is working at Catalant in Boston and enjoying the city life. H #3 just returned from San Antonio where she watched OUR Villanova Wildcats dominate in the NCAA tournament for the second time in 3 years. H #4 is grinding away at Sacred Heart in Newton where she has just taken her first round of SAT's. She is hoping Villanova will recognize her talents and accept her for what we believe is the hardest class in the school's history to gain admittance!! Lynn meanwhile spends as much time away from the cold NE winters by camping out in Florida when ANY of the 4H's are on vacation!! I am entering my 40th year in the shoe business and 34th year at New Balance. Looking to work remotely in 2 years and join Lynn in FL for a few months while still chasing some fresh powder anywhere I can!! Time flies but it beats the alternative!”
I so much miss the intimate and fun filled days of Bancroft. Mr. Wood, Mr. Garfield, Mr. Meyers, Mr. White, Mrs. Stanfield, Pikey and so many more. We are all in our early sixties now and being grateful for the great experiences we shared and relationships we built is becoming so much more important. As for me, I continue to try and get my startup focused on the local food economy to grow and be more successful.I’m expecting my first grandchild and my oldest daughter is getting married in the fall. We are also building a new home in Freeport, Maine overlooking the Hareseeket River and Freeport Harbor. If any of you get up to Maine, please come and visit!”
1976
Rodney Ferris rodneyjferris@gmail.com John Howe Jfhowe1@netzero.net
Barbara Stebbins-Boaz ’76 and granddaughter, Maren at OMSI in Portland, OR Barbara Stebbins-Boaz: “Dear Friends, I
am pleased to announce my retirement (May 31st) after 20 life changing years as a biologist at Willamette University in Salem, OR. Some of you may not know that my husband, David, passed away in 2013. Out of the blue amazing things happened and I married Robert Muir in 2015. Also retired, he and I have planned
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Class Notes a summer of singing and travel in Europe and the UK this summer. We love Oregon but plan to visit some of you in the Northeast, soon. If you are traveling this way, please plan to stay with us. We have plenty of room and lots of entertaining stories and sites to share.”
1986
Becca Condon Zieminski rmzieminski@gmail.com Rob Gray gray@graymediagroup.com Khurston Ellia-Epple Kellia-epple@unum.com Todd Wetzel: “I am currently living in Wayland and working in Westboro at Morgan Stanley enjoying my 28th year. After having 4 boys in college last year ( 2016 / 2017 ) I am very happy to report I will have only one in college in 2018/2019. All 7 kids are doing well which makes me happy. Would love to reconnect with any alum that finds themselves in the area!”
own past experiences. My fourth book, "Hope and Healing from Eating Disorders: A 31-Day Devotional" was translated into Albanian and made available through a Christian publisher there. A follow-up to my first book, "Redeemed from the Pit: Biblical Repentance and Restoration from the Bondage of Eating Disorders", it caught the attention of Publishers' Weekly and, more importantly, I hope will help many women and girls who are struggling. Of a more practical note, I am thrilled to finally have my own home for my children and me; a dishwasher; and to see my older son graduate from Wachusett High School! Although I will miss him horribly when he moves off to college this fall, I couldn't be prouder of him. Lessons learned: God is good. Never give up. Fight like you're the third monkey trying to get onto Noah's Ark.”
1991
Jessica Macomber jessmacomber@hotmail.com Matthew Fletcher: “Hope everyone is doing Mary Anne Dinan ’76 visits with Head of School Trey Cassidy at a recent Alumni event in NYC.
1978
Marie O'Toole ’89 holds her third published book, "Fractured Covenants"
1989 30th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Elizabeth O’Hearn Galvin lizohearngalvin@gmail.com Marie O’Toole: “This year so far has been one CAO Tobey Fossey, and George Tonna ’78 enjoy reconnecting with Judy Stoddard King ’52 (right) at the Reunion reception.
1979 40th MAY 3 & 4, 2019
1984 35th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 David Bennett dtbconsulting@metrocast.net Matt Rogers: “Sheila and I are pleased to announce that our daughter Maya will be joining the class of 2025 at Berwick Academy, which presents me with something of a dilemma; when Berwick plays Bancroft, who am I supposed to root for?”
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of happiness and success, as I have bought a house in Rutland, MA; am single-handedly putting my son through the Honors College at UMass Lowell; and have had two more books published with Calvary Press. The first, "Fractured Covenants: The Hidden Problem of Marital Abuse in the Church" examines the ways in which American women in conservative evangelical communities are often abused by their partners, then face secondary spiritual abuse when they flee these toxic (and often dangerous) relationships. This was my experience when leaving an abusive marriage, and subsequently fleeing a high-control religious group here in suburban Massachusetts. Ecclesiastical injustice towards abuse survivors is astounding, and I have made it my life work to bring light to this particular darkness. I was honored to be interviewed recently on "Iron Sharpens Iron" Radio and by psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud's "Boundaries.me" team, and am looking forward to upcoming book signings, although it is still painful talking about my
great! It was fun to see a bunch of you at the 25th a few years back. I’m still living in Lexington with my wife Julie and our three children Will (11), Michela (8) and Caroline (6). I’m coaching baseball and T-ball and hoping to survive the spring sports schedule. On the work side, after 15 years I finally left my start-up company (BzzAgent). I’ve joined a wealth management group with Morgan Stanley and am headquartered in, drumroll please…the downtown Worcester office! It’s fun to be back in the city, if anyone is around shoot me a note and we can grab lunch. Best to all, stay in touch!”
1992
Eleni Gage eleni_gage@yahoo.com Scott Kurland: “In August 2017 my wife Candice and I were proud to welcome our daughter, Brynne Nora Kurland, into the world. We have also decided to move our family back to MA, after 20 years in NYC and Los Angeles, respectively. We will be moving to Wellesley sometime this fall.”
Brynne Nora Kurland at 8 months
1994 25th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Abby Driscoll abbydoc@gmail.com Chip Sbrogna csbrogna@gmail.com Thomas Howland: “Hello from the shadow of Foxboro Stadium here in Sharon, MA. Happily, the husband of a Sharon from Sharon, now with 4 wonderful kids: Elias 12, Vivian 11, Israel 10, and Max 8. Who knew I'd end up a sound engineer for my church, Grace Chapel Foxboro, after no time in the booth in my Powder and Wig days? Sharon and I took a trip to Ireland in late January and it was beautiful, mystical, lyric and forlorn. Amazing country, can't wait to go back!”
Thom Howland ’94 and family
1997
Anthony Selvitella aselvitella@gmail.com
Katie Krock Parvin’s son, Harrison, sends
along this photo as he approaches his second birthday!
1999 20th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Ketan Vakil ketan@ketanvakil.com
Sarah Yood ’99 was in Worcester to produce the Northeast Semifinal A Cappella High School Tournament for Varsity Vocals at Mechanics Hall.
Mike Anastaia ’97 and Frank Heavey
From Anthony: Just a few updates this Bulletin. Mr. Heavey writes: “For the past two years,
Mike Anastasia has lent his talents to the fight
against cancer as the Master of Ceremony for the West Coast Classic Charity Golf Tournament hosted by Expect Miracles Foundation— Financial Services Against Cancer in Newport Beach, CA. We had a great time reminiscing about history class, student counsel, and the glory days of ’97 lacrosse team. I am happy to report that Hollywood has not changed Mike at all!”
Dave Gise writes: “We had a boy, Joshua
Edward Gise (7 pounds 3 oz), on June 18, 2017. He is happy and healthy and we are enjoying our expanded family. I also changed jobs – I am now Counsel to Rivkin Radler LLP in New York, handling construction and real estate litigation. That's pretty much the extent of our excitement these days, though we recently spent a week at Disney with Chris Connolly '98 and his fiancee, which was a lot of fun. No photos. Sorry!”
Harrison Parvin
The Alumni Office is always looking for ways to make keeping in touch easier. You can now send in your updates right through the Alumni page at: bancroftschool.org/classnote. Of course, you can always e-mail me directly as well. Most important of all; please make sure we have your most recent contact information! Best wishes for a great summer! Anthony
1998 Sam Kressler: “It was excellent to see all of you who came to reunion, meet some of your families, and hear how you've all been. It was seriously an immense amount of fun. Also, huge extra thank you to Caitlyn for hosting the afterparty at 111 Chop House. It was also awesome to see all of our teachers who came out to join in the fun. No joke, none of them has aged in the past 20 years. Way to go Worcester water.”
2001
Matt Rosales matt.rosales@gmail.com Liza Michie Laurent eliza.m.laurent@gmail.com Matt Rosales has taken over the role of Class
Secretary for 2001. Be sure to contact him and keep in touch. He sends this news of classmates:
John Tumolo and his wife Emily have their hands full with two-year old twins Josh and Joey and five-year old Jack and bulldog Eloise. They do a lot of singing and dancing together! John is still at Beth Israel Deaconess in the Surgery department and from time to time he gets to socialize with fellow alums Dave Wright, Eliza Michie Laurent and Matt Rosales. Adam Hershman says hello from China where he splits time between there and New York. He has two kids now and gets to do a lot of travelling, all while training for a marathon.
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Class Notes
The Wellman Family
Shirley Harrison Konneh has been very busy and has earned her PhD in Public Policy and Administration last July. She is now working in higher education in career development at Holy Cross. Shirley is living in Worcester and sits on the YWCA board, Girls Scouts Board, United Way Women’s Initiative Leadership Council, Advisory Committee for Diversity and Inclusion for the City of Worcester. She is married with an 8-year old son and 4-year old daughter. Tony Arous moved to the west coast to San
Francisco where he took an opportunity he couldn't pass up running a cybersecurity team at Autodesk. He loves the city of San Francisco, especially his 10-minute walk to work. He does a lot of travelling back East to visit clients and partners, so he is in Boston often.
Larry Atupem ’02 with his wife and new baby, Nyla, born in February 2018
Eric Wellman: “This past November I won an election in an upset to become the First Selectman of my home town of Simsbury, CT! Four months in it's been an amazing experience, although a lot of work balancing my town duties with my full-time job at Aetna. If you're unfamiliar with CT politics, the First Selectman is the top elected official in the town and chairs the Board of Selectmen which sets policy. If anyone finds themselves in the area, I'd love to give you an official tour of town!”
As for me [Matt], I am living in Quincy, MA, with my wife Heather and dog Opie. I've been working for JetBlue at Logan Airport fixing their fleet of aircraft making them safe for everyone to fly. We live a short walk from the Red Line so in our free time we can often be found gallivanting around the city of Boston, whether it be at a Red Sox game or the Harpoon Brewery or somewhere in between. I also get to travel a lot working for an airline, so in the past year we have been to New Orleans, Fort Myers and St. Maarten. Also from time to time I do get to socialize with John Tumolo and Dave Wright, who has just celebrated one year of marriage in April with his wife Gabriella!
2002
Rebecca Holden McCullough rebeccahmccullough@gmail.com
Celebrating in Indy: (left to right) Laura Nicholson, Julia Croft Tracewski ’02, Jess Aversa Georgenes ’02, Dena Raffa Mayerhofer ’02, Emily Dore ’02, and Hadley Joy Nicholson
Alexis Tumolo alexis.tumolo@gmail.com
From Becky: As usual, there’s lots to report from the Class of 2002! Bram Geller writes: “As for me, I have just accepted a critical care cardiology position at Maine Medical Center in Portland where I will serve as the assistant director of the cardiac care unit. I am excited to be returning to New England. My son is almost 18 months, and while he doesn't talk a lot yet, I get the sense he is excited about the move too.” Bram Geller ’02, Sam Truesdell ’02, and Kevin Han ’02 at Kevin's wedding to Sara Oles in June 2017.
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Emma Ostrow's daughter Margot, born in May 2017
Cecilia Vuillermoz ’02 and family Emma Ostrow and her husband, Chris,
welcomed their daughter, Margot Helena, in May 2017. She writes: “my time is spent teaching and enjoying every second I have with Margot!” Congrats, Emma and Chris!
two boys is never a dull moment (our older son, Hudson, is 3 ½), but I’ve enjoyed my four months on maternity leave and look forward to getting back to work at HubSpot in Cambridge.
Rebecca Kowaloff writes: “I’ve been doing some traveling. In February John and I spent a week in Peru exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu. A couple weeks later we relaxed with my family in Cancun. Otherwise, work is engaging and developing, and I've seen Emma Ostrow and her sweet daughter Margot a couple of times back in Worcester. Recently Sam Truesdell moved to Portland and we're looking forward to doing some hiking this summer.”
their daughter, Hadley Joy Nicholson, into the world in January. In March, Hadley made the trip to Indianapolis to celebrate the wedding of Ben Greenberg and Elise Vreede with several classmates.
Congratulations to new parents Cecilia Vuillermoz and François-Xavier Collet, shown with daughter Cassandre. Also in the photo above are US French teacher Flavien Collet (FrançoisXavier's cousin) and other family members. As for me [Becky Holden McCullough], my husband, Patrick, and I welcomed our second son, Carter, on January 3rd, 2018. Life with
Curtis Reid curtis27@gmail.com
Ingrid Guha, a graduate student at MIT,
is part of a three-person research team that developed a method for oil and water to mix– allowing the two substances to mix and remain stable for long periods of time–no shaking required. Their findings have been reported in the journal Natural Communications.
2007:
Kate Anderson Kate.anderson004@gmail.com
for Resy, working with over 2,000 restaurants across the US and Canada. We’ve grown from 10 employees when I started 3 years ago to 100 today. We haven’t yet expanded to Worcester restaurants yet, but maybe soon!”
Dave Nicholson and his wife Laura welcomed
Mally Anderson mallyanderson@gmail.com
Vanessa Theoharis vtheoharis@gmail.com
Stephie Cohen writes: “I’m now Head of Sales
Congratulations to Larry Atupem, who welcomed a baby girl, Nyla, on February 7, 2018. He’s still living in California and loving it, and hoping to visit Bancroft in the summertime.
2006
Becky McCullough’s son Carter, born in January 2018
2004 15th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Jennifer Deprez jennifer.l.deprez@gmail.com
Justine Popik ’07 at Bancroft preparing bags for a 5K run honoring a classmate.
David Slatkin dslatkin@gmail.com
Justine Popik: “It has been a very busy spring
Kristian Becker: “Hello from Durham, North
Carolina! I am finishing my MD at Duke this Spring and finally starting a job at Mt. Sinai in New York City this July. I have been in NC for 8 years now and will miss it, but I am excited to move back to the North East. I would love to get re-connected with any Bancroft alumni living in NYC.”
for me. In March, my sister Jess and I held another successful Spring Into Action 5K, where we were able to donate $5300 to Tutoring Plus of Cambridge in memory of Vanessa Marcotte. It has been a joy to bring the local running community together the last two years to remember Vanessa and raise money for a cause that she was so passionate about. “My private lesson studio has grown significantly over the last year and each student shares
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Class Notes
Family trip to Europe for Jennifer Yu ’07 with parents and sisters Veronica ’11 and Vanessa ’13
Nicky Puccio visits with Matt Glick ’06, Wilma Cespedes ’05, and Hannah Holdstein ’05 at Alumni event in NYC.
a passion for music and performing. This fall, I was honored to guide a student to a successful Massachusetts All State audition, a first in my teaching career. I continue to freelance in the Tri-State and New England regions and I am preparing a recital in Astoria, Queens this fall. In my free time, I continue to train for long distance road races including the Brooklyn Half and the Lake Placid Marathon, which will be my 15th race at the 26.2 mile distance. In October, I ran a personal best of 3:30:40 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and my hope is to crack the 3:30 barrier in coming races.”
hoping to restore a historic flour mill and turn it into a contemporary art museum. It's a really neat project and Bozeman has been a great place to live so far. Bancroft visitors are always welcome, so let me know if you’re out this way!”
Jennifer Yu: “I will be graduating with my Psy.D. in May and, after 5 years in NYC, will be moving back to Massachusetts for a fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. This winter, I travelled to Europe with my family (including my sisters/Bancroft alums, Veronica and Vanessa, both of whom began med school this year). Also, it was nice to catch up with familiar faces at the Bancroft meetup in NYC, in particular Mrs. Carlson. Looking forward to catching up with Boston area alumni soon!”
Alex Heinricher aheinricher@gmail.com
Stephanie Jacques: “I bought a house in the
Sacramento area last year, and started a job I absolutely love working for the department of corrections and rehabilitation. I am also getting married in September in Massachusetts.”
2009 10th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Molly Jackel molly.e.jackel@gmail.com
Jimmy Kelley: “After four years at The Rivers
School in Weston, I made the move to Brooks School in North Andover in December 2017. Starting next fall, I will be moving into the role of Assistant Athletic Director where I will oversee game-day operations, equipment, and communications.”
2010
Russell Oliver rboliver44@yahoo.com Ali Luthman amluthman20@gmail.com
CJ Silva: “I am living in Newport, RI and working for Synopsys in Burlington, MA. Married my beautiful wife Athena this past September, and our first child is due this September! Very exciting times ahead!”
Meg Anderson: “The past year has been one
of travel for me! I spent three weeks in Europe last summer traveling in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Latvia. In the fall, I returned to Vermont for a temporary position at Middlebury, which included more international and domestic travel. I'm now working in Boston for the Bahamas-based Island School and will be starting graduate school at Boston University in the fall. Being in Massachusetts has its perks, as I was able to enjoy an early spring Red Sox game with fellow Bancroft alumni!”
Colin Campbell: “My fiancee and I bought
a house last August, and are getting married this August! We also got a new pupper, Olive, who loves her big sister Newt very much. We traveled a lot last year! NYC, Iceland, Bermuda, Portland ME for fun. And I traveled even more for work with frequent trips to FL, VA, GA, MD, DC, NY, PA, TX, and NJ. I'm up to 24 of the 50 states!”
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Kate Anderson: “I moved to Bozeman, Montana last fall to work on a project - we're
Sylvia Parol: “Hope everyone has been doing well this past year. Here's what's new with me: after working in sales at InVisionApp for the past 2.5 years, I quit at the end of 2017 to put a greater focus on music and DJing. Free from 9-5 confines, I set off on a big world trip to start off 2018; I traveled to London, Paris, and India. One of my WPI friends invited me to attend a wedding in Bangalore for one of our other WPI classmates. It felt so special to be involved in the wedding traditions and dress in Indian attire with their entire family in Delhi. I was fortunate to be connected with an electronic music producer who set me up with a gig at a small bar on my last night! While I'm not making enough money from DJing to sustain myself just yet, I have faith that I can do so in the near future. I'm so grateful for the life I'm able to lead, but I want to remind you all that it's not all about cool photos on Instagram and partying every weekend. It's tough setting out on this kind of lifestyle as a solo performer. I've had some gigs where only a handful of people show up, and it can be disheartening. I've worked with individuals who I thought would be longtime allies, but sadly, they're not. The highs and lows are all a part of the process, and I attempt to take them all in stride. And one more thing! Special congrats to Stef Dec on her recent marriage and Ashley Sparhawk on her engagement!”
Sylvia Parol ’10 DJing at Blind Dragon in LA
Hillary Adams’ wedding: Eric Jones ’07 and wife Janna Rayworth, Hillary Adams ’07, Melanie Dec ’07, Kate Anderson ‘07, Meg Anderson ’10, Paul Anderson & Ann Cichon (P’07 & ’10)
Sylvia Parol ’10 Enjoying the traditions of an Indian Wedding in Bangalore
Classmates from 2013 stopping by campus for the cookout celebrating their 5th reunion: Mackenzie Melemed, Justine Murphy, and Morgan Rains.
Ali Luthman: “After months of overseeing my
team (140 runners who fundraise for Brigham and Women’s Stepping Strong marathon team) I can also successfully say I completed it too! It was a cold and rainy day but to complete 26.2 miles pushes me to believe anything is possible.”
2010’s get together for a Sox game: front (l to r): Matt Caron, Olivia Angood-Hardy, Russell Oliver. Back (l to r): Nicole Manning, Meg Anderson, Sarah Kelley, and Alex Buslov.
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Class Notes 2014 5th MAY 3 & 4, 2019 Looking for Class Secretary Email Lynn at alumni@bancroftschool.org
2015
David Turley Dturls55@gmail.com Meltem Eracar: “Hi! I'm currently a junior at the College of the Holy Cross, but this entire year I have been studying abroad in Strasbourg, France! My love and passion for the French language all started in 6th grade at Bancroft where I've had amazing teachers who have helped me learn the language and appreciate the culture. I am so fortunate for all of their help because without them, I probably wouldn't be here today!”
2016
Jordan Papula jpapula33@gmail.com Kieran Sheldon is transferring schools, design-
ing video games, and teaching children to make suits of cardboard armor. In the time since graduation, he has learned to juggle a flaming sword and also grown a nifty beard.
Meltem Eracar ’15 studying in France Shyanne Temple: “Hi Bulldogs, Since gradu-
ating from the Croft, I have been on a mission to find myself. I'm attending Connecticut College and am majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Hispanic Studies. Recently, I was accepted into an international studies program where I will be researching The Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Embryonic Gene Development in Chile in the fall of 2018 which is very exciting. I will definitely send pictures and updates while I am abroad. Side note, I met the ambassador of South Korea at the United Nations and it was an amazing experience. He informed a group of students from my school of many accomplishments of South Korea. I started a Women of Color Feminist group at Connecticut College which has been such an eye-opening experience and has truly helped me to discover who I want to be. Thank you to all the faculty and friends at Bancroft who initiated a curiosity in me that will never fade. I wish you all the best!”
2017 Congratulations to Paris Jensen who was honored as a “Nature Hero” during Mass Audubon’s Annual Spring Celebration in April. Paris was recognized for her work last May as part of her Senior Co-Op. And to Bethany Gove who rowed Bancroft Crew and is rowing in Fairfield’s first Varsity 8 boat as a freshman. This Spring she earned a gold medal 1st place at the Amherst Invitational.
KEEP IN TOUCH Submit Class Notes: Class Notes and photos may be sent to your Class Secretary or directly to Bancroft at: bancroftschool.org/classnote We will request Class Notes by email for the Classes of 1950 to present. Please be sure we have your updated email address! Update your contact info: bancroftschool.org/contact
FOLLOW BANCROFT ON
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bancroft School & Bancroft School Alumni on Facebook
@SportsBancroft on Twitter @bancroftschool1900 on Instagram
Shyanne Temple ’16 outside of United Nations
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Bancroft School Alumni group on LinkedIn
BIRTHS
Hillary Adams ’07 & Cameron DeLaPena
Scott Kurland ’92 and Candice Brynne Nora Kurland August 2017 David Gise ’97 and Erin Joshua Edward Gise June 18, 2017 Larry Atupem ’02 and Massa Nyla Atupem February 7, 2018 Becky Holden McCullough ’02 and Patrick Carter McCullough January 2018 Dave Nicholson ’02 and Laura Hadley Joy Nicholson January 29, 2018 Emma Ostrow Noce ’02 and Chris Margot Helena Noce May 2017 Cecilia Vuillermoz ’02 and Francois-Xavier Cassandre Collet November 2017 Meagan Bousquet Blais ’07 and Toby Adeline Blais February 16, 2018
?@ MARRIAGES
Cassandre Collet Adeline Blais
Ben Greenberg ’02 to Elise Vreede March 31, 2018 Kevin Han ’02 to Sara Oles June 10, 2017 Hillary Adams ’07 to Cameron DeLaPena April 21, 2018 Stefanie Dec ’10 to Allen Engelhardt September 23, 2017
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LivinG If there were to be one guiding principle for the life of Taylor Zork ’07, it would have to be balance. A quick glance at his Instagram page (@ highvibeacro) proves he has mastered his physical balance through his practice of acroyoga; but diving deeper into his story shows that he has figured out the perfect work–life balance as well! Taylor graduated from Bancroft in 2007, then went on to earn an MBA from Bentley University. After bouncing around jobs, earning his CPA, and travelling through Europe for a few months, Taylor moved to Burlington, VT, for a job in finance at Burton Snowboards. Looking back, Taylor says he was following the path that he felt like he should have been on, rather than the one he wanted to be on. During college, Taylor discovered yoga as a way to balance the stresses of work and school while maintaining his physical fitness. He had seen acroyoga (a dynamic mix of yoga and acrobatics) on Instagram but didn’t have a chance to try it for himself until he moved to Burlington, where he fell in love with the practice, the community, and his future wife, Véronique. Taylor and Véronique dreamt of opening an acroyoga and circus arts studio in Burlington but were stuck on one issue; to fund the studio, they would have to sell Taylor’s beloved ’86 VW Vanagon Westfalia. They had fantasized about a cross-country trip in the van, and so he and Vé decided to postpone their yoga studio plans. In June of 2017, they packed up and set out.
Balanced TAYLOR ZORK ’07
The biggest transition for Taylor has been the transition from “living to work,” to “working to live.” He now works independently as a financial manager for companies owned by friends he has made along his trip. During his time at the artists’ residency in Guatemala, Taylor said that he and his wife were working 15 to 20 hours a week, doing group yoga every morning, eating communal meals with other artists, and actually saving money. All this on the beautiful shores of Lake Atitlan, with volcanic mountains and clear skies as a backdrop. What more could you ask for? Taylor gives one piece of advice to anyone thinking about making a “hardleft” in their life path: “Take the leap. But before you take the leap, do the research and figure out a plan.” The planning and hard work he put in beforehand is what enabled him to be confident in taking his trip. In the future, Taylor hopes to bring acroyoga practice to schools; he lauds the skills of communication, trust, and self-confidence that acroyoga can teach. He and Véronique will spend the Summer on Cape Cod before hitting the road again for a Momentom Collective (momentomcollective.com) artist residency in Indonesia this fall. Written by Jordan Papula ’16
They went West, spending time travelling up and down the California coast before making their way to San Diego, down the Baja Peninsula through Mexico, and eventually all the way down to Guatemala, where they stayed at an artists’ residency for two months. What might be surprising, Taylor says, is that in many cities there is a very active and welcoming circus arts community, and all it takes is a simple Google search or Facebook message to get connected. He and Vé made lifelong friendships during their trip, taking and teaching acroyoga courses across the country, seeing amazing sights along the way.
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Photos courtesy of @GlobalDegree and @wotwtravel
In Memoriam
Remembering Favorite Teachers DENNIS TROCCHIO Dennis's daughters shared the following tribute: With sadness we announce the passing of our father, Dennis Trocchio, on November 26, 2017. Mr. Trocchio – “Mr. T,” or simply “Troch” – taught in the History Department at Bancroft from 1978 until his retirement in 2012. Born on June 3, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Dennis was the only child of Galileo, a tailor, and Angela Trocchio, a waitress, and spent his boyhood among his first-generation Italian extended family. He attended St. Vincent College, and went on to receive his Masters in Modern European History at Duquesne University and a Certificate of Graduate Advance Studies in the History of Science from Harvard’s Extension School. His teaching career began at Oak Grove-Coburn in Maine, where he taught History and coached basketball from 1974 to 1978, the same year he moved to Worcester. For twenty-seven years he was married to Josette Trocchio, with whom he raised two daughters in a little red house off of Salisbury Street. He loved his children wildly, and later he loved his sons-in-law. He adored baseball and black coffee with sweetener. History absorbed him, especially modern European history, labor history, and Italian-American history. He spoke beautifully, passionately, even extravagantly about so many things: war, feudalism, Confucianism, Sacco and Vanzetti, the Great Boston Molasses Flood in 1919, Billy the Kid, the terrible wine his uncle made, and his grandmother’s determination to make polenta in the middle of one boiling summer. His stories simply mesmerized. Above all, he was a profound teacher – brilliant, eloquent, generous, compassionate, stunning in his command of world history and his ability to convey it, in all its dimension and depth. He is survived by his daughters, Rachel and Sarah Trocchio, their husbands, and two grandchildren. Alongside decades of students, many of whom (like his two daughters), he influenced to become educators in their own right, we mourn and remember him for his beautiful mind and the enormity of his spirit.
“Mr. Trocchio made history come alive. Rest in Peace.”
PHYLLIS JERNBERG
PATRICIA GUILD
Phyllis Jernberg died peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2018, at the age of 97. Phyllis was a graduate of South High School and the Worcester Art Museum School. She was a graphic artist at Norton Co. during WWII and later became a fashion illustrator with Filene’s Department store. She began teaching Art at Bancroft School in 1961 and taught for over 20 years until retiring in 1982.
Patricia Guild passed away in Dalton, MA on April 19, 2018, at the age of 88. She was a graduate of Wheelock College, Class of 1951. Mrs. Guild taught third grade at Bancroft School from 1962-1978, teaching scores of 8 and 9 year olds. With humor and compassion it is said she was “dedicated to Bancroft School, and every child she met.” Throughout her life she opened her home to children and continued to teach part-time in the Dalton Schools after she retired.
Mrs. Jernberg used her talents as an artist to create wonderful sets and scenery for the school performances. She will be remembered by her students and colleagues as always upbeat and joyful. Phyllis leaves her son, Paul Jernberg, her daughter, Barrie Kramer, two grandsons, Thad Coontz ’86 (and his partner Juliann Hench ’89) and Kris Coontz ’84, and three great-grandchildren.
Pat was predeceased by her husband Gerald Guild and son Stewart Guild ’77. She is survived by her daughter Rebecca A. Jenness ’72, her son William Guild ’74 and five grandchildren.
“Pat was the original Energizer Bunny.”
“Phyllis was an amazing and very talented person with a hysterical sense of humor and a truly infectious laugh!”
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In Memoriam ALUMNI Gertrude Blood Seybold ’35 March 1, 2018 at 98, Boothbay, ME Trudie graduated from Bancroft in 1935 and went on to graduate from Swarthmore College, and later to earn her Master in Library Science from Drexel University. Together with her husband of 68 years, John, she raised their family in Pennsylvania and became a Quaker. Trudie was very active in community politics and partnered with her husband in running Seybold Publications. Trudie was predeceased by her husband, her brother Webster Blood ’40, and leaves her three children and their families.
Elizabeth Forbes Davis ’37 December 26, 2017 at 97, Weston, MA Libby attended Bancroft from Kindergarten until she graduated in 1937, then went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Smith College. Together with her husband Richard Fuller they raised four children and made their home in Mass and Suffield, CT until his death in 1964. She loved the outdoors, traveled across six continents, was an avid golfer and skier, and competitive tennis and paddle tennis player as well as a prolific artist. She was predeceased by her second husband William Davis, her sister Catherine Johnson ’34, and a daughter, and is survived by her three children and their families.
Barbara Bigelow Dunn ’38 August 12, 2017 at 96, Lincoln, MA Barbara attended Bancroft until 1935 when she went on to Milton Academy. Her grandfather, an architect who designed the Weston Town Hall and several buildings at St. Mark’s School, instilled in her a love for art and nature and she went on to live a life full of artistry and often showcased her work at galleries across Martha’s Vineyard. She was predeceased by her husband and son, and is survived by her son, daughter and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Ethelinda Bartlett Montfort ’42 January 17, 2018 at 92, Cheshire, CT Linda graduated from Bancroft School before attending Connecticut College. Together with her husband Frederic she enjoyed a life of family and volunteerism in Long Island, NY and Thompson, CT. Linda was active in various local community organizations including the
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Girl and Boy Scouts, Thompson Historical Society and was a church and hospital volunteer. She is survived by her children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty Jeppson Green ’43 November 8, 2017 at 92, Concord, MA Betty attended Bancroft School until 1941 and went on to graduate from Miss Hall’s School before receiving a degree in Art from Webber College in Florida. Betty was known for her creative sense of color, beauty, art, and she especially loved painting. She took courses at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and at deCordova Museum and studied with local artists in Concord. Betty was an avid reader with wide ranging interests, and loved birds and gardening. After driving a Bookmobile during the war effort, Betty volunteered in many other capacities: for several local hospitals, schools and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Betty was predeceased by her ex-husband David Green and her siblings, Britta Jeppson and John Jeppson ’34. She is survived by her five children, Anne Green Fortin ’70, Susan Green Swanstrom ’72, David Green ’74, Charles Green ’75, and Sarah Zitter, as well as nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
Ann Kingman Valpey ’50 December 11, 2017 at 85, Strafford, NH Ann attended Bancroft during her father’s (Bradford Kingman) tenure as Headmaster. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Carleton College and spent her time serving local communities wherever she went, including serving as a teacher’s aide at The Professional Center for Child Development in Andover, MA and gardening at the Moffatt Ladd House and The Colonial Dames of America in New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel, and her brother Bradford ’52 and is survived by her five children, her sister Jane McDonough ’48, and many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
George Fallon ’52 December 26, 2017 at 83 Trescott Township, ME George graduated from Bancroft’s 8th grade before going on to Wilbraham Academy and Ohio Wesleyan University. He served his country in Puerto Rico for three years before moving to Maine in the late 1950s. He studied the ministry, graduating from University of Maine at Presque Isle and serving as a minister in Jonesboro, Eastport, Columbia, and Addison, ME. He considered himself a pastor, storyteller and fisherman. His leaves his wife Patricia, daughter, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
Robert “Peter” Milton Jr. ’52 November 27, 2017 at 83, New York, NY Peter graduated from Bancroft’s 8th grade before attending Middlesex School and Harvard where he captained the squash team to an undefeated Ivy League championship. He was awarded the prestigious Lionel De Jersey Harvard Scholarship to study at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, England after graduation. Peter moved to New York City, raised his family, and worked for JP Morgan for 34 years until his retirement. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his son and daughter, and brother David Milton ’56 and sister-in-law Linda Stratton Milton ’87.
Virginia “Ginger” Rice Carothers ’54 December 3, 2017 at 81, Centerville, MA Ginger attended high school at Bancroft, graduating in 1954 and remaining a dedicated alumna throughout her life. She received her B.A. in Political Science from Wellesley College and traveled throughout the U.S. as a field researcher for Proctor & Gamble, then to New York for a position at McCann Erickson. She would go on to hold several positions in marketing and research including founding her own market research and public opinion firm in Michigan. In New York, she met and married Leonard Theberge and together with their young family went on to live in England, Chicago, Michigan, and California before settling in Bethesda, MD. There, Ginger worked at the Media Institute in Washington, D.C. as Editor and later as Deputy Director of the Institute's Transnational Communication
Center. Upon her husband's death, she assumed the leadership of the St. Peter's College Oxford Foundation, raising funds and founding a scholarship in her late husband's name. Ginger later married Andy Carothers and moved to Cape Cod where they enjoyed life focused on family, entertaining friends, and books. For Bancroft, Ginger will always be remembered for her energy and commitment to keeping the Class of 1954 together, organizing get-togethers, attending events, and remaining dedicated until her death. She was predeceased by both husbands and is survived by her three daughters and grandson.
Francis “Skip” Harrington Jr. ’54 November 5, 2017 at 81, Wellesley, MA Skip attended Middle School at Bancroft before graduating from Deerfield Academy. He went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degrees in Engineering from Boston University. He married Charlotte Millard ’63 in 1967, and they soon moved from Boston to Wellesley to raise their family. Skip had a passion for airplanes and trains. He enjoyed piloting his own plane for many years and travelling on railways both across the country and abroad. He was predeceased by his son Steven, and is survived by his sons Fred, Parker, and Jonathan, his former wife Charlotte, several grandchildren, and his brother Jim Harrington ’57.
Martha Palmer Bullard ’55 February 2, 2018 at 80, Winchester, MA Martha began Bancroft in Lower School and graduated in 1955. She earned her degree from Connecticut College and worked at Arthur D. Little, Inc. in the financial end of the consulting business for several years. She enjoyed living in Winchester, MA and after retirement, Martha enjoyed spending time with her dogs at her beach home on Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. She is survived by her sister Margaret Palmer Mix ’53, her niece and nephews.
Harriet Gilman Kruszyna ’56 November 8, 2017 at 79, Randolph, NH Harriet began Bancroft in Lower School and was known for her scientific mind by the time of her graduation in 1956. She went on to study chemistry and art at Vassar College, and then to Boston University where she earned her Ph.D. She would continue her career as a scientist, eventually landing a research position at Dartmouth College and Medical School. She later used her knowledge of chemistry to develop stoneware pottery glazes that she used on her own handmade pottery. Harriet met her husband Bob at a mountaineering camp in the Canadian Rockies. She stated “that was the beginning of a long and exciting series of adventures all over the world.” Together they climbed all over the world including the Alps, the Andes, and the Himalayas. Harriet was predeceased by her brother Bradley ’50 and is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years.
Patricia A. Fletcher ’56 May 9, 2018 at 79, Worcester, MA After eleven years at Bancroft, Pat would go on to earn her B. A. from Connecticut College, and an M.Sc. from Columbia University’s Library School. She had a love for New York City at a young age, and followed her heart, living in the City for most of her adult life while working as the librarian at the American Alpine Club. Pat loved travelling the world, making visits to over 30 countries before returning to Worcester in 1997. She immediately settled back into the local community, serving on the boards of the Worcester Historical Museum, the Audio Journal, and becoming active in Bancroft’s Alumni Council. She leaves her brothers Warner ’63 and Allen ’65, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Philip C. Wahlstrom ’58 February 5, 2018 at 77, Holden, MA After graduating from Bancroft’s 8th grade, Philip graduated from North High in Worcester and then took over the family business, Holden Plastics/New England Hardboard Company, until he retired in 2003. He had a passion for boating, going by “The Captain” while he was aboard his vessel. It is said his love for the sea was outmatched only by his love for his family. He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn and granddaughter Maria Wentzel. He is survived by sons Scott ’80, and Todd ’86, his daughter Victoria Morris ’82, and their families.
David H. Brownell ’68 May 2, 2017 at 68, Londonderry, VT David attended Fryeberg Academy in Maine after graduating from Bancroft’s grade 8. He would spend many years working in the construction industry before retiring several years ago. He met his wife Judi at Bromley Mountain Ski Area, where they enjoyed a common interest in and love of the out of doors. He was predeceased by his parents George ’35 and Barbara ’37 Brownell and leaves his wife of 35 years, his children George and Amanda, and his sister Susan Woodbury ’61.
Elisabeth A. Hampshire ’69 October 22, 2017 at 66, Worcester, MA Elisabeth attended Bancroft before graduating from Worcester high school and then earning her associate’s degree from Garland Junior College. Throughout her life, Elisabeth strived to be kind and caring above all else, as was reflected in her care of animals and people in need. Her relationship with her family, the summers she spent with them in Quebec, were her most precious memories. She is survived by her brother John ’65, her sister Janis Hampshire Cummins ’70, and their families.
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DIX DAVIS
to be Honored at Bancroft’s
OUT IN FRONT Capital Campaign Launch
OCTOBER 27, 2018 The Bancroft School Alumni Council is delighted to announce that Dix Davis is the 2018 recipient of the Milton P. Higgins (1918) Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft — the highest award that the Council can bestow. Dix is a leader in the truest sense of the word and his association with Bancroft over the past 40 years has been one of great dedication. His ongoing support of our School continues to inspire and energize our community in a spirit of philanthropy, connections, and engagement. Through his work as a Trustee, and as President of the Board from 1992–1995, Dix demonstrated a devotion to the aims and mission of the School, serving on and chairing numerous Board committees. As Treasurer, he oversaw balanced budgets and was instrumental in the launch of the Campaign for Excellence, a capital campaign that funded structural improvements across campus and strengthened our endowment. Demonstrating tremendous foresight and care for our School, Dix and his wife Sarah furthered their commitment when they joined the George Bancroft Society with a generous planned gift.
Dix Davis with wife Sarah, a former Bancroft teacher and librarian. • Member of the Bancroft Board of Trustees for 15 years • President, Bancroft Board of Trustees 1992-1995 • Parent of three Bancroft Alumni: Tom ’88, Bill ’90, Margaret ‘Muffy’ ’95 • Dedicated Bancroft supporter and volunteer • Member of the George Bancroft Planned Giving Society • 2018 Recipient of the Milton P. Higgins Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft School
With deep gratitude and pleasure, we will present Dix’s award at the launch of the Out In Front capital campaign on October 27, 2018.
We invite the entire Bancroft community to join us in the spectacularly renovated Bancroft Field House on October 27, 2018, as we launch the OUT IN FRONT Capital Campaign and present Dix Davis with the Milton P. Higgins Award for Distinguished Service to Bancroft School!
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! For more information: www.bancroftschool.org/OutInFront | giving@bancroftschool.org | (508) 854-9201 34
SPOTLIGHTON GIVING These three stories spotlight people who, for their own reasons and in their own ways, choose to support BANCROFT SCHOOL.
AMY PEARSON DONATION: Fargo-Gauthier Endowment for Professional Development CONNECTION TO BANCROFT: Faculty member 1977 to 2018, parent of alumni Mia ’99 and Erik ’04 WHY I GIVE: The Fargo-Gauthier fund is an investment in the teachers. It offers a oncein-a-lifetime professional development experience. My own Fargo-Gauthier opportunity was such a rich, inspiring experience that I have been supporting the fund ever since, so my peers can have similar opportunities.
ROB SULIK & KATIE WOOD DONATION: Bancroft Fund Gift Earmarked for Robotics & Crew CONNECTION TO BANCROFT: Current Bancroft parents to Max Sulik ’19 WHY WE GIVE: Our son has had many extraordinary opportunities at Bancroft, including participating in crew and robotics. A portion of these programs are funded through the generosity of families who came before us. Directing our Bancroft Fund gift to these programs is our way of thanking the teachers, coaches, and advisors for their dedication and hard work, and continuing the legacy of Bancroft families to pay it forward.
WILL EBERT ’99 DONATION: Out In Front Capital Campaign CONNECTION TO BANCROFT: Alumnus WHY I GIVE: “My two children are just entering school age, and as my wife and I began visiting schools I realized that I was holding my Bancroft experience as the standard. If only we lived closer! I honestly believe that Bancroft gave me the foundation upon which I have been able to build everything else. To give back is a token of my appreciation for the opportunities provided to me. The Out In Front Campaign, in particular, was appealing to me because I recognize the importance of having your facilities keep pace with the extraordinary programming happening at Bancroft.
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