VOLUME 26 . NUMBER 1 . SUMMER 2017
W W W. S A N F O R D S C H O O L . O R G
CONGRATS!
2017 GRADS Se e pg.12
OUR HISTORY of CULTURAL DIVERSITY How the road to Sunny Hills has welcomed students and faculty from all over the world.
A Message from the Head of School: August 2017
Dear Parents, Alumni, & Friends: Like many of you, I relish the summer months. As much as I enjoy the energy of a school year, time away to reflect and recharge is rejuvenating. Usually, for my family, this means trips to the Delaware beaches or the New Jersey shore—or long road trips back to the Midwest to see Nicol’s family in Columbus, Ohio, or mine in St. Louis, Missouri.
Contents 1 Our History of Cultural Diversity 12 End of Year Celebrations 17 Connecting with Our Community 20 Winter & Spring Highlights
This summer, I added a wholly different adventure to my vacation schedule. In June, I was a faculty chaperone for a Sanford Middle School trip to Europe. Along with French teacher Fabienne Daniels and nine Sanford students, I visited five European countries in eleven days. Our journey took us to Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, France, and Spain. The trip was a fast-paced introduction to many countries and cultures. My last European journey occurred 25 years ago when I participated in a college summer study program in Spain.
Speical Feature SANFORD PROFILES 24 Spotlight on Athletics 31 Alumni Notes 36 In Memoriam
STAFF Editor Cheryl Fleming Contributing Editor Christine Yasik Contributors Laura Gaylor Janice Payne Joan Samonisky Amy Shirley Photography Barksdale Photography Kevin McDermott Molly Schlachter Photography Ted Rosenthal/Izmaddy Studios Sanford Yearbook Staff Graphic Design Kedash Design h
Communications Office Sanford School 6900 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE 19707 302.235.6500 communications@sanfordschool.org www.sanfordschool.org On the cover: Just as former Head of School Nancy Sawin blazes this Sanford trail in her first car, she and her mother (school founder Ellen Q. Sawin) helped blaze trails for international students and faculty members to join the Sanford community.
Seeing the trip through the eyes of our students, many of whom had not travelled internationally, was fascinating. My daughter Stella was one of the students on the trip, and her takeaway from the experience was interesting. More than anything she was intrigued by the similarities and differences of how people lived in this corner of the world. Experiencing different languages, foods, architecture, geography, and cultures was mind-expanding. Exposure to different countries at the young age of 13 will behoove the students who participated in this trip and those who join other excursions that Sanford offers. One of my chief takeaways from the trip was the exemplary manner in which our students conducted themselves. Travel can be stressful in the best of circumstances. Waiting in lines, carrying luggage, enduring long bus trips—added with unfamiliarity of place and language—can be challenging. Our students handled it all with patience, perseverance, and good humor. Our travel wasn’t bump free, but our group made the best out of every situation we faced. To that end, our adventure was filled with laughter, learning, and great memories. As a chaperone, head of school, and Sanford parent, I was proud to lead such a respectful and thoughtful group of Warriors…and I am grateful and honored to have shared this experience with Fabienne and our students. Of course, international travel is only one example of Sanford’s respect for cultural diversity. Our eleven-day European trip is part of the greater Sanford experience for our students— one that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion each and every school day. Moving forward, Sanford will continue to be a place that lives and demonstrates these values as we build on our rich tradition of honoring the diversity of all members of our community. I predict our work in diversity and inclusion will only become an even greater strength for Sanford in the coming years. All my best,
Mark J. Anderson
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OUR HISTORY
of Cultural
Diversity
Women of the world Ellen Q. (Mother) Sawin and her daughter Nancy laid the foundation for Sanford’s rich history of cultural diversity.
By Christne M. Yasik
“I firmly believe that when a school opens, its DNA is established. From its inception, Sanford has welcomed students and faculty from all over the world. Which means that today, we don’t have to work so hard at accepting diversity because it has always been a part of the school’s fabric. You have to remember, Mother Sawin, the school’s founder, and her daughter Nancy were international women. They traveled extensively at a time when women did not. It was only natural to them that Sanford would be a global school.” –Mark J. Anderson, Head of School
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Sanford . Summer 2017
WARMTH. COMPASSION. EMPATHY. ACCEPTANCE. SAFETY. These are just a few of the intangibles that Sanford skillfully and intuitively provides to all students. These qualities have been common threads since the school’s founding in 1930 and are still among the top descriptors from former and current students and faculty. They could easily become clichés, but the depth to which these traits permeate actions, reactions, and strategic planning have shown them to be the very foundation of the school’s core values. With the addition of excellent academics, Sanford offers a winning combination to its students and families, and those from foreign countries who choose to send their children to Sanford find the school’s core values especially comforting.
Discovering Sanford
Harry Kelsey London, England
Parents seek a safe haven During the late 1930s and into the 1940s the number of international students attending Sanford grew. Families that were looking to escape the dangers of war were seeking a less threatening environment for their children. But, how did parents in countries such as Latvia, Persia, Austria, Germany, or Great Britain find tiny Sanford School nestled in the rural setting of Hockessin, Delaware? According to Faculty Emeritus and Sanford alumna Jackie Pitts ’55: “Many of our early international students had parents, usually the father, with diplomatic ties. In some cases, the parents knew that they were in danger, and they worked to get their families out of their native country and into the United States. Once in America, they would often find their way to Washington, DC and work with their embassies. Sanford School was on a governmental list as being a safe, legitimate educational institution that would care for their children in a family-like way. In return, the US government promised that should the home country’s Austria native Madam Pessl, shown here giving a piano lesson to a student, taught music and French at Sanford from 1945 to 1950.
In 1937, seven seniors received the first diplomas from what was then called Sunny Hills School, and one of those graduates was (top row, 2nd from right) Harry M. Kelsey from London, England. Since those early days, Sanford has actively worked to be a place that is always ready to welcome students, faculty, and families from other countries and cultures.
government be overthrown and the family would not have sufficient funds, it would guarantee tuition payment.” There were also brokerage companies, much like today’s real estate firms, that maintained notebooks with information about private boarding schools and worked with parents to find the best placement for their children.
Faculty support enhances diversity Sanford’s international faculty also contributed to the growth in the international student and employee population by using their connections and acting as liaisons. For example, Sanford teacher and Austrian Madam Pessl used her European connections to bring people to the school, and at least two of them would play an important role in its growth. One was Professor Wunderer, a first-chair violinist for the renowned Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Fearing for his safety, he left his native Austria and joined his friend at Sanford. Known affectionately by his students as “The Professor,” he and
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Madam Pessl were presented with a hand-carved plaque which was proudly displayed over the music building, naming it the Pessl/Wunderer House of Music. Madam was also instrumental in helping Yanko Cajnar, a talented carpenter and builder from Yugoslavia, join the Sanford staff. He worked with other faculty and students to help build the original Geipel Gym, now the Geipel Center for Performing Arts, and Albright Hall, which is the cornerstone for today’s Lower School.
A continued commitment Sanford has been a long-time partner with the American Field Service (AFS) program, currently coordinated by World Language Co-chair and Upper School Spanish Instructor Elizabeth Capone. This intercultural organization allows a
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foreign student to spend a year immersing himself in both American and Sanford School daily life. “I am proud that Sanford provides the financial support that is required to fund an AFS student,” noted Lynn Casto, head of upper school. “This is one tangible sign that bringing international diversity to our campus is important.” The rewards of cultural diversity expand beyond campus. Math Department Co-chair and former AFS host parent Chris Mosberg noted: “When our youngest son, Josh ’04, was a junior, we hosted Jonas Ette from Germany. We have become good friends with his family and traveled to some remarkable places together. To be able to travel to Germany and learn about culture from our special friends has been an extraordinary opportunity.” While not associated with
A PATH LESS TRAVELED: Yanko and Maria Cajnar’s Journey to Sanford During World War II the communists came to each of the houses in Yanko’s village, Rakovec, near the city of Metlika, Yugoslavia (present day Slovenia). The communists who ran the country came to the family farmhouse and forced him to join the army. Fighting the Italians, Yanko was taken prisoner and sent to a prisoner of war camp on the island of Rab, off the coast of Croatia. The prison rations were inadequate and prisoners died of starvation every day. An elderly man shared his bread with Yanko, someone he felt had his whole life ahead of him. When the war was over the prisoners were left to walk home on their own. Yanko stayed home for a few months to get his strength back, but he knew his life was in danger and he had to leave Yugoslavia. He made his way across the border to Austria and came to a refugee camp in Salzburg. The farmers needed help on the farms, and Yanko was chosen to work at a farm in the village of Zinkenbach, near Salzburg. Yanko worked with the farmer for a few years but knew he needed to come to America to make a good living. Maria also lived in the village and they fell in love. Madam Pessl, a Jewish teacher from Sanford, returned after the war to this same village. Yanko and Maria went to her to ask if the school she worked for could use someone like Yanko. Madam Pessl wrote a letter to Mother Sawin During World War II, communists came to Yanko’s village in Yugoslavia. He was forced to join the army and fight.
1940s
1945 The war ends. Yanko makes his way across the border to Austria, works on a farm.
Yanko meets Maria; they ask Madam Pessl if there is work for Yanko at Sanford.
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as a letter of reference describing all of Yanko’s work experience. Since Sanford had different farm animals, fruit tree orchards and farming, Yanko’s expertise was desired. Mother Sawin wrote the government a letter of job offering so Yanko could come to America. While he waited for permission from the US government, Yanko and Maria took English lessons from Madam Pessl, so they would have some basic knowledge of English. Yanko traveled alone by ship to America in September of 1949, as he wanted to make sure that the job was what he had hoped for before bringing Maria over. The Sawins made Sanford a very international community with staff, teachers and students from all parts of the world, many of whom lived on campus. The Sawin family was very accommodating and kind to Yanko, and Sanford became his new home. Yanko loved the work and the family environment. In November of 1953 Yanko made arrangements to bring Maria and their son Hans to America on a ship called America. Yanko and Maria were very proud to go through the process of becoming American citizens at the same time. At Sanford Maria helped care for the young boys in the dormitory and sewed for the school (curtains, slip covers, art aprons, cheerleading uniforms, etc.). Yanko and Maria lived in Orchard Cottage and raised three children who all attended Sanford: Hans ’67, Martina Crompton ’74, and Annie Lester ’77. Annie and
1948 Mother Sawin writes letter to U.S. government to offer job to Yanko.
Yanko travels alone to U.S. by ship to see if Sanford was good for his family.
1949
1953 Yanko brings Maria and son Hans to America... and Sanford.
Yanko’s grandson Hans Crompton ’10 were Sanford lifers. Yanko’s contributions to the growth of Sanford’s physical plant, including Geipel Gym and Albright Hall, remain a part of his legacy. Yanko also expanded the living space of Orchard cottage for his family. Mother Sawin, who respected Yanko’s work of maintenance and construction and his love of Sanford, offered Yanko and Maria the privilege of living on campus for the rest of their lives. Yanko was very thankful to be presented the Alumni Award during the inaugural year. Chip MacKelcan, past head of Sanford, honored Yanko by naming the bridge in the woods Yanko’s Bridge. Yanko sponsored the renovation of the wishing well in the valley in honor of his son, Hans ’67, who passed away at 19. Yanko never expressed missing his homeland because of his experiences during the war, but he wrote to his family in Slovenia often. Yanko traveled with his family back to his farm in Slovenia 50 years after leaving, where he was happy to visit with his nieces and nephews and their families and some older people in the village who still remembered him. After that trip he was very happy to arrive back at Sanford. Yanko, at 90, and Maria. at 92, both passed peacefully in their beloved Orchard Cottage. Yanko and Maria were always so grateful for their wonderful life in America and at Sanford and for everything that the Sawin family and the school did for them and their family. Yanko and Maria lived in Orchard Cottage, raised 3 children, Hans ’67, Martina Crompton ’74, and Annie Lester ’77. Annie and Yanko’s grandson, Hans Crompton ’10, were Sanford lifers.
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2002 Chip MacKelcan honors Yanko by naming this bridge in the woods Yanko’s Bridge.
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Sanford . Summer 2017
AFS, Middle School Math Teacher Bruce Pill and his wife have opened their home as host parents to students from China. Pill detailed: “Hosting international students gave us a chance to enjoy the perspective and enthusiasm of teens from another country. The students we accommodated were excited to embrace the opportunities being made available to them, and we were happy to encourage them as they navigated their way through high school while teaching us about their culture.” Elizabeth Capone says that AFS participants spark the curiosity of Sanford students. Capone explains: “They are fascinated by these international students and show that they want to learn more about them, their country of origin, and their culture. Some of these countries seem so far away, and our AFS students have narrowed that gap. Students are now aspiring to travel internationally and perhaps even visit these former classmates.” Helping to foster and develop global thinking remains a commitment of Sanford. It is so deeply entrenched in the school’s culture that Global Studies was named a Center of Excellence in the last strategic plan and recent efforts to broaden the international student and faculty population will continue. Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Canada China Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador Egypt England France Galapagos Islands Germany Guatemala Honduras India Indonesia Iran Italy Japan Latvia Mexico Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Peru Republic of China Romania Russian Republic Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Tibet Trinidad Turkey USSR Venezuela Virgin Islands Yugoslavia
Sanford’s most recent AFS students, Lorena Vest from Germany and Marta D’Alcandro from Italy, enjoyed their year-long experiences as Warriors. Vest reflected: “A welcoming community like Sanford is very rare and has made me a different person. I felt supported by my teachers and friends, which helped me improve my skills a lot. It has been an honor for me to enjoy such a unique and unforgettable experience.”
THE PATH TO SANFORD KATRINA “KITTY” CATSKE WILSON ’57 Katrina Catske, along with her mother and sister, were forced to flee their native Latvia in 1940, and they spent the next decade in Sweden. After a circuitous route that took them to Boston, Ellis Island, Connecticut, and Washington, DC, Katrina finally found her way to Sanford School, which she entered as an eighth grader. “While we were living in Connecticut, my mother, who was multi-lingual, accepted a position at the Library of Congress. I had to leave Connecticut Academy and started at the Gunston Girls School in Maryland. My mother felt that I was spending too much time on my horseback riding skills and not enough on my academics. She sent me to the Jarvis School Bureau, which was like a real estate firm for private schools. It was there that I met and was interviewed by Nancy Sawin, who accepted me. Sanford had boys, girls, and horseback riding—a winning combination for sure.” Bill Sawin met Catske at the Wilmington train station to ensure that she was greeted with a warm Sanford welcome. Ironically, he also picked up a young man from Colorado, David Wilson, another eighth grader in Catske’s class. Little did anyone know at that the time that they would marry! Catske, who was forced to become Katherine in Ellis Island, laughed when she
recalled how her given name of Katrina seemed too long and unfamiliar for the girls at Sanford. “They worked very hard to find just the right nickname for me. Many were suggested, and Kitty was voted on as being the winner. To me, it was a sign of inclusion and kindness that they wanted to give me a special nickname.” As a French speaker, Catske followed her mother’s model for learning a new language by living, dreaming, eating, and thinking in it, and she quickly became fluent in English. “Sanford was very important to me. It gave me a grounding in so much more than academics; we were taught civility, the art of conversation, and to really digest, consider, and discuss information from various viewpoints. We were taught to think.” Katrina “Kitty” Catske Wilson and her husband of 55 years are the namesakes for Wilson Hall, a part of the middle school. They were on campus in June when Rev. David Wilson received a 2017 Alumni Award (see page 34).
HENRY TUCKER ’07 The Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002) had a direct impact on Henry Tucker ’07. Forced to flee his village at the age of three, Tucker spent most of his early childhood trying to avoid the rebels and protect himself and his sister from harm. Luckily, Tucker managed to escape Sierra Leone at age 13 when he came to New Castle, Delaware, to live with relatives. Tucker knew very little English, and he had not had the benefit of a solid elementary education, so he found school hard and frustrating. He discovered, however, that he had a talent and a passion for the sport of wrestling. His successes on the mat caught the eye of local coaches, which eventually helped him to come to Sanford as a ninth grader. Tucker’s work ethic was not limited to his athletic endeavors and he worked tenaciously on his academics, graduating first from Sanford and then from Elizabethtown College. Today, Tucker works full time at the Rockford Center and volunteers his “extra” time to work with foster children. Tucker’s work was noticed and appreciated by the Kind to Kids Foundation, which provides services for Delaware’s children in foster care, poverty, and at-risk situations, and in 2015 Tucker was presented with their Rising Star Award by Senator Chris Coons. Tucker uses his life story to provide an example to foster children so that they may understand that even impossible situations can have a positive outcome.
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Experiencing Sanford Buddies from the beginning Since the school’s founding, it was standard practice for all older students, regardless of national origin, to be assigned a younger “brother” or “sister,” much like the various buddy pairings that are still in place today. Pitts described how lucky she felt to be paired with little sister Mina Artuner ’64, from Ankara, Turkey: “Sanford and its diverse student body opened up the world to me. I became deeply interested in other countries, and I have now traveled to 84 of them. Along the way, I have developed what I call international thinking.”
NEW PROGRAMS ENRICH THE
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
more time to fully understand Sanford’s expectations, and, in some instances, more time to get used to the English language. “Sanford often approaches situations from an empathetic viewpoint. By putting myself in their shoes, I felt more could be done prior to the opening of the school year to address some specific needs of our international students,” explained Morgan. Working with former Upper School Counselor and Director of Learning Services Lauren Ziady and English Department Chair Brianna Smale, Morgan and her team created a mandatory two-week orientation program that helps to ensure a smooth academic and social assimilation to Sanford. Some Mina Artuner, an outstanding student who was named Senior Gavel Girl in 1964, attended international students start at Sanford in Sanford longer than any of her classmates. grade 7 or 8, and Middle School Counselor After graduation, Mina returned to Turkey to and Learning Services Coordinator Kelley become an English teacher. Seravalli is joining the orientation program team this year. She explained: “The entire experience has the potential to be overwhelming for our international students, and we work hard from the onset to make sure that it is not.”
Summer orientation eases transition
During their time together the students bond as a cohort and Director of Admission and Financial Aid Jaime Morgan works the foundation for an immediate support system is established. closely with Sanford’s international students and their families, For four hours each day students read, write, speak, and including host parents. Her tracking and observations showed listen only in English. They receive individualized writing that the international students needed more: more time to recover assessments and plans, and they attend mock science, history, and English classes. International students often come from from jet lag, more time to elevate their comfort level with the schools that operate much differently from American schools, campus, more time to acclimate to their living situations, so orientation provides opportunities for students
Sanford faculty members and international students benefit from the academic, cultural, and social experiences afforded by the orientation program.
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Sanford . Summer 2017
to experience Sanford’s culture prior to the start of school. Field trips with American classmates allow for fun and socialization, as the social and emotional well-being of all students is always in the forefront of Sanford’s thinking. “I love being a part of this important step in our process of welcoming international students,” stated Smale, adding: “We have created a solid outline of goals for this program, but it remains fluid and adaptive so it will truly meet the specific needs of each cohort. The two-week time frame gives us a chance to really do that, and it sets Sanford apart from our neighboring schools. The better our international students are able to integrate, the more everyone at Sanford benefits. Our ultimate goal is that they are Sanford students first and international students second. That, to me, means that they have truly adjusted.”
Student organizations strengthen diversity The Sanford International Student Association (SISA) was formed to help international students learn more about American life and narrow the cultural gap. Susan Tang ’17 is from China and served as this year’s president. She elaborated: “The older foreign students share their experiences and wisdom with the newer international students. As everyone’s comfort level increases, our scope broadens and we then try to educate faculty and students about our cultures.” Jacob Dong was excited to do just that last year when Lynn Casto was tapped to be a member of an American delegation invited to tour China and participate in governmental forums on education. Her trip took her to the home areas of several Sanford students. Dong helped to organize and run a meeting which provided Casto with insight into the Chinese culture, as well as some protocol advice. He shared: “I was so happy to have our division head take time to visit the place where we live and see my country. I wanted her to speak directly to Chinese students and tell them what a great school Sanford is
and how much they will learn if they come here.” Casto was not in China to recruit students, but she was thrilled to see the homeland of some of Sanford’s current student body. “An unintended consequence of this experience was the increased level of empathy I have for our international students. I have a much deeper understanding of just how many adjustments they are being asked to make daily. I can also make connections with our Chinese students and speak comfortably about their native country,” remarked Casto. While there are approximately 20 members in SISA with countries such as Korea, Germany, China, and France represented, Sanford’s focus is not exclusively limited to international students. Diversity Alliance, a relatively new club, works to help students of all races, creeds, ethnicity and country of origin develop a spirit of collaboration and acceptance. The more than 50 members of the club were led this year by seniors Emily Boyer and Marcus Childers-
During Class Day 2016, Tony Chen ’16 told the Upper School community and guests: “I came to America to pursue my dreams of receiving a better education in a more open environment. I did not want my teachers and peers to judge me solely on my grades. Sanford accepted me, embraced me, and made a guy from China feel like this place was home.”
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Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Canada China Costa Rica MEGHAN PASRICHA ’04 Cuba Ecuador Activism and looking at the world from a global Egypt perspective are not new concepts for Meghan Pasricha. England While still a student at France Galapagos Islands Sanford, she channeled the Germany challenges that she faced Guatemala from suffering with asthma Honduras India into her community service Indonesia efforts to fight against Iran tobacco and to promote Italy Japan better health. In 2001, as Latvia a freshman in the upper Mexico school, Pasricha mobilized Nepal Netherlands other youth in the state and lobbied for the successful New Zealand passage of Delaware’s statewide smoking ban in public Norway Peruplaces. While studying at Harvard College, Pasricha Republic of China and her sister Dr. Sarina Pasricha ’00 expanded Romania upon the anti-smoking focus and co-founded Global Russian Republic Youth H.E.L.P., an organization that works to build a Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone global network of youth leaders who are dedicated to Singapore making a positive difference in the world. Pasricha, South Korea an Indian-American, is a true agent of change, and Spain Sweden she was awarded a World of Children Youth Award in Switzerland 2007 for her leadership in preparing other young people Thailand to dedicate themselves to also make changes in the Tibet Trinidad world. In March 2017, Pasricha was once again honored Turkey by the World of Children, this time with its Alumni USSR Award. Recipients of this honor receive funding from Venezuela Virgin Islands the group so that they may continue to serve the Yugoslavia needs of vulnerable children worldwide. Pasricha Argentina attended the World of Children Hero Award Gala in Los Australia Angeles, where actress Alyssa Milano and model Lily Austria Belgium Aldridge presented Pasricha her award. “My sister Bolivia and I have always felt very supported by our Sanford Brazil teachers, mentors, and friends over the years. Sanford Canada China provided us with a community to collaborate and Costa Rica strengthen our voices to become champions for youth Cuba leaders around the world. Sanford instilled in us a desire Ecuador Egypt and responsibility to give back to our local and global England community,” stated Pasricha. Pasricha and her sister France Galapagoscontinue Islands to mentor Sanford students including Radhika Germany Malhotra ’14 and Ananya Singh ’18, who recently won Guatemala the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award. Pasricha Honduras currently works at a private equity firm in New York India Indonesia City and utilizes what she learned while earning her Iran MBA at Harvard Business School to train young people to Italy become leaders in their community. Japan Latvia Mexico Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Peru Republic of China Romania Russian Republic
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THE PATH TO SANFORD
Student organizations, such as SISA (left) and Diversity Alliance, help strengthen Sanford’s culture of inclusion.
McCollum. They spearheaded several fundraisers, always with international themes, and raised the money needed to take 44 students and four faculty chaperones to the recently opened National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Said Boyer: “The trip was not just for one day, but for one lifetime. The students who were lucky enough to participate have been inspired to celebrate diversity in and out of the classroom. We need to increase interaction to elevate understanding, which we hope will lead to acceptance of those who may differ from us.” Childers-McCollum added: “I hope we become leaders by example and take the level of understanding that is felt in this room during club time into the greater Sanford and local communities. We can affect positive change in this world, one person at a time.”
Campus-wide diversity The upper school is not the only division to enjoy the benefits of a diverse student population. Both the lower school and middle school have had the opportunity to welcome students from such countries as Greece, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Germany, Scotland,
ANANYA SINGH ’18 As a second grader, Ananya Singh watched her cousin Meghan Pasricha ’04 participate in various community service projects, and she knew even then that she wanted to follow in her cousin’s footsteps. “Even as a small child, I wanted to be a helper, and Meghan found jobs that I could do,” remembered Singh, an Indian-American. “But, I knew that while I wanted to follow Meghan’s example, I also wanted to make my own impact.” For the past five years, Singh has been involved in her cousin’s organization, Global Youth H.E.L.P. Her focus has been on raising the funds needed to provide students with new backpacks filled with the necessary school supplies to help ensure that they have the materials they need to be successful in school. “When you are carrying your books and papers in a trash bag, it is hard to feel proud of the work you are doing. Having a new backpack can help bolster confidence,” explained Singh. She has no problem reaching out to corporations for donations, and counts Target, Staples, and Five Below as partners. Singh estimates that through the organization’s work with the Wilmington YWCA Homelife Center and Delaware Department of Families foster care system, more than 1,000 backpacks have been donated to local school children. Singh’s volunteerism and commitment to disadvantaged youth has not gone unnoticed. As a sophomore, Singh was tapped by the nationally recognized Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program (HOBY) to participate in their prestigious yearlong training, and in 2016, Singh was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She recently won the Governor’s Award for Youth Volunteer Service in Social Justice and Youth Advocacy. Like her cousin, Singh is not seeking personal recognition, but considers herself blessed to have the opportunity to help others. “Sanford is a school known for championing community service. I hope that I can be a model for my peers, just as Meghan was for me, and encourage others to find a need and work to fill it.”
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Japan, Switzerland, and China. Admission Associate Heidi McGregor says: “Our lower school admission process differs from the upper school in that we require the younger international students to be in the custody of a parent or very close relative to ensure a smooth transition to our school. Students absolutely flourish. We have had some students who must leave after one to three years here, and we always lament saying goodbye to them. They, too, say that they want to take Sanford with them. We take as much or more from the experiences of our international students as they from us. Everyone is richer from whatever time we have with these special students.” Sanford’s small class sizes were highlighted as being ideal for helping international students transition, as differential instruction and an awareness of various learning modalities allow students who might not be fluent in English to still find success in the classroom.
Sanford . Summer 2017
Former World Language Spanish Instructor Sandra Cahill was involved with helping the faculty in all three divisions understand how to best meet the needs of international students. Head of Lower School Libbie Zimmer elaborated, “I will never forget how Señora Cahill, who is from Colombia, encouraged us to have our students speak their native language at home and focus on English during the school day. It is very refreshing for our families to know Sanford is working hard to help with the transition and that home can be a bit more relaxed for their children. Additionally, Señora Cahill demonstrated for us the importance of helping our families forge connections with each other while they, too, were acclimating. We continue to follow her model and look for ways to add to their support system.”
“When we as a school community remain open to those who do not look like us, speak like us, or pray like us, everyone’s experiences are richer and deeper. Our differences do not divide us; they make us strong,” says Mark Anderson.
The lower school’s warm and welcoming environment supports joyful learning for students from all backgrounds. Above left to right: A few of Sanford’s international students gather for a photo in 2006; Small class sizes facilitate collaboration and interaction as students work in the classroom; Storytelling provides members of the community with opportunities to talk about differed backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
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Sharing our cultures Food and story are universal ways in which to forge connections and allow the international students to share some of their culture with their new classmates and teachers. “Our teachers carefully plan their novel studies to include topics of cultural identity and diversity,” shared Seravalli. “The literature exposes students to cultures outside their normal bubble and expands their world while growing in understanding of others. For some students, the stories allow them to comfortably share aspects of their culture with their Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Canada China Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador Egypt England France Galapagos Islands Germany Guatemala Honduras India Indonesia Iran Italy Japan Latvia Mexico Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Peru Republic of China Romania Russian Republic Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Tibet Trinidad Turkey USSR Venezuela Virgin Islands Yugoslavia Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Canada China Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador Egypt England France Galapagos Islands
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peers. The classroom is a safe place to explore and discuss differences, often finding common ground.” Zimmer recalled how a German family made a presentation to a class showing lanterns that were referenced in a story and explaining the significance of them to their child’s classmates. “When we can find ways to intersect cultures, we are delighted,” said Zimmer. Chef Mike Galvin, director of food services for Culinart, often works with teachers and student clubs to help plan meals that have international themes. He has sponsored International Food Weeks in the past, and this year he worked with the
THE PATH TO SANFORD YINGYING “KRYSTAL” LUO ’18 When Yingying “Krystal” Luo first arrived at Sanford, she was an eighth grader from China who had many social and academic difficulties, largely due to her limited understanding of the English language. “The initial orientation program was one way for me to learn about the expectations and culture of Sanford. In the classroom, the teachers were all so kind, helpful, and patient with me,” recounted Luo. “They allowed me to use my electronic translator in class, which made things much more comfortable during my transition. Additionally, Mrs. Perkins (middle school administrative assistant) provided me with help and encouragement.” Luo recalled an eighth-grade science trip to Henlopen State Park and shared, “I was a silent student. I still remember how proud I was to volunteer to go into the water and hold a net for an experiment. I loved finding a way to really participate in the fun activity.” Now a rising senior, Luo’s English skills are very strong, as is her confidence. “I became a member of SISA in the upper school, which helped with ongoing questions. But, as my English improved, so did my confidence. I have been able to take more challenging courses, and I have become much more willing to express my ideas and opinions in class,” explained Luo. She took four Advanced Placement (AP) classes and Honors English as a junior, and she has her eye on a possible business management major in college. “I have had many conversations after class with Mr. Honma, my AP psychology teacher. We discuss how I have grown up very differently from American children. Mr. Honma also shares his stories with me. I have learned that differences do not have to keep you from making connections. This realization has allowed me to forge deeper relationships with my classmates and teachers. I appreciate that I learned this important lesson at Sanford.”
DR. PARVIZ SOROURI ’47 Dr. Parviz Sorouri recalled that as the Shah of Iran was being overthrown in the mid 1940s, his father used his position as prime minister of the interior to get his son out of harm’s way. Europe was ravaged from World War II, and those seeking to send their children to boarding schools abroad had begun to look to the United States. “I am not sure how Sanford was picked, but I am so glad it was,” reminisced Sorouri. “I arrived in New York City, where I was put on a train to Wilmington, Delaware, and then met by the director of the Kidder Hall Dormitory, my home at Sanford for the next year-and-a-half. I had to sleep in a bunk bed, and I had never seen such a bed. I confess to being afraid to sleep because I thought I might fall off. But that was really my only problem.” Sorouri shared that his classmates, including Louis Estevez from Cuba, had very little correct information about his native country. “They knew of Persian cats and Persian rugs, and that was about it. I remember them waking me up so I could see snow because they thought I came from a desert. Skis were fashioned for me out of cardboard so I could experience going down a snowcovered hill, as my classmates did not understand that an hour from my home in Iran I had access to fantastic skiing. At the time, I never let on, as they were so genuinely thrilled to teach me about snow and integrate me into their lives.” Sorouri went on to study medicine in America, returning to Iran in 1962 with his wife and young family. There he enjoyed a successful medical career, advancing to dean of medical studies at the
National University of Iran, eventually becoming the school’s chancellor. In the 1970s, political unrest was once again brewing in Iran. So, Sorouri sent his son, Bijan ’77, to Sanford as a boarder, with Bijan’s brother, Kayvan ’79, following a year later. Once his wife and children were safely out of the country, Sorouri managed to escape from Iran and reunite with his family in Wilmington. His daughter, Andria, also attended Sanford and graduated in 1988. Bijan remembered the kindness shown to him, especially during his initial period of adjustment and homesickness, by such loving women as Mrs. Nora Yates, Mrs. Bea Cope, and Mrs. Phyllis Huskey. “My classmates did have an incorrect preconception about me as they thought I would be an excellent soccer player, when I much preferred the arts and music. But, they accepted me for who I was,” recounted Bijan. Dr. Sorouri, who went on to have a distinguished career at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, is busy working on the 70th reunion for the class of 1947, which will be celebrated this fall. “To this day, I have great respect for Mother Sawin and appreciate how kind she was to me. I have many beautiful memories of my time at Sanford,” he said, and Bijan echoed those sentiments.
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Sanford . Summer 2017
Diversity Alliance club to do more by having monthly meals that highlighted different cultures, which included Caribbean and Middle Eastern themes. Galvin noted: “Food is a wonderful way to share your culture, and the Sanford student body has responded so positively to these special meals. When you have young people lined up out the door patiently waiting to try something new, you know what you are doing is successful. These are some of our most fun days, albeit busy ones, in the kitchen.” Tang shared that the Chinese luncheon SISA hosts is also well-received, adding: “By sharing our food, we share a part of ourselves. By trying our food and participating in the luncheon, the student body says they want to know more about us.” Regardless of the type of food being served or enjoyed, the Sanford Dining Hall is a place that visibly showcases the school’s commitment to cultural diversity by displaying the 49 flags of the countries represented over the years by students and faculty. Pitts and the Development Office spearheaded the project, now more than a decade old. She explained: “We have always done a good job of opening our arms and our hearts
to international students. While that warmth is invaluable to their success here, I feel that by hanging their flag, we as a school give them a tangible sign of recognition and an added touch of comfort to remind them of home. They feel honored to know that Sanford is truly including them and embracing their nationality.”
Our differences make us strong Sanford created a Statement of Diversity a few years ago, again to emphasize the value the school places on embracing cultural differences. As the school begins the work of creating its next strategic plan, Diversity and Inclusion will be one of the core tenets. “We don’t need a plan to help us find ways to accept diversity because we already count inclusion as one of our strengths,” explained Anderson. “But having said that, we know that we can always do better, and we want to consciously think about how to improve. When we as a school community remain open to those who do not look like us, speak like us, or pray like us, everyone’s experiences are richer and deeper. Our differences do not divide us; they make us strong.”
When Quigley Dining Hall was renovated in 2016, one of the questions that needed to be addressed was: “Will we keep the flags?” Head of School Mark Anderson responded, “Absolutely. These flags are symbolically important. Not only do they honor our students and faculty members who ventured here from other lands, the flags are a tangible representation of Sanford’s inclusive and diverse community which is a part of the backbone of our rich history and tradition.” Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Canada China Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador Egypt England France Galapagos Islands Germany Guatemala Honduras India Indonesia Iran Italy Japan Latvia Mexico Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Peru Republic of China Romania Russian Republic Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone
THE PATH TO SANFORD FEE SEPAHI ’79 Using the family’s American connections through Dr. Parviz Sorouri ’47, who was instrumental in supporting the parents of Fee Sepahi to secure a spot at Sanford, Fee was able to leave the political unrest of his native Iran and attend Sanford as a boarder for the last three years of high school. “My brother, Bahram ’79, did not come until the following year, so I was very homesick at Sanford. I lived in Kidder and relied heavily on the kindness of people, including Mrs. [Nora] Yates who became like a surrogate mom to me, on campus,” recalled Sepahi. “Eventually, other students from Iran also came here, and that helped, too. Additionally, we had students from Saudi Arabia, the Virgin Islands, Greece, and Curacao, so I was in a
very diverse population.” Sepahi was nearing the end of his tenure at Sanford when the revolution in Iran escalated to the point where the family’s funds were cut off. “Sanford worked with my family to the Nth degree,” shared Sepahi, “and the school continued to make sure that I had everything that I needed. I was their priority.” Sepahi maintains contact, often through social media, with many of his classmates and considers them to be his closest friends. Friends like James Wood ’79, Marty Morani ’79, Doug Farwell ’79, Dana Green ’79, Patricia Anne Gillespie ’79, Sadgeh (Saudi) Shalforoosh ’79, Bijan Sorouri ’77, and Kayvan Sorouri ’79, to name a few, still have a tremendous presence in his life. “I grew
up in Iran, but I matured at Sanford with a foundation of the community that I built at Sanford. I enjoyed some important firsts here: my first date, my first car, my first time someone other than my mom did my laundry, helping Marty and James at the WZZE on-campus radio station and rapidly getting a taste of leadership through my participation in student council, and my first time to represent my school, which was at Boys’ State,” recounted Sepahi. As the executive director of the Scleroderma Foundation of the Delaware Valley, Sepahi helps to organize an annual car show fundraiser called Cruise For A Cure, which is held on the Sanford campus.
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Even from the school’s earliest days, dining spaces such as Quigley Hall’s cafeteria have showcased and supported Sanford’s commitment to cultural diversity. Whether dining inside or al fresco on Deeg’s Deck (below) or the deck outside du Pont Library (above), students have opportunities to explore a wide array of international cuisine and engage in conversations with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
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E N D O F Y E A R C E L E B R AT I O N S
Sanford . Summer 2017
End of Year Celebrations
Commencement 2017
O
n Friday, June 9th, Sanford seniors received their diplomas during the school’s 81st commencement which was held in the Class of 1955 Amphitheater. Hundreds of guests attended the event, which featured a keynote address from Upper School faculty member Mark Shields; student addresses from Martin Hunt Jr. and Caroline Cook; musical presentations by Fiona Jicha, Serena Rubin, and Ryan Washington Jr.; performances by the Sanford Vocal Ensemble; and the presentation of diplomas and awards by Head of School Mark Anderson, Board of Trustees President William Lafferty, and Head of Upper School Lynn Casto.
E N D O F Y E A R C E L E B R AT I O N S
Class of 2017—First row (left to right): Front Row: Jacqueline Bracho, Bailey Harach, Fiona Jicha, Alvord Li, Jacalyn Rosa, Olivia Civiletti, Kate Fulmer, Lily Connolly, Nisha Yeleswaram, Serena Rubin, Mia DiCamillo. Second Row: Sarah Connolly, Haley Baker, Emily Boyer, Megan Snyder, Maya Gandhi, Jack Warren, Adrian Jenkins, Sheyi Edeki, Natalie Adams, Haris Nashed, Caroline Cook. Third Row: Meriwether Seder-Burnaford, Julia Pelesko, Catherine Ao, Tywan Harrell, Brendan Lamey, Christopher Pape, Sebastian Conde, Kimberly Riordan, Kendya Kennedy, James Vernon, Leah Fritz. Fourth Row: Cort Daiger, Andrew Beer, Thomas Gluodenis, Seth Kreidel, Bradley Zabel, Luke McDonough, Marcus Whipple, Timothy Griffith, Martin Hunt. Fifth Row: Marcus Childers-McCollum, Ryan Washington, Asher Tingle, Paige Amendum, Connor Rufo, Samantha Weinstein, Ryan Friedman, Vincent Leo, Spencer Green. Not pictured: Katie Curran and Shiyun Tang.
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Sanford . Summer 2017
End of Year Celebrations
Commencement Awards ALUMNI AWARD: Presented to the student whose participation in extracurricular activities has been most dedicated. Ryan Friedman KENNETH D. JONES MEMORIAL AWARD: Given to the senior boy who has shown outstanding qualities of leadership, loyalty, and good citizenship, and who in his daily life is always gracious in manner and considerate of others. Marcus Childers-McCollum NANCY C. SAWIN FINAL AWARD FOR GIRLS: Given to the senior girl who has shown outstanding qualities of leadership, loyalty, and good citizenship, and who in her daily life is always gracious in manner and considerate of others. Caroline Cook SCHOLASTIC AWARD: Given in honor of the Class of 1939 to the student in the senior class having the highest cumulative four-year academic average. Haris Nashed THOMAS MCCARTHY AWARD FOR CITIZENSHIP: Presented in the memory of Thomas McCarthy, Class of 1940, and awarded to the student who has always been a responsible and contributing citizen in every aspect of campus life. Olivia Civiletti HEADMASTER’S AWARD: Presented on an occasional basis, as deemed appropriate by the faculty and the Head of School, to honor a member of the graduating class whose achievement or presence has been so exemplary that special recognition is in order. Kimberly Riordan and Martin Hunt
From top left clockwise: Martin Hunt delivers his student address. Natalie Adams receives her diploma from Mark Anderson. Haris Nashed accepts his Scholastic Award from Lynn Casto. Serena Rubin and Fiona Jicha perform The Flower Duet.
Where are our graduates going? Members of the Class of 2017 will be attending the following colleges and universities: American University (2) Pennsylvania State University Boston University Randolph-Macon College Case Western Reserve University Roanoke College Cecil College Skidmore College Colgate University Smith College Columbia University The Catholic University of America (2) Dartmouth College The University of Tampa Davidson College University of Delaware (8) Drexel University (2) University of Delaware–Honors (2) Elizabethtown College University of Mary Washington Elon University University of North Carolina at Pembroke Franklin & Marshall College University of Notre Dame Gettysburg College University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Hampton University University of South Carolina Howard University University of Southern California (2) Indiana University of Pennsylvania Vanderbilt University Ithaca College Virginia Tech Johns Hopkins University Wilkes University New York University Northeastern University (2) York College of Pennsylvania
E N D O F Y E A R C E L E B R AT I O N S
Class Day 2017
During Sanford’s annual Class Day celebration on Wednesday June 7th, upper school students were honored for achievements in academics, athletics, arts, and service. The ceremony also featured student addresses from seniors Maya Gandhi, Marcus Childers-McCollum, and Ryan Friedman; musical selections presented by Class of 2017 members Thomas Gluodenis, Fiona Jicha, Leah Fritz, Ryan Washington Jr., and Serena Rubin; performances by the Sanford Vocal Ensemble; and remarks from Head of School Mark Anderson and Upper School Head Lynn Casto.
The 2016–2017 awards and recipients from the senior class were: CHRYSALIS AWARD: Samantha Weinstein DALE SEYMOUR AWARD: Brendan Lamey and Jacalyn Rosa ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FOR WOMEN: Jacalyn Rosa ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FOR MEN: Ryan Friedman SANFORD W. SAWIN, JR., MEMORIAL AWARD: Brendan Lamey and Timmy Griffith FRANK H. SIMMONS MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD: Olivia Civiletti HELEN VERMEYCHUK MEMORIAL AWARD: Ryan Friedman SANFORD W. SAWIN, SR. AWARD FOR MATHEMATICS: Haris Nashed MARCELLE ORSINI AWARD FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Fiona Jicha
Underclass awards and honorees were: CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN SPANISH: Jazmin Aguilar WILLIAMS COLLEGE BOOK AWARD AND CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN PERFORMING ARTS: Lillian Allingham CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN ENGLISH: Paige Bobka CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN LATIN: Katherine Bruxelles SIGMA DIPLOMA MATHEMATICS AWARD: Chiian Ip CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN STUDIO ARTS AND A.B. BANGHART INDIVIDUAL AWARD: Claire Jester CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN FRENCH: Gladys Mbugua BAUSCH AND LOMB AWARD: Seungmuk Oh
DAMON BROWN MEMORIAL AWARD FOR SCIENCE: Kimberly Riordan
RENSSELAER MEDALIST: Miles Petersen
W. MICHAEL AKERS MEMORIAL AWARD FOR HISTORY: Serena Rubin
BROWN UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD: Leah Somerville
STEM AWARD: Jack Warren BRUCE O. JONES ART AWARD: Caroline Cook MAY V. HAYS MEMORIAL PLAQUE: Thomas Gluodenis C. EDGAR FRY, JR. MEMORIAL AWARD: Christopher Pape A.B. BANGHART INDIVIDUAL AWARD: Maya Gandhi CLARANCE A. HAYS MEMORIAL PLAQUE: Sebastian Conde
ART GIFT TO THE SCHOOL: BeiBei Qin CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN SCIENCE: Rishi Sreekanth CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN HISTORY: Elizabeth Vander Laan AFS STUDENTS RECOGNITION: Lorena Vest STANLEE C. NOTT CHALLENGE TROPHY: Shelby Ward CUM LAUDE SOCIETY AWARD IN MATH: Jiayi Wu
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Sanford . Summer 2017
End of Year Celebrations
Middle and Lower School Closing Exercises Eighth-grade and fourth-grade students were honored on the stage of the Rubin Family Auditorium. Hundreds of parents and friends gathered in the Geipel Center for Performing Arts for the celebrations, both of which were held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. From the left: Lili and Lia Dougherty and Ananya Jain perform together for the final time as eighth graders. Casey Leach receives her Sanford pine pen from Head of School Mark Anderson. Spencer Zbranak dons his sailor cap from kindergarten as he recounts his “Journey of Memories.�
Lower School Closing Exercises were highlighted by student musical performances and student and faculty jubilation.
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
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Connecting with Our Community
Home&School News
T
he Home & School Association strives to set an inclusive tone to support our families and the school. Our officers for the 2016–2017 school year were President Kate Rosenthal, President-Elect Laura Giardina, Treasurer Jill Grant, Treasurer-Elect Patti Bescript, and Secretary Jackie Leo. The team’s tireless efforts, supported by countless volunteers, created another successful school year packed with activities.
Grandparents and Special Friends WELCOMED TO CAMPUS
Last fall, the doors to the Middle School and Upper School were opened to celebrate Grandparents’ Day.
Visitors enjoyed classroom visits and souvenir photographs while listening to musical selections from our Chorus and Vocal Ensemble and instrumental selections from our Middle School Jazz Band. Please plan to join us Friday, October 13, 2017, for next year’s event.
Above: Eva Sawdey ‘23 and her honored guest enjoy touring campus for Grandparents Day. Right: Fourth-grade students delight the Geipel Center audience during GrandSpecial Day.
AUCTION Sanford rocked the Queen in April at the 28th Annual Auction. More than $115,000 was raised to support STEM, faculty and staff professional development, and our Sports Center. Sanford parent Laura Giardina chaired the event assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. Thank you to all the volunteers and to our very generous donors who made the event a success. Save the Date: The 29th Annual Auction will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Deerfield Country Club.
In May, we welcomed visitors to Lower School GrandSpecial Day. Our guests dined on light breakfast fare before taking in musical performances from our Lower School students. The gorgeous weather helped create a beautiful outdoor setting for photographs before touring classrooms and the art loop. GrandSpecial Day 2018 will take place on Friday, May 18th.
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CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Sanford . Summer 2017
Connecting with Our Community
Sanford Community’s Generosity Exceeds Goals! The 2016–2017 Annual Fund raised $551,408, exceeding the $500,000
goal and raising more money than in any of the past ten years. Significant increases in gifts from parents, board members (shown in the photo on the right), and alumni led the way. Thank you to each of our donors and all the volunteers who encouraged their peers to support the school! Seven hundred fifty donors made gifts of all sizes, and each was impactful in helping us reach our goal. While support of the Annual Fund was at record levels, those who care about the school also contributed in other ways.
$451,000 More than $451,000 was donated to the school’s endowment fund. This included $50,050 given in honor of Stan Waterman to the Waterman Fund for Excellence in Coaching.
The Home and School Association shared auction proceeds totaling $115,000, to be used for upgrades to the Sports Center, continued improvements to STEM education, and Summer Study Grants for faculty.
Gifts were made by various donors for improvements to the athletics and visual and performing arts programs and to refurbish Stewart Cottage.
Parent involvement in
raised $7,500
A group of donors purchased two new vans for Sanford, saving the school
$27,500
in transportation costs in just eight months.
More than $235,000 in restricted gifts were given to the school for various purposes.
A foundation grant of
$50,000 helped complete the improvements to Quigley Dining Hall and the Warrior Café.
Everyone chooses to give in different ways. Individuals and businesses made gifts-in-kind of costumes, science equipment, library books, flowers, framing, and food for events. Hundreds of individuals donated their time and talents for the benefit of the school. A full list of 2016–2017 fiscal year donors will be included in the Annual Report of Giving.
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Join us for Homecoming Weekend Homecoming 2017 will be held on Friday, September 22nd & Saturday, September 23rd. Festivities kick off with our Annual Family Picnic Friday afternoon on the Middle School field. Following this community gathering, we will host our popular Alumni Cabaret in the Geipel Center for Performing Arts. On Saturday, come and cheer on our Warriors as our fall athletes compete in various events; join us for lunch where our spring musical will be revealed; and be a part of the excitement as the first class is inducted into the Sanford Athletic Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for more information about this very special weekend.
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WINTER & SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
Sanford . Summer 2017
Winter & Spring Highlights shared through the lenses of social media THESE ARE A FEW OF THE POSTS THAT APPEARED ON OUR PAGES.
SanfordWarrior
Sanford School
Our new website, hosted by @BlackbaudK12, is live. Check out the new photos, updated content, and more by visiting http://bit.ly/2lpeU4!
Sanford School Check out these awesome pictures from Rock Star Day in PreK!
Sanford School
SanfordWarrior Congratulations to seniors Kimmie Riordan and Jack Warren. They have been named candidates for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Learn more about the program by visiting http://www.ed.gov/psp.
sanfordwarrior
Seventh grader and gold key winner, Amira Brownell, with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester at The Delaware Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Congrats to Sanford’s 2017 Scholastic Art Award winners. Sanford students earned 33 total awards including 6 gold keys and 11 silver keys!
Former Vice President Joe Biden and our winter track Warriors were looking good at a recent meet at Tower Hill School.
WINTER & SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
sanford school
Boys’ Basketball Coach and 2016 Delaware Coach of the Year Stan Waterman will share his talent and expertise beyond our community. Stan has been selected to join the coaching staff of the 2017 USA Men’s U16 National Team! Congratulations, Stan!
Google+
sanford school
The Sanford Repertory Theatre Company’s production of Anything Goes is mesmerizing audiences. Tickets for the show are still available.
sanford school
SanfordWarrior
Sanford School
Congratulations to our upper school inductees into the Cum Laude and World Language Societies.
Congratulations to Sanford’s members of the Delaware Senior All-State Chorus: Thomas Gluodenis, Katie Bruxelles, Keeleigh Babcock, Lily Allingham, Chris Keiser, Rileigh Owens, Ryan Washington and William Zimmer.
Members of the Sanford Community were recognized this morning for their outstanding contributions to the Performing Arts! Keep up the great work, #warriors! #performingarts #sanfordschool
sanfordwarrior The board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) has elected Mark Anderson president of the board. PAIS is the accrediting association for independent schools in Pennsylvania and Delaware, with 113 member schools.
Stay in touch and in tune by connecting with us on social media: @SanfordSchool
sanfordwarrior
@SanfordWarrior
@sanfordschoolalumni
sanford school
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ISSUE #1
SUMMER 2017
SANFORD PROFILES • THIS FEATURE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DWYER FAMILY •
Caroline Cook transforms science into storybooks
R
ecent Sanford graduate and future Dartmouth College student Caroline Cook is lending her talents to a creative project at the University of Delaware: turning marine biology research studies into books for children. Caroline is working with marine biologist Dr. Danielle Dixson on the project, which aims to use stories and eye-catching illustrations to teach youngsters about life under the seas and the scientists who study it.
Martin Hunt saves lives
Dixson and her lab won a teaching grant from UD to create an undergraduate course, Science Through Storybooks, that brought together students of marine science, art and design, and psychology. They worked in groups to transform research publications into illustrated books for children. One early book, about the invasive species the “lionfish,” is called Commotion in the Ocean and explains how lionfish can harm coral reefs.
n between serving as senior class president, managing four AP classes, and preparing for the next phase of his educational journey at Columbia University, Martin Hunt found a unique way to serve his community: as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical responder for the Hockessin Fire Company–Station 19.
After reading an article about the project, Caroline realized it was a “Venn diagram” of her interests in art, design, education, and the environment. She is passionate about using art to teach about the importance of the environment, and her experience teaching a Lower School art class this year helped her understand how to reach young children. In early 2016, Caroline reached out directly to Dr. Dixson to get involved. One of the books that Caroline is currently working on in the Sea Stories series is close to publication.
with Hockessin Fire Company
Martin spends more than 20 hours per week responding to calls, staffing overnight shifts, training, and studying. All this work has not gone unrecognized. Martin was recently named the fire company’s top responder for 2016. In addition, he has achieved the rank of black shield firefighter and is a nationally certified emergency medical technician.
Since she’s not a UD undergraduate, Caroline has a bit more freedom in the process of creating her books. First, she develops a storyboard—a rough plan of the book’s narrative—and creates illustrations. Then, Dr. Dixson checks the content to make sure it is scientifically accurate and approves the book. Caroline has done a lot of research to make sure the facts she includes are correct. She learned, for example, that butterfly fish can smell seaweed and that they rely on their sense of smell to find good food. Caroline’s books also explain more complex processes, like how human activity and climate change impact marine life.
The Hockessin Fire Company, established in 1936, is staffed by professional paid firefighters as well as a committed and well-trained group of volunteers like Martin, who originally joined to improve his emergency medical skills by working on the life support ambulance. Due to the encouragement of his fellow members, he was convinced to try out the “fire-side” as well. More than 500 hours of training later, Martin performs a variety of duties for the company. Once a week, he participates in an overnight “standby” crew to staff an engine that responds to any 911 calls between 6:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. When responding, he works on fire suppression, vehicle extrication, technical rescue, emergency medical care, and other calls for service.
Congratulations to Caroline for her work on this important project!
The death of three Wilmington firefighters by arson in Canby Park last September, Martin said, brought firefighters all over Delaware together “like no other group I had ever been a part of. Many people know about the fire service ‘brotherhood’ but you can not truly understand it until you are part of it.” Although risk and tragedy are part of the job, he says, “it is amazing to be able to recount specific calls when my crew’s actions saved someone’s life or property.”
Caroline’s talents, interests, and passions all come together to create beautiful literature.
Martin recommends that his peers consider volunteer firefighting as well—students over the age of 15 can join. In addition to providing him with emergency medical and firefighting training, he says the work has let him feel intimately connected to his colleagues and his community and given him a greater appreciation for the decades of service offered by the volunteer chiefs at the Hockessin Fire Company. Thanks to Martin for his service to our local community!
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Sanford’s 2017 Faculty Award Winners Learn, Lead and Achieve On Thursday, June 5th, Head of School Mark Anderson (right) presented four faculty members with endowed teaching awards. The honorees were (from left to right) Jamie Clark, Patrick Martin, John Ramsey, and Fabienne Daniels. Jamie received the first Waterman Award for Excellence in Coaching, given to an exceptional Sanford coach who embodies Stan Waterman’s high moral character, dedication to the development of the whole athlete, and outstanding sportsmanship. Patrick was the recipient of the Dr. Paul Donovan Award for Professional Development, established in 2011 to honor a member of the faculty who has been a distinguished leader in professional development. John received the Dagenais Award for Leadership in Education, established in 2013 to honor a member of the faculty who mentors, inspires, and encourages students to aim higher than they thought possible. And Fabienne was the recipient of the Johns Award for Excellence in Teaching, established in 2013 to recognize a teacher who challenges all students to push beyond what they believe is possible. Here are some excerpts from Mark Anderson’s award presentation:
Jamie Clark
John Ramsey
The Dagenais Award for Leadership in Education
The Waterman Award for Excellence in Coaching Boys’ Baseball Coach Jamie Clark is passionate about his sport and a great teacher of the game. He cares about the development of those on his team, both as players and as young men. Though wins on the field have not come as quickly as he would prefer, Jamie continues to be positive in his approach, a great role model, and a true believer in his team. Five-time varsity baseball player Vince Leo ’17 recently shared this sentiment about Jamie: “He has obviously influenced all aspects of my game, but, more importantly, he has taught me how to show empathy, how to lead, how to be humble, and how to be a man.”
College Counselor John Ramsey’s unwavering optimism and sense of humor contribute positively to the upper school community. Whatever the task asked of him, John executes it willingly and professionally. In faculty meetings, he is often the voice that guides his peers to making studentcentered decisions. A thoughtful member of the Upper School Admission Committee, John’s institutional knowledge is invaluable to our admission process. He models persistent and quiet leadership for faculty and students every day. For the past three years, he has led the Honor Council with integrity and compassion. His dedication to our school and to our students is noticed, appreciated, and valued.
Patrick Martin
The Dr. Paul Donovan Award for Professional Development
Fabienne Daniels
The Johns Award for Excellence in Teaching
Lower School Technology Instructor Patrick Martin’s approach to relationships and instructional innovation is guided by a quiet leadership that all who know him admire and respect. Through his own continual training and learning, he has raised the bar for our students’ experiences. He teaches students to value technology for construction not consumption, and he has supported our teachers as they develop interest and autonomy with technology experimentation and execution in the classroom. Approachable, open-minded, and thoughtful, Patrick has transformed the lower school’s technology program, and, in doing so, he has enhanced and strengthened the lower school curriculum for students and faculty members.
Each day, World Language Instructor Fabienne Daniels displays energy and passion for teaching her content, but, more importantly, her teaching of children is an inspiration to all. Whenever the admission office brings prospective families through the middle school, Fabienne’s excitement explodes into the hallways and is reportedly a huge contributing factor of why parents select Sanford. In fact, a visiting parent even asked if she could take Fabienne’s class. The hundreds of hours that Fabienne devotes to creating the best possible experience for her students provides them with a gift of learning that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
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S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
Sanford . Summer 2017
Spotlight on FALL ATHLETICS
volleyball
boys’soccer field hockey
S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
cross country
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2016 FALL HONORS VOLLEYBALL 2nd Team All-Conference: Katie Correll 3rd Team All-Conference: Santina DeMaio, Megan Snyder, Kyla Dow Senior All-Star Game: Megan Snyder
BOYS’ SOCCER 1st Team All-Conference: Vincent Leo, Ryan Friedman 2nd Team All-Conference: Henry Naylor, Trent Wall Honorable Mention All-Conference: Miles Petersen, James Vernon 2nd Team All-Rep All-State: Vincent Leo Senior All-Star Game: Vincent Leo, Ryan Friedman
FIELD HOCKEY 1st Team All-Conference: Kimmie Riordan, Kendal Trickey, Paige Amendum 2nd Team All-Conference: Evan Amendum, Lexi Hublein, Lauren Park 2nd Team All-State: Kendal Trickey Senior All-Star Game: Kimmie Riordan
CROSS COUNTRY N5CTA Team MVPs: William Zimmer, Zoe LaMonte
Congratulations to our MacKelcan Award honorees Jacalyn Rosa and Ryan Friedman. Ryan was also named a DIAA/ Harry Roberts Senior Scholar-Athlete award winner.
Boys finished 9th in DIAA Division 2 State Championships Zoe LaMonte finished 18th overall in DIAA Division 2 State Championships
FALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS Soccer: James Vernon (Upper School), Jordan Nashed (Middle School) Field Hockey: Amy Modi (Upper School), Hannah Davenport (Middle School) Volleyball: Julia Sykora (Upper School), Lili Dougherty (Middle School) Boys’ Cross Country: Jonathan Fritz (Upper School), Tate Colarik (Middle School) Girls’ Cross Country: Elizabeth Vander Laan (Upper School), Lia Dougherty (Middle School)
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S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
Sanford . Summer 2017
Spotlight on WINTER ATHLETICS
girls’ basketball
swimming
boys’ basket ball
S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
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wrestling
2016–2017 WINTER HONORS
winter track
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
SWIMMING
STATE SEMIFINALISTS
DISC All-Conference
DISC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
1st Team: Bella Warner
1st Team All-Conference: Lauren Park, Olivia Tucker, Allie Kubek
2nd Team: Angela Kuczykowski, Lindsay Colgan, Jacob Lafferty, Aaron Lafferty
2nd Team All-Conference: Samantha Pollich
Honorable Mention: Gabi Hunt
Honorable Mention All-Conference: Kendra Warren
State Swim Meet Qualifiers/Participants: Lindsay Colgan, Katie Correll, Bella Warner, Ali Cornwall, Paige Bobka, Maggie Bobka, Angela Kuczykowski, Annie Christopher, Gabi Hunt, Bri Kung, Ava Lafferty, Aaron Lafferty, Jacob Lafferty, Ethan Citro, Connor Long, Martin Hunt, James Lin, Bass Conde.
1st Team All-State: Lauren Park 2nd Team All-State: Olivia Tucker Honorable Mention All-State: Samantha Pollich
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Girls Team: 10th in state
DISC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
State Finals/Consolation Finals:
1st Team All-Conference: Jyare Davis, Marcus Childers-McCollum
• State
2nd Team All-Conference: Corey Perkins, Connor Rufo
• Girls
400 Free Relay: 7th overall
Honorable Mention All-Conference: Ryan McKeon
• Girls
200 Free Relay: 9th overall
• Girls
200 Medley Relay: 12th overall
1st Team All-State: Jyare Davis Senior Blue/Gold All-Star Game: Marcus Childers-McCollum
WRESTLING DISC Conference Champions—DISC Meet 1st Place Conference Champion and 1st Team All-Conference: Cassidy Chas, Trent Wall, Jason Lamey, Kyle McDonough, Luke McDonough, Timmy Griffith, Andrew Brooks, Asher Tingle 2nd Place and 2nd Team All-Conference: Spencer Green 3rd Place: Jonathan Bracho DIAA Dual Team Wrestling Championships: #4 seed, Lost first round DIAA Individual State Championship Results: • Timmy • Luke • Kyle
Griffith–152 lb, State Champion
McDonough–145 lb, State Runner-up
McDonough–132 lb, 3rd place
• Andrew • Trent • Asher
Brooks–160 lb, 4th place
Wall–120 lb, 6th place Tingle and Spencer Green–Qualifiers
All-State Wrestlers 1st Team: Timmy Griffith 2nd Team: Luke McDonough 3rd Team: Kyle McDonough DWA Academic All-State 1st Team: Trent Wall 2nd Team: Spencer Green, Timmy Griffith, Brendan Lamey Honorable Mention: Kyle McDonough, Andie Garcia, Abby Klassman
Champion 200 Free and 500 Free: Bella Warner
• Girls
100 Free: Angela Kuczykowski 15th overall
• Boys
200 Free: Aaron Lafferty 15th overall
• Boys
200 Individual Medley: Jacob Lafferty 16th overall
• Boys
200 Free Relay: 15th overall (Jacob Lafferty, Aaron Lafferty, Ethan Citro, Connor Long)
1st Team All-State: Bella Warner Delaware Swimmer of the Year: Bella Warner All-State Banquet Team MVPs: Angela Kuczykowski, Connor Long
WINTER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS Girls’ Basketball: Samantha Pollich (Upper School), Katie Zabel (Middle School) Boys’ Basketball: Ryan Friedman (Upper School), Mo Konneh (Middle School) Wrestling: Kyle McDonough (Upper School), C. J. Slanina (Middle School) Girls’ Swimming: Maggie Bobka (Upper School) Boys’ Swimming: Bass Conde (Upper School) Winter Track: Josiah Cann, Maddie Lazarski (Upper School), Jordan Nashed Lili Dougherty (Middle School) Dance: Alexis Winner (Middle School)
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S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
Sanford . Summer 2017
Spotlight on SPRING ATHLETICS
boys’ lacrosse girls’ lacrosse
baseball
sailing
S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
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girls’ soccer
golf
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S P O T L I G H T O N AT H L E T I C S
Sanford . Summer 2017
Spotlight on SPRING ATHLETICS
boys’tennis
2017 SPRING HONORS BOYS’ LACROSSE 1st Team All-Conference: Tommy Bloom, Ryan Friedman 2nd Team All-Conference: Tim Lucky, Grant Cragg Senior All-Star Game: Ryan Friedman, Spencer Green
GIRLS’ LACROSSE 1st Team All-Conference: Kimmie Riordan, Angela Kuzykowski 2nd Team All-Conference: Annie Leo, Katie Zabel Honorable Mention All-Conference: Abby Wahl Senior All-Star Game: Kimmie Riordan
BASEBALL 1st Team All-Conference: Vincent Leo, Ethan Citro 2nd Team All-Conference: Henry Nolte, Trent Wall, Jack Valentine, Vincent Leo Senior All-Star Game: Vincent Leo
girls’tennis
GIRLS’ SOCCER 1st Team All-Conference: Paige Amendum, Evan Amendum, Lexi Hublein, Gabi Hunt, Maria Thomas 2nd Team All-Conference: Lauren Park, Jacalyn Rosa, Hannah Bescript Senior All-Star Game: Paige Amendum 2nd Team All-State D2: Maria Thomas
BOYS’ TENNIS DIAA Championships Quarterfinals: Ian Civiletti, Peter Schwarzkopf, Hayden Fuller
GIRLS’ TENNIS DIAA Championships Quarterfinals: Olivia Civiletti, DIAA Semifinals: Katie Correll/Emily Sherrier
SPRING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS Girls’ Lacrosse: Abby Wahl (Upper School), Carissa Bonner (Middle School) Boys’ Lacrosse: Josiah Cann (Upper School), Ben Wilkinson (Middle School) Girls’ Soccer: Sami Weinstein (Upper School), Catherine Gluodenis (Middle School) Girls’ Tennis: Lily Connolly (Upper School), Ruishan Ma (Middle School) Boys’ Tennis: Miles Petersen (Upper School), Tate Colarik (Middle School) Baseball: Matthew Friedkin (Upper School), M. Watson (Middle School) Golf: Luke McDonough (Upper School) Sailing: Bass Conde, Julia Sykora (Upper School)
ALUMNI NOTES
31
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes Catching up with the CLASS of 2013 Robert Abishek, Swarthmore College: Robert graduated from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA with a double major in psychology and neuroscience. During his time at Swarthmore, Robert was a member of the Sigma Xi research society. He also served as a tutor for the university and was a teacher’s assistant for organic chemistry, physics for life sciences, and statistics. This past summer, Robert served as a Nemours Summer Undergraduate Research Program Scholar at AIDHC. Along with that position he was also a resident assistant, hospice volunteer, and homeless shelter volunteer this past year. Robert will be applying to medical school this summer for entry in fall 2018 and is currently applying for research assistant positions during his year off. Lucy Benson, McDaniel College: Lucy (below) graduated from McDaniel College with degrees in both history and Spanish, as well as a minor in studio arts. She graduated Cum Laude with honors in history, and was a member of the Global Fellows Program. Lucy was a member of the cross country and track teams during her time at McDaniel. She completed an internship at a local business called Run Moore and worked as their digital media intern. Lucy was hired at Bytelion in their marketing department. She hopes to continue her education with a master’s in business.
Olivia Blythe, University of Delaware
Anna Filak, University of Delaware: Anna (above) graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in criminal justice, as well as a double minor in Spanish and sociology. While at school she completed an internship at the Public Defender’s Office, and she was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law fraternity on campus. After graduation, Anna hopes to gain employment until she begins law school. Patrick Francois, Hofstra University: Patrick (below) graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in film studies and production. While in school he gained employment as a production assistant on set of Fate of the Furious during the summer of 2016.
Michael Holt, Juniata College: Michael (right) graduated from Juniata College with a degree in general physics in the liberal arts. In 2016 he was awarded a two-month internship at Universidad de Guanajuato, where he lived with a Mexican family and gave his final engineering design report in Spanish. Last summer he camped with a remote field course in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado with professors and students from several different science fields. Michael will be applying for graduate school this summer.
Olivia Blythe, University of Delaware: Olivia (at the top right) completed a double major in human services and women and gender studies with a minor in domestic violence prevention and services while at the University of Delaware. During her UD experience, Olivia dedicated her time to empowering women locally and globally. Some of her efforts include sponsoring a woman's education abroad initiative in Afghanistan through Women for Women International and completing an internship in Kolkata, India, where she combined her studies of cultural competency and social work. While at school, Olivia was an RA and orientation leader, a domestic violence researcher, and a two-year member of her sorority's (Alpha Delta Pi) executive board. She was also the president of Residence Life and Housing Alternative Breaks. Olivia plans to work in Greece in one of the refugee camps shadowing social workers and learning more about immigrant law.
Ally Leviton, Ithaca College: Ally will be graduating this December, as she took a gap year and studied in Israel for nine months. She is currently studying speech-language pathology and plans to seek a master’s degree following the completion of her bachelors. Asiyah Frank, Howard University: Asiyah (right) graduated from Howard University Cum Laude with a degree in administration of justice and a minor in psychology. During her time at Howard, Asiyah completed several internships, which included working with the Public Defender Service in DC and the Department of Public Safety at Howard University. She was awarded Howard’s women's lacrosse defender of the year (2014–15 and 2015–16), and was the women's lacrosse captain in 2016–17.
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ALUMNI NOTES
Sanford.Summer 2017
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes
Mary Mecca, University of Notre Dame: Mary completed a bachelor’s of the sciences in neuroscience and behavior. She was a research assistant for the Tank lab, working for four years in biogeochemistry and limnology. She was also an active member and the secretary for the University Chorale. Mary will be working with the homeless population at Andre House in Phoenix, AZ this year prior to matriculating to a physician's assistant graduate program.
Caroline Ritter, Georgetown University: Caroline (below) graduated from Georgetown University with a major in global business and a minor in international business diplomacy. Caroline graduated as a member of the Cum Laude Society and made the dean’s list every semester. Along with her accomplishments, Caroline had an internship at the World Trade Center Delaware. She also had another internship at the Global Strategies Global Solutions, which is an operations management and logistics firm that works with the Department of Defense. Caroline was a member of the Global Business Fellows program, where she completed a consulting project in Barcelona with ESADE Business School as a capstone experience; she was in student government as part of the Georgetown University Senate, and was CMO of Kappa Alpha Theta at Georgetown. Caroline was hired at Ernst & Young in Washington DC. She will be working in the financial services advisory practice. Alexandra Rubin, James Madison University: Alexandra (above, far left) graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s of Science in biology. Next year, she will be traveling to American Samoa to do a year of service teaching where she will be placed in the local schools to teach high school biology. Alex interned at Gore for two summers as well during her time at James Madison University. Olivia Thompson, The University of Tampa at Florida: Olivia (below, on left) graduated from The University of Tampa with a major in international studies and a minor in Italian. Olivia founded the Italian Club at her university and also received a certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Olivia is hoping to teach English at El Colegio Costa Ballena in Uvita, Costa Rica.
Shayne Sanders, Liberty University: Shayne graduated from Liberty University with a major in criminal justice strategic intelligence studies. He completed an internship with the United States Marshals Service in Washington D.C. during his college career. Shayne is currently pursuing positions in law enforcement or the military. Valerie Medoff, Wake Forest University: Valerie graduated from Wake Forest University with a double major in theatre and communication. She also completed a film studies minor during her undergraduate studies. Valerie graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors in theatre. Additionally, Valerie was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She has just completed her move to a suburb of Atlanta and will begin a year-long stage management apprenticeship at the Aurora Theatre.
Cristina Reigel, New York University: Cristina (right) graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor’s of the Fine Arts in Drama, and completed a minor in psychology. She received the University Honors Scholar/ Founders' Day Award for her performance while at NYU, and she was also awarded membership in the Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society. Cristina will be working this summer with Delaware Shakespeare in their production of Henry IV and then relocating to the San Francisco area to work with the Marin Theatre Company.
Weston Schlack, Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Weston graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in aerospace engineering. Weston completed a combined bachelor’s/ master’s program during his four years at WPI, and he graduated with high distinction. He plans to become an aerospace engineer at Generation Orbit Launch Services in Atlanta, GA.
Kira Stevens, University of Maryland: Kira (above) graduated from University of Maryland with a major in psychology and a minor in creative writing. She is currently studying in Vienna, Austria and plans to move to New York in the fall. Mathilde Terrasse, Virginia Commonwealth University: Mathilde graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. During her time at this university, she earned a degree in graphic design and made dean’s list. She plans on freelancing after graduation.
Weston Schlack, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Sabri Thompson, Northwestern State University: Sabri (below) graduated from Northwestern State University with a degree in business administration. During his time at school, Sabri accrued many achievements including playing on both the 2017 Allstate NABC Good Works Team and the Southland Conference All Conference 2017 team. A recipient of a full athletics scholarships, Sabri was on both the president’s list and dean’s list, was a member of the Southland Conference All-Academic Team (2016– 2017), and received the Southland Commissioner’s Honor (2013–2017). Sabri was a student-athlete advisory representative, participated in Kid ReadA-Thon, was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and participated in the Community Church Food Services program at Northwestern State. Sabri currently has a full-time internship with CECOM in Aberdeen, MD.
ALUMNI NOTES
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Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes Morgan Williams, Ohio Wesleyan University: Morgan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a double major in international studies and politics and government. She also completed minors in history and Spanish. After graduation, she hopes to gain employment with the federal government. Morgan played varsity field hockey and lacrosse, where she received 7 varsity letters. She was also on the dean’s list, was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, and was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. Gregory Wolf, Bucknell University: Greg (below) graduated from Bucknell University Magna Cum Laude with a BA with honors in East Asian studies as well as a BA in theatre. His plans after graduation are full-time volunteering with the Atlantic Regional Training Institute (administers programs for education for community development throughout the East Coast). Greg’s special accomplishments throughout his college career include: CBS/Sony Award for Japanese Studies, Arts and Creativity Grant, Bucknell Public Interest Program Grant, Associated Kyoto Program Student Grant, and Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honors Society.
Megan Yung, Duke University: Megan graduated from Duke University with a degree in economics and a concentration in finance. While at Duke, Megan completed a minor in political science. She holds certifications in markets and management studies. Megan plans to relocate to Chicago, Illinois, to begin her employment with JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a corporate analyst.
ALUMNI RETURN TO THE SUNNY HILLS The Sanford campus was filled with energy, nostalgia, and memories during our Alumni Reunion on Saturday, June 17th. Campus tours, STEM activities, and a paint and chat session were a few of the highlights of this special gathering of Warriors.
✱ Alumni Award Winners Honored The Geipel Center for Performing Art provided a beautiful and fitting setting for this year’s Alumni Awards presentation. Congratulations to our distinguished winners who have lived the Sanford motto No Talent Lies Latent.
Traci Boddy ’97 Nominated by Sanford faculty member Bruce Pill and Athletic Director Joan Samonisky
Traci Boddy, Class of 1997, earned her Bachelor of
Finance in 2001 from the University of Delaware and a master’s in business adminstration in 2004 from Howard University. She has served on the Delaware Alumni Association Board since 2014 and is currently the president of the University of Delaware’s Black Alumni Organization. Professionally, Traci is a claims auditor with EyeMed, a subsidiary of Luxottica, owners of LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Oakley. Traci returns to campus and serves as a positive role model for current students. A participant in our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Traci is always looking for more ways to volunteer. She enjoys staying in contact with the teachers who influenced her experience and has continued to build new relationships with current faculty and staff. You may often find Traci on the sidelines or in the bleachers cheering on our Warriors at a number of athletic competitions. She also assists with the girls’ basketball program. Traci is a newly appointed member of the Sanford Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee. We are grateful for the time and dedication that she continues to provide for her alma mater. Bruce Pill (right) is all smiles as he congratulates 2017 Alumni Award winner Traci Boddy.
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ALUMNI NOTES
Sanford.Summer 2017
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes ✱ Alumni Award Winners Honored, continued
Dave Wilson ’57 Nominated by classmate Helen Heron
The following remarks are from
Helen Heron’s introductory presentation.
Above: Andrea Martin and Chuck Haupt
Charles Haupt ’71 Nominated by classmate Andi Martin
C
harles “Chuck” Haupt, Class of 1971, was nominated by classmate Andi Martin. For 30 years, Chuck worked for the Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin, a newspaper recognized throughout the New York region for its impact and excellence. Chuck’s photographs captured images of New York’s Southern Tier, images that revealed character and evoked a powerful response. His work as a photojournalist has taken him to a wide variety of places, from hospital operating rooms to professional golf tournaments, to lower Manhattan in the hours after the 9/11 attacks, and into the homes of ordinary people with extraordinary stories to tell. Chuck’s website reads “I started shooting ‘rocks and trees’ when I first discovered photography. Being exposed to photojournalism during high school got me interested in telling people’s stories visually, which I went on to do professionally for 36 years. Now that I’m retired from the newspaper profession, I’m getting back into those rocks and trees. Still, I’ll never tire of wanting to shoot that interesting face and tell the story behind it.” Chuck has been a Red Cross volunteer for many years, having received the American Red Cross of the Southern Tier Volunteer of the Year Award (Tioga County) in 2014. Chuck has traveled to disaster sites around the country, where he has provided leadership and technical guidance.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Reverend H. David Wilson, known to the class of 1957 as Dave. When I was in twelfth grade, Dave was my idol. He was so much smarter than I, and he was voted to be the captain of the varsity football team. The season started and he hurt his leg. He spent the rest of the season on crutches. He lost a little of my faith in his athletic ability. Dave went to college in Colorado, his home state (God’s country) for one year and then enrolled in the United States Naval Academy. The week of his graduation, he married my best friend, Katrina, in the chapel at the Academy. Dave trained as a helicopter pilot. He served several tours of duty in Vietnam. His job was to fly from the navy ship into the jungle clearings to rescue the downed navy pilots. On one of his last missions, his gunner said, ‘Dave, we have to get out of here. I have been shot in my trigger arm.’ They barely made it back to the ship. At Katrina and Dave’s 50th wedding celebration at the Academy, I talked to some of his Annapolis classmates and they told me Dave was the heroic one. They were stationed out on the ship and felt safe. This made me so proud to know my good friend was such a great service member. After his five years of service for our country, Dave and Katrina went to an Episcopal Seminary in the northwest. He and Katrina served several churches. Our Class of 1957 had a reunion in Florida, and we attended Dave’s church and heard his sermon. Since his retirement, he and Katrina have made their home in Tennessee, to be near family. If you know any retired ministers, you know they always get plenty of work, filling in for the minister on vacations, leading the men’s coffee meeting, calling on sick parishioners, etc.” Left: Katrina and Dave Wilson with Helen Heron.
ALUMNI NOTES
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Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes ✱ Alumni Weekend Memories
Aaron Burgstein ’90 Nominated by classmate Erica Ferguson
During his 19 years
of military service, Colonel Burgstein distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as a U.S. military officer, a leader of airmen, and an Air Force public affairs professional. His superb character, leadership skills, and superior performance in service of our nation reflect positively upon this Sanford School alum and make him worthy of recognition as an alumni award recipient. Upon graduation from Ursinus College with a degree in communication, Colonel Burgstein completed Air Force Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, and was subsequently commissioned as a U.S. Air Force officer in 1995. During his career, he served as a public affairs leader at every echelon of the U.S. Air Force’s command structure—from the Air Force-base level all the way up to the Pentagon. Additionally, he served as the first combat camera squadron commander at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, leading a 150-person unit charged with visual documentation of Air Force and Department of Defense operations worldwide—to include combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Clockwise from left: Cornhole was a hit for members of the Class of ‘67; Graduates from 1977 reconnected for their 40th reunion; and, it was the BIG 50 for the Class of 1967.
✱ Alumni Getting into STEM
He served as the public affairs advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force, providing sage media relations advice and counsel to the Air Force’s most senior civilian leader. Colonel Burgstein most recently served as the director of public affairs for U.S. Air Forces Pacific Command where he oversaw a vast network of Public Affairs operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region in support of Air Force and Defense Department regional operations and national security priorities. Colonel Burgstein passed away in 2015 after a valiant battle with cancer. His wife Cindy accepted his award on behalf of their family.
Above and right: Alumni and guests built spaghetti and marshmallow structures in the Pirnie STEM Lab
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IN MEMORIAM
Sanford . Summer 2017
In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends of these members of the Sanford community. William Louis Robinson Jr. ’46 • May 24, 1928–January 26, 2017 After graduating from Sanford in 1946 as valedictorian, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on the USS Rochester CA-124, embarking on tours throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the Mediterranean, South America, Cuba, Nova Scotia with extended service in Turkey and Egypt. Bill was a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, businessman, inventor, author, artist, woodworker, beloved husband of Grace White Robinson, and a loving father of five children. His post-naval career found him accepting a position at the Pentagon in 1954 as assistant to the vice chair of Naval Operations. Bill went on to an illustrious career at IBM before changing course and joining Paine Webber. He later established his own company, Robinson Investments. He was an author of several books, including IBM’s The Shadow Force, Scamstars of the Airwaves, and the upcoming science fiction novel, VEO’s Quest. Edward John Dyer ’46 • June 24, 1927–January 23, 2015
with dee dee est est ss m m m ath ath ath ...
The Rev. Dr. Edward John Dyer, or Father Jack as he was affectionately known to his parishioners, was a dedicated and compassionate minister, a gifted teacher, and a kind and generous friend for over 50 years in the Episcopal Church. A devoted and loving husband to Vicki, he was also a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Upon graduation from Sanford, he entered the U.S. Army in 1946 and served his country in Germany. When he returned in 1948, he attended the University of Delaware for his undergraduate and graduate studies. In 1957 he graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary. He went on to receive his EdD from Temple University in 1965 in theological education. His love of education never wavered, and he amassed an enormous collection of books over the years, which he called his friends. He was a lifelong activist of civil rights, and in 1965 marched with The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery and was never afraid to stand up and fight for any cause or person he felt wronged. He was a lover of animals, and thus was a steadfast advocate and contributor to many animal rescue organizations. He never tired of feeding the birds and deer in the woods behind his house. He will be greatly missed by his sweet dog, Daisy, and cat, Andy. James F. Lewis Jr. ’47 • October 23, 1929–April 5, 2017 After 21 years of service, James retired from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant who had earned two Purple Hearts. Upon retirement, he worked as a civil servant and military writer at Ft. Benning, Ga. He was an active member of Golden Acres Baptist Church and took pride in supplying everyone, especially choir members, with peppermint. He loved to travel and possessed an unwavering affection for pets and animals of all kinds. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Jerri Lewis, stepson Josh Hinton (Alex), and two grandchildren (Lilly Rae and Sam). Henry M. Paschall III ’49 • September 20, 1929–January 15, 2017
Known as “Morrie” or “Big Bear,” Henry attended Washington College. He served with a Marine Corps artillery unit in Korea from 1950 to 1953, and was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. A retired financial analyst who raced sailboats and flew airplanes, Henry died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, at his Piney Neck home near Rock Hall. As a youngster growing up on the Chester River, he sailed Hamptons and Chesapeake 20s during the 1940s and 1950s. He continued sailing the bay in larger sailboats and earned his pilot’s license. In 1957, he married Laura Lee Hepbron, who died in 1989. After his wife’s death, he returned to Piney Neck, where he remained until his death. Henry resumed sailboat racing on the Chester River in the late 1970s, this time in a Sunfish. In addition to sailing, Henry performed aerobatics in an Extra Flugzeugbau EA-300, a two-seat aerobatic monoplane. He also held a license to fly helicopters. Henry competed in several Baltimore marathons. In the late 1990s, he and Christine “Chris” Burgess opened Bay Leaf Gourmet on Main Street in Rock Hall, which they owned and operated for nine years. Henry also enjoyed hunting, golfing, cooking and fishing. In addition to his daughter and his companion of 20 years, Ms. Burgess of Rock Hall, he is survived by a granddaughter and a great-grandson.
IN MEMORIAM
37
Joan Elizabeth Homan ’54 • September 14, 1946–December 7, 2016 Known for her talents as a field hockey player, Joan was also the class “gavel girl” in her senior year. She attended classes in Munich and Paris in 1954 and 1955. Joan earned her BS in education in 1959 from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree from Syracuse University in 1965. She was employed as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Cedar Hill Elementary from September 1959 to May 1964. Afterwards, she taught at Stubbs Elementary and then at Henry Brader Elementary retiring in 1996. Joan was president of the Christina Cultural Arts Center’s board of directors and served on the board of directors at Sanford Preparatory School. In the 1980s, Joan participated in the “Green & White Club” for inner city children. Henry Palmer Wilson Jr. ’59 • March 25, 1942–January 11, 2017 Henry received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Delaware and PhD in weed science from Rutgers University. He began his career at the Virginia Truck and Ornamental Research Station, which became the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, in Painter, VA. After 47 years as a professor of weed science and 13 years as the director of the Eastern Shore A.R.E.C., he retired from Virginia Tech as professor emeritus. In addition to his loving wife, Shirley, he is survived by two children and his granddaughter. Craig Stephen Friend ’68 AA • March 5, 1950–November 14, 2016 Craig was born on March 5, 1950, in New Rochelle, NY, to Joseph Friend and Virginia Theone Craig. He graduated from the Devereux School and received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Butler University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was a plank owner of the USS California (CGN-36) where he held a position he referred to as “Radar Man.” He worked in software development for many years. Volunteer work included affiliations with the Red Cross and CASA. Craig married Alice Jean Strader on June 30, 1990, in Omaha, NE. Craig was an avid reader who was known for his dry sense of humor. He enjoyed watching the Indiana Hoosiers, Seattle Seahawks, and was a Yankee fan as well as a Seattle Mariner fan. He also studied and practiced Buddhism. Craig and Alice loved travelling together, especially by train and cruise ship. Their favorite destinations included Italy, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Craig loved animals, and adopted his dogs Shady, Pele, and Phoebe from the Humane Society. He also had two cats, Hosier and Mickey (Little Guy). Stephen Wilson ’73 • October 13, 1954–January 10, 2017 Stephen, who was born and raised on the family dairy farm in Hockessin, DE, was the second son of the late Henry P. and Marion (Gilmore) Wilson. Upon graduation, Stephen chose to attend Indian River Technical School in New Richmond, WI, where he studied dairy herd management. While attending classes, Stephen also worked on a dairy farm in Roberts, WI. Upon completing his certificate, he worked on a dairy farm north of York, PA. After back surgery, he moved to Virginia, living with his mother, Marion. There Stephen started his own lawn service business, Wilson Lawn Service. After his mother’s death in 2006, Stephen decided to retire. He then returned to Wisconsin, living near his sister, Dr. Linda C. Wilson, in Mondovi. Stephen’s whole life was agriculture, in one form or another. He kept current on the latest crops, dairy herds, and the productions of new agriculture equipment, coming on the market through his vast readings of agriculture newspapers and journals. No one had to ask him twice to attend any agriculture event. Sarah Rose Massaferi ’10 • February 25, 1992–June 12, 2017 As a Sanford student and young alumna, Sarah’s positive energy would fill any room. She enjoyed basketball, cross country, winter track, and lacrosse during her upper school years. She earned 12 varsity letters and served as captain for her lacrosse and cross country teams. Sarah was named Sanford’s outstanding senior female athlete, an award she was very proud to have earned. She was dedicated to fitness and nutrition. Sarah enjoyed spending time with her family and loved to travel. Sarah’s personal relationships were what she valued most in life: whether to comfort, love, humor, or console. Always welcoming, she had the ability to make a person feel at ease and accepted.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON, DE PERMIT NO. 1713
6900 LANCASTER PIKE HOCKESSIN, DE 19707
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Experience Sanford!
Fall 2017 Open House Dates Wednesday, October 4th, 5:30–7P.M. and Friday, November 11th, 8:30–10:30A.M. For more information, visit www.sanfordschool.org or contact our Admission Office at admission@sanfordschool.org or 302.235.6503.