VOLUME 28 . NUMBER 1 . SUMMER 2019
Sanford’s Chapel The Heart of Our Campus, mpus, Pagee 7 Reopened and Rededicated, ted, Pagee 12
W W W. S A N F O R D S C H O O L . O R G
A Message from the Head of School:
Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends, This June Sanford welcomed many alumni back to campus for our annual alumni weekend. Graduates of all eras returned to reminisce and reconnect with one another and their alma mater.
Contents 1 Rising Like a Phoenix: Remembering the Tornado of 1989 10 Connecting with Our Community 18 Winter & Spring Highlights 22 Alumni Notes 24 In Memoriam 28 On the Horizon for 2019–2020
STAFF Editor Cheryl Fleming Contributing Editor Christine Yasik Contributors Laura Gaylor Janice Payne Karen Perkins Joan Samonisky Amy Shirley Photography Barksdale Photography FJ Gaylor 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
The weekend highlighted alumni classes for the reunion years ending in four and nine. Members of the class of 1969 gathered in large numbers to celebrate their 50th reunion. The class of 1989 not only celebrated their 30th reunion—but also remembered the infamous tornado, which forever marked their graduating class “Sanford’s tornado class.” (Read more about the tornado and our community’s response in the article featured on page one.) We were especially pleased to welcome visitors to our newly renovated Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel. Sanford’s historian emeritus, Jackie Pitts, led a discussion in the chapel sharing history and stories of the iconic structure. The renovation of the chapel, which was made possible by the Pia Family Foundation, and the recovery from the devastation of the 1989 tornado are similar in many respects. Mike and Nancy Pia, Sanford alumni parents and current grandparents, stepped forward to fund the chapel project when they learned we were not able to use this Sanford landmark due to termite damage. The Pias’ generosity enabled Sanford to thoroughly restore the chapel. In addition, the Pia family funded a school-wide, year-long initiative on mindfulness, helping the Sanford community restore from within. Just as the community rallied in 1989 to rebuild and restore campus, donors such as Mike and Nancy continue to raise their hands and offer their support to Sanford. I often reflect on Sanford’s history when I’m working on plans for Sanford’s future. Since the school’s founding in 1930, our community has been resourceful and stepped forward to lead the way. In the 1950s, students and faculty members built Geipel Gymnasium and Albright Hall. In 1989, a tornado ripped through campus, resulting in massive damage—most notably destroying Applebee Gymnasium. During that crisis, Sanford spirit coalesced and kept our school strong. In 2016 the Sanford community came together to create the new Geipel Center for Performing Arts. In 2019, that same Sanford spirit that has empowered our school for 90 years continues to propel our community forward—as we continue to grow BOLDER, BRIGHTER, and STRONGER. All the best,
Mark J. Anderson
On the cover: Sanford alumni parents and current grandparents Nancy and Mike Pia stand in front of the newly restored Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel.
From the top: Members of the Sanford Vocal Ensemble lead honorees and guests in singing the school’s alma mater during the re-dedication of the Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel. Students and faculty members work on five-level high scaffolding to build the Ashton T. Geipel Memorial Gymnasium. Front & Center capital campaign supporters, who were instrumental in making the transformation of several campus buildings possible, enjoy a musical performance on the soon-to-be-completed stage of the Geipel Center for Performing Arts.
RISING LIKE A PHOENIX
Rising Like a Phoenix Remembering the Tornado of 1989 By Christine Yasik
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n the early evening of June 9, 1989, the Sanford campus was settling down after the joyful events of the day. In the morning, Lower and Middle School students had been celebrated and honored for their accomplishments, and by noon the younger students and their families had left campus ready to start summer vacation. Meanwhile, the 57 Upper School seniors had completed their exams and were looking forward to Tuesday, June 13, when their commencement ceremony would take place in the picturesque Quad, as has always been the tradition at Sanford. So, Friday night on campus was both calm and quiet. Until it wasn’t.
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Sanford . Summer 2019
The tornado destroyed Applebee Gym (above) and damaged numerous other areas including the Quad (below), where several of Sanford’s majestic trees were tossed like toothpicks.
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It was impossible to absorb it all. It was very, very emotional and very, very quiet. No one was talking loudly. Some who saw the campus were moved to tears... –JACKIE PITTS ’55, SANFORD GRADUATE AND EDUCATOR
Several faculty members recall that the skies were a strange color early that evening and that thunderstorms were predicted in the weather forecast. Upper School History Instructor Mark Shields recounted: “Our faculty meetings had concluded on Friday, which brought an end to my first year at Sanford. My wife and I went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary, and on the drive home I remember commenting to her that the sky seemed very eerie. The weird yellow-orange tint reminded me of the type of skies associated with tornadoes.” Shields and others who noticed the odd coloration were proven correct. Gordon Schofield, head of school at the time, stated: “All of a sudden, there was a deafening silence that was disrupted by a roar that can only be described as a freight train driving through an enclosed area.” It turned out that a tornado fell from a thunderstorm and landed directly on the Sanford campus. It is estimated to have lasted for only 40 seconds but left in its wake millions of dollars of destruction, including the loss of over 350 of Sanford’s trees, including many beloved “Sanford” pines and the entire apple orchard (where the current path from Middle School to Lower School is now located). According to the National Weather Service, there was absolutely no indication that the storm had the capability to generate a twister, but the crumpled, mangled mass of uprooted and sheared trees, along with the total destruction of Sanford’s Applebee Gym, showed otherwise.
The tornado, in a very brief period of time, ravaged a twomile swath of Hockessin from the Belle Terre development to Sanford and then on to the Bon Ayre neighborhood. In all, six homes were destroyed, 60 others were damaged, Sanford lost its gym and several other buildings, and there was— miraculously—only one minor personal injury. Schofield could not believe that no one was seriously hurt, especially considering that debris, including pine branches, shingles, gutters, building parts, and athletic equipment, were strewn on the hockey field and up a steep bank onto busy Lancaster Pike. Parts of Applebee Gym, which took a direct hit from the tornado, were found across Lancaster Pike, others covered an athletic field behind Geipel Gym, and much of the structure simply imploded upon itself.
The News Journal/Leslie Udry
This map, published in The News Journal, shows the tornado’s path of destruction through Hockessin and Sanford’s campus. The storm was quick but powerful enough to leave its tattoo on the area.
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Located on the site of Sanford’s current tennis courts, one wall of the decimated gymnasium remained standing. Ironically, or perhaps symbolically, it was the wall from which Sanford’s championship banners were hung. The surviving wall with those proud banners offered hope and strength to the entire Sanford community. To this day, it defies explanation as to why the entire gym was not destroyed. Wilmington’s local paper, The News Journal, ran front page headlines about the tornado on both Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11. Longtime News Journal reporter Kevin Tresolini said in his June 11 article: “Nineteen blue and gold banners proclaiming Sanford School’s Independent Conference athletic championships fluttered in the breeze on Saturday, enjoying their first-ever days in the sunshine.” Chip Mayo was the men’s athletic director at the time, and he told Tresolini: “When Yanko (Cajnar), our master craftsman, puts up a banner, it stays put.”
Symbols of Strength The remarkable sight of those banners as one of the few untouched areas of the flattened Applebee Gym became a rallying symbol of Sanford’s strength and spirit. Longtime educator and Sanford graduate Jackie Pitts ’55 arrived on campus within 20 minutes of the tornado hit. She also recollects the unbelievable sight of seemingly endless damage. “It was impossible to absorb it all,” she said. “It was very, very emotional and very, very quiet. No one was talking loudly. Some who saw the campus were moved to tears; but I knew, as did the rest of us, we would find a way to rebuild and emerge bigger, better, and stronger from this tragedy. Seeing those banners erased any doubts we might have had about our future. The banners were truly symbolic.”
The cover of al The News Journal shows the championship banners that still remained on the only wall left standing of Applebee Gym.
Word of the disaster spread quickly, and a few faculty members, including Mayo, arrived on site before authorities quickly closed access to the school. Others were able to use the notso-well known Sawin Lane backdoor entrance to campus to see firsthand the devastation, take stock of the situation, and prioritize clean-up efforts. Mayo, like most people who shared memories of the tornado, first mentioned the strong smell of pine. “It was like walking onto a very large Christmas tree
“All of a sudden, there was a deafening silence that was disrupted by a roar that can only be described as a freight train driving through an enclosed area.” –GORDON SCHOFIELD, HEAD OF SCHOOL AT THE TIME
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lot. The smell of pine permeated everything. When I stopped focusing on the smell, even in the dark of night, I remember thinking this place looks like a bomb has dropped on it.”
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Gordon Schofield, Sanford’s head of school from 1980–1991, coordinated the rebuilding of an athletic venue for the school.
Echoing those sentiments was history teacher and basketball coach Gil Jackson, who was quoted as saying: “You leave campus one day, and you come back the next day to find the roof of your gym on the floor. You just gasp. I’ve seen film clips of war, and this place looks like a war zone.” He continued by lamenting: “Before our last home game, I told seniors Nai-Te Watson and Jay Morgan that they’d never play in ‘The Apple’ again. You stop and think, now none of us will.” Mayo went on to explain that Schofield, who delayed his planned retirement in 1990 from the school in order to coordinate the clean-up and rebuilding efforts, gathered a group of faculty, staff, and Board of Trustee members on campus on Saturday, June 10. Mayo recalled: “Wilmington Country Club generously donated golf carts for our use. We purchased walkie-talkies and then acted as campus patrols, trying to keep onlookers off the grounds. Certainly, people were curious, but we needed the clean-up efforts to be handled without the fear of injury to those who did not need to be there.” David Ferguson, president of the board, and his vice-president, Robert Nightengale, worked tirelessly alongside Schofield to coordinate the massive clean-up and then prioritize the repairs. Nightengale is said to have been indefatigable in his coverage of the switchboard trying to keep communications strong during the clean-up process. He helped to coordinate support from the greater Sanford/Hockessin community, including bringing in a trailer from local businessman Ken Wynn, which provided water and restroom facilities for the volunteers. He and other board members worked with Hockessin Volunteer Fire Chief Dave Roser who assisted with campus security and safety. Even Lt. Governor Dale Wolf made himself available to ensure that the school had access to necessary services. Board member emeritus Jack Corrozi would surprise volunteers by showing up with lunch for them. “Everyone went above and beyond any defined duties,” noted Mayo. “No one knew any confines. There was no concern for titles or hierarchy. The attitude was just do what needs to be done.”
In one of the final basketball games played in Applebee Gymnasium, senior Nai-Te Watson ’89 drives to the basket. Before the tornado destroyed Applebee Gym, girls’ volleyball players and supporters were set for action.
Rising out of the ashes R T tornado was an awful end of year “surprise” for current Athletic Director Joan Samonisky. The She reminisced: “The immediate and unlimited support we received from our conference S sschools still sticks in my memory. During the 1989–90 school year we had to become the ‘Road Warriors.’ Our students played a full varsity schedule, but we played our varsity contests as away W games in other schools’ gyms. Chip and I had to move our offices to the Maintenance Shed. Nothing about our situation was ideal, but we made it work. I recall the late Helen Vermychuk (former English Department Chair) saying that we were like the Phoenix rising out of the ashes. I thought that was an accurate and hopeful analogy.”
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Happiness in the midst of destruction W
hen the damage could fully be assessed, Sanford ended up having five of its 22 buildings condemned by New Castle County officials. Two of them, Applebee Gymnasium and the Craft House (which was located between the Lower School and the Infirmary) had to be demolished. Eleven other buildings suffered serious damage—ranging from roofing to electrical issues to chimney replacements—and a few required more superficial cosmetic repairs. Only four buildings were virtually untouched: Archunchala (Head of School’s residence), Kenneth Jones Chapel, Sanford Hall, and the Maintenance Shed. In 1989 the duplex Pine Glen (originally located past the Business Office and since demolished for parking) was home to then Head of Middle School Bob McGrath and his young family on one side and former Art Department Chair Betty O’Regan on the other. During the storm, Pine Glen sustained damage from two trees that fell on its roof. McGrath was off campus at the time, and his wife, Mary, had miraculously taken her one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son into a center area of the house, so no one was in the back bedroom when a tree landed in it. O’Regan recounted: “The campus was closed, so Bob walked the back way through the woods to get to his family. This was extra challenging because it was wet and dark, and the entire campus landscape had been altered drastically. In fact, to this day, where our dog used to walk in the woods has now become a meadow.” While Pine Glen was condemned, Schofield made repairing it and having his faculty resume a normal family life a top priority. Both the McGraths and O’Regan were back in Pine Glen within a month.
It takes more than a tornado to flatten the spirit of the Sanford community. Even in the midst of adversity, (top) Jackie Pitts’ ’55 positive energy and leadership personify the heart of Sanford. In the bottom photo, the joy of Lower School community members, engaged in play, reflect the essence of the Sanford experience.
Like Mayo, O’Regan also remembers the strong smell of pine. She and Denis O’Regan were engaged at the time of the disaster and were happily planning their August wedding, which was held as scheduled at Sanford’s Kenneth Jones Chapel. For the two months prior to the wedding, Denis O’Regan joined McGrath and countless others in the massive clean-up. Betty O’Regan reminisced: “My first strong memory is the smell of pine; but my second, almost equally strong, memory is the nonstop roar of chain saws. If you were on campus, you could not escape that sound. Denis was actually able to save some of the wood from
My first strong memory is the smell of pine; but my second, almost equally strong, memory is the nonstop roar of chain saws. If you were on campus, you could not escape that sound. –BETTY O’REGAN, SANFORD EDUCATOR
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a big oak tree from the front yard of Pine Glen. We had it made into floorboards and have used it in our current home.” The O’Regan’s wedding was one of two very happy occasions to take place on campus that summer, despite the debris, destruction, and non-stop work to ensure that Sanford would and could open in the fall. Approximately two weeks following the tornado Lisa Ives, the daughter of Jay Ives, manager of building and grounds, married Brian Friedkin in the Kenneth Jones Chapel. Friedkin, who has been a longtime member of the building and grounds team, shared: “Chapel Valley was pretty much a mess, but Lisa and I were determined to have our wedding exactly when and where we had planned. It was going to take more than a tornado to interfere with our special day!”
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The strength of love and joy at the O’Regan wedding far outweighed the power of the tornado of 1989.
Long before 1989, Mother Sawin recognized that students and faculty needed a distinct place for prayer, reflection, and peaceful quiet. Even in the midst of the school’s greatest tragedy, the chapel provided a sense of calm. Additionally, as the site of two summer weddings, it was a joyful reminder of the intrinsic beauty of Sanford’s campus. Today, the chapel continues to provide a serene and picturesque setting for weddings and other special events.
That spirit of resolve resonated with anyone who shared a memory of the event. It was undoubtedly bolstered by the outpouring of offers of help from many local sources. Athletic rival schools from the Independent Conference immediately reached out to Sanford to open their facilities for Sanford’s use. The 57 seniors were denied their traditional graduation in the Quad, which was buried in debris, but gratefully accepted Tatnall’s offer for the use their gym for their ceremony. Dr. Tom Keating ’89 was a member of that class and he recalled: “Several of my classmates and I were enjoying some post-exam beach Sanford World Language Instructor Jennifer McKay and time in Fenwick Island. My dad called to share the news that her husband Lance enjoy a Sanford had been hit by a tornado, and we were shocked. When quiet moment following their nuptials in October of 2013. we returned home, I drove to Sanford to see the damage for myself. I was not allowed on campus, but even from the road it was possible to get a sense of the destruction. It all seemed Shortly after Commencement and the close of school, Sanford surreal; Delaware is not known for tornadoes, so it seemed like usually hosts its famed summer camp. Nightengale helped such an isolated incident.” to make arrangements for the participants to start at the Wilmington Christian campus. After seemingly nonstop cleanKeating continued: “Just like the tornado was unusual, so was up, Sanford incredibly moved its campers back to campus our graduation in the Tatnall gym. It seemed odd to be in our rival’s facility for our special event because just a few days before during week two of the program. “I remember immediately thinking that there was no way that school could open on time we had been battling each other on the baseball field. While it was not ideal, we had a great day. The guys wore the traditional in September. It only took a short period of time, after seeing white tuxedos and the girls had their long, white gowns, and we firsthand the resolve of our board, administration, and entire community, to realize that we would be fine,” stated Mayo. processed in and out just like we would have in the Quad. We were surrounded by family and friends who did everything they Schofield and his Board of Trustees went on record stating that Sanford would reopen in September on schedule and have a could to make the day memorable. We were Sanford—even if new gymnasium ready by the fall of l990. we were not on Sanford’s campus.”
Honoring the Class of 1989 H W While in college at Harvard, Dr. Tom Keating ’89 received a surprising phone call from ssomeone in the Development Office. He elaborated: “I was informed that Head of School Gordon Schofield and the Board of Trustees had decided to plant 57 pine trees on campus in G honor of each member of my graduating class. I could not believe that the school’s leadership h team, who had many important things to think about, like rebuilding infrastructure and buildings, would take the time to find a way to make our class feel like we were a priority. It was a very thoughtful and kind gesture that deeply touched me. It really meant a lot.”
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Sanford . Summer 2019
The Sports Center throughout the years. (Clockwise, from top left): The post-tornado plans for the new Sports Center; the Sports Center under construction; the Sports Center as it is today. This facility is a shining example of Sanford’s resilience, strength, and perseverance.
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The way in which every aspect of the aftermath of the tornado was handled spoke volumes about the spirit of the school. To me, it truly was a chance to see our “No Talent Lies Latent” motto in action. –CHIP MAYO, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
The Calm After the Storm In proceeding with the aftermath of the tornado’s destruction and its short- and long-term effects on the Sanford community, Schofield and his team are credited with maintaining an atmosphere of calm, always with the goal of moving the school forward. Decisions are recalled as being made thoughtfully and skillfully, with no signs of confusion or knee-jerk reactions. There were many unsung heroes who worked without any expectation of thanks or recognition, but because it was what was needed from them at the time. As a result of this hard work, Sanford opened on schedule in September 1989 and with a totally full student body. “To this day,” observed Mayo, “I cannot believe that we opened so amazingly smoothly in September. The Sanford spirit was palpable. You could feel this spirit from the faculty, staff, parents, and students. It permeated everything, and it is what allowed us to move forward.” But Schofield also understood that work had to continue, as the school could not function indefinitely without a gymnasium. While the school’s endowment fund was able to provide some immediate funding, he quickly established the Sanford Tornado Relief Fund to aid in the removal of trees and debris not covered by insurance and in the rebuilding effort, which was also expected to exceed insurance coverage. School officials made Sanford spirit is alive and well inside the Sports Center today just as it was when the facility opened in 1991. Whether competing in Applebee Gym, the Sports Center, or other venues, Sanford’s Warriors have brought winning intensity and honorable sportsmanship to every athletic endeavor.
note of their deep appreciation for all the outstanding support from the public and from private organizations. More than 700 individual, honorary, memorial, and business donations were made to this fund, along with 25 who donated specifically to the Sports Center and 20 who contributed to the Sports Center steps and commemorative plaques. Schofield selected architect Lee Sparks of Design Collaboration, Inc. to design the new gymnasium to be known as the Sports Center. With input from Mayo and Samonisky, the new facility would be twice the size of Applebee Gym, able to accommodate 900 spectators, and contain two full length basketball courts capable of being separated. Healy Management Services oversaw the construction, which started 8 months after the devastation at a projected cost of 2.125 million dollars. Schofield proudly proclaimed: “This center should serve Sanford forever—barring another tornado.” When the Sports Center officially opened in 1991, Lt. Governor Dale Wolf was a special guest speaker at the opening ceremony. Mother Nature is unpredictable and indiscriminate. Her wrath on June 9, 1989, could have landed Sanford a knockout punch. Despite the unimaginable destruction and the arduous efforts required to initially restore services such as water and electricity, and ultimately, a sense of normality to the school, Sanford never gave in to Mother Nature. Instead, the leadership team rallied everyone with its calm sense of “Sanford Strong.” Furthermore, bolstered by the tireless efforts of countless people, Sanford emerged—just as Jackie Pitts ’55 had predicted—bigger, better, and stronger than ever. The “strong resolve and financial and manpower support” requested by Schofield was delivered over and over again. Mayo’s summary of the event remains as true today for Sanford as it did back in 1989. He proclaimed: “Amazingly, there was so much positive that came from something so negative. The way in which every aspect of the aftermath of the tornado was handled spoke volumes about the spirit of the school. To me, it truly was a chance to see our “No Talent Lies Latent” motto in action— day after day.”
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Sanford . Summer 2019
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Home&School News The 2018–2019 school year has been an active and successful time for the Home & School Association. President Laura Giardina, with her team of Vice President Jackie Leo, Treasurer Patti Bescript, TreasurerElect Samantha Marcinko ’95, and Secretary Zee Cowan, have led an enthusiastic group of volunteers. These parents support school activities and outreach efforts including the new parent activity for MLK Day of Service, New Family Mentors, Quizzo, Teacher Appreciation, Grandparents’ Days, and our largest event, the Home & School Auction.
Above: The leadership team of our Home & School Association works to fulfill the mission of building parentto-school and parent-to-parent relationships.
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Home & School grade representatives serve as parent liaisons, plan grade-level activities for students and parents, and support faculty and staff initiatives and events for Sanford School.
Lower School GrandSpecial Day Middle School & Upper School Grandparents p Dayy
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Black & Bling was a hit! Sanford’s 30th Annual Auction was held at DuPont Country Club on April 27th.
Home&Schooll Auction
More than 200 attendees donned their black and bling to help raise close to $120,000 to fund faculty summer study grants, facility and furniture improvements to the Middle and Upper Schools, technology upgrades, and a new play area for the preschool program that begins in the fall of 2019. Sanford parent Aimee Flubacher (left) chaired the event and was supported by Home & School President Laura Giardina (right) and a passionate team of volunteers. The memorable affair was a terrific fundraiser and community builder where parents, alumni parents, board members, faculty, staff members, and friends gathered to support the school. Sanford alumnus Hap Phouthavongsa ’93 helped close the evening with his band Goo Cats. Sanford will return to DuPont Country Club next year for our auction on Friday, April 17th. Mark your calendars now!
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Sanford . Summer 2019
Giving
Sanford’s Chapel Once Again a Shining Beacon on Campus O
n May 1st, Sanford formally reopened and rededicated one of its most treasured buildings, the Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel. Mark Anderson explained: “For nearly 80 years, Sanford’s Chapel has been the heart of our campus and home to cherished campus traditions.” Time had taken its toll on the building, which has always provided a meaningful background for weddings, funerals, and quiet contemplation, as well as the annual bell ringing at Commencement to honor each graduate. “This chapel represents all that is exceptional and unique to Sanford, and we needed to give it the attention it deserves,” continued Anderson.
Mike and Nancy Pia—joined by their grandchildren and daughter Amy Pia Clark ’02—were honored for their philanthropy and commitment to Sanford during the chapel’s rededication on May 1, 2019.
The campus landmark was named in honor of its first gold-star faculty member, New Zealander Kenneth D. Jones, who lost his life in World War II. The chapel had been closed for use for the past two years, as it needed extensive renovations to deem it safe. A campaign was launched that saw more than 70 donors, many of them alumni, step forward to donate more than $10,000 for the restoration project. However, it became clear that more funding was going to be needed in order to do the beloved chapel justice.
The Pias stepped forward as major donors; and at the Rededication Ceremony, Nancy Pia shared: “We have always been overwhelmed by the beauty of the Sanford campus. We feel that the chapel adds a sacred place for quiet reflection and mindfulness. This reopening, which was a total team effort, means so much to my husband and me.” Mike Pia added: “It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this project.” Board of Trustee President Ted Dwyer assisted Anderson and the Pias with the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, which symbolized the proud reopening of the Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel. Immediately following, Anderson presented the Pias with a framed photo of them taken in front of chapel, capturing their joy with its return to pristine condition. The Pia family’s contributions are memorialized on a plaque, which is on display inside the chapel.
Jackie Pitts ’55 recalls when Chapel Valley did not have the beautiful chapel that adds grace to the spot today. “The valley was a quiet spot on campus with lovely trees and the little creek.” She went on to share that during World War II, Mother Sawin looked down into the valley and saw one of her teachers kneeling in prayer—having just learned that her Mike and Nancy Pia, parents husband was missing in action. “It was at that time that of Amy Pia Clark ’02 (who is Mother Sawin, who was deeply religious and very accepting married to Sanford Physical of all faiths, decided that Sanford needed a chapel.” Anderson Education Instructor Jamie noted that Jones, while employed at the school, was also Clark) and Lisa Pia Reed ’99 an advocate for a special place for religious, spiritual, and and grandparents to Abby Clark ’30, Tyler Clark ’32, and personal reflection; and therefore, it was most fitting that Sawyer Reed ’32, have always the building bear his name. found the Kenneth D. Jones Sanford had to work with the federal government to receive Chapel and the surrounding the special permission required during war time for the valley to be a calm and serene building materials, such as stone and bricks, that would be campus location. Additionally, required to build the chapel. Doing as it had always done, the Pias are very supportive of Sanford relied on faculty and students to help with the Sanford’s focus on mindfulness construction. Additionally, the de Ris family, who had four and felt that the chapel was a students attend Sanford, helped to bring the exquisite blue perfect place to connect the glass from France and worked closely with the artist who two. They decided that they, created the stunning stained-glass windows. “These windows too, wanted to be a part of the are not only beautiful, but they are unique because of the type special restoration project. of glass used and the fact that they depict the story of Sanford and not stories from the Bible,” elaborated Pitts.
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Members of the Sanford community gather to re-dedicate and celebrate the Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel.
building. A talented craftsman, Needham painstakingly rewired the original lighting fixtures and put in a new hardwood floor that carefully replicates the one that had to be replaced. Making it a total group effort, Director of Business Becky McCudden procured pews from Cinnaminson Baptist Church in New Jersey that are very close in age to the original ones that were removed due to safety issues.
Imported from France, the chapel’s new stained-glass windows reflect Sanford stories.
Current parents Eric and Carolyn Smith also have a special connection to the Kenneth D. Jones Chapel. Eric Smith’s grandparents, Ida and C. Sidney Smith, used to work at Sanford and lived in Stewart Cottage, home to today’s Wahl Woodworking Shop. “As a little boy, I used to spend a lot of time on the Sanford campus. In fact, my sister, Katrina, was christened and later married in the chapel. When my grandfather died in 1981, the family asked for donations in his honor for the Kenneth D. Jones Chapel, which needed some attention,” stated Smith. He explained that they used the money to paint and fix up the chapel, and that he was pleased to help. “I love knowing that my grandfather is memorialized by one of the plaques on the chapel. My family has been connected to Sanford for several generations. The bond continues with my three oldest children: Cameron ’20, Emma ’22 and Abigail ’26.” Director of Development Janice Payne and her team organized the Rededication Ceremony, which was a lovely thank you to the donors who made the restoration possible. Kevin Needham, facilities manager, was recognized for his extensive work with all phases of the work completed inside and outside of the
Esteemed international fashion designer Luis Estevéz ’47 sketched a cover for the June 1947 issue of Sanford’s literary magazine GOLDEN LEAVES. His original print includes a drawing of Chapel Valley and the Kenneth D. Jones Chapel and a short poem about the importance of the special campus spot: “Pause for a moment! This is holy ground. Drop from your soul earth’s pettiness and strife. This is a valley where great souls have found real being and vibrant life.” This special artwork has been beautifully framed and hangs on one of the chapel’s freshly painted walls. Another of Estevéz’s works, an impressive oil painting, is displayed on another wall. In his closing remarks Anderson noted that now that the building is climate-controlled, the chapel and the treasures it holds should serve the school for generations to come. “We are blessed with generous donors, such as the Pia family. They, along with our loyal alums, understand the value of our special places and the meaning that they hold for so many past, present, and, ultimately, future students, families, and faculty. Because of them, the Kenneth D. Jones Memorial Chapel is once again a welcoming, peaceful place for reflective, mindful, and spiritual thinking. Thank you.”
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Did You Know?
Connecting Connectin ng with with Our Community Commun
Giving
Tuition does not cover the entire cost of educating students at Sanford School. Financial sustainability remains a challenge for most independent schools. If the full cost of operating the school was spread across all our families, tuition would be out of reach for the vast majority. Therefore, the school must depend on the generosity of those who care about Sanford to keep the school financially viable now and into the future. Donors choose to give in different ways and in various amounts, but all gifts help the school meet its financial needs. Annual Fund gifts assist Sanford with day-to-day operations. This includes teacher salaries, educational supplies, sports uniforms, sheet music, even utilities. All contributions are 100% tax deductible. More than $580,000 was raised during the 2018–2019 school year. Restricted giving allows donors to give for specific projects the school is undertaking or would like to fund. Most recently these have included gifts for the chapel renovation, establishing a new Bermuda grass field, and updating the Middle School. Planned gifts and bequests are a way for donors to include Sanford in their estate planning. The Evergreen Society honors members of the Sanford community who have chosen to secure the school’s future, even after they pass away. Gifting securities benefit the donor and Sanford. Individuals with investments in stocks, bonds, and other securities that have been held for at least one year can donate those that have appreciated in value. This will result in significant income-tax savings. In fact, donating stock saves even more taxes than donating cash, since there is no capital gains tax when appreciated securities are given to a nonprofit organization. IRA Rollovers allow those over 70-and-one-half years old to reduce their tax liability and benefit Sanford. Similarly, the school can become a beneficiary of a fully paid life insurance policy. Matching gifts are a way to increase your gift to the school. As a non-profit, Sanford qualifies for most employers’ matching gift programs. The Development Office assists with acquiring and completing the necessary forms. The donor will receive gift credit for their cash gift and the match in the school’s publications. Many employers also give gifts to an organization in recognition of volunteer time by their employees.
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Your gift makes a signiďŹ cant impact Sanford is a wonderful place for students to learn today, as it has been for 90 years. A gift to Sanford makes the school an innovative and exciting place to learn for current students and will ensure that the value of a Sanford education is recognized well into the future. For more information on making a gift to Sanford School, please contact Director of Development Janice Payne at 302.235.6511 or paynej@sanfordschool.org. We are eager to learn more about how and why you want to give to Sanford and help you in making your desires a reality! Be on the lookout for the Annual Report of Giving this fall for a full list of 2018–2019 donors.
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Sanford . Summer 2019
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Connecting with Our Community
Donors Make Fields a Reality
Giving
Bermuda grass fields for boys’ and girls’ sports are no longer a dream. In the summer of 2018 the field across from Sanford Hall, home to girls’ lacrosse and field hockey, was planted with this durable playing surface. Due to the generosity of the donors who funded the project, our athletes enjoyed a much improved facility in the fall and into this spring’s season. Contributors once again stepped forward to make a second Bermuda grass field possible. Located on the site of the previous Middle School field, ground was broken in March. This premiere field will be used for boys’ lacrosse and soccer, as well as girls’ soccer. When play begins on this field in the fall of 2019, bleachers, netting, and a new scoreboard will greet players and spectators. The fields at the back of campus, which will continue to be used, will provide more flexibility with scheduling games. The central location of the new Bermuda grass field will be an improvement for athletes and more central for visitors. Athletic Director Joan Samonisky shared, “We are thrilled that our student athletes will have a quality playing surface, reflective of other fields they compete on. The first-class facility and adjacent parking will be convenient for players, spectators, and referees. We remain appreciative of the donors who have made this and all of our facility improvements possible.”
We are thrilled that our student athletes will have a quality playing surface, reflective of other fields they compete on. We remain appreciative of the donors who have made this and all of our facility improvements possible. –J S ,A D OAN AMONISKY
THLETIC
IRECTOR
Above: Sanford field hockey players were the first student-athletes to compete on the school’s first Bermuda grass field. Below: Site work on the second Bermuda grass field began in the spring of 2019. This additional field will enhance game-day experiences for “home” and “away” athletes, coaches, and fans.
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Your Generosity Strengthens Our Programs Thank you to the many Sanford community members who support our Home & School auctions. Your support enables and empowers our faculty members to participate in professional development programs and build and enhance curricula and programs during the summer. These endeavors and initiatives make Sanford’s outstanding educational experience even stronger for our students. This year, Sanford educators received summer study grants for the projects, programs, and purposes listed below. N ACDA Voices United Conference hosted at
George Mason University N Cultural Celebration Calendar with Traditions
Treasure Chest N Exploratory Play Centers N Foundations of Algebra I: Integrating Problem-Based
Learning and Team-Based Learning to Facilitate Learning N Identity Theme Activity Development N Input-based Writing N K–12 Research Summer Study N K + 2 = Team Work: Kindergarten/Second-Grade Grad Grade de
Buddy Time to Encourage Team Building, Cooperation, and Improve Listening Skills N Master’s Housing Coverage N Middle School Course Sequence for
History & Global Studies N Middle School Restorative Practices N NCSM Leadership Academy, Building
Mathematics Leadership: Coaching N Performing Arts Curriculum Revision N Problem Solving Anxiety N Sanford Preschool Program N Sensory Path N Sixth-Grade Language Arts: Implementing
a Writing Workshop Framework N The World Awaits! N Visual Art Department Curriculum Work N Wilson Reading System Introductory Course N Winter Project: Sanford’s Magical Tree
Our summer study grant award recipients are: Emily Amendum, Krista Berneike, Elizabeth Capone, Liz Christopher, Cecilie Coker, Beth Colgan, Jennifer Conway, Kathy Dabkowski, Fabienne Daniels, Scott Davenport, Emily Egan, Brittany Elia, Meg Fierro, Kara Fontes, Ann Marie Galasso, Ellen Haschak, Jamy Haughey, Shannon Helmecki, Stacey Hendrix, Courtney Kalinowski, Jennifer Kelman, Jenna Knaster, Beth Kosinski, Alexander Levine, Anna Littlefield, Patrick Martin, Jennifer McKay, Brooke McLeod, Coleen Miller, Jeff Molush, Wendy Nashed, Jen Nightengale, Kristy Patton, Bruce Pill, Candyce Pizzala, Jessica Reid, Patti Reynolds, Amanda Rufo, Max Schneider, Ensign Simmons, Brianna Smale, Katelyn Smith, Katherine Stafford, Scott Swope, Maria Tate, Heather Taylor, Stan Waterman, and Clint Williams.
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Sanford . Summer 2019
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Winter & Spring Highlights shared through the lenses of social media THESE ARE A FEW OF THE POSTS THAT APPEARED ON OUR PAGES.
sanfordwarrior Our 7th and 8th graders enjoyed their opportunity to pay it forward and help Awamaki, a non-profit in Peru. They helped build the irrigation system to the weaving center. We are so proud of our hardworking Warriors on the first Middle School service trip! #sanfordcares #sanfordinternationaltravel #sanfordexperiences
sanfordwarrior
If you’re not in the audience tonight, we hope that you will “be our guest” for an upcoming performance of “Beauty & the Beast.” The show is amazing! Special thanks to Ted Rosenthal/Izmaddy Studios for sharing this beautiful image with our community.
SanfordWarrior
Sanford School “Tutoring the students at the Charter School of New Castle every Wednesday has been such a rewarding experience for me. The Bridge Club and After-School Program are extremely important because they give me an opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape me. I feel honored to be able to help the students and am looking forward to seeing their growth.” -Nia Naylor ’20
Our new playhouse for the lower school playground arrived just in time to enjoy with some snowfall! #sanfordcampus #sanfordlowerschool #sanforcommunity #sanfordupgrades
Thank you to Nia Naylor ’20, the club president, for leading the initiative and to the rest of the members in the club.
Sanford School
The Sanford School Global Challenge was a huge success! Our 7th and 8th graders worked together in 20 teams to select a challenge, research the issue, and collaborate on an original solution. Our students did an impressive job with their presentations! #sanfordlearning #sanfordacademics
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
sanfordwarrior
sanfordwarrior
Singer David Francisco visited Sanford School to share the journey of his miraculous recovery. When he stepped on stage at Sanford, he shared many reasons he now celebrates life. Our Upper School students were inspired by his presentation and his Choices Matter message. #sanfordcommunity
SanfordWarrior Spring is in the air, and our previous Art Dept chair, Betty O’Regan, received a warm welcome back to campus for an afternoon of painting! #sanfordcommunity #artatsanford #notalentlieslatent #welcomeback #sanfordcampus
Early this month, Sanford 6th graders went to IFLY, a vertical windtunnel/skydive simulator, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Schlussel. It was a truly amazing STEM activity for the students. Also this month, 5th graders had their own STEM field trip to UD where they got to tour engineering labs and learn about nanotechnology! #STEMatsanford #sanfordstudentexperiences #sanfordcommunity
sanfordwarrior
sanfordwarrior
What a time to be a warrior! Two of our sports teams are currently ranked 4th in the state for their divisions! Sanford Girls’ Soccer currently carries a record of 10–2, and Sanford Boys’ Lacrosse has a record of 11–1. Go, Warriors!!! #sanfordathletics #sanfordcommunity #notalentlieslatent #sanfordwarriors
Sanford School Thanks to former Sanford parent, Nellie Forwood, 5th grade students were able to hatch 13 ducklings in our science classroom as a part of their unit on animals and animal behavior!
Super hero day was so much fun! Sanford PreK students were encouraged to create their very own super hero (one they can call their own) and bring them to life for a day!
#sanfordscience #sanfordmiddleschool #sanfordcommunity #ducklings #authenticlearning
#beyourselfatsanford #sanfordcommunity #sanfordlowerschool #superheroes #sanfordwarriors
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SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Sanford School
sanfordwarrior
All ready for the prom! Last night our students enjoyed a memorable night! Thanks to Ted Rosenthal/Izmaddy Studios for capturing this special shot! #sanfordcommunity #sanfordprom2019
sanfordwarrior
“Entre Dos Mundos” was selected for publication in the June edition of Revista Literal, a Spanish literary magazine written by, and for, students learning Spanish. These two creative authors are the youngest to receive the accolade and acceptance from the publishers ¡Bravo!
Sanford School We are thrilled to announce that Sanford faculty members Krista Berneike (left) and Courtney Kalinowski (right) will be taking on teaching roles for our newly expanded Preschool program starting next year!
Aesop’s Fables Redux was a huge success. Our 5th and 6th graders had a blast expressing themselves in their performance of these classic stories! #sanfordperformingarts #expressyourself #sanfordcommunity #aesopsfables
SANFORD SCHOOL CONGRATULATES
2019–2020 sanfordwarrior
Congratulations, class of 2020! Your new role as leaders of the Upper School student body begins today, and we couldn’t be more proud! #sanfordcommunity #sanfordupperschool #firstday #classof2020 #movingup
PRESCHOOL TEACHERS
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Sanford School
sanfordwarrior
Baseball defeats Delcastle at Frawley Stadium and girls lacrosse defeats Mt. Pleasant. GO, WARRIORS!!! Thank you Santina DeMaio ’18, Leah Somerville ’18, Jordan West ’18, Henry Naylor ’18, Matthew Friedkin ’18, Zoe Lamonte ’18, Kimmie Riordan ’17, and Paige Amendum ’17 for sharing your experiences and answering questions to help prepare our seniors for college. #sanfordalumni #sanfordclassof2019 #sanfordcollegecounseling
Sanford School
sanfordwarrior
Sanford’s 1st graders sold lemonade during the lower school recess to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, joining thousands of other supporters across the country for their annual tradition of hosting summer stands. Kudos for supporting such a great cause! Donate to the cause at https://sanford.link/2MqacmU.
Heather Foucault Camm will be presenting a session on ethics and philosophy at the LausanneLearn STEAM Conference in Washington, D.C. She will also present with Beth Whipple and Jim Barnaby on Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) Framework. Way to go!
Sanford School Programming may seem like a daunting task to assign to children, but learning to code is a skill that is founded on fundamental principles: creative problem solving and critical thinking. Coding is a skill developed iteratively and is taught on a simple level before moving on to more complex topics. Learn more about why elementary school is the perfect age to teach children to code from this article from Sanford’s blog, Education Matters: https://sanford.link/2RosHJO.
Stay in touch and in tune by connecting with us on social media:
@SanfordSchool
sanfordwarrior
@SanfordWarrior
@sanfordschoolalumni
Sanford School
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Sanford.Summer 2019
ALMUNI NOTES
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes Bennett August Tilghman was born on March 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Parents Aja and Shukree Tilghman ’97, along with big sister Mireille, are settling into their new role as a family of four.
Rob and Stacey Samonisky Spiker ’02 and big brother Kyle were thrilled to welcome Austin to the world on April 9, 2019.
Kyle Oberle ’13 and Emily Mason of Chambersburg, PA were engaged March 7, 2019, at Millworks Brewery in Harrisburg. Kyle and Emily met at Elizabethtown College. Emily works as an occupational therapist. Kyle is manager and assistant brewer at Burds Nest Brewery in Carlisle, PA, and coaches for Carlisle youth lacrosse team. They are building a tiny home and raising Belle (a deaf pitbull) and Beast (Maine Coon rescue). A September 2020 wedding is planned. Christopher Friedkin ’14 and Lauren Helmig were engaged on April 17, 2018. Chris and Lauren met through Elizabethtown College in the spring of 2014 and attended the Sanford prom together that year. Lauren received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Elizabethtown College in May 2019 and Chris is working at Kingswood Community Center. The couple plans for a May 2020 wedding.
Kelly Crowers Guidry ’90 graduated in December 2018 with a PhD in Counseling from Texas A & M University-Commerce and is currently employed as a middle school counselor in Fort Worth, TX. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan University, where she teaches the graduate course, Counseling Children & Adolescents. She enjoys serving as a group therapist for one week during the summer at Camp El Tesoro de La Vida (The Treasure of Life), a week-long therapeutic camp for children and teens grieving the death of a loved one. She and her husband Nathan have recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and are raising two sons, Caden (16) & Lane (5). Kelly welcomes visitors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
ALMUNI NOTES
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Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes Stephen Rose ’69 married Isabel Davis January 30, 2019, in the Broward County, FL Courthouse with family members from both sides in attendance. Steve loves living in shorts and T-shirts and continues to work for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, providing preventions, treatments, and cures for vision-robbing retinal diseases to become available to all who need those services. Annie Bruxelles Triboletti ’11 married Nico Triboletti June 23, 2018, at St. Ann’s Church in Wilmington, DE. A reception followed at the Greenville Country Club. Maid of honor was the bride’s sister Katie Bruxelles ’19. Alumnae Kathryn Marshall ’11 and Denise Bruxelles Griffin ’99, cousin of the bride, served as bridesmaids.
Linda Mills Sipprelle ’52 and her husband Dudley enjoyed a fabulous trip to Berlin and the Elbe River Valley in July of 2018 with sons Scott (wife Tracy) and Mark. Berlin’s history and vibrancy captivated them as did the friendliness of the residents of all the German cities they visited. They absorbed Berlin’s former East/West divide, including Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, and Holocaust memorials. In Potsdam, they visited the palace where the historic Potsdam Conference was held. On to Wittenberg’s Castle Church and Martin Luther House, Dresden’s Frauenkirche and, to end a fantastic adventure, Prague’s Lobkowicz Palace and a walk on the Charles Bridge. “As with most trips, the rewards included preparation, execution and reflection and the last stage will continue for us indefinitely.” The photo was taken at the famous Martin Luther 96 Theses door at the Wittenberg Castle Church. Marci Bakke ’69 lives in Las Vegas, NV. A social media alumni connector and someone always looking to meet fellow Sanford alumni, Marci learned that Kane Kalas ’08 was going to be in her area. Marci connected to Kane through social media and Marci, her husband Russ, and Kane met for dinner.
Gavin Gibson ’15 reset his program record in the 800 and won the 800 to lead McDaniel at the 2018 ECAC Division III Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the spring of 2018. Gavin placed first in the ECAC Cross Country final on November 3, 2018. In February of 2019, Gibson won the 800 for the Green Terror’s first gold medal at the CC championship in the event with a time of 1:55.94. He shaved two seconds off his previous program record and won the race by 1.40 seconds. In March of 2019 he won the 800 to capture the squad’s lone gold medal at the ECAC Division III men’s indoor track and field championship. He turned in his second-fastest indoor time with a mark of 1:56.11 to win the race.
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Sanford . Summer 2019
IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends of these members of the Sanford community.
Frank Vari ’53 • August 23, 1934–January 9, 2018 Frank was the husband of Margaret Mary Sisofo Vari (Margie). Born in Wilmington, DE, Frank was the son of the late Vincenzo Vari and Catherine Vari. Frank was a 1952 graduate of Wilmington H.S. (a “Wall-of-Fame” inductee), completed a year at Sanford School from 1952–1953, and was a graduate of the West Chester (PA) State Teachers College with a B.S. in Health Ed. and M.Ed. degrees along with post-graduate studies. He served the community in various roles as an instructor and director at Swim Clubs and the Boys & Girls Club. Inspired by his teachers and coaches, he began his life-long career as an educator, coach and mentor with the formation of the Garnet Valley (PA) School District until later as a teacher at Immaculate Conception (MD) and Mt. Aviat Academy (MD), honored as a “Person who made a difference.” Mr. Vari’s enthusiasm in the classroom and on the athletic playing field, as well as his zeal for humor and compassion are traits which have inspired generations to be the best they can be. Hank played semi-pro football. He hosted an informal fraternity of coaches, teachers, and athletes to get together in the camaraderie of friendship. He was a Christmas-spirited man who enjoyed sharing the Italian culture and American history with his grandchildren. Frank attended St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church. Frank enjoyed traveling with his wife Margie of 59 years who he is survived by with their three children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Frank Bailey ’57 • September 3, 1939–July 5, 2018 Born in Huntington, WV to Frank and Justine (White) Bailey, Frank was the youngest of three children. He loved the outdoors and taking care of their numerous flower gardens, mowing the lawn, creating pottery, listening to music, volunteering, and spiritual development. He also worked with various organizations that included being a board member of the Maryland Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging, Valley Lions Club, Chandler Hall, Friend Guild, and co-clerk of Gettysburg Friends Meeting. He especially enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and community. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and his brother, Carl. He is survived by his sister Justine, his son Jonathan, and his daughter Christy. He married Margaret Hankins Bailey on December 20, 1964. They were married 53 years to the day. He was educated at Sanford School in Hockessin, DE and Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, where he was selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges. Frank completed two and one-half years of study towards a Bachelor of Divinity for Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN. He also attended the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, IN. Frank was deeply loved and will be sincerely missed. Robert Dunn ’68 • May 16, 1949–December 11, 2018 Born in Chicago, IL to Donald Gardner and Mary Altmaier Dunn of Columbus, OH, Bob was their first of five children, and frankly, quite a handful. Bob is the beloved father of Jason (Anna) Dunn, Larianna Dunn, and Tanner Merritt; dearest friend of Jonas (Katie) Carpenter, Melissa Smith and their families; and grandfather of Griffin, Beauen, and Mary Elizabeth Dunn. Bob is survived in death by his father, Donald G. Dunn; four siblings, Andrew, James, Gardner, and Nancy Byers, and their families; and two rascal golden retrievers. Bob was raised in Columbus, OH, with summers spent in Cedarville, MI, where his family spent summers since 1927 on Little LaSalle Island. There was a wild side to Bob. He attended several schools and traveled around the world. He studied both architecture and business at Arizona State University. Following college, Bob worked for the family businesses, Plaskolite and Dynaturf. Bob felt most at home in Les Cheneuax and made Cedarville his permanent home in 1974. He soon purchased an old mahogany L-class sailboat, Gander, which steered him into a lifetime adventure working with wood. In 1978 Bob formed the marine contracting company Breezeswept and built some of the finest cedar boat docks in the Les Cheneaux Islands. In addition to his work, Bob most enjoyed spending time with close friends and family at Voight Bay, his special getaway. He also enjoyed boating, skijoring with his dogs, and winter getaways to the Bahamas, where he shared many good times with his family and the locals of Green Turtle Cay. Bob was extremely generous and left his mark on many people. He loved to stir the pot and loved to have a good time. He was a master at handing out nicknames, and he had a huge heart. He was always willing to help out a friend and the community. Bob loved many and always gave his whole heart to everything that he did. He was one-of-akind, and left a lasting impression on all who have known him.
h deepestt sympathy...
IN MEMORIAM
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Curtis Keifer ’69 • January 9, 1952–December 1, 2018 Curtis was a retired youth services manager at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library in Corvallis, OR. Born on the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, he was the son of Walter and Helen (Klund) Kiefer. Shortly before his death, he talked with friends about his “charmed life,” recounting that at all stages in his life he felt loved, and he spoke of the happiness and peace that this brought to his life. On November 11, 2011, he married Walter A. Frankel, his partner of 30 years. His earliest schooling was at Marymount School, in Rome, Italy, where he was speaking three languages. He graduated from Sanford School in Hockessin, DE and received his baccalaureate from Washington College in Chestertown, MD. He received his master’s degree from Drexel University School of Library and Information Science in Philadelphia. Though he lived in several places, he considered Wilmington, DE his home until he moved to Corvallis, which became his cherished home. Before pursuing his library degree, he was On Her Majesty’s Service as a high-school music teacher in Nassau, Bahamas. These two years developed into a lifelong interest in the British royal family. His first employment as a librarian was at the Free Library of Philadelphia, where he worked in the Central Music Department, as well as two of the regional libraries. He managed the George Institute Library and ended as head of the Central Children’s Department. In 1993, he accepted the position of youth services manager at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, from which he retired in 2014. He restructured youth programming with a foundation in developmental psychology and educational theory. He introduced infant story times and particularly enjoyed working with preschool children. Throughout the community, he was recognized by parents and children of all ages as the library storyteller and was known for leading “Shake Out Your Sillies.” He worked to make the library a “safe space” for teenagers. He advocated for parenting programs and teaching skills to help families raise their children. He also recognized that libraries could support more than books and literacy, fostering musical and other cultural programs. He believed strongly that the library should partner with community organizations and institutions. He worked with the Oregon Library Association in protecting intellectual freedom. He became an advocate for diversity training, working for the city of Corvallis with its partners to achieve such goals. He was a leader in starting the STARS afterschool program for youth. He enjoyed working with Old Mill Center for Children and Families, assisting in developing the Relief Nursery, and serving as president of the Friends of Old Mill. He served on the boards of Corvallis Fall Festival, Corvallis Arts Center, Tcha Te Man Wi Storytelling Festival, Corvallis-OSU Piano International (COPI), Benton County Historical Society, and the Library Foundation. Curtis loved people. He became a seasoned conversationalist, often opinionated, colored with humor or peppered with quick repartee. He was never closed-minded, for he was inquisitive, both willing and anxious to learn new things. In retirement, he did the New York Times crossword puzzle daily and began taking piano lessons. He had a lifelong love of all music, particularly opera, and especially those of Richard Wagner. Ballet was one of his passions, from taking his first ballet classes in his twenties to traveling to Milan, Italy to see his favorite dancer. Travel was an integral part of his life. He enjoyed visiting museums, historical sites, and shopping. He had an eye for style, particularly in his clothing. This extended to design, architecture, decorating, and collecting art, as well as china, crystal, silver and linen. For 20 years, he could be seen driving his Miata about Corvallis, enjoying the many months he could have the top down. His joie de vivre extended to entertaining and cooking, and he had a special attachment to his dogs. He was at ease with and open about being gay, attending two marches on Washington for gay rights. He was invited to speak to community groups about his sexual orientation. With his husband, he was an active plaintiff in the Oregon court cases for marriage equality. He is survived by his loved husband of 37 years, Walter Frankel, as well as by his loving sister-inlaw, Christine Fedory, and his nieces, Anne Ragoni (Tom) and Eileen Fedory, all of Averill Park, NY. Alex Belcher ’75 • January 26, 1956–March 17, 2019 Alex was the son of the late W. Deane Belcher and Lois A. Belcher and grew up in Chadds Ford, PA. Alex attended The Tatnall School, Upland Country Day School, and graduated from Sanford School. He attended Davis and Elkins College, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington College. Alex worked at DEXSTA Federal Credit Union for over four years, and prior to that was with PNC Bank for over ten years. Alex was a member of the Delaware Photographic Society and was also an active member of his community swim club and volleyball team. He was an avid Eagles and Philadelphia sports fan. Alex loved music and attended live shows whenever possible. Alex always had a unique sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Alex will be missed by his two daughters, Amber and Haley of Wilmington; siblings Tinsley (Scott Van Osten) of Philadelphia and Bill (Christine) of Wilmington; his niece Samantha Van Osten of Philadelphia; his Aunt Margie Wood of Colonial Heights, VA; and his cousins. Alex will also be missed by his close group of friends, many of whom he had known since childhood. Eric Duerr ’15 • November 16, 1996–February 2, 2019 Born in West Chester, PA, Eric was the son of Todd Duerr and Susan Hanchak Duerr. Eric attended Unionville High School and graduated from Sanford School in Hockessin, DE, where he played baseball. He was a student at West Chester University. He stayed involved with the West Chester baseball team throughout his college years. Eric was a proud member of the West Chester Fame Fire Company #53. Above all, Eric was a loyal friend to all, in good times and even more so in bad times. He was passionate about what he believed in and gifted at the art of debate; he also had a quick wit that energized the room. In addition to his mother and father, Eric is survived by his twin sister Natalie Duerr, brother Brad Duerr, and his beloved dog “Rangehead.” continued on page 26
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Sanford . Summer 2019
IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam
continued from page 25
Gregg Bacchieri Trustee Emeritus and dedicated Sanford School volunteer Gregg Bacchieri passed away on January 15, 2019, after a long battle with cancer. Gregg, joined by his wife Stacey (pictured at left), had a tremendous impact on the school, both as leaders and donors. Gregg and Stacey became active volunteers immediately after their daughter Krista ’08, a lifer, enrolled at Sanford. Krista was followed by son Nolan and their involvement grew. In 1998, Gregg became a trustee, serving on and chairing numerous committees, including the Development, Finance, and Endowment Committees. He and Stacey were also Annual Fund co-chairs. Gregg co-chaired the Shaping Our Future Capital Campaign from 2001–2004 and served on the Executive Committee as vice president of the Board from 1999–2011. After 13 impactful years of service, Gregg stepped down from the Board in 2011. He and Stacey were honorary chairs of the Front and Center Campaign. In 2017, Gregg was named a trustee emeritus. Gregg served on the search committee responsible for hiring current Head of School Mark Anderson. Mark shared: “I first met Gregg in winter of 2010 when I was a head of school candidate and he was co-chairing the head of school search with Tom Allingham. Gregg impressed me then with his sense of passion for Sanford and gravitas that he brought to his board service. As I got to know Gregg in the ensuing years, he was unfailingly supportive and positive about Sanford.” After a successful 30+-year career with MBNA, Gregg started a boutique construction company. He was integral in the renovation of Sanford Hall, Arunchala, Quigley Dining Hall and Pirnie Hall. A true philanthropist, Gregg was active with numerous organizations in addition to Sanford School. These included the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, Nativity Preparatory School, Serviam Girls Academy, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and the University of Delaware. He and Stacey created a lasting legacy with a $1 million gift to the Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute’s Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Center. Looking at Gregg’s dedication to his community and Sanford School, Mark Anderson concludes, “Gregg was a person who chose to see the best in people and in our school. I am forever grateful that I knew Gregg and will be personally and professionally indebted to him for his support.”
Whatt wee oncee enjoyedd andd deeplyy forr alll thatt wee lovee deeplyy becomess
IN MEMORIAM
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Marian “Marnie” Langerak One of Sanford School’s first students, Marian “Marnie” Langerak ’43 passed away on September 22, 2018. Marnie was the daughter of Sanford founders, Sanford and Ellen Q. “Mother” Sawin. Born in 1928, Marnie attended Sanford, then known as Sunny Hills, for all of her elementary and secondary education. She and her four siblings lived in their family home on campus, a farmhouse now known as Quigley Hall. Marnie joined 18 other members of the Class of 1943, Sanford’s seventh graduating class. Similar to all students, she served in numerous roles including editor-in-chief of the yearbook, assisting with the literary magazine, and playing hockey, basketball, and softball. She was selected as Gavel Girl, the senior class’s highest honor. In the 1943 yearbook a class member shared, “If we look back, we can see Marnie in the nursery school, from which she has come up almost overnight. This year she does wonders as our Gavel Girl and star hockey player. We feel proud and glad to have her as our friend.” Marnie attended Goucher College. Upon graduation from college in 1947, Marnie returned to Sanford to join the faculty. She first taught math and history in the Upper School but later found a greater passion for teaching Sanford’s youngest students. She moved to instructing first grade and later became the first principal of the Lower School. She also continued her own education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the New England Conservatory of Music, a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Delaware, and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science. What many remember most about Marnie was her beautiful voice and love of music. She could often be heard singing on campus and was eager to share her enthusiasm for opera. In later years, Marnie served as president of the Opera Delaware Guild. Other interests included gardening, hiking, bird watching, needlework, travel, and theater. These interests led her to volunteer at the Ashland Nature Center, Winterthur, and the Hockessin Library. Marnie’s love for the school her parents started continued throughout her life. After she ended her time as a faculty member, Marnie served on the Alumni Board and hosted an open house at Homecoming. She visited campus often and was pleased to attend the opening of the Geipel Center for Performing Arts. When Marnie and her brother Bill were honored at Founder’s Day in 1983, she shared, “The school was started as a family and in many ways was ‘family’ to all. The feeling of being part of family was important in all our lives. In many ways it shaped our lives and our values.” She went on to share that she believed this spirit lives on for current students. Marnie was predeceased by her first husband, Dr. Russell Stauffer, and her second husband, Dr. Esley Langerak. She is survived by numerous step-children and step-grandchildren and her beloved brother Bill Sawin, who continues to live in Hockessin. A service honoring Marnie’s life was fittingly held on campus in the duPont Library.
lovedd wee partt off us
–HELEN KELLER
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Sanford . Summer 2019
ON THE HORIZON FOR 2019–2020
Here are a few events that are on the horizon for the 2019–2020 school year. We hope that you and your family will join us for these Sanford experiences.
Homecoming 2019 Friday & Saturday, September p 20–21, 2019
EVENING V ADMISSION
OPEN HOUSE
Campus-wide locations. Connect, create, and celebrate with us during the community picnic, student and alumni athletic contests, the Alumni Cabaret, and more.
Campus-wide locations. Families with preschool through high-school students are invited to visit campus to learn about our exceptional programs and community.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with performances featuring our ninth through twelfth-grade student ensembles.
Middle School Winter Concert
Lower School Winter Concert
Lower School Winter Concert
Thursday, December 12, 2019 4:00 PM, Geipel Center
Friday, December 20, 2019 8:30 AM, Geipel Center
Friday, December 20, 2019 10:00 AM, Geipel Center
Experience the magic of the holidays with choral and band performances from our fifth through eighth-grade student ensembles.
Our preschool through second-grade students will make the holidays come alive with song, dance, and infectious smiles.
Our third and fourth-grade students will create a winter wonderland in the Rubin Family Auditorium.
QUIZZO OUR ANNUAL
TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday, January 25, 2020 7:00 PM, Sports Center Gather your smartest friends and test your brains with five rounds of general knowledge trivia during this adults-only event.
Thursday, October 3, 2019 5:30 PM
Home & School AUCTION Friday, April 17, 2020 7:00 PM, DuPont Country Club Enjoy an outstanding evening of fine food, drink, and community spirit during this fundraiser, which supports Sanford students, teachers, and programs.
Upper School Winter Concert Tuesday, December 10, 2019 7:00 PM, Geipel Center
Alumni Reunion eunion WEEKEND D Saturday, June 13, 2020 Campus-wide locations. All alumni are invited to return to Sanford for the lumnii presentation of the alumni awards, class reunions, and tours of our continually improving campus.
Additional information about these events and our many other activities will be shared once the school year starts. If you have questions, send an email to communications@sanfordschool.org.
For the third time in Sanford School’s history, the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams won state championships in the same year. Both teams accomplished this feat in 2010 and 2011, earning a place in Delaware history by winning back-to-back state championships. This year, tenacity, talent, and team spirit came together once again to bring two additional championship banners to the Sports Center.
Congratulations
to the players, coaches, families, and fans who made our 2018–2019 season unforgettable. Look for a full recap of our 2018–2019 year in athletics in the fall 2019 annual report issue of SANFORD magazine.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON, DE PERMIT NO. 1713
6900 LANCASTER PIKE HOCKESSIN, DE 19707
This year’s Commencement (shown in the photo), closing exercises, and end-of-year ceremonies were filled with smiles, tears, and pride. Make sure that you read about these memorable and meaningful events in the fall annual report issue of SANFORD magazine.