BFS Journal Summer/Fall 2017 by Brooklyn Friends School

Journal SUMMER/FALL 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 1

9/11/17 1:01 PM

There was one stellar performance after the other from January through May at BFS as Middle and Upper School students presented their annual Dance, Choral, Orchestra, and Jazz Concerts, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Bravo to the hundreds of talented, enthusiastic, and accomplished students whose work lit up our school community.

< P E R F O R M I N G A R T S AT B F S >

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 2

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Tyler Roberts, recipient of the Upper School George Fox Award, with Head of School Larry Weiss and Head of Upper School Sidney Bridges at Commencement, June 11, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Message from the Head of School 4 The Class of 2017 Goes Forth 10 Fun With Friends: Alumni Day 2017 12 Alumni Class Notes 14 Spring Gala 2017 16 BFS at 150 18 Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2017 20 A Tribute to Diego Underhill .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .... . ..... ........ .. .. .... .. .. .... .... . . ..... ....... ...... ...... . .. .... ...... ...... . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Please visit the BFS website, www.brooklynfriends.org/journal to read articles and view photos of our students’ academic, arts, athletics, equity and inclusion, and service learning programs.

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL is published by the Advancement Office of Brooklyn Friends School for alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, and friends. 375 Pearl Street • Brooklyn, NY 11201 Tel: 718.852.1029 • brooklynfriends.org Joan Martin, Editor COV ER PHOTO:

from left, Sam Francis and Ben Francis

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 1

Guided by the Quaker belief

that there is a Divine Light in everyone, Brooklyn Friends School cultivates an intellectually ambitious and diverse community that celebrates each individual’s gifts. We challenge our students to value and embrace difference as they develop critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge and intelligence both in and out of the classroom. In this rich learning environment, we inspire all members of our community to voice their convictions, to discover and pursue their passions, and to seek truth. Our graduates are compassionate, curious, and confident global citizens who let their lives speak in the spirit of leadership and service.

Journal SUMMER/FALL 2017

9/11/17 1:01 PM

A MESSAGE FROM

Dr. Larry Weiss Head of School

As Brooklyn Friends School prepares to launch our year-long sesquicentennial celebrations of our 150th year, I reflect back on my relationship with BFS that began in 1973. As a full-time political science graduate student at Columbia University, I had the opportunity to develop and teach an East Asian History elective course at BFS – the beginning, for me, of a life lived in schools. This past June, faculty and staff celebrated and bid farewell to seven outstanding members of our learning community who had spent their own lives well-lived at Brooklyn Friends School. Collectively they had given 147 years of dedicated and meaningful service to the BFS community. The seven individuals are: Greg George, Director of Technology – 29 years; Tim Waugh, Woodworking Teacher, 26 years; Ginny Terry, Preschool Administrative Assistant and Database Coordinator – 22 years; Whitney Thompson, Academic Dean, Quakerism Teacher – 21 years; Tanya Yaroslavsky, Accounts Payable Coordinator – 18 years; Trefor Davies, Upper School Math Teacher, Advisor, IB Coordinator – 17 years; and Angela Ungaro, Middle School Librarian, Dean and Advisor – 14 years. These 147 years were spread across a range of student age groups, specializations, and departments. If a single one of the Quaker testimonies (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship) is shared by each of these celebrated individuals, it is Community. Their ability to reach out and serve the interests, concerns, and needs of students and their families is particularly valued. Greg George, as a teacher, colleague, and administrator, successfully engaged students and faculty to understand and effectively use the innovations in technology that came so fast and furiously over his 29 years at BFS. He led and fully embraced the challenge of making technology accessible, creatively useful, and meaningful to students of all ages. 2

Simultaneously, he kept BFS’ institutional operations upto-date with hardware, software, and accessibility. Over the years, he recruited a number of talented alumni to work in the Technology Department, thus ensuring continuity with the school’s friendly and student-centered atmosphere. Tim Waugh developed, refined, and innovated an outstanding woodworking program for Lower and Middle School students over a period of time when many schools abandoned woodworking courses and facilities or restricted their use to older students. Year after year, parents expressed admiration for the skills and confidence that their children gained from learning to use the tools and materials, which simultaneously nurtured their creative vision and imagination. Sustaining a community of joyously imaginative woodworkers across several decades stands as Tim’s lasting contribution to the learning community. As Preschool Division Head Maura Eden wrote in a letter to families, Ginny Terry was an anchor in the Preschool community from the time she arrived at BFS in the early years of the Preschool’s development. A source of crucial administrative support for Maura and her predecessor, founding Preschool Head Karen Luks, Ginny was a central and effective reference point for parents and teachers who relied on her organizational prowess and institutional know-how. Whitney Thompson’s multi-faceted and incisive contributions to the BFS learning community include her work on Middle and Upper School curriculum; administrative structure and process; faculty and staff recruitment, training, and evaluation; and scheduling course programs for students in the midst of perennial shortages of time and space. She was a dedicated teacher who invigorated the study and practice of Quakerism, especially its values of equity, justice, and social change. Such accomplishments deserve profound recognition and gratitude as Whitney

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 2

9/11/17 1:01 PM

moves on to become the Head of School at Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Tanya Yaroslavsky made sure that our bills were paid and our doors stayed open for 18 years, which saw some challenging periods in the financial history of Brooklyn Friends. Working under the supervision of many business managers and finance officers, Tanya demonstrated integrity, a strong work ethic, and genuine concern for the human beings impacted by her work. She was a symbol of conscientious reliability in the Business Office. Trefor Davies was celebrated as a master teacher of Mathematics during his 17 years at BFS. Moreover, he played a crucial role in advancing the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a thriving and defining dimension of the Upper School over the past 10 years. Under Trefor’s leadership and guidance, the Upper School implemented the IB in a manner that maintains the centrality of the Upper School community’s ongoing support for the creativity, diversity, and willingness to challenge the conventional wisdom of its students and faculty. Angela Ungaro’s work as an engaging librarian took place over a span of years during which the library went through many physical and programmatic changes. These improvements ultimately provided opportunities for implementing her vision of how a library could best serve the needs and expectations of students and faculty. In addition, Angie’s superb work as a middle school advisor and dean reflected her understanding of students and the various ways they might be supported, stretched, and mobilized by activities based in the library. As BFS begins its sesquicentennial celebrations, we continually hear from alumni and current families about the many individual faculty and staff members who exerted powerfully positive lifelong influence on BFS students. Such stories – some of which come alive in the 19th and 20th century archives that we are mining as part of the 150th anniversary – provide meaningful evidence of how the value structures and educational visions that originated at the Schermerhorn Street Meeting House in 1867 remain dynamic and resonant in today’s BFS learning community. I welcome you all to share your own stories with us over the course of the coming year. In friendship,

Teachers and Staff Completing Milestone Years of Service to Brooklyn Friends School The longevity and dedication of the faculty and staff recognized in Dr. Larry Weiss’s message is shared by many in our teaching and learning community. We take this opportunity to share a list of currently serving faculty and staff, which recognizes their milestone years of service as 2017-2018 begins:

MORE THAN

YEARS

Manuel Narvaez

Martin Moore

MORE THAN

YEARS

Diane Mackie Marna Herrity Susan Aaronson Sara Soll Cheryl Foote

MORE THAN

Mark Buenzle Jacquelyn Condie Gregg Martin Margaret Bary Ellen Kahan

YEARS

Janet Villas Sharon Carter Kathy Hartzler Lyubov Obertnaya Orinthia Swindell

MORE THAN

YEARS

Aleksey Guzchenko Felix Alberto Margaret King Maura Eden David Gardella

COMMUNITY Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 3

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Aware, Empowered, and Re

THE CLASS OF 201 by Joan Martin Members of the Class of 2017 received their Brooklyn Friends School diplomas on June 11 at a ceremony in which empathy, determination, personal courage, and the skill and the power to bring about change were overriding themes.

The evening commencement exercises took place at the Ethical Culture Society Concert Hall in New York, with the Board of Trustees’ co-presidents, Bradford Mulder ’83 and Gustav Peebles, presiding – along with Head of School Larry Weiss and Head of Upper School Sidney Bridges. Alumna Lucinda Duncalfe ’81 received the George Fox Award and addressed the graduates at the end of the ceremony. Upper School Head Sidney Bridges opened the program by speaking directly to the Class of 2017 and urging them to share their gifts and values with others. “The world needs your best critical, creative, and imaginative faculties, your respect for divergent opinion and experience, your academic discipline and accomplishment, your protest, and your mindfulness,” he said. “It needs your knowledge about the pitfalls of snap chat and snap judgment, and, especially your Quaker Meeting disposition that reflects, looks, and listens for the light of deeper revelation and connection within and beyond yourself.”

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 4

9/11/17 1:01 PM

nd Ready to Have an Impact,

2017 GOES FORTH There were two student and two faculty speakers for the class of 43 graduates, and each of them captured the essence of the class as a group, as individuals, and the ways in which the graduates demanded change and shaped their own BFS education, especially over the past two years. Miles Nabritt ’17, who came to BFS as a sixth grader, shared that “there have been many times especially during this past year when I struggled to be comfortable with who I am. My experience at Brooklyn Friends has taught me to appreciate others and to understand my own struggle. But more importantly, I have learned what it means to empathize with others and to fight for what I believe in.” He continued: “Especially at Brooklyn Friends School, we sometimes take for granted the presence and impact of our teachers and staff.

Our teachers have taught us the poems of John Keats and the essays of James Baldwin, vectors and graphs in Math, verb tenses in Spanish and Latin, and the importance of the Rwandan Genocide in History. But, more importantly, our teachers at Brooklyn Friends have guided and motivated us to become our best selves.” Emmitt Sklar ’17, a BFS student since preschool, referred to the four years, 800 days of classes, and 173 Quaker Meetings for Worship that the class experienced together, as well as the 200 stairs a day, 200 days of classes, and 40,000 stairs they endured in the new upper school building at Lawrence Street. He expressed profound gratitude to the parents, extended families, and faculty who helped the class in their continues on page 6

Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 5

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Class of 2017 continued from page 8 journey and concluded with a forthright appreciation of his peers. “The way I choose to remember my class, is for the times when we were most compassionate,” Emmitt said. “We have had our disagreements. Yet, I believe the kindness of our grade emerges most when one of us is faced with the most formidable of challenges. In the face of loss, or pain, or anguish we have never ceased to support each other.” The two faculty speakers, history teacher Vlad Malukoff, and mathematics teacher/senior advisor Zenzile Keith, spoke with passion and knowledge, as well as hope and affection for the graduates. Vlad recalled his hard-scrabble growing up years as the son of Ukrainian immigrants who were deeply scarred by their lives in the Soviet Union. Yet his family background and diverse life experiences helped him develop a sense of empathy, which he described as “perhaps the most important thing about being a human.” He urged the graduates to be open to people of other backgrounds and perspectives. “Once you have developed a sense of empathy, it will be easier to keep lines of communication open and you will be less likely to demonize others who have a different opinion from yours,” he said. “Look for the humanity in everyone you meet.” Zenzile addressed the graduates by acknowledging the class for holding the school accountable to its mission and voicing their convictions in order to seek truth. “One of the things that makes this class so special is that it is one of the most racially diverse classes in BFS history. And you pushed this institution to fully embrace Colleen Dyke’s notion that diversity isn’t just about counting people – it’s about making people count,” she said. “You are special because whereever you have gone you have impressed people with your knowledge about the concepts of identity, intersectionality, and how power and privilege impact our lives on a daily basis.”

Commencement Speaker Lucinda Duncalfe ’81 (third from left) with her mother Marjory (BFS faculty alumna), daughter India, and Sidney Bridges

The themes of accountability and being the change you want to see continued at the end of the ceremony. Alumna Lucinda Duncalfe, the recipient of the George Fox Award, discarded her prepared remarks to speak personally to the students about her professional journey as a technology entrepreneur, how she was and still is an outsider in the field, and how she continues to persist and make her mark. She encouraged the graduates to continue with their activism and determination to have an impact in the future. Head of School Larry Weiss concluded the exercises with remarks about resisting the new statusquo in politics and an obligation to become personally involved in creating change. In between the commencement speeches, the Brooklyn Friends School Chamber Ensembles performed, with jazz and classical music interludes from graduates Sam Francis and Ben Francis and Claudius Agrippa. Among the graduates, 15 were recognized as “lifers” for having spent their entire educational careers as Brooklyn Friends School students. This is the highest percentage of lifers in recent history.

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 6

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Clockwise from top left: Naima Bandele receiving congratulations from Sidney Bridges and Board Co-chairs Brad Mulder â&#x20AC;&#x2122;83 and Gustave Peebles; Philip Camposano; Monet Massac; Kieran Huang; Dalia Kijakazi; Hildi Gabel, Ivy Lagerberg and Sophie Edelman Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 7

9/11/17 1:01 PM

“ The LIST ”

While each and every student’s journey to life and learning beyond high school merits celebration, the collectiveness of their college application outcomes in the form of the college list never fully reflects their actual journey. The list does not capture the individual stories, trials and tribulations, and needs of any student and their family — it merely tells you where seniors have chosen to attend college. Yet, a list, while limited, is something that appears tangible. The perceived value of the college list may be predicated on another list — the U.S. News and World Report’s College Rankings list, which has been published annually since 1983. It’s what many turn to as a gold standard for measuring how “good” a college or university is. Over the years, the rankings have taken on a life of their own, serving as a questionable, but somewhat satiating, shorthand for excellence in a process that lacks formulaic solutions, tangibles, and, at times, rhyme or reason. Last fall, Frank Bruni of the New York Times explained in his article, “Why College Rankings Are A Joke,” how the ranking system is purely a “marketing ploy” that

Tydell Brown receiving congratulations from Larry Weiss and Sidney Bridges

“many college presidents, provosts and deans of admissions express disdain for.” As more families juggle how to pay for college tuition, more and more students’ ultimate college choice may simply be what’s most affordable, as the New York Times “Your Money” columnist (and BFS parent), Ron Lieber, details in his recent article, “As College Deadlines Near, Families Wonder What They Can Pay.” As we share with you a list of all of the college acceptances our seniors received this year, I hope you take some time to contemplate what

this list means to you. For Tiffany Huggins, Associate Director of College Counseling, and me, the culmination of each year is a reminder of the privilege we have to work with our students and their families. We are proud of our graduates’ accomplishments at BFS and beyond, and are excited to continue innovating our missionaligned work In friendship, Terry Kung Director of College Counseling

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 8

9/11/17 1:01 PM

COLLEGE-BOUND — THE BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL CL ASS OF 2017 Members of the Class of 2017 were admitted by the following colleges and universities. Bold indicates matriculation. Italics indicates more than one matriculant. Agnes Scott College Allegheny College American University Amherst College Arcadia University Bard College Bates College Bennington College Berklee College of Music Binghamton University Boston University Brandeis University UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Irvine UC Santa Cruz Case Western Reserve University CUNY-City College of New York CUNY-Queens College CUNY-College of Staten Island University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University University of Connecticut Davidson College Delaware State University Drew University Elon University Emory University Fairfield University Franklin & Marshall College George Mason University George Washington University Goucher College Hampshire College Harvey Mudd College Haverford College College of the Holy Cross Howard University Ithaca College Juniata College Kenyon College Lincoln University Macalester College University of Maine University of Massachusetts, Boston

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 9

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Mount Holyoke College NYU (1 to Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music) Oberlin College Occidental College Pace University Penn State University Pitzer College Princeton University Quinnipiac University Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology University of Rochester Saint Joseph’s University The College of Saint Rose San Francisco State University Scripps College Seattle University Skidmore College Smith College University of Southern California Spelman College St. John’s University SUNY-Purchase College SUNY-Albany SUNY-College at Brockport SUNY-Buffalo SUNY-New Paltz Swarthmore College University of Tampa The New School Trinity College Tufts University Ursinus College Vassar College University of Vermont Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University Whittier College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University

THE CL ASS OF 2017 Silvely Abreu Claudius Agrippa Nathacha Almanzar Adam Baksh Naima Akinwole Bandele Tydell Brown Philip Camposano* Alexander Castro Maalik Dunkley Sophie Edelman* Nathaniel Efrat-Henrici* Henry Eikenberry Fatima El Baghir Benjamin Francis* Samuel Francis* Caila French* Hildagard Gabel Samuel Ginsberg* Brendan Greenberg Isaac Handy Kieran Huang* Dalia Kijakazi* Ivy Lagerberg Charlee Liebeskind Valerie Magan Naomi Malcolm Monet Massac Halima Matthews Cosima McConnell* Iniya Monroe Miles Nabritt Ranielle Nulman Isaiah Richards* Tyler Roberts* Alexia Samuel Charles Scruton Kia Sellers Emmitt Sklar* Marcellus Telesford* Alexander Van Sertima Nicholas Wells* Anna Werther Theodore Yanacopoulos-Gross * indicates a graduate who began at Brooklyn Friends School in preschool or kindergarten

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Fun With Friends

A L U M N I D AY 2 0 1 7 by Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99 It was smiles all around as BFS alumni, going back as far as the Class of 1949, gathered on June 3, 2017 at the Upper School on Lawrence Street for the Alumni Day reunion reception. The day started off with the annual alumni basketball game, which ended with a game-winning buzzer-beater. You can check out the exciting last moments and more, by visiting vimeo.com/ brooklynfriendsschool. While the game was taking place in the Pearl Street gymnasium, the Class of 1967 enjoyed a luncheon in the student lounge at Lawrence Street, where they had the opportunity to catch up on the past 50 years since their graduation. After receiving a private tour of the Upper School building led by Dr. Larry Weiss, Head of School, the 50th reunion class visited the neighborhood to see what’s new and what’s left of old Brooklyn. Next, alums filed into the Lawrence Street cafe after returning from Quaker meeting on Schermerhorn Street. As the celebratory reception was underway, alums captured lasting memories in the photobooth and shared heartfelt messages for the Alumni Tribute Videos, which will be shared during our sesquicentennial celebration.

T O P P H O T O : left to right: back row – Nicolas Edwards ’13, Sidney Bridges, Sebastian Jean ’13, Olabanji Shoyombo ’13; Asia Kaul ’13, Amara Granderson ’13; front row – Jessica Carlson ’12, Madeleyn Valenzuela ’12, William Whitney ’12. P H O T O A B O V E : Freddi Brown Carter ’73 and Madelyn Voigt Malone ’49

Members of the Class of 1967 were the stars of the party, winning the special reunion Blue Pride Challenge by raising over $5,000 in honor of their late classmate, Susan Fox. The festive event was punctuated by Larry speaking directly to the alumni community about the importance of giving back and showing the ‘Tis a Gift video, which connects the experience of all alums to today’s BFS.

<ALUMNI> 10

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 10

9/11/17 1:01 PM

50th

REUNION

Class of 1967

...

. .. . ..

. . .. ..

...

. .. ..

...

.. .. .

T O P P H O T O : from left: The Class of 1967 – standing: Elliot Ames, Claire Gutkin, Matilda Rubin, Sandra Schwartz, Joel Marks, Ruth Reynolds, Neil Prose; sitting: Steve Gambert,Thomas Boss, Lisa Burlingham, Claire Oppenheimer, Diane Weathers, Kenneth Teter. Inset: The Class of 1967’s graduation photo. M I D D L E R O W : from left: Neva Ouilikon ’92, Mailika Mene ’92 and teacher Marna Herrity; Will Watkins ’05, Barbara von Salis ’07, Ylana Hayes ’07 and Jamal Davis ’07. B O T T O M R O W : Sebastian Jean ’13, Athletic DIrector David Gardella, Adam Ginsberg ’14; David Schoen ’81, Beth Burns Punzi ’82, Warren Harding ’77; Halley Gerstel ’92 and Efrain Torres ’92; teacher Martin Moore and Elizabeth Otte ’97

We hope to see you again for all of the 150th celebrations we have scheduled, starting in the fall and culminating in the Gala at the Brooklyn Museum on May 11, 2018 and Alumni Day on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Stay connected to the Alumni Office for updates on coming events. Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 11

9/11/17 1:01 PM

A L U M N I Class Notes by Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99

Walter Stein ’59 works once a week as an interpreter

at the Newark Airport. He also is on the board of health in Manalapan, NJ. Walter mentioned that when attending BFS, his favorite teacher was Harold Vaughan. Mr. Vaughn sponsored Walter for admission to Columbia. The self proclaimed “gossip monger of the Class of 1959,” Walter continues to keep in touch with several of his former classmates and is very close friends with George Conklin ’59.

55th Reunion for the Class of 1962 On Saturday, May 13th, members of the Class of 1962 gathered together in Queens, New York to celebrate their 55th reunion. The events of the day started with a Dim Sum brunch at the Pine Court Chinese Bistro, followed by afternoon dessert and a fantastic home cooked dinner at the home of Dr. & Mrs. James Hennefield ’62. The alums shared memories of their days at Schermerhorn Street, the lasting friendships they maintained for over 50 years, and how much BFS meant to them. Richard Cutler ’62, who just completed nine years of exemplary service on the Brooklyn Friends Board of Trustees, was part of the gathering.

After a long engagement, Robert Freund ’68 married Barbara Calvert ’69 on May 30th. It is always special to see two alums find happiness together. Congratulations to the newlyweds! We are happy to announce that Seth Phillips ’81 returned to Brooklyn Friends on July 1, 2017 as Assistant Head of School, following an exceptional threedecade career in the New York City public school system. We look forward to sharing more news about Seth and his new position in the next Journal. On May 9th, Jonathan Richards ’99 and his wife Natalie welcomed their first child, Jacob Richards, into the world. The lovely couple is enjoying parenthood and baby Jacob is doing just fine. All the best to you and your growing family, Jon! Big congratulations are in order for

From left, Norman Kurland, Peter Lubitz, Ron Hason, Richard Cutler of the Class of 1962

For the members of the Class of 1962 who couldn’t attend the reunion but wish to reconnect with your former classmates, contact Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99, Director of Alumni, at lvarlack@brooklynfriends.org.

on his beautiful wedding to Prachi Lakhani, which was announced in the New York Times. Several members of the BFS community attended the May 27, 2017 wedding, including athletic director David Gardella, who helped lead Alap’s BFS basketball team to victory in the State Championship in 2003. Since graduating college, Alap has gone on to become a successful entrepreneur, owning two NYC food stores.

GIO PHOTOGR APHY

Alap Vora ’03,

<ALUMNI> 12

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 12

9/11/17 1:01 PM

After discovering her passion for dance at BFS, Anginese Phillips ’06 earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology & Dance at Drew University and Master’s of Science in Creative Arts Therapy at Pratt Institute. Now a licensed creative art therapist and board certified dance/movement therapist, Anginese has worked in various settings. These include foster care agencies, nursing homes, adult day cares, mental health clinics, and detention centers. As a Co-Director of Full Force Wellness & Dance Repertory, Anginese continues to work with several startups and businesses to promote mindfulness and a creative, progressive workspace. She also volunteers in the BFS Alumni Office. In April, recent University of Virginia graduate, Abraham Axler ’13, invited three BFS juniors to visit UVA to learn about the Jefferson Scholars program. Abraham, a Jefferson Scholar himself, arranged for them to meet more than a dozen current Jefferson Scholars and students who shared similar interests, as well as representatives from the Jefferson Foundation. Afterwards, he gave them an informative and insightful tour of the university that was customized to their interests. In addition to being a gracious host to our students, Abraham is also serving on the BFS at 150 Steering Committee. If you are a BFS alum currently enrolled in a college or university, and would be interested in hosting a small group of BFS students to experience your school, please contact Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99, Director of Alumni at lvarlack@brooklynfriends.org.

Amara Granderson ’13 was accepted to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and is a full scholarship recipient at University of California at San Diego. The Fulbright finalist was chosen after a highly selective application process. This past spring, she was also the lead as The Lady in Red in For Colored Girls at Oberlin’s Main Stage. Congratulations on all your accomplishments Amara Granderson ’13 with Amara, this is only the classmate Danielle East ’13 at Alumni Day 2017 beginning!

Alums Abroad Shortly after graduation, members of the Class of 2017 traveled to England to explore the sights across the pond. While staying in Bristol, they visited surrounding cities including Oxford and Salisbury and toured the Roman Baths, Stonehenge, and the Wells cathedral. The highlight of the trip was connecting with fellow Quaker school Sidcot Friends, where they met current students, enjoyed campus activities and attended their annual Peace Festival. Cheers!

Alums abroad in England this June

While participating in an international forum in Japan this summer, Upper School Head Sidney Bridges, teacher Jean Kim, and students Amanda Becker, Joy Freund, and Sean Wong were able to visit Daisy Feddoes ’15. Daisy spent the summer teaching at Institute for a Global Society in Shibuya, Tokyo. A rising junior at Stanford, Daisy co-taught a class on essay workshops for the Common App. She says she still applies what she learned at BFS to reinforce her lesson plans.

To share your news, please send an email message to alum@brooklynfriends.org, telephone 718-852-1029, ext. 208, or write on the reply envelope when you send your gift to the Brooklyn Friends Fund. In addition to sharing your accomplishments and milestones, we very much enjoy printing photos of your families and happy occasions!

Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 13

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Teachers turned out in full force to support the Gala. From left, Mahalia Gayle, Sue Aaronson, Brian Chu, Anna Grafton, Erika Hillstead, Liz Heck, Vanessa Ehler

SPRING GALA ’17 Goes Higher and Higher to Support the Financial Aid Program by Emily Cowles The May 2, 2017 Spring Gala for Financial Aid was a tremendous success! It raised $97,068 to maintain and grow the socioeconomic diversity at Brooklyn Friends School and served as a warm community gathering on a beautiful May evening. As guests entered Hill Country Brooklyn — the school’s neighbor just across from 375 Pearl Street— they were greeted by the music of bluegrass band Paper Anniversary, lone star margaritas, and the festive western attire of their fellow guests. More than 400 friends bid on nearly 140 auction items, enjoyed the food and drink of Texas, and enjoyed the company of BFS parents, faculty and staff, alumni, grandparents and friends. BFS parent Bill Weir, host of CNN’s “The Wonder List,” took the stage as live auctioneer and used his considerable

Head of School Larry Weiss with Gala Co-chairs Frances Webster (left) and Aimee Good (right)

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 14

9/11/17 1:01 PM

skills to encourage guests to bid higher and higher for financial aid. The auction showcased the collaborative artwork of our Preschool and Lower School students as well as a day on the set of CNN with Bill himself. BFS parent Matt Zaklad then Auctioneer took over the mic and Bill Weir led the community in a record breaking “paddle raise” for financial aid. As guests pledged funds to financial aid, a live updating thermometer rose to the top with $15,000 raised in a matter of a few minutes. The celebration ended on a high note with a rockin’ performance by the BFS All Star Band featuring our super-talented faculty and staff members Kenneth Alston, Camille Fobbs, Jessica Jones, Tony Soll and Steve Wortman. Guests danced and sang along as the All Star Band played favorites such as “My Girl,” “Everyday People,” and “Kiss.”

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY SPRING GALA THANKS: Co-chairs Frances Webster and Aimee Good and the entire PAT Spring Gala Committee Auctioneers Bill Weir and Matt Zaklad The BFS All Star Band: Kenneth Alston Camille Fobbs, Jessica Jones, Tony Soll, and Steve Wortman The students of the Pre and Lower Schools, Carol Bove, Gordon Terry, and Jules Skloot, Susan Greenstein and all the Preschool and Lower School teachers who helped create the beautiful artwork for the live auction. Teachers Jeremy Hawkins, Bea Bartolotta, Laura Leopardo, Peta-Gaye Grey, Caroline Segarra, the Middle School Math Teachers, and Manny Colon, who donated auction experiences for kids. Our generous auction donors Everyone who came to celebrate, dance, bid, and raise funds for Financial Aid!

The BFS All-Star Band

The thrill of raising vital funds for financial aid was only topped by the pride felt by a community whose many talents and generosity were on full display in every aspect of the celebration. Congratulations, BFS! ... . . ... ... ..... . ..... ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . ... . . ... . . . . . . .. ... ... ... .. . ... . . ..... . . ... .. ... ... ... . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . ..... ... ..... ..... ... ... ...

...

.....

...

.....

...

.....

...

.....

SAVE THE DATE FOR A GALA CELEBRATION OF OUR LEGACY OF LIGHT AND 150 YEARS on FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018 – 7 PM – THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 15

9/11/17 1:01 PM

.....

...

... . . . .... . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . .... . . . .. .... .. .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. ... .... . . .. ....... . ... ..

.. . ... .. ... . .. .. . ........ ........... .... .. . . .. .. .. .. ...... .... . . . . .. .. . . . ... ...

... ... . . . ..Saturday, .. . .. . . .. May . . .............12, .... 2018 .. . . . .. ....... . . . .. .. . . . . .ALUMNI . .... . . . DAY ...

... . . . .... . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . .... . . . .. .... .. .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. ... .... . . .. ....... . ... ..

...

... . . . .... . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . .... . . . .. .... .. .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. ... .... . . .. ....... . ... ..

.. . ... .. ... . . . .. . ........ ........... .... .. . . .. .. .. .. ...... .... . . . . .. .. . . . ...

at the Brooklyn Museum

... ... . . . .. Saturday, . . . .. . . .. . . . .............. .. 21, 2017 October .. . . . . ..... . . . .. .. ... ..FAMILY . FUN . . .. . . . . . . DAY ...

... . ... . . .. . .. .. ... .... . . .. ....... . . .. .. .... .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ...

150TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

... . ... . . .. . .. .. ... .... . . .. ....... . . .. .. .... .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ...

Friday, May 11, 2018

...

... ... .. ... . . . .. . ........ ........... .... .. . . .. .. .. .. ...... .... . . . . .. .. . . . ...

.....

. .Wednesday, . . . . .. .. . . . November . .. . . .. . . . .......... . . 1, 2017 ...... . . ....... .STUDENT, . .. .. .. ..ALL . . . . . . . . . . AND STAFF FACULTY ... . . . PHOTOGRAPH ...

... ..... ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ....... . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..... ..... . ..... .. ... . . . ...

.....

...

... . . . ... .. ..... . ..... ..... . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ........ .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... .. . ................................. .......................... . . .......................... . .. ............. .......... . ...... ............. . . ............. . ........ .......... . . . ............. .. ....... . . . ............. ...... ............. ..... ...... ...... . ... .....

...

.....

...

.....

...

.....

...

.............

.....

...

SAVE THE DATE FOR TH ... . ... . . .. . .. .. ... .... . . .. ....... . . .. .. .... .. .. .. . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . ...

...

.............

.....

...

.....

... ...

.....

...

.....

...

... ...

.....

...

Here are two additional BFS at 150 events to keep an eye out for this year: .. . . .. .. . .. ... ... . ... ... . . .. .. ... ... .. . ... .... .. .. ......... ......... ........ ......... ......... ........ ......... ......... ... ..... .. ... ... .. .. ... ... .. .. .. ... ... .. .. .. .. .. ..

.. ..

.....

...

.....

...

.....

... ...

.. . . ... . . . ... .. . . ... .. ..... . . ... ..... . . . . . ..... ...... .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ...... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . ................. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ... . . ............. ... . ..... .... ..... ..... ..... .. ...

...

.....

... ...

the opening of the museum-style student-curated BFS history exhibition this fall the launch celebration of the BFS at 150 history book this winter.

In addition to the 150th celebrations listed here, you can expect all of the traditional BFS events to return (with a 150th flavor!). All BFS at 150 events are free of charge with the exception of the 150th Anniversary Gala that will serve, in conjunction with the Brooklyn Friends Fund, as the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary fundraiser for the School.

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 16

9/11/17 1:01 PM

.............

. . . . . . . . .. . . .

.............

......

OR THESE BFS AT 150 EVENTS THE

SESQUICENTENNIAL BOOK

BFS AT 150 STEERING COMMITTEE

Purchase a tribute message and be a part of 150 years of BFS history. Now is the time to reserve your spot in the annals of BFS history! Tribute messages to be published in the BFS at 150 history book are available for purchase at this time. To recognize our 150 years of Quaker education in Downtown Brooklyn, the School has embarked on an exciting and important project. We will publish a book to formally document our rich history, the evolution of our extraordinary academic program, our relationship with the Brooklyn and New York City communities and the impact that a Quaker values-based education has had on thousands of Brooklyn Friends students over the last century and a half. The Brooklyn Friends School Sesquicentennial History Book will be published in print and online to be shared with our entire community. With photos, stories, anecdotes and memories, the history book will be a keepsake for anyone who loves Brooklyn Friends School. Purchase a 50 word message in the special tribute section of the book ($150) or dedicate an entire chapter ($1,000). Share a message for a specific teacher, send a general message of appreciation to the School, or gather as a class or group to share a memory. To purchase your tribute, go to www.brooklynfriends.org/ historybooktribute. The deadline for tribute message purchases is November 1, 2017. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Cowles in the Advancement Office at ecowles@brooklynfriends.org or 718-852-1029x211.

Thank you to the following members of the Brooklyn Friends School community who serve on the BFS at 150 Steering Committee. This group spent the 20162017 school year advising and helping to prepare the School for this momentous year in BFS history. They set the following goals for the sesquicentennial: to create a year of community events and celebrations that bring together our various constituencies with a focus on bringing alumni back to campus, share the rich history of Brooklyn Friends School with internal and external constituencies, and to enhance Blue Pride (school spirit!). We hope that you will join them in the celebrations! Abraham Axler ’13

Terry Kung

Crystal Backus ’96

Joan Martin

Cassie Broadus ’01

Romi McVey ’93

Karim Camara ’88

Martin Moore

Freddi Brown Carter ’73

Brad Mulder ’83

Andy Cohen

Martin Norregaard

Kathryn Collins

Dena Douglas Patterson ’83

Jackie Condie

Susan Price ’86

Emily Cowles

Raymi Ramseur

Karen Edelman

Donnie Smith

Mechele Plotkin Flaum ’68

Eisa UlenRichardson

Cheryl Foote

Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99

M. Salomé Galib David Gardella Koon Wah Gee ’88 Marna Herrity Megan HertzigSharon

Alap Vora ’03 Benjamin Warnke Dr. Larry Weiss, Head of School

Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 17

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Celebrating a Connection and Love Like No Other:

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY 2017 by Emily Cowles

On Thursday, May 25th, the Preschool hosted Grandparents and Special Friends Day — and what an extraordinary day it was! More than 200 guests — from as close as State Street in Boerum Hill to as far away as Turkey — arrived early in the morning at Pearl Street to begin their day. After a buffet breakfast, they headed to the school meetinghouse for greetings and music. There they were wowed by our Middle School jazz musicians and 4th grade vocalists and welcomed by Head of School Dr. Larry Weiss and Head of Preschool Maura Eden. Larry and Maura shared our gratitude for the vital role that grandparents play in the lives of our students and the school. Guests then headed to the second floor for sustained fun with their grandchildren and very special friends. The Preschoolers were delighted to share their daily classroom 18

life and special projects with their VIP visitors. Guests joined in singing on the rug and decorating memento picture frames with the Preschoolers. The morning ended as students accompanied their guests to the All School Art Show and showed the incredible work of the entire student community. Thank you to the Preschool teachers and staff, the Middle School jazz band and the 4th grade singers for their work in hosting this special day.

SAVE THE DATE OF MAY 24, 2018! The host for Grandparents and Special Friends Day alternates annually. Next year the Kindergarten and First Grade will welcome these special guests!

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2017

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 18

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Summer/Fall 2017 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 19

9/11/17 1:01 PM

The Boy on the Moon by Eliza Baron-Singer ’23

D E D I C AT E D T O

Diego Underhill There once lived a boy who thrived off of pig pictures and American Horror Story. He grew and changed, but his smile never did. It stayed illuminated, even during the darkest of days. He was a friend to all, especially animals. From his dog to his snake to his closest friend, he took incredible care, making sure they were loved. He was a dream chaser and a dream catcher. He worked harder than anyone else, and wished again and again. He watched his sister grow up and move schools. He loved her like nobody else and tried his best to keep her safe. At night, he would leap among the stars. He was loved and he loved others. In the summer, he would sail in the sparkling blue bay and frolic on the beach. He would go fishing and barbecue sweet peaches and pineapple. The boy would sometimes go exploring and collect seashells. He would sit at the edge of the warm water and let it lap over his toes. Some days in the winter, he would go sledding with his sister and drink hot cocoa. He would run outside and catch snowflakes on his tongue. The boy’s family would celebrate the holidays, and eat until they

were bloated. Those cold winter nights, he would sit huddled up against his dog, until he finally fell asleep. Other days in spring, he would go outside and play in the sunshine. Sometimes he and his family would go away for two weeks. He would weave flower crowns and sleep under the moon. He would discover new animals and make new friends. The boy would see his extended family and bathe in sea of hugs and kisses. The boy always stayed put, two feet planted firmly on the ground, but he still wished . He wished of flying above the earth and living in outer space. He dreamt of living on the moon, looking down on Earth. He would fly to other galaxies and dance among the planets. He would be king of the universe, and all comets would bow down to him. The boy wanted to be a kind king, he would feed the hungry and shower the lonely with love. But all stories must come to an end, and so it did. But his story was never forgotten. People still remember him for his luminous smile and giant heart. Someday if you look up at the moon, you might just catch a glimpse of the boy with the green streak in his hair.

Diego Underhill, a member of the Class of 2023, died on March 3, 2017. The son of Gabriela Schwed and Robert Underhill and brother of Lina, Diego was part of the BFS community since preschool. He will always be loved and remembered by his large, extended family, his many friends in the Middle School, and all who knew him. This essay, “The Boy on the Moon” was first published in the 2017 edition of the Middle School publication, Scribe.

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 20

9/11/17 1:01 PM

SPRING TEAMS AND RECORDS Boys Varsity Volleyball . . . . . . . 9-5* Boys Varsity Baseball . . . . . . . . 2-6-1 Â Girls Varsity Softball . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Boys Middle School Baseball . 7-4-1 Ms/Us Outdoor Track . . . . . . . . . 12 athletes participated *2017 ACIS League and Playoff Champions

< AT H L E T I C S AT B F S >

Championship Volleyball Team

< AT H L E T I C S AT B F S >

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 21

9/11/17 1:01 PM

Brooklyn Friends School 375 Pearl Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

Brooklyn Friends Fund

Address Service Requested

Brooklyn Friends Fund

Brooklyn Friends Fund Brooklyn Friends Fund

O T Y A W ! S F B , GO Brooklyn Friends Fund

1,129 151 donors,

Brooklyn Friends Fund

of whom have given for a consecutive

Brooklyn Friends Fund

years or more and

415

of whom have given for a consecutive

years or more

We started the 2016-17 Brooklyn Friends Fund with purpose, ambition, and high hopes, and we finished with significant gains and achievements thanks to our community members.

50,696

Class of 2017 Senior Legacy Gift to establish an endowment fund for Student Led Activity Groups

985,233

in voluntary giving plus

97,068

net raised from the Spring Gala

89%

parent participation with

100% participation in Preschool 3s, Kindergarten, and First grade

Best of all, support of the Brooklyn Friends Fund made a tangible difference in the lives of our more than

900 students

To learn more about the Brooklyn Friends Fund and the impact donors have on sustaining and enhancing a values-based education that has endured for 150 years, visit brooklynfriends.org/giving and see how giving is a part of who we are.

BFS Journal_Summer 2017.indd 22

9/11/17 1:01 PM