THE BROWNING SCHOOL
Browning Goes Global: Costa Rican Connection
Summer 2012
Fundraising Efforts Provide Escuela San Pablo with Internet
ART IN FOCUS
Mask • By Henry Choy ’18, Middle School
trimester studying masks, according to art teacher Zachary Sixth grade boys spent the majority of the first
Davis. They began the unit by looking at images of masks
from a broad range of cultures, including African, Native
American and Mexican. They then used plaster gauze to cast
their faces in order to create armatures for their masks. Each B • ThE BuZZEr • suMMEr 2012
boy had the chance to apply the plaster and receive the plas-
ter application, later reinforcing the surface by adding more
plaster gauze. Finally, the boys embellished their masks by
painting them and adding a wide variety of materials, in-
cluding feathers, buttons, straw, tissue paper and glitter. The
finished pieces are designed to hang on the wall as sculpture.
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CONTENTS
Contents
FEaTURES
The Upper School technology curriculum will be modified this coming school year to include two new electives, Introduction to Computer Programming and Advanced Computer Science.
SUmmER 2012
DEpaRTmEnTS 4
14
When asked by Head Librarian Sarah Murphy to submit a photo of themselves reading a book during Spring Break, students and faculty turned in over 100 photographs.
20
One of the happiest days of the year at The Browning School is Grandparents/Special Friends Day, drawing visitors from far and wide. Photos capture the smiles and activities of this special event.
26
Faculty members whose interests range from finding scientific solutions to global warming, to working with other educators to become more effective teachers, describe their summer sojourns.
8
Seven Browning faculty members presented workshops at a day-long event, “Locating Significance in the Lives of Boys,” to help schools improve the educational journey for boys.
This past winter, the Form V Physics class was chosen to test the use of iPads in the classroom. Science Department Chairman Sam Keany reports on the incentives and feedback to date.
16
22
In an annual rite of passage, Lower, Middle and Upper School boys demonstrate the “power of speech” as they participate in Browning’s Lyman B. Tobin Public Speaking Program.
50
Prize Day and Graduation Day are proud occasions in the lives of Browning boys, their parents and the faculty. A list of college choices and acceptances is included.
2 3 30 39 40 44 62 74 79 82
Contributors
From the Headmaster The Local Buzz
From the Archives Athletics
Fine and Performing Arts Alumni Events Class Notes
Alumni in the News Spring Benefit
On ThE COVER
Director of Technology Aaron Grill smiles at the reaction of the Costa Rican students (yes, they were in awe!) who benefited from the efforts of Browning’s Multicultural Club which raised over $1,500 to help these youngsters attain Internet access at their school. Mr. Grill installed 15 used laptops donated by Browning and, with the help of Network Administrator Glenn Walker, connected them to the Internet; read more on page 6. The Ronald McDonald House of New York and other local service organizations also benefited from the Browning boys’ activities this year; read more on page 36.
the Buzzer is printed on paper containing 10% total recycled fiber
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CONTRIBUTORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2012–13
aaron Grill Director of Technology
Laura neller Director of Alumni Affairs
Sam Keany Chairman, Science Department/ Dean of Students
Sanford pelz ’71 Director of College Counseling
Janetta Lien Science
Jeremy Sambuca Director of Academic Technology
Jeffrey martin Science
andrew West ’92 Director of Athletics
mISSIOn STaTEmEnT
Founded in 1888 as a college preparatory school for boys, The Browning School continues its commitment to the goals of John a. Browning:
the pursuit of academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning,
the belief in the dignity of the individual, and the development of personal integrity
and responsibility to the broader community.
The Browning boy develops amid these values. The Browning alumnus is a good citizen, sensitive to the needs of others,
James S. Chanos, President William L. Jacob III, Vice President R. Thomas herman ’64, Secretary Celeste a. Guth, Assistant Secretary Thomas S. hexner, Treasurer Richard L.n. Weaver ’75, Assistant Treasurer michael Beys ‘89, President, Alumni Association alka K. Singh, President, Parents Association h. Kenneth metz, Vice President, Parents Association Stephen m. Clement, III, Headmaster mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee
Laura z. Barket Stuart J. Ellman Elizabeth Granville-Smith allan L. Gropper William S. Kingson Jeffrey Landes ‘83 Tricia Langton Wendy F. Levey David J. Liptak Jeffrey S. Olson Raul pineda michael L. Rankowitz Ellen Stafford-Sigg Sanjay Swani Lou Switzer Valda m. Witt Tucker york
BUZZER STAFF Stephen m. Clement, III, Headmaster martin T. haase, Director of Institutional Advancement melanie S. mcmahon, Director of Publications Laura E. neller, Director of Alumni Affairs
Contributing photographers: Christine Bramble, marty hyman photography, Jeremy Katz ’04, melanie mcmahon, Laura neller, Sandy pelz ’71, John Rogers, Stephanie Syfert, and Soo mi Thompson.
and respectful of divergent yet informed opinions. he is, in the best sense of the word, a gentleman.
DIVERSITy STaTEmEnT
The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued.
We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough;
we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to
a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives and values that characterize our community.
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The Buzzer is published three times a year by The Browning School Office of Institutional advancement. The School may be reached at 212 838 6280. The website is www.browning.edu. The Browning School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school directed programs, or employment practices.
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FROM THE HEADMASTER
From the Headmaster
I
LEaDInG ThE Way, InFORmInG OUR pEERS
am proud to confirm that
Ingrisani has
International Boys’
has represented the
Browning continues to be a leader in the
Schools Coalition (IBSC), and that we also coordinate
successfully with our peer schools. In this month’s Buzzer,
you will find an article (page 8) titled “modeling Literacy/
Introducing Engineering: Browning Faculty Lend Insight and
Expertise.” It highlights the work of seven of our teachers who
presented three workshops this spring. They spoke at the IBSC
conference, co-sponsored by the new york State association of
Independent Schools (nySaIS) and held at The allen-Stevenson School. Chauvinistically, I note that this is more presenters and
more workshops than any other school in attendance! Keynote
speaker at this conference was adam Cox, commissioned by the IBSC to conduct a school-based research study on “Locating Significance in the Lives of Boys.”
Since its founding in 1994, IBSC’s annual June conferences
have been attended by Browning faculty. Dean of Faculty michael
participated in 17 conferences and
School in Toronto twice, London
twice, perth, Sidney and Johannesburg. In 1998 Dean
Ingrisani began a
10-year tenure on
the IBSC board of trustees, often
serving as the only
a good school is one in
which students are known and loved (and I don’t
mean indulged) and in
which they will be rigorously
challenged and appropriately supported inside and outside of the classroom.
–F. Washington Jarvis, former head, The Roxbury Latin School
faculty member among headmasters. In 2002 Browning jointly
sponsored the IBSC conference with Collegiate here in new york. Good schools for boys have a significant role to play. We
are particularly attuned to the developmental stages through
which boys move. We understand unique learning styles and work with active learners. We make the case that in boys schools, boys are much more likely to embrace the arts;
Browning’s music and studio art programs are noted for the enthusiasm with which our boys participate. One of our slogans: “It’s cool to sing at Browning.”
Finally, I believe boys alone are able to draw on their full
emotional spectrum and are less apt to be slotted into
stereotypical behavior. at the first boys school conference I
attended, held at the University School in Cleveland, I was
inspired by the words of the head at the time, F. Washington
Jarvis. a good school is one in which students are known and loved (and I don’t mean indulged) and in which they will be
rigorously challenged and appropriately supported inside and outside of the classroom.
Headmaster Clement and Adam Cox, keynote speaker at recent IBSC/NYSAIS conference
Stephen m. Clement, III Headmaster
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FEATURE
(L to R): Director of Technology Aaron Grill with computer programming students Chris Haack ’14 and Tom McCormack ’14.
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Curriculum Expansion Allows for New Electives
FOCUS On EnGInEERInG anD DESIGn
By Director of Technology aaron Grill and Director of academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca
T
he Upper School Technology curriculum will be modified in the 2012-13 school year to include two new electives – Introduction to Computer Programming in Form IV and Advanced Computer Science in Form V and Form VI. These
classes were added to complement the curriculum shift in technology that has been in the works for several years at
Browning. The new focus is on engineering and design in order to expose students to fields that are applicable in today’s job
market. Leading up to these new courses, the boys have been introduced to many different programming concepts and are
now ready to tackle more complex computer science topics. In
fact, it was Chris Haack ’14 who approached Mr. Grill with the
expressed desire to take the AP Computer Science exam. He also rounded up seven other students his age who wanted to learn
more about computer science. Previously, students had taken an
Aaron Grill Director of Technology
independent study course in computer science, but this was the first time a significant
Jeremy Sambuca Director of Academic Technology
number of students expressed a desire to learn programming.
Both new courses will teach the boys how to program Java applications, a
computer language that is common for an AP Computer Science curriculum. These
classes will heavily rely on the Browning website for support and will use the
“flipped classroom” model. The flipped classroom is a classroom in which students
watch lectures at home on YouTube and then come into class to work on “homework”
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Browning's Multicultural Club members raised funds to help Costa Rican students (pictured, right) acquire Internet access in their school, Escuela San Pablo de Turrubares. Back row, (L-R): Director of Diversity and club advisor Glenn Walker, Miles Collins, Farouk Oni, Michael O'Connor, Harrison LaBranche; middle row: Andrew Davis, Norman Delgado, George Sanchez, Anthony Carrasco, Awen Abaatu; seated: Kyle Johnson, James Adeleye, Ibi Diallo.
BROWNING BOYS CREATE COSTA RICAN CONNECTION: Browning Donates Funds, Used Laptops, and Technological Expertise to Costa Rican School Just as Browning boys develop their understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics principles to think about applications to real world problems, multicultural Club members were creating a campaign of their own, reaching out to students at Escuela San pablo de Turrubares in Costa Rica and helping solve a very real problem for them; namely, how to acquire Internet access. at the same time, Browning’s computer technology department was preparing to send off 15 older laptops to be installed at their school by Director of Technology aaron Grill. Glenn Walker, advisor to the multicultural Club, reports on the efforts by club members this past spring: “Co-presidents James adeleye ’12 and Ibrahimo Diallo ’12 led the club to a successful fundraising endeavor during the week of april 17, also known as Donation Week. proceeds benefited children at Escuela San pablo de Turrubares, in part through the organization, One Laptop per Child
6 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
(OLpC). The funds were spent on providing Internet access to this Costa Rican school. The boys raised $1,573.14 by sponsoring a bake sale and a ‘Dress Down’ Day.” mr. Grill, a supporter of OLpC, helped in the planning of the club’s fundraising campaign. mr. Grill said, “The funds will go a long way to help the educational development of Costa Rican students.” he traveled to Costa Rica in June to work with students at Escuela San pablo de Turrubares and to donate 15 of Browning’s three-year-old netbooks to students there. mr. Grill noted, “I am proud that the Browning boys were able to raise money to help provide the necessary Internet connection to Escuela San pablo. I attended a conference last October where I learned about OLpC, a grassroots organization that provided guidance to us as we helped achieve their overall goal of providing students with Internet-ready devices for learning.” mr. Grill reported on his trip to Costa Rica: “The events the first day were fairly
formal, meeting with the school’s director, hurberth Salazar aguero, and his faculty in order to discuss installation of the laptops and their use at the school. members of the amaTierra foundation staff were also present; this is the organization that connected us with Escuela San pablo. Browning’s Director of Diversity and network administrator Glenn Walker did an amazing job setting up the laptops with a Spanish Operating System (Ubuntu).” mr. Grill added, “School administrators were very excited to hear that we are interested in an ongoing relationship between Browning students and the students of San pablo for Skyping and potentially sharing language presentations (San pablo students in English and Browning students in Spanish). The age of their students is between six and 12, so the newly implemented Lower School language classes at Browning could potentially benefit from this relationship. all of the San pablo students expressed their gratitude to Browning for this
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Students will build on their understanding of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics principles to
think about applications to real world problems.
with the teacher. With the plethora of high quality educational material available online, such as
Stanford’s free Programming Methodology course, donation. Their library is now set up and ready for students to use the laptops!” mr. Grill also noted, “On the second day of our visit, with the assistance of Davis marshall of amaTierra translating, we gave a mini lesson on researching ‘nueva york’ and where the laptops came from. The students then shared what they learned about new york. One of the best comments was from a very outspoken young man named Ronald who said the city looked like it is floating on a cloud. (Indeed, Ronald, it does sometimes seem that way coming across the bridge!) The students were very thankful and look forward to speaking with students at Browning. Finally, we are hoping to buy a laser printer soon for the library so that students can print out their work. The printer will be purchased with the money that Browning students raised for the cause. many thanks to Stephanie Syfert for taking photos during the installation project!” n
Some of the 15 used laptops that made their way from Browning to Escuela San Pablo de Turrubares in Costa Rica. San Pablo students wasted no time in testing their newly acquired Internet access and thanking Browning's Multicultural Club, Mr. Walker and Mr. Grill for making it all possible.
students can watch master lecturers anytime while sitting in front of their computers and then work with a teacher in school on projects and
assignments. Browning will “flip” both of these
new courses and report on best practices so that faculty who teach in other subject areas might
consider experimenting with this new teaching method, thereby harnessing the power of technology and the Internet.
In the coming years, the “traditional”
computer lab will be transformed into a modern
innovation lab. This change of space will allow our new focus on engineering and design to blossom, starting early in the Lower School. Students will
develop an understanding of the role of research and development, invention and innovation,
experimentation, and troubleshooting through the new curriculum. Our boys will still learn the
necessary basic skills, such as computer navigation and typing, but they will embark on new
challenges that maintain their interest in the world of technology. Students will build on their
understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics principles to think about applications to real world problems.
The new innovation lab space will feature
movable tables that can turn a traditional classroom into a collaborative learning
environment to support new teaching models such as the flipped classroom. Mobile technologies such as the iPad and Macbook Air will not only provide the computing power but allow for flexibility to create a fabrication space. n
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FEATURE
Modeling Literacy, Introducing Engineering BROWnInG FaCULTy LEnD InSIGhT anD EXpERTISE
S
Browning presented
even faculty members from workshops in april at a
day-long event, “Locating
Significance in the Lives of Boys,” sponsored by the new york State
association of Independent Schools (nySaIS) in collaboration with the
International Boys Schools Coalition
(IBSC). The two-part program, held at The allen-Stevenson School, brought
together theory and practice to help schools improve the educational
journey for boys enrolled in boys
schools and coed schools. The event was geared for all educators
The afternoon session was largely devoted to seminars
who work with boys at all educational levels.
designed by individual teachers and administrators who have
interview boys worldwide to discover and reveal where they find
Boland, along with English teacher Sarah pribyl and second
In the morning session, adam Cox, ph.D., aBpp (see sidebar
on page 12) presented a report on his unprecedented endeavor to
significance and discover purpose in their lives. Dr. Cox’s research
initiative constituted an international inquiry into boys’ interests,
spirit and prospective contributions to society at large. 8 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
experience in working with boys. Browning was proud that so many of its teachers participated. Learning specialist Emily
grade teacher alison hilton, presented a workshop on “Book
Brothers & peer Tutoring,” the aim of which was two-fold. ms. pribyl and ms. hilton discussed the benefits of Book Brothers,
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MODELING LITERACY, INTRODUCING ENGINEERING Introducing the concepts of engineering at an early age provides boys with a
hands-on, real world problem-solving approach to learning about math, science and technology.
while ms. Boland described the peer Tutoring program that has worked so effectively at Browning.
The School has successfully established these two programs
that provide opportunities for students to develop and model
leadership skills as older boys engage with younger ones. With
both Book Brothers and peer Tutoring, students forge bonds that benefit the individual boys and enhance the broader Browning
community. Furthermore, these programs help build leadership by fostering communication skills, providing opportunities for self-reflection, and promoting responsibility. Beyond simply highlighting the benefits, their presentation outlined how to
establish and administer such programs. among other topics,
they discussed how to attract volunteers and prepare students for their roles associated with the programs.
head Librarian Sarah murphy and assistant Librarian
Susan Levine demonstrated the effectiveness of older boys or fathers modeling literacy with younger learners, specifically
through programs such as Book Brothers, as mentioned above, or Guys Read, the third grade book club for boys and their
fathers. among other things, they discussed the fact that Guys
Read, established earlier in the school year, has so far resulted in
lots of engaging discussion questions at each meeting.
During this workshop session, librarians, English teachers
and learning specialists discussed the various ways they might
pair young boys with more experienced partners in reading and
literacy experiences, as well as the benefits for both the younger
and older learners.
Director of academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca and
science teacher Stephanie Seto presented a workshop focused on
12 hands-on activities to engage boys in engineering. They
discussed the fact that introducing the concepts of engineering at 10 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
an early age provides boys with a hands-on, real world
problem-solving approach to learning about math, science and technology.
Geared to teachers of kindergarten through eighth grade,
their session described interesting projects incorporating
engineering into the science and technology curriculum. These projects provide students with the opportunity to express their scientific creativity and hone their abilities of visualization,
planning, execution, experimentation and communication. Examples include the following: • • • • • •
Constructing simple machines with a problem-solving approach in kindergarten Designing and assembling bridges in second grade
Developing, constructing and testing earthquake-proof structures in third grade; inventing, constructing and programming Lego mindstorms nXT in fourth grade Designing and building wind turbine blades in fifth grade
Using Google SketchUp and 3D printing to learn the process of turning an idea into a prototype to be used for real-world applications in eighth grade a long-term, extra-curricular engineering project with a significant teamwork component leading to a competition; this project affords students an opportunity to apply, synthesize and execute their thoughts in a complex and creative problemsolving environment.
headmaster Clement thanked all the Browning workshop
participants who represented the School by hosting a reception later that day at his home. –Melanie McMahon n
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DR. ADAM COX REVEALS “WHAT’S RIGHT WITH BOYS” adam Cox, ph.D., aBpp, is a licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist who frequently writes and speaks on the subject of how to foster the capability and emotional well-being of children and adolescents in the 21st century. he is a leading advocate for fostering the cognitive abilities and emotional health of youth. according to his website, his books and presentations are geared to providing the tools needed to make immediate, positive changes in the lives of children and teens. Dr. Cox believes it is critical to “move beyond diagnostic labels and limited concepts such as IQ to pinpoint the critical differences in capable
12 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
children of the 21st century – and most important – learn what we can do to build those skills now. Dr. Cox was commissioned by the International Boys Schools Coalition (IBSC) to conduct a school-based research study on “Locating Significance in the Lives of Boys.” During his april presentation for the new york State association of Independent Schools, he discussed in detail his world-wide study commissioned by IBSC that includes site visits and interviews with students in the United States, Canada, australia, new zealand, Europe and africa. (For detailed information, visit the IBSC website at www.theibsc.org.)
his research began with a core belief: boys are capable of doing extraordinary things and are eager to be asked to do things which are significant to them. Dr. Cox noted, “This belief invites a new plateau of discussion, shifting emphasis from what’s wrong with boys to what is well and full of possibility. The study sought to understand the spiritual lives of boys in the broadest possible sense and, thus, asks us to reframe the discussion of motivation that has long dominated writing on boys from a problem of stimulation to an issue of selffulfillment.” During his session, Dr. Cox explored how schools can guide boys to achieve a sense of purpose by helping
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During a reception at the home of Headmaster Clement following the April NYSAIS/IBSC workshop featuring Dr. Adam Cox, eight IBSC headmasters gathered for the above photo. Pictured (L to R): Stephen Clement, Browning School; John Munro, Fairfield Country Day School; David O’Halloran, St. David’s School; David Trower, Allen-Stevenson School; Gregory O’Melia, Buckley School; Joseph Cox, Haverford School; Dr. Adam Cox; Edward Halse, Warwick School (England); Archibald Smith, Trinity-Pawling School; Mark Lauria, NYSAIS; Brad Adams, IBSC
them close the gap between their idealized selves and the practical realities of their lives as students. Dr. Cox earned his doctoral degree in psychology at Lehigh University and completed his clinical training at Friends hospital in philadelphia. he became a psychologist from a nontraditional path. according to his website, “While working as a fine artist near new york City, he opened a studio and welcomed children who wanted to
learn how to draw and paint. This experience introduced him to the joy and creativity of mentoring children, which developed into the focus of his career as a family psychologist.” a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences, he has been quoted in a variety of print media about psychological issues affecting families and youth, including The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Time Magazine, Family Circle, Child and many
others. Dr. Cox has been featured on numerous radio shows including national public Radio's “Voices in the Family” and “Radio Times.” he is the author of No Mind Left Behind: Understanding and Fostering Executive Control – The Eight Essential Brain Skills Every Child Needs to Thrive and Boys of Few Words: Raising Our Sons to Communicate and Connect. Dr. Cox lives in Rhode Island with his wife and son. –M.M. n
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FEATURE
Getting Caught with a Great Book
J
School and they will tell you that any time is a ust ask the librarians at The Browning
perfect time for reading a good book. however,
head Librarian Sarah murphy (pictured above) explained that Spring Break provided an
especially nice chance to catch up on pleasure reading. “Students and faculty were asked to ‘Get Caught
Reading’ while on vacation and submit a photo of themselves reading a book,” said ms. murphy.
“Whether at home or away, on a road trip or a plane ride, the Browning community showed off their
bookish side. We are pleased to report that over 100
photographs were submitted by our avid readers and
are now on display in the hallways here at Browning!” We invite you to take a look at many of those
community members who “got caught reading” during their march break. n
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FEATURE
iPads in Physics Class a REpORT FROm SCIEnCE DEpaRTmEnT ChaIRman Sam KEany
Late this past winter trimester, the Form V Physics class was chosen to test the use of iPads in the classroom. Ordinarily such a significant change would not be made mid-year, but there were some very good reasons to do so. At the time, Apple had just opened its new textbook store and started to stock it with some of the standard texts commonly used in high schools, mostly at a fraction of the cost of the physical (and heavy!) book. Replacing weighty and expensive textbooks with light digital readers loaded with low-cost books seemed like a
T
goal worth exploring, a potential tipping point in
adopting this technology. Furthermore, the growing universe of iPad apps tailored for education added another strong incentive for doing a test drive in a Browning classroom.
here were initially not a vast number of
ters, and other pictures have thoughtful interactive compo-
was one of them. Physics: Principles and Problems
Complex visual images are delivered in a sequence of click-
textbooks available, but the physics V textbook
(Glencoe, mcGraw hill) cost $14.99 for the ipad
version and $110.34 for the hardback edition. much was simi-
lar between the book and ipad versions, so it seemed that a
mid-year transition could be easily handled by the students,
and by me.
The text itself is nicely streamlined, edited in ways that
help it flow better. The page is cleaned up significantly, containing fewer marginal distractions. The iPad screen cannot
fit as much information as a book page, so this editing is necessary. Short videos are scattered occasionally in the chap-
16 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
nents, such as a rotatable 3D image of Earth’s magnetic field. able frames that lead the reader through the narrative. The chapter-end questions still remain but are augmented by
multiple choice quizzes. This is really a first generation iPad textbook, an existing text that has been enhanced for the
iPad. No doubt, the second generation of texts will be written from the ground up with multiple platforms in mind and will offer even more elegant enhancements.
Apart from textbooks, science apps abound for the iPad
in all fields. NASA streams daily updates and gorgeous videos of Earth and space.
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The Form V Physics class this year included 10 students.
This focus group was an ideal size to negotiate the logistical challenges of issuing a large number of iPads, loading them with subject-specific apps and pushing a textbook on all of
them simultaneously through a group order. This group of
boys embraced the iPads enthusiastically, and in a couple of
days, they had discovered more apps that reinforced physics concepts or helped them with researching or note-taking on the iPad. I asked them to give some feedback on the iPads themselves and on their use in the classroom. These are
Replacing weighty and expensive textbooks with light digital readers loaded
with low-cost books seemed like a goal worth exploring, a potential tipping point in adopting this technology.
savvy consumers of technology, and they appreciated the
drawbacks as well as the rewards of this device. I’ll let them
have the last word on this test drive (see following pages).
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IPADS IN PHYSICS CLASS I felt that the iPads were a huge help, for I did not have to carry my super heavy text book. I also enjoy reading books on it, and I have awesome in general. Chris pelz ’12
recently switched to taking notes for class with it. iPads are just
I think the iPad is an excellent concept. It allows us to watch interactive videos related to the topic that we're studying, and it also gives students the chance to look up concepts that aren't very clear to them. Students can also take notes on the iPad, which helps them become more organized. The iPad allows students to carry less books, and that is extremely helpful for someone like me who lives far away understanding electrons and Newton's laws. Kevin Wu ’13
from the School. The apps on the iPad are also extremely helpful for
I felt like the iPad use was beneficial strictly for searching for information on the Web. For example, when we were talking about turbines, I pulled out the iPad and did some quick research. The same goes for parallel circuits. It essentially served as an aid for me in addition to my textbook. Other than that, I honestly felt like they were quite distracting. The iPad is great to have for work, but it not limit its use, though. alex Bendo ’13
can also be a major distraction during class. That should certainly
Now that the School has received feedback on its test
drive, it seems physics students are not the only Browning boys who will make use of iPads.
Director of Technology Aaron Grill comments on future
that during an iPad lesson with Pre-Primary boys, they
quickly found the correct app on animal population and
began the lesson with little need for direction on her part.
For the 2012-13 school year, Pre-Primary boys will receive a
plans for incorporating this technology in the classroom:
set of 20 iPads to explore apps chosen by their teachers to help
how best to deploy iPads more widely in the School. The
School (grades 1-4) will also receive a set of 20 iPads to begin ex-
Moving forward, the technology department is planning
iPad really lends itself to use by younger students, as the
touch screen and apps are often so intuitive. Most students
coming into Pre-Primary have been using the iPad for several years. Lower School science teacher Stephanie Seto noted
18 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
them learn math, reading and writing. The rest of the Lower ploring other opportunities.
Plans are underway to replace Form III geometry and biol-
ogy textbooks with iPads for each boy. English students will also begin to test the use of iPads for some books. All teachers in the
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grade will be given an iPad to begin exploring its use in the class. As with any technology, however, the teacher will decide when
I believe that the use of the iPads or any
it is appropriate for the boys to have them out in class. There will
tablet device will become a household item.
the iPad does allow many options but with potential distrac-
of the private school community by testing
be significant challenges in terms of classroom management, as
tions. As a community, we will continue to share our findings
during “tech moments” at our weekly faculty meetings in order
to improve the use of iPads in the classroom. n
I feel Browning is taking a huge step ahead the use of iPads as textbooks. In my opinion, learning. adam nebenzahl ’13
they are a real success in teaching and
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FEATURE
O
Grandparents/Special Friends Day School is Grandparents/Special Friends Day. held in
ne of the happiest days of the year at The Browning may, this event draws visitors from far and wide. The boys, from pre-primary to second grade, along with
their guests – be they grandparents, aunts, uncles or close friends – enjoyed playing chess, reading, showing their creative sides in art
class, and the chance to simply be together for a morning of activities. Judging by these photos, it was truly a time to remember! n
20 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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FEATURE
The Power of Speech!
pUBLIC SpEaKInG pROGRam pROmOTES pOISE & pROJECTIOn By melanie mcmahon, Director of Publications
Browning boys seem to possess a natural knack for speaking before large audiences, perhaps because the walls of this School often resonate with voices reciting great works. In an
T
annual rite of passage, Lower, Middle and Upper School students stand poised and prepared to disarm their parents and the entire Browning community as they compete in the Lyman B. Tobin Public Speaking Program, named for Browning’s third Headmaster. his year’s cover of the printed program listing
develop effective public speaking skills, to memorize a sig-
toonist Charles Shultz’s most beloved characters,
poem or piece of prose effectively, and to develop poise and
all Middle School participants depicted two of car-
Charlie Brown and Lucy. The text below the sketch
read as follows: “I have three hints for becoming a good
nificant piece of poetry or prose, to learn how to deliver a self-confidence speaking in front of an audience.
No doubt Mr. Tobin would be proud of this generation
speaker, Charlie Brown. You must know when to stand up,
of Browning public speakers. The boys’ eloquence and ability
say that any Browning boy of any age has absorbed this advice
competition and camaraderie, as contestants extend a pat on
when to speak up and when to shut up.” It is probably safe to
in some form or another in the weeks leading up to the speaking competition. As he takes his turn, without fail, each boy
makes eye contact with his audience and projects his voice to parents in the back row. So well trained is he that there is seldom a second’s hesitation (except if intentional) or nervous
pause, nary an eyeball roll to the ceiling or a panicked moment
of forgetfulness.
Even the youngest speaker has chosen well, whether he
recites a comedic poem or the words of a great statesman.
Born to the podium or not, by now poised and confident, each
boy speaks with just the right nuance, enunciation and ges-
ture. From humorous to heartbreaking, his spoken words, be
they poetry or presidential address, flow from memory.
Lyman B. Tobin, a Browning teacher for 34 years, be-
came Headmaster in 1948, and under his leadership, public
speaking was established as an essential element of a boy’s
education. Objectives of the program as it exists today are to 22 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
to memorize even the lengthiest excerpt makes for lively
the back or “high five” to their peers. As one might expect,
the boys can thank their teachers for preparing them so well. Each boy’s English teacher first approves his selection (a
Objectives of the program today are
to develop effective public speaking skills, to memorize a significant
piece of poetry or prose, to learn how to deliver a poem or piece of prose
effectively, and to develop poise and self-confidence speaking in front of an audience.
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FROM BROWNING STAGE TO FRONT STAGE Speaking Program Preps Boys for Life Beyond Browning This year’s first-place winner of the Lower School (3R) public speaking contest, Kai Cowin ’21, delivered the invocation at the Rotary meeting of the General Society of mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of new york in march. his invocation was an excerpt of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Inaugural address in 1933, the same winning speech he memorized and delivered later in april at Browning’s speaking competition. Kai spoke in front of nearly 100 people at the Rotary meeting, including his Excellency Charles antoine Forbin, Consul General of the Republic of haiti. Kai introduced himself with a firm handshake to the various dignitaries in attendance, including the former president of Rotary International, and even spoke a bit of French to the Consul General. (Browning recently introduced foreign language in the Lower School.) his speech was videotaped by the Consulate team covering the event for haiti, and many people asked his mother where he went to school! Kai was even featured in the Rotary news publication as the “Future Face of Rotary.” The future surely bodes well for Kai if the success of another Browning boy and public speaker, actor paul Dano ’02, is any indication. paul recently starred with Robert De niro in “Being Flynn,” based on nick Flynn’s memoir about working in a Boston homeless shelter and reencountering his Actor Paul Dano ’02 father, a con man and self-proclaimed poet. recently starred In march of 2008, with Robert De Niro The Hour, a norwalk, in the movie “Being Conn., newspaper, Flynn.” featured paul and his
Kai Cowin ’21, a third grade Browning boy who took first place (3R) in the spring Lower School speaking contest, delivered the invocation at the Rotary Meeting at the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York in March.
parents in an article by Frank macEachern. his mother told the reporter, “We are extremely proud and gratified [by paul’s] accomplishments.” The article added, “[She] pointed to the early education he received at The Browning School in manhattan, especially its emphasis on public speaking, as important to paul’s developing his gifts as an actor.” at the time the story ran, paul had just starred in the movie, “There Will Be Blood,” with Daniel Day-Lewis, who won an Oscar for his role in the film. at the age of 13, paul acted opposite George C. Scott and Charles Durning in “Inherit the Wind” on Broadway and has worked in numerous movies and plays ever since. prior to the current Lyman B. Tobin public Speaking program, the CookBrown public Speaking prize was awarded up until 1987. In fact, a plaque hanging not far from the headmaster’s
Office bearing the names of the winners indicates that the late Jeffrey a. moss ’59, founding head writer and composerlyricist for “Sesame Street,” was a three-time consecutive winner of the Cook-Brown prize in 1957, 1958 and 1959. mr. moss, whose best-known song may be “Rubber Ducky,” won 15 Emmys and was nominated for an academy award. Described by his agent as a “world-class perfectionist,” he surely delighted his audiences, whether they were Browning classmates or young television viewers. The School boasts a number of other alumni who have served in civic office (no doubt giving many a speech during their time at Browning and after), including Governor howard Dean ’66, Sargent Shriver ’34, U.S. Senator Claiborne pell ’36 and Governor averell harriman Class of 1909 (see page 39 for more on mr. harriman). –M.M. n
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THE POWER OF SPEECH
We chipped at it with chisels, But we didn't make a dent,
It appeared my mother's meat loaf Was much harder than cement.
Then we set upon the meat loaf With a hatchet and an ax,
But that meat loaf stayed unblemished and withstood our fierce attacks.
Excerpt from “My Mother Made a Meatloaf” by Jack Prelutsk, as recited by Jack Freiser ’20
poem or prose containing at least 14 lines), then offers strate-
dle Schools boys are required to learn and recite a poem or
recite his selections. Recitations should take between three to
judged by Middle and Upper School Browning teachers take
gies that will help him memorize, rehearse, interpret and
five minutes, and no microphones, visual aids, notes, props or costumes are allowed.
Judges are asked to consider the boys’ poise and facial
expressions, as well as the difficulty level of their chosen
selections. Projection, diction, vocal variety, timing and artic-
other text, leading up to the contest.) Preliminary rounds
place, with four finalists chosen from each of the two homerooms in these grades. Head of Lower School Laurie Gruhn
announced the outcome with winners honored at the annual Awards Assembly.
Interestingly, Middle School boys favored a few of
ulation are important, as well as emotional tone, imagination
the same texts as the Lower School speakers and, not
for overall body movement (does the speaker seem relaxed?)
speaking program later in April. Head of Middle School
and the general mood created by the recitation. Judges look and convincing gestures.
Posture and eye contact are crucial to creating a connec-
tion with the judges and general audience. Each boy is
surprisingly, displayed equal aplomb during their own
Chris Dunham reported the results, and winners received formal recognition in June.
As for the Upper School boys, as mentioned above, they
judged on the fluency of his recitation. A penalty may be im-
are not required to participate in the public speaking pro-
tion of his selection, unless outside interference is the cause.
These older boys are judged in two categories, Oral Interpre-
posed if a student freezes, needs to start over, or skips a porSixteen talented students participated in this year’s
Lower School contest in April, eight from the third grade and eight from the fourth grade. (The public speaking program is voluntary in the Upper School; however, all Lower and Mid24 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
gram but many deliberately decide to take on the challenge. tation and Original Oratory.
For the results of all three programs (Lower, Middle and
Upper School), please refer to the end-of-year prizes section in this issue. n
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When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the
bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand… and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960s, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all
made with typewriters, scissors and polaroid cameras… Stewart and his team put out several issues of The
Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words:
“Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.” It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.
and I have always wished that for myself. and now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you. Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.
Excerpt, Commencement Address at Stanford University by Steve Jobs, as recited by Oliver Obeid ’20 and Rohan Singh ’18
The Browning School deeply appreciates all those who served so graciously as judges of the various public speaking programs this past April and May. Thank you to the following: LOWER SCHOOL Chaz Foley, Director, Garden House School Wendy Levey, Director, Epiphany Community Nursery School Lynne Mueller, Director of Education, The International Preschools MIDDLE SCHOOL Michael Beys ’89, Alumni Council President Doug Davis, Middle School Teacher, St. Bernard’s David Trower, Headmaster, The Allen-Stevenson School UPPER SCHOOL Catherine Filloux, Playwright and Human Rights Activist William Reed ’85, Senior Account Director, Lamprey Systems, LLC
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 25
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SUMMER SOJOURNS
Each year, the Parents Association awards stipends to faculty members who apply for specific projects, such as summer travel, research or study. During the 2010-11 school year, 17 stipends were given. Each recipient writes an article for the Buzzer about his or her project; two faculty are featured in this issue.
T
ThE LanD OF FIRE, ICE anD REnEWaBLE EnERGy By Jeffrey martin, Science Teacher
his past summer I was given the opportunity to
visit Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Iceland is the
western most European country that sits just south of the Arctic Circle. Its size is 28% smaller than the
state of New York’s, and yet its population is only about onefifth the population of Manhattan. It is also one of the
youngest landmasses in the world, as it was formed roughly 20 million years ago through volcanic activity.
As Iceland is so young, it is still forming. It is one of the
most volcanically active spots on earth. The reason for this is that Iceland sits on the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the
energy sources are contributing to the rising concentrations
of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which in turn traps heat that normally radiates back out into space, warming up our planet. Rising temperatures cause climate change that will only accelerate if we do not alter the way we generate and use energy.
As a science teacher, I think a lot about our global
warming problem. I feel strongly that we are capable of
finding a scientific solution to this challenge. In Iceland, nearly 90% of all homes are heated using renewable
geothermal power, and 100% of their electricity is generated through renewable energy resources; 70% comes from
hydroelectric power and 30% geothermal. Can we learn from Iceland better ways to get our energy?
Geothermal energy (or heat inside the earth) is
Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are separating
considered a renewable resource not only because there is
from the earth’s hot core. As recently as 2010, Iceland
gas combined, but also because it is being generated from the
at a rate of about one inch per year, allowing lava to rise up experienced a large volcanic eruption under the
Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which shut down European air travel
for six days, and at least one of our students enjoyed an extra
much more heat energy in the earth than from oil, coal and
nuclear fission of radioactive elements within the earth. The
rate at which nuclear fission is generating heat is greater than
long Spring Break as a result.
The highlight of my trip was partaking in a five-day
horseback riding tour to view this glacier in Thórsmörk,
As a science teacher, I
one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, and it also
think a lot about our
wife and I, along with 16 others who were mostly European,
global warming problem.
horses with us so that we could switch horses and cover more
I feel strongly that we
which means “The woods of Thor.” Thórsmörk is considered
happens to be the home of the very same recent eruption. My rode through this beautiful wilderness. We took 36 Icelandic ground each day.
Part of my reason for visiting Iceland, other than to
experience its natural beauty, was because it is the cleanest
are capable of finding a
country in the world, energy-wise. In America, only about 9%
scientific solution to
comes mostly from oil, coal and natural gas. These “dirty”
this challenge.
of our energy comes from renewable resources. The rest 26 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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(Facing page): Geothermal power plant in Iceland; (below): science teacher Jeffrey Martin ponders global warming while enjoying Iceland’s beauty.
the rate we would ever be able to extract it. Once we run out of oil, coal and gas, however, then there will be no more of those fuel sources for us to use. Geothermal energy can be
used to heat water, which can either be piped through homes for hot water and heat or be converted to steam with enough pressure to rotate a turbine and generate electricity.
The reason Iceland is able to utilize this energy so readily
is because the heat energy available is so close to the surface of the earth due to the gap in the tectonic plates. For most places in the U.S., we would need to drill several miles
underground to reach this same energy. However, my hope
is that our creative young scientists and engineers will figure
out new techniques to access this heat and help to correct our man-made climate change.
The gas and oil industry has recently developed a new
drilling technique called hydrofracking, which allows access
to access our clean geothermal energy? This is our challenge.
York, Pennsylvania and a few other states in this region.
breathtaking views while riding my horse, Sopar, through
our generation, it is still nonrenewable, and it still emits
it. Many locals here still believe in trolls and elves or “hidden
to the very large Marcellus shale gas field deep below New Although this energy source gives us additional energy for
carbon dioxide. In addition, there are environmental concerns
with this new drilling technique. Toxic chemicals are used,
along with lots of high pressure water, to break through rock, and these chemicals could get into our water supply. Can our young scientists figure out a way to drill deep down in a
more environmentally friendly way and use this technology
These were some of the thoughts I had in between the
vast unspoiled wilderness. The land has a mythical quality to people.” I could see why, as the landscape merges with a wild and turbulent sky that makes one feel he is in J.R.R.
Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Even here, with no pollution to be found, the giant glaciers are receding at a rapid rate,
reminding me that there is nowhere on earth to escape from our man-made environmental challenges. n
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SUMMER SOJOURNS
mEETInG LIKE-mInDED COLLEaGUES In LOnDOn
T
By Janetta Lien, Science Teacher
annual Conference was held in London from July 10 to he International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC)
July 13, 2011. While I had always been aware of Browning’s
membership, this was the first time I participated in an IBSC conference. The IBSC is “dedicated to the education and
development of boys world-wide, the
professional growth of those who work with them, and the advocacy and the
advancement of institutions that serve them” (www.theibsc.org). In essence,
attending the conference felt very much like going to one of our faculty
meetings or being at a professional
The IBSC conference concluded with a visit to Eton College.
development day together, differing
only in the number and geographic
origin of attendees. The conversations that occurred in London echoed the
ones we have here at Browning: how do we provide the best education we can for the boys at our respective school(s)?
When I first received the conference materials, I was
slightly overwhelmed by the number of workshops offered. While it made sense for me to select workshops focused on science education, I figured that since I was attending an
international conference, it would be the perfect opportunity
This is the stuff conferences should be about, I thought— educators getting together and having frank and open conversations on how we can be effective at our schools. experience, where boys spent a term camping. Churchie
Grammar School (also in Australia) used the idea of service (the boys took turns shining shoes) to promote humility in
leadership. At The Allen-Stevenson School (not in Australia
but here in New York), one teacher developed a way for sixth grade boys to lead weekly advisory group discussions. I
enjoyed hearing about each school’s method and approach, all of which were shaped by each school’s culture.
The workshop that provided the most “food for thought”
to learn about the culture of boys schools all around the
for me was “Urban Literacy and the Urban Classroom:
and even emerged inspired from a couple.
presenters of this session, Ray Lewis and Ian Joseph, are
world. I ended up going to a rather eclectic mix of workshops I began by attending the Pre-Conference workshop with
Abigail James, where Ms. James presented ideas from her new book, Active Lessons for Active Brains: Teaching Boys and Other Experiential Learners, Grades 3-10. I knew of
Ms. James from one of Browning’s professional development
days. I have always been intrigued by her findings and
observations of teaching boys and was likewise impressed by the quality of her presentation at the IBSC conference.
I also attended several workshops on student leadership.
One school (Moreton Bay Boys’ College in Australia)
encouraged student leadership through the “Outback”
28 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Approaches for Preventing Problematic Behavior.” The
movers and shakers in the world of UK urban education.
These men are often called upon as advisors by Boris Johnson (the Mayor of London) for their experience with youths. An
idea that I kept hearing throughout the four days at the IBSC conference was that schools are increasingly getting
“feminized.” That is, many boys schools are having difficulty establishing even numbers of male and female teachers among their staff. During the presentation,
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Joseph lamented the lack of strong male examples in the lives of the boys, which they felt was
exacerbated by the “feminization” of the workplace. As a
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Science teacher Janetta Lien attended a summer conference in London to learn more about the culture of boys schools around the world.
woman teaching in an all-boys school, I was uncomfortable
personal levels because of our candid discussion. This is the
understood what and how they meant it, given the context of
together and having frank and open conversations on how we
with this comment. This was in spite of the fact that I
their work with inner city youths. I asked both gentlemen to
comment on how they viewed the role of women in the lives of the boys at all our schools.
An interesting discussion ensued among the attendees,
stuff conferences should be about, I thought–educators getting can be effective at our schools. I was grateful to have had the
opportunity to meet many like-minded colleagues, thanks to the Parents Association of Browning.
The IBSC conference culminated in a day trip to Eton
led in large part by Tony Little (the headmaster of Eton), who
College, where we were given a tour of the campus and a
discussion was the affirmation that all teachers and adults
headmaster then hosted a garden party, complete with tea
moderated the workshop. The mollifying part of the
played a role in the molding of children, regardless of gender,
race or other such factors. More significantly, I walked away from the meeting feeling fulfilled on both professional and
glimpse into the daily routine of an Eton boy. The
and scones. It was a lovely way to top off the conference, but I really wished I had packed my hat. n
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THE LOCAL BUZZ
The Local Buzz
BOyS STUDy BIRD mIGRaTIOn By EXpLORInG CEnTRaL paRK
R
oger Pasquier, a native New Yorker, former Director of Foundations for the National Audubon Society, Inc.,
and now “bird guide to the stars” (of sorts!) spoke to the fifth grade boys at Browning on April 23. He returned the next
day to guide them through Central Park for a closer look at some of their fine-feathered friends living in or passing through this area.
many bird species that live in or migrate through Central Park.
Mr. Pasquier has been speaking at the School for the past
in spotting and identifying birds, especially ones that we
Head of Middle School Chris Dunham notes that
seven years during the timeframe when boys are studying
the science unit on migration. “It just happens that spring is
We love going birding with him because he is quite the expert would normally overlook as we walk through Central Park!” Mr. Dunham described the loop that he, Mr. Pasquier
the best time of year to study bird migration in particular,
and his class made (similar to Ms. Seto’s), beginning with
many migrating birds that are drawn to this area located in
vatory Water, then the woodlands of The Ramble, stopping
and Central Park is a great place to do so. The park attracts the midst of so many buildings.”
Stephanie Seto and her class met first with Mr. Pasquier.
Ms. Seto described their venture in the park: “We saw a red-
bellied woodpecker, a downy woodpecker, a mourning dove building a nest, and grackles foraging for food. Mr. Pasquier answered all of our questions and helped us appreciate the 30 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
their walk up Fifth Avenue to the Park. They visited Conserfor a photo on the scenic Bow Bridge across The Lake, before walking past the Bethesda Fountain/Terrace and heading [Editor’s note: please visit the Browning website to view
www.browning.edu additional photos of many items in The Local Buzz.]
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home to Browning. They shook hands with Mr. Pasquier and
his mate and finding another, and, almost miraculously,
these two special days in April.
mate proximity with people.”
thanked him for the wealth of knowledge he imparted during The early highlights of the morning as they walked to
guiding a multi-generation family that could withstand intiChris Modica ’19, an avid birder, commented on the out-
the park were spying a bird in her “traffic light” nest and
ing: “As you would expect, we saw a lot of pigeons (rock
living on Fifth Avenue since the early 1990s. The PBS website
species! In my opinion, the coolest bird we saw was a black-
none other than the famous “Pale Male,” a red-tailed hawk
describes Pale Male as “daring,” adding, “Pale Male founded
a hawk dynasty on the ledge of a swanky high-rise overlooking Central Park… he became the main character in an un-
folding drama – mating, raising chicks on a precarious perch
and defending them against marauding crows, teaching his
offspring survival skills in a semi-natural environment, losing
doves), sparrows and starlings…a total of 16 different
crowned night heron sitting on a tree near Central Park Lake. We saw many other species such as a peregrine falcon, her-
ring gull, yellow rumped warbler, common grackle, mallard, cardinal, double crested cormorant and many more. There
have been over 250 species sighted in Central Park. We saw a wide variety, and it was a great day!” n
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 31
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THE LOCAL BUZZ GRyTTE TEam TOURS hEaRST TOWER
IN
March, the Browning Grytte newspaper team, along
with their faculty advisor, Jeremy Katz ’04, celebrated the
publication of their second issue with a trip to Hearst Tower on 300 West 57th Street. Mr. Katz reports that they met with Duncan
Edwards, president and CEO of Hearst International, who took time
to give the boys a history lesson on the development of Hearst Tower and answered some of their thought-provoking questions on the state of print in the digital age.
From there, the Grytte staff enjoyed a private tour of the building
with Rand Hendrix, international marketing director, who showed
the boys the gym facilities and introduced them to Simon Alexander, studio manager of Hearst Studio D, who explained how Hearst uses
the photography database; the App Lab, where the boys learned how Hearst utilizes social media to better determine ways to advertise to
their consumer base; and Good Housekeeping magazine’s Research Institute, where thousands of products are evaluated to determine
whether they receive the “seal of approval” and can be shown in the
pages of Good Housekeeping. The boys completed their tour by taking in the breathtaking views of Manhattan from the 45th floor.
CELEBRaTInG ThE FInaL ChapTER
H
eadmaster Clement’s Form VI Advanced Expository Writing class met
for the last time on February 16 over breakfast at the Knickerbocker Club.
Prior to the start of the class, the seniors heard from Director of Alumni Affairs
Laura Neller, Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase, Head of the
Upper School Jim Reynolds and Dean of Students Sam Keany. Ms. Neller captured the moment with photos.
Headmaster Clement teaches this half-credit course each fall to Form VI
boys in order to refine their college essay writing skills. Please refer to the Fall 2011 Buzzer, page 3, for his discussion of the class in greater detail. n 32 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
n
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ShaRInG ThE BaRD’S SEnSE OF hUmOR
“S
hakespeare’s funny?” Yes, apparently so,
according to English teacher
Kevin Dearinger who reports on a recent excursion: “If you have
only read the tragedies, and not read them closely, you might
think that Shakespeare’s plays are just about suffering and death in the fifth act. Forty Upper and Middle School boys from my
classes discovered on April 19, and on 42nd Street, that
Shakespeare’s comedies can be
very funny indeed. They attended the Theatre for a New Audience’s
production of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ at the Duke Theatre and laughed for two-and-a-half hours.”
Mr. Dearinger added, “Arin Arbus’s production was set at a farcical pace in the Wild West, all to the accompaniment of a saloon
piano. Shakespeare’s unflappable ‘Christopher Sly’ sat across the aisle from Christopher Haack (Form IV) and heckled the players of the play within the play. Petruchio and Katherine battled it out to great laughs and slyly negotiated their troubled partnership. The
play’s darker side, the attempt to subjugate women to the power of men, found ground for a satisfying, modern and deeply moving
truce. Special thanks to Ms. Suarez, Mr. Young and Mr. Katz for attending and smiling broadly with the rest of the Browning contingent. The blue blazers were at their best.” n
maKInG ThE mOST OF ThEIR mOCK TRIaL EXpERIEnCE
M
arcia Wallace, faculty advisor for Browning’s
Mock Trial Team, provided background on the team’s
endeavors as they entered competition earlier this year. “The
team began preparing back in October, and despite being young and quite inexperienced, the boys showed great enthusiasm and
promise. Katherine Weinhoff, our lawyer-coach, worked
tirelessly to hone the boys’ skills. Each trial was held downtown
at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Headmaster Clement
my hope is that they will come back next year even stronger as a
Ms. Wallace noted that the boys portrayed their roles
the building has been truly wonderful! Thank you for all of your
was present to cheer the boys on during their first round.”
convincingly and spoke with confidence and passion despite
what was “thrown” at them.
Though the team did not earn quite enough points to ad-
result. The future is very bright. The faculty’s enthusiasm around words of congratulations to me individually and to the members of the team. They feel very good about their accomplishments.”
Team members included Form VI: Brandon Valentin; Form
vance to the final rounds, Ms. Wallace could not have been more
IV: Peter Maguire, Tom McCormack and Leonard Page; Form III:
learned invaluable lessons from their experience this year, and
Valentin and Brendan Walsh. n
pleased with their efforts. “I am certain that the boys have
Brian Bermeo, Aadir Khan, Armaan Rawat, Dylan Rose, David
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 33
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THE LOCAL BUZZ RECORD nUmBER OF BOyS paRTICIpaTE In maTh COmpETITIOn
M
athematics teachers Judit Resika and Rebecca Vinsonhaler prepared a group of Upper School boys for the American
Mathematics Competitions (AMC) earlier in the school year. AMC 10, now in its 13th year, is designed for ninth and 10th graders, while AMC 12, in its 63rd year, is geared to 11th and 12th graders.
Ms. Resika noted that each Thursday morning, these dedicated
students met with their teachers to hone their math skills. Twenty boys
– a record number – sat for the 75-minute test which consists of 25 multiple choice problems. No calculators are allowed. “There were some
nice, tricky problems,” said Ms. Resika, who proudly announced the following results: AMC 12 School winner: Ben Jacobs; Second: Noah
Regen; Third: Greg Belgorod; AMC 10 School winner: Griffin Bassman; Second: Chris Haack; Third: Doug Belgorod. n
nO LOnGER mERE mORTaLS
IN
English class, all of whom have been studying
mythology this term, came to school as Greeks gods and heroes to celebrate the fourth annual Olympian Day. “Zeus, Ares, Poseidon, Hades, Hermes and Pan walked the halls among the
mortals of the Middle School,” said history teacher Mary Bosworth. “In class, the boys presented their costumes and their stories and at lunch, were
served an ambrosial repast, sometimes known in Elysium as ‘Brunch for Lunch.’ ” n
F
traveled to Black Rock Forest for an overnight visit in orm V boys in physics and chemistry classes
April. Accompanied by Mr. Martin, Mr. Reynolds and
Mr. Keany, they experimented with water turbines, water chemistry analysis and astronomy. The boys also studied the bio-engineering
concepts of form versus function with Black Rock Forest’s Director of Education Dr. Jeff Kidder.
Form I boys, along with Mr. Davis, Mr. Young and Mr. Dunham,
also spent two days in these same areas within the Hudson Highlands. Mr. Dunham reports that the group visited Black Rock Forest where they studied pond ecology and water health, went on a hike where they experienced a spring hailstorm(!), roasted marshmallows for
S’mores around a campfire, and then enjoyed a spectacular night hike
under the stars.
Both groups ventured from the forest to Storm King Art Center
where they turned their attention from science to art with equal enthusiasm. Please
refer to the Fine and Performing Arts section of this issue for details and photos, page 47. Form III students traveled to Black Rock Forest in early May for some
34 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
boys in sixth and
seventh grade and Form One
aRT anD SCIEnCE: a pERFECT COmBInaTIOn
scientific investigation of their own. n
late February, the
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FORm VI BOy IS FInaLIST FOR pRInCETOn pRIzE In RaCE RELaTIOnS
I
brahima “Ibi” Diallo ’12 was
recognized at an April reception with
a Certificate of Accomplishment as one of the New York State finalists for
Princeton University’s Princeton Prize in Race Relations, created to “recognize
and encourage young people who have made or are making efforts to improve racial harmony.” As the person who recommended him to the prize
(L to R): Director of Diversity Glenn Walker, James Adeleye ’12, Ibrahima “Ibi” Diallo ’12 and Elizabeth Suarez, Spanish teacher and advisor, at an April reception honoring Ibi.
committee, Upper School Head Jim Reynolds was asked to introduce Ibi at the ceremony attended by community members from Browning, including Director of Diversity Glenn Walker; Elizabeth Suarez, Ibi’s advisor, and James Adeleye, his classmate.
An excerpt of Mr. Reynolds’ comments follows: “The oldest of four children in a family with native West African parents, Ibi
came to Browning in Form I from Kappa Academy in the Bronx. Ibi was an immediate hit in the School. One need only experience his dazzling smile to understand why he would be embraced across the community. But as he developed over the next six years, his impact on the School took on a more serious and, frankly, more valuable aspect. Early on he joined the School’s Multicultural
Club and embraced its objectives. For the past five years, Ibi has been a catalyst for the School’s efforts to broaden the horizons of
all of its students… Ibi has been a leader. His experiences at the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conferences has given him the confidence that he is not alone in the fight for inclusion for all… While committed to his objectives, Ibi somehow found the time to
earn eight varsity letters playing soccer, basketball and running track. His academics have never fallen victim to his extracurricular pursuits. He was accepted to and will be attending Cornell University in the fall… Not a single one of his classmates will ever
doubt the capacity of a person of color to be intelligent, thoughtful and, ultimately, a person of humanity. It is through Ibi Diallo that many of his classmates see the wider world with eyes wide open.” n
BOyS paRTICIpaTE In pOETRy REaDInG anD COmpETITIOnS
IN
RECEIVE EnD-OF-yEaR hOnORS
April, Form VI boys Ben Altman-DeSole, Brady
Dale, Max Liu and John Scowcroft participated in
the 15th Annual Independent Voices poetry reading, held this year at the Upper East Side Barnes & Noble. English
teacher Kevin Dearinger reports: “Each of these boys read
(L to R): Ben Altman-DeSole, Max Liu, Brady Dale and John Scrowcroft
his own poem, and each presented his heart, soul and wit to
the audience with generosity, dignity, maturity, confidence
Ross and Tammy Grimes. The two boys received recognition, as well as a volume of Browning poetry and a cash prize, for
and intelligence. Truly, manly men write manly poetry. They were allowed to leave their blazers at home for this
traditionally casual event, but they were still clearly and unmistakably Browning gentlemen.”
Max and John were also honored by the Robert and
Elizabeth Browning Poetry Society of New York at a lunch-
eon in May. In attendance was Mr. Dearinger, their mentor, who reports: “Entertainment was provided by a number of
Broadway and cabaret stars, including K.T. Sullivan, Steve their outstanding work as student poets.”
Mr. Dearinger was also proud to announce the winners
of the Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Awards, including John Scowcroft ’12, Jay Hutzler ’16 and Jonathan Ziff ’20. The
Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Awards are given to students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools in memory of Betty Jean Johnson, a longtime Browning teacher in the Lower School who loved poetry and music. n
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 35
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THE LOCAL BUZZ
LOWER anD mIDDLE SChOOL BOyS COnTInUE TO SERVE COmmUnITy
O
ne of the goals of the Lower School this year was to increase community service efforts. To that end,
Browning’s Lower School boys sponsored the first-ever All
School Hoop-A-Thon this winter, which raised $5,406 to benefit
The Eagle Academy Foundation (see Spring Buzzer, page 44) and
a food drive in May.
Second grade teacher Rachel Gerber reports: “We were very
pleased to hold our first Lower School Food Drive to collect perishable food items for the Ronald McDonald House of New
York, May 7 to 11. The Ronald McDonald House program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay
close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child – not where they can
afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest.”
Middle School teacher John Carroll reports that in addition
to its annual Thanksgiving food drive, the Middle School Stu-
dent Council has since raised over $800 for the SNACK program for children with disabilities (organized by the mother of sixth
grader Andrew Ceonzo); raised $250 for the preservation of the
putees regain more mobility and independence than available to
oceanic biology program; raised over $800 for the “Wounded
O’Neil Foundation, an organization devoted to finding cures and
diminishing shark population through the University of Miami’s Warriors” project, a group of medical professionals dedicated to
finding new treatment for previously fatal combat brain injuries, as well as developing new devices and treatments to help am-
wounded veterans in earlier wars; raised $600 for the Michelle
treatments for cancers of adolescents, and also aided Mr. Dun-
ham in efforts toward studying and improving the environment and other worthy causes such as the ASPCA. n
FORm II EXpLORES naTIOn’S CapITaL
H
ead of Middle School Chris Dunham, along with
teachers John Young and Elizabeth Suarez, accompanied the
Form II boys on a spring tradition, the annual trip to the nation’s
capital, Washington, D.C. The group stayed for two nights, taking
in the major sights of this beautiful and historic city, including one
of its newer offerings – the Newseum.
Among the highlights of the trip were a tour of the White
House grounds, Holocaust Museum, Capitol building, Air and
Space Museum, National World War II Monument, Lincoln
Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Besides their sightseeing adventures, the boys enjoyed several
rounds of Frisbee, one on the National Mall and another near the Washington Monument, currently closed for renovation.
They also had a great time at a Washington Nationals game before heading back to Browning. n 36 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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EXChanGInG namES anD KnOWLEDGE
A
group of French students (sporting blue scarves in these photos) and teachers paid a visit to the School in May where
they met Browning boys who are studying the French language.
Under the direction of Chair of Modern Languages Meg Ryan, the two groups introduced themselves by interviewing one another,
playing games of knowledge and seeing some of the iconic sights of
the Big Apple. Later that same week, they traveled together to West Point where they met with Cadet James Lough and Major Scott
Handler, a professor in the International Relations department of this famed U.S. Military Academy. n
CORRECTION The sentence on page 59 of the Spring Buzzer that read, “The collection is very accurate; when Van Gogh became bankrupt, the items were catalogued in order to sell and pay off his debt,” should have referred to Rembrandt, as the collection was housed within his studio, not Van Gogh’s. Our apologies to the author, Nik Vlahos, Art Department Chairman.
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 37
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THE LOCAL BUZZ
LOWER SChOOL BOyS pRESEnT SCIEnCE EXhIBITIOn
L
ower School boys proudly presented their science projects to parents in May
during the annual Science Exhibition. Crystals, telephones and sharks were but a few of the topics explored by the students, who
formulated a hypothesis about a particular subject they are interested in and then practiced using scientific inquiry and
experimentation to prove their theories – right
or wrong. The boys, sporting buttons that read “Browning Scientist, Lower School Exhibition 2012,” were more than happy to explain what they had accomplished. n
nEIThER RaIn nOR SnOW hInDERS ThEIR TaSK
F
irst grade boys studied a unit on the U.S. Post Office in May and, as
part of their studies, delivered letters
throughout the school. Teacher Chelsea
Rossman explained, “This project is one
of our highlights of the year! The post
office ran for two weeks, with members of the Browning community sending letters to students and teachers. A
mailbox was located in between the two first grades so letters could be placed in
it throughout the days of the project.
First graders had fun delivering mail to
classrooms each afternoon.” –M.M. n 38 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
photograph by michael Geissenger
From the Archives While perusing archival student records this past spring, Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase discovered that William Averell Harriman attended The Browning School and was a member of the Class of 1909. A U.S. statesman during World War II, Mr. Harriman was born in New York Ambassador Averell Harriman and President Lyndon B. Johnson, White House Oval Office, November 2, 1967
City on November 15, 1891, and died in Yorktown
T
Heights, N.Y., on July 26, 1986. He was instrumental in leading U.S. diplomacy efforts with the Soviet Union during World War II and the Cold War period following World War II. The following biography of Mr. Harriman is courtesy of Encyclopædia Britannica.
he son of the railroad magnate E.H. Harriman,
W. Averell Harriman began his employment with the Union Pacific Railroad Company in 1915; he
served as chairman of the board from 1932 to 1946.
During the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, he was an
officer of the National Recovery Administration, and during
1940-41 served with the National Defense Advisory Commission and its successor agency, the Office of Production
Management. In 1941 President Roosevelt sent him to Britain
and the Soviet Union to expedite U.S. lend-lease aid. He then
served as U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union (1943 to 1946), ambassador to Great Britain (April to October 1946), and secretary of commerce (1947 to 1948).
From 1948 to 1950, Mr. Harriman was special U.S. repre-
sentative in Europe to supervise administration of the European Recovery program; in 1950 he was named special
assistant to the president and in 1951 director of the Mutual Se-
curity Agency. He was twice unsuccessful in his attempt to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency (1952 and 1956).
Governor of New York from 1954 to 1958, Mr. Harriman
lost the position to Nelson A. Rockefeller. [Note: Nelson’s fa-
1963. During that period,
he advocated U.S. support of a neutral government in Laos and helped to negotiate the Nuclear
Test-Ban Treaty. Under President Lyndon B.
Johnson, Harriman served as ambassador-at-large and
headed the U.S. delegation to the Paris peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam (1968 to 1969).
ther, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., graduated from Browning in 1893.]
He retired in 1969 (though he remained active in foreign
tant secretary of state for Far Eastern affairs from 1961 to
Henry Cabot Lodge. n
Mr. Harriman served as President John F. Kennedy’s assis-
affairs in an unofficial capacity) and was replaced by
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 39
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ATHLETICS
Athletics
aT
VaRSITy BaSEBaLL SpRInGS ahEaD In FLORIDa the beginning of Spring Break, the varsity baseball
team headed to Florida to participate in their fifth annual
spring training trip at the Florida Coast Baseball Camp. Along with
30 other high school and developmental teams from North America, the Panthers invaded Fort Pierce for four days of baseball on
perfectly manicured diamonds. During the trip, the team held
several practices and batting cage sessions to tune up for pre-season games against four regional opponents, including Ontario Blue Jays (Canada), Newark Academy (N.J.), Gil St. Bernard’s (N.J.) and
Princeton Day School (N.J.). The Panthers captured a thrilling 10-9 win over Gil St. Bernard’s in a night game played under stadium lights at the Lawnwood Athletic Complex.
40 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
n
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panThERS EXCEL In VaRSITy TRaCK anD TEnnIS
BROWnInG WInS FIRST TRaCK TITLE; TEnnIS TEam REpEaTS aS nyCaL ChampS
C
Bernard and michael Klein oaches Dominique
are proud to say that the
Panthers are champions this past spring season! Coach
Bernard described the exciting
scene at Astoria Park during the
NYCAL varsity track championship: “Indeed, against all
Coach Klein submitted this recap of their winning
expectations in view of our previous mediocre performance
afternoon on the court: “The Panthers repeated as undefeated
J. Pelz brilliantly won the 4x100. Several minutes later, our
with a score of four matches to one at the National Tennis
in this first event, the quartet Dunn, Monteverde, Harvard and
strong 4X800 team of Johnson, Haack, Brisotti and Gabrellian placed second, raking in six more points in the general
classification. With poise and determination, junior Wilfred
Wallis chalked up the 800, and senior Daighn Dunn won the
gold in the long jump. Haack, Brisotti, Gabrellian, Johnson,
Harvard, Pelz, Wallis and Monteverde gleaned several
precious points in the 3200, 1600, 200, 400 and 4X100, bringing to completion the first-ever track title for The Browning School! This will be a day long remembered!”
NYCAL League champions after winning against Trevor Day Center in Flushing, Queens. Highlights of the season include #3 singles player/Form III student Del Schunk finishing with an undefeated record (4-0), and #1 doubles team of seniors
Harrison Messer (team captain) and Brian Tudor also finish-
ing undefeated in league play (4-0). Equally impressive is the way all the team members handled themselves during our matches throughout the season, respecting the game as Browning gentlemen would.”
Players and coaches wish to thank the Browning
community for their support all season. Go, Panthers! n ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 41
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ATHLETICS
D
haVInG a REaL FIELD Day!
irector of Physical Education Patricia Zuener reported that buses rolled away from Browning as
scheduled, bound for Randall’s Island where the Middle and
Upper Schools enjoyed Field Day, a much-anticipated annual
event. New to the offerings this year was a relay race, “Race Through the Ages,” which included boys from all grades
(5 through Form VI) comprising a relay team.
Spirited contests in baseball, tug-of-war, track, softball,
polo, football and soccer offered something for everyone. The
day concluded with a softball game between volunteering fac-
ulty and Form V and VI students. Ms. Zeuner noted that Field Day is such a success because of the enthusiastic faculty who
lend a hand each year.
n
42 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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C
7-8 BaSEBaLL TEam TaKES LEaGUE ChampIOnShIp
team: “The Form I and II baseball team finished up the regular season by defeating Trevor Day 8 - 4 oaches Aaron Grill and Matt Brown submitted the following news about their winning
in a thriller. With the win, Browning became outright League Champions! The game went back and forth with Trevor taking the lead several innings and the Panthers always responding with a rally. Trevor Day
came back to tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the last inning, forcing an extra inning. Browning
responded by scoring four runs in the top of the sixth (extra) inning. Trevor Day could not respond in the
bottom of the sixth, as Will Jacob honed his pitching and overpowered most of their hitters. Honorable
mentions go to Harry Calianese going three for four at bat, and Will Jacob for hitting a homerun in a field
with no fence; he hit it far and ran really fast around the bases!” n
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FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
SaRCOphaGI, SELFpORTRaITS anD mORE aT annUaL aRT ShOW
T
work from students in grades K-12 is an ideal he 2012 Browning Art Show featuring
venue for showcasing the talent of students from every grade level and is itself a portrait of the
creativity present at Browning, according to art Department Chairman nik Vlahos.
During the parent/Son Breakfast and art
Show viewings throughout march, parents and their sons admired the artwork by Browning’s
talented boys. From sarcophagi to self-portraits,
mugs to makerBot chairs, paintings and prints to papier-
mâché animals, the range of expression drew “oohs and ahs” from viewers who appreciated the art accomplished at every
level. mr. Vlahos and fellow art teacher zach Davis enjoyed
meeting with parents who, in turn, extended their thanks for the fine teaching that occurs throughout the year. n
aRT appRECIaTIOn aT ThE aRmORy
a
that fourth grade art students enjoyed a spring trip rt Department Chairman Nik Vlahos reports
to The armory Show at piers 92 and 94, where 228 dealers presented artworks in two different sections, one devoted to 20th century art, the other to 21st. The boys met with
several Browning parents who arranged for the visit and
spoke to the students when they arrived. Chuck newman arranged for the boys’ entrance and gave all of them a
catalogue, while andrew Freiser provided the boys with a personal tour.
an added feature of the outing was the opportu-
nity to meet two Browning alumni (pictured here in group photo, top row, far left), paris
Ionescu ’05 and max Levai ’06, director of the gallery, marlborough Chelsea. The New York
Times featured max in its march 8 edition (please turn to page 79 to read an excerpt). n 44 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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In
BOyS EXCEL aT FREnCh ThEaTER FEST
festival organized by the Lycée Français in new york. Their task was to present a short play of
March, Form II French students participated in the traditional Middle School theatre
five to eight minutes focused on the 2012 theme of "Retrouvailles" (reunion).
French teacher Dominique Bernard reports the following: "Form II French students have been
participating in this event since 2003, and I have to say that they have always performed very well. The boys have been working hard and were well prepared to walk in the footsteps of their elders. The auditorium was packed and quite impressive. The boys did really outstanding work, and numerous parents attending the event had every reason to be proud of their children. George Sanchez ’16 received the only
individual trophy
for best male actor.
Congratulations to the
Form II French class for such good work and great enthusiasm!" n
BLUE hILL TROUpE pERFORmS “TRIaL By JURy”
T
and singing, entertained at The Browning School in February, presenting a
he Blue Hill Troupe, a group of volunteers who share a love of theater
spirited performance of “Trial by Jury” by Gilbert & Sullivan. according to the
group’s website, “Every year since 1924, the Blue hill Troupe has come together for a season of revelry celebrating its three great passions: theater, charity and
friendship. The troupe’s efforts are rooted in a tradition of performing a high-
quality Gilbert & Sullivan operetta each spring, a Broadway musical each fall, and several concerts around the city every winter. Over the years, these combined
efforts have raised over three million dollars in net proceeds that have been given annually to various diverse new york City-based charities.”
“Trial by Jury” is a one-act comic opera first produced in 1875 at Lon-
don’s Royalty Theatre, where it received critical acclaim and ran for 131 performances. Based on a satire concerning a “breach of promise of marriage” lawsuit, the opera – with its lively singing and acting – drew smiles and laughs from even the youngest Browning boys. n
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 45
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FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
BOyS EXpLORE ChELSEa GaLLERIES In maRCh
a
STaGE EXhIBIT OF ThEIR OWn In may rt Department
Chairman Nik Vlahos
reports that before Spring Break, he treated his Form VI painting class to a field trip. The boys enjoyed their venture to Chelsea where they viewed
artwork in a number of art galleries located there. The trip coincided with Browning’s own annual art show, affording yet another opportunity to appreciate art in its many forms.
Beginning in early May, these senior boys staged an exhibit of their
personal paintings at Browning. Mr. Vlahos noted, “For this project, they stretched and prepared their own canvas and were given the task of
interpreting an image or images to create a painting. They were free to interpret the images in many ways and to be inspired by other artists’
‘styles’ or specific works. Memories, favorite places, emotions and a direct translation of a Marsden Hartely painting were represented in the exhibit. The boys have brought together all the skills gained this year to create these works.” n
h
morning of March 15, the very first group of Lower School
and pastries) proved a great way to start the day!
up his own love for toaster pastries and solve the crime, but
BOyS pERFORm “BaLLaD OF ThE BREaKFaST BanDIT” ead Librarian Sarah Murphy directed a play by a
group of Lower School students, much to the delight of all
those in the audience. Cast members proved talented in learning
their lines and delivering them with just the right comedic flair.
A morning filled with laughter (along with thoughts of strudel Ms. Murphy, who later received a bouquet of flowers
from her appreciative cast, reports in dramatic detail: “On the 46 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Drama Club members stepped into the Wild West with their
world premiere production of ‘Ballad of the Breakfast Bandit.’ A pop-tart thief is on the loose, and Sheriff Strudel is out to
catch him. With his Deputy's help, the Sheriff had better give things get complicated when Cowboy Jack wanders back to this one-horse town.” n
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DaLI In DETaIL…In SpanISh!
S
Elizabeth Suarez reports panish teacher
that in april, she and her
Spanish IV class enjoyed a
field trip to the museum of modern art (moma).
accompanying the group
was art teacher zach Davis
who provided a guided tour in Spanish focused on
Salvador Dali’s work, “The
persistence of memory,” part of the moma collection. One of Dali’s most famous
paintings, “The persistence of
memory” has been a constant source of conversation among art historians and Dali fans, as well as physicists, psychologists and other scholars, since its debut.
F
n
aRTISTS anD SCIEnTISTS
Rock Forest for an overnight visit in april (see page 34 for details)
orm V boys in physics and chemistry classes traveled to Black
and also explored nearby Storm King art Center and its many
outdoor artworks.
The perfect spring weather added to the joy of viewing
sculptures from numerous artists including Calder, Goldsworthy,
huan, Lichtenstein and Kadishman, among many others.
Form I boys also spent two april days in these same areas within
the hudson highlands. Students took their knowledge and
creative vision into Black Rock Forest where they created art from material in the natural surroundings. among the
faculty on the trip was art teacher zach Davis. Once the boys left the forest and arrived at Storm King art Center,
mr. Davis presented a workshop on sculptor andrew Goldsworthy and his well-known work, “Storm King Wall,”
which the boys were fortunate to view. n
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FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
B
BOyS ShInE In SpRInG mUSICaLS “wowed” their audience of parents rowning’s first grade boys
and community members in april
when they presented a play based on
Strega Nona, an original tale written and illustrated by Tomie depaola. Their
teachers, margaret Epstein and Chelsea Rossman, could not have been prouder of the boys’ efforts.
not content to merely speak their
lines, they broke into song to the tune of “That's amore.” Browning’s head Chef Cecilie Clark even got into the act with a cameo appearance, hefting a large
pasta pot and twirling a whisk, much to the delight of the boys.
Just one week later, the third grade
boys presented a play, “Can you handle
It? The Life and Times of George Frideric
handel,” based on the celebrated com-
poser. Their teachers, Susan Kehoe and
Kaitlin Rorick, noted that the program
rest of the boys in Lower School.
brought to life the man behind the music.”
may. “antarctic antics,” a play inspired
complemented the boys’ study of various composers in music class: “The play
(no doubt their handsome “wigs” rein-
forced handel’s image!) The boys ended with their own unique rendition of handel's “hallelujah” chorus.
Lower School music teacher Lucy
Warner took a bow for all her hard
work teaching the boys their music and raising enthusiasm for each of these fine productions.
The fourth grade boys also “got
into the act” as well, presenting “King austin and the abbot of Canterbury”
in may. The colorful stage set and lively music made for a memorable perform48 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
ance for their parents, teachers and the
Finally, hats were off to the
youngest Browning boy “hatchlings” in by the “penguin poems” of Judy Sierra, was presented by pre-primary classes,
much to the delight of parents and the Browning community. Six scenes, in-
cluding the Introduction, antarctic anthem, a hatchling’s Song, my Father’s Feet, I am Looking for my mother and
Diary of a Very Short Winter Day, along with an original song, “Go, penguins!” by ms. Warner, made for a uniquely
warm antarctic adventure! afterward, the audience enjoyed a slide show of the many “Kodak moments” experienced by the boys during their very first year at Browning. n
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UppER SChOOL ThESpIanS STaGE “ThE nERD”
U
By Robert heilberg ’16
sixth grader and girls from the professional
pper School boys, as well as a Browning
performing arts School, performed Larry Shue’s “The nerd” – described as “one of the funniest
plays ever written” – in early may. First presented by the milwaukee Repertory Theatre and then
produced in Great Britain, “The nerd” eventually
went on to Broadway. The plot focuses on a young
architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. The visitor, who
definitely outstays his welcome, is an inept nerd with few
social graces or tact.
head of Upper School Jim Reynolds said, “One wonderful aspect of the Upper School
production of ‘The nerd’ was the fact that the Browning actors in the play represented all of the
Upper School forms and the sixth grade. They included matthew marani ’12, Colin Carter ’13,
Leonard page ’14, Brendan Walsh ’15 and Connor medland ’18. This breadth of participation bodes
well for Browning’s future Upper School productions.”
When “The nerd” first premiered, The Milwaukee Tribune called it “a spring tonic of side-bruising
laughter.” Judging by the reaction of the Browning audience, “The nerd” continues to live up to
its reputation! n
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PRIZE DAY AND GRADUATION 2012
50 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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On June 6 at Christ Church, the Class of 2012 graduated from The Browning School. Guest speaker at Browning’s graduation exercises was alumnus Christopher S. Gray ’68, who writes an architectural column for The New York Times titled ”Streetscapes,” which just celebrated its 25th anniversary. He is pictured here with Headmaster Clement. In 1975 Mr. Gray founded the Office for Metropolitan History, specializing in research on New York City buildings and generating reports for engineers, architects, lawyers and anyone interested in the evolution of New York’s built environment. Mr. Gray was a student at Browning for five years. In the week leading up to graduation, the Lower, Middle and Upper School boys participated in various accolades and closing ceremonies. Congratulations to all the prize winners listed on the next pages, and best of luck to the Class of 2012!
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PRIZE DAY AND GRADUATION 2012 pRIzE Day: JUnE 5, 2012 Scholars Award
ACADEMIC AWARDS Awarded to students with the highest GPA in Form VI and Form II Winner of Form VI Scholars Award: James R. Brisotti
Winner of Form II Scholars Award: Liam S. Kerwin
National Merit Scholarship Program
Certificate of Merit is awarded to a student who has advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program of 2012 by demonstrating through distinguished performance high potential for future academic accomplishment. James R. Brisotti
AWARDS BY ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE The Davis Prize for Excellence in English ENGLISH
The Form II English Prize is awarded to a Form VI Student in memory of the three Jason Bader Davis brothers, John ‘17, Basil ‘21 and Neville ‘23.
The Mayflower Compact Award - Form V For proficiency in the study of History of the United States and understanding of the Constitution. michael J. Gabrellian
The William R. Root, Jr. Memorial Award - Form II
Named for a former faculty member and history scholar, this award is presented for outstanding Achievement in American History in Form II. Jacob S. Spiegel Liam S. Kerwin
Daughters of the American Revolution (presented by marge Bloch)
Recognizes honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism. Ryan p. parcells andrew B. medland
Society of Colonial Wars Award
(presented by Jeffrey B. Ferris) Presented to a Middle School boy who has demonstrated outstanding knowledge of and interest in the pre-1775 colonial period. Luke E. Barba
FOREIGN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
John E. Scowcroft, Jr.
The Harry E. Ward, Class of ‘44, Language Awards
Liam S. Kerwin
Form VI French
Form II English Prize
The Lawrence Lee Scott Award - Form V HISTORY
Awarded to the student of United States History who submits the best historical writing judged by its originality and research. Benjamin D. Jacobs
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Advanced Spanish Remy n. Fortin Form II Latin
FORM II LANGUAGE PRIZES michael L. zuppone, Jr. andrew B. medland Form II French
Jacob S. Spiegel
Form II Spanish Liam S. Kerwin
michael L. zuppone, Jr. Form VI
THE NATIONAL LATIN EXAM Cum Laude
Remy n. Fortin Form V
Maxima cum Laude
Benjamin D. Jacobs
Kyle C. Johnson
George Sanchez Jacob S. Spiegel Cum Laude
andrew Blum adam Brown
harry Calianese Julian Orillac
alec Segalman Form I
Certificate of Merit George D. allen Luke E. Barba
Ryan T. Olson
Ethan L. parisier THE NATIONAL FRENCH EXAM
adam C. Brown
Form III
Diego a. Lopez-Liranzo armaan Rawat
Ibrahima D. Diallo
Form VI Spanish
Jay V. hutzler
Maxima cum Laude
Christopher m. haack
Lodovico h. De Boni
Jonathan E. pelz
Magna cum Laude
Summa cum Laude
Cum Laude
Established prizes for Classical and Modern Languages
Form VI Latin
aris J. Kalogerakis
This year, Elementary French and French I students participated in the National French Exam. The following students scored in the top 20 percent of the thousands of students nationwide who took the test.
Form IV
Magna cum Laude
Jonathan E. pelz
Maxima cum Laude
Kevin a. Centeno Cum Laude
Brendan D. Walsh Form II
Summa cum Laude
michael L. zuppone, Jr.
andrew J. Bendo andrew Blum
anthony K. Carrasco Caleb a. Cohen
norman Delgado
Tristan m. hughes
William L. Jacob, IV philippe a. Laffont Ethan L. parisier
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The following five boys scored in the top 10 percent. All five were invited to be honored for their excellence on the Grand Concours at a special ceremony on Thursday, June 7, at the Lycée Français of New York.
Form I
George Sanchez
MATH
andrew B. medland Raphael m. Russo alec L. Segalman Jacob S. Spiegel
The National Spanish Exam Oro (Gold = 1st Prize) Form III
Brian W. Bermeo
Plata (Silver = 2nd Prize) Form I
George D. allen Luke E. Barba alec R. Siden
Bronce (Bronze = 3rd Prize) Form III
Brendan D. Walsh Form II
august van D. Chapin Christopher J. Childs Terrell G. Edwards Jake E. Germano
alexander I. Kattan The Form VI Mathematics Award
is awarded to a Form II student who has best demonstrated sustained excellence in mathematics during his time in the Middle School. adam C. Brown Liam S. Kerwin
American Mathematics Competitions 12 (Form V and VI)
School Winner
noah S. Regen
Form VI
Second Place
Form IV
Third Place
aaron z. parisier
Participation
aadir a. Khan
Ibrahima D. Diallo
michael adeleye
aniekeme I. akpan Form III
Lorenzo n. mezzatesta David y. Valentin Form II
aris J. Kalogerakis Julian J. Orillac
Christopher m. haack
Participation
Benjamin D. Jacobs
Remy n. Fortin
Clovis Q.F.E Ogilvie-Laing
School Winner
The Form II Mathematics Prize
James R. Brisotti
Ryan T. Olson
Honor (Honorable Mention)
Griffin a. Bassman
is awarded to students who participate and excel in the American Mathematics Competition.
is awarded to a Form VI student who has best demonstrated sustained excellence in Upper School mathematics study.
michael L. zuppone, III Form I
ART
Second Place
is awarded to students who participate and excel in the American Mathematics Competition.
Liam S. Kerwin
American Mathematics Competitions 10 (Form III and IV)
Gregory a. Belgorod alexander J. Bendo Colin p. Carter
aisara Chansakul
John adam plenge
philip n. a. van Scheltinga Kevin Wu
Douglas m. Belgorod Third Place
Brian W. Bermeo
andrew E. Davis
Diego a. Lopez-Liranzo a. Leonard page armaan Rawat
Christopher m. Stephens Brendan D. Walsh
American Mathematics Competition 8 First Place
michael L. zuppone, Jr.
The Joyce R. Miller Art Award
is awarded to a Form VI member of the Studio Art Group who displays technical ability and outstanding creativity. The Class of 1970 Visual Arts Award
is endowed by a graduation gift from the Class of 1970. This award is presented each year to a Form VI member of the Studio Art Club. The student must have distinguished himself by either exhibiting outstanding artistic ability, or displaying tremendous growth in his artistic ability over his years at Browning. Jonathan E. pelz The Ceramics Award
is presented to a Studio Art II student exhibiting outstanding ability in both areas of Ceramic technique: wheel and handwork. Farouk O. Oni The Form II Art Prize
adam C. Brown
is awarded each year to the Form II student who has consistently excelled in creative ability, effort and conduct in art class years at Browning. andrew J. Bendo
Participation
The Grade 5 Art Award
Second Place
Liam S. Kerwin Third Place
Terrell G. Edwards George D. allen
Christopher J. Childs Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award adam B. nebenzahl SCIENCE
The Class of 1960 Science Award for Form VI James R. Brisotti
The Form II Science Prize Jacob S. Spiegel
harry a. Calianese
The Grade 5 Art prize goes to the fifth grade boy who displays passion, creativity, and responsibility in the art room all year long. Kenneth R. Daniel, III The Grade 6 Art Award
The Grade 6 Art prize goes to the sixth grade boy who displays passion, creativity, and responsibility in the art room all year long. David J. Eisman
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PRIZE DAY AND GRADUATION 2012 The Frank E. Cirillo Memorial Music Award MUSIC
was created by former Browning teacher Francesca Smith in honor of her father, director of a music school in Brooklyn. It is awarded to the Chorus student who is punctual, hardworking and dedicated to his craft. aisara Chansakul The Upper School Award for Excellence in Music is presented to an Upper School student who has shared unselfishly his love for music with the Browning community. James R. Brisotti
John E. Scowcroft. Jr.
The Middle School Award for Excellence in Music is presented to a Middle School student who has shared unselfishly his love for music with the Browning community. George Sanchez
Students nominated by the faculty display high standards in these areas: promptness, neatness, respect, scholarship, sportsmanship, integrity, and cooperation. CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
Form VI
James B. adeleye
andrew m. amarosa James R. Brisotti
aisara Chansakul, Jr. Ibrahima D. Diallo Ryan p. Flynn
Remy n. Fortin
nicholas W. hexner Kyle C. Johnson max C. Liu
matthew m. marani
nathaniel L. monteverde
Clovis Q.F.E. Ogilvie-Laing Christopher m. pelz Jonathan E. pelz
John E. Scowcroft Oliver J. Shawn
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Form V
Form II
Grade 5
Jeremy Chen
andrew Blum
William p. Endres
Gregory a. Belgorod alexander J. Bendo
michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs matthew J. Lippa zachary J. magill
morgan a. miller Efrain morales
adam B. nebenzahl paul E. pricop
noah S. Regen
Lucas m. Schwartz Wilfred O. Wallis Kevin Wu Form IV
aniekeme I. akpan Isaac F. Barrezueta
Lamberto a. De Boni Conor F. Dietzgen
michael E. Florentino
Christopher m. haack Thomas mcCormack aaron z. parisier Jack F. Reiss
Spencer a. Reuben
Christopher m. Stephens
philip n. a. van Scheltinga W. Thomas york, III Form III
Douglas m. Belgorod andrew E. Davis
norman Delgado Sumner p. Erbe
peter V. Florescu
alexander m. Gottdiener Christopher D. Keyko aadir a. Khan
Diego a. Lopez-Liranzo alexander makkos armaan Rawat Dylan S. Rose
Christopher W. Russo David y. Valentin Edwin h. Wallis
Brendan D. Walsh
awentirim E. abaatu andrew J. Bendo adam C. Brown
harry a. Calianese Jay V. hutzler
Brandon J. Keno Liam S. Kerwin
andrew B. medland Julian J. Orillac
Ryan p. parcells Del T. Schunk
Jacob S. Spiegel
Dylan a. Springer
nicholas a. Warner
michael L. zuppone, Jr. Form I
George D. allen Luke E. Barba
Christopher J. Childs Terrel G. Edwards
William h. Graham
alexander I. Kattan
Kenneth E. mazzaro Ryan T. Olson
Ethan L. parisier alec R. Siden
Luke X. Spellman Logan m. Stark Grade 6
Julien D. anavian
Sebastian E. Baquero andrew J. Ceonzo David J. Eisman
Theodore I. Florescu
Jaime Gomez-Sotomayor-Roel George p. Grimbilas
Takayuki m. Ishikawa Connor p. medland marwan S. nsouli Charles W. pink
philip a. Raftopoulos Jackson S. Richter
Caleb h. Sussman
Lucas a. Coffey
Christopher T. Elwell michael J. Kassis
nicholas V. Lionti
patrick W. mcallister alexander S. motz
maxmillian a. motz Charles J. Olson
Sebastian p. Rodriguez
David m. h. Wilkerson Grade 4
maxwell a. Beem hugh T. Chapin Ryan T. Eagan
Logan T. Flynn Jack E. Freiser
William J. hatfield
alexander F. Kwok
Reinhardt n. Landsberg alexander J. Liptak Sharif S. nsouli Oliver Obeid
maxwell L. Schiffer Grade 3
alex J. Barr
Skyler C. Bell
William C. Bousquette Fazeel a. Khan
Christian E. Kim
Dylan m. Landsman Jacob n. Lassner Kyle T. Liptak
William D. mazzaro
David m. monasebian
alexander Raftopoulos hercules p. Sotos Dylan C. Steck
akshay D. Swani zach Weitzen
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Grade 2
Form V
William B. Clarke
miles a. Collins
Julian J. Baquero John F. Brown
harrison D. Clyde
Jonathan J. Davidoff nicholas B. Dingle Douglas C. Forbes Jose E. Garcia
Cole h. Goltflety
Sacha m. Greenberg andrew R. hatfield Kabir J. Kurani
Colin a. mandl-Ciolek Spencer D. meyers Teymour S. nsouli William K. Rich
Benjamin S. Schiffer Evan K. Thomas
GROUP AWARDS The Browning Key Society members are selected by the administration to represent Browning in welcoming and touring Admissions visitors and in hosting school events. Membership recognizes punctuality, neatness (consistently in dress code), cooperation (attention is paid to detentions), and integrity (each application is endorsed by a faculty member, their advisor, and a Form V member of the Key Society). The following Key Society members should be recognized for their contributions during this school year: KEY SOCIETY
Form VI
James B. adeleye
andrew m. amarosa Brennan K. Bassman Ibrahima D. Diallo
alexander J. Bendo Colin p. Carter
michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs matthew J. Lippa zachary J. magill
adam B. nebenzahl paul E. pricop
Lucas m. Schwartz Wilfred O. Wallis Kevin Wu
The following students have been selected as new members of the Key Society. Each boy received his Key Society lapel pin to recognize his induction into the society: Kevin a. Barbosa Ralph O. harvard, IV Jacob n. King Juan pablo Llamas-perochena peter L. V. maguire Thomas mcCormack Spencer a. Reuben Christopher m. Stephens philip n. a. van Scheltinga alexander K. R. Wisowaty Walter T. york III In recognition of outstanding service to Browning as a Peer Leader (‘11 -’12): PEER LEADER AWARDS
James B. adeleye
andrew m. amarosa Remy n. Fortin
nicholas W. hexner Kyle C. Johnson
harrison U. messer
Christopher m. pelz Jonathan E. pelz Oliver J. Shawn
Remy n. Fortin
The following boys have been selected as Peer Leaders for 2012-2013:
nathaniel L monteverde
Benjamin D. Jacobs
Ryan p. Flynn
nicholas W. hexner harrison U. messer
Christopher m. pelz Jonathan E. pelz
aleksandr Schiavetta
Colin p. Carter
michael J. Gabrellian matthew J. Lippa Efrain morales
adam B. nebenzahl Farouk O. Oni
Lucas m. Schwartz Wilfred O. Wallis Kevin Wu
In recognition of and appreciation for his commitment to the student community through his active participation as a Peer Tutor. PEER TUTOR AWARDS
Form VI
andrew m. amarosa Jonathan E. pelz Form V
michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs Farouk O. Oni
Lyman B. Tobin Public Speaking Program Awards (Middle School) First Place
Liam S. Kerwin Form II
michael L. zuppone, Jr. Form I
alec R. Siden Grade 6
Rohan a. Singh Grade 5
Charles J. Olson
Wilfred O. Wallis
The Shakespeare Award for Excellence in Drama
aniekeme I. akpan
Brendan D. Walsh
Form IV
Kevin a. Barbosa
Christopher m. haack Form III
Brian W. Bermeo aadir a. Khan
Diego a. Lopez-Liranzo Dylan S. Rose
David y. Valentin
Lyman B. Tobin Public Speaking Program Awards (Upper School) (Mr. Tobin was the third Headmaster at Browning) Oral Interpretation 1st place
Kyle C. Johnson Runner up
Jonathan E. pelz
Original Oratory 1st place
David y. Valentin Runner up
aadir a. Khan
Colin p. Carter
a. Leonard page
Kate Ordway Drama Prize
Awarded to the Form VI student(s) who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to performance in Browning Upper School plays and have represented Browning in performances in dramatic productions in the independent school community. matthew m. marani Form II Drama Prize (Tom Aulino) Ryan p. parcells
Laura P. Muhlfeld Spelling Bee First Place
David m. h. Wilkerson
Laura P. Muhlfeld Middle School Spelling Bee Runner up
Kenneth E. mazzaro Third Place
George Sanchez Fourth Place
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PRIZE DAY AND GRADUATION 2012 The Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Awards
Presented to students in the Lower, Middle and Upper School in memory of Betty Jean Johnson, a long time teacher in Lower School. Lower School
Jonathan m. ziff Middle School Jay V. hutzler
Upper School
John E. Scowcroft. Jr.
Model UN Awards Given “in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of the Model UN program at The Browning School and to their consistent level of diplomatic expertise and excellence in debate at successive Model UN Congresses.”
Honorable Mention for his role in the International Court of Justice as Justice Xue Hanqin. Benjamin D. Jacobs
The Mock Trial Awards Awarded in recognition of commitment to the Mock Trial program, as demonstrated by thorough preparation for the trial enactments and commendable execution of assigned roles. Form VI
C. Brandon Valentin Form IV
Thomas mcCormack a. Leonard page Form III
Brian W. Bermeo aadir a. Khan
armaan Rawat Dylan S. Rose
David y. Valentin
Brendan D. Walsh
56 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
James R. Brisotti
The Robert E. Herman Awards for Journalism
Awarded to an Upper School boy in recognition of his remarkable contribution to this year’s En avant.
For General Journalism
Yearbook Award En Avant Award
Christopher m. pelz Jonathan E. pelz
En Avant Contact Prize Middle School section of En avant philippe a. Laffont
La Pantera Award Awarded to an Upper School boy in recognition of his remarkable contribution to this year’s La Pantera. Form VI
Remy n. Fortin Form IV
Jacob n. King Form III
Kevin a. Centeno The Lit Awards
Awarded to the students who have either made outstanding contributions to poetry, fiction, or essay writing published in the school literary magazine, or for outstanding contributions on the staff of the publication. Lit Staff Prize
andrew m. amarosa Christopher m. pelz Jonathan E. pelz
Lit Creative Prize Ryan p. Flynn max C. Liu
peter L. V. maguire
John E. Scowcroft, Jr.
Established by Trustee R. Thomas Herman ‘64 to honor his father, this award recognizes excellence in The Grytte. michael J. Gabrellian
For Sports Journalism Ryan p. Flynn
Grytte Journalism Award
Presented to a Middle or Upper School boy who has made the greatest contribution during his first year of writing on The Grytte. harrison U. messer
The William N. Moseley Award INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
is presented to a Form I boy whose kindness, sportsmanship, and hard work best reflect the Mission of the School. Christopher J. Childs
The Athletic Achievement Prize for Form II
Awarded to the student who participates in two out of three athletic seasons, showing sportsmanship, skill improvement, passion for the game, as well as courage and character. William L. Jacob, IV
Form II Headmaster’s Award The Form II Headmaster’s Award is given to a Middle School boy for his commitment and contributions to The Browning School community. Liam S. Kerwin Ryan p. parcells
The Ari Lee Levinson Prize Presented to a Form IV boy who exemplifies Ari’s legacy of good sportsmanship, leadership, and graceful use of natural athletic talent. Spencer a. Reuben
FORM VI AWARDS AT PRIZE DAY
Edward G. Cornet Award
is awarded to the boy whose cooperation and perseverance have contributed significantly to the successful completion of his work at Browning. Kyle C. Johnson
The Eleanor and Harold P. Kurzman Memorial Award for Improvement Presented to that boy who has demonstrated great overall improvement over four years in the Upper School.
Clovis Q.F.E. Ogilvie-Laing AWARDED AT GRADUATION
Saleh M. Al-Madhahekah Award
is given by the Headmaster to a Form VI boy who displays open-mindedness, dedication and good citizenship. James B. adeleye
D. Alan Dillenberg Scholar Athlete Award
is presented to the boy who maintains a high level of scholarship and also regularly participates in the Browning sports program with proficiency and interest. Ryan p. Flynn
Headmaster Charles W. Cook ‘38 Award
The Headmaster’s Award is given to an Upper School boy for his commitment and contributions to The Browning School community. James R. Brisotti
Kenneth Komito Award for Citizenship
is presented to a Form VI boy who, in the opinion of the faculty, epitomizes the good citizen. He is one who demonstrates character and has contributed unstintingly to his school and classmates throughout his Upper School years. Ibrahima D. Diallo
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AWARDED AT GRADE 5/6 CLOSING ASSEMBLY American Mathematics Competition 8 First Place
philip a. Raftopoulos Second Place
Connor p. medland Participation
Christopher L. Batista Benjamin I. Ellman
Jaime Gomez-Sotomayor-Roel Daniel S. Kravitz
Jake T. Lefkowitz
Charlie W. F. pink Rohan a. Singh
George p. Stavropoulos Caleb h. Sussman Kyle J. Tobia
Jack R. Twaronite
MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR ROLL
Given to those boys whose grade point average for the year is at least 3.5 - 3.74
Clovis Q.F.E. Ogilvie-Laing aleksandr Schiavetta
UPPER SCHOOL
LAURA P. MUHLFIELD
John E. Scowcroft
HEADMASTER’S LIST
alexander J. Bendo
andrew m. amarosa
BEE FINALISTS
Form V
Form VI
LOWER SCHOOL SPELLING
James R. Brisotti
Ibrahima D. Diallo Ryan p. Flynn
Sacha m. Greenberg
andrew R. hatfield, winner
Evan m. Blumenthal matthew J. Lippa zachary J. magill
morgan a. miller noah S. Regen
Julian J. Rodriguez Form IV
Griffin a. Bassman
michael E. Florentino Form III
Douglas m. Belgorod Sumner p. Erbe
peter V. Florescu
alexander m. Gottdiener Christopher D. Keyko David y. Valentin
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Form II
Given to those boys whose grade point average for the year is at least a 3.75
Ryan p. parcells
andrew J. Bendo
William L. Jacob, IV Julian J. Orillac
nikita Tsimmer Form I
august van D. Chapin Christopher J. Childs Caleb a. Cohen
Kenneth E. mazzaro Ryan T. Olson
Ethan L. parisier
UPPER SCHOOL HONOR ROLL Form VI
Brennan K. Bassman
aisara Chansakul, Jr.
philip R.h. Connor, IV Remy n. Fortin
nicholas W. hexner
nathaniel L. monteverde
HEADMASTER’S LIST
Form II
andrew m. Blum adam C. Brown
aris J. Kalogerakis Liam S. Kerwin
andrew B. medland Raphael m. Russo alec L. Segalman Jacob S. Spiegel
michael L. zuppone, Jr. Form I
George D. allen Luke E. Barba
William h. Graham alexander I. Kattan alec R. Siden
alexander J. young
Kyle C. Johnson max C. Liu
Christopher m. pelz Jonathan E. pelz Form V
Gregory a. Belgorod
michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs
adam B. nebenzahl Kevin Wu Form IV
Christopher m. haack
philip n. a. van Scheltinga Form III
Kevin a. Centeno aadir a. Khan
Diego a. Lopez-Liranzo armaan Rawat
Christopher W. Russo Brendan D. Walsh
LOWER SCHOOL PUBLIC
Grade 2
Jonathan J. Davidoff Kabir J. Kurani
Colin a. mandl-Ciolek Spencer D. meyers Joshua m. Soh
Ben a. Sullivan Grade 3
William C. Bousquette Fazeel a. Khan
Dylan m. Landsman William D. mazzaro
alexander Raftopolous, winner Evan a. Segalman hercules p. Sotos Dylan C. Steck Grade 4
hugh T. Chapin
William J. hatfield
Chasen m. hofmann
Reinhardt n. Landsberg alexander F. naber
Keaton a. Ramey, winner Oliver Obeid Jesse B. Starr
SPEAKING CONTESTANTS Grade 3
William C. Bousquette
Christian E. Kim, 1st place Dylan C. Steck
Jonah R. naidus, 2nd place Kai a. Cowin, 1st place Fazeel a. Khan
alexander Raftopoulos
Evan a. Segalman, 2nd place Grade 4
Ryan K. aotani, 1st place
alexander F. Kwok, 2nd place Keaton a. Ramey
austin D. Stapleton
Logan T. Flynn, 2nd place Jack E. Freiser
alexander J. Liptak
Oliver Obied, 1st place ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 57
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ATHLETIC AWARDS FaLL aWaRDS (2011)
WInTER aWaRDS (2012)
Varsity Soccer MVP (Most Valuable Player) Daighn Dunn MVP (Most Valuable Player) nate monteverde MIP (Most Improved Player Rafe havard Panther “Grytte” Award Evan Blumenthal Sportsmanship Chris haack
Varsity Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player) miles Collins MIP (Most Improved Player) peter maguire MIP (Most Improved Player) harrison messer Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Flynn Coach’s Award Freddie Edwards Panther Grytte Award Ibrahima Diallo Sportsmanship Efrain morales Rookie of the Year Will Jacob
Junior Varsity MVP (Most Valuable Player) Jonathan Flinchum MVP (Most Valuable Player) Griffin Bassman MIP (Most Improved Player) andrew Davis MIP (Most Improved Player) Spencer Reuben Sportsmanship Jacob King
7th-8th Grade Soccer MVP (Most Valuable Player) Will Jacob Defensive Player of the Year Chris Childs Coach’s Award harry Calianese Team Spirit Award andrew medland
Varsity Cross Country MVP (Most Valuable Player) Kyle Johnson MIP (Most Improved Player) Wilfred Wallis MIP (Most Improved Player) James Brisotti Sportsmanship michael Gabrellian
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Junior Varsity Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Jonathan pelz MVP (Most Valuable Player) Christopher pelz MVP (Most Valuable Player) nate monteverde MVP (Most Valuable Player) andrew amarosa
7th-8th Grade Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player, offense) Griffin Tobia MVP (Most Valuable Player, defense) aris Kalogerakis MIP (Most Improved Player) Raphy Russo MIP (Most Improved Player) andrew medland Sportsmanship harry Calianese
6th Grade Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player, offense) Kyle Levinson MVP (Most Valuable Player, defense) andrew Ceonzo MIP (Most Improved Player) Takayuki Ishikawa Sportsmanship George Grimbilas Coach’s Award Kyle Tobia
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5th Grade Basketball MIP (Most Improved Player) Oliver pink Sportsmanship David Wilkerson Defense Award aidan pompa Hustle Award Charles Olson Panther Grytte Award Justin James Varsity Wrestling Outstanding Achievement Kyle Johnson
SpRInG aWaRDS (2012)
Varsity Baseball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Ryan Flynn MIP (Most Improved Player) Spencer Reuben MIP (Most Improved Player) andrew amarosa Panther “Grytte” Award alex Bendo Coach’s Award Ben Jacobs Sportsmanship Ty york 7th-8th Grade Baseball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Will Jacob MIP (Most Improved Player) andrew Bendo MIP (Most Improved Player) Griffin Tobia Coach’s Award Liam Kerwin
Varsity Track MVP (Most Valuable Player, short distance) Wilfred Wallis MVP (Most Valuable Player, long distance) Kyle Johnson MVP (Most Valuable Player, long distance) James Brisotti MIP (Most Improved Player) mike Gabrellian MIP (Most Improved Player) C Keyko Sportsmanship Edwin Wallis Sportsmanship Ibrahima Diallo Varsity Tennis MVP (Most Valuable Player, Singles) Del Schunk MVP (Most Valuable Player, Doubles) harrison messer MVP (Most Valuable Player, Doubles) Brian Tudor MIP (Most Improved Player) Upper School Evan Blumenthal MIP (Most Improved Player) Upper School peter maguire Sportsmanship TEam MIP (Most Improved Player) Middle School William Graham Varsity Golf MVP (Most Valuable Player) adam nebenzahl MIP (Most Improved Player) Tom mcCormack Sportsmanship Conor Dietzgen Club Sports Fencing medals: 20 Squash medals: 20
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2012 MATRICULATION
COLLEGES OFFERING ADMISSION TO ThE CLaSS OF 2012
Allegheny College
Georgetown University
University of Pennsylvania
Amherst College
Hamilton College
University of Richmond
American University Babson College Bard College
Bates College
Bennington College Boston College
Boston University Bowdoin College
Brigham Young University Bucknell University
University of Chicago The Citadel
Gettysburg College Hartwick College
High Point University
College of the Holy Cross Indiana University Bloomington
Johns Hopkins University Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Loyola University of New Orleans
University of Maryland
Colby College
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Colorado College
CUNY - Baruch College
Colgate University Connecticut College
University of Connecticut Cornell University
Dickinson College Drexel University Duke University
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall College
George Washington University
University of New Haven SUNY - Binghamton University SUNY - New Paltz
New York University
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Northwestern University Northeastern University Norwich University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Pitzer College
University of Rochester Rollins College
University of St. Andrews St. Lawrence University Skidmore College
University of the South— Sewanee
Southern Methodist University Syracuse University Trinity College Union College
United States Air Force Academy
United States Naval Academy University of Utah
Vanderbilt University
University of Vermont Villanova University
University of Virginia
Wake Forest University
Washington & Lee University Wells College
Wesleyan University
Wittenberg University — as of 21 May 2012
60 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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OFFICE OF COLLEGE GUIDANCE COLLEGE ChOICES - CLaSS OF 2012
James B. Adeleye Boston College (MA)
Kyle C. Johnson Johns Hopkins University (MD)
Andrew M. Amarosa University of Pennsylvania (PA)
Matthew M. Marani Skidmore College (NY)
Benjamin J. Altman-DeSole Colgate University (NY)
Brennan K. Bassman University of Chicago (IL)
James R. Brisotti United States Naval Academy (MD) Anthony R. Builder University of Richmond (VA) Aisara Chansakul Bowdoin College (ME)
Philip R.H. Connor, IV Southern Methodist University (TX) Brady M. Dale The Citadel (SC)
Ibrahima D. Diallo Cornell University (NY) Daighn B. Dunn Wells College (NY)
Ryan P. Flynn University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (MI) Remy N. Fortin Georgetown University (DC) Nicholas W. Hexner Georgetown University (DC)
Max C. Liu Lehigh University (PA)
Harrison U. Messer Wake Forest University (NC) Nathaniel L. Monteverde New York University (NY)
Henry H. Newberry George Washington University (DC) Clovis Q.F.E. Ogilvie-Laing Pitzer College (CA) Christopher M. Pelz Bates College (ME) Jonathan E. Pelz Bates College (ME)
Aleksandr Schiavetta Cornell University (NY)
John E. Scowcroft United States Air Force Academy (CO) Oliver J. Shawn Colby College (ME)
Brian D. Tudor University of the South—Sewanee (TN) C. Brandon Valentin Allegheny College (PA) — as of 21 May 2012
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 61
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ALUMNI EVENTS
Alumni Events By Laura E. neller, Director of Alumni Affairs
Renowned short-seller James Chanos spoke about Enron and Sarbanes-Oxley 10 years later.
A limited number of alumni donors had the opportunity to attend an intimate roundtable discussion with Mr. Chanos prior to his talk to the larger group.
InaUGURaL CLaSS OF 2000 DISTInGUIShED SpEaKER SERIES: FEaTURInG JamES ChanOS
On
The Lower Gym was packed when Mr. Chanos spoke to members of the Browning community in March.
kicked off the inaugural Class of 2000 Distinguished March 14, Browning’s Alumni Association
Speaker Series with renowned short-seller James Chanos, founder and managing partner of Kynikos associates.
mr. Chanos is also president of Browning’s Board of Trustees,
and his three sons (Nicholas ’07, Michael ‘09 and Andrew ‘11) are graduates of Browning. The Lower Gym was filled with
more than 100 alumni and current parents who came to hear
Following the presentation by Mr. Chanos, guests congregated for a networking reception in the Lower Gym.
mr. Chanos speak.
prior to his address, a small group of alumni donors had
the opportunity to participate in an intimate roundtable discussion with mr. Chanos in the Henry B. Martin ’24
Library. Following the roundtable, the larger group convened in the Lower Gym for mr. Chanos’ address: “Enron and
Sarbanes-Oxley 10 years Later: has anything Really
Changed?” The address was followed by a Q&a discussion
as well as a networking reception for all guests. 62 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Mr. Chanos is founder and managing partner of Kynikos Associates as well as President of Browning's Board of Trustees.
L to R: Peter Stavropoulos '82, P '18, Steven Eisman P '18, Valerie Feigen P '18 and Valerie Dent P '14 at the Class of 2000 Distinguished Speaker Series.
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On
Members of the Class of 2012 enjoyed a great view on the terrace at the Form VI Breakfast at the New York Athletic Club.
FORm VI BREaKFaST
association president Michael Beys ‘89 hosted April 25, Headmaster Clement and Alumni
the Class of 2012 at the new york athletic Club for the
annual Form VI Breakfast. all 28 seniors were formally
welcomed into Browning’s alumni association and given engraved key chains to commemorate their upcoming
graduation. (See photo on back cover of this Buzzer.) Speakers included alumni association president Michael Beys ’89,
Vice president Allanby Singleton-Green ‘83, Trustee Richard Weaver ‘75, as well as Director of College Guidance Sandy Pelz ‘71, Guidance associate Alex Sheridan ‘04, athletic
Director Andrew West ‘92, headmaster Clement and Director of Institutional advancement marty haase.
L to R: Ibrahima Diallo '12, Aleksandr Schiavetta '12 and Henry Newberry '12.
L to R: Steve Clement, Alex Sheridan '04, Andrew West '92 and Michael Beys '89.
The Form VI Breakfast is the Alumni Association's way of welcoming the soon-to-be graduates as the newest members. ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 63
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ALUMNI EVENTS
The library at the nearby Knickerbocker Club on 62nd Street was the perfect place for the annual True Grytte Society & Consecutive-Year Donors Luncheon.
On
aLUmnI REUnIOn
the Classes of 1947 through 2009 and
May 10, more than 150 alumni from
their guests returned to Browning for a full day of alumni Reunion events. The Class of 1938
alumnus achievement award was presented to two most deserving recipients: brothers David Callaway ‘82 and Jack Callaway ‘84. David is Editor-in-Chief of marketWatch, and Jack is a
managing Director and Global Co-head of Barclays Capital’s Communications & media Investment
Banking Group. The honorees traveled to accept the award from San Francisco and London,
respectively, and were joined by a number of family
members, friends and classmates.
Thomas Oliphant ‘63, the 1999 recipient of this
award, visited from Washington, D.C., to present the
L to R: Clyde Harris '62, Peter Muller '62, Fred Spoor '62, Lynna Muller and Charles Plohn '62 returned to Browning and the Knickerbocker Club to celebrate the Class of 1962's 50th Reunion.
award to both brothers at the Regency hotel. (please see
mr. Oliphant’s profile on page 67.) Coach David Watson was
also recognized by Browning’s alumni association for his more than 30 years of service to the athletic Department. Following the cocktail reception and award ceremony at
Continued on page 67 64 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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Sandy Pelz '71 (far right) with this year's Alumni Career Panelists (L to R): Jack Callaway '82, David Callaway '84 and Lex Haris '88.
Jack Callaway '84 spent time talking with David Valentin '15 following the Alumni Career Panel in the Wilson Room.
Key Society Member Adam Nebenzahl '13 greeted Oak Thorne '47 with a program on his way into the Alumni Reunion cocktail reception.
›
CaREER panELIST pROFILES JACK P. CALLAWAY ’84
is the 2012 co-recipient of Browning’s Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award. Mr. Callaway is a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Barclays Capital’s Communications & Media Investment Banking Group. Having worked in investment banking for 23 years, he focuses on providing mergers and acquisitions advisory and financing services to some of the world’s largest telecommunications and media companies. Prior to joining Barclays Capital in September 2008, he served as the Global Co-Head of Lehman Brothers’ Communications Group and Global Co-Head of Lehman Brothers’ Communications Mergers & Acquisitions Group. During the 1990s, he worked at the British investment bank, Rothschild.
Mr. Callaway has advised on over $250 billion of strategic and financing transactions. His clients include U.S., European and Asian multi-national corporations, including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Vivendi, Bharti, Telenor, Telecom Italia, Singapore Telecom and others. Mr. Callaway has played an important role in helping negotiate and structure some of the largest telecommunications transactions in the world. He advised AT&T on its $90 billion acquisition of BellSouth as well as the Indian telecom company, Bharti, on its $11 billion acquisition of the African businesses previously owned by the Kuwaiti company, Zain Communications. He advised Verizon on its $9 billion sale of its assets in 14 states to Frontier Communications, and he recently advised the
French company, Vivendi, on its $8 billion acquisition of Vodafone’s minority stake in the French mobile operator SFR. After graduating from Browning, Mr. Callaway earned a B.A. in history from Yale University, where he played varsity soccer, and later received an M.A. from Oxford University, where he earned a “Blue” for representing Oxford against Cambridge in England’s varsity soccer match. Mr. Callaway was a student at Browning for 13 years and was inducted into the School’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He currently resides in London with his wife, Julienne, and three children, James, Emeline and Madeleine.
ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 65
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ALUMNI EVENTS
Tom Oliphant '63 (center) presented Jack Callaway '82 and David Callaway '84 with the Alumnus Achievement Award at the Regency Hotel in May.
Libby Callaway P '82, '84 (center), Jack and David's mother, attended the Award ceremony at the Regency Hotel, along with a number of Callaway family members also pictured.
›
CaREER panELIST pROFILES (cont’d.) DAVID A. CALLAWAY ’82
is the 2012 corecipient of Browning’s Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award. Mr. Callaway is Editor-inChief of MarketWatch, the online financial news organization that is now part of Dow Jones and News Corp. He is responsible for the day-to-day news coverage of 100 journalists in 13 bureaus around the world, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He also writes a weekly column that has been cited twice as among the “Best in Business” by the Society of American Newspaper Editors & Writers. Before joining MarketWatch as managing editor in 1999, Mr. Callaway spent five years with Bloomberg News, almost all of it in London, where he covered the City of London and the run-up to the introduction of the euro currency. He was a reporter and columnist for The Boston
66 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Herald for six years before that. His work has appeared in the Financial Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Australian, and newspapers throughout the U.S., as well as on television on “CBS Evening News,” “CBS MarketWatch Weekend,” the BBC, CNBC, Fox Business and several local network affiliates, cable TV stations and radio stations across the country. He graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and was inducted into the Northwestern University Hall of Achievement in September 2010. Mr. Callaway works and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Nanci, and his daughter, Alexandra. He attended Browning for 13 years, from Pre-Primary through his Form VI graduation.
›
ALEXANDER (LEX) HARIS ’88, managing editor of CNNMoney, oversees the website (www.cnnmoney.com), which draws nearly 30 million unique visitors a month. Mr. Haris joined CNNMoney for the site's launch in 2001, serving as deputy managing editor. He was named managing editor in December 2007. Mr. Haris joined Time Warner in December 1999, as a senior editor for Money Magazine’s website. Prior to his work at Money, he worked at Individual Investor magazine from January 1994 through December 1999, ultimately serving as executive editor. Mr. Haris holds an M.A. from Fordham University in International Political Economy and Development. He received his B.A. from Lake Forest College in 1992. He was born and raised in Manhattan, and attended Browning for nine years, from Pre-Primary through eighth grade.
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the Regency, guests returned to Browning for dinner in the Lower Gym, compliments of Chef Clark. at dinner, the
Stephen S. Perry ’76 memorial Class Representative awards were presented to four outstanding class representatives,
followed by the Class of 2002’s announcement of their 10th Reunion Gift of more than $50,000 to the School's capital
campaign. This year’s perry award recipients are as follows: • Charles J. Plohn, Jr. ‘62, Most Outstanding
• Michael P. Beys ‘89 and Oakleigh Thorne, II ‘47, Class Representative
• Joe G. Metzger ‘02, Most Outstanding Class Correspondent Most Outstanding Class Fundraisers
Earlier in the day, Upper School boys and faculty had the
opportunity to hear from both Callaway brothers as well as
L to R: Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase, Award Presenter Tom Oliphant '63 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Neller.
included in this section.
Plohn ’62 and Fred Spoor ’62. a full list of all Reunion guests
where four new members from the Class of 1962 were
in particular goes to Chef Clark and her team who prepared
Lex Haris ’88, managing Editor of Cnnmoney, during a
Career panel in the Wilson Room. profiles on all panelists are at noon, the annual True Grytte Society & Consecutive-
year Donors Luncheon was held at the Knickerbocker Club, inducted: Clyde Harris ’62, Peter Muller ’62, Charles
›
appears on page 70. Thank you to everyone who helped
make this year’s alumni Reunion a success. a special thanks and served a delicious filet mignon dinner to 120 guests!
CLaSS OF 1938 aLUmnUS aChIEVEmEnT aWaRD pRESEnTER pROFILE THOMAS N. OLIPHANT ’63
is the 1999 recipient of Browning’s Alumnus Achievement Award, and he joined us this year to present the Award to the Callaway brothers. Mr. Oliphant’s 45year career as a journalist and author has put him in the middle of every American presidential campaign from the tragic turbulence of 1968 to the election of Barack Obama in 2008. As Washington correspondent and then syndicated columnist for The Boston Globe after graduation from Harvard College, he was named by Washingtonian Magazine one of the country’s top 10 political writers and one of Washington, D.C.’s 50 most influential figures. In 1971, he was the first person to write about what became known as the Pentagon Papers and obtained The Globe’s copy of the documents in defiance of federal court orders blocking further
publication by The New York Times and The Washington Post. In 1973, his coverage of the American Indian Movement’s occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, earned him the Elijah Lovejoy award in defense of the First Amendment as well as a three-count criminal indictment from the Nixon administration, eventually dismissed. In 1974, on special assignment, he was one of three editors who managed The Globe’s coverage of Boston’s tumultuous school desegregation, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize’s gold medal. Five years later, his series of editorials on the energy crisis was the Pulitzer Prize’s runner-up. As a columnist, he has been a frequent guest on television, including all the Sunday programs and all the morning programs. For a decade he provided analysis and commentary for “The News Hour” with Jim Lehrer, including daily work during
such special events as the 9/11 attacks and President Clinton’s impeachment trial. He is the author of two books on politics and public policy, All by Myself and Utter Incompetents. His memoir of his New York childhood and reconstruction of the 1955 World Series, Praying for Gil Hodges, was a New York Times best-seller. His next book, with John Sexton, the president of New York University, is due out next spring; it is also about baseball. Prior to his successful journalism career, Mr. Oliphant was a student at Browning for eight years. He has three children, two granddaughters, and is married to CBS News correspondent Susan Spencer. They live in Washington, D.C., and Rappahannock County, Virginia.
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ALUMNI EVENTS
The Class of 2002 presented their 10th Reunion Gift (more than $50,000 to the School's capital campaign) to Headmaster Clement at the Alumni Reunion dinner in the Lower Gym.
Coach Watson (far left) with his family during the Alumni Reunion cocktail reception at the Regency Hotel, where Coach Watson was recognized by the Alumni Association for his more than 30 years of service to the School.
Alumni soccer players showed their support for Coach David Watson, the faculty honoree at this year's Alumni Reunion. Back row (L to R): David Callaway '82, Christopher Holme '03, Alex Mykyta '03, Laurent Manuel '04, Paul Reyes '98, Lorenzo Lorenzotti '82, Coach Watson, Michael Beys '89, Peter Stavropoulos '82, Alex San Miguel '86, Andrew Ponzo '98, Paul Boisi '97, Reja Sabet '82, Eric Boyriven '91, Jack Callaway '84, Paul Surur '91, Nader Mobargha '91, Edward Kent '02 and Bryan Boisi '00. Front row (L to R): Nick Cohen '02, Stephan Rothe '87, Manoli Sakellarios '92, Alex Theodorou '93, Peter Cohen '99, Carlos Meletiche '82, Spiros Frangos '87, Marty Murphy '02 and Edward Ma '98.
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The 40th Reunion Class won the award for the best turnout as well as the alumnus who traveled the farthest distance. L to R: Steve Schott '72, Howard Rasmussen '72, Charlie Vanamee '72, George Judd '72, Jaime Carey '72, Jeremy Galton '72, Dennis Coleman '72, Franklyn Warren '72, Tom Werblin '72, Larry Deitch '72, Richard Fisher '72 and Peter Kircher '72.
L to R: Headmaster Steve Clement, Andy Sandberg '01, Andrew Ponzo '98, Joe Metzger '02, Oak Thorne '47 and Charles Plohn '62 on stage during the Stephen S. Perry '76 Memorial Class Representative Awards ceremony.
Lower School science teacher Stephanie Seto and Oak Thorne '47, founder of the Thorne Nature Experience, caught up at the Knickerbocker Club during Alumni Reunion. ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 69
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ALUMNI EVENTS
The Lower Gym was filled to capacity with nearly 130 dinner guests at this year's Alumni Reunion.
ThE FOLLOWInG aLUmnI, FaCULTy, FORmER FaCULTy anD FRIEnDS aTTEnDED ThIS yEaR’S aLUmnI REUnIOn: 1940s Oak Thorne '47 Mike Mittelmann '49 Wes Vernon '49
1950s Michael Linburn '50 Kathy Linburn Bob Gimbel '57 Despina Gimbel Richard Rudick '57 Ann Rudick Chauncey Johnstone '59 1960s Charles Stainback '60 John Baker '62 Betsy Baker Clyde Harris '62 Peter Muller '62 Lynna Muller Charles Plohn '62 Dorothy Plohn Fred Spoor '62 Godfrey Bloch '63 Marge Bloch Tom Oliphant '63 Linton Wells '63 Eric Ordway '67 1970s Sandy Pelz '71 Jaime Carey '72 Dennis Coleman '72 Larry Deitch '72 Rich Fisher '72 Jeremy Galton '72 George Judd '72 Nancy Devuyst Peter Kircher '72 Marianne Kircher
70 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Howard Rasmussen '72 Steve Schott '72 Charles Vanamee '72 Franklyn Warren '72 Susan Warren Thomas Werblin '72 John Alfieri '75 Shawn Cherry '75 Chris Gifford '77 Wilcox Snellings '77 Viria Snellings Clendenen Watkins '77 Lisa Watkins
1980s George Grimbilas '80 David Callaway '82 Richard Helgason '82 Lorenzo Lorenzotti '82 Carlos Meletiche '82 Brenda Natal John Mills '82 Reja Sabet '82 Peter Stavropoulos '82 Michael Hutzler '83 Anil Jethmal '83 Jeff Landes '83 Allanby Singleton-Green '83 Jack Callaway '84 Bill Reed '85 John Hutzler '86 Alex San Miguel '86 Michael Chaplin '87 Peter Chelkowski '87 Spiros Frangos '87 John Hadden '87 Amie Hadden Stephan Rothe '87 Clarence Schwab '87 Sharif Tanamli '87 Lex Haris '88
Michael Beys '89
1990s Eric Boyriven '91 Nader Mobargha '91 Paul Surur '91 Michael Dorra '92 Manoli Sakellarios '92 Andrew West '92 Alexandros Theodorou '93 Valerie Savidis Paul Boisi '97 John Moran '97 Justin Kingson '98 Edward Ma ’98 Nick Ordway '98 Andrew Ponzo '98 Hillary Nammack Paul-Philippe Reyes ’98 Peter Cohen '99 2000s Bryan Boisi '00 Marcus Javier '00 Stuart Orenstein '00 Andy Sandberg '01 Nicholas Versandi '01 Aaron Chaus '02 Nick Cohen '02 Jay Fidlow '02 Edward Kent '02 Louis Lenglet '02 Whitney Cary Chris McInerney '02 Brittany Hamblin Joe Metzger '02 Marty Murphy '02 Kieran Pickering '02 Sean Russell '02 Jeremy Stewart '02 Jaclyn Rheins
Christopher Holme '03 Elizabeth Moffitt Christopher Matz '03 Alex Mykyta '03 Sam Tisch '03 Jeremy Katz '04 Laurent Manuel '04 Alex Sheridan '04 Alex Lynn '09
Faculty and Staff Christine Bramble, Director of MS and US Admissions Steve Clement, Headmaster Elizabeth Cooper-Mullin, Assistant to the Division Heads Kevin Dearinger, English Faculty Carol Goulian Stewart, Former Faculty Aaron Grill, Director of Technology Marty Haase, Director of Institutional Advancement Mike Ingrisani, Head of English Department and Dean of Faculty Rakhee Kaushik, Database Manager Sam Keany, Head of Science Department and Dean of Students Melanie McMahon, Director of Publications Laura Muhlfeld, Former Faculty
Laura Neller, Director of Alumni Affairs Gerry Protheroe, Head of History Department Jim Reynolds, Head of the Upper School Soo Mi Thompson, Director of Annual Giving David Watson, PE Faculty Patricia Zeuner, Director of Physical Education past parents, Trustees and Friends Mary Callaway Libby Callaway P '82, '84 Bob Carey Jill Cohen P '02, '99 Judy Morriss John Morriss John Neal Jane Neal Joanne Sobel P '82, Former Faculty Ronald Sobel P '82 Connie Spahn Stephen Spahn Sean Wasserman Yael Wasserman Greg Wasserman Danielle Wasserman Edward Watson Jamie Watson Betsy Watson Valda Witt P '20, '22, Trustee
We hope to see even more of you at next year’s Alumni Reunion, where we will be celebrating the major reunions of classes ending in“3”and“8.”
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Sean Brownridge '07 and his family in the Browning Lobby following Sean's induction to Browning's Athletic Hall of Fame.
L to R: Sean Brownridge '07, Coach Travers '05, Coach Sheridan '04, Coach Zeuner, Coach Watson, Coach Bernard, Coach Mastroianni, Coach Klein and Coach Brown during the Athletic Awards Banquet.
aThLETIC haLL OF FamE InDUCTIOn
On
inducted into Browning’s athletic hall May 17, Sean W. Brownridge ’07 was
of Fame for his accomplishments as a student athlete at Browning, excelling in both basketball and
baseball, as well as academics. Following his
graduation from Browning, Sean went on to the
University of michigan and is now a student at the
University of pennsylvania Law School. he was
joined by many family members and friends in
attendance in the Lower Gym for the award
ceremony. Director of athletics Andrew H. West ’92 and former teammate Alexander A. Sheridan ‘04
Alex Sheridan '04 (left) presented Sean Brownridge '07 with a plaque recognizing Sean's induction to the Athletic Hall of Fame.
both spoke of Sean’s achievements over the years.
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ALUMNI EVENTS
On
5Th annUaL yOUnG aLUmnI may mIXER
held at hudson Terrace in new york City. This year’s 10 participating
Thursday, May 24, the 5th Annual Young Alumni May Mixer was
school’s were: Brearley,
Browning, Chapin, Collegiate, hewitt, marymount,
nightingale-Bamford, Sacred heart, Saint David’s and
St. Bernard’s. approximately
250 young alumni and guests
attended and enjoyed a round of complimentary drinks as
well as appetizers on behalf of all the schools.
L to R: Suzanne Metzger, Joe Metzger '02, Benjamin Melting '00 and Francesca Wade (Chapin '02) at this year's 5th Annual Young Alumni May Mixer at Hudson Terrace.
Alums and their guests enjoyed complimentary drinks and appetizers at this year's May Mixer.
72 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
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Alumni Association President Michael Beys '89 spoke to alumni at the Annual Meeting about the highlights of the year and recent success of Browning's Alumni Association.
On
annUaL mEETInG OF ThE aLUmnI aSSOCIaTIOn
Room with more than 20 alumni in attendance. as is tradition, officer elections were held;
May 21, the Annual Meeting of Browning’s Alumni Association was held in the Wilson
congratulations to Richard A. Helgason ’82 who was voted in as treasurer of the alumni association and will serve in this role for the next two fiscal years. Richard is replacing Sharif Tanamli ‘87, who served as treasurer for six years, as well as chairman of the nominating Committee also for the past six years. We
are grateful for Sharif's dedication, service and loyalty to Browning’s alumni association. Special thanks
to Chef Clark for preparing appetizers and drinks for the entire group as we celebrated this final meeting of the year. We look forward to seeing everyone in September!
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS Monday, September 10 alumni Council meeting Thursday, September 13 alumni Soccer Game Alumni signed and personalized more than 500 letters to fellow alumni at this year's Note-a-thon.
T
4Th annUaL aLUmnI nOTE-a-ThOn
the Wilson Room on February 27. more than 20 alumni volunteers returned he Alumni Council hosted the 4th Annual Alumni Note-a-thon in
to School to sign, personalize, fold, stuff and seal more than 500 letters to
classmates and other alumni. The purpose of the note-a-thon is to promote
alumni Reunion as well as encourage alumni to contribute to the annual Fund.
Letters were sent to last year’s annual Fund donors who had not yet given this
Friday, October 26 Book Fair Opening night Cocktail party Monday, November 5 alumni Council meeting Wednesday, November 21 young alumni Reunion
year, as well as to all the 2012 major reunion classes. Thank you to those
dedicated alumni who volunteered their time to this important effort!
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CLASS NOTES
Class Notes To share news with the Browning
Oakleigh Thorne II ‘47, Wes Vernon ‘49
times dipping into amateur hour in my
Ext. 192 or lneller@browning.edu.
morning and early afternoon. Wes
made it on time to attend the Alumni
Books and DVDs were presented trac-
community, please contact Laura Neller,
director of alumni affairs, at 212-838-6280
1930s
Mark K. Shriver, son of R. Sargent
Shriver ’34, wrote a book about his father titled, A Good Man: Rediscovering
My Father, Sargent Shriver, published in
June by Henry Holt and Co. On June 14, Mark discussed the book at Unitarian
Church of All Souls in New York City. The book contains all of the tributes
Mark received upon his father’s passing in 2011.
1940s
This year’s winner of the Osborn Elliott Prize for Excellence in Journalism on
Asia is Fast Company magazine’s April
Rabkin, the publication’s Beijing-based correspondent. The “Oz Price” is
named after Browning alumnus Osborn
Elliott ’41, NEWSWEEK’s legendary
editor in the 1960s and 1970s. Ms. Rabkin
won the $10,000 award for a three-part
series that illuminates the giddy pace of change in Chinese society.
Michael Mittelmann ’49 sent us
the following note after this year’s
Alumni Reunion on May 10: “Once again, great weather prevailed. 74 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
and I represented the ‘40s during the
Career panel. Mike Linburn ‘50 and his
wife, Kathy, joined us for this year’s
reunion. In the Cook Room, Wes and I
had the special opportunity to talk with Sarah Pribyl (English Department) and Lindsay Burrus (Pre-Primary teacher). Director of College Guidance Sandy
Pelz ‘71, spent time with us discussing
current education and college related issues. Luckily, Maureen Linehan, RN had time to brief me about student
participation as part of a vocal duo).
ing my history, prominently including the Browning years. Now in 2031, we will all return for the centennial.”
1950s
Peter R. Decker ’52 was sorry to miss
Alumni Reunion in May. He sends his best wishes to his classmates.
health activities. The True Grytte Soci-
Loyola University Chicago bestowed
Club was excellent. Updates concerning
Doctor of Science, honoris causa, upon
ety luncheon at The Knickerbocker
Browning were provided by our Headmaster, Mr. Clement, and Director of Institutional Advancement Martin
Haase. With special thanks to Director
of Alumni Affairs Laura Neller, we look forward to next year.”
Wes Vernon ’49 celebrated a big birthday last year and recently sent us the
following update about the celebration:
“My 80 birthday in August of 2011 was th
celebrated with a big bash worthy of
one’s entry into ‘over the hill’ territory.
The invitees (to the Pennsylvania home
of my daughter, Diane, and her family) included all our children and our one grandchild. Sharing in the memories
was the woman who has put up with
me for 60 years, my wife, Alida. Enter-
tainment featured a talented pianist/vocalist who serenaded us with my
favorite Broadway show tunes (some-
their highest honor, the degree of
Thomas E. Lovejoy, III ’59 in recognition of his scholarly and professional
achievements in the field of conservation biology, and his leadership and
exceptional service on behalf of envi-
ronmental sustainability throughout his career. Dr. Lovejoy accepted the degree on May 11 and also gave the Science commencement address that day.
Also this spring, the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) presented Dr. Lovejoy with the 2011-2012 AIBS Outstanding Service Award. This
Award was given in recognition of
Dr. Lovejoy’s career-long dedication
to rigorous conservation science and effective conservation practices. In
April, Dr. Lovejoy wrote an article for
The New York Times titled, “The Greatest Challenge of Our Species.” Dr. Lovejoy
is professor of science and public policy at George Mason University and biodi-
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versity chairman at the H. John Heinz
try in French Fauvism.” Mr. Baker re-
the Environment.
Class of 1962’s 50th Reunion.
III Center for Science, Economics and
turned to Browning in May for the
Margarita “Marge” Bloch, wife of God-
frey C. Bloch ‘63, presented the Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution Award at Browning’s Prize Day in June.
Patsy Randolph, widow of the late
Christopher Randolph ’63, visited
1960s
L to R: Patsy Randolph, Steve Clement and Christine Bramble at Browning in April.
Ted Pevear ’60 and his wife, Linda, co-
Browning in April.
Andy Lack ’64, CEO of Bloomberg’s
Global Media Group, was this year’s graduation speaker at the Meek School of Journalism and News Media at Ole Miss.
authored a children’s book titled, Find-
Christopher S. Gray ’68 was the 2012
published in April. Ted was born in
ing’s Graduation exercises in June.
ing Little Feathers a Hub-A-Son,
Rochester, New York. He taught and
substituted in different school districts over the years and has worked with
troubled youth in schools. He gradu-
ated from Brigham Young University
with a degree in psychology, health and special education. He is the author of
Pevear Family History and Genealogy. He
and his wife and co-author, Linda, have been married for over 20 years.
John H. Baker ’62 exhibited a solo art
show of his large collage paintings dur-
ing April 25 – May 16 at Lumen Gallery in New York City. Lumen’s website de-
Graduation Speaker this year at BrownMr. Gray writes a column for The New
York Times called “Streetscapes,” which
another sense, Baker’s collage paintings
future author spent many hours im-
mersed in a thick volume entitled, ‘Great
Tales of Terror and the Supernatural.’ Although it was nearly 40 years ago, sometimes our earliest impressions have the
Browning School for 36 years.
of one of Ralph Gardner ‘71’s Wall
on the Knicks.” Mr. Root has worked as manager of the sporting-goods store Gerry Cosby for the past 30 years.
January 2012. Amazon.com describes the
in that way it shows its ultimate ances-
atmosphere. When he was a youth, the
Cook ’38, was Headmaster of the
components to create a unified spiritual its uses of color to express feeling, and
ence of Walter De La Mare, a master of
University. His father, Charles W.
Wickford Welden ’73 wrote a book of
effect. Above all, the work is strong in
reader may also notice the subtle influ-
and Principal Gifts at Johns Hopkins
are like quilts, with their patient, laborintensive piecing together of treasured
England writer H.P. Lovecraft. The
February. Mr. Cook is Director of Major
Street Journal articles, titled “Long View
tion that no one voice could achieve. In
and perhaps more recently, the New
John C. Cook ’71 visited Browning in
richness of musical texture, of gesture and of emotional meaning and evoca-
been written in the long shadow of Poe,
1970s
In March, Jim Root ’71 was the subject
and timbre, of color choice and density,
intentionally, some of these stories have
celebrated its 25th anniversary in March.
scribed John’s work as being “like visual choruses in which there is a
Jim Root ’71 as featured in Ralph Gardner ‘71’s Wall Street Journal column in March.
short stories called Tales, published in
book as: “the author’s first foray into the
world of short stories. They are his original creations. Although it wasn’t done
John Cook ’71 (right) and Steve Clement at Browning in February.
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CLASS NOTES strongest effect on us. It was here that
Robert W. Lamb ’87 lives in Oregon
most frightening tales of all time, Love-
missions for Oregon State University.
the author was introduced to one of the
and works as associate director for ad-
craft’s ‘The Dunwich Horror.’ After
He and his wife, Monica, have identical
reading these stories, you might be re-
twin boys, James and John, who are
luctant to turn off the light in your nor-
now just over one year old.
mally comforting bedchamber. ‘The
Incident At St. Mary’s,’ ‘The Old Wreck’
and ‘The Spectral Organist’ are all based extremely loosely on actual experiences,
Clendenen Watkins ’77 on a recent Carnival Cruise trip, where he had the opportunity to impersonate James Brown.
marshes of Wellfleet, Massachusetts,
1980s
ply asked myself, ‘What if?’ Happy
and unanimously recommended for
but all of the others were produced by
the author’s lively, if not macabre, imagination. ‘The Old Wreck’ was inspired by
the sight of the ribs of a boat’s hull in the way back in the summer of 1984. I simreading... “ Mr. Welden hopes to publish more volumes in the years to come.
Shawn R. Cherry ‘75 is now ABD in his doctoral program at the University of
Connecticut. Once he has finished his
dissertation, he hopes to use his degree in educational psychology to work as a
professor of school counseling or gifted and talented education.
Jeff Sado ’76 is producing a film called
Lady Liberty, the story behind the face of the Statue of Liberty.
Clendenen Watkins ’77 recently sent us the following news: “I’ve been fortunate enough to add another exciting
event to my ever-expanding musical
projects. While enjoying a recent cruise with my wife, Lisa, on one of the
Carnival Cruise Lines ships, I was
approached and asked by the cruise
director to participate in their Carnival Legends Show and perform as James Brown. This was an unexpected treat
for me, and it is definitely an experience I will never forget.”
In May, the Queens County Republican Party screening panel interviewed
endorsement Juan D. Reyes, III '86 for New York State
Senate in the 15th
Senatorial District.
John W. Hadden, II ’87 recently sent us
Chairman Phil Ra-
the following news: “The Hadden Fam-
gusa stated, “The
ily welcomed Paige Laura Auchincloss
Republican Party
Hadden on December 6, 2011. Her
is pleased to offi-
older brothers, Johnny (age six-and-a-
cially endorse
Juan Reyes for
State Senate. Juan
Juan D. Reyes, III '86
has the experience, consistency of principle and judgment necessary to represent this Queens district. Reyes is a highly accomplished lawyer who
knows how to take on the bureaucracy
and make it work for both management and labor. As a high level Giuliani official, he helped cut red tape, streamline government, and revitalize our econ-
omy and neighborhoods while creating much needed construction and perma-
nent jobs. New York needs that kind of experience and leadership today.” The primary vote is scheduled for
September 13. For more information
on upcoming events or to make a contribution to the campaign, please visit http://www.reyesfornysenate.com/ or
contact Juan at jreyes@reedsmith.com.
76 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Paige Hadden is the daughter of Amie and John Hadden ’87.
half and now a Browning boy in Pre Primary!) and Cole (age four-and-a-
half) are both very proud and protec-
tive of their baby sister. Amie and I are
thrilled to have a baby girl in the house to help modulate two active young
boys.” Both John and his wife, Amie, attended the Class of 1987’s 25th Reunion at Browning in May.
In March, artist Craig A. Mooney ’88 exhibited a one-man show of his paintings
at Sono Galerie in Norwalk, Connecticut.
1990s
Stephen Rhee ’91 visited Browning in
April with his wife, son and daughter. Larry Bahr ’96 recently sent us the following news: “I hope everyone at Browning
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Vidal’s The Best Man, starring Angela Lansbury, James Earl Jones, Eric
McCormack, Candice Bergen and John Larroquette. Andy is directing and
producing The Last Smoker in America,
an original musical by Bill Russell and Peter Melnick, premiering Off-Broad-
way this summer. For more information about Andy’s various projects and op-
portunities to get involved, please send
an email to Andy@AndySandberg.com. Paul Dano ’02 recently starred in
“Being Flynn” alongside Robert De
Niro. The film is based on Nick Flynn’s Stephen Rhee ’91 (center) and his family spent time with Coach Watson at Browning in April.
and our alumni are doing great. I am sub-
Graig J. Springer ’98 graduated
are excited to share. Melissa and I had our
Law in May.
mitting some very happy news that we first child, a baby girl, on March 30 this year. Her name is Rae Olivia, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
2004 memoir.
from Fordham University School of
2000s
Jonathan G. Estreich ’00 was recently promoted to manager in the Forensic & Dispute Services group of Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP. In
addition, he was published by Inside-
Counsel, a website with roughly 8,000
unique visitors per month that provides business insight for law department
leaders, and also ACAMS Today, an Rae Olivia Bahr is the daughter of Melissa and Larry Bahr ’96.
Lee A. Polikoff ’96 and Dana Drazin
international trade association dedicated to the anti-money laundering
profession and serving 11,000 members in 160 countries.
were married on June 3. T. Andrew
Tracy C. Reade ’00 is a First Lieutenant
Lee is completing his residency at Stony
Afghanistan.
Madden, Jr. ’96 was also in attendance. Brook-Long Island Children’s Hospital
in the US Army, currently serving in
and will begin a fellowship in Pediatric
Andy Sandberg ’01 continues to juggle
Haven Children’s Hospital.
writer and actor. He is currently devel-
Intensive Care Medicine at Yale-New Christian B. Reade ’97 is a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force, currently serving in South Korea.
many hats as a director, producer,
oping multiple new plays and musicals for Broadway, Off-Broadway and re-
gional theater. Andy most recently pro-
duced the hit Broadway revival of Gore
Graig Springer ’98 at his graduation from Fordham University School of Law.
Luke A. Forelle ’02 is a First Lieutenant in the US Marines, currently serving in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Please see page 80 for an article on his deployment and his leadership in the Garmsir district.
In the spring, Joe G. Metzger ’02 ac-
cepted an associate position with TIAACREF Financial Services in their M&A and Corporate Development group.
Joe is an active member of Browning’s
Alumni Council and currently serves as ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 77
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CLASS NOTES secretary of the Alumni Association. In
ing at the Victor D’Amico Institute of Art
Browning Reunion, and Joe was the re-
there are any alumni out for the sum-
May, his class celebrated their 10
out in Amagansett, Long Island, so if
th
cipient of the Most Outstanding Class
mer, please drop in for a visit, I’d be
Correspondent Award, one award cate-
happy to show you around!”
gory of the Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards.
After graduating from UVa with a his-
Peter Shapiro '10 with Mr. Dearinger at Browning in May.
tory degree, Joseph M. Suquet ’04
The band recently celebrated its third
May with a JD and a certificate in admi-
show which is in residence at the music
graduated from Tulane Law School in
ralty. He plans to take the Louisiana bar exam over the summer and has ac-
anniversary of their “Personality Crisis”
Benjamin P. D’Innocenzo ’06 recently
Rodriguez Valdes-Fauli.
nearly two years overseas, over 25 coun-
Andrew P. Fanelli ‘05 recently returned to New York University’s Class of 2014
to pursue a master’s degree in PR/corporate communications. His band, Shapes,
plays shows in NYC, Brooklyn and cities and college campuses on the East Coast.
ject of a New York Times article titled “When the Family Business Is Art.”
Please see facing page for the article.
venue Shea Stadium in Brooklyn.
cepted a position as an associate with New Orleans-based law firm Fowler
Max A. Levai ’06 was recently the sub-
submitted the following news: “After tries visited and one master’s degree
completed, I have finally made my way
Max Levai ’06 as featured in The new york Times.
City! I am very thankful to have been so
Andrew Scott ’08 became a member of
friends and family, and am very excited
production of his short film, “Night on
back to my hometown of New York warmly welcomed back by all my
to make a Browning visit! I will be work-
the Screen Actors Guild, following the the Hill.”
Faculty news
style, craft and beauty of Alex’s cre-
had quite a Browning Sunday on May
eye. He is a great artist. I was pleased
In Memoriam
ises, and we had a great time catching
Anthony R. Greene ’76
English teacher Kevin Dearinger re-
cently sent us the following news: “I
20. I had an excellent lunch in SoHo at the beautiful Savore Ristorante, courtesy of the family of Leo Alavian ‘11.
Mr. Alavian extends a wonderful hospitality to his guests and spoke with great affection about The Browning
School. Leo will return shortly from his first year at St. Andrews to begin a
summer internship. While I was in the
ations would be unmistakable to any
to discover that Alex was on the premup. I was so proud of his work and, with a mix of humility, so was he. Deservedly so! Great afternoon.”
Director of Database Management)
and her family welcomed a
Berardi ‘05’s shop on Prince Street.
baby girl, Sofia
Alex is the head and heart of “The
Anna Gerych,
House of Berardi,” specializing in ele-
on April 19.
gant clothing for women. I know noth-
78 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012
Malcolm D. Young ’69
Olya Makhova (formerly Browning’s
neighborhood, I stopped to see Alex
ing about women’s clothing, but the
J. Miles Thompson, Jr. ’47
Olya Makhova’s daughter, Sofia, was born in April.
For more information, including links to obituaries, please visit www.browning.edu/alumni.
T
sponsored the 2012 spring Benefit in April at The he Browning School Parents Association
plaza hotel. parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty and
Trustees embraced the theme of “Browning Goes
Bollywood,” sporting saris and other brilliant attire in
keeping with the colorful theme. Dinner, dancing and
auctions – complete with tigers, elephants and peacocks
– made for a most memorable evening. Browning’s Jazz Band was even on hand to provide entertainment
during the cocktail hour. As headmaster Clement
commented afterward, “This was an amazing event.
The parents are still abuzz!” n
Spring Benefit logo and art by Jeremy Katz ’04
ThE 2012 spriNG BENEFiT COMMiTTEE
Benefit Chairs Mindy Fortin h. Kenneth Metz Wendy W. porter
Donation Chairs Joya Buettner Kimberly Oliva Jane sussman
Donation Committee Cristina Arnau Marianna Blanch Meg Caldwell Carol Catena sharouna Dadlani soledad infantino Geralyn Lucas pam Ludwick Keisha peters Anna pinheiro Carmen Taton
Raffle Chairs Janice Coffey Julie Kerwin Karen reuben
Design and Festivity Chairs Lisa Elson randi Matalon Wendy Brooks h. Kenneth Metz
Finance Chairs Mindy Fortin Karen Naber Maria schiffer
If this magazine is addressed to your son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Office of Institutional Advancement at 212 838-6280 x 115 with the correct mailing address. Thank you.
“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow
Were he alive today, Apple cofounder Steve Jobs, whose words inspired a number of the boys participating in Browning's storied public speaking program
connect in your future. You have to trust in
(see page 22), would be impressed
something–your gut, destiny, life, karma, what-
of 2012 (pictured). These proud
ever. This approach has never let me down, and
senior class gift in School
it has made all the difference in my life."
key chains presented to them
—Steve Jobs, Commencement Address Excerpt, Stanford University, 2005
by the early success of the Class graduates, who raised the largest history, show off the engraved upon their formal welcome into the Alumni Association.