Buzzer Summer 2012

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

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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.

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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

ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 29

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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

ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 43

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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

ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 47

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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

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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

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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

Go Panthers!

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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

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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.

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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.

ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 67

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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.

68 • ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012

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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.

ThE BUzzER • SUmmER 2012 • 75

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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

130363_text__Layout 1 8/17/12 6:50 AM Page 77

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.