Theatrical Adventure: Scaling ‘Sweeney Todd’
Tom Hyland ’95: Capitalism for A Better World
Winter Sports: Squashing Competitors
Brunswick times of
Spring 2013
A Healthy
A Brighter Future
[ Strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Education ]
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — STEM education holds promise for Brunswick boys who will enjoy a world awash in technology, and the School is adding resources and rigor to the field like never before.
Board of Trustees 2012–2013
A Healthy
Sanjeev K. Mehra, P ’10, ’12, ’13, ’20 Chairman W. Preston Baldwin III, P ’11 James F. Bell, P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’21 W. Robert Berkley, Jr. ’91, P ’21, ’23 Nancy M. Better, P ’11, ’13 Michael J. Bingle, P ’20, ’26 Todd L. Boehly, P ’20, ’22, ’24 Mark H. Camel, P ’12, ’18, ’18 Robert F. Carangelo, P ’17, ’21 Leslie A. Dahl, P ’11, ’21 B. Cort Delany ’73 Scott V. Haig, P ’09, ’14 Gregory B. Hartch ’88, P ’19 John R. Harvey ’84 Carlos M. Hernandez, P ’18 Andrew H. Jacobson, P ’17, ’18, ’22 David B. MacFarlane, P ’11, ’12, ’16 D. Ian McKinnon, P ’18 Michael J. Odrich, P ’13, ’15 Thomas D. O’Malley, Jr. ’85, P ’12, ’15, ’21 Suzanne P. Peisch, P ’12, ’14, ’16, ’18 Philip F. P. Pierce, P ’10, ’13, ’18 Clifton S. Robbins, P ’11, ’14, ’17 David R. Salomon, P ’16 William A. Schneider ’72, P ’12, ’16 Scott M. Stuart, P ’12, ’16 Michael A. Troy, P ’12, ’14 John S. Weinberg, P ’08, ’13 Tyler J. Wolfram, P ’18, ’22
Ex Officio Thomas W. Philip, P ’08, ’10 Headmaster Steven H. Dudley, P ’95, ’96 Assistant Headmaster & Director of Finance Thomas G. Murray, P ’25, ’27 Executive Director of Development Kathleen F. Harrington Senior Accountant Alison A. Troy, P ’12, ’14 President, Brunswick Parents’ Association
A Brighter Future [ Discover the real value of a STEM education on page 24 ]
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
M e ssag e from th e
HEADMASTER Our Unconditional Commitment Preparing Our Boys for Successful & Fulfilled Lives
“W
e should prepare our children for the road. We should not prepare the road for our children.” When I first encountered this quote,
I knew that a better and clearer perspective on what we do at Brunswick School could not be found. In our community — a community whose stated values are Courage, Honor, Truth — our obligation to prepare our boys and young men for the realities and expectations of the world around them is clear.
that showed up the most often in adults who were
seen as successful and fulfilled in their lives.
For our boys, that preparation, this year and
always, will mean trying different things, facing new challenges, and supporting and respecting others.
Those characteristics are:
It will also mean meeting with success as well as
• Caring and compassion
occasional disappointment, and learning equally
• Honesty and integrity
valuable lessons from both experiences.
• Sense of humor
• Openness and capacity for self-disclosure
The reality, as all adults know, is that those who
manage to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives do so
• Tolerance/acceptance of (empathy for) others
because they are equipped with a well-established
• Dedication and commitment
set of skills,
Our obligation to prepare our boys and young men for the realities and expectations of the world around them is clear.
• Adaptability and self-confidence
experience and, often, a healthy
As Brunswick’s Headmaster, I give you my
perspective
unconditional commitment, and the commitment
on their own
of each and every adult in our community, that we
strengths and
will offer our boys experiences and lessons in all
weaknesses.
these critical characteristics of human excellence.
As I often tell
parents of rising
In fact, we will do so again and again and again,
throughout each day of each week of each month
8th graders as their sons are about to enter the Upper
of every year.
School, Dr. Douglas Heath, former Chairman of
Haverford College’s Department of Philosophy, spent
boys for the road ahead.
We can think of no better way to prepare these
much of his adult life researching characteristics most often found in adults who were successful in their lives and professions. Ultimately, he came up with what he called seven
Thomas W. Philip
“Predictors of Human Excellence,” or characteristics
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S p r i n g
Brunswick times of
Brunswick School 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Tel: 203.625.5800 BrunswickSchool.org
Headmaster Thomas W. Philip Executive Director of Development Thomas G. Murray Director of Institutional Communications Daniel J. Griffin dgriffin@brunswickschool.org Assistant Editor Courtney Kennedy ckennedy@brunswickschool.org Class Notes Editor Libby Edwards ledwards@brunswickschool.org Contributing Writers Charlie Cassoli ’15 Libby Edwards Dan Griffin Courtney Kennedy Michael Kennedy ’99 John Martin Kathy Ogden Michael (Ty) Pastore ’20 Tom Philip Jarrett Shine ’92 Contributing Photographers Dan Burns Tim Coffey Jamie Fessenden Jeffry Konczal Heather Liebensohn Wayne Lin Jay Premack Design Taylor Design, taylordesign.com Printing Flagship Press, flagshippress.com
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
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CONTENTS Features 05 V enture Capitalism for a Better World By Katherine Ogden 08 A scent into Fatherhood By Katherine Ogden 14 A Healthy STEM, A Brighter Future By Katherine Ogden 25 R eflections on the Water: Seven Perspectives on Rowing After Brunswick By John Martin 30 A ttend the Tale of Sweeney Todd: Students Unite to Tackle Broadway’s Toughest Musical By Katherine Ogden 37 W inter Sports Wrap-Up: Hard Work. Camaraderie. Inspiration. And a National Championship. By Michael Kennedy ’99
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CONTENTS
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DEPARTMENTS 01 Message from the Headmaster 46 Beyond the Books
Icon indicates more content can be viewed by visiting bwick.org/tob_spring2013
– Shakespeare Project: ‘An Ode to Character’ – On His Way to Annapolis – ‘Illustrator’s Frame’ Lets Pictures Do Some Talking – Surviving Midterms: Chillin’, Video Games, and ‘Small Parts of Heaven’ – A Freestyle Approach to Learning
50 Class Notes 52 In Memoriam
Flex Time 04 Young Olympian Proves ‘Anything is Possible’ 12 Renaissance Man: Spencer McDonough ’14
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24 At Breakfast, Moms Reign Supreme 29 ‘An Untapped Capacity for Courage’ 36 Waffles, Bacon, Eggs & Exploration 44 Curiosity Fuels His Career 56 Last Look
Brunswick School, founded in 1902, is an independent college-preparatory day school for boys in grades Pre-K through 12. For more information, please contact Gina Hurd, Director of Admissions & Pre School Head, at 203.625.5800 or visit BrunswickSchool.org.
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FLEX TIME M idd l e S choo l : G o l d e n I n spiratio n
Young Olympian Proves ‘Anything is Possible’
full of 7th and 8th grade boys by saying, “Katie’s dad and
By Courtney Kennedy
B
I have been best friends since the following statement
runswick’s colors were more
was true: The Knicks are the defending NBA champions.”
gold than brown when Katie Ledecky, a gold
(That’s 1973-1974, by the way.)
medal-winning member of the 2012 United
States Olympic swim team, visited Brunswick’s
was shown, the athlete took center stage. She was clad in
After an eight-minute video clip of her historic swim
a U.S.A. jacket and a gleaming gold medal hanging from
Middle School in January.
Anthony Fischetti, 8th grade dean and Middle School
history coordinator, introduced Katie to an auditorium
At 15, Katie was not only the youngest member of
her neck. She was eager to share her experience and take
the 2012 United States Olympic swim team, but also
questions from the boys.
the youngest American athlete to participate in any
sport at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Perhaps even more
she recalled. “I was at the point where I could say, ‘Go
remarkable about her Olympic achievement is that, in
into this place. Have a great swim. Whatever happens,
“Leading up to my final race I was pretty calm,”
happens. Have fun and enjoy it,
an arena stacked with veteran swimmers, Katie was soaking in her first-ever international meet experience. Brunswick star swimmer Eric Ronda ’13 and swim team captain Sander Profaci ’13 joined 2012 Olympic champion swimmer Katie Ledecky during her visit.
Currently a sophomore at Stone Ridge
School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Md., Katie qualified for the games in the 800-meter freestyle.
“Never in a million years did I think I would even make the team. It just shows you that anything is possible.”
She captured the world’s attention when she beat
because there’s no guarantee you’ll be back here again.’”
After going through checkpoints
at which Olympic officials checked the legality of her bathing suit and goggles, she was escorted into a
waiting room, where she sat next to Michael Phelps,
the defending Olympic and world champion in the
who was preparing for his last individual race of games.
event, 23-year-old veteran distance swimmer Rebecca
Together, they watched teammate Missy Franklin win
Adlington of Great Britain, who was swimming before
gold and break a world record.
her home crowd.
Katie was then ushered into the second holding room,
Katie swam so fast that she won by more than four
where she watched Phelps win his last gold medal of the
seconds, with a time of 8 minutes 15.63 seconds.
games. She said she remembers thinking, “Oh, geez, I
She held the lead from start to finish and broke
better not be the only American not to win a medal
the American record in the
today.” This memory elicited laughs from the blue-
event, set by legendary Olympic champion Janet Evans in 1989 — eight years before Katie Ledecky, age 15, is the proud winner of a 2012 Olympic gold medal. Ledecky is the youngest swimmer ever to win the 800-meter freestyle, breaking the American record for the event in doing so.
Katie was even born.
blazer-clad pool of Brunswick boys.
Her thoughts during her own race? “I wasn’t thinking
about much,” she said. “My game plan was to go out fast, but not too fast, because it’d affect me later on in the
Upon touching the wall
race,” Katie said. “When I turned at the 600-meter mark,
at the end of her race,
it was like waking up from a dream. I couldn’t believe I
Katie became the young-
was actually winning. And then touching the wall at the
est swimmer ever to win
end was the most unbelievable feeling ever. It definitely
the 800-meter freestyle
was an oh-my-gosh moment.
event at the Olympics,
“Never in a million years did I think I would even
and the second-young-
make the team,” she said. “It just shows you that
est American swimmer
anything is possible.”
ever to win a gold medal
at the Olympics.
Brunswick’s swim team, Will Powers and James
At the assembly’s conclusion, two members of
Simone, both in the Class of ’17, presented Katie with a Brunswick Swimming T-shirt — a small token of appreciation and admiration for the inspiring young winner of Olympic gold.
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H o n o r St r at e gi c Ent r e pr e ne u r shi p It’s right there on his LinkedIn profile: Peregrinator, Not All Who Wander Are Lost. Tom Hyland ’95 certainly meets the definition of a peregrinator, or traveler: A decade ago, he dropped everything to ride the rails of the Eastern World, spending most of his time in remote villages located well off the beaten path.
Tom Hyland ’95 is working to bring the strength of capital markets to some of the poorest corners of the globe, recasting venture capitalism to provide such basic services as education and health care.
IF
estimates are correct, it was the largest gathering of people on the planet ever on a single day,
bar none. On a Sunday in February,
30 million people in India gathered to bathe in one of the most sacred places in all of Hinduism — the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges, and ancient Saraswati rivers.
Yes, that’s correct. One day
recently in India, 30 million people arrived to wash off their sins in a river confluence made sacred by a
Venture Capitalism for a Better World few drops of mythical nectar.
’Wick Alum’s Visionary Investment Firm Turns Rot into Riches By Ka t h e rin e O g d e n
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H o no r Strategi c Entrepr e ne u r s hip
Government schools in India are viewed as unreliable, and a large market of private schools caters to even very low-income families. Here, children attend a private school in Hyderabad. Tuition is about $15 a month.
T
he masses gathered for one of the world’s largest religious festivals, the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage held just once every 12 years in the ancient city of Allahabad. This year, one of Brunswick’s own was among the millions.
his passion as a peregrinator with his expertise in finance, and sees him lend his talents to some of the biggest social problems in the developing world.
Hyland is co-founder and partner of Aspada
Investment Advisors, an early-stage venture-capital fund focused on equity as well as structured products
to witness some of the colorful gatherings of this
for businesses in India.
remarkable, months-long event.
He was a long way from his boyhood home of
The company is built on the experience of SONG,
a $17 million early-stage, socially conscious economic
Brooklyn, but Hyland wouldn’t have wanted to be
development fund backed by the Soros Economic
anywhere else.
Development Fund, Omidyar Network, and Google.
A decade earlier, selling everything he owned, this
one-time analyst for Goldman Sachs stowed some clothes and a small few items into a backpack and rode the rails of the Eastern world on a budget of just $5 a day.
For almost two years, Hyland crisscrossed the
Asian continent, riding in third-class sleeper cars as he wandered the Indian subcontinent, the Trans Siberian Railway, and points near and far. That wanderlust has left Hyland with a unique
perspective on Indian culture. He is an American finance expert with the insight of a native, and an educated one at that. Now a resident of Bangalore, India, with a new wife and eight-month-old baby boy, in 2010 Hyland earned a Master’s in Business Administration in
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
next chapter of his career. It’s a challenge that blends
on business, a happy coincidence that allowed him
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For Hyland, this mix of experience both in and out
of the classroom is coming in handy as he tackles the
Tom Hyland ’95 happened to be visiting the region
“ Given that a farmer in an Indian village will likely own at least one cow, there is an enormous source of latent income that can be generated through basic efficiency improvements,” Hyland says.
entrepreneurship from the Indian School of Business.
Hyland’s investment initiatives are helping farmers realize greater profits from their harvest.
Doing Well by Doing Good What’s good for farmers in India can also enhance long-term shareholder value for investors.
A new cold
chain for carrots in southern India, for example, is proving to be a windfall for hundreds of small farmers there, projected to increase income for them by 20 percent.
But the effort is
also a fundamental component in the growing portfolio of Hyland still travels all around India for business. On one recent trip, he was able to witness one of the largest and most colorful religious gatherings the world has ever seen. Here, a boy comes up for air after bathing in the holy Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers.
Aspada Investments, which provides early-stage risk capital for innovative businesses in India.
As an investor in LEAF
(Lawrencedale Agroprocessing India
For Aspada, the overarching goal is to create large-
from two or three liters a day to perhaps 10 liters
Pvt. Ltd.), Aspada works with nearly
scale employment, market access, and offer affordable
a day. Cooling the milk on the way to market
1,000 very low-income farmers, buying
goods and services to underserved populations. The
protects the product for sale, another big challenge
their carrots for a steady and decent
premise is to use the power of capital markets to scale
in India, which is notorious for its power supply
price while building a supply chain to
and build great businesses, and in the end improve
and unorganized logistics networks.
bundle the products and keep them
services in the kinds of things the Western world takes
cold until they get to market.
for granted — food, education, basic sanitation, and more.
will likely own at least one cow, there is an
enormous source of latent income that can
said Aspada co-founder and partner
be generated through basic efficiency improve-
Tom Hyland ’95. “Once you build a
“We view the capital markets as critical, as a force
for good,” Hyland said.
“Given that a farmer in an Indian village
“We’re very excited about this,”
ments,” Hyland says.
cold chain like this, you can plug in
in large markets. For example, it operates in the
other vegetables.
agricultural supply chain to improve such things as
by 20 percent.
warehousing and cold storage, promotes health care
line with a commercial fund,” he added.
by financing secondary hospitals and clinics, advances
providing early-stage risk capital to businesses
“If there’s any magic to what we are
K-12 affordable education, and underwrites basic
that open up market access and provide essential
doing, it’s that these are models that
utilities such as water and sanitation.
services,” he said. “All of these are commercially
deliver the returns investors seek.”
The fund invests in small firms that do business
“This is a vocation as well as an avocation,” Hyland
The goal is to increase income for the farmer “We’re basically creating new markets by
viable business models.”
said. “It’s something that I am extraordinarily passion-
ate about. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity.”
isn’t enough philanthropy in the world to tackle
the world’s problems.”
Hyland says one of the big challenges in India is
“This is not philanthropy,” he added. “There
lack of basic refrigeration. The country, he says, is the
second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the
up in Brooklyn and moved to Greenwich as a
The son of Thomas S. Hyland ’62, he grew
world, but 40 percent of the crop rots before it can even
young teenager.
make it to market.
Similar problems plague the dairy industry, he says.
Hyland credits Brunswick with giving him an
incredible platform to pursue this important work.
India has the largest number of cows in the world, but
they are also the least efficient cows in the world, in
Brunswick,” he says. “It was a special place for me.”
“My closest friends continue to be those I met at B
terms of milk production.
Feed improvements, veterinary care, and better
milking procedures could increase milk production
“We project our returns to be in
Aggregation directly at the farm gate is important for small farmers because having to pack up their crop and drive them to market costs money.
For more information, visit aspadainvestments.com
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Ascent into Fatherhood After finding his inner family man one day near the summit of Mount Everest, a Brunswick dad now nurtures his inner ironman with some creative time management and a bicycle. B y Ka t h e r i n e O g d e n
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TR UTH
Ne w Su mmi t s i n F ami ly Change
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02
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For a climber at 26,000 feet, clear thinking can be as hard to come by as oxygen. For 31-year-old Owen West, it was the one thing he had left. Just 900 feet below the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, West was weak, throwing up, and moving slower than a snail. Even so, this former Marine managed to make a choice at that moment that many others have not, to their detriment.
W
est turned around. An enthusiastic
Friday Night Lights on the iPad while I pedal on my
but inexperienced climber, West hiked
trainer. As you get older and have a family, training
down from the death zone that day not
for big endurance events is about time management,
just with his life, but also with all 10 of
as much as physical fitness. I don’t have the weekends
his fingers and all of 10 toes.
free that a lot of guys have.”
Also intact was the promise he made to his wife.
Like many couples with children, the Wests take
“It was a pretty easy decision,” he says now, more
turns pursuing fitness goals, though the two don’t divide
than a decade later. “But it was painful decision.”
their turns by days of the week. They divide their turns
“I found myself throwing up, I found myself
by year.
dehydrated,” he says. “I promised Susanne.”
“This is Susanne’s year,” Owen says. “I’m babysitting
Though his two boys were nothing more than a notion
and cheering from the sidelines. It just makes sense to
then, the decision to turn around that day was the begin-
have a down year to rest and recuperate.”
ning of a balancing act that requires the West family’s
Still, West has found a creative way to get a solid
constant and continuing juggle. In the air at any one
workout without taking time from family. Twice a week,
time are the chores of family life, a passion for adventure,
he trades a train ride for a Trek bicycle and pedals the
a hobby that last year produced a 310-page book,
roughly 50 miles from his home in Old Greenwich to his
a career, and rugged athleticism of the highest level.
job as a trader at Goldman Sachs.
“I don’t set training goals,” Owen says. “The family
West is part of a community of pedal-pushers who
sets my hours, and I take advantage when I can,
rise before dawn each morning and set off on Route 1
which is often in the basement where the boys play
at 4:45 a.m., when they can have the road to themselves.
Madden football video games and I watch reruns of
They have three routes into the city: one that logs about
01 Owen West, smiling, on the flat. 02 At camp, above the clouds. 03 The Wests goof around in their family
room in front of a huge map of the world that shows the places the family has visited, both together and individually, including Owen’s military service. Pictured left to right are: Owen, Gavin, Susanne, and Ryan ’24.
I’ve always had an adventurous spirit and still do. But now it’s fairly measured.”
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A holiday scene. The Wests pose at Everest Base Camp, before the boys were born.
As you get older and have a family, training for big endurance events is about time management as much as physical fitness.
42 miles in the saddle, another logging about 50, and a
prefers testing his mettle in 100-mile ultra-marathons.
third, longer ride of 75 miles.
He participated in the punishing Eco-Challenge races
The 42-mile trip takes about 2 ½ hours, which West says
that aired on cable television more than 10 years ago.
is only about 30 minutes more than his usual commute.
Taking vacations from his job at Goldman Sachs at
“Believe it or not, there are a few people who do this,”
the turn of the century, West raced in the international
he says. “We decorate ourselves like Christmas trees.
Eco Challenge a total of six times, once as the only male
I really love it. It’s exciting the whole way.”
member of a four-person X-treme team.
West took a winter break from all that pedaling, but
In that race, produced by “Survivor” executive Mark
returned to it in March. Among the benefits of the extra
Burnett for the USA Network, West and his female
exercise: bacon, egg, and cheese.
teammates trekked through the jungles of Borneo in
“I can eat breakfast sandwiches,” he says.
a 24-hour-a-day, 10-day race. Though this particular
Budgeting for breakfast calories aside, West brings a
expedition may have had some perks, in general racers
similar attention to detail and drive to just about all of
subjected themselves to torment and suffering of the
his endeavors, of which there have been many.
highest magnitude.
At 6’4” and 200 pounds, West landed in a racing skull
Says West: “If you are good at a sport, you don’t have
while at Harvard on an ROTC scholarship, pulling for the
to go through this misery. I wish it had been baseball.”
school’s nationally-ranked varsity heavyweight crew team.
As every parent knows, however, the arrival of
“I fell into crew, where your prowess is determined by
children can change the game quite a bit, and times
how hard you are willing to work,” he says.
have indeed changed for West.
The sport was a last resort for West after a somewhat
With two boys, sports like baseball and soccer have
dismal showing on the playing fields of his youth. Such
taken a front seat. Instead of training for endurance
early disappointments, he says, propelled him not only to
events, West budgets time to coach the growing athletes
the snowfields atop Everest, but also to some of the most
on his son’s grade-school teams.
grueling athletic challenges on the planet, some of them
“I’ve always had an adventurous spirit and still do,”
filmed for television.
he says. “But now it’s fairly measured. You do change.”
For West, a marathon isn’t enough. He is an
For West, fatherhood has had an especially signifi-
endurance athlete with a taste for adventure, and he
cant impact on one of the other major roles of his life.
THE ROUTE “ We ride Route 1 from Old Greenwich into New Rochelle, turning left onto Shore Road, which becomes Pelham Parkway, the most dangerous part of the ride if it’s still dark because we have to pedal through four high-speed clover leaf merges (I-95, the Hutch, Bronx River Parkway, and I-87). We cross from the Bronx into Manhattan at 207th Street. Coming home, the Bronx is quite crowded but the people are friendly, treating us as oddities. It’s not until the Port Chester/Greenwich line that the drivers become agitated.” B
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Start We begin our ride on Route 1 in Old Greenwich.
Turn Around We cross from the Bronx into Manhattan at 207th Street.
Sharp Left Next, we turn onto Shore Road, which becomes Pelham Parkway.
TR UTH
I am a Marine, where our motto is Courage, Honor, Commitment, so Susanne and I were immediately drawn to Brunswick’s code: Courage, Honor, Truth.
Drawn Toward An Ideal
He is a third-generation infantry Marine and
“I am a Marine, where our motto is Courage,
veteran of two tours in Iraq, and he notes that
Honor, Commitment, so Susanne and I were
parenthood swiftly tempers one’s feelings about
immediately drawn to Brunswick’s code:
the dangerous pursuits of the battlefield.
Courage, Honor, Truth,” West says. “We think
“It does make it more difficult if you want to
it’s crucial to educate emotionally and physically
go and get after it,” says West. “The reality of
as well as intellectually, and Brunswick is well-
combat is that you never think of yourself, you
rounded in that regard. We only wish he went
only think of those you leave behind.”
to school more often!”
Such worry is not without good reason: chil-
As much as life has changed for West, he con-
dren left behind after a father dies in combat face
tinues to dream of returning to the big hill that
obvious challenges, not the least of which is grief.
is Everest, and hopes one day — when his boys
For this reason, West and his wife have decided
are big enough — they might be able to tackle the
to donate all proceeds from Owen’s latest book to
mountain together.
the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which
It’s a dream that started to take shape very
honors fallen Marines by educating their children.
soon after West’s moment near the summit of
West has written two novels. His latest book is
Mt. Everest, though even then the potential of
The Snake Eaters, which came out last year and
fatherhood was beginning to enter the equation.
is based on his experience of leading a small U.S.
“You wonder if you can get back to this hill and
advisor team to a remote outpost in Iraq to men-
give it another shot,” he blogged shortly after his
tor Iraqi soldiers in 2006-2007.
descent. “It’ll take a few years to build enough capi-
Given the combined military background and
tal and probably just as long to convince your wife.
respect for education, the Wests say it was simple
And that’s assuming you have no children.”
to select Brunswick as the school of choice for
Ne w Su mmi t s i n F ami ly Change
B
An Iraqi interpreter befriended by Owen West during his last tour of that country is now an American citizen, thanks to the hospitality of the West family. Born in Iraq in 1984, Ahmed Yasin is living in Omaha, Neb., studying business and supporting himself by working as a prison guard. It’s a far cry from Yasin’s life as a young man, when he signed on to be an interpreter for the American soldiers who had arrived to mentor his fellow countrymen. It was 2006, and a small group of American military advisors landed at a remote Iraqi outpost, assigned to help a local battalion rout out a stubborn insurgency. Among them was West, who was immediately struck by a 20-year Iraqi combat interpreter who was “built differently” and yearned for freedom. As West tells it, combat interpreters walk an especially dangerous line in Iraq as they work to bridge the language gap among locals, Iraqi soldiers and American military advisors. Here’s how explained it in his book, The Snake Eaters: “No one in Iraq risked as much as combat interpreters. They were hated by insurgents because they were the face of interrogations, considered traitors by their countrymen, resented by the jundis for their high pay, and ostracized by their own families for exposing them to retribution.” In Yasin’s case, that retribution was brutal. A brother was “tortured to death in Baghdad,” and his family was harassed and driven from their home. Struck by such sacrifice, West sponsored his friend for a special The Snake Eaters, immigrant visa. Yasin, by Owen West. whose nickname is Alex, lived with the Wests in New York and then at their home Old Greenwich. “I felt it was my duty,” West said. “No one risked more for us than the interpreters. They dressed in American uniforms and patrolled alongside us.” “They’re outcasts in their society,” he said. “They do it all because there is an ideal that’s drawing them.” B
son Ryan, a ’Wick 1st-grader.
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FLEX TIME A B r u n swic k S n apshot
Renaissance Man By Courtney Kennedy
I
t’s elemental. On the pavement, in the
the Connecticut Association of Conservation
lab, or hoisting the jib, Spencer McDonough ’14
and Wetlands Award and the Dominion Physical
invests and savors every waking hour. Spencer
Science Award.
dropped by for a chat in the quiet of one early
Spencer’s also a zealous and accomplished sailor.
morning, fresh off his mountain bike after riding to
He is a member of the 2012 Youth World Team and
Maher Avenue from his home in Belle Haven.
the 2013 U.S. Sailing Development Team (USSDT),
The ride may not be an odyssey or even a
the youth pathway team supported by U.S. Sailing’s
trek, but it has been a day-in, day-out journey of
Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC). It was created to
awakening and consequence.
help young athletes identified as future Olympic pros-
pects acquire the skills necessary to launch successful
Why cycle when driving’s an option? For Spencer,
it’s about feeling alert and mentally ready to tackle
campaigns and compete at the Olympic level.
the school day.
was far from predestined to live a mariner’s life.
“Earlier this year, I found I woke up exhausted
Although Spencer grew up in Belle Haven, he
and often didn’t truly wake up until well into the
His first exposure to the sport came one summer at
school day,” he admitted. “When I mentioned this to
the suggestion of a neighbor who invited him to try
my mom, she suggested I walk to school; the fresh
sailing lessons with his own children.
air and exercise would wake me up. I elected to ride
my bike — well my dad’s bike, since I didn’t have my
of determination through a sea of excitement for
own — because walking would take all morning.”
a sport that has since become a passion. “Whether
I chase an Olympic campaign or a business career,
A modern-day Renaissance Man, Spencer is
Spencer was gone like the wind, carving a wake
fluent in and dedicated to a variety of fields. He
that’s still undecided,” he said.
understands that, balancing school, sports, and
extracurricular interests, things can get stressful.
naturally as science. “The physics of sailing is cool.
It’s this abstract of science that drives me to explore
“Stepping away a little bit and connecting to the
Reconciling his two, big interests comes as
elements is what I do to recharge,” he said.
more,” he explained.
Spencer fuels his mind through science and is
To keep an even keel, Spencer said, it’s important
particularly passionate about quantum physics and
to drop the “real world” stuff, get outdoors, and
theoretical physics. In March, he and his science
“have a little fun.”
lab partner, Ashish Ramachandran ’14, were named
finalists, among 11 other Brunswick boys, at the
from the commotion of everyday life,” he said when
Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair.
asked how he defines fun. “Be it through sailing for
Their project was titled The Particular Application
“Anything that will get me outdoors and away
fun, skiing, or even reading a good book.”
of Graphene as an Integral Component of Photovoltaic
Cells on Flexible and Transparent Media. It garnered
the physics and commotion of another school day,
1st Honors at the competition and was a medalist for
he headed into the Upper School crowd.
12
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Then, awake, alert, and mentally ready to tackle B
Stepping away a little bit and connecting to the elements is what I do to recharge.
Flex TIME
The physics of sailing is cool. It’s this abstract of science that drives me to explore more.
www. br u n swickschoo l . org
13
A DELICATE PROCEDURE Brunswick science students Ashish Ramachandran ’14 (left) and Reed Schultz ’14 were introduced to the science and practice of mending a broken forearm under the supervision of renowned orthopaedic surgeon and sports-medicine specialist Kevin Plancher, M.D. Plancher invited the students to his offices to gain hands-on experience in tackling the challenges orthopaedic surgeons face every day.
A Healthy
A Brighter Future B y Ka t h e r i n e O g d e n
14
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Strengthening STEM Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — STEM education holds promise for Brunswick boys who will enter a world awash in technology. The School is adding resources and rigor to the field like never before.
STEM J O B S A RE
E X P E C TED TO GRO W 1 7 %
T H ROUG H 2 0 1 8.
pper School Science Department Chair Dana Montanez found a science muse in her sliding glass door.
It came in the form of an orb weaver spider, kept alive by a careful husband while Montanez was gone
for eight weeks on a summer jaunt.
On a whim last fall, Montanez collected the spider,
along with its friend, and introduced them to the students in her Honors Science Research course. The move proved inspirational to her students. Spider silk is a prized but poorly understood material that holds incredible promise for its combination of strength, elasticity, and eco-friendliness.
Fascinated by its silky assets, one team of ’Wick boys
focused on its properties in their science project, which took them all the way to the Connecticut State Science and Engineering Fair, winning accolades for their efforts to synthesize this high-performance biomaterial, which is coveted by industry for use in everything from bridges to paper. g
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15
16
Limited to just 16 students per year, Montanez’s twoyear course is a major underpinning of Brunswick’s commitment to STEM education in the new century.
STEM j o b s.
pay i n g j o b s a r e
21 of the 25 top-
Upper School science teacher and department chair Dana Montanez directs the work of Brunswick students, left to right, Alex Montinaro ’15, Chase Stitzer ’15, Christian Tanner ’15, and others.
For Montanez, science education and hope for the future begin with almost childlike bursts of imagination. A voracious reader, her goal in the unique Honors Science Research course she created two years ago is to first provide the spark of an idea to her students, and then to lead them through a rigorous scientific process to test out their notions.
imited to just 16 students
science students visited the nearby Orthopaedic
per year, Montanez’s two-year
Foundation for Active Lifestyles Lab.
course is a major underpinning of
Brunswick’s commitment to STEM
drills, plates, and screws. The boys enjoyed a hands-on
education in the new century.
opportunity to learn the skills needed to repair broken
That commitment is demonstrated
bones. To that end, students had the chance to bolt, pin
in everything from new course
together, and insert supportive plates into a model of a
offerings in science, engineering, and computer science
broken forearm, all under the supervision of renowned
to an award-winning Middle School robotics club and
orthopaedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist, and
to a new Coding Club at the Lower School that has
Greenwich resident Kevin Plancher, M.D.
the youngest ’Wick students beginning to learn the
language of computers.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in Tarrytown, New
York. There, the boys learned about the business side
Similarly, older students are enjoying new
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Another terrific field trip was an April trip to
opportunities for enrichment as far away as Peru and as
of biotech, as well as the discovery and development
nearby as Cos Cob.
of antibody-based drugs. Students toured the research
labs, the cloning facilities, the vivarium, and the
This spring, for example, ’Wick boys played sports-
doctor-for-a-day when a group of 22 Upper School
16
The lab features actual surgical equipment, such as
bioreactors that create and purify the drugs.
Strengthening STEM Education
“The boys were outstanding,” Montanez said. “Before
we left, our guide pointed out that our boys asked the most questions of any group that has come through in years. It was fantastic.” Even more enrichment for top-level science students is planned for later this spring, when Montanez will lead a field-research trip to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru.
The trip is being made available to ’Wick research
students in order to expose them to an entirely new branch of science education: Field Research. Organized by the worldwide biological and conservation research group Operation Wallacea, the program gives students the opportunity to collect and monitor data on the biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, as well as information about the sustainability of forest-resource use by indigenous people living on the reserve.
But there are plenty of opportunities for science
research right on Maher Avenue, thanks to a newlyrenovated Upper School science lab. That room, Montanez says, originally functioned as the “Black Box”
For Parents’ Association, STEM is Fashionable This spring, the STEM endowment initiative is enjoying support from the whole ’Wick community. For the first time ever, all proceeds from the Brunswick School Fashion Show and Luncheon and its sibling event, the Golf Outing at Winged Foot, will support a new, Brunswick Parents’ Association STEM Endowment Fund. This is the first year that BPA events will benefit the STEM endowment. For the next three to five years, all BPA fundraisers will benefit this effort, with the goal of raising $1 million. The Fashion Show has been a spring calendar staple for Brunswick families since its inaugural event in 1943, which raised $800 for the school. This year’s ticket sales for the event exceeded all
Overall, the renewed commitment to STEM is already paying dividends for Brunswick students: ’Wick boys earned multiple honors and awards at the Connecticut State Science & Engineering Fair held at Quinnipiac University in March.
expectations. The show was a fantastic start to the BPA’s quest to provide a solid foundation for the STEM endowment. 02
for the theater program. It was later called into service as a practice room for the jazz band and, after that, became a study hall.
Thanks to gift from Bodas family, the room was
gutted and renovated during the summer of 2011,
03
just before Montanez joined the ’Wick faculty. It now
01 H arry Hefffernan ’14 takes a
careful measurement as he works to complete a science exercise in Brunswick’s science lab, renovated in 2011, thanks to a gift from the Bodas family.
serves as a space to nurture budding scientific thinkers.
“It’s a beautiful, bright space with cutting-edge
equipment, along with staple equipment that allows the kids to explore,” she said. “If a kid gets into something
02 R yan Hardin ’13 prepares a physics
experiment.
we don’t have, we do what can to get it.” She added:
03 S tudents in Montanez’s Advanced
“Sometimes we have to say no. It’s evolving.”
Science Class include, left to right, Vikram Bodas ’14, Reed Schultz ’14, Matt Mayfield ’14.
Overall, the renewed commitment to STEM is
already paying dividends for Brunswick students: ’Wick boys earned multiple honors and awards at the Connecticut State Science & Engineering Fair held at Quinnipiac University in March. 01
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17
Strengthening STEM Education
10,000
’Wick projects were initially culled from a field of 10,000 applications and were among the 448 invited to participate.
“They did really, really great,” said Montanez, who
Honored were: Kevin Pendo ’15, Mahesh Raman ’15,
chairs the Brunswick Science Department just two
Spencer McDonough ’14, Ashish Ramachandran ’14,
years into her tenure here. “They worked so hard.”
Reed McMurchy ’15, Alex Montinaro ’15, Christian
Tanner ’15, Chase Stitzer ’15, Jake Fields ’13, Vikram
The boys had been working since November,
developing experiments for the fair, testing out
Bodas ’14, Matthew Mayfield ’13, Reed Schultz ’14,
everything from the use of nanomagnets to retrieve
Sivan Sud ’14, Cooper Robinson ’15, and Tommy
spilled oil to the insulating properties of different kinds
Tranfo ’14.
of roofing material to the possibilities of synthesizing
spider silk for use in industry.
team that studied spider silk and was inspired by the
creatures that his teacher carefully carted into the
’Wick projects were initially culled from a field of
Tenth grader Alex Montinaro was part of the
10,000 applications and were among the 448 invited
classroom in a used wonton soup container.
to participate.
new home, the boys worked hard to provide a habitat
Fair organizers called the invited projects the “cream
Though the spiders didn’t live very long in their
of the crop.”
for them as they began to consider the unique material
these creatures spin as part of their daily routine.
From Brunswick, 13 boys making up seven teams
from Montanez’s Honors Science Research course were
The boys learned, for instance, that a gown made
named finalists. The boys defended their work before
entirely of spider silk has recently gone on display at
the judges and were among roughly 200 selected for
the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The gown
honors and awards.
took five years to make and is made from silk harvested
In ’Wick Math, the Numbers Add Up It’s a whole new, data-driven world out there, and the ’Wick Math Department is keeping pace by beefing up its teaching staff, particularly in one area that has a trendy new name: “Big Data,” or as it’s more commonly known, statistics. A March article in The Wall Street Journal showed that, nationwide, demand for statisticians has surged in recent years as more businesses try to take advantage of the huge quantities of data made
Mathematics department chair Michael Allwood notes that students are electing to take AP statistics in record numbers. A decade ago, only four students enrolled.
available through technology.
Enticed into the field by
the growing demand for number crunchers, students
18
are signing on to take statistics
enrollment stands at 36, and demand in
the 11th grade, although nearly all
said. “We don’t necessarily have
in record numbers.
this area is so great that an additional
students opt to continue with the
people who can think for themselves
math teacher will be added in
subject up to graduation.
and solve problems.
of the ’Wick Math Department,
September to ease the burden on
has seen the trend right here
the department’s existing staff.
Problem Solving are offered for those
ematics is — answering a question
on Maher Avenue.
students who wish to supplement
by analyzing it mathematically.”
quantifiable,” Allwood noted.
their mathematical studies.
students enrolled in Allwood’s
AP statistics class. Today,
is required at Brunswick through
Michael Allwood, chairman
A decade ago, only four
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
“The world has become so As with science, mathematics
AP Statistics and Honors Math
“We have plenty out in the world
who can follow instructions,” Allwood
“That’s essentially what math-
02
01
from a million Madagascar-born female orb weaver
and learning in science, mathematics, and technology,
spiders — all of them captured by morning, mined for
and to create a separate endowment to support an
silk during the day, and released by evening.
Upper School Science Research Fund.
The story is amazing, but even more so for the
A broad-based resource, the STEM endowment
qualities of the material that was so laboriously
will enable Brunswick to unite and build on current
gathered. Spider silk is said to be as strong as steel and
initiatives, adding integrated mathematics, science, and
yet also as forgiving as rubber.
engineering programs to the curriculum at all levels.
Long-term, the goal is to define and support the kind
“It’s basically like a miracle of nature,” explained
Montinaro. “It has practical
of excellence that will place
uses. It’s biodegradable.”
the School’s STEM initiative
on par with, or well ahead
“I love science,” he said,
adding that Montanez’s class is especially wonderful because it gives students some “freedom to play around with ideas.
“That’s why I love this class
— you make it what you want.”
Montinaro, along with
teammates Chase Stitzer and
The STEM endowments will enable Brunswick to unite and build on current initiatives, adding integrated mathematics, science, and engineering programs.
of, Brunswick’s independent school peers.
By creating these new
funds, Brunswick recognizes that all students, regardless of their chosen concentration, gain significant and important thinking skills, as well as educational and professional
Christian Tanner, ended up project, which they called “A Novel Approach to the
the requirements for proficiency in mathematics and
Synthesis of a High-Performance Biomaterial.” The
the sciences.
team also earned Medalist status for three awards:
Even more, by providing resources to enhance
the Barnes Aerospace Applied Technology Award, the
student achievement, the STEM Endowment Fund
Alexicon Biotechnology Award, and the Pfizer Life
will ensure that every ’Wick graduate possesses the
Science Award.
knowledge and skills needed to pursue a baccalaureate
or higher degree in mathematics, engineering, or
Montanez and Brunswick’s award winners at the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair, held at Quinnipiac University in March: left to right, Spencer McDonough ’14, Tommy Tranfo ’14, Dana Montanez, Kevin Pendo ’15, Ashish Ramachandran ’14, Jake Fields ’13, Vikram Bodas ’14, Matt Mayfield ’13, Reed Schultz ’14, Reed McMurchy ’15, Mahesh Raman ’15, Alex Montinaro ’15, Christian Tanner ’15, Chase Stitzer ’15, Cooper Robinson ’15, and Sivan Sud ’14. 02 R eed McMurchy ’15 won 1st Honors
and was a Medalist for the Dominion Physical Science Award for his project, “Discovering the Most ‘Invisible’ Geometric Shape: The Future of RadarEvasive Technology.” 03 J ake Fields ’13 (left) won 1st Honors
and was a Medalist, as well as winning a Special Award from the Office of Naval Research, for his project, “The Effects of Bovine Serum Albumin on Restriction Digestion and Analysis of Lambda Phage DNA.” Reed Schultz ’14 (right) won First Honors and was a Medalist for his project, “Nanomagnetic Crude Oil Recovery Systems: Electro v. Permanent Magnets.”
technological innovation.
shows high school students lose interest in STEM as
they move toward graduation, despite the promise of
students much more than just a seat at the table of
the well-documented growing job market in the field.
innovation. The field, she says, provides opportunities
to be a hero in a world that sorely needs them.
As Montanez sees it, STEM education offers
a key initiative for Montanez and for the school-wide
Earth, she notes, faces obvious problems, from
“Above All Else...” Capital Campaign. A major campaign
pollution to energy supply. STEM careers, she says, offer
goal is to create an endowment to strengthen teaching
hope for solutions, particularly in the form of engineering.
STEM C A REERS
global economy increasingly defined by scientific and
Nationwide, a report in U.S. News & World Report
C RE A TE J O B S IN
the sciences if they so choose, as well as to thrive in a
attracted to important, and rewarding, STEM careers.
OT H ER F IELDS .
a coast-to-coast trend that sees fewer young people
But at Brunswick, STEM education is thriving. It is
01 S cience Department Chair Dana
opportunities, by satisfying
winning 1st Honors for their
Such success shows Brunswick is already bucking
03
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19
“ The most encompassing and worthwhile project would be to have our students build amusement parks and explain the physics involved,” said Max Kennedy.
Taking a Roller Coaster Ride through Physics
Y
One Brunswick 8th grader’s roller coaster project tested the classical mechanics learned in the classroom.
20
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
es, it’s true: Science is fun!
final product had to fit through the classroom door once
That’s the physics lesson learned when
fully assembled.
Brunswick 8th graders collaborated on creating
their own amusement park. The boys in Max
curriculum enjoyable for our students,” Kennedy said. “We
“Matt and I are all about making the 8th grade science
Kennedy’s and Matt DuCharme’s science class spent the
wanted them to realize that even though science can be
first four months of the school year studying classical
challenging and intimidating at times, applying and learning
mechanics — motion, forces, machines, energy — and
science is a fun, valuable and rewarding endeavor.”
the next few reviewing that material by building and
presenting a small-scale amusement park ride.
with creating two presentations. The first was an in-class
The project was twofold, and the boys were tasked
“The most encompassing and worthwhile project
group presentation in which they shared their amusement
would be to have our students build amusement parks
park ride creation with their classmates and teacher while
and explain the physics involved,” said Kennedy.
explaining the physics behind the ride. The second was a
The two teachers split each of their classes into groups of
Middle School-wide presentation that gave the boys an
four. Each group was responsible for designing its own amuse-
opportunity to have more fun with their projects.
ment park ride that would eventually be joined with the other
groups’ rides to create an amusement park.
But what’s even more fun is the fact that students, based
on their level of success in making an interesting ride, had
The rides and parks could be built out of any available
Science is fun and amusement parks are clearly fun.
products and the boys had a large amount of autonomy
the opportunity to earn five bonus points for the entire
in what they designed. The only stipulation was that the
class to apply to a future examination. So fun!
B
Strengthening STEM Education
Engineers, Montanez says, design solutions to
as the science research course, the engineering class will
everything from toxic landfills to inefficient solar
offer students the luxury of time to tinker with new ideas
panels. These are the innovators who will be dreaming
and pursue their own interests.
up fixes for the developed world for the next century
and the one beyond.
she said. “They invent things that solve our problems
and help us live better, cleaner lives.
Montanez is in the process of developing
“We need engineers because they are the solvers,”
Brunswick’s first-ever engineering class and hopes to
debut it within the next few years. Cast in the same vein
Montanez predicted. “(But) it might not be for 200 years.”
“It’ll be the engineers who solve the energy crisis,”
Though the ’Wick science program has clearly caught some of the limelight in recent months, similar upgrades are in the pipeline for the School’s Computer Science Department. Technology has revolutionized the world during the last 20 years — it now permeates every aspect of economic and personal life, from medicine to education, from government to manufacturing and beyond. ut the medium will only
advancement and economic activity. Unless the kids
become more powerful in the years
have a more meaningful understanding (of computers),
to come. According to one Brunswick
they will be at a disadvantage in the workforce. We are
teacher, the ability to operate a PC is
no longer a manufacturing society. It’s a knowledge-
only the beginning of an education
based, service economy which requires innovative,
in computers.
problem-solving skills.”
Sunil Gupta, director of technology and chair of the Computer Science Department, notes
Gupta notes the reasons to learn computer science
that technology is one of the fastest-growing and
are as practical as they are abstract:
highest-paying sectors of the economy, and young
• Eight of the top 10 growth jobs in the next decade are
people need to learn more than just how to use a web browser and a word-processing program. Learning the language of computers, Gupta says, develops logical skills and abstract thinking and, in the end, the knowledge and the tools needed to program computers to solve problems.
“Computing is driving innovation in almost every
field,” Gupta said. “It’s the foundation of scientific
Sunil Gupta, director of technology and chair of the Computer Science Department
STEM EDU C A TION MUST ST A RT E A RLY.
technology-related. • Many college majors at top-ranked universities now require students to take some Computer Science courses. • Of the most sought-after careers listed by Monster.com, computer-related fields have the highest median salary. • Learning one programming language makes it easier for students to master other programming languages, as many share similar syntax commands and logic.
w w w . br u n sw i c ksc h ool . o rg
21
While students are introduced to technology in the Lower and
Middle School, the actual language of computers is taught only in the Upper School. One course is an Introduction to Computer Science and the other is an AP computer-science course. Both are in Java. Michael Pastore ’20 writes about his experience as a member of Brunswick’s Middle School Robotics Team, The New Mind Mavericks.
Changes are afoot. Gupta said Brunswick is looking to add a
Middle School computer programming class, possibly as soon as September 2013. Lower School offerings may follow, though these young students are already enjoying an after-school opportunity that explores the basics of the language that web pages are built on.
At the suggestion of a parent, a new Lower School Coding
Club was formed in January. Open to third and fourth graders, the Club uses an online website to tutor ’Wick boys in the most
Robots, Robots Everywhere!
basic elements of HyperText Markup Language, or HTML.
By Michael Pastore ’20
Lower School technology guru Timothy Coupe said the idea is to get the boys to think about the “language” they need to
This school year, I’ve had the privilege of being on the Brunswick Middle School
speak to get computers to perform tasks.
Robotics Team, the New Mind Mavericks.
students,” said Coupe. “This gives them an opportunity to
It’s a great team, consisting of 10 members: Ian Murray, Eric Meindl, Jamie
Meindl, Robert Sprung, Charles Heath, Will George, Cedric Lafleur, Will Frauen,
innovate, and lets them experiment.”
Jose Riera, and me.
the second, meets once a week for almost an hour.
It was really fun and exciting to work with Drew Dawson, our robotics teacher.
At first, we just brainstormed ideas, and later we designed our robot.
The New Mind Mavericks
The club, which drew 18 boys in the first session and 12 in The boys work in
The robot was medium-sized, about the
teams at their own pace,
size of a shoebox. It had LEGO walls
and learn to recognize
surrounding it, making it very hard to
the rules and patterns
break. It also had motors to make it move.
of HTML. The goal is
It was very impressive.
not to create a website,
Aside from building a robot, we also
but instead to focus on
constructed a device to help senior
the process and language
citizens. We made an original, state-of-the
of programming.
art cane with retractable tripods on the
®
Coupe said the online
bottom, for support if you were standing in a long line, that were triggered by a button
tutorial program provides
located beneath the handle. The cane is made of metal and is extremely sturdy.
instant feedback, which
Finally, after weeks of preparation and testing, we headed to the Connecticut
allows the boys to know
state competition. The competition started in the morning and went all the way into
if what they are doing is
the afternoon.
right or wrong.
At the competition, teams were testing and making adjustments to their robots.
The boys work in teams at their own pace, and learn to recognize the rules and patterns of HTML’s language. The goal is not to create a website, but is instead to focus on the process and language of programming.
“There’s lots of trial
We walked around the large room, looking at robots of all shapes and sizes: Small
and error,” he said. “I work with two other teachers to help
ones, large ones, wide ones, thin ones. Robots
support the boys, and we are all learning together.”
were everywhere.
demonstrated by a Brunswick student who will graduate this
When the time came to present our cane, we
The need for this kind of education has already been
walked in another room to the judges who, before
spring and who, as a junior, launched a successful tech business.
asking us for our presentation, challenged our whole
team to work on a puzzle to test our teamwork. I
’Wick junior and has already leveraged the skills he learned
think we displayed fine teamwork and impressed the
there to launch Sibyl Vision. The company was one of the first
judges. We then showed the benefits of our cane.
to mine the ‘Twitterverse’ for sentiment about the presidential
In the end, our team did very well and won three
trophies. I really enjoyed working with The New Mind Mavericks.
22
“We’re looking at what we can do with our youngest
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Peter Kazazes ’13 took the AP computer science class as a
election and has since offered up its high-tech analysis to Robert Sprung ’20 displays his robotic creation.
everyone from big-name entertainers to cookie manufacturers.
Strengthening STEM Education
Other ’Wick students are seeing success in related STEM fields. In a Brunswick first, for example, a team of Middle School boys won the award for HighestScoring Robot at the FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) state championships held in December in New Britain.
the bugs that enjoy a permanent stay-of-execution and her children, Montanez has a husband, a 17-year-old Cockatiel named Charlie, an orange corn snake she has kept alive for more than a decade, and a German Shepherd named Nino.
A certain pair of spiders was among the critters to win
a recent Montanez reprieve, and in this came a powerful opportunity to serve as inspiration for a teacher trying to plant the seeds of science in young minds.
Says Montanez: “I just brought them in because I
thought they were interesting.”
Brett Martell, science coordinator at the Pre and
Lower Schools, tries to offer ’Wick’s youngest students a similar opportunity to discover.
Science, he notes, is an integral and important part of
the day for all Pre and Lower School boys, and the learning HE FLL, a global robotics competition in which students aged 9 to 14 are asked to research and solve
“This is a true competition and a bit
of a cutthroat one at that,” said Coach Drew Dawson.
’Wick boys were first out of a field of 48 teams
statewide. It was the first time a Brunswick team has even made a showing at the state level, let alone won a statewide award.
“It’s exciting,” said parent Cosby George.
Calling themselves The New Mind Mavericks, the
10-member Brunswick FLL team had earlier won Best Project in a field of 24 at the regional tournament in Shelton, Conn. The boys designed a special multifunctional cane that senior citizens can use to stay indepen-
For the youngest students, science offers a
chance to sharpen thinking skills while considering everything from the space program to electricity to crime scene investigation.
And here too, it’s all led by curiosity.
“By inspiring curiosity and risk taking, collaboration
Stem is the
NXT Mindstorms robot.
g a t e way t o
findings, and build a working LEGO®
that comes later at the Middle and Upper Schools.
i n n o va t i o n.
a real-world problem, present their
that happens there provides the foundation for everything
and perseverance, our youngest boys are already learning skills they need to tackle open-ended and complex problems,” said Lower School Head Katie Signer, who holds a Master’s Degree in teaching with a focus on math and science and thus counts those subjects especially close to her heart.
“Hands-on and interactive by nature, science
is a place where many boys feel at home and come alive,” she said.
Jamie Meindl ’20 was one of Brunswick’s team members at the First LEGO® League state championship, held in December in New Britain. The team garnered top honors for highest-scoring robot.
B
dent as they age.
Members of the team are Will Frauen, William
George, Ian Murray, Robert Sprung, Eric Meindl, Jamie Meindl, Jose Riera, Cedric Lafleur, Mike Pastore, and Charlie Heath.
Clearly, Brunswick can be proud of its boys for their
recent achievements. But with all the emphasis on building skills for the future, Montanez and her spiders remind us that in life and learning, inspiration has its clear place in the equation, too. Like every home, the Montanez house has its share of creepy-crawlies. Unlike at many homes, however, no one is allowed to squish the critters that make their home at the Montanez manse. Family members there can often be found scooping them up in a Bug Wrangler that this mom-of-three found at Toys-R-Us.
You might call it a Montanez Menagerie. Aside from
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FLEX TIME Upp e r S choo l S e n ior M oth e r - S o n B r e a k fast
01
02
At Breakfast, Moms Reign Supreme
I
t’s a secret (well, not-so-secret) tradition. Seniors were called in at 7 a.m. on February 12 for a “meeting” and instead found
their mothers waiting to join them
04
for breakfast. Each mom had made a framed collage for her son of photos from the early years of his life. In turn, sons honored their mothers by serving the meal and then joined
03
them for the repast.
The result? A morning of laughs,
smiles, and celebration of all that the boys and their mothers have done
05
together through the years to make the most of the ’Wick experience — over easy, sunny side up, and in every other way.
01 Mothers and their senior sons share
breakfast in Valentine’s Day fashion in the Upper School dining hall. 02 Jonathan Mills ’13 with mother, Chensun 03 Gabriel Paternina ’13 with mother, Ana 04 Tommy Rosenkranz ’13
and mother, Lauren 05 John Davis ’13 with mother, Noeline 06 Jack Weinberg ’13 and mother, Amy 06 Each mom made a framed collage for
her son of photos from early years of his life.
For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
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07
Seven Perspectives on Rowing After Brunswick
They’re part of an elite group. Seven young Brunswick alumni, all of whom distinguished themselves as members of the School’s rowing team, have graduated to join a selection of the nation’s most competitive and prestigious college and university crews. Three Brunswick grads have gone on to captain their respective teams at Cornell, Georgetown, and Bates. John Martin, assistant rowing coach and Upper School English teacher, asked these recent graduates to talk about their college rowing experiences, their memories of Brunswick crew, and the traditions that help to maintain the excellence of their undergraduate teams. By John Martin
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TAYLOR BLACK ’09 Cornell University ’13
Being part of the Cornell rowing tradition has been an amazing experience. As a Cornell rower, I truly
For the complete interview with Taylor, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
crosses the Ithaca City line, we sing the Cornell Crew Song as a team. Little traditions like this one make rowing at Cornell special.
feel as though I’m part of something bigger than my individual success as well as my boat’s success; I’m a representative of a lightweight rowing team with over 90 years of tradition.
This history provides additional motivation that fuels our
team each year as we strive to add to the eight Ivy League Championships and the four IRA National Championships that have been won throughout the program’s history.
One of my favorite traditions has been in place for over 30
years. Whenever we return from an away race, as soon as the bus
PETER HALEY ’09 Bates College ’13
“
It has been a great experience being part of such a fast crew. After losing to Trinity at New England’s last year, we
We have been getting faster every year and I can’t wait to see how fast we can go next spring.
LAWRENCE LOPEZ ’10 Yale University ’14
For the complete interview with Peter, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
were really disappointed, but beating them for the first time since Bates joined the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference was incredible. The team was pretty small when I first arrived and we could barely fill up two eights. We lost most of the first boat that year which forced the sophomores and freshmen to step up. The team really responded and we had a great year and didn’t lose anyone. We carried that momentum into this past year and were able to have Bates’s best finish ever. We lost three strong senior rowers, but have 13 strong freshmen coming in, which is the largest recruiting class ever. We have been getting faster every year and I can’t wait to see how fast we can go this spring.
For the complete interview with Lawrence, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
Rowing at Yale has been a lot of fun thus far. This past year, we had a small squad made up of a devoted, hardworking group of guys who shared the common goal of winning. We’re very close and it’s always fun to be around the team. This program is the oldest collegiate sports team in the nation and there’s a lot of tradition that we encounter, such as the YaleHarvard regatta (147 years). It’s great to be able to be a part of such a long history. Coach Gladstone has been great: He’s everything the team needs as we look to continue to rise in the ranks of national rowing. He has a deep passion for the sport and relays that passion in the way he motivates us and pushes us to become faster every day.
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
One of the things I appreciate most about Coach Gladstone is that he has a genuine respect for every individual on the team.
ØIVIND LORENTZEN ’09
For the complete interview with Øivind, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
Stanford University ’13
Stanford prides itself on its strong academic and athletic culture. Rowing at Stanford lets me participate in
“
both these cultures and allows me to take full advantage of my college experience. Although the time commitment is large, it adds structure, productivity and a huge stress release to my academics and day-today college life. Though it sounds like a cliché, the most valuable part of rowing at Stanford is the team culture and environment we collectively create. Our team prides itself on being small compared to other DI rowing programs. Our small team holds each member accountable for success and facilitates the building of life-long relationships by pushing each other hard early every morning and every afternoon toward the same goal. Because we, along with all other collegiate rowing programs, spend an incredible amount of time training compared to the time racing, it would be irrational for anyone to row for only the enjoyment of racing and not also for the enjoyment of day-to-day practices.
Although the time commitment is large, it adds structure, productivity and a huge stress release to my academics and day-to-day college life.
HANK SCHLESS ’10
For the complete interview with Hank, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
Bates College ’14
When I was looking at Bates, the potential of being part of this rapidly improving program was attractive to me. Over the last two years, the work ethic in the off-season has been characterized by a combination of hard work and the desire to win. That mentality carries over to the water once the season begins and pays off as we improve throughout the season, right up until championship racing. It’s very cool to watch this program grow into a powerhouse, and being a central part of that makes it all the better. Last year was the best ever for the Bates men. This year is looking even more positive. It really is amazing what can be accomplished with the right mentality and leadership.
Also Among the Elite
Several other recent Brunswick alumni also row at top colleges and universities.
Michael Chronert ’12 University of Notre Dame
Max Heiden ’12 University of Pennsylvania
Mac Singer ’12 Princeton University
Ed Williams ’09 University of California/Berkeley
Peter Costas ’07 University of Virginia
Graham Miller ’12 Georgetown University
Dylan Troy ’12 Cornell University
Jack Williams ’12 Trinity College
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CHAN MAHANEY ’09
For the complete interview with Chan, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
Georgetown University ’13
“
Spending all day training and hanging out with your teammates gets you really excited about spring racing.
We’re a really tightly knit team, so winter training trips are definitely some of the best things about rowing at Georgetown. Spending all day training and hanging out with your teammates gets you really excited about spring racing.
In terms of actual racing, winning our Princeton/Columbia race
last year and bringing the Fosburgh Cup to the Hilltop for the first time since its inception in 2005 was incredible.
It was my first big win in college and with great execution of
our race plan, we were able to come back from being down half a boat length to press through #2 ranked Princeton.
I’ve always dreamt about being an Olympic athlete, so a long-
term goal of mine is to make the 2016 Olympic Lightweight Four and race for the USA in Rio. Right now, I’m training for the U23 National Team and hope to make the Senior US National team upon graduation in 2013.
TURNER SMITH ’09
For the complete interview with Turner, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
Princeton University ’13
Rowing at Brunswick was an incredibly valuable experience. I became interested in the sport because my cousins (Will Carroll ’03 and Graham Carroll ’05) were on the team. I quickly learned that the sport requires a major time commitment. As a result, crew taught me to budget my time and successfully manage my academics and social life, which has proved a valuable lesson for my time at Princeton.
I was never the best athlete in middle school, but when I
picked up crew during freshman year at Brunswick I found it to be a sport that rewards hard work rather than pure talent. Moreover, rowing taught me life lessons and showed me how far I was willing to push and dedicate myself.
Joe Falco and John Martin were influential as coaches, role
models and mentors during my time at Brunswick. I will also always value the friendships of my Brunswick teammates, and it’s been fun having the opportunity to race against them now in college.
For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
FLEX TIME Upp e r S choo l : C l ass of 2 0 0 5 S p e a k e r S e ri e s
For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
Eric Greitens, founder and CEO of The Mission Continues, addressed Upper School students in March.
‘An Untapped Capacity for Courage’
“IT
By Courtney Kennedy
takes courage to be who you
how international humanitarian organizations
are, to fulfill your own potential and be of
can best serve war-affected children.
service to others,” Eric Greitens, founder
and CEO of The Mission Continues, told
witnessed children willing to stand up, face life with
Upper School students in March. “Every one of us has
Amidst pain, suffering and loneliness, Eric
courage, and begin to live their lives again as if they
an untapped capacity for courage.”
were whole because, he said, “the mission continues.”
Eric’s experience with children as they faced and
The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit
organization, challenges veterans to serve and inspire,
overcame exceptional adversity fueled his trust in the
out of uniform, in communities across America.
strength and power of the human spirit. That abiding
Greitens, named one of the world’s most inspirational
trust helped guide Greitens through Navy SEAL train-
people in Time magazine’s April 29 issue, visited
ing, four deployments in the Global War on Terrorism
Brunswick’s Upper School to take part in the Class of
and, later, to founding The Mission Continues.
2005 Speaker Series.
Eric’s remarks sparked a fire: The boys seemed to
receptive and open to the challenge,” Greitens said.
hang on his every word, not only because his stories
“In order to make a change in life, you have to be
“You have to have humility.”
about war and Navy SEAL training sounded like a
In 2007, after returning from his last tour in Iraq,
Steven Spielberg movie script, but also because he
Eric, along with two other service members, used his
spoke of worldly truth in our volatile world.
combat pay to found The Mission
Continues. Since his return, he
Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Eric was an Angier
B. Duke Scholar at Duke University and a Rhodes
has also authored three books:
and Truman Scholar. He attended The University of
Strength and Compassion; The
Oxford between 1996 and 2000, where he received
Heart and the Fist: The Making of
“ In order to make a change in life you have to be receptive and open to the challenge,” Greitens said. “You have to have humility.”
his Master’s degree and D.Phil. In completing his
a Humanitarian and a Navy Seal; and The Warrior’s
education, Eric worked as a humanitarian volunteer,
Heart: The Making of a Man of Compassion and Courage.
documentary photographer, and researcher in Rwanda,
Cambodia, Albania, Mexico, India, Bosnia, and Bolivia.
students sought an opportunity to shake Eric’s hand, thank-
His doctoral thesis, entitled Children First, investigated
After he concluded his remarks, more than half of the
ing him for coming to speak and for his courage and honor, both abroad and at home as “the mission continues.”
B
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Courage A The a t r i cal A d v e n t u r e
S t u d e n t s U n i t e t o T a c k l e B r o a d w a y ’ s Tou g h e s t M us i c a l
Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd Cold-blooded and brilliant, Sweeney Todd came to Baker Theater’s stage in February, thanks to the hard work of dozens of ’Wick and GA thespians, a team of dedicated staff, and alums who returned to campus to help. B y Ka t h e r i n e O g d e n
Ali Coopersmith ’13 garnered the lead in Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” the musical tale of a 19th-century man who sought revenge for an old wrong by murdering customers as they sat in his barber chair.
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times of Brunswick • SPRING Spring 2013
IT
has been called the Moby Dick
Even chorus members are asked to deliver incredibly
of musicals. Just like the 19th century
difficult performances.
masterpiece, Stephen Sondheim’s
Sweeney Todd is revenge-driven, violent,
and theater teacher Seth Potter said. “Nobody here
“This is not a chorus to hide behind,” Director
complicated, destructive, and most especially, just
is hiding.”
plain difficult.
dark tale — corruption, revenge, murder, rape, and
But while the Melville tome stands out among
Considering the undertones that run through this
distinctive, dark tracts, Sweeney Todd only adds a
even cannibalism — the notes that Sondheim has hit
fabric of dissonance and complexity to the long-told
for Sweeney Todd might begin to look logical. But that
and challenging tale of a man driven to his death by
doesn’t make staging this piece easy — not at all.
a his own, vengeful spirit.
And that well-woven layer is, of course, musical.
Judge Turpine, a magistrate who takes advantage of
A Tony Award-winning play that debuted in 1979,
his position to exile Sweeney Todd and rape his wife.
“It was hard,” says Dan Hughes ’14, who played
Sweeney Todd is a musical tale of a demon barber
who murders his clients by slitting their throats and
he waited backstage before his final performance.
then allowing a neighboring shopkeeper to turn their
“Everything’s atonal. We don’t get a major chord
corpses into meat pies.
until the end of the first act.”
On a Tetris-like set constructed of 15 moving parts (top, left to right) Daniel Hughes ’14, Willy Fein ’13, Ali Coopersmith, and Sammy Mehra ’13 and (bottom, center) Lexi Seidel (GA ’14) played out the macabre musical tale of “something not very nice.”
And it’s all set to music that often seems to fight
with itself.
Think crazy Ahab, singing.
Sure, it’s weird, gruesome, and funny in a macabre
sort of way. In one Sweeney Todd number first made famous by actress Angela Lansbury, the audience chuckles as the actors sing playfully about making people into pies.
“Sondheim’s plays are weird,” Hughes mused as
But it’s also hard. There are key changes and
sudden meter changes, not to mention vocal parts that demand an almost operatic control of voice.
“He shaved the faces of gentlemen, who never thereafter were heard of again.”
John LaBossiere ’13 played Beadle Bamford, one of Sweeney Todd’s primary targets. Having had his throat cut, LaBossiere’s character slides toward the basement of the shop, where Todd’s accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, turns victims into meat pies.
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Courage A The a t r i cal A d v e n t u r e
Alex Montinaro ’15 was part of a chorus that transformed itself to perform several different roles as the play unfolded.
Thespian Caroline Powers (GA’13) played Sweeney
the ensemble as it worked to portray characters whose
Todd’s daughter, Johanna. Her task was to sing the
world was quickly coming undone.
especially tricky number “Kiss Me” — a fast, back-
Each cast member got his or her own unique
and-forth duet that demands the actors continually
costume, and the make-up crew worked especially
interrupt each other.
hard as they pasted faces with layers of pale, gaunt-
looking foundation.
“No high school does this show,” she told the
audience in Baker Theater as she thanked Potter for
the hundreds of hours he poured into this project.
progressively ghastly as the show went on.
The makeup, Redmond said, made the actors look
Powers explained backstage, after the show:
“It’s gross,” she admitted. “It’s gruesome.”
“Even the harmonies,” she said, “don’t sound right
Fittingly, even the set proved to be a complex
to your ear.”
puzzle for the 20-or-so crew members tasked with
creating the 19th-century Fleet Street shops where
“It doesn’t make sense melodically,” she said. “It was
crazy to learn. It was crazy to stage. It was crazy hard.”
“His skin was pale and his eye was odd.” “He served a dark and a vengeful God.”
It was also dark, Powers noted. “But it’s so fun and
Todd and his cohorts spiral into insanity.
A Tetris-like collection of 15 moving parts, the
set included pieces of metal scaffolding that could be swiftly reconfigured into 20 different looks throughout the show.
Despite the complexities, Sweeney Todd hit the
stage successfully, running for three evening shows and a matinee before taking a final curtain call on March 2.
Overall, the show was the result of hundreds and
hundreds of hours of work on the part of almost 50 cast and crew, along with a production crew that included Potter, Art Department Chair Andrew Hall,
so satifying once you get it,” she said.
and Musical Director Alexander Constantine.
But if the music made no sense in this show,
But if the production of Sweeney Todd was a lesson
costumes for the roughly 32-member company did, all
in the rewards of hard and collaborative work, it also
thanks Costume Designer Abby Redmond and her crew.
proved to be a draw for the wider ’Wick community.
Redmond and her team of makeup artists supported
A total of 13 alums returned to campus to take
Playing inmates in an insane asylum, (left to right) Olivia Rovelli (GA ’13), Claudia Portugal (GA ’16), Addison Albano ’15, Sara Gold (GA ’16), Paige Harty (GA ’16), and Alex Montinaro ’15 wrapped themselves in sheets.
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Alex Prout ’15 took center stage as the cast assembled and introduced
audience members to the tale of Sweeney Todd. A play within a play, “Sweeney Todd” subsequently ends as it began, with actors rising to ask listeners, “Isn’t that Sweeney there beside you?”
part in the show, arriving just a few hours before
curtain to learn their ensemble roles and quickly put
City, Ghaffari remains impressed with ’Wick
a costume together.
students who add theater to their already
demanding schedules.
Returning ’Wick alums included: Jamie Biondi ’08,
After acting at Princeton and in New York
Jack Carter ’09, Ben Epstein ’07, Chris Ghaffari ’08,
Ben Prout ’11, Kyle Radler ’09 (whose brother, Keith
Brunswick day, from coursework to clubs
“There is so much going on in the typical
’15 was also part of the ensemble) Robbie Rovelli ’12,
and charities to athletics to the arts,” he said.
and Ray Tierney ’12.
New York pursuing an acting career that took root at Brunswick seven years ago. It was 2006 and Ghaffari was a ’Wick sophomore drawn to the theater by the enthusiasm of a newly minted drama teacher, Seth Potter, whose Brunswick directorial debut featured a show in a very different genre: Pippin.
That production was staged at GA. Since then,
’Wick theater has seen a lot of changes. Back in 2006, Baker Theater was nothing but a notion. It was not until 2008 that the new ’Wick arts center opened with a state-of-the-art theater, a costume shop, scene shop, a black box theater, and music and art classrooms.
Today, ’Wick theater offers more than just amazing
facilities. The successful production of Sweeney Todd demonstrates that the school has the people, energy, and intellectual acuity needed to stage powerful, technically challenging shows.
Chris Ghaffari ’08
A recent graduate of Princeton, Ghaffari is now in
In an interview with the ’Wick Alumni News,
Ghaffari said returning to campus gave him the chance to see the “amazing strides” the Brunswick theater program has made.
‘Everyone Does It, But Seldom As Well...’ When revenge is the sport, Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics both secure and pronounce Sweeney’s triumph. Returning alumnus and recent Princeton graduate Chris Ghaffari ’08 said he was especially honored to participate in the respected, lesson-rich musical that is Sweeney Todd.
“Sweeney is one of the great musical
triumphs of all time,” he said. “The music, the images, the story — it’s all brilliant. And, it’s absolutely perfect for Potter.”
Potter, Ghaffari said, brings a “boundless energy and joy” to the school
each day, and those gifts were especially valuable as the school tackled the comprehensive show.
“Sweeney, with its dark, vicious, absurd circumstances, is the ideal showcase for
Mr. Potter’s genius and the talents of Brunswick and GA performers,” Ghaffari said.
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33
Courage A The a t r i cal A d v e n t u r e
“Sweeney was smooth, Sweeney was subtle, Sweeney would wink, and rats would scuttle.”
interdisciplinary approach to theater is critical for learning the essence of collaborative work. Like team sports, theater doesn’t succeed through the effort of an individual,” he said.
For Potter, the alums who returned for this show
served as reminder to him that time is passing. When Ghaffari performed in Pippin, Potter was a single man with a lot of time to devote to a growing theater program at ’Wick. Now, Potter is married with two babies. And though he must manage his theater time more
To sneak a peek of behind-thecurtains photos and more photos of the Sweeny Todd performance, visit: bwick.org/tob_spring2013
“And yet, students are able to take on really tough work
carefully, his passion for theater arts and all its
on stage with enthusiasm, patience, and joy.”
rewards remains unchanged.
He continued: “I’m impressed with the level of
“It’s worth it,” Potter mused after the last show
participation that seems to have taken hold in the
was put to bed and he looked toward being home
school. Students are learning many different lines
to put his own children to bed, for a change.
of work in theater: acting, designing, or working
in production and technical capacities. This
“They meet us there.”
“If we work hard, the kids will, too,” he said. B
Behind the scenes When revenge is the sport, Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics both secure and pronounce Sweeney’s triumph. 01 I n the off-stage darkness, Alex Prout ’15 readied himself to
wander into the murky set, representing the Fleet Street area of 19th-century London. 02 B efore their transformation into the frightening and macabre
citizens of London Town, Olivia Rovelli (GA ’13) and Carley Risman (GA ’13) shared a light-hearted moment backstage. 03 H air and make-up/tech teams relaxed for a moment as
the curtain went up on “Sweeney Todd,” having outdone themselves in turning actors into a grim and foreboding crew determined to tell the vengeful tale of “Sweeney Todd.” 04 A ddison Albano ’15 (right) stepped into an iPhone photo
with a duo of ghoulishly made-up cast members. 01
02
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
03
04
TAKING A BOW “Sweeney Todd� cast members reap the rewards of months of hard work as they join hands for a curtain call, receiving a standing ovation from a grateful audience in Baker Theater.
www. br u n swickschoo l . org
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FLEX TIME M idd l e S choo l : F ath e r / S o n B r e a k fast & S ci e n c e F air
Waffles, Bacon, Eggs & Exploration
F
01
02
or 5th- and 6th-grade students and their dads, it’s an annual event. In March, fathers and sons gather at the Middle
School for a hearty breakfast of waffles,
eggs, bacon, and fruit and then venture to the auditorium to inspect more than 130 student science exhibits. This year’s investigations ranged far and wide, from psychology to physics to the chemistry of glue, and beyond. The science projects were
03
04
05
06
overseen by 5th-grade science teacher Matt DuCharme and 6th-grade teacher Sonia Schott, an engineer with years of laboratory experience herself. They led students through the myriad of inquiries that culminated in the fascinating assembly of presentations.
01 Graham Rogozinski ’20 and dad, Ken 02 Christian Ronda ’19 03 Will Sands ’19 and dad, Geoff 04 Harold Barringer ’19, Andy McBurney ’19
and dads 05 Tom Richter ’19 (front)
and Eric Axilrod ’19 06 Jonathan Wiener ’19
For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
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Petey Briggs ’13
Hard Work. Camaraderie. Inspiration.
and A National Championship. WINTER Sports
Wrapup
’Wick athletes have much to be proud of as they look back on the 2012-13 winter sports season. The wrestling squad
consistently dominated the mats and outlasted Greenwich High School for the Town Crown. The Bruin hoopsters, who relied on team chemistry and camaraderie, made a run at the FAA title. Brunswick swimmers set a handful of pool records and personal bests on their way to an impressive inaugural campaign. Tommy Dunleavy ’15
On the ice, the hockey team earned unprecedented wins over top
New England competition. Fencers exceeded expectations in what was originally deemed a rebuilding year.
And finally, not to be outdone, the squash team took home the
national championship for the first time in school history.
With all of the individual and team successes, it’s difficult to determine
which of the six varsity teams shined above the rest.
They did, however, all share one commonality: Each time they donned
a Brown and Gold uniform, they made Brunswick proud through their commitment to sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence.
By Michae l Ke nne dy ’99 ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
w w w . br u n sw i c ksc h ool . o rg
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Grant Pierce ’15
James Granruth ’15
Swimming A Noble Inaugural Season
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Nelson Vargas ’16
Brunswick’s inaugural swim team
Alex Prout ’15, and Pat Stefanou ’16,
Championships. Eric Ronda ’13,
made its school proud, as the group
they consistently swam faster
who brought a wealth of experience
of 30 young men competed nobly
times and pushed their competitors
to the team this year and will
each time it dove into the pool at
to the limit.
continue his career at Harvard,
the Greenwich YMCA.
established a new Division I meet
at Hopkins in late February,
record in the 100 Breaststroke and
season’s focal point. Instead,
Brunswick finished tenth out
earned All-America status.
coaches Eric Tillman and Elizabeth
of twelve teams. All swimmers
Laidlaw concentrated on improving
participated, most of whom
Profaci had worthy performances
times, strokes, and conditioning
improved on their personal best
as well, deserving recognition for
with each new practice and meet.
times to secure the respectable
their unselfish commitment to such
By year’s end, all involved could
result against a host of far more
a young team.
accurately claim that the team
experienced swimming programs.
exceeded expectations and set a
Brunswick swimmers. With the
foundation on which it can build
the other coaches at the event was
majority returning next winter, the
when Brunswick returns to the pool
that Brunswick is well on its way
Bruins will seek further success.
in November.
to building a formidable aquatics
In the final season before a state-
squad,” Coach Tillman reported.
of-the-art natatorium opens on
meets at Canterbury, Kent, Hamden
King Street in the fall of 2014, the
Hall, Cheshire, and Hopkins. Led
Brunswick swimmers travelled
Brown and Gold appear primed
by tri-captains Sander Profaci ’13,
to Deerfield for the New England
to do just that.
Wins and losses weren’t the
The Bruins hit the road for
At the Bud Erich Championship
“The overall sentiment from
To conclude the season, nine
Fellow seniors Ian Ronda and
It’s onward and upward for the
B
Johnny Erdman ’13
WINTER Sports
Wrapup
Soccer Wrestling
Owen Schubert ’14
Team Depth, Outstanding Accomplishments Led by the experienced coaching
State champions from Avon. Soon
all participants as the Battle for the
staff of Tim Ostrye, Bob Benjamin,
thereafter, however, injuries and ill-
Town Crown. Brunswick emerged
Bruins advanced deep into their re-
John Martin, and Neil Minsky, the
ness began taking their toll: before
with a 38-33 victory in a wild, back-
spective draws, while five Brunswick
wrestling squad posted an impres-
the end of the month, the team had
and-forth match that featured five
wrestlers went on to earn All-New
sive record of 22-2, with dual-meet
dropped a pair of matches.
lead changes, a double-overtime
England laurels: Jack Jones ’15 (5th
wins over top-10 NEISWA teams
bout, a tough injury, and high quality
@ 106 lbs.), Schubert (6th @ 126
Avon Old Farms, Suffield, Loomis-
the eight-team Loomis Chaffee
wrestling from both teams.
lbs.), Bell (5th @ 132 lbs.), Willy
Chaffee, and Choate.
Holiday Duals against Northfield
Rosato ’13 (8th @ 220 lbs.), and
Mount Hermon—the eventual New
Connor Kupersmith ’13, and Jimmy
Nick Ulanoff ’13 (8th @ 285 lbs.).
ins’ success and paved the way to an
England champion—by a score
Bell ’14 all had successful individual
This group represented the Brown
array of outstanding accomplish-
of 36-40. No other New England
seasons; more important, they pro-
and Gold at the National Prep
ments: a 16th straight FAA Cham-
opponent challenged NMH to
vided critical leadership throughout
School Wrestling Tournament.
pionship, a Brunswick Invitational
such a tight contest. The second
the grind of the winter season.
Tournament (B.I.T.) team title, and
defeat came at the hands of a tough
Owen Schubert ’14 led Bruns-
Tim Ostrye observed: “The season
an undefeated 13-0 record against
Horace Mann team in front of a
wick in wins (32), team points, and
was one for the books, as the team
league (WNEISWA) competition.
boisterous crowd in New York.
pins. Other notables included John-
battled through adversity and re-
Although the Bruins were snowed
ny Erdman ’13, a B.I.T. champion,
ceived countless contributions from
out of their chance to capture the
Brunswick wrestlers tapped a
who fought his way to multiple
all participants. This group will be
state title, there were many other
renewed energy and focus to spur
late-match wins, and fellow seniors
remembered for its perseverance
highlights on the mats.
them on to an array of victories.
Joe Caruso ’13 and Holden Fett ’13,
and determination.”
who supplied steady leadership and
Team depth bolstered the Bru-
The team came out of the gates
The first was in the finals of
After the Christmas break,
Highlighting the list would have
Tri-captains Petey Briggs ’13,
In the post-season, a host of
As longtime, distinguished coach
The storied tradition that is
in early December with a 63-16 win
to be the dual meet in late January at
made key contributions throughout
Brunswick Wrestling now has
over the defending WNEISWA/
Greenwich High School—known to
the season.
another chapter.
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Connor Kupersmith ’13
Evan Jonokuchi ’14
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39
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Nick Kono ’13
Basketball Strong Camaraderie, Sights on Reclaiming the Crown On the court at Dann Gymnasium,
years, as the back-and-forth affair
the Brunswick basketball team
stretched into double overtime
earned its share of success. The
before Brunswick emerged on top.
Bruins fell just one victory short of
The Brown and Gold bowed out to
a league championship, and with
Greens Farms Academy in the FAA
a 15-10 overall record, solidified
championship tilt, 67-42.
themselves as a force in the FAA
Led by co-captains Dylan
and New England.
Wadsworth ’14 and Addison Pierce ’13, the Brunswick hoopsters developed tight team camaraderie and supported each other unconditionally, both on and off the court.
While learning a complicated
new offense, the Bruins worked hard each day at practice to
Sam Fraser ’13
improve, and by season’s end, they were recognized as a competitive, Billy O’Malley ’15
Coach Robert Taylor entered
sportsmanlike group. Coach Taylor made special note of senior Nick Kono ’13, who stepped in as
his second season behind the
a de-facto captain when fellow
Brunswick bench and led his team
classmate Pierce went down with
to a handful of notable wins.
an injury. His contributions were
critical to the team’s success.
The Bruins defeated a pair
of tough New England foes in
Deerfield and Phillips Andover
this positive momentum next season,
at the Seacoast Winter Classic
bolstered by the returns of captain-
Tournament, held at Exeter.
elects Henry Taylor ’14, the team’s
Other highlights included the
leading scorer and assist-maker, and
annual “White Out” game against
Wadsworth, its leading rebounder.
St. Luke’s, ending in a Brunswick
They, along with a host of additional
blowout, and tight triumphs over
underclassmen, have their sights set
Rye Country Day and Masters
on reclaiming the FAA crown for the
in the first two rounds of the
first time since 2010.
FAA Tournament.
team-first attitude, the 2013-2014
The playoff win against Masters
Brunswick will look to build on
With a similar work ethic and
will go down as one of the school’s
Bruins may, in fact, already have
most exciting games in recent
a leg up on the competition.
40
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
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Henry Taylor ’14
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
WINTER Sports
Wrapup
Inspiration from An Olympian
Armed with foils and protected in
brought four years of experience to
with fundamental skills.
full-body suits, Brunswick fencers
the roster, had an impressive season,
came out in full force.
losing only one bout.
learned about much more than
fencing from Mr. Bukantz. He truly
Team captain Curren Iyer ’14,
Fencing
With many new faces filling
According to captain Iyer: “We
out this year’s roster, it seemed as
an enthusiastic and positive leader
embodied the dedication that all
if 2012-13 would be a season of
throughout the season, advanced
athletes should have when striving to
rebuilding. Under the guidance of
to the 2nd Round of the highly
succeed in a sport they love. And for
Coach Kilian and Coach Turner,
competitive state tournament in
that, we could not have been more
however, the fencing team’s seven
his final year of fencing.
fortunate to be in his presence.”
members surpassed all expectations
and achieved substantial success.
ments were not the highlight of the
sum up the entire fencing season,
At the Connecticut Fencing
season. Instead, a visit from former
as a group of Brunswick athletes
Novice Tournament, sophomore
United States Olympian and fenc-
dedicated themselves to a unique
Mahesh Raman ’15 placed in the top
ing captain Jeff Bukantz provided
craft and ultimately achieved at a
16, no small feat in a pool of about
the winter’s biggest thrill.
high level.
90 participants. In addition, seventh-
grader Austin Sammons ’18, who
and assisted Brunswick fencers
But these personal accomplish-
Bukantz gave expert instruction
Iyer’s perspective may, in fact,
Therein lies the epitome of sport.
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Grant MacFaddin ’15 Curren Iyer ’13
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Austin Sammons ’18
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Nick Viceconte ’13, Gryphon Richardson ’13, Charlie Better ’13
Nick Jermain ’15
This past season marked Brunswick’s
Richardson ’13, Brunswick faced its
fourth as a competitor in New
most challenging schedule to date on
merit recognition. Hal Rogers Award
a variety of roles and always did so
England Division I play. In that
the ice at Hartong Rink. New addi-
winner and five-time letterman Gry-
with the betterment of the group
short time span, Brunswick hockey
tions included former New England
phon Richardson stands at the top
in mind.
teams have achieved a myriad of
champions Belmont Hill and Hotch-
of that list, as the four-year starter
accomplishments on the ice, many
kiss, as well as formidable opponents
graduates with unofficial records in
learned from those who came before
of which account for “firsts” in the
Kimball Union and Northwood.
all major goaltending statistical cat-
them, but they will graduate having
program’s history.
egories. More important, Richardson
left their own unique stamp on the
wick had laced up the skates against
was an outspoken leader, a fiery
Brunswick program.
ers Kent and Westminster, con-
six of the top eight teams in the
competitor, and a bleeder of Bruns-
secutive playoff berths in the Large
league—no small feat for a former
wick Brown and Gold. If Brunswick
seniors and underclassmen return-
School Tournament, and a 20-win
Division II participant.
had a Hockey Hall of Fame, #29
ing next season, the future on the ice
season would all be included on the
would be a first-ballot inductee.
looks bright for the Bruins. Leading
ledger of notable successes prior to
in their results against these foes:
scorer and captain-elect Stephan
this year’s campaign.
A 4-0 shutout of then-first-ranked
steady presence on the blue line,
Seeger ’14 will enter his fourth year
Belmont Hill, a 2-2 tie versus
provided inspirational leadership
as a letterman, joined up front by
the team began tryouts in Novem-
Westminster, and tight losses at the
throughout the season and played
three-year veterans Sebbi Foster ’14,
ber, Brunswick players, along with
hands of Kimball Union, Dexter,
a passionate brand of hockey that
Nick Jermain ’15, and Tommy
Coach VanBelle, Coach Kennedy,
Kent, and Salisbury.
served as an example for all his team-
Dunleavy ’15.
and Coach Mandes, set out to build
mates to follow.
on this recent legacy. By the time
first-ever triumphs over Choate,
seniors Mark Esposito ’14 and Henry
March arrived, having played 29
Northfield-Mount Hermon, and
and Charlie Better ’13, both two-year
Hobbs ’14, along with rising junior
games and logged hundreds of miles
Upper Canada College. The team
lettermen, cemented the backend
Michael Faulkner ’15, will each carry
on the road, this year’s group had
also captured a second consecutive
with their consistent work ethic
three seasons of experience with them
certainly proved itself worthy of the
Empire Cup crown, where victories
and spirited effort. Up front, Nick
as well. The coaching staff is confi-
Brown and Gold sweater.
over Trinity-Pawling and Albany
Viceconte ’13, Harry Clifford ’13, and
dent this group will lead the way to
Victories over traditional pow-
So, with expectations high as
By season’s end, in fact, Bruns-
The Bruins’ true feat, though, lay
In addition, Brunswick earned
Hockey
Contributions of the seven seniors
Peter Khoury, a hard-nosed,
Fellow defenders Andre Masse ’13
careers, as each unselfishly embraced
These seven young men certainly
With a significant roster of rising
On the defensive end, rising
Led by senior co-captains
Academy solidified a 13-13-3 over-
Travis Buck ’13 all epitomized the
future successes when next season’s
Peter Khoury ’13 and Gryphon
all record.
meaning of the word “team” in their
first the puck drops in November.
A Season of Many Firsts
42
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Travis Buck ’13, Marc Esposito ’14, and Gryphon Richardson ’13
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WINTER Sports
Wrapup Jarret Odrich ’15 Yousef Hindy ’15 Hayes Murphy ’14
SQUASH Daily Strides to New England and National Championships When opponents enter the Stephens
raqueters developed a mental and
Bruin significantly faltered in
Squash Center, they encounter an
physical toughness that primed them
his individual bracket, as runner-
immediate intimidation factor.
for a title run in early February.
up Belmont Hill finished only
Championship banners, plaques,
Unfortunately, they weren’t able
one point behind in the race for
and undefeated team photos align
live out their dream—at least on the
the championship.
the walls, detailing the unrivaled
court. The National Tournament
success of the most distinguished
was cancelled due to super-storm
champion Osama Khalifa (from
squash program in New England.
Nemo, but with an unblemished
Deerfield by way of Egypt), #1
regular season record of 14-0,
Hayes Murphy ’14 battled his way
lage of coaches Stephens and Boyn-
Brunswick had been seeded #1
through the consolation draw to fin-
ton, Brunswick teams make runs at
entering the weekend, and was
ish in fifth place. At the #2 position,
both the regional and national titles.
thus deemed the winner. It wasn’t
Baldock took fourth place, while
In 2012-13, the Brown and Gold
exactly the way the outcome was
both Turner and David Yacobucci ’16
took home both prestigious crowns.
envisioned, but for the first time
earned second-place points at #3
in school history, Brunswick stood
and #4, respectively.
Brunswick eyed a first-ever national
above all others in the nation.
championship when the team began
’15, and Chris Hart ’13 clinched it for
practice in November. But the Bru-
opportunity, though, to earn
Brunswick by sweeping the bottom
ins didn’t simply set that goal; they
accolades on the courts at the New
section of the ladder at #5, #6, and
took strides each day to make
England Tournament, held this year
#7. Special kudos to them for their
it a reality.
at Deerfield Academy. During the
individual New England crowns.
Year after year, under the tute-
This season was no different, as
They practiced hard, played
The Bruins did have the
After bowing out to eventual
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Jarett Odrich ’15, Yousef Hindy
course of the weekend, Brunswick
competitive challenge matches with
received clutch performances from
England Championship. A National
An undefeated record. A New
one another, and pushed each other
each member of the seven-man
Title. With these credits to its name,
to become better every time they
ladder to secure its 11th regional
one thing is certain: More space
took the courts.
title since 1996—a truly staggering
will have to be reserved on the
Led by co-captains Alex Baldock ’13
accomplishment. The team’s victory
walls to honor this special group
and Benton Turner ’13, the Bruin
wouldn’t have been possible if any
of Brunswick squash players.
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43
FLEX TIME A B r u n swic k S n apshot
Documentary filmmaker Matt Heineman ’01 sees his latest project picked up by CNN and aired nationwide
Curiosity Fuels His Career
But his goal to learn and to teach remains unchanged By Katherine Ogden
F
ire without fuel loses its vigor, and fast.
That’s long been a firefighter’s axiom — deprive flames
set his sights on one of the most important of all
of fuel and stop even the most stubborn of fires.
professions: teaching.
Such was the case in 1949, when a huge wildfire
Fresh out of Dartmouth, Heineman had originally
Eager to take his place on the front lines of the achieve-
claimed the lives of 13 smokejumpers in a remote region of
ment gap, he applied to Teach for America and anticipated
Montana: One man survived the conflagration by inventing
a post in one of the poorest schools in the nation.
and then setting his very own “escape fire.”
motion the work he is doing now and, for that, Heineman
With no place to flee and flames racing up behind, this
But Heineman was rejected. It was a blow, but it set in
survivor set fire to a patch of earth before him and watched
is grateful.
as the blaze raced up hill. Then, he stepped into his own,
homemade stretch of scorched earth, safely letting the tow-
ing ’Wick’s own Matt Wiggins ’02, launched the Young
ering and voracious flames behind him sear and pass around
Americans Project. The friends traveled around the country
the refuge.
in an RV, interviewing young people about what it’s like to
be young in America today.
It’s a narrative that gained traction in the healthcare
At a loss for what to do next, he and two friends, includ-
debate more than a decade ago, when a prominent doctor
gave a speech that likened the state of American health care
mentary produced and directed by Heineman,
to that huge Montana fire.
which premiered on the Documentary Channel in 2011
and simultaneously on several digital platforms.
Now, one of Brunswick’s own has carried the story into
Their journey resulted in “Our Time” — a feature docu-
the new century, directing and producing a documentary
film detailing the human side of the healthcare crisis while
HBO on the groundbreaking, Emmy-nominated HBO series,
suggesting that innovative solutions are needed.
“The Alzheimer’s Project,” which aired in May 2009.
“Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare,”
Heineman also collaborated for two years with a team at
A history major, Heineman calls his early work “guerilla
directed and produced by Matt Heineman ’01 and Susan
filmmaking.” Self-taught, he picked up skills in camera work,
Froemke, premiered at Sundance last year and was picked
editing, and more as he went along, but he traces the funda-
up by CNN Films this spring.
mentals of his success right back to his days at Brunswick.
The cable giant aired the film twice to a nationwide
Brunswick, he says, taught him how to think.
audience on March 10, followed by a roundtable discussion
“It really taught me to be curious,” he said. “It’s curiosity
with Sanjay Gupta, M.D., CNN chief medical correspondent.
about the world, curiosity about myself. Brunswick also
taught me to be analytical. It taught me to take chances.
For Heineman, such success is only the latest milestone
in a career that swerved off track early but ultimately landed
If I didn’t feel the confidence to take chances, none of this
him behind a camera and a microphone, seeking out the
would have happened.”
stories for a string of successful documentary films.
“If you end up with the story you started with, you
weren’t listening,” he said.
44
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
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Flex TIME
“ If you end up with the story you started with, you weren’t listening.”
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45
BEYOND THE BOOKS
n e ws a n d n ot e worthy e v e n ts
ABOVE LEFT Left to right: Chris Ghaffari
’08, Jamie Biondi ’08, Upper School theater and English teacher Seth Potter, John LaBossiere ’13, Upper School English Chair Brendan Gilsenan, and Upper School English teacher Brian Freeman. ABOVE RIGHT Willy Fein ’13, John
LaBossiere ’13, Lauren Eames (GA ’13).
Shakespeare Project: ‘An Ode to Character’ Where character is so central to education, it’s no
surprise that Shakespeare is a hub of the Upper School
Shakespeare’s characters are so compelling because
English curriculum, culminating in the senior year.
they are so human, so much like us. Ghaffari observed:
Nascent professional actors Jamie Biondi ’08 and
“How someone chooses to speak informs his identity.
Chris Ghaffari ’08 returned to campus in March at the
Our actions become who we are.”
invitation of theater teacher and director Seth Potter,
and tarried long enough to make their mark on this
debate, as John LaBossiere ’13 showed, performing
year’s senior Shakespeare project.
Launcelot Gobbo’s “conscience/fiend” monologue from
The Merchant of Venice.
Playing the roles of a bickering Hamlet and
and deliberately cut English Department Chairman
teacher Brian Freeman’s rendition of King Lear’s
Brendan Gilsenan short as he began remarks to an
“storm” speech seemed to confirm.
Upper School assembly.
students from the audience volunteered first to
After all, what better proof of the immediacy and
Sometimes, we may never figure it out, as English
The crowd on stage grew thick and frenzied as
power of Shakespeare than his words themselves?
improvise and then to take part as guests and ghosts
to torment MacBeth at his own banquet table.
“Nowhere else is the text a stronger determinant
of character,” Biondi said, noting that entire
Shakespearean characters must be drawn largely from
understanding,” Ghaffari said. “The flexibility of the
what they say.
text creates imaginative space to fill.”
Biondi called the plays “an ode to character” and, at
said, “all the baggage we’ve accrued in our lives comes into the performance with us.”
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
Often, that’s the subject of internal conflict and
Laertes, the pair barged onto Baker Theater’s stage
the same time, “central to our character.” As actors, he
46
Revealed only by their words and actions,
Shakespeare challenges the “process of
And, in that imaginative space, “conscience can
become the theater.”
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BEYOND the BOOKS
Summer in Annapolis A ’Wick grappler will join a select group of the country’s rising seniors for a unique immersion experience at the U.S. Naval Academy this summer.
Jimmy Bell ’14 has been invited to attend the
Academy’s Summer Seminar at the historic Navy yard in Annapolis, Md.
He’ll spend a fast-paced week there learning about
life at the Naval Academy — an institution where aca-
“I’m very excited to spend five days with other young men and women who are considering the Naval Academy.”
demics, athletics, and professional training combine to develop uniquely American leaders.
Bell said he has been
considering a military career since he was a small boy, and he began to think seriously about the Navy two years ago after attending a Navy SEAL wrestling camp.
“Although that was one of the hardest things I’ve
ever done,” he said, “it was a very fulfilling experience.”
The Academy seminar promises to be equally
intense. The experience requires a 0530 wakeup call each day for a workout before breakfast, followed by a full roster of workshops, seamanship classes, military drills and more — one of the most popular evening events is a mock “plebe indoctrination” session.
The day rounds down at 2300 with a rendition of
Taps, a full 18 hours after its beginning, but Bell has already demonstrated he is up to the challenge.
This year, as tri-captain of the Bruins wrestling
squad, Bell this year helped ’Wick add to its already proud grappling tradition. The squad posted an impressive record of 22-2 with dual meet wins over top-ten NEISWA teams, including Avon Old Farms, Suffield, Loomis Chaffee, and Choate. Under Bell’s leadership, Brunswick also captured its 16th straight FAA Championship, won the 38th Annual Brunswick Invitational Tournament by 121 points, and went an undefeated 13-0 against league (NEISWA) competition.
Clearly a budding leader in his own right, Bell said
he jumped at the chance to soak in the famous USNA Yard first hand — a place that, like Brunswick, seeks to instill the highest ideals of American life while developing young people of character.
“The day the application went up online, I
applied,” he said, adding: “I’m very excited to spend five days with other young men and women who are considering the Naval Academy.”
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Jimmy Bell ’14
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BEYOND the BOOKS
Oliver McGovern ’21 holds his artwork, one of a rotating selection of creations picked for display in the Lower School’s Illustrator’s Frame.
Art is as important as words. It’s hugely important to bringing words into your head.
‘Illustrator’s Frame’ Lets Pictures Do Some Talking Lower School Librarian Joan Michie wants to ensure
not an assignment by any means. Here, it’s inclination
that the headlong rush into reading doesn’t overlook
alone that leads the way.
some of the simple, artistic joys along the way.
of the frame, adding: “Art is as important as words. It’s
Pictures — so important the development of lan-
guage and of reading — are the perfect place to take a
hugely important to bringing words into your head.”
pause, she says.
Each month or so, Lower School boys submit their
work to Michie, and one picture is selected for display.
To encourage that moment, Michie has designated
a special Illustrator’s Frame at the Lower School library
One recent honoree was Oliver McGovern ’21.
to recognize ’Wick boys who show an artistic sensibility.
McGovern is a ’Wick fourth-grader with a penchant
for a certain cartoon cat, and his illustration told the
The frame, she says, recognizes “the kid who is sit-
ting there, drawing his way through life.”
story of that famous creature captivated by his own
daydream filled with junk food.
Michie says the Frame serves as an invitation to
fourth graders to try their hand at illustration, and it’s
48
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
“It has a kind of special spot to stand in,” Michie says
“The humor in it,” Michie says, “is just delightful.”
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BEYOND the BOOKS
Surviving midterms
Chillin’, video games, and ‘small parts of heaven’ By Charlie Cassoli ’15
During the two-week period of midterm exams, students study for hours on end in order to prepare for tests and various assessments
During this intense time, many students focus themselves on
study breaks. Once completed, the torturous week is drowned out by favorite experiences and activities.
Patrick Adamo ’15 knows what he enjoys most about the weekend
after exams. “After a long week of studying, I think most students will agree that the best thing to do is sleep,” he replied with a smile.
For Kirk Meyer ’15, “the weekend after exams, video games are
the way to go.” Kirk’s response seemed to be popular throughout the student body. “And nothing breaks the tedious study hours like some country music,” he added.
Many others favor spending some time outside and getting back
into the usual swing of sports and athletics. Brandon Johnston ’14 prefers “playing basketball and spending some time chillin’ and hanging out.”
TOP Nicholas Rinaldi ’22 joins a Freestyle troup member in an improvisatory sketch. BELOW Enjoying Freestyle’s visit are, left to right, Parker Russell ’21,
Carter Bagaria ’24, George West ’21, Andres Cevallos ’21, Gabriel Lopez ’24, and Zane Saad ’24.
As for a more immediate approach, “study breaks” are small
periods in-between schoolwork that allow students to enjoy some down time.
Jesse Tswamuno ’16 described his study breaks as “small parts
A Freestyle Approach to Learning
of heaven in a very long week.”
Members of New York City’s Freestyle Repertory Theater
visited Brunswick’s Lower School in March to introduce
While studying it is important, Jesse said it’s equally important
to schedule time for your brain to recuperate from the bombardment
students to the engaging and imaginative experience
of information it receives during exam week.
of participating in improvisational theater. Since 1988,
Freestyle’s troupe has captivated students by involving
That view has been backed up scientifically. It’s also the view
of Upper School math teacher Poonam Gupta.
them in on-the-spot theatrical improvisation.
B
“Every now and then a break is necessary for a student who is
studying,” she said. “Not only do breaks allow time for sleep, play, and chilling, but they serve as goals a student can look forward to, when they are under pressure.”
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49
CLASSNOTES C ompi l e d by Libby Edwards
From the ARchives Can you help assist us in identifying this pyramid of Bruins alongside a ’Wick PE teacher, shown in this photo from the Brunswick School archives? If you have information, please call or email Class Notes Editor Courtney Kennedy (ckennedy@brunswickschool.org; 203-625-5864).
1981
1991
1994
Gregg Delaney and his wife, Christie, welcomed their second child, a girl, Kirby Haynes, born March 15. Kirby is named for her aunt and godmother, Kirby Williams, Gregg’s sister and a Greenwich Academy graduate, and John Haynes, an ancestor and first governor of the Connecticut Colony.
Bret Eagan and his wife, Patty, welcomed their daughter, Catherine Barrett, born August 6. See photo 01.
James Ritman and his wife, Abby, welcomed their son, James Finn (who will be called Finn), born January 7, weighing 8 pounds 13 ounces. See photo 05.
1982 Peter Corroon recently finished an eight-year stint as mayor of Salt Lake City. He is now working with the Ninigret Group, a local Salt Lake City real estate developer, and sits on boards of non-profit and for-profit companies. He has three children: Sophie, age 12; Peter, age 11; and James, age 10.
50
times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
1993 Justin Cole and his wife, Carol, welcomed their son, Jones Peter, born January 15. Jones joins his older brothers, Wallace and Lionel, age 2. The family lives in Rhinecliff, N.Y. See photo 02. Ryan Faherty and his wife, Carol, welcomed their daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Grace, on March 19. Maggie joins sister, Nora, age 5, and brother, Colin, age 3. See photo 03.
1997 CORRECTION: Chris Wirth and his wife, Melissa, welcomed their son, Mason Mahoney, born October 13. We incorrectly reported that the new arrival was a girl.
1999 Joe Iraci and his wife, Nicole (GA ’00) welcomed their daughter, Olivia, born February 27, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces. See photo 04.
CLASSNOTES
Mike Zarrilli wed Kristin Porter on November 29 in Sydney, Australia. Several Brunswick and GA alums made the trip across the pond for the celebration: Andrew Zarrilli ’07, the grooms brother and best man; Alex Zarrilli (GA ’01), the groom’s sister; Greg Shenkman ’99, groomsman; Sal Taliercio ’99, groomsman; and Deakin Bell ’99. The couple lives in Chicago, Ill. See photos 07 and 08.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
2000 Cushing Donelan and his wife, Caroline, welcomed a daughter, Genevieve West, born January 13. The couple currently lives in Venice, Calif. See photo 06. Michael Lindholm married Yesenia Rascón on September 16 in Beaver Creek, Colo. Brunswick and GA alumni in attendance included best man Marcus Lindholm ’02, Thomas Odelfelt ’88, Christina Lynch (GA ’87), Erik Lindholm ’88, Greg de Spoelberch ’00, Brian Conologue ’00. See photo 10.
2002 Patrick Dietz married Megan Slemenda on June 30 at the Pennsylvanian in Pittsburgh, Pa. Patrick’s ’Wick classmates, Stephan Puschel ’02 and Matt Dalio ’02 were both in attendance. The couple lives in San Francisco, Calif. See photo 09. Jamie Peterson married Mackenzie FirerSherwood on September 22 in Milwaukee, Wis. The pair met as undergraduates at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif. Brunswick and GA alumni in attendance included the groom’s sister, Carrie Peterson (GA ’06), Leticia Frazao (GA ’03), Mary Birnbaum (GA ’02), Martin Bercetche ’02, Carter Matschullat ’02, Robin Hall ’02, Aaron Duffy ’02, Charles Lynn ’02, and Nick Judson ’02. See photo 11. Riley Stuebe married Sarah Quick, a graduate of Convent of the Sacred Heart, on December 15 at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in New York City. The reception took place at the University Club. Brunswick alums in attendance were Riley’s two brothers Christian ’05 and Nick ’07. Also in attendance were Brunswick friends: Peer Pedersen ’05 (Sarah’s cousin), Charlie Tashijian ’05, D.L. Tashjian ’04, Chris Ward ’04, and John Woodruff ’03. See photo 12.
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01 Bret ’91 and Patty Eagan welcomed their daughter, Catherine Barrett, born August 6. 02 Justin Cole ’93 and his wife, Carol, welcomed their son, Jones Peter, on January 15. 03 Ryan Faherty ’93 and his wife, Carol, welcomed their daughter, Maggie Grace on March 19. 04 Joe Iraci ’99 and his wife, Nicole (GA ’00), welcomed their daughter, Olivia, on February 27. 05 James Ritman ’94 and his wife, Abby, welcomed their son, Finn, born January 7.
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06 Cushing Donelan ’00 and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their daughter, Genevieve West, on January 13. 07 Mike Zarrilli ’99 and Kirsten
Porter on their wedding day in front of Sydney Harbor. 08 Mike Zarrilli ’99 married Kristin Porter on November 29 in Sydney, Australia. Left to right: Andrew Zarrilli ’07, Deakin Bell ’99, Alex Zarrilli (GA ’01), Mike (groom), Kristin (bride), Greg Shenkman ’99, Sal Taliercio ’99. 09 Patrick Dietz married Megan
Slemenda on June 30 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
12
Left to right: Peter Yeskey, Stephen Puschel ’02, Meghan (bride), Patrick (groom) and Matt Dalio ’02. 10 Michael Lindholm ’00 married Yesenia Rascón on September 16 in Beaver Creek, Colo. Left to right: Marcus Lindholm ’02, Thomas Odelfelt ’88, Christina Lynch (GA ’87), Erik Lindholm ’90, Greg de Spoelberch ’00, Brian Conologue ’00. 11 Jamie Peterson ’02 married Mackenzie-Firer-Sherwood on September 22 in Milwaukee, Wis. 12 Riley Stuebe ’02 married Sarah Quick on December 15 at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in New York City.
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CLASSNOTES
2003 Nick Madden married Aliza Melley on September 10, 2011 in Manchester, Vt. Brunswick alums in attendance were: (Top left to right): Will Banyard ’03, Sean Wheeler ’03, William Nix ’03, Jamie MacDonald ’03, William Sinclair ’03, Joseph Zannino ’03, Gabe Cooperman. (Bottom left to right): William Ferrer ’03, James Rehlaender ’03, Philip Carter ’03, Alex Stein ’03, Justin Korsant ’03. See photo 13 and 14.
2006 Morgan Dunnan reports that after graduating from Davidson College in 2010 and spending the last two years teaching Algebra at Raleigh Egypt High School in Memphis, Tenn. as part of Teach for America, he’s currently working at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School in Washington, D.C. teaching 10th-grade Math. David Platter recently joined Coller Capital, based in New York, as an investment partner.
FACULTY NOTES Danny Dychkowski and his wife, Maggie, welcomed their son, Grayson Alexander, born April 25, weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces. Danny teaches Upper School science. See photo 16. Brett Farson and his wife, Annie, welcomed their daughter, Jaquelyn Rose, on October 19, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces. Brett teaches Middle School health and athletics. See photo 15.
IN MEMORIAM Richard B. Nye ’48, a long-time resident of Greenwich, Conn. and recently, Ludlow, Vt. died at the age of 81. Richard attended Dartmouth College where he received his BA in 1951 and his MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business in 1953. After graduating, Richard went to work with his father at Georgeson & Company in New York. Together, they helped make Georgeson one of the nation’s most well regarded proxy solicitation and investor relations firm. Under their leadership, the company played a key role in many of the largest corporate takeover battles. Father and son’s involvement with Georgeson led to their introduction to sailing when on a whim, Richard’s father bought the yacht Vanward from Lloyd Georgeson’s estate and began what would become a lifelong love of the sea. When not racing, Richard’s passion for being at sea was met while cruising off the coasts of
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
15
13 12
13 Nick Madden ’03 married Aliza Melley on September 10, 2011 in Manchester, Vt . 14 Several Brunswick alums reunited at the nuptials of Nick Madden ’03 and his bride, Aliza Melley. Top row, left to right: Will Banyard ’03,
14
Sean Wheeler ’03, William Nix ’03, Jamie MacDonald ’03, William Sinclair ’03, Joseph Zannino ’03, Gabe Cooperman. Bottom row, left to right: William Ferrer ’03, James Rehlaender ’03, Philip Carter ’03, Alex Stein ’03, Justin Korsant ’03.
Maine, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Ultimately, Richard’s love of open water shirted to power boating aboard his beloved Cap’t Ezra Nye. Richard was a proud sailor and was also delighted in mentoring junior or younger sailors and gave many their first taste of “big boat” sailing. Richard retired to Vermont in 1995 where he became active in local affairs. He served on the board of the Green Mountain College and Black River Academy Museum, and supported, among others, Vermont Public radio, the Vermont Historical Society and the Dartmouth Sailing Team. Richard is survived by his children, Jonathan H. Nye (Karin); Melinda H. Nye; Robert C. Nye (Andrea); William H. Nye (Amber); step-daughter Jennifer Leigh Taylor (Todd); nine grandchildren; his two sisters, Edith Jones and Carolyn Hawe; and his first wife Joyce Roper Nye. Richard was predeceased by his second wife, Patricia Ann Nye. William (Bill) Alexander Arnold IV ’81 died peacefully on March 19 at the age of 49 at his home in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from Brunswick, Bill matriculated at Southern Methodist University, where he was student body Treasurer, and then earned an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He held a senior finance role in the 1992 Republican National Convention for George H.W. Bush’s re-election campaign and went on to a successful career on Wall Street, where he worked for Goldman Sachs, AIM Management, Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, and Credit Suisse First Boston. He was also actively involved with the Oaklawn Foundation, a nonprofit, educational and social service fund founded in 1948 by his great-grandfather, William S. Kies. Bill is survived by his father, William A. Arnold III, and his sister Lorraine Arnold Sullivan, as well as his former wife, Lisa H. Ar-
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15 Brett and Annie Farson welcomed their daughter, Jaquelyn Rose, on October 19. 16 Danny Dychkowski and his wife, Maggie, welcomed their son, Grayson Alexander, on April 25.
nold; with whom he maintained a close relationship. He was predeceased by his mother, Ann Kies Arnold (a life-long resident of Greenwich); his paternal grandparents, William A. Arnold II and Eleanor Flick Arnold; his maternal grandparents, William S. Kies, Jr. and Janet Mitchell Jacobsen; and his loving stepgrandmother Lorraine Kies. Helen R. Simpson, former Brunswick parent and member of the Board of Trustees, died on January 4 at the age of 90 in Stamford, Conn. She was born on June 13, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pa. to James and Emily Rippley and grew up in New Haven, Conn. After graduating from Connecticut College for Woman in 1944, she joined IBM Corporation in New York City. Helen was a 47 year resident of Old Greenwich and moved to the Edgehill Retirement Community in 1999, where she served on the Resident’s Council as Treasurer. Always an avid volunteer, she worked with the Greenwich Library on the Oral History Project; served on the Board of Trustees at Brunswick School, and coordinated blood drives for the American Red Cross of Greenwich, where she was awarded the prestigious Clara Barton Award in 1990. Helen was also a long time member of Riverside Yacht Club. Helen was married for 42 years to the late George H. Simpson, who passed away in 1988. She is survived by her three sons: George H. Simpson Jr. ’66 (Brenda) of Tampa, Fla.; James R. Simpson ’68 (Lynn) of Stamford, Conn., and Peter S. Simpson ’72 (Ann) of Riverside, Conn.; her five grandchildren: David J. Simpson (Jennifer), Matthew R. Simpson (Lindsay), George H. Simpson III, Devon Simpson Kelly (Greg), and Martelle Simpson; and her first great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Simpson. Her sister, Susan Polleys, predeceased her in 2012.
ALUMNI EVENTS I n W ashi n gto n , I n M idtow n , O n th e C o u rt , U n d e r th e Lights
Networking in New York The alumni networking event, held at the Yale Club in New York City on February 28, was well attended and served its purpose of connecting alumni from different decades. Alumni from 1972 to 2008 gathered to exchange contact information with the hopes of establishing business relationships going forward. Thank you to the Alumni Association for organizing 02
such a great event. We look forward to more successful events in the future.
B
01 A midst the library stacks at the Yale Club in New York City,
Andrew Walsh ’89 and Samuel Lalanne ’99 bond over their Brunswick connection. 02 B rett Loscalzo ’04, along with Brunswick alumni from classes
spanning 1972–2008 gathered at the Networking Event at the Yale Club in New York City. 03 S ims Lansing ’06 shakes hands with fellow Brunswick alum.
01
03
Alumni Gathering in DC 01 Z ach Ruchman ’06 talks with GA graduate
at the Sequoia in Washington D.C.
Brunswick alumni gathered in Washington, D.C. on January 14 at The Sequoia. The event was hosted jointly by Brunswick, Greenwich Academy, and Greenwich Country Day School, garnering nine Bruin alumni who graduated
02 P eter Kovounas ’94
between 1972 and 2011. Alumni in attendance were Tom Coyle ’72, David Thomas ’89, Duncan Boothby ’89, Pete
03 D avid Thomas ’89 scouts out a Brunswick
Kavounas ’94, Ted Ogden ’95, Brennan Kelly ’98, Jack MacFarlane ’03, Zach Ruchman ’06, and Chris Buffone ’11.
01
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yearbook alongside GA staff member Megan Tyre Lindemeyer (GA ’88).
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03
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CLASSNOTES
Alumni Events
Football Under the Lights The Friday after Thanksgiving, under the lights on Cosby Field, members of the Class of 2004 took to the field for the 3rd Annual Class of 2004/05 Flag Football Classic. The event, which originated from a simple pick-up game between a few buddies, turned out to be a very competitive match between good friends — more than 20 alumni from the Class of 2004 were in attendance.
“Whether they played football at Brunswick or not, they all 01
showcased their skills,” said Jarrett Shine ’92, Head Varsity football coach, who supervised the event. “They demonstrated that 27- and 28-year-olds still possess the speed!”
The game lasted two hours and came down to the wire,
with a stop by the defensive team to pull off the victory.
This is surely a tradition that will continue for many years.
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01 Trip Cowin, defends the ball during the Annual Class of 2004 Flag Football Classic. 02 B rett Loscalzo ’04 outruns a friend under the lights at Cosby Field. BELOW Front row, left to right: John Rogers ’04, Sam Kies ’04, Trip Cowin (former faculty intern), Brett Loscalzo ’04, Chris Geronimos ’04. Back row, left to right: Chris Ward ’04, friend, Danny Maloney ’04, Michael Kristoff ’04, Evan Bailey ’04, Alex Boies ’04, Scott Gourlay ’04, Charlie Wiggins ’04, Luke Bahrenburgh ’04, Kyle Petrelli ’04, Andrew Gosden ’04, Joe McMenemon ’04, friend.
For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
02
Alumni Events
Alumni vs. Varsity Basketball Game
For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2013 Jarrett Shine ’92, the coach of the alumni team,
A team of 10 alumni players tipped-off against the Varsity
Basketball team on March 2. The 2nd Annual Alumni vs.
modestly mentioned that the varsity team was missing
Varsity basketball game showcased behind-the-back passes,
two key players, with whom the game might have been
reverse layups, and a whole scope of entertaining plays.
closer. Nevertheless, the alumni took home their 2nd
straight victory.
Both teams came out ready to play and, in the first half
of play alone, there were 15 lead changes with a six-point
alumni lead at half time. The second half brought more of
could make the most shots in 30 seconds. One alumni
the same play with the alumni creating several fast break
had two opportunities to make a three-point shot to win
points to pull away with the victory.
a Brunswick chair. In the end, John Monsif ’93 sunk his
During halftime, two contestants competed to see who
second three-point shot and took home the prize.
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01
03
01 Brett Loscalzo ’04, in white, and Timmy Murphy ’15, in brown compete in the 2nd Annual Alumni vs. Varsity Basketball game 02 The Alumni team joins together for a ‘Let’s go’ before the start of the game. Brett Loscalzo ’04, Phaeton Bolton ’06 , and Scott Caputo ’01. 03 Left to right: Brett Loscalzo ’04, Scott Caputo ’01, and John Kelly ’99.
A smart way to stay connected
to supporting and strengthening the
James F. Wasilko ’91
Brunswick’s mission for the benefit of its
Jarrett T. Shine ’92
current students and faculty by uniting,
Thomas S. Lewis ’93
informing and involving alumni and
James H. Ritman ’94
The Brunswick Alumni Association (BAA)
friends in the School’s overall objectives.
David S. Black ’95
was organized in 2010 by a group of
To join the BAA is to commit to
Nicholas E. Federici ’96
alumni who recognized the need to keep
these ideals and to commit to making
Anthony J. Calabrese ’97
peers engaged and connected to the
the BAA something we can all be proud
Christopher J. Wirth ’97
School and to each other.
of for years to come.
Shahryar Oveissi ’98
John C. Kelly ’99
The BAA’s mission is to act as the
To express interest in joining the
primary resource and active advocate for
BAA Board or in serving as a class
Justin S. Weinstein ’99
Brunswick alumni. The BAA is commit-
representative, e-mail or call Jarrett
Josyl L. Barchue ’00
ted to serving Brunswick School and the
Shine ’92 (jshine@brunswickschool.org;
Scott P. Caputo ’01
alumni community by providing a full
203-625-5864).
Paul Gojkovich ’01
spectrum of services to promote and sup-
• Set the photo size to 4x6 inches or larger, in 300 dpi. • If photos have been taken by a professional photographer, submit hi-resolution files obtained from the photographer. Lowres files from photographers’ websites don’t reproduce well. • Set your digital camera to the best photo setting. • Save files as JPG. • Identify everyone, left to right, and provide a caption. • E-mail photos as attachments to Libby Edwards at ledwards@ brunswickschool.org.
If you’d rather send a traditional print (made from a negative), we love that, too. But please send them on glossy paper. Matte prints and prints from digital photos do not scan well. We can’t reproduce photos from photocopies, magazines or newsprint. Mail prints to: Libby Edwards Brunswick School Development/Alumni Office 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830
Matthew G. MacDonald ’02
port continuing communication between
The BAA’s board consists of
Matthew W. Gojkovich ’04
the graduates and the School itself.
alumni representing 20 classes.
Brett A. Loscalzo ’04
Geoffrey B. Knapp ’87
Zachary J. John ’05
ing and enhancing friendships among
Jonathan W. Ryckman ’88
Matthew Gormly ’07
Brunswick’s alumni and friends, and also
Jonathan P. Redmond ’89
Corey J. Dobbs ’08
The association is dedicated to foster-
DIGITAL PHOTOS We love pictures, and we like you to look good. Here are tips for providing digital photos that will look fantastic in print:
02
Brunswick Alumni Association
CLASSNOTES
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LAST LOOK B y D a n G riffi n
The 110th Day Photo by Jeff Konczal
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times of Brunswick • Spring 2013
n recognition of Brunswick’s 110th
own photo, to make their own memory, of a fleeting
Anniversary, Lower School students, faculty, and
and special moment.”
staff marked the 110th day of the school year on
March 7 with a celebration of their own, gathering
students every day,” Konczal said. “But, on this once-
“Brunswick faculty and staff get to interact with
for birthday cake and a group picture.
in-a-lifetime occasion, the parents get to see a rare
moment of that interaction.”
Preparing for the photo, students sat on the atrium
stairs as parents looked down at the group from the
floor above.
down from above, Konczal raised his camera high,
clicked the shutter ... and hoped.
Waiting to take the official picture, photographer
So, among the proud and amazed parents looking
Jeff Konczal found himself among the happy parents
hovering in the balcony overhead.
just one story down, to take the more official perspective,
peering up at a magic staircase of cheerful faces.
“Here, I was interested in capturing a first-hand
And then, of course, he had to rush back to his job,
glimpse of what it’s like to be a parent,” Konczal said,
Step by step, they lent their smiles to one special
“so proud and amazed at how their children grow
moment in a really remarkable story.
and, as parents always do, to want to take their
On the 110th day, in the 110th year.
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Our Investment in Character. m a k e a g if t o r p l e d g e t o t h e 2 0 1 2 – 2 0 1 3 ’ W ic k A n n u a l F u n d
Time is running short! Without your support, Brunswick couldn’t be Brunswick! Your gift or pledge to the 2012-2013 Annual Fund makes a big difference. After all, our community’s character is shaped and grows stronger, year in and year out, through the thoughtful things we do together, each and every day.
Give or make a pledge. Online: BrunswickSchool.org/give Mail: Return the enclosed Annual Fund giving envelope. Pledge: Contact Krista Bruce, Annual Fund Director, . kbruce@brunswickschool.org, 203.625.5864 Alumni – Contact Jarrett Shine ’92, Director of Alumni Relations, jshine@brunswickschool.org, 203.625.5844
In advance, we thank you! We’re always grateful for your support.
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100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Address Change Requested
Mark Your Calendars Homecoming 2013. .............. Saturday, October 26 Alumni Golf Outing.................... Friday, October 25 Fourth Annual Alumni Association Party..................... Friday, October 25 For more events and updates, please visit BrunswickSchool.Org.
Attention Alumni Parents Please notify us of your son’s current address at 800.546.9425 or Alumni@BrunswickSchool.org.
nonprofit org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3931 Stamford, CT