Calhoun Chronicle, Winter 2017 by The Calhoun School

The House That Steve Built (Up)

Teaching Civics & Civic Engagement

19 for 19 Goal Within Reach!

Alumni Class Notes

winter 2017

Calhoun’s Mission To inspire a passion for learning through a progressive approach to education that values intellectual pursuit, creativity, diversity and community involvement.

Board of Trustees 2016—17

Pa r e n t s A s s o c i at i o n 2 0 1 6 — 1 7

Eric Potoker ’85 Chair

Steven J. Nelson Head of School

Officers

Vice Presidents, Middle School

Jon Brayshaw Vice Chair

Co-Presidents

Life Trustees

David Hawkins Barbara Pyles

Bert Pasquini Ken Vidal

Robert L. Beir* Eric Ryan

Jim Glasgow Treasurer

Vice Presidents, Lower School/81st

Tara Mendelson Daphne Smith-Naylor

Secretary & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Louise Litt

Melissa Liberty Secretary

Honorary Trustees

Trustees

Susan Barkey Jonathan Bauman Stefanie Bhalla Michael Conboy David Elsberg Lori Fleishman Dorr ‘92 Karen Greene David Hawkins, PA Rep Scott Hirsch ‘86 Aasem Khalil Walter Levitch Marc Murphy Colleen Pike Blair Barbara Pyles, PA Rep Shaiza Rizavi Steven Sinatra Claudia Singleton Jay Sugarman Christine Taylor Susan Thomson

Gertrude Marden Bacon ‘34* Edwin Einbender* Constance Stern Flaum ’39* Ronald M. Foster, Jr.* Sally Goodgold* Lawrence S. Harris Mark S. Kaufmann Anne Frankenthaler Kohn ’39* Peter D. Lederer Stuart Levin* Florence Yachnin Liebman ‘38 Helena Simons Marks ’32* David C. Masket* Joan Masket Arthur S. Olick Elizabeth Parmelee* June Saltzman Schiller ‘42 Jesse I. Siegel* Mary-Ellen Greenberger Siegel ’49 Allen Swerdlick Edward S. Tishman

Vice Presidents, Lower School/74th

Treasurer

Sheila Kirkwood Hanh Livingston

Lynda Roca Vice Presidents, Upper School

Amy Edelman Chris Rothermel

T H E CA L H OUN SC H OO L Main number

Alumni Relations

212-497-6500

646-666-6450

Lower School/74th

Annual Giving

212-497-6550

212-497-6579

Admissions/81st

Communications

212-497-6534

212-497-6527

Admissions/74th

Please send changes of address, phone or email to familyupdates@calhoun.org

212-497-6575

*deceased

o n th e c o v e r

winter 2017

Calhoun takes a look back at Steve Nelson’s 19-year tenure as Head of School as he approaches his retirement on June 30.

Editor

Editorial Assistants

Beth Krieger beth.krieger@calhoun.org

Angela Fischer Michelle Raum

Page 30

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATEs

Photographers Beth Krieger Cory Schwartz Nahuel Fanjul-Arguijo

Nahuel Fanjul-Arguijo nahuel.fanjul@calhoun.org Michelle Kiefer michelle.kiefer@calhoun.org

Design

Christine Zamora ‘81, CZ Design

Alumni News

PHOTO: Cory Schwartz

Photo : GARY JOSEPH COHEN

The Calhoun Chronicle is published twice each year by the Communications Office for alumni, current and former parents, staff and friends.

Bart Hale ‘00 bart.hale@calhoun.org Copy Editor

Amy Edelman

Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Contents winter 2017

22 Features

Teaching Civics & Civic Engagement

The House That Steve Built (Up)

V i e w p o i n t

by Steve Nelson

School News

Calhoun Welcomes Steve Solnick

$19 Million Within Reach!

Early College Picture Shines Bright

Upper School Leaders & Entrepreneurs

Onstage

Sports

Alumni News

Class Notes

Profile: Susan Brown â&#x20AC;&#x2122;62

Alumni Relations

Profile: Maryam Chishti â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16

Departments

Viewpoint by Steven J. Nelson, He a d of School

One Small, Progressive School in Manhattan Can’t Change the World. Or Can We? I picked one heck of a year to retire! Whatever one’s political inclinations, 2016 was tumultuous. My lifetime has seen no similar election, no comparable division in the nation and no precedent for the dazzling lack of common understanding among Americans. (Warning: shameless self-promotion ahead.) In my recently released book, First Do No Harm: Progressive Education in a Time of Existential Risk, I claim that education— specifically a progressive approach to education— is necessary if we hope to address what I describe as existential risks. These risks should not be politicized. Issues like climate change, nuclear proliferation and the violation of human rights are not partisan matters. Addressing the nation’s—and the world’s—problems requires an educated, creative and committed citizenry. The coming generations must have critical capacities, appreciation for science and a deep understanding of how the mechanisms of government and governing work. In the current political environment, the lack of rudimentary understanding of these things is alarming. In order to mitigate the existential crises we face, we must agree on the nature of the problems, have citizens who understand the processes, and support the mechanisms of government that can solve those problems. While my book addresses this critical matter on a broad level, Calhoun responds to this urgent need on a daily basis. I am grateful, and I hope you are too, that our students are learning science, not propaganda. Our students are learning to be skeptical and curious, not compliant and incurious. Every day our faculty members are inviting students to construct a deep understanding of their world, the complexity of our global society and our interdependence with those on the next block, in the neighboring community, in a faraway state or another part of the world. A buzz phrase these days is “civics education.” Many observe,

Calhoun Chronicle

quite accurately, that young folks (old ones too) are poorly informed, often complacent, and ill equipped to meet the obligations of citizenship. Frequently, civics education consists only of shallow nationalistic rituals and fleeting exposure to the Declaration of Independence or Constitution. Children in most American schools have always been expected, explicitly or implicitly, to conform and comply. Conventional education may teach civics in this way, but a progressive approach offers a more profound way to sustain a vibrant democracy. In progressive education, children are not just told about democracy, they are invited to live a democratic experience. In progressive schools, children learn about community, interdependence, empathy and responsibility. Democracy requires participation, not passivity. The processes that prepare children to participate in democracy should be engaging and demanding. Kids should test their opinions without risk, challenge conventional wisdom, question authority and learn to live passionate, engaged lives. In this issue you will find a smattering of wonderful examples of how Calhoun students are involved in the work of citizenship. Each example represents a larger body of work that our faculty members have crafted over the years, in all divisions. One of my great pleasures is teaching a course now and then to Upper School students. I am consistently impressed with the critical capacities, passion and creativity they bring to class. Several times in recent years I’ve taught college classes, including at highly selective schools. Those college students have been, by and large, less curious, less well prepared and less committed to becoming engaged citizens than are Calhoun students. One small, progressive school in Manhattan can’t change the world. Or can we? Every Calhoun graduate will affect the world. Change is like a good snowstorm, massive drifts created from elegant snowflakes, each one contributing its small part to creating a new landscape. This is our work.

school news

Calhoun Welcomes Steve Solnick as New Head of School “Steve’s professional experience, education and childhood narrative afford him a truly unique perspective and pragmatism. I am thrilled to watch him lead Calhoun in the years to come.” Steve comes to Calhoun with an impressive background in leadership and education. For the last four years, he served as president of Warren Incoming Head of School Steve Solnick, his wife, Maeve O’Connor, and their “spirited mutt,” Zorro, are all set to join #CougarNation! Wilson College, a small, progressive liberal arts The Calhoun community is excited to college in Asheville, NC. During his time welcome Steve Solnick as the 11th Head there, Steve raised the school’s national of School, starting on July 1, 2017. He will profile, headed a strategic planning succeed Steve Nelson, who is retiring initiative focused on academic excellence after 19 years of leadership. and led a successful fundraising campaign. Calhoun’s Board of Trustees voted From 2002 to 2012, Steve represented unanimously to select Steve as Head of the Ford Foundation in Moscow and New School, says Board Chair Eric Potoker ‘85. Delhi, directing programs in social justice, “Steve Solnick demonstrated an innate education, the environment and the arts. understanding of Calhoun’s progressive He spent the early part of his career as an approach to education,” he adds, noting associate professor of political science at that the final decision was based on the Columbia University, where he also was overwhelming consensus of the Search coordinator for Russian studies at the Committee—a dedicated group of faculty, Harriman Institute, and before that, as a administrators, parents, alumni and board research associate at Harvard University’s members—after a yearlong search that Russian Research Center and Center for considered a large number of highly International Affairs. qualified candidates from around the An expert on post-Soviet Russia, country. Steve has written extensively on the “Those of us who worked on the search topic, including his book, Stealing the are excited to have the rest of the Calhoun State: Control and Collapse in Soviet community meet Steve,” says Board Vice Institutions, as well as numerous articles Chair Jon Brayshaw, who led the Search on comparative and post-Soviet politics Committee. “But as a current parent, I am and political economy. Since 2001, he even more enthusiastic about the exciting has been a full member of the Council implications for our program and students on Foreign Relations. as Steve leads us into the next phase of Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in Calhoun’s story.” Fellow committee member physics from the Massachusetts Institute and parent Lori Dorr ’92 observes that of Technology and a doctorate in political

science from Harvard University. He also has a BA in politics and economics from Oxford University, where he was a Marshall Scholar. He was a National Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a Fulbright-Hays Fellow at Moscow State University. Steve’s wife, Maeve O’Connor, shares his passion for education; she has worked in higher education administration at UCLA, Harvard University and the New School in New York. The couple have three children—Elinor, Naomi and Reuben (ages 20, 18 and 15)—and also joining them on their move to New York will be their “spirited mutt,” Zorro. “I am excited to be joining the Calhoun family,” says Steve. “It’s a great school filled with brilliant and dedicated teachers and staff, and students who are just as excited about why they are learning as what they are learning. It’s an honor to be invited to lead it.”

SEARCH COMMITTEE Members of the Head of School Search Committee, who voted unanimously for Steve after a yearlong nationwide search, included: (front, L-R) Alison Max Rothschild ’85, administrator/parent/alum; Lori Fleischman Dorr ’92, Trustee/parent/alum; Jessica Nelson, administrator/parent; Claudia Singleton, Trustee/parent; (back, L-R) Bobby Rue ’85, teacher/parent/alum; Jon Brayshaw, Board Vice Chair/parent; Eric Potoker ’85, Board Chair/parent/alum; Danny Isquith, administrator; Scott Hirsch ’86, Trustee/parent/alum.

winter 2017

school news

$19 Million Within Reach! Over $11 Million Raised to Date for Campaign for Calhoun The 19 for 19 Campaign for Calhoun is on track to reach its $19 million goal, with over $11 million raised! To date, more than 800 individuals have generously supported the Campaign with gifts to the Annual Fund and/or Endowment. Now, with five months to go and the Gala still ahead, Campaign Co-Chairs Melissa Liberty and Jennifer Arcure are excited to continue building on the community’s demonstrated enthusiasm and support for Calhoun’s mission. All money raised through the Annual Fund, the Gala and Major Gifts during the 2016–17 school year will be counted toward the $19 million total. A majority of those funds will be dedicated to growing Calhoun’s Endowment—currently one of the smallest among NYC independent schools—to a level that will be comparable to those of peer schools. Says Melissa, “These funds will not only immediately and significantly impact our curriculum, facilities and programs, but a larger endowment is also critical to sustaining Calhoun’s commitment to its tuition assistance program and to competitive faculty salaries that attract the best teachers.” Melissa notes that portions of Major Gifts can be directed toward two newly created endowed funds established specifically for tuition assistance and faculty salaries/benefits. Support for the Campaign is being solicited from across Calhoun’s extended community of current and past parents, alumni, faculty/staff and grandparents. All gifts truly make a difference. “Our goal is within reach,” say Melissa and Jennifer. “Together, we can make this historic investment in Calhoun, honoring Head of School Steve Nelson for his years of service while building a future for our children, our families and our future Calhouners.” Read more about the 19 for 19 Campaign: www.calhoun.org/19for19. 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR

(RAISED TO DATE)

$19 Million $11 Million $8 Million $7 Million 0

Calhoun Chronicle

Sept. ’16

Dec. ’16

Jan. ’17

June ’17

Hanh Livingston (right) and husband Kevin, Tanner ‘28, Holden ‘30 and Wyatt

“Before I found Calhoun, I figured our kids just needed to go to school somewhere. But Calhoun and its mission made me realize I care deeply about education—not only academics, but learning to become a compassionate, social justice–oriented person. Now more than ever, Calhoun is a needed place. “My husband, Kevin, and I believe deeply in how Calhoun is shaping our children. We want to make sure other families, long into the future, have the same opportunities here that we do. I can’t think of anything better to support than a place that helps kids become good, kind people. We focus our giving where it can be impactful, and the 19 for 19 Campaign for Calhoun is a worthy cause.” —Hanh Livingston

school news

Thank you to our generous Campaign supporters. For the complete list (in formation), go to www.calhoun.org/leaders

Why We Support The 19 for 19 Campaign:

Walter Levitch, Trustee and father of Natalie Levitch ’19

Alison Max Rothschild ‘85, LS Director,

“Calhoun students are incredibly lucky. A famous baseball executive once said that luck is the residue of design, but for our kids, it’s also the result of our community’s generosity. “There are many great causes, but when our daughter started in the 3’s, it became apparent that Calhoun would be our philanthropic priority. The results of giving to Calhoun are direct, dramatic and often immediate—not just for our kids, but for the entire community. Now that our daughter is in Upper School and her time at Calhoun grows shorter, we thought our inclination to give would wane. It hasn’t. I recently talked with some parents of Calhoun grads (some alumni themselves) whose ongoing interest in and pride for our school was palpable. Their efforts to ‘pay it forward’ for our kids were heartwarming. As Calhoun’s reputation grows, it benefits their kids as graduates, as well. “We hope everyone contributes to the 19 for 19 Campaign to help make sure our kids stay lucky—even if they don’t always realize it. I can’t think of a better way to thank Steve Nelson for all he’s done and to provide our new Head of School, Steve Solnick, with a warm welcome.”

“I am acutely aware of how lucky I am to have spent so many years of my life in this special community, and am deeply grateful for the life I am living—both professionally and personally. I owe much of it to my Calhoun teachers, mentors and friends. “Though my Calhoun story may be longer than most, I know that my experiences are not unique. Calhoun is filled with students, teachers, parents, grandparents, alumni and parents of alumni who share my gratitude. If you are one of those people, I urge you to join my family in making a gift to the 19 for 19 Campaign for Calhoun.”

with her daughter, Maddie Rothschild ’31

Karen Greene, Trustee, with her son, Monte Greene ’25

“Calhoun is the foundation for Monte’s future. My family contributes as much as we can because it’s an investment— not only in our son’s education, but in the person he’s becoming. “The 19 for 19 Campaign for Calhoun will not only benefit my child and his classmates, but ensure that other children who may not have the financial means to attend Calhoun are able to join and strengthen our diverse community. Giving to the Endowment provides valuable resources to children of all backgrounds so that they have access to an excellent progressive education.” —Karen Greene

—Alison Max Rothschild ’85

“ I can’t think of a better way to thank Steve Nelson for all he’s done and to provide our new Head of School, Steve Solnick, with a warm welcome.” —Walter Levitch

—Walter Levitch

WINTER 2017

school news

3 Ways to Make Calhounâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 19 for 19 Campaign a Success 1

Donate to The Annual Fund

Gifts from $19 to $30,000 provide unrestricted funds to support annual operations. This is the year to make your most generous gift yet!

Celebrate Calhoun at The Gala on May 19

Proceeds from this capstone event at the American Museum of Natural History will support annual operations. Buy your tickets online* beginning March 8, at www.calhoun.org/gala.

Pledge a Major Gift to the Endowment

Gifts of $31,000 to $5 million over five years will be applied to Calhounâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Endowment.

Join Us!

Learn more at www.calhoun.org/giving or contact Mary McCarty, Major Gifts Officer, mary.mccarty@calhoun.org, 212-497-6579. *Must be 21 or older Calhoun Chronicle

school news

Beir Society Hosts STEAM-in-Action Fair By Becky Turcotte, Annual Fund Manager Each fall, donors to the Annual Fund Giving Societies—The Beir Society and the new Steve Nelson Society—are invited to attend an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at some aspect of Calhoun’s progressive educational programming. This year’s event highlighted the strategic and exciting ways that science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) are interwoven into all levels of the Calhoun curriculum. After a delicious sit-down dinner by Chef Bobo, this year’s guests proceeded to an interactive STEAM fair curated by Middle School Director Danny Isquith, where several teachers and students presented five actual projects from Middle School and Upper School classrooms: Hip to Be Square: An Investigation of Area Patterns, with Middle School math teacher Ben Schwartz (P ’25, P ’27); Creating a 3-D Model of the Earth’s Layers, with Middle School science teacher Ardalan Parsa; Catapults! with Middle School science teacher Alba Polsley (P ’29); The Chemistry of Food, with Upper School

science teacher Hadda Ait Oukdim-Conte (P ’27); and Technical Drawing and CAD Programming, with Upper School math teacher Taylor White (P ’28). Guests were encouraged to participate in hands-on activities, under the guidance of Calhoun Middle and Upper Schoolers Omar Ali-Badia ‘21, Jake Bart ‘17, Tyler Battino ‘17, Lyla Calcano ‘21, Aidan Campagna ‘21, Gabby Chapman ‘17, Elias Haberberg ‘18, Liam Hade ‘21, Maya Henning ‘21, Holliss Hirsch ‘21, Casi Hixon ‘21, Elijah Isaac ‘21, Caitlin Leung ‘17, Miles Sugarman ‘21, Eugene Padayogdog ‘18, Charlotte Shaifer ‘21, Elena Swartz ‘21,

Jude Thompson ‘21, Allegra Wertheim ‘21 and Jay Wu ‘21. The fair also highlighted other popular STEAM-based activities from all three divisions: the Lower School’s Straw Rockets science project; the Aeroponic Tower Garden (maintained by Lower, Middle and Upper Schoolers); and projects from three Upper School classes: Anatomy for Artists, Math in Sports, and The Universe and Our Place in It. For more details about Calhoun’s Annual Fund Giving Societies, please visit www.calhoun.org/af.

2 1. MS science teacher Alba Polsley (far right), with (L-R) Elena Swartz ‘21, Casi Hixon ‘21, Miles Sugarman ‘21 and (front) Elijah Isaac ‘21, pose with a display of the seventh grade’s popular Hack ‘n’ Hurl Catapult project— a physics-based activity that requires mathematical precision, woodshop skills and artistic flair. 2. Nicole Giles (P ’22, P ‘25) and Steven Walkowiak (P ‘19) get a lesson from Lyla Calcano ’21 on how eighth graders created a scale model of the earth’s layers using computer assisted design software (TinkerCAD).

3. Elias Haberberg ‘18 and Eugene Padayogdog ‘18 demonstrate their chemistry of food project. 4. Using a geoboard, Liam Hade ’21 demonstrates to Leigh Gerstenblatt (P ’26 P ’28) the relationship between square areas and their side lengths. 5. Stefanie and Amit Bhalla (P ’24, ’26) marvel at 3-D models created by Upper Schoolers in the Geographical Design and Technical Drawing class.

WINTER 2017

school news

FACULT Y/STAFF NEWS M AK E R S

Lyda Ely Brings Funny Business to Calhoun

Lyda Ely is all about telling stories that “illuminate and inspire.” She’s found a way to explore storytelling professionally, as a filmmaker for both TV and the silver screen,

and—for the past two years—as a Calhoun Upper School teacher, in classes ranging from English literature and writing to broadcast journalism and documentary film. This past fall, Lyda was able to share her work with an even larger Calhoun audience, when the school’s Performing Arts Series screened Lyda’s feature-length documentary film Funny Business. Delving behind the scenes and into the artistic lives of 11 celebrated New Yorker magazine cartoonists, Lyda’s film not only looks at the people and their art, but also “takes a look at dreams that sometimes go unfulfilled.” Before coming to Calhoun in 2014, Lyda spent 20 years as a writer/filmmaker. She

is also the founder of a small, independent company called Little Goat Productions, which produced Funny Business (winner of a 2010 CINE Golden Eagle Award) as well as several network and nonprofit films. Among her long list of writing and directing credits are the two-hour documentary The American Wedding for A&E television, several segments of CNN Heroes, and more than 20 hours of programming for 20th Century with Mike Wallace, for The History Channel. Lyda hopes to pass on to her students the insights and fulfillment she’s gained through written and digital storytelling. One of her best tips? “Be authentic, and expose a little bit of yourself.”

Two Upper School Teachers Win Outstanding Educator Award Kristen McElhiney (left) and Ellen Kwon (right), Calhoun Upper School English teachers for 10 and 11 years respectively, were among this year’s recipients of The University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Awards. The university solicits nominations for the awards from its freshman class. Ellen was recommended for the honor by Delia Pelli-Walbert ’16; Kristen’s name was submitted by Michael Fortunato ’16. The awards, given annually by the Office of College Admissions, recognizes a few select teachers “who have literally

changed the course of their [students’] lives through excellent teaching and mentorship . . . teachers who have

demonstrated exceptional dedication to the education and personal development of their students.”

Steve Nelson’s First Book Hits the Stands! Head of School Steve Nelson celebrated the release of his first book this past November, at a launch party hosted by Garn Press at the Strand Bookstore. First Do No Harm: Progressive Education in a Time of Existential Risk spells out the deleterious effects of traditional or conventional approaches to

Calhoun Chronicle

education that dominate current policy— particularly the excesses of contemporary education reform—and is an encapsulation of Steve’s philosophy about progressive education, its practice in the classroom and its importance in light of the world’s increasingly severe challenges. The book concludes with a ”Bill of Educational

Rights,” outlining how teachers and parents might demand a more constructive and loving education for their children. Steve also writes regularly about education and politics for The Huffington Post.

school news

Margie Duffield Releases Web Micro-Series Marjorie Duffield, US theater teacher, shows yet another side to her talents with the release of her new micro-series, The Adventures of Pip & Pen. Also involved in the series is recent Calhoun grad Jules Starn ‘16, who contributed his writing, cinematography and acting skills as part of his Senior Work internship last year. In this farcical portrayal of life at middle age, Pip (played by Margie) and Pen (played by co-creator Diana Yanez) struggle through the antics and compromises of true love. The nine episodes of Season One can be viewed in 11 highly amusing minutes, on YouTube or the series’ website: www.pipandpenshow.com. (L-R) Jules Starn ‘16, Diana Yanez and US theater teacher Marjorie Duffield

Jason Tebbe Published in Jacobin magazine Upper School history teacher Jason Tebbe had an article published in a recent issue of Jacobin, a quarterly magazine based in New York. “Twenty-First Century Victorians” looks at how contemporary upper middle class behavior is “a reinterpretation of nineteenth century attitudes.” Jason, who earned his PhD in European history from the University of Illinois

and taught at several universities before coming to Calhoun in 2011, is the author of numerous book reviews, published in such scholarly journals as German Studies Review and Central European History. In Calhoun’s Upper School, Jason teaches eleventh grade U.S. history as well as several elective classes in debate, current events and 1970s America. His article can be found at jacobinmag.com.

Chef Bobo Heads Board of Friends of the ICC Calhoun’s Chef Bobo has been appointed president of the board of Friends of the International Culinary Center (ICC; formerly known as the French Culinary Institute), a nonprofit organization that raises scholarship funds for students to attend the ICC culinary school. Friends of the ICC was originally established by Dorothy Cann Hamilton, founder and CEO of ICC and a Calhoun trustee from 2002 to 2006. She was

also responsible for bringing Chef Bobo to Calhoun—which led to the school’s international reputation as a leader in healthy school lunches. Chef Bobo served for the past six years as chairman of the Scholarship Selection Committee at Friends. He says he’s thrilled to carry on Dorothy’s work at ICC and continue to share with the Calhoun family all that he personally learned as an ICC/FCI graduate.

WINTER 2017

school news Ca

lho

The

Annual Fund Establishes Lil Lulkin Giving Society for Faculty/Staff by Becky Turcotte, Annual Fund Manager Calhoun employees constitute the heart of our school. So it’s particularly gratifying to see such significant support for Calhoun’s Annual Fund from our valued teachers, staff and administrators. In fact, Calhoun ended the 2015–16 Annual Fund with 100 percent participation

The LS74 faculty and staff have reached 100 percent participation in giving to the Annual Fund for two years running! Among them: LS teachers (L-R) Julie Ramos, Diane Ryan, Alicia Klein and Isabel Oyola.

by staff and administrators in the townhouse and, for the second year in a row, by faculty and staff at Lower School 74th Street. In recognition of Calhoun employees’ past and present philanthropic dedication to Calhoun, we are delighted to announce the new Lil Lulkin Giving Society. Membership begins with all current and former Calhoun faculty and staff who give to the 2016–17 Annual Fund. Those who give in consecutive years will continue their membership. Eddie Ayala, facilities manager since 1995, is one of the many Lower School employees who gives to the Annual Fund each year. “I love Calhoun, and I will continue giving because I would like to be part of the school’s growth,” he says. And Eddie’s enthusiasm is echoed by Julia Ramos, LS associate teacher since 1999, who adds, “I give because I care; this is my community!” The Calhoun community is grateful for

Little Calhoun Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday morning, April 7 Calhoun’s Robert L. Beir Lower School 160 West 74th St. Join us for this popular yearly event, when Little Calhoun invites grandparents and special friends of 3’s through 2nd grade students for a morning of classroom visits and welcoming remarks by our Lower School Director. To ensure you receive your invitation, please send contact details, including email address, to eric.nelson@calhoun.org, or call 212-497-6578.

Calhoun Chronicle

Lil Lulkin Giving Society

Who was Lil Lulkin? Lillian “Lil” Lulkin taught kindergarten at Calhoun for 35 years (1969–2004), touching the lives of more than 525 children. Her commitment to Calhoun extended beyond her classroom; she served as faculty representative to the Board of Trustees, member of two Head of School search committees, and an annual volunteer at the Parents Association’s Spring Carnival. Lil was a dedicated supporter of the Calhoun Annual Fund. She faithfully donated every year that she worked at Calhoun and continued her support after her retirement, giving each year without fail until her passing in 2013.

each and every gift toward our goal of 100 percent faculty and staff participation in the 2016–17 Annual Fund.

school news

College Picture Shines Bright for Class of 2017 by Lisa Merritt, Director of College Counseling Of course, whether they are still deciding or have already chosen to become a Bomber (Ithaca), a Bantam (Trinity College) or a Black Squirrel (Haverford), we are incredibly proud of every senior for engaging so thoughtfully in this process and we look forward to celebrating more good news this spring!

College Counselor Lisa Merritt cheers on Zulma Curtis ‘17 as she ceremoniously clicks to send in her online application.

These are exciting times in the College Counseling Office, with seniors hearing back about their Early Decision, Early Action and rolling applications. Members of the Class of 2017 have already gotten g ood news from Wheaton, Princeton, Barnard, Bowdoin and Brown, to name just a few of the 40 colleges and universities where this year’s seniors have been admitted. And while most final decisions won’t be made until May, 25 seniors—nearly half the class—have already been accepted to and will attend their first-choice school. Several Cougars will be trading one big cat for another as they become Bobcats, Wildcats and Leopards (at Bates, Northwestern and Lafayette, respectively). A few will continue to bleed green (Dartmouth, Tulane), while others have already decided to paint this year’s matriculation list orange or maroon (Syracuse, University of Chicago).

College Acceptances (list in formation) As of January 15, nearly half the Class of 2017 had received Early Decision acceptances from first-choice schools, and a couple had heard back from their Restricted Early Action (non-binding) choices. See the complete list of acceptances, including Early Action and rolling acceptances, at calhoun.org/college2017. American University Barnard College Bates College Bowdoin College Brown University (2) Colorado College Connecticut College Dartmouth College The George Washington University Harvard University Haverford College Ithaca College Lafayette College (2) Northwestern University Princeton University Syracuse University (2) Trinity College Tulane University University of Chicago University of Miami (2) Wesleyan University (2) Wheaton College (MA)

Showcase of Student Work Debuts on Calhoun Website Inkpot, a new online showcase for student authors, artists and filmmakers, is now live on Calhoun’s website. The featured publications represent a wide range of works from Middle and Upper School students. Among them: • The Cougar—the Upper School’s new art and literary magazine, which includes short stories and poetry as well as fine art and photography; • Chrestomathy—a journal of essays, poems and creative writing from seventh and eighth grade English and creative writing classes; • The Issue—a new digital version of the Upper School’s long-standing newspaper; • Documentary films—digital storytelling by students in the Upper School broadcasting and documentary film classes; • Calhoun Free Press—online newspaper with op-eds, news and entertainment pieces, written and published by students in Steve Nelson’s Upper School journalism class. The Inkpot moniker is an homage to Calhoun’s earliest publication of the same name, which was a combination yearbook, literary magazine and alumni news publication that began in the early 1920s and continued until 1973. Go to www.calhoun.org/inkpot.

WINTER 2017

school news

STUDENT NEWSM AK E R S

Upper School Students Shine as Leaders and Entrepreneurs by Michelle Kiefer “I’ve always wanted to take on a leadership role,” says Sara Barker ’18. Fortunately, students like Sara don’t need to wait until college or their first professional break to emerge as leaders; they find the opportunities right here at Calhoun. Through opportunities like Junior Workshop, Senior Work, independent study or extracurricular programming, Calhoun is a laboratory where students explore interests and test new ideas. “I think Calhoun easily allows you to start your own initiatives,” says Olivia Abrams ’17. “Calhoun produces an environment that encourages leadership,” agrees Zak Wegweiser ’17. More than anything, it’s a community where students like Sara, Zak and Olivia feel supported pursuing their passions. “The dynamic between teachers, students and administrators is just so close,” says Sara. “It’s easy getting people on your team.” But even when the opportunities present themselves, it’s the students who take it a step further: Sara, Zak and Olivia each saw something missing in the school community and responded to that need. Whether launching a product or inciting a movement, they used ingenuity and courage to bring their visions to life.

Sara Barker ’18 Publisher and Editor When Sara observed that her fellow Upper School students were missing an outlet where they could publish their creative work, she decided to make one on her own. Launched officially in December 2016, The Cougar is the Upper School’s newest arts and literary magazine, a project that Sara spearheaded from design to completion.

Calhoun Chronicle

Sara had some experience working on the school newspaper, but this was the first time she had ever created her own publication. To make her vision a reality, she employed the skills of a true entrepreneur: resourcefulness to find the expertise she needed and teamwork to see her project through to fruition. She gained a foundation in graphic design software from art teacher Hailey Kim, sought out advice on writing and budgeting from English teacher Philip Tedeschi, and learned the ins and outs of the printing process from Calhoun’s Communications Director, Beth Krieger. Sara also formed a team of Upper School students who were willing to meet to work on The Cougar. “It was really cool to collaborate with and get the perspectives of different people from around the school,” she reflects. Of course, it’s one thing to have a great idea, but another thing entirely to execute

it. “When I pitched my idea, I wanted to make sure that I was going to deliver on what I presented,” says Sara. Since the magazine wasn’t part of a class, one of the biggest challenges came in balancing the time she spent between her coursework and the Cougar project. Sara’s efforts paid off—she successfully printed and distributed 400 copies of The Cougar to Upper School students and faculty right before winter break. The first edition is a showcase of impressive Upper School talent, from photography and artwork to poetry and personal essays. (A digital version is available on Calhoun’s website at www.calhoun.org/inkpot.) So what would Sara say to others pursuing an independent endeavor? “Have a vision. Develop your team, reach out to the community and use your time wisely!” she advises. Now Sara is looking ahead—not only

school news

to the next issue of The Cougar, but to a future as an entrepreneur: “The whole development process—from creating a team to launching a product—is something I absolutely love.”

Olivia Abrams ’17 Feminist Organizer Olivia is no stranger to community involvement. At Calhoun, she’s shone on the volleyball court and heads the digital staff of the school newspaper. But Olivia’s latest passion project looks beyond the immediate school community: It’s all about connecting her fellow students with a wider social-activist movement. Through her work with an organization called Seneca Women, Olivia is helping lead the next generation of feminists. Olivia’s interest in feminism was sparked through personal reading and soon became the focus of her Junior Workshop project, a research paper exploring the connection between social media and the contemporary feminist movement. While working on the project last year, Olivia connected with Seneca Women, a global leadership forum focused on the advancement of women and girls. Soon she was interning for the organization, assisting with their newsletter, events and social media. Inspired by what she was learning about women’s issues around the world, Olivia founded a Fast Forward Girls Club at Calhoun this past fall, and kickstarted a dozen more at schools around New York

City. The clubs—offshoots of Seneca Women—bring young women together to discuss feminism and raise money for nonprofits dealing with women’s empowerment. Olivia also organized an event this fall called Fast Forward Girls Town Hall, a conversation and Q&A focused on young women, power and purpose. Held at Calhoun, the event was attended by a mixture of Fast Forward club members from Calhoun and other schools, and featured the two inspiring founders of Seneca Women: Kim Azzarelli, chair of Cornell Law School’s Avon Global Center for Women and Justice, as well as a legal, corporate and philanthropic advisor; and Melanne Verveer, director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, and ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues under President Obama. “Through my Junior Workshop, I discovered how difficult it can be to bring together a large group of people to fight for the feminist movement,” says Olivia. But she hasn’t balked yet at the challenge; instead, her plans are only getting bigger. “I plan to help start a Fast Forward Club at whatever college I attend, and one day I want to work as an entrepreneur in the nonprofit world on an international scale.”

Zak Wegweiser ’17 Tech Wiz When Middle School Director Danny Isquith suggested to Zak that he create a

software program that would improve class scheduling at Calhoun, he didn’t expect his proposition to be taken seriously. “It started almost as a joke,” says Zak. “But a week later I came to him with a sketch of the project.” Zak has had a longtime interest in programming and coding, but programming on this scale was new to him. That didn’t stop him. “He needs absolutely no external motivation,” says Danny. “All you have to do is point him in a direction and he goes off sprinting.” Before Zak embarked on this venture, scheduling classes at Calhoun was an archaic pen-and-paper affair. Zak’s new software streamlines the whole process, and eliminates what once took at least a month of work on the part of a schoolteacher or administrator. The program recognizes a student’s graduation requirements, his or her class history and any prerequisites required for enrollment, and then allows the student to request classes using a simple online menu. On the other end, the administrator who is scheduling the classes receives a sorted list of students’ requests instead of having to manually go through more than 200 paper forms. Zak started the project as part of his Junior Workshop last year, which included a research component that explored how progressive schools take a different approach to scheduling classes. “I definitely have a better understanding of how our schedule is part of our educational experience,” he says. He continued to fine-tune the program through the summer, and is currently in the final development stages before Upper School students start officially using it in March 2017. “When I look back on the experience, I’m really proud that I built this from the ground up,” says Zak. “It was really uplifting just to know that I created something new that will hopefully help Calhoun even when I’m gone.”

WINTER 2017

school news

Harvest Festival — Grow Gratitude Calhoun’s annual Harvest Festival is a time to express thankfulness and engage in acts of kindness. It’s also a time to build community and promote interdivisional mentoring through cross-divisional “cluster families.” All age groups benefit from the heartwarming experience. 4

1. The Grow Gratitude Tree Students and faculty expressed reasons to be thankful and grateful, and posted them on the Grow Gratitude Tree in the Calhoun Commons. The inspirational community art is still up on the wall, months after the project! 2. Feeding the Homeless Students prepared and delivered sandwiches to the Holy Trinity soup kitchen on West 82nd Street, packaged with cards in hand-painted bags. 3. Restocking the WSCAH Food Pantry Students delivered canned and non-perishable foods to the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), our local food pantry.

4. Recycling at 74th Little Calhouners built musical instruments from reusable materials and then joined a community-wide concert with members of Bash the Trash—an educational group that weaves together lessons on science, music and environmental awareness. 5. Zumba Dancing to Promote Health Some Little Calhouners enjoyed a Zumba dance class led by Upper School students. The high-paced dance workout was a great way to have fun and stay fit!

6. Interdivisional Mentoring A cluster group of Lower and Upper School students posed before heading out for a day of “random kindness.”

Calhoun Chronicle

7. Hand-Painted Bags for CCFA MS art teacher Emily Capkanis ’07 helped seventh grader Queen Carrasco with her hand-painted canvas bag, which was to be sold at a later date to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

school news

New Committee Gives Voice to Upper Schoolers

US Director Lorenzo Krakowsky takes notes while Matthew Pfeffer ‘17 gives feedback on a possible project for the new High School Committee, a collaborative initiative of students and faculty.

The format of the meeting was familiar. An agenda was set, key school issues were discussed and participants thoughtfully proposed action items. But this was no typical school meeting. This was the High School Committee, where students sit alongside faculty and administrators as leaders and decision makers. Student voice has long been central to the Calhoun experience, but this new committee takes a pioneering approach, inviting representatives of each constituency in the school—students as well as faculty and staff—to shape

VE SA DATE E TH

the present and future of the division by addressing key issues, creating new policies and assisting in long-term planning. In the spirit of democracy, student members were elected by their peers to serve on the committee. So far, the High School Committee has tackled both short- and long-term projects. One of the biggest tasks in front of the committee is the launch of an evaluation form that will ask students to give feedback on their courses. Student committee members have led the effort, writing the questions and planning the strategy for

implementing the evaluations in the classroom. It’s yet another way to give students a voice and actively involve them in their learning experience. Upper School Director Lorenzo Krakowsky, who spearheaded the committee, says the advantages of fostering this kind of collaboration between students and faculty are already becoming evident. Student committee members Matthew Pfeffer ’17 and Allie Leavitt ’17 wholeheartedly agree. “With teachers and students in the same space, you get more discussion and multiple perspectives,” says Matthew. “I think you can get more done when students and faculty are working together.” Allie notes that “the fact that we can advocate for the student body and that the faculty can hear us more directly—it’s making the Upper School a better place.” Student representatives like Matthew and Allie were already actively involved in school leadership, but one of the most important agenda items for the High School Committee is to foster a new generation of leaders. In a recent meeting, the committee strategized ways to encourage younger students to get involved. “We want Calhoun to be a place where everyone can be a leader,” says Matthew. “The best thing we can do is to leave a legacy—and that’s creating a culture that can last.”

State of the School Address Thursday, April 25, 2017, 6pm • 150 West 83rd Street

At this signature event, Head of School Steve Nelson presents updates on the school’s finances, admissions and strategic goals; offers highlights of the school year; and takes a look toward the future. Hosted by the Calhoun Board of Trustees. Evite to come. If Calhoun does not have your email address and you would like to be invited, please send your contact information to communications@calhoun.org

winter 2017

Onstage 1

UPPER SCHOOL THEATER

You Can’t Take It With You

Upper School thespians shined in Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play, You Can’t Take It with You. 1. (Standing) Julian Kuo-Gross ’19; (front, L-R) Codee Lawtum ’18, Rea Brayshaw ’18 and J. B. Denamiel ’19 2. (L-R) Avery Bederman ’18, Gabriela Lopez-Ruiz ’17, Hope-Elizabeth Darris ’17, Codee Lawtum ’18 and Fernando Rueda ’19 3. Lindsay Jackman ’18 and Hope-Elizabeth Darris ’17

middle SCHOOL THEATER

Stage Door

Eighth grade actors revealed the tears, joys, struggles and romances of life behind the footlights of Broadway in this original adaptation of Stage Door, based on the 1936 Broadway play by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman. 4. Anne Brewer and Charlotte Shaifer 5. Jude Thompson and Julia Filiaci

The Calhoun Chronicle

school news

more photos www.calhoun.org/media

UPPER SCHOOL music

Strings, Percussion & Chorus Concert The Upper School winter concert showcased the Upper School Strings Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Chorus. 1. The Upper School Strings Orchestra, performing “Allegretto” from Beethoven’s 7th Symphony 2. Asha Perry ’18 on violin 3. (L-R) Percussionists Darius Marmorstein ’18, Wilder Brayshaw ’20 (back) and Lucian Brayshaw ’20 4. William Deckelbaum ’20 on cello

lower SCHOOL music

LS81 Winter Sing 5. Third, fourth and fifth graders gathered for the annual Lower School Winter Sing. The concert— performed before an enthusiastic audience of parents and faculty—featured winter holiday classics as well as a student-written rap about New York to the tune of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.”

WINTER 2016 2017

SPORTS

Girls’ Volleyball Continues League Dominance: Varsity and JV Teams Sweep the NYCAL Varsity Team Grabs Dual Titles for Fourth Straight Year The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball athletes have done it again! For the fourth consecutive year, the Cougars have established themselves as an unbeatable dynasty in the New York City Athletic League—bringing home both league and post-season tournament championships. In addition to cleanly claiming dual titles for the last four years, the Cougars are now into their sixth year as the winners of at least one title (going on nine years if you count the GISAL championships, the league in which the Cougars played before moving to NYCAL). The Cougars’ dominance was clearly displayed in the semifinal and final games of the NYCAL Championship Tournament, closing out the season with two perfect victories. Both games ended 3–0, proving that the league is in the Cougars’ tight grasp.

Calhoun Chronicle

Most remarkable about this year’s spectacular season was that, even though five of the team’s core players graduated last year—leaving only three seasoned seniors to head the team, Olivia Abrams, Emma Griffith and Caitlin Leung—the girls still pulled it off! So how does the team bounce back from losing key players year after year and continue winning? Sabrina Zurkuhlen ’06, Girls’ Varsity Volleyball head coach and Athletics Director, attributes the team’s continuing success to the culture of the program and the attention to teaching fundamentals—both a major part of the Middle School interscholastic program. In fact, the Varsity team frequently pulls in players from Middle School; this year, eighth grader Lauren Carey was a valuable asset, playing every game. “Cultivating talent and mission from a young age creates depth in the roster and the understanding that no team is just about one key player—but, rather, it’s about working together as one,” says Sabrina. ”That’s what makes the Cougars so hard to beat.” It’s also why we see repeated wins not just at the varsity level, but the JV as well.

SPORTS

JV Volleyball Team Starts Its Own Championship Streak For the third year in a row, the Girls’ Junior Varsity Volleyball team brought home the hardware! Like their sister team, the JV squad swept the league, taking both the NYCAL’s regular league championship and the post-season championship tournament. With the team now winning both trophies in the last two years, the JV team is starting its own championship streak. The Cougars entered the NYCAL Championship Tournament as the number one seed, with a 9-1 league record, and then clinched the tourney title in an impressive come-from-behind win against LFNY. The challengers gave the Cougars a scare in the beginning, taking the first set with confidence. But once the Calhoun athletes turned on the pressure, they came out victorious with a dominant 25–12 win in the second set, and then a quick 25–20 win in the third set. Solid JV leadership gave stability to the team, thanks to tenth graders Sophie Hinds, Justice Henry and Zoe Stojkovic, who “demonstrated composure, resilience and positive leadership throughout the season,” according to Sabrina. The inclusion of Middle Schoolers on the JV Volleyball team also played a critical role in the Cougars’ success while

demonstrating the depth of the overall volleyball program at Calhoun. Eighth grader Kyra Fox didn’t miss a minute of the season as the team’s setter, while seventh grader Daniela Serantis started in every game. Another eighth grader, Holliss Hirsch, made key appearances in the semifinal and final games in the NYCAL Championship Tournament, after rebounding from a season-long injury. “The Middle Schoolers were a joy to have as part of this program,” says Sabrina. “With years already under their belts as Cougar athletes, we can have faith that the JV team won’t be slowing down anytime soon.”

TOP ROW, L-R: Senior Emma Griffith finished her Varsity Volleyball career on a team with a perfect record; in her second year on the varsity squad, Sydney Ashton ‘20 hopes to maintain the volleyball team’s winning streak in the future; varsity player Tallulah Hunt ’18 celebrates after she smashes a much-needed point against Marymount; Girls’ Varsity Volleyball players gather in a spirited huddle before the NYCAL semifinal championship game. bottom ROW, L-R: Tipping the ball, Kyra Fox ’21 takes command of the front court as the JV setter; Daniela Serantis ‘22 (left) and Kyra Fox ’21 enjoy the fans’ cheers after another win; JV players Gabriela Levy ’20 (left) and Justice Henry ’19 help lead the team to its second consecutive championship title; a culture of teamwork is at the core of Calhoun’s winning volleyball program.

WINTER 2016

SPORTS

X XXX newsmak e r s

MS Cross Country Wins NYCAL Team Championship! Calhoun’s Middle School Cross Country team won the 2016 season’s team championship title! With only four runners on the squad, the team was still able to take the season win, thanks to stellar performances by seventh graders Liam Harvey and Oshen Robinson, and support from Gabe Shaub and Trevor Black. Liam took first place in every race, with his best time of the season at 9:49:35; Oshen broke the girls’ record in the Middle School course with an impressive 9:54:77. “They were a great group,” says coach Iliana Prusock, who began her coaching career at Calhoun as an assistant in 2016. “Everyone worked hard and stayed driven to do better each race.”

#CougarNation

Calhoun Chronicle

Soccer Program Finds its Footing The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team made a bit of history this year: Strong leadership by co-captains Lily Edelman-Gold ’17 and Allie Leavitt ’17, and crucial goals in the last league game of the season by Allie and high-scorer Flora Morrison ’18, led this young team to its first-ever league win. And the Cougar athletes fell just one win shy of securing Calhoun a spot in the NYCAL Championship Tournament—which would have been another first. Looks like this five-year program has found its footing! With a team mostly comprised of underclassmen, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer athletes used this season to lay the groundwork for what they hope to build—a powerhouse soccer program. Athletic Director Sabrina Zurkuhlen ’06 recognizes that “it takes time changing a culture,” but all the elements were put into place this fall—a fresh new coaching staff, led by experienced coach Harold Odia, new practice fields, talented young athletes, and the inspirational leadership of sophomore Aiden Griffith and captain Lincoln Hart (the only senior on the team). The new initiatives seem to have made significant inroads, and Lincoln is optimistic about the future. “We’ve had a lot of tough seasons since I started playing in tenth grade, and we’re playing against talented teams. But I don’t think we should judge ourselves on goals or

SPORTS

wins; it’s more about staying proud of our work each game, and knowing that we played for each other and did everything we could.”

Underclassmen Set Stage for Varsity Cross Country Future Continuing her leadership into her senior year, Michaela Harvey finished her Varsity Cross Country career with another dual showing in the NYCAL and NYSAIS championship meets; younger teammates will be chasing her example for years to come! In fact, six of the seven Varsity Cross Country athletes competing in this year’s NYCAL and NYSAIS championship meet were underclassmen—four sophomores and two freshmen. Claire Annino ’20 and Oscar Llodra ’20 stood out during this, their first year on the Varsity squad, while Charles Stone ’19 should be a force to be reckoned with (he improved his personal best this year by five minutes!). Other underclassmen who made their first appearances in the championship meets— Matthew Glimcher ’19, Julian Kuo-Gross ’19 and Pedro Velez de Assis ’19—gained valuable experience that bodes well for the team’s future.

Find the spring schedule of your favorite teams: calhoun.org/teams Follow the Cougars on social media! Facebook: facebook.com/calhounschoolathletics Instagram: @calhounschool

TOP ROW, L-R: Middle School Cross Country athletes, all seventh graders, don their first-place medals: (L-R) Gabe Shaub, Liam Harvey, coach Iliana Prusock, Oshean Robinson and Trevor Black; several Varsity Cross Country runners competed in this year’s NYCAL and NYSAIS championship meets, including Pedro Velez de Assis ’19 (left) and Matthew Glimcher ’19 (right), who were making their first appearance, and Michaela Harvey ’17 (center), whose participation capped a successful career as a Varsity Cross Country athlete. BOTTOM ROW, L-R: Lily Edelman-Gold ’17 takes command of the pitch during her last year as a Cougar; Lincoln Hart ‘17, the only senior on the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team, used his time as captain to inspire underclassmen; new soccer coach Harold Odia (center) is helping build the foundation for an invigorated soccer program.

WINTER 2016

feature

Teaching Civics and Civic Engagement Was there ever a more relevant time to talk about the critical need for teaching civics? As Steve Nelson observes, when Americans are starkly divided on the best way

forward for our country, we need educated and informed citizens more than ever. At Calhoun, learning to be an engaged citizen starts as young as age three,

when children are asked to jointly compose the rules for their classrooms and work

alongside other clusters in shared spaces. The children learn about the needs people

have for food, clothing and shelter, while their understanding of community broadens each year, to include their neighborhood, their city and their country. Fifth graders study the legislative branches and Bill of Rights, and learn the art of debate.

Eighth graders read and analyze history textbooks that offer differing points of view, and apply those learned lessons to their study of current events. Upper Schoolers

have the opportunity to learn about Supreme Court rulings and practice defending constitutional law.

From their lived experience in the classroom to the way they are challenged by

the curriculum, Calhoun students are more than just passive participants; they are

passionate, compassionate and curious, ready to take on the difficult questions posed by their own community and the wider world.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;by Michelle Kiefer and Beth Krieger Calhoun Chronicle

feature

ART BY HAMIDA’S FIRST GRADE CLASS, 2002

MS social studies teacher Marco Sanchez approaches the study of history through multiple perspectives, to help his eighth graders become critical thinkers.

Facing History, the Presidential Election and “Fake” News Marco Sanchez teaches American history, 1800s to present day, to eighth graders. We asked him how he approached this year’s election and the lessons of history, and how he encourages students to become engaged citizens. Why teach history and civics? Looking at history from multiple angles is probably the most essential, critical learning skill that we can have when it comes to not only dealing with history, but dealing with the world today. Across the board we have a lot of really good human beings who are seeing the world in really different ways. Trying to sympathize and empathize will help us understand. How did you approach discussions on the presidential election? There was no way in good conscience we could not talk about the election. It was such big news . . . And it’s funny how things like The Daily Show with Trevor Noah or Saturday Night Live will bring it to [students’] attention in a real way. All of a sudden they want to discuss it and know what’s really going on; they want to pull the layers back. So we spoke about it. But [the question for me was] what role do I play in that discussion?

My job with students is to have them reach their own conclusions. I want them to be able to create a really well-constructed argument based on facts. So what I had to do was lay out the facts, lay out the proposed policies from multiple sources, have them investigate those sources to look at the candidates, their viewpoints and what they said, and then get them to make an argument for who they believed in. One of the ways that we approached this year’s election was by analyzing elections of the past. We looked at every time the popular vote and the electoral vote went into conflict and what happened in the world—what was going on at that time and what changes were enacted. We looked at the elections of Al Gore and George W. Bush; Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden; and John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. We reviewed the similarities, and every single time, [the election] had an amazing impact. When Rutherford B. Hayes won over Samuel J. Tilden, it ended Reconstruction and led to the rise of the KKK in the South. When it happened with Jackson and Adams, it was called a “corrupt bargain” and changed politics forever; it led to the modern-day system we now have, where electors vote as a block, according to the way the state votes, instead of voting their conscience.

winter 2017

feature

Marco’s Tips on How to Identify Fake News • Does the headline match what the article is about? • Look for a date on the picture or video being

my own head; I just stir the pot—right? I stir the pot and their little minds are going crazy, and they’re like, “Who lied to us? Whose textbook is lying?” I say, “What do you mean?” They say, “One of these books is lying, because they told totally different stories!” And then we dig in. Really look at where the differences lie. And they realize that nobody lied; [the textbooks] basically all say the same thing, just accentuated certain facts and minimized others. And that’s when we’ve got to be careful.

When it happened after Al Gore and George W. Bush, it helped lead to the partisan politics we have today, and to the rise of Fox News and the really divergent streams of media. So what’s going to happen now? We’ve got to be aware of which direction we’re going; it might be a change that we cringe at, or it might be a change that we’ve needed for a long time. It might get people standing up and doing things a different way.

How did you approach the issue of the media and “fake news”? One of the first things I did was teach them how to source. I asked them to bring in materials—and a lot of times it was fake news on Facebook. People put a lot of money into making us believe that fake news is real news, because it’s literally money in their account whenever it gets clicked on; they’ve got millions of dollars invested in tricking us. So one of the first things we had to do with absolute fake news is get it out of there. I encouraged them not to rely on one news source, and more than anything else, don’t let somebody tell you what somebody else said. Go find the actual document, find the transcript, go find the actual speech and watch yourself, and then make your judgment. As far as partisan news—that becomes much more difficult. What I recommend is, if you really want to know about a story, watch it on multiple outlets. I introduced them to Al Jazeera, the BBC, Reuters—news outlets they didn’t know existed. We looked at an MSNBC take on something and then a Fox News take on the same exact story; it was the same dynamic as with the multiple textbooks—same exact issue, totally different points of view. We took some time to look at [negative] misleading bar graphs on the economy under Obama, and stories in which Donald Trump was misquoted. We talked about how harmful it is to quote people out of context. If you open yourself up to more sources of news, then you’re able to look at the story from different points of view. It’s about being a critical thinker in a modern space.

How do you help them become critical thinkers? The most fun part of my job is when I ask them to read about one topic from multiple texts. For instance, I asked them to read about the Mexican-American War in [three different books]. They look at me like, Why do I have to read about it in three books? This isn’t fair! And I send them home and they come back to class the next day and they’re angry. I ask, “What’s the matter?” and I’m sitting back, just chuckling in

What do you hope the students took away? Some of them are going to be voting in the next election. When they go to college and get passionate, [when] they become the Bernie Sanders, the Hillary Clinton, the Donald Trump supporters of tomorrow—marching and carrying signs—I want them to do it in a way that’s backed by ideas and thoughts and well-constructed arguments. To make them better critical thinkers—that’s the goal. n

shown. Are they using an old picture or video to support something new that’s happening? • Is the url funny-looking in any way? • Is the story anywhere else? Do an Internet search; if the story isn’t on reputable news sources, it’s probably not true. • Whenever you see something controversial, first check the source and then go for a primary document. Find the transcript, find the actual speech and watch it for yourself; then make your judgment. • Don’t rely on one news source.

Calhoun Chronicle

feature

Third graders meet in small groups to plan the laws for their utopian city.

Students design Lego cities to include the services every community needs.

Third Graders Imagine Their Utopian Communities In a corner of the second floor, a building boom was under way. Third graders in Tammy Abrahem’s social studies class were hard at work constructing homes, hospitals, schools and stadiums—all from Legos. These toy metropolises were the culmination of a project in which students designed imaginary utopian communities. Once the Lego models were completed, third graders put on their cartography hats and mapped their cities from a bird’s-eye view. But the Lego City project was much more than an urban planning exercise—it was a meaningful lesson on the importance of collaboration and how to build a community. In creating their Lego cities, the students were divided into small groups and challenged to think through every component of a society—from the design of shelter to the laws governing their community. Before the building process could begin, each group member had to agree on the plan. Once the negotiation process was complete, the Lego cities came to life. One group envisioned “Kids’ City,” a child-only, gun-free community with a giant sports stadium and candy for currency. Another group created “Techtropalas,” a city where smoking and pollution were illegal and electric cars and Hoverboards were used for transportation. Each city was a unique vision for a model community, and in the end, it had taken a collective effort to make it the best it could be.

“A huge part of social studies is learning how to be social and interact with people who you might not necessarily agree with,” says Tammy. “This project was a great way to learn the skills to argue for what you want in a way that is still fair and cooperative.”

“

Helping kids understand that we have a diverse community with many different viewpoints is part of what we do every day.” —Alison Max Rothschild ‘85, Lower School Director

In fact, the Lego City project is just one example of the larger emphasis on community that happens throughout Calhoun. “Helping kids understand that we have a diverse community with many different viewpoints is part of what we do every day,” says Alison Max Rothschild ‘85, Director of the Lower School, who adds that “a child’s awarenesss of the greater society comes early” as an extension of Calhoun’s open and collaborative environment. n

winter 2017

feature

“Lenihitio magnit vendam re ni rem comnim quiscip sundae dunt ium ea volorit, simi, sum comnihic te nullab in rem. Uptam, quuntibusa sundae dunt ium ea volorit, simi, sum comnihic te nullab in rem.”

Last year, Charlotte Nahley ‘19 took a social studies elective on the Supreme Court with Head of School Steve Nelson. The course influenced the way she looked at the recent presidential election.

Making a Case for the Supreme Court by Charlotte Nahley ’19 In light of the recent election, a lot of thoughts have been floating into my head: Is our new president going to keep his word about claims he made during the election? What is the government going to do about climate change? Is America going to become even more dangerous than it already is? Among my concerns, one I am extremely worried about is who the new Supreme Court justice will be. Just a year ago I would not have been able to tell you the names of the justices of the Supreme Court, let alone what the court actually does. This is very common among people my age. We are taught about each branch of government,

Calhoun Chronicle

but don’t always get to delve deeply. Some of us watch news, yet when I ask my friends if they know who is making the decisions that will affect us for the rest of our lives, they assume it’s only the president. This is totally reasonable. The president is normally the one in the spotlight. But this view changed for me last year, when I took a course about the Supreme Court, On the Docket, taught by Head of School Steve Nelson. I hadn’t thought much about the Supreme Court before—except for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who I already admired. So it seemed like a great opportunity to learn something and get to spend time with Steve. With an interesting time for politics swelling around us, class started. The goal of the class was to learn about cases

feature

that hadn’t yet been decided by the Supreme Court. We got to read amicus briefs on the SCOTUS website that I never knew existed. Even though the briefs were long and hard to read, we had to build our own arguments and present our own case in front of the “Supreme Court”—or shall I say, in front of Chief and Solitary Justice Nelson. This process of learning

SUPREME COURT CASES FACE STUDENT SCRUTINY 1. Fisher v. University of Texas (affirmative action)

“

2. Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt

I learned that every case that sits in front of the Supreme Court is a catalyst for American change, good or bad ... I don’t think I want to go into politics later in my life, but being aware of how this system works gives me the chance to be an informed citizen.” —Charlotte Nahley ‘19

(abortion rights case dealing with restrictive Texas legislation) 3. Zubik v. Burwell (religious freedom case about providing contraceptive coverage in health care policies) 4. Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association (about whether payment of union dues is compelling employees to support political speech they may disagree with)

about politics and a side of the government I never knew about was so valuable, and it led me to follow the news more closely. I wanted to know what was happening in the world. Every case seemed so important. Steve took us on a journey into the hidden messages behind each case, and how people were trying to prop the door open for even more extreme changes. In Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, for example, this was quite obvious. This was the case where Texas passed legislation that said abortion clinics needed more safety precautions in order to protect women’s health. Even though that may sound like a good thing, this case actually jeopardized the reproductive rights of women. Had the court upheld the Texas law, this case could have led to the prohibition of abortion. But [for the time being] the court saved reproductive choice for women. Then, about a week or two before the class was to end, Justice Antonin Scalia died. I barely knew who he was, but it did come as a shock. This affected the class; now we were learning about a Supreme Court with only eight justices. This meant that any rulings that ended in a tie automatically reverted to the decision of the lower court. This is not how our justice system was designed to function. I learned that every case that sits in front of the Supreme Court is a catalyst for American change, good or bad.

5. Birchfield v. North Dakota (about whether refusing a blood alcohol test can be prosecuted as a separate crime)

This is why it is so important for teenagers and even kids who are younger to be aware of what the Supreme Court does. We are going to be living in a world that will be deeply affected by these Supreme Court rulings. We should know what is at stake. I am not saying that every person should read all of the briefs on the SCOTUS website, but this should be a basic part of education. The fact that I was able to learn about the Supreme Court in great depth was amazing. I don’t think I want to go into politics later in my life, but being aware of how this system works gives me the chance to be an informed citizen. Knowing that people of differing views can still work together with integrity to interpret our Constitution gives me hope that we can unite and make America a more humane place. n

winter 2017

feature

In light of the presidential election, Lower School social studies teacher Andrew Marsiglio led fifth graders in a study of the legislative branches of government, the Bill of Rights and the role of the president.

The Noise of Democracy “I like the noise of democracy,” President James Buchanan once famously said. Buchanan’s quote resonates with Calhoun fifth grade students, who took a deep dive into the workings of democracy this fall as part of Andrew Marsiglio’s social studies class. “One of the great things about Calhoun is that teachers have the freedom to change the curriculum to fit the time we’re living in,” says Andrew. “And during this election year, learning about civics was more relevant than ever.” But for Calhoun’s fifth graders, civics education was more than a survey of democracy; it meant learning to think for themselves. The students began their studies with a look at the roles of the three branches of government and the process by which bills become laws. However, their exploration of government

Calhoun Chronicle

wasn’t limited to a mere memorization of the facts; in each project, students’ voices were brought to the forefront. For example, students were asked to come up with their own ideas for potential laws and then vote on which of their classmates’ bills should become law. Some students proposed bills that would have an impact on the entire country, such as a nationwide ban on smoking, while others focused on issues at the local level, such as a mandate promoting animal adoption. The goal was to have the students assume the mindset of a legislator while drawing connections between government and their own lives. Andrew began each class with a quote from a U.S. president, which students responded to through conversation and free writing. In addition to Buchanan’s words, other class favorites included quotes from Dwight D. Eisenhower and Chester Alan

feature

Arthur. This exercise was meant to give students the freedom to express their thoughts and open a dialogue on a variety of issues, such as the relationship between public and private life and whether or not a president is above the law. The importance of meaningful dialogue in the democratic process was driven home in yet another group activity. Andrew made a series of contrasting statements, ranging from the generic (“I like salmon; I hate salmon”) to the political (“I like Hillary; I hate Hillary”). Each statement inspired strong emotions on the part of the students, from cheers to exclamations of “Eww.” The students were then asked to revisit their responses, going beyond their initial emotional reactions to more thoughtful explanations as to why they expressed a preference for or against each one. “This exercise was an opportunity to provide a template for conversation,” explains Andrew. “It goes back to a concept that children are first introduced to in preschool: ‘Don’t yuck my yum.’ You’ll never understand an opposite opinion if you just say ‘Yuck’ or ‘Yum.’” When it came to forming their own political opinions, the fifth graders were continually challenged to dig deeper and not accept statements at face value. During one class, they examined a chart that represented the positions of the political parties on such hot issues as tax policy, labor and free trade. The names of the parties were kept hidden, and students were asked to put an x in the box representing the stance that they felt more comfortable with. They were surprised to find that, in the end, their viewpoints often crossed party lines. In any discussion, Andrew is always careful to avoid sharing his own opinion on issues. “My job is to encourage [students] to think and do research independently,” he says. “That’s what Calhoun is all about.” For their final big project before Election Day, students wrote an essay addressing the question “Would you want to be president?” By putting themselves in the shoes of our country’s leader, they found that their expectations for the qualities a president should possess emerged organically. It was a responsibility not taken lightly by any student. “Being president is a responsibility you earn, to help the country be its best self,” wrote Bianca Ulrich. Another fifth grader, Owen Llodra, admitted, “I would feel very pressured to do well if the country would want me to be in this position.” The day after the election, fifth graders received a special visit from Calhoun seniors, who talked about the importance of voting. “I think it’s a really amazing thing to have the right to vote,” reflects fifth grader Molly Fox on the experience, adding, “it takes a lot of different people to help make America a

Fifth graders were asked to reflect on famous quotes by each of the 44 U.S. presidents. Sophia Williams displays her response to the words of President John Adams, who wrote: “Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.”

“

Being president is a responsibility you earn, to help the country be its best self.” —Bianca Ulrich, fifth grade

better place.” Hearing from older students was a powerful reminder to fifth graders that one day they too will be voters—and they might even be Calhoun students when they cast their first ballot. “It was really mind-blowing for my class to see that Calhoun students who they know can actually vote, and to hear another voice besides mine,” says Andrew. It would have been safe to avoid certain conversations during such a contentious election year, but Andrew never balked at helping the children in his class wrestle with the real issues. One can’t help but hear the echo of Buchanan when he adds, “I like my classroom to be noisy, to allow space for students to have questions and engage in conversation.” By learning to think critically and engage in dialogue, fifth graders developed the tools to not only understand the current election, but make important political decisions in the future. And when it does come time for these Calhouners to vote, there’s no doubt that they’ll be ready. They will have already practiced putting democracy in action right here in the classroom. n

winter 2017

feature

Before Steve 1. The gym was so small that one former PE teacher/coach, on his first day at the school, said, “Nice gym. Where’s the one for the Upper School?” 2. There was no designated theater space or auditorium at 81st Street. The single, undersize gym there also served as the school’s main theater/ auditorium, where a raised floor served as the stage. 3. There was no strings program, no jazz program, no percussion. And when it came to brass/winds, one teacher did it all. 4. There were no special science rooms for biology or chemistry; all science in Upper School was conducted on the fourth floor, in regular classrooms. 5. There was no Chef Bobo. We used an institutional food service, with mystery meat and canned foods—just like everyone else! 6. Once thought of as “the TV school”— barely known beyond the Upper West Side—Calhoun has become a nationally recognized leader of progressive education.

Calhoun Chronicle

The House That Steve Built (Up) It was the spring of 1999, the end of his first year as Head of School, when Steve Nelson presented his far-reaching vision of the school’s future in his State of the School address to parents. He had come to a school where space was tight, money was tighter, and stagnant enrollment spoke to Calhoun’s identity problem in the Manhattan private school landscape. Now, he said, his goal was for fuller enrollment and increased facilities at 81st Street that would “enhance academic, creative arts and athletic programming.” Now, as Steve prepares for his retirement on June 30, it’s hard not to be awed by the magnitude of the challenge Steve laid out in those early remarks and its fulfillment. Student enrollment did, in fact, rise—almost immediately—from 489 to 730 students; the school’s facilities were tremendously expanded and improved; and curricular opportunities grew exponentially. Equally important, Steve helped articulate and drive Calhoun’s renewed commitment to progressive education—and our reputation as a leader in that field was established. There were also dedicated initiatives to expand the diversity of our students and faculty, and put social justice and civic engagement at the center of our curriculum—reflecting Calhoun’s mission to be a private school for public purpose. One of the hallmark achievements of that effort was Calhoun’s Deconstructing Race program. This led to a feature-length documentary film, I’m Not Racist . . . Am I?, which continues to be screened by schools, universities, businesses and nonprofit organizations around the country. Calhoun also became the first New York City school—and one of the few buildings in Manhattan—to have a usable Green Roof, with a vegetable garden that supports our internationally renowned lunch program. Now, as we thank Steve for his hard work and vision, and our community looks forward to a new era in our 120-year history, he leaves us with this thought: “We are only partway along on a journey that’s going to continue long after I’m gone. One of my hopes is that now, and as we move through the next years, Calhoun will develop the resources so that one hundred years from now the school will continue to thrive.” —by Beth Krieger

1. 2000: Decked out in a hardhat, Steve tours the newly purchased townhouse—a.k.a. Jagger House—with (L-R) Eric Ryan, Board President; Adrianne Ryan, Trustee; and Growing Up with Calhoun Co-Chairs and Trustees Karen La Rosa and Hugh Zurkuhlen. 2. 1999: Steve started his first year with several meets-and-greets— including this visit by third graders (Class of 2008). 3. 2001: Gavi Bogin-Farber ’01 was among the second class of graduates during Steve’s tenure.

4. 1999: While Upper School director Loretta Ryan looks on, Steve clangs the cymbals to mark the last day of school—one of many Calhoun traditions. 5. 2001: Steve and two Upper Schoolers—Kyle Plimack ’04 and Hillary Gluck ’02—pose with Ben Stiller ’83 after his visit to favorite teacher John Roeder. Steve made it his mission to re-engage alumni; Ben took it to heart, and returned as a parent in 2014. Several more alums have since come on as teachers, division directors and Board members.

WINTER 2017

1. 2002: Donors to the Growing Up with Calhoun campaign get a hardhat tour of the construction at 81st Street, which “raised the roof” to include two additional teaching floors, a performing arts center, a full-size gym and Green Roof. (L-R) Jerry Schiller, June Salzman-Schiller ’42 (Honorary Trustee), Sherman Pincus, Joan Masket (Honorary Trustee), Steve, Barbara Bernard (former Trustee), and Karen La Rosa (Trustee and Campaign Co-Chair).

3. 2002: Four Calhoun Heads of School and Life Trustee Bob Beir pose with Pat Havas on the occasion of her retirement. Pat served as assistant to all four Heads over her 36-year career. (L-R): Steve, Bob Beir, Neen Hunt (Head, 1980–1992), Pat (1967–2003), Marianna Leighton (Head, 1992–1998), Gene Ruth (Head, 1973–1980).

2. 2010: For 19 years, Steve has been delivering a personalized poem for each senior at graduation; at the conclusion of the Class of 2017 graduation, the number of poems will have totaled 785!

4. 2011: The Green Roof, which opened in May 2005, is a popular destination for outdoor education as well as events.

Calhoun Chronicle

5. 2007: Steve’s popular journalism class, introduced in 2007, is one of more than 130 electives offered to Upper Schoolers, thanks to increased student enrollment and expanded facilities. 6. 2010: Sports-loving Steve has a moment of levity with Jonathan Jimenez ’06 in the annual Alumni Basketball Challenge. 7. 2009: Steve is one of the judges for the annual Egg Drop event, a popular tradition that’s been going on for more than 30 years. In this case, it looks like the egg didn’t make the safest landing!

8. 2010: One of Steve’s proudest achievements was the expansion of the music program to include strings instruction, beginning in fifth grade. The program now supports winds/brass and strings orchestras and ensembles, a percussion ensemble, a robust jazz program and an intergenerational community orchestra. 9 & 10. 2011–12: Neuroscientist Paul Glimcher (left photo) and Tumblr founder David Karp ’04 (right photo) are among the many guest speakers who have sat down with Steve for the Calhoun’s Performing Arts TALK Series, a public initiative launched in 2004.

WINTER 2017

1. 2011: Steve launches and facilitates the Progressive Education Traditions (PET) class—an evening series for Calhoun parents, faculty/ staff, alumni, Upper Schoolers and outside educators—that explores the history, philosophy and practice of progressive education. Steve is tucked in, back right, with this first PET cohort.

3. 2010: One of the highlights of the annual Calhoun Spring Carnival is the chance to dunk Steve!

2. 2013: Not letting any opportunity slip by, Steve signs up as a cluster advisor for this Upper School group with Hillary North, Director of Diversity & Equity Initiatives (right), and poses for the traditional yearbook picture in nontraditional accoutrement.

5. 2013: Steve’s determination to define Calhoun as a private school with public purpose, emphasizing a firm commitment to social justice, finds expression in the production of a feature documentary film, I’m Not Racist…Am I?, that continues to be screened nationwide.

Calhoun Chronicle

4. 2014: The new Calhoun Commons opens—a fitting home to Chef Bobo’s award-winning school lunches (which debuted in 2002).

6. 2015: Steve enjoys a long-standing tradition, the singing of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” 7. 2016: Steve bumps fists with fourth grader Xuenyang Sheng after a performance with the Community Orchestra. 8. 2016: There isn’t a bigger Cougar fan than Steve! #CougarNation

9. 2016: One more selfie for the road on the last day of school, June 2016, with (clockwise from front) Johnese Robertson ’17, Oasiah Washington ’18, Sophie Hodess ‘17 and Brenda Fortune ‘17. 10. 2016: The latest in graduation photos—a selfie 11. 2017: Steve’s pastime after he retires in June? Thanks for the memories!

WINTER 2017

Reunion Friday, June 9, 2017

Milestone Reunion Years Celebrating Classes Ending in “2” and “7” plus Steve Nelson Era Special send-off celebration for all 19 classes from the Steve Nelson era! Dinner, drinks, tributes and live music. Invitations to come in spring. To volunteer, or if you have any questions: Bart Hale ’00 Director of Alumni Relations bart.hale@calhoun.org (646) 666-6450

Alumni News MARRIAGES Lafiya Watson ’97 to Elliott Ramirez Rebecca Stein ’00 to Will Rogers

1940s

1950s

Todd Rohulich ’02 to Dana Mascolo

1950s—We would love to hear your news! Please share updates about your family, career, travel or adventures for the summer issue by sending your news to alumni@calhoun.org.

Ali Green ’03 to Ryan Skeen Daniel Winarick ’03 to Melinda Elias Nina Kompanek ’05 to Anton Leksin Peter Zurkuhlen ’06 to Tommy Dorfman

BIRTHS To Elie Gamburg ’97 and Angela Wong, a boy, Julian To Matias Stebbings ’97 and Ann Ragsdale, a boy, Vicente (Vinny) James To Natalie Rose ’99 and Jonathan Irvin, a girl, Winnie To Jack Hale ’03 and Erin Hale, a girl, Eliza Maryanne

MEMORIAM Marjorie Maxwell Glantz ’43 (2015) Beverly Richman Nussbaum ’44 Lenore Edelman ’45 Frances Saffir Slater ’52 Joan Regent Gilels ‘53 Leslie Berman Marcus ’61

NOTE: Every effort is made to contact alumni to confirm accuracy. We apologize for any errors and welcome corrections for our records. Submissions for an upcoming issue can be directed to alumni@calhoun.org.

such a wonderful performing arts program, I wish I lived closer so that I could teach in it!”

s June Salzman Schiller ’42 celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary with her husband, Jerry, on November 19. The two met at Cornell University and have two sons, Craig and Scott, along with two grandsons. June has given back to Calhoun in numerous ways, having worked as Director of Alumnae/i Affairs from the early 1980s to 1992; she also served on Calhoun’s Board of Trustees for many years before eventually being named an Honorary Trustee in 2003. Bernice Stochek Friedson ’46 reconnected with Dorit Paul ’46 last summer on the occasion of their 70th reunion year. Dorit lives in Indianapolis but returned to New York for a visit with her husband, Gerald. The two gathered at Dorit’s daughter’s home in Sleepy Hollow, NY. “We enjoyed reminiscing, and it was amazing how many things we both recalled,” reports Bernice, who lives in Westport, CT. “It’s ironic. When I was at Calhoun, the only music we had was a little singing with Mr. Reynolds, who also introduced us to the museums of New York. I was odd man out as the only serious musician—and the only one to become a performer [violin] and teacher. Now you have

Roberta Nathanson Schoen ’51 traveled from her home in Fairfield, NJ, along with her sister, Nancy Nathanson Freedman ’62, to join Calhoun’s Cultural Excursion tour of Gracie Mansion this past October. Roberta, who returned to Calhoun as a math teacher (1955–1957) following her graduation from Vassar College, went on to be president of the Women’s League at Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center in New Jersey. Nancy is now retired, but served as executive administrator for the Jewish Federation of Greater Clifton-Passaic. The sisters’ extended family includes Roberta’s four children (Wendy, Scott, Ken and Bruce) and six grandchildren, as well as Nancy’s two daughters, Lauren and Jacqueline, and two grandchildren.

class notes

such museums as the Neuberger Museum of Art, the University of Iowa Museum of Art, the Denver Art Museum, The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and the Albany Institute of History & Art. Stephanie lives in Hudson, NY. Nancy Erlanger Feller ’64 has run Black-Tie Publishing for more than 25 years. The company publishes print and digital magazines for event venues, such as hotels and country clubs, throughout the country. She and her husband, Ron, who live in Plantation, FL, have a blended family of six grown children and 13 grandchildren. “We love to entertain, work out, travel and spend time with our wonderful family,” says Nancy, who adds that she stays in touch with many of her classmates—“reminiscing about our days at Calhoun and what a well-rounded education we all had.” Tedra Levine Schneider ’64: “I am still living in Orange, CT, where I’ve been writing an interior design column for a local newspaper. I also love being a grandma to four grandkids!”

1960s

Stephanie Rose ’60 was commissioned to paint Alfred Corn (a poet, author and critic) for the cover of his new book, Arks & Covenants—published this year— and went on to design the book and provide the illustrations as well. Stephanie, who received her BFA, BS and BA degrees from Skidmore College in 1964, has had a 44-year career in the arts. Her paintings are represented in the permanent collections of

s Mindy Anderson ’68 (right) joined classmate Loretta Wick Holland ’68 and Bart Hale ‘00, Director of Alumni Relations, for Calhoun’s Cultural Excursion

WINTER 2017

class notes

Profile Susan Brown ‘62: A Trailblazer Gives Back by Mary McCarty

When Sue Brown ‘62 returned to Calhoun last spring as a “Women Trailblazers” panelist at the Cougar Career Symposium, she inspired students with her story of beginning a career in a male-dominated legal field in Washington, D.C., and then ending up in an impressive senior leadership role at the nonprofit think tank CASA (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse) in New York City. Citing a lifetime devotion to volunteerism and philanthropy, Sue was also able to illustrate for students that professional success and giving back can go hand-in-hand. Shortly after graduating from Calhoun, Sue learned the importance of pushing forward, even when the path was uncertain. At the time, career options for young women were limited, and expectations were clear: The most common occupations for young women coming out of college at the time were in education and nursing. But after a student-teaching assignment during her undergraduate years at George Washington University, Sue recognized that her interests tended toward business and management. So she took her first job as a secretary in the D.C. law firm of Williams & Connolly. Sue saw this as an opportunity for on-the-job learning that could lead to increasingly advanced responsibilities, and she made the most of it—segueing to a position as an officer administrator at another D.C. law firm, Dewey Ballantine, where she established critical career-building relationships. In 1991, after 25 years in D.C., she followed her boss and mentor to New York City to help launch CASA at Columbia University. Today, as vice president and director of finance and administration at CASA, Sue’s enthusiasm for her career and

Calhoun Chronicle

CASA’s mission is clear. “The organization strives to remove the stigma of addiction, replacing shame and despair with hope,” she says. “My work enables the research staff to spread the word about the devastation caused by the disease of addiction.” Sue has made every effort to pay her good fortune forward, over the years coaching young professionals and even hiring two Calhoun alumni. Her participation on the “Women Trailblazers” panel last spring was a natural fit, highlighting both her own professional success in fields traditionally lacking women leaders and her commitment to giving back. She advises students to “keep an open mind about what you want to do. Explore college internships in different areas to become more familiar with your options. The more experiences you have, the more information you can bring to your decision-making process.” Sue also observes that the reason she was able to be so successful was that “I was very teachable: I learned on the job.” Though she didn’t expect to find herself on this career path when she graduated high school, Sue believes it was the confidence and curiosity for learning instilled in her at Calhoun that gave her the flexibility to forge a path that both stimulated her interest and capitalized on her talent. Calhoun has changed a lot since Sue’s graduation in 1962; it was, as she points out, a single-sex school and quite traditional. But she is passionate about the school’s progressive mission— particularly its lasting commitment to preparing young women to be trailblazers in the world today. Her generous planned gift to the 19 for 19 Campaign, which will support Calhoun’s tuition assistance program, will ensure that a diverse population of students has access to the tools to forge new paths—to achieve personal success and to make the world a better place. Through her induction into The Cosmey-Parmelee Legacy Society (see below) and her ongoing volunteerism at Calhoun, Sue is “thrilled to be a part of the chain linking Calhoun’s powerful past and its boundless future.”

Introducing The Cosmey-Parmelee Legacy Society Calhoun has launched The Cosmey-Parmelee Legacy Society, named in honor of Co-Heads of School Beatrice Cosmey and Elizabeth Parmelee (1945–1969), to recognize donors making planned gifts to Calhoun. The two headmistresses remained deeply engaged in the school’s development following their tenure. We are grateful to welcome Susan Brown ’62 as one of the society’s charter members.

class notes

program this past October,

on a tour of New York’s mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion. “There were many laughs,” says Mindy, who adds, “we would have been in a lot of trouble with the mayor if the rest of our class was here!” Mindy continues serving as operations director in the advertising and publications department for New York University, where she will mark her 30th anniversary next fall. Loretta is a retired special education teacher, splitting her time between New Rochelle, NY, and Boca Raton, FL.

1970s

on properties throughout greater Boston and New York. Helene also gives back as a 10-year board member of Building Impact, helping commercial buildings create volunteer opportunities for their tenants.

Are you one of Calhoun’s secret admirers?

Betsy Kulkin Bailey ’71, who lives and works in Portland, OR, with her husband, artist Don Bailey, is the general studies director for the Portland Jewish Academy, which serves children from early childhood through eighth grade. She returns to New York every few months to visit the families of her sons, Matt and Josh—which include two granddaughters, Emily (four) and Zoe (18 months). Before moving to Oregon, Betsy had worked for 10 years as assistant principal of the middle school and dean of the upper school at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

1980s s Helene Solomon ’70 was honored by Banker & Tradesman with its Women of FIRE Award last summer; the award recognizes female leaders in the finance, insurance and real estate fields. Helene is the CEO of Solomon McCown & Company, which she co-founded in 2003 as a PR agency to provide counsel in a range of sectors. “We leverage our experience in traditional and digital media, government relations and crisis management to support both legacy organizations and those that are up-and-coming,” Helene explains. In real estate, her communications expertise has guided owners, developers, investors and architects in garnering support for their work

Beth Freewomon ’83 lives in Santa Cruz, CA, where she prepares nutritious, organic, plant-based meals for all her clients as chef and owner of The Open Hearth. “I love to support people in their quest for good health by providing meals and education that reflect the power of food as medicine,” Beth writes. A graduate of Bauman College and a certified natural-food chef, Beth is currently a practitioner of higher consciousness at Inner Light Ministries, where she focuses on health and well-being, the environment and music. www.iamtheopenhearth.com Robert Mandelbaum ’83 has been serving as an acting justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York since 2013, previously sitting on the bench for the New

If you’ve included the school in your will and have yet to bring your generosity to our attention, we want to thank you . . . but we don’t know where to send the gratitude! Please contact the Development Office at 212-497-6588 or email giving@calhoun.org to confirm your plans and become a charter member of The Cosmey-Parmelee Legacy Society. There will be special recognition for society donors. Visit www.calhoun.org/plannedgiving to find out more about making Calhoun a long-term philanthropic priority.

York City Criminal Court. He and his husband, Jonathan, live in lower Manhattan with their son, Cooper, now six years old. Neil deMause ’84 published a new book in September, The Brooklyn Wars: The Stories Behind the Remaking of New York’s Most Celebrated Borough. His previous work includes a book he co-authored, Field of Schemes: How the Great Stadium Swindle Turns Public Money into Private Profit, which casts a critical eye on the roughly $2 billion a year

in public subsidies that go toward building new pro-sports facilities. Neil is also a regular contributor to VICE Sports, The Village Voice, Extra! and City Limits, as well as the occasional sports radio broadcast (including one heard on WNYC by his former science teacher John Roeder). Says Neil, “My son is in eighth grade now, so I’m telling him lots of stories about how my science teacher taught us physics by throwing chalk!” Read some of Neil’s work at: fieldofschemes.com, brooklynwars.com, demause.net.

WINTER 2017

class notes

A Thanksgiving Tradition: For several years now, alumni from the late 1980s have been gathering in New York to catch up and celebrate the holidays. This November was no exception, with a sizable “cluster” from the classes of 1988 and 1989 joining together. Pictured (front, L-R) Brent Brookler ’87, Janice Turecki Powell ’87, Nell Uhry Burdett ’87, David Bear ’87, Ed Freiberg ’88 and Mark Lubell ’88; (middle, L-R) Alex Rohrs ’88, Mark Kurschner ’88 and Ross Kleinberg ’88; (back, L-R) Arlo Chase ’89, David Potischman ’88, Jay Lehman Horowitz ’88, Dylan Chalfy ’88, Jeremy DuBroff ’89 and Oliver Chase ’91. Zoe Friedman ’85: “In 2014, I started a new job as senior vice president of comedy development at a newly formed digital division of Warner Bros TV. My job is to identify and develop ideas for comedic digital series. I love it! I live in Venice, CA, with my husband, Steve Peckingham, and son, Gibson, who is in sixth grade at Wildwood—an independent private school much like Calhoun.” Rebecca Barber ’86 is a new Calhoun mom this year! She and her husband, Craig Hart, enrolled their daughter, Willa, in the sixth grade, where she joins the Class of 2023. Rebecca, who celebrated her own 30th Reunion last spring, is a clinical psychologist at the Center for Motivation & Change. Craig works as a managing director for Avenue Capital Group, an energy finance company. Calhoun Chronicle

Eric Wolf ’88, who earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Cincinnati in 2014, is a family therapist at the Artemis Center near his home in Yellow Springs, OH, where he has been working since January 2015. The center serves victims of domestic violence through crisis intervention, safety planning, education and support. While doing the hard work with families, Eric manages to find the joy, as well, by connecting children to the magic of storytelling through his Brother Wolf Storytelling business.

1990s

Candace Cavalier ’90, who lives in Newton, MA, writes: “I recently began volunteering with Green Pro Bono, the first nonprofit pro-bono legal initiative in the United States dedicated to helping climatechange–driven organizations and

Dale Allsop ‘91 (center) rang the closing bell of NASDAQ on July 15, surrounded by Prep for Prep’s summer internship students.

social entrepreneurs. Last summer my bigger kids, Rachel (ten) and Eva (eight), attended sleepaway camp for the first time, so it was quieter at home with just Danielle (four). If you are a lawyer who wants to donate your time to contribute solutions to climate change, please consider volunteering!” s Dale Allsopp ’91 had the privilege of ringing the closing bell of the NASDAQ stock market in New York on July 15 in his role as a corporate trustee for Prep for Prep—the organization that he credits for giving him the opportunity to attend Calhoun. Dale, who is a senior finance manager at Google, had his name on3the MarketSite’s billboard in Times Square and took the podium along with high school students from Prep for Prep’s summer entrepreneurship program. Dale was also recently honored in October as the 2016 Prep for Prep Alumni Prize recipient. Claudia Zelevansky ’91, who lives in Brooklyn, recently expanded her repertoire as a theater director and teacher to include executive and corporate coaching. She explains, “After coaching

actors for nearly 15 years, I decided to offer performance and presentation coaching for professionals as well. I am currently working with writers, lawyers, teachers and entrepreneurs!” Claudia also continues to work in arts consulting as senior associate at Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts. More on her new ventures: www.czcoaching.com Nnabuihe Maduakolam ’95 has moved back to New York, where he leveraged his 10 years of engineering and urban-planning experience to create Buihe Madu & Co., a freelance digital marketing lifestyle consultancy. He also founded the 24 Hour Blueprint Academy in 2015 and is about to release his second book, 24 Hour Blueprint: Secrets to LifeStyle Design and Time Management. Lydia Newman ’96 says that after 12 years at the Maryland Science Center, she decided to relocate to Georgia, to be closer to her sisters, AnneMarie Newman Jeffries ’00 and Pauline Newman ’00, and her niece (daughter of AnneMarie). “I’m enjoying getting to know my way around Georgia and, of

class notes

Ways to Connect Online with the Calhoun Community

Lafiya Watson ‘97 (center) with husband Elliott Ramirez and Calhoun classmates

course, being closer to family. I am working as a pre-K teacher at Candler Park Day School and continue to volunteer for Make-AWish—only the Georgia chapter instead of the mid-Atlantic chapter. I’ve granted 18 wishes in my five years with the organization and find bringing hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to continue granting wishes here in the South!” Jordan Peele ’97 won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series with Key and Peele, at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards in September. Key and Peele, which Jordan conceived and starred in along with Keegan-Michael Key, aired on Comedy Central from 2012 to 2015. “The opportunity to make comedy for us is more than just laughter; it’s a way to reveal hypocrisy and injustice in this world,” Jordan shared backstage at the event. Matias Stebbings ’97 proudly welcomed his baby boy, Vicente (Vinny) James, into the world on September 23 with his wife, Ann. Reports Matias, “He was 8 lbs., 14.3 oz., and 20.5 inches long, and

is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen! #babyvinnyjames.” Matias is a teacher and coach at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. s Lafiya Watson ’97 married Elliott Ramirez on August 20 at the Woman’s Club of Englewood, in a ceremony full of Calhoun family. Among the attendees, all from the Class of 1997, were Troy Cummings, Yael Shulman, Brian Peters, Lyra Manning, Lafiya Watson Ramirez, Angela Soto, Cynthia Caban and Charles Williams. Lafiya and her husband live in New Brunswick, NJ. She works as the coordinator of electronic media for Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Long Island. Charles Williams ’97 lives in Arlington, VA, having remained in the D.C. area since earning his master’s in political science and government from American University in 2008. In January 2016 he took a job as a senior business analyst for ASRC Federal, a family of companies that provides services to federal civilian, intelligence and defense agencies.

s Greg Goodman ’98 is now living in Santa Cruz, CA, where he and his wife, Carrie, are enjoying parenthood. Their son, Bodhi, celebrated his first birthday this January. Greg’s work in online media covers a wide range of specialties—as a web designer, content creator, marketing manager and photographic storyteller. He focuses on working with psychotherapists, and, since June, has been head of marketing and design for the Well Clinic in San Francisco. Find Greg online at www.GoodmanCreatives.com. Erika Nakamura ’99 is back in New York from L.A. with a new business venture just steps from Calhoun! On November 1, she helped open White Gold Butchers, located on West 78th Street, in partnership with celebrity restaurateurs April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman—the duo behind New York City favorites The Spotted Pig and The Breslin Bar & Dining Room. In addition to selling cuts of meat, White Gold Butchers also operates a restaurant. Interviewed by DNAinfo, Erika says they chose the Upper West Side “for its ‘community vibe’ and appreciate that it’s not ‘oversaturated’ with butcher shops. Most important, people up here still cook!” To that end, the new venture will provide recipe cards, classes and other educational initiatives to support home cooking.

Calhoun website calhoun.org

Facebook facebook.com/calhounschool facebook.com/calhounalums

twitter @calhounschool

Instagram @calhounschool

YouTube youtube.com/calhounschool

Linkedin linkedin.com/groups/1931476

PINTEREST pinterest.com/calhounschool

WINTER 2017

class notes

Rylan Perry ’99 is working as a fashion photographer based in New York City. In describing his work, the website Trendhunter.com says, “Rylan is especially talented at capturing captivating portraits that really hone in on the personality and character of the subject at hand.” rylanperry.com

s Vanessa Shuster-Raizberg ’99 is a new Calhoun mom this year and is already embracing the community by taking on active volunteer roles as both parent and alum. She and her husband, Serge Shuster, enrolled their son, Peter, in the 3’s program at Little Calhoun, Class of 2032! Interestingly, Vanessa’s last year at Calhoun was Steve’s first year as Head of School; now her son’s first year at Calhoun will be Steve’s last. How lucky that Steve got to be bookended by this great family! Mario Sturla ’99, who was appointed a U.S. immigration judge by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, was sworn in on Friday, September 23, in Washington, D.C. Mario earned his BA degree in 2003 from Brown University and JD in 2006 from the Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. From 2015 to September 2016, he served as a deputy chief counsel, and for the seven years previously as an assistant chief counsel for the Office of the Chief Counsel, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of

Calhoun Chronicle

Homeland Security, in Boston. From 2007 through 2008, he served as a staff attorney for the Office of Legal Affairs, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York City.

2000s

s Rebecca Simone Stein ’00 and Will Rogers were wed in a ceremony on the pier of WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn on July 16. The celebration continued with a very personal Calhoun connection: The reception was hosted by classmate Liza Lubell ’00, who transformed her Peartree Flowers studio into an enchanting event space. Rebecca, who is a psychotherapist in private practice, met Will, an actor, in her sophomore year of college through another Calhoun classmate, Isaac Shedd ’00. Rebecca and Will are expecting their first child in March. Todd Rohulich ’02 married Dana Mascolo in a gathering at The Madison Hotel’s conservatory in Morristown, NJ, on November 4. The couple lives in Brooklyn, and Todd works as a licensed real estate salesperson for Citi Habitats. Andrew Booth ’03 served as a groomsman at the wedding; other Calhouners in attendance included Sam Breier ’02, Jack Hale ’03, Jose Ortiz ’03 and Daniel Winarick ’03. The newlyweds went on to honeymoon in Australia.

Salehe Bembury ’04 moved to Los Angeles, CA, in 2015 to further his career in footwear design after being hired by Kanye West’s company Yeezy. Salehe, who majored in industrial design at Syracuse University, began his career with a design job at Payless, and then spent three years with Cole Haan as part of the innovation team. In that role, he helped create The LunarGrand, cited as a turning point in men’s footwear for combining the traditional men’s dress shoe with a comfortable, modern sole. In a feature article by W Magazine this past fall, “Salehe Bembury Is the Footwear Designer Behind Most of Your Favorite Sneakers,” Salehe talked about the evolution of his design: “Traditionally, you saw your dad going to work in this brown shoe that looked stiff and hard and heavy. But there’s a new generation entering the workforce, and with them come new rules. . . . It’s a world of function over fashion, for the most part.” He added, “There are just some shoes that, when you lace them up, you feel like a superhero. There’s something really magical about that.” While designing footwear is his full-time job and passion, he also tackles graphic design, branding, creative direction and innovation projects. Visit salehebembury.com.

s Ali Green ’03 celebrated her wedding to Ryan Skeen on October 30 in a ceremony and reception at the Metropolitan Building in

Long Island City. The two live in New York, where Ali is general manager of Mario Batali’s OTTO Enoteca Pizzeria and Ryan has had a career as a trailblazing chef at the restaurants Resto and Irving Mill, among others. Roey Mizrahi ’03 was their wedding planner and one of Ali’s bridesmaids, and Liza Lubell ’00 of Peartree Flowers designed the floral arrangements for the event. Among those at their wedding were classmates Gianni Cianchi ’03, Emily English Dimon ‘03, Ian Law ’03 and Michelle Schindler Williams ’03.

class notes

s Jack Hale ’03 and his wife, Erin, welcomed a baby girl, Eliza Maryanne, on July 22 in Rochester, NY, where the couple moved last fall. Eliza was born at 6 lbs., 8 oz., and 20 inches. Jack recently celebrated his one-year anniversary working at Butler/Till as a senior account executive. Roberto Soto-Carrion ’03 was one of eight people appointed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to the Panel for Educational Policy, where he served from 2014 to 2016. More recently, he has been the restorative justice coordinator for Make the Road New York, a civic organization that empowers Latino and working-class communities through organizing, policy work and education. Tito is also the co-founder of the Small Axe Group, an educational

consulting firm focused on the areas of culturally relevant teaching and learning, racial justice and restorative practices. Tito is currently a PhD candidate at Brandeis University, studying sociology. He returned to Calhoun last year to attend the school’s Progressive Education Traditions (PET) course as part of his own ongoing work in education. Daniel Winarick ’03 celebrated his wedding to Melinda Elias at a festive gathering on August 28 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA. Among those attending were Max Torgovnick ’02 as best man, and Sam Breier ’02, Andrew Booth ’03 and Jose Ortiz ’03 as groomsmen. Daniel, who lives with his wife on the Upper West Side, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy as well as neuropsychological/ psycho-educational testing. t Nina Kompanek ’05 married Anton Leksin on August 6 at Ventosa Vineyards in Geneva, NY, with a wedding party bustling

with alums. Among them were Jennifer Lewis ’05 and Jackie Liotta ’05 as co–maids of honor and Sabrina Spiegel Zurkuhlen ’06 as a bridesmaid. Those standing up for the groom included Jonathan Jimenez ’06 and Nate Silverstein ’06 as co–best men, along with Mike Zurkuhlen ’06 and Nina’s brother, Chris Kompanek ’01, as groomsmen. Other Calhoun alumni attending as guests were Alex Gelband ’05, Sam Nagourney ’05, Hannah Scarritt-Selman ’05 and Casey Shane ’06. The ceremony took place outside by the vineyards on the lake, with a reception that followed in a ballroom overlooking the beautiful vista!

Meyers ’47, Nina Kompanek ’05, Justin Brooke ’06, Harper Buonanno ’06, Jonathan Jimenez ’06, Casey Shane ’06, Nate Silverstein ’06 and Jonathan Schwartz ’09.

t Peter Zurkuhlen ’06 tied the knot with Tommy Dorfman on November 12 at a ceremony and reception held at The Portland Company in downtown Portland, ME. The wedding included a strong Cougar delegation, including brothers Mike Zurkuhlen ’06 and John Zurkuhlen ’09, sister-in-law Sabrina Spiegel Zurkuhlen ’06, and Calhoun friends Renée

Terry Horowitz ’09 took on a new role in September as a software engineer with American Express, working on their online credit card application platform. Over the past year, she attended an immersive software development program, designed exclusively for women, at Grace Hopper Academy and, before starting at American (continued on page 47)

Sam Schreck ’07 moved back from Washington, D.C., to Brooklyn last summer, to start a new job as a consultant for Deloitte, which provides audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to corporations. Sam spent the previous five years at Booz Allen Hamilton after graduating from William & Mary. He also lived abroad for a year in Beijing, China, where he worked as a teaching fellow at China Foreign Affairs University for the Princeton in Asia program.

WINTER 2017

reunions

December 1 6, 2016

Holiday Homecoming Luncheon

Recent grads kicked off their winter break by reuniting with classmates and teachers at the annual Holiday Homecoming Luncheon, one of Calhoun’s longest-running alumni traditions. Chef Bobo catered the festivities, which included members of the senior class welcoming back the 40-plus alums in attendance.

1 (L-R) Olivia Cohen ’16, Isabelle Thomson ’16, Sacha Rogosin ’16, Michael Fortunato ’16 and Noah Levy ’16

2. US Spanish teacher Mirta de Drake with Jamie D’Cruz-Young ’16 5

3. Conor Loy ’17 (left) and Roman Brown ’14 4. Head of School Steve Nelson and Nina Miletic ’16 5. Jonah Sherman ’16 and US English teacher Ellen Kwon 6. Alex Horsley-Redding ’16 and US art teacher Auguste Elder

Calhoun Chronicle

reunions

more photos online www.calhoun.org/alummedia N ovember 1 0, 201 6

Alumni Pub Night This fall marked the 10th anniversary of Alumni Pub Night, a Thanksgiving tradition initiated by alumni volunteers. Gathering at 5th & MAD in Midtown, alumni had a chance to raise a glass with retiring Head of School Steve Nelson in addition to seeing classmates and old friends. More than 60 alums across three decades attended, with festivities that went late into the night! 2

1. Head of School Steve Nelson with (L-R) Marjolaine Goldsmith ’10, Ben Waters ’10 and Kate Davis ’10 2. (L-R) US science teacher Francesco Filiaci with Ryan Greene ’08, Francesca Aborn ’09 and Pia Marcus ’09

3. (L-R) Weslee Berke ’06, Samara Savino Antolini ’06 and Sophie Harris ’06

4. (L-R) Samantha Blank ’08, Skylar Sasson ’08 and Zach Lazare ’08 5. (L-R) Jacob Dannett ’10, Rachell Morillo ’10 and Travis Harris ’07 6. (L-R) Maggie Stein ’12, Kyra Louie ’12 and Danica Pacifici ’12

WINTER 2017

class notes

Profile In Her Words: Post-Campaign Reflections of a Clinton Intern by Maryam Chishti ’16 When fall came around, I started to get antsy about not being in a battleground state, where there was so much work to do. I decided to take a gap semester at Brandeis, and in the last 40 days of the campaign, I joined the Florida team as a field organizer. There, I had a specific neighborhood that I was in charge of (we called them turfs), where I had to get in contact with all of the local registered Democrats. It was rough, hard work while I was there (18-hour days, seven days a week), but I witnessed firsthand the change I was making in the community. My area of Naranja, FL, had never been reached out to by a campaign before, so these people were getting voting information and resources for the very first time. And I got to know a lot of amazing volunteers along the way.

Hillary Clinton and Maryam Chishti ‘16, during Maryam’s Senior Work internship last spring

I remember being devastated the day after the election, but also wondering how Calhoun was faring. In the moment, I felt very grateful for the opportunity I’d had to attend a school like Calhoun—a forward-thinking, loving place where I took for granted that I always felt safe and comfortable, and loved by those around me. I don’t think many other high schoolers could say the same. I started off working for the Hillary Clinton campaign at the Brooklyn headquarters last April, for my Senior Work project. I was an intern in the Coalitions Department (which involves outreach to minority groups), and was mainly with the Latino and Millennial Vote Team. Later, as I stayed on through the summer [Ed: well past her Senior Work requirement!], I was made the leader of the Women’s Intern Interest Group (a weekly safe space/discussion for women interns and guest staff) and also the Surrogates Director for Asian American Millennials. As part of my responsibilities, I reached out to 1,700 media outlets, published 20 op-eds, and planned finance and outreach events with Asian American celebrities such as Constance Wu and Aziz Ansari. I also began to draft and implement Latino outreach programs that went into our battleground states. Working in the Brooklyn office was very exciting—it was right at the heart of the campaign and I got to meet many amazing people, and was privy to historic moments and eye-opening conversations. I became the go-to tour guide for visitors (which was super fun!) and I also got to staff campaign events, like the Democratic National Convention (which was amazing), rallies for both Bill and Hillary, and the first presidential debate.

Calhoun Chronicle

“ I started off working for the Hillary Clinton campaign . . . for my Senior Work project. I was an intern in the Coalitions Department (which involves outreach to minority groups), and was mainly with the Latino and Millennial Vote Team.“ After the election, I returned to Brooklyn headquarters for the wrap-up. We had the final staff party on the Friday after the election, and Hillary came to say goodbye. She told us that her first experience working on a political campaign (where she started off as an intern, just like me!) was Hubert Humphrey’s loss to Richard Nixon. It was hard and painful, she said, and even worse when Republican after Republican kept winning the presidential elections. Finally, Bill got into office and she began to see more Democrats take office. She reminded us that moving history forward and in the direction of equality has never been easy, but that our work is more important now than ever. Earlier that day, someone had given Hillary 12,000 roses, and she brought them to the party and gave one to each member of the campaign. Then we all belted out “Fight Song” before the night ended. [Ed: Maryam began her first semester at Brandeis University this past January.]

class notes

(continued from page 43) Express, worked as a teaching fellow for Grace Hopper to help new students develop their technical skills. Albert Namnum ’09 helped conceive the business plan and attract investors for the launch of Roots Natural Kitchen, a restaurant he co-founded with a friend at the University of Virginia. The restaurant, which opened in Charlottesville, VA, in June 2015, provides healthy and delicious natural food in a fast-casual setting. The restaurant’s success has already led to the opening of a second location this past September in Newark, DE, and Albert hopes to continue expanding. rootsnaturalkitchen.com

2010s

Lauren Capkanis ’10 had a busy fall performing the role of Rachel in Merciful Father with the UP Theater Company in November. “I loved my cast and crew and the show was delightfully filled with a mix of humorous, strange and touching elements,” reflects Lauren. In addition to her acting, Lauren is working on numerous films and web-based projects. Keep a lookout for a new series called Home School that will be released in early 2017! Kate Davis ’10 has been working as a program coordinator for Civitella Ranieri, an arts foundation in New York, since September 2015. More recently, though, she has taken on the added role of entrepreneur: She founded her own boutique company, GLYNT, to feature unique, handcrafted items. Kate travels around the country to find emerging designers and is

constantly looking for cutting-edge artisans. To view the artwork and events: www.glynt.nyc Marjolaine Goldsmith ’10 started working last spring at Theater of War, a social-impact company that presents readings of Greek tragedies and other plays to spark productive discussions spanning a diverse range of issues and audiences, across the country and abroad. At Calhoun’s 10th annual Alumni Pub Night in November, Marjolaine reminisced about her own theater roles at Calhoun, which included playing Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election. Emily DeFiore ’11 moved to Austin, TX, this past October to work as a study abroad manager in the high school division for International Studies Abroad (ISA), one of the largest private study abroad providers for universities.

In November, she visited with Calhoun Upper School students to share her experience at ISA and encourage current students to explore options for studying abroad. Emily, who graduated from Skidmore College in 2015 with a BA in English language and literature, had previously explored careers in publishing, holding internships at HarperCollins and Penguin Random House as well a job as an editorial assistant at Simon & Schuster. Holly Holtz ’11 is pursuing a master’s degree in speech and language pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston. “I’m really enjoying my time in the program! I am already growing as a clinician and helping children communicate meaningfully.” Holly completed her post-baccalaureate program in Northwestern University’s

speech-language pathology program, and holds a BA in psychology from Dickinson College. Rachel Lippin-Foster ’11, who earned her BA in psychology from Bates College in 2015, completed her first year as a research assistant at the VA Boston Healthcare System. “I started working on a clinical study using e-health technology to address alcohol use in the primary care setting,” explains Rachel, who is continuing her ongoing work with this area of study. Alva Stux ’11, who majored in art history and anthropology at Brandeis University, started a new job in October as sales assistant to a partner at Lehmann Maupin, an art gallery that features an international collection of artists and has locations in New York and Hong Kong. Alva was able to

SENIOR WORK INTERNSHIPS WANTED May 1 — June 7, 2017 Support an Upper School student with an internship opportunity at your organization or business! The Senior Work initiative is a 5-1/2-week internship program aimed at helping our twelfth graders explore their myriad interests and apply their learning in real-world contexts. Details about the program: www.calhoun.org/seniorwork Internship submission form: www.calhoun.org/internship For more information, please contact Lavern McDonald, Upper School Associate Director, lavern.mcdonald@calhoun.org, 212-497-6517.

WINTER 2017

class notes

connect with friends at Calhoun’s 10th annual Alumni Pub Night this past November. Julia Sub ’11 has been working full-time in a job for VICE Media, serving as an assistant editor and production coordinator for the company’s television network, VICELAND. She also took on a new role in September as a freelance assistant editor at the news and entertainment company BuzzFeed. Julia has a BA from Bennington College in media theory and video production, which she earned in 2015.

where all three are connected as brothers. Now in their sophomore year, both Marcus and Zeus are in the business school. Marcus is majoring in supply chain management with a minor in marketing, while Zeus plans to major in retail management. Chris Jager ’15 spent his fall semester studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of his construction management program for Drexel University, where he is a sophomore. Chris took the opportunity to travel to Greece, Germany, Portugal, Iceland and Morocco.

Fiona Lowenstein ’12, who graduated cum laude in May 2016 from Yale University with honors in history, has taken a position as an editorial assistant at Henry Holt, where she works primarily on nonfiction books. In college, Fiona was the editor in chief of Broad Recognition, Yale’s feminist publication, and had numerous articles published by other media outlets on topics related to politics, gender and social justice.

s Marcus Cook ‘15 (left) and Zeus Rocancourt ‘15 (right) were visited by Director of Alumni Relations Bart Hale ’00 on their Syracuse University campus in September, and took a tour of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house,

Calhoun Chronicle

Introducing the Young Alumni Class Chair Program This year, a Class Chair program of young alums from the Steve Nelson era (Classes of 1999–2016) was launched as an advisory board, to give a stronger voice to our graduates. A council of 50 members serve as the new liaisons. Alums are encouraged to reach out to Class Chairs with any news or updates you want to share with the school. For other ways to get involved, go to www.calhoun.org/volunteer. Log in and check us out! CLASS CHAIRS 2016–2017

s Cheyenne Rosado ’16 (center) is bringing school spirit to her campus as a first-year student at Colgate University, where she is supporting home football and basketball games as a Raiders cheerleader! Cheyenne is also actively involved with the school’s Africana, Latin, Asian and Native American Cultural Center, which holds events and works on diversity initiatives. Send your news for the summer Calhoun Chronicle by May 1 to bart.hale@calhoun.org

Vanessa Schuster-Raizberg ’99 Mario Sturla ’99 Nicole Wilson ’99 Bart Hale ’00 Liza Lubell ’00 Josh Raeben ’01 Paloma Woo ’01 Todd Garrin ’02 David Kramer ’02 Whitney Ferguson ’03 Jack Hale ’03 Roey Mizrahi ’03 Julie Otton ’04 Katie Slade ’04 Alex Gelband ’05 Emily Kaiser ’05 Nina Kompanek ’05 Samara Savino Antolini ’06 Weslee Berke ’06 David Katz ’06 Sabrina Spiegel Zurkuhlen ’06 Emily Capkanis ’07 Andrew Otton ’07 Andrew Sklar ’07 Liza Garrin ’08

Ryan Greene ’08 Skylar Sasson ’08 Terry Horowitz ’09 Katie Jackson ’09 Ashley Julien ’09 Kate Davis ’10 Emily Glaser ’10 Ben Waters ’10 Lizzie Gass ’11 Rachel Lippin-Foster ’11 Gabe Berenbaum ’12 Max Lemper-Tabatsky ’12 Kyra Louie ’12 Maggie Stein ’12 Carner Round ’13 Farah Taslima ’13 Adam Shankman ’14 Robin Sklar ’14 Claire Cohen ’15 Michael Leavitt ’15 Alex Schonfeld ’15 Ally Greenberg ’16 Jack Grossman ’16 Nina Miletic ’16 Kyler Murria-Castro ’16

Calhoun

winter 2015

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Permit NO. 566 Utica NY

433 West End Avenue New York, NY 10024 www.calhoun.org address service requested

PHOTO: Cory Schwartz

To the Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your daughter/son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office with the correct mailing address. Call 212-497-6579, fax 212-497-6531 or contact by email: alumni@calhoun.org.

Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Volleyball teams continue league dominance for fourth consecutive year. Page 18