1794 Magazine, Cheshire Academy, Spring 2020

SPRING 2020

50 YEARS OF COEDUCATION

1794 t he m a g a zin e o f che s hir e acad e my

1794 SPRING 2020

ON THE COVER Anne (MacGregor) Tivin ’70 was one of six girls to receive their diplomas in the spring of 1970, which marked the completion of the first academic year girls were welcomed back to Cheshire Academy’s campus as students.

STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Chris Hunn Ken Mason Michael Torelli ADVANCEMENT

Board of Trustees CHAIR

SECRETARY

Jennifer Freedman P’15

Richard A. Katz, Esq. ’64

Westport, Connecticut

Harrison, New York

TREASURER Simon Fenner

Westport, Connecticut

William Ampofo ’92

Andy Moss P’14, ’155

Catherine Bonneau P’04, ’16

Brian Otis ’89

Ted Dziuba ’02

Jared Pinsker ’97

Suzanne Fields P’11

Katie Purdy P’19, ’21, ’215

Lori Gailey P’14, ’17 Simsbury, Connecticut

,' ( )5 #')- 5 ]fn5 # '#65 &),#

Greg M. Keith, Jr. P’11

Mark F. Testa, Ph.D. ’685

Flower Mound, Texas

Plymouth, Massachusetts San Mateo, California Westport, Connecticut

Charlotte, North Carolina

Drew Kevorkian ’93 Miami, Florida

Westport, Connecticut

Amy Brough Nicole Caputo Barbara Davis P’17, ’18, ’20, ’24 Leonardo Hiertz Kathleen Houlihan Barbara Vestergaard P’96, ’02 Peter White ’07 CONTRIBUTORS

Robert “Chip� Boyd P’10 Dr. Aleesha Grier-Rogers ’90 Claudette Hovasse P’06 Theresa West Mautner Karen Smith

Tolland, Connecticut Orange, Connecticut Southington, Connecticut

Carrboro, North Carolina

Murali Venkatramen P’185 Chennai, India

Elliott Yang ’04

Los Angeles, California

TRUSTEES EMERITUS Michael A. Belfonti ’76

Michael Mauro P’115

Dan Gabel, Jr. ’56

Donald Rosenberg ’675

David G. Jepson ’59

Brett Stuart ’68, ’09, ’09, ’10

Hamden, Connecticut New York, New York

Glastonbury, Connecticut

Monterey, Massachusetts55 Snowmass Village, Colorado East Hampton, Connecticut

COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? SUGGESTIONS? NEWS? If you have feedback on 1794, contact Ken Mason, Chief Marketing Officer at ken.mason@cheshireacademy.org.

If you have alumni news and photos for 1794, send them to alumni@cheshireacademy.org.

Photos should be submitted in high resolution (300 dpi) for publication.

Admission inquiries may be directed to the Admission Office at admission@cheshireacademy.org or 203-439-7250. Š 2020 Cheshire Academy

IN THIS ISSUE

ALUMNI 31 Harwood Society 44 Events 45 Hall of Fame Induction 52 Class Notes

4 50 Years of Coeducation A look at CA’s history and where we are today.

12 IB in College:

How six IB Diploma graduates are faring at the university level.

18 On Campus 32 Trailblazing in the Arts:

Eight alumni are making their names known in their lines of work.

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STRAIGHT FROM BOWDEN HALL

A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL JULIE ANDERSON P’19, ’23

after a century-long hiatus. I often wonder what must it have been like for that first group of girls who joined the Academy. What was the response of their male classmates? How has coeducation benefited our entire community?

Taking in the view of Cheshire Academy from the historic Bowden Hall has given me a greater perspective of the complete student experience here. During my initial years, my lens was through the dormitory experience with boys in Hurley Hall, and then later with girls in Motter Hall, as well as through my lively Spanish classroom, which began in Woodbury Hall before relocating to both the Arthur Sheriff Field House and Humanities Building until finding its home again in Woodbury. In 18 years, I have seen the Academy flourish and grow from my lens as teacher and dorm parent. Now, as head of school, I have the responsibility to view our beloved school from a wider lens, with a historical perspective that I always keep in my mind as we move CA forward in 2020.

Last year, we celebrated the 225th anniversary of the founding of the Academy. This year brings another milestone: the 50th year of coeducation since female students were welcomed back to the Academy

As a school that has always welcomed diversity of thought, from our earliest days as a refuge for students to study without religious persecution to our welcoming the perspectives of international students before nearly any other school, it is only natural that we would reintroduce coeducation. Males and females have diversity of thought, expression, and interaction. Our responsibility and mission as a school is to prepare our students for college and beyond. By providing an outstanding educational experience for both boys and girls, we are bringing young people together and providing them with the tools and the opportunities to build relationships, problem solve, collaborate, and communicate. These are the skills colleges and employers seek from young people, and by building them here at the Academy, our students are better prepared to understand how men and women interact and how to engage in healthy debate. Cheshire Academy focuses on the student as an individual, encouraging each student to find their “possible” in an environment that encourages a greater diversity of views and opinions.

As we celebrate coeducation on campus, it is natural to celebrate our female leaders. Senior Master Karen Smith and Chief Academic Officer Laura Longacre, both truly dedicated to our school and its mission, welcomed me to the Academy as a novice teacher and continue to serve as mentors. Five of the nine members of the school’s leadership team are female, as are several of our senior managers. And, for the first time in the Academy’s history, the school is led by a female head of school and a female chair of the Board of Trustees. Diversity of thought is sought and celebrated by the female and male leaders on campus.

I look forward to the contributions of all of our students—male and female—over the next 50 years!

By providing an outstanding educational experience for both boys and girls, we are bringing young people together and providing them with the tools and the opportunities to build relationships, problem solve, collaborate, and communicate.

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We will celebrate coeducation throughout the year with programming honoring the contributions of our alumnae, faculty, and staff. Please contact Chief Advancement Officer Amy Brough (at amy.brough@cheshireacademy.org) for more information regarding programming and how you can become involved.

In addition to a change in chair of the Board of Trustees, we have embarked on a branding project and a new strategic plan. Shortly, you will see subtle changes in our marketing, branding, and messaging— changes which hold true to our mission and to the school you know and love. We have solicited feedback from faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni through surveys and focus groups to guide our work charting the course for the Academy for the next five to seven years. We look forward to sharing the plan with you during the 2020-2021 school year.

While I looked forward to seeing you this spring and summer for the many celebrations we had planned to honor our students’ accomplishments, and to gather with alumni for reunion in June and other events, I realize that the world is experiencing the unprecedented effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It has certainly had an impact on the entire Cheshire Academy community, and even though we have had to postpone several gatherings, we look forward to rescheduling these events.

Until then, continue to engage with us! Keep the Cheshire Academy community in your thoughts and maintain your support and ambassadorship. Consider how you might make a transformational gift to the Academy by: contributing to the growth of our Annual Fund, helping to advance Phase I of our Community Fine and Performing Arts Center, including the Academy in your estate plans or, ideally, all three. Our students are thriving thanks to your continued commitment, excitement, and support and, for that, I thank you.

We continue to move forward with optimism and determination.

Throughout this challenging time, I have been impressed by the extraordinary goodwill, determination, and skill of our teachers, administrators, and staff, along with the generosity of spirit, cooperation, and support of our alumni and parents. These good deeds—large and small—and the outpouring of assistance and encouragement warm my heart and keep my spirits high.

Stay safe, be well, and I hope to see you soon.

Warm wishes,

Julie M. Anderson P’19, ’23 Head of School

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A look at CA’s history and where we are today

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It was Feb. 23, 1968 when Cheshire Academy’s student-run newspaper, The Academy Review, published an editorial announcing then-Headmaster Dr. Arthur Griffin’s plan to open the school up to girls once again as day students.

Griffin announced his proposal at a meeting of the administration and Board of Trustees roughly four weeks prior to The Review’s editorial. In The Review, editor Robert Okun ’68 wrote that he had “publicly stated [his] positive opinions” in favor of Griffin’s proposal but, after further discussion with his classmates, The Review began to question aspects of coeducation, such as who would educate, discipline, and program extracurricular activities for the girls. The editorial staff at the time endorsed “a thorough study” of Griffin’s plan.

Griffin’s proposal would become a hotbed of discussion for the following year until, in fall of 1969, girls returned to campus as day students.

Cheshire Academy was no stranger to female students, however, as the school’s original constitution—which dates back to 1794—noted that “female education may be attended to in this institution, by such instructors and under such conditions as the trustees shall direct.” It wasn’t until 1836, when a new constitution was enacted, that the school became open to boys only.

Cheshire Academy remained a boys’ school for over a century. Despite the lack of female students, many alumni will remember female faculty and staff who made a significant impact on their lives. Mrs. Faye Chubb, faculty member and “hostess” for the school, for example, is often recalled even by individuals today, not only for her passion for education, but also for her teaching campus boys how to dance.

Other female faculty from the early 1960s included Mrs. Olga Brinken, housemother; Pilar Marin Mendiguren, Spanish and English teacher; Vera Palmer, instructor in remedial English; and instructor in remedial subjects Sara Youngs, to name a few.

Included in the Feb. 23 issue of The Review was an article wherein staff writers interviewed students and faculty about Griffin’s proposal. Support was mixed, with some students believing that girls would make “a marked improvement in the school.” Others, who had attended coed schools prior to attending CA, felt girls “would be a distracting influence,” the article notes. A photo accompanying the article showed a mother and daughter visiting campus in anticipation of fall enrollment.

Teachers, too, shared mixed feelings on the idea. Some questioned if the timing was right, while others believed that the boys would “behave like gentlemen” in the presence of girls. At the time, other college-preparatory schools in New England were considering instituting coeducation, but believed that the idea was too expensive. Colleges and universities, on the other hand, were making the switch to coed campuses.

1970 softball team

While the intent was to enroll girls in the fall of 1968, the plan was deferred one year. A letter to the editor submitted to The Review in May 1968 expressed disappointment that girls would not be joining boys at CA that fall.

THE EARLY YEARS OF GIRLS ON CAMPUS Anne (MacGregor) Tivin ’70, P’08 was a member of the first coed graduating class. Her brother, Richard MacGregor ’67, attended Cheshire Academy, so she was familiar with the campus through visits for plays, sporting events, and other programs. Because of the positive experiences her brother had, Tivin was enrolled for her senior year by her parents.

Despite the campus being reopened to girls, she still faced some oddities. “Because it was a boys’ prep school, they called the boys by their last names. We would go to something where they would be taking attendance and call me by my last name, … and I’d go, ‘Here,’ and they’d

say ‘Oh, sorry ma’am,’” Tivin said, with a laugh.

Another challenge Tivin faced was being either the only girl or one of the few girls in her classes. She said that inequality benefited her when she attended college and pursued degrees in chemistry and engineering—both male-dominated careers at the time.

Anne (MacGregor) Tivin ’70, P’08

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Tivin recently worked at Allergan Medical as an industrial chemist and in quality assurance before retiring in 2016.

Tivin thrived as a clarinet player and softball player at CA. She was offered an opportunity to pursue an independent study, which allowed her to use Southern Connecticut State University’s library to conduct research. She also served on the school’s literary magazine and was a member of the Afro-American Society. The club tutored children in Waterbury, Connecticut, Tivin explained.

Similar to Tivin, Rosanne (Balogh) Ferraro ’74 was familiar with Cheshire Academy before enrolling for her sophomore year. Her father, Dominic Balogh, worked as the school’s head football and baseball coach, and later became athletic director. Her brother, Nick Balogh ’77, also attended the school.

1974 varsity cheerleaders

BOARDING OPENS UP FOR GIRLS

Ferraro, who attended public school in Hamden, Connecticut, was at first hesitant to enroll at CA. Her father offered her a compromise: try CA for one year and, if she still did not like it, she could go back to public school. After one year, however, Ferraro was hooked. Of her time on campus, Ferraro said, “My heart is here. This is where I grew up—here, on campus. My father started in 1964, so it was a good 10 years of my life.”

Ferraro quickly became friends with other faculty members’ children who also attended CA, as well as other boarding and day students. She played softball and joined the cheerleading team. When changing to cheer, she and the other girls used the girls’ bathroom in the field house because they did not have a locker room to use.

Rosanne (Balogh) Ferraro ’74

One month later, on Dec. 8, 1974, then-Headmaster James E. Crosby announced that girls would be permitted to board on campus in the following fall.

According to the Jan. 17, 1975 issue of The Review, approximately 35 to 50 girls were expected to board.

“There were a few girls who did cheerleading so, when I came, I did cheerleading, too,” she said. “We made our own uniforms. It was a different world.”

Looking back at how far Cheshire Academy has come, Ferraro is proud to be an alumna and to see women from each decade continue to flourish and succeed.

Ferraro also worked as a faculty member before returning to teaching at a public school.

Regina (LeFrancois) Ali ’86

“I’m very proud,” she said. “If we go back and look at the success stories of some of the females who graduated from the Academy and their success in life, success in parenthood, success in corporations and medical fields, I believe admitting girls to this school was meant to be positive and I think made a difference.”

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On Nov. 11, 1974—the fall following Ferraro’s graduating class—The Review published an editorial declaring that girls should be accepted as boarding students. The editorial reads, in part, “The present female day students feel that girl boarders is a great idea; many of them have expressed the desire to board if the opportunity were ever offered. So far on this issue there have been many more favorable than unfavorable comments, however, there has been no action taken to resolve the girl boarders’ dilemma.”

More than a decade later, Regina (LeFrancois) Ali ’86 enrolled at Cheshire Academy. Ali started as a ninthgrade student as a ward of the state. She had previously lost her mother and was without family.

“I was a straight-A student and I was excelling.

I had a wonderful social worker who really fought to get me in there because she saw the potential in me,” reflected Ali. “…I was thankful that the state paid for it and the Academy accepted someone who was a ward of the state, and was not affluent.”

Regina (LeFrancois) Ali, honorable mention and Renee Bright, most valuable player, winners for varsity volleyball

CA students pictured in the 1993 Rolling Stone yearbook

Ali started her freshman year as a boarding student in Walters House, where Bevan Dupre ’69 served as dorm master. The smaller environment, she said, helped her and her dorm mates become acclimated to the campus. She remains friends with her roommate and others to this day.

Today, Ali owns two businesses with her husband and works as a nurse manager at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. For her work at the hospital, she was nominated for, and awarded, the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing in 2018.

Ali played on the girls’ basketball team during her freshman year, and was active on the volleyball and softball teams throughout her enrollment. She also served as captain of the softball team. While Ali admits she had a memorable four years at Cheshire Academy, she recalled being able to see firsthand the strong community present at the school in 1985, when Hurricane Gloria struck.

ultimately guided her to her career of investment banking. Perez-Pla is currently vice president of Global Capital Finance America LLC, an international investment banking and financial services firm in New York state.

Perez-Pla was met by a diverse community at CA, with classmates who shared similar—and different— perspectives to her own. Those interactions, she said, challenged her in more ways than she expected.

“I think it’s key, quite frankly,” she said, of the coeducation campus, “not just in the fact that it’s more enjoyable and interesting, but it’s also important on a cultural and academic level; otherwise, you’re missing a whole part of every discussion. At the end of the day, I think it also definitely challenges you not only academically, but also personally.”

At CA, Perez-Pla took advantage of all the opportunities before her. Classmates likely saw her Alejandra Perez-Pla ’06 “They opened up the campus for the day students who playing soccer, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, competing in didn’t have power, electricity, or water so they could track and field, or determining the next best move as a shower and get food,” reflected Ali. “Things like that, they came together member of the Chess Club. She formed friendships with both boys and as a community. It was such a great time, from the talent shows to the girls—some of which she has held onto to this day. sporting events, to homecoming, to making us go to school when there was 5 inches of snow.”

“In general, I like to have the entire spectrum of the world, and Cheshire gave me that,” Perez-Pla said.

THE TURN OF THE CENTURY Not all alumnae throughout the years have come from the Cheshire area. Take Alejandra Perez-Pla ’06, for example, who attended Cheshire Academy after attending an all-girls boarding school in the United Kingdom. While at CA, Perez-Pla was able to participate in courses and afternoon programs she otherwise would not have pursued, which

Tivin, who returned in the mid-2000s when her son, Jacob Tivin ’08, enrolled, was able to see how the campus—and its students—had transformed.

“I was very impressed with how mature the girls are, how they think about a career, and how they are interested in learning other languages,” Tivin explained. “It was like Cheshire was a complete school.” the magazine of cheshire academy

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2007-2008 swim team

MODERN DAY CA Today, Cheshire Academy prides itself on providing opportunities for all genders on campus. Julie Anderson P’19, ’23, longtime faculty member and academic leader, became the first female head of school in 2018.

Jennifer Freedman P’15 was appointed chairperson of the Board of Trustees in January of this year, marking the first time in the school’s history that women serve in both capacities simultaneously.

In addition to competing on the coed team, female students also competed on their own math team, led by Rachel Wright, dean of teaching and learning, while others attend symposiums at Harvard University under the guidance of Wesley Simon, dean of Community Life. Science teacher Molly Purcell also serves as the female athletic liaison and coach for the girls’ lacrosse team. Purcell offers another voice

2011 Halloween

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for female athletes, works closely with team captains, and helps to develop leadership skills on the athletic front, according to Anderson.

“The things that we’ve started to put into place for female students are important,” Anderson said. “They don’t have to go to an all-girls school to get an experience where they are really being challenged, given opportunities to lead, and to use their voice in a positive way. We can offer that same type of education, programming, and support to develop strong female leaders.”

In 2004, the Coleman Group was established in honor of Marion Moore Coleman, longtime historian for CA and the author of the only book published on the history of the school. A room in the library named after Coleman is the first in the school’s history to be named after a woman.

Coleman Group 2008

Karen Smith, senior master and Roxbury instructor, advises the Coleman Group with School Counselor Gail Mauthe. The purpose, she said, “is to give girls some other experiences outside of the normal academic day.”

Monthly symposiums organized by the Coleman Group have brought women from the fields of law, politics, and others to meet with and discuss their professions with the female attendees. During months when symposiums are not scheduled, the members decide on topics of discussion which they feel are important to one another. Conversations have revolved around bullying, relationships, and certain themes, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Coleman Group has also contributed changes to CA’s curriculum, including offering an all-girls chemistry class in the mid-2000s.

According to Smith, the class was offered because girls were nervous to take science classes with boys and were not registering for said courses.

“We just tried this one year as an experiment, and it went beautifully,” she said.

Senior Master Karen Smith

Jennifer Dillon, co-chair of the History Department and CA’s sustainability coordinator, leads the program alongside Madeleine Bergstrom, director of College Counseling, and Dan Mehleisen, admission associate for athletic recruitment and varsity football coach.

This year, 12 girls ranging from ninth grade to postgraduate are participating in the program.

Dillon said the program’s goals are to promote and improve financial literacy in high school girls and to draw more women to financial service industries. But before the girls enter the workforce, they need to know how to best budget their money. Devon Mercurius, director of technology and New York City programs for Invest in Girls, leads the course at CA. “These students are going to leave us, they’re going to go into the world, they’re probably—if they don’t already—going to get a credit card, have to pay off loans, and have to budget things when they’re in college,”

Coleman Group members have also completed service projects, such as making fleece pillows to be donated to local battered women shelters.

“Not only are we teaching everybody something, we’re giving these girls leadership opportunities we like to think will carry over into college,” Smith explained. “You don’t have to be the kingpin, but you can get involved with different things and demonstrate your leadership.”

The turn of the new decade also marks the third year of CA offering the Invest in Girls Inc. program to CA students. Invest in Girls is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 dedicated to teaching high school girls financial literacy and connecting them with professional women role models.

Mandarin teacher Yvonne Hewu leads a class.

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Invest in Girls 2020

explained Dillon. “That’s really a first step: understanding that that plastic thing in their wallet isn’t just an innumerable number of dollars; that it comes due at some point.”

Invest in Girls participants have also learned about stocks and bonds, and different investment strategies. The group also travels to New York City to meet with women professionals. For the past two years, they have visited EY-Parthenon, a business management consulting company. CA girls are able to meet with EY-Parthenon staff, shadow consultants, and even create their own mock pitches for the company’s clients.

At CA, the girls form bonds with classmates they otherwise might not have known over an extracurricular program filled with critical life tips.

“Our older kids tend to become leaders of the group, and that’s really

nice to see,” reflected Dillon. “For our ninth-grade girls, they’re learning something so early that’s going to be impactful for so many years. The PGs, they’re leaving us so shortly, and they have this knowledge to use next year and during the years beyond.”

In looking back at the past 50 years of coeducation, Anderson is both thankful for the past and optimistic about CA’s future.

“We’re celebrating education for all. That’s really what I see coeducation as—everyone, regardless of how you identify your gender—everyone has the opportunities here,” she said. “We’re just trying to ensure access for all of our students, and bringing more opportunity. Whatever your gender, we can all sit around the table and learn from one another, and grow and play together.”

CA Gay/Straight Alliance 2019-2020

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50th Anniversary of Coeducation at Cheshire Academy Honor the CA woman in your life The Office of Advancement has organized a series of events and initiatives to celebrate the 50th anniversary of modern-day coeducation at Cheshire Academy—the reintroduction of girls at school in the 1969-70 academic year.

During National Women’s Month in March, the Academy launched a campaign asking alumni, parents, and friends to make a gift in honor of the CA woman in their lives, and tell us why she played an important part in their Cheshire Academy experience. We heard inspiring stories about moms, sisters, teachers, classmates, and others who made a difference for many members in our community. Among them were from Gil Schpero ’07, who recognized Leah Stancil, former director of the Roxbury Academic Support Program.

“I wanted to highlight and honor Leah Stancil, who was there for me and so many other students at Cheshire Academy to ensure the experience was positive and successful in and out of the classroom…I hope you will join me by making a gift honoring the special CA woman in your life today.” –Gil Schpero ’07 A web and social media effort highlighted 50 alumnae who span the depth and breadth of experiences and professional and personal pathways the Academy’s alumnae have taken.

They represent entrepreneurs, actors, producers, educators, scientists, social workers, and financial analysts, among many other interesting fields.

There’s still time to tell us about a CA woman who has played an important part in your life, and to make a gift to the Annual Fund in her honor!

Visit www.cheshireacademy.org/50years, or contact Director of Annual Giving Nicole Caputo at nicole.caputo@cheshireacademy.org or 203-439-7688.

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The Impact of IB How the leader in international education has prepared six alumni for the future New Horizons Now in his first year at Brown University, Zhengxian “Jason” Lin ’19 admits that his experiences with the IB program have helped open doors to new subjects in college.

Lin, an IB Diploma Programme graduate, said taking courses in humanities and English made him pursue similar classes at the college level. He is currently considering studying applied mathematicseconomics, comparative literature, and philosophy.

“The IB program just opened the door to a new world,” reflected Lin. “For example, I hadn’t really thought about my interest in humanities or

English until I took classes like the Theory of Knowledge or Language and Literature.”

When Lin began engaging with his classmates and teachers during seminar courses at Cheshire Academy, his interests in the subjects “were just sparked.”

“The IB program paved the pathway toward my interest in humanities and, at the same time, it equipped me with fundamental skills like writing, speaking, and doing presentations,” he said.

But the IB program did more than just introduce Lin to new subjects—he was able to immerse himself into topics for which he already had a passion.

He also gained the necessary reading, studying, and test-taking skills to succeed at the college level.

“By having three high level and three standard level classes, you dive deeper into certain topics that you’re interested in and, at the same time, learn a little bit about something you have never learned anything about,” explained Lin. “…With the Theory of Knowledge course, everything is interwoven together, so you get to see how different subjects are connected.”

The IB program just opened the door to a new world.”

Jason Lin ’19

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Our decision at Cheshire Academy to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School nine years ago involved a paradox. It was simultaneously one of the easiest and hardest things the school has ever undertaken.

Becoming a “world school” was easy, as we have always been focused on producing globally minded citizens. For more than 150 years, we have educated students from many countries and have sought to embrace international perspectives.

In addition, we have always promoted creative teaching focused on student interests and creativity—factors central in the methods and design of IB curricula.

The hard part was the significant training, expense, and effort required to become a successful, sanctioned IB school.

Despite many parallels in curricula and mission, not all IB schools are the same. It takes a focused effort, experience, and skills to become an excellent IB school, but with the overwhelmingly positive response from both teachers and students, we are proud to have reached that level.

The IB program has, with just a few exceptions, led to the elimination of our Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In terms of quality and rigor, IB’s High Level and Standard Level courses compare favorably to AP offerings. The only difference between the two levels is the amount of work assigned; in all other respects, they are exactly the same. Nearly all our students take one or more IB courses, and some select the highly demanding IB Diploma Programme, thereby joining about 85,000 students around the world who excel with high academic drive and skills.

The portraits of the students that follow give clear testament to the IB program’s excellence and impact. We could have easily featured any of the 100 recent graduates whose achievements are a credit to themselves and the IB program, but we have chosen six alumni. As these graduates express, they acquired excellent academic skills and they feel empowered and adventurous in many areas of their college lives and beyond.

Investment Julia Rafferty ’18, a sophomore at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill studying dramatic arts, media journalism, and music, believes graduating with an IB Diploma helped set her on a path to academic success.

The investment, she added, did not come without its challenges.

“The choice to pursue the IB program (demonstrates) how much you’re willing and want to invest in yourself and in your future,” she said. “I’m glad that I struggled through those two years. I’m not going to lie—it was extremely difficult. I stayed up many late nights studying, I had a lot of work to do, so it definitely was not easy … but it is so worth it now that I’m in college and I get to see the benefits of it.”

Some of Rafferty’s college classmates, for example, did not transition well from a typical high school classroom to smaller lectures at the college level.

“It better prepared me to be a college student and be a functioning member on a college campus,” Rafferty said. “I have friends who did other programs or went to other high schools who really struggled at first with sitting in small lectures at the university level and having to adjust to that classroom dynamic and navigate that environment. I was so prepared for that and just adjusted right off the bat when I arrived at UNC.” Through the IB program, Rafferty strengthened skills related to time management, studying, and asking questions in class. She also learned

I’m glad that I struggled through those two years.

I’m not going to lie—it was extremely difficult."

Julia Rafferty ’18

and understands the importance of building relationships with her teachers, making it a point to introduce herself to her professors at the beginning of each semester. Those foundational skills, she said, were gained only after having gone through the program and graduating as an IB Diploma recipient. the magazine of cheshire academy

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Varied Interests Kamila Zygadlo ’19 recalled sitting down with a classmate the night before classes began at Trinity College last fall.

They were both writing a paper for their class, but Zygadlo’s friend was concerned she wouldn’t meet the five-page requirement.

Zygadlo, however, wasn’t worried after having graduated from the IB Diploma Programme. “‘I’ve done this before,’” Zygadlo remembers saying to her friend. “It’s all about practice. It’s all about knowing how to deal with stressful situations, which there are a lot of in college.”

Zygadlo, who graduated as valedictorian of her class, is currently majoring in biochemistry and is a three-season athlete, playing volleyball and participating in both indoor and outdoor track and field. She credits the IB program with setting her up with the necessary skills to balance and meet the demands of her academic and athletic workload.

“I’m able to play sports and pursue academics, and all of that is not challenging because IB was the hardest thing that I’ve done so far,” Zygadlo said. “I know it’s going to get harder and harder as I go through college but, right now, I’m perfectly managing my time, and it’s great—I love it here.”

While at Cheshire Academy, Zygadlo, a native of Poland, was enrolled in a variety of IB courses. Not only did she learn about chemistry, calculus, and Spanish, but also took courses on music and other topics new to her.

“The U.S. puts a lot of emphasis on being a well-rounded person, an educated person—not just a specialist,” reflected Zygadlo.

Students entering their junior year at Cheshire Academy should be open to taking a few IB courses or pursuing the diploma, Zygadlo added.

“Do it, even though it seems hard or it seems scary.

Everything is scary in the beginning because the unknown is scary, but … do it,” she said. “…You can’t lose anything and there’s so much you can gain.”

I’m able to play sports and pursue academics, and all of that is not challenging because IB was the hardest thing that I’ve done so far.”

Kamila Zygadlo ’19

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Possibilities While at Cheshire Academy, Aliya Catanzarita ’19 knew she would be playing softball at the collegiate level. Still, she wanted to be challenged academically, so she enrolled in—and ultimately graduated from—the IB Diploma Programme. She later became the first female softball player at CA to sign with a Division I school: Hoftstra University.

“Because I knew I was going to play softball in college … I wanted to have a heavy course load and work on time management skills,” Catanzarita said. “Even after college, I want to go to medical school, and I know I’m going to have a huge course load there. The IB Diploma Programme helped me with time management, being challenged academically, and really changed my way of thinking and studying.”

Now in her freshman year at Hofstra, Catanzarita is pursuing a major in pre-health science. During her first semester, Catanzarita immediately saw the benefits of taking IB courses in comparison to how her classmates responded to the workload. She said the program changed the way she studies and thinks about course material and has helped her handle her long 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. days.

“When I came to college, I was relieved, ‘This is nothing compared to what happened last year,’” she reflected. “Even writing papers—

I already know how to write papers; I already know how to get straight to the point and elaborate on my opinion.” The learning curve did not exist for her, as it does with many new college students.

Catanzarita credits science teacher Lauren Kelly with helping her form good study habits. Before taking IB courses, Catanzarita would try to memorize information for tests, but now she studies to understand the material.

Even in comparison to her college classmates, Catanzarita recognizes that she is better prepared due to the IB program, despite her looming athletic demands.

“No matter what you do, it is possible,” she said, of the Diploma Programme. “I’m playing Division I softball and our schedule come springtime is going to be really busy. I’m not worried one bit because I’ve been through the IB program at CA.”

The IB Diploma Programme helped me with time management, being challenged academically, and really changed my way of thinking and studying.”

Aliya Catanzarita ’19

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A Way of Thinking Now in his senior year at UCONN, Ben Buchmeier ’16 will be graduating with a computer science and engineering degree with a concentration in cyber security and a minor in mathematics. He has also secured a job with iDevices, a home automation company located in Avon, Connecticut, where he interned for the past two years.

While his career path has strayed from the IB’s focus on critical thinking and its writing-intensive course load, many of the skills Buchmeier gained from the program have carried over to his college and work life.

“Being able to kind of step back and analyze a problem in a way in which I did for the IB Diploma Programme is still applicable, even in the sciences,” he said.

Looking back at when he was a freshman at UCONN, Buchmeier believes he was much better prepared for the course load than his classmates.

“In my English class freshman year … I had classmates who were struggling to write these five-page papers,” reflected Buchmeier. “They were struggling not only with writing it and getting materials, but also grade-wise. For me, it was kind of, almost, a vacation. Freshman year of college for me was extremely easygoing in terms of workload and difficulty.”

Buchmeier pursued the diploma understanding that he would face challenging courses.

“The IB program seemed to offer an academic curriculum that would challenge me in a way that maybe some of the normal standard advanced classes wouldn’t challenge me in terms of critical thinking skills, time management, and workload,” he said. “It was definitely a rigorous program and I knew what I was signing up for, but I knew that if I could take on this challenge, it would benefit me in the long run.”

Even now, Buchmeier notices that he approaches course work differently from his classmates.

“By senior year, people have the college way of working down, but, in terms of the way I think and the way I approach problems, it’s drastically different, and a lot of that comes from the IB program and the way it frames your mindset,” Buchmeier said. “In problem solving and critical thinking, I think I still have a leg up. I can approach problems in a much more reasonable and perhaps more efficient way than some of my classmates.”

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The IB program seemed to offer an academic curriculum that would challenge me in a way that maybe some of the normal standard advanced classes wouldn’t challenge me in terms of critical thinking skills, time management, and workload.”

Ben Buchmeier ’16

A New Challenge When Patrick Brown ’17 was entering his junior year at Cheshire Academy, he chose the full IB Diploma Programme due to his interests in the classes offered through the program, and because he wanted to experience everything the school had to offer.

Now in his third year at Yale University studying neuroscience, Brown can say that the program has paid off by providing him with a holistic understanding of many different subjects.

“Coming from IB, I don’t think people are necessarily specialized in any one subject or topic in a serious way,” explained Brown. “We have the things that we’re more interested in and spend more time on, but the fact that we come out of the program knowing a little bit about a lot of different things makes it easier to jump into a cognitive science class, a music class, and an organic chemistry class, all in the same term.”

That strength, Brown continued, helped him during his first semester at Yale, when he was introduced to new content and greater challenges, more than he had seen before. He took different courses spanning across several subjects, “trying to see as much as I could among what was offered here.”

Not only did Brown refine his time management and critical thinking skills through the IB program, he also gained an understanding of how to approach daunting tasks, being able to look back on the challenges he faced in the IB program and remembering how he overcame them.

“I think having that sort of broad experience from IB makes it a little bit less daunting, a little bit more familiar, to be exploring new areas,” he said.

“The experience of working through something that is more intimidating than something that you thought you could do and seeing it come together over time, knowing that’s something you could repeat in the face of an even greater task, is just mentally reassuring,” he said.

The experience of working through something that is more intimidating than something that you thought you could do and seeing it come together over time, knowing that’s something you could repeat in the face of an even greater task, is just mentally reassuring.”

Patrick Brown ’17

Brown urges any Cheshire Academy student interested in the IB program to pursue it, but to understand that the entire course load is an opportunity that will carry through beyond the first semesters of college. For Brown, those experiences have carried over to his course work even in his junior year.

“What you are doing in those IB classes is valuable because of what you learn from them,” Brown said. “There are still days here where I’ll be working on a project for the startup that I work for here and I’ll be drawing on things that I learned in economics in IB.” Brown continued, “I wasn’t necessarily thinking of that value when I was taking the class, I was thinking of it more as ... something that can supplement an application, but those lessons still help me now.” the magazine of cheshire academy

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New mathematics course tackles climate change, weather trends One can be hard-pressed to deny that environmental changes occurring around the world are, in part, due to climate change.

For Marshall, the course is an opportunity for students to apply their academic studies to real life situations.

Whether it’s visible through flooding and heavy rains in historically dry areas, increased occurrences of major storms, or the melting of glaciers, climate change is all around us.

“As a math teacher, so much of what we teach kids is X’s and Y’s, and kids always ask, ‘When am I going to ever use this in my life?’” reflected Marshall. “To be able to teach math through a real-world application that they can get their minds around, it helps them actually understand and make decisions. That’s a more worthwhile way to teach math.”

The question is what we can do about it.

For six students last fall and eight this spring, they’re determining ways that they can make an impact by learning about the implications of climate change and the effects it has not only on the environment, but on the world.

Mathematics teacher Tom Marshall spearheaded the new class, called Modeling Climate Change, a one-semester math elective that became available to Cheshire Academy students this past fall. As part of the course, students learn about the environmental, economic, and global impacts climate change has on the general public and use their knowledge in the fields of mathematics and science to better predict future weather-related outcomes.

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Dean of Curriculum Marc Aronson said the new class serves as “a perfect example of how our curriculum delivers the Academy’s mission to our students.”

“This course really engages students in the practice of combining critical thinking skills with both real-world applications and students’ senses of themselves as global citizens,” Aronson said.

Marshall first began compiling plans in the fall of 2018 on how he could implement modeling climate change into his pre-calculus and statistics classes. After conversing with the rest of the Math

Department team, the idea of creating a dedicated course came to mind. Marshall later attended a one-week math modeling course at Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire) and tapped knowledgeable individuals about meteorology.

Marshall himself holds a passion for climate change and its impact on Earth. He hopes students leave his class with the tools to talk about the subject and the power to make decisions on what they want to do about it.

“It hangs over everybody’s head all the time,” Marshall said. “We really need to understand it and be able to talk about it.”

On Fridays, the class meets for lunch in the Gideon Welles Dining Commons. Students share current articles on issues related to climate change, such as flooding in Venice, Italy, the decline in the number of oysters in the Gulf of Mexico, and recommendations on how millionaires should invest funds to help the environment.

Marshall guides the conversation before letting the students lead.

One of the assignments Marshall put forth to students was to study the migration of Syrian farmers in the mid2000s. Due to a devastating drought, farmers could no longer feed themselves or their families, and were forced to relocate to nearby cities.

“We could model the temperature and how that related to migration, and then we could model how many people from Syria and from Iraq migrated to the different cities,” explained Marshall. “… All those cities that were involved that ISIS eventually took over, the population grew by about 30 percent, and there weren’t jobs. Food prices went up, housing prices went up … You had a preexisting problem that was just exacerbated by climate. “

NBC Connecticut First Alert Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan visited Marshall’s Modeling Climate Change course in the fall of 2019 to discuss with Cheshire Academy students the latest trends to better forecast weather patterns, how to use mathematics to make more informed calls on weather, and climate change in general.

Marshall understands that some of the topics discussed in his class can be disheartening, but he hopes that the students will take an honest look and perspective on the situation. He also recognized that there is misleading information. As such, his students work to determine what sources are reputable for them to make informed decisions and arguments to entice change.

The ultimate goal, Marshall said, is for students to be engaged. In the case of climate change, he hopes students driven by the issues at hand become stewards of change.

“Any time they walk into the room and they engage, that’s what you want,” Marshall said. “If they can do it with this, they can do it in a different subject if they’re adequately interested and motivated to do it.”

“This course really engages students in the practice of combining critical thinking skills with both real-world applications and students’ senses of themselves as global citizens.”

Dean of Curriculum Marc Aronson

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Bringing a unique perspective to the conversation around diversity This year saw the return of Dr. Aleesha Grier-Rogers ’90 to campus as Cheshire Academy’s first diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator. Her goals for this inaugural year of the position were “to help increase awareness of the extraordinary diversity that has been a part of Cheshire Academy’s history, and to foster a campus environment where everyone feels safe, accepted, and respected enough to embrace their identities and voice their perspectives.

With that, I also hope to spur discussions around opportunities for increased understanding, support, and training.”

Grier-Rogers is a licensed clinical psychologist, having earned both a master’s and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. She completed her predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships at the Yale School of Medicine, where she has served since 2009 as an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry in the Division of Addictions. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Psychology Department at Southern Connecticut State University. Prior to joining the faculty at Cheshire Academy, Grier-Rogers most recently served for nearly a decade as a behavioral health program director at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center—an integrated healthcare facility in New Haven, Connecticut, that focuses on providing care to clients from underserved and underrepresented populations.

Reflecting on how CA’s view on diversity, equity, and inclusion has changed since Grier-Rogers’ graduation, she says, “There was no campuswide effort at that time to increase awareness of or discuss issues related to our personal identities. My recollection is that, at that time, the campus culture was focused more on interconnectedness, and learning to coexist despite our differences.

That type of push was certainly not unique to CA.” Grier-Rogers sees Cheshire today as not only much more diverse, but also more open to recognizing and celebrating individual identities. “When I was here, there were only 14 flags hanging in the Gideon Welles Dining Commons; today, there are over 50. That’s a tangible reminder of how diversity is increasing on campus. Similarly, the numerous affinity groups on campus are a sign of students wanting a space to express and discuss their various identities.”

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Grier-Rogers is the faculty advisor to one such affinity group: the Black Student Union. Of the group, she says, “The BSU itself is amazingly diverse. Members include students who identify as African, Afro-Caribbean, African American, Afro-Asian, and multiracial. Part of the group’s goal is to push awareness that the term ‘black’ refers to a wide array of different cultures with unique identities.”

Another important change in the diversity of the school that Grier-Rogers noticed right away was that “there are a lot more girls enrolled than when I was a student, and that’s terrific to see.”

"When I was here, there were only 14 flags hanging in the Gideon Welles Dining Commons; today, there are over 50. That’s a tangible reminder of how diversity is increasing on campus."

One of the things she was most excited about this year was planning the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, held on Jan. 20.

As a senior in 1990, GrierRogers was part of a student led sit-in protesting the school’s lack of recognition of this holiday. Looking back on her senior year, Grier-Rogers reflects, “At the time, I was only able to recognize how that day changed me personally and brought the students together, but I didn’t think about how that day changed the school. Being on campus now, I can see the impact of the momentum we created 30 years ago, and I’m honored to take up that torch again.”

Campus Visitors

MLK DAY The student body continued the 30-year tradition of honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting guest speakers and participating in workshops throughout the day. This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Maysa Akbar (bottom right), a board-certified adolescent and child clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center.

Singer and songwriter Lytasha Blackwell, who works as a motivator and social justice advocate, shared a few poems and songs prior to Akbar’s presentation.

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DR. ELIZABETH ENGLANDER Dr. Elizabeth Englander, founder and executive director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, visited Cheshire Academy in the fall to provide an antibullying workshop for students, faculty, and staff.

VISITING AUTHORS An eclectic group of authors visited the Cheshire Academy campus throughout the 2019-2020 school year with support from the Loretta and Michael Kahn ’53 Visiting Authors Fund. In October, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka spoke about his graphic memoir, “Hey,

Jarrett Krosoczka

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Kiddo,” which was named a finalist for a National Book Award.

In February, local young adult author and high school history teacher Michael Belanger visited to talk about his book, “The History of Jane Doe.” The coming-of-age story is about first love, first

Michael Belanger

loss, and how history gives life meaning.

Writer, poet, and naturalist Liz Bradfield was scheduled to visit Cheshire Academy following publication of this issue of 1794. On April 13, Bradfield was planned to meet with and field questions from students, faculty, and staff.

Karen Wheeler was the first visitor of the 2019-2020 school year, showing off her completed pieces done with pen and ink, liquid acrylic, colored pencil, bits of collage, and wire. Her work was on display from September through October.

From November through December, Kraig Binkowski, chief librarian at the Yale Center for British Art, put his woodcut works on display. Binkowski also visited Fine Arts Teacher Karleen Kubat’s class to teach students on his medium of choice, as well as some pointers for if they picked up the trade.

VISITING ARTISTS There has been a magnitude of artistic activity in the Kohn-Joseloff Gallery at Cheshire Academy this year, where several regional artists have displayed their works.

CA alumni Jeff Tallman ’64 returned to campus in January. A former woodworker, Tallman picked up painting and sculpting during his down time.

Tallman’s work, which stems from images found on the internet, in magazines, and drawings in his sketchbook, was on display from January through March.

Marlene Siff was scheduled to round out the school year with an artist reception in March. Siff’s mediums include sculpting, painting, and works on paper.

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FALL PLAY

YALE- SETON BOOK AWARD

Cheshire Academy’s talented students put on three amazing performances of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” which follows character Christopher Boone as he unearths the mystery surrounding the death of a dog he found.

Dante Strollo ’20 visited Yale University in October as a recipient of the Yale-Seton Book Award, which is awarded to high school students who show “outstanding personal character and intellectual promise,” as described by the Yale Club of New Haven. Strollo will attend the University of Chicago in the fall.

LIGHTS OF HOPE Approximately 5,000 luminaries—white sandwich bags filled with sand and a single lit candle—lined the walkways and fields of Cheshire Academy as part of the annual Cheshire’s Lights of Hope event, held on Nov. 9. The program, initially a neighborhood fundraiser for the Cheshire Relay for Life event, has since transitioned into a townwide program honoring the Petit family. The CA community does its part every year to make the world a brighter place.

WINTER CONCERT Community members were treated to Cheshire Academy’s annual winter concert on Dec. 10 in the Richardson Lecture Hall. Performances included the Cheshire Academy Jazz Band, guitar ensemble, percussion ensemble, chorus, the 1794s a cappella group, and others.

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VENTURE GRANT The Rizzolo-Larson Venture Grant, awarded annually to Cheshire Academy students as they carry out unique, exciting, and out-ofthe-box innovative projects, provided Xinnuo “Selina” Xie ’20 and Kavin Kathir ’22 the opportunity to visit Africa and Bangladesh, respectively, in the summer of 2019. Kathir volunteered his time as a member of Distressed Children and Infants International, while Xinnuo learned about ways to raise awareness about illegal poaching of animals in Africa.

CONVOCATION A longstanding tradition, the annual convocation ceremony welcomed returning and new students to Cheshire Academy for the start of the school year. The student body, as well as faculty and staff, made their yearly trek from the Cheshire Academy campus across Route 10 to St. Bridget of Sweden Church.

BEACH CLEANUP IN EAST HAVEN On Saturday, Sept. 21, students took part in a beach cleanup in East Haven, Connecticut. The event was held in recognition of International Coastal Cleanup Day and organized by Save the Sound, a program of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment.

From left: History Department co-chair and Sustainability Coordinator Jennifer Dillon, Joyce Shi ’20, Yeran “Lisa” Lu ’20, Yi “Evelyn” Wang ’20, Jingyi “Jenny” Li ’20, and Zhenyi “Jenny” Sheng ’20.

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WINTER MUSICAL More than 50 Cheshire Academy students lent their singing, dancing, acting, and backstage talents to this year’s spring musical production of Mamma Mia! that played to sold-out crowds from Feb. 28 to March 1.

COLLEGE TOURS While visiting area cities, students were able to stop by various colleges and universities for tours of the campuses and classes.

Students included Amelia Williams ’22, DJ Brunelle ’23, Stella Liebler ’23, Gabriela Medeiros ’23, Jackson Rafferty ’23, and Sophia Scampolino ’23.

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HARRIET BEECHER STOWE Leading up to Thanksgiving break, all U.S. History classes attended the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, where they were able to take a tour of the famous author’s home, worked with archival materials, and practiced writing as historians.

NATURE CONSERVANCY Members of the Cheshire Academy Eco Leaders group visited Yale University for a symposium held on Dec. 3 organized by The Nature Conservancy. There, students heard from featured speaker Thomas Friedman, author of “Hot, Flat, and Crowded,” and columnist for the New York Times.

From left: Zhenyi “Jenny” Sheng ’20, Yi “Evelyn” Wang ’20, Bora Atalay ’22, Aditya Sinha ’22, Dante Strollo ’20, and Samyuth Sagi ’20.

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Trustee News At its January meeting, the Cheshire Academy Board of Trustees formally introduced its new chair and two newly elected trustees. Jennifer Freedman P’15 replaced Richard Cerrone ’67 as chair, while William Ampofo II ’92 and Jared Pinsker ’97 joined the board as new trustees.

Freedman (Westport, Connecticut) joined the board in June 2019. She has served in various leadership roles and on the boards of several notable organizations. Currently, Freedman is a board member of Pink Aid, a Connecticut-based organization that supports women who are being treated for breast cancer, and is president and a board member of the Birchwood Country Club. Freedman previously served as president of the Dean’s Parent and Family Council for the University of Chicago and on the Wake Forest University Parents’ Council.

A former psychotherapist, Freedman holds degrees in psychology, including M.S. and M.A. degrees from Columbia University, and a B.A. degree from the University of Vermont. Her husband, Michael Freedman, served as a Cheshire Academy trustee from 2011-2016. Together, they have two children: Lauren Freedman, Cheshire Academy class of 2015, and Max Freedman.

“It is a privilege to attend a school like Cheshire Academy,” reflected Freedman. “The diverse community which enrolls students from so many different countries and states is a special environment in which to learn.

Students hear about the world in and out of the classroom and have friends from near and far. I am honored to be able to give back and be part of the Cheshire community again.”

“We have always been grateful to Cheshire Academy for the education that Lauren received. She was cared for and challenged, and very well prepared when she arrived at Wake Forest University,” Freedman said. “My husband and I were thrilled when Julie Anderson was appointed head of school, and the opportunity to be the chair and work with someone so incredibly smart and talented was an offer I could not turn down.”

Pinsker (Orange, Connecticut) is the CEO and president of Best Friends Pet Hotel, a national operator of 31 full-service pet hotels in 16 states throughout the United States. Pinsker received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Boston College. He and his wife, Johanna, have two children: Myzel and Morgan.

In her role, Freedman plans to support Anderson and Cheshire Academy’s leadership team in their efforts to maintain financial stability, ensure strong enrollment levels, and advance the school’s educational mission.

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Jennifer Freedman P’15

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About his appointment, Pinsker said, “My experience at Cheshire Academy had such a formative impact on who I am and how I became that person. There are limitless things I learned during my time as a student at Cheshire which are a part of who I am and how I function on a daily

basis today. Serving on the board gives me the opportunity to give back in another extremely meaningful way to an institution that gave me so much.”

Ampofo (Flower Mound, Texas) is vice president of supply chain, a division of Boeing Global Services with operations in over 70 countries and more than 300 locations around the world. He spent 22 years at United Technologies Corporation before joining Boeing in April 2016.

Beyond his role at Boeing, Ampofo serves on the board of directors for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the Dallas Regional Chamber. Ampofo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Adelphi University before receiving an MBA from George Washington University. He and his wife, Kristyn, have three children: Taylor, Devyn, and Trey (William III).

William Ampofo II ’92

Reflecting on his time at Cheshire Academy, Ampofo believes the school played a critical role in his development of becoming a young man extremely well prepared for college, both academically and athletically.

Ampofo’s appointment to the Board means he has “a unique opportunity to give back in a small way to an institution that afforded me the opportunities I would not have had. I consider it a privilege and an honor to be able to contribute and pay it forward to the next generation of students as they look to forge their paths,” he said.

Jared Pinsker ’97

The Board met on Nov. 22 and elected Freedman and Pinsker to their new roles. Other business included David Jepson, Cheshire Academy class of 1959, taking on his new role as trustee emeritus. Cerrone, who has retired after his 15 years of service to the board, is a member of the Cheshire Academy class of 1967. Ampofo was elected on Jan. 30.

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Mautner presents at national conference Three CA English teachers—Allison Bass-Riccio, Theresa Mautner, and Emily Roller—recently attended the National Council for the Teachers of English annual convention. Held in Baltimore, Maryland, from Nov. 20-24, the conference brought together thousands of educators from across the globe to be inspired, rejuvenated, and introduced to new ideas and strategies to use in their profession.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Spirited Inquiry,” focused on sparking genuine curiosity in the classroom by honoring the role that questioning plays in deepening our understanding of the world around us. The weekend kicked off with a keynote address from George Takei of “Star Trek” fame. Takei recently published a graphic memoir entitled “They Called Us Enemy,” depicting his experience growing up in United States during World War II. Other notable guests included Laurie Halse Anderson, author of “Speak” and “Chains,” and Ibi Zoboi, author and National Book Award finalist.

struck from behind at a red light and, just a year prior to taking Wolfsdorf ’s class, was involved in another serious car accident.

Mautner temporarily left the classroom during the peak of the graphic video. Later, she was asked to be interviewed by Wolfsdorf about her experience in the class. This conversation evolved into a component of Wolfsdorf ’s Ph.D. thesis, part of which was published as a scholarly article that served as the basis for the NCTE presentation. In Wolfsdorf ’s words, “The presentation used multiple lenses and frames of reference as a means for more comprehensively and structurally examining how complex and nuanced the issue of student trauma can be in the English classroom and beyond.”

Mautner’s portion of the presentation focused on recounting her experience in the course and techniques she uses in her own classroom to scaffold students’ engagement with sensitive subject matter.

Bass-Riccio, who teaches World Literature and Postgraduate Seminar, had a wonderful experience at the conference.

She shared, “Not only did I get to hear Mautner, co-chair of CA’s English authors whom I have admired for years, Department, presented an article she such as Henry Louis Gates and George co-published with her graduate school Takei, but I also had the opportunity to Theresa Mautner, Adam Wolfsdorf, and professor, Adam Wolfsdorf, whose meet and network with up-and-coming Chrissy Wallace. research focuses on the intersection authors.” One session focusing on actionbetween psychology, literature, and based research for students helped Bassstudent trauma. A graduate of Harvard, Wolfsdorf holds a Ph.D. Riccio think about assignments that focus on analysis beyond the in English Education from Columbia University, and teaches typical research paper. multiple courses in the English Education departments at New Roller shared that she appreciated the opportunity to “listen to York University and Columbia University. Wolfsdorf is also well-known authors speak about their craft.” Roller hopes to currently the English Department chair at Bay Ridge Prep in integrate what she learned into her courses: World Literature and Brooklyn, New York. Mautner and Wolfsdorf were joined by English I for International Students. She explained, “Both Tara Chrissy Wallace, a clinical social worker.

Westover and George Takei gave me language and anecdotes that The inspiration for Mautner and Wolfsdorf ’s article dates back I can bring to my classroom when we do our own memoir unit.” to 2015, when Mautner was a student in Wolfsdorf ’s course Westover closed out the weekend by discussing her memoir, on Teaching Drama. Wolfsdorf showed his graduate English “Educated.” Westover grew up in a survivalist family that did not Education students a video of a car crash, not knowing that believe in formal education or Western medicine. She managed Mautner’s life had been affected by numerous car crashes. During to educate herself by studying for the ACT and then gaining Mautner’s junior year of high school, her father, Michael West, admission to Brigham Young University. She graduated magna was driving his daily morning commute when a car traveling in cum laude in 2008 and went on to study at Cambridge University, the opposite direction crossed the double yellow line, colliding ultimately earning her Ph.D., even though she lacked a GED. She with a car that flipped over and drove on top of West’s car. West is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy was taken by helicopter to the emergency room and made a full School Shorenstein Center where she studies the media’s impact recovery, but the experience left Mautner hesitant to drive. In on ideological polarization.

2006, Mautner sustained a concussion when her father’s car was 30

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The Harwood Society for Planned Giving

Church Leaves Legacy with Charitable Remainder Trust to Support Cheshire Joseph ( Joe) T. Church ’71 grew up in Montville, Connecticut, a little more than an hour from Cheshire Academy. “My parents felt I possessed the inherent aptitude but lacked the discipline for greater things in life than was being offered in my hometown public high school,” Joe says.

“They felt that CA could foster my innate abilities while instilling some positive direction into a youth with no compass.”

Joe thrived at CA, participating in lacrosse, track & field, Key Club, Student Council, and as a dormitory proctor. “Cheshire Academy armed me with a variety of basic academic tools and a worldly exposure by virtue of a diverse student body like I’d never seen and then pointed me toward the next stage of my educational adventure with a profound confidence.”

In gratitude for his excellent education, Joe began annual giving to CA in the 1980s. More recently, he and his wife Nancy established a charitable remainder trust to create the Joseph T. Church ’71 & Nancy A. Church Endowed Fund. “Our goal is to assist some future student that we shall never know make the right decisions at CA that helps catapult him or her to much greater things in this world.”

The Harwood Society for Planned Giving honors alumnus Charles Harwood Jr. ’40, who became one of the Academy’s most vocal proponents and an advocate of building a strong endowment. The Harwood Society recognizes people who make financial provisions in their estate plans or establish charitable gift annuities or trusts to support the Academy’s mission for future generations.

Nancy and Joe Church

Joe acknowledges then Dean of Students and later Headmaster Dr. Ernest J. Beaulac, Jr., who, after one Friday afternoon of youthful “curiosity and deviousness decided to severely punish but not crush me.”

Joe encourages his fellow alumni to think back on their time at Cheshire.

“It is a rare occurrence that something or someone didn’t have a positive influence on your life,” Joe says. “Your gift to Cheshire Academy will help current and future students experience the same and perhaps make a positive difference in this world. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

For more information, please contact: Barbara Davis P’17, ’18, ’19, ’24 Senior Director of Leadership and Planned Giving Cheshire Academy 10 Main Street Cheshire, Connecticut 06410 barbara.davis@cheshireacademy.org 203-439-7228

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Trailblazing in the arts How eight alumni are making their names known in their lines of work There’s no contending the rich artistic presence throughout Cheshire Academy’s 226-year history. Renowned artists Rockwell Kent and John Frederick Kensett, musicians like rap artist and social activist Talib Kweli Greene ’93 and famed guitarist Eric Bloom ’62, and performers such as actors James Van Der Beek ’95 and voiceover artist Christian Rosselli ’00, have called Cheshire Academy home throughout every century, decade, and graduating class.

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But the arts have not always been at the forefront of CA. Originally comprised of a drama club and various musical ensembles, classes related to the arts did not make their way permanently into the curriculum until the 1920s. A photography club was later formed in 1936 and, a year prior, the Roxbury Auditorium (later named Memorial Hall)—which offered a stage and roughly 600 seats—was opened in what is now the Watch Factory complex.

Faculty made sure to put forth an effort to grow arts at CA throughout the years by organizing annual productions and continuing art-centric clubs. Students, too, did their part, including in 1972, when classmates put together “Zenith,” a three-day celebration of the arts featuring music, photography, films, and coffee on campus.

Four years later in 1976, performing arts groups were without a home when CA sold its theater. Following the theater’s closure, performances were held in the Harwood Student Center, Arthur Sheriff Field House, Gideon Welles Dining Commons, and on the top floor of Bowden Hall. Despite the setback, many alumni prospered and found themselves graduating from CA with an appreciation for their talents, an appetite for more, and with positive memories of the encouragement and support from faculty and staff.

At Cheshire Academy, we want to ensure our students’ needs and talents in the arts are met, and new opportunities are offered. The proposed Community Fine and Performing Arts Center—an addition to the existing visual arts building—will provide our students a dedicated stage on which they can perform in front of up to 550 spectators. The newly renovated classrooms for all arts— musical, visual, and performing—will give students and faculty new, high-quality spaces in which to teach, learn, and freely convey artistic expression.

Eight young alumni, some of whom come from a long history of artists and others who are trailblazing their own unique passions, have shared with us what they’ve accomplished since graduating and, in their own words, express their excitement and optimism about the proposed CFPAC addition. Read their stories on how they are making names for themselves, and how they believe the new center will benefit all CA students and the community at large. < Illustration by Andrew Buick ’06. the magazine of cheshire academy

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TWO ALUMNI USING THEIR PASSION TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY When he was in first grade, Jonathan Bergamo ’13 went with his parents to see The Cranberries perform live. It was the first of many concerts Bergamo would attend with his mother and father, and an introduction into the field in which he now works.

Over the years, Bergamo picked up a few instruments of his own, including the violin, guitar, and drums, and continued to attend concerts with his parents. He also connected with band management staff, such as for the Dave Matthews Band. At the time, Bergamo did not know that he would find himself pursuing a similar career.

Today, Bergamo works as a fan engagement and data specialist for Nettwerk Management in Boston, under the umbrella of Nettwerk Music Group. He handles and oversees artists’ social media posts, digital advertising, and the team’s communications strategy.

The Boston location manages 15 bands and artists. Bergamo works with the artists to learn what their priorities are and how they want to disseminate information to the public related to new music, albums, and tours, and uses his knowledge and experience with Nettwerk to effectively get their messaging out.

Similarly, Eric Stern ’09 grew up around music. Most of his family has involved themselves in the arts, including his father—a bluegrass banjo player—and his brother, a filmmaker. Stern always had a passion for both

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Jonathan Bergamo

Eric Stern

music and filmmaking, but admits that he “was always kind of shy” and drawn more to the behind-the-scenes work.

Now Stern works as a re-recording mixer, sound editor, and producer for Flavorlab, a New York City-based awardwinning audio production company. In his role, Stern designs sounds for movies, documentaries, and reality television shows. He also works in other mediums, including podcasts and radio.

Stern always believed he would pursue a career in music or film and, at CA, he was heavily involved in the school’s music program. It wasn’t until his junior and senior years when he began to experience what would later become his profession. In Julie Anderson’s Spanish class, for example, Stern created films for many of her assignments. One of the videos resembled an older silent film, requiring him to time the music just right to the video.

In his senior year, Stern and a few of his classmates created a video on the issue of academic dishonesty for the National Honor Society. Again, part of his role was to line the music up to the footage.

“It was the first time I really had to match timing and try to make something fit in a certain sequence of time, musicwise,” recalled Stern. “…It somehow came naturally to me.”

When Bergamo studied at Cheshire Academy, he already had a passion for music, but members of the faculty helped him to nurture and build upon his interest in music management.

“I realized there were aspects of this that I was really good at, and Cheshire Academy really gave me my own path to explore and supported me in that,” Bergamo reflected.

As an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme student, Bergamo was also able to use art classes to further explore music. He also helped manage the fencing, varsity football, and varsity baseball teams, which is a skill set he uses to this day.

“Almost all of my art projects—the ones I chose myself—by the end were almost separate creative pieces that let me explore things around music. I think this was a really great opportunity to get me started thinking about all of that,” he said.

Following CA, Bergamo attended and graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in music industry. He minored in business administration and recording.

While at Northeastern, Bergamo participated in one of two co-ops at Nettwerk. Before he graduated, he was brought back to help Nettwerk promote Dispatch, an American indie/roots band that had recently reunited after a hiatus.

He was later hired by the company.

“I was excited to go to the premiere and work on something that was released in a theater, and see people who were there to watch it.” ~ Eric Stern the magazine of cheshire academy

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“They brought me in to do some digital advertising work,” recalled Bergamo. “Dispatch was about to put out their first new album and come back together as a band for the first time, really, in at least six years.”

Bergamo was tasked with rebuilding Dispatch’s fan base. “They wanted me to dig in on Dispatch’s community and find those opportunities where we could start building fans again and start connecting with people as they [the band] hit the road.”

In the summer of 2019, Bergamo set a goal to get Dispatch fans to become friends with one another with the intention of building a deeper community connection. At three headline shows, Bergamo planned pre-show parties. In Maine, for example, Bergamo worked with Rising Tide Brewery to host a pre-concert party, which offered attendees a Dispatch-themed beer. The event was a success, with brewery owners informing Bergamo it was one of their best business days.

“I felt like I got to create a real moment that had an impact within the fan community, but also married some of my loves,” Bergamo said. “I love beer, I love music, and I love that band, so being able to put all those pieces together, to create something really real, was kind of incredible.”

After CA, Stern graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in music technology and computer science. He later graduated from New York University’s graduate program with a music technology degree. Stern started with Flavorlab in 2016 and, since being hired, has worked on various projects, including

the short film “Boy in a Backpack,” produced by Josh Hutcherson.

“That was released just online, but it got a lot of YouTube views and a lot of attention for a brief period of time,” explained Stern.

“That was my first time doing something that a lot of people were getting their eyes on, and I was really proud of that at the time.”

One year later, Flavorlab was hired for a documentary about the 2016 presidential election. Stern worked on audio for dialogue and sound when text would come onto the screen, demonstrating tension in the clips.

More recently, Stern worked on “Crypto,” a movie featuring Kurt Russell, and “After Everything,” a comedy drama film that follows a young couple during a troubling time. “After Everything” premiered in NYC, and Stern was able to attend.

“I was excited to go to the premiere and work on something that was released in a theater, and see people who were there to watch it,” Stern said. “… I wasn’t the main mixer, but to be involved was really exciting.”

While in college, Stern worked as part of CA’s summer program, including teaching a class on electronic music. Even at that time, he had heard about the proposal for the CFPAC and shared an excitement for the building’s potential. Reflecting on his time at CA, he noticed how the arts were scattered across campus, including in the Field House, Student Center, and Bowden Hall.

“We were never interacting back then,” he said. “With a new center, students and faculty being in one space and all the creative people interacting with each other is huge.”

Thinking back on his experiences at CA, where he garnered skills such as critical thinking when faced with unique situations, Bergamo is grateful for his time at the school. He visited during the 2019 Homecoming & Family Weekend, where he was able to witness firsthand the school spirit elicited by the new bleachers overlooking the Armando Simosa ’08 Athletic Field and Track.

He’s optimistic the CFPAC addition would only further boost morale.

“It would be transformative,” Bergamo said.

“I think to how people view and experience Cheshire Academy in such a positive way, so I hope that it keeps continuing the way that it is.”

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“THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS”: PERFORMING, STAGE CREW, AND SETTING UP THE NEXT GENERATION OF ACTORS FOR SUCCESS When it comes to theater and performing arts, many young alumni have fond memories of the Black Box Theatre, located on the second floor of the Field House. It’s a small, personal space that can seat around 100 people, with darkened walls and a stage for CA students to experience the rush of performing in front of a live audience.

For some, the theatre is their first exposure to a stage and lights.

Academy is) the first time I think when it really clicked, that lightbulb went on that this is the type of career I want to have.”

For Michael Fiske ’10, who dedicated all his afternoon programs to the arts, his exposure to the Black Box Theatre was the first time he realized he wanted to pursue the arts as his profession.

With a father who works as a director of photography, Kallie Taylor ’10 grew up around cameras, either as the subject in focus, or learning hands-on how to use the equipment.

“The arts, in general I think, has a sense of community. We talk about this a lot at work, that this is a passion-based industry,” noted Fiske, who is now office manager, management associate, and head of development with theatrical production and general management company Fifth Estate Entertainment. “(Cheshire

“I just loved playing with his camera when he would let me, so I always knew I wanted to go into something digital,” she said.

“I’m more of a digital learner and worker, so I’ve always been drawn to it.”

Michael Fiske

Cheshire Academy Black Box Theatre

Kallie Taylor

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At Cheshire Academy, that passion grew. A digital arts class, taught by Lindsay Furman, sparked her interest in the industry. Now Taylor works as a production assistant for the Amazon Prime Video show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

“I work in film. I always wanted to end up in that area—I wasn’t sure exactly where—but I always knew that I wanted to go into the arts and Cheshire Academy definitely helped me with that,” she said.

Julie Robles ’07 is another alumna who was immersed in the arts from a young age. Her mother, Ruth D’Agostino, is a world-traveling opera singer, and her great-grandparents were the Boudinis, the vaudevillian duo known best as the infamous magician Houdini’s opening act.

When she arrived at Cheshire Academy, Robles told faculty that she was interested in theater. With the administration’s support, Robles was able to perform in 18 plays during her time at school and took as many theater classes as she could.

Robles now works as the theater Michael Fiske ‘10 and Kallie Taylor ‘10 have both been involved in the production of the Amazon technical director at the AllenPrime Video series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Photos courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

Stevenson School in New York City, as well as an actor at The Pit Comedy School.

Fiske graduated from Quinnipiac University with a film, Robles was connected to the directorship television, and media arts degree. Shortly thereafter, he moved to through Stacy Donovan, the school’s former director and former Astoria, Queens, with a friend and began interviewing for jobs. theater director at CA. After one year, he was hired by Food Network, and later accepted “(Cheshire Academy) really helped me figure out who I am as an an internship with a theatrical general management company. It actor and as a young person, and it helped me figure out that this was there when he met Nathan Gehan who, at the end of Fiske’s is what I really wanted to do with my life,” reflected Robles. “It internship, informed him he was leaving to start his own business. also made me realize when I was there that I not only wanted to The two parted ways, but remained in contact. be an actor—I also wanted to run a drama department. I wanted From there, Fiske went to work on the second season of “The to do both; I wanted to be in education, and I wanted to be in the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” as a production assistant within the arts.” costumes department. He was unaware Taylor was also working there in the props department.

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“I specifically remember taking out the trash, going around the corner, and running into her. It was the most surreal experience,” reflected Fiske. “I think she even said she saw my name in the mail room. It was just funny. It’s weird how worlds can collide like that.”

For Taylor, the chance to run into Fiske showed how far the two had come since their time at CA. “There was a sense of pride. We were both like, ‘Look at us now,’” recalled Taylor.

Two weeks after graduating from Wheaton College as a film and new media major, Taylor visited a friend in New York City. Her friend’s neighbor was a production designer who was looking for an intern for the film “The Family Fang,” starring Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, and Christopher Walken. Taylor took the opportunity and moved to NYC for the job.

Following completion of the movie, Taylor continued working for the same production designer, including on the HBO pilot for “The Deuce.” She later met her current boss and worked with him as his production assistant for “The OA” and, currently, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Between seasons, Taylor worked in the art department for “Ocean’s Eight.”

Outside of work, Taylor is taking online classes for graphic design.

The courses, she believes, will help her in her career, including for when she is tasked with creating props from different time periods.

“In the show, [Maisel] begins in the 1950s, and it’s now moving into the 1960s. A lot of what’s needed—props, costumes, accessories—is hard to find now,” she said. “You can buy products on eBay, but a lot of it is fabricating props, which is really cool …

Sometimes I’ll put something together. There’s a lot of visual stuff, too. We have to make newspapers, beer bottles, and they all have to be realistic.”

Taylor has been with the “Maisel” crew since before the season one pilot aired in 2017. As such, she has a tremendous pride in how much attention the show has received.

“It was something that when we started, none of us had any idea how big the show was going to be,” she said. “It’s huge and it’s cool because we’ve been nominated and we’ve won a lot of awards—not just the actors, but the art department and the camera department. It’s something when people ask what I do, when I bring that up, it’s cool to see peoples’ reactions. It gives me a sense of pride.”

After CA, Robles attended and graduated from Pace University’s School of Performing Arts program with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. From there, she participated in regional theater and OffBroadway shows, and completed some tours before graduating in 2016 with a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Now at The Allen-Stevenson School, Robles believes that Donovan has “passed the torch” on to her to teach the next generation of actors. After work, she performs.

“It’s great because I’m getting to do now what I wanted to do when I was 13. I wanted to run a drama program during the day and then at night, go do my own thing, which is perform.” ~ Julie Robles

Julie Robles

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“It’s great because I’m getting to do now what I wanted to do when I was 13. I wanted to run a drama program during the day and then at night, go do my own thing, which is perform,” explained Robles. “I’m performing at The Pit, which is one of the top improv theaters in the country, which is really great. It’s the best of both worlds.”

At the Allen-Stevenson School, Robles spends much of her time working with middle school-aged students. While she works with them on the intricacies of theater, she also teaches them life skills—including some that she herself learned from Donovan. “It’s getting them ready for the rest of their lives,” she said.

As for Fiske, he reconnected with Gehan and has been working with him since 2018. In the winter of 2019, he worked with Cirque du Soleil on its “‘Twas the Night Before…” show in Chicago. As management associate, he assisted the general manager on all aspects of the show.

Looking back on his time at CA, Fiske believes the CFPAC addition would spark more interest in the arts on campus.

“I just loved my experience so much,” he said, “but, obviously, people being more exposed to proper production value and an actual audience would be great.”

Robles believes that the new CFPAC space would be “great for kids to get an upgraded experience to an already amazing arts program.”

“I remember being at Cheshire Academy as a freshman or sophomore and us talking about, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we had an actual auditorium? Wouldn’t it be great if we had upgraded lights?

Wouldn’t it be great if we had updated booths?’ and now it’s finally coming into play. It’s like a dream come true,” Robles said.

Taylor shared a similar view to Robles. She believes that that CFPAC addition would help set students up for success in their professional lives.

“Being a high schooler who knew that’s what I wanted to go into, I wish they had had more arts electives … I’m now a little jealous that that’s possibly going to happen,” Taylor said. “I think the addition is huge with all the content that’s going out now. I hate to say it, but everyone’s obsessed with Instagram and streaming, but it’s a huge part of our world. I think that it’d be awesome to give kids the opportunity to learn the skills to create content for those platforms."

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Ashley Baylor

USING VISUAL ARTS AS A FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION Sometimes it takes a piece of equipment in hand for someone to excel at their passion. Just ask Ashley Baylor ’14, Andrew Buick ’06, or Jason Lee ’15, three alumni who were guided to their careers by being introduced to, respectively, a sewing machine, pen and ink, and a camera.

Since she was 9 years old, Baylor, now a merchandise sample assistant for American Eagle Outfitters, as well as a content creator and fashion blogger, knew she wanted to go into fashion.

Entering Cheshire Academy, she wasn’t sure if she would pursue the career of businesswoman or artist until she met art department head Francois Poisson, who made resources available for her to explore. During her time at the Academy, Baylor was able to expand her knowledge of sewing after Poisson acquired for her a sewing machine, which she later used to make pillowcases for girls in Africa as part of a Coleman Group project, and created a wearable dress constructed out of newspaper.

“That was really helpful,” reflected Buick. “I don’t think a lot of schools offer that to their students, and it definitely helped us build our applications.”

For a birthday gift to himself, Lee picked up a camera to explore the trade. He began taking photographs and later involved himself with likeminded classmates at CA. “I was president of the photography club until I graduated, and I had a really good relationship with (former teacher) Ms. Sarah Ritz-Swain,” Lee said. “She helped me a lot and helped guide me through to become a photographer, so I’m really grateful for Cheshire Academy for leading me to be good at what I’m good at.”

Following CA, Buick graduated with a degree in communications design from the Pratt Institute. He later graduated from the User Experience Design Immersive program offered in San Francisco by the General Assembly, which educated him on designing and navigating mobile applications.

“That’s a really strong emerging field right now, and it’s nice to have that skillset as a graphic designer,” Buick said. “As a graphic designer nowadays, you have to have a

Ashley Baylor designing a dress made for the American Heart Association’s Red Dress competition, presented by Macy’s.

Andrew Buick

Poisson, Baylor added, also pushed her to find a passion for painting.

“Mr. Poisson was amazing in that process, pushing me creatively. That’s when I knew … I wanted to go for design, “Baylor said. “… He gave me the materials and worked very hands on to help me with (building a portfolio) and provided me with materials that I needed so, when I got to college, I learned to sew even more. I was able to produce collections.”

Like Baylor, Buick, a creative professional currently working as a senior graphic designer for engineering firm Brown and Caldwell in Walnut Creek, California, was helped by Poisson. Buick had been drawing throughout his childhood, but it was halfway through his time at CA when he realized he could make a profession out of his talents.

Poisson, for example, assisted Buick and other art-driven students with building their portfolios and applying to art schools. It’s something for which Buick is still grateful.

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lot of tools in your belt—illustration, user experience, visual design, web design … adding those extra skillsets is helpful in finding work.”

Lee graduated from New York University in May 2019 with a double major in film and television, and journalism.

While studying at NYU, Lee networked with filmmakers, ultimately landing himself a position as director of photography for a Chanel Taiwan commercial, which aired on digital camera manufacturing company RED’s website.

As the director of photography, Lee was tasked with taking the director’s vision and creating the visuals for the work. The opportunity, Lee said, has landed him other roles and helped to get his name out to the public as a filmmaker. He is in the process of submitting a new narrative, titled “Delusion,” to film festivals.

“I’m just really happy to be doing what I’m doing, and I’m very grateful that I’m having some amount of success in the industry,” Lee said. “I’m grateful that I have the support of my parents and the background needed for me to do what I’m doing … not everyone gets to do what they love. I think it’s such a blessing for me.”

He urges anyone looking to find a career in the arts to do what they love.

“Really have a passion for what you do,” he said. “Don’t do things to achieve things. Do it because you love it and put love into whatever it is you’re making. I think that is the road to success.”

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Jason Lee

“Don’t do things to achieve things.

Do it because you love it and put love into whatever it is you’re making. I think that is the road to success.” ~ Jason Lee

Baylor later graduated from Philadelphia University with a degree in fashion design and from LIM College with a Master of Professional Studies degree in fashion marketing. While in school, she began to receive positive comments about her attire, with many people asking where she bought an outfit. Most times, people would be in disbelief at how little Baylor spent.

As she began to blog about fashion, Baylor found herself opening up about other personal issues, such as anxiety and mental health.

“It was World Mental Health Day in October 2018,” Baylor remembers. “I was like, ‘Maybe I should open up my blog to more than just fashion,’ because I think there are so many important things in my life as well, and struggling with anxiety was one of them.”

The post, dated Oct. 10, 2018, reflects on Baylor growing up with anxiety. Four years prior, she visited a doctor after believing something was wrong with her heart. The doctor, she wrote, informed her that she was having mini panic attacks due to her anxiety.

“I received so much response from people who were going through the same thing but didn’t tell anyone, people who were afraid to tell others and felt like they couldn’t relate to anyone,” Baylor said. “I just want my brand to always be authentic, but I didn’t know I would influence people or make someone who is struggling be a little less lonely. So, to me, that was huge.”

After moving to San Francisco with his now wife, Buick worked at a publishing company and Sears Holdings, the latter of which was where he designed graphics and prints for girls’ and toddler

girls’ clothing. Buick called the fashion industry “very quick, but also very fun,” and has been able to see his designs worn out in public by consumers.

The first time he had such an experience was on a hike with his wife. Buick had designed some active wear for women, which he saw being worn by a fellow hiker. The encounter took him by surprise.

“These clothes, they get produced by the thousands, so there must be a lot of kids wearing my work around the United States, which is kind of cool to think about,” Buick admitted.

Thinking back to her time at CA, Baylor believes that the new CFPAC addition would benefit current students, as well as the surrounding community at large.

“I know that’s something that the school really needs and could benefit from,” she said. “I think it will push students farther because they’ll feel like they’re being supported, their needs are being supported, and that they’re at a school that cares about what they want to do, career-wise or even as a hobby.”

Buick agreed with Baylor, commenting that the new space will help push students to strive in all subjects.

“Having a new building with bigger studios, extra classrooms, and more equipment will definitely help the arts at Cheshire,” Buick said. “… Art education is really important. Pushing that creative side of your brain helps in other disciplines as well, so I think a new space would be really beneficial.”

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ALUMNI

Homecoming & Family Weekend

ALUMNI RECEPTION Cheshire Academy kicked off Homecoming & Family Weekend with an alumni reception held on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Library Wine Bar and Bistro in Wallingford, Connecticut.

FALL FEST The Cheshire Academy community enjoyed an afternoon of lawn games, food, and music hosted by the Advancement Office.

A pop-up school store, induction of Cody Keith â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 into the Kevin Slaughter Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame, and the annual Homecoming Football Game against Choate rounded out the weekend.

VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP Over 30 Cheshire Academy class agents, Reunion Committee volunteers, and Alumni Leadership Association members participated in a volunteer workshop during Homecoming & Family Weekend. Alumni volunteers were also invited to attend a presentation from Head of School Julie Anderson and Chief Marketing Officer Ken Mason, and enjoyed a student panel over lunch.

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Cody Keith ’11 with the 2019 varsity football team.

Cody Keith ’11 Hall of Fame Induction On Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, during the annual Homecoming & Family Weekend, Cheshire Academy inducted Cody Keith ’11 into the Kevin D. Slaughter Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame.

In the spring of 1986, Kevin Dennis Slaughter, soccer coach, dorm parent, and math teacher at Cheshire Academy, brought the concept of an Athletic Hall of Fame to the Alumni Office. An avid proponent of the benefits of athletics in a young person’s life, he was very impressed with the rich, athletic history at the Academy. Kevin served as chairman of the committee to design the Hall of Fame’s criteria and started research on prospective members. Tragically, in August of that year, he drowned in a scuba diving accident. Shortly thereafter, it was decided to name the Hall of Fame in the memory of this special, young educator.

Keith enrolled at CA in the fall of 2010 and immediately made a name for himself on the football field. In nine games, he had 241 completions, 3,840 passing yards, and 39 touchdowns, while averaging 426 yards per game. He led the team to an 8-1 record and a victory over New Hampton School in the Rorke Bowl championship. At the end of the 2010 season, Keith was named a First Team High School All American and the 2010 National High School Prep Player of the Year by Tom Lemming, CBS college sports analyst.

From left: India Keith, Cody Keith ’11, and Greg Keith.

Keith continued to play at East Carolina University. After his collegiate career, Keith garnered interest from both the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens before ultimately pursuing a professional career with the Canadian Football League.

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ALUMNI

Celebration of Leadership Leadership donors, volunteers, and members of the Harwood Society for Planned Giving enjoyed an intimate and festive gathering on Dec. 8-9 in New York City with Head of School Julie Anderson and members of the Board of Trustees for the second annual Celebration of Leadership. This annual tradition brings together those who share a passion for and commitment to advancing Cheshire Academy’s mission, and to honor and express gratitude for their investment in the Academy and its students.

Guests were treated to a culinary and spirit experience at Bouley Test Kitchen, including two cooking demonstrations: signature Chef David Bouley’s dish, “Forager’s Treasure of Wild Mushrooms,” and truffles handcrafted by a master chocolatier. A delicious three-course lunch curated by New York Times-heralded executive chef Gavon Citron ’86 followed, with each course paired with select wine and commentary from sommelier Bill Bishop ’73, and private reserve whiskey donated by the Stuart family.

The celebration continued with a docent-led tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, featuring the work of Cheshire Academy alumnus John Frederick Kensett, a Cheshire native who attended the Academy and whose work is among the original collection of the Met. A member of the second generation of the Hudson River School of artists, Kensett's signature works are landscape paintings of New England and New York state, whose clear light and serene surfaces celebrate transcendental qualities of nature and are associated with the American art style of luminism.

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KOREA/NYC/BOSTON REGIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS Director of Alumni Relations Peter White ’07 continues to foster connections between alumni from around the world. In November, White visited several alumni and current families in Seoul, Korea. More recently in February, White and Director of Young Alumni Engagements and Special Gifts Leo Hiertz hosted a group in Boston at Faneuil Hall.

In March, Hiertz, White, Head of School Julie Anderson, and Chief Advancement Officer Amy Brough gathered with a lively group in New York City at Emmy Squared, an award-winning restaurant owned by former trustee and past parent Howard Greenstone P’12.

Peter White ’07 with Jeonghoon Lee ’00

Boston Young Alumni event

New York City Young Alumni event

Peter White ’07 with Hyejin Jung ’96

WINTER RECEPTION

REUNION ZERO EVENT

Over 100 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Cheshire Academy returned to campus for the 31st annual Winter Reception, featuring the talented 1794s a capella group and student musicians.

A new tradition in its second year at Cheshire Academy, Reunion Zero takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The event is a special opportunity for college-aged alumni who have not yet celebrated their fifth reunion to return to campus and connect with one another, as well as faculty and staff.

U P CO M I N G R E G I O N A L E V E N T S I N C LU D E : April 30 – Spring Giving Day May 5 – Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Yankees with pre-game reception June 25 – New Haven Young Alumni reception Watch your inbox and mailbox for more information, or contact White at peter.white@cheshireacademy.org

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ATHLETICS CA FOOTBALL JOINS NEW NEPSAC LEAGUE

Eleven New England football powers, including Cheshire Academy, will make up a new Class A independent school league and will begin play in the fall.

Spearheaded by Cheshire Academy’s Associate Head of School and head football coach David Dykeman, the league will feature some of the best teams in the region and will be a part of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council. The league will consist of: Phillips Academy, Andover, Brunswick School, Cheshire Academy, Deerfield Academy, The Hun School, Phillips Exeter Academy, Salisbury School, Suffield Academy, Worcester Academy, Williston Northampton School, and Wyoming Seminary.

A two-year schedule has been set and league play will serve as a qualifier for the seven New England bowl championships.

“Alumni should be excited that we’re playing the best of the best in New England football,” Dykeman said. “We’re really excited about playing Suffield Academy in Week 8 and we’re trying to build up continuous rivalries with a lot of schools.”

2 02 0 C A F O OT BA L L SC H E D U L E Sept. 19: at Wyoming Seminary

Oct. 24: at The Hun School

Sept. 26: vs. Salisbury School

Oct. 31: bye week

Oct. 3: vs. Brunswick School

Nov. 7: at Deerfield Academy

Oct. 10: at Worcester Academy

Nov. 14: vs. Suffield Academy

Oct. 17: vs. Williston Northampton School

WILFREDO AYBAR ’22 RANKED AMONG NATION’S BEST

Wilfredo Aybar ’22: remember the name.

The Cats’ 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end is ranked the No. 2 overall football recruit in the nation for the Class of 2022 by ESPN. He’s been named an AllAmerican and rated a five-star recruit by Rivals. He’s also an honor roll student and an aspiring physics major.

Aybar has offers from 16 schools including Ohio State, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, and Penn State.

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WNEPSSA SOCCER HONORS

Girls’ soccer players Reese Purdy ’21 and Katie Welage ’21 were selected to play in last fall’s WNEPSSA AllStar Game. Owen Kempton ’20 and Russell Tevie ’20 were selected to play in the boys’ all-star game.

CA FIELD HOCKEY WINS ON, OFF FIELD

Cheshire Academy hosted a “Pink Game” on Oct. 18 to benefit the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut.

Paige Bernier ’22 scored to lift Cheshire Academy to a 1-0 win over Marianapolis Preparatory School, and the Cats raised $1,600 for Smilow. Prior to the game, the Cats took part in a survivor’s walk as players and coaches came out onto the field with a person who had beaten cancer.

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL REACHES PLAYOFFS

After a challenging 2018-19 campaign, second-year boys’ basketball head coach Jim McCarthy has the Cats squarely in the mix in NEPSAC Class AA, one of the top prep school leagues in the nation. The Cats reached the playoffs in the winter under McCarthy, who coached at several colleges including Yale University and the University of New Haven. Asa Beyah ’20 (headed to Canisius College), Aidan Godfrey ’21, Ethan Okwuosa ’21, and Giovanni Rubino ’20 led a balanced attack for Cheshire Academy.

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SIGNING DAY

Cheshire Academy continues to be a place of development for future college student-athletes. The Cats added to an impressive list of college signings this school year. The list includes: Lucas Alfaiate ’20 (fencing), Drew University; Asa Beyah ’20 (boys’ basketball), Canisius College; Bella Brooder ’20 (girls’ lacrosse), Springfield College; Owen Kempton ’20 (boys’ soccer), Northeastern University; Cam Maddox ’20 (football), Dartmouth; Fabi McLeod ’20 (girls’ lacrosse), University of New Haven; Riley Norwood ’20 (softball), Mount Saint Mary College; Kent Oliver ’20 (football), Tufts University; Jackson Parker ’20 (football), University of Albany; Christian Perez ’20 (baseball), Saint Peter’s College; Jack Roberge ’20 (football), Amherst College; Jordan Robinson ’20 (football), University of New Haven; Gino Tartamella ’20 (football), University of Maine; Simon Yan ’20 (football), Hamilton College.

Clockwise from top left: Fabi McLeod ’20, Asa Beyah ’20 , Kent Oliver ’20, and Owen Kempton ’20

ALUMNI UPDATE

Alexis Holmes ’18 (at left), who transferred from Penn State to the University of Kentucky this season, won the 400-meter event at the Southeastern Conference Championships with a time of 52.08. Her mark was the third fastest in the nation at the time and is the second best in school history.

Josh Jobe ’18 earned a start in the Citrus Bowl for the University of Alabama.

He finished with six tackles and his first interception of the season in a win over Michigan.

Aliya Catanzarita ’19 was named to Hofstra’s Dean’s List and to the Colonial Athletic Association’s Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. Catanzarita, Cheshire Academy’s first Division I softball player, also got some playing time for the Pride early in the season.

Elijah Pemberton ’16 had a superb senior campaign for the Hofstra men’s basketball team. The guard was averaging 16.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game through February and helped lead Hofstra to its second straight Colonial Athletic Association regular season title.

Ricardo Greer ’97, a men’s basketball assistant coach at the University of Dayton, has helped the Flyers to a No. 3 national ranking, first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference through February, and No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

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ALUMNI

class notes 1930s

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1940s

Art Cirkus ’62

The Hartford Courant newspaper recently profiled James Elsner ’37, who was part of fighter group that kept Japanese soldiers from returning to Alaska during World War II.

Gerald Goldsmith ’48 reached out to let us know he

celebrated his 90th birthday in February, and is still pumping iron.

He urges everyone to never give up.

Robert Caron ’49 was recently inducted into the Bristol

Sports Hall of Fame. He was a standout multi-sport athlete at each level who went on to coach youth sports in Bristol, including 20 years with Bristol Midget Football. He was a member of the Bristol Blues semi-pro team and the Forestville Eagles. Honors passed his way have been multiple, including being recognized by the Bristol Tramps in 1984 with the Harp Broderick Award.

1950s

Peter Hubbard ’56 says he continues to stay active.

“Working with our local high school football team in the offseason doing strength and agility training. Cannot wait for New England Dragway to open as both my wife and I love to drag race our cars.” They also look forward to their annual bass fishing trip at a secret smallmouth lake. “As I tell the folks I do personal training for, ‘You have to age, but you do not have to grow old.’

My best to all the classes of the Academy. Remember each day is a new adventure—enjoy every one of them!”

N E W S? U PDAT E S? M A R R I AG E? B I R T H?

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After living for 10 years in Boynton Beach, Florida, Michael Kates ’62 reports that his family has settled in quite well after moving back to Montreal, Canada.

is now retired and is living with his wife in a small community called Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego county, California.

Don Scott ’62 reflects that he left Cheshire at the age of

18, moved to Alabama, and worked as an auto mechanic at a Chevrolet dealership. At 19, he joined the United States military, serving from 1964 to 1970 with two deployments throughout southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. When his service concluded, he was hired with the Penn Central Railroad, working in the engineering department. In 1978, he moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he worked for the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority until his retirement in 2017. Scott adds that he was married from 1983 until his wife’s passing in 2017. He moved to Burnham, Maine in 2017 and currently owns and operates a 42-acre mini-farm.

Cary Palulis ’64

says, “Susan and I are both fully retired here in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, but still spend summer months in Avon, Connecticut. I had three straight heart attacks over eight days in late October and survived, but had to wear a life vest for many weeks, and now have a permanent defibrillator implanted.

This delayed our trip to Florida by more than two months. I’m doing good now, golfing three times per week, and belong to the PGA Golf Course in St. Lucie, which has four tough courses. I still get together as often as possible with Bob Burg and Paul Malone from our class, and get back to Cheshire Academy for all the big celebrations and our five-year class reunions. I hope to see more of you at the next one (60 years) in 2024—health issues aside.”

Joe Wigley ’66

reached out to say, “Retirement is feeling good. We moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 2019, and bought our retirement home overlooking the Mesilla Valley. Catherine and I couldn’t stay retired for long, so we recently bought a small project home which we flipped and are taking the profits from it, and are in the initial stages of developing a site for homes to house the 600-plus homeless children in the Las Cruces school system.

We hope to expand the site to house homeless veterans in the next four years. Other than that, we chill out watching the sunsets.”

1970s

Rick Morris ’73

has been working in broadcast television and films since 1978. From 2007-2010, Morris worked as the documentary producer/videographer for the Census of Marine Life and the Encyclopedia of Life projects. Rick has shot and produced programming for many of the major networks and cable channels, as well as for non-profits and NGOs like The Nature Conservancy, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the New England Aquarium, Oceana, and the Conservation Law Foundation. Rick was the primary cameraman for the political commentary television show, “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.”

During his tenure with the Census of Marine Life, Rick produced and contributed to more than a dozen films and productions for National Geographic, PBS, BBC, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Rick’s footage has been seen on programs from “Nightline” to “Late Night with David Letterman” and most recently on the network show, “Sunday Morning” on CBS with Jane Pauley. In 2015, Rick was chosen as Scuba Diving Magazine’s Sea Hero for the months of September and October.

’68

Former Board of Trustees member Lenny Simpson ’68 was inducted into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame on Jan. 18 during a ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. As part of his induction, the Southern Tennis Foundation recognized Simpson’s involvement and success in the sport beginning at the age of 5, as well as his founding of the Lenny Simpson Tennis & Education Fund. The primary program of the LSTEF—One Love Tennis—brings tennis instruction and an academic enrichment program for free to develop children both academically and athletically during and outside of the school year.

Dana Benson ’75 submitted this poem after

returning to CA to celebrate the school’s 225th anniversary: “Cheshire Alive, 225! Hello old friend.

I needed you more then. Now, a different mission; A career transition. Back then, my family tent was flaming; Kindled by my adolescent braining. I was not ill or a fool; Advisors suggested we try a new school.

Shopping began; Doctor Beaulac was headman. He, a calming surprise; Cheshire got “the prize.” My parents left; Leaving me happily alone; unbereft. I had my 140-square-foot Heaven, Horton Hall, Number 211.

1974! A baby no more. Finally My Door! Chris Tennyson was in charge of the Hall; He taught, coached, and watched over us all. One day, All-American Bevan Dupre arrived, with beautiful Barbara by his side. Von der Porten Hall (I think) was his first hide, 40 years, what

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ALUMNI

a ride! Today, Cheshire is a growing family, 225 years young. Me a writer finally begun. Thank you old friend, for not joining every new educational sing along, and for sticking with your way until proven wrong. During his Hall of Fame induction yesterday, Jason Curry did say, nightly study hall transformed his way. For me the same bounce of the ball; The study hall, the study hall; key to all! Professor Gardiner’s one-room schoolhouse beginning still inspires me today. A toast to humble starts and great endings, Yay! To Professors Sweetkind, Cash, Tennyson, and Dupre, and to all who taught me back in the day; Thank you for introducing me to the Classics the Cheshire Way. You encouraged me to pursue the truth where it led. No ideology was jammed into my head. To all of you who worked on the celebration plan, Thank you! The event you created for us was grand. All schools need a flow of funds to thrive. To Barbara Davis and the fundraising team, thanks for your drive! To fellow alums, most whom I don’t know; thank you for your donations and helping Cheshire to grow. We don’t want the Academy to go away; a Pompeii, buried under mounds of Condo Clay.”

1980s

Greg Grossman ’83 shared, “I wanted to share

1990s

Dr. Aleesha Grier-Rogers ’90 has joined the faculty at Cheshire Academy as the new diversity, equity & inclusion coordinator.

Satoshi Kawanobe ’91 and his wife, Fanny, welcomed

their third daughter, Aimi, on Jan. 22, 2020. Congratulations also to Satoshi for becoming a Boeing 757/767 pilot.

Brenda Mulligan ’95 began her new role as head of global oncology communications for Sanofi Genzyme in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in September 2019. Sanofi is a global healthcare leader, providing healthcare solutions in more than 170 countries around the world.

’95

encouraging news. I passed my oral defense last Friday. I earned my Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies from seminary. Cheshire Academy is a part of my academic and life success. I appreciate all that you do for the students at Cheshire Academy.”

Andrea Morris ’83

recently shared with us what was exciting in her life these days. “Well, what’s exciting for me is that, after 39 years, I am returning to Liberia as a curriculum coordinator for an international school that is preparing to implement the PYP/ DP program. I’m also excited because I am now the associate director for Africa in the Odyssey of the Mind organization, and held the first Odyssey of the Mind Afrifest competition in Liberia, inviting school teams from Europe, U.S., and throughout Africa to compete in March in Liberia.”

Aimee Sheeber ’84 is living the dream in Aspen, Colorado, and is excited her daughter, Gia Knight, is a member of the Cheshire Academy class of 2021.

Bruce Owen and Lara Foldvari ’85 were married on May 6, 2019 in their backyard, surrounded by friends and family.

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Brenda Mulligan ’95 with Peter White ’07, director of alumni relations.

Suhi Koizumi ’96

’97

is a partner at Minami Tamaki, LLP, in San Francisco, California, where she practices immigration law. She and her husband live in Oakland, California, with a radiant grade schooler.

Kinga Gawron-Akerley ’98

and her husband, Brian, welcomed Hudson Jack Akerley on June 12, 2019.

Jessica Colin-Greene ’99 and her husband Jerry Schwab welcomed a son, River, on Nov. 19, 2019.

2000s

Alana and Jonathan Marks ’00 welcomed a second son, Logan Ryder, on Aug. 5, 2019. Congratulations to big brother, Jayden.

Kalea Edwards Flynn ’04 shares, “I just accepted a Jared Pinsker ’97 visited his former Von der Porten roommate Ricardo Greer ’97 in Maui

position with Novant Health Care Systems in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the lead clinical psychologist at Dilworth Pediatrics!

Thank you to Duff, my CA family, my family, and friends for supporting me along the way!”

in November. Greer is an assistant coach for the Dayton mens’ basketball team.

’99 Kathy Ewen ’99

has been working at Chapel Haven for 15 years as a job coach and loves every day of her job. During the Memorial Day Parade held in Bethany, Connecticut, Ewen rode her mother’s horse, Ariel, in honor of Blackhorse 4 Heroes, a therapy program for veterans offered at the Blackhorse Equestrian Center.

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ALUMNI

’05 Adam Mejerson ’05, co-founder and executive director of FitLot, opened the company’s eighth AARP-sponsored outdoor fitness park in Springfield, Illinois, in September.

Brittany Barberino ’05 and Jeff welcomed a

son, Pierson Graham Barberino Gormley, on Sept. 17, 2019. He joins a brother, William, and a sister, Lux.

Jennifer Leedham ’05 was named the head

coach of Great Britain’s U16 Girls’ 2020 FIBA European Championship team. Leedham said, “I am honored to be selected. I believe I have a major opportunity to grow and help influence the future of British Basketball.

I am proud and excited to work with such a phenomenal group of young girls.” Leedham is the lone female head coach to represent Great Britain throughout all age groups in the European championships. The 2020 U16 Women’s FIBA European championships are set to take place during the month of July in the countries of Gibraltar, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Balkans, and Matosinhos, Portugal. Leedham will be inducted into the Cheshire Academy Kevin D. Slaughter Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame this June during Reunion 2020.

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’07

AshaPops, the popped water lily seed snack created

by Jai Farswani ’07 and his mother, Asha, are now being sold in Whole Foods Market stores.

Michael Sandler ’05

is now the senior director, brand partnerships at: Billboard | Dick Clark | The Hollywood Reporter | MRC Films (MRC MEDIA, LLC).

Jim Kallinich ’06 started a new job as manager of corporate partnerships for the Boston Celtics.

Annette and Shak Saunders ’07 welcomed their first child, Zoey Evelynn Saunders, on April 5, 2019.

Moshood Olatokunbo ’07

completed his MBA at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Olatokunbo is the associate director of strategic sourcing at United Technologies.

’07

Gil Scherpo ’07 is the director of

sales at Snappy Gifts. He was the first hired employee for the startup in 2017.

’08

Jonathan Bozzuto ’08 and Stacey Farrell were married on Nov. 16, 2019. Peter White ’07, Bobby Slauson ’08, Michael Feinstein ’08, and Noah Leonowich ’08 were members of the wedding party.

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2010s

Tanner Cook ’12 and Bronte Escobar Cook ’13 were married on Aug. 10, 2019.

Xiangting Tong ’13

says, “I am back to China and my baby is almost 2! Miss everything in Cheshire. Happy New Year!”

William (Sifiso) Chapman ’15 accepted a new position as deputy director for voter registration at 360 Campaign Consulting in Wisconsin.

Phatravit Watanasiri ’15

is the site operations associate at Ora, Inc. in Portland, Maine. Ora is the world’s leading independent, full-service ophthalmic clinical research and product development firm, with offices in the United States and Japan.

Zhaoyu Sun ’16 was recently accepted by Duke Law School’s Juris Doctor program.

’14

Robert Ryan ’14

is living and working in downtown Boston. Ryan is working for RxSense, a health and pharmacy technology company that specializes in pharmacy benefits management solutions. He recently received a promotion and took on a new role at work. Ryan has also completed several cycling century (100-plus miles) challenges last summer, including the 200-mile Pan-Mass Challenge. He will be running in the 2020 Boston Marathon, fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of his uncle, Steve. He is also hoping to complete the Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid in September 2020, which will mark his first triathlon.

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’17 Miura Wiley ’17, a junior

at The College of Wooster, was named North Coast Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Year. In addition to her successful year as a forward, Wiley’s game-winning goal during a double-overtime clincher against DePauw University on Nov. 9 allowed the Wooster Fighting Scots to capture the 2019 NCAC Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship.

’18 Jenna Denomme ’19 shares, “I’ve been greatly enjoying my time at

Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. During the first three weeks of January, I participated in an experience the college offered called the May Fellows Colloquium, where intellectually curious students are put into small groups and tasked with answering a given question through extensive research and the creation of a final product. The question for this year’s colloquium was “Who are we?” My group of four chose to address this prompt by creating an art piece that would inspire a community conversation about diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. We sent out a survey to Wheaton students, faculty, and staff asking for symbols that represented an aspect of their identity; something like a flag, a logo for an organization the individual was involved in, or something more abstract or personal. We got more than 90 symbol submissions, which we then printed and covered the mannequin with as a manifestation of how these disparate people and values come together to form the community’s unified identity. If you would like to see photos of the final product or learn more about the thought behind it, you can check out the website we made as part of the project: https:// anatomyofacommunity.wordpress.com/ Though I was apprehensive about the intensity of the project going in, I ended up having a wonderful experience. I forged strong bonds with my teammates, and we all further developed our skill levels in time management, cooperation, research, analysis, professional writing, public speaking, and more. I was even able to bring in one of the skills I was taught as part of my IB History courses at Cheshire Academy—source evaluation via the OPVL method—in putting together an annotated bibliography of our sources. I am very thankful that my Cheshire Academy education put me in a position where I was not only able, but also well prepared, to participate in such a unique project.”

Tara Lynch ’18

worked on the sideline for ESPN at the Sugar Bowl— held on Jan. 1 in New Orleans— alongside ESPN staff, including Jesse Palmer, college football analyst.

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IN MEMORIAM

Alumni

Former Faculty

Dr. Joseph Edmund Hickey

1940s

1960s

April 21, 2019. He lived over 60 years in Woodbridge, Connecticut, as well as in Stuart and Vero Beach, Florida.

January 9, 2020. His wife, Peggy Johnson, reports that he had fond memories of CA and his classmates.

Herb Frumkes ’44 “The Colonel”

John Caron ’63

William “Bill” Flint ’42 died on

passed away peacefully on December 20, 2019. Frumkes was most recently a partner at Tradex Brokerage Service Inc. He was an avid golfer and lifetime member of Fresh Meadow Country Club in Great Neck, New York. He served in World War II and Korea.

A. Norman Into ’45 died on

February 9, 2019 in Youngstown, Ohio. Into was a Navy pilot during World War II and stayed on in the Naval Reserve.

Joseph Santa Barbara ’49 died on March 3, 2019.

David Johnson ’62 passed away on

died on March 21,

2019.

Christopher Carney ’65 died March 3, 2018 in Decatur, Georgia.

1970s

Andres Romero ’74

died on

September 8, 2019.

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Robert Humphrey ’82

1950s

James Bozzelli ’50 died on December 8, 2018.

died on

February 3, 2020.

1990s

Wayne Drapeau ’90 died on Harry Ludwig ’50 died on February 2, 2019. Ludwig retired after serving as a manager with Shell Oil Company for 38 years.

Alan McCoy ’53 died on September 10, 2018. He was a longtime resident of Palm Coast, Florida.

Robert Hummel ’55 died on November 17, 2019.

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October 28, 2019. He was a 16-year veteran of the Truck Company 8 firefighters unit of Bethesda, Maryland.

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Jason Wells ’02 died on Aug. 5, 2019.

of East Hampton, Connecticut, former chairman of the Board of Trustees for Cheshire Academy, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

Throughout his consulting career, he published numerous journal articles and papers. Through a collaborative effort between the State of Connecticut and Harvard University, he was director of the “Just Community Project” at the Niantic Women’s Prison and published a book entitled “Toward a Just Correctional System,” the subject of which highlighted how educational opportunity for a certain segment of the prison population had the potential to turn lives around.

Dr. Hickey later concentrated his efforts in the classroom at the University of New Haven as an associate professor and department chairman, where he taught many members of Connecticut‘s law enforcement community. Dr. Hickey spent 15 years serving on CA’s Board of Trustees.

He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 60 years, Amy (Danaher) Hickey, son Joseph 3rd ’85, daughter Amy Cady ’88, and his son Lt. Col. Cornelius Hickey, USMC, among others.

Dr. Howard Krieger

passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 7, 2020. A longtime clinical psychologist, Krieger served on the Health Team at Cheshire Academy, and was the father of Jacob Krieger ’14 and Daniel Krieger ’19.

Remembering Dr. Howard Krieger NOVEMBER 2, 1952 – FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Dr. Howard Krieger

The Cheshire Academy community suffered a great loss on Feb. 7, when longtime clinical psychologist, alumni parent, and friend Dr. Howard Krieger died.

Krieger had been employed at Cheshire Academy since 2015. Together with faculty and staff, Krieger helped to address issues brought forth by students, faculty, and staff.

Krieger is survived by his wife, Susan, and his children, including sons Jacob Krieger ’14 and Daniel Krieger ’19. Beyond his private practice, Krieger served as CA’s consulting psychologist, and member of the school’s health team, providing support for students, parents, faculty, and staff faced with difficulties.

“He understood how much the faculty cared for and supported the students,” Head of School Julie Anderson P’19, ’23 said. “He had the perspective of a parent on one hand, and professional on the other.

By sitting on the health team, he saw how the faculty and staff really go above and beyond and helped us understand that our students are going to have periods where they may struggle for different reasons, and helped us develop a comprehensive plan to help them become successful.”

Director of the Richmond Health Center Debra Bond knew Krieger both professionally and personally, as their families lived close by to one another. She said he had an immense gift for listening to others, and a strong passion for his work and family.

“He was such a gifted psychologist, but also such a wonderful man who was so supportive to his family, friends and, really, anyone that he met,” Bond said. “He was just a loved individual and provided such compassionate care to others.”

Krieger will also be remembered for his sense of humor, incredible patience, and calm, supportive demeanor.

“He cared so much, not only about the students, but about the community, and really wanted to help us,” Anderson continued. “I think he thought so highly of the school, our mission, and what the faculty are able to help the students accomplish with that support.”

“He cared so much, not only about the students, but about the community, and really wanted to help us.”

Julie Anderson P’19, ’23, Head of School

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CAROLINE ’21 Southington, Connecticut Activities: Varsity Volleyball, Winter Musical, Model United Nations, Student Ambassador, Peer Counselor, Ich Dien Society

“Cheshire Academy has helped me to grow so much, both as a student and as an individual in the community.”

Learn more and lend your support.

Cheshireacademy.org/CAstories

Takes the Full IB Diploma Programme.

Favorite teacher: Lauren Kelly, because she teaches the biology curriculum in such an engaging and effective way and is always checking to make sure students are doing well, and is there for extra help.

Favorite class: IB Biology with Lauren Kelly.

Favorite CA tradition: The International Food Festival. The atmosphere and the different foods the students make are amazing.

Future plans, after CA: Go into a pre-med program at a college in New England, and pursue an M.D.

Watch our latest “open-mic” videos for a glimpse of what students and faculty are saying about their Cheshire

Academy experiences. These four stories, and many others, articulate the influence and impact of the people and programs here that make a difference.

JONATHAN ’21 Waterbury, Connecticut Roberto C. Goizueta ’49 Scholar Activities: Varsity Football, lifting, Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse, Diversity Club, and Black Student Union Taking select IB courses.

Favorite teacher: Samantha Cieri because she takes so much pride in her work which carries off to me and the effort I put in.

Favorite classes: Sports Science, because Samantha Cieri is an amazing teacher and the subject grasps my attention.

Favorite CA tradition: International Community Weekend. I’m big on diversity and food.

Future plans, after CA: Playing college football and getting a degree in sports medicine.

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“The CA experience has opened my eyes to a new perspective of life in many ways, such as time management, the people around me, and the level of athletic competition.”

ARTAN ’23 Southington, Connecticut Activities: Varsity Boys’ Soccer, Thirds Boys’ Basketball

“Being at CA has allowed me to make lifelong relationships with new friends and faculty. Everyone here is helpful and friendly.”

Favorite teacher: Lauren Kelly because she helps with academic issues as well as life issues.

Favorite classes: History with Jason Mis and biology with Caron Quantick because I find the classes interesting.

Favorite CA tradition: Pep Rally. It’s a fun tradition that gets people up on their feet to show school spirit.

Future plans, after CA: I plan to attend college and study to become an attorney.

YOU make a difference, too. Gifts to the Cheshire

passionate about, including financial aid, faculty development,

expanding, and sustaining all that CA is known for, and

helping to ensure that our students continue to thrive academically,

Academy Annual Fund go directly toward enhancing, allows us to creatively build upon initiatives you are most

and every aspect of the student experience. Make your gift today, athletically, socially, and as global thinkers.

For more information, contact Nicole Caputo, director of annual giving, at nicole.caputo@cheshireacademy.org or by calling 203-439-7688.

AMELIA ’22 Arlington, Virginia Activities: Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse, Fall Play, Spring Musical, Choir, the 1794s a cappella group Favorite teacher: Emily Roller, because she always makes her classes enjoyable and the readings are interesting.

Favorite classes: Chemistry with Clayton Houck and Mandarin with Yvonne Hewu, since they’re both topics that are interesting and challenging, but also very fun.

Favorite CA tradition: The Haunted Trail. It’s fun hanging out with your friends outside of the dorm and getting scared—it’s a big thrill.

Future plans, after CA: Go into a STEM field and travel around the world, making a difference in poorer countries.

“Cheshire Academy has taught me how to have a good work ethic and to improve my time management in all aspects of my life. It has also taught me to be more independent.” the magazine of cheshire academy

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last look

In celebrating National Education Week, Cheshire Academy students participated in the annual One World Different Cultures Day. Held on Nov. 20, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme was travel and performance, with students learning from their classmates and faculty members about traveling abroad and their home countries. The Bollywood Dance Studio offered two dance performances for spectators to enjoy.

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