Maroon & Grey Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

The Magazine of Church Farm School

Focused on What Matters

MAROON & GREY Spring 2021 The Magazine of Church Farm School EDITOR Stefanie Claypoole LAYOUT & DESIGN Harp and Company Graphic Design PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY Betsy Barron Photography MISSION The Church Farm School prepares a diverse group of boys with academic ability and good character to lead productive and fulfilling lives by making a college preparatory education financially accessible.

Support our mission at gocfs.net.

ADMINISTRATION HEAD OF SCHOOL The Rev. Edmund K. Sherrill II ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL/ DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS Christopher Seeley DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION Lisa Reynolds Smoots DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Gregory Thompson

FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS

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PARENT PROFILE

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CAMPUS MODERNIZATION PROJECT

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GRIFFIN SCHOLARS PROGRAM

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ALUMNI NEWS

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SHREINER SOCIETY PROFILE

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DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE GUIDANCE Tiffany Scott DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Jon Knorr DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS Karen Wertz DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE Chet Blair

Dear Friends of Church Farm School,

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reetings from a warming campus presently OXTYcSXQ S^] KXX_KV LOK_^S MK^SYX K] YaO\] emerge and buds pop into bloom. Migratory birds are back, having made their nests awaiting the arrival of youngsters. Insects that feed them are back, too, and life is emerging again from its winter retreat. Students have returned to campus and their joy is manifest in all we are able to do. This spring, this warmth, this light and its promise of renewal is different this year and it is most welcome. We plan to take some time to enjoy it and we trust that you will be able to do so as well given that we all seek to emerge safely from the long trek through a pandemic and its remaining, lingering clutches.

Every generation is confronted by at least one if not more challenges that require the best among its members to identify, address and remedy. Some are natural disasters, WKXc K\O M\OK^ON Y\ K^ VOK]^ SX _OXMON Lc R_WKX LORK`SY\ And as much as each and every challenge itself is of vital

importance to resolve, it is in the coming together—to so readily, freely and earnestly give of our talents, out of our `O\c ]OV`O]yaRO\O aO XN ]RK\ON Z_\ZY]O KXN K MKVVSXQ ^Y be at and of our very best.

We have been on a shared and heroic journey, as the wonderful educator, Joseph Campbell, describes it, and the pandemic has not defeated us. Much of what is presented in this edition of Maroon & Grey intends to demonstrate this vitality. We have found more in and amongst ourselves that has risen to the forefront of our shared abilities and efforts to confront the virus and restore at least some semblance of order and rhythm to our lives. We are doing more than just carrying on, indeed we have sought to thrive. Covid-19 is not the only challenge to have hit us and our work within the social order to bring out of ourselves a greater sense of what we share in diversity, equity and inclusion remains the important work of the present time.

Church Farm School has always been about this work in meeting economic and educational disparities and we will continue to do so in addressing matters of race, gender and sexual orientation in pursuit of a common and just destiny.

Returning to the difference between meeting a challenge and the manner by which we do so, I urge all who have spent time on the CFS campus to remember and think about having held any number of goals, the highest among them perhaps being to graduate, yet with one common and singular purpose: to come together in community, as children created in the very image of a life-bearing God, and work together in imagining and serving a greater world. Achieving a goal, such as beating the virus, is vital, but coming to this shared relationship is our true purpose and makes the accomplishments we seek all the more possible. And it is this experience of life that makes it richer, sustainable and enjoyable. Each generation must face and master its foes and so we press on to do so for the sake of the next generations that follow.

If we have discovered anything about what it means to be human in the course of the past year, may it be this renewed sense of alignment with one another and what we seek together in the God-given life we are privileged to share in grateful company and shared purpose. Stay strong, stay focused, stay well!

With warm and healthy wishes,

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FOCUSED ON

WHAT MATTERS I

n Head of School Ned Sherrill’s Maroon & Grey letter in spring 2020, he acknowledged the novel coronavirus that was just emerging, while offering these sage words:

“I know that challenges bring opportunities, courage produces effective responses, faith maintains an enduring hope and love generates selfless service to the vitality of our collective and shared humanity.”

Church Farm School has spent the past year focused on what matters most—maintaining a strong program and community. The 2020-2021 school year has required urgent and steadfast leadership. At the core of this leadership, and the decision-making that has resulted from it, has always been the well-being of our collective community and answers to these critical questions: Are we connected? Are we learning? Are we doing those things that enhance the mind, body and spirit? Is anyone falling through the cracks?

The worldwide educational community has had to grapple with these questions. We know that our students are showing up the best that they can, with challenges of internet connectivity, time zones, family obligations, health and more sometimes getting in the way of learning.

Our response to this has been grace and understanding, and a laser-sharp focus on lifting each other up.

In our September Annual Report, we delved into key programs from the spring and how they had transitioned in light of Covid-19 protocols and remote learning. Here, we focus on some areas that have required increased planning and out-of-the-box thinking.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY Central to our collective well-being has been physical and emotional health and safety. Director of Student Life and DEI, Chet Blair, working closely with our Facilities and Dining Center partner, Sodexo; our Health Center; and our Covid-19 Taskforce; has been central to this effort.

“Covid-19 is an invisible enemy we knew little about, so planning was challenging, and we had to have honest and tough conversations, and work together as a team,” Chet said. Eleven individuals, including Church Farm School’s Head Nurse, comprise the Covid-19 Response Team, which has been meeting biweekly since March 2020. “Our attention has been and will continue to be on keeping our community healthy and safe. We have been guided in everything we do by our core values of respect, responsibility, integrity and brotherhood.” Chet acknowledges that

Church Farm School has intentionally taken a very MYX]O\`K^S`O KZZ\YKMR >RO \]^ ]OWO]^O\ aK] MYWZVO^OVc remote, although students were allowed to participate from Church Farm School. This experience gave us faith that we could offer an in-person option for the second semester, with families able to keep their sons home to learn remotely.

“The decision to go to in-person learning was based on ^RO NK^K P\YW ^RO -.- KXN Y_\ MYX NOXMO ^Y M\OK^O KXN sustain a safe and healthy learning environment for all, and it has been challenging for our teachers (they deserve so much praise), but it is working.”

“We love seeing our students engaged in all areas of the school and with over a third of our student body living at home, we need to be creative with technology to keep everyone involved. Twice per week we gather as a community for a virtual school assembly, we have Wednesday and Sunday Chapel with cottages rotating in person (plus

a virtual link for anyone to participate) and virtual advisory and grade-level meetings for faculty and students. Obviously, we would rather have everyone on campus, but we understand the situation we are in, and we are doing what we can to create the best program for our students.”

TECHNOLOGY An integral component of the school’s distance learning (semester one) and hybrid learning (semester two) plans has been having the right resources in place for every member of the community. Those resources go beyond laptops and aS ^ROc SXMV_NO ]MRYYV aSNO KMMO]] ^Y DYYW MKWO\K] WSM\YZRYXO] KXN Y^RO\ ]O^_Z] LK]ON YX ]ZOMS M NOZK\^WOXtal and even individual teacher needs.

Chris Mazzoli, the school’s Director of Technology and Innovation who has worked at Church Farm School for more than 20 years, says in spring 2020, the school was in

\OKM^S`O WYNO KXN ^RO WY]^ M\S^SMKV OVOWOX^ aK] XNSXQ a platform for remote learning, ultimately working with the -RO]^O\ -Y_X^c 3X^O\WONSK^O ?XS^ ^Y ]OVOM^ DYYW -R\S] worked with the entire school community to share best Z\KM^SMO] KXN ^_^Y\SKV] PY\ OXRKXMON ]OM_\S^c KXN OP MSOXMc During the summer, Chris was preparing for best and worst-case scenarios for the fall. The school ultimately decided, in mid-August, to pivot to remote learning for the \]^ ]OWO]^O\ 2O aY\UON MVY]OVc aS^R +]]S]^KX^ 2OKN YP School/Director of Academics Chris Seeley, Dean of Faculty Eric Fulmer and Department Heads to plan ahead for both fully remote and hybrid (with students in class and online) learning. “It was a continuation of the spring but with greater planning, especially around hybrid learning.” This meant investigating potential hardware and software K^ K `K\SO^c YP Z\SMO ZYSX^] u/`O\c MVK]]\YYW aK] ^^ON with a webcam that would be an eye into the classroom.”

Other important purchases included desk-standing

WSM\YZRYXO] :>D ZKX ^SV^ dYYW MKWO\K] NYM_WOX^ cameras, speakers, digital pens and digital tablets.

“We really focused on audio, because everyone being able to hear each other is a priority and that’s where instruction can get lost.” Chris also worked with each teacher on their particular needs and setups. “Some teachers prefer _]SXQ ZRc]SMKV aRS^OLYK\N] ^Y ^RO DYYW aRS^OLYK\N or Google Jamboard,” he says, while noting that there has been a school-wide effort to make the most of the Google Left: Sodexo has worked diligently to ensure clean facilities and safe dining for our faculty and students.

Middle: Chris Mazzoli, head of our IT department, spearheaded technological requirements for remote and hybrid learning. Right: Athletic Director Greg Thompson has helped our students stay moving and motivated through live and virtual offerings.

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ecosystem, which is especially effective at collaboration. >RO Z\OZK\K^SYX MYXMV_NON aS^R ^RO Y_^ ^^SXQ YP OKMR classroom, along with training. “Every classroom is different: not only the size of the classroom but the number YP ]^_NOX^]% OKMR \YYW RK] ^Y \O OM^ ^RO KN_V^t] ^OKMRSXQ style in the best way possible.”

ATHLETICS Athletics has always been a lifeblood of the CFS experience.

A CFS Wrestling Alumni Reunion in January drew more than 80 attendees eager to relive their glory days with other +QQSO] KXN 1\SP X] P\YW KVWY]^ O`O\c NOMKNO aRY ]^_NSON under legendary CFS coaches Joe Rhile and Art Smith. The

Class of 2020 was unable to complete their spring season of athletics, and our Class of 2021 has been similarly challenged all year.

“We have so many young men who have worked hard to get to the pinnacle of their high school career, and nothing can replace that experience for them.” says Greg Thompson, Church Farm School’s Director of Athletics for the past 13 years. “In the CFS Athletic Department, we’ve been focused on retaining as much of our traditional experience as possible. While we only had 55 young men on campus in the fall, each and every one had the opportunity to participate in on-campus seasons for soccer, golf, basketball, wrestling, track and strength. Our students, faculty, staff Left to right: Varsity Basketball Coach Jonathan Guarente honors our seniors. Our Admission team is excited to aOVMYWO XOa 1\SP X] ^Y -0= .S\OM^Y\ YP -YVVOQO 1_SNKXMO Tiffany Scott chats with senior Ransell Perez in new Hamilton Atrium. Students enjoy fresh air and bonding.

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and coaches are amazing! I knew this already, of course, but the daily challenges of a pandemic provided constant reminders of how resilient and creative our community can LO AO KVV Z_VVON ^YQO^RO\ ^Y KNT_]^ YX ^RO c KXN WKUO the most of our experience together. I’m very proud of our athletes and coaches for making the best of the situation, and doing what they could to develop their skills, advance our programs and have some fun.”

At the time of this writing, the second semester has just begun, and the Athletics Department is offering three sessions of afterschool athletics to all on-campus students.

“We are hopeful that improving conditions, outdoor activities and the natural spacing of sports like baseball and tennis will allow some of our athletes to get back in the

action. For all of our programs, we will make the best of our opportunities this year and hope for a full return next fall,” says Greg.

“Schools across the country have had to cancel seasons throughout the year, and the experience isn’t the same even for those who are playing. In athletics, we learn a lot about ourselves, especially the importance of pulling together to contribute to causes greater than ourselves. Though it hasn’t been easy, we’ve played our part to help keep our communities safe.”

ADMISSION Positive word of mouth continues to be the best asset for any independent school. But particularly impactful inperson activities—school tours with student ambassadors, open houses and meet and greets at school fairs—have KVaKc] ZVKcON K ]SQXS MKX^ \YVO SX OXMY_\KQSXQ cY_XQ WOX ^Y VOK`O ^ROS\ RYWO] YP^OX PY\ ^RO \]^ ^SWO ^Y VS`O KXN study with 180 new peers in Exton, Pennsylvania. This has been particularly challenging for international students,

whose ability to come to the United States for education \OWKSX] SX _b >RO +NWS]]SYX ^OKW RK] aY\UON ^S\OVO]]Vc to connect with applicants in the virtual environment.

Starting with Revisit Day in March 2020 through Revisit Day in March 2021, the team has provided prospective families with a feel for the school from afar.

We still have a few spots left for boarding and day students who wish to consider our unique independent school for their high school experience. You can learn more about aRK^ ]O^] -R_\MR 0K\W =MRYYV KZK\^ Lc \OKNSXQ Y_\ Z\Y VO of Angela Torres, parent to Josh and Caleb, on page 7.

COLLEGE GUIDANCE All areas of school life have been dramatically impacted by the pandemic, yet almost all community members have found silver linings. For Director of College Guidance Tiffany Scott, that silver lining has been increased access to MYVVOQO c SX] PY\ Y_\ ]^_NOX^] ARSVO ^RO \OZVKMOWOX^ YP SX ZO\]YX c SX] aS^R `S\^_KV c SX] WOKX] WKXc -R_\MR Farm School seniors are selecting schools sight (and site) unseen, cost is no longer an impediment. “Typically, in the PKVV MYVVOQO] YPPO\ c SX] PY\ \]^ QOXO\K^SYX KXN _XNO\\OZresented students, with complimentary travel and lodging K^ ^YZ _XS`O\]S^SO] @S\^_KV c SX] YZOXON _Z KMMO]] ^Y these sessions much more broadly.”

And while Church Farm School had a record number of college admission visits last year at 70, the Class of 2021 had access to 60 different schools in fall 2020 via virtual visits.

This program has grown tremendously since Tiffany’s arrival in summer 2014, when she was “thrilled to have 20

college visits on the fall schedule.” Now, she says, Church Farm School’s reputation speaks for itself. “The colleges know our school and they want our students.” She recalls a particular time when she secured Church Farm School’s \]^ `S]S^ P\YW ^RO ?XS`O\]S^c YP :OXX]cV`KXSK L_^ RKN K WOO^SXQ MYX SM^ KXN RKN ^Y VOK`O ^RO ]^_NOX^] KVYXO aS^R Penn’s college counselor. “When I returned, she told me they were the most polite, engaging young men she’d ever met. I know that I can leave my students with anybody and it will always leave an impression.” She says this is a legacy she makes sure our graduates are continuing when she connects with them through the school’s Alumni Success Program (read more on page 14). “I do remind our alumni that their legacy is important and it helps more schools take a chance on some of their brothers.”

The Class of 2021 has nearly all been admitted to more than 100 colleges and universities so far, with seven seniors committing early decision (including two full rides) to Bowdoin, Amherst (2), Skidmore (2), Washington University at St. Louis and Lehigh University, plus one Evans Scholarship, which pairs students who work as golf caddies with top schools. Tiffany’s team helps with college visits, tracking alumni in college and summer programming. “We keep a database of what our students are doing in the summer and help make sure our kids stay engaged in learning yearround to get to the next level.”

TRADITIONS Virtual gatherings replaced the typical hum of community VS`SXQ K^ -R_\MR 0K\W =MRYYV N_\SXQ ^RO \]^ ]OWO]^O\ YP the 2020-2021 school year. Teachers still reported to their classrooms for remote instruction and about 50 students participated from Exton, allowing for some bonding through cottage life, evening and weekend activities and afterschool athletics. Yet with so many of the community living, learning and working remotely, and our need to

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OWY^SYXKVVc aRO^RO\ S^t] ^RO \]^ ^SWO ^ROct`O ]OOX S^ or the 50th (and yes, there are many who’ve been attending Pageant for decades and with generations of their family).

If you missed it, you can view it on our YouTube channel!

LESSONS AND CAROLS AND CHAPEL SERVICES

FOCUSED ON OUR HEROES: THE CFS VIRTUAL GALA Since last March, phrases like “a year like no other,” “in these unprecedented times” and “in this challenging and unpredictable environment” are used all too frequently. But it IS a year unlike any other, and as people everywhere hail frontline workers as heroes, we find it only appropriate to celebrate our own frontline heroes—our teachers.

On April 30, 2021, we are excited and proud to host “Saluting CFS Superheroes,” a virtual event celebrating our teachers and encouraging philanthropy that will be used directly for Faculty Support initiatives. Church Farm School relies on philanthropy to make the highcaliber academic education and close-knit community possible, and our spring fundraiser—the annual Gala— is a critical part of our annual success.

Another Christmas tradition that went virtual was our annual Lessons and Carols Chapel service. In addition to readings by members of our community both on campus and off, we were able to share a wide variety of seasonal music by the CFS Band, the CFS Choir (including the senior members of the choir, who worked tirelessly to create an audio track for the service) and student musicians Raphael Tinio ’21 on guitar and Josh Han ’22 on piano. The service is also available on our YouTube channel.

Our Chapel messages have always been available to watch through our LocalLive stream (which can be found on the home page of our website). Head of School The Rev. Sherrill offered prerecorded sermons every Sunday through this service, and Wednesday Chapel services were held Y`O\ DYYW N_\SXQ ^RO \]^ ]OWO]^O\ ^Y OX]_\O ]^_NOX^] K^ home could participate. With most students back on campus for the second semester, all services are currently streamed on LocalLive, with cottages attending in-person on a rotational schedule. Our huge thanks to the Chapel Council for providing such great content for our community all year.

HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE: • • • • •

Student performances Guest speakers CFS Choir A tribute to our teachers Fun and fundraising!

JOIN US! GOCFS.NET/GALA

continue social distancing, all of our traditional in-person activities were online. Once again, we viewed this necessity as less of a challenge, and more of an opportunity.

UPCOMING EVENTS Spring at Church Farm School is always busy with events, and our hope is to offer a mix of virtual and in-person offerings.

VIRTUAL GALA

Read more about our upcoming Gala, “Saluting CFS Superheroes,” at left. Attendance is complimentary; all donations will go toward funding Faculty Support initiatives as a way to honor the tremendous work of our faculty on behalf of our students during the past year.

VIRTUAL ALUMNI WEEKEND

PAGEANT DOCUMENTARY What would have been our 97th year of performing a pantomime based on Raymond MacDonald Alden’s “Why the Chimes Rang” was transformed into a 35-minute documentary that was a true love letter to one of the school’s most longstanding traditions. Current and former faculty and students, board members and longtime fans of the production came together to share their memories of how “Pageant,” as the performance is simply known, gets them in the spirit of the season, and moves them

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The Gala will kick off Alumni Weekend with our tribute to educators. Programming through the rest of the weekend on May 1 and 2 will bring our alumni community together for special events including a Young Alumni Social, Awards Ceremony and Spring Choral Concert. See page 19 for more!

CLASS OF 2021 COMMENCEMENT

We will hold a live, outdoor Commencement ceremony for our Class of 2021 on May 16 with attendance limited to faculty, students and graduates’ families. Stay tuned to our website for the livestream!

Focused on Educational Opportunity ANGELA TORRES P’21, P’22 our years ago, Angela and Timothy Torres drove their 14-year-old son, Josh, from their home in the Bronx to Exton to begin his Church Farm School journey. The moment was marked by excitement and anxiety.

“Josh was shaking like a leaf. He was a very shy and quiet boy then; today, he’s grown to be this very MYX NOX^ \O]ZYX]SLVO cY_XQ WKX v In addition to Josh’s nerves, Angela says convincing herself and her family that boarding school would LO LOXO MSKV aK]Xt^ OK]c uAOt\O Hispanic,” she laughs. “We don’t send our kids away. I couldn’t think of anyone I knew who had done it. I had to open up my mind to the idea.” She had a lot of help along the way. The enrichment program that Josh was a part of—Fieldston Enrichment Program—convinced the family to not look anywhere but Church Farm School.

“They told us that CFS is a wonderful gem that does an excellent job making boys into men. They told us the experience would be so different than the NYC-based schools that we were considering, and to be open to it.”

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Their Open House experience really ]YVSNS ON ^ROS\ NOMS]SYX 3X KNNS^SYX ^Y the rich diversity, which Angela notes is not only ethnic, but also economic and faith-based, the Torres family was impressed by the beautiful campus, welcoming community, small classes and individualized attention. “We saw how invested the teachers are; not just in the classroom but in every aspect of the experience. We also felt that the school really wanted my sons and would support them the whole way through to graduation and beyond; they aren’t just adding a number to their register.” Angela says “sons” because her middle child, Caleb, matriculated to the school a year after his brother.

Angela and Timothy Torres with their three children.

Four years after dropping Josh off, studies, maintaining his relationships Angela says the changes in her son are with his “friends who are like brothers” distinctive. He has been accepted and pursuing interests generated by to 17 colleges and universities, and is the CFS experience. Angela notes that M_\\OX^Vc aOSQRSXQ ^RO LO]^ ^ a Music Tech class he took with Ms. -_\\OX^Vc RO S] K ]OWS XKVS]^ PY\ P_VV Campbell two years ago has blossomed scholarships at a few schools and into Caleb hosting a podcast with others, including Siena College and musicians, and creating and publishing Ithaca College, have offered admission his own music. into unique leadership and service programs. “The College Admission Angela says she has been impressed YP MO\] aO\O ]Y ObMS^ON Lc 4Y]R KXN Lc with the remote learning curriculum.

Church Farm School,” Angela said.

“They have set high expectations “It’s an exciting time and all of these for work quality. I’ve found that boys, opportunities were opened up by especially, will rise to the level you Church Farm School and the young set for them, and I’m so grateful CFS man they’ve helped him to become.” continues to set that bar high.”

4Y]R S] M_\\OX^Vc LKMU K^ -0= ^Y XS]R up his senior year in-person after “CFS has become a true partner in learning remotely since March. educating my greatest treasures and offered them tremendous opportuniCaleb, in the Class of 2022, is remainties. They meet each young man ing remote through the end of the exactly where they are, show him the school year, staying on top of his potential of where he can one day be and help him emerge to that plane and beyond.”

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FOCUS ED ON A

Modernized

Our campus modernization project is complete, with a northfacing entry and new Bissell Student Center.

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Campus

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he past year was one that few could have anticipated. Challenges abounded, and at Church Farm School in Exton, the school community pulled together to ensure challenges didn’t overshadow triumphs. In September 2020, the school completed its Campus Modernization Project, which had kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2019. On December 31, ^RO ]MRYYV XS]RON S^] 7 -KZS^KV -KWZKSQX u0Y\ ^RO ,Yc] v \KS]SXQ KVWY]^ !7 PY\ ^RO Z\YTOM^ Says CFS Director of Development Jon Knorr, “Exceeding your Capital Campaign goal in any given year is always a great achievement. Exceeding it during a pandemic is nothing short of extraordinary. This is a statement by our donors who truly believe we are preparing young men ^Y VOKN Z\YN_M^S`O KXN P_V VVSXQ VS`O] AO K\O ZK\^SM_VK\Vc grateful to our Board of Directors and our Capital Campaign Taskforce, led by co-chairs John Bellis, Jr. and Richard Gherst.”

u3 KW ^\_Vc Q\K^S ON Lc ^RO aYXNO\P_V ]_ZZY\^ aO received from so many Church Farm School donors which enabled us to complete this important project on time and within budget. The new campus look, the new facilities and the enhanced safety for the students sets the school on the path to a bright future,” says Bellis. Adds Gherst, “I ZK\^SM_VK\Vc KZZ\OMSK^O ^RO `S]SYX KXN MYX NOXMO YP Y_\ fellow Directors, who authorized this project and then supported it with constant encouragement and extraordiXK\c ZO\]YXKV XKXMSKV MYWWS^WOX^ >RO QOXO\Y]S^c YP Y_\ ,YK\N WOWLO\] aK] ^RO UOc ^Y ^O\\S M ]_ZZY\^ P\YW alumni, friends and the community at large. I also applaud the administration and staff who managed the construction and brought it to a very successful conclusion.”

The Campus Modernization Project has transformed the school in three key areas: functionality, accessibility and safety. The school’s entrance is reoriented to the south through an addition to the school’s main academic building, Greystock Hall. The addition, with the Hamilton Atrium as its centerpiece, houses the Head of School and Admis]SYX YP MO] K .SXSXQ -OX^O\ ObZKX]SYX KXN >O\\KMO K XOa Boardroom and an elevator, making the building fully

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the Arts, named for the family that generously supported its creation. The bright, modern building houses the K\^] PKM_V^c ^YQO^RO\ PY\ ^RO \]^ ^SWO aS^R ]^K^O YP ^RO art spaces in support of the program, which includes choir, band, digital photography, piano, music tech, clay, painting and much more. Finally, a new road, Shreiner Way, creates an entrance and exit from the school from the less-traveled Valley Creek Boulevard. The school’s parking lot was expanded, and a former pass-through road has been landscaped to create a quad area with multiple walking paths to safely traverse from one building to another.

“The ‘wow’ factor of the many new and exciting spaces is evident in the eyes and skip in the step of our students.

From the new Buck Family Center for the Arts and Hamilton Atrium that welcome all into a new entranceway, to the Gina Bissell Student Center and other spacious gathering spaces, we are taking great delight in the educational opportunities these spaces will provide to connect us more deeply and vibrantly. Church Farm School is blessed by a community supporting our students’ future, and we are exceedingly grateful for this profound belief and remarkable gift,” says Head of School Ned Sherrill.

While Church Farm School remains a closed campus to visitors through the end of the 2020-2021 school year, a Community Day and Dedication is being planned for fall 2021 to bring together our community of faculty, staff, students, parents, donors, alumni and friends, along with prospective families. Until then, you can schedule a virtual visit with either the school’s Admission or Development teams by calling 610.363.7500. >RO ,_MU 0KWSVc -OX^O\ PY\ ^RO +\^] S] K NOVSQR^P_V L\SQR^ new space for exploring artistic interests.

ADA-compliant. Existing spaces have also been \OMYX Q_\ON >RO ^_XXOV LOXOK^R <Y_^O MYXXOM^SXQ the south and north campuses now enters directly into a new Student Life area, one of many gathering and collaboration spaces that were part of the project. Another ]SQXS MKX^ OXRKXMOWOX^ S] ^RO MYX`O\]SYX YP K PY\WO\ transportation garage and woodshop adjacent to the school’s Founder’s Pavilion into the Buck Family Center for

The Dining Terrace is a wonderful addition to Greystock, particularly during Covid-19.

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The “Buck,” as it is now known, includes a digital photo lab, choir and band rooms, classrooms, a ceramics room, woodworking room, art studio, terrace, practice rooms and a central gallery.

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Focused on our Scholars GREG COLEMAN

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rowing up in Connecticut as the only child of working class parents, Greg Coleman says it was important for him to maintain good grades in the hopes of one day earning a scholarship to a top university. Thankfully, Greg was a very good student, and he \OMOS`ON K ]SQXS MKX^ XKXMSKV KSN package for Yale University, where he pursued a degree in French. Following his freshman year, Greg’s father passed away unexpectedly, and Yale stepped up with an even larger scholarship that ensured he could complete his studies. It was this experience, and many others that have followed, that instilled in Greg a strong belief in educational equity, beliefs he has helped propagate over the past 40 years as an educator, Admission Director and CFS Board Member.

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Greg met his wife, Marcia, when she was pursuing a chemistry degree at Mt. Holyoke. While both were working on graduate degrees at Princeton (Greg) and MIT (Marcia), they married, and eventually relocated to Pennsylvania. Shortly after, Greg landed a job at The Shipley School, where he worked for 32 years in a myriad of roles: French teacher, Class Dean, Dean of Faculty, Head of the Upper School and Director of Admission.

Despite living and working in the area for so long, Greg was mostly unfamiliar with Church Farm School and its mission until 2009, when he was recruited to join the Board of Directors. Greg is nearing the end of his 12-year-term. He says his tenure has taught him to “be a good listener and not to try and solve problems unless directly asked.” Getting to know these young men for whom Church Farm School has been a transformational experience has been the

“The culture of this school is truly remarkable.” greatest perk of Board membership, Greg says. In particular, he appreciates ]O\`SXQ K] K 1\SP X =MRYVK\] :\YQ\KW sponsor, where he gets to enjoy a twice-annual luncheon with students at the school. “It’s a brilliant fundraising program, and I’m so proud to be involved.” The program, which started out as a handful of adults and students gathering for lunch in the school’s 12-seat Reading Room, has grown to more than 100 adults and students gathering in Alumni Hall each fall and spring. “The culture of this school is truly remarkable. These are the nicest kids I’ve ever met. And that’s clearly something that is inculcated, it’s part and parcel of Church Farm School.”

THE CHURCH FARM SCHOOL GRIFFIN SCHOLARS PROGRAM The Griffin Scholars Program provides critical scholarship support for our students. While all families pay what they can afford, no qualified student is turned away from CFS because of an inability to meet tuition costs. Griffin Scholars Program supporters who make Annual Fund gifts of $6,000 or greater each year are able to engage more deeply with our deserving young men through tailored communication and events.

SPONSOR LEVEL

DESCRIPTION

Platinum Griffin Scholars Sponsor $50,000+

Provides the equivalent of a full scholarship for one year for a Boarding student

Gold Griffin Scholars Sponsor $20,000 – $49,999

Provides the equivalent of a full scholarship for one year for a Day student

Silver Griffin Scholars Sponsor $10,000 – $19,999

Provides the equivalent of approximately a 50% scholarship for one year for a student, boarding or day, depending on the exact amount of gift

Bronze Griffin Scholars Sponsor $6,000 – $9,999

Provides a partial scholarship for one year for a student

*All donations support scholarships for the entire school and are not allocated to individual students.

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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Focused on Alumni Success

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he transition to college life for ]^_NOX^] MKX LO NSP M_V^ KXN nationally, the percentage of male students who graduate in six years is 56% (this number drops to 42% for male students of color). With this statistic in mind, and the reality ^RK^ WKXc YP Y_\ ]^_NOX^] K\O ^RO \]^ in their families to attend college, Church Farm School developed the Alumni Success Program in 2016, which supports recent graduates as they navigate their college careers.

The team maintains connections with 200 graduates quarterly, and provides support, mentorship and guidance to help keep them on track. We support students in their course selections, give advice managing student-professor relationships, help students create schedules and structure to support their study needs and offer a listening ear when they are homesick.

With seed funding from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, the Hamilton Family Foundation,

the Church of the Redeemer and the Charter Foundation, the program is already making K `O\S KLVO difference. College persistence and graduation rates RK`O ]SQXS MKX^Vc increased at Church Farm School (see chart below) and are already well above the national average.

We caught up with Director of College Guidance Tiffany Scott, who leads the Alumni Success Program (and was recently honored for this work, see page 15) to learn how our alumni in college have been faring.

She shares that alumni in college have had a variety of experiences in 2020-2021, all dependent upon

COLLEGE PERSISTENCE* FOR CFS GRADUATES 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

91% still in college or graduated 83% still in college or graduated 93% still in college 92% still in college 87% still in college 87% still in college *Based on available data

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location, size of school, year (many colleges gave in-person precedence to freshman and seniors) and personal situations. Some decided to enroll at community colleges for a year, some deferred enrollment to stay home and take care of family obligations. Some were on campus but learning remotely, some were learning remotely at home and some were taking a hybrid mixture of in-person and remote learning.

Despite this “spectrum of experiences,” she says the ASP team has been staying in touch, in particular with the Class of 2020, to ensure their spirits remain high and they remain connected with each other and with Church Farm School.

We remind our alumni that we are always here for you; all you have to do is simply ask. We also remind our alumni community to stay in touch with your brothers through our social media channels, particularly our CFS Alumni Association LinkedIn page!

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Focused on College Success TIFFANY SCOTT NAMED TO VISTA’S “40 UNDER 40” 2021 CLASS

The ASP received a $100,000 grant from the Oprah Winfrey Foundation in 2016 to continue this great work and Tiffany told Vista that it is one of her proudest accomplishments.

Superstars Class of 2021, recognizing men and women under 40 making a huge impact on the region. Tiffany has certainly done that in her time at Church Farm School.

iffany Scott was named Church Farm School’s Director of College Guidance in 2014, bringing a slew of accomplishments with her. Since then, her work with students has been nationally recognized by the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, the Gates Foundation and the Questbridge Scholars Network.

She proudly serves on the Board of the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, the Counselor Advisory

T

boards of West Chester University and Juniata College, as chair or cochair of several Jack and Jill committees and as a Children’s Ministry Teacher with Cornerstone Christian Fellowship. In February, Tiffany added another accolade to her resume when she was named to local media organization Vista Today’s Millennial

Her transformational work includes guiding more than 280 seniors (to date) through the college admission process, helping them to secure more ^RKX 7 SX ]MRYVK\]RSZ] KXN Q\KX^] annually to leading colleges and universities (including multiple full rides through QuestBridge and the Gates Millennium scholarships) and establishing the Alumni Success Program that helps CFS graduates navigate college, ensuring ontime graduation. The ASP received K Q\KX^ P\YW ^RO 9Z\KR Winfrey Foundation in 2016 to continue this great work and Tiffany told Vista that it is one of her proudest accomplishments.

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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Focused on Embracing Opportunity ANTHONY BALDEOSINGH ’18 AND ABEDNEGO CHASE ’18 AND THE ALL STAR CODE PROGRAM All Star Code is a nonprofit computer science education organization that “creates economic opportunity by developing a new generation of boys and young men of color with an entrepreneurial mindset who have the tools they need to succeed in a technological world.” Their focus on preparing Black and Latino young men who are traditionally underserved and underrepresented in the innovation industry has already benefited more than a dozen Church Farm School students. @ [fe k befn n_Xk :_liZ_ =Xid glkj `e k_\`i nXk\i# Ylk @ _Xm\ kf befn k_\ j\Zi\k Efk fecp Xi\ pfli jkl[\ekj `ek\cc`^\ek Xe[ kXc\ek\[# Ylk k_\p Xi\ jfd\ f] k_\ dfjk ^\el`e\# i\jg\Zk]lc Xe[ b`e[ pfle^ d\e @ m\ d\k [li`e^ dp k`d\ n`k_ 8cc JkXi :f[\#É jXpj GipXebX 9%# 8cc JkXi :f[\ Gif^iXd DXeX^\i% Students often “graduate” from participating as students to participating as teaching assistants and fellows, with some even securing internships and board memberships. We recently spoke with two Church Farm School alumni about the opportunities All Star Code has provided.

\KS]ON 7 +X^RYXc ]OM_\ON RS] \]^ MVSOX^ KXN ^RO MYWZKXc RK] XYa grown to nine employees. “We have clients in India, Nepal and Sweden.

Thanks to our growth, I don’t have to code anymore and can focus on being the customer liaison,” Anthony says.

A N T H O N Y BA L D EOS I N G H ’ 1 8 nyone who knows Anthony Baldeosingh will not be surprised to learn that, in KNNS^SYX ^Y XS]RSXQ his junior year at Allegheny College with a double major in computer science and economics, he is also the founder or co-founder of two companies with a third in the works (plus a new job in sales and marketing at The Economist).

A 16

In 2019, he and two friends founded Saash Marketing, a digital marketing \W aS^R YP MO] SX 3XNSK KXN 8OZKV The organization supports mostly international companies with digital marketing activities including building websites, enhancing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and creating apps. After presenting his idea for the company at an All Star Code fundraising event that

In 2020, Anthony founded Colin Records (Colin is his middle name).

“I founded this record label to serve not only myself but young artists everywhere. To date, we have more than 80,000 streams with 30,000 listeners in 85 countries in less than a year. I serve as the lead manager for all our artists and producers as well as WKXKQSXQ KVV ]MKV \O]ZYX]SLSVS^SO] v Anthony hopes to host an event in Atlanta this summer to showcase his artists, if conditions allow for it. He is also in the process of founding a third company with a friend from All =^K\ -YNO K `OX^_\O MKZS^KV \W called Colin Capital that will emulate the model of Harlem Capital, which invests in diverse founders. “I started all of these companies because I couldn’t get internships on my own.

I bet on myself. I put myself on my resume.”

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

A B E D N EG O C H AS E ’ 1 8 The young entrepreneur has All Star Code to thank in part for this N\S`O 2O \]^ ZK\^SMSZK^ON SX ^RO six-week intensive the summer after his sophomore year at Church Farm School in the Goldman Sachs cohort. He returned the following two summers as a teaching fellow, at JP Morgan Chase (2017) and Major League Baseball Media (2018) and served as a teaching assistant in 2019. He is currently involved as an Alumni Board member for cohort 3: Goldman Sachs. “We coordinate events with Goldman Sachs and the alumni of the program, “hackathons” and general meetups of the alumni.”

“I have met so many people that RK`O SX _OXMON WO ^R\Y_QR +VV =^K\ Code. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. School is 100% important, but there is so much you can learn outside of the classroom.”

One of the most critical, Anthony says, is relationships. “People pay thousands of dollars for consulting.

Through my relationships, I can just pick up a phone. That connection is always there. Your network is your network.”

LONXOQY -RK]O \]^ VOK\XON about All Star Code from Anthony. “He had participated and I was fascinated with what he took away from it; the tech projects they were building and the professional and personal connections he made along the way.” He applied to attend for a six-week intensive the summer after his junior year, and was paired with Anthony at the Major League Baseball Media cohort. Though he had no formal education in computer science, Abednego found it easy to adapt to the curriculum. “They really push a growth mindset; that you can achieve and overcome obstacles with hard work and perseverance. It’s a very positive and supportive environment.”

Site visits to leading tech companies each week only enhance the experience, and Abednego was thrilled to meet so many role models.

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The next two summers, he applied to be a teaching fellow, and was assigned to MLB (2018) and JP Morgan Chase (2019). Since summer 2020, he was been working as a program support intern for All Star Code virtually, helping students create their interactive demonstra^SYX] PY\ ^RO +VV =^K\ -YNO LOXO ^

and helping implement a mass text-messaging system to improve communication between students and mentors. In October, Abednego started looking into internships for the summer of 2021, and in December, he learned that he had secured his top choice, a paid software engineering internship at JP Morgan Chase in Jersey City. “JP Morgan Chase was my favorite cohort experience, and it’s not too far from my home,” Abednego, who lives in East Orange, says. “I had an incredible experience not only co-teaching something that I enjoy, but also meeting and engaging with a variety of people within the YP MO +^ ^RO `O\c OXN YP ^RO Z\YQ\KW I wondered what it would be like to actually return and work at such an amazing company as a software engineer.” He selected the Asset & Wealth Management division based on its alignment with his interests and skill sets.

Currently, Abednego is living and learning at home, as he has been since 7K\MR >RO \]^ -R_\MR 0K\W School student to matriculate to Bowdoin College in Maine, he will be joined next year by Class of 2021 member Oscar Calle. “I toured Bowdoin with NJ SEEDS, and initially, I didn’t see myself there.” Despite his initial reticence, Abednego has

Y_\S]RON WKTY\SXQ SX MYWZ_^O\ science and education and becoming involved in numerous groups, including the Black Student Union, the Men of Color brotherhood program and a peer network group that organizes wellness activities at the college. He plans to return to ,YaNYSX SX ]_WWO\ ^Y XS]R his senior year in person.

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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Focused on Alumni Connection Church Farm School hosted a number of events during the 2020-2021 school year that brought together current and former faculty, along with alumni. Some highlights included: PAGEANT DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE PRE-PARTY: DECEMBER 2020

This event preceding the premiere of our Pageant documentary, “Why the Chimes Rang: A History of the CFS Christmas Pageant,” was a chance for former faculty and alumni to share their favorite Pageant memories.

With alumni from every decade from the 1940s through the 2020s in attendance, it was a truly wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of the school’s most beloved and longstanding traditions.

3X 0OL\_K\c WOWLO\] YP ^RO -VK]] YP # QK^RO\ON YX DYYW CFS CHOIR ALUMNI REUNION: FEBRUARY 2021

7Y\O ^RKX " -0= KV_WXS K^^OXNON 4KX_K\ct] A\O]^VSXQ reunion.

CFS WRESTLING ALUMNI REUNION: JANUARY 2021

“Refuse to Lose” is a mentality that every CFS wrestler who has been coached by Art Smith over the past nearly 40 years has taken to heart. More than 80 former wrestlers and current and former faculty spent nearly two hours sharing their love for the sport, the school and their longtime coaches Art Smith and Joe Rhile during our CFS Wrestling Alumni Reunion.

Longtime Choir Director Gary Gress is well-known as a perfectionist, so his trivia question about how many of his pupils received a perfect 100 on his one-on-one test was a no-brainer: none! That didn’t stop the more than 40 CFS Choir Alumni gathered from sharing fond memories of their time singing at Church Farm School and their collective awe at how far the program has come, citing the choir’s performance at Carnegie Hall in 2016 as an example. Choir alumnus Nathadon Suksiritarnan ’13, who came from Thailand to attend the school with his brother, Thitipat, summed up his experience poignantly during the end of the reunion, “There was a lot of work ethic that was being pushed at the school, that taught us a lot of valuable lessons. We’ve tried to be better every day from what we’ve learned from everyone there.”

CFS ALUMNI 1940S–1960S REUNION: FEBRUARY 2021

Our Aggies have a particular connection borne from their love (or abhorrence) of waking pre-dawn to work on the farm and the incredible administrators, educators and house parents who provided a strong education and a home when they needed it most. Whether they graduated from Church Farm School or had to leave early to serve in the military or pursue other aspirations, this group of alumni share a strong passion for Church Farm School, which was on full display during this reunion.

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7Y\O ^RKX -0= KV_WXS K^^OXNON 0OL\_K\ct] -RYS\ reunion.

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

CONNECTING VIRTUALLY APRIL 30 – MAY 2 hat we’ve learned over the past year is that while nothing can compare to in-person connection, connection in a virtual environment is possible, enjoyable and more O[_S^KLVO -KXt^ KPPY\N ^Y c ^Y /b^YX for a choir reunion? Want to see what the school looks like following the completion of our campus modernization project? Interested in what Mr. Smith and our students have been up to with our community garden? All you need is an internet connection!

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Alumni Weekend 2021 will kick off on Friday, April 30 with our “Saluting CFS Superheroes” Virtual Gala, a chance to celebrate our educators aRY RK`O LOOX XNSXQ XOa aKc] ^Y ensure our program is being delivered to all of our students in the best way possible. Registration is complimentary, and any donations will go

toward funding Faculty Support initiatives, including professional development for these tireless champions of education.

Highlights through the rest of the weekend will include: • •

• • • • •

Alumni Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony Honoring Alumni Achievement Award and Newt Disney Service Award Recipients Memorial Service Spring Choir Concert Young Alumni Social 1970s Reunion The Joseph E. Rhile Endowed Scholarship Presentation

Plus, there will be many on-demand sessions throughout the weekend to participate in at your leisure.

Learn more and sign up at WWW.GOCFS.NET/ALUMNI-WEEKEND!

IN MEMORIAM ERIC BUJAK ’86

THOMAS S. PYLE ’53

PETER GODA ’60

WALTER STEARNS ’79

JON GOUAK ’52

PAUL WEST ’54

THOMAS MINSKER ‘64

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SHREINER SOCIETY

SAM BALLAM am Ballam has been a lover of the water his entire life.

A lifelong surfer and high school water polo player, he has also competed in long-distance ocean races as a 65-and-over swimmer.

He selected the University of Miami after graduating from Lower Merion High School in Ardmore for many reasons, including being near the ocean. After receiving his MBA degree at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Sam moved to Honolulu with his wife, aRO\O RO aY\UON SX MY\ZY\K^O XKXMO K] K -:+ PY\ `O cOK\] CO^ YXO YP Sam’s most visible contributions to the Church Farm School community is a mythical animal known for its land and KS\ [_KVS^SO]$ K 1\SP X =KW NYXK^ON ^RO L\YXdO 1\SP X ^RK^ RK] ]^YYN proudly at the edge of Route 30 for 10 years, a symbol of school pride and a frequent congregation point for photo opps.

Board, the Day Student program was created, the composition of the Board became more diverse including women and the land sale program was completed. During Sam’s 10-year tenure (2001-2011) as Board Chairperson, Board term limits were instituted and the CFS endowment fund withstood the economic and stock market crisis of 2008. Additionally, Sam’s career at Cooke & Bieler resulted in recruiting other Cooke & Bieler partners to the CFS Board, including former Board members Kermit Eck and John Pickering, and current Board member Mehul Trivedi.

S

Sam only had modest knowledge of Church Farm School until he was introduced to it by his friend Jim Buck, Jr., a longtime Board member.

The two met when Sam was working as the Senior Vice President and -RSOP 0SXKXMSKV 9P MO\ K^ 7KSX 6SXO

Sam Ballam in 1991, I couldn’t refuse,” Sam recalls, noting that he was the youngest Board member at the time. Sam later transitioned to Cooke & Bieler, a Philadelphia institutional investment WKXKQOWOX^ \W aRO\O RO ]O\`ON as Partner.

In his early years on the Board, Sam focused on listening, but he became involved in a number of key issues,

“What I am most proud of is that the school continues to fulfill its mission of taking boys from challenging backgrounds and preparing them for college.”

Health and Jim was serving on the Boards of both the Bryn Mawr Hospital and Main Line Health.

“When Jim asked me to join the Board

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including the “shrink to grow” model of only accepting the strongest students with the goal of growing the school by building a strong academic reputation. During his time on the

“What I am most proud of is that the ]MRYYV MYX^SX_O] ^Y P_V VV S^] WS]]SYX of taking boys from challenging backgrounds and preparing them for college.” The school’s longstanding record of every senior being accepted to numerous colleges and universities is one Sam was able to witness \]^RKXN K] ,YK\N -RKS\ZO\]YX aRY]O role it is to present diplomas at Commencement each year. “Many of ^RO]O cY_XQ WOX K\O \]^ QOXO\K^SYX college students. So watching them get to this point, with their families in the audience, was always a very personally gratifying experience.”

In 2013, Sam became a member of the school’s Shreiner Society— recognizing those that have made planned gifts for Church Farm School in their wills or estate plans.

“Eight years ago, I included Church Farm in my will, but as a result of a recent estate planning process, I ]aS^MRON ^Y WKUO -0= K LOXO MSK\c YP my IRA. Using the IRA approach Z\Y`SNO] PY\ WY\O P_^_\O ObSLSVS^c 3 want to give somewhere that matters.

At Church Farm School, your gift is truly changing lives.”

WAYS TO GIVE GIVE ONLINE WITH A CREDIT CARD AT GOCFS.NET/GIVE SEND A CHECK PAYABLE TO CHURCH FARM SCHOOL USING THE ENCLOSED GIVING ENVELOPE CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT 610-363-5333 FOR INFORMATION TO GIVE THROUGH YOUR IRA, TRANSFER STOCK OR TO GIVE THROUGH THE EITC/OSTC PROGRAM INCLUDE CHURCH FARM SCHOOL IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS VOLUNTEER! FOR INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Church Farm School 1001 E. Lincoln Highway Exton, PA 19341 www.gocfs.net

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CHURCH FARM SCHOOL 20TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 FRENCH CREEK GOLF CLUB, ELVERSON, PA Learn more at gocfs.net/golf!