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RYAN MCPHERSON ’01 FARMS THE RIVERS OF MAINE • CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF OLD DERBY • ESTUARY EXPLORERS
1986
THEN // NOW DERBY ACADEMY is a co-educational, Pre-Kindergarten through
Grade 8 school that nurtures the development of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum intellectual, emotional,
2018
and physical growth of each student. That mission is as important now as it was three centuries ago.
CONTENTS // IN THIS ISSUE 2
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Joe Perry reflects on the start of the school year and the value of Derby connections.
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CAMPUS NEWS
The Derby campus has been busy with events, guest speakers, and exciting new projects.
16 ESTUARY EXPLORERS
Students become citizen-scientists and venture outdoors to explore and discover.
FEATURES 22
RIVER CONNECTIONS Ryan McPherson ’01 talks about the people and process behind the success of his oyster farm in Edgecomb, Maine.
18 HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
The school community celebrates the season with its annual holiday performances.
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32 DEVELOPMENT
Derby recognizes its long-standing traditions of generosity and community.
34 CLASS NOTES
See what our alumni are up to—from college and career news, to birth and wedding announcements.
OLD DERBY CELEBRATES 200 YEARS As the former school building celebrates its bicentennial, Derby alumni return to share their memories with today’s students.
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HEAD OF SCHOOL Joseph J. Perry, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Connor Gleason
WITH A SCHOOL as old as ours, it’s COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES Colleen D’Alessandro Christina Young Tessier PRINTER Fowler Printing & Graphics
Please send letters to the editor, class notes, obituaries, and changes of address to: DERBY ACADEMY 56 Burditt Avenue Hingham, MA 02043 781-749-0746 (ext. 134) alums@derbyacademy.org Cover: Ryan McPherson ’01
FOLLOW DERBY ON SOCIAL /derbyacademy @derbyacademy @derby.academy /derbyacademyorg
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hard to go somewhere and not run into a Derby connection. In recent months, I’ve traveled throughout the Northeast, down to Florida, and west to California to connect with our inspiring alumni and friends of the School. It’s so evident that our community is filled with caring individuals who are making a difference in the world. From an early age, our students learn the value of being engaged with their community, and the value of their Derby connections. Whether it be peer to peer, teacher to student, or any other combination, meaningful learning cannot occur without a significant relationship. A vital component of any thriving community is the extent to which it values building, developing, and maintaining relationships. At Derby, nothing could be more true. In this issue of the Derby Magazine, you’ll read about the significance of our Derby connections and how valuable and long-lasting they can be. We caught up with Ryan McPherson ’01 who has been raising oysters in the waters of Maine, building on lessons he learned as a student. This fall, we celebrated the bicentennial of Old Derby.
Since 1818, the former school building in downtown Hingham has been transforming the lives of students and creating meaningful relationships that last a lifetime. A group of alumni were gracious enough to return and speak with our current students about life at Old Derby and help them engage with their School’s history. Many things have changed, but the spirit of Derby remains true today. Our community has always supported and celebrated the academic and social growth of our children. We guide them to become lifelong learners and good people. With the support of alumni, faculty, parents, and parents of alumni, our students will have the skills to develop a life full of meaningful relationships and help make a difference. I hope you’ve had a wonderful start to 2019. This spring, I welcome you all back to campus to say “hello,” reconnect, and remember your time at Derby.
Joseph J. Perry, Jr. P’17,’19,’26 Head of School
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018-2019
PRESIDENT Paul D. Scanlon P’16,’18
VICE PRESIDENT Lori W. Cashman P’19,’19,’22,’22,’23
TREASURER Hugh M. Kelly P’19
SECRETARY Christie O’Connor P’16,’18,’21
TRUSTEES David P. Bergers P’18,’21 Michelle M. Buckley ’94, P’26 John Drew P’20,’21,’25,’25 Robert R. Fawcett, Jr. P’18,’19,’21 Kate Finnerty (Ex-officio) (PA Rep) P’23,’28 Caroline Curtis Hayes ’99 Jean M. Jones P’95,’97 Mark K. Jones P’14,’17 Pamela B. Marshman P’15,’20 Kristen Maxwell P’17,’18,’20 Metri R. Metri P’16,’17,’18,’21 Jennifer Lowe Newell ’90 Suzanne Norris P’22,’25,’28 Joseph J. Perry, Jr. (Ex-officio) (Head of School) P’17,’19,’26 Jay K. Sadlon P’92,’96 Leigh King Schwartz P’12,’14,’17,’18 Katherine A. Sherbrooke P’15,’18
TRUSTEES EMERITI Jane Cheever Carr ’50, P’75,’77,’79,’82, GP’03,’05 Harry W. Healey, Jr. P’72,’73,’74,’75,’77,’79,’86 Patricia B. Leggat P’85 Elizabeth M. Loring P’97,’99,’01 Bruce H. Minevitz P’00,’04
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WELCOME ABOARD Derby was honored to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees this fall. Each individual brings valuable expertise, time, and passion to the Derby community.
JOHN DREW P’20,’21,’25,’25
KRISTEN MAXWELL P’17,’18,’20
SUZANNE NORRIS P’22,’25,’28
John P. Drew is the president of The Drew Company, an innovative, Boston-based real estate management and development company. The Drew Company has developed several major projects in Boston including Waterside Place, The Seaport Hotel, and the Seaport World Trade Center Complex. John is president and CEO of Trade Center Management Assoc., which manages, leases, and operates three million square feet of the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington D.C. In addition to his work on our Board, John’s philanthropic involvement extends to the Boards of the Trust for the National Mall, the Federal City Council and Destination D.C., as well as other charities and organizations. John earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and an MBA at the University of Dublin, where he met his wife, Hélène. John and Hélène are the proud parents of four Derby students: Ronan ’20, Elise ’21, Estelle ’25, and Landon ’25.
Kristen is a familiar face at Derby, having served as president of the Parents Association and previously as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. Professionally, Kristen is an interior designer; her most recent projects have been residential renovations, working with the award-winning Gauthier Stacy firm. Upon graduation from Cardinal Spellman High School, Kristen earned a bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University. After a decade in the software industry, she and her husband John moved to Hingham, where she lovingly restored their century-old home, just around the corner from Derby. They live there with their three children, Grace ’17, Margot ’18, and Joe ’20. Kristen was co-chair of the Derby Council last year and her extensive involvement with the School’s parent body will be of particular benefit to the board.
Suzanne is a partner with Victress Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in companies with female founders and gender-diverse teams. The team combines capital, mentorship, and networking to empower driven entrepreneurs, enabling them to achieve even greater levels of growth. Prior to partnering with Victress, Suzanne was vice president of eCommerce for Kate Spade, and was chief marketing officer for Ellie Kai. She earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA at Harvard University. In addition to her work in finance, Suzanne sits on the boards for the South Shore Art Center, South Shore Community Center, and The Winsor School Alumnae Board. Suzanne and her husband Jack live in Cohasset with their three children, Owen ’22, Cooper ’25, and Kate ’28.
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DERBY WELCOMES KATE HOWELL HEAD OF MS/US
This fall Derby welcomed Kate Howell as the Middle and Upper School Division Head.
development for faculty in areas related to service, character, and social-emotional education.
FOR OVER twenty-five years, Kate has
“I have personally observed her warm and genuine engagement with students and parents alike, and I’m thrilled to welcome Kate to Derby,” said Head of School Joe Perry. “Her work ethic and passion for teaching is unsurpassed, and our community is so fortunate to benefit from her leadership and teaching experience.”
worked in the field of education and has been instrumental in a variety of programs throughout her career. Her early experiences involved teaching and directing teachers abroad in Costa Rica and Mexico through WorldTeach and Rare Conservation. After returning to the states, she taught at Convent of the Sacred Heart (Greenwich, CT), The Greenwich Country Day School, and most recently at Ridgefield Academy (CT) as the director of service learning and a faculty coordinator for the school’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. There, she prepared essential professional
“The first thing I noticed about Derby was its sense of community,” Kate said. “Everywhere you went around campus you felt this joy for being here.” A graduate of Wittenberg University, Kate has taught 6th grade English and various levels of world language classes
while developing successful programs centered on student advisory systems and peer leadership. As a mother of two high school students (Kaylee and Pete) and one middle schooler (Finn ’22), Kate’s parenting experiences enhance her decades of working with the adolescent age-group. “One of the things that drew me to Derby right away was the School’s ability to tie its rich traditions into progressive, pedagogical approaches,” Kate said. “Derby is obviously steeped in tradition and you can get a feel for that everywhere you go around campus. At the same time, I found all the teachers ready to make each day better.” We welcome Kate, her husband Steve, and her entire family to Derby! FALL // WINTER 2019
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HISTORY COMES TO LIFE IN THE CULMINATING celebration of their “Explorers” unit, Grade 3
students took on the lives of historic characters, representing explorers from all walks of life and time periods during their Living History Museum this fall. Students made their own discoveries as they researched and prepared to depict historic figures, explorers, and leaders including Albert Einstein, Florence Nightingale, and Marco Polo. Guests were welcomed to the “museum” to meet the explorers as students remained in character to answer questions and provide details about their individual’s discoveries and accomplishments.
BIRTHDAY WISHES AFTER BEING inspired by a local
project, Lower School students hand-delivered 101 birthday cards to Hingham resident Irving Davis, who celebrated his 101st birthday on September 26. The Davis family told local newspapers he received hundreds of thoughtful messages and was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.
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STEM WEEK SPOTLIGHTS DESIGN PROCESS DERBY PARTICIPATED in a statewide “STEM Week” from October 22–26, an effort put forth by Massachusetts Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito to highlight the connection of strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education.
During the week, classes utilized our MakerSpace and highlighted STEM lessons through all grade levels and divisions. Group projects, field trips, and guest speakers emphasized STEM concepts, culminating with an all-school design challenge that paired older students with younger students to imagine, design, and improve fun fall-themed activities.
HIGH AWARDS FOR MODEL UN THE MODEL UN CLUB attended the Global Leadership Conference in
September, winning several of the event’s highest awards. The United Nations Association of Greater Boston hosted the first conference of the academic year at Suffolk Law School. Joined by more than 200 other students from area schools, 21 Derby students tackled the worldwide problem of malaria. There were four major committee rooms where debates and negotiations took place, one of which was chaired by Derby alumna Julia Temple ’16, a proud graduate of the Derby Model UN Club. Derby student-delegates took home three “Best Delegate Awards” for their performances—the highest award given. Congratulations to Grade 8 students Eliza Sadhwani, Trew Strong, and Charlotte Wolford, and Grade 7 students Georgia Barrett, Max Daniello, and Reese Jensen for their successful teamwork and global problem-solving skills. FALL // WINTER 2019
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READY FOR LAUNCH ROWING CLUB GAINS NEW BOAT FOR PROGRAM
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DERBY AND MEMBERS of its Rowing Club celebrated the arrival of the club’s new
rowing shell at the Hingham Maritime Center this September. The WinTech International 4+/4x, is a professional, four-person boat with a Kevlar/carbon-laminated, full honeycomb core racing shell, complete with WinTech Premium Shoes, press-molded carbon seats, and hard-coated aluminum wing riggers. “This boat is the perfect addition to Derby’s rowing program,” said Hingham Maritime Center Rowing Director Sara Miller, who has been instructing Derby’s Rowing Club members since the program’s launch in 2015. “The kids have been working so hard and it’s wonderful for them to be able to experience rowing at a more professional level.” Following the club’s regular practice in Hingham Harbor, students flanked the sides of the boat as Head of School Joe Perry “christened” the boat with the traditional champagne toast, adding “our rowing program is really all about teamwork and enjoying the aspects of being out on the water together. The program truly instills our “mind and heart” motto, and really provides our students with an opportunity to explore something new.”
LEARNING THE FIELD USA RUGBY COMES TO DERBY
THIS FALL, Derby hosted coaches
from USA Rugby during a weekend event featuring coaching and referee certifications, in addition to a player development clinic. The program provided a unique opportunity for over 30 coaches and players to support the expansion of the game throughout the region. Coaches worked with members of Derby’s Rugby Club to focus on skill development and game-oriented strategies during a referee certification clinic, making club captains John Bernatavicius ’19, Brendan McGovern ’19, Calder Perry ’19, and Owen Sharpe ’19 some of the youngest certified referees in USA Rugby history. FALL // WINTER 2019
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SNOW OR SUNSHINE? SILHOUETTED ALONG the roofline of the Healey Family Center for Innovation sits Derby’s newest tech gadget: a weather station. The device provides data on everything from precipitation, insolation, humidity, and pressure, to the wind speed and its direction. The measurements are processed through the station’s software and uploaded to Weather Underground’s network. By combining the weather station data with information from the National Weather Service, it creates accurate, hyperlocal forecasts. Students studying weather or phenology now have access to the data for conducting their own forecasts, or to compare weather data with the natural changes observed on campus. Over the years, data will be archived to assess climate change at the local level. CHECK OUT DERBY’S FORECAST AT: WWW.DERBYACADEMY.ORG/WEATHER
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SAV RY SCIENCE
KINDERGARTEN Assistant Teacher Taylor Lawrence shared her passion for cuisine and cooked up a storm with her class in the kitchen at 43 Burditt this fall. As part of their “Savory Science” unit, students learned the science and art of cooking with fresh ingredients.
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VISITING VOICES NOVEL IDEAS CHILDREN’S BOOK author Paul
Reynolds visited Derby and spoke about writing creatively and compassionately. Paul exercises his imagination at FableVision Studios, a media company he founded with his twin brother and fellow author, Peter. Together they create storytelling technology like websites, games, and animated films.
FEATHERED FRIENDS THIS FALL, Lara Thompson P’22,’24,’27
introduced her family’s friendly chickens to Kindergarten students in conjunction with their class unit on farm animals and agriculture. 12
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SECURE CONNECTION THIS FALL, internet safety
expert Katie Greer met with parents and students to discuss using technology appropriately. Focusing on age appropriate topics like responsible social media posting, cyber bullying, and cell phone/tablet best practices, she presented how students and families can make technology work for them, not against them.
BRAIN GAMES INTERNIST Joell
Bianchi, MD, P’15,’17,’21,’23 discussed the brain system while testing Grade 4 students’ brain functionality with fun coordination, memory, and sensory games during a presentation this September.
SOLUBLE SOLUTIONS
LISH OLSON of Water 1st International
shared the non-profit’s efforts to provide sustainable water projects for the world’s poorest communities while improving health and breaking the cycle of extreme poverty. Students had the opportunity to feel the weight of a 5-gallon water jug and experience the challenges many face in acquiring clean water.
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GRANDFRIENDS PRIOR TO the Thanksgiving holiday, family and friends of students visited campus during Grandparents and Grandfriends Day. Guests participated in lessons, explored classrooms, and experienced everything Derby has to offer. Musical performances helped celebrate the special role grandparents, family, and friends play in our students’ lives.
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SPOON RIVER UPPER SCHOOL drama students
presented Spoon River Anthology, a collection of 244 free-verse poems told from the perspective of fictional characters who once lived in Spoon River, Illinois. Aided only by minimal set design, students selected a meaningful passage and expressively performed their piece. The collaborative production featured original music mixed with excerpts from The Flaming Lips, which explored the contrast between heightened language and contemporary rock music.
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ESTUARY EXPLORERS RECENT EXCURSIONS helped classes develop a passion
for scientific field studies and a sense of stewardship for their environment. In the fall, Grade 6 students cruised Scituate’s North River and collected data from the marshlands, beaches, and estuaries along the coast. Students studied from a pontoon boat, trekked through sand spits, and observed organisms in tidal pools to better understand the ecology of the area. Grade 4 visited Broad Cove, just steps away from the Derby campus, to gather water data, observe the wildlife, and note the signs of autumn within the habitat.
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PE AC E
N O S A OF THE SE
STUDENTS in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3 treated guests to a medley of winter classics during the Peace of the Season holiday concert in Larson Hall. Classes performed a variety of joyful stories and songs like “Deck the Halls” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Primary School students also showcased a number of musical exercises they perform in class to refine their understanding of rhythm, pitch, and echo.
Grades 4–6 shared holiday spirit from around the world during their annual Holiday Traditions concert. Students impressed faculty, parents, and classmates with a range of musical numbers and joyous skits that shared the diverse holiday traditions from across the globe. The presentation featured the musical flairs of students and faculty, backed by the talented Middle School Chorus.
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HOLID S N O I T AY T R A DI
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LET THERE BE LIGHT STUDENTS in Grades 7 and 8 filled Larson Hall with holiday cheer during Let There Be Light: A Celebration. This year’s performance shared the spirituality of different traditions and celebrated their commonalities. Even the Grinch found himself in the holiday spirit after a warming rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
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RIVER CONNECTIONS RYAN MCPHERSON ’01 believes ninety percent of what makes an oyster is the place it’s grown, and the rest is magic. As owner of Glidden Point Oyster Farm in Edgecomb, Maine, McPherson and his team raise, harvest, and sell some of the most sought-after oysters on the East Coast. Their success is built upon an appreciation for the connection between people, process, and product; an appreciation that McPherson developed as an adolescent on the South Shore and at Derby Academy.
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“
It only takes one gorgeous sunset
A
freezing hands.
AN HOUR NORTHEAST of Portland
and far from potential contaminants, his 28-acre farm feeds off the Damariscotta River and contains some of the purest water on the coast. That’s what intrigued McPherson about Maine. “I really wanted to get involved with this industry and realized it was going to need some quality. That was really going to win in the end, and our location in Maine has superior quality just based on its water conditions.” With a background in fisheries, McPherson realized oyster farming was his ticket to making a living where he feels most at home—on the water. “All of your effort is worth it, and with oyster farming, you have a lot more control in the process, which is what drove me.”
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”
to make you forget about your
DERBY ACADEMY
An oyster begins to grow by pulling subtle cues from its surroundings. A rise in water temperature, coupled with variations in salinity or a change in the area’s biomass can all affect an oyster’s development. It’s a long progression, but worth the wait and part of the driving force behind his business. McPherson receives the tiny, millimeter-long oyster seedlings from a local hatchery, raising them in floating bags for six months until they’ve grown to the appropriate size. They’re then brought on-site to mature in the cooler, deeper water at Glidden Point for an additional two years before being harvested by McPherson and his team. “We’re not afraid to take a little bit more time to do something because the quality of the product will stay consistent,” McPherson says.
Having purchased the business three years ago, he’s continued to embrace the “slow food” mentality and steer the farm away from the “faster, quicker, more” food model. Farming is a craft that requires intuition, adaptability, and an application that modern technology often casts aside. “‘Slow food nations’ is a growing concept now, and this farm’s been successful for 30 years with that mentality because it works,” McPherson says. “To go slow is probably one of the biggest challenges we’re up against in a really fast world.” Working in and on the water throughout the year can be both blissful and brutal in turn. Wading in the waters of Maine during the warm summers contrasts the shock of diving in 40-degree water during colder months.
McPherson shrugs, accepting the variable conditions as just another part of the job. “It only takes one gorgeous sunset to make you forget about your freezing hands.” For McPherson, there’s magic in the water that allows him to connect with the environment, the product, and the communities he serves. His oysters ship as far north as Canada, and as far south as Florida; some even right down the road to local restaurants. “It’s really rewarding for us, as farmers, to share the product and to see where it ends up. It’s really nice when people come to the farm and our team sees the excitement and amazement the process brings to people. It’s very fulfilling for the whole community here.”
the faculty, coaches, and classmates, some of my closest friends now are relationships I had from Derby.” That same mindset was brought north to McPherson’s Glidden Point team. “As an individual, you can only go so far, but with a team, you’re building something greater than yourself and it’s very rewarding to connect with those people. I learned to surround myself with good people and I owe Derby a debt of gratitude in helping me succeed.”
With a few whisks of a knife, McPherson pries open one of his oysters to reveal the result of what has taken years to grow. What started as a tiny seed has become a delicacy that is truly a product of its environment. “To be able to harness what the environment gives and to make something from it, it’s a great connection,” McPherson says. “It’s an unbelievably rewarding experience.”
Whether it’s building the right team, or finding the best method to cultivate his crops, McPherson understands the value of connections; an awareness he began to develop at Derby. He remembers Derby having a bit of a raw, pragmatic approach to learning that instilled students with the values necessary to succeed and grow emotionally and socially. While other schools were pampering and sheltering their students, it was at Derby where he met and overcame adversity, understanding that life will always bring challenges. Learning how to process emotions and communicate was an essential tool while facing the hardships of adolescence. For McPherson, knowing when to ask for help was a critical skill for success, and connecting with the faculty on a personal level was equally as important. “At that age, you learn that just having a conversation with an adult was important and the faculty was set up to have those deep conversations,” he says. “They were genuine. Between
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PAST
&
PRESENT OLD DERBY CELEBRATES 200 YEARS
CELEBRATING the 200th anniversary
of Old Derby, students and faculty spent October 15–17 visiting the former school building in downtown Hingham to learn more about the founding of their school, the building, and to hear stories shared by Derby alumni. Old Derby, now home to the Hingham Historical Society, originally opened its doors in 1818 as the successor to the original school, founded in 1784 by Sarah Langley Hersey Derby as one of the earliest coeducational schools in the country. Upon arrival, students in all grade levels posed for a photo on the front steps, a nod to the tradition of prior classes at Old Derby that gathered under the school’s marquee for a group photo. Students met with Derby Academy alumna and Trustee Emeritus Jane Cheever Carr ’50, P’75,’77,’79,’82, GP’03,’05, as well as alumni Tom Bright ’67, P’91,’95, Debbie Callahan ’59, P’83,’85,’88, and
Marion Brewer ’67 to hear stories about their time as students while attending Old Derby. The alumni shared memories of their favorite teachers, the joys of sledding down the hill in winter, and the woes of sleeping on the hardwood floors during nap time—an aspect of Old Derby life that bewildered current students. Carr shared a photo of her class on the front steps of Old Derby in 1943, pointing out her future husband, Alan, smiling just a few feet away. “Because there were two classes in the ballroom, there was a wire that ran across it and hanging from it were blankets—that was the separation of third and fourth grade. I could hear Alan’s voice when he was answering questions in the fourth grade,” Carr remembered fondly. “It was wartime and the building was very expensive to heat. My desk was in front of a fireplace with no damper in it, so it was very drafty until my dad came and stuffed The New York Times up it.” FALL // WINTER 2019
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“
Think of all the generations of kids from Hingham and surrounding towns who got their start in life here.
”
Carr recalled a memorable lesson about the food chain led by science teacher Marius Johnston: One Friday, he placed a little white mouse in a terrarium with the class snake and left it over the weekend, expecting the demonstration to show students the cold reality of the circle of life. On Monday morning, the class discovered the mouse alive and well, but the snake was nowhere to be found. “I’ll never forget it, nor will anyone else in my class,” Carr laughed. “We still talk about it when we have reunions.” Tom Bright recalled practicing his cursive on the blackboards that still line the walls on the third floor: “There were 12 of us (in the third grade) and all of our activities happened in this space,” he remembered. “I’ve lived in Hingham pretty much my whole life, and I’ve seen what’s happened to the building and I’ve seen its evolution.
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It’s important to preserve the memory of it as a schoolhouse—think of all the generations of kids from Hingham and surrounding towns who got their start in life here.” While many aspects of the School have evolved, Bright sensed the spirit of Derby has remained. “The setting is different, the tools the faculty have are different, but the impulses of the parents to get the very best education they can for their kids, and the School’s desire to inculcate in their students a sense of goodness—that has carried forward as a constant.” “It was such a positive experience for me and I’m really happy to come back and talk with the students to see what they’re doing,” Debbie Callahan said, reflecting on her time at Old Derby as a student in Grades 1–3. “Everyone knew who you were, and the teachers knew you very well,” she said. “The spirit of
100 YEARS APART This year’s Grade 8 class stands on the front steps of Old Derby for a group photo, as students did below in 1918.
the School, caring for one another, and building good groundwork for their future education is absolutely fantastic and very strong here.” The students’ visits concluded with a scavenger hunt that had classes searching high and low throughout the building for items from Derby’s past, including an embroidered picture by Susan “Sukey” Wilder, a student at Derby School in 1796, the “Derby Academy” marquee that once hung above the school building’s entrance, and a silver “porringer,” or bowl, engraved with the School’s founder and benefactresses’ maiden initials, “S.H.” The celebration commemorated an impressive milestone in the history of Derby while giving the students of today a new perspective of their school as it continues its third century of academic excellence.
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BACK TO SCHOOL
MEMBERS of the classes of 1937–1969 returned to celebrate with Derby during the
Golden Alumni Luncheon on October 16 at Old Derby. Many alumni in attendance were once students at the former school building, helping commemorate the building’s 200th anniversary by sharing old photos, vintage school keepsakes, and reminiscing about old times.
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HUNDREDS OF YEARS, COUNTLESS MEMORIES
AS PART of Derby’s bicentennial celebration of Old Derby, the School sat down with alumni to capture some of their fondest memories of the former school building. To hear stories about how the students, faculty, and school helped shape their lives, visit: WWW.DERBYACADEMY.ORG/HISTORY
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DEVELOPMENT HARBOR HAPPY HOUR THE DERBY community raised a
glass and celebrated the launch of the school year with a friendly social event at the Hingham Shipyard this fall.
LIGHTING THE WAY
DERBY ACADEMY recognized its Leadership Donors for their continued support of Derby’s mission with a formal reception and social gathering at the Cohasset Lightkeepers House this October. 32
DERBY ACADEMY
DERBY COUNCIL DURING a reception at Old Derby
this fall, Derby Council Co-Chairs Ellen Mitchell ’85 P’22,’24 and Wendy Ellison ’75 P’03,’05 thanked council members for their guidance and belief in the School’s mission and values. As stewards of the School, members helped commemorate the building’s bicentennial anniversary and the people behind its legacy.
‘TIS THE SEASON THE SCHOOL thanked donors for their gracious support and
celebrated the start of the holiday season with its annual 1784 Appreciation Reception this November.
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A LU M N I
CLASS NOTES 1930s
JANE PITKIN CURTIS ’36, who
1980s
recently turned 100, was featured in The Vermont Standard for her efforts as an activist and leading member of the Women for a Change Movement, which organized and rallied for change prior to the 2018 mid-term elections.
1940s
SUSANNAH RICH GOUREVITCH ’48
writes: “I enjoyed reading about the tour of the Old Derby building in the last magazine. That is where I started school in 1936 in first grade! My cousin, Vippa Wistrand Orn ’49, and my foster sister, Margaret Pope Stock ’49, both went there as did my brother, Ricky Rich ’46. It was a wonderful beginning to our education and we all went far.”
1960s
DEBORAH THAXTER ’63 writes:
“For more than 30 years, I have lived in the same Cohasset home where I grew up (and attended Derby) and have continued to work as a business litigation lawyer at the law firm of Nixon Peabody. I have had a new life partner for the past 15 years, Robert Adkins, and together we have six grown kids and five grandchildren. I hope to finally retire next year and have more time for family, friends, and of course, tennis.” 34
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Last June, HEATHER KELEHER MAXEY ’80 hosted a dinner to celebrate the life of classmate Deborah Berg ’80, who had passed away in 2016. A selection of some of Deborah’s favorite foods were served and a Chinese lantern was released into the night sky. In attendance were parents of alumni Wendy Keleher P’80,’84 and Ruth Gardner Berg Lamere P’78,’80,’83, as well as Betsey Berg Oldham ’78. Pictured from the Class of 1980 (l-r): Mark Sutton, Sean Coughlin, Ernest Milani, Faith Thomas Tracy. Seated (l-r): Heather Maxey, Jack Chapin, Susan Bryant, Kathleen Forrest Regan P’18.
Architect HEIDI CONDON ’81 of HC Design, Inc. was recently featured in South Shore Living for her design work restoring and renovating outdoor spaces throughout the South Shore. HEATHER WHITE ’82 married Christopher Pratt on July 6,
2018 in Austin, TX. In February 2018, ERIK STEVERMAN ’86 was promoted to detective sergeant for the Scituate Police Department. He oversees day-to-day detective operations and drug enforcement efforts.
1990s ANDREW HEGGIE ’95 married Amy Hudson on October 7,
2018 in Aruba.
ASHLEY WISNESKI ’93
and Will Heward welcomed Josephine (Josie) Hudson Heward on July 28, 2018.
ELIZABETH CONDRICK ’96 and Michael Burns welcomed Joseph Gordon Burns on March 23, 2018.
SCOTT SADLON ’96 married Jessica Ludy on
May 5, 2018 at an ocean research institute and aquarium on the coast of Santa Cruz, CA. Pictured (l-r): Karen Sadlon, Trustee Jay Sadlon P’92,’96, Leslie Fernandes ’96, Michael Fallon ’96, groom Scott Sadlon ’96, bride Jessica Ludy, Kate Sadlon ’92.
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IN JUNE, Derby went on the road to New York City
and held a cocktail reception at RARE View Rooftop. Pictured (l-r): Director of Development Paul Mountcastle P’27, Alex Johnston ’99, Cameron Burnham ’99, Dorothy Billings Zani ’99, Tom Gravel ’90, Head of School Joe Perry P’17, P’19, P’26.
RICHMOND HOLDEN ’98 and Kati Holden welcomed
Richmond Y. Holden IV (Ry) on July 8, 2018. MARC VERROCHI ’98 married Kristen Sargent on June 15,
2018 in Newport, RI.
DOROTHY BILLINGS ’99
married Alex Zani on December 8, 2018 in Boston.
TYLER HENRY ’99 is a software developer, artist, technician,
SPENCER BALBONI ’99 and Emily
Balboni welcomed Emerson Maureen Balboni on November 6, 2018.
and creative consultant, whose work with a kinemetagraph was featured in a recent New York Times article covering Google’s partnership with the Martha Graham Dance Company, in which members of the Graham team worked with artists and Google technologists on several dance exhibits. The kinemetagraph is an interactive installation that explores a participant’s physical relationship to the cinematic image by reflecting the movements of the participant with a matching pose from the history of Hollywood cinema in real time. To do this, it correlates motion capture to a database of 20,000 film stills. To see the technology in action, visit www.tylerhenry.com. TYLER HENRY ’99 is engaged to Annelise Whitley. A summer
wedding is planned. 36
DERBY ACADEMY
JUSTIN COLEMAN ’99 and Rachel
Coleman welcomed Margaret Rae Coleman on September 14, 2018.
JANE MELLORS LEBEL ’00
and Mark LeBel welcomed Grant Robert LeBel on July 11, 2018.
2000s CARLY HOLDEN ’00 married
Randall Carter on September 15, 2018 in Duxbury.
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NATE MERRILL ’01 is still living in Matunuck, RI working
as a PhD resource economist for the US Environmental Protection Agency in Narragansett, RI.
CALLA STASZKO ’01 married
Sebastian Martinez on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, NH.
CHRISTINA DANIELS NORTON ’02 and Kyle Norton
welcomed Annabelle Best Norton on May 9, 2017.
ERICA RICKETTS ’02 married
James Kelly on October 13, 2018 in Aruba. DOUG SIBOR ’02 married Lindsay Kosan on June 30, 2018 in Chittendon, VT.
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DERBY ACADEMY
AMANDA ROSENHOOVER
COURTNEY OLIVER LEWIS ’03
WADSWORTH ’02 and Greg
and Kellan Lewis welcomed Grayson Edward Lewis on July 22, 2018.
Wadsworth welcomed Bennett Alexander Wadsworth on November 11, 2018.
GEOFF ARNER ’03 is engaged to ALEXANDRA ANDERSON ’04
married Emilio Tangerini on October 20, 2018 in Boston.
Perrin Hutcheson. KATIE KUPPENS ’03 is engaged to
Malcolm Britton. RACHEL LEE ’03 is engaged to Matt
Vezina. AMY HOLLSTEIN WISSMAN ’03 and
Justin Wissman welcomed Nolan Scott Wissman on August 8, 2018. MAX CARTER ’04 is engaged to Emily
Krusec. THOMAS JORDAN ’04 is engaged to SAMANTHA ZILDJIAN ’03
and Chris Barry welcomed Bridget (Birdie) Zildjian Barry on April 9, 2018.
Stacy Oost-Lievense. A fall wedding is planned. FINLEY MERRILL ’04 is living in Boston and is importing tea from South Africa and Malawi. FALL // WINTER 2019
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LAURA ALLEN ZILEWICZ ’04
and Jay Zilewicz welcomed Louisa Jane Zilewicz on May 27, 2018.
KATIE BOYNTON ’06 married Tom Brandt on September 8, 2018 in
Duxbury. In June, Katie is going to the Physician Assistant program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Pictured (l-r): Bert Cayzer holding Henry Cayzer, Allie Boynton Cayzer ’04, Nick Boynton ’10, Tom Brandt and Katie, Trisha Boynton, Freeman Boynton ’74, Hilary Boynton Look ’02 with two daughters—Caitlyn and Emma Look, Justin Look, Bo Boynton ’06.
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DERBY ACADEMY
ZACH CLAYTON ’05 and Emma Clayton welcomed Piper Gardner Clayton on November 23, 2018.
BOSTON RECEPTION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 5:30–7:30PM R S V P AT D E R B YAC A D E M Y. O R G / B O S T O N R E C E P T I O N
T R A D E R E S TA U R A N T A N D B A R
|
5 4 0 A T L A N T I C AV E
|
BOSTON
JOHN COLLINS ’05 is engaged to
Madeline Buckley. JOHN WISBACH ’05 is engaged
to Abby Smith. A summer wedding is planned.
JENN SPOFFORD ’06
married James Cutter on December 30, 2018 in Boston.
ELLIE CLAYTON ’06
married Robbie Hoffman on July 7, 2018 in Hingham.
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SCHOLARSHIP DINNER FRIDAY, MAY 17 Sarah Derby’s legacy is remarkable and something for which all Derby alumni and families should be proud. As a cornerstone of her vision, financial assistance helped create one of the first coeducational schools
CAROLINE SALTONSTALL ’06
married Jake Seroussi on July 27, 2018 in Narragansett, RI.
in the country and has impacted countless generations of families. Derby’s commitment to providing financial aid to qualified families remains a priority today. This spring, the School will be hosting an event to raise awareness and funding for
2010s
financial assistance at Derby.
LAUREN HUMPHREYS ’10
We’re collecting testimonials to
graduated magna cum laude from the Commonwealth College of UMass Amherst with a degree in economics. She has joined the graduate training program at UBS and currently lives and works in Manhattan.
celebrate Sarah Derby’s legacy, as well as raising funds for deserving students and families. If you received financial aid support from Derby, we would like to hear about your Derby experience and what this financial assistance has meant for you and your family. If you would like to learn more, share your story, or attend and support the event, please contact Director of Development Paul
JESSICA JAENA ’11 writes: “I am finishing up my final year at Adelphi University and currently applying to graduate school to get my master’s in social work.”
Mountcastle P’27 directly at: pmountcastle@derbyacademy.org or at 781-749-0746 ext. 125.
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DERBY ACADEMY
BRIAN HUMPHREYS ’12 is a junior at
UMass Amherst and works part-time at Del Frisco’s restaurant in Boston.
Congratulations to UGO ANUONYEMERE ’13, who was named an “All-Scholastic” for track at Belmont Hill School by The Boston Globe last spring. He recorded a season best in the triple jump and cleared a 6-6 in the high jump, earning All-Independent School League and All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council honors. Ugo also played football and basketball at Belmont Hill and is now a freshman at Northeastern University. Now in her senior year at Noble and Greenough School, LILY FARDEN ’15 was again named an “All-Scholastic” by The Boston Globe in the Independent School League for girls’ hockey, as well in Class A’s for New England Preparatory School Athletic Council’s Field Hockey All-Tournament Teams.
Members of Derby’s CLASS OF 2015 reunited last summer. Pictured (l-r): Isaiah Gomes, Alex Heffernan, Thomas Marshman, Brendan Kennedy, Zander Gomez, and John Sullivan. Congrats goes to JACK O’DONNELL ’16 (BC High ’20) for helping the BC High golf team win the Division 1 State Championship last fall. Shooting 69, Jack tied for the lowest individual score and was the individual runner-up after a play-off hole. In December, he was also named to The Boston Globe’s Boys Golf All-Scholastic team. He was also recognized by the American Junior Golf Association as one of its top seven charitable fundraisers of the year. On his own, Jack raised over $8,500 for the Ellie Fund, which goes to breast cancer research and awareness. Jack and the other recipients were treated to a round of golf with PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler at the Medalist Club in Florida.
MARGOT OSTERMAN ’16 is currently a junior at Notre
Dame Academy in Hingham. As a sophomore last year, she was a two-time national champion in alpine snowboarding and helped NDA win the state title in golf last spring. Margot finished second at the New England tournament and had a career-low round of 74 during the season. Last fall, CALLI BIANCHI ’15 (Noble and Greenough ’19) was awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal, which is the US Congress’ highest award recognizing initiative, service, and achievement. Calli completed over 800 hours in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition. The medal ceremony will be held in Washington D.C. in June 2019.
MICHAEL REGAN ’18 writes: “I was busy last summer
getting ready for 9th grade at Sacred Heart School—math packets, reading books, history projects, etc. I was also a CIT at the Ferry Hill Day Camp, babysat for three families in my neighborhood, and spent time with Derby classmates.” Derby faculty members MIKE BOWLER AND ANNIE PETERMAN were engaged over the winter break in December. FALL // WINTER 2019
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Faculty member MICHELE DODGE and Jeff Dodge welcomed Charles Hunter Dodge on November 23, 2018.
PARENTS & ALUMNI Are you getting multiple Derby magazines? Please visit www.derbyacademy.org/update to send us your correct mailing address and contact information. Faculty member ANDY REMILLARD and Kyla Remillard welcomed Gordon (Gordie) Andrew Remillard on October 2, 2018.
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DERBY ACADEMY
Engagements, births, marriages, or job news? Send us news and photos of the events in your lives! We want to hear about it and so do your classmates!
“
I think about those relationships with my peers and my colleagues. That support meant everything.
”
FORMER FACULTY MEMBER VISITS DERBY Writer, consultant, and former Derby faculty member Nat Damon (1994–2000) returned to campus this January to reflect on the power of relationships at schools; a lesson he learned at Derby that he has carried through his 25-year career in education. Sharing quotes and anecdotes pulled from over 100 interviews in his book, Time to Teach: Time to Reach—Expert Teachers Give Voice to the Power of Relational Teaching, Damon stressed the importance of student-teacher and teacher-teacher relationships. Building Trust, encouraging Exploration, being Authentic, fostering Connection, cultivating Hope, and making room for Reflection (TEACH-R), are the characteristics he feels teachers should demonstrate every day. “When I think about my years at Derby, I think about those relationships with my peers and my colleagues. That support meant everything,” said Damon. “I’m convinced my zeal for preaching this message is absolutely formulated not just from relations with my students, but equally with my relations with the teachers I worked with, who allowed me to grow in a supportive environment. Thank you, Derby.” FALL // WINTER 2019
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TURKEY DAY REUNION ALUMNI from the classes of
2015–2018 returned to campus for their annual Turkey Day Reunion this November, reconnecting with classmates and faculty members.
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DERBY ACADEMY
IN MEMORIAM
gardening; she was a wonderful cook and an avid bridge player. A devoted mother and grandmother, she was an inspiration to family and friends and beloved by all who knew her.
1940
ELIZABETH “BETTS” STEARNS BARKER MALO ’40 died on
September 19, 2018 at the age of 95 after a fulfilling and loving life. She was the daughter of James P. and Esther F. Stearns. Betts is predeceased by her husband, Howard Gleason ’40 who died in World War II, her husband Grant S. Barker ’41, her husband John Malo, her son, Grant S. Barker Jr., and her brother James P. Stearns Jr. ’49. She is survived by daughter Janet Barker, son Jeffrey Barker and his wife, granddaughters Katharine Barker Bacon and Ellie Barker, and her sister Janet S. May ’42. Betts grew up in Cohasset, attended Derby, and graduated from Milton Academy. She loved tennis, swimming, reading and
1944
ELIZABETH “BETTY” WHITNEY CRISCI ’44, passed away on August
3, 2018 at the age of 90. Betty grew up in Newton and graduated from Derby, obtaining a degree in Christian education from Gordon College in Wenham. In 1948, Betty and Francis Crisci were married and began their ministry at The Second Baptist Church in Newton Upper Falls, next
to the famous Echo Bridge and on the banks of the Charles River. As a team, they grew the fledgling church to ten times its original size. Betty tirelessly started youth and young adult Bible studies, leading them not only on a spiritual journey, but many outings; climbing small mountains and hiking beautiful trails around New England. They found an old rustic cottage on an abandoned cranberry bog on Cape Cod. That began years of enjoyment on Cranberry Hill with family and friends, filled with fellowship, good food, and many “minister” jokes. Betty taught kindergarten in the public schools and creative writing in adult education. She was a sought-after speaker at Christian functions throughout the state. She was a prolific writer, publishing hundreds of articles in both Christian and secular magazines and over 20 books dedicated to helping churches grow. Upon retirement, Betty and Francis’ ministry continued another 20 years in Florida. She was an avid and competitive Scrabble player and led a group of fellow yard sale enthusiasts on many Saturday morning adventures. Betty was a left-handed, blue-eyed bundle of energy, a leader of many who knew her as she faithfully followed Christ. FALL // WINTER 2019
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JOSEPH (JOE) H. BACHELLER III ’50 passed away December 15,
1950
SYLVIA DAVISON ROST ’50 died August 21, 2018. Sylvia was born in Boston and raised in Duxbury. She graduated from the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing and set out to see the world. While in New York, she became the head nurse
on an internal medicine teaching floor at the New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, where she met her husband, Dr. Dwight Rost. They settled in Watertown, CT, raised their family, and retired to Duxbury, VT. She loved tennis and skiing, but golf…not so much. She was a member of the Watertown Tennis Club, the Highfield Club, and the Duxbury Yacht Club. Her passion however, was the New York City Ballet. She returned to NYC several times each year to enjoy the city, the Oyster Bar in Grand Central, Broadway shows and of course, the New York City Ballet. She also enjoyed the Boston Ballet, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the South Shore Conservatory. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Dwight Rost; her son Winston Rost and his family; son Dr. Andrew Rost and his family; daughter Jennifer Rost; sister Dorothy Davison Bragdon ’53 and her husband; brother Freeman I. Davison III ’52 and his wife, and numerous nieces and nephews. She loved bright colors, flowers of all kinds, and oysters. She was warm and tender with an irresistible smile and an endless, sunny disposition.
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DERBY ACADEMY
2018. Born in Newark, NJ, his family moved to Hingham in 1936 where they resided for many years. After Derby, Joe graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English. At Princeton, he was part of the NROTC program and served in the Navy from 1955–1958. While on a Norfolk, VA city bus, Joe, a lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy, met the love of his life, Bruce Bishop, who would become his wonderful wife of 55 years. Joe graduated from Harvard Business School in 1960 and the family adventured to Phoenix, AZ where Joe worked for Del Webb. In 1963 they moved to Tiburon, CA where Joe worked for The Draper Company developing shopping centers. In 1977, he formed Bacheller Properties, which built and managed apartments and other properties in Sonoma, CA. Joe served on the Tiburon Parks & Recreation and Tiburon Planning Commission and was a founding member of the Tiburon Men’s Chorus, now known as the Marin Men’s Chorus. He sang with them for 30 years. In 2014, his beloved wife Bruce passed away. Joe took great pride and joy in his wonderful family. He is survived by his daughters, daughter-in-law, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Bacheller Ebert ’48, his brother-in-law, and sister-in-law.
1975
NANCY FELTON HUGHES ’75
passed away December 29, 2018 at the age of 58. She spent her childhood in Hingham, attended Derby, and graduated from Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT. She went on to graduate
from St. Lawrence University with degrees in economics and French. She married her devoted husband of 31 years, Clifford T. Hughes, at her family’s home in Hingham. She worked as a marketing executive for Sail Magazine, Atex Computer Co., and Frelonic Co. before becoming a loving and caring mother for her three delightful children. Nancy will be especially remembered for her extraordinary kind and generous heart, sense of humor, and her passionate commitment to her family—the accomplishment she was most proud of. Nancy’s sister Marjorie Felton Steele ’71 pre-deceased her. Survivors include her husband, her three wonderful children, and her sister Alice Felton Horner ’70.
FORMER READING SPECIALIST MARCIA HARRIS MURPHY passed
away July 15, 2018 at the age of 80. After graduating from Winchester High School and earning an associate degree from Centenary College, Marcia graduated from the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development. She later received training in Massachusetts General Hospital’s Reading and Language Disabilities Unit, where she was certified as a teacher and a teaching training instructor in Therapy for Specific Learning Disability. Marcia taught hundreds of children and adults how to read, most notably at Derby from 1990–2008. She also trained many teachers throughout the New England area, and was a fellow in the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators from 1995–2014. Marcia was a longtime member of the Cohasset Yacht Club, Cohasset Tennis and Squash Club, Cohasset Garden Club, and Cohasset Community Center.
MIND // HEART “Improve Both Mind and Heart” is woven into every fiber of the Derby experience—from working together to construct remotely operated underwater vehicles, to collaborating on design projects during our Pals mentoring program.
56 burditt avenue hingham, ma 02043 address service requested
Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of the updated mailing address by contacting us at alums@derbyacademy.org