SPRING // SUMMER 2018
Ming Doyle ’00 Brings Stories to Life • 30 Years of Summer Arts • Derby Celebrates the Class of 2018
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, and physical growth of each student. That mission is as important now as it was three centuries ago.
CONTENTS
features
in this issue
21 Rebecca "Ming" Doyle '00
1
From the Head of School
The graphic artist reflects on her career in the comic
Mr. Perry reflects on the school year and the creative
book industry and her time at Derby Academy.
talent of the Derby community.
25 Summer Arts Turns 30!
3 Campus News
Derby commemorates 30 years of artistic expression,
The spring months have been busy with campus
creativity, and summer fun on the South Shore.
events, guests speakers, and productions.
33 Derby Day 2018
The School celebrates the accomplishments
of the Class of 2018.
45 Class Notes
See what our alumni are up to – from college and
career news, to birth and wedding announcements.
HEAD OF SCHOOL Joseph J. Perry, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Connor Gleason COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Christina Young Tessier PHOTOGRAPHERS Connor Gleason 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: Rebecca "Ming" Doyle ’00
THE SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS ALWAYS SEEM TO GO TOO FAST! WITH THE FLURRY OF END-OFYEAR ACTIVITIES, IT’S A PLEASURE TO PAUSE AND ACKNOWLEDGE HOW MUCH OUR SCHOOL HAS ACCOMPLISHED AND GROWN THROUGHOUT THESE PAST FEW MONTHS. I’m often amazed by the imagination and creativity exhibited by our students. Whether it’s through an art piece, performance, or
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even approaching a new topic in innovative ways, students feel comfortable enough to explore and discover new ways of
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confidence to convey their personal vision, and in a supportive environment like Derby, they flourish.
comic book world, and how she’s built upon the artistic talent she honed at Derby to forge new superheroes. This June, we celebrated our 227th Derby Day with our traditional choral concert and the procession down Fearing Road. We welcomed the newest group of students to our alumni family, as well as honored Science Department Chair Janet Evans-Fuller for her decades of service to our school and our students. Derby has always been a place to explore, grow, and discover one’s passions. The Derby community has always supported and celebrated the academic, imaginative, and emotional developmental of our children. With the guidance from alumni, parents, faculty, and parents of alumni, our students can find the inspiration they need to become successful learners and kindhearted people. I hope you’ve had a blissful and relaxing summer. This fall, I invite you all back “home” to campus to re-discover how Derby has inspired you.
In this Derby Magazine, you’ll see the creativity and artistic expression that thrives within our community. You’ll read about how Summer Arts at Derby is celebrating 30 years of summer fun as it continues to inspire future generations of artists on the South Shore. We spoke with alumna Rebecca "Ming" Doyle ’00 about her work in the
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Joseph J. Perry, Jr. P’17,’19,’26 Head of School
PRESIDENT
Paul D. Scanlon P’16,’18 VICE PRESIDENT
Mark K. Jones P’14,’17 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 Lori W. Cashman P’19,’19,’22,’22,’23 Robert R. Fawcett, Jr. P’18,’19,’21 Caroline Curtis Hayes ’99 Jean M. Jones P’95,’97 Pamela B. Marshman P’15,’20 Metri R. Metri P’16,’17,’18,’21 Maria Martignetti Murphy P’12,’14,’17 Jennifer Lowe Newell ’90 Jay K. Sadlon P’92,’96 Leigh King Schwartz P’12,’14,’17,’18 Katherine A. Sherbrooke P’15,’18 EX-OFFICIO
Joseph J. Perry, Jr. P’17,’19,’26 Head of School Nasreen deLaar P’18,’21,’25 President, Parents Association 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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VISITING
VOICES
BUST A MOVE! Jean Appolon of Jean Appolon Expressions, a Haitian folkloric dance troupe, led a dance workshop with Grade 6 students in May, sharing Haitian culture, music, and movement.
CREATURES OF COMPETITION Boston native and children’s book author Jerry Pollata visited the Lower School to talk about the writing process and his popular Who Would Win? book series, where formidable wildlife characters battle one another.
GIFTS FROM MALAWI Guests from Malawi Children's Mission were welcomed to the United States and Derby’s campus this spring. Derby’s longtime friends Phoebe Kufeyani, director of social services, and Henock Banda, director of education at MCM, visited campus to meet face-to-face with our students, and then video conference with their students from Malawi Children’s Mission Academy in southeast Africa. Former Kindergarten teacher and Head of the PS/LS Polly Rizzotto P’99, ’01 even stopped by to pass along sunflower seeds from Derby’s garden and books to bring back to Malawi! 3
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KINDNESS, ON THE ROCKS Megan Murphy, founder of The Kindness Rocks Project, visited campus to discuss her global initiative of leaving positive messages on painted rocks, the need for empathy in our children, and the value of spreading acts of kindness in our community.
SUITCASE STORIES
A MARATHON OF MARATHONS
Rehema Rwakabuba visited campus to share her account of emigrating from Congo as part of Suitcase Stories, a live performance series that features foreign and U.S.- born residents sharing refugee and immigrant stories. Rwakabuba met with students to speak about her experience and shine a light on the lives of immigrants.
Having recently completed seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days, Becca Pizzi spoke with Derby students about her experiences as a marathon runner, her motivation, and overcoming obstacles. In early 2018, she became the first woman to complete The World Marathon Challenge twice, once again winning the women's overall race, and six of the seven individual marathons. Spring | Summer 2018
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YOU DON'T SAY? Members of the newly-formed Derby Speech Team participated in a competitive event earlier this spring. Derby recently joined the Massachusetts Middle School Speech League, which develops self-confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking. Students worked in pairs to create a dynamic story from a book, movie, television show, or play without props or costumes. Congratulations to Grade 7 students Sadie Bartletta and Audrey Born, as well as Sophia Hess and Samantha Hosp, who participated in the event and earned 3rd and 4th place, respectively, for their group.
MATHEMATICAL MORNING Lower School students invited parents and friends into the classrooms for Family Math Morning this spring. Students and their guests jump-started their day with a variety of challenging math and counting games that tested their arithmetic and put their math skills into practice!
WAY UP NORTH Cheers of support warmed the spirits of the Derby ice hockey team as they defended the rink during the North Pole Hockey game this season. 5
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DERBY’S CALL TO SERVICE I
nspired by the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and drawing on the spirit
of improving both mind and heart, the School launched its “Call to Service” initiative – a movement aimed to generate acts of compassion and volunteerism at Derby and beyond. This spring, participants shared stories of their acts of service, such as volunteering at a local food pantry or visiting senior centers, inspiring others to do the same.
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ON THE
ROAD Virginia Tour
Members of the Rugby Club represented Derby as they toured the history of Virginia and went against area teams over March break. The group visited historic landmarks and museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Zoo, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Oh, Canada!
Students in Grades 7 and 8 put their French to practice during their trip to Quebec City in April. The group explored the history of the city and toured sights like the Parliament building, the Chateau Frontenac, the Old Quebec Funicular, Montmorency Falls, and the Basilica of Saint Anne!
The Big Apple
Alumni and friends of Derby reconnected for a reception in Manhattan this June.
Derby Goes to Washington Derby connected with alumni and friends in the D.C. area during a reception over March break.
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his spring, faculty, parents, and the Search Committee overwhelmingly supported the appointment of Scot Chandler P’17,’21 as the head of the Primary and Lower School. Scot, who was serving as the interim head of PS/LS, is a seasoned educator with more than 20 years of experience teaching and coaching students from Pre-K through high school in both public and independent schools. Scot joined Derby as a Grade 5 teacher in 2004 and has served as a secondary school counselor, a Middle School coordinator, and an athletics coach. In 2011, he became director of enrollment management. “Scot's honest and open dialogue with faculty and parents has created a positive atmosphere in the Lower School,” said Head of School Joe Perry. “His candor and humor have encouraged faculty members to connect and collaborate — important tools in building and maintaining a positive, productive work culture. Through his involvement as a parent, teacher, coach, and now division head, Scot's love for Derby has always been powerful and continues to be one of his strongest assets.” “When a student feels truly known by the adults at school, the student can reach his/her potential,” said Scot. “A school can tout its rigor, its academic programs, and its matriculation list, but the only way to truly be an effective learning institution is to have social and emotional learning as its number one goal. Students who feel supported by the adults around them are more likely to reach their academic potential. It’s a remarkable honor to lead the PS/LS as we teach the foundations of what it means to Improve Both Mind and Heart, and I look forward to working with the Derby community in continuing the mission of the School.”
SCOT CHANDLER
HEAD OF PRIMARY/LOWER SCHOOL
DERBY ACQUIRES
26 BURDITT AVE The School is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of 26 Burditt Avenue, the beautiful, two-story colonial home adjacent to Derby’s campus. The home was purchased from longtime neighbors Nancy and James (Jim) Tiffin P’82,’86, a former Derby Trustee. The Tiffins and their three daughters, Sarah Tiffin Gioffre ’82, Derby Council member Anne Tiffin ’86, and Tracey Tiffin Hogan were gracious neighbors for over 30 years, and the School is honored to officially include their family home as part of Derby’s campus.
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SUPERCALIFRAGILIST
Grade 7 and 8 students brought vivid colors, uplifting melodies, and wonderment to the Larson Hall stage during the production of Mary Poppins JR in March. Classic musical numbers like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Step in Time,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” transformed dreary, turn-of-the-century London into a magical place as the entire cast and crew created a “Practically Perfect” musical theatre experience for everyone! 9
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ICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!
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DERBY'S got
Talent
Skills shined and hidden talents were uncovered on the Larson Hall stage during the annual Talent Show in April. Musical numbers, dance
routines, and comedy acts left audience members amazed and impressed!
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ONE-OF-A-'KIND' G A R D E N
The campus gathered to create a Kindness Rock Garden along a pathway connecting Sarah Derby Hall and the Lower School building during an all-school event in May. Inspired by recent guest speaker and founder of The Kindness Rocks Project, Megan Murphy, the event was the culmination of a month-long project where students created rocks with compassionate messages that support and inspire the Derby community. Spring | Summer 2018
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In May, the Pre-K class retold the classic tale of “Peter Rabbit” with a performance complete with bunnies and sparrows escaping the garden of old, cranky Mr. McGregor.
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Grade 6 Presents
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
Rhythmic drums, vibrant costumes, and a lively cast of characters were center stage in Larson Hall this spring as Grade 6 performed Once on This Island. Capping a stellar tenancy at Derby, director Christine Beniers brought the musical to life with the help of her talented cast and crew, adding “this beautiful story, based on Haitian folklore, is about how love can conquer all things. It’s a story of sacrifice – how when we love someone, we are willing to give up everything to protect them. It’s a story of trust – how, despite the dangers that lie ahead, parents have to let their children go, so they can pursue their own dreams and discover their own paths. It’s a story of faith – how the power of prayer often guides us through difficult times. It’s a story of hope – how love can crack the walls of prejudice and bring people of different races, religions, and classes together. It’s a story about the powerful impact storytelling has on a culture – how we gather to share stories that teach us about ourselves and brings us closer together.”
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SMILES FOR MILES The school community laced up its sneakers to run, walk, and race the streets of Hingham during Derby's first 5K Race and Fun Run in May. Spectators cheered from the sidewalks as families and friends huffed and puffed, tackling the challenging course and crossing the finish line with a smile!
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S E RV E S AND SW I N G S
Over 150 guests gathered for the Derby Academy Golf and Tennis Tournament at the scenic Black Rock Country Club in Hingham this May. It was a beautiful spring afternoon for constituents to spend a day on the links and courts for a day full of friendly competition.
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AN EVENING FOR THE ARTS Paintings, music, ceramics, and sewing projects filled the Roy Campus Center as the creative and performing arts took center-stage during Arts Night in May. Lower School parents and students toured the exhibits and were treated to visual art workshops the following day at Arts Morning.
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FRIENDLY COMPETITION Cheers echoed across campus as the Lights, Darks, Derbies, and Toppers competed for glory on Field Day – a tradition that dates back to 1953. After a day of fun in the sun and events like obstacle courses, three-legged races, shuttle runs, and the Tug of War, the Lights and Toppers reigned supreme!
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Derby Celebrates Janet Evans-Fuller’s Legacy and Decades of Service
W
hile her teaching career at Derby has spanned 35 years, Janet’s history at the School began even earlier. For as long as she has been involved with Derby, the relationship has been mutually beneficial, or as Janet would phrase it: “a symbiotic relationship.”
In 1983, she acted as the interim science department head, and later served as a full-time substitute in 1984. In the fall of 1985, Janet joined Derby’s faculty full-time as the head of the science department, teaching biology, physical science, and life science. As a parent of alumni and as a former vice president of the Parents Association, her involvement gave her a unique perspective of Derby’s campus and community. “As a parent, I developed a real love for the School. I loved the culture. I loved the people. That was confirmed when I was interim here and got to know even more people,” Janet remembers. When she was offered the department head position in 1985, she was elated. “I just thought, ‘this is a marriage made in heaven.’ I started and I've always thrown myself into whatever I do like a madwoman. I dance as fast as I can.” Aside from leading the science department, she also acted as the head of girls' sports, and was a three-season coach in the athletics department. “I look back and I say, ‘Oh my goodness. How did I do all that?’ I was young and full of energy, I guess.”
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Every fall, for the past twenty years, Janet has coordinated the Middle and Upper School students’ venture off campus for class bonding, team problem-solving, and leadership development as part of The Outdoor Education program. “I like teaching study skills and life skills as much as I like teaching science,” she says. “I really felt I was making a contribution.” That contribution has served students both inside and outside the classroom, and it’s that influence that has kept Janet so focused, for so long. Year after year, she’s led students through the wonderments of science, guiding them with a steady patience and genuine joy for learning. “When you see that ‘eureka’ look, that moment of, ‘ah, I get it,’ or you see their excitement – I consider myself fortunate. Watching kids investigate and make inferences and do that all through critical thinking, you get to see the developmental changes.” In the time she’s been teaching, the field of science has evolved exponentially, and new ways of approaching the subject matter are found every year, Janet explains. “The science is still the science, but technology is the tool that can be used to enhance how you teach it,” she says, admitting that her current cell phone can do more than her first computer. “It can be a little intimidating to keep up, but there's a lot of collegiality in the science department. We build off of each other's strengths. Times have changed, but at the core, we're still Derby.” What hasn’t changed is the community of educators, alumni, parents, and students that live the mission of “mind and heart.” Janet’s interest and love for the extended Derby family through the years is evident when she sees the impact on its graduates – a meaningful component behind Janet’s tenure. “I love the alumni coming back and saying, ‘Oh, Mrs. Fuller, I'm the only one in my high school chemistry class who knows how to balance a chemical equation,’ or, ‘Oh, Mrs. Fuller, you made me want to go to medical school.’ To contribute to that seems very meaningful to me.” Her retirement will certainly leave a void on campus, an imbalance in the forces of nature, but for only a moment. It’s Janet’s legacy, however, that has made the past and formed the future.
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DOYLE '00
Z
ombies, mutants, cheerleaders, caped crusaders...everyone has their origin story – they just need someone to tell it. With pen and ink, Derby alumna and graphic artist Rebecca “Ming” Doyle ’00 brings new characters to life and continues the stories of the esteemed superheroes generations have grown up admiring. Doyle, whose paintings have been showcased around the world, has drawn for some of the biggest names of the graphic novel world. Having illustrated for comic book juggernauts like Marvel and D.C. Comics, she can trace her passion for art back to her primary school days at Derby. “From the moment I was able to pick up a pencil or a crayon, everybody in the community knew I liked to draw,” she remembers. “I just really appreciated how the School let me explore my creativity and use it as a little canvas.” Her love for illustration began in the margins of her notebooks – small sketches and doodles that became her way of connecting with the subject material. Doyle recalls former history teacher, Ivy Butterworth, catching her doodling in class. Rather than be upset, Butterworth recognized how Doyle was recreating the paintings being studied in class, and embraced Doyle’s approach. “It didn't mean that I was trying to escape,” Doyle says. “She realized that drawing was the way I personally integrated note-taking. I felt like there was a lot more understanding for kids' individuality in that way at Derby.” Her ingenuity followed her through the rest of her academic career. After Derby, Doyle attended Phillips Academy Andover, and continued to Cornell University as a fine arts major with a concentration in painting and drawing. Upon graduating from Cornell, Doyle realized she didn’t
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All artwork courtesy of Ming Doyle
see herself within the New York City gallery scene, and instead followed her heart into the sphere of graphic novels and comic books. After posting her personal fan art and drawings online, her work attracted the eyes of editors in the comic book industry. Comic books are more than eye-catching imagery and fantastical storylines; they serve a greater purpose for Doyle and so many others by simultaneously communicating and entertaining in a way no other medium can. The images and text work together to tell a story that is ultimately an interactive experience for the reader – the product of an intricate illustration process. “It can sometimes feel like an interesting challenge,” Doyle notes.
“There’s only so much you can fit onto a page, and it’s tantalizing because it's very rare that you learn everything that you want to learn in one issue.” Ultimately, it’s up to the reader to decide how much time they spend with each story or frame, and as Doyle relates, there is a sense of escapism. “You can look at one panel that took the creative team 10 hours to do, and you can be done with it in 10 seconds or less. Or you can spend 10 minutes really exploring it, looking for some details in the art,” Doyle explains. “You're severely constricted in a way that you aren't with other mediums. It's not
like a movie, where something will just flash by you very quickly and almost hit you subconsciously. With comics, you have the option to really sit with them and explore them as long as you want. It can unfold in unexpected ways.” Following the box office success of the Marvel and D.C. movies franchises, comic books have seen a resurgence in recent years. The popularity of The Walking Dead series has helped the industry regularly see
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profits above the billion dollar threshold. With her work, Doyle is able to distance herself from the stereotypical tales of the male superhero saving the damsel in distress, and explore femalecentric stories like the wives of monsters in 1970s Hell’s Kitchen, or a super-powered teenager/exvolleyball player. “I do a lot more personal or emotional stories that have to do with women's journeys,” she explains, adding that she often bases characters off of herself. “There are many genres you can explore by looking at women's experiences in all sorts of different worlds.” Her collaborative work on Marvel’s America, which focuses on a lesbian, super-powered, Latinx teenager battling bad guys as she explores her powers and heads off to college, earned Doyle a GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Award nomination for “Outstanding Comic Book” in 2018. In 2014, her collaborative work on Young Avengers won the same category for its outstanding portrayals of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. Despite the progress the industry has made, Doyle believes there’s still work to be done. “It's a lot better now, but it's still kind of unbalanced,” she adds. “It's more of a boys' club, really.” While she spends her days in the fantastical worlds of superpowered icons, she’s never forgotten her Derby origin story — or the sense of community the School instilled within her. “The teachers were a lot more connected to us, because they saw us on campus every day for up to a decade,” she remembers. “It was very easy to get a neighborhoodfeel on the campus.” Even as the academic year drew to a close, Doyle’s fascination with illustration continued as a camper 23
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If you have just a penci l and a piece of paper, then you can create a world of your own, no mat ter where you are.
during Summer Arts at Derby. “Summer Arts was wonderful, because it brought in even more types of art: animation, stop-motion animation, drawing, mask-making classes and movement. I had never heard of stop-motion animation before I did Summer Arts at Derby, and that ended up being one of my favorite classes.”
Today, she still explores the curiosity and imagination that originated at Derby. With her illustrations, she’s carried the torch of the iconic characters of pop culture, while engaging the next generation of young readers with new, progressive heroes. “If you have just a pencil and a piece of paper, then you can create a world of your own, no matter where you are.” Spring | Summer 2018
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30
years of
summer
celebrating three decades of summer arts at derby
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hen Derby’s academic year comes to a close, the summer sun greets a new group of students, ready to learn, laugh, and discover. Like an extended family that reunites every year, Summer Arts at Derby welcomes new and returning campers with warm smiles and open arms. What began 30 years ago was a summer camp that has entertained, educated, and connected children in a way no other camp could. This year, Summer Arts at Derby is celebrating 30 years of artistic expression, creativity, and summer fun on the South Shore. Since the program’s inaugural year, the camp has been led by Thalia McMillion, who had started teaching drama and directing plays at Derby in the fall of ‘88. Patsy Leggat, who was then the chairperson of Derby's Board, was friends with Priscilla Dewey, who began the Charles River Creative Arts Program in Dover, MA nearly five decades ago. “The two were neighbors in Cohasset and very good friends. She was passionate about it,” recalls Thalia. “Patsy decided that Derby should have something like that, so she and former Assistant Headmaster Jay Sadlon went to observe
the program. Under the leadership of former Headmaster John Pistel, they were very excited about starting a summer program at Derby.” With experience teaching and directing theatre at the high school and college level, organizing the program was the perfect undertaking for Thalia. “It was a very exciting, magical first year,” she remembers. “It was a blur, but it was great because I hired some amazing teacher-artists and a wonderful Assistant Director, Susan Ploss. We had a smaller number of focused offerings. It was chaotic because we tried to do everything ourselves, working really long hours to pull it off, but there was a feeling of camaraderie – everyone was there because they wanted to be. It wasn't just a job…there was a real spirit of ‘can do’ among the Summer Arts staff; that you can do anything.” With only 15 staffers and 80 campers its first year, Summer Arts was the only multiarts program of its kind offered on the South Shore, and inviting children from surrounding communities quickly became a cornerstone of the program. Comprised of campers and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, Spring | Summer 2018
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Summer Arts has always been a camp that hires professional staff that knows how to teach and share their joy for the arts. Thalia insists the driving force behind Summer Arts’ longevity has always been the staff. “The encouragement and the compassion that trickles down from the staff is so loving, generous, and inspiring. There's a real feeling of sharing among the staff and the campers – they're creating something together.” Music, visual arts, theatre, pottery, crafts…the list of activities the program offers seems to grow each year, but campers are never pushed into any courses they don’t choose themselves, building the independence and artistic freedom that defines the experience. With nearly 100 different activities to explore, campers often discover a love for something they didn't even realize existed. “It's always been a way to stick your toe in a little bit,” Thalia says. “You can try something in a very relaxed atmosphere with no pressure. There's a certain freedom to what they can produce and they can just be themselves. Kids from this program always say ‘it’s one of the places that I can just be who I am,’ and I've heard that so many times.”
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Over the years, the program’s offerings have modernized to include specialty camps with activities DERBY ACADEMY
like cryptography, robotics, and app inventors. STEM lessons (science, technology, education, and math) have found their way into campers’ schedules, but from the very beginning, the camp has always enjoyed the rhythmic pounding of the African drumming lessons, the intricate dance routines, the full-scale musical productions, and the imaginative animation. At the heart of the camp, however, is the sense of community and the collaborative environment that continues to expand. “As soon as you step on the campus, the energy and the excitement is contagious,” says Shawn Verrier, who joined Summer Arts as a counselorin-training 15 years ago and is now a lead counselor. “The kids that come make really strong bonds with friends from all around the area and they stay in contact.” Maureen Fish, camp counselor and musical director, sees those relationships develop year to year. “Every day, the campers immerse themselves in certain ways that they can’t during the regular school year. The community welcomes you in; it’s like a web of support that carries through not just the five weeks, but the whole year.” “There is a certain feeling of togetherness and enthusiasm that really has always been there,” Thalia says. “No matter what kind of art project you're doing, you're working with other people very closely in an exciting way, and it's easy to make friendships,” she says. “Campers make these lifelong friendships. You become bonded, and there's nothing else like that.” Today, Summer Arts has tripled in size, with nearly 300 campers and over 40 staff filling Derby’s campus with joy, creativity, and summer fun. Campers from the first year now send their children to live the same summer bliss. “I've gotten to see it grow over the 30 years, Thalia says. “We’ve been part of that family, and I know it will continue for the next 30 years.” Spring | Summer 2018
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Last Chapel
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H
ead of School Joe Perry delivered opening remarks, reflecting on the past year and celebrating the accomplishments of the Grade 8 class. David Kleberg and
Susannah Murphy delivered the faculty address, and Tobias Julian ’18 announced the Grade 8 class gift of an archival display in the newly-acquired 43 Burditt building; a symbol of preserving the connection between Derby’s past and future.
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LAST CHAPEL AWARDS ELVIRA BUTTERWORTH PRIZE FOR HISTORY Anna Cressman ’18 SUSAN FEINS ’85 PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE Victoria Fawcett ’18 FRANCIS RANIERI MATHEMATICS AWARD Anthony Saliba ’18 WHEELWRIGHT FAMILY PRIZE IN ENGLISH Dylan Arevian ’18 MICHAEL J. CONNELLY LATIN PRIZE Jane Scheerer ’18 MARTIGNETTI PRIZE IN MODERN LANGUAGES Ryan Phan ’18 COYLE-DRISCOLL ART PRIZE George Sherbrooke ’18 ZILDJIAN MUSIC AWARD Tobias Julian ’18 E. BROOKS ROBBINS COACHES AWARD Gerald Boardman EDWARD R. FOLEY CITIZENSHIP PRIZE Elizabeth McDougall ’19 SPIRIT TEAM RECOGNITION Thomas Holovacs ’18, Cole Rawson ’18, Mia McLean ’18, and Tyler O’Connor ’18
Anna Cressman ’18 delivered the Grade 8 Address at Last Chapel, reflecting on her
classmates, and her time at Derby, as well as the important lessons of accepting change, facing one's fears, cherishing the moments, and being true to oneself – ideas that were highlighted during her fellow graduates’ Grade 8 speeches.
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O
ne of Derby’s oldest traditions, the march down Fearing Road to New North Church celebrates the School community and commemorates the
graduates’ transition from students to alumni. Leading the procession were parade marshals Anna Cressman and Grace deLaar, the two academically topranked Grade 8 students.
Derby
Day
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T
he day began with an all-school choral concert, followed by a special tribute to the beloved
Science Department Chair Janet Evans-Fuller, who is retiring this spring after 38 remarkable years at Derby. Derby Academy Associate Head of School/Head of Middle and Upper Schools John Houghton paid tribute to his longtime friend and colleague: “What an impact you have had, Janet, on the hundreds of students during your teaching career here at Derby,” said Mr. Houghton, sharing anecdotes detailing her dedication as a teacher, mentor, and friend. “You have always had high expectations for your students and an impressive, deep mastery of your subject matter. Thank you for all you’ve done for your students, your colleagues, and the entire Derby community for the past 38 years. Your retirement is well-deserved.”
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alking to the wail of bagpipers, the
school community marches toward New North Church in Hingham, commemorating the 227th Derby Day exercises.
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Left: Students, faculty, Trustees, and parents sing the Derby Academy hymn inside New North Church. Above: Summer Arts Assistant Director Susan Ploss and Director Thalia McMillion are recognized for their 30 years of service to Derby and the Summer Arts program. Below, from left: Victoria Fawcett ’18 receives the Madam Sarah Derby Pin from Head of School Joe Perry. Derby Trustee David Bergers P’18, ’21 presents a diploma to his son Josh Bergers ’18, who was also awarded the Academy Pin. The pins are given to two students who embody the values of the Derby community through demonstrated effort, interest, and positive contributions in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Faculty member Mark Rabuck approaches the podium to accept the Thomas J. Waters Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Magda Lazowski ’18 accepts her diploma from Derby Board of Trustees President Paul Scanlon P’16, ’18.
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R
everend Noah Van Neil, assistant rector at The Episcopal Parish of St. John The Evangelist, delivered the Derby Lecture, congratulating the graduates on their successes at Derby and offering advice as they prepare for their next ventures:
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“Derby Academy is an impressive institution, but what makes it impressive is not that it has great resources, state-of-the-art classrooms, and beautiful athletic facilities. It’s impressive because at its core, the School seems to want to transmit the message that caring is as important as learning; that cultivating compassion for others is as important as cultivating one’s self. As you go from this place, it will fall upon you to remain committed to caring. So remember this: caring is the most important, the most valuable thing you can do and be. To be a good person is more important than to be good at something. Really. Hard work and happiness are to be valued, no doubt. But caring should be the cornerstone for us all. Goodness, kindness, compassion – these are the springs from which the streams of justice and love and mercy flow, these are the foundations of that better world everyone is always wishing for and graduation speakers are always talking about. You can be successful and happy and the world can remain exactly the same – because success and happiness are focused on “me.” But caring is focused on “you.” And that’s the only approach that’s really going to make the world a better place. Given all that you have been given in this place and in your upbringing, I do not doubt that you will find success in your life, however you define that. And I hope that you are happy in those pursuits, whatever they may be. But it is my sincerest and truest prayer, for your sake and for the sake of this world, that more than success or happiness, you are good.”
Following graduation, friends and family of the Class of 2018, including the Julian family, from left, Meredith ’13, Tobias ’18, Amory, and Chris ’78, gathered at Old Derby to enjoy a reception and to celebrate the newest alumni.
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MATRICULATION
Class of 2018 Boston College High School
Scituate High School
Commonwealth School
St. George’s School
Fontbonne Academy
St. Mark’s School
Groton School
St. Sebastian’s School
Hingham High School
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, TX
Milton Academy
Tabor Academy
Norwell High School
Thayer Academy
Notre Dame Academy
West Morris Mendham High School, NJ
Sacred Heart School, Kingston
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Class of 2014 Boston College
Santa Barbara City College
Clemson University
Santa Clara University
Colby College
Skidmore College
Colby-Sawyer College
St. Edwards University
Colgate University
St. Lawrence University
College of the Holy Cross
University of Alabama
Colorado College
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Fordham University
University of Maryland
George Washington University
University of Miami
Harvard University
University of Michigan
Johns Hopkins University
University of Richmond
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
University of St. Andrews, Scotland
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
University of Virginia
New York University
Villanova University
Northeastern University
Wake Forest University
Northwestern University
Washington College
Pratt Institute
Wellesley College
Providence College
Wheaton College
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Jane Cheever Carr ’50, Hingham's Citizen of the Year
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES 1940s
Dorothy Hooper Dean ’47 writes: "My first greatgrandchild: Nathaniel Greyson Belz was born on January 5, 2018 in New York City!"
Amy Sylvester Katoh ’55 writes: "Memories of Derby are among my fondest, and I often entertain myself and others - by singing the Derby songs and reciting the Derby cheers. They are indelible and long may Derby flourish!"
1950s
A well-deserved honor was given to Jane Cheever Carr ’50 P’75,’77,’79,’82, GP’03,’05, who was recognized as Hingham's Citizen of the Year in March. Jane's efforts on behalf of the South Shore Conservatory, Wellspring, the Hingham Heritage Museum and the Hingham Historical Society, Derby Academy, Milton Academy, the South Shore Visiting Nurses and Hospice, St. John's Church, and so many more organizations are beneficiaries of her time, wisdom, good cheer, and
Debbie Dana Callahan ’59 writes: "Dick and I have a total of ten grandkids, the first eight are boys, then twin girls to make nine and ten - never a dull moment! Our
support.
oldest son, Chip Callahan ’83, and his family moved to
Sherb Merrill ’53 writes: "Just turned 80 last
professors and have a son and twin daughters.
September. Happy to still be making donations to the special place that got me started - I enjoy the Derby Magazines. I’m trying to organize family from the Seattle area to visit my old stomping grounds, including a visit to Derby."
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Spokane, WA last summer. He and his wife are university Dan Callahan ’85 is in North Andover where he works at Brooks School. Two of his three sons are at Brooks. Tara Callahan Driscoll ’88 (and Jamus Driscoll ’88) with four sons are also on the North Shore." In May, Debbie met with Grade 2 students to share the history of Derby and her experiences at the School.
1980s
Lia Bowler Koloski ’85 writes: "I always look forward to the Derby Magazine and seeing what my classmates are doing. In September 2017, I retired from the Marine Corps after 21 years of service. My family and I are still living in Stafford, VA, but are looking to relocate to Alaska in the next year. I am currently enjoying spending more time with my husband Tom, daughter Torynn (8) and son Brian (5). I would like to make it to a Derby reunion, but it always seemed that I was out the area when one came up. Hopefully, now that I am retired I will be able to attend a reunion – I would love to see everyone."
Old Derby Turns 200 I Amy Forker Schneider ’89 and family have moved back to the greater-Boston area as her husband, Greg Schneider, has taken on the role as the Head of School at Belmont Hill School. They have three children:
n May, the Grade 2 class visited Old Derby, learning about the history of the former school building, its students, and what life was like when it opened in 1818. Hingham Historical Society Director Deirdre Anderson P’17 showed the class a photo of students gathered on the front steps in 1943. This October, join Derby as we pay respect to our alumni during our Golden Alumni Luncheon and celebrate Old Derby’s 200th year!
Kenna, Avery, and Colby. Spring | Summer 2018
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Alumni Class Notes
1990s
Pictured above is baby Alma, born in November 2017, and her big sister Noa. The two are daughters
Amy Bazley ’90
of Tyler Sargent ’93 and Maya Pindyck.
writes: "I recently pulled my old Derby sports jacket out of a box, and it's now my 4th grader's go-to hoodie! Ruby likes telling her classmates, ‘it's my mom's old field hockey jacket,’ especially because most of the kids in our rural Washington town have never heard of field hockey! After living in Portland, Oregon since 1999, my husband Dan'l and I, and our three kids (Hazel, 12, Ruby, 9, and Cody, 6) moved to the small town of Stevenson, Washington, in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge last summer. I have been substitute teaching in our local school district and although we miss the wonderful things about life in Portland, Oregon, we are loving the peace and quiet of small-town life. I hope all of my old Derby classmates and teachers are doing well!"
Dan Bates ’91 and Jen Bates welcomed Diana Rey Bates on April 17, 2018.
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DERBY ACADEMY
Ryan Staszko ’95 married Marisa Cianci on May 26, 2018 in Newport, RI. Scott Sadlon ’96 married Jessica Ludy on May 5, 2018 in Santa Cruz, CA.
Monique Dyment ’96 married Mark Wohlgemuth on June 3, 2017 in Chatham, MA.
Alumni Class Notes
1990s
Amory Loring Logan ’97 and Prescott Logan welcomed Robert (Robby) Dodge Logan on May 24, 2018.
Julia Wisbach Estrela ’99 and Felipe Estrela welcomed Elena Julia Estrela on February 2, 2018.
Peter Newby ’98 and Sudi Baker welcomed Lua Jean Newby on October 4, 2017.
Jennifer Sadler Kesselman ’99 and Derek Kesselman welcomed Natalie Kesselman on May 19, 2018.
Dorothy Billings ’99 is engaged to Alex Zani.
Kate Schroeder ’99 married Bill Courtney on
A winter wedding is planned.
October 14, 2017 in Sandwich, MA.
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Alumni Class Notes
2000s
Sarah Pickering Gagliard ’00 and Rob
Ricky Hollstein ’01 and Lindsey
Gagliard welcomed Emlyn Mae Gagliard
Hollstein welcomed Beau Charles
on July 28, 2017.
Hollstein on August 15, 2017.
Anne Gaughen ’00 was recently featured in The Boston Globe, chronicling her success as a professional writer, and authoring her young adult books while overcoming an eye condition that left her effectively blind.
Lindsay Deane-Mayer ’01 and Zach Mayer welcomed Sienna Emi Mayer on May 14, 2018.
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Brittany Oliver Hatfield ’02 and Cody Hatfield welcomed Oliver Jonathan Hatfield on December 25, 2017.
Alumni Class Notes
2000s
Congratulations to Lily Mulcahy ’02, who graduated in mid-May from the MGH Institute of Health Professions with a bachelor of science and master’s degree in nursing. Lily is now a pediatric nurse practitioner. (l-r: Dudley Mulcahy, Megan Mulcahy ’99, Lily, Carolyn McPherson Mulcahy, and Colin Mulcahy ’06.) Matt Steele P’01,’02,’05 welcomed grandson Erica Ricketts ’02 is engaged to James Kelly. A fall wedding is planned.
Declan Joseph Hoover, born May 20, 2018 to parents Grace Steele ’05 and Brady Hoover.
Maggie Pilczak Fallon ’03 and Doug Fallon
Jackson Stone ’07 writes: "I graduated from
welcomed Kenneth (Kenny) Fallon on
William and Mary in 2015, and then worked
March 4, 2018.
for a year in the biopharmaceutical industry for a strategy consulting firm. I mostly did
Wis Murray ’04 graduated from New York
mergers/acquisitions due diligence support
University’s Stern School of Business with a
for large (>$1 B) transactions of public
MBA and started working at Ernst and Young
biotechs. After 365 days, I left and joined
this summer.
the founding team of a technology startup called Netcapital as the Head of Business
Laura Allen Zilewicz '04 and Jay Zilewicz
Development. We are a website where you can
welcomed Louisa Jane Zilewicz on May 27, 2018.
buy and sell stock in private companies, like startups.
Katie Boynton ’06 is engaged to Tom Brandt. Madeleine Stone ’09 graduated from the Polly Murray ’06 is at UC Boulder getting a
University of Virginia in 2017 and is a PhD
PhD in structural engineering and enjoying the
candidate at Harvard Medical School in their
great outdoors.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program.
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Alumni Class Notes
2010s
Congratulations to Nick Boynton ’10 on his graduation in May from the University of New Hampshire as a University Scholar with a double major in political science and justice studies and also a forensic minor. Nick will be attending Suffolk Law School in the fall.
Will Chave ’12 returned to campus to meet with Derby’s Rugby Club and share his experiences playing at Xaverian High School and College of the Holy Cross.
Congrats to Liam Sullivan ’13 on earning Washington and Jefferson College's Rough N' Rowdy Player of the Game Cowboy Hat. As a freshman on the lacrosse team, Liam scored two goals on four shots, and tallied his first career assist for a 16-3 conference win early last March.
Kelsey Farden ’12 completed her sophomore year at Brown University, studying international relations, French, and economics. She is a member of the varsity women's lacrosse team, which traveled to Portugal and Spain last winter. While abroad, the team played the Dutch National team, taught local children the game of lacrosse, and engaged in a number of cultural and service-related activities. Over the summer, Kelsey is participating in the Global Experiences Internship program, and is spending two months in Paris working for an NGO.
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DERBY ACADEMY
Alumni Class Notes
2010s
Grace Galko ’14, vice president of the National Honor Society at Hingham High School, honored Derby faculty member Mary Ellen Olson as her inspirational educator during Hingham High’s NHS award ceremony last spring. Galko will be studying medicine at Clemson University in South Carolina next fall.
Derby welcomed members of the Boston College High Chamber Choir to the Larson Hall stage in
Andrew Carrillo Londergan ’14 and his classmate and fellow rugby enthusiast from Hingham High School, Ronan Kremer, started a rugby program at their high school this year. Rugby is the newest MIAA sport being officially recognized at the varsity level. Andrew was
April. Under the direction of former faculty member Dr. Marina Rozenberg P’13, ’20, the group performed a number of arrangements for students. Derby graduate Ned Saliba’14 and alum Quentin McCarron ’15 lent their voices to the group.
first introduced to rugby by Derby history teacher, rugby enthusiast, and coach Peter Condrick ’90. Peter
The Boston Globe named the following Derby alumni
promised Andrew that if he could get a program off the
as All-Scholastic for their accomplishments in winter
ground at Hingham High, he would coach the team.
sports: Caitlin Waugh ’16 (Milton Academy ’20)
Jack Koonce ’14, was also one of the 18 squad members
in the Independent School League for girls' alpine
playing for the HHS Harbormen this year. Andrew is
skiing; Ryan Cahoon ’14 (Hingham High School ’18)
attending Colby-Sawyer College and Jack is going to
in the Patriot League for boys’ basketball; and Lizzie
Fordham University.
Jacobson ’15 (Hingham High School ’19) in the Patriot League for girls’ ice hockey.
Michaela Markwart ’14 attended Grade 9 at Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill and then
Charlie Clinton ’15 is completing a four-week
transferred to Thayer Academy. She graduated cum-laude
program at the San Francisco Ballet's Summer
from Thayer in June and will be attending Wellesley
Intensive. The program, dedicated to advanced and
College to continue her studies in political science and
pre-professional students, is designed to explore
psychology. Tennis has remained important in her life,
the demands of a professional career. Students
and she is excited to join her teammates to play collegiate
are introduced to the unique repertory of the San
tennis at Wellesley. Her current career aspiration is to
Francisco Ballet while studying technique, pointe,
contribute to federal public policy development in the
pas de deux, batterie and repertoire. There is hope
environmental sciences area.
that he will be given a position as a trainee in the fall.
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Alumni Class Notes
2010s Last winter, Noble & Greenough School junior Lily Farden ’15 competed for the U18 Team USA Women's Ice Hockey Team at the World Championship in Russia. Lily, playing defense for Team USA, helped defeat Sweden 9-3 in the Gold Medal match in mid-January, and returned home with a gold medal and a lifetime of memories. Team USA was comprised of the best 22 high school hockey players in the country. Since her freshman year at Nobles, Lily has played varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse, and has been fortunate to win four Independent School League titles and one New England Prep School Athletic Conference ice hockey title. She has been honored as a First Team All-ISL and First Team All New England selection in both field hockey and ice hockey, and was chosen by USA Today as a pre-season AllAmerican in ice hockey before the 2017-18 season. Last winter, The Boston Globe named Lily as an All-Scholastic in the Independent School League for girls' hockey at Nobles.
Desmond Herzfelder ’15, recently helped honor the mural, “An Incident in Contemporary American Life,” a little-known painting in the basement of the Interior Department federal building that depicts a milestone of the Civil Rights Movement, painted by artist Mitchell Jamieson in 1942. As detailed in a Boston Globe article, Desmond led a campaign by writing letters to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Vice President Mike, Pence’s wife, Karen Pence, Oprah Winfrey, and several members of Congress, urging them to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the mural’s official unveiling in 1943. On the first day of this year’s Black History Month, Desmond was on hand as Zinke and others led a ceremony in Washington, naming the mural as the first element within the new US Civil Rights Network, a program intended to preserve and protect the memory of the Civil Rights Movement. Congratulations to Lexi Dewire ’16, who is currently ranked the No. 5 singles girls tennis player in the USTA New England region in her age-group. A rising junior at Hingham High School playing No. 1 singles, she plays tennis year-round, while also balancing her academic demands. Last year, Lexi won the New England Girls 16 Level 3 Super Championship without dropping a set. Also a tennis player, Lexi's older sister, Maddie Dewire ’12, plays for the women's tennis team at Amherst College.
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DERBY ACADEMY
Alumni Class Notes
2010s
Anna Garvey ’16 writes: "I am running cross country and playing lacrosse. I am a dedicated member of the Investment Club, and have been elected vice president of the Class of 2021 at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. I have continued to pursue my passion in language and I’m now taking AP Spanish and Arabic. Cece Garvey ’16 writes: "I’m a sophomore guide at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, I play soccer and lacrosse, and also continue to do Model UN. I’m also playing soccer for the FC Stars and working in Cambridge this summer." Lily Garvey ’16 writes: "I am writing for the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School newspaper and political opinion magazine. I am playing softball and field hockey, and I’m also a retropolous art scholar."
Matt Parke and Carl Schwaber, two former Derby faculty members, hit the tennis courts in mid-March while in Hollywood, California.
Congratulations to former faculty Nat Damon on the launch of his new book, Time to Teach: Time to Reach - Expert Teachers Give Voice to the Power of Relational Teaching. Nat, a 25-year independent school educator, researched and wrote about relational teaching, collecting over 100 interviews from K-12 school educators in the US and abroad during his two-year London sabbatical. These interviews centered around the question, "what do expert teachers really do?" Every teacher interviewed has taught for more than 10 years, and as a result, they were able to put content and curriculum aside and focus on the relational strengths they bring to their K-12 classrooms.
PARENTS & ALUMNI Are you getting multiple Derby magazines? Please visit www.derbyacademy.org/update to send us your updated mailing address and contact information. 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!
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R ETU RN P I TC H TO THE
Faculty, friends, and alumni from the classes of 1990-2018 returned to campus for the Alumni Rugby Game in June. Spectators cheered both the returning and the new players that formed the alumni squad during the fun, annual event.
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DERBY ACADEMY
IN
MEMORIAM IN REMEMBRANCE:
(Everett N. Chamberlain '44, back row, left)
Everett N. Chamberlain ’44 Lucinda Young Larson ’66
Betsy MacArthur ’50
Betsy MacArthur ’50 (Elizabeth Whittemore MacArthur) of Marlboro, Vermont passed away on February 9, 2018. An artist, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to many, Betsy died quietly in her home after a brief illness, surrounded by her family. Born Elizabeth Bayles Whittemore in Hingham in 1933, her father, Arthur E. Whittemore, was a lawyer and later a judge on the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Her mother, Suvia P. Whittemore, was active in the League of Women Voters on national water policy issues. Betsy had an older sister, Suvia Whittemore Judd ’43, and an older brother, Arthur P. (Pat) Whittemore ’46, who both predeceased her. When she was fifteen, she met her future husband, Robert H. MacArthur, at a square dance at the Marlboro Meeting House. Three years later, in 1952, she and Robert married. They had four children, Duncan, Alan, Lizzie (Elizabeth), and Don (Donald). Over the years they lived in places from Fort Huachuca,
AZ and Oxford, England, to Glen Mills, PA and Princeton, NJ. Robert died of cancer in 1972, and after his death, Betsy and her children settled in Marlboro year-round. Betsy was a devoted mother to her four children. During Betsy's years in Princeton, she had begun developing an interest in art, and after the move to Marlboro, art played an increasingly central role in Betsy's life. Before his death, Robert built a studio with north-facing windows in the field next to Betsy's grandfather's house. Betsy painted regularly in her studio and enrolled in art classes at Windham College. Betsy's work was shown at a variety of exhibit spaces in Marlboro, Brattleboro, and Newfane, as well as in Berkeley, California during the year she spent caring for her first grandson. Betsy's paintings were vibrant, bold, and filled with energy. Her favorite subjects were people, flowers, and her own fields, woods, and house. Betsy will be remembered for her gorgeous paintings, as much as the warm welcome she offered to every person.
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IN
MEMORIAM Martha "Marty" Stegmaier Speno ’52
Martha “Marty” Stegmaier Speno ’52 of Lutherville, Maryland passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in January. Born in Boston, Marty was raised in Cohasset and loved being by the water. She began sailing at the age of seven. Marty was very proud of winning 1st place in the Championship Series for Rookie Class Sailors at the Cohasset Yacht Club in July 1949, at the age of 12 - but not at all pleased taking 2nd place in the same series and class the following month. Marty attended Derby Academy from Grades 4 through Grade 9 - it was there she established herself as a top student and competitive athlete. Marty matriculated to Northfield School for Girls (now known as Northfield Mount Hermon School) where she continued her academic excellence. Marty attended and was a graduate of Connecticut College. In the summer of her sophomore year at a July 4th party in Cohasset, she met her future husband, Edward Speno. Although they didn't date until her senior year, Ed claims that he identified her, right then and there, as the girl he would marry (which they did in 1960). They settled in an apartment in Hartford, CT, where Marty was a pediatric social worker at Hartford Hospital. They had three children and in 1966 Ed's job took them to Palo Alto, CA, where their fourth child was born. In her “spare time,” Marty was a teen team leader at their church, and enjoyed being around and helping young people in any way possible. Marty and Ed moved the family back east to Hingham and eventually had two more children. Marty continued to pursue a career in social work, becoming a juvenile probation officer in the Norfolk County Court System in Quincy. In summer, Marty could be found at Sandy Beach in Cohasset with her oldest and best friend, Joan Kip Lyons ’52. In 1975, their family moved to Lutherville, MD, where she was an active committee member at St. Joseph's Parish in Cockeysville, worshiping there for more than 40 years. During this period, she worked at the Clearing House Ltd., as a consignor and also obtained a master’s degree in social work from Towson State University. Upon graduation, she worked with a private agency as a drug and alcohol counselor and later studied bereavement counseling at Gilchrist Hospice Center.
Virginia Wing
Retired Director of The Winsor School and former Derby Trustee Virginia Wing of Cambridge passed away peacefully in February at the age of 94. Born May 14, 1923, in Springfield, MA, she spent much of her childhood in Denver where she attended the Kent School for Girls. Coming east to Smith College, she earned her A.B. in philosophy and left her mark as president of both its student council and athletics association. When she returned to Kent to teach English after college, seniors dedicated their yearbook to her, citing her “justice, honesty, wisdom, and understanding.” Those same qualities would forever distinguish her leadership. She served Winsor from 1952 to 1988, including 25 years as director of the renowned Boston girls' school. Described by one peer as “the archetypal school head,” she presided over two national associations of principals. Across three decades of retirement, she remained an influential leader in the field of education, and she generously shared her insights as a trustee of the Chestnut Hill School, Derby Academy, Epiphany Preparatory School, Roxbury Latin School, and Tenacre School. She also served on the Board of Counselors of Smith, where she had worked early in her career as associate director of admission. In 1989, she was awarded the Smith College Medal, honoring her for exemplifying “the true purpose of a liberal arts education.” Winsor has honored her legacy in many ways; her name graces its Virginia Wing Library as well as its annual faculty enrichment program, lecture series, and outstanding teaching award.
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DERBY ACADEMY
mind// heart
“Improve Both Mind and Heart” Mission Moments is woven into every fiber of the Derby experience — from the joyful symphonies of our strings program, to the classrooms where our Kindergarteners brave icky science labs.
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.
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