THE CLASS OF 2022 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN 2021-22 GIVING REPORT thinkingbeyond WINTER 2022-23 For Alumni, Families, and Friends of Elmwood Franklin School www.elmwoodfranklin.org elmwood franklin school
Founded in 1895, Elmwood Franklin School offers a challenging, comprehensive academic program paired with a strong emphasis on citizenship and good character. Students are given the opportunity to learn and to lead in a nurturing, child-centered environment where curiosity is rewarded, risk-taking is encouraged, and challenging assumptions is expected. As a result, our students become confident, resilient, independent thinkers well-prepared to excel in high school and beyond.
Elmwood Franklin School is an inclusive community that values diversity. Elmwood Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family structure, or religion.
www.elmwoodfranklin.org
MISSION
Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead thriving lives.
Thinking Beyond is published by the Institutional Advancement department for alumni, families, and friends of Elmwood Franklin School.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Rebecca Murak rmurak@elmwoodfranklin.org
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Moira Lewis mlewis@elmwoodfranklin.org
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Stephanie Katzman skatzman@elmwoodfranklin.org
CORE VALUES
ACADEMIC RIGOR
Elmwood Franklin continually challenges students to grow academically and intellectually so that they can achieve at increasingly higher levels.
COMMUNITY
FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please mail any address updates to:
Elmwood Franklin School Development Office 104 New Amsterdam Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216
Call 716-877-5035 or e-mail development@elmwoodfranklin.org
TO SUBMIT CLASS NEWS
Visit www.elmwoodfranklin.org/alumni or e-mail news and photos to alumni@elmwoodfranklin.org
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Please e-mail comments to development@elmwoodfranklin.org
Please include your name and contact information for verification.
Elmwood Franklin fosters a caring environment in which families, students, teachers, and professionals share ideas, value and incorporate differences, and work in partnership to create authentic experiences with lasting impact.
CHARACTER
Elmwood Franklin strengthens socialemotional skills and demonstrates a commitment to the values of kindness, respect, integrity, teamwork, and perseverance. Students are encouraged to practice their roles as responsible citizens in a wider world.
CREATIVE INQUIRY
Elmwood Franklin promotes a culture of learning in which curiosity is rewarded, risktaking is encouraged, and challenging assumptions is expected. Through these experiences, confident, resilient, independent thinkers are cultivated.
INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE
Elmwood Franklin is a journey—not a destination. Students are met at their personal stage of development and are given opportunities to discover their learning style, pursue their passions, and develop themselves.
elmwood franklin school
2022-2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President Amy Habib Rittling ’82
Vice President Brian J. Lipke
Treasurer Victor A. Filadora
Secretary Alon Kupferman
Governance Roger Walcott
Kari Root Bonaro
Robert Glidden III
Allison Joseph Pendleton ’06
Helen Marlette ’73
Rachelle Nurse
James Obletz
Marina O’Donnell
Cara Reich
Uzma H. Siddiqui
Daniel Weinrieb ’94
2022-2023 ALUMNI COUNCIL
Co-Chair Tricia Barrett ’92
Co-Chair Susie Lenahan Kimberly ’64
Gitti Barrell ’71
Martha Wilson Barrett ’87
Kilby Bronstein ’06
Stephanie Swift Kroth ’90
Madeline Ambrus Lillie ’64
Liz Duryea Maloney ’70
Amity Lippes Mann ’90
Ryan McQueeney ’03
Betsy Swift Mitchell ’65
The Journey Ahead
Allison Joseph Pendleton ’06 turned her thoughts to her days as a student at EFS and how much promise the journey ahead holds for our graduates as she addressed the Class of 2022.
4
Thriving Head of School Ryan Kimmet, reflects on 2022 and our school community postCOVID.
6
The Class of 2022
In June, our eighth grade class walked across the stage of The Johnston Theatre as students for the last time. Join us in congratulating our newest class of alumni, the Class of 2022!
10
Family Ties
From year to year, EFS alums are making a family tradition out of an Elmwood Franklin education.
On the cover: Kimisha Brown Houston ’98 with her daughter Mariah Houston ’22
Jesse Baier Radford ’01
Susan Schoellkopf ’65
Daniel Weinrieb ’94 12
14 Alumni News 23
2021-2022 Giving Report
3
thinking
WINTER 2022-23
beyond
BY RYAN KIMMET ED . D .
As I reflect upon 2022 at Elmwood Franklin School, one word comes to mind: thriving. In every aspect of the school, we are experiencing growth and a positive direction, and it is an exciting time to be at EFS.
Nearly a year and a half ago, my family and I packed up our home in Philadelphia and prepared for our big move to Buffalo. We knew we had an adventure ahead of us, but it was impossible to predict just how things would unfold. Naturally, there have been ups and downs and twists and turns, but undoubtedly it has been an incredible time for me, my family, and EFS.
When I arrived, I was so moved to see this outstanding faculty and staff do what they do best to support the needs of our students. I was struck by the high level of engagement that our teachers facilitate. Students at EFS love to learn and are constantly challenged and inspired by our teachers. I had seen the statistics of how our students perform well on standardized tests, have tremendous acceptance rates into the local high schools, and often test
into honors-level classes. But to see firsthand just how this happens was inspiring. Ultimately, it comes down to exceptionally dedicated and creative teachers who put in countless hours of hard work with very high expectations for each child to thrive under their care.
EFS continues to lead in health, safety, and security. As we emerged from the restrictions of COVID-19, returning to our school traditions has been wonderful, especially Medieval Night, concerts, and plays. The 2022-23 theme of character has also highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning and mental health programs and support. In addition, EFS remains focused on school safety and security. Our new keyless fob entry and intercom systems have been successfully installed, we have implemented a new
4 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
thriving
From the Head
safety committee of faculty and staff members, and we continue utilizing onsite security.
I am happy to report that EFS has an incredibly healthy financial picture. Our enrollment reached a recent record number last school year and has been surpassed again this year. Our Annual Fund and Auction have been incredibly successful thanks to our wonderfully generous and supportive community. The 125 Endowment Campaign for Elmwood Franklin School has surpassed the $10 million mark, making it the most successful campaign in school history!
Though it is critical for the school to succeed in its finances and operations, it is most rewarding to be part of a school where one can see and feel how its students genuinely thrive. As I visit classrooms, attend performances, and cheer on our athletic teams, I am constantly blown away by our students. Our eighth graders stand before their peers each week to share their personal-belief essays. Our fourth-grade students bring our Lower School assemblies to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and close them by leading us in the school song. Perhaps my favorite memory from 2022 was going on the Gettysburg/Washington DC trip with seventh and eighth grade students. I was impressed by their inquisitive spirit at each historical landmark and their outstanding citizenship and character. Watching them represent EFS in a crowded sea of other school groups from around the country truly made me proud.
And, of course, in the end, the students are why we are all here. I feel privileged to lead this remarkable institution with a long history of excellence in the classroom, that navigated the pandemic so remarkably, that has worked hard to be in a strong financial position, and that produces such intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and creative children. I am grateful to work with this community to ensure that EFS continues to thrive in the future.
In May, seventh and eighth graders broadened their learning experiences and connected to the world outside the classroom on their four-day class trip to Washington, D.C., and Gettysburg!
In November, sixth grade students took their parents on an epic journey back to an age of bravery and honor at the 40th annual Medieval Night. Medieval Night is the culmination of a two-month study of the Middle Ages that integrates music, art, literature, and history.
5 THINKING BEYOND | WINTER 2022-23
“
Though it is critical for the school to succeed in its finances and operations, it is most rewarding to be part of a school where one can see and feel how its students genuinely thrive.”
6
THE ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
class of 2022
This past June, our eighth graders crossed the stage of The Johnston Theatre for the last time as students. Please join us in congratulating Elmwood Franklin School’s newest class of alumni!
SITTING ( From L to R) Giselle Glenn, Mariah Houston, Courtney Anderson, Anna Butsch, Mary Cloud, Aariona Archie, Leviathan Howell, Annabelle Koch
STANDING ROW 1 Gabrielle Goodly Nora Ramsdell, Everett Kamieniarz, James Burnett, Michael Burke, Halim Habib, Jonas Heneghan, Matthew Michaels, Haleigh Rittling, Anna Karassik
STANDING ROW 2 Kaitlyn Block, Avi Dasgupta, Dylan Chiantella, Mitchell Masiello, Markos Kollidas, Hasan Siddiqui, Tate Boccaccio, Devin Fishkin
7 THINKING BEYOND | WINTER 2022-23
family TIES
From year to year, EFS alums are making a family tradition out of an Elmwood Franklin education. This group makes up a valuable resource for Elmwood Franklin’s future. Not only are their families shaped by the school, but the school is inevitably shaped by their families.
Haleigh
8
This past school year, 36 students had a parent who was also a graduate of Elmwood Franklin School, including eighth graders Halim Habib ’22 and Haleigh Rittling ’22, pictured here (from left to right) with A.J. Rittling ’21, Amy Habib Rittling ’82 and Anthony Habib ’87.
was the Blue team captain and the second in her family to win the competition! Her mom, Amy Habib Rittling ’82, was also captain of the Blue team when they bested the Gray team to win the cup in 1982.
Eighth grader Mariah Houston ’22 pictured here with her mother Kimisha Brown Houston ’98
class of 2022
HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES
Courtney Anderson
Aariona Archie
Kaitlyn Block
Tate Boccaccio
Michael Burke
James Burnett
Anna Butsch
Dylan Chiantella
Mary Cloud
Avi Dasgupta
Devin Fishkin
Giselle Glenn
Gabrielle Goodly
Nardin Academy
Home School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Canisius High School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Nardin Academy
Nichols School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
Halim Habib
Jonas Heneghan
Mariah Houston
Leviathan Howell
Everett Kamieniarz
Anna Karassik
Annabelle Koch
Markos Kollidas
Mitchell Masiello
Matthew Michaels
Nora Ramsdell
Haleigh Rittling
Hasan Siddiqui
Canisius High School
Canisius High School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Mount St. Mary Academy
Nichols School
Canisius High School
Nichols School
Nichols School
Buffalo Seminary
Nichols School
Canisius High School
9 BULLETIN BOARD | WINTER 2018
10
aheadjourney
ALLISON JOSEPH PENDLETON ’06
Allison Joseph Pendleton ’06, vice president of Clover Group, turned her thoughts to her days as a student at EFS and how much promise the journey ahead holds for our graduates as she addressed the Class of 2022 on June 15.
"While 2006 feels like just yesterday to me, and I imagine to most of the parents and grandparents in this audience as well, I cringed a bit when I realized that today’s graduates had yet to enter the world," she started. "When initially asked to be this year’s graduation speaker, I confess that I found myself a bit apprehensive. Aside from the general trepidation I have for public speaking, I wondered what wisdom I have to impart. Upon further reflection, I realized the answer lies in my own journey through Elmwood Franklin School and, though I hate to say it, the many, many years beyond."
By her own admission, Allison was nervous, sad, and of course, excited as she sat on stage in The Johnston Theatre for her graduation. "For those of you worried that the road ahead won’t be easy, you’re right; it won’t always be. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone on more than one occasion, and like everyone else in this great big world, you will struggle. But fear not because Elmwood Franklin has prepared you to face adversity head-on."
Following are excerpts from her address to the EFS Class of 2022.
11 THINKING BEYOND | WINTER 2022-23
2022 Commencement Address
THE
It was in 2006 that I was seated in this very room, getting ready to walk across the very same stage. I felt what I imagine are a lot of the same emotions as this year’s graduates. Excitement about high school and the opportunity to meet new people. Nervous about once again being a small fish in a big pond. Sad about leaving, worried that friendships might not last as we moved forward down different paths. Class of 2022, while I will admit that many things have changed in the last 16 years, please know that these feelings and doubts have been had by many Elmwood Franklin graduates before you and will be felt by many after you. If there is one thing I can leave you with today, it is my hope that I can quell some of these fears and provide you with a sense of peace regarding your journey at Elmwood Franklin finally coming to an end.
The late great C.S. Lewis once said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Mr. Lewis was correct—as you move throughout life, you are forced to leave behind many things. But rest assured, Class of 2022, that the friendships you have made here at EFS are not one of them. Choosing different high schools does not mean the end of a friendship. It means waiting all week for that sleepover with the girls, or pick-up hockey game with the guys, looking forward to those special Friday movie nights and Sunday football games. Instead of your circle of friends shrinking, you will find that it greatly expands. The friendships you have made here at EFS are life-long bonds; nourish these, and you might find yourself standing up with your best friend since Prep II as she marries the love of her life, just like I will have the honor of doing this September. Your fellow graduates are more than just classmates; they are your family. And just like family, you’re stuck with them—wherever you may go in life—they will always be with you.
Of course, moving up to high school comes with other challenges besides social ones. Some of you may be worried about the level of classes—will they be too difficult? Take a deep breath, my
friends, because I can confidently say that as Elmwood Franklin graduates, you will be the most academically prepared students at any high school in the greater Buffalo area. This goes beyond knowing the basics of Algebra I or how to structure a thesis statement properly. You have been taught how to think critically, to know your own mind, and not to be afraid to speak up. And so, I urge you to use your voice; be the loud and proud students that Elmwood Franklin has given you the skills to be. You have all the tools in your toolbox. Simply be confident that you know how to use them.
There will be people who doubt you—adults and peers alike. This is where another pillar of your Elmwood Franklin education will come into play: your strong, honorable character. Elmwood teaches you to hold yourself to the highest ethical standard. You have learned always to treat others with respect and, perhaps more importantly, to lead by example. You learned firsthand how to be leaders as “big brothers or sisters” to nervous fifth grade students entering the Upper School. Again, as captains of the Blue & Gray Teams (GO BLUE!), you learned how to lead others in friendly competition, and whether you win or lose, to do it with grace and good sportsmanship. Prior to being
12
ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL “
drafted by Buffalo in 2018, Bills quarterback Josh Allen said, “If you don’t want to believe in me, that’s OK, because I’ll make a believer out of you.” Turn the doubters into believers. Allow them to see your character shine through your actions, for as cliché as it sounds, actions do speak much louder than words.
High school, college, and life beyond will throw a lot of challenges your way. For those of you worried that the road ahead won’t be easy, you’re right; it won’t always be. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone on more than one occasion, and like everyone else in this great big world, you will struggle. But fear not because Elmwood Franklin has prepared you to face adversity head-on. Take these last two and a half school years, for example. An unprecedented global pandemic forced you as students to adapt to a new way of life. Your learning practices shifted to fit with the everchanging CDC guidelines, and you did not miss a beat. You put on the masks when you needed to, buckled down, and got to work. As you sit here today, you should be incredibly proud not only of the hard work you put into your education but on being able to face such a great challenge with poise and maturity well beyond your years. This is just
another way you have met and even exceeded Elmwood’s expectations as leaders of the school community—and so I say “kudos” to each and every one of you.
Finally, for those of you worried that today might be “goodbye,” I’d like to point out that goodbyes are often final. While Elmwood Franklin will no longer be the place where you spend your days, faculty and staff alike will always welcome you back with open arms. The school song very clearly and appropriately states, “Give a cheer for Elmwood Franklin School. The school belongs to you and me.” Whether you visit next year, five years, or ten years from now, you will still be able to walk through these halls and feel the same sense of belonging you felt throughout your time here. Like it is for me and so many other proud alumni, Elmwood Franklin School will always be your home away from home. And so, Class of 2022, I encourage you to come back as often as you’d like. But above all, I urge you to think of today’s ceremony not as a goodbye but as an open-ended “I’ll see you later.”
13 THINKING BEYOND | WINTER 2022-23
“
Your fellow graduates are more than just classmates; they are your family. And just like family, you’re stuck with them— wherever you may go in life— they will always be with you.”
CLASS OF 2018 grad brunch
In June, alumni from the Class of 2018 returned to EFS to celebrate the end of their high school journey and reconnect before heading off to college this fall. Pictured above are (from l to r) Mia Endl, Mrs. Alyssa Charles, Lucy Heneghan, Hannah Rich, Charlotte Greene, Katelyn Michaels, Thomas Enstice, John Szymczak, Carys Popat, Madeline Finn, Reilly Lenahan, Nathan Santana, Morgan Shaver, Quinn Bogart-Berdysiak, Carlie Porter, Juliana Victor, Anthony Corasanti, Paul Walier, Jr., and Mr. Jonathan Garra.
14 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL Alumni News
class of 2018 COLLEGE CHOICES
Quinn Bogart-Berdysiak
Enzo Capicotto
Anthony Corasanti
Genevieve Downing
Mia Endl
Thomas Enstice
Madeline Finn
Charlotte Greene
Natalie Hausmann
Angela He
Lucy Heneghan
Reilly Lenahan
Lauren Levy
Katelyn Michaels
Ariel Miserendino
Simona Muscarella
Carys Popat
Carlie Porter
Jazmin Prophet
Hannah Rich
Nathan Santana
Morgan Shaver
John Szymczak
Juliana Victor
Paul Walier
Sierra Warren
Rochester Institute of Technology
Liberty University
Duquesne University
McGill University
Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Georgia
Boston College
American University
Unknown at time of publication
University at Buffalo
University of Washington
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stetson University
Unknown at time of publication
Bates College
Northeastern University
Canisius College
Unknown at time of publication
Furman University
SUNY Oswego
SUNY Oswego
Erie County Community College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Furman University
Canisius College
15 Alumni News
ONCE AN eagleALWAYS AN eagle
Whether they are across the country, around the world, or right here on campus, Elmwood Franklin School graduates will always have a home at EFS. Alumni often can be seen walking the halls, catching up with teachers, or volunteering their time on campus. Here are a few graduates we heard from or saw on campus in 2022.
To keep up with all of our alumni news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And to share your news, send us a message on social media or e-mail alumni@elmwoodfranklin.org.
JANUARY 2022
Mara Barry ’21 had an exceptional first year at Buffalo Seminary! She played on the varsity soccer team in the fall and joined the crew team for the spring season. In addition to athletics, Mara participated in Book Club and Spanish Club and played clarinet in SEM’s ensemble
FEBRUARY 2022
Lucy Heneghan ’18 earned the distinction of Salutatorian of her senior class at Nardin Academy and received an International Scholar award for all four years from the University of Toronto.
16
Alumni News
FEBRUARY 2022
Lauren Levy ’18 was named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist in her senior year at Buffalo Seminary. In addition to her academic achievements, Lauren led SEM to win the All-Catholic Girls Swimming Championships. Lauren started at MIT this past fall.
APRIL 2022
Maddi Finn ’18 graduated from Nardin Academy and headed to the University of Georgia, where she earned a scholarship. Maddi is one of only three students accepted into their classical saxophone music performance program. During her senior year, Maddi was selected as first chair of the alto saxophone section of the NY Conference All-State Symphonic Band. She competed against hundreds of students and received a perfect score on her evaluation.
MAY 2022
Mackenzie Lenahan ’14 (left) and Janie Wyckoff ’14 (right) were back at EFS after completing their undergraduate degrees in the spring. Mackenzie earned a BS in Biology from Northeastern University, and Janie graduated with her BS in Childhood Education from St. John Fisher College. Janie also joined her former teachers on campus as a substitute teacher to finishe the school year.
MARCH 2022
Kevin Kaminski ’98 (left), a principal in Kaminski & Pew, an architecture and interior design firm in Philadelphia, returned to Buffalo to visit family and friends, including EFS classmate James Gardner ’98 (right) The two caught up with their Upper School history teacher, Mrs. Dee Drew, and reminisced about some of the artifacts and posters still on display from their time here.
APRIL 2022
Will Chason ’03 was part of the team that took home the Grammy for Best Rap Song at the 64th annual Grammys. Will is a California-based multi-platinum, three-time Grammynominated, and Grammy awardwinning engineer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
JUNE 2022
Mason Howell ’20 (left) and Atticus Warner ’20 (right) visited campus to catch up with their former teachers. As rising juniors at Nichols School, both have found a home on the water. Mason was named the MVP of the sailing team his sophomore year and Atticus was on the varsity crew team.
17
JUNE 2022
Our recent graduates are excelling at their chosen high schools and being recognized for their accomplishments. Jude Freirich ’21 (left) received the Freshman History Award, and Evie Walcott ’21 (right) received the Christopher Wadsworth Award for character and academics and the Freshman Physics Award at the Nichols School Upper School Awards Ceremony. Evie and Jude also were placed in all advanced academic classes this year. As a freshman at Canisius High School, Ethan Johnson ’21 (center) took AP World History and was placed in honors-level English and geometry.
SEPTEMBER 2022
Maya Simmons ’14 (left) visited with Spanish language teacher Tammy Bingel to prepare for her long-term subsitute position in our World Languages department.
Maya recently graduated from Howard University with her B.A. in African American Studies, minoring in Spanish and English.
JULY 2022
Heather Flickinger Byrne ’79, who is currently living in San Francisco, visited campus while in Buffalo with her daughter Sophia to tour her alma mater.
NOVEMBER 2022
We welcomed EFS graduates Avery Endl ’20 (left) and Olivia Biehl ’20 (right) back on campus, pictured here with fourth grade teacher Christine Marth. Avery is a junior at Nardin Academy and recently performed in their production of The Little Mermaid. Olivia is the junior class president at Santa Cruz High School and plays beach and indoor volleyball. In addition to their extracurriculars, both are challenging themselves with AP and honors courses.
18 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
Stephanie Swift Kroth ’90 and Sarah Mitchell Duddy ’90
Mike Casacci ’98, Kevin Kaminski ’98 and Denis Wettlaufer ’64
WHO WAS there
EFS ALL-ALUMNI
BACKYARD BBQ
JUNE 4, 2022
19 THINKING BEYOND | WINTER 2022-23
Retired Upper School math teacher Maureen Jacobi, James Gardner ’98 and retired French language teacher Madame Marigrace Papagni
James Gardner ’98, Maureen Jacobi, and Can Celik ’98
Stephanie Swift Kroth ’90, Stacie Greenfield Stone ’91, Kary Fronk Clark ’91, and Whitney Gardner Zammit ’93
Ed Righter ’01, Maureen Jacobi, and Jonna Wopperer ’98
Alumni News
A LOOK back
GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY MAY 23, 2022
We were thrilled to welcome hundreds of guests in May for our annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day—our first chance to host this long-standing and treasured event since the start of the pandemic. Our special visitors spent the morning with their grandchildren, enjoying performances, meeting their friends, making crafts, reading favorite stories, and sharing in the fun of outdoor games and activities.
20
21 SAVE THE DATE Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day MAY 15 2023
23 Board of Trustees Corporation Life Members Alumni Council Admissions Report Parent Council Volunteer Recognition
Annual Fund Campaign History Donors Amazing Things Donors Have Made Possible Gifts in Memory and Honor Alumni Donors 110% Club
Auction: Forever Young Executive Committee and Sponsors Raise the Paddle Your Support What It Means, What It Does, and Why We Need It 125 Endowment Campaign for Elmwood Franklin 24 24 24 25 26 28 30 31 33 37 38 39 41 43 44 45 46 46 47 ANNUAL REPORT JULY JUNE 2021-2022
2021-2022
2022
Corporation and Board members gathered in early June for their annual spring luncheon. Pictured above (from l to r), Amy Habib Rittling ’82, Brian Lipke, Amy Habib, Helen Marlette ’73, Rosemarie Beres, Susie Green ’62, Catherine Wettlaufer ’62, Devon Marlette, Steven Biltekoff, Betsy Mitchell ’65, Janie Constantine ’62, and Head of School Ryan Kimmet.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2021-2022
PRESIDENT Amy Habib Rittling ’82
VICE PRESIDENT Brian J. Lipke
VICE PRESIDENT Victor A. Filadora, MD, MBA
TREASURER Darby Fishklin
SECRETARY Alon Kupferman
TRUSTEES AND GOVERNANCE Betsy Constantine ’89
Kari Root Bonaro
Allison Joseph Pendleton ’06
Helen Marlette ’73
Gregory K. Meyer, CPA
Matthew Montante
Rachelle Nurse, PHD, APRN, WHNP-BC
Marina O’Donnell
Cara Reich
Uzma H. Siddiqui, MD
Matthew Thomas, PHD
Roger Walcott, MD
Daniel Weinrieb ’94
CORPORATION LIFE MEMBERS
Jane S. Banta ’61
Rosemarie Beres
Steven G. Biltekoff
Janie Constantine ’62
Holly A. Donaldson ’57
Barbara Hourihan Downing
Catherine Beltz-Foley
Keith W. Frome
Richard E. Gioia
Robert D. Gioia
Susan B. Green ’62
Cutler S. Greene ’88
Amy J. Habib
Alice F. Jacobs
Edwin M. Johnston, Jr. ’47(d)
Michael Joseph
Alison Keane
Stephen Kellogg ’51
Charles F. Kreiner, Jr.
George W. Laub ’42
Madeline Lillie ’64
Gerald S. Lippes
Devon Marlette ’67
William E. Mathias II
Elizabeth S. Mitchell ’65
Trudy A. Mollenberg ’61
Terri Rich
Pamela Righter
Robert E. Sadler, Jr.
Robin Sadler
Anne L. Saldanha
Frank M. Spitzmiller II
Cynthia Baird Stark
David G. Strachan ’47(d)
Douglas G. Swift ’70
Pamela R. Jacobs Vogt
James M. Wadsworth
Edward F. Walsh (d)
Catherine T. Wettlaufer ’62
E. John White
Leslie H. Zemsky
ALUMNI COUNCIL
2021-2022
CO - CHAIRS Tricia Barrett ’92 and Susie Lenahan Kimberly ’64
Gitti Barrell ’71
Martha Wilson Barrett ’87
Kilby Bronstein ’06
Stephanie Swift Kroth ’90
Madeline Ambrus Lillie ’64
Liz Duryea Maloney ’70
Amity Lippes Mann ’90
Ryan McQueeney ’03
Betsy Swift Mitchell ’65
Jesse Baier Radford ’01
Susan Schoellkopf ’65
Daniel Weinrieb ’94
24 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
ADMISSIONS REPORT
2021-2022
After graduating 20 eighth grade students in 2021, we enrolled 75 new students for a total student body of 329. Families continue to come to EFS from all over Western New York—some from as far away as Bennington, Sanborn, and Lewiston, while others live as close as across the street.
FIVE YEAR ENROLLMENT
TUITION ASSISTANCE
A total of $1,111,824 in tuition assistance was granted to 177 students (53% of enrollment).
25 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
In October 2021, the Parent Council organized its annual Fall Festival, bringing together families for a fun-filled day of fall-themed arts and crafts and activities and a movie night under the stars! This event was chaired by EFS moms Katie Daly, Sarah Ferraro, and Kerry Riordan.
PARENT COUNCIL
2021-2022
From picnics to book fairs, teacher treats to BBQs, room reps to family fun, the Parent Council serves as a support group to the school and as a resource for all members of the school community. The Parent Council encourages communication between the school administration and Parent Council members by sharing matters of mutual interest, working together on fundraising events, and encouraging involvement by all parents in the school community.
We sincerely appreciate our parents’ involvement and support.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT Susan Burke
VICE PRESIDENT Katie Daly
SECRETARY Kristin DiCunzolo
ROOM REP COORDINATORS Jennifer Atwal, Michelle Busch
EX OFFICIO Stephanie Kroth ’90
COMMITTEE AND EVENT CHAIRS
FALL FESTIVAL
Katie Daly, Sarah Ferraro, Kerry Riordan
BOOK FAIR
Alicia Michielli
ORIGINAL WORKS
Susan Burke
HOLIMONT SKI FUN DAY
Karen and Roger Walcott
ROOM REPRESENTATIVES
BEGINNERS Janelle Camesano, Linda DuBois
PREP I Abby Gardner, Marina O’Donnell
PREP II Jennifer Atwal, Abby Gardner
GRADE 1 Melissa Kresse ’92, Ashleigh Walker
GRADE 2 Nara Babi Reddy, Katherine Bernys
GRADE 3 Melissa Patterson, Erin Powers
GRADE 4 Katherine Bernys, Megan Whitmore
GRADE 5 Melissa Kresse ’92, Kerry Riordan
GRADE 6 Stephanie Kroth ’90
GRADE 7 Alicia Michielli, Karen Walcott
GRADE 8 Tracy Masiello, Josephine Siddiqui
27 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
Giving isn’t limited to money—acts of kindness, both small and large, have a special value of their own. In May, Head of School Ryan Kimmet welcomed Elmwood Franklin’s volunteers to a breakfast reception to give special recognition to a few and heartfelt thanks to all.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
“
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop
28 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD
The Unsung Hero Award pays special honor to those who work tirelessly for our school, year after year, without fanfare, fulfilling important roles but not always getting the recognition they deserve. This year we honored three such individuals, Josephine Siddiqui, Michelle Busch, and Mariann Miller.
Josephine Siddiqui is “graduating” this year, so to speak, as her youngest son makes his way to high school next year. She has worn many hats at EFS and worn them so well: an active parent, room representative, Capital Campaign parent chair, Book Fair chair, Original Works chair, Teacher Treats chair, Auction committee member, and most recently, our Auction Chair. She and her family have a long history at Elmwood Franklin and have been and continue to be integral members of our community. Always there to lend a hand, she took on the role of Auction Chair this year—our first year back since the Covid Pandemic. She was bold and brave in her decision-making, and all of her thoughtful work resulted in one of our best Auctions ever. For always going above and beyond, and beyond even that, we recognize as our Unsung Hero, Josephine Siddiqui.
Michelle Busch has served EFS in some capacity since her very first year at school. She has been an Auction volunteer and Parent Council Executive committee member for the past two years. Although her family is relocating this year, we want to recognize her hard work as Upper School Room Representative Coordinator. She kept us all organized and, along with her partner, revamped the Room Rep role to make it even better! We will use her forms, messages, and meeting formats for years to come. It is important also to note that it is not just what she did, but how she did it: always with a big smile and lots of heart. This year, we recognize as our Unsung Hero, Michelle Busch.
Our final recipient is an exceptional example of hard work and dedication. This year especially, Mariann Miller truly stepped up to support her coworkers and the EFS students. She was at every Covid testing event, lending a hand, ensuring we had tables and tests, coordinating staff, and rounding up students throughout
the building. She was also at every before and after school event, working quietly in the background and stepping in to do jobs that had no owner, but were imperative to a successful event. It was not uncommon to find that everything was cleaned up after a late-night event, making someone else’s job easier in the morning. For all these reasons and more, we would like to recognize as our Unsung Hero, Mariann Miller.
PARENT COUNCIL
Every parent can be part of Parent Council and find a volunteer opportunity that fits with their time and talents. This past year, we had a great group of parents serving in leadership roles. Parent Council executive committee members Susan Burke, President; Katie Daly, Vice President; Kristin DiCunzolo, Secretary; Jennifer Atwal and Michelle Busch, Room Rep Coordinators; and Stephanie Kroth ’90, ex officio member were thanked for their leadership. Recognition was also given to Parent Council committee chairs Katie Daly, Sarah Ferraro, and Kerry Riordan, Fall Fest; Alicia Michielli, Book Fair; and Susan Burke, Original Works; Roger and Karen Walcott, Holimont Ski Fun Day.
AUCTION 2022
This year, after an incredibly successful Auction and Afterparty, our chairs Adnan and Josephine Siddiqui and Ryan and Leah Kimmet and their committees of volunteers helped to raise $317,967 of which $61,050 went toward upgrading the school’s security with a new door access system and campus-wide intercom system.
ANNUAL FUND
Over the past four years, the extraordinary team of Sarah Duddy ’90, Anthony Duddy, Melissa Kresse ’92, and Bart Kresse have led our Annual Fund Cabinet in raising over a million dollars for the school!
ALUMNI COUNCIL
Tricia Barrett ’92 and Susie Lenahan Kimberly ’64 were recognized for chairing the Alumni Council and working to build our alumni outreach.
29 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
Left: Hasan Siddiqui ’22 helped present his mom Josephine Siddiqui with the Unsung Hero Award, pictured above with Head of School Ryan Kimmet, Ed.D. Right: Jenson ’26 and Austin ’23 Busch helped present their mom Michelle Busch with the Unsung Hero Award.
THE 2021-22 ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN
Your gift matters.
Each and every dollar raised by the Annual Fund supports the EFS mission by helping our students learn and succeed, enabling our faculty to teach and inspire, and allowing us all to make a difference in our world.
The 2021-2022 Annual Fund campaign, chaired by Sarah Duddy ’90, Anthony Duddy, Melissa Kresse ’92, and Bart Kresse, brought together 351 donors and raised a total of $325,226 in restricted and unrestricted funds.
This year, gifts to the Annual Fund supported, among many other things, our sports teams, Outdoor
Education trips, professional development opportunities for faculty, classroom supplies and technology, and field trips.
It would not be too much to say that the Annual Fund enables Elmwood Franklin School to be the extraordinary place it is, and it is our community, all together, that makes it possible. Thank you!
30 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
ANNUAL FUND HISTORY
31 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
PARTICIPATION Year Annual Fund Total Trustee % Corporation % Parent % Alumni % Fac/Staff % 2021-2022 $325,226 100% 51% 48% 8% 100% 2020-2021 $317,065 100% 51% 53% 9% 100% 2019-2020 $245,814 100% 58% 51% 8% 100% 2018-2019 $316,128 100% 73% 55% 9% 100% 2017-2018 $284,949 100% 70% 64% 10% 100%
2021-2022 annual fund DONORS
1895 SOCIETY
$10,000+
Anonymous (three donors)
The Edward H. Butler Foundation
Edward B. Righter
Joby R. Zammit ’91
James R. Gardner ’98
Edward B. Righter, Jr. ’01
Ms. Betsy Feuerstein
The Habib Family
Amy J. Habib
Amy Habib Rittling ’82 and Mark F. Rittling
Kara Habib Boyle ’83
Anthony B. H. Habib ’87 and Becky Machado
Marie Habib Caroll ’93
The Johnston Family Foundation
Edwin Johnston III ’74
Sarah F. Johnston ’78
Jennifer M. Johnston, ’71
Mr. Christopher Koch
Ms. Valerie Koch
The Lipke Family
Brian, Deborah, Katherine ’05, Elissa ’11
Mulroy Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. James Wadsworth
HEAD SOCIETY
$5,000 - $9,999
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs, Jr. ’77
Mrs. Susie Lenahan Kimberly ’64
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Kroth
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Reich
Dr. and Mrs. Adnan Siddiqui
FOUNDER’S SOCIETY
$2,500 - $4,999
Anonymous (one donor)
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Kari Bonaro
Mr. Anthony Duddy and Mrs. Sarah Duddy ’90
Elmwood Franklin Parent Council
Mr. Paul Iskalo and Dr. Dora Iskalo
Roberta and Michael Joseph
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Helen Marlette ’73
Mr. Gregory Meyer
Mitchell Family Fund
Mrs. Elizabeth ’65 and Mr. John A. Mitchell
Dr. Rachelle Nurse and Dr. Joseph Goodly
Dennis and Linda Szymkowiak
Dr. Pethan Tin and Mrs. Erica Otero-Tin
Drs. Roger and Karen Walcott
KEY SOCIETY
$1,500 - $2,499
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dailey
Mrs. Mary Jo and Mr. Dan Davis
Betsy Constantine ’89 and Joe Janowski
Ryan and Leah Kimmet
Karl and Jen Koch
Patrick Lee Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee
Penn Schoellkopf Fund
Mrs. Jane S. Banta ’61
Mrs. Ann Jewett ’59
Ms. Susan Schoellkopf ’65
Clarke ’65 and Michelle Narins
Anne Swift ’66 and Lee Lord
Mr. Douglas Swift ’70
Mr. Daniel J. Weinrieb ’94 and Mr. Brian J. Walsh
BLUE GRAY CIRCLE
$1,000 - $1,499
Anonymous (one donor)
Mrs. Margot Banta ’56
Ms. Tricia Barrett ’92
Ms. Janelle Camesano and Mr. Brian Fuller
Drs. Samuel and Marsilia Cloud
Mr. and Mrs. Terrence and Peggy Connors
Stephen and Catherine Foley
Gleason Family Foundation
Mr. Francis Glenn
Mr. Jonathan Halas and Ms. Allison Odyssey
Marie S. and Frederic K. Houston Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Kreiner, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony B. Martino
33 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. Montante
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Murak
Dr. and Mrs. Philip Niswander
John and Marina O’Donnell
Michael and Holly Constantine Ortman
Ms. Allison Joseph Pendleton ’06 and Mr. Tyler Pendleton
Drs. Robert and Anne Ramsdell
Mr. Matthew Reitz and Ms. Vanessa Glushefski
Mr. Kevin Ross
Mrs. Corinne Salanson-Lajos
Ms. Nancy Schwartz
Dr. Jafar W. Siddiqui and Dr. Uzma H. Siddiqui
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew L. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. David ’56 and Mary Smith
Howard and Leslie Zemsky
EAGLE CIRCLE
$500 - $999
Rosemarie Beres
John Burgess
Michael and Linda Burke
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Burke
Mr. Andy Burnett and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Camacho
Robin Coffin, Bob Sadler, and Trelsie Sadler Cople ’04
Robert and Janie Constantine
Corliss Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Davis
Mr. John J. Deleo
Ms. Heidi Dent ’68
Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Janet DiMichele
Drs. Christina and Veronica Dolensek
Mr. and Mrs. William Friedeman
Angeline Fryer ’47
Margaret Perry Garvin ’55
Susan ’62 and Richard Green
Dr. Christine L. Holland
Elizabeth Kelley
Mr. Knight D. Kieffer ’88
Frances S. Klingenstein ’41
Mr. and Mrs. Bart J. Kresse
Michael and Andrea Kuettel
Alon Kupferman
Drs. David and Madeline Lillie
Mr. Eric C. Lux ’02
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Barbara McQueeney ’70
Edward and Lauren Melber
Mr. James Murphy and Mrs. Huguette Murphy
Dr. Sonya S. Noor
Gaier Palmisano ’65
Mr. and Mrs. David and Terri Rich Jr.
Edward B. Righter Charitable Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Righter
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Saperston ’86
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Snyder
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Spitzmiller II
Mr. and Mrs. Harlan ’61 and Lisa Swift, Jr.
Dr. Matthew Thomas and Ms. Adrienne Woike
Mrs. Gina Wettlaufer Tomenson ’94
Mrs. Wendy Walcott
William Webber and Joan Howland
Mr. E. J. White and Rev. Kathryn White
Richard and Megan Whitmore
PATRON
$1 - $499
Anonymous (eight donors)
Susan Gibbons Alford ’55
Mr. Joseph Aquino
Jesse Baier Radford ’01
Irving and Janice Barrett
Claire and Kevin Barry
Daniel and Leah Bartlo
Ms. Alicia Bauer
Ms. Ardith Bausenbach
Emily Beckwith
Mr. Martin Beckwith
Dr. Ahmed Belal and Dr. Rania Elmarzouky
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bermel
Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Betta
Randolph and Katelyn Bianchi
Tammy and Robert Bingel
Mr. Matt Birt
Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Bloomberg
Kate and Richard Braen
Evan Brannen ’07
Kayla Brannen ’09
Marlena Brannen ’14
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Broenniman
Mrs. Jennifer Bronstein ’74
Kilby Bronstein ’06
Ryan Bronstein ’11
Mr. Jason Kipa and Ms. Mercedes D. Brooks
Ellen B. Browning ’53
Mark Edson and Clare Buchheit-Edson
Ms. Emily Buermann
Patricia Burgess
Mrs. Barbara Calamel
Joyce and Phil Celniker
Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Alyssa Charles
Ms. Lisa Charles
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Joy Cianciosa
Ms. Deborah J. Clark ’63
Jerry Clark
Ms. Patricia Cody
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Cohen
34 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
Leigh Cole
Cheryl Colpoys
Tom MacVittie and Christine Cooke-MacVittie
Mr. and Mrs. James Cosbey III
Rhys and Christine Curtis
Ellen Daly
Christopher L. Davis ’63
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Deyell
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Dietrick
Lusyd Doolittle Kourides ’66
Hannah Dowdall
Mrs. Barbara H. Downing
Ms. Allison Drake ’96
Shelley Drake
Mrs. Dee Drew
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Linda DuBois
Thomas and Paula Elsinghorst
Ms. Jenna Evaldi
Bonnie Fastiff ’52
Craig and Marcia Fattey
Mr. Anthony Featherston and Dr. Helen Roy
Mr. Douglas J. Fiegel II and Ms. Jonna Wopperer ’98
Dr. Victor Filadora and Dr. Stacey Akers
Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Fitch
Ms. Amy Flett
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Foti
Jordan and Selenid Frey
Ms. Catherine A. Fryer ’75
Mr. Jonathan Garra
Miss Jillian A. Gately ’12
Mr. and Mrs. Warren Gelman
Eric and Sarah Genau
Emma Giammaresi
James Giammaresi
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Gianadda
David and Lisa L. Gillespie ’64
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Glenn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Glidden III
Mr. John Goller and Ms. Elizabeth Keller
Ms. Joan Good and Mr. John Gilbert
Sarah Goodyear ’53
Valinda Parker Gorder ’69
Ms. Karen P. Gordon ’71
Jonathan Graff ’72
Mr. and Mrs. Cutler S. Greene ’88
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Gurney ’47
Geoff and Maria Hardcastle
Kymberly Harris
Ms. Elizabeth B. Harten ’70
Amy Hartman
Ebone’ Hennings
Mr. James P. Hettrick ’72
Louise Hoagland ’68
Mr. Monte Hoffman
Ms. Kathryn Holmberg
Martha J. How
Mr. Paul G. Howard ’64
Mr. Lewis E. Hudnell III ’87
Tony and Ann Huntington ’57
Ms. Mary Lou Hutton
Mr. DeWitt C. Ivins ’73
Ms. Patricia Jackson
Charles and Jill Jacobs
Ms. Darby R. Johnson ’75
Marilyn Johnson
Peter and Suzanne Johnson
Robert Johnson and Kathleen Daly
Mr. Dillon Joseph ’06
Ms. Jordan Joseph-Fogel ’06 and Max Fogel
Judy and Jim Jurnack
Stacey Kartub and Nicholas Rajkovich
Josh and Stephanie Katzman
Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Kelleher
Mr. and Mrs. Justin K. Kellogg ’82
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kellogg ’51
Denise and Peter Kennedy
Ms. Sophie Kephart
Kevin and Jenny Keuleman ’87
Mr. Patrick Kilian
Ms. Meredith G. Kirchner ’90
Nathallie Kiser and Jenny Romero
Ms. and Mr. Marianne Koenig
Dr. and Mrs. Yakov Kogan
Paul and Bonnie Kroth
Michele Kulpit
Stanley and Margot Lamar ’48
Mr. Irving A. Laub ’46
Mrs. Sandra J. Laub
Scott and Erin Lawson
Miss Taylor Levin
Mr. Todd L. Levin and Ms. Karen Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick and Gail Lewis, Sr.
Lauren V. Lewis
Patrick and Moira Lewis
Mr. Robert Liguori
Dr. and Mrs. Joe Lin-Hill
Mr. Kenneth Lipke ’09
Annie and Chris LoTempio
Ms. Nancy LoTempio
Michael and Eliza Lowe ’84
Edward and Aileen Lukomski
Kate Lynett
Ms. Mariann Miller
Mr. Matthew Mariconda ’92
Mr. Edward Marlette III ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Marlette Jr.
35 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Marrano
Christine and Stephen Marth
Michael and Tracy Masiello
Mr. Brian Mathias ’90
Michael and Mary Ellen McCormick ’52
Mr. and Ms. Mark McGovern
Ms. Kathleen McIntyre
The McKenna Family
Mr. Ryan McQueeney ’03
Ms. Leigh Mikulka and Mr. Christofer Fattey
Laura Mangan and Robert Miller Jr. ’68
Ms. Mary Mitschow
Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Brooke Moll
Mary Beth Morgia
Ms. Jane C. Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Jeromy Mosher
Mr. and Mrs. David and Grace Munschauer ’70
Rebecca Murak
Karen and John Murrett
Marla Murrett
Wilfred Murrett
Ms. Lisa Niswander
Tim and Melissa Norman
Normandy Fund
Holly and David Hahn-Baker
Madeline Ofrichter and Peter Wickman
Mrs. Kim Partyka
Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Pedersen III ’68
Jenna and Jeffrey Piazza
Ms. Caroline Pierce ’05
Ms. Qian Pieri
John Place and Christina Piracci
Penny Plotkin
Dr. Richard Plotkin and Ms. Emily Kimmel Plotkin
Ms. Ann B. Quackenbush ’64
Melinda Potts Quigg ’79
Patricia Quinn
Dr. Michelle Rainville
Mrs. Annette Rao
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rao
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lissa Rausch
Ms. Michelle Reding
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Regan Jr.
Judy Reich
Barb Reynolds
Tim and Kerry Riordan
Mr. James Roberts
Mr. Michael Rodriquez and Ms. Dominika Tanianis
Joseph Roetter
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rohauer
Mr. Alexander Ross ’94
Mr. Peter Ross
Thomas Sabatino and Rosalie Gardon
Audrey Santana ’21
Nathan Santana ’18
Howard T. Saperston Jr. ’54
James and Elizabeth Schmit
Dr. Mary Schultz
Ms. Jessica Seneca
Rudel and Jill Simon
Ms. Phyllis Siracusa
Ms. Virginia Sprague ’47
Mrs. Katie Stewart
Mr. and Ms. Jonathan Stockton
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Symmonds
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Takac
Mr. Michael David N. Teruel ’80
Dr. Eric Thierman and Ms. Angela Foster-Thierman
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Tingley
Ms. Marilyn Toth
Cheri and John Truax
Shannon and John Victor
Margot Vincent ’85 and Scott Kinsman
Ms. Elizabeth O. Waagen ’71
Gretchen Seibert
Mary N. Wadsworth ’78
Edward F. Walsh Jr. ’68
Neil and Leah Walsh
Sam Walsh ’01
Mary Jane Waltz
Mr. and Mrs. John Waterman Jr.
Ms. Catherine T. Wettlaufer ’62
Quinn and Marlana White
Susan White
Mr. and Mrs. Donald and Kathy Wigginton
The Willers Family
Katie Williams and Vishal Rungta
Peter and Kendra Winkelstein
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Witt
Ann Flynn Wolney ’74
Elizabeth Woods ’43
Dr. Igor Zutic and Dr. Sonja Pavlesen
TARGETED GIFTS
ATHLETICS
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Reich
CATY BUSCH ’21 FUND
Ms. Jane C. Morris
DINING ROOM MILK COOLER
Elmwood Franklin School Parent Council
TECHNOLOGY
The Edward H. Butler Foundation
GERTRUDE M . WADSWORTH FUND FOR 1 ST GRADE TEACHERS
Mary N. Wadsworth
36 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
7 amazing things
DONORS HAVE MADE POSSIBLE
5
Outdoor Education excursions, from Camp Pathfinder in Canada to Whispering Pines, Letchworth, and Onyahsa.
13
interscholastic teams open to every student who wants to participate at no cost to families. Our students learn the value of teamwork and dedication while developing their skills—on and off the playing field..
150 professional development conferences for our teachers. To inspire lifelong learning in children, you must be a lifelong learner.
new iPads and laptops. We don’t just teach our students to use technology; we empower our students to leverage technology to learn.
177
7 students awarded tuition assistance, helping families of qualified students who otherwise could not attend our school to choose an EFS education.
5
Prep and Lower School class plays, including costumes and props. Our students take the stage to build their confidence and share their passion.
year’s worth of art materials and supplies to support the visual arts program, continuing a tradition of excellence in arts education at EFS. 1
gifts in MEMORY and HONOR
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF
RUSSELL A. ANDERSON
Mr. Christopher L. Davis ’63
Ms. Elizabeth O. Waagen ’71
DR. KARIN BAUSENBACH ’67
Ms. Ardith Bausenbach ’64
CATY BUTSCH ’21
Mrs. Marie Houston
Ms. Jane C. Morris ’62
EMMY LOU CHURCHILL
Mr. and Mrs. James Cosbey III
Mrs. Louise C. Hoagland ’68
RUMSEY CLARK ’92
Mr. Matthew Mariconda ’92
CYNTHIA ’46 AND BILL DOOLITTLE
Lucy Doolittle Kourides ’66
ALEC FRIEDLANDER ’09
Susan ’62 and Richard Green
NIKKI GALLUCH ’92
Mr. Matthew Mariconda ’92
SUSIE HARVEY ’70
Mr. and Mrs. Michael McQueeney ’70
EDWIN M. JOHNSTON, JR. ’47
Rosemarie Beres
Robin Coffin, Bob Sadler, and Trelsie Sadler Cople ’04
Mrs. Barbara H. Downing
Warren and Patricia Gelman
Susan ’62 and Richard Green
Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Marlette, Jr. ’67
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Mitchell ’65
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Spitzmiller II ’55
SUSAN SURDAM JOHNSTON ’55
Mrs. Susan G. Alford ’55
WILFRED AND JOAN KRAFT
Karen and John Murrett
PATRICIA LIPKE
Susan ’62 and Richard Green
NICOLE MARICONDA ’95
Mr. Matthew Mariconda ’92
KRISTINE MORRIS
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Marrano
RUTH FOWLER NISWANDER ’39
Ms. Lisa Niswander ’99
CAROL WETZ PARKER ’45
Mrs. Valinda P. Gorder ’69
DAVID STRACHAN ’47
Rosemarie Beres
Mrs. Barbara H. Downing
Susan ’62 and Richard Green
Mr. and Mrs. Cutler S. Greene ’88
MARGARET (POG) SWIFT
Mrs. Mary Jo and Mr. Dan Davis
Anne Swift ’66 and Lee Lord
PAUL TAEFI ’92
Mr. Matthew Mariconda ’92
GERTRUDE M. WADSWORTH
Mary N. Wadsworth ’78
EDWARD F. WALSH
Robin Coffin, Bob Sadler, and Trelsie Sadler Cople ’04
Susan ’62 and Richard Green
GIFTS IN HONOR OF KILBY BRONSTEIN ’06 AND NICHOLAS SPERRAZZA’S WEDDING
Mrs. Jennifer Bronstein ’74
RYAN BRONSTEIN ’11
Mrs. Jennifer Bronstein ’74
SARAH DUDDY ’90
Dr. Richard Braen and Mrs. Kate W. Stevenson
ALL THE AMAZING FACULTY AND STAFF AT EFS
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Keuleman
SUSAN BARRETT GREEN ’62
Mr. and Mrs. Irving Barrett, Jr.
Mr. Thomas Sabatino and Ms. Rosalie Gardon
MARY LOU HUTTON
Audrey Santana ’21
MRS. JUDY JURNACK
Mr. and Mrs. Bart J. Kresse
Nathan Santana ’18
CHLOE MOLL ’21
Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Brooke Moll
NANCY COLLEY POLK ’55
Leigh Cole
SHANNON VICTOR
Mrs. and Mr. Lauren Melber
38 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
Still Life by Parsia Tandon ’26
alumni DONORS
1941
Frances Saperston Klingenstein
1943
Elizabeth Gale Woods
1946
Irving A. Laub
1947
Angeline Kenefick Fryer
Stephen Gurney
Edwin M. Johnston, Jr. (d)
Virginia Sprague
1948
Margot Mimmack Lamar
1949
Pinky Leahy Regan
1951
Stephen Kellogg
1952
Bonnie Barmon Fastiff
Mary Ellen Daniels McCormick
1953
Ellen Buck Browning
Sarah C. Goodyear
1954
Howard T. Saperston, Jr.
1955
Susan Gibbons Alford
Margaret Perry Garvin
Bonnie Cornelius Spitzmiller
1956
Margot Rumsey Banta
David O. Smith
1957
Ann Letchworth Huntington
1959
Ann Schoellkopf Jewett
1960
Mary Diebold Smith
1961
Penny Schoellkopf Banta
Mr. Harlan J. Swift, Jr.
1962
Janie Urban Constantine
Susan Barrett Green
Jane C. Morris
Catherine Talley Wettlaufer
1963
Deborah Clark
Christopher L. Davis
1964
Ardith Bausenbach
Lisa Lord Gillespie
Paul G. Howard
Joan Howland
Susie Lenahan Kimberly
Madeline Ambrus Lillie
1965
Elizabeth Swift Mitchell
Clarke Narins
Gaier Notman Palmisano
Susan B. Schoellkopf
1966
Lusyd Doolittle Kourides
Anne Swift
1967
Devon Parker Marlette
1968
Heidi Dent Arthurs
Louise Churchill Hoagland
Robert L. Miller, Jr.
Pete Pedersen
Edward F. Walsh, Jr.
1969
Valinda Parker Gorder
Philip Niswander
1970
Linda Ambrus Broenniman
Elizabeth Barth Harten
Barbara Fischer McQueeney
Grace Walsh Munschauer
Douglas G. Swift
1971
Karen P. Gordon
Jennifer M. Johnston
Elizabeth O. Waagen
1972
Jonathan A. Graff
James P. Hettrick
1973
Holly Hahn-Baker
DeWitt C. Ivins
Helen Ladds Marlette
1974
Jennifer Prince Bronstein
Edwin M. Johnston III
Ann Flynn Wolney
1975
Catherine A. Fryer
1977
Jeremy Jacobs, Jr.
1978
Sarah F. Johnston
Mary N. Wadsworth
1979
Melissa Potts Quigg
1980
Michael David Tereul
1982
Jusin K. Kellogg
Amy Habib Rittling
1983
Kara Habib Boyle
1984
Liza Hetherington Lowe
1985
Margot Vincent
1986
Scott Saperston
1987
Anthony Habib
Lewis E. Hudnell III
Jenny Constantine Keuleman
1988
Cutler S. Greene
Knight D. Kieffer
1989
Marie Habib Carroll
Betsy Constantine
1990
Sarah Mitchell Duddy
Meredith G. Kirchner
Brian Mathias
1991
Joby R. Zammit
1992
Tricia Barrett
Melissa Marlette Kresse
Matthew Mariconda
1994
Alexander Ross
Gina Wettlaufer Tomenson
Daniel Weinrieb
1995
Edward Marlette III
1996
Allison Drake
1998
James R. Gardner
Jonna Wopperer
1999
Lisa Niswander
2001
Jesse Baier Radford
Edward B. Righter, Jr.
Sam Walsh
2002
Eric C. Lux
2003
Ryan McQueeney
2005
Katherine Lipke
Caroline Pierce
2006
Kilby Bronstein
Jordan Joseph-Fogel
Dillon Joseph
Allison Joseph Pendleton
2007
Evan Brannen
2009
Kayla Brannen
Taylor Levin
Kenneth Lipke
Marla Marlette
2011
Ryan Bronstein
Elissa Lipke
2012
Jillian Gately
2014
Marlenna Brannen
2018
Nathan Santana
2021
Audrey Santana
39 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
110% CLUB DONORS
The 110% Club recognizes donors to the Annual Fund campaign who have increased their gift at least 10% over last year’s Annual Fund gift.
Anonymous (two donors)
Jesse Baier Radford
Claire and Kevin Barry
Emily Beckwith
Dr. Ahmed Belal and Dr. Rania Elmarzouky
Rosemarie Beres
Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Betta
Randolph and Katelyn Bianchi
Tammy and Robert Bingel
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Kari Bonaro
Mrs. Jennifer Bronstein ’74
Kilby Bronstein ’06
Ryan Bronstein ’11
Ellen B. Browning ’53
Mr. Mark Edson and Mrs. Clare Buchheit-Edson
Patricia Burgess
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Burke
The Edward H. Butler Foundation
Edward B. Righter
Joby R. Zammit ’91
James R. Gardner ’98
Edward B. Righter, Jr. ’01
Joyce and Phil Celniker
Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Alyssa Charles
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Joy Cianciosa
Ms. Deborah J. Clark ’63
Cheryl Colpoys
Mr. Tom MacVittie and Ms. Christine Cooke-MacVittie
Mr. and Mrs. James Cosbey III
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dailey
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Linda DuBois
Ms. Jenna Evaldi
Ms. Betsy Feuerstein
Dr. Anthony M. Foti and Mrs. Jennifer S. Foti
Eric and Sarah Genau
David and Lisa L. Gillespie ’64
Valinda Parker Gorder ’69
Kymberly Harris
Amy Hartman
Ms. Kathryn Holmberg
Mr. Lewis E. Hudnell III ’87
Ms. Mary Lou Hutton
Betsy Constantine ’89 and Joe Janowski
Roberta and Michael Joseph
Ms. Stacey M. Kartub and Dr. Nicholas B. Rajkovich
Ryan and Leah Kimmet
Mr. Christopher Koch
Ms. Marianne E. Koenig and Mr. Eric M. Reinecke
Stanley and Margot Lamar ’48
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick and Moira Lewis
Mr. Robert Liguori
The Lipke Family
Brian, Deborah, Katherine ’05, Elissa ’11
Annie and Chris LoTempio
Kate and Matt Lynett
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Helen Marlette ’73
Christine and Stephen Marth
Michael and Tracy Masiello
Mr. Brian Mathias ’90
The McKenna Family
Edward and Lauren Melber
Mr. Gregory Meyer
Laura Mangan and Robert Miller Jr. ’68
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. Montante
Rebecca Murak
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Murak
Wilfred Murrett
Clarke ’65 and Michelle Narins
Dr. Rachelle Nurse and Dr. Joseph Goodly
John and Marina O’Donnell
Gaier Palmisano ’65
Ms. Kim Partyka
Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Pedersen III ’68
Jenna and Jeffrey Piazza
Penny Plotkin
Dr. Richard Plotkin and Ms. Emily Kimmel Plotkin
Melinda Potts Quigg ’79
Mr. and Mrs. Steven T. Rao
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Reich
Barb Reynolds
Mr. James Roberts
Mr. Michael Rodriguez and Ms. Dominika Tanianis
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Saperston ’86
Ms. Nancy Schwartz
Ms. Jessica L. Seneca
Dr. Jafar W. Siddiqui and Dr. Uzma H. Siddiqui
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Spitzmiller II
Mrs. Katie Stewart
Anne Swift ’66 and Lee Lord
Mr. Douglas Swift ’70
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Takac
Dr. Eric Thießrman and Ms. Angela Foster-Thierman
Dr. Matthew Thomas and Ms. Adrienne Woike
Dr. Pethan Tin and Mrs. Erica Otero-Tin
Mrs. Gina Wettlaufer Tomenson ’94
Ms. Marilyn Toth
Cheri and John Truax
Neil and Leah Walsh
Sam Walsh ’01
William Webber and Joan Howland
Mr. Daniel J. Weinrieb ’94 and Mr. Brian J. Walsh
Richard and Megan Whitmore
Mr. and Mrs. Donald and Kathy Wigginton
The Willers Family
Peter and Kendra Winkelstein
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Witt
Ann Flynn Wolney ’74
41 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
Under the direction of chairs Adnan and Josephine Siddiqui and Ryan and Leah Kimmet, Auction committee volunteers put together an exciting evening that featured 303 packages from 185 donors, brought together 298 bidders, and raised $317,967 for Elmwood Franklin School!
43 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
auction 2022
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairs
Adnan and Josephine Siddiqui
Ryan and Leah Kimmet
Advertising/Sponsorship Daniel Weinrieb ’94
Auctioneer Michael Casacci ’98
Catalog Katie Daly, Patricia Quinn
Coordinator Moira Lewis
Decorations Stephanie Kroth ’90
Faculty Peter Johnson
VOLUNTEERS
Amy and Todd Anderson
Susan Burke
Michelle Busch
Janelle Camesano
Amy Cross-Viola
Maria Deyell
Dora and Paul Iskalo
Presenting Sponsor
Urban Air Adventure Park
Gold Sponsors
Josephine and Adnan Siddiqui
M&T Bank
New Era Cap
Silver Sponsors
Amy Habib Rittling and Mark F. Rittling, Jr.
Clover Group
Delaware North
Iskalo Development Corp.
Montante Construction
Niagara Dermatology Associates, LLC
O’Donnell & Associates
Personal Touch Food Service, Inc.
Rich’s Catering & Special Events
Emily Louis
Lauren Melber
Mary Mitschow
Lissa Rausch
Robby Takac
Danielle Welty
Amy K. Wilson
EVENT SPONSORS
Bronze Sponsors
Howard Hanna
Karen Baker
Buffalo OB/GYN
CBRE Captial
EnergyMark
Fichte Endl & Elmer Eyecare
Harris Beach, PLLC
Gurney Becker & Bourne
Tracy Heneghan
Kroth Family
Uzma and Jafar Siddiqui
Kenneth and Samantha Snyder
Blue Gray Sponsors
Brighton Eggert Pharmacy
Hale Expo
Powers Family
Uniwerks Design LLC
FOOD AND DRINK SPONSORS
Big Ditch Brewing Company
Cheese & The Gang
Double Cross Vodka
Hutch’s Personal Touch Food Service, Inc.
Rich’s Catering & Special Events
44 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
raise the PADDLE
SAFE AND SOUND
This year’s Raise the Paddle funded a new door access system and campus-wide paging and intercom system.
The new door system provides built-in authentication to control and secure access to the building, allowing us to manage and monitor people coming in and out, and give timed and limited access to groups using our space.
The new intercom system installed in every classroom provides two-way voice communication so teachers can reach the front office in any situation, and the front office can quickly deliver messages to students and teachers. The wireless paging system extends our reach across our school, indoors and out, for emergency notifications and mass communications, keeping everyone safe and better informed.
RAISE THE PADDLE DONORS
$5,000+
Barry and Tracy Heneghan
Christopher Koch
Adnan and Josephine Siddiqui
$2,500 - $4,999
Brian Fuller and Janelle Camesano
Sarah and Anthony Duddy
Elmwood Franklin Parent Council
Gail and Serhiy Komar
Eric and Cara Reich
$1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous
Jenna and Tom Briggs
Ryan and Susan Burke
John and Molly Butsch
Joe Collins and Victoria Carmichael Collins
Betsy Constantine ’89 and Joe Janowski
Stacy Akers and Victor Filadora
Jessica and Brooks Friedeman
James and Abby Gardner
Marc and Julie Jehrio
Melissa and Bart Kresse
Ashvin Tadakamalla and Olia Krigel
Brad and Stephanie Kroth
Tracy and Michael Masiello
Jock and Betsy Mitchell
Joseph Goodly and Rachelle Nurse
Amy Habib Rittling and Mark F. Rittling
Kate and Andrew Smith
$500 - $999
Tammy and Robert Bingel
Dillon Joseph
Brendan and Jennifer Kelleher
Leah and Ryan Kimmet
Brian and Deborah Lipke
Helen and Peter Marlette
Erin and Jon Powers
Anne and Robert Ramsdell
Michael and Lissa Rausch
Rakhi Kohli and Jeffrey Sicurella
Roger and Karen Walcott
Daniel Weinrieb and Brian Walsh
Marlana and Quinn White
$250 - $499
Katelyn and Randy Bianchi
Karen and Christopher Camacho
Mary Jo Davis
Adam and Ashley Dietrick
Karl and Jennifer Koch
Raymond and Rosanna Kollidas
Alon Kupferman
Moira and Patrick Lewis
Amanda and Marc Marrano
Amy Schmit and Mark McGovern
Elizabeth Colucci and Greg Meyer
Jafar and Uzma Siddiqui
Yola Monakhov Stockton and Jonathan Stockton
Puneet and Divya Tandon
Garrett and Anne Timms
Paul and Alissa Wolf
Up to $249
Rosemarie Beres
Scott and Kate Bizub
Kari Bonaro
Kathleen Daly
Jordan Joseph-Fogel and Max Fogel
Annie and Chris LoTempio
Evan Ortolani
Allison and Tyler Pendleton
Christina Piracci and John Place
Richard and Emily Plotkin
Myron and Larissa Prawak
Les Zakrzewski and Carol Roberts
Misha and Jeffrey Russo
Rachel Santana
Angela Foster-Thierman and Eric Thierman
45 ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022
your SUPPORT
What It Means, What It Does, and Why We Need It
Every school wants a supportive and generous community. At Elmwood Franklin School, it’s not just a wish; it’s a part of who we are.
Elmwood Franklin relies on the charitable support of its families, its alumni, and the community-at-large to meet its annual operating expenses. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of providing an Elmwood Franklin education. But beyond its financial necessity, charitable support is at the very core of our being.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Annual Fund
These vital, unrestricted dollars support the school’s current operating budget with funds for faculty salaries, financial assistance, classroom materials and activities, technology, library books, field trips, building maintenance, and utilities—everything it takes to run the school. The entire community—alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty and staff, alumni parents, trustees and Corporation members—is asked to participate. And because the Annual Fund covers the immediate operating expenses of the school—what we need now to educate our students—we ask that donors make it their first giving priority.
Capital and Endowment Campaigns
Occasionally the school needs to address larger issues and priorities that cannot be covered within annual budgeting. Recent examples include the parking lot and locker room renovations, upgrades to the theatre, and new interactive whiteboards throughout the school. Capital and endowment gifts are restricted gifts that are made above and beyond regular annual giving in response to such special initiatives, and they enable the school to plan for and pursue longterm institutional vitality.
Planned Giving
Planned gifts are as special as they are varied—the options are numerous. Planned gifts include bequests, annuities, trusts, and even gifts of real estate or personal property. Such arrangements benefit Elmwood Franklin in obvious ways, and they may also benefit the donor through favorable tax consequences or a new source of income. If you have already included Elmwood Franklin in your estate plans, please let us know. We would like the opportunity to thank you personally. If you would like to learn more about the possibility of planned giving, contact your financial advisor or the Development Office.
As an independent school, Elmwood Franklin was founded and is sustained through the active participation of our contributors. And their contributions come in many forms.
Below is an overview of just some of the opportunities available for supporting Elmwood Franklin: our mission, our students, our faculty, and our future.
SPECIAL EVENTS Auction
The EFS Auction is a 35-year tradition that brings parents and friends of Elmwood Franklin together for a fun and festive evening and also raises significant funds for the school. A team of volunteers, item donors, catalog advertisers, attendees, and bidders collectively contribute more than $200,000 for the students and faculty of Elmwood Franklin School.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Parent Council
The Parent Council initiates a number of activities that allow families to become more closely involved in the life of the school and lend support to the school, financially, organizationally, and otherwise. Among other projects, the Parent Council organizes a fall book fair each year that provides funds for the school and books for the library.
Alumni Council
Through events and service throughout the year, the Alumni Council makes strategic efforts to maintain communication with alumni, inform them of current school happenings, involve them in the life of the school, and garner their financial support.
Special Opportunities
There is no limit to how our families, alumni, and friends can support Elmwood Franklin. Providing in-kind donations of goods or services, spreading word of the school to new families, helping out in the classroom or library—the active involvement of our community is what raises us up and sets us apart.
Whatever your ways of supporting Elmwood Franklin School, we thank you. It couldn’t be done without you.
46 ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL
AN INVESTMENT IN: Teacher Salaries and Professional Development
A gift to the Endowment Campaign for Elmwood Franklin School will ensure that we will always have the means to attract and retain top faculty candidates, who are afforded opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities through professional development.
Tuition Assistance
Growing the endowment will mean a family’s ability to pay full tuition will not be the deciding factor in determining whether a promising young person may attend the school.
Capital Improvements
A gift to the Endowment Campaign for Elmwood Franklin School will support our facilities' ongoing design, construction, restoration, or renovation and address the needs of our building.
Sc愀 to learn more!
$12M
Our goal $12 million $10 million $7 million $4 million $1 million
104 New Amsterdam Avenue Buffalo, New York 14216-3399
phone 716.877.5035
fax 716.877.9680
www.elmwoodfranklin.org
TO PARENTS OF ALUMNI
If this magazine is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Development Office by phone 716-877-5035 or by e-mail development@elmwoodfranklin.org with the correct mailing address.
PLEASE NOTE
In preparation of this report, we have tried to avoid errors and omissions. If they are found, please accept our apologies and report them to the Development Office. If your gift was received after June 30, 2022, your name will appear in the Elmwood Franklin School 2022-23 Annual Report.
elmwood franklin school
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1818 Buffalo, NY