03 INTRODUCTION A message from our Head of School
30 THE GRADUATES Congratulations!
04 THE BOYS LAB Educating the whole boy
36 BEYOND THE BLUE DOOR
Alumni news & updates
O U R M I S S I O N
06 BEHIND THE BLUE DOOR What’s been happening on Bronson Road
48 FCDS LEADERSHIP Administration, Board of Trustees & Parents’ Association
17 SOUNDS OF FCDS FCDS set to song
22 ON THE FIELDS + AT THE RINK Sports, sports & more sports
54 REPORT OF GIVING 2023–2024
“IN
TEACHING, THERE ARE ONLY TWO OBJECTIVES WHICH ANY SCHOOL CAN HAVE: TO BUILD UP THE CHARACTER OF THE PUPILS AND TO TEACH THEM TO THINK. SUCH TENETS ARE AS OLD AS THE WORLD. THEY ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL BASES OF EDUCATION.”
—
LAURENCE GREGORY, FOUNDER OF FAIRFIELD COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
As FCDS enters its 88th year, we uphold the enduring values while evolving to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. Looking ahead to the new school year, our Strategic Plan remains our compass. We’re dedicated to enriching every boy’s education, tailored to their needs and grounded in research-backed practices. Our focus extends beyond academics; we’re committed to cultivating each boy’s holistic development. By embracing their unique abilities, we empower them to lead purposeful lives.
Preserving our heritage and enhancing our facilities are integral to our vision.
We are ensuring that our campus provides the ideal environment for growth, exploration and well-being. The Strategic Plan will enhance outdoor and recreational spaces to support our boys’ physical fitness, wellness, safety and curiosity.
Exciting times lie ahead as we embark on this journey. I eagerly await welcoming the boys back to 2970 Bronson, where their futures are shaped and their dreams take flight.
MARGOT PEARCE P’15, ’17
by Ellen Cartwright
At the heart of The Boys Lab mission lies an understanding and reflecting on research-based best practices in advocating for boys’ education across various developmental domains. These include social emotional wellness, a sense of belonging, executive function development and academic advancement. Today’s rapidly evolving educational and societal landscape presents a very different set of challenges and opportunities for our students. Our ability to reflect, pivot, and adapt to these complex changes as a community – while grounding ourselves in the basics of human essential needs for connection and relationships – distinguishes The Boys Lab and FCDS as a unique place. As a community interdependent on one another, we collaborate with students, parents, and educators in partnership to enhance each boy’s experience in and out of the classroom.
Lyon Courtney
While I don’t like to do school things out of school, the musical is an exception. I love having achievements I can be proud of as well as experiences for things in the future. I can see it makes my family proud and that is a good enough reason for me. I also like it and might need it to become famous one day!
William Elkus
My highlight from the ninth grade year was walking through the old cave in the Bahamas. It was the first time I ever saw a deep cave like that in real life and when I walked into it, I was amazed.
The graffiti on the wall was my favorite part and seeing dates that date back to the 1880s. I also was fascinated to learn that pirates used to hide treasures in there, and Blackbeard’s name was somewhere in the cave and only a couple of people have ever found it.
Joshua Fields
One of the highlights of my year has to be the birthday cake every first Friday of the month. It shows how the school cares about each and every one of our birthdays. My favorite is the one with chocolate cake, sprinkles and frosting.
Stephen Gomez
The highlight of my ninth grade year was the last day before Christmas break. Normally we would have had our winter concert on that day but due to some complications, we were not able to. So, in light of the holiday spirit, Mrs. Hisey turned on some Christmas music and we put on our costumes. The nine of us all were different holiday characters and we greeted grades K-8 in the loop. It was really funny and heartwarming watching the kids’ faces glow and light up.
Wells Johnson
My favorite memory was the Washington DC trip. We saw so many cool historic sites. I had so much fun at the lunch places and the bus rides too. Overall, it was a great time!
Gray Sicre
My favorite FCDS memory was going scuba diving with the ninth grade at the Island School. Being under water in complete silence was an amazing experience, and I even saw many colorful fish. Before going under the water, I was very nervous. When I came up, I was very proud of myself.
Liam Stephan
The highlight of my ninth grade year was the class trip to the Island School. It was a great experience and I took so much away from it. My favorite part was the scuba dive because it felt like I was in a new world under the sea.
Colin Verrengia
My highlight of the ninth grade year was the trip to the Island School. I really enjoyed going scuba diving and seeing all the fish and other sea life. I also enjoyed seeing other parts of the island. My favorite part of the trip was exploring the cave and seeing all the bats and the writing on the wall.
Jack Whitaker
A highlight of my year was my ninth grade speech. I was very nervous when the process first started, but due to the encouragement given to me by Mr. Henry, I felt ready on the day of my speech. Once I walked onto the stage, I felt comfortable and remembered all of my speech. I would not have accomplished so much in English this year without the guidance and support of Mr. Henry.
by Lisa Anderson HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
The year has brought exciting changes to the Lower School. As the new Head of Lower School overseeing Kindergarten through Grade 5, we have worked together to build partnerships with families and create a joyful learning environment filled with enthusiasm and teamwork for our boys.
Our oldest students, in fourth and fifth grade, have assumed the role of senior members of the Lower School, taking on leadership roles and responsibilities. Early morning chess, robotics and art programs have been integrated into our weekly activities. These new initiatives complement our traditions of poetry
recitations, Greek Olympics, The Roman Feast and Spirit Day. Field trips have enriched learning experiences in history, science and the arts. For example, the third grade’s visit to the state capital provided insight into democracy in action. Additionally, the fifth grade’s visit to the Pequot Museum served as a culminating activity for their study of indigenous tribes of North America, while their trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased their impressive knowledge of Greek and Roman culture.
Another highlight of the year was our fall Link Day, during which fourth and fifth grade boys organized Halloween activities for the K-3 boys. It strengthened partnerships between different
grade levels and fostered a sense of community. Throughout the school year, fourth and fifth grade boys continued to support younger students by reading with them daily.
As the year progressed, K-5 boys encountered new challenges, allowing them to develop problem-solving skills, navigate friendships and balance learning opportunities. It has been a rewarding year filled with growth and achievement for our Lower School Skyhawks!
by Jon Lord P’26, ’30, ’32 HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
In 2023-2024, we saw a great year of growth and opportunity in the Upper School. With the addition of Grade 6, our community was made complete, especially as invaluable members of our advisor groups. Here, a mix of students across Grades 6-9 came together to take on crucial challenges centered around building community, character and fun.
Our joy wasn’t limited to interior spaces either, as many sports teams experienced unprecedented success with the introduction of pickleball, FCDS fitness and the undefeated varsity flag football team. And one of the absolute best things about the Upper School experience is that many of the athletes on these teams were also members of the cast and crew of “Willy Wonka, JR”; an example that here at FCDS, students can and will push themselves beyond their comfort zone.
But the spring term may have eclipsed all else, as various Upper School poets and presenters took to the stage to showcase our storied public speaking program. Many of the speeches were practiced and rehearsed in the shadows of some of our nation’s most towering
monuments during the Grades 8 and 9 overnight trip to Washington, D.C. Here, we made history and built a foundation for future FCDS Upper Schoolers to follow. A challenge most certainly to be met with courage, confidence and compassion.
by Elaine Klabonski P’13 and Shabi Vereen P’23, ’27
Established in March of 2022, the Dr. Marian V. Sowa Visiting Artists Fund was created to enhance Fairfield Country Day School’s Visiting Artists Program. The Fund is made possible by, and in memory of, Dr. Sowa, a boardcertified neurologist, avid artist, musician, traveler, and aunt of two FCDS alums. Each year, the Fund is used to enrich the lives of students and faculty by bringing innovative and talented artists to campus for school-wide assemblies and individual classroom instruction.
This year we welcomed artist Victoria Skomal Wilchinsky who visited our Lower School students on campus in November. Vickie began her career as a medical and scientific illustrator and more recently has been painting landscapes and seascapes inspired by her extensive travels. She taught the boys about bio-illustration, and the importance of creating accurate images of living creatures. She also worked with the boys to create their own realistic illustrations of sharks.
by Travis Berry P’31, ’33
At Fairfield Country Day School, the journey through the Upper School is not just about academics, sports and leadership –it’s also an exploration of passions and real-world experiences.
Club participation is a cornerstone of the FCDS experience, offering weekly sessions that shift with the school year’s trimesters. Guided by our talented faculty, these clubs serve as incubators for curiosity and personal growth, allowing students to dive into existing interests or venture into uncharted territories.
While our club offerings provide diverse avenues for students, one particular club steals the spotlight, bringing legal education to life. The Mock Trial Club is a popular club that puts an emphasis on intellectual and experiential learning. Here, students step into the roles of lawyers, witnesses and courtroom staff, immersing themselves in the intricacies of a chosen case each trimester. Led in collaboration with the Connecticut Bar Association and its community outreach
program, the Mock Trial Club goes beyond theoretical and delves into the practical aspects of the legal world.
Last fall, we had the unforgettable opportunity to visit the Bridgeport Federal Courthouse, where members of the Mock Trial Club received an insider’s tour of the courthouse, observed a live trial, and engaged in a post-proceedings session with the presiding judge in their chambers. This hands-on experience gave FCDS students the chance to ask questions and learn more about the workings of the judicial process.
While FCDS boasts a legacy of clubs spanning decades, the Mock Trial Club truly embodies the school’s commitment to holistic education. As students explore the realms of law and advocacy, the club becomes a dynamic platform for building critical skills and fostering a deep appreciation for the legal system. In the courtroom and beyond, the Mock Trial Club at FCDS continues to redefine the educational journey, one case at a time.
Rick Runkel
For the past 30 years, Rick Runkel has been a constant presence – roaming the halls between classes, prepping the ice before games, advising students on secondary school, interviewing prospective students and grading papers in the science classroom.
FCDS has been his home for three decades – literally. Not only has Rick served as Head of Upper School, Dean of Students, Director of Admissions and Upper School science teacher, but he also raised his boys, Jack ’07 and Sam ’11, on campus. The boys grew up with Curtis Field as their backyard and the sports court as their jungle gym.
Rick retired his beakers and microscope for more time with family on the lake in Maine. To honor his golden Blue Slip, along with his teaching (and life) philosophy to “Measure Twice, Cut Once,” we celebrated and recognized his accomplishments and love for science at our annual Parents’ Association fundraiser in April.
Andrea Millard
Since 2007, Andrea Millard has dedicated herself to the science curriculum at FCDS for an impressive 17 years. That same year her son Charlie ’15 started as a second grader –fostering an interconnected love for science.
Throughout these years, Andrea has brought enthusiasm to our classrooms engaging boys in every grade from fifth to ninth in projects like Cardboard Arcades and intricate Operation game boards for the annual Science Fair. Beyond the classroom, Andrea has coached the boys in soccer, hockey and lacrosse – instilling in her players the value of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.
With her golden Blue Slip, Andrea will not only miss her time in the classroom but also the Friday wiffleball games and watching the boys enthusiastically design their Rube Goldberg machines in the hallways of our School. And while she may be a secret Swiftie, she’s happy that her Taylor Swift rendition for the faculty talent show was a one-time performance.
by Shabi Vereen P’23, ’27
Throughout the year, we demonstrated our commitment to Inclusive Excellence under the theme “Building Community through Storytelling.” As a community, we shared personal narratives, hosted speakers, and fostered empathy to promote introspection and personal growth among students and faculty. We also engaged in communitywide education through professional development initiatives, while celebrating the diverse tapestry of our collective heritage. We honored national events like Hispanic Heritage
Month and Black History Month among others. Strengthening our connections with the wider community, we established meaningful partnerships with local organizations with the Triangle Community Center and Fairfield Prep Mentorship Program. Our mentorship program played a pivotal role, providing invaluable support to young boys as they charted their paths beyond FCDS, facilitated by collaborative efforts
with high school mentors. As we look ahead, our commitment to Inclusive Excellence remains unwavering, poised to make even greater advancements in the coming year.
“We are judged by our deeds.”
At FCDS, stewardship is a collective effort. Each year, every grade sponsors a stewardship project, reinforcing the value of contributing to our local community and supporting others. While the grade takes the lead, it’s the combined effort of all students at FCDS that makes these projects a success.
Zach Sweedler ’13 and Liam Lowsley-Williams ’13 showed their support for our students in this year’s Movember stewardship initiative to raise funds for awareness of male health issues. As ninth graders, Zach, Liam and their classmates led a similar initiative for relief funds following Hurricane Sandy.
We planted new flowers, and it looks so pretty in front of the school.
– Jack Muller, Kindergarten
I loved the toy drive because it gives presents to kids who may not get many. I liked that it would make them feel very happy. – Henry Almquist, Grade 1
My favorite stewardship activity this year was making cards for the Fairfield Public Works Department. I liked it because I complimented them, and I think it made the Fairfield Public Works Department feel happy. – Grant Philip, Grade 2
I want the whole Earth to have things just like me, so it feels great to help others.
– Andrew Benzi, Grade 3
I liked collecting the winter jackets and donating them to people in need because it makes my heart feel good.
– Michael Adovasio, Grade 4
We sent notes each week to the Westport Senior Center to put in their Meals on Wheels, and Miss Annie Zoomed with us. It makes you feel good when you brighten up someone’s day. – Luca Fracassini, Grade 5
Writing letters to seniors during the holiday season was unforgettable because we knew it was going to brighten up someone else’s day. – Finn Stephan, Grade 6
The Grade 8-sponsored pancake breakfast is always a highlight because we raised money for an important cause and were able to enjoy a well-cooked breakfast with friends and family. – Flinn Miller, Grade 7
Food drives are an important stewardship opportunity that create empathy and involve the entire FCDS community.
– Briggs Davidson, Grade 8
Raising money for Make-a-Wish Foundation and visiting their headquarters in Trumbull was so inspiring and reminded us all how good it feels to give back and support this organization which helps grant sick kids their wishes. – Wells Johnson, Grade 9
In May, Imran Ali MD, MS, MPH, a renowned specialist in geriatric care and cancer research and an FCDS Class of 1993 alum, visited our campus. Dr. Ali met with Mr. Davendonis’ Grade 9 biology students, who were learning about the intricacies of the cell cycle and the role of growth factors such as cyclin. During his visit, Dr. Ali shared valuable insights from his work in cancer research, underscoring the real-world importance of their studies. Each student had the opportunity to pose thoughtful questions about both the material they had been studying and his professional experiences. Dr. Ali’s visit not only enriched the class’s understanding of biology but also highlighted the significant impact their education can have on advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.
“I HAVE TO SAY THAT THE DAY WAS AMAZING! I COULD SEE HOW THE BOYS WERE AS INSPIRED AS I WAS WAY BACK WHEN.”
— DR. IMRAN ALI
“DR. ALI VISITED OUR CLASS WHEN WE WERE EXPLORING CELL CYCLE REGULATION. HIS WORK IN GERIATRICS AND ONCOLOGY OFFERED A TOUCHPOINT FOR THE STUDENTS TO CONNECT THEIR STUDIES TO THE REAL WORLD.”
— JOSH DAVENDONIS, UPPER SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHER
We LOVE when ALUMS return to FCDS to share their expertise and experiences. If you’d like to be a classroom guest speaker, email us at alumni@fairfieldcountryday.org
fcds set to song
by Heather Hisey P’31 and Dominika McCauley
“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” – Willy Wonka
The FCDS Performing Arts Department inspired a packed house in March on the Rosow Family Auditorium stage, presenting “Willy Wonka JR.” The actors dazzled with costumes by Ginny Jaffe and friends. The crew kept the delicious Chocolate Factory running smoothly with effects and sets by Chris Littrell and the entire student body.
With our double-cast team, each performance began with bubbles, factory sounds, and the shimmering voice of Willy Wonka. The Candy Man Kids joined Wonka to celebrate the “Golden Age of Chocolate,” only to discover he was retiring! The search for Wonka’s replacement began with Charlie and his family in the Bucket Shack. His grandparents provided campy comedy as their bed rolled on and off stage. The Candy Man charmed Charlie’s neighborhood friends with treats. Charlie showed his indomitable character in “Think Positive!” while his parents and Grandpa Joe lifted his spirits in “Cheer Up, Charlie.” Reporter Phineous Trout & Camera Crew interviewed each Golden Ticket
Winner, while Mr. Slugworth told them a secret. In a tricky set change, cast and crew seamlessly executed the Winners appearing at the gates of Wonka’s factory. Once inside, Augustus Gloop ate “more, More, MORE!” until he fell into the Chocolate River. The cast then took a scintillating boat ride, ending in disaster. Cyan Beauregard stole Wonka’s gum and smacked until he turned cyan! Luca Salt screamed, “I want it NOW!” as the Squirrels tossed him down the “Bad Nut” chute. Charlie & Grandpa Joe sneaked a sip of the fizzy lifting drink, and discovered “there’s no sensation that’s quite as sensational as flying!” Crew helped them “fly” in the bubbles, and they burped their way back to safety. Mike Teavee got on TV and shrunk to “barely six inches tall.” The Oompa-Loompas stole the show with Mr. Van Ess leading their coordinated puppetry.
In the end, Charlie won the day with his honesty and integrity. “And the world tastes good ’cause the Candy Man thinks it should!”
“DUSTIN ‘THE JET’ JESSEAU WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN ELEVATING THE HOCKEY PROGRAM THIS YEAR WITH HIS DAILY DOSE OF SKILLS, SKATING FUNDAMENTALS, AND SCRIMMAGING. COACH JESSEAU BROUGHT POSITIVE ENTHUSIASM AND INSTRUCTION ON THE BENCH DURING GAMES, AND THE BOYS’ ABILITY TO SKATE WITH A PRO PLAYER DURING PRACTICES MADE IT A SEASON THAT THE BOYS AT FCDS WILL NEVER FORGET.” — BRAD FALLON, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
“FROM THE GREAT MOMENTS ON THE ICE TO THE PRACTICES AND GAMES, IT’S BEEN AN UNFORGETTABLE YEAR. UNDER COACH JESSEAU, OUR TEAM HAS NOT ONLY GOTTEN BETTER BUT ALSO FOUND AN ENJOYABLE TIME.” — WILL AURIEMMA ’24
Dustin Jesseau, a Toronto native, began his hockey career playing in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). As a standout player for the Toronto Young Nationals and Don Mills Flyers, Jesseau skated alongside future NHL stars like Tyler Seguin, Jeff Skinner, Tyler Toffoli, and Devante SmithPelly. His impressive performance put him on the Ontario projection draft list, but an injury during his draft year altered his trajectory.
Despite this setback, Jesseau’s determination led him to play with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Acadie-Bathurst Titans in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He also showcased his talents in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). His professional career included stints in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and the ECHL, culminating in an appearance at the American Hockey League (AHL) main camp with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2019.
Transitioning from player to mentor, Jesseau founded Jet Hockey, a hockey school based at Terry Conners Ice Rink in Stamford where he focuses on detailed skill development and power skating. Locally, he continued to make his mark, playing for the Danbury Hat Tricks and earning the title of FPHL Champion. He is now gearing up to join the Binghamton Black Bears for the upcoming season.
Varsity Flag Football by Bobby Berg ’25
The varsity flag football team had a stellar fall season, finishing undefeated with wins over St. Luke’s, NCCS and GFA. With a team full of seventh, eighth and ninth graders, almost the entire Upper School played a role in this winning season. Everybody contributed on the field with all finding their way into the end zone. This all couldn’t have been possible without our amazing coaches, Mr. Dorman and Mr. Henry.
JV Flag Football by Miles Gnadinger ’27
This year the Grade 6 flag football team had an exciting year full of learning, perseverance and fun. Our coaches, Mr. Freer and Mr. Bass, helped us a lot during the season to improve and learn
more about the game. Although we had a tough season, we were a great team where everyone contributed in their own way. The Skyhawks were determined to not let adversity get in our way, and we still played well even though the outcomes weren’t always in our favor. The older boys were also very helpful in scrimmaging and practicing with us.
Varsity Soccer by Liam Stephan ’24
The varsity soccer team showed drastic improvement over the course of this season. The team overcame a rough start to the season to finish with a record of 2-5-1. We were led by Graydon Sicre in scoring and assists. Charlie Tucker and Thomas Cunningham were the backbone of our defense. A highlight of the season was a 6-1 victory against
GFA at home, where the team banded together to win against a team we had tied earlier in the year. Thank you to Coach Isola and Coach Villanueva for such a great season.
JV Soccer by Luke Adams ’27
Our soccer season started out with a kick and great coaching from Mr. Coughlan and Mr. Duennebier, who led us to an
almost undefeated season. Soccer was great with a range of people who just wanted to learn to play, and kids who had been playing for a while. We all enjoyed our year of FCDS soccer with fun games in practice and learning important fundamentals for soccer, other sports and life. We were also lucky to have some of the older kids come down to play with us, giving us some more perspective of the game.
This year, pickleball was a blast. Even though it was the first year of the sport, we still managed to gain a good group of 10 people. We had special appearances from different guests like teachers and sometimes even professional players to help teach the newer players. Colin Verengia was highly talented throughout the entire season, absolutely dominating anyone he decided to play. Overall, pickleball was an extremely fun activity and we look forward to seeing the new wave of players next year.
Country by Lyon Courtney ’24
The air was crisp with autumn breeze as students returned to their sports. With FCDS brimming it can be hard to pick a sport, but for those who picked cross country, they were greeted with something new: Mr. Davendonis and Madam Miranda, of course. Two new faces ready to help this team become better than ever before. With many new
faces, cross country quickly gave new experiences for everyone there. The teamwork during training exercises, stretches and playing games made cross country a hot spot. Throughout the season we would learn new tricks and test our limits for the meets. Even with setbacks, fall cross country just didn’t stop running.
Varsity Basketball by Bryce Acheychek ’25
The sky’s the limit with our latest varsity basketball season. Although we opened our season with a loss at home vs. GFA, we proceeded to win more games. After beating NCCS and Hopkins, we looked forward to our season finale against GFA again at home. Unfortunately, we were unable to avenge our loss against GFA. Coach Lord, however, in our last huddle after learning there would be no game, told us to be happy about the season we had. Our wins this season were against Brunswick, St. Luke’s High School thirds team, Indian Mountain School, Fairfield Woods Middle School and NCCS. Leading our team this year was Krish Dodani. Other important players included Matty Nourie, Charles Stevens, William Elkus, Will Hathaway and me. Bobby Berg, David Machling, Joshua Fields and Jack Lord were sparks of the bench, and the entire team gave it their all, in practice and games, and always supported each other. Thanks to Mr. Isola, Mr. Duennebier and Mr. Fallon for helping out in practice, and Mr. Lord for being our fearless coach.
Varsity Hockey by Will Auriemma ’25
Varsity hockey had a magnificent season this year under our new coach, Dustin Jesseau. With a ninth grader and a whole bunch of seventh and eighth graders, we were a force to be reckoned with. The varsity squad took on a lot of great teams including Taft, Brunswick and IMS. Special thanks to Mr. Runkel who graciously took on another season of rink maintenance, allowing us to get out and practice almost every day. Overall, the 2024 varsity hockey season created memories to be cherished and will remain in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to play on the team.
JV Basketball by Briggs Davidson ’25
Coaches Isola and Duennebier were very proud to coach this year’s JV basketball team. The boys had a 5-5 season and gave it their all. Each boy’s individual skills improved drastically. The team worked together to make sure everyone was on the same page on and off the court. The team’s excellent communication and ball movement led them to many wins. Each boy put more effort into each practice every day. The leaders of the JV basketball team were Danny Wade and Jack Hanlon.
Throughout the JV hockey season, we had many successes. We finished the season with a record of six wins, zero losses and one tie. We were led by our coaches Mrs. Pierce, Coach Jesseau, Coach Alden, Mr. Dorman and Mr. Freer. Our coaches helped us throughout our practices to learn new skills, and also improve on the skills we already had. The coaches also helped us learn life lessons that would guide us not just in hockey, but also in our time beyond the rink. One of the lessons we learned was to not give up, even when we were down by a goal or two. This helped us in one of our games when we were down by one goal with just a few seconds left. We knew we wanted to win so one of our players took it upon himself and went down the ice and scored. Once again thank you to all of our coaches and to Mr. Fallon for scheduling our games.
Marron ’27
This year marked the beginning of a new sport option: FCDS Fitness. Working out on campus proved to be a huge success, and the fitness team really enjoyed their season. With many different activities, each session was fresh, interesting, fun and, perhaps most important, a great workout. From WOD (workouts of the day) to circuit training, game days on the sport court, and relay races on the playground, the coaching duo of Mack and Connor helped ensure we kept active. We learned how to work out, how to work out well and how to have fun in the process. Even though each boy got to work out at their own pace, we really came together as a team.
This season of varsity lacrosse was one of many highs and lows. The lows were losing a lot of games, but we didn’t care because we had a great time. The high was when we finally beat GFA in overtime. It was our first game of the season, and we were down 6-2 with four minutes left. Working hard, we managed to pull off a miraculous overtime victory. From people who have played the sport their entire lives to people who just picked up a stick the other day, we had a very diverse set of players. That did not stop us from having a great time during the season. We also had a new coach help support us throughout the season. He taught everyone new skills and didn’t give up on us, even when we were losing a game. All in all, it was a fantastic season to be a Skyhawk.
In this JV lacrosse season the Skyhawks came up undefeated going 2-0. This season was filled with excitement and thrills. We had the great experience of getting to play as a true Upper School team with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The JV squad would like to thank our coaches Mr. Bannon, Mr. Berg and Mr. Bass for their time coaching us. The JV squad would also like to thank Mr. Fallon for making the schedule and letting us play this season. The JV season was great and we hope all future JV players will experience the same great season we did.
Varsity baseball was an amazing experience between good baseball players and ok players who just wanted to have fun. We played well and had so much fun every game and practice. We could perform to the best of our abilities due to having two fantastic coaches who created such a positive atmosphere every day. Mr. Dorman and Mr Bartolomeo helped our team come from ok before any games to nearly beating Fairfield Prep. We hit and fielded very well and could rely on great pitching. We hit on-field batting practice nearly every practice, which is a baseball player’s dream, and we were even able to learn a bigger aspect of base running. Our baseball IQ increased as well as our performances. Varsity baseball was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience all around – thank you to our amazing coaches and fellow teammates for such an outstanding year.
This was an incredible season for the JV baseball Skyhawks. We played many games this season, and we improved in each of them. The whole team would agree, though, that the highlight of the year was when we won our final game over NCCS. In every practice and game this year we gained skills and knowledge about baseball as a sport. We would like to thank our coaches, Mr. Lord and Mr. Freer, for an incredible season. The JV baseball team was a very fun and competitive team throughout the entire season and we look forward to next year.
This spring’s cross country was an amazing experience that was both challenging and a rollicking good time. Although we didn’t have many people, the group that was able to enjoy the season was incredibly dedicated and persistent. We had many challenging runs across hills, mud and sand, but the persistence and camaraderie of those around us carried us to the finish lines. Major congratulations to Bryce Acheychek for his excellent performances towards an undefeated season – an incredible feat. Thank you to Mr. Davendonis and Madam Miranda for their excellent coaching throughout the season.
Getting to work out each and every day at school is fantastic. Hard, exhausting work, but awesome. The best part about FCDS Fitness is that every day, we get to do something different. It could be rowing, boxing, weightlifting or just plain running. We had games, competitions and individual work days. No matter the workout, we all gave our best each day. Although Fitness is over for the year, we won’t forget it. The work we did this term taught us how to condition and work out our bodies, and it will prepare us for our next sports, and next year back at FCDS Fitness.
This spring, pickleball hit an all-time high. After the fall had an incredibly successful season, the spring followed suit with the beautiful weather and amazing pickleball spirit. We added lots of new members this year, spreading pickleball throughout the school. Everyone thoroughly improved throughout the year. We hope everyone enjoyed pickleball this year, and we can’t wait to come back next year!
students!
• Began FCDS teaching career in September 1992
• Upper School Science Teacher, Director of Admissions, Head of Upper School, Dean of Students, Secondary School Advisor
• Parent to Jack ’07 and Sam ’11
The graduates were honored with a powerful message celebrating our School’s strong community and the remarkable achievements of its students and alumni. This year’s speaker, Rick Runkel, reflected on the unique spirit that defines FCDS and the bright futures that await our graduates.
Throughout his 32 years at FCDS, Rick has played numerous roles, providing him with a unique perspective on the lives of the School’s community members. He shared his insights into what makes FCDS so special, highlighting the dedication and commitment of its faculty, staff, board members, parents and students.
Rick emphasized the importance of how our shared experiences have helped shape the graduates’ futures. The supportive community at FCDS has allowed students to take risks, develop their talents and gain a strong sense of identity. This foundation, he noted, is crucial as they move forward in life.
He also highlighted the impressive achievements of FCDS alumni, who have gone on to excel in various fields.
From Connor Boyle, a captain of multiple sports teams at Fairfield Prep and Holy Cross, to Steel Citrone, a head programmer at the University of Chicago’s School of Molecular Engineering, FCDS graduates have distinguished themselves in sports, academics, technology and service to the country.
time, take action and continue building strong communities wherever they go. He encouraged them to embrace the present moment, step out of their comfort zones and commit to their goals without delay.
Appreciate the journey. Take pride in accomplishments. Strive to do well while making a positive impact in the world.
And always, “measure twice, cut once.”
“STOP SAYING TO YOURSELF, ‘I’LL START THAT TASK TOMORROW, OR NEXT WEEK.’ AND MAKE THE TIME TO GET IT DONE TODAY.”
These accomplishments are a testament to the strong foundation laid at FCDS. Our School’s emphasis on character development and community involvement prepares students to lead and excel in their future endeavors.
As the ceremony concluded, Rick urged the graduates to make wise use of their
— RICK RUNKEL
Congratulations to our graduates! Your time at Fairfield Country Day School has prepared you well, and the future holds great promise. As you move forward, remember the values and lessons learned here, and continue to do good in all your endeavors.
AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL
Grade 8
Kent Charney
Charlie Tucker
BRUNSWICK SCHOOL
Grade 8
Graham Zorumski
DEERFIELD ACADEMY
Grade 9
Stephen Gomez
FAIRFIELD COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Grade 8
Will Auriemma
Tate Blair
AJ Engel
Freddie Fahimi
Connie Finnegan
Jack Hanlon
William Hathaway
Harry Hughes
Joel Jaffe
Zach Jaffe
Gray Kenny
David Maechling
Michael Miller
Stephen Ruggiero
Will Ryan
Davis Schiller
Charles Stevens
Danny Wade
FAIRFIELD LUDLOWE HIGH SCHOOL
Grade 8
Murphy Burke
Eli Victor
FAIRFIELD WARDE HIGH SCHOOL
Grade 8
Thomas Cunningham
GREENS FARMS ACADEMY
Grade 9
Colin Verrengia
Jack Whitaker
Grade 8
Krish Dodani
GROTON SCHOOL
Grade 9
Liam Stephan
Grade 8
Bobby Berg
HOPKINS SCHOOL
Grade 8
Charlie Gates
Matty Nourie
THE HOTCHKISS SCHOOL
Grade 8
Ethan Hung
KENT SCHOOL
Grade 9
Gray Sicre
THE LOOMIS CHAFFEE SCHOOL
Grade 8
Teddy Lugar
MILLBROOK SCHOOL
Grade 8
Peter Krastev Gale
NORTHFIELD MOUNT HERMON SCHOOL
Grade 8
Lyon Courtney
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
Grade 9
Wells Johnson
STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL
Grade 8
Levi Feldman
SUFFIELD ACADEMY
Grade 9
William Elkus
WOOSTER SCHOOL
Grade 9
Joshua Fields
from 6/1/2023 to 6/1/2024
1958
Al Warden, a photography enthusiast, captured some great campus shots while cheering on his grandson who skates for Brunswick as they faced off against FCDS.
1962
Cliff Paige has recovered from recent back surgery and has enjoyed connecting with fellow alums this year. He is looking forward to attending the weddings of alums from the Classes of 1995 and 2009.
Sean McManus, CBS Sports Chairman, retired after a long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting.
Stuart Simpson checked in to share that he has fond memories of his FCDS years from well over half a lifetime ago. He is currently living outside Washington D.C. and would welcome a chance to meet up with classmates.
Hank Meyer recently retired from 25 years of Federal Service with the DOJ/ ATF and has started a new career as a Felony Assistant District Attorney in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. He is enjoying South East Louisiana with his wife and three boys.
Chris Hawley and his partner Roxanne welcomed daughter Maya on March 7, 2023. They live in Venice, CA.
Imran Ali MD, MS, MPH visited campus this spring to teach Mr. Davendonis’ Grade 9 Biology class. The students were learning how the cell cycle is regulated and explored growth factors such as cyclin, which is an area of specialty for Dr. Ali, who works with geriatric cancer patients.
Greg Bavedas has won several trophies and awards at various car shows around Connecticut with his fully restored 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III 2+2 V-12.
Tom Balamaci is enjoying life in Los Angeles and continues to build his fractional CMO consulting practice, advising e-commerce and tech startups and growth stage companies. He met up with Chris Pedersen ’93 and his family in Seattle a few months ago.
Dave Ente moved to New Jersey after his wife Robin accepted an executive position in the area. He started a cooking channel on YouTube to take advantage of the pro kitchen in their new home. Be sure to scan the QR code on p.38 to check out “Dave’s Delightful Dishes,” and have a look at the Creamed Chipped Beef Challenge episode.
Nick Bilotta recently redeployed from an overseas operation in Syria where he commanded all conventional forces, 1000+ task force. After nearly 30 months, he relinquished command of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, “The Queen’s Own,” on May 8. He lives in Newport, RI, attending Senior Service College after three years at Fort Drum, NY. His oldest son Cole is attending Mercyhurst University in the honor program and plays for the Lakers lacrosse program. His daughter Sophia is a senior and son Max is a sophomore in high school.
Robert Anstett married Sam Garcia on June 10, 2023, in Franklin, TN. His brother David Anstett ’04 was a groomsman.
Richard Vose and his wife Nancy welcomed their second child, Charles Baldwin Vose II, on April 21. Charley is named after his great grandfather, Charles Baldwin Vose, who was a FCDS Trustee from 1958 to 1974.
Tyler Auer has been working as a software engineer at Nextdoor for the past three years. He currently lives in Louisville, CO outside Boulder with his wife Jessica and their three daughters, Hannah (7), Avery (5) and Margot (1).
Matt Van Ess and his wife Liz welcomed their son Quintin on August 13, 2023, joining big sister Lorraine.
Mike Reccia and his wife Gabby welcomed their daughter Margo Teal on October 29, 2023, and recently moved to Ohio where Mike took a new role with Anheuser Busch. 8
Steve Cargill and his wife Amy welcomed their son, Peter, on July 6, 2023. In May, they moved back “home” to Fairfield and are looking forward to getting Peter on skates at Worthington Johnson Rink this winter.
Brendhan Haas and his wife Christina Whittaker welcomed their second child, Robbie William Haas on September 15, 2023. Big brother James is thrilled.
Stephen Seymour and his wife, Hilary, welcomed Quinn Woodworth Seymour into the world on Sunday, November 19, 2023. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 11oz. and is 19 inches.
Andrew Slade and his wife Kate traveled from Boston to Scotland to visit the home of golf in St Andrews, see some castles and enjoy Scottish cuisine. Andrew will be starting a new job at The Peddie School this fall. Though he has loved living in Boston, he is excited for this new opportunity to work and live at a boarding school, lead the Latin department and continue coaching a variety of sports. They are looking forward to being close to both New York City and Philadelphia and reconnecting with people in the area.
Kyle Scheetz married Caroline Lambert in Naples, Florida, on April 27. Fellow Class of 2011 alums Collin Rissolo, Will Sjodin, Dante Brittis, and Sam Runkel, as well as Tim MacDonald ’12, and retired FCDS teacher Rick Runkel, were all in attendance.
Collin O’Neill, who was a cast member of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Musical national tour, surprised our students by announcing the FCDS Spring 2024 musical would be Willy Wonka JR.
Garret Stonehouse enjoyed catching up with some of his teachers and meeting current students during a visit to campus this year.
Cameron Fernandez graduated from Connecticut College and will be a math teacher and assistant hockey coach at the Millbrook School.
Tyrick Cedon graduated from Gordon College. Pictured with Tyrick is his brother Tyrese ’22.
Cole Kirven graduated from The University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Economics. Fellow Class of 2017 alums, brother Caleb and Steele Citrone were in attendance.
William Conzelman is a student at Georgetown University where he studies Spanish and Environmental Studies. He spent his fall semester abroad in Madrid and visited campus to catch up with Mr. Isola. This summer he worked in finance at DC Advisory.
Max Fuligni graduated from Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
Gavin Guterl graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland and will be working in M&A insurance in NY.
Christian Wood has committed to Middlebury College where he will play NCAA DIII Hockey. Christian played defense for the North Iowa Bulls this past season.
Christian Kodweis graduated from Pomfret School and will be attending NYU in September. He is looking forward to relocating from “the quiet corner” of Connecticut to Greenwich Village.
Ryan Cirasuolo is heading up to Boston College next year and is excited to pursue a potential career in Business or Medicine.
Ryan Lucarelli committed to Sacred Heart University and will be playing Division I hockey.
James Murphy, a Fairfield Prep Varsity Hockey senior, was named a Great Blue Research SCC Scholar Athlete.
Alex Meier committed to Air Force Academy Class of 2029 where he will play lacrosse for the Falcons.
Michael Basich beat out nineteen finalists to claim first place in this year’s Fourth Form Public Speaking Contest at Westminster School
You may have left campus, but as an FCDS Alumnus you are never far from the Blue Door. We have made every effort to publish names and notes accurately. To submit a class note for a future publication or to let us know of a correction, please contact our Alumni Office at alumni@fairfieldcountryday.org
by Harrison Bennett ’20
My journey to the United States Military Academy at West Point has demanded a strong work ethic, discipline and the ability to overcome adversity. The application process is a rigorous and competitive search for candidates with the highest standards of leadership, integrity and commitment to service, in addition to academic and athletic achievement. Success revolves around our ability to work effectively as a team, both in roles of leadership and as a follower. Each class, athletic team, club and musical group at Fairfield Country Day School helps to build these invaluable life skills and has proven immensely helpful. This commitment to service and sacrifice for the greater good is core to the values that FCDS and West Point want to instill in their communities.
Like all things worth doing, earning my appointment to the Academy was no easy task. Hours of study, physical training and leadership development defined my high school years, as I worked to prove myself worthy of admission to West Point. And success came as I was appointed to the Class of 2027.
Then fate dealt a tough blow. An ACL injury sustained while playing lacrosse in April of my senior year at St. Luke’s School sidelined me, forcing me to postpone West Point for a year and undergo knee surgery. The news was initially devastating, but I quickly turned to face this new challenge with great resolve.
I realized I could only control my own actions, so I quickly recommitted myself to my goal of reaching the Academy and began my path to recovery.
True to the spirit of resilience taught to me at FCDS, this setback became a test of character rather than an obstacle. I returned to a training regimen with renewed vigor. Every step, rep and hour of study became a way to put my injury behind me and step closer to West Point.
Presented with a year to prepare myself, I was fortunate to spend the fall semester at Cornell University as a visiting student enriching my understanding of the world with a commitment to personal growth and education. I then spent the spring semester on an educational gap year program in Europe visiting seven countries and experiencing invaluable lessons in cultural diversity, global perspectives, industry, sustainability and adaptability. I can honestly say that this year, although not as I had imagined, gave me a new appreciation for exploration and the importance of seizing every opportunity to learn, grow and embrace the richness of life’s journey. I like to think that everything happens for a reason, even if not always obvious, and this year has certainly proven that true.
During all of this, I had re-applied to West Point, and my efforts were rewarded as I received my second appointment to the Academy, Class of 2028. With the help of Senators Murphy and Blumenthal and Representative Himes, I have been fortunate enough to (re)earn appointment to the school where I believe I will do the greatest good and become the best version of myself.
Now, as I stand on the threshold of my 47-month journey at West Point, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the lessons in leadership, fortitude and, above all, character that FCDS taught me. I know that the next four years will test me in ways I never imagined, but I also know I possess the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle thrown my way.
Go Army!
from 6/1/2023 to 6/1/2024
We dedicate this page to members of our FCDS community who are no longer with us.
James Coyle
CLASS OF 1949
June 4, 1934 – Nov. 8, 2023
Selden Heatley
CLASS OF 1978
April 23, 1963 – Sept. 26, 2023
Christopher James Timothy Laeri
CLASS OF 2007
August 28, 1992 – June 4, 2023
Murray “Scott” H. Morse III
CLASS OF 1983
August 18, 1968 – June 20, 2023
MEMBERS OF THE FCDS COMMUNITY
Barbara Bilotta
August 18, 2023
Parent of Greg ’91 and Nick ’94 /Past faculty member
Martin Bronstein
October 12, 2023
Grandparent of Matthew Traum ’28
Thomas W. Courtney
August 22, 2023
Grandparent of Lyon ’24
Stephen Fish
November 28, 2023
Grandparent of Bradley ’26
Don S. Ho
December 28, 2023
Grandparent of Kyle ’25 and Tyler ’23 Roccas
Irene Ricci
August 19, 2023
Parent of Colin ’22 and Declan ’20 Marshall
George J. Roccas
December 25, 2023
Grandparent of Kyle ’25 and Tyler ’23
Deborah Schlein
December 19, 2023
Parent of Adam ’93
Families of alumni are encouraged to share reminiscences or obituaries with the Alumni Office at alumni@fairfieldcountryday.org
ON CAMPUS
Summer@FCDS
Alumni Counselors
The Worthington Johnson Ice Rink
Aidan Flanagan ’21
Ryan Lucarelli ’21
Scott Master ’21
Owen Martini ’24
The Rosow Auditorium
Jack Clancy ’21
Sasha Sage ’22
Heather Hisey, Music Teacher
Cooper Acheychek ’24
Peter Adovasio ’24
Hayes Cooper ’24
Jay Cucinell ’24
Henry Engel ’24
Ryan Jacobson ’24
Cooper Rothbaum ’24
The Dining Room
JJ Van Ess ’03, Math Teacher
Grant Antrobus ’24
Ben Gravanis ’24
Charlie O’Neill ’24
Sam Tymniak ’24
JJ Van Ess ’03, Math Teacher
Justin Brennan ’24
Fabian Gomez ’24
Ryan Jacobson ’24
Joe Isola, Math Teacher
JJ Van Ess ’03, Math Teacher
Tyler Roccas ’23
OUT & ABOUT
SPAIN
Madrid – Museo Nacional
Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Charlie Millard ’15
Andrea Millard, Retired Science Teacher
Duncan Briggs, Former Latin Teacher
Bradenton – Spring Break Training
Pierce Cowles ’20
Cooper Berry ’31
Carter Berry ’33
Travis Berry, Upper School
History and English Teacher
Naples – Spring Break Training
Charlie Clarke ’23
Jack Laganza ’23
RHODE ISLAND
Middletown – St. George’s School
Teddy Nemec ’21
Tate Pecknold ’21
Chappy Shaw ’21
CONNECTICUT
Westport – GFA
Nile Gage ’21
Owen Jacobson ’21
Fairfield
Jack Collins ’21
Nile Gage ’21
Owen Jacobson ’21
Scotty Master ’21
James Murphy ’21
Finn
’27
Shane Hale ’24
Liam Stephan ’24
Wells Johnson ’24
Shane Hale ’24
Groton – Groton School
Stephen Gomez ’24
Peter Adovasio ’24
Liam Stephan ’24
Peter Adovasio ’24
SKYHAWKS
GFA vs Hopkins School
Nile Gage ’21
Michael Latshaw ’21
Liam Yin ’21
FCDS vs Brunswick School
Mac Ahern ’23
Jack McCullough ’23
Taft School vs Brunswick School
Hunter Dryden ’23
Jack McCullough ’23
Kent School vs Hotchkiss School
Charlie Clarke ’23
Jay Cucinell ’23
Berkshire School vs Hotchkiss School
Charlie Clarke ’23
Shane Hale ’24
Class Agents are a dedicated and active group of alumni volunteers who act as representatives for their classes. They help in maintaining communication between the Alumni Office and classmates, support alumni events and contribute to building a sense of community beyond the Blue Door.
Several classes are still looking for a Class Agent. This is a unique opportunity to give back to FCDS and connect with your fellow alumni. If you are interested or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact the FCDS Alumni Office at alumni@fairfieldcountryday.org or 203-259-2723.
WINTER GAMES – DECEMBER 2023
PUB NIGHT – DECEMBER 2023
NEW YORK CITY RECEPTION – MAY 2024
YOUNG ALUMNI FLAG FOOTBALL – NOVEMBER 2023
Harrison Bennett
West Point Military Academy
Pierce Cowles
Central Connecticut State University
Zachary Heffer
Connecticut College
Andrew Hess
Texas Christian University
Luke Hublitz
University of Virginia
Christian Kodweis
New York University
Declan Marshall
Loyola Marymount University
Aiden Rourke
Cornell University
T.J. Sage
Lehigh University
Santiago Alfageme
University of Miami
Graham Burchill
Bucknell University
Drew Cesaratto
Boston College
Ryan Cirasuolo
Boston College
Will Esse
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Brayden Gray
Franklin and Marshall College
Jack Greenberg
Northeastern University
Jake Hull
University of Tampa
Owen Jacobson
Emory University
Jack Lauricella
University of Tennessee
Ryan Lucarelli
Sacred Heart University
Scotty Master
Virginia Tech
James Murphy
University of Richmond
Teddy Nemec
Babson College
Michael Prendergast
Wake Forest University
David Sabino
University College Dublin
Chappy Shaw
Tulane University
Tobey Shein
Lehigh University
Liam Yin
Northeastern University
by
Clay Wackerman ’15
When I was a student at FCDS, I had many dreams about what the future would hold.
On one crayon-streaked worksheet I still have from the first grade, I declared I would be an astronaut. In an illustrated autobiography from Mrs. Mitchell’s third grade class, I toyed with the idea of working part-time as a video game designer and part-time as an undercover spy. By the eighth grade, my sights were set on becoming an author, and I took it upon myself to write the next great (sadly never to be finished) American dystopian novel. If you had told me back then that, after graduating college, I would spend the next years of my life teaching English in Thailand, living at a monastery in New York, and enrolling in Divinity School, I would have been perplexed.
I’ll admit it is an unconventional path, and while my life has taken some unforeseen turns, my FCDS education has been a guiding compass along the way. I learned many valuable skills during my time behind the blue door — from public speaking and creative writing to algebra and music theory — and while all these lessons were foundational for my future, I’d like to focus on one educational pillar in particular: the practice of reading.
It’s something we often take for granted — this simple, indispensable art. Because we encounter written words so often, the magic of reading strikes us as ordinary, perhaps even tedious. When I think back to Mrs. Hemenway’s kindergarten class, I remember the conflicting emotions that accompanied learning the alphabet — the confusion of encountering those dark, mysterious marks on the page, followed
by the thrill of seeing them coalesce into meaning. I felt this experience anew last year when I moved to Thailand to teach elementary school English.
When most people think of traveling to Thailand, they envision serene, whitesand beaches, or the calming symmetry of lotus flowers, and while I got to witness both of these things, most of my time was spent inside the classroom. My primary job was to teach phonics, and as I introduced my first graders to the alphabet, I started to study the fundamentals of Thai. Like my students, I had to start at the very beginning. Consider the following word:
When I arrived in Thailand, I had no idea how these characters were pronounced, let alone what they signified. Indeed, the language barrier was formidable, but with practice and patience, my students and I learned to overcome it. I would soon recognize the Thai word above as a common greeting, just as my students would learn to recognize the word hello. As our understanding of each other’s languages deepened, so too did our connection. We could soon discuss our families, our emotions, and (most importantly) our favorite foods. While it’s true that the cuisine and the scenery in Thailand are remarkable, my most cherished memories there are of reading with my students. Whether they were sounding out a tricky word, or writing their names in English for the first time, there was nothing so rewarding as seeing my student’s faces light up with the joy of putting their knowledge into practice.
As my last semester of teaching in Thailand came to a close, my next journey was about to begin. Shortly after
coming back to the US, I packed my bags and moved to an Episcopal Benedictine monastery in West Park, New York. Monastic life consists of primarily two things: ora et labora — prayer and work. But between the manual labor and the five daily prayer services, there is ample time to read. While my reading experience in Thailand was primarily concerned with translation, at the monastery, my focus has shifted. A few months ago, one of the monks introduced me to lectio divina, or “sacred reading,” a centuries-old approach to scripture comprising four stages: reading (lectio), meditation (meditatio), prayer (oratio), and contemplation (contemplatio) During Bible study, the monks and I cycle through this process with the same text, and with each iteration, the passage acquires more depth and nuance. The same reading skills I developed at FCDS — openness, curiosity, attention to detail, as well as a good bit of Latin — now shape my approach to the Bible here at the monastery.
Reading, at its best, is an adventure in meaning-making, and this practice extends far beyond the page. A foreign language may look like a maze, just as a parable might feel like a labyrinth, but with time and diligence, we begin to find our way through. Between learning the alphabet in kindergarten and teaching it in Thailand, from discussing The Giver in Mrs. Pearce’s sixth grade English class to the Gospel of John at a monastery, reading has been an invisible thread binding my life together. Not only does reading fasten me to books, but also to my past, to my faith and to FCDS. Even now, dear reader, it fastens me to you, by the thread of these final words.
ADMINISTRATION, BOARD OF TRUSTEEs & PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Dear FCDS Community,
As another remarkable school year concludes, we reflect on the enduring connections that make FCDS a place where you never truly leave. The bonds formed here last a lifetime and continue to shape our evolving history.
Once again, our graduates have transitioned from the nurturing support of our faculty to some of the nation’s top schools. Meanwhile, our younger students have achieved significant milestones, eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
This year has been transformative, not only for our students but also for our School. As part of our Strategic Plan, we welcomed Ellen Cartright to lead the renovated Boys Lab. Ellen’s impact has been profound, providing our faculty and staff, parents and our wider community with essential professional development and mentoring. These efforts have elevated our School, and I believe this moment will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in FCDS history.
The Board of Trustees has been diligently supporting our School’s initiatives, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families and alumni who contributed to the FCDS Fund and our annual Parents Association Celebration this year. Your generosity has been instrumental in providing the resources and enrichment needed to enhance the FCDS experience for both students and faculty.
Thank you for your commitment to Fairfield Country Day School. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus soon.
ROBERT D. RUSSO ’90, P’27, ’27
Jacquelyn Aarons
• Over 20 years of experience as a versatile, educational leader currently serving as elementary school principal
• Committed to student achievement and equitable educational opportunities for all
• Passionately directs various arts-related activities, including marching band and theater productions
• Lives in Norwalk, CT with her husband Rohan and son Caleb ’29
Tristan G. Fields
• Over 15 years of education experience across primary, secondary and postsecondary levels
• Currently serving as Principal at KIPP Academy Middle School in South Bronx, NY
• President of HELP, Inc., a Norwalk, CT non-profit organization providing free standardized test prep and college counseling services
• Volunteers with Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity
• Lives in Norwalk, CT with his wife Adriana and sons Joshua ’24 and Isaiah ’26
Dan Gomez
• Equity Derivatives expert serving institutional investors
• Co-founded brokerage firm Woodlawn Advisors that he later integrated into Robert W. Baird’s trading desk before venturing into board positions
• Active board member of Earthway Products, a family-owned business headquartered in Bristol, Indiana
• Represents Junior PGA golf at Brooklawn Country Club
• Lives in Fairfield, CT his wife, Sarah, and sons, Stephen ’24 and PJ ’27
Sarah Konecke
• Background in Public Relations and Corporate Communications at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles in NYC
• Over 10 years experience in digital marketing on both agency and client sides
• Actively involved in various organizations including NYJL, YWCA of Darien/Norwalk and 11 years of volunteering in Darien public schools
• Former board member and Co-President of Opus for Person-to-Person and currently volunteers on the investment panel for The Community Fund of Darien and the Parent Awareness Committee for the YWCA
• Lives in Darien, CT with her husband, Ian, and two sons, Colin and Cole ’29
Joe Ryan
• Partner at Ayrshire Capital Management, LLC in Westport, CT and previously found and led his investment management firm, WJR Financial, LLC for 14 years
• Served as Senior Consultant at Mutual of America, showcasing a comprehensive financial background
• Former Board member at The Country Club of Fairfield and is a Trustee for the Country Club of Fairfield’s pension and retirement plan
• Past Trustee for the Southport Congregational Church and supports Sacred Heart University’s Horizons program
• Lives in Fairfield, CT with his wife, Alisa, and two children, William ’25 and Emma
Courtney White
• Founder and President of Butternut, lifestyle content creation company, in partnership with Wheelhouse, crafting premium home and food series for major networks and streamers
• Served as President of Food Network, general manager of HGTV and head of programming at Travel Channel
• Owner of Butternut Farm, fresh-cut flower farm in Southport, CT
• Co-authored “Abraham Lincoln Was What He Ate” with her husband, Keric Kenny
• Lives in Southport, CT with husband, Keric, and three children – daughter Claire and sons Gray ’25 and Hugh ’29
FCDS thanks our Parents’ Association leadership for helping guide our School. It’s been a year of enriching activities, fun events and bringing our community together.
Kaitlin Krulewich P’26,’30 + Kristina Fracassini P’28,’30
Rob Russo, ’90, President
Annie Zimmerli-Haskel, Vice President
Luke Adovasio, Treasurer
Peggy Stephan, Asst. Treasurer
Sheila Clancy, Secretary
Jacquelyn Aarons
Virginia Cargill
Douglas Dicconson
Tristan G. Fields
Megan Foley
Dan Gomez
Kelly Jacobson
Mia Johnson
Sarah Konecke
Brian Lawlor
Sandra Lugar
Joe Ryan
Rob Scinto
Jeff Whitaker
Courtney White
Richard Vose, ’99
Sarah
Adrienne &
Kathleen
Missy
Pam
Sheila
Finley
Cindy
Frances
Mary
Megan
Susan
Bailey
Dorothy
Mary
Patti
Barbara
Anny
Lauri
We would like to express our gratitude to all Bronson Society members for their invaluable leadership support of Fairfield Country Day School. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve made remarkable strides in our programming and campus improvements this past year – including the creation of the Sullinger Center, a dedicated space for The Boys Lab, Student Success Team offices in the Cliff Paige ’62 Learning Commons, a new fitness center, enhancements to the Worthington Johnson Ice Rink and the purchase of a new Zamboni.
The Bronson family, whose home the School occupies and for whom this award is named, were benevolent and involved members of their community. Established in 2000, each year the Bronson Award recognizes those in our School community whose dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact. This year, we honor Tammy and Michael Dryden.
The Drydens joined FCDS when their son Hunter began in our Pre-K program. Two years later, Blake joined his brother on campus. Tammy has chaired various school dances, co-chaired the FCDS 5K Road Races in 2017 and 2018, and been a devoted advocate for our School’s events and initiatives. Michael, a financial investment industry leader, provided essential insights as part of our Rink Committee, contributing to the growth of our hockey program and facilities.
Together, Tammy and Michael have been steadfast supporters of FCDS. The legacy of community involvement and leadership they have shown truly embodies the spirit and intentions of the Bronson family.
It is with heartfelt appreciation that we thank you both for your dedication to Fairfield Country Day School.
Jeanne
Fran
The Bronson Family would be very proud to see the legacy of community involvement so selflessly shared by all award winners. Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for all that you have done for the Fairfield Country Day School.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED FCDS DURING THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR. WHETHER THIS WAS YOUR FIRST YEAR OF GIVING OR YOUR TWENTY-FIFTH, YOUR GENEROSITY HELPS THE SCHOOL TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE. DONORS PROVIDE NEEDED FUNDS THAT ENABLE FCDS TO FULFILL ITS MISSION. YOUR DONATIONS ALLOW US TO GIVE EACH BOY A VOICE, WHETHER THROUGH PUBLIC SPEAKING, PERFORMING IN A CONCERT OR PLAY, CHEERING ON THEIR TEAMMATES, OR BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS OVER FAMILY-STYLE LUNCHES.
Those who donate $5,000 or more to the Annual Fund
HEAD OF SCHOOL | $25,000 + WINDMILL | $5,000 - $9,999
Sheila Clancy
Megan and Lawrence Foley
1936 | $15,000 - $24,999
Michelle and Andrew Adams
Marie and Luke Adovasio
Sarah and Dan Gomez
Ann Zimmerli-Haskel and James Haskel
Amelia and Robert Johnson
Carolyn and Robert Russo 1990
Peggy and Keith Stephan
BLUE DOOR | $10,000 - $14,999
Tammy and Michael Dryden
Kathleen and Greg Garvey
Kristin and Tyler Hathaway
William G. Lerchen, III
Beverley and Frank MacInnis
Moukaddas Louldacheva and Peter Marron
Lisa and James Roccas
Lauren and Brian Schiller
Bojana J. Weatherly, M.D. and Michael M. Weatherly, Jr. 1983
Anne and Terence Willie
Stephanie and Richard Zogheb
Anonymous
Kelly and Scot Berg
BlackRock Matching Gift Fund
Tara and Tim Burke
Virginia K. Cargill
Kimberly and Douglas Dicconson
Allison and Peter DiNardo 1988
Kristina and Dean Fracassini
Melissa and Jason Hanna
Kelly and Paul Jacobson
Bronson L. Kelly 2007
Pamela and Mark Kelly
Sandra Lugar
Margaret and Robert MacDonald
Ailis and Kenneth Martin, Jr.
Joanne and Douglas Mason
Ann and Craig Muhlhauser
Gaier and Samuel Palmisano
Margot Pearce and Gerald G. Pearce 1984
Victoria and Christopher Powers
Alisa and Joe Ryan
Kelly and Robert Scinto
Smith Richardson Foundation, Inc.
E. William Stetson 1967
Gioia J. Riccio and David J. Sullivan, III
| $5,000 - $9,999
Lauren and Edward Traum
Lindsay and James Tucker
Angela and Todd Ulman
Diane M. Gallo-Van Ess, M.D. and David M. Van Ess, M.D.
James J. Van Ess 2003
Matthew D. Van Ess 2001
Lindsay and Matthew Vaughan
Alexi and Jeff Whitaker
Leona and Daniel Yin
VICTORY BELL | $2,500 - $4,999
Noel and Michael Bolton
CVS Health Matching Gift Program
Stephanie B. Frost
Wendy and Arthur Fuller
Amy and Michael Gnadinger
The Grace Jones Richardson Trust
Sarah and Mark Hale
Jing Ge and John Hung
Wendy and Richard Jones
Connor M. Kelly 2010
Sarah and Ian Konecke
Sandra and Greg Krenzer
Meghan and Joseph Laganza
Helen and Sergei Lemberg
Britt and Douglas Melsheimer
Mizuho Matching Gifts Program
Jennifer and Adam Mocciolo
Christina and Erik Muller
Dana and Frank Nuzzo
Elyssa and Patrick Polster
Peter L. Richardson 1968
Carrie and Ben Sanders
Julianne and Scott Seymour
Gately Ross and Jeffrey Swearingen
UBS Matching Gifts
Whitney and James Vose 1967
BLUE/WHITE | $1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous (2)
Jacquelyn and Rohan Aarons
Erica and Scott Acheychek
Leah Gambal and Santiago Alfageme
Jennifer and Kenneth Allison
Meghan and David Almquist
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Bank of America Matching Gift Program
John F. Barry, III 1967
Maureen and Joe Bartolomeo
Sarah and Francis Blair
Jennifer and Robert Bowman
Ellen Ringle Boyle and Edward Boyle
Carole Buttner
Wesley W. Carpenter 1999
Olivia and Felix Charney
Tara and Peter Cowles
Meri-Leigh and Francesco Daniele
Cheryl and Robert Davidowitz
Joan and Robert Davidson
Elizabeth and James Davis
Amrita and Raj Dodani
Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
Kristy and Clayton Erwin
Amanda and Morgan Fahimi
Phil Ficks 1965
Cristine and Colin Foster
Denitza C. Krasteva and Christopher J. Gale
| $1,000 - $2,499
Nathaniel W. Gibbons 1971
Bailey and James Haas
Virginia and Anthony Jaffe
Suzanne and James Jesse
Gwen and Eckert Kade
Courtney White and Keric Kenny
Stephanie and John Kodweis
Dana and Brian Lawlor
Michele Green and Brian Lenker
Alison Hong and Matt LoGuercio
Jessica and Richard Lopez
Maria and Robert Lynn
Shannon and Matthew Manning
Monica and Brian McGrath
Elinor and John McKenna
Murray H. Morse, Jr.
Bethany and Robert Mpuku 1994
Andrea and Kevin Neubauer
Samuel V. Niles 1981
OneMain Financial
Genevieve and Gerald Pearce 1960
Yanina Dusheyko and Dmitri Ponomarev
Christopher J. Popadic 1990
Rockefeller Foundation
Jennifer and Darin Rubin
Fleur and William Rueckert
Amy M. Ruggiero
Kaelyn and Richard Runkel
Sarah and James Sage
Carmela and Thomas Santangelo
Stephanie and Robert Scheetz
Finley and Patrick Shaw
Anne and Joseph Sheehan
Maya and James Smith
Larken Kade and Andrew Svensk
Page and John Tremaine 1990
Stacey and Robert Tucker
Nancy and Richard Vose 1999
Tomira and Jesse Wilcox
Estelle and Samuel Willie 2003
Hongmei Xiong
Amanda and Joseph Zorumski
Anonymous (28)
Katie and Brendan Ahern
Steve Aikenhead 1955
Joel Almquist
Wendy Almquist
Lisa Anderson
Apollo Global Management Inc.
Alexander T. Auer 2010
Maureen and William Auer
Nicholas W. Auer 2008
Maria and Anthony Auriemma
Evelyn Balamaci
Paul Ballou
Jaime and Craig Balocca
Kristina and Paul Barnaby
Kelly Barr
Alison and Michael Barry 1973
Sharon and Paul Barton
William Bass
Constance and Sean Bennett
Catherine Bergstrom
Jennifer and Travis Berry
Wendy and Chris Berry
John F. Blawie 1972
Connor E. Boyle 2016
Barbara and James Bradley 1956
Mary M. Bradley
Carol and James Braniecki
Catherine and David Breza
Mary and Robert Breza
Ashley and Richard Brockmeyer
Shantalee and Roan Budwah
Nancy and Richard Burns
Bradford W. Bush 1976
Shirley Bush
Mimi and David Calfee
Ellen Cartwright
Deborah Charles
Judith and Robert Chessin
John R. Cissel
Nina and Jeff Clarke
Candace A. Clarkson
Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation
Nora M. Goddard and David J. Cole 2001
Thomas Conine 1996
Reem and Dylan Connor
Nicholas R. Conzelman 2013
Stephanie and Todd Corcoran
Brian Coughlan
Elizabeth and Peter Courtney
Pierce Cowles 2020
Carrigan Cullinan 2018
John T. Curtis, II 1974
Anastase P. Dacey 2000
Beverlee F. Dacey
Nicolas G. Dacey 2004
Moira and Briggs Davidson 1988
Virginia and James Dean
Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation
Damon C. DiMauro 1976
DIRECTV Matching Gift Program
Alli and Glenn DiVincenzo
Margaret E. Dolan
John Dorman
Chandler R. Douglas 2013
Joshua Duennebier
Sandy and Craig Earley
Kenneth C. Ebbitt
Elizabeth Ewing and James Elkus
Energy Income Partners, LLC
Kelly and Pieter Engel
Helene R. Epifano
Susan Fairchild
Brad Fallon
Jennifer and Pierre Fallot
Grace and James Farr
Andrea and Todd Feldman
Phyllis and Walter Feldman
Grayson M. Fertig 1995
Jane and John Fertig
Adriana and Tristan Fields
Berkiz and Alan Fields
Kristin Filling
Erin and Cornelius Finnegan
Joan and Jon Fish
Mimi and Brian Fitzgerald
Charlene and Damon Fleming
Aidan F. Foley 2019
Lawrence J. Foley 2013
Liam P. Foley 2016
Noreen Franklin
Ferdinand H. Frassinelli 1973
Suzanne and Michael Fredericks
Thomas Freer
Ian A. Frost 2013
Ethel Fusaro
Mary Jo and Robert Fusaro
Tami and Richard Gage
Erin and Damian Galarza
Julie Gannon
Mark Gannon
Kristina and Christopher Gates
Calla and Matthew Gelb
Christina and Joseph Gelb, Jr.
Harold Genvert 1968
Farrell and Timothy Gerges
Jana and David Gerges
Goldman Sachs Matching Gift Program
Jennifer and John Golec
Roger C. Goodspeed 1966
James M. Graves 1949
Margaret Gray
Katherine and Scott Greenberg
Gavin W. Guterl 2017
Brendhan J. Haas 2005
Dylan J. Haas 2006
William R. Haas 2010
Liz and Peter Hanlon
Michael Hanna
Jennifer and John Hein
Margaret E. Hemenway
Brayden Henry
Porter Hill
Heather and Christopher Hisey
Andrew M. Hoffman 1976
Nandita and George Hogan
John D. Hoover
Laura and Robert Horne
Hilary and Winchester Hotchkiss
Archibald R. Hoxton, III 1958
Ellen and Kyle Hublitz
Lauren and Tom Hull
James Hunton
Angelo M. Iasiello, II 1980
Emilio J. Iasiello, III 1984
Amanda and Matthew Innes
Joseph Isola
Tiffanie Barton and Fritz Jacobson
Susan and Donald Jaffin
Samantha and Randy Jennings
Carole and Gary Jennison
Barbara and Gary Johnson
JP Morgan Chase
Ellen and Robert Kaufmann
Gerrit M. Keator 1953
Sally Kellogg and Bruce Tansey
Veronica Kelly
Sarah and Vincent Kelly
Pam and Mark Kimball
Elaine and Paul Klabonski
Joe D. Koizim 2003
Matthew C. Koizim 2000
Charles M. Kreitler 2005
Helen and Leonard Krulewich
Kaitlin and David Krulewich
Santa and Joe Laganza, Sr.
John M. Laganza 2020
Widlaine and Harry Lamb
Laurie and John Lane
Nancy and Mark Langston
Christopher Larsen 1952
Elizabeth Larson
Lisa and Michael LeBlanc
Cooper M. Lee 2018
Alec J. Leschin 1984
Vanessa and Miles Lewis
Adriana Liberatore
Melissa and Christopher Liguori
Linde, Inc.
Margaret and Jonathan Lord
Renee and Robert Lucarelli
Monica Lukes
Ellen and John Lynch
James Mack
Mary and Michael Maechling
Allyson and Francis Mahoney, III
Robert Makuch
Jeannine and Neil Martell
Susan and Alasdair McBarnet
Dominika McCauley
Nicki and Richard McGrath
Alexander B. Meier 2022
Evan B. Meier 2023
Kim Meier
Kristina and Robert Michaels
Andrea and Gregory Millard 1986
Lorraine Miller
Maria-Paz Miranda
Marie and Jason Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell
Deborah and Adam Mocciolo
Wright J. Montgomery, Jr. 1974
Deirdre and Michael Moore 1964
Margaret and Douglas Moore 1967
Barbara and Robert Moriarty 1970
Carolee and Donald Mountcastle
Megan and Paul Mountcastle
Andrea and Andrew Muhlhauser
Maryann and Paul Muller
John R. Munro, Jr.
Philip C. Nemec 2023
Theodore F. Nemec 2021
Leslie and Patrick Noland
Marie and Phil Nourie
Patricia O’Hara
Frances O’Neill
Nicole and Brendan O’Reilly
Finnian O’Reilly 2032
Barbara and Dan Omohundro
Oracle Corporation
Jane and Mark Oravec
Ted Orben 2015
Amy and Ted Orenstein
Charles F. Oudin, III 1973
Leroy Owens
Day L. Patterson 1958
Gretchen and Michael Patterson
Dorothy and John Payne 1955
Charles B. Pearce 2015
Dana and Gregory Pearce 1988
Zachary W. Pearce 2017
Tucker N. Pearson 2008
Christopher T. Perkin 1988
Richard S. Perkin, II 1996
David M. Perry 1969
Laura and David Pietrycha
Scarlett M. Pipkin
Marybeth and Michael Pomeroy
Frances Positano
Jennifer Moy and James Poucher
Leslie and Robert Powell
Katherine Price
Michael G. Proctor 1972
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Cameron M. Purdy 2016
Drake A. Quental 2016
Joseph L. Quinn 2004
Iris Quinones
Marlene and Michael Recchia
Red Hat Matching Gift Program
Lynne and Leo Redgate
Lis and Peter Reed
Peter J. Reed 2022
Michelle and John Riley
Richard S. Ritzel, III 1999
Marjorie and Blake Robinson 1962
Arlyne E. Russo and Joseph W. Rocco, Jr.
Patricia Roche
Dianne and Malcolm Ross
Ming-Yan and Jason Rothbaum
Ellen and Louis Rothman
Tara and Stuart Rudkin 1998
Thomas G. Rudkin 1967
John E. Runkel 2007
Samuel P. Runkel 2011
Lisa and Anthony Sabino
Evelina and David Sarles
Caroline Savage
Paul Scheufele
Linda Seyffarth
Patricia G. Sheppard
Adriane and Kevin Sherman
Nydia and Charles Shipman
Janet D. Shostak
John S. Shoup 1961
Deandra and Gimeno Simmonds
David W. Sinclair 1972
Raquel and Latchman Singh
Patricia and George Skurja
Andrew E. Slade 2009
Sharon Slade
Andrea Mills and Andrew Smith
H. Melanie Smith
Starr W. Snead
Elizabeth and Richard Solazzo
Michael L. Solazzo 2013
Peter G. Solazzo 2010
Eboni and Taurien Sowell
Alexander Staikos 2019
Kristen and John Staikos
John Steinbreder 1971
Jacqueline and Simeon Stevens
Nancy M. Stevens
Helen S. Stovell and Peter B. Stovell, M.D.
John A. Sturges, Jr. 1962
Jennifer Miller and Jonathan Sturges
Deborah and Jeffrey Sullinger
Timothy J. Sullivan 2018
Anne and Robert Svensk
Barbara and George Swander
Steven J. Tamburri 1961
Harriette A. Terbell
Mariann Thomas and David Tavolacci
H. Lawrence Thompson, IV 1991
Marike Toothaker and Thomas B. Toothaker, M.D.
Nancy and Ron Toothaker
UnitedHealth Group Inc.
Melissa Valdivia
Carmen Mendivil and Neftali Velasquez
Shabiroon and Woodrow Vereen
Melanie and Rob Verrengia
Eugenie and James Verrillo
Sara and Jason Victor
Jacqueline Vigilante
James Villanueva
Barbara Viner
Jacqueline Montras and Robert D. Vitalo
Kyra Voccola
Jeffrey Von Kohorn, Ph.D.
Elizabeth and Jeffrey Wade
Anny and David Ward
Ernestine and Nathaniel Ward
John W. Watkins 1969
Sarah and Joseph Whinery
Barbara and Algird White
Marcia White
Donna and Daniel Wilder
Brian Willer
David S. Wiswell 1999
Rena and Peter Wiswell 1967
Tracie and Paul Wizda
Elizabeth and Matthew Wood
Rekha and Pratap Yagnik
The Laboribus Judicamur Society are those who have donated ten or more consecutive years.
This report reflects philanthropic support of Fairfield Country Day School from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we have made every effort to publish the names of all donors accurately. However, if there is an error, please accept our sincere apology and notify the Development Office development@fairfieldcountryday.org so that we may correct our records.
In June, Rick Runkel retired his beakers and microscopes to spend more time with his family on the lake in Maine. FCDS has been his home for three decades – literally. Not only has Rick served as Head of Upper School, Dean of Students, Director of Admissions, Director of Summer Camp, and Upper School science teacher, but he also raised his boys, Jack ’07 and Sam ’11, on our campus.
The following supporters have chosen to honor Rick and his commitment to teaching boys at FCDS. Donations will enhance hands-on learning experiences and discovery spaces, including a renovation of the Upper School Science Lab which will be dedicated to Rick.
Anonymous
Michelle and Andrew Adams
Marie and Luke Adovasio
Meghan and David Almquist
Maureen and William Auer
Maureen and Joe Bartolomeo
BlackRock Matching Gift Fund
Noel and Michael Bolton
Ellen Ringle Boyle and Edward Boyle
Virginia K. Cargill
Olivia and Felix Charney
Sheila Clancy
Meri-Leigh and Francesco Daniele
Kimberly and Douglas Dicconson
Elizabeth Ewing and James Elkus
Amanda and Morgan Fahimi
Joan and Jon Fish
Megan and Larry Foley
Kristina and Dean Fracassini
Noreen Franklin
Sarah and Dan Gomez
Liz and Peter Hanlon
Melissa and Jason Hanna
Kristin and Tyler Hathaway
Heather and Christopher Hisey
Hilary and Winchester Hotchkiss
Jing Ge and John Hung
Kelly and Paul Jacobson
Amelia and Robert Johnson
Pamela and Mark Kelly
Stephanie and John Kodweis
Sarah and Ian Konecke
Sandra and Greg Krenzer
Alison Hong and Matt LoGuercio
Margaret and Robert MacDonald
Shannon and Matthew Manning
Joanne and Douglas Mason
Matlock Refuse
Nicki and Richard McGrath
Elinor and John McKenna
Megan and Paul Mountcastle
Bethany and Robert Mpuku 1994
John R. Munro, Jr.
Dana and Frank Nuzzo
Margot Pearce and Gerald G. Pearce 1984
Yanina Dusheyko and Dmitri Ponomarev
Victoria and Christopher Powers
Marlene and Michael Recchia
Michelle and John Riley
Patricia Roche
Rockefeller Foundation
Kaelyn and Richard Runkel
Carolyn and Robert Russo 1990
Alisa and Joe Ryan
Sarah and James Sage
Carrie and Ben Sanders
Caroline Savage
Paul Scheufele
Lauren and Brian Schiller
Kelly and Robert Scinto
Julianne and Scott Seymour
Sharon Slade
Elizabeth and Richard Solazzo
Michael L. Solazzo 2013
Peter G. Solazzo 2010
Peggy and Keith Stephan
Gioia J. Riccio and David J. Sullivan, III
Gately Ross and Jeffrey Swearingen
Lauren and Edward Traum
Lindsay and James Tucker
UBS Matching Gifts
Diane M. Gallo-Van Ess, M.D. and David M. Van Ess, M.D.
James J. Van Ess 2003
Matthew D. Van Ess 2001
Lindsay and Matthew Vaughan
Eugenie and James Verrillo
Jacqueline Montras and Robert D. Vitalo
Elizabeth and Jeffrey Wade
Alexi and Jeff Whitaker
Brian Willer
Anne and Terence Willie
Estelle and Samuel Willie 2003
Leona and Daniel Yin
Stephanie and Richard Zogheb
On Saturday April 6, our community gathered for an FCDS Celebration at Park City Music Hall. It was a memorable evening filled with music, delicious food and a successful auction to raise funds for FCDS. The focus was on an initiative to enhance hands-on learning experiences and discovery spaces. This includes a renovation of the Upper School Science Lab dedicated to Rick Runkel and his commitment to teaching at FCDS.
$2,500 SPONSORS
Megan and Larry Foley P’13, ’16, ’19, ’25
Melissa and Jason Hanna P’26, ’29
Nuzzo Electric
Sourcepass, Inc.
Theorem Media
$1,000 SPONSORS
Marie and Luke Adovasio P’24, ’26, ’29
Megan and David Almquist P’30, ’32
Amelia Johnson Design
Championship Turf Services
ENCON Heating & AC
Sarah and Dan Gomez P’24, ’27
Kristin and Tyler Hathaway P’25
Sarah and Ian Konecke P’29
Russo & Rizio, LLC
Alisa and Joe Ryan P’25
Lauren and Brian Schiller P’25
Kelly and Robert Scinto P’26, ’32
Peggy and Keith Stephan P’24, ’27
Lindsay and Matthew Vaughan P’29, ’31
Alexi and Jeff Whitaker P’24
Abbey Tent & Party Rentals
Michelle and Andrew Adams P’23, ’27
Carnegie Prep
C.E. Floyd Company, Inc.
Sarah and Dan Gomez P’24, ’27
GWAY Print Solutions
Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers
Bethany and Robert Mpuku ’94, P’32
Noel and Michael Bolton P’31
Eastern Land Management
Fairfield American Little League
Fairfield National Little League
Industrial & Commercial Cleaning Contractors, LLC.
Matlock Refuse
Penfield Collective
Sourcepass, Inc.
Wilton Re
The Carpet-Right Company
The Learning Consultants
Sourcepass, Inc.
Michelle and Andrew Adams P’23, ’27
Maureen and Bill Auer P’00, ’08, ’10
Maureen and Joe Bartolomeo
Virginia Cargill P’04, ’05
Sheila Clancy P’20, ’22
Olivia and Felix Charney P’25
Elizabeth Ewing and James Elkus
Liz and Peter Hanlon P’25
Noreen Franklin
Sandra and Greg Krenzer P’26
Shannon and Matthew Manning P’27
Joanne and Douglas Mason P’19, ’26
Margot Pearce and Gerry Pearce P’15, ’17
Victoria and Christopher Powers P’29
Patricia Roche
Carolyn and Rob Russo ’90, P’27, ’27
Carrie and Ben Sanders P’27
Caroline Savage
Gately Ross and Jeffrey Swearingen P’27, ’27
Lauren and Ted Traum P’28
Lindsay and Bill Tucker P’25, ’27
Lizzy and Jeff Wade P’25
Brian Willer P’27
Marie and Luke Adovasio P’24, ’26, ’29
Maureen and Joe Bartolomeo
Virginia Cargill P’04, ’05
Meri-Leigh and Francesco Daniele P’32
Amanda and Morgan Fahimi P’23, ’25
Joan and Jon Fish P’26
Megan and Larry Foley P’13, ’16, ’19, ’25
Kristina and Dean Fracassini P’28, ’30
Sarah and Dan Gomez P’24, ’27
Kristin and Tyler Hathaway P’25
Heather and Christopher Hisey P’31
Kelly and Paul Jacobson P’21, ’24
Amelia and Rob Johnson P’24, ’26, ’29
Sandra and Greg Krenzer P’26
Shannon and Matthew Manning P’27
Joanne and Douglas Mason P’19, ’26
Megan and Paul Mountcastle P’28
Margot Pearce and Gerry Pearce P’15, ’17
Kaelyn and Richard Runkel P’07, ’11
Kelly and Robert Scinto P’26, ’32
Julie and Scott Seymour P’07, ’11
Peggy and Keith Stephan P’24, ’27
Gately Ross and Jeffrey Swearingen P’27, ’27
Brian Willer P’27
Stephanie and Richard Zogheb
The Graduate Legacy Gift Fund provides an opportunity for eighth and ninth grade classes to make a lasting impact on our school. Each year, the project’s size and scope may vary. However, all donations to the Graduate Legacy Gift Fund will address a need identified by FCDS, in collaboration with the students and their families.
The Class of 2025’s gift focuses on wellness. It will help outfit the FCDS Fitness Center and install new flooring and logos in the Foley Family Gymnasium.
SUPPORTERS
Anonymous (2)
Erica and Scott Acheychek
Kelly and Scot Berg
Sarah and Francis Blair
Tara and Tim Burke
Olivia and Felix Charney
Class of 2025 Families
Cheryl and Robert Davidowitz
Amrita and Raj Dodani
Kelly and Pieter Engel
Amanda and Morgan Fahimi
The gift from the Class of 2024 is a new golf cart.
Although Mr. Owens, Mr. Littrell, Mr. Fallon, and Chef Scott will be the primary drivers, the cart will be helpful in various school operations for years to come.
Elizabeth and Peter Courtney
Elizabeth Ewing and James Elkus
Adriana and Tristan Fields
Sarah and Dan Gomez
Amelia and Robert Johnson
Peggy and Keith Stephan
Melanie and Rob Verrengia
Alexi and Jeff Whitaker
Andrea and Todd Feldman
Erin and Cornelius Finnegan
Megan and Larry Foley
Denitza C. Krasteva and Christopher J. Gale
Kristina and Christopher Gates
Liz and Peter Hanlon
Kristin and Tyler Hathaway
Nandita and George Hogan
Jing Ge and John Hung
Amanda and Matthew Innes
Virginia and Anthony Jaffe
Courtney White and Keric Kenny
Mary and Michael Maechling
Marie and Phil Nourie
Lisa and James Roccas
Alisa and Joe Ryan
Lauren and Brian Schiller
Lindsay and James Tucker
Carmen Mendivil and Neftali Velasquez
Sara and Jason Victor
Elizabeth and Jeffrey Wade
Amanda and Joseph Zorumski
Funds raised during the 2023 Parents’ Association Celebration helped create the Sullinger Center, a space on campus designed to honor retired Division Head Debbie Sullinger. Throughout her nearly four decades, Debbie has shaped the lives of FCDS students. To celebrate her commitment to boys’ education and her love of our School, we created The Sullinger Center, the heart of The Boys Lab and a hub of innovation, faculty professional development, community engagement, and global outreach
