FENN Magazine: New Beginnings and Fond Farewells (Summer 2018)

Summer 2018

New Beginnings and Fond Farewells Boonisar Becomes Fenn’s Sixth Headmaster

F ROM T H E HEA D M A STER

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Dear Fenn Community, I am writing to you from my new seat as the sixth headmaster in Fenn’s rich and storied history, humbly following my dear friend Jerry Ward’s quarter century of dedicated and transformative leadership of the school. I feel deeply honored to be the next steward of Fenn’s distinct mission and philosophy and of a school that holds such significance to so many people.

The past spring and summer has been one of transition for our Fenn community and for me personally, and this issue of the FENN magazine—my first as headmaster— spotlights the new beginnings and fond farewells that we have enjoyed. We wished a heartfelt goodbye to outstanding eighth and ninth grade graduates and to boys from other classes who are moving on from Fenn, and we celebrated the tenure and retirement of a beloved headmaster of twenty-five years and faculty and staff who are also departing to begin new chapters. Among them is our own Tete Cobblah, who has blessed the Fenn community for thirty-three years with his passion, creativity, vision, and warmth as our Fine Arts Coordinator and Director of Diversity. At the same time, we celebrate new beginnings, among them the purchase of stunning land and waterfront acreage just up Monument Street that expands our campus footprint and enables us to broaden and deepen our program.

I am fortunate to inherit the leadership of a school that is in such remarkable shape, culturally and fiscally, and I stand tall on the shoulders of my predecessors in the Headmaster’s Office, of a dedicated Board of Trustees, of a talented faculty and staff, and of scores of loyal current and past students and families who have collectively shaped the Fenn we know and love.

To those of you whom I have met and know well, I look forward to strengthening our relationship over our common love for Fenn and what it stands for. To those of you whom I do not yet know well or have not yet had the privilege to meet, I look forward to advancing that in the years to come. Regardless of our connection, I greatly anticipate the journey we will take together. I pledge to you my very best effort and heartfelt commitment to taking the highest degree of care of this very special place.

Sincerely,

NEW BEGINNINGS 2 Boonisar Takes the Reins as Headmaster 10 Land Purchase Expands Campus

EDITOR AND WRITER Jennifer Everett CONTRIBUTORS Olivia Boger Isabel Dau SPORTS WRITER Brenda Dupont MAGAZINE DESIGN Dan Beard PHOTOGRAPHY Olivia Boger Alicia Braga Jennifer Everett Asa Ewing Ellen Harasimowicz Anne Jones Tim Llewelyn Pauline MacLellan Christine McShane Tony Santos Joshua Touster COVER PHOTO Joshua Touster

Derek R. Boonisar Headmaster

EDITORIAL BOARD Olivia Boger Derek Boonisar Anne Ames Boudreau Jennifer Everett Verónica Jorge-Curtis Jerry Ward

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY NEWS 16 Around Campus 24 Sports Report

FOND FAREWELLS 30 The 89th Annual Graduation Exercises

40 Ward and Cobblah Retirement Tributes 54 Other Faculty and Staff Departures

ALUMNI NEWS 56 Class Notes and Alumni Profiles 66 Faculty and Staff News

67 Reflections on a Fenn Boy 68 In Memoriam

FENN is published twice a year for alumni, parents, and friends of the School.

Comments are welcomed and can be sent to the FENN Editorial Board at The Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA 01742, or shared directly with the editor at jeverett@fenn.org or 978-318-3583.

F E NN V E T E R A N TA KE S T H E R E I N S

Fenn Veteran Takes the Reins: Derek Boonisar Becomes Sixth Headmaster ON THE A F T E RN O O N O F S E P T E M B E R 5 ,

nearly 70 “new boys” descended on

campus for an orientation and lemonade social to officially begin their Fenn journeys. Among the group was Chris Boonisar, who was eagerly starting fourth grade. As luck would have it, his Dad Derek was also a bit of a “new boy” himself—hardly new to Fenn after 23 years, yet new to the prestigious headmaster’s seat that he occupied on July 1 as the School’s sixth headmaster across its 90 years. Derek and Chris were joined by Derek’s wife Liz, a corporate recruiter for the pharmaceutical industry, and 12-year-old daughter Caroline in beginning their collective new chapter together after the family’s recent move to the headmaster’s home at 480 Monument Street.

Four decades ago, Derek learned firsthand what it meant to be a “new boy.” At the age of nine, his parents became intrigued by the story of a neighborhood boy who was considering attending the Dexter School—at the time an independent school in Brookline, Mass., offering a rich blend of academics, athletics, and arts for boys in kindergarten through eighth grade. Before he knew it, Derek was off to a tour and interview, impressed the admissions team, and was accepted and ultimately enrolled. He would next matriculate at Noble and Greenough School for his secondary school education (and, in more recent years, serve as a member of Nobles’ Board of Trustees).

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Derek credits his paternal grand-

school’s prestigious Citizenship Prize as

father, Richard—an immigrant from

a seventh and eighth grader for living

Lebanon who viewed a good education

the ideals of the School’s motto, “Our

as the greatest gift you could give—as

Best Today, Better Tomorrow.” He was

integral to his ability to attend both

also lauded for reaching out to and sup-

schools. His sisters Ingrid, the older, and

porting fellow students who were having

Britta, the younger, would follow Derek

difficulties integrating socially.

in benefitting from independent school

Derek points to his experiences at

education after witnessing how much it

Dexter and Noble and Greenough as lay-

offered, inspired, and influenced the tra-

ing the foundation for what he describes

jectory of its students.

as a “dream career.” He shares, “When I

Derek describes himself then as a

reflect back, I attribute my career choice,

“dedicated, hardworking student who

without question, to my teachers and

was deeply invested in the process of

coaches at Dexter and Nobles. I realized,

learning and its outcomes.” He excelled

probably in high school, that these people

equally outside the classroom, playing

had taken a deep interest in me and cared

piano, soccer, hockey, and baseball (plus

for me. I felt validated for who I was and

football in high school), and representing

who I was becoming. I often thought to

Dexter as school president in the eighth

myself, ‘If I could be that for others when

grade. Faculty also awarded him the

I’m older, it would be a remarkable life’.”

And he certainly has enjoyed a remarkable career in education, beginning at the Salisbury School in Connecticut during a first year that he describes as “jumping in the deep end.”

This equated to teaching four Latin classes as the only Latin teacher in the school at twenty-three years old, coaching three sports, advising 10 freshmen and sophomore boys, and overseeing the dorm life of 16 boys at this all-boys boarding school. One more year at Salisbury would point him home to Massachusetts and to interviews for a position in Fenn’s Latin department in the wake of the retirement of legendary faculty member Mark Biscoe H’95.

Derek’s first Fenn interviews remain legendary in their own right. Anne Ridley, former head of the Latin Department and Secondary School Placement Office, knew she had her guy after one conversation.

Jerry Ward recalls Anne bounding into his office after interviewing Derek and proclaiming, “He’s it. We don’t have to interview anybody else.”

While Jerry readily admits that he’s not one for hasty decisions, he understood why she might feel that way.

“Right from the start, Derek showed that he was really connected with the mission of Fenn and the broad education of elementary and middle school boys in all of its dimensions.”

What Jerry witnessed outside of the formal interview had him equally intrigued. “We had a boy lined up to give Derek a tour of the campus, and I watched the two of them connect,”

he shared. “He had this boy eating out of his hand immediately. It was really something to watch. I thought to myself, ‘Whoa, this guy’s got it’.”

Jim Carter ’54, a former colleague of Derek’s until his retirement in 2010, agrees wholeheartedly. “People can take all the education courses they want, but if they don’t get it, they’ll never be a great teacher. Derek gets it, and the kids recognize that. In the classroom, on the ice rink (as varsity head coach for his entire Fenn tenure until his recent “retirement”), and as an advisor, he always had a way of connecting with kids, meeting their needs, and doing that in a way that was comfortable for everybody.”

Tim and Stephanie Blunt P’14, ’20 saw these skills in action during their son Peter’s time at Fenn and see them

now as their son Nate enjoys his eighth grade year. “Derek brings a sincere and thoughtful approach to each boy’s development, balanced with a level of discipline and order that’s required for young men to learn. He’s keenly aware of their strengths and weaknesses, always encouraging them to overcome challenges and improve.”

They remember fondly an opportunity that Derek took to inspire Peter when he didn’t make the hockey team in seventh grade. “Peter was disappointed, but Derek told him to keep working hard with the goal of not only making the team the next year, but being a real contributor. Peter heeded Derek’s advice and did make the team the next year, ultimately getting onto the second line.

After one game in which Peter scored

the winning goal with just minutes left, we received an unexpected email from Derek that shared how thrilled he was to see Peter score after working so hard from the year before. We reference that email to this day to inspire Peter to set goals and work hard towards achieving them. And this frequent encouragement and praise isn’t unique to our sons.

We’ve heard many other parents share similar experiences.”

The approach that Derek took as a beloved hockey coach has had similar success off the ice, and this isn’t limited to his infamous bestowing of nicknames on Fenn boys. (He claims that he’s been bearing the “Boonie” moniker since second or third grade, and it’s still a familiar refrain shouted across campus when he’s in sight.)

“Right from the start, Derek showed that he was connected with the mission of Fenn and the broad education of elementary and middle school boys in all of its dimensions.” – Jerry Ward, headmaster emeritus 4

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“Every boy matters at Fenn, and our goal is to make every boy feel affirmed and validated for the gifts he brings.” – Derek Boonisar, headmaster

“I aim to have a very personal touch, and students have told me that the nicknames I’ve given them made them feel they belonged,” he shared. “At the end of the day, the boys really want you to know

“It was a rich and comprehensive

that you like them. That’s really what they care about most. If you can find a way to communicate that you do and that you have their best interests in mind, it makes a big impact. Every boy matters at Fenn, and our goal is to make every boy feel affirmed and validated for the gifts they

In a Middle School diversity committee meeting

bring regardless of what those are.”

Hitting the Ground Running seat on July 1 after excelling in his roles as Fenn teacher, coach, and advisor, Secondary School Placement Director, Upper School Head, and Associate Headmaster and impressing a headmaster search committee with his deep knowledge of Fenn, commitment to mid-

“This summer provided me a sixweek opportunity to deepen relationships with parents in small group sessions aimed at understanding more about their Fenn experience and with staff who were on campus,” he shared. “My position to date hadn’t afforded me much opportunity to get under the hood in areas like

brainstorm about fundraising and to share important guidance for this vital area of responsibility as headmaster.

“With advancement and fundraising, Derek had an amazing role model in

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and river access just up Monument

shared Derek. “The program reminded

Street. Fenn’s a thriving school with sta-

all of us that heads of school are relation-

bility and traditions that are in place for

ship builders, shapers of discourse, and

very good reason, but it’s always import-

chief storytellers, and that open and hon-

ant to ask ourselves if we’re doing things

est communication with all school con-

because they’ve always been done that

stituencies should always be the goal.”

way or if they truly reflect best practices.”

with the Elementary School Heads

The Headmaster’s Lens

Association will provide an equal oppor-

While Derek has been embedded in a

tunity for Derek to gain wisdom from

community that he so loves for more

other heads of school on the experiences

than two decades, he fully recognizes

that they have faced across their tenures

that there is much to hear and learn

and to discuss current trends in edu-

from his new vantage point in the head’s

cation and the conversations and steps

office.

that what we’re doing here at Fenn

eager to dig in quickly.

nering with Derek in recent months to

experienced faculty provided by NAIS,”

Derek shares, “I want to make sure

to balance continuity and change, he was

Jorge-Curtis, for one, has enjoyed part-

with the new Campus Center and land

schools to have and consider.

about Fenn’s future, and certain ability

Director of Advancement, Verónica

cially with the opportunities before us

around the world and a talented and

these should prompt Fenn and other

dle school boys’ education, excitement

advancement.”

week with 80 other new heads from

A near-term conference in October

When Derek assumed the headmaster

admissions, finance and operations, and

reflects what’s best for boys today, espe-

Jerry, and he learned so much from him.

to Georgia for the 2018 Institute for

He is so well-positioned to be an effective

New Heads hosted by the National

fundraiser, and I’ve enjoyed seeing him

Association of Independent Schools

grow more confident in this area. When

(NAIS). The six-day residential program

you’re passionate about what you’re

prepares heads for their first or second

doing and the institution you’re repre-

year of headship and demystifies the head

senting, it’s a lot of fun to talk about it.”

experience. Subject matter was varied,

Derek’s first month in the headmaster’s seat also saw him trekking

ranging from financial and enrollment management to data and innovation.

“I’m committed to being visible and absorbing the culture and experiences of Fenn from the head’s perspective,” he notes. “I’ll be focused on people—ask-

ing questions, listening, and thanking the contributors to our community for their efforts to deliver an exceptional and multi-faceted educational experience to Fenn boys. I also hope to periodically be out at drop-off, greeting boys and families as they arrive for a promising new school day or week.

He intends to be equally present in the classroom. “I want to connect even more deeply with our faculty to understand why they love what they do,” he adds, “and what their students are most enjoying in their classes.”

“Derek has a great rapport with faculty and staff,” shared Dave Irwin, Head of the Upper School and Director of Secondary School Counseling. “He’s been a confidant, a trusted voice, and a good sounding board. He’s really played a pastoral care and counseling role for everyone on campus. He has the relationships in place that will make everyone feel very comfortable.”

Nat Carr ’97, Lower School Head, points to Derek’s high-touch style as helping to establish these strong relationships. “He’s shown that he’s never above being down in the trenches with the important but messy work. Whether running pizza sales on Tuesdays, tackling student carnivals or helping out with Hi-Chew sales, he rolls up his sleeves and is right in the middle of it all. It’s been important for people to see him do that and to be engaged alongside him.”

Fenn’s Director of Technology, Jeff LaPlante, looks to Derek’s approach on the ice as a coach and hockey player as indicative of the presence he will have as headmaster. (Jeff is succeeding Derek as

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the varsity hockey coach and has enjoyed sharing the ice with him on teams outside Fenn.) According to Jeff, “To be a good player, you have to work hard and have the drive to compete, yet also have perspective, composure, and discipline around your emotions. I’ve seen that with Derek. He’s always respectful and is such a great role model for the kids.

Derek is also very unselfish on the ice. When he plays, he’s not afraid to set people up and make them look good. I think this will translate to Fenn. He’ll identify people who are good at what they do and give them every opportunity to shine, and he’ll always be very honest about giving credit when people have done a good job.”

And Derek is fully aware that inspired and empowered faculty are critical for a successful academic program.

According to Derek, research suggests that parents seek academic excellence, a strong and reputable school, desirable outcomes, and emotional and physical safety for their children. At the same time, students most want membership and belonging, a healthy dose of fun, and a challenge in their academic, athletic, and arts endeavors. “This is where we will focus,” he states emphatically. “We want to help children fulfill their potential, develop into well-rounded people who will impact the world around them, realize the plan that they have for themselves, and overcome obstacles.”

He adds, “It’s important that we continue to offer a relevant and robust academic program that best prepares boys for secondary school and life in terms of problem solving, written expression, critical thinking, and communication and collaboration skills.”

Derek sees an opportunity to sharpen some of these skills in a potentially revamped format for All School Meeting.

“One of the ideas I’ve been considering is more frequently inviting other members of the community to run All School Meeting,” he shares. “I envision more faculty and student involvement and more student performances.” Derek believes the community is at its best when many diverse voices are contribut-

ing to All School Meeting (not to mention other school events and activities).

Continuing to grow and celebrate the diversity of the Fenn community is a top priority for Derek, as it was under the leadership of Jerry Ward and Tete Cobblah. “Our new Director of Diversity, Jimmy Manyuru, and I have already dug in to discuss how we, as a community, build on the strong foundation that Tete and Jerry established and nurtured with the commitment and support of so many faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.”

A Supportive Community The Fenn community seems ever ready to embrace Derek’s new ideas and perspectives. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Derek has assumed the helm at Fenn,” shared Christine Schmitt P’18. “It’s an incredible gift to be able to have a leader who has already shown himself to be such a positive influence on the school for over twenty years. He really gets Fenn and all it stands for and will honor the extraordinary heritage of the school. At the same time, he’ll bring some fresh ideas to the table that will make Fenn even more impactful for its students and staff.”

Greg Bondick P’16 feels similarly. “From my earliest experiences with Fenn,” he shares, “I was most impressed by the continuity of the culture. The leadership and faculty live their shared mission to educate middle school boys and help them develop into talented and responsible young men. Derek has been a true partner to Jerry in creating and sustaining the Fenn culture, making him the perfect individual to succeed him.”

Greg’s son, Ethan ’16, couldn’t be more pleased to have “Boonie” at the helm. He and his family still remember fondly Derek’s support and advice during decision making around a potential winter term for Ethan at a school in Stowe, Vermont. “Given Derek’s time as Director of Secondary School Placement, he understood how high schools would look at the experience and gave us valuable insights,” shared Greg. “He also helped ensure that Ethan had the appropriate infrastructure to succeed while away and upon his return.”

And Ethan vividly remembers that return after a successful semester away, even summing it up in his ninth grade senior reflection: “Boonie was the first person to greet me when I came back to campus, and that made me realize that your home never forgets you and you never forget home.”

“Fenn is so much a part of me that it’s also become a part of my family,” adds Derek. “We are truly blessed to have this opportunity and to have been chosen as the best person and the best family to lead Fenn forward.”

“This is a very exciting time,” adds Liz Boonisar, herself a product of the independent school Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. “As long as I’ve known Derek, leading a school one day was always a hopeful prospect.

It’s been part of the fabric of who we are, the decisions we’ve made, and the ambitions we’ve discussed. Now that we’re here, I am hopeful that we’re seen as we

A Family’s Support As Derek settles into his new position at a place he claims “has always felt like home,” he feels so fortunate to have his family beside him.

are—approachable, warm, and so very committed to Fenn and its vision.”

And with that, the journey of our sixth headmaster and the Boonisar family has begun.

“Derek has been a true partner to Jerry in creating and sustaining the Fenn culture, making him the perfect individual to succeed him.” – Greg Bondick P’16 8

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A Return to Fenn’s Roots: Monument Street Land Purchase Expands Campus ON A S UM M E R D A Y I N J UL Y

of 2017, a Fenn neighbor from just up

Monument Street stopped by the office of Pat Hall, Assistant to the Headmaster, to inquire if Jerry Ward was available. This neighbor simply wanted to check in and chat, since the two hadn’t seen each other in a while.

The pair would ultimately sit down for a seemingly casual conversation.

Little did Jerry know at its outset that their exchange would have the power to transform the future of The Fenn School and even more deeply link a rich tradition of boys’ education right there on Monument Street.

PHOTO : ALEXA NDRA URBAN

= The neighbor who paid Jerry the visit that day was Roger Urban, who had lived up the street from Fenn since 1980 when he purchased a home at 712 Monument Street and a swath of land behind it. A later purchase of an adjacent home at 676 Monument Street and another slimmer swath of land would complete the Urbans’ property. After many years spent clearing

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the land of more than three acres of forest that obstructed views of the Concord River at the end of the property and meticulously upgrading and maintaining what had been deemed agricultural land, Roger and his wife Dyan were preparing to sell.

“For fifteen years, we worked long and hard to open up this land, and we wanted it to stay open,” shared Roger.

“I have frequently been told that it’s the very best view in Concord.” They began to consider who would most value and benefit from the open fields, aesthetics, and river access that they had so painstakingly restored. “The societal value came from having it open and available for education,” remarked Roger. “After all, Concord is all about preservation and young people learning.”

“It’s the reason people move here,” added Dyan. “Concord has one of the highest percentages of open land.”

Before too long, the Urbans landed on the answer of the next ideal steward of their property, and Roger took a fateful walk down Monument Street for the têteà-tête with Jerry.

A Century-Old Connection Decades before, this same land had been home to three different schools—two all-boys schools and one all-girls school sandwiched between them. The St. Andrews School for young boys opened in about 1900 with south-facing land

all the way to the Concord River and a mission centered on “getting boys on the river.” To deliver on the mission, a large boathouse had been built on the river.

The private school for girls next found its home on the property after the closing of St. Andrews in 1914. Soon after, the McAllister School arrived on the scene in 1919. McAllister developed fields for football and lawn tennis on the property, while also planting formal gardens near the river. Boating and river activities were again a focus of student activity until the McAllister School succumbed to fire, with no casualties, in 1923.

The boathouse once used by the St. Andrews and McAllister Schools would ultimately make its way onto the Fenn campus, linking this collection of schools for the first time. Then-owner of the land, Mrs. Russell Robb, offered it to Fenn as long as the School would move it from her land to Fenn’s on Carr Road.

According to Fenn founder Roger Fenn in Roger Remembers, “Ed Comeau, the contractor, promised it for the first day

McAllister School 1919-1923

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(of school in 1929) and, sure enough, after lunch on opening day, we saw it coming across the vacant lot, drawn by a horse winding up the tow rope on a capstan, to settle down on the stone foundations.”

It would first serve as an indoor playroom on rainy days, before it was renovated, expanded with a new kitchen, and introduced as the Dining Hall in 1931.

The same kitchen would serve Fenn boys for decades before its recent demolition this past spring to make way for the new Campus Center and its modern kitchen and expanded servery and dining spaces.

Boathouse is readied for its move to Fenn, 1929

A Vision for Fenn At the meeting between Jerry and Roger that July day, Roger confirmed that he and Dyan were interested in selling their Monument Street property and shared a vision for Fenn’s future use of the land if the School was interested in its purchase.

“Roger and I had this almost mystical conversation about the possibilities,” shared Jerry. “For one, we spoke about Roger Fenn’s educational vision as a naturalist who believed that boys must directly experience nature. And where better to do that than on expansive fields that lead them to the Concord River?”

“It was a profound sharing of values and experiences,” added Roger. “It had dawned on me that [what we were proposing] was a big idea, but Jerry got it simultaneously.” As Dyan recalls, Jerry remarked that “we never thought your land would be available to us.” Luckily for Fenn, that assumption was proven wrong.

Jerry would soon visit the property for a tour with 25-year trustee Jeff

Adams, Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair and father of five alumni, on what he describes as a “gorgeous summer day.” Jeff readily admits being “very excited” about the acquisition from the first conversations with Jerry, Roger, and Dyan. “I truly believed that the opportunity to purchase this property would be transformative for Fenn,” Jeff shared.

As with all potential land acquisitions, Jerry promptly took the Urbans’ proposal to the Fenn Board of Trustees to consider this fascinating new opportunity for Fenn. The Board conscientiously dug in to study the arguments for and against purchase of the land and, as importantly, options for funding it if it was deemed in line with Fenn’s Strategic Plan and needs. Jeff Adams; Steve Stone, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, and father of three alumni; and Dave Platt P’18, Assistant Headmaster for Finance and Operations, led the effort expertly.

“There was initially some concern that a purchase like this could change Fenn in ways that were counter to the School’s foundation and mission,” shared Jerry. “But I reminded the Board that this would really be going back to our roots.

Over the years, I’ve heard from scores of Fenn alumni from the 1960s and 1970s with fond memories of being on that land. To them, it was an integral part of their Fenn experience.”

Gibbs Roddy ’70 was one of those alums. He had enjoyed the land as a Fenn boy, but also because part of it was his own family’s backyard at the time. The Roddy family owned the home at 712 Monument Street and the land behind it as part of a long history of ownership of that and other adjacent property by the Robb family, cousins to the Roddys.

“When I started at Fenn, the School wasn’t using the field below our house.

It was an open field that we had mowed

“Accessing this land from Fenn’s campus [decades ago] was like going into Fenway Park. You’d run along the trails through the woods … and, all of a sudden, the woods opened, there were fields, and you were in this very beautiful open space.” – Gibbs Roddy ’70 regularly by John Bordman ’43. Between my fifth and eighth grade years, my father offered to have Fenn use it for playing fields as long as they mowed it.”

Fenn accepted the offer, using the open space for soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring until it was no longer needed.

“Accessing this land from Fenn’s campus was like going into Fenway Park,” shared Gibbs. “You’d run along the trails through the woods behind the then-headmaster’s house, and all of a sudden the woods opened, there were fields, and you were in this very beautiful open space. When you were finished there, you’d head back into the woods, and, poof, you were back at Fenn.” Gibbs also remembers that Fenn cross-country runners would traverse the trails on the land as part of a training loop that connected with Fenn’s main campus. (In more recent years, the Urbans would also welcome Fenn cross-country runners to train on their property.)

the need for more athletic fields and trails, while enabling Fenn to offer other cross-season recreational activities to the boys. Faculty also saw great promise in direct access to the Concord River for instruction ranging from environmental education to science studies to even humanities programs.

Benefits to the Summer Fenn Day Camp were equally obvious—the camp would be able to expand and enrich its programming with a larger swath of land and river access. And, perhaps most importantly, the property would provide flexibility for the future of Fenn in an ever-evolving environment for education.

“The Board was of course compelled by the programmatic implications and the opportunity

Imagining the Future In its assessment of the land, the Board of Trustees sought additional perspectives, valuing most highly those from individuals who directly shape the educational experiences of Fenn boys—the teachers. Faculty from multiple disciplines were thus engaged confidentially to brainstorm and share ideas for how they and their departments could utilize the land and expand the current educational program and activities to be even more impactful.

For one, a purchase would help answer PHOTO : DYAN URBAN

Jerry Ward and Roger Urban enjoying the property

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Summer Fenn campers enjoy shelter building and kite flying on new property

that this land would give us to revisit our Master Plan for the campus,” shared Chair of the Board of Trustees Jim Kitendaugh P’97, P’05. “However, the most important dimension of the potential acquisition was that it would open up future possibilities that we couldn’t even predict.

At the same time, the Board was clear from the beginning that any approach to purchasing the property could not create any undue pressure on tuition rates or reduce Fenn’s commitment to a robust financial aid program. It also couldn’t in any way diminish our commitment to appropriate faculty and staff compensation or impact Fenn’s rich program.”

After rigorous examination and consultation with real estate experts and others over many months, the decision would go to a Board vote in April of 2018. While it may not have been clear in prior days or weeks if all trustees would vote in favor of proceeding with the purchase, there was a surprising turn of events mere hours before the Board vote that made that outcome far more likely. An anonymous donor stepped forward unexpectedly to offer a substantial restricted gift towards the purchase of the property.

“This magnificent and catalytic gift so redefined things that it would have been irresponsible to not proceed with the acquisition,” shared Jerry. “This was a remarkable opportunity for all of the different programs at the School, and, with the gift, it was utterly doable financially. We had to do it.” With the puzzle pieces in place, the Fenn Board of Trustees enthusiastically locked in its vote to proceed with a purchase of the

Urban property.

“Fenn is a financially strong school because past Boards of Trustees and school leadership have taken a conservative financial approach when considering enhancements to programs and facilities,” shared Steve Stone. “The current Fenn Board insisted on being true to this tradition in evaluating the transformational possibility of acquiring this property.

The Board was ultimately convinced that it was financially prudent to move forward for three primary reasons: there was the potential for a future sale of unneeded portions of the property; Fenn had received the sizable anonymous gift; and the School’s cooperative lending partner, Northern Bank, was able to facilitate a judicious level of borrowing.”

An Acquisition and Donation By mid-May, the sale of 14.7 acres of land and a home at 676 Monument Street was complete. This included a generous donation from the Urbans of 3.3 acres of their riverfront land, along with the expense and toil of the agricultural development that they had painstakingly undertaken to restore prized access to the Concord River.

A closing on the remaining portion of the property, including a home at 712 Monument Street, is scheduled for March 2019. A key priority of the Long-Range Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2012 is to be alert to opportunities such as this to acquire adjacent or nearby property to expand, in appropriate ways, the Fenn campus.

“It was thrilling to work with the

“We’re very grateful to Roger and Dyan Urban for thinking of Fenn as the ideal steward of their unique property for decades, and even centuries, to come.” – Dave Platt P’18, Assistant Headmaster for Finance and Operations

Fenn Board, Jerry, and Derek, as the group carefully evaluated the issues and opportunities of this strategic acquisition,” shared Jeff. “And, this summer, I’ve worked closely with Dave Platt to implement a preliminary plan to access the land in the fall of 2018. Each day, we realize another activity that the land can offer to support a broad education of Fenn boys.”

Any future development plan for the property will be part of an ongoing, integrated master planning process focused on developing and refining Fenn’s campus and facilities, while maintaining the scale, look, and “feel” of Fenn as a classic and beautiful New England campus.

“We’re very grateful to Roger and Dyan Urban for thinking of Fenn as the ideal steward of their unique property for decades, and even centuries, to come,” remarked Dave. “The land’s deep connection to Fenn history, Fenn families, and Fenn boys made this opportunity and acquisition all the more intriguing and extraordinary. We, in essence, became partners with the Urbans in this enterprise, with both sides equally respectful of the history of the property and excited about the educational and recreational benefits that Fenn boys could reap from the land and its river access.”

This summer has already seen Summer Fenn campers enjoy the land, engaging in kite making and flying and shelter building in the tree line. And the sky is the limit from there, for future campers and certainly for the Fenn boys back on campus this fall and the future generations who will don the blue or gold.

“This is a wonderful extension of the school and the historical educational importance of the neighborhood,” remarked Gibbs. “It is as if all has come full circle with this land coming back into the fold for Fenn. I remember it well when Fenn boys were on the land in the 60s and 70s, and I had always known I was growing up on the bones of the

former McAllister School when I lived on the property. I think it’s cool that one former boys’ school has been transformed into a bigger home for Fenn.”

The history and future prospects of the land are certainly not lost on headmaster Derek Boonisar. “This purchase has a direct and positive impact on our school. It allows for program development in the academic, athletics, and arts realms and, as importantly, enables us to even more effectively fulfill our mission of educating boys for a lifetime of learning and leadership. It will be exciting to see our faculty unleash their creativity in incorporating the land into their teaching and activities. And the boys are sure to embrace and relish this new setting for discovery and learning. I’m as interested in having us explore community events on the property, whether an occasional All School Meeting or a campout or cookout. The possibilities are endless.”

And for these myriad reasons, the Fenn community will remain ever thankful for the vision that Roger and Dyan Urban conceived and for their partnership in bringing to the finish line an acquisition that will forever enhance the learning landscape of Fenn boys for generations to come.

Roger and Dyan Urban’s vision benefits Fenn

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Around Campus A memorable W.W. Fenn Public Speaking Contest was a sure highlight of the second half of the past school year, featuring phenomenal student performances and renowned guest judges.

Here, acclaimed actor Steve Carell ’77 coaches Fenn thespians in a master class that followed his judging of the decades-old contest. Learn more with a turn of the page, before enjoying highlights of a late winter and spring that saw Fenn boys showcasing their talents and courage on the stage, battling at the 62nd Annual Field Day and during action-packed winter and spring sports seasons, digging into their studies, committing to service, and sharing with loved ones a window into this treasured life at Fenn on Grandparents’ Day.

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Celebrity Judges Applaud Student Orators in W.W. Fenn Public Speaking Contest Standing before a sea of expectant emerged victorious after an inspiring bestowing the honor. faces and reciting a prepared speech slate of speakers.

Bookending this special day on camas a finalist in Fenn’s decades-old Eighth grader Will Jevon received pus were a morning panel conversation W.W. Fenn Public Speaking Contest the first runner-up prize for his recitaexploring the careers, motivations, and requires courage. And if the judges of tion of “If I Was Your God” by David Fenn memories of the three guests and the contest boast stage and screen fame McAlinden. “Your pacing, expression, afternoon specialty “classes” led by the (and were former finalists themselves, and interpretation were amazing,” performing and visual arts veterans. which two were), it’s an even more remarked Pam. “We particularly liked The panel conversation revealed arduous task. This was the reality for that you allowed some silence.” common threads across their Fenn this year’s nine student finalists.

Nahum Workalemahu received experiences.

Judges for the 2018 contest the second honorable mention for an “Fenn creates an atmosphere where included Mark Berger ’03, a producer “extremely poised and self-confident” you’re not afraid to fail,” shared Steve. for television, film, and theater and delivery of “Lift Off” by Donovan “You need to fail to grow, and you need Tony Award winner for rock musical Livingston, before Ishan Narra took an audience that will support you in Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Pam Boll, the top prize for his moving recitation your failures and in your successes … mother of three Fenn alumni, trustee of “What Teachers Make,” a piece by there’s a generosity of spirit here that I emeritus, documentary filmmaker and Taylor Mali proclaiming the profound carry with me to this day.” co-executive producer of Academy influence of teachers. “You were conMark echoed that. “It was here, and Award winning film Born into Brothels; nected to the piece, impassioned, and in the W.W. Fenn contest, that I learned and Steve Carell ’77, acclaimed really came alive,” shared Mark in to take a risk.” television and film actor best “So much of what you learn known for his role as Michael at Fenn comes back around,” Scott in the television series added Steve. “The idea of workThe Office and for movies ing as an ensemble was instilled ranging from Anchorman to here more than anywhere else Despicable Me to Foxcatcher, I’ve gone to school … Everything for which he received multiple that you learn and feel and expeaward nominations. rience at Fenn truly pays huge When the Fenn boys dividends.” took to the stage to share their selections, all eyes Visit livestream.com/fennschool were on them and their outto watch each finalist take standing and well-rehearsed ever-important risks and reap Mark Berger ’03, Will Jevon, winner Ishan Narra, Nahum Workalemahu, Pam Boll, performances. Three boys precious and lasting rewards. and Steve Carell ’77

“Fenn creates an atmosphere where you’re not afraid to fail … There’s a generosity of spirit here that I carry with me to this day.” – Steve Carell ’77 18

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Troiano Places Seventh in Statewide Geo Bee STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Sixth grader Max Troiano is a geography whiz. His family even jokingly calls him “Maxopedia,” according to Max. This passion for geography fueled Max’s victory in multiple rounds of The Fenn School Geography Bee as part of the World Cultures and Geography curriculum. To qualify for the state competition with other first place winners from area schools, Max had to complete an online test and score among the top 100 students statewide. He accomplished this with ease and headed off to the Massachusetts State Bee at Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. on April 6.

The day-long competition challenged students with multiple rounds of questions on topics from national birds to subjects dubbed

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“weird, but true.” Max was ultimately stymied by a question that required viewing a climate graph and choosing the city it depicted.

“The answer was Buenos Aires, and I said Lima,” he proclaimed. “I misjudged the aridity of Peru’s atmosphere. An everyday mistake!”

Social Studies Chair John Sharon applauded Max’s eventual seventh place finish among the 100 finalists from across the Commonwealth. “He was outstanding in the school finals at Fenn and unfazed by even the toughest questions,” shared John. “Qualifying for the championship round at the state level and finishing in seventh place overall speaks to his tenacity, unflappability, and love for all things geography.”

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SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT:

Sixth Grade Saves a Species

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Sixth grade science classes were charged with a lifesaving mission this past school year. In partnership with Zoo New England’s Grassroots Wildlife Conservation (GWC), they were enlisted to help in the recovery of the Blanding’s turtle, one of the most threatened wildlife species in the northeastern United States.

In October, the GWC team delivered tiny, recently hatched turtles to the three science classrooms and coached the boys on their responsibility of twice daily feedings and care of the precious hatchlings. GWC works with about 40 Massachusetts schools each year to “headstart” hatchling turtles for nine months before releasing them back into their native habitats.

“The sixth grade curriculum is focused on Earth and Life Science so headstarting the Blanding’s turtles fit well in our curriculum,” shared teacher Asa Ewing. “It was important for the boys to understand that what we do to our environment impacts the animals and organisms living within it.”

After a successful effort throughout the year, the classes trekked to Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord in May to deliver their healthy and growing turtles and learn more about how scientists are studying and protecting the rare species. The boys enjoyed

holding painted and stinkpot turtles, water snakes, and catfish during the visit as a reward for their diligence.

With a promising headstart, Fenn’s turtles will continue to grow and thrive in a new turtle habitat that GWC will soon build in Medford, Mass.

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Sports Report In the graduation speech of School President Jacob Chui, he described Fenn athletes as “the best mannered, the best coached, and always the ones who want it the most.” Jacob’s words certainly rang true across Fenn’s winter and spring sports seasons this year. Spectators witnessed sheer grit and determination, spirit and sportsmanship, and a coaching squad deeply invested in helping each Fenn student-athlete grow, improve, and thrive. This year, we said goodbye to a legend among this squad—the fearless leader of varsity hockey, Derek Boonisar—as he coached his final game after 23 years at the helm to move into his new seat as Fenn Headmaster.

WI NTER S POR TS Varsity Basketball Varsity basketball (8-5) showcased growth and resiliency this season as the team played eight games that were decided by eight points or less, winning four of those contests. Against St. John’s Prep on February 8, Fenn trailed the entire game, grabbed the lead in the last minute, and ended up winning by three points (49-46).

Hosting Belmont Hill on February 16, the boys trailed by 12 with 2:30

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remaining, clawed their way back in it, and lost by two points on the final scoreboard (63-61). “I was pleased with how the group grew into a team rather than a collection of twelve individuals,” said coach Peter Bradley.

Yet there were individual highlights of note this season, including Billy McCullen’s consistent offensive contributions. McCullen, a ninth grader, was Fenn’s high scorer in 10 of 13 games this season, twice register-

ing more than 20 points per game.

McCullen and Alex Gorbatov were the team captains.

Junior Varsity Basketball JV basketball (3-8) boasted a team of hard working and motivated young men who saved the best of their season for last. Two straight wins late in the season over Xaverian Brothers on February 15 and Lexington Christian Academy on February 21 highlighted the

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“My last game in my last season is something I’ll always cherish. The boys played their hearts out, and I know they were feeling the pressure of trying to get a win to end on a most memorable note.” – Derek Boonisar, on varsity hockey improvement of this team. The season finale showcased Fenn’s best game of the season against Fessenden, a tough opponent, as Fenn pushed the visitors to the edge before falling to defeat, 36-32.

“Everyone on our team became a better player than where they were at the beginning of the year,” said coach Frank Crowley ’06, “which is always the goal at the JV level.” Crowley joined Freemon Romero ’04 in coaching the JV team.

“Freemon was an unbelievable head coach this year,” said Crowley. “I’ve learned a ton about coaching from him the last two years.” Ninth grader Charlie Groome was JV captain.

Thirds Basketball Thirds basketball players were divided into three teams this season: Blue, Gold, and White, but, in the end, it was all for

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one Fenn team, as players and coaches seamlessly moved from one team to the other as needs dictated. “It was a very interesting season, filled with ups and downs,” said coach Jeff Trotsky ’06. “As a whole, the kids improved throughout the season and had a lot of fun.”

The three teams earned a combined record of 7-6. In addition to Trotsky, Tony Santos and Rob Wasielewski were coaches of the teams, with Bob Starensier and Frank Crowley filling in as needed. No captains were elected.

Varsity Hockey Varsity hockey (7-4) started and ended the season with victories over Dexter School on January 10 and February 23 and, in between, the team went on a four-game tear with wins over Belmont Hill, St. Sebastian’s, Arlington, and

Winchester. Fenn was led offensively by Luke Swaim (six goals), Ben LaPlante (five goals), and Conor MacLean (four goals). In goal, Nate Crozier and Tyler Bowden kept the team in games with huge and timely saves. The duo was a tremendous asset to a defensive corps that was comprised of four first-year players, guided by lone veteran Eoin Morrissey. Captains were Morrissey and Peter Bazos, while Ben LaPlante and Nate Crozier were assistant captains.

The season finale against Dexter marked the end of an era for Fenn, as coach Derek Boonisar retired from coaching after 23 years. “My last game in my last season is something I’ll always cherish,” said Boonisar, who was assisted behind the bench by Jeff LaPlante and Ryan Miklusak. “The boys played their hearts out, and I know they were feeling the

pressure of trying to get a win to end on a most memorable note.”

Junior Varsity Hockey JV hockey (1-3) recorded only one victory this season, but the team earned a place in the heart of coach Jason Rude.

“It was a pleasure to be associated with a group that handled adversity the way this team did,” said Rude. “They treated each other and opponents with respect, and they grew tremendously as hockey players.” The statistical highlight of the season was Fenn’s lone win (8-2) over Park School on January 18. The game showcased Fenn’s strengths of goaltending, leadership, and young talent.

Byron Woodman and C.J. Bailey were excellent in goal. Solid leadership and sportsmanship were also on display from Fenn’s four captains: sixth grader C.J. Bailey, seventh graders Bobby Brady and John Kielar, and eighth grader Joe Doherty. And the Park game offered a glimpse into the raw offensive ability of sixth graders Gabriel Aberbach and Josh Weig, each registering a hat trick in the win. Coaches Amy Stiga and Paul Heinze assisted Rude behind the bench.

Wrestling The wrestling team enjoyed another successful season. Led by senior captains Tommy Fitzsimmons, Cam Fries, Henry

Mars, and eighth grader Hunter Snell, the team garnered many wins over the course of the season, culminating in Fenn wrestlers placing in the top four spots at the New England Junior Prep Wrestling Championships.

The team was the largest in Fenn history, with an equally robust Middle School program that saw three wrestlers place in this year’s Fay School Wrestling Tournament, which bodes well for the future of the long and storied tradition of Fenn wrestling. Coaches John Fitzsimmons, Steve Gasper, and Derek Cribb proudly led the varsity and junior varsity squads.

S PR I NG S POR TS Varsity Baseball Varsity baseball (7-4) took home the title of 2018 New England Junior School Baseball Champions in a multi-day format caused by inclement weather. Fenn persevered through the rain delays with convincing wins over BB&N (6-3) and Fessenden (11-3). “The team was a group of players who supported each other

regardless of the situation,” according to assistant coach Jeff LaPlante. “The boys always played hard until the final out was recorded.” Throughout the season, ninth grader Eoin Morrissey provided great pitching for Fenn, registering four complete games for wins. Behind the plate, eighth grader James Webster was a stalwart, catching 70 out of 73 innings. Fenn

kicked off the season with victories over Fay and St. Sebastian’s. After dropping a game at Noble and Greenough, the boys got right back on track with decisive victories over Fessenden, Hillside, and Worcester Academy. Nate Crozier, Owen Hickey, Ben LaPlante, and Morrissey were the team captains, providing outstanding leadership. “I’m so proud of this

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team,” said coach Bob Starensier, who also was assisted in the dugout by Ryan Miklusak.

Junior Varsity Baseball JV baseball was split into two teams this season. The Gold team (4-4) was comprised of boys with no baseball experience and some who had played a lot of ball. “Over the course of the year, the boys came together as one unit and had a ton of fun,” said coach Frankie Crowley ’06, who worked the dugout with Paul Heinze. In a midseason game at Fessenden, seventh grader Nate Blunt struck out the final two batters with the bases loaded to seal a 10-9 victory, a game that will be in the record books as a highlight of the Gold season. Eighth graders Fru Nkimbeng and Benoit Schiermeier were Gold captains.

The Blue team (4-3), coached by David Irwin and Rob Wasielewski,

nailed back-to-back decisive victories against Fay (6-2) and Hillside (10-4) to highlight its season. It was “a spirited and fun group to work with every day,” said Irwin. “The boys were coachable and competitive.” Team captains Isaac Ostrow and Ethan Beagle provided excellent leadership, encouraging each player on the team to contribute in his own way to the team’s success.

Varsity Lacrosse Varsity lacrosse (8-3) earned three victories over archrival Fay in a season defined by “gritty play and strong defense,” according to coach Matt Ward ’00, who shared the sidelines with Jeff Trotsky ’06. One of the wins over Fay was in the New England Junior School Lacrosse Tournament, which earned Fenn a third place finish. The defensive play of ninth graders Will Potter, Max Toomey, and Brendan Peters made

Fenn a challenging team to score against throughout the spring. “A tough, experienced defense was our strength, balanced by a young, talented offense with many sixth and seventh graders,” said Ward. Luke Lopresti, a seventh grader, proved to be an offensive threat, scoring four goals against Carroll early in the year en route to collecting ten goals in four games. Peter Bazos, Brendan Peters, and Will Potter wore the captain “C’s” this season, providing excellent ninth grade leadership.

Varsity Tennis Varsity tennis (6-4) had a “great team” this year, according to coach Rob Morrison, but the success of individual players stole the spotlight. Eighth grader Surya Rajamani, at #1 Singles, lost only one match all season. Sixth grader Trip Wight, who joined the varsity team midway through the season, soon estab-

“A tough, experienced defense was our strength, balanced by a young, talented offense with many sixth and seventh graders.” – Matt Ward, on varsity lacrosse

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“Despite the early season snow and rain, the boys never complained and always hit the courts with cheerfulness and enthusiasm to improve their tennis.” – Rob Morrison, on varsity tennis lished himself at #2 Singles. Wight was unbeaten in each of his matches. As a team, it wasn’t easy to establish a rhythm on the courts due to inclement weather.

“Despite the early season snow and rain, the boys never complained and always hit the courts with cheerfulness and enthusiasm to improve their tennis.” The annual Fessenden Tennis Tournament was cancelled due to rain this season.

Team captain Alex Natalizio, in his final year at Fenn, “deserves credit for his consistent goodwill,” said Morrison. “But all of the players were real gentlemen that Fenn should be proud of.”

Junior Varsity Tennis A fun, cohesive mix of seventh and eighth graders with varied tennis backgrounds proudly wore the blue and gold of JV tennis (3-9-1) through “an upbeat and spirited season, marked by steady improvement at every position on

the ladder,” according to coach David Sanborn. The top four singles players faced strong opponents, often varsity-caliber players, in nearly every match and did so “with sportsmanship and determination,” said Sanborn. Johnny Drapeau, Theo Randall, Henry Slade, and Daniel Edelman exemplified Fenn’s tennis ideals: play fairly while umpiring your own match, compete fiercely from first point to last, and respect your opponent and the traditions of the game, win or lose.

Sanborn, who was assisted by Derek Cribb, said there were many “tightly-contested sets and close matches at both singles and doubles.” Eighth grader Walter Brookby was the JV captain.

Track and Field Track and Field hovered around the .500 mark this season, with injuries and unpredictable weather challenging the team. Yet “they came together and per-

formed well at the end of the season,” according to coach David Duane. Fenn finished in fourth place in the annual Fenn Relays, taking first place in the high jump relay, the medley relay, and the shuttle hurdles. Billy McCullen, Nathan Edwards-Roseney, and AliJah Clark were on the high jump team. McCullen reached 5’6” in the final jump of his Fenn career. The medley relay of Edoardo Takacs, Anton Schmitt, Hans Toulmin, and McCullen set a school record of 4:10. Fenn took first place in the shuttle hurdles, setting a school record of 1:09.

Alex Gorbatov, Charlie Groome, Hayden Shen, and AliJah Clark were the Fenn hurdlers. Outstanding individual performances this season included Toulmin in the long jump and 400, McCullen in the 800, and Tyler McGarry in the mile.

McGarry placed ninth in the state meet.

Bouchra Danielkebir assisted Coach Duane this season.

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Celebration and Farewell: The 89th Annual Graduation Exercises On Friday, June 8, brilliant sun sparkled in a crystal blue sky, humid temperatures signaled summer was near, and sixty-five Fenn graduates arrived excitedly to campus in their traditional blue blazers, striped ties, and crisp white pants for their proud march from Ward Hall into their graduation ceremony. Each step toward the New Gym was significant that morning—for the boys who would receive well-earned diplomas and embark on new chapters and for Jerry Ward, who was leading his final group of Fenn boys to their graduation after a quarter century as the School’s headmaster.

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TH I RTY -S EV E N EIGHTH GRA DE GRADU AT E S were first to receive their diplomas, on the heels of a spirited celebration of the class on June 5. Highlights of that Tuesday evening celebration were thoughtful reflections by Jerry Ward for each eighth grade graduate and moving speeches by students Buck Lewis, Noah Lippa, Ishan Narra, and Timmy Smith on their lives as Fenn boys.

After eighth grade graduates received their diplomas and before the awarding of student prizes began, departing faculty and staff were each honored by Jerry Ward. The audience erupted in cheers as he concluded his reflections with the announcement of a new student award in honor of Tete Cobblah, following his retirement after 33 years. Beginning in June of 2019, The Augustus Tete Cobblah Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity will be given annually at graduation to one or more graduating students who worked

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tirelessly to realize Fenn’s mission to honor diversity, who embraced the ideals of equity, justice, and inclusivity, and who embodied Fenn’s values of honesty, respect, empathy, and courage that Tete exemplified as an educator.

“Your example, inspiration, and legacy will live on through this award and in so many ways in the life of The Fenn School,” remarked Jerry Ward.

A rousing performance of Air Force One by the Fenn band followed before a slate of prizes were awarded to worthy graduates, to continue the recognition

bestowed on Fenn boys during Prize Day two days earlier. Twenty-eight graduating ninth graders were then treated to their own personal reflections from their beloved headmaster before receiving diplomas. Graham Wesel marked the last student to receive a reflection from Jerry Ward after more than 1,400 reflections across 25 years.

“It’s your time to leave Fenn,” he shared, “and I’m closing a chapter here with you … I couldn’t think of a more earnest Fenn young man than you to whom I offer my final salute.”

Tables quickly turned as Graham took the microphone to deliver his own parting reflection. “I am truly humbled to be the last one to receive a Fenn diploma from you,” he shared. “On behalf of all of the teachers, students, and now alumni, we all agree that you have done an astounding job in leading this school … yet there has not been enough recognition for all you have done behind the scenes. Now and forever, I want you to be recognized and appreciated for your unwavering

heart for this sacred place … Family, friends, and students, please stand and join me to recognize the quintessential headmaster of The Fenn School.”

Following a standing ovation and hearty applause, School President Jacob Chui and Vice President Nathan Edwards-Roseney were invited to the stage to share messages of farewell before installing their successors, Buck Lewis and Timmy Smith. Jacob and Nathan spoke eloquently of the influence of Fenn and the special place

it will forever hold in the hearts of these two boys who joined the community (Nathan in seventh grade and Jacob in eighth grade) from vastly different environments—Nathan from Boston Renaissance Charter School in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston and Jacob from 7,000 miles away in Beijing, China.

“You could imagine that my transition to a school so completely different than mine wouldn’t be easy,” Nathan remarked, “but it was. Fenn was very welcoming to me from the

“It’s your time to leave Fenn, and I’m closing a chapter here with you …

I couldn’t think of a more earnest Fenn young man than you to whom I offer my final salute.” – Jerry Ward, on Graham Wesel ’18, the last graduate to receive his headmaster reflection summer

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“Before we depart for our next stop in life, we want to express how thankful we are to Fenn for being there for us … for lifting us proudly up high and for being a witness as we sprouted and bloomed from timid and cautious boys to compassionate young men.”

– Jacob Chui ’18, Outgoing School President start.” Deep Fenn friendships marked his time here, including those that grew exponentially during September’s ninth grade trip to Camp Caribou in Maine that bonded the class as brothers. The power of Sua Sponte was also transformative. “Sua Sponte, to me, is freedom,” he added. “You make your own decisions, you choose how fun your school year will be, you

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make an impact at school in sports or academics, it all relies on you … To all the people who have been in my life throughout my time at Fenn, I want to give one final thank you.”

Jacob was equally reflective on the magic and uniqueness of the Fenn experience. “It’s not the academic rigor, arts, diversity, or athletic competitiveness that define Fenn, it’s

the community, the relationships, and the environment filled with leadership and encouragement,” he shared. “There is something in Fenn students that other students don’t have—something that makes them students with a heart of service and empathy. Walk inside Fenn anytime, and you’ll see students opening doors for each other and giving support to one another, and

students across all grades interacting with each other … You see a lasting brotherhood weaved together by a myriad of personal connections.”

He continued, “Before we depart for our next stop in life, we want to express how thankful we are to Fenn for being there for us … for lifting us proudly up high and for being a witness as we sprouted and bloomed from timid and cautious boys to compassionate young men. Fenn has become a torch in our hearts, and the mottos and values of Fenn will follow us wherever we go, guiding us along the way.”

Graduation concluded with a presentation of class gifts by ninth grade graduates Cam Fries, Owen Hickey, and Henry Mars. A new granite bench will now find its place

outside the new Campus Center’s makerspace and a framed photograph of Jerry and Lorraine Ward will hang in the Ward Hall lobby as a testament to “their love for Fenn and each other and their unyielding teamwork.”

The final words of the ceremony were ones of gratitude from Jerry Ward to Pat Hall, his assistant across his tenure as headmaster. “I want to offer my personal thanks to Pat in this public forum for all of the remarkable work she has done for The Fenn School and in supporting me as headmaster,” he concluded.

Henry Mars, Cam Fries, and Owen Hickey present Class of 2018 gift

Congratulations and best wishes to all of the Fenn graduates!

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Awards and Prizes FOL L OWING FEN N TR A D ITION,

Other Awards and Honors Given on Prize Day and at Graduation These awards, and others given to groups of students, showcased excellence in academics, the arts, and

headmaster Jerry Ward presented six prizes during the graduation ceremony

to members of the ninth and eighth grade classes who displayed exceptional character, effort, achievement, and growth as Fenn boys. These prizes are awarded annually on the basis of recommendations and votes of the Fenn School faculty.

Faculty Prize (Fenn’s highest honor, recognizing ninth graders for their character and involvement in school life): Camren William Fries, Owen Robert Hickey, William Luke McCullen, and Charles Hansell Toulmin

Walter W. Birge III Prize for Philanthropy and Support of the Fenn Community (named for a former headmaster, recognizing a ninth grader for his community service and helpfulness to teachers and peers): Joseph Peter Solomon

Lovejoy Prize (created in 1998 by Trustee Emeritus Frederick H. Lovejoy, Jr. ’51, recognizing eighth graders for exceptional character, effort, and achievement that enriched the life of the school): Adam Robert Ewing, Nathan Bing Lang, Noah John Lippa, and David Jinhong Min

Philip S. Burbank ’36 Prize (awarded by teacher-coaches to graduates with generous and unselfish spirits who helped foster the success and self-esteem of teammates): Camren William Fries, Owen Robert Hickey, and Brendan Patrick Peters

Dr. Samuel C. Fleming Memorial Prize (established by the class of 1965 in memory of their classmate and friend, recognizing students that persevered in meeting academic challenges): Ismael Calderon, Tyler Brooks McGarry, Noah Jeremy Wells, and Marshall Graham Wesel Mark Biscoe Award (named for retired master teacher Mark Biscoe H’95, P’74, ’79, recognizing personal growth and citizenship): Nathaniel Heath Crozier, Charles Francis Groome, Brendan Patrick Peters, and Joseph Peter Solomon

athletics, as well as in citizenship and service to the community.

Eleanor B. Fenn Modern Language Prize: Thomas John Fitzsimmons Alan S. Moats Mathematics Prize: Adam Robert Ewing, Noah John Lippa, William Kimball Skelly, and Daniel River Wang Lennox Lindsay Latin Prize: Michael Callahan Bean, David Jinhong Min, Brendan Patrick Peters, and Maxwell John Toomey P.G. Lee Memorial Prize: (recognizing a graduate’s determination, hard work, positive spirit, and cheerfulness to his athletic teams): Charles Hansell Toulmin Austen Fox Riggs Award: (given in memory of Austen, a Fenn student from the class of 1955, to Lower School students who most resemble “Autie” in their helpful effort contributed in work and play): Thomas Jae Donahue, Timothy Matthew Smith, and Charles Ulysses White Kirsten Gould Arts Awards: Thomas John Fitzsimmons (music), Riaz Jamal (visual arts), and Alexander Paul Natalizio (drama)

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James R. Carter III ’54 Prize for History and Social Studies: Michael Callahan Bean, Noah John Lippa, David Jinhong Min, Nicholas Quinn Raciti, Isaac Nilson Ostrow, and William Kimball Skelly David S. Huston Band Award: Michael Callahan Bean, Hoi Yuk Chui, David Jinhong Min, and Alexander Paul Natalizio William O. Travers Writing Contest: Lower School winners were Thomas Jae Donahue (fiction), Timothy Matthew Smith (poetry), and David Alexander Thut (personal narrative). Middle School winners were Zixuan Zhang (fiction), Maxwell Richards Libby-Grantham (poetry), James Joseph Athanasoulas (poetry), and Luke Tyler Rainis (personal narrative). Upper School winners were William Kimball Skelly (fiction), Nathan Hilbert Edwards-Roseney (poetry), and Tyler Brooks McGarry (personal narrative).

Joseph A. Hindle, Jr. Science Recognition Award: Camren William Fries, Noah John Lippa, Isaac Nilson Ostrow, and Nicholas Quinn Raciti

Millar Brainard Science Prize: William Kimball Skelly and Charles Hansell Toulmin Citizenship Prizes: Edward Charles Gillick, Samuel Farley Griswold, Theodore Vincent Lorusso, Lachlan Thorne McCaghren, and Tyler Brian Wells (4th grade); Thomas Colm Mulvany, Luke Michael Waldeck, and Alexander Mei-zhong North Wei (5th grade); Oliver Omar Ali, Jayden Rene Guadalupe Guzman, Grayson Malitsky, and Luca Steven Raffa (6th grade); Jakob William Cohen, Vivan Sen Das, Forrest Peregrine Feist, Samuel Michael Lyons, Samvidh Aamod Modur, and Byron Ewart Woodman (7th grade); Joseph Daniel Doherty, Michael Peter Lando, Timothy Jarvis Smith, and Ishan Madhav Narra (8th grade); and Thomas John Fitzsimmons, Isaac Nilson Ostrow, and Riaz Jamal (9th grade) Diversity Awards: AliJah Clark, Vivan Das, Noah Lippa, Surya Rajamani, and Theo Randle

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G R A D U A T I N G

C L A S S

O F

2 0 1 8

Peter Robert Bazos

Owen Robert Hickey

Anton Jamison Schmitt

Devon Powell Brandon

Riaz Jamal

William Kimball Skelly

Hoi Yuk Chui

Benjamin Betancourt LaPlante

Joseph Peter Solomon

Nathaniel Heath Crozier

Henry Forrest Mars

James Anthony Staknis

Nathan Hilbert Edwards-Roseney

William Luke McCullen

Maxwell John Toomey

Jesse Joseph Fernandez

Eoin Padraig Morrissey

Charles Hansell Toulmin

Thomas John Fitzsimmons

Alexander Paul Natalizio

André Cummings Vlahakis

Camren William Fries

Isaac Nilson Ostrow

Marshall Graham Wesel

Alex Dmitry Gorbatov

Brendan Patrick Peters

Charles Francis Groome

William Richard Potter

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G R A D U A T E S

O F

T H E

C L A S S

O F

2 0 1 9

Tiernan Lee Aiena

Adam Robert Ewing

David Jinhong Min

Henry Silas Slade

Ethan Paul Beagle

Ethan Louis Greene

Nicholas Claflin Montero

Hunter Hyun Jung Snell

Michael Callahan Bean

Jack Colwell Hudson

Ishan Madhav Narra

Carter Lawrence Sohn

David Olen Andersland Beckett

Nicholas Jackson Hughes

Kevin Michael O’Neill

Daniel River Wang

Tyler Charles Bowden

Robert William Jevon

Kiernan Bennett Olson

James Forest William Webster

Henry Finbar Boyle

Wesley Nelson Kleiman

Nicholas Quinn Raciti

Noah Jeremy Wells

Walter Peter Brookby

Maximilian Markolf Koehler

Surya Bala Rajamani

Owen Anderson White

Howard Jack Brown

Nathan Bing Lang

William Joseph Rutherford

Yufeng Cai

Noah John Lippa

Frithjof Aidan Sanger

Ismael Calderon

Tyler Brooks McGarry

Benoit Lucien Schiermeier

Schools This Year’s Fenn Graduates Will Attend Acton-Boxborough High School 1 Beaver Country Day School 1 Belmont Hill School 1 Bromfield School 1 Brooks School 1 Brunswick School 1 Buckingham Browne & Nichols School 4 Cambridge School of Weston 2 Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall 1 Choate Rosemary Hall 2

Concord Academy 8 Concord-Carlisle High School 7 Governor’s Academy 1 Groton School 1 Holderness School 1 Hotchkiss School 1 Lawrence Academy 7 Lexington High School 4 Lincoln-Sudbury High School 2 Maynard High School 1

Middlesex School 6 Milton Academy 1 Nashoba High School 1 Noble and Greenough School 1 Pembroke Hill School 1 Phillips Exeter Academy 1 Rivers School 2 Roxbury Latin School 1 St. Mark’s School 3

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Jerry Ward Retirement Celebration Draws Hundreds THE MAG I C I N THE AI R

on the evening of June 16 was undeniable, as more

than 700 past and present members of the Fenn community, Fenn friends, and Ward family members gathered on campus to toast (and roast) Jerry Ward’s twenty-five years as headmaster.

A jovial cocktail party kicked off the festivities, with Jerry holding court to welcome a bounty of well wishes.

Guests next adjourned to the New Gym for a formal program that elicited hearty doses of laughter and tears.

A no-holds-barred skit with musical interludes from faculty and staff had the audience in stitches. Brendon Bates undoubtedly stole the show with his masterful impressions of Jerry and his every quirk. Speakers Malin Adams ’06, Tete Cobblah P’01, P’03, Vichenny Keo-

Sam P’10, P’13, P’15, P’21, and Margaret Skelly P’18 followed to share touching memories and perspectives on Jerry’s profound impact on them, their families, Fenn students and the community.

Tete summed up beautifully the feeling of gratitude that was so palpable that evening. He shared, “I humbly represent the faculty member who needed to be lifted up … the staff member whose name you mentioned in a speech … the voiceless child who you made visible with a wave and a handshake

Retirements & Fond Farewells This spring, the Fenn community celebrated the long and distinguished tenures and retirements of two Fenn icons—Jerry Ward, after twenty-five years as headmaster, and Tete Cobblah, after thirty-three years as art teacher, valued advisor, spirited coach, and champion of diversity and inclusion. Both men have left a lasting imprint on the School and on a community that will be eternally grateful for their wise leadership, dedicated service, and faithful friendship.

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before All School Meeting … the generations of tiny feet and growing hearts who will one day walk through Ward Hall and be inspired by your vision and also your shadow … and the ageless sentiment of deep gratitude with these words, ‘Thank you’.”

A highlight of the night came at the hands of Fenn’s Board of Trustees, as Chair Jim Kitendaugh P’97, P’05 bestowed upon Jerry the title of Headmaster Emeritus, in recognition of his extraordinary dedication and service to the School.

When the announcement was made, the crowd in the New Gym jumped to their feet for a standing ovation, and a shocked, humbled, and tear-stained Jerry Ward took to the stage to accept the accolade.

Former headmaster Walter Birge had recommended that Jerry receive the honor—the first ever awarded at Fenn. As he shared in a tribute video that played later in the celebration, “There have been two seminal heads of The Fenn School. Roger Fenn was the first, and Jerry Ward is the second.” The Board unanimously accepted and acted on his recommendation.

The formal program ended with an announcement that more than $2.5 million had been raised to date for The Jerry Ward and Lorraine Garnett Ward Scholarship Fund to benefit wellmatched boys with financial need, as part of In Our Hands: Fenn’s Campaign for Every Boy, Every Day.

“I humbly represent … the generations of tiny feet and growing hearts who will one day walk through Ward Hall and be inspired by your vision and also your shadow.” – Tete Cobblah

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“There have been two seminal heads of The Fenn School. Roger Fenn was the first, and Jerry Ward is the second.”

– Walter Birge, former Fenn headmaster, in a tribute video for Jerry Ward

The evening celebration continued with a walk among twinkling candlelit lanterns to a glowing white tent stretched across the soccer field. There, Jerry’s sons, John, James ’97, and Matt ’00 thanked Fenn for being home to their family for 25 years, gifted their Dad a signed musical score from his favorite musician, James Taylor, and led a toast to their Dad, who followed suit with a closing refrain that he has oft-repeated as he’s looked across his quarter-century at Fenn. He shared, “Any praise and affirmation that have come my way for how Fenn has progressed in my years belongs as much or even more to all who have been part of this collective labor of love for

Fenn—parents, teachers, staff, administrators, trustees, and alumni,” he shared. “If there were ever a communal effort, it is the story of Fenn across the years. I’ve been privileged to be part of it in my time here.”

Jerry’s receiving line was lengthy that night, with each guest eager to share a congratulatory embrace. When there wasn’t enough Jerry to go around, a replica of sorts was at the ready for fan photographs and for a last dose of laughter to conclude an unforgettable celebration.

Thank you to all who joined in the celebration! For event photos and video, please visit www.fenn.org/retirement.

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A Year of Tributes Each moment of Jerry Ward’s final year as headmaster was precious, and each gathering an opportunity to applaud a remarkable tenure at the helm of The Fenn School. These are but a few of the other events that honored him.

Founder’s Day and Night This year’s Founder’s Night party at the Boston College Club on April 12 honored Fenn and its founding history and the legacy of its retiring headmaster. Guests saw Jerry Ward receive the first (honorary) diploma of 2018 from Alumni Association President A.J. Sohn ’84, P’19! The annual Founder’s Day parade on campus the following morning was equally festive, with Jerry and Tete Cobblah waving to the crowd from seats of honor in the parade convertible.

Cross Country Goodbye Tour Jerry Ward’s goodbye tour wound its way around the country this year, as generations of alumni gathered to honor him at Nico Osteria in Chicago on October 17, at Il Gattopardo in New York City on November 15, at Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C. on March 20, and at Piperade in San Francisco on March 22.

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Board of Trustees Celebration

Jerry Ward Honored by State and Town Officials

Each May, the board of trustees gathers for a celebratory dinner to pay tribute to departing board members and to welcome newly appointed trustees. This year’s dinner at Artistry on the Green in Lexington did just that, while also paying special tribute to Jerry Ward. Spouses, past board chairs, and other Fenn friends also joined the festivities.

In an intimate ceremony on Friday, June 15, Jerry Ward received citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate for his 25 years of exceptional leadership of The Fenn School and exemplary service to America’s young. The Town of Concord Select Board also issued a proclamation, applauding his active role in the education of the more than 1,900 boys who attended Fenn during his tenure; his conscientious stewardship of Fenn’s campus; and his commitment to, and strong and collaborative relationship with, the Concord community.

Second row behind Ward (l to r): Derek Boonisar; Matt Boger ’89; Concord Select Board Chairman Tom McKean P’97, P’98, P’01; and State Representative Cory Atkins.

Third row (l to r): Sam Anderson, Counsel for State Senator Michael Barrett; Concord Fire Chief Thomas Judge; Concord Town Manager Chris Whelan; and Jeff Adams, Fenn trustee and chair of the Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee.

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A Tribute to Tete: Fenn Visionary, Tete Cobblah, Closes a Thirty-Three Year Chapter THE SMIL E, THE WA R M TH, THE PA S S ION

and commitment, the acceptance and understanding… and, of course,

the vision. These are the hallmarks of Tete Cobblah’s thirty-three years at Fenn. Tete’s vision inspired Fenn boys to tap into their raw artistic talents and emotions to imagine and create stunning and, at times, surprising art. His vision inspired legions of students, faculty, staff, parents, and others to think deeply about diversity and inclusion and to embrace a Fenn community that celebrates and draws strength from its differences. One has surely fed the other during Tete’s celebrated tenure.

“I loved the freedom of [his Video Production] class. I’d never been so excited. Almost every kid showed up early because they couldn’t wait to get started.” – Jared Acquaviva ’09

Tete began his teaching career at twenty-two years old soon after graduating from prestigious Rhode Island School of Design with a master’s

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degree in Arts Education. He first served as an ambassador for African art for four different Connecticut schools before a desired move to Massachusetts with wife and Fenn art teacher Elizabeth Cobblah and their young son led him to accept a position at Concord Academy.

Fortunately for Fenn, Tete quickly realized the position wasn’t the right fit. The

Head of School appreciated his desire for a more full-time arts position and knew someone less than two miles away who just might be able to offer that. That person was former Fenn headmaster Walter Birge, who scooped up the promising talent not long after meeting him.

Fenn drew Tete in from the start.

“I’ve always liked what’s messy,” he shared. “I was fascinated by the fact that this school didn’t look as beautiful. Paint was peeling off. It wasn’t what it is now.”

Art classes were only optional then too, competing with sports for student attention. Tete recalls teaching in two small rooms with a sink in an adjoining one. He would gather boys in one room to share an assignment, then one group would be sent off to work with clay and the other to draw. Art offerings would

expand over time to include batik, tiedye, acrylics, and more… all in the same tiny space.

The tide would shift when Kirsten Gould, long-time Fenn Drama Director and Arts Department Chair, joined Fenn and spearheaded an effort to elevate the arts and establish a full-fledged curriculum. A team of Kirsten, Tete, photography teacher Tony Santos, and others would build a program with Walter Birge’s support and move into a new studio arts building that they had the opportunity to influence and design.

Tete jokingly points to poor design choices as likely his.

A Wealth of Opportunity “What is beautiful about Fenn is that it gave me the opportunity to reinvent myself all the time,” he shared. One such (re)invention was his creation of a Video Production class for Upper Schoolers.

In its infancy, he and his students would trek to a local cable station to direct,

operate cameras, and host programs as part of a monthly Fenn show. Fenn ultimately built its own on-campus studio, which the advent of the Digital Age made less of a necessity.

Video Production student, Jared Acquaviva ’09, credits Tete and the class for inspiring his career in entertainment.

“I loved the freedom of the class. After learning some of the basics of working a camera and telling a story visually, we could go out and create. I’d never been so excited. Tete was by my side the entire process, encouraging and supporting me, laughing at jokes in my skits, giving advice on how to cut a scene together. Almost every kid showed up early to class because they couldn’t wait to get started.”

Jared went on to major in film in college, and now scouts locations throughout New England for movies, television shows, and commercials.

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about establishing to showcase student creations.

Marilyn Schmalenberger, a colleague of Tete’s since 1987 and teacher of cartooning for 11 years, has always been astounded by the quality of the student art in the Gallery as she views exhibits year after year. “It has always amazed me how Tete gets the boys to believe in themselves, see their talent, and develop it. He points them in the right direction so they think about what they’re doing and make good choices (with shading, color, etc.).

From there comes some amazing art.”

“A hallmark of Tete’s decades of teaching art was his desire to draw out and value the artistic ability and free expression of each boy,” shared Arts Department Chair Mike Salvatore in a speech delivered at a retirement party for Tete. One Lower Schooler’s artwork was a unique testament to that.

He recalls, “Tete had asked faculty and staff members to sit for a portrait study, and Jerry Ward was the subject that term. While many boys paid careful attention to capturing his wire-rimmed glasses, natty sweater, and hairline, one boy drew a big, lopsided ball with glasses. No ears. No nose. No body…”

Tete’s response? “Wow, beautiful. You’re going to be a minimalist artist.” And this tribute to minimalism found its rightful place hanging on the wall of the Kane Gallery, a space Tete was passionate

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Art and Social Justice Interwoven Tete remembers well the catalyst for what would become a blending of his art and social justice passions. His video work slowly began to evolve into documentaries, and he found himself urging the boys to take seriously their responsibility to make the world a better place. One video project had students interview a young man with Lou Gehrig’s Disease over many weeks to better understand his illness. As the man slowly withered away before their eyes, and the boys had to offer him greater support to keep the interviews going until that was no longer possible, they were forever transformed by the experience.

“That got me thinking about social justice and how my lessons could address that, from video to art and so on,” Tete shared. He points to his childhood in Ghana for an even earlier foundation for this pull towards social justice work. “We always felt we had a responsibility to make things right …

I always sought balance as a child.”

He added, “I had been in the racial majority (in my country), then came here and realized that I was not only in the minori-

ty, but also looked at differently based on the history of this country. I had to reconsider all of that.” He admits staying away from controversial issues during his early Fenn years. “I didn’t know how to deal with them. I was not an African American, I was not American, and I didn’t have the emotional impact of racism or isolation. I needed time.”

White Civil Rights activist and Fenn colleague, Rosie Shiras, was the one who urged him to join the conversation. He recalls Rosie saying, “You have a responsibility—not because you’re black, but because you have it inside you to figure out how to deal with the imbalances in this country.” In the mid-1980s, Rosie had formed a small group that would meet in the headmaster’s office to discuss Fenn’s need to diversify. The foundation had been laid—Fenn’s first diversity committee had formed. A student diversity committee and Parents of Students of Color affinity group (now Parents Affinity group for Diversity and Inclusivity or PADI, for short) were also established in the earlier years, and each grew and evolved along with the Fenn community.

An Evolution Tete was ultimately appointed Director of Diversity in 2005, which faculty member and Community Service Coordinator Elise Mott described as a “huge turning point for the school to symbolically state that it is 100 percent committed to creating an inclusive learning environment.”

Tete had quit diversity work for a period of time before then, when it had become too taxing on top of a full load of fulltime teaching, coaching, and advising.

“Tete saw the real need for it before Fenn, so the School had to catch up to him,” shared Elizabeth Cobblah. “The National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conferences (PoCC) were great energizers for Tete. They gave him a vision and a fuel to make requests and get concerns addressed.” An inspired journey followed for 13 years.

“Tete made families of color feel that we not only belonged at Fenn, but that there was a space for us and that our diversity added to the community.” – Former trustee Sufia Jamal P’15, P’18 Jennifer Youk See, Fenn’s Assistant Director of Diversity for 11 years, believes “Tete was primed for his role because he could speak to so many angles of diversity. He could connect with immigrants assimilating into a culture that is foreign.

He had the perspective of being a Fenn parent with children in a predominantly white, privileged environment.” Tete admits to facing challenges discussing issues of race with own sons, Anoff ’01 and Kwame ’03, especially as they got older. “It was a learning opportunity for me,” he shares, “and always much easier to talk to other people’s kids and families.”

Tete has always been ‘all in’ as an educator, administrator, and colleague, according to Tony Santos. “His work in building the diversity program at Fenn is legendary and admired by every one of our peer schools. His gift to the boys as a teacher and mentor is renowned, and his constant contact with boys’ parents and guardians insured that the circle of responsibility for a student’s wellbeing was unbroken.”

Tete’s leadership with parents and students of color deserves special acknowledgment, says former trustee Sufia Jamal P’15, P’18. “Tete makes sincere, thoughtful connections with parents and students. For families of color, he makes us feel that we not only belong at Fenn, but that there’s a space for us and that our diversity adds to the community, making it a richer experience for the whole.”

A Look Back As Tete considers his thirty-three years, he is immensely proud of the cultural shift that occurred at Fenn during his and Jerry Ward’s tenure. “Tete has been a pioneer in defining where this school would go,” remarked Jerry at an end-of-year PADI dinner that celebrated him. “The essence of leadership is having a vision that is

centered and being able to inspire people to follow it. Tete epitomized that for Fenn.

Fenn has advanced in its mission and evolved to be what it is because of what Tete has done. There are few people who have that kind of capacity.”

Also atop Tete’s list of proudest achievements are his creation of the Diversity and Teaching Internship that helps young people of color kick start teaching careers (his son and nephew benefited), the legendary and spirited Martin Luther King (MLK) Assemblies, and the MLK Medals awarded to community members who demonstrate leadership in raising awareness for social justice and impelling action for a better future. He recently received his own medal as a surprise after many years bestowing them upon others.

Respecting Differences Day, the Cultural Arts Festival, and programs out of the Fenn Diversity Institute for faculty and staff are also sources of pride.

And while “we still have a lot of work to do, to hear Fenn named as a place [for

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independent school educators and students] to go to talk about diversity is really cool,” he shares. Faculty and student presentations at outside conferences (including at PoCC, where colleagues say he is universally adored) and Fenn’s hosting of the Multicultural Educators Forum (MEF) have helped to achieve this status, in his opinion. This year’s MEF featured Sonia Nazario, journalist and Pulitzer Prize winning author of Enrique’s Journey. Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges also visited Fenn this spring for a special assembly—a testament to the caliber of the programming Tete and his diversity team have secured for the Fenn community.

Dave Duane, Science Department Chair and close ally of Tete’s in diversity

work, vividly remembers a special moment at the November 2017 AISNE Middle School Diversity Conference that Fenn hosted, as further testament to Tete’s impact. “I saw a group of students of color at Fenn running from the Boll Building to Ward Hall with such joy on their faces. They felt they belonged. And they felt like they could welcome the rest of the school world to Fenn and be a gracious host.”

And there is nobody who understands the importance of belonging better than Tete, according to Social Studies Chair and Interim Co-Director of the Academic Program John Sharon. “He understands the importance of belonging for everyone. You don’t have to earn it with him. You’re a fellow human being, and therefore you exist. He sees you, and he’s for you, and it’s a true gift.”

A Blessed Future As Tete embarks on his retirement, he pauses with gratitude to acknowledge the many colleagues and friends who inspired and supported him.

Of special note is the partnership and motivation he received from wife Elizabeth, a teaching colleague, active member of the diversity and FDI planning committees, and recent MLK Medal honoree. “Liz’s passion for our shared work and unwavering support helped me to remain emotionally centered and on task.

Without her, I know that my strength at some crucial points of my Fenn journey would have wilted.”

With Elizabeth ever his champion, Tete will continue to live his passions in his next chapter as he dedicates time to his studio art and explores the creation of an educational program between Ghana and the United States that would enable independent school educators to visit and absorb his home culture. (A Fenn grant enabled Tete, Elizabeth, Elise, and Dave to travel to Ghana last year for a very successful test run.)

With any luck, Tete will also have ample time to fuel his other passion, Ghanaian soccer. John Sharon still chuckles about his stint coaching soccer with Tete a few years ago. “He’s a soccer nut,” proclaims John. “Coaching with him was great, but scary. Before our first thirds soccer game that season, you would have thought it was the World Cup. He had a vision, and he tried to get the kids to match it. It didn’t always work out, but the kids loved playing for him.”

A vision has always been Tete’s guide, across Fenn’s art studios, classrooms, meeting halls, and playing fields, and the Fenn community is all the richer for it.

Spirited Celebration Honors Cobblah June 23 saw a gathering of family, friends, and Fenn community members come together to applaud Tete’s extraordinary impact across thirty-three years at Fenn. There were moving tributes and much joy, laughter, and music—as one would expect with Tete the honoree—during a dinner program bookended by a spirited cocktail party and dancing.

“He understands the importance of belonging for everyone. He sees you, he’s for you, and it’s a gift.”

– John Sharon, Social Studies Chair and Interim Co-Director of the Academic Program

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Thank You to Departing Faculty and Staff JERRY AND TETE

aren’t the only colleagues and friends to whom the Fenn community said goodbye at the close of

the school year. We sincerely thank this talented group for their dedicated service to Fenn boys and to the School and applaud each of them for the impressive leadership and teaching positions, educational pursuits, passion projects, and more that they have set off to pursue. We wish them much success and happiness!

Judy Bashta departed in June after eight years as Fenn’s Benefits and Payroll Administrator. Retirement is her next chapter, which will be enriched by a home that she and her husband are building, a spirited grandson, and travel.

After 30 years of teaching (and the last fifteen at Fenn), Ellen Campbell has moved on to her next adventure.

Ellen expertly taught English and social studies, and for many years, both subjects combined in Fenn’s Integrated Studies course. She also coordinated logistics for the Seventh Grade Cultural Heritage Project and helped to supervise Team Fenn during the Walk for Hunger and the seventh grade during its annual Washington, D.C. trip.

Frank Crowley ’06, Fenn’s Assistant Athletic Director since 2016, has headed off to explore opportunities in the world of business. During his Fenn tenure, Frank worked closely with Athletic Director Bob Starensier to schedule games, prepare sports equipment, and support the Athletics Program. Frank was also a well-respected coach across all divisions of the School in football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse.

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Fenn also says goodbye to Bouchra Danielkebir after a successful Diversity and Teaching Internship that enabled her to connect deeply with student diversity committee members from the Middle and Upper Schools. Bouchra also excelled in teaching a sixth grade World Cultures and Geography class.

She is now the new Director of Diversity and Inclusion at her alma mater, The Commonwealth School, an independent high school in the Back Bay of Boston.

After ten years at Fenn, Steve Farley has departed his position as Assistant Headmaster for the Academic Program.

Steve received the well-deserved honor of being appointed head of school at the Kingsley Montessori School in Boston, a toddler through grade 6 school.

Steve was instrumental in overseeing curriculum, in partnering with academic department heads, in leading faculty hiring, and in collaborating with colleagues to advance Fenn’s diversity and sustainability programs. He also served as a ninth grade English teacher and advisor.

Gisela Hernandez-Skayne was also appointed as a senior school leader in a new community of educators. Gisela is now Principal at Esperanza Academy, a tuition-free, independent middle school in Lawrence, Mass., that welcomes girls of diverse faiths, races, and cultures.

Fenn was blessed with her talent and passion for sixteen years, as she served as chair of the Spanish Department, educated boys in her native language, supported Upper School students as Co-Director of Secondary School Counseling, and much more.

After joining Fenn in 2005, Pauline MacLellan has also moved on from her positions as science teacher, advisor, and makerspace coordinator. Over the past thirteen years, she brought a singular vision to the School to integrate design thinking into the curriculum and to create a makerspace that inspired Fenn boys to dream, invent, and challenge themselves. Pauline’s commitment to social justice and service, including many years leading Fenn’s Walk for Hunger team, were equally impactful.

She will next consult on educational project management, volunteer, travel, play with her grandchildren, and try her hand at learning a few new crafts.

Molly Maletta joined the Fenn community this past year as a part-time Latin teacher in the Middle School and a sixth grade advisor. Molly will now attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Preventative Science and Practice program, where she will focus on adolescent counseling and development.

Bobby Nasson served, for the past two years, as Fenn’s Alumni Giving and Engagement Officer. Bobby departed Fenn this spring to return to his previous employer, non-profit More than Words in Boston’s South End. The organization empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. Bobby will spearhead business development as part of the leadership team.

Rosalie Norris is also tackling new adventures, after serving as Fenn’s Drama Coordinator and theater arts teacher across all grade levels for the past two years. She was also a trusted advisor to Fenn boys and collaborated on work with the arts and diversity departments. Rosalie is now a founding faculty member at Powderhouse Studios Innovation School, an alternative high school opening in Somerville as part of the Innovation Schools initiative in the State of Massachusetts.

Jeff Trotsky ’06 is a proud Fenn alumnus who returned to his beloved alma mater in the summer of 2014 to serve as Assistant Director of Admissions.

Jeff’s contributions evolved to include coaching in the Middle and Upper Schools and teaching in the Lower School Science program. Jeff has long wanted to become a full-time teacher, advisor, and coach, and New Hampshire’s Cardigan Mountain School was thrilled to offer him such a position and opportunity.

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Class Notes 1951 David Rintels writes, “Who says life doesn’t begin at 80? Our home and all our possessions were swept away in the Santa Barbara mudslides of January 2018, and we’ve relocated—happily—to Martha’s Vineyard, which Vicki and I love. When disaster hits, all you need is a good wife, a good dog, and a good insurance policy, and fortunately I had all three.” Fred Lovejoy gave the keynote speech for the 65th Annual Blackfan Lecture series at the Boston Children’s Hospital Alumni Event on June 6, 2018. The presentation was entitled “A Glorious History: How a Pediatric Department and Its Residency Influenced American Pediatrics.” Fenn classmates Tom Piper and Rusty Robb were in attendance. Peter Smith and his wife, Alma, continue to enjoy a quiet retirement on the Pacific Coast in San Pedro, CA. “Our thoughts are with Fenn School, as always, despite the distance.”

1953 REUNION

Alumni News The past spring of celebrations brought generations of alumni together to toast beloved teachers and mentors— among them Tete Cobblah, who inspires art student Steve LoVerme ’00 in this photo. In the pages that follow, alumni share life milestones, family news, and career successes and transitions. Two alumni profiles showcase how three former Fenn boys are channeling entrepreneurial spirits—Mike Conway ’85 and Jon Spooner ’86 through a non-profit that’s building a new technology workforce and Adam Kolloff ’98 through a new business that leverages his golf prowess. We close by honoring beloved members of our community whom we have sadly lost.

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Dave Frothingham may be retired, but it sure doesn’t seem like it. He reports, “After my second interim headmaster job in Tampa, which ended in June 2005, I ‘retired’ to become board chair of the Savannah Choral Society. After a couple of years and with a new artistic director, we started a new organization, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. (We think we’re the only successful symphony orchestra that was actually started by a chorus!) In the beginning, I was the office staff, writing appeals and thank you letters, etc.

Often it was remarkably close to full-time work. I remained secretary of the board for eight years but have now stepped down from the board. I remain on two Philharmonic committees but have also joined another board which is involved in pro-

viding services for minority and other low income youth and families. Having learned more than I wanted to know about working with musicians’ unions, I am now delving into an extremely complicated aspect of Savannah. Our four sons and their families (eight grandkids) are all happily ensconced in Maine and New Hampshire. We drive up to them at Christmas and in early June for visits on their turf. Then we get them all at Cuttyhunk from August into September.

Last summer, we had six grands, ages 4 to 17, with us for six weeks, with their parents in and out as schedules permitted. It was terrific fun and required a certain amount of recovery after the fact. Patty and I live in The Landings at Skidaway Island in Savannah, GA, which is said to be ‘like dying and going to heaven.’ We are both very busy and very happy.”

1963 REUNION We’d love to hear from you! Please email news to alumni@fenn.org or enter it online at www. fenn.org/classnotes.

1964 John Littlefield is in his twelfth year in the music program at the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, NJ. In seven of those years, he has been chair of the music department and has so often looked back on his years at Fenn as a model for building a program. In addition to spending a life in and sharing music, he can often be found pursuing another passion that has continued since his days at Fenn, sailing on the Hudson River.

1958 REUNION We’d love to hear from you!

Please email news to alumni@ fenn.org or enter it online at www.fenn.org/classnotes.

1959 John Sargent has been enjoying the great Tucson, AZ, weather for the past twelve years. He continues to do RV travel and was back East for a 4th of July week family reunion. John notes, “It’s good to hear about Fenn’s future plans.”

1962 In June, Jeff Cook and Eric Best found themselves in London at the same time and met for dinner.

John Littlefield ’64 sailing on the Hudson River

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1968 REUNION

Are you employed in social service or social justice? Are you focused on supporting and addressing the needs of marginalized or underrepresented communities? We would love to hear about your experiences, activities, and passions at alumni@fenn.org!

Reunion Chairs Bill Janes, wjanes@ironpointpartners.com Peter Meyer, pbmeyer103@gmail.com Nat Welch, nwelch54@icloud.com We’d love to hear from you! Please email news to alumni@fenn.org or enter it online at www.

1992

fenn.org/classnotes.

1995 Alumni Class Senators Nat Heald, natheald@yahoo.com James Southern, jsouthern@halstead.com

Matt Berlin and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their second child, Maria, on May 7, 2018.

She joins her two-year-old brother, Theo, in the Berlin family.

Alumni Class Senators Peter Ryan, peter@peterryan.net

1970 Alumni Class Senator

1993 REUNION

Charlie Denault, cadenault@gmail.com

Reunion Chairs

1971

Carell receives Distinguished Alumnus Award with (l to r) Jim Carter ’54, Alumni Association President A.J. Sohn ’84, and Jerry Ward

Alumni Class Senator

Award from Alumni Association President A.J. Sohn ’84 (see photo above).

Steve was unable to attend the 2007 Alumni Dinner at which it was initially awarded. Jim Carter ’54 and Jerry Ward also joined the brief ceremony.

Jamie Jones, jbjones@seamanpaper.com

1973 REUNION Reunion Chairs Steve Morss, smorss@catalinacomputing.com Sam Perry, sam.perry@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you! Please email news to alumni@fenn.org or enter it online at www. fenn.org/classnotes.

Dave Nelson writes, “My wife Heidi and I have relocated to Wilmot, NH (population 1,350), and I have started a new position with a company called Canary Systems in New London. We have two children—Ben who is 29 and a surgeon at Boston Medical Center and Heather who is 27 and a NICU nurse in Richmond, VA. Both Ben and Heather are happily married as of last summer/fall, so it was a big year for us. I stay in touch with Todd Berkson and Bill Stride from my days at Fenn. Turns out, coincidentally, that Heidi is in a book group in Wilmot with Sue Finney (retired English teacher at Fenn), small world...” While on campus in late February to judge the finals of the 2018 W.W. Fenn Public Speaking Contest, Steve Carell officially received his 2007 Distinguished Alumnus

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Chris Millerick, cjmillerick@gmail.com

1983 REUNION

Ansel Freniere and his wife, Yuka Wen, welcomed Aylee Jade Shey Freniere—their third child and second daughter—on May 29, 2018. Nathan Kraft lives in Santa Monica, CA, and teaches at UCLA as an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. He and his wife, Jessica, have a 14-month-old son named Henry.

Alumni Class Senators Andy Majewski, amajewsk@fas.harvard.edu Scott Van Houten, scott@vanhoutendesign.com We’d love to hear from you! Please email news

1978 REUNION Reunion Chairs

to alumni@fenn.org or enter it online at www. fenn.org/classnotes.

David Brown, dhbrown333@gmail.com Bill Lawrence, lawrencewa@gmail.com Tom Orcutt, torcutt@townofgroton.org

1977

John Frissora, jtfriss@gmail.com

1985 Alumni Class Senator

We’d love to hear from you! Please email news

Nick Elfner, nelfner@hotmail.com

George MacMillen Boger, son of Olivia and Andy Boger ’90

1990

to alumni@fenn.org or enter it online at www.

Alumni Class Senator

fenn.org/classnotes.

Alex Zavorski, zavorski@gmail.com

1979 Despite a three-alarm fire that destroyed their Allendale, NJ, home in March, Nick Leone and his wife, Lindsay, have reason to celebrate as they welcomed the birth of son, Giacomo Nicholas Leone, on May 7, 2018, at 1:54 p.m. Weighing 8.1 lbs. and measuring 20 1/4 inches long, Giacomo joins sisters Luciana and Isabella and brother Massimo in the Leone family.

1988 REUNION Reunion Chairs Ned Jastromb, jastromb@yahoo.com Chad Tyson, cctyson@gmail.com Woody Woodman, byron.woodman@comcast.net We’d love to hear from you! Please email news to alumni@fenn.org or enter it online at www. fenn.org/classnotes.

1989 1980

Alumni Class Senators

Alumni Class Senator

Matt Boger, mattboger@yahoo.com

Jon Cappetta, jcappetta@concordps.org

Brian Davidson, davidsonb@sec.gov

Andy Boger and his wife, Olivia, welcomed to the world their third son, George MacMillen Boger, on March 22, 2018, at 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches long. Big brothers Stuart and Jackson were very excited for the new addition to the family (pictured above).

Hunter Groninger writes, “I got to attend the Fenn alumni dinner in Washington, DC, in March—a great way to connect with Jerry Ward again before his retirement.

Our daughter Anna (12) started at a local girls’ school where you choose which color team you’re on for life. I enjoyed explaining how at Fenn I was, and always will be, BLUE.”

1994 Alumni Class Senator Breman Thuraisingham, breman_t@yahoo.com

Garreth Debiegun reports, “I continue to work at Maine Medical Center as an assistant clinical professor of emergency medicine. I am now president-elect for the Maine chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. I also became the medical advisor for the Maine region National Ski Patrol and continue to direct the most popular wilderness medicine elective for medical students in the country. But the best stuff is playing with my kids. Holtyn finished first grade, and Lydianna is ready to start kindergarten. I also just turned 40 and celebrated by hiking with my spouse, Debbie! Feel free to search me out on Strava to see how I spend my other time.”

1996 Alumni Class Senators John Jenkinson, jfjenkinson@gmail.com Glenn Kasses, gkasses@yahoo.com

1997 Alumni Class Senator Nat Carr, ncarr@fenn.org

James Casby and his wife, Alexis, welcomed John “Jack” Casby to their family on March 9, 2018. Jack joins his brother, Liam, who is three. Jon Gilboy married Ashley Blais on December 30, 2017, in Topsfield, MA.

1998 REUNION Alumni Class Senators & Reunion Chairs Richard Connolly, riconnolly@gmail.com Patrick Jones, patrick.jones.p@gmail.com

Rich Downing is founder and chief executive officer of Subwhisper, a shift-trading app for skilled service shift workers. The app was originally developed to solve headaches related to the subbing of shifts between instructors at Turnstyle Cycle, a company Rich founded and grew to four locations in the Cambridge/Boston area, before exiting to pursue Subwhisper. Rich notes that Phil Charm ’99 served on Turnstyle’s board for more than three years as an investor and advisor. In 2015-2016, Turnstyle participated in and contributed instructors (including Rich, see photo on p. 62) for a few indoor cycling events sponsored by Resolution, the indoor fitness fundraising arm of Pan Mass Challenge. Subwhisper is currently being tested at the Cambridge YMCA and Healthworks Fitness Club. Rich is a 2005 graduate

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Advancing the Automation Revolution Mike Conway ’85 and Jonathan Spooner ’86 Build a Skilled Workforce in Marginalized Communities “Hip Hop Genius.” That’s how Fenn classmates and longtime friends J. Michael Conway ’85 and Jonathan Spooner ’86 describe the raw talent they are uncovering and nurturing as part of Stacks + Joules, the non-profit education program that they started in Boston last year. Stacks + Joules is one of three programs in the world that is focused on developing a highly-coveted workforce with the technical skills vital for critical jobs in building automation and commercial energy efficiency. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 21 percent rise in jobs in this sector through 2022, and 80 percent of employers reports difficulty finding qualified job applicants.

The genesis of Stacks + Joules is Mike’s more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and school leader, dedicated to making high school mathematics and other complex learning accessible to students who have not yet had the opportunity for success. He also channeled this passion into the coaching of schools and faculty across the country on how to implement project-based learning and other innovative student-centered learning strategies.

It was in the marginalized communities where he focused that he came face to face with what he calls “hip hop genius.” Mike shares, “Some people see kids messing around and being loud on a street corner, but when you really look, you see that they figured out how to run a turntable backwards or draw power from a streetlight. There’s genius that comes out of curiosity. And when you tap into that, the learning, the motivation, and the drive starts to accelerate.”

This genius has been the engine for the Stacks + Joules program.

Thankfully, Mike and Jon had kept in touch since their Fenn days, where Mike was intellectually curious and bookish and

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the winner of the Lower School Austen Fox Riggs Award, and Jon “a big athlete,” tuba player in the band because he was “big enough to hold it” at over six feet tall, and a frequent visitor to “the bench” for discipline from Headmaster Walter Birge because of his notoriously messy desk.

Jon was ultimately able to provide the technology expertise that was necessary to bring to life a program like Stacks + Joules. He had been working on the web since 1994, helping PBS launch one of its first online properties and, for six years prior to joining forces with Mike, working for Google’s Smart Cities Group to launch the LinkNYC program that deployed free Wi-Fi throughout Manhattan and the five boroughs. While assessing the impact of the Link program, Jon began to see the extension of technology as an incredible force of goodwill that could change lives.

But he wanted more. So he and Mike began talking in earnest, and Stacks + Joules was born.

The former Fenn classmates jumped in full-bore, leaving their jobs and their families (Mike’s in Los Angeles and Jon’s in New York) to establish their business

in Boston. “We saw Boston as the perfect test bed,” shared Jon. “It leads the world in green LEED buildings, has a strong innovation bent, and many technological advances originate here. There are also a lot of marginalized communities that could be taking advantage of all of the technology popping up around them.”

In June and July, they ran their first cohort of students—recent high school graduates—in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. The Division manages millions of square feet of the State’s property and was intrigued by the possibilities of building automation to reduce energy use, cost, and environmental impact.

“The Automation Revolution that’s going on right now is accelerating,” shared Mike, “but what’s holding it up is having the workforce to take advantage of it. Most facility maintenance people have deep mechanical understanding, experience, and prowess, but they don’t typically have experience with coding or technology. That’s what our program does—it delivers the technical training to answer that.”

The search for talent has driven Mike and Jon into communities that are often overlooked but boast real talent.

Locally, these include communities from Roxbury to Chelsea. “As a community, as a commonwealth, and as a society, there is talent that we’re not taking advantage of, and we can’t afford that,” added Jon. “Companies who have the need for workers think they will be able to hire from existing tracks, but they have open positions for which they can’t find candidates. That’s where we come in. We’re going into communities and finding the students who have been overlooked. We are creating a highly skilled and motivated workforce where one didn’t exist.”

The Stacks + Joules program has already extended throughout Massachusetts, with five schools slated to run programs in the coming school year. The training it provides enables placement in paid internships with local building automation employers and connects youth with well-paying, meaningful jobs that elevate students towards certifications, degrees, and life-long advancement. Mike and Jon will begin outreach in the New York market next year as well, and their business plan points to continued expansion (with Los Angeles tapped to follow New York). Ultimately, the pair envisions a Stacks + Joules contingent in schools in every major metropolitan area across the United States.

“We, as a culture and as human beings, cannot have the same progress that we’ve enjoyed the past 20 to 30 years with Internet and technology advances without engaging diverse populations of people,” Jon remarked.

“We’re dealing with something important in energy efficiency, something that is in demand and necessary in building automation or automation in general, and we feel like we have the answer to this in these diverse populations that have the ability, but not the opportunity. We’re able to walk in, introduce the opportunity, and describe what it looks like, and the community answers back robustly and strongly.”

Jon and Mike in their Lower School days

Mike and Jon see the influence of Fenn’s educational model in the design and development of Stacks + Joules.

“Fenn creates leaders by putting students in the position to lead, even as early as fourth grade,” shared Mike. “It’s about respect for a young person and a belief that leadership and character are within them. Then it’s a matter of assembling a team and experiences to fulfill their potential.” Jon sees equal inspiration from the vision that Fenn

imparts to students to work for the common good, keeping eyes open for people and communities who need help and understanding how your hand can aid in that.

As a two-person team tackling curriculum development, teaching, and outreach to education and business partners that can offer the Stacks + Joules program and provide opportunities for students who engage in it, the pair invites others to partner with them in this important and gratifying work. “At the core of our mission is real work mentored by expert professionals toward significant positive impact for the students and the environment,” shared Mike. They are especially eager to connect with people who possess or have access to real estate holdings or who have expertise in energy or energy efficiency, technology, and automation. A contribution to their effort could be as limited as coming to a class and leading an activity that gives students an idea of the range of opportunities that come with understanding and being able to work with technology.

But they’re open to suggestions for other forms of partnership.

“It’s not just the information that these students get from visits by professionals, they also see that people are showing interest in them and showing up,” shared Mike. “This gives value to the students, and they appreciate their experience even more.”

For more information or to lend a hand in the Stacks + Joules effort, visit www.stacksandjoules.org or contact Mike and Jon at info@stacksandjoules.com.

“Fenn creates leaders by putting students in the position to lead… It’s about respect for young people and a belief that leadership and character are within them, then assembling a team and experiences to fulfill their potential. Stacks + Joules is fueled by the same approach.” – Mike Conway ’85 summer

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of Colby College and received an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Management in 2010. He reports, “The coolest thing I’ve done in the past year was in October 2017 when I participated in five Ayahuasca ceremonies over eleven days spent in the Peruvian Amazon.

During those ceremonies, I saw God and discovered the meaning of life, but I forgot the details.” Rich lives in Cambridge and is very interested in blockchain.

1999 Alumni Class Senators

Matt Hedstrom and his wife, Lea, welcomed the arrival of their first child, Carter James Hedstrom, on May 8, 2018. He weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. Brad Khuen married Marielle Hayden on June 16, 2018.

Sam Takvorian, stakvorian@gmail.com

Roger Hewer-Candee is studying for a J.D. at Fordham Law School in New York.

When not in the classroom or library, Roger endeavors to make the most of the school’s proximity to Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Yet despite having developed a taste for chamber ensembles, classical orchestras, and opera singing, the electric guitar remains the instrument dearest to his heart.

2000 Alumni Class Senators George Carr, gcarr4@gmail.com Matt Ward, m.b.ward.02@gmail.com

2006

2008 REUNION

2012

Alumni Class Senators & Reunion Chairs

Alumni Class Senators

Alumni Class Senators & Reunion Chairs

Alumni Class Senators

Tyler Davis, davist.boston@gmail.com

Dan Giovacchini, giodan25@gmail.com

Will Baxter, will.baxter.1996@gmail.com

Chris Walker-Jacks, christopherwjacks@gmail.com

Andreas Sheikh, andsheikh21@gmail.com

Jack Carroll, je.carroll10@gmail.com Bronson Kussin, bronson.kussin@gmail.com Christian Manchester,

2001

christian.d.manchester@gmail.com

Alumni Class Senator Jimmy Hall, jkhall4@gmail.com

Beau Levering has been accepted at Harvard Divinity School in their Master of Divinity program.

Ryan Connolly, reconnolly@morganstanleysmithbarney.com

2003 REUNION

2002 Alumni Class Senators

Mike Spiak, mspiak06@gmail.com

In August, Stephen McCarthy finished an assignment at an Anglican church in Paris, having learned French in the process. He then headed to Oxford University where he will be studying for his Doctor of Theology degree. Tim Padden and his wife, Megan Garbe, welcomed son Benjamin to their family on April 4, 2018.

Will Howerton, will.howerton@gmail.com Graham Jenkins, grahamwjenkins@gmail.com Davis Rosborough, davis.rosborough@gmail.com

Travis Minor received his M.Ed. from Harvard University (earned with the love and support of his wonderful wife, Rebecca) and opened a second location of his business, Open Door Education, on Lowell Road in Concord. Jon Weigel has been offered a position teaching in the International Development Department at the London School of Economics. He graduated from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in political economy and government in June 2018.

2005

Luke Rogers, lucianjrog@gmail.com

Colin Beckwitt successfully defended his Ph.D. work at the University of Pittsburgh in May and completed his five-year M.D./ Ph.D. program. Cam Boll recently had the opportunity to edit two 27-minute episodes for The Olympic Channel produced

by WZRD, including an episode on Julian Yee’s journey to become the first Malaysian winter Olympian. You can check it out at www.olympicchannel.com/en/playback/ far-from-home/extended-versions/how-malaysias-first-olympic-figure-skater-made-history-in-pyeongchang/. Luke Eddy recently became engaged to Megan Evangelista.

Will Stone, william.l.stone12@gmail.com Pete Valhouli-Farb, pvalhoulifarb@gmail.com

Clark Bakewell is engaged to Sharon Anna Pomranky. Will Stone and his wife, Caroline, recently moved to Beacon Street in Boston, perhaps to make room for their new golden retriever puppy (see photo below)!

Chris Rutledge graduated from Pratt Institute in May, earning a B.F.A. in digital arts and animation.

2007

Alumni Class Senators Sam Doran, saminthenewsroom@gmail.com Thacher Hoch, thachmo94@comcast.net

In May, Nick Church proposed to Northwestern University classmate Aubrey May, and they are officially engaged.

Alumni Class Senators Gabe Arnold, ggbbe3@gmail.com

Will Joumas, wbjoumas@gmail.com

Drew Coash, drewcoash@gmail.com Will Crowley, wcc2ab@virginia.edu

CONNECT WITH FENN Like us on Facebook

Rich Downing ’98, center, with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (l) and Josh Zakim (r) during a 2015-2016 Resolution indoor cycling event

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A new addition to the household of Will Stone ’05

Alumni Class Senators Jake Goorno, jbgoorno@gmail.com Reid Shilling, rshilling97@gmail.com

2009

Alumni Class Senators Joe Rinaldo, josepher715@gmail.com

2013 REUNION Mitchell Groves, mitchmgroves@gmail.com

2010

Alumni Class Senators Spencer Lovejoy, slovejoy424@gmail.com

JC Winslow, jcwins16@g.holycross.edu

Relentlessly Benevolent To Team, Friend & All Jeffrey Fierlein Manshel ’06 Sua Sponte

Nick Walters reports, “I have recently completed my sophomore year at Hamilton College and have declared a major in music with a likely focus in composition. I will be spending my 2018-19 academic year abroad in England to study music at the University of Oxford and to further my interest in choral composition and history. At Hamilton, I enjoy singing in the choir and am currently taking German, though I sorely miss the Latin teachers at Fenn!”

2014 Alumni Class Senators

Will Crowley graduated from the University of Virginia and moved to New York City in July where he’s working for Houlihan Lokey, a small bank that advises and helps distressed companies through Chapter 11. He adds, “I’ll be near my Fenn buddies Drew Coash and Gabe Arnold!”

In May, Sam Rice graduated from Fairfield University with a B.S. degree in business.

Chad Arle, chad.w.arle@gmail.com Andrew Brown, abrown1081@gmail.com Ryan Ewing, ryanewing99@gmail.com P.J. Lucchese, pjlucchese@gmail.com Christopher Ruediger, chris.ruediger3@gmail.com Cormac Zachar, cormacz98@gmail.com

2015 Alumni Class Senators Walker Davey, daveybolts28@gmail.com Paul Michaud, paul.michaud13@gmail.com Sid Modur, Sidharth.modur@gmail.com Nick Schoeller, nschoeller2@gmail.com

2011

Network with Alums on LinkedIn The Fenn School Alumni

Alumni Class Senator

Follow us on Twitter @FennSchool

Johnny Kim graduated from Georgetown University in May and then headed to New York for work after a couple of months off.

Nathaniel Sintros, nathaniel1756@gmail.com

Max Solomon, msolomon19@groton.org Dylan Volman, dhvman@gmail.com Ben Zide, benjaminzide@gmail.com

Nathan Cunningham will enroll at Virginia Tech in the fall. Blayne Dee is also headed south and will attend the University of Miami. Walker Davey will serve as one of the senior prefects at Groton School next year.

He will also captain the varsity soccer team with fellow Fenn classmate Patrick Ryan. As

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A Student of the Game Adam Kolloff ’98 Channels a Passion for Golf into New Business Venture Adam Kolloff has always been a student of the game, whether on the courts and fields of basketball, soccer, and baseball at Fenn during his seventh through ninth grade years or on the golf course, where he first began playing and competing in junior tournaments alongside his Fenn athletic pursuits. After earning an economics degree from Florida Atlantic University while excelling in its Division I golf program, Adam became a professional golfer. Out of necessity, he simultaneously began teaching golf

to help “pay the bills” while playing on the Gateway Tour in Florida from 2007 to 2009. Little did he know that this side gig would usher in a rewarding career that showcases his passion for the game and innate skill in coaching and motivating golfers of all abilities.

Four years as an instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School in Miami, Florida, under the guidance of mentor Jim McLean following the tour was just the springboard Adam needed to launch his teaching career. He was next on to

the Jim McLean Golf School at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey, where he served as Director of Instruction for the highly popular school for the following five years. During that time, Golf Digest voted Adam “Best Teacher in the State of New Jersey.” And, even more recently, it graced him with “Best Young Teacher in America” recognition.

Across his 10 years of golf instruction, Adam utilized a radar technology called Trackman to study the mechanics of a golfer’s swing and the flight of the golf ball, and he would ultimately collaborate with Jim McLean on the book The Ultimate Guide to Trackman Swing Analysis. This manual of sorts is most commonly used by golf schools, golf teachers, and PGA Tour players, and is highly valued for its ability to diagnose and give a roadmap for overcoming issues in a swing. Adam credits the book as a catalyst for his career (and thanks his Fenn Latin classes for helping to build his strong grammar and writing skills that he put to the test as an author).

Adam now shares the power of Trackman at Pure Drive Golf, the golf instruction facility that he opened only months ago in Woburn, MA. “I’ve always had the passion to do something entrepreneurial,” he shares, “and I knew it would be in golf. I’ve always studied the game – the golf

swing, different players’ approaches to the game, the latest research and science.

And I credit Fenn for helping me learn how to study. I’ve definitely used that in how I approach the game of golf.” Adam also points to Fenn Athletic Director Bob Starensier as an inspiration for the way he approaches coaching and communicates with student athletes on a personal level.

Adam applies the same approach to his own instruction, striving to connect with people and to communicate advice in simple ways that ensure they understand the concepts and tips. He equally enjoys motivating golfers and getting them excited about improving and taking the next step in their games.

All of this is on full display at the 4,500 sq. ft. Pure Drive Golf facility with its five private simulators that are equipped with Trackman technology and available for self-practice, guided instruction or group entertainment. “My vision was to create a place where people of all skill levels could go to improve their golf game and use technology that could help them understand their game and track their progress.

Yet we’re also a place where friends can come and have fun and play virtual golf in the simulators.”

Custom club fittings are also an offering, as is testing out new equipment at the facility. As Adam reminds, there’s something for everyone, from beginner to professional.

Bob Starensier remembers Adam well during his Fenn years. “He loved to play and compete, but the joy of playing was even more important to him than winning.” And that joy is evident every day at Pure Drive Golf, as this former Fenn student-athlete imparts his wisdom and excitement for the game to benefit golfers of all abilities. And, with that, winning (in this business pursuit) is most certainly assured.

GOLF TIPS FROM ADAM KOLLOFF • Grip is everything. Always keep a light grip pressure throughout your swing. Most golfers grip their clubs too tightly.

• Treat golf as something that you are always trying to improve. You will never perfect your swing. It’s a never-ending process so learn to enjoy it.

For more specific guidance on improving your game, visit or contact Adam at:

PURE DRIVE GOLF 224 West Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801 781-404-6902 phone info@puredrivegolf.com email www.puredrivegolf.com website

“I’ve always studied the game—the golf swing, different players’ approaches to the game, the latest research and science. And I credit Fenn for helping me learn how to study. I’ve definitely used that in how I approach the game of golf.” – Adam Kolloff ’98

Kolloff ’98 coaching at his Pure Drive Golf facility

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Harvard College; Piseth Sam, who will matriculate at Boston College; Ian Urban, who is headed to Champlain College; and Ben Zide, who will enter Dartmouth College.

David Nerrow and Garth Staniar are journeying west to Colorado, where David will attend University of Colorado Boulder 2015 Fenn alumni Adam Jamal, Anthony Duane, and Sammy Hankaoui celebrate and Garth will their graduation from Cambridge School of Weston. attend the University Patrick notes, “Childhood friends and soccer of Denver. Adam Thomas is headed to the teammates, Fenn brothers, Groton residents, Midwest, where he will enroll at Michigan Groton School classmates.” Anthony Duane State University. Daniel Herdiech will and Adam Jamal are both headed to Clark enroll at Wake Forest University this fall, University in the fall. Sammy Hankaoui will while Mark Herdiech will attend Hamilton join them in Worcester as he matriculates at College. Also taking up residence in New Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Joining this York State with Mark are Kyle Veo, who New England contingent are Zander Kessler, will matriculate at Syracuse University, and who is headed to Middlebury College; Austin Blake Wesel, who will attend the Rochester Kwoun and Teddy Pyne, who will enroll at Institute of Technology.

2016 Alumni Class Senators Owen Elton, owen.elton@me.com Sam Farley, samn8r14@gmail.com Kevin Gao, 666666kevingao@gmail.com William Locke, wlocke2000@comcast.net Tad Scheibe, scheibetm@gmail.com

2017 Alumni Class Senators Nico Bowden, nicobowden@gmail.com Charles Brookby, cibrookby@gmail.com Ollie Cheever, ocheever@gmail.com Ian Moore, mooreian17@gmail.com

2018 Alumni Class Senators Sammy Agrawal, asammy211@gmail.com Sam Remondi, slremondi@gmail.com

Current Faculty and Staff News Olivia Boger, Fenn’s Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, welcomed son George MacMillen Boger on March 22, 2018. See details and a photo in the Class Notes for her husband Andy Boger ’90.

Jenn Geller, Fenn’s athletic trainer, gave birth to a son, Greyson Geller, on February 13, 2018.

Former Faculty and Staff News

St. Mark’s School Varsity Hockey features (l to r) Nolan Moore ’16, Boyd Hall ’15, Peter Nelson ’17, and Ian Moore ’17

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Ed Lemire, who taught mathematics at Fenn from 1976 to 1979, retired from The Derryfield School this June. In addition to teaching Upper School mathematics, Ed has coached the Cougars longer than anyone in the school’s history. His coaching career includes the last 33 years as the girls’ head basketball coach, five years as a junior varsity boys’ baseball coach, and two stints in softball as head coach from 1984 to 1994 and assistant coach since 2001.

Reflections on a Fenn Boy: Dawson A. Rutter III ’09 ON NOV EMB ER 12, HUND REDS OF FAMI LY AND FRI ENDS

gathered at Concord’s Trinitarian Congregational

Church to honor the life and memory of D.A. Rutter ’09, in the wake of his untimely passing on November 6. Thenheadmaster Jerry Ward shared a heartfelt tribute to this former Fenn boy ever unique in his presence, talents, wit, and heart. Below are excerpts from a truly touching remembrance.

Conrad Birdie (from Bye-Bye Birdie) to theatrical heights worthy of a Tony.

… I’m honored to offer this reflection on D.A. as the boy we knew and delighted in at The Fenn School ... As teachers and mentors in his boyhood and early adolescent years, we recall vividly this unforgettable, charismatic, and enthusiastic boy from Sudbury and all that he was at Fenn and all that he grew to become as a young man … D.A. still now lifts our hearts as teachers as we remember him. … It seems that Fenn and D.A. were always bound for each other … As a very little boy, D.A. would ride in the family car with his mom and grandmother up Monument Street to Water’s Edge Farm … Each time they passed Fenn, D.A.’s prescient grandmother would say, “That’s the school for my grandson when he grows older.” When grandmothers speak, even if it’s years earlier, the Fenn Admissions Office listens … … When D.A. finally did arrive at Fenn, how could we not be delighted and charmed by this ten-year-old boy who stood out in his fourth grade class picture? That sunny day, D.A. was not disregarding Fenn’s informal and comfortable dress code, as some older boys might try to do. Instead, with his Fenn classmates dressed in their polo shirts and khaki pants, D.A., with no such intention, made them look a bit too casually dressed for the occasion as he stood among them spiffed up to the hilt in a stylish suit and tie, making his first fashion statement that

… D.A. illuminated our school’s inner life and spirit because his handsome looks and talents were matched by a fulsome soul and good nature … Tete Cobblah and D.A.’s teachers remember best the young man who led life and his peers with a kind and good heart … he possessed a conscience and heart that led him to care about those who struggle in life … That is what we know was the very best of this boy, D.A. Rutter, who grew into a young man of empathy and commitment in his time with us.

he would repeat countless times across his six years at Fenn … Style was a singular D.A. Rutter brand … … As D.A. embraced the full expanse of Fenn life, it was clear that he was a fierce and intent competitor on the athletic field who loved the sports arena and played with ingenuous swag as he carried the ball as a running back in football …

He was agile and fast, dashing for daylight with the ball to break runs down field …

… The loss of this treasured and beloved son, this unforgettable Fenn boy possessed of luminous spirit, style, and soul, leaves a hole in our hearts. But D.A.’s presence once in our lives and his incandescent spirit are the glow that lives on to inspire us. May we honor and treasure D.A.’s gifts to us forever.

… Yet as we came to know D.A. all the more … we discovered that if there were ever a Fenn boy born for the stage, it was D.A., with dramatic presence and instincts you just can’t teach … On the Fenn stage, D.A. brought the role of

summer

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For more information, visit www.fenn.org/homecoming.

IN M E MOR IAM

Join the greater Fenn community as we hold our 5th Annual Homecoming! Run in the Kevin White ’93 Memorial 5K, cheer Varsity Football as they take on Fay School, watch performances by the Trebles and Marching Band, connect with alumni and alumni parents at the tailgate, and more. All ages are welcome!

in memoriam We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these Fenn graduates, relatives, and friends.

George P. Bates ’46 February 20, 2018 Brother of Nathaniel “Buddy” Bates ’49 Uncle of Scott Bates ’79 and Brad Bates ’84 Mary Lou Fadiman July 10, 2018 Mother of Chris Hardman ’79, Matt Fadiman ’81, and Clarissa Eaton P’05 Grandmother of Malcolm Eaton ’05 Richard N. Goodwin May 20, 2018 Father of Richard Goodwin ’81 Joan R. Huston June 2, 2018 Mother of Peter Huston ’70 Reginald F. Johnston, Jr. ’51 March 8, 2018 Judith B. Keyes March 21, 2018 Mother of Philip Keyes ’72 and Jared Keyes ’75 Grandmother of Simon Keyes ’03 Bettye R. McCouch April 20, 2018 Mother of Grayson McCouch ’71 W. Randle Mitchell, Jr. August 12, 2018 Fenn Trustee 1982-1984 Father of John Mitchell ’83 and David Mitchell ’86

Peter A. Rabinowitz May 27, 2018 Father of Jason Rabinowitz ’94

5th Annual Homecoming

Patricia L. Spinola February 27, 2018 Mother of David Spinola ’93

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Caroline A. Stride May 1, 2018 Mother of Bill Stride ’77 Jenna Swaim July 3, 2018 Wife of Derek Swaim Mother of Luke Swaim ’20 Marjorie C. Van Houten August 6, 2018 Mother of Paul Van Houten ’81 and Scott Van Houten ’83 Grandmother of Turner Van Houten ’24 Peter B. Whelpton ’59 August 3, 2018 Elsie S. Wilmerding July 27, 2018 Fenn Faculty 1985-1997

Alumni Dinner Friday, September 21, 2018 Mark your calendar for Fenn’s 2018 Reunion and Homecoming weekend! Alumni classes ending in “3” and “8,” it’s time to celebrate your days as a Fenn boy. Come reconnect with classmates during a cocktail reception and dinner on campus. Other alumni are more than welcome to attend and catch up with old friends!

Congratulations, Dr. William A. Lawrence ’78, on your Distinguished Alumnus Honor!

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Join friends at the Alumni Dinner to see Bill honored for his more than three decades implementing programs and researching and analyzing issues related to the Middle East and North Africa region and wider Muslim world. Bill currently serves on the faculty at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, and has taught or lectured at 100+ universities, authored three books, co-created six documentaries and 14 albums of North African music, and more. He has also received six merit awards from the U.S. Department of State, two medals from the Egyptian government, and an alumni achievement award from his undergraduate alma mater, Duke University.

The Fenn School 516 Monument Street Concord, Massachusetts 01742-1894

Parents of Alumni If this publication is addressed to your son, and he no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the alumni office of his new mailing address (978-318-3525 or aboudreau@fenn.org).

Thank you!

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID N READING MA PERMIT NO. 121