The atrium Spring/Summer 2013

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS WWW.GULLIVERSCHOOLS.ORG SPRING / SUMMER 2013

ALEXANDER MIJARES ‘03 SCULPTOR, PAINTER, BUSINESSMAN

page 20 1

FACULTY & MANAGEMENT

Director and Head of Schools John Krutulis Sr. Director, Advancement Ted Milford Associate Director of Advancement Meredith Ray Feder, CFRE Director of Communication and Public Relations Andi Fuentes Director of Alumni Relations Laura Pequignot ‘82 Advancement/Alumni Relations Specialist Marie Dieppa ‘04 Special Events Coordinator Jeri Volpe Communications Specialist, Grades PreK3-8 Whitney Engelkey ‘07

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Director and Head of Schools John Krutulis

Sr. Director, Provost Gloria Bracciano Sr. Director, Finance Jose Fuente Sr. Director, Controller Ron Hurst Sr. Director, Risk Management and Operation Ed Latour Sr. Director, Advancement Ted Milford Sr. Director, Construction Jaime Prosper Sr. Director, Human Resources James Santoro

Communications Specialist, Grades 9-12 Jenny Lago ‘05

President and Chairman Emilio Nuñez ‘83 Sarah Nesbitt Artecona ‘83 Vice Chairman Jeffery Bartel ‘94 Treasurer Barry Gould William (“Bill”) Kerdyk, Jr. Secretary Abigail Watts-Fitzgerald Libby Witherspoon ‘87 2012-2013 ALUMNI COUNCIL MEMBERS

Dr. Amy Boyers ‘89 Sally Hanna ‘81 Gerald Jorge ‘90 Javier Perez-Giz ‘01 Corey Mershon ‘90 Carolina Pedroletti ‘96 Hugh Schmidt ‘87 Jorge Valle-Riestra ‘86 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Publications/Web Specialist Adrian Santella Executive Assistant Betty Zipse

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Founder Marian Krutulis

Administrative Assistant Jeanine Sanchez

Whitney Engelke ‘07 Andi Fuentes Jenny Lago ‘05 Annick Mesko Laura Pequignot ‘82 Suzanne Trevino Editors

Rochelle Broder-Singer Andi Fuentes

Atrium is published by the Gulliver Office of Communications and Public Relations and distributed free of charge to the Gulliver community.

Contributions of photos and articles are encouraged; however items submitted will not be returned.

Gulliver is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school with the mission of providing a superior, personalized college preparatory education fostering well-rounded, successful, lifelong learners which is committed to developing the unique gives and talents of each student in a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, global understanding and character. ©2013 Gulliver Schools

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

CoNTENTS

WELCOME

04 Director’s Note 05 A dvancement Briefs 09 Welcome New Partners NEWS

10 Around Gulliver 14 How

Much Do You Remember?

Photo Gallery 16 2012

- 2013 Gulliver Events

Photo Gallery

YOUNG ALUMNI

32 Art Entrepreneur: Tiffany Hequin ‘13

Art Therapy:

Lauren Amigo ‘12

33 Musical Theatre:

Javier Romero ‘12

Architecture:

Renee Die-Girbau ‘13

STAFF

34 Faculty Profile:

Ron Castonguay,

Performing Arts Dept.

Chair and Music Director

ALUMNI PROFILES

20 Painter, Sculptor and Businessman: Alexander Mijares ‘03

SPOTLIGHT

22 Art Consultant: Melissa Sesana ‘07

ALUMNI NEWS & EVENTS

24 Concert Pianist: Emily White ‘79 26 Gallery Owner: Nina Johnson-Milewski ‘02 28 Patron of the Arts: Gonzalo Parodi ‘82

36 Performing Arts

44 Alumni Events

Photo Gallery

46 Alumni Class Notes 50 Connect. Engage. Impact 51 Alumni Reunion Weekend

30 Dancer and Actress: Yanira Marin ‘01 32 Author and Director: Soman Chainai ‘97

3

WELCOME: DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2012 - 2013 issue of atrium magazine. As a proud Gulliver alumna, it has been an honor to step into Linda Fitzgerald’s shoes to serve as the director of alumni relations for Gulliver.

It has been almost a year since Ms. Fitz announced her retirement, but she is still very much involved in the Gulliver scene. While enjoying all the benefits of her retirement, she has made a point of staying in touch with her beloved “peeps.” She has attended a number of events throughout the year, including the Gulliver Athletic Hall of Fame, Homecoming, Art Walk and most recently, the Gulliver Signature Event “Night of Mystique.” Rest assured she also will be making a special appearance at this year’s alumni reunion.

Marie Dieppa ‘04 joined our team this fall in the new position of alumni relations/advancement specialist. Marie and I are dedicated to providing you with the same high standards of service and commitment Ms. Fitz always brought to the Gulliver Alumni Association.

Along with the Alumni Advisory Council, our goal is to support the on-going mission of Gulliver. As an association, we are working to enhance and advance the reputation of our alma mater for you and future graduates. Our programs, events and services are designed to encourage you to stay connected, engage in the benefits the association offers and impact Gulliver through your leadership and support.

Alumni satisfaction is a top priority for the association as we continue to grow the scope of our events and services. Based on feedback we received from our alumni reunion survey, the 2013 reunion has been moved “Back to Miami.” Locally based alumni can now participate in reunion activities without having to go out of town; while those who enjoy a weekend getaway can benefit from the extra savings on room rates and resort amenities offered by our new host, The Biltmore Hotel. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Your feedback is important to us. We encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas by responding to future surveys or by contacting us directly at 786.709.4073 or alumni@gulliverschools.org.

Laura Peiquinot Director of Alumni Relations

Warm regards and best wishes,

Laura Pina Pequignot ‘82 Director of Alumni Relations

Gulliver is all abuzz with social media! Visit our Raider Buzz social media page (www.gulliverschools.org/Raiderbuzz) to get all of your Gulliver news on one page! atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

ADVANCEMENT BRIEF

Gulliver Hosts ‘Night of Mystique’ Fundraiser The event, which benefitted Gulliver’s Annual Fund, raised more than $194,000. The Annual Fund supports all aspects of the Gulliver experience, including academic programming, student activities and resources, student life, facility construction and campus beautification.

The evening’s festivities kicked off with a cocktail reception that featured a large scale silent auction featuring exclusive items. Bidders could track their offers with the use of “BidPal” handheld devices. Guest also enjoyed live entertainment provided by Prep Muralists, Drama Troupe and String Ensemble.

After the cocktail reception, guests were ushered into the dining room for limitless food and beverage service.

John Krutulis, Gulliver’s director and head of schools, welcomed guests with opening remarks and words of thanks to the sponsors.

Immediately following, guests enjoyed a variety of gourmet food catered by Thierry’s Catering and Event Design. The assortment of Dim Sum, Ahi Tuna Tataki, Aged Roasted Top Sirloin of Beef and Herb-Crusted Pork Loin were high on the list of favorites. The dinner program concluded with a live auction featuring an Audemars Piguet Ladies’ Millenary Steel Diamond watch courtesy of Princess World Jewelers, as well as reserved VIP parking spaces for a student at the Prep and for parents at the Academy. Following dinner, guests enjoyed the High Roller Casino and dancing in the Shah Family Library Media Center, and desserts and coffee while relaxing in the courtyard.

Thank you to our Premier Signature Event Sponsors: – Diamond Presenting Sponsor: Princess World Jewelers – Ruby Sponsors: AA Uniform, the Haskett family and Miami Children’s Smiles – Emerald Sponsor: the AixalaNachtigall family – Sapphire Sponsors: Ian and Leslie Kaplan, Jennifer Leesfield ‘91 and the Leesfield Family Foundation See additional event photos on page 19.

Gulliver Hosts Second Annual Donor Reception ‘A Celebration of Generosity’ On November 15, 2012, Gulliver held a special reception to thank and honor donors who contributed $2,000 or more to Gulliver during the previous school year. The celebration was a chance to thank them for their support and generosity, and brought together parents, alumni, faculty, staff, community and corporate donors for an intimate evening at the Shah Family Library Media Center.

The evening was graciously sponsored by BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

“I thank Gulliver for teaching me the importance of giving back,” said Libby Witherspoon ‘87, a current parent and

Gulliver trustee who is a senior director and portfolio manager with BNY Mellon Wealth Management. “We at BNY Mellon applaud the generosity of the lead donors and commend their support of the school. Their commitment to Gulliver truly makes a difference in the experience of each and every child.”

Witherspoon expressed her gratitude to her employer as well. “ I am lucky to work with a company where philanthropy and community service are taken

seriously and each employee is encouraged to get involved in volunteer work,” she said. “Supporting Gulliver is just one way BNY Mellon demonstrates its corporate social responsibility and commitment to our community. We are thrilled to be a partner of Gulliver.”

See additional event photos on page 17.

5

ADVANCEMENT BRIEFS

Gulliver’s Holiday Marketplace Raises More than $20,000 The Holiday Marketplace, held on December 6, 2012, was an exceptional day of shopping. Even with the threat of rain, the event generated more than $20,000 to support Gulliver’s Annual Fund. Parents, students, faculty, staff and guests were invited to stroll throughout the booths to find unique gifts, personal treasures and that special present for family and friends. Everyone enjoyed shopping, socializing and hearing the Academy band, orchestra and chorus

perform. With 65 participating vendors, our shoppers were able to find something special for everyone on their lists!

Thank you to Magda Lopez and Maggie Moreira, the Holiday Marketplace vendor co-chairs; Rosemary Hartigan, Jennifer Pfleger and Sylvia Gubbins, the Holiday Marketplace logistic co-chairs; and to all the parent volunteers, vendors and hundreds of shoppers for your ongoing support of our mission.

See additional event photos on page 18.

annual Raider Challenge: golf Classic and tennis tournament Sell-out crowds help raise funds to support the Booster Club Gulliver’s Raider Challenge: 11th Annual Golf Classic and 4th Annual Tennis Tournament took place January 14 at the Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club. This annual event was presented by AA Uniform and Ola Construction. Both tournaments were a huge success, selling out far in advance and raising more than $60,000 to benefit the Booster Club, which supports athletics at Gulliver.

Winners of the Tennis Tournament were announced at the awards luncheon. Marc Seymour and Dan Mulligan took home trophies in the men’s division, while Sheba Quirk and Marianne Pantin won the women’s A division, and Mina Schultes and Yannik Labrador won in the women’s B division.

The Golf Classic welcomed back the “Are you Better than a Gulliver Student Golfer?” contest. Stationed at different holes, student golfers Zachary Buttrick ‘20, John Ehrling ‘20, Roman Lopez ‘18 and Max McKenna ‘18 challenged tournament golfers to beat them in distance from the tee.

The tournament championship went to Jeff Baxter, Marshal Smith, Calum Gibb and Chuck Mercer. First runners up were atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Dan Cautier, John Carlisle, Matt Jonah and Matt Pattulo.

Thank you to our Raider Challenge sponsors: – Presenting Sponsors: AA Uniform and Ola Construction – Shirt Sponsor: Perry Ellis – Ball Sponsor: Mallah Furman – Beverage Sponsor: Cargo Force, Inc. – Lunch Sponsor: Outback Steakhouse – Hole In One Sponsors: 1st Turf, Inc., Lexus of Kendall – Lexus of West Kendall and Yo Blendz – Tennis Ace Sponsors: The Freeland Family and PFC Controls – Advertising Sponsors: The Hector Family, Jaguar PT and Jaguar Therapeutics, PCI Development and Sage Dining The Raider Challenge benefits Gulliver’s Booster Club, which provides funding to all athletic programs to support teams over and above the school athletic operating budget. Gulliver provides a host of athletic opportunities to meet the needs of students, from spectators and players to inter-scholastic competitors. While taking

pride in a winning tradition, Gulliver’s athletic program develops character, builds self-esteem and teaches the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

See additional event photos on page 18.

ADVANCEMENT BRIEFS

“Make a Splash” Swim-A-thon® More than 200 swimmers from ages five and up raised more than $65,000 during Gulliver’s third annual “Make a Splash” Swim-A-Thon at the Preparatory Campus Aquatic Center.

Proceeds raised from the Swim-AThon support the school’s Annual Fund, benefiting the Gulliver Booster Club and the performing and visual arts departments. As the charity partner, a gift of $10,000 was made to the KiDZ Neuroscience Center at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Connor Kuci, a senior, was once again the student chair for the Swim-A-Thon. “I have been involved with the inception of this event since my sophomore year and watched its tremendous growth,” Kuci said. “The support and enthusiasm that students and parents alike share for the Swim-A-Thon is amazing and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Members of the Gulliver swim and water polo teams, students, parents, faculty and alumni joined in the event. Supporters cheered the students on as they each earned money by swimming a maximum of 72 laps – one mile.

The top fundraisers were siblings Awwal, Hayaat and Kamal Kay-Ramos, who raised $6,795. Among the other top fundraisers were Shannon Signorello, Connor Kuci, Giovanni Romeo, Kiara Kamlani, Ricky Hermida, Mekayla Frazier, Joshua, Zachary and Joey Buttrick, Niles and Emily Miller, and Lucie and Ryan Gibeau.

All participants received a reusable goodie bag full of fabulous items and enjoyed food and refreshments courtesy of Bagel Emporium & Grille, Blue Q, the Catering Shop, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Chicken Kitchen, Cool de Sac, CrepeMaker, Joanna’s Marketplace, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Nothing Bundt Cakes, R&T Signature Grill, Ready.

Set. Cupcake!, Rob’s Really Good Beverages, Whole Foods Market and Yogurt by U, to name just a few.

See additional event photos on page 16.

Thank you to our Swim-A-Thon sponsors: – Backstroke Sponsor: Florida East Coast Industries – Breaststroke Sponsor: The Lopez Family – Butterfly Sponsors: AMAzon Beverages; Children’s Skin Center; Coconut Grove Bank; Cool de Sac; Jennifer Leesfield ‘91 and The Leesfield Family Foundation; Oceania Cruises – Relay Sponsors: Adrian Legaspi, MD; Billbrough & Marks, P.A.; Camp Specialists; Dr. Juan, Kara and Damon Diez; the Haskett Family; Hollub Homes; Dr. Muriel Iwanowski; Ronin Advertising – Platform Sponsors: 3400 Coral Way Ltd.; Center for Excellence in Eye Care; The Woody Foundation

Our Partners

7

ADVANCEMENT BRIEFS

Alumni Sports Stars and Coaches Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame

The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction took place at the Preparatory Campus on October 19th, where more than 200 supporters gathered for the ceremony and awards dinner.

Inductees included former U.S. National Triathlon Team member Gina Derks Gardner ‘90, and professional basketball player and Olympian Sylvia Fowles ‘04. The late Sean Taylor, who graduated in 2001 and went on to play football for the University of Miami and the Washington Redskins, was honored posthumously. Athletic Director Mark Schusterman and Coach Jorge Dieppa also were inducted for their dedication in shaping Gulliver athletes for 30 years and 25 years, respectively.

“Gulliver Schools is very proud of the Hall of Fame. Showcasing athletics is a vital part of education,” said John Krutulis, director and head of schools.

“This group of inductees illustrates the dedication and achievement ensuring the success and great tradition of Gulliver athletics.”

Thank you to our Hall of Fame sponsors: – Silver sponsors: Baptist Health and Point Group Advisors – Blue Sponsor: The Posada Family – Inductee Sponsors: Jennifer Leesfield and the Leesfield Family Foundation and Pinecrest Physical Therapy – Table Sponsors: Ben Barlow, 1st Turf, Inc., LINQ Companies, John King ‘92 and School Management Systems, Inc. – Patron Sponsors: BSN Sports and Jaguar PT – Underwriters: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Coriat and Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Gomez For additional information about our inductees, visit www.gulliverschools.org/ halloffame.

See additional event photos on page 44.

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

2012 Inductees Coach Mark Schusterman and Coach Jorge Dieppa

Call for Nominations Nominations are accepted year-round; however, nominations must be received

by January 1 of the year that the induction ceremony is being held for consideration in that year’s induction class. Induction ceremonies are held bi-annually on years ending in even numbers. Gulliver is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Hall of Fame. Nominations should be submitted by December 31, 2013.

Visit www.gulliverschools.org/halloffame for nomination/submission details.

Welcome new Partners

Gulliver would like to recognize and thank our new partners for 2012-2013:

AA Uniform AA UNIFORM COMPANY is family owned and operated. Our founder, Bernard Blanck, had a background in retailing dating back to the late 1800s in Europe. We are experts in the private, Christian and public school uniform business, as well as the faculty uniform business. We recognize that quality and style are important to today’s consumer, and we are committed to Gulliver and to providing our customers with the best-quality garments available in our industry.

We have enjoyed a relationship with Gulliver for several decades and look forward to working together for many more.

Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc. is an international risk management and insurance brokerage firm. It has been our pleasure to share a business relationship with Gulliver for more than 20 years. Gulliver has been and continues to be a valuable asset to its community. From education and community service, to philanthropy and more, Gulliver shares the common values that we at Gallagher value as well. We look forward to supporting Gulliver for many years to come.

Gulliver Partners make significant Annual Fund investments of $10,000 or more in the future of our school and the business profession by supporting the transformational academic programming, ideas and experiences that make our students innovative leaders.

BNY Mellon BNY Mellon Wealth Management is among the top 10 U.S. wealth managers, with more than two centuries of experience providing investment management, wealth and estate planning, and private banking services to financially successful individuals and families, their family offices and business enterprises, charitable gift programs, endowments and foundations. We’re committed to giving young people more opportunities to reach their goals, and applaud the positive impact that Gulliver has on the lives of children in Southern Florida.

Miami Children’s Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is a specialty field of dentistry dedicated exclusively to the dental care of children of all ages from infancy through adolescence. At Miami Children’s Smiles, Dr. Gabriela Rolland- Asensi excels in this specialized field, using innovative behavior management techniques and special sedations to help children relax during the experience. Dr. Rolland and her staff manage to make a dental visit a fun event.

We have found Gulliver to be a groundbreaking institution and an innovator in educating our future leaders. As part of our dedication to the health and well-being of children, we have invited Gulliver families to become part of our patient family. Our patients receive VIP service that always includes the full attention of Dr. Rolland-Asensi and her staff, as well as the ability to select a convenient appointment time, in private rooms.

Pinecrest Physical Therapy Pinecrest Physical Therapy is an outpatient physical therapy practice with locations in Pinecrest, Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne. Our licensed and certified therapists and athletic trainers are qualified to handle, treat and care for all orthopedic and neurologic issues. Whether recovering from an overuse condition or from surgery after an injury, our clinicians are dedicated to achieving full recovery for our clients in a kind, caring manner.

We have partnered with Gulliver to continue offering its students and families quality, hands-on care, which everyone deserves. All treatment plans are individualized and based on physician and clinician recommendation. We look forward to treating members of the Gulliver community with all of their physical therapy needs.

The Safer Driver Academy The Safer Driver Academy’s program is designed for teens and parents alike to learn and acquire the necessary skills to become a better, safer driver. Our instructors use the training and experience they have gained through years of professional racing to teach the principles of defensive driving on the streets.

They instill safe driving habits before a lesson is learned the hard way – developing a better, more confident teenage driver. Gulliver has the same philosophy in educating well-rounded, successful, lifelong learners.

To learn more about our partners program, please visit www.gulliverschools.org/partners.

9

NEWS

Prep Students Advance To Deca State Competition Thirty-nine Gulliver Prep students competed in the district-level competition for DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) on December 5, 2012.

Nineteen of them qualified to compete in February’s state competition. Nearly half of the Gulliver students who participated in the Miami-Dade district competition qualified for states, although only 25 of the 867 total students who participated in the district competition qualified. DECA is an organization for high school students interested in marketing, finance, hospitality or business administration.

The district competition required students to take a written test in one of those areas. At the state competition, students will take an additional written test and present their analysis of a business case in front of a panel of judges. Some students work in pairs during the case analysis and presentation, while others work individually. These students qualified for states:

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

–D aniel Herrera ‘14 and Eric Jaramillo ‘14 (Business Administration, Business Law & Ethics, 1st place) – J oao Leao ‘13 and Martin Gonzalez ‘13 (Finance, Financial Services, 2nd place) –R aychel Feldman ‘13 and Nick Acosta ‘14 (Finance, Financial Services, 3rd place) –W esley Graham Reid ‘14 and Kai Ito ‘13 (Hospitality & Tourism, Travel & Tourism, 1st place) –A rthur Work ‘14 (Hospitality & Tourism, Hotel & Lodging Management, 2nd place) –D aniel Sousa ‘13 and Dante Benitez ‘16 (Hospitality & Tourism, Travel & Tourism, 3rd place)

– A ntonio Muina ‘14 (Hospitality & Tourism, Restaurant & Food Service Management, 6th place) – Camila Solis ‘15 (Marketing, Food Marketing, 2nd place) – Bryan Yance ‘14 (Marketing, Automotive Services Marketing, 3rd place) – Paulo Parente ‘13 (Marketing, Marketing Management, 5th place) – Carlos Mouawad ‘13 and Dorothy Spector ‘15 (Marketing, Buying & Merchandising, 5th place) – Philippe Jean-Pierre ‘13 and Stephanie Ellis ‘14 (Marketing, Marketing Communications, 6th place)

AROUND GULLIVER

Gulliver Presented With Prestigious Heart of Haiti Award

On September 6, 2012, Simon Dieuseul Desras, Haitian president of parliament, presented the Heart of Haiti award to Gulliver. This prestigious award is only given to 11 recipients worldwide each year. Desras honored Gulliver engineering students in recognition of the water purification system, LiTreS, which they developed for victims of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and for all of its citizens.

Alexis Wong ‘12, Jonathan Wilson ‘13, Ian Chang ‘13 and Laura Vargas ‘13 demonstrated the enhanced liquid filtration system and discussed the impact and marketability of the system with Desras and five members of the Chamber of Deputies. Desras was very appreciative of the benefits of the water system not only for Haiti, but also for its potential global impact. He graciously invited Gulliver students to visit the county and present the LiTreS system personally.

Following the presentation, the dignitaries also visited Gulliver’s law and litigation and biomedical students.

In addition, Wong, a 2012 Gulliver graduate and member of the engineering team who is a freshman at American University in Washington, D.C., represented her alma matter on August 31, 2012, at a White House Council on Environmental Quality event honoring the five winning student teams for developing sustainable projects from across the country. At the event, Gulliver received the “Most Innovative Approach Award” from the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its nationwide Youth Sustainability Challenge.

The EPA launched the challenge last year, at the direction of the White House and in conjunction with the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The competition challenged youth from across the nation to submit a video and tell the world what they were doing in their communities to foster sustainability and help conserve America and the world. The winners were able to meet some of the most influential individuals working on sustainable development around the world. Wong also met the other winners of the challenge, including many college students! She also participated in a Twitter Town Hall with Gary Guzy, deputy director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, answering some of his questions, as well as questions asked via Twitter! The conversation streamed live on www.

WhiteHouse.gov/live.

Desras honored Gulliver engineering students in recognition of the water purification system, LiTreS, which they developed for victims of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and for all of its citizens.

11

NEWS

Prep’s Link Crew Aims For Positive School Climate Prep staff and faculty are training students to become Link Crew Leaders – role models and mentors for incoming Prep students. Prep Activities Director Danielle Bowen ‘94, College and Guidance Counselor Amy Shapiro and Faculty Member Laura Keepax ‘85 underwent a three-day Link Crew training session. They then trained current juniors and seniors to become Link Crew Leaders. They focus on creating a smooth transition into a new school to ensure that no matter where a student came from or what his or her past experiences are, the new student will be welcomed and connect as a member of the Gulliver family. Link Crew Leaders are each assigned a group of new students. The relationship begins with orientation, and leaders continue to check in with their group members as the year progresses:

– High School Orientation: Link Leaders and freshmen start building the mentor relationship.

Freshmen receive information about how to be successful in high school.

– Academic Follow-Ups: Link Leaders support freshman academic success and character development through structured classroom visits.

– Social Follow-Ups: Link Leaders and freshmen connect outside the classroom at social events to increase student engagement and promote a positive school climate.

– L eader-Initiated Contacts: Link Leaders connect with their freshmen on a more individual basis.

National Dance Honor Society Inducts 13 Girls

The Prep’s Nu Delta Alpha National Dance Honor Society held induction ceremony on November 14, in the Shah Family Library Media Center.

Sophomore Morgan Furnari performed a beautiful contemporary solo to welcome the guests. Provost Gloria Bracciano honored the 13 inductees by placing a pin on each of them to represent their membership.

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Our Link Crew leaders were selected through an application process, which included a brief essay and teacher recommend-ation. These students also show the promise of strong commitment and dedication to Gulliver, as well as potential leadership qualities.

AROUND GULLIVER

Special Olympics Events at the Prep On November 5, the Prep hosted several Special Olympics-related events. The day began with a clinic on the Prep field.

Athletes from Gulliver Prep, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School, Doral Academy Preparatory and the City of Miami worked with Special Olympic athletes on baseball and softball skills. Students took photos with special guest Billy the Marlin, tossed softballs and practiced their batting skills.

Next, selected athletes also participated in a presentation/discussion with Gulliver’s computer engineering students about the development of their

Special Olympics App. Students Darian Miranda and Sebastian Bartlett led the discussion. The app will give Special Olympics athletes and their families a way to securely network (over a StatusNet framework) on a social network. It will allow athletes to post videos and photos, add dates to a calendar and locate friends through the location-based service.

Special Olympic athletes had many questions and look forward to the upcoming app.

Gulliver’s students enjoyed interacting with the Olympians and look forward to having the event again next year.

National Merit Semifinalists The college and guidance department is proud to announce that three of our seniors have qualified for National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist status. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has selected Matthew Elgart, Gabriella Ekens and Stephanie Rubin (pictured below, left to right) as semifinalists. In addition to attaining this prestigious title, these students are also in the running for scholarship money through the college they will eventually attend!

Congratulations to these Prep students.

A Scientist in Our Midst During the summer of 2012, Prep senior Adrienne Cassel took part in an internship in the department of neurological surgery at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. She performed research in Dr. Ricardo Komotar’s science lab alongside professors, an M.D. degree candidate and a UM resident student.

The group focused on researching glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, and inflammasomes, a component of the innate immune system. Cassel said neuroplasticity caught her attention during research – particularly

neuroplasticity in brain cancer research.

When we asked her to describe this, she replied, “It’s the brain’s potential to rewrite its neural pathways, if at all damaged. The concept is pretty cool.”

Cassel also has been commissioned to create an illustration for Neuroscience Today! In addition, she will soon be a published researcher after her collaborative effort with her lab partners.

The group has begun the process of publishing several journal articles.

13

HOW MUCH DO YOU REMEMBER?

Nice Beards

Not Quite Touch Screens

Spring | Summer 2013

Fashion Forward

Homecoming Preparedness

The King Visits Gulliver

atrium

Squeeze Squeeze

Always Full of Surprises

PHOTO GALLERY

Cramming Before the Big Test

Strut Your Stuff

Bagel Break

The Good Old Public Phone Picking Out the Bling on Your Class Ring

Watch My Skills

15

2012-2013 Gulliver Events

“Make a Splash�

Swim-A-thon

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Photo Gallery

Donor Reception

17

2012 Gulliver Events

Holiday Marketplace

Raider Challenge

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Photo Gallery

Night of Mystique

19

ALUMNI PROFILES

Alexander Mijares ‘03 PAINTER, SCULPTOR & BUSINESSMAN “I’m not working with a gallery now, but I took a marketing class while at Gulliver that has really helped me identify, reach and really connect with my buyers.”

Alexander Mijares ‘03 began his Gulliver journey as a ninth grader at Gulliver Preparatory School’s Miller Drive Campus, doodling on his books and playing every sport offered to him. His high school career included making lifelong friends and taking classes that would eventually help launch his dual paths as a successful businessman and emerging artist.

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

“When I finished Gulliver, I went to Northeastern [University] in Boston for a few years, but ended up graduating from Florida International University once the warm weather brought me home,” said Mijares, whose younger brother Andrew ‘09 is also a Gulliver grad.

Mijares went on to get his MBA at FIU, thinking that his future work with his family’s sheet metal fabrication business

in Miami could benefit from an advanced degree. Just one week after graduation, Mijares was looking for a painting to hang in his new apartment but couldn’t find anything that worked. So he picked up a paintbrush. His Gulliver art and painting classes gave him a foundation for painting, even though he hadn’t painted for years.

“My paintings are Spanish-influenced street art meets stained glass,” said Mijares, who uses acrylic paints because of their quick drying time, which helps quell his antsy nature. “Over the last two years, my craft has evolved and I think I’ve come into my own style. I take a lot of inspiration from women, angels – some have even described my art as looking like stained glass.” Mijares sells his art at www.mijares.com. “I’m not working with a gallery now, but I took a marketing class while at Gulliver that has really helped me identify, reach and really connect with my buyers,” he said. “I now sell anywhere from five to 10 paintings through social media each month.”

Mijares is spending about 40 hours per week at MJM Manufacturing, his family’s business, doing sales and marketing until about 3:30 p.m. each day.

He then goes home for a quick nap and

ALEXANDER MIJARES ‘03

“I try to give back to different charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Cancer Society,” said Mijares, who plans to show his work in Palm Beach, Los Angeles, New York and overseas later this fall. “The first time I ever did community service was at Gulliver.

I’ve always been very grateful for what I have and look for any opportunity to pay it forward. Now I can do so through my work. I have some really wonderful memories of my time in high school and I can definitely say a lot of my drive to succeed and desire to help others was instilled there.”

picks up the paint brushes until 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. as he works to meet the needs of his growing art business.

“I’m confident that with this incredible momentum I can become a full-time artist very soon,” Mijares said. “I see myself traveling a lot more, both for inspiration and to spread the word. My main goal personally and professionally is to be a full-time artist and paint all day long. It’s extremely rewarding that I can brighten someone else’s day through my paintings. I’ve received messages on Facebook from people all over the world who say they were in a really bad mood or depressed but my colorful works helped them through a tough time. It’s crazy how a painting can be so impactful.”

In addition to working two jobs, Mijares has begun sculpting stainless steel after teaching himself how to weld. He is also using his art to help the community.

21

ALUMNI PROFILES

MELISSA SESANA ‘07 ART CONSULTANT “Don’t neglect anything that inspires you because it might end up making the biggest difference in life.”

Melissa Sesana’s ‘07 Gulliver experience began in the fifth grade, when two of her classes at the Prep set her on her current career path as part-owner of Galleria Ca’ D’Oro, a modern art gallery in Coral Gables.

“My ninth grade history teacher, Mr. Steedman, was the first person that pushed me into art history because he saw a talent that I didn’t even recognize,” said Sesana, who also credits her mother’s interest in photography for leading her into the art world. “I presented a project to my classmates describing some artwork from the renaissance period and I was really enjoying the experience.

Mr. Steedman told me I was good at it, and at the end of the semester we had to write a paper on any topic we chose.

He suggested that I work on something related to art history and I discovered a true passion that continues today.”

While Sesana might not consider herself an artist, she does have an innate ability to recognize and appreciate modern art. “During my senior year at the Prep, I took an art history course with Miss Dean that was fantastic,” Sesana said “I absolutely loved that class. It was amazing because there were only five students and atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

we would sit around and discuss the fine points of art history. I left that course knowing it was definitely something I wanted to do in the future.”

Of course, art wasn’t Sesana’s only passion while at Gulliver. She was also a member of the water polo team. Her high school years were part of the team’s

amazing seven-year winning streak.

After graduation, Sesana moved to Washington, D.C., to attend The George Washington (GW) University, where she studied international affairs. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree with minors in art history and Spanish literature.

“When I graduated college, I decided

MELISSA SESANA ‘07

I wanted to focus my career more on art than the international politics field,” Sesana said from her temporary home in London.

“I always wanted to spend a semester in Rome during college but wasn’t able to do it while at GW because I was playing on the water polo team. I was able to enter a post-graduate program where I learned Italian for three months and then was able to do a three-month art history internship.

Through another gallery, I was able to meet my partner Manuela Campisi — who introduced me to our third partner Gloria

Porcella. She owns Galleria Ca’ D’Oro (www.ca-doro.com) and we really hit it off.”

Porcella asked Sesana about what she planned next in her life. “I explained I wanted to move to London get a master’s degree in art history,” Sesana said. “She encouraged me so much that I am now a partner with her and, along with another partner, we have opened a second location of the gallery in the Village of Merrick Park [in Coral Gables].” Sesana is currently spending her time in London, doing market

research and working to create partnerships that will allow the partners to open a third location in the near future.

Sesana isn’t done with her education, either. “Ultimately, I would like to get a master’s degree in art history in London as well, but that is on hold for right now as we look to expand our business,” she explained.

Galleria Ca’ D’Oro recently placed 18 plastic and resin alligator sculptures all over Miami Dade College’s Freedom Tower property for the ForEverglades show. The gallery also puts on special exhibitions during Art Basel Miami Beach.

The art is categorized as modern and contemporary, with many of the artists using a philosophy of “green art.” Thus many of the finished works contain recycled materials.

“Gulliver has helped me out so much,” said Sesana, whose sisters Veronica ‘10 and Caterina ‘12 are also Gulliver alumni. “It’s been so nice to have my Gulliver family be a part of the gallery as event sponsors, Director and Head of Schools John Krutulis has been very helpful and supportive — [even] attending our events.”

Sesana thrived during her time at Gulliver and fondly looks back on the lifelong friendships she formed and the philosophy that she learned as a Raider.

“Don’t neglect anything that inspires you because it might end up making the biggest difference in life,” she said.

“People and small things that you don’t even notice at the time can lead you down an amazing path.”

23

ALUMNI PROFILES

EMILY WHITE ‘79 CONCERT PIANIST “I had so many teachers who were enthusiastic, ardent supporters of my musical life. Graduating a year early gave me a big advantage in college and in the music world.”

For a Gulliver lifer like Emily White ‘79, choosing just one teacher or administrator who had the biggest impact on her education and current career path as a world-class concert pianist is nearly impossible. In fact, there were several mentors who steered her towards impressive goals and who continue to influence her and the next generation of students she is now teaching.

From an early age, White shared her musical and academic talents with her teachers, who were always willing to go the extra mile for her. “Mr. Williams’ ability to help me manage everything was crucial because he knew I wasn’t just a musician, and he was always pushing me to give 200 percent at school,” said White. She graduated with Mr. Williams’ permission at age 16, completing her high school studies in just three years. “I had so many teachers who were enthusiastic, ardent supporters of my musical life,” she added. “Graduating a year early gave me a big advantage in college and in the music world.”

White’s skills caught the attention of one particular teacher whose mentoring still resonates today. “My English teacher, Merle Kravetz, taught me about the atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

concept of service to others,” said White, noting that, with Kravetz’s guidance, she applied for and won The Miami Herald’s coveted Silver Knight Award in 1979.

“She was always looking for a way to touch people by helping them. There is a lot of communication in music, and you can bring that out and even transform people when you play for them. Every time I perform for a nursing home I think of Mrs. Kravetz. Today, I teach kids music one day a week for the Salvation Army and I still remember her. I could go on about so many teachers who have become a lasting part of me.”

After Gulliver, White went to the

University of Maryland, where she graduated summa cum laude with a music performance degree in piano. She followed the legendary teacher Sascha Gorodnitzki and went on to The Juilliard School for a master’s degree in piano performance. According to White, she was in the right place at the right time and was chosen to represent Juilliard as a London Symphony Orchestra scholar, spending four years in England. While studying at the Royal Academy of Music, White entered and won numerous international piano competitions throughout Europe and performed alone for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

EMILY WHITE ‘79

White remembers a particularly stressful concert where her Gulliver upbringing played a part in her success.

“I’ll never forget Mr. Saunders teaching us math theory and logic and how to brainstorm quickly to get out of a problem,” said White from her home in New York City. “I was in Romania and there was an almost unplayable gigantic piano and I only had a few hours before a huge solo recital. I kept thinking about what I should do, how to be confident and come out smiling. I figured out the problem was with the hammer striking distance, and I had exactly three minutes left on a pay-as-you-go cell phone, so I called Steinway in London and the technician saved my concert in three minutes. I spent the entire rehearsal not practicing, but regulating the action of that dinosaur piano. It was such a triumphant feeling when my program brought down the house. It reminded me that you should never give up. My teachers never blocked my path; they just taught me how to find a way.”

Another teacher who helped White during her many international travels was Latin teacher Mary Machado. Whether

to meet up with Mrs. Machado and we spent the day together traipsing around amphitheaters in the hot sun while she gave me pointers and advice relating to the ancient world.”

White and her husband, Daniel, a freelance clarinetist, are the proud parents of 10-year-old daughter Augusta, who also plays the piano, and 6-yearold son Kalmen, who has taken to the violin. White says both children are very interested in music and she practices with them each night. White continues to give concerts and is awaiting release of a third recording on www.arabesquerecords. com, from her performance of Brahms’ Concerto No. 2 in Poland.

Adding to her full life, White serves as piano department chair at the Brooklyn College’s Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts, teaches piano at the Special Music School of America in New York City, and has substituted on the college faculty at Juilliard.

“I am teaching gifted students and it’s very rewarding,” she said. “It gives me the chance to shape the lives of musicians, and it’s exciting to be connected with both the past and the future.”

it was the ability to communicate with a host family overseas or just feeling more comfortable at an international destination, White credits her time with Mrs. Machado as a starting point. In fact, even as an alumna White continued to learn from her Latin teacher.

“Each year, Mrs. Machado would take a trip to Europe to trace the path of Caesar or learn more about Roman history, and when I was about 30, I was playing at a festival in Italy,” said White, who ultimately earned her doctorate at the Manhattan School of Music. “I was able

For more information about White’s concert schedule and to listen to samples of her recordings, “Szymanowski Piano Works” and “The White Peacock: American Collection, Vol. I,” please visit www.ewhitepianist.com.

25

ALUMNI PROFILES

Nina JohnsonMilewski ‘02 GALLERY OWNER “I feel very lucky that a large part of my ability to succeed comes from the support of my family and friends from Gulliver.”

Nina Johnson-Milewski ‘02 started her Gulliver path in the seventh grade and knew by the time she was at the Prep that her calling was in the art world. By tailoring her studies, completing numerous internships and diligently working toward a career goal, she is now the proud owner of Miami’s Gallery Diet, where she is able to share her love of contemporary art with the community.

“I started taking general art classes in middle school, but by the time I got to high school, I was taking fine arts courses where I could structure my curriculum, focusing on art history as well as taking studio time,” said Johnson-Milewski, who recently married artist Daniel Milewski.

“During my junior and senior years, my day-to-day schedule was definitely artheavy. I was also very fortunate to get the opportunity to intern at a commercial gallery starting in my sophomore year, and I continued until graduation.”

Johnson-Milewski credits Laurie Dean, who was head of the fine arts department at the time, for always having a special place for the young artist to complete her work. “I always made a point to make extra time and come into the studio during my lunch break or study hall atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

time,” said Johnson-Milewski.

“Mrs. Dean isolated a section of her classroom so I had a semiprivate work space, which was so great and highly unusual for a high-school student. I knew I wanted to make art my career.”

Johnson-Milewski, whose older brother Timothy also graduated from Gulliver, moved to Boston after graduation.

She continued to pursue her art career at Tufts University, attending the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and taking on more internships. She even commuted to New York City for more experience interning at art galleries. Midway through college, she decided her goal was to own a gallery and she began tailoring her education with that in mind. Following graduation, JohnsonMilewski moved back to Miami and became an assistant gallery director before she decided it was time to start her own gallery.

Gallery Diet opened in 2007 and is located in the Wynwood District of Miami. It has produced more than 30

solo and group exhibitions by new and emerging artists from around the world.

Each year, Johnson-Milewski helps publish a hardcover book documenting those exhibitions.

Owning her own gallery, JohnsonMilewski has found, involves a large educational component. “Miami is a city just coming into its own as far as the arts community is concerned,” she said.

NINA JOHNSON-MILEWSKI ‘02

“We do a lot of walk-through exhibition tours and other programming such as lunches and dinners in an effort to make the gallery accessible to as many people as possible.” Johnson-Milewski also volunteers on the boards of numerous institutions, including the Miami Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami and the Wolfsonian-FIU.

While Johnson-Milewski is considered young to own a gallery, she believes her exposure at Gulliver helped lead the way.

“I was always aware how fortunate I was to have the education that I received at Gulliver,” she said Johnson-Milewski.

“Where most people are starting college, that’s where I was when I was in 10th grade. I already had a foot above my college peers due to the generosity of the teachers and their educational backgrounds, which bleeds through to the students.” Determined to help other students have similar experiences, Johnson-Milewski implemented a college internship program at Gallery Diet.

The Gallery’s current assistant director, Julie Dorsey ‘07, first joined the gallery through that program. “I had such a strong education and practical experience in the field that I was a little further

along in my professional development,” Johnson-Milewski said. “I also think the fact that kids of Gulliver are children of entrepreneurs and business owners made it easier for me to make the jump to my own space because I saw their success.”

Johnson-Milewski recently returned to Gulliver to participate in the Arts Honor Society Induction Ceremony, where she shared some of her experiences as a Raider. She also was able to highlight some of the cultural career paths that are available today. She hopes to work more with Gulliver students and feels strongly that the doors to her gallery are always open to those interested in learning more about the arts.

“I feel very lucky that a large part of my ability to succeed comes from the support of my family and also from friends from Gulliver, as well as artists I met along the way,” she noted.

For more information about upcoming shows at Johnson-Milewski’s gallery, please visit www.gallerydiet.com.

27

ALUMNI PROFILES

GONZALO PARODI ‘82 PATRON OF THE ARTS “Gulliver gives you a sense of values and excellence by building young minds and instilling a love for the arts and sports.”

Gonzalo Parodi ‘82 began his Gulliver journey as a sophomore at the Prep. He brought with him strong family roots from Venezuela, Spain and Italy and a love and respect for the art and financial worlds.

His path today includes helping his alma mater and its current students so they can also reap the rewards that the art world brings to his life.

“Both parents instilled in me from a very young age the love of the arts,” said Parodi, who lives in Miami but was born in Spain and has a second home there. “I took a humanities course during my senior year with Miss Garcia that focused on the arts and philosophy, which was similar to a college undergrad class.” That class reinforced his interest in the humanities, but Parodi still wasn’t sure about his atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

career path. His mother, Francisca, is an artist and one of the world’s premiere collectors and restorers of vintage clothing. “My love of philosophy kept bringing me back,” he said.

Following an undergraduate philosophy and economics degree from the University of Miami (1985), Parodi spent two years at the London School of Economics, pursuing a master’s degree (MSc). He returned to UM to work on his doctorate in philosophy while teaching courses in philosophy, logic and scientific method.

“In order to further my career in academics, I would have had to leave Miami and I didn’t want to leave South

Florida,” Parodi said. “I continued teaching philosophy while becoming an analyst at a commodity firm focusing on oil markets, and that experience led me to explore the world of finance more. I really enjoyed learning about restructuring thirdworld country debt and focused my efforts in the credit markets of Central and Latin America, specializing in Sovereign Debt.”

Since leaving UM, Parodi has endowed a chair there encouraging

GONZALO PARODI ‘82

research on the intersection of philosophy and contemporary art. This initiative provided UM with a world-class Scholar in the Philosophy of Art (currently Amie Thomasson), and has generated a bridge between the university, the art world and the South Florida community. Every December, the senior-level scholar works to present a lecture that helps research in conceptual issues in art become less intimidating and more tangible to the Miami community. As the 10-year anniversary of the Parodi Lecture in the Philosophy of Art series nears, UM and The Miami Art Museum (MAM) will be publishing a book including all the lectures and interviews – creating a collection of memories that can be used as a textbook for art studies.

“Each year, through the lecture, we are able to bring people together to learn more about the visual arts and I am working to find a way to help Gulliver students gain the edge to develop an even better understanding and appreciation of the arts,” Parodi said. “We’ve started an

publications and symposia in Miami and around the world. He serves at the Latin American and Caribbean Fund (LACF) at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and served on the board of directors of the Miami Art Museum and the acquisition board of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. “Museums are platforms for education,” he said.

Since graduation, Parodi has also contributed by encouraging the next generation of Raiders to attend his alma mater. One godson, Rafael Faria, graduated in 2008 and earned a full soccer scholarship to Penn State University.

Another godson, Esteban Sapetnitzky, is a sophomore at the Prep and the current goalkeeper for the varsity soccer team.

informal committee exploring different concepts where art students could get closer to the MAM and UM, to Art Basel and all the annual art fairs. Gulliver has so many intelligent and motivated kids.

Developing this dynamic would bring the students closer to the art world, thus enriching their school experience.” Parodi hopes that Gulliver, UM, the museums and the art world at large will join together to give Gulliver students access to events, shows, exhibits, symposia, artists’ studios, curatorial studies and to individuals in the art world. “We can dream of a future Gulliver Art Collection curated by its own students and staff, envision Gulliver graduates making their mark and contribution to the art world,” he explained.

Over the years, Parodi has organized and funded many educational events,

Parodi also volunteers as member of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, where he is working to build the collection of Latin American art. His position there finds him managing the fund focused on acquisitions of Latin and Caribbean art.

His presence at MoMA has even helped bring Gulliver alumni together for a development event. In 2008 and 2013, the museum closed for a special cocktail hour and private tour for 50 alumni who live in or commute to the New York area.

“We all have something in common and can help Gulliver grow,” said Parodi, whose nephew Mateo is currently in sixth grade at the Academy. “We can only build a great institution if we look to contributions of alumni – not just of resources like money but also of good ideas and great people.”

“Gulliver gives you a sense of values and excellence by building young minds and instilling a love for the arts and sports,” Parodi said. “It’s very exciting to me to see my friends and family attending Gulliver and actively participating in our school. I hope I will continue to be able to make Gulliver even more amazing.”

29

ALUMNI PROFILES

YANIRA MARIN ‘01 PROFESSIONAL DANCER & ACTRESS “My chorus teacher, Mr. Castonguay, was so good at helping you find your part and where your voice sounded better.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

“West Side Story” – International Tour “Women on the Verge” – Broadway “West Side Story” – Broadway “Wicked” – Tour Beyoncé – Tour “Do The Barbie” – Music Video “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” “Smash” – NBC

At just four years old, Yanira Marin ‘01 began practicing her dance routines.

By age nine, she was already dancing professionally and a family move to Miami in the eighth grade sealed her fate to become a professional dancer. Gulliver’s comprehensive performing arts program helped her find a career in Broadway, and continues to serve as a solid foundation as she moves into a new life in Hollywood.

“Having moved to Miami from Cliffside Park, New Jersey when I was 12 atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

years old, I was really depressed because I didn’t think I would ever find another dance company that would make me happy,” said Marin, whose younger brother Yaddiel also graduated from Gulliver.

“During my sophomore year at the Prep, I joined the dance team and it changed everything for me. Miss Gerri (Barreras), the dance director, is the most amazing woman I have ever met. She was not only my teacher but also a mom, a friend and so many other roles. She lifted my spirits

YANIRA MARIN ‘01

and gave me the reassurance that dancing is what I was supposed to be doing for my career. When I found Miss Gerri and the dance program it was a life-saver. If Gulliver didn’t have a dance team, I’m not sure I would be where I am today.”

After Gulliver, Marin attended Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

have any vocal training, but before my first Broadway show I felt really good about singing because of what Mr. C taught me. The time in chorus also helped me get where I am today because in musical theater you have to sing and it’s not just about dancing.”

Marin says dancing has been her

Soon after graduation she found herself auditioning for – and being cast in – Broadway roles.

“My chorus teacher, Mr. Castonguay, was so good at helping you find your part and where your voice sounded better,” Marin said. “After high school I didn’t

passion her entire life but a new opportunity now has her seeking other roles on screen. She recently moved to Los Angeles.

“I’ve just finished the European tour of West Side Story playing the role of Anita. I’ve decided to hang up my musical theater dancing shoes to try and transition more towards TV and film as a straight actress,” Marin said. “I will always be a dancer because I love it, but when the director of West Side Story gave me the opportunity to cover

the role of Anita, I realized I was a little bored when going back in to my ensemble dance track. I never really thought about pursuing acting, but I enjoyed it so much that it started to develop. Acting is a huge challenge for me. I’m still telling stories, but no longer expressing myself through movement. Now I get to communicate and connect with my audience through human behavior and actual words, which is somehow more difficult even though we all do it every day.”

For Gulliver students currently pursuing the performing arts, Marin is hopeful they will take complete and full advantage of the school’s program. “The dance program was life-changing for me,” said Marin, who was the Dance Team captain during her senior year. “I am still close to some of the girls on my team.

There is so much satisfaction and unity in succeeding as a group. Even if you don’t intend to pursue dancing or the arts in the future, there are so many valuable lessons that you can learn. Develop these relationships now because they will be there for you 10, 20 years down the road.”

31

ALUMNI PROFILES: SOMAIN CHAINANI ‘97

SOMAIN CHAINANI ‘97 AUTHOR and DIRECtoR

Kicking off a promotional book tour always brings on a frenetic mix of emotions as the author is thrilled that the project is now finished and available for the public to enjoy. Soman Chainani ‘97 will have an extra feeling of accomplishment as he shares the first book in his trilogy The School for Good and Evil (HarperCollins Children’s Publishers) with his inspirational teachers and current students at the Academy on May 15.

“Gulliver is where everything started,” said Chainani, who is finishing the screenplay for the book and is working on the next two books in the series, which is

aimed at children ages 9 and up. “I didn’t know I was a writer until Mrs. Gonzalez’s class in seventh grade. Each week she encouraged us to use our creativity and write in a different genre – whether it was short stories, a play or an essay. By the end of year, I had fallen in love with writing. Kicking off the tour at Gulliver seems natural, since Mrs. Gonzalez always predicted I would write a book. Gulliver will be the first school to get the book once it goes on sale and I will have an opportunity to talk to a lot of kids that day to share my experiences.”

The School for Good and Evil series tells the tale of two girls who are kidnapped from their village and taken to a school where students are trained to be future fairytale heroes and villains. Following the kickoff at Gulliver, Chainani will travel to eight cities in 10 days for a promotional tour.

An accompanying interactive website is also available at www.schoolforgoodandevil.com.

“Mrs. Gonzalez will be there at the kickoff, and I plan to share with her students what she taught me,” Chainani said. “I think you just have to find the thing you love doing, even if it’s really hard or you don’t

think you have a future in it. The clue that you are doing what you enjoy is that time just disappears when you are doing it. I can’t find enough hours to write.”

As for the future, The School for Good and Evil movie should in theaters sometime in the next two years, and the last two books in the trilogy are set for release in 2014 and 2015. Another book tour just might be in sight. For more information about Chainani’s upcoming novels and films, please visit www.somanchainani.net.

Young AlumNI

TIFFANY HEQUIN ‘13 ART ENTREPRENEUR As Tiffany Hequin ‘13 looks to begin her life after Gulliver, she knows that her schooling as a Raider will set her on a successful path using both her stellar art credentials and solid academic footing.

“Art always interested me when I attended the Academy, but once I moved onto the Prep – where I could be more in charge of my schedule – I was able to really focus on my art education,” said Hequin, whose older brother Beau ‘07 was also a Gulliver lifer. “I took all the prerequisites

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

and was on a fast track to take the advanced and honors art classes. Gulliver is great because, although I made art a major area of study, I was also able to balance that with the excellent academic classes.”

Hequin spends most of her time in the art studio concentrating on pen work, and recently received a second place award at the Beaux Arts’ Festival in Coral Gables. “[Gulliver’s] art program is really great because it’s small and you get so much individual attention,” Hequin said. “I’m always telling my own mom that I have another mother at school in my teacher, Mrs. Toledo. She is like family and constantly trying to get us to go out of our comfort zone. Every week she presents a tutorial on a new art technique and not only does it add new pieces to our portfolio, but it improves our knowledge as artists.”

Hequin is planning to attend Babson College, a small specialty school outside Boston that focuses on entrepreneurship – which she knows will be important if she wants to start selling her art. Her family also operates Morays Jewelers in downtown

Miami, a seven-generation business that dates back to roots in Austria. Hequin wants to be able to support the shop using her artistic design talent and business skills.

“During my school career, I learned how to find my own place in a community,” said Hequin, who hopes to take a year off to study fashion design in Italy during her college career. “You can get lost when you are growing up, but I was taught how to take my ambition and go in a direction that’s going to benefit me. My teachers also helped show me how to take advantage of opportunities that were presented to me. I know from my experiences at Gulliver that you can do well if you try hard.”

LAUREN AMIGO ‘12 ART THERAPY Lauren Amigo ‘12 was enrolled at Gulliver Academy in sixth grade. Her parents were looking for just the right school for their artistic, shy daughter. Little did they know that the decision would not only

YOUNG ALUMNI

help transform her quiet demeanor but would also lead her to an awesome college experience.

“I am living my dream,” said Amigo from her dorm room at New York University, where she is a freshman studying both applied psychology and studio art, hoping to major in art therapy. “I’m an artistic person with a creative soul, and I am living in the city that is the epitome of creativity.

I have complete freedom and am getting an education at the same time. I am doing everything that makes me happy while building my own identity.”

Amigo began taking art classes as soon as she started at Gulliver and took as many

as her schedule allowed during her time at the Prep. “I practically lived in the art room during high school, and the teacher who helped me the most was Mrs. Toledo since I had her all four years,” Amigo said. “She is amazing and so patient. She really wants her kids to do the best they possibly can.

Even when I entered into high school, I was still very timid, which showed through my art. She took me out of my comfort zone and helped open me up using art. She was the first teacher that ever did that. The art teachers and art community as a whole at Gulliver are like my family.”

Amigo knew she wanted to do something with art for a career but didn’t know specifically how she could accomplish that goal until another Gulliver class her senior year helped set her path.

“I took Dr. Ewen’s Advanced Placement Psychology class and I found it to be really interesting, but I didn’t know how I could connect psychology with art,” Amigo explained. “I realized that, along with that experience and some hospital stays that I’ve dealt with because of kidney stones, I could actually help others through art therapy. You can really get away from the scary parts of a hospital stay through art and I look forward to making that a reality for others, especially kids. I know my time at Gulliver in the art department helped me get to where I am today. I went in a shy girl attached to her sketchbook.

JAVIER ROMERO ‘12 MUSICAL THEATER Just about one year ago, Javi Romero ‘12 was standing on the edge of the stage taking his final bows with his best friends as their production of “Bye Bye Birdie” wrapped up at Gulliver Prep. Tears were flowing – the close-knit group knew their time in high school was coming to an end. But thanks to a sturdy drama education, they were certain that the next chapter of their lives as fulltime acting students would be a fulfilling one.

Today, Romero is a freshman at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, studying vocal performance with an emphasis in music theatre. He has two siblings – twins Mariana ‘20 and Danny ‘20 – who are still students at Gulliver.

“I think the way that the social atmosphere at Gulliver is built helped me to embrace diversity, strengthen individuality and appreciate the bonds of human relations as a whole – which is really a plus for me at NYU,” Romero said.

“I am a performance major. But, don’t be fooled by the word ‘performance.’ There’s a lot of work involved, and all of the advanced placement and honors courses at Gulliver really helped me to prepare my organizational skills for college.”

As for Romero’s future, he knows the road is not going to be easy, but he’s looking forward to the challenges. “Hopefully I’ll have a career working in musical theatre.

The goal is ‘The Great White Way’ – Broadway or Bust,” said Romero from his New York City dorm room. “I believe I can do it. Something very interesting about my program is that my current professors are working professionals in the industry.

So, as they pass down their knowledge to their students, I’m also building important relationships with them. Another great thing about the vocal performance program is that I am not just acquiring my dance, acting and music skills, but I’m also learning about all the other facets of theatre like

producing and directing. I’m making a lot of connections at Steinhardt and I know I have a lot of auditioning ahead of me. But, I’m positive that with my Gulliver background and NYU experience, I can succeed.” and came out a much stronger artist destined to continue on in the city that never sleeps, and I truly can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

RENEE DIE-GIRBAU ‘13 ARCHITECTURE Moving to Miami from Caracas, Venezuela, before the start of her junior year of high school, Renee Die-Girbau ‘13 had heard from friends that Gulliver Prep was a great school. She had no idea the experience would lead to a budding career in architecture.

“In my previous school, I had taken classes in technical drawing. But then I began taking advanced art and architecture classes at Gulliver,” Die-Girbau said. “Mrs. Manrique is the best teacher I have ever had and positively influenced my choice to focus on architecture. She has given me so much insight into the field and is able to show the balance between science and design. I really like the math and science aspects of architecture, but also combining it with the art really brings together both disciplines.”

Die-Girbau has already been accepted into several prestigious university architecture programs and is still deciding which campus will offer the best opportunities for her future.

“I don’t think I would be where I am now if we didn’t move to Miami and start attending Gulliver,” said Die-Girbau as she prepared for graduation. “I now have the technical skills that I need, the patience that comes with excellent experience and am much more prepared for college. I truly don’t even know if I would be looking to study architecture at the university level because I didn’t have enough knowledge about the field before moving to Miami.

And I owe that to Gulliver.”

33

FACULTY PROFILE

RON CASTONGUAY PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND MUSIC DIRECTOR “I teach music, and it’s always a fantastic experience when I have a student that works hard and is a natural and they go on to major in music at a university; that’s an awesome thing, however, the way I view my job is that music is educating these young adults in life skills.”

Marian Krutulis’ legacy certainly lives on through the thousands of alumni she touched during her time at Gulliver.

Many members of the faculty, too, were also forever changed by her vision and dedication to education. One of those teachers is Ron Castonguay, Gulliver’s department chair for the performing arts and music director. Affectionately referred to as “Mr. C,” Castonguay joined the Academy faculty during the 19961997 school year, then transferred to the Prep after one year.

“Mrs. K is the reason why I am on the path that I am on today,” he said.

“She was such an amazing leader and educator, while soft-spoken but firm. She always knew the right thing to do and say.

The support I received when I came to the Academy was an amazing experience that I will never forget.”

After transferring to the Prep, Castonguay found a music program in need of some tender loving care. With just five kids in chorus and 11 in the atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

band – rehearsing in what is now the girl’s locker room – he knew the program could only get better.

Today, the music program is thriving.

Approximately 100 students participate each year in music ensembles such as the

String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Chamber Choir. Each year the groups perform three major concerts at the University of Miami (UM), in addition to participating in numerous local and state

RON CASTONGUAY

adjudicated festivals. In 2005, Gulliver Prep’s entire music program traveled to New York’s Carnegie Hall, giving performances for which they received an emotional standing ovation. A spring 2013 concert at New York’s Lincoln Center was also wildly successful.

The Gulliver performances are especially dear to Castonguay, who graduated from UM in 1993 with a degree in music theory and composition. He has used those platforms to share exciting personal news with audiences. “During the Spring Concert in 2004, I had the jazz band learn the music to Harry Connick Jr.’s ‘We are in Love.’ I invited my girlfriend Melissa up to the stage in front of 700 people.

I stopped the music mid-song to grab her engagement ring out of my tenor sax and proposed right there.

The following year nearly 60% of the guests at our wedding were from Gulliver,” Castonguay recalled.

“During the Holiday Concert in 2008, I also announced that my wife was pregnant with our first daughter, Siena, who is now attending Gulliver’s preschool.

Gulliver is a huge part of my life.”

Daughter Summer joined the Castonguay Family in August 2012 and will undoubtedly become a Raider when she nears school age.

Castonguay also teaches an Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory class, and next year will offer a new Jazz Theory and Improvisation course. “I teach music, and it’s always a fantastic experience when I have a student that works hard and is a natural and they go on to major in music at a university; that’s an awesome thing,” Castonguay said. “However, the way I view my job is that music is educating these young adults in life skills. Through the Prep Music Program, they are learning about responsibility, self-discipline, initiative and leadership. I believe I teach more about life skills and use music as a vehicle, because everything in the music world can help you later in your career and life.

That is my educational philosophy. I love conducting and teaching music because it’s my love and passion, but all the

students can use these lessons in life and I believe this strongly.”

He gives an example of how music performance translates into job skills: “For example, being able to perform a solo results in self-confidence on a job interview,” Castonguay said. “We are also able to show integrity and a respect for others through our community servicebased Music Club, where we are helping fund underprivileged music programs.”

The student-run Music Club, which Castonguay oversees, performs in the community at nursing centers and other locations. The group truly enjoys entertaining others with their music. Fundraisers have helped to

build a niche for myself that I would not be able to find at any other school,” said Castonguay. “I have a very rare and unique opportunity to teach the whole child. I am using music and sharing my passion to show these kids some skills that will help them succeed when they graduate high school. These students will be contributors to society and lifelong learners, which was Mrs. K’s vision. And it’s mine, too.”

raise thousands of dollars for local and national music programs. Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, the group sent money to New Orleans’ schools to buy new instruments.

“Gulliver is a fantastic, supportive place to work, and I have been able to 35

SPOTLIGHT

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

SPOTLIGHT: PERFORMING ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

“Gulliver has one of the top music programs in South Florida and the new building will only make it better.

We have worked very hard over the years and our talented alumni are proof of where our program is today.”

– Ron Castonguay

As one of the premiere performing arts programs in South Florida, Gulliver can be extremely proud of the growing list of students who build upon their education and choose a career in dance, drama or music. However, without the tireless support of Dance Director Gerri Barreras and Music Director Ron Castonguay, many of these students may not have discovered their gifts. In fact, with the leadership of these two incredible mentors, Gulliver Prep musicians and dancers who once practiced their art in the girls’ locker room are now literally bumping into each other in tight spaces.

his students every day to be the best musicians possible,” said Jennifer Rotolante ‘03. “He went from our pioneer string class of five musicians in 1999 to an amazing orchestra that – when you hear it – sounds like you are listening to seasoned professionals.”

Each year, the annual Solo and Ensemble Concert at the University of Miami’s Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall highlights the many individual musicians’ talents. Sold-out performances and concerts at UM’s Maurice Gusman Concert Hall prove that the appeal of the music program is steadily growing.

Almost Two Decades Of Growth Seventeen years ago, Prep Music Director Ron Castonguay had 16 students in his band and chorus. Today he conducts Wind, String, Vocal and Jazz ensembles with nearly 100 students. Participants in the Prep music program range from beginner to conservatory-level, and it boasts a multitude of small ensembles and combos, as well as AP Music Theory classes.

“Mr. Castonguay was an inspirational and amazing teacher who encouraged

Dance Program Premieres Beginning in 1996, the dance program made its first home in what was the girls’ locker room, sharing space with the music program. By the following year, classes were held in the gym and then moved into the portables. In 2002, the Performing Arts Building became home to both Gulliver dancers and musicians. The space allowed the school to offer students the opportunity to study dance in a variety of forms, enabling them to tap into their

creative side and develop confidence.

“Ms. Gerri was instrumental in the development of my professional dance career,” said Kim Denkhaus ‘00. “She was my biggest supporter, inspired me creatively and provided the structure and discipline I needed to excel in the competitive dance profession. Ms. Gerri encouraged me to apply to the dance program at Southern Methodist University, for which I was accepted, and she also inspired me to pursue a career in the performing arts in New York City and Los Angeles. Without her training, guidance and friendship I would not be the dancer I am today.”

Many Gulliver alumni continue to dance after high school as professionals in dance companies and on Broadway, or as teachers and choreographers. In fact, since the inception of the dance program, at least one graduate has gone on to a professional career each year.

“I believe the dance program is exciting, innovative and progressive because the instruction is so comprehensive and cumulative in nature, with students receiving instruction 37

SPOTLIGHT

in classical ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and tap dance,” Barreras said. “The idea is getting students ready for college by including not just the physical act of dancing but also learning about history, terminology and different choreographers. Our students become stronger dancers and true artists.”

Accolades and Prizes Gulliver musicians and dancers excel at the regional, state and national level (see pages 38-39), which has pushed the facilities to their limit. Recent judges at these competitions gush. “Bravo!

Outstanding! Fantastic! Superb! All of the great things you should hear about your performance today! Congratulations to the students and director of this amazing band program!” wrote Eugene Timmons.

“WOW!” said Malena Calle, “By far the highlight of my evening and probably my year! An outstanding ensemble, you are, as I’m sure you know, very lucky to have such a fine teacher! FANTASTIC!” The same can be said of the dancers by various judges, whose accolades have included this one: “Great technique! Very entertaining! Love this dance. Good job!

Good transitions! Nice energy!”

Challenges for the Future With the wild success of the performing arts curriculum, there are also challenges in ensuring that the program can continue atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

to shape the lives of future students.

Currently, dance classes are limited to 15 students each, as a safety precaution, so participants do not run into one another. Storage space for costumes is limited and practice locations are few.

Combined music ensemble rehearsals often have to take place in the gym or in other classrooms, as there simply is not enough room for 100 students with large instruments to practice together.

As part of the Gulliver strategic plan, it has been identified as a priority to work toward designing and fundraising for a new state-of-the-art music and dance building on the Prep Campus.

This new, more spacious, building would further enhance the program offerings, giving current performing arts students the opportunity to better showcase their talents and abilities, while also allowing additional students to participate in these programs.

A Long-Awaited New Building Both Barreras and Castonguay have provided invaluable input into the design of a new building, in an effort to provide renderings that will enable Gulliver to conduct a feasibility study. Buildings and facilities like this cannot be built with tuition dollars alone. We depend upon the participation and generosity of donors to make this a reality. During the last six years,

the Prep has seen a new state-of-the-art Aquatics Center, Library Media Center and numerous other improvements and enhancements. All of the projects were the direct result of donors’ generosity. So we are confident that our community will come together again to support this new initiative.

Our feasibility study should be completed by fall 2013 and will provide us with a better indication of the fundraising opportunities and challenges. The proposed music and dance building includes individual practice rooms for on-campus tutorials, a keyboard lab for piano lessons and a fully-equipped recording studio, allowing students to record their college audition CDs in-house.

The proposed building’s larger size would allow all ensembles, chorus, strings and band to practice together, eliminating the need to move more than 100 students, instruments, chairs and stands to the gym for concert rehearsals.

A Bright Future for Gulliver’s Arts Program The music and dance programs have quietly flourished at the Prep thanks to the dedication of students, parents, alumni and instructors. It’s time to shout it out loud: A far-reaching visual and performing arts program not only benefits its participants, but our school and the Miami community at large. By appealing to an internationally diverse body of students, these programs

PERFORMING ARTS

broaden the appeal of our school and increase its competitiveness.

“Gulliver has one of the top music programs in South Florida and the new building will only make it better,” Castonguay said. “We have worked very hard over the years and our talented alumni are proof of where our program is today.”

We hope you will choose to become a leader in our effort to build a new music and dance building. With your help, we will better showcase our school’s superior curriculum, dynamic programs and our young artists’ limitless talents.

To support this initiative or for questions, please contact Gulliver’s advancement office at 786.709.4076 or advancement@gulliverschools.org.

Highlights of Prep Music Alumni Colleen Amaya ‘98 Professional singer and actor

Juan Torres ‘05 Professional actor

Elaine Perez ‘01 Elementary music teacher

Carmine Miranda ‘06 Professional cellist

Moika Udagawa ‘01 Professional flutist

Anneli Fernandez ‘07 Completing master’s in choral conducting at Louisiana State University

Natalie Caruncho ‘04 Broadway actress Stacy Bauerlein ‘05 Development associate for The New York Pops Chris Bowen ‘05 Professional conductor, completing PhD in musicology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Sara Cowley ‘05 Director of bands at Hialeah Miami-Lakes High School Gillian Kraus-Neale ‘05 Professional operatic singer

(Below) A rendering of Gulliver’s Performing Arts Center, provided by Chisholm Architects.

Eric Lemmon ‘05 Professional violist

Stephen Batts ‘09 Professional drummer, composer and innovator Luis Urbina ‘09 Performance major at Florida International University Miguel Fernandez ‘11 Music business major at the University of Miami Chris Gaskell ‘11 Jazz bass performance major at New York University Wade Judy ‘11 Double major in classical trombone performance and music education at the University of Miami

39

SPOTLIGHT

Highlights of Recent Music Accomplishments

2012 – 2013 SCHOOL YEAR

Wind, String and Vocal ensembles perform at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City Jazz Ensemble performs at Lincoln Center’s Allen Room in New York City Eight Prep musicians participate in the Florida AllState Music Festival, ranking them among the top high school musicians in the State of Florida Jazz Ensemble receives all Superior ratings at District Festival for the 11th Consecutive Year Jazz Combo, which is five years old, receives Superior ratings at District Festival for the fifth consecutive year String Students’ 18 entries bring home 16 Superior and two Excellent ratings at the Florida Orchestra Association District Solo & Ensemble Festival String Ensemble receives a Superior rating at District Festival for the 12th consecutive year

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Vocal Ensemble receives a Superior rating at District Festival for the 13th consecutive year

*Superior with Distinction is awarded only to those students who give a Superior performance from memory

All ensembles take top prizes at WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival Orlando

Florida Vocal Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival individual singers receive 15 Superior and one Excellent rating in Chamber Choir and Vocal Solo categories

2011 – 2012 SCHOOL YEAR

Seven Prep musicians participate in the Florida AllState Music Festival, ranking them among the top high school musicians in the State of Florida FBA State Jazz and Solo & Ensemble Festival individual competitors receive 39 Superior and four Excellent ratings in Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Quartet and for solos in Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Piano, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone and Trombone categories FOA State Solo & Ensemble Festival individual competitors receive three Superior with Distinction*, 11 Superior and two Excellent ratings in Cello, Harp, Viola, Violin Solo and String Quartet categories

Jazz Ensemble receives straight Superior ratings (highest honor) at the FBA State Jazz and Solo & Ensemble Festival Jazz Combo receives a Superior rating at the FBA State Jazz and Solo & Ensemble Festival Vocal Ensemble receives Gold with straight Superiors at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival and earns: –O utstanding Choral Group Award – I nvitation to Heritage Festival’s National Invitational Festivals of Gold – I nvitation to 2013 & 2014 National Youth Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall

PERFORMING ARTS

Wind Ensemble receives Gold with straight Superiors at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival and earns: – Outstanding Band Group Award – Adjudicator Award (highest scoring band in the Festival) – Invitation to Heritage Festival’s National Invitational Festivals of Gold Jazz Ensemble receives Gold with straight Superiors at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival and earns: – Adjudicator Award (highest scoring Jazz Band in the Festival) String Ensemble receives Gold with Straight Superiors at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival and earns: – Outstanding Orchestra Group Award – Adjudicator Award (highest scoring string orchestra in the Festival) – Invitation to Heritage Festival’s National Invitational Festivals of Gold

– S weepstakes Award for Instrumental – Gulliver Preparatory – S weepstakes Award for Total Program – Gulliver Preparatory There were eight possible trophies in this festival – We took them all home!

String Ensemble receives straight Superiors at Florida State Festival Jazz Band performs at BB King’s Blues Club in Orlando 2010 – 2011 SCHOOL YEAR

Chorus, Chamber Choir and Jazz Ensemble all receive the highest honor of the AllStar Music Festival: They are each chosen as the Grand National Champion in their categories for the entire year 2009 – 2010 SCHOOL YEAR

All ensembles play at WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival in Atlanta 2006 – 2007 SCHOOL YEAR

All ensembles perform at Walt Disney World in Orlando

2005 – 2006 SCHOOL YEAR

Band, Strings, Chorus and full Orchestra perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City

after a rigorous audition process, to participate in the Florida All-State Music Festival, ranking them among the top high school musicians in the state of Florida.

Jazz Ensemble performs at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York City Since 1998, Gulliver Prep’s music program has received top honors at the following national music festivals: MusicFest (1998 - 2001), AllStar Music Festival (2002 and 2010), Dixie Classic’s National Adjudicators Invitational (2003, 2004 and 2006), Festivals of Music in Atlanta (2007), Dynamic Music Festival (2008), WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival in Atlanta (2009), Orlandofest (2011) and WorldStrides Heritage Festival in Orlando (2012) Since 1998, Gulliver Prep’s music program has consistently scored Superior marks at District and/or State festivals for String, Wind, Vocal and Jazz ensembles.

Each year between six and 13 Prep musicians are chosen, 41

SPOTLIGHT

Highlights of Recent Dance Achievements

2013 CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS NATIONALS

– Contemporary, Sixth place overall

TEAM DIVISION:

National Champions

– Special recognition: Outstanding Technique Award

– Show Production: First place with straight Superior ratings

– Soloists: received three Superior and six Excellent ratings

– Open category: First place with straight Superior ratings

– Duets: Excellent rating

– Jazz category: Second place with straight Superior ratings

– Ensemble: Superior rating

– Contemporary category: Fourth place with straight Superior ratings – Hip Hop category: Superior rating OFFICER DIVISION:

– Superior rating

ENSEMBLE DIVISION:

– First place Small with straight Superior ratings – Second place Large with straight Superior ratings

– Trio: Excellent rating

2013 FLORIDA DANCE TEAM DIRECTORS’ ASSOCIATION STATE DANCE COMPETITION HIGH SCHOOL SMALL TEAM DIVISION ROUTINES:

– Over-all State Grand Champions – Team rating: Superior – State Champions, First place, Superior rating: Lyrical category

DUET/TRIO DIVISION:

– State Champions, First place, Superior rating: Jazz category

– Excellent rating

– First place, Superior rating: Contemporary category

– Straight Superior ratings

SOLO DIVISION:

– Senior soloist: Fifth place overall senior finalist

– Second place, Superior rating: Hip Hop category

– Four soloists received straight Superior and one Excellent ratings

OFFICER DIVISION:

– Junior soloist: First place overall

Second place, Superior rating

– Four additional soloists received straight Superior ratings

Superior rating

First place, Superior rating

HIGH SCHOOL TRIOS:

HIGH SCHOOL DUETS: INTERMEDIATE DIVISION SOLOS:

First place, Superior rating 2013 AMERICAN DANCE ALLIANCE STATE COMPETITION TEAM DIVISION:

Superior rating

– Novelty, First place overall – Hip Hop, Third place overall – Jazz, Fifth place overall

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

SENIOR DIVISION SOLOS:

– First place, Superior rating – Second place, Superior rating – Third place, Superior rating – Five Superior and one Excellent rating

PERFORMING ARTS

2012 FLORIDA DANCE TEAM DIRECTORS’ ASSOCIATION STATE DANCE COMPETITION TEAM DIVISION:

– Show category: State Champions – Jazz category: Second place & Judge’s Award for Choreography, Technique and Style – Lyrical category: Second place – Hip Hop category: Excellent rating ENSEMBLE DIVISION:

First place

OFFICER DIVISION:

Second place

DUET DIVISION:

– First place

– Excellent rating SOLO DIVISION:

Eight straight Superiors

Highlights of Prep Dance Alumni Sarah Baker ‘00 American Ballet Theatre, promotions Cristina Benki ‘00 PhD in psychology, currently teaching dance in California Kim Denkhaus ‘00 Former Broadway performer, actress in film and TV Yanira Marin ‘01 Broadway performer, featured dancer in Beyoncé’s world tour Jackie Antun ‘02 Fashion design, hip-hop choreographer Betsy Robinson ‘03 Atlanta Ballet, head of children’s development Natalie Caruncho ‘04 First Broadway national touring cast of “In the Heights,” played the role of Diana in “A Chorus Line,” currently dance captain and swing for “Flashdance the Musical”

Cristina Sosa ‘04 Dancer/choreographer for Premios lo Nuestro, Latin Grammys Kelly Rosenblatt ‘05 Broadway and television performer Stephanie Mas ‘06 Choreographer and dancer, children’s director for MSA Talent Agency in New York City Michelle Sasso ‘06 Modern dancer, currently seeking her doctorate in medicine Elizabeth Alvarez ‘07 Dancer with the New York City-based company The Von Howard Project; contracted to perform in the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center Lauren Sepe ‘07 Dancer/choreographer, featured dance role in “Step Up Revolution” 43

ALUMNI EVENT

BLUE MARTINI

HALL OF FAMe

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

PHOTO GALLERY

HOMECOMING

HEAT LACROSSE

45

CLASS NOTES

1980s Ms. Lisa Lantinberg Engel ‘82 Lisa’s son Dillon (21) has been a member of the 13th Army Band for three years and is a junior at the University of Florida majoring in criminal justice.

Ms. Gabriella Arango ‘83

Ms. Gabriella Arango ‘83 Gabi lived in Rome, Italy, for the past 10 years, working as a board member for the U.S. Embassy’s networking club. Her duties included public relations and simultaneous translation of English, Italian and French. She is also an event coordinator and was part of the welcoming committee for diplomatic families, as well as press agent for President Barack Obama’s election night and inaugural event of four years ago. While Gabi loved living abroad, she missed her family and recently decided to move back home to sunny South Florida where she belongs!

Mrs. Marlene Alvarez Fairchild ‘84 Marlene and her husband John welcomed twins, Jackson and Harper, on October 10, 2012.

Twins Jackson & Harper Alvarez Fairchild

Ms. Marta Reeves ‘87 Marta has been vice president of corporate marketing at Pan American Life for seven years. She commutes from Miami to New Orleans and travels extensively throughout Latin America on corporate business – and she loves her job.

Mr. Shawn Cooper ‘88 Shawn is a passionate snowboarder, entrepreneur and peace activist who has followed his dreams. He describes this as, “A beg-inning fall from grace, a crumbling of my perceived reality and ego, to allow my true essence and purpose to show me the way to inner peace and connection with all beings.” Now, he humbly hopes to help others find their way.

Ms. Marta Reeves ‘87

Mr. Andres Restrepo ‘89 Andres was recently awarded Employee of the Year at AXA Advisors.

Mr. Andres Restrepo ‘89

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

1990s

CLASS NOTES

Mrs. Lani Kahn Drody ‘90 Lani and her husband Gene live in Coral Gables and have two boys, Will (10) and Sam (7). Lani owns Lowell International Realty, a boutique residential real estate firm that specializes in luxury concierge real estate. Lani loves living in Miami and sends her best to her Gulliver classmates!

Ms. Tanya Hayes ‘91 Tanya continues at Sotheby’s in the single-owner sales department and was recently in charge of the blockbuster sale of the estate of Brooke Astor.

Mr. William Queensberry-Poteete ‘93

Mrs. Alexandra Hayes Rose ‘92 Alex and husband John Rose live in New Jersey, where they are busy raising two very active children: son Dylan (2-1/2) and daughter Jordan (10 months).

Mr. William Quesenberry-Poteete ‘93 William was recently named chairperson for a specialized reunion at Oxford College of Emory University, slated for April 2013. He was also named co-chairperson of the St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church Greeters and Visitors Committee.

Mrs. Natalia Ortiz ‘95

Mrs. Natalia Ortiz ‘95 Natalia won the 2012 Huggies MomInspired Grant, which Huggies/Kimberly-Clark sponsors to find the best mom-invented products. Out of hundreds of submissions, Natalia’s Wall Bumpi Bed Rail Bumpers won. Natalia now manufactures her invention.

Mr. Jeffrey Kolokoff ‘97 Jeffrey celebrated his first wedding anniversary in November with a new job. After six years as a prosecutor, he has joined the law firm of Beighley, Myrick & Udell and practices civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense.

Mr. Jeffrey Kolokoff ‘97

Mr. David Concepcion ‘98 David was recently appointed city clerk and assistant city manager for the City of Pacific Grove in California’s Monterey Peninsula, and will be seeking potable water alternatives and economic development opportunities for the city.

Mr. Justin Hayes ‘99 Justin graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law, and is continuing his work in the Baltimore office of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski.

Mr. Pablo Reyes ‘99 and Ms. Liza Norona ‘99 Pablo and Liza have been working at Tierra Nueva Fine Cocoa, a family-owned chocolate factory located in Miami Gardens. They were recently awarded the Candy Industry’s ECRM’s 2012 Buyers Choice Award and the ECRM’s Buyers Choice Award for Best New Non-Chocolate Candy at the Every Day Candy Planning Show held in Lake Tahoe.

Mr. Liza Norona ‘99 and Mr. Pablo Reyes ‘99

47

CLASS NOTES

2000s Mrs. Elizabeth Lary Kirsch ‘01 Elizabeth and her husband recently opened their family home, Glenlary Estate in Kentucky, for events. They welcome anything from weddings and charity galas, to films and commercial shoots.

Mrs. Elizabeth Lary Kirsch ‘01

Ms. Amanda Blakley ‘02 Amanda recently joined the doctor of physical therapy program in the Duke University School of Medicine as an educational technologist.

Mr. Eduardo Del Carmen ‘02 Eddie recently produced a short film called “The Acting Lesson” for HBO, and has worked on commercials for the Miami Marlins, Walmart, Volkswagen, and Estrella Insurance. He is currently producing a documentary called “Return of the Raider” about Gulliver Prep football’s run to the State Finals following the death of Sean Taylor.

Ms. Amanda Blakley ‘02

Mrs. Alexis Doherty ‘03

Mr. Ignacio Hoyos ‘03

Mrs. Sylvia Cardim de Melo ‘03 Sylvia and her best friends, Class of ‘02 Raiders Gabriela Benjamin, Stephanie Hauser and Melissa Messulam, make an effort to see each other every year as she and Gabi live outside the US. This ritual started two years ago when they all met for Sylvia’s wedding in Portugal. The following year they met in Miami for Stephanie’s graduation from law school, and in 2012 they met in Sonoma County for Stephanie’s wedding. They are now starting to plan what and where in the world this year’s reunion will be.

Mrs. Alexis Doherty ‘03 Alexis (Atkins) was married on September 8, 2012 to Dan Doherty in Boston. Alexis and Dan went to college together in Boston at Bentley University. Alexis started a new job in January 2012 at Cisco Systems as a collaboration marketing manager and currently resides in Charlotte, N.C. Mr. Ignacio Hoyos ‘03 For the past five years Ignacio has worked as a design engineer in the electrical and wiring group for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. His team recently completed all the engineering for the 787-9, a stretch version of the baseline 787. This past November, Ignacio had the opportunity to fly as a passenger on a 787. He said, “This might not mean much to most people, but to me it was an awesome experience to fly in something that I helped design.” Now he is working on obtaining an Instrument Rating for his pilot’s license.

Mrs. Dominique de Ledebur ‘03 and Mr. Stefan Gruber ‘04 were married on March 24, 2012 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

Mr. John Krutulis ‘04

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Mr. John Krutulis ‘04 John married Whitney Bloomer in Chicago on September 1, 2012. Photo provided by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography and Design.

CLASS NOTES

Mr. Richard Perdomo ‘04 Richard and his new wife Vanessa recently purchased a home. Richard earned an MBA at Nova Southeastern University.

Mr. Richard Perdomo ‘04

Ms. Sara Cowley ‘05 On May 1, 2012, Sara earned her masters of music degree in music education from the University of Miami and earned the Excellence in Student Teaching Award. She is now the director of bands at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School.

Ms. Faequa Khan ‘05 Faequa graduated from University of Florida’s Levin College of Law in May 2012. She passed the Florida Bar Exam and was admitted to practice law in Florida in October 2012.

Mr. Santiago Hassig ‘06 Santiago recently completed an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering through the Schlumberger Masters Fellowship He published a thesis on well-testing gauge optimization problems. He is currently working in Schlumberger Dowell’s advanced tech and field program, which will have him spending 18 months in the oil fields of Villahermosa, Mexico, and then relocating to a lab in Houston, Texas.

Mr. John McCook ‘09 John spent 30 days this summer as a member of the Earth Corps, which is part of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, in the backcountry of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the Colorado Rockies. He lived in the Lake Como Alpine Basin along with nine other students and four staff members restoring fourteener hiking trails in order to reduce the human impact on the ecosystem, as well as aid in the restoration of high alpine ecosystems. He is currently a senior at Gettysburg College and a goalie for its men’s lacrosse team.

Ms. Sara Cowley ‘05

Ms. Faequa Khan ‘05

Mr. John McCook ‘09

Ms. Erin Mundy ‘09 Erin is graduating early with a 3.9 GPA and is applying to graduate programs in clinical or counseling psychology. She is working as the lab supervisor and manager of the psychology department’s infant development lab at UCSC. The lab does research and writes papers for various psychological journals. In addition, she is the University of California, Santa Cruz dance team captain, performing at various events around campus and Santa Cruz.

Ms. Erin Mundy ‘09

49

Connect. ENGAGE. Impact.

Your Resource for Life!

Connect. Engage. Impact.

The Gulliver Alumni Association strives to offer events and programs that serve as a resource for alumni, regardless of age or profession.

ENGAGE: Participate and network with your fellow Raiders through a variety of alumni events and special programs.

The following programs have been developed to encourage lifelong and mutually beneficial relationships between Gulliver and its alumni.

Whether you are a recent graduate looking to build on connections made as a student, a seasoned alumnus seeking new ways to continue your relationship with Gulliver or just want to catch up with old friends, you will find an opportunity to get involved and reconnect that is just right for you.

Alumni Socials & Special Events It’s always fun to reconnect with old friends and meet fellow alumni.

IMPACT: Alumni support makes a

tremendous impact on upholding Gulliver Schools’ reputation of excellence.

Career/College Mentoring We are working to develop a database of alumni interested in career mentoring through the following: Business Networking & Promotions Alumni “In the Biz” programs are designed to serve as a resource for Gulliver alumni to connect and interact in the business world.

CONNECT: It’s easy to stay connected

– just go online for the latest news from Gulliver Schools and your Gulliver Alumni Association.

– Gulliver alumni college guide program – Gulliver alumni intern program – Gulliver alumni speakers to address the student body on various topics of interest, including careers

Raider’s Edge Networking Events Expand your career network by getting to know the business side of your fellow alumni.

Gulliver Website Your one-stop-shop for everything Gulliver, including: – Latest News – Alumni & Special Events Information – Get Involved – Alumni “In the Biz” – Photo Gallery Visit us at: www.gulliverschools.org/alumni Alumni “Things Change” Form Up-to-date contact information and recent news are vital to our success.

– Profile Updates ensure you continue to receive alumni communications.

– Recent News will be shared in the Class Notes section of Gulliver’s atrium magazine for alumni and friends.

Fill out our online Things Change Form at: www.gulliverschools.org/thingschange atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

For Alumni By Alumni Special Offers The Gulliver Alumni Association supports alumni businesses by promoting special offers featured exclusively for Gulliver alumni.

Event Sponsorship Programs Promote your business through alumni event sponsorship.

Volunteering Join one of the volunteer committees that work to plan events and further the goals of the Gulliver Alumni Association.

– Anniversary Reunion Committee – Event Host Committee – Alumni Roundtable

Alumni Reunion Weekend

Gulliver’s 11th Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend A Special Reunion for all Alumni All Gulliver alumni and their families are invited to join us for this special weekend.

We will be honoring the classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003.

When: July 19 – 21, 2013 Where: The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables Why: Survey results showed alumni wanted…

– Bigger Savings – More Activities – Less Travel – Prep Visit

Register Now!

Special Biltmore Room Rate:

Alumni Weekend Registration includes:

• Friday Reception at the Prep

$159 when booked by June 5

Plus, Exclusive savings on resort amenities:

• Saturday Poolside Lunch

• Golf

• Saturday Night Bash

• Spa Treatments

• Gulliver Alumni Gift Bag

• Cabana Rentals

Saturday Only packages also available.

For all the details including booking codes, special offers, registration and weekend schedule go to: www.Gulliverschools.org/alumnireunion Questions? Call 786.709.4008

This event is made possible through the generosity of the Office of Alumni Relations, which is supported by Gulliver’s Annual Fund.

51

Gulliver Office of Communications and Public Relations 1500 San Remo Reno Avenue, Avenue,Suite Suite410 410 Coral Gables, FL 33146

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID

Miami, FL Permit No. 00667

Garrett Kraft ‘18

Natalie Mouawad ‘17

atrium

Spring | Summer 2013

Allya Elgayar ‘18

Daniela Perez Retes ‘17

Madison Delgado ‘18