Patriot Magazine Winter/Spring 2024

ART ACROSS THE

Drew Tye Ruby-Howe ’05 guided students on how to discover their inner artist.

BY THE NUMBERS

WE TEACH

GA’s 169 teachers are, among other things, smart, caring, driven, and creative. Alumni say their teachers shaped many favorite memories of their school days. No matter the grade or division, GA faculty prepare lesson plans that spark curiosity and pave a path for lifelong learning. One of our biggest assets, and the most enduring, is the faculty. They are the foundation of GA.

2,095 faculty years of service

37 miles (and up to 75 minutes!) are traveled by the teacher with the longest commute to GA

+

7,920 days have been worked by our most tenured faculty member

20% of our teachers also coach

65 teachers have children who attend GA

32 of our teachers (or more!) play an instrument

174 non-faculty keep the school running!

The numbers above are approximate.

Dear Friends,

Happy spring at GA! Right before spring break, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting dozens of GA alums on both coasts, starting with gatherings in Los Angeles and San Francisco and concluding with our huge annual event here in Philadelphia at the Comcast Center. Catching up with Patriots whose time at the Academy spanned eight decades inspired me. I had the good fortune of hearing stories from alums who graduated from the Germantown campus along with others who graduated from Fort Washington before the Middle and Upper Schools were rebuilt and from others who just graduated last year - and who had never even seen the old campus or old buildings. Regardless of the campus or building, the similarities in experience across our classrooms, on our teams, on our stages, and in the community were remarkable. Patriot connections ran deep!

As you can imagine, there is nothing better for a Head of School than to learn more about the faculty icons of days past, pivotal educational moments that set a student up for a dream career, and friendships forged so many years ago that still thrive today. A favorite moment of the West Coast tour happened over breakfast, when our LA host, Rhea Pincus Turteltaub ’78, UCLA’s Vice Chancellor for External Affairs, connected with UCLA freshman Raina Bandekar ’23. Rhea’s priority was to ensure Raina could find a “home away from home” at UCLA, and seeing and feeling that kindness and connection purely thanks to their shared high school alma mater was powerful. Rhea previously befriended and mentored Andrew Luo ’18 (who also came to the LA event), and it was clear that she has become a beacon for Patriot comradery in the City of Angels. Wherever you are, I hope you can channel that same spirit!

As I shared with all of the alumni/ae at our events, I sincerely hope you will come back to GA to visit, especially if you haven’t been to Fort Washington in a while. I’d love nothing more than to treat you to a smoothie in the new Health & Wellness Center and show you the latest and greatest at America’s oldest non-sectarian day school! Your alma mater is a better school with you connected. Please be in touch.

Best, Rich Schellhas 1760 Head of School

WINTER/SPRING 2024

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Rich Schellhas 1760

TRUSTEES

Bela D. Bagga

Laura W. Brewer ’80

Ira M. Brownstein

John Cannon ’80

Amy Seyfert Connelly ’90

Anthony DiSandro, Jr.

Mark Dooley

Thomas E. Durkin ’89

Judy A. Felgoise

Desrene Freeman

John M. Galloway

Judi J. Goodman 1760

Janet Haugen

Annamarie Geppert Hellebusch ’84

Lauren Finkelstein Hellman ’95

Philip Huang

Michael H. Jordan, President

Claire Ragusa MacRae ’84

Carol Momjian

Linda White Nunes ’80

Salvatore J. Paone ’95

George M. Riter ’76

Diana Rodgers ’03

Cheryl Ross 1760

Andrew D. Sandifer

Edward Swanson

Kezirah Linn Vaughters ’91

William B. Weihenmayer, Jr. ’03

TRUSTEE EMERITI

Bradley J. Korman ’83, Susan Stratton McGinnis ’78,

Jeffrey T. Sultanik ’72, and Jeffrey A. Honickman ’75

CHARTER TRUSTEE

John W. Rex ’63

EDITORS

Dina Katz, Brooke Record, and Carla Zighelboim 1760

EDITORIAL STAFF

Joseph Cicchino, Camille De Ramos Cruz, Martin Dean, Heather Durkin 1760, Melissa Fikioris, Jessica Holl, Kristen Kennedy, Sarah Mirabile, Meg Peake, Cindy Siano, Beth Taylor, and Michelle Wood

PHOTOGRAPHY

Joseph Cicchino, Dina Katz, and Carla Zighelboim 1760

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The 137th game in the longest prep school football rivalry brought together students and alumni alike.

Where in the World is...

Students have taught Paul Savering 1760 how to live in the moment.

Campaign News

The Campaign brings a new focus on the endowment and the future of our school.

Get the news on students and faculty. You’ll find awards, trips across the Atlantic, and dedication to service projects.

Art Across the Academy

A3 projects bring together students, departments, and alumni to create beautiful art. 20

Notes

Alumni announce new babies, work accolades, mini-reunions, and more.

Beautiful handbags by Jeffrey Levinson ’89 are being shown on today’s hottest stars.

GA/PC DAY23 20

The first point of the 2023 GA/PC Day rivalry was won three days before the actual day’s events as the golf team bested Penn Charter, 6.5-1.5. Despite the early advantage, the Patriots were unable to take back the coveted Competition Cup from their rivals as GA fell, 6-4.

A change in schedule saw girls soccer opening the day on the stadium turf. Jess Kolecki ’25 scored GA’s first goal before the Quakers scored two more. Arden Silver ’27 found the back of the net to make it a 3-2 deficit at the half, which was ultimately the final score.

Both cross country races began at halftime during the girls soccer game, with GA splitting the day. The boys fell, 19-37 (low score wins), while the girls took down the 2023 PAISSA Champion Quakers, winning 24-31. Nieve Keitel ’27, Annabelle Steckel ’28, and Abby Durkin ’24 finished 2-3-4 for GA, while Sanya Bandekar ’25 and Allison Eichsteadt ’25 took 7-8 to give the Patriots the emotional win.

GA also split matches in the pool, with girls water polo falling, 14-6, and boys water polo earning a tight victory. Down two goals in the fourth, GA outscored PC 5-0 in the final frame to record the win,

12-9. Co-captain Nick O’Hara ’24 was named GA MVP for the boys.

Field hockey earned a thrilling come-from-behind win in overtime. Hadley Harbert ’24 tied the game late in the fourth quarter, and Olivia Krey ’24 scored in the extra period to give GA the 2-1 victory. With the result, the senior class finished 4-0 during their GA/PC Days!

a rivalry like no other... 137 years & counting

With the game remaining scoreless until the final minutes, boys soccer lost in the last 30 seconds of the match after a penalty kick found the back of the net (1-0). GA’S Ryan Szczepkowski ’24 was named the GA MVP for the contest. GA girls tennis also fell to PC, 7-0.

The 137th game in the longest prep school football rivalry in America was won by PC, 35-14. Xavier Stearn ’26 and Mick McKee ’26 connected over the middle for 17 yards to open the scoring with 7:39 to play in the first quarter. The Quakers then scored 21 unanswered points to lead 21-7 at halftime. PC scored again with just over one minute left in the third quarter to extend its lead to 28-7. AJ Towsen ’25 caught his 11th touchdown of the season with five minutes to play, giving him the single-season school record, before PC added a score late.

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2023

Nothing says “fall” more than crisp air, autumn leaves, and the excitement of GA/PC Day & Alumni Weekend. We were thrilled to welcome classes ending in 3 or 8 for their milestone reunion celebrations, the 137th GA/PC Day games, and more on the second weekend of November.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday with the induction of our 2023 Alumni Mission Award Class – Laure Biron ’03, Bill Hyndman ’88, Steven Jackson ’04, Derrick Pitts ’73, and Kurt Wetzel ’88 – who were lauded at Upper School Morning Meeting before attending a reception in their honor.

Celebrations continued the next day as we hosted an open house for our new Health & Wellness Center, with tours of the facility that included the new Hall of Athletic Achievement. That same evening, the 50th Reunion Class of 1973 was inducted into GA’s Old Guard (the longeststanding members of GA’s alumni body). The Small Gym was transformed into a dazzling dining space as alums across the decades came together to celebrate and reminisce about their days at the Academy. See more on page 24 about the special gift the Class of 1973 presented.

On Saturday, PC hosted GA/PC Day competitions and GA’s annual spirited post-game party at MaGerk’s followed. Throughout the weekend, classes held reunion celebrations at various locations throughout the area*. We thank our reunion committees for their hard work in planning outstanding events, including everything from lively dinner parties at the Blue Bell Inn to flights and bites at Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. and more. In particular, we are grateful to the 50th reunion committee, chaired by Laura Dudley Ricci ’73, who planned an entire weekend full of activities.

Classes ending in 4 or 9 are next! Save the date for 2024 GA/PC Day & Alumni Weekend, which will be held November 7-9, 2024.

*2013 and 2018 held their reunions on November 26.

THE PATRIOTS PARTY SPARKLED

“You all give students opportunities to learn and grow in ways they couldn’t have imagined,” shared senior Lucia Smigiel ’24 on December 6, 2023, at the annual Patriots Society Party. Held on the 264th anniversary of the founding of the Academy, this event celebrated GA’s most generous supporters.

The Health & Wellness Center sparkled as attendees enjoyed live music from Faculty Jazz Trio’s Chris Horner P’14 ’17, Thomas Razler, and DeLane Doyle, student art displays from all three divisions, and heartfelt remarks from Lucia, President of the Board of Trustees Michael Jordan P’19 ’21 ’23, and faculty member and coach Mike Koziol. Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 closed out the program by sharing his wonder about what our founders might have thought about the Academy today, ultimately expressing his deep gratitude for the collective generosity of generations of Patriots. These 264 years of support bolster GA’s connection to our rich history and further our continued growth.

*The Patriots Society recognizes those who support Germantown Academy with annual contributions of $1,759 (in honor of GA’s founding year) or greater to the Annual Fund. To learn more about GA’s charitable giving opportunities, please contact Director of Annual Giving Meg Peake at 267-405-7503 or meg.peake@germantownacademy org

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS... PAUL SAVERING 1760

Easing his way into retirement by substitute teaching in the Lower School?

Yes, that definitely sounds like former second grade teacher Paul Savering 1760. He has been retired full tilt since 2014 after 30 years at GA, and has been enjoying what each day brings ever since.

About 18 months ago I moved lock, stock, and barrel back to my hometown (Johnstown, PA) and into my family home. Shortly thereafter, I remembered that I had always wanted to live in Center City so I am now living in a highrise smack in the middle of Philadelphia, and I’m loving “my urban playground.” My days are filled with great books, plays, concerts, ballets, art and history museums, and long walks through colorful neighborhoods. A bonus to living there is the dozen or so GA alumni I have seen. I love that they recognize me and I recognize them (after all these years)! It is beyond gratifying to see these successful, happy adults making their way in the world. I am overthe-moon proud of them.

My favorite part of the school day was when the children were gathered on the classroom rug, and I read a story from a picture book. I’m remembering our zebra finches, the ant colony, Dinosaur Day, the 100th Day, our Native American village, and our own special CHICKEN song.

I don’t have one favorite student; I have MANY! They taught me to live in the moment. Wintery days in the playground when the children slid down hills (in ecstatic fun) on old cafeteria trays or when they swung gleefully on ropes and dropped into the swimming pool were great. They also taught me a lesson in dogged determination when they poured their energy into the completion of a project, finding satisfaction in a job well done.

I cherish the memory of singing silly second grade songs after a beautiful day outside at Peace Valley. It was May and it signified the end of our Native American study. It magnified the bond I felt with my class (sweet and bittersweet at the same time). My throat constricts just thinking about it.

I’m proud to be a member of the Class of 1760. It is confirmation that my effort was noticed and acknowledged and that my contribution to the life of GA is valued. I feel privileged to be an honorary alumnus. And I still love coming back to substitute teach in the Lower School!

REMEMBERING GLORIA PFLAUMER 1760

By Richard House

1760

A crisp, bright morning in March, just over fifty years ago. Crossing over Bethlehem Pike from the train station, between the deli and the Fort Washington Hotel, I walked along Morris Road and turned into the driveway - the school buildings, handsome and solid in Pennsylvania fieldstone on my right, a stately line of trees to my left. At the corner, I paused to admire the oak trees that framed the Quad. Classes must have been in session because the campus was eerily quiet. I climbed the steps and opened the door to the Administration Wing.

With a warm smile and a rich, melodious voice I can hear now across the years, Gloria Pflaumer welcomed me to GA as if I were an alumnus returning to his alma mater, not a stranger arriving for an interview. Between 1965 when she arrived and 1989 when she retired, how many newcomers must have walked through that same door and felt immediately at home thanks to Gloria’s eternally goodnatured presence?

In time, I came to understand that Gloria knew us all by namestudents, teachers, and staff. With grace and style, Gloria steered us through our days at GA, making announcements over the loudspeaker between classes, sending us notes from her bottomless supply of small yellow notepads, and keeping us on track with the Morning Sheet.

A friend of mine called the school one day with a message for me, which Gloria forwarded. When I saw him that weekend, he said, ‘You know you have the greatest receptionist in the world, right?’ ‘I do,’ I said. ‘I’ve known that since my first day at GA.’

Richard House 1760 joined the Modern Language Department in 1971 and served as Head of Middle School from 1977 until 2010. Since retiring, he has taught a course in reading and writing memoir at Main Line School Night in Radnor and is playing tennis more often than he should (he’s still working on his backhand).

GAXP – SERVICE LEARNING TRIP WITH YOUTH REBUILDING NEW ORLEANS

More than 20 eager GA students traveled to Louisiana for five days on a trip sponsored by The Griswold Family GAXP Community Service Program. While there, they partnered with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, an organization established in the wake of Hurricane Katrina that engages local youth to rebuild and revitalize distressed and foreclosed properties.

Students helped install plumbing and other infrastructure at a community garden in preparation for an outdoor kitchen facility to be used by a local school. This project was particularly impactful as it will provide easier access to fresh food, establish a vital community gathering space, create meaningful opportunities for local students, and will help manage the persistent issue of water flow in the area.

This unique excursion was part of GAXP (GA Experience Program). Piloted in 2017, this vital program is funded through the school’s endowment and has continued to grow through generous donations from the E.E. Ford Foundation, BLBB Charitable, and numerous alumni, parents of alumni, and current parent supporters. Multiple trips are organized each year that are designed within the educational themes of service learning, nature, and arts. Students apply to attend, and once accepted, the trips are offered to them free of charge. GAXP closely aligns with the newest sixth priority of GA’s Strategic Vision, “Learning for Life,” which aims to strengthen the future-ready capabilities of our students.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

“I am important, I belong, I am just right,” echoes in the halls of the Lower School as students learn that identity is the essential thing that make us who we are. Everyone has an identity and our community is a richer learning environment when students feel affirmed, confident, and empowered to bring their whole selves to school. The IDEA (Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy) curriculum begins in our PreK with identity bags where students bring in artifacts from home to share about themselves and their families. In first and second grade, students learn about skin, hair, and eyes and how each of these parts function the same but also make us uniquely who we are and connect us to our heritage and one another. As students mature into upper elementary and Middle School, they engage in cultural competency exercises and learn about perspective-taking, intent versus impact, stereotypes, and how to be an upstander. In the Upper School, student leaders participate in peer facilitation and leadership training that culminates in leading an interactive activity exploring the diverse experiences and identities that make up their community. This activity emphasizes empathy and awareness. All of these skills are the expression of our Mission and Community Commitments. Building common language and experiences enable students to practice these skills across academic disciplines and make human-centered connections in and outside of the classroom. As our world is increasingly interconnected, cultural competency skills will empower our students to navigate complexity with empathy, confidence, and criticality.

Feel free to contact us any time!

Sarah Na, Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion Melissa Fikioris, Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion sarah.na@germantownacademy.org Associate Director of Alumni Relations melissa.fikioris@germantownacademy.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS AT GA

Germantown Academy is committed to providing health and wellness facilities and programming for our happy, healthy, whole students. The new 25,000 sq. foot Health & Wellness Center has been a game changer for students, athletes, employees, and community members since the doors opened in September 2023. The Jordan Center, with more than 6,000 sq. feet of space, and well-equiped with new fitness equipment, has welcomed Middle and Upper School physical education classes as well as team and individual workouts. The Wellness and Multipurpose Rooms hosted mindfulness, yoga, pilates, and dance classes for all community members. Health and wellness teachers in all three divisions created expanded programming for students, including:

• PreK movement class

• 3rd Grade dance class

• 4th Grade critical examination of the differences between physical health standards and beauty standards

• 5th Grade practiced mindful movement twice monthly to learn the importance of quiet introspection for focus and selfawareness

• 8th Grade challenged gender, beauty, and racial stereotypes across all media platforms

• 11th Grade heard from Whitemarsh Police about motor vehicle rules and safety and the risks of drug and alcohol abuse

• 12th Grade Health and Wellness Retreat featured speaker and former American Ninga Warrior Alex Weber, and workshops about stress management, financial literacy, and consent and healthy relationships.

GA has also hosted several guest speakers, including sports and clinical psychologist Dr. Mitchell Greene, social media expert Max Stossel, and former world-ranked triathlete Siri Lindley. More than 30 parents and employees have also taken part in a Pilates/ Warrior Sculpt mat class each week, taught by Alyson Ward, owner of Align Studio in Glenside.

Special thanks to our amazing teachers and coaches at the New Year, New You event in January that featured classes in Family Yoga (Diana Mulroy ’88 P’26), Remix Fitness (Mary Cate Cassidy Wampler ’06 @Remix_fit), Mindfulness (Richard Lyntton P’21 ’23), Nutrition (Abby Duffine Gilman ’04 P’32 ’35 ’38 @forwaRDthinkingfoodies), Bootcamp and Personalized Training (Coach Joe Migliarese), Jordan Center Orientations (Coach Diana Shumar), and a fantastic Fun Run (Coach Diane Neubauer P’35). We look forward to offering more classes in the coming months.

CAMPAIGN NEWS

GA’s endowment encompasses many thoughtful narratives from hundreds of community members. Over the course of several decades, all have a common theme – an intention to support GA with a gift that will impact the school for generations to come. Meaningful funds have been established in a variety of ways to support several critical areas of need. Whether through a carefully planned estate gift from an alumnus to provide student financial aid, the efforts of an alumni class in celebration of their reunion, or a communityfunded initiative in memory of a beloved faculty member to support a cherished program, each fund tells an unique story and demonstrates the dedication of its donors to the school.

The Our Moment campaign aims to increase the amount of financial aid that is funded by the endowment. Each endowment gift is carefully invested and GA is then able to draw a spendable amount annually. By increasing this funding, we will continue our commitment to create a community of talented students from all backgrounds who will continue to enrich and elevate our school.

The Our Moment campaign set a goal of increasing one of GA’s most vital resources, it’s endowment. We are looking to raise $3 million from our proud GA community to reach our $16 million goal for the endowment. Two main areas of focus of Our Moment are to increase funds designated towards faculty compensation and financial aid.

One of GA’s greatest priorities is supporting incoming and current students who require tuition assistance. The need for financial aid among applicants has doubled over the last decade.

On the next page are examples of endowment funds that have been created by community members to provide critical financial aid for our students. Each year, funds like these are reviewed, and a recipient is selected based on the fund’s description. There are more than 70 of these impactful funds, with more being added through the Our Moment campaign. The foresight and generosity of the donors to these funds ensures greater access to an extraordinary GA education.

The Rapp Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2021 through the Our Moment campaign, is awarded to a qualified student who actively participates in athletics or the arts and enhances the socioeconomic diversity of the school community.

ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND EXAMPLES

The Probert Arts Scholarship Fund, established in 2003 through community support in honor of Faculty Emeritus Edwin N. Probert 1760, provides financial assistance with preference for a qualified student who demonstrates a passion for, and excellence in, the arts.

HONORING A GA LEGEND WITH A LASTING GIFT

For the past 30 years, PreK teacher Rose Marie Mirabile 1760 has made meaningful memories with, and for, hundreds of GA Patriots. From making tomato sauce from scratch, experimenting in the Tinker Lab, and teaching the fine art of bike riding to fourand five-year-olds, Mirabile truly sets the tone for our youngest learners. Her students (and their parents!) feel nurtured, supported, and cared for by her kind and gentle approach to teaching.

It comes as no surprise then that a family would choose to make a gift to the school in honor of the amazing impact Mirabile consistently has on her students and fellow teachers. Inspired by both her outstanding tenure at GA and the ongoing Our Moment campaign, a fund was created last fall that celebrates Mirabile’s legacy in perpetuity, while providing financial support for current and future Lower School teachers.

The Rose Marie Mirabile 1760 Fund for Lower School Teachers was established by current parents Tyler and Ale McNeil P’36 ’38 (pictured on either side of Rose Marie Mirabile) to honor Mirabile and her dedication to the school, her students, her colleagues, and her unwavering ability to design learning filled with joy and purpose. This fund will provide salary support for extraordinary Lower School faculty members who exemplify her qualities of empathy, caring, patience, enthusiasm, and who fully embrace the GA mission.

The Community Alliance Scholarship Fund, established in 2018 and re-named in 2024, is designated to assist students who have come to GA via the Community Partnership School (CPS) or Heights Philadelphia (the merger of Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars).

The Thatcher Excellence Fund, established in 1984, provides financial assistance to a student demonstrating both academic and athletic achievement and overall leadership qualities.

Gifts like these to the endowment reinforce the belief that our teachers are the heart of the GA experience. Supported teachers equals prepared graduates, and the more we are able to invest in our faculty, the stronger our school will be for generations to come. Together, we can build upon this commitment to our faculty to help ensure highly qualified individuals continue to contribute their extraordinary teaching talents to benefit GA students.

If you are interested in learning about our endowed funds and the Our Moment campaign, please contact Brooke Record, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 267.405.7212 or at brooke.record@germantownacademy.org.

CAMPUS NEWS

Students and employees from across the school gathered in the Field House for the 34th Annual CSO Holiday Program. Ushered in by the Upper School Jazz Band, everyone arrived bearing toys, clothes, gift cards, and necessities to make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need. The gifts support children and families through Whosoever Gospel Mission, Carson Valley Children’s Aid, Broad Street Ministry, Mitzvah Circle, Cradles to Crayons, Gemma Services, Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, and Southwest Community Enrichment Center of Philadelphia.

STEAM Studio, taught by Lower School Art Chair and PreK12 Makerspace/Tinkerlab Coordinator, Co-Director Art Across the Academy, PK-12 STEAM Coordinator, LS Art Department Coordinator/Teacher Jess Grisafi and Lower School 3rd-5th Grade Science Teacher Troy Holiday ’01, along with 4th Grade homeroom teachers, is one of the most interactive parts of the 4th Grade curriculum. Held in the Lower School Tinker Lab, students practice CAD (computer-aided design) and learn about MakerBot 3D printers to produce a 3-dimensional object.

Edie Leon ’26 and Gia Sharf ’26 hosted two students for six weeks in the fall and will be traveling to Spain this spring as part of our educational and cultural exchange program with Colegio Internacional Europa in Espartinas, Sevilla.

Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2024 named as Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program: Anna Amann, Celina Bagchi, Carmela Jenkes, Samantha Kostacos, Richard Liao, Isabelle Lieu, Alan Liu, Melinda Shen, Danika Staples, and Andrew Zhou. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Siri Lindley was the first speaker for the reimagined Lunch & Learn Series for Middle and Upper School students. Lindley shared that she barely knew how to swim when she began the training regimen that would lead her to conquer prestigious triathlons such as the ITU World Championships. She spoke to students and faculty as the world’s former #1 ranked triathlete, an in-demand coach, one of Tony Robbins’ favorite motivational speakers, and cancer survivor about how to find your own happiness.

Andrei Vava ’24, Jianna Kim ’25, Arthur Hu ’26, Ethan Page ’24, Dominic Perazza ’25, and Umang Mittal ’25 participated in the District 11 Band Festival. Rebecca Rong ’26 was accepted to the District Orchestra. The students had a threeday immersive musical experience, sharing the stage and working with 124 other student musicians from 35 schools in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. They explored a varied and challenging repertoire, all under the leadership of Dr. Quintus F. Wright, Director of Bands at the University of South Carolina.

GA’s 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was full of goodwill and school spirit. GA welcomed guest speaker, the Honorable Charles Hayden, a long-time member of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Hayden shared an important and poignant speech about his life and U.S. civil rights in recognition that this MLK Day is the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. More than 250 students, employees, and parents/guardians gathered to make and donate items for Manna on Main, Mattie Dixon, Community Cupboard, The Wardrobe, Ambler Senior Center, No More Secrets, Home at Last Rescue, Tiny Miracles, and Bubba’s Station.

Sean Patrick Gibbons has been named the school’s new Belfry Director. Gibbons comes to GA from Boston where he is currently serving as the Theater Department Chair and a member of the acting faculty of The Boston Arts Academy. He teaches theater and musical theater classes at this professional performing and visual arts high school and leads the Summer at BAA programming for students interested in pursuing the arts following graduation.

Third Grade had an amazing time learning about the Lenape tribe

Carla Messinger, a woman of Lenape descent, visited with the students and read her book, Where the Shadbush Blooms. The book compares life then and now for the Lenape people. Messinger created a wonderful mini museum with artifacts throughout the A to Z Library and Learning Commons for a hands-on experience.

Angie Wang ’24, Andrei Vava ’24, and Ansh Kakadia ’24, were named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Awards competition. The students are among 7,000+ who will be considered for a scholarship award from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation which will be announced this spring.

Luke Philip ’24 attended the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) at Carnegie Mellon University last summer. This STEM program brought together the top 71 rising seniors from Pennsylvania for a five-week, tuition-free residential program focused on fostering a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Philip described his experience in PGSS as incredibly challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable. He chose to take all five core courses offered, which included Discrete Mathematics, Organic Chemistry, Modern Physics with an emphasis on Special Relativity, the Biology of Cancer and Stem Cells, and Computer Science.

The Middle School musical, Willy Wonka, was a scrumdiddlyumptious hit that played to two sold-out crowds! In addition to the on-stage talent, the show also offered behind-the-scenes opportunities, like hair and makeup, choreography, and stage crew for students.

Student of the Month

’25 began her commitment to community service in 6th Grade as a youth volunteer for the Special Olympics. Her dedication led her to initiate a plaque installation project with Worcester Township to encourage and support Special Olympics athletes and their families, and her commitment to volunteerism led her to found GIVE-Youth, a non-profit aimed at encouraging youth engagement in volunteerism. Additionally, Kim’s love for music inspired her to establish the Grace Chamber Music Youth Club (GCMYC) within the established non-profit, which has organizied sensory-friendly fundraising concerts annually since 2020 for the Special Olympics, aiming to create experiences that everyone can enjoy.

Aidan Gor ’25 has converted his curiosity for coding into a passion for computational neuroscience. With help from Jason Oswald, Germantown Academy Computer Science Department Chair, Gor turned a research project into a memory game that boosts recollection in individuals with working memory deficiencies, such as those with Autism and ADHD. Gor presented the beta-testing results of the game at the 2023 International Brain Research Organization’s (IBRO) World Congress of Neuroscience in Granada, Spain, the most prestigious neuroscience conference in the world, in September before bringing his findings to his own classmates at GA during Computer Science Week.

Germantown Academy recently received the Whitemarsh Township Green Recognition Award. The Green Organization Recognition Program highlights local businesses and organizations in Whitemarsh that are acting as stewards of our township and of our planet by recognizing those that have taken significant and meaningful steps in one or more of these areas: reducing CO2 emissions, increasing biodiversity, significantly reducing waste, managing stormwater, and using best practices for management and maintenance of their property.

Ambler Rotary

Jianna Kim

In the hilarious and outlandish story of Ride the Cyclone, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, mechanical fortune tellers invite each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. Upper School’s Belfry Club performance of this stirring musical was an amazing demonstration of the incredible talent of our students.

GA sent six students and 13 faculty/administrators to the 2023 Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (POCC) in St. Louis. The SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders from independent high schools across the U.S. and abroad. Students will present to faculty about their experience this spring.

Opera Philadelphia hosted the world premiere of “10 Days in a Madhouse,” from composer Rene Orth with a libretto by playwright Hannah Moscovitch. The performance used an acoustic orchestra and electronics to represent the balance between sane and insane, and Assistant Band Director, Percussion Instructor, and MS General Music teacher DeLane Doyle was one of the musicians involved in helping create the effect. He participated in a workshop with Opera Philadelphia and performed with the group in all five shows.

The Roberts Family Library is a popular hub for GA students and faculty to hold captivating poetry readings. Various student groups have hosted these readings, each bringing their unique perspectives and voices to the forefront. Some of the groups that have embraced the stage include Mi Gente (Hispanic students), Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), Students United for Multicultural Awareness (SUMA), Black Student Alliance, Academy Monthly, Feminist Forum, Jewish Student Alliance, Asian American Student Alliance, and Environmental Club (GAEA). Librarian and poetry organizer Rod Thomas believes these readings, a blend of curated selections and spontaneous performances, leave a lasting impact on both the readers and the listeners. They serve as a celebration of community, diversity, and artistic expression. For many, it is their first time speaking in a public forum, a milestone that marks their growth and self-discovery in a supportive environment.

ATHLETIC NEWS

KYLE DONAHUE ’14 NAMED HEAD VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH

A faculty member in the history department, and an advisor in Osbourn House, Kyle Donahue ’14 has now also assumed the role of Head Football Coach.

Donahue spent the past five seasons working with the Patriot’s offense, which soared to new heights.

The school’s single season passing yardage record has been broken three times, most recently in 2023 by Xavier Stearn ’26. During the same season, AJ Towsen ’25 set records for catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns. In 2021, Donahue helped scheme the third-best single-season rushing performance in GA history, and the 2019 team set records for points scored in a single season with 338.

Donahue started for the Patriots as a wide receiver from 2010-13. He was named Second Team All-Inter-Ac as a junior before earning First Team honors as a senior captain. Donahue graduated from Dickinson College, where he majored in educational studies and was a four-year football letterwinner. In 2018, he began teaching in the physical education department at GA before moving to teach history. Donahue earned his Master’s in Education from Arcadia University in 2020.

GA’s new head coach will inherit a team that went .500 in 2023. The Patriots return 39 letterwinners and 10 seniors, including a First Team All-League performer in Towsen. GA will welcome Penn Charter to Carey Stadium in the 138th edition of GA/ PC Day – the oldest, continuous prep school football rivalry in America – on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

The GA Department of Athletics is pleased to present The Patriot Playbook, a podcast featuring interviews with coaches and studentathletes.

http://tinyurl.com/patriotplaybook

GA celebrated 17 members of the Class of 2024 who committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at NCAA Division I and Division II institutions (as of December 2023). Congratulations to Jessica Aponik (Kutztown Women’s Basketball), Maggie Borek (Navy Women’s Lacrosse) Tripp Capers (George Mason Baseball), Eric Cross (St. Joseph’s Baseball), Landon D’Ariano (Texas Men’s Swimming), Madison Destefano (Queens Field Hockey), Emma Goodwin (Dartmouth Women’s Lacrosse), Taylor Grimley (Auburn Women’s Swimming) Brendan Hodgens (Georgetown Men’s Diving), Gigi Ippoldo (William & Mary Women’s Lacrosse), Olivia Krey (Lafayette Field Hockey), Caitlin Luviano (Brown Women’s Lacrosse), Maggie Morrissey (Vermont Women’s Lacrosse), Lucia Smigiel (Connecticut Women’s Lacrosse), Aidan Von Zuben (Penn Baseball), Micah Wells (St. Joseph’s Baseball), Andy Zhou (Penn Men’s Swimming). Not Pictured: Izzy Casey (Bucknell Women’s Basketball)

The golf team finished the year as PAISAA runners-up for the second year in a row. At the tournament, GA finished the day shooting 233, narrowly ceding the title to Malvern Prep, who finished with 225.

With a 92-62 win over Solebury School on Feb. 23, Germantown Academy’s boys basketball team took home the Commonwealth Cup. Tyler Nolan ’26 led the charge with 26 points, while Flinn Brooks ’25 had 18 and Bryce Rollerson ’25 had 17.

Stay up to date on everything Germantown Academy Athletics by following @germantownacademyathletics on Instagram!

In a rematch of the 2022 PAISAA Championship, GA came away with the 3-1 win over Notre Dame, bringing a PAISAA Volleyball title to Fort Washington for the first time ever and ending the Irish’s nine-year run as state champions. The Patriots concluded the 2023 season with a 23-3-1 overall record, an 8-0 mark in the Inter-Ac League, a league championship, and a state championship.

THREE-PEAT! The swimming and diving teams navigated the Inter-Ac League dual-meet season with an undefeated record for the thirdstraight year. The teams also claimed victory at the Inter-Ac League Invitational, breaking five Episcopal Academy pool records and two GA school records, in the process earning the top spots in the Inter-Ac.

Twenty-nine top-eight finishes powered GA girls swimming and diving to their third consecutive Easterns title, while boys swimming and diving finished third in the team standings. Overall, Germantown Academy was the Combined Team Champion for the second time in three years.

Behind four state champions and four state runners-up, the GA boys won their first PAISAA Indoor Track & Field Championship since PAISAA began hosting an indoor championship in 2019. During the meet, Evan Badami ’26 broke the school record in the 400m in 49.53 seconds, which was originally set by Kyle Garland ’18 during the 2017-18 season.

Jack Baron ’26 finished third at 113 pounds, and Justin Farnsworth ’27 took eighth at 107 pounds to give the wrestling team their first National Prep All-Americans since 2020.

For the first time since 2020, the GA girls basketball team won the Inter-Ac League Championship. The Patriots compiled a 10-2 league record, splitting the season series with Penn Charter and Notre Dame.

With a 30-point outing against Episcopal Academy on Jan. 12, Bryce Rollerson ’25 became the first member of the boys basketball program to reach 1,000 points since Jordan Longino ’21 did so back in 2019. Izzy Casey ’24 reached the milestone on Feb. 1 with a 20-point game against Hill School. She’s the first girls basketball player to score 1,000 since Maddie Vizza ’20 and Jaye Haynes ’20 did so in 2020.

For the first time in school history, GA hosted games under the lights at Carey Stadium! The football team faced off against Peddie School, boys soccer hosted Holy Ghost Prep, and girls soccer hosted Germantown Friends School. We cannot wait to do it again next fall. Look for announcements about the dates this summer.

Awonderful, all-school collaborative and colorful scene came together on Connor Quad last spring as students and employees created a beautiful garden. You would have been able to see Upper Schoolers naturally jumping in to help kindergartners as they constructed their very own upcycled flowers. Together they would pick out a color, cut strips, and use spray paint to make the flower, which the kindergartners (and “gardeners” of all ages) then “planted” in the garden. It was hard to believe that sticks,

GA faculty, throughout the campus and into the daily lives of the community with striking spaces and shared experiences. Upper School Art Teacher and Truesdell House Head Sara KrupnickRitz and Makerspace/Tinkerlab Coordinator, Co-Director

Art Across the Academy, PK-12 STEAM Coordinator, LS Art Department Coordinator/Teacher Jessica Grisafi launched the initiative in October 2013 and have overseen many inspiring and extraordinary projects.

“Art Across the Academy highlights the artwork of our students campus-wide, creating spaces where the community, sometimes unexpectedly, finds themselves among art,” says Grisafi. “The program is intended to build opportunities for students to connect with professional artists and to participate in largescale collaborative installations. The art is meant to be experienced in ways that are meaningful and memorable. In many cases, an exhibit will display connections between current curriculum and the natural environment of the installation.”

An example of that is the stunning mosaic wall near the Dining Hall and Arts Center walkway. The project was directed by well-known artist Isaiah Zagar, who created Philadelpia’s Magic Gardens mosaic exhibit on South Street. On GA’s mosaic, you can see the small pieces that were created and delicately placed by the entire GA community (see the final piece on photo to the right).

plastic bottles, and spray paint could cause so many smiles. When each person finished, they had produced their own homemade flower which was then placed around the garden on the Lower School end of the Quad, creating a swath of color that sparkled. Art Across the Academy had achieved perfection, again.

Art Across the Academy, or A3, crosses all paths of GA life. It is a program that shares the work of GA student artists and introduces the work of professional artists, including our own

Other examples include Poems in Trees, inspired by poet and former 4th Grade Teacher Julia Blumenreich 1760, which was an exhibition highlighting the power and beauty of poetic verse and provided opportunities to pause and be mindful of your surroundings. Trees around GA were wrapped and woven in block printed verse on muslin ribbons. Another project was when the Venerable Losang Samten created a mandala with fine-grained colored sand over several days with assistance from students, teachers, and staff. Once finished, the sand was swept up, collected, and ceremoniously deposited in the Wissahickon Creek.

Evie Nguyen ’34 puts on finishing touches for her own beautiful flower to be planted in the Bloom Garden.

ART ACROSS THE ACADEMY

“WHAT AN ABSOLUTE TREAT TO HAVE STUDENTS OF ALL AGES PAINTING WITH ME.”

Upper Schoolers created their own design as part of the Art Across the Academy project led by Resident Artist Drew Tye Ruby-Howe ’05.

The most recent A3 project came from the mind of Resident Artist Drew Tye Ruby-Howe ’05. Students of all ages went to the Arts Center to create paintings using just their hands. They were given one instruction – identify the emotion are you feeling right now and use that emotion to paint what you feel. While the work was happening, students also toured the Arts Center Gallery where Ruby-Howe’s collection, Amplifying the Ephemeral, was displayed. Students were encouraged to note what the paintings evoked in them, and everyone had something to say.

“What an absolute treat to have students of all ages painting with me,” Ruby-Howe said. “We got messy, it was loud with little kids squealing, and the older kids dove right in. What a gift it was to be there and witness it all from the eyes of an alum who cherished any and every hour spent in the art department at GA.”

A3 creates ways to bring together the faculty, staff, and of course, students. The art is then displayed throughout the GA campus, like the new installation of a 6th Grade piece made during Ruby-Howe’s visit, where it can be experienced by the entire GA community. “The program was created as a way for art to be everywhere, and to be felt and experienced by all,” said Krupnick-Ritz. “We want art to be part of the air that we breathe at GA. Living with and celebrating the creative process is an integral

part of who and what we are. We are all artists, and yet we all need to have time to practice and nurture that part of ourselves as individuals and as a community.

Art Across the Academy seeks to create that time and space to nurture the artist in all of us.”

“Humanitas” — This all-school exhibit investigated the similarities and diversity of humanity, incorporating individual work and a collage of community portraits.

CLASS NOTES

1760

Bob Moyer 1760 recently attended a “Free Expression FlyIn for Educators” class at the University of Chicago and got to reconnect with Helen Wu ’21.

Jim Buckley 1760 was back on the sidelines at GA as a member of the 2023-24 Inter-Ac Champion girls basketball coaching staff.

1960s

Fred Stuart ’61 and his wife of 37 years, Karen, visited Kenya and Tanzania on a photo safari in July. “Best trip of my life,” Fred said. The couple live in Center City and welcome others who are considering a trip to Africa for details. They had previously been to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Ronald Zollers ’61 shared, “My grandson, Matt Zollers, Class of 2025 at Spring-Ford High School, is rated Pennsylvania’s No. 1 high school quarterback and has reduced his college offers to 4 Power 5 schools – Georgia, Missouri, Pitt, and Penn State.”

1970s

Congratulations to Wissahickon School District’s newest board member, Eugene Golson ’76, who was sworn in at the Montgomery County Courthouse on January 3, 2024. “Our children and families will benefit from his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Wissahickon community,” commented his friend. Joining him were his wife, Marie, son, Chris, and daughter Jessica ’06.

1980s

Rebecca Garrett Brown ’82 retired from nursing and nurse-midwifery at UC San Diego after 37 years. She is very happy traveling, and just celebrated her son Alexander Brown’s graduation from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Taking advantage of being back in the Philadelphia area for Thanksgiving 2023, long-time friends John Hinmon ’84, Bob Brody ’83, Rick Gable ’84, Diana Gable, Stroud Hellebusch, Annamarie Geppert Hellebusch ’84, Gina Brown, and Chris Brown ’84 enjoyed laughs and good times together.

After months of preparations by the planning committee, members of the Class of 1972 enjoyed their 50th reunion dinner at Sunnybrook Golf Club in November 2022. Our apologies to the class for not including their photo in the Spring 2023 Patriot Magazine.

50TH REUNION ESTABLISHES CLASS OF 1973 FINANCIAL AID FUND

Besties since 1977! Becky Shoulberg ’83, MSW for Tristate Stairlifts, loves seeing classmate Jon Miller ’83, with Longevity Income Solutions, at older adult networking events. Both are dedicated to helping seniors. One keeps them safe in their homes and the other helps them finance when it’s time to move into senior living.

Rodney Morrison ’87 and John Wheeler ’87 met up in Boston at a Celtics vs 76ers game with their kids, Rachael Morrison and Jack Wheeler.

IN MEMORIAM

Catherine C. Moulton 1760

John Brooke II ’49

Thomas Creamer ’49

Donald Dewees ’49

Ronald Mason ’49

Alan T. Sheppard ’51

Alan Dietrich ’52

Paul Johnson ’53

Dan Little ’53

John Lynch, Jr. ’53

Stephen Mohacey ’53

Harry Neuman ’53

Justin “Ty” Vining ’64

Joseph Wintz III ’65

Richard Shupak ’80

Kathy Hettche ’86

Anthony Seravalli II ’00

Sean Hopkins ’02

as of April 2, 2024

Eric Mahler ’88 just finished serving a four-year term on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s National Leadership Council. He is now a co-chair of the Council’s partnership committee and is serving as a governing board member of the NEPA Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate. He stated, “It was such a pleasure working with the National Organization on policy and procedures as a voice of small and midsized affiliates.”

CLASS OF 1985

MIKE RICHTER: A CHAMPION ON ICE AND IN BUSINESS

USA Hockey Hall of Famer, NHL Stanley Cup Champion, and three-time Olympian Mike Richter ’85 did not start out in the energy business. Leaving GA before his senior year, Richter went to Northwood School in Lake Placid to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL, and that is exactly what he did.

Richter played goalie for the New York Rangers from 1989 to 2003. During that time, he led the team to a Stanley Cup in 1994 – the team’s first Stanley Cup since 1940. He competed on several international stages throughout his career, including the Olympics, winning Silver for Team USA in 2002. During his NHL career, he was a three-time NHL All Star and one-time NHL All Star Game MVP. Richter’s number was retired by the Rangers in 2004, and he was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.

When that part of his amazing life ended due to injury, where would he go from there? Citing a forever-interest in entrepreneurial ideas and a fondness for resource efficiency and climate change, he went on to attend Yale University, receiving a degree in Ethics, Politics, and Economics with a concentration in Environmental Policy (EP&E). In 2016, he and a few business partners founded Brightcore Energy, a company that develops, implements, and maintains end-to-end energy efficiency and renewable solutions for commercial, institutional, municipal, and utility clients. They specialize in geothermal technology, clean energy, and intellectual capital.

Germantown Academy contracted with Brightcore for an LED replacement project across its 413,870 sq. feet of buildings and 126 acres of land. Richter and his team were eager to help by retrofitting 4,712 existing light fixtures to operate with brand new LED light bulbs. What GA and Richter didn’t initially know

was their partner in production happened to be another GA alum – Ira Greenberg ’97, CEO of Keystone Technologies in Montgomeryville, PA. A National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors Forces Under 40 Winner and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year – 2023 Greater Philadelphia Award Winner, Greenberg and his company created the bulbs, while Richter’s company created the design. Together, the companies will help GA save $1.5 million over the next 20 years in an effort to be sustainable in both energy and fixed resources.

Richter, along with Greenberg, visited campus at the end of February to see their work in action. Richter then presented about his company, sustainable energy, and entrepreneurship to students in AP Environmental Studies, as well as Upper School science teachers, Dick O’Hern, Phil Rittenhouse 1760, Diane Goldstein 1760, and Sarah Kesten.

“Phil Knight, the founder of Nike once said, ‘if you have a body, then you are an athlete,’” said Richter. “I believe that if you have a body, then you are an environmentalist. Clean air to breath, clean water, healthy food. This matters to athletes; it matters to students; it matters to everyone. We all want this for our children and ourselves no matter your political affiliation, race, or gender – it may be the least divisive thing out there. Now how we go about it is a different story.”

Richter explained how he has spent the past 15 years as a clean energy entrepreneur with a dabble on the side of private equity and project development. He is pleased with how his company, one that almost didn’t make it out of the pandemic, has grown over the last several years and is even more excited that GA can now be included alongside Madison Square Garden, CitiField, and the Javits Center. Many school districts and commercial properties have all benefited from Richter’s business.

While business dealings brought Richter back to GA, he didn’t leave without some hockey talk. The former goalie was kind enough to take photos and sign autographs with members of the current GA ice hockey teams and coaches, former advisor Ginny Hofmann 1760, and with classmate and current first grade teacher Brooke Murray Caffey ’85.

“What a great experience this has been,” Richter said after his day-long visit. “Seeing our sustainable lighting design in use, walking through these beautiful buildings and redesigned campus, and seeing people from my past has been so special. I am glad to have been able to share this day with so many fellow Patriots.”

(from left) Former ice hockey coach and Associate Director of Admission Matt Rominger, Richter (holding his Hall of Fame plaque), Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760, and current ice hockey coach and Assistant Director of Bands DeLane Doyle.

CLASS OF 1989

JEFFREY LEVINSON: OSCAR-WORTHY DESIGNER

Jeffrey Levinson ’89 has embarked on a journey to establish a brand that specializes in creating sleek, fashion accessories. The inspiration for his brand stemmed from his experience in the automotive industry and his passion for design and technology. After GA, Levinson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Economics and Marine Policy from the University of Delaware, and an MBA from the University of Virginia. Since then, he has played key roles in leading clean tech and project finance initiatives at Janney Capital Markets, executing global brand strategies and introducing multiple new models at Jaguar Cars North America, participating in the Marketing Leadership Program at Ford Motor Company, and serving as the scientific advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Levinson is now dedicated to creating bold, American fashion accessories utilizing the latest technologies and collaborating with some of the most talented artisans and artists in the world.

When you went from cars to handbags, did you try to use the same type of technology for the design?

I didn’t set out to duplicate cars, but to achieve our designs, we did make a lot of similar decisions. I wanted to create something lightweight with smooth finishes, and I wanted to offer custom decoration. The curvature and inspiration that people respond to emotionally definitely comes from some of the most iconic luxury sports cars. For any car people reading this, Jaguar’s 1950’s XKSS, or D-Type, is my all-time favorite. The customization element was inspired by custom motorcycle painting. What people have done with their bikes is truly amazing and often exceptionally beautiful. We work with the best custom bike painters in the world to create our custom pieces.

Your space doesn’t seem like a typical manufacturing plant. No, it certainly doesn’t. It used to be an accountant’s office and we’ve turned it into a workshop. Think jewelry production in-

house supported by high-tech manufacturing partners around the world. So while all our pieces are built right here, we work with sophisticated partners all over the world, from aerospace production facilities to fine metal finishing shops and, of course, artists, and we bring those elements together in our workshop. We have a great team, and we work hard to manage an intricate supply-chain program.

How long does one bag take to create?

From start to finish, depending on the exact finish of the bag, about 20 hours for each one. The linings are hand-stitched in New York, with all the metal polished by hand in California, and that’s before any unique decorations and assembly. We have a design we’re doing for Harrods in London now that will take more than 15 hours for the artwork on the exterior of the bag alone.

There are a lot of intricate details that go into the engineering of this type of product. What do you think makes it stand out?

It’s not the technology itself. Geoge Lucas once said of Jabba the Hutt’s ship in the desert in the Return of the Jedi, that they put millions of dollars and months of effort into it, and it’s only on screen for a few seconds; just enough to convey its size and presence. That idea connected with me. The effort is essential to success, but people don’t actually want to buy “effort,” they want to buy the dream created by that effort. The same is true for us. When we do it right, the technology fades to the background and the finishes, the richness and the depth of our colors, on a sleek, modern, and great-to-carry bag is what our clients buy.

How do the bags get from your office out into the world (besides DHL) and into the hands of Blue Ivy Carter, Jennifer Lopez, Hannah Waddington, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Kate Hudson to name a few?

I realize fashion is often viewed as a frivolous business, but the very human desire for personal expression is what drives it. For celebrities, of course, their careers depend on getting this right. And celebrities have their choice of brands and often are paid by large fashion houses to dress head-to-toe, so it’s a sincere compliment when they choose to carry our pieces for important events. Whether working with the stylist or directly with the celebrity, our job is to find them a piece that works for the moment. We have a PR showroom based in LA that coordinates our celebrity placements globally.

How did you name the bags?

This may have been the easiest part of the whole business. The women closest to me in my life are strong and inspiring people in many ways, so it just makes sense to honor our pieces with their names, which already bring a lot of great meaning. Our flagship, Elina, is named after my wife. Our second shape carries my daughter Jordan’s middle name (Finley), and she helped with the design, too. Our latest high-end line is after my mother (Lynda), and our new top-handle is named for my aunt (Andie). It’s a great pattern and one I look forward to continuing.

The 2023 Thanksgiving holiday was another perfect opportunity for the Class of 1991 friends to reunite! The festive group included (from left to right) Jen Greenfield Hitchens, Joanna Finkelstein Schell, Ashley Issacs Ganz, Meredith Rizzo Turner, Coni Zingarelli, Simi Kaplin Baer, Heather Cunningham Roth, and Amy Winters Mancini.

Jeannie Harrington Felter ’91 and Heather Harper Irons ’88 met up on the 9th hole during the 2023 GA/PC golf match to watch sons, Will Irons ’24 and Casey Felter launch the weekend’s first contest. Will took the point, 1-up, and GA won the match, 6.5-1.5.

Bradley Cooper ’93 partnered with Danny DiGiampietro, owner of Angelo’s Pizzeria in South Philly, to create an epic food truck in New York City called Danny & Coop’s Cheesesteaks.

Carolyn Straub McTernan ’00 was recently elected to the Women’s Board of Abington Health Foundation and will be Vice Chair of the June Fete Village Fair in Huntingdon Valley on June 7, 8, and 9, 2024.

Stephanie Dore Kingston ’04 and her husband, Tanner, welcomed their first child, Theodore Guy Kingston, on January 11, 2024. Theo was born in New York City weighing 8lbs 4oz and measuring 31in. The proud new mom shared, “He is a dream come true!”

Ben Siegl ’06 moved to Paris where he accepted an opportunity to expatriate to Arkema’s headquarters in Paris as the Global Business Manager for Fluorospecialties. As part of the move, Ben’s wife, Megan, left her job as a woodshop teacher at Germantown Friends School, but she hopes to continue to teach woodworking when they return to Philadelphia. “My 4-year-old daughter, Bernadette, is enrolled in French public school and is starting to settle in and make friends. In November, we welcomed my son, Wyatt,” Ben shared. “We are enjoying life in France, but I certainly regret not taking French at GA because learning later in life is challenging! We look forward to further settling into our life in France, hosting friends over the year, and taking family vacations with some of the other 2006 alumni who are also expatriated in Europe.”

Todd Rogers ’96 and coauthor Jessica Laskey-Fink have written a book that should go into any writer’s library. The book follows the theme, as the cover states, “Writing well is for school. Writing effectively is for life.” With so many screens competing for attention about anything, being able to write less and create more engagement remains the goal (this book now lives in the GA Office of Institutional Advancement!).

Rogers is a professor of public policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he has won teaching awards for the past seven consecutive years. He is the cofounder of the Analyst Institute and EveryDay Labs. His opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Politico, among others.

Dr. Emily Kunkel ’08 is spending a year in southern California while completing a 1-year fellowship in minimally invasive surgery techniques at the University of California San Diego. She plans to return to Philadelphia later in 2024.

Reed Marko ’08 and his wife, Mia, had a baby girl, Madeline Marko, on September 17, 2023.

Do You Remember the Old GA Pencils?

They were the absolute perfect writing implement with the best erasers. You could find them in the School Store, but teachers also always had a supply of them. For some alums, the first care package from the Alumni Office during freshman year of college may have contained GA pencils. When Jen Rotzell Leming ’97 recently found one in her parents’ basement and shared on social media, Shana Duffine Genkin ’95 and Diana Rodgers ’03 immediately thought to offer a little nostalgia as a giveaway to those attending the Philadelphia Regional Alumni event at the Comcast Center. They were a hit for everyone!

Dr. Vincent Mirabile ’08 married Amy Stortini on October 14, 2023 in Pittsgrove, NJ.

Caroline Doty ’08 and Allison Minisce, Wisconsin power couple, are tying the knot in Madison in June 2024!

2010s

Sean Coyle ’10 started a new position as a wealth management advisor at Main Street Financial Solutions, LLC.

Elizabeth Hill Medeiros ’10 and her husband, Steve, were thrilled to welcome their first child on October 5, a son named Steven Anthony Medeiros, III. The family of three is doing great. Libby and Steve live in Danville, PA as Steve finishes his general surgery residency at Geisinger Medical Center.

Lea Tsoubanos Shields ’10 and Christopher Shields were married on October 21, 2023 in Philadelphia. After meeting during the summer of 2020 at Graduate Hospital, they were thrilled to be surrounded by friends and family on their big day. They were married at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral with a reception at the Ben Franklin Ballroom. There were many GA alums in attendance, including Lea’s matron of honor and sister, Alyssa Tsoubanos Trunfio ’05, as well as her bridal party: William Bellamy ’10, Samantha DiGeorge ’10, Maggie Ebbott Haviland ’10, and Meredith Letner ’10. Lea and Chris happily reside in Chestnut Hill.

Carter Skeel ’11 recently started a new position as the Director of Institutional Advancement at First Things Magazine, where he previously served as the Director of Development.

Billy Oppenheimer ’12 is a writer and research assistant based in Austin. He helps research, write, edit, and publish for his favorite author, Ryan Holiday. He also recently signed his first book deal with Penguin Random House - The Work is the Win - for publication in 2025. Sign up for his “Six at 6 on Sunday” newsletter at billyoppenheimer.com/newsletter.

from the archives

The Archive Safe

The safe probably came into our possession when Dr. William Kershaw was Headmaster at GA. The story goes that it once sat in a bank, and we obtained the safe when the bank went out of business. The safe may have come from the same bank that housed the GA archives before they were moved on campus. Kershaw claimed (dubiously) that the original school seal was also housed there. The safe seems to have been associated with the archives since at least the early 1900s. It is from the Industrial Revolution-era.

The safe is approximately five feet high, five feet across, and two feet deep. The safe was the original repository of the Archives and it came from the old school. It’s a mystery how they even got it here to begin with as it took a crew with a hydraulic lift the better part of a day just to move it across the room. The safe is now it is used to house smaller items in the collections: pins, ribbons, commemorative ashtrays, etc.

Scariest Moment—One year, second graders were taking a tour of the Archives and one jumped into the safe!

Mark Rabuck ’86, Ph.D., School Archivist and Upper School History Teacher

ALEX TAKEI: BREAKING INTO THE GAMING INDUSTRY CLASS OF 2013

Alex Takei’s journey through the gaming industry has been a mix of passion, hard work, and determination. Her interest in gaming began at a young age, playing Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) like Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. However, she did not realize there was a career in the field and ultimately she thought she would be a director or a filmmaker after spending plenty of time within the arts programs at GA. It was while Takei was an intern in Hollywood that she happened upon a ticket to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which rekindled her passion for gaming.

“By going to that event, I realized how tectonic the games industry actually was,” Takei said. “Being on the show floor and understanding the magnitude of what this business is made me realize that I’m actually more passionate about games than I am about film and TV.”

After spending time at Blizzard Entertainment, where she was the youngest hire on the finance and strategy team, and then working

at the venture capital firm BITKRAFT, Takei recently joined a new studio, Ruckus Games, as their business and Production Director. In that role, she leads game monetization and production, aiding the gaming engineers. She is also responsible for fundraising, business model and strategy, and operations. In addition, Takei hosts the Naavik Gaming Podcast, a show that focuses on the business of games. With so many irons in the fire, it is no surprise that Takei was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in the games category in November 2023.

“It’s a nice validation from the business world that this is a real business, and that this is a real form of entertainment,” Takei said. “Games have been in the background for a long time. Then here we are a couple years later, and gaming is the biggest form of entertainment on the planet. It’s the most preferred form of entertainment for anybody, basically, under the age of 18. It’s being scouted by Hollywood to make new movies and the business is doing incredibly well.”

As for the future, Takei is uncertain where this venture will take her but she knows the importance of the work that she is doing.

“As a female in games, I hope to be growing as a leader who can be an example for other younger women who want to be in the games industry,” Takei said. “That’s very important to me and I would love to be that beacon of inspiration for somebody else. I also want to make sure that there’s always this balance between making an entertainment product and building a business at the same time. There will always be trade offs, and I don’t know if it will be true all the time, but that is a value and a role that I want to play if I’m an investor, an executive producer, a GM of a studio, a COO, or even a founder.”

On October 28, 2023, Madeline Stambaugh ’13 married Justin Kunz at Haywood Hall House & Gardens in Raleigh, NC.

Jackson Sternberg ’17 wrapped his first season in the communications department of the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL). Sternberg previously served in Clemson University’s athletic department.

Riley Gobora ’18 was named one of the Top 10 Up and Coming Young Staffers by Capital CNCT. Gobora serves as an operations manager for the Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions in the US Senate.

Kate Horvat ’14 and the United States took home gold and silver medals at the 2023 Pan American Games in San Pedro de La Paz, Chile. Horvat and company won gold in the quad, which she stroked, and silver in the eight.

Nate Mann ’15 plays Major Robert ‘Rosie’ Rosenthal in the new Apple TV limited series, Masters of the Air Right photo, shows Mann starring in Little Shop of Horrors at GA in his senior year. We knew him when!

James Rueter ’15 started his Juris Doctor program at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Abay Tadesse ’15 presented his research on Rates of Abusive Head Trauma Hospitalizations Proceeding And During the COVID-19 Pandemic at the Society of Critical Care Congress 2024.

Monophobia, the short film written, directed, and co-edited by Greg Voigt ’16, was completed last October and had its world premiere in late February at the Nevermore Film Festival in Durham, NC at the Carolina Theatre.

Omar Altimany ’17 started a new job as the Assistant Manager of Social Media for Skinfix.

Jake Schell ’18 has started a new position within the football department at Creative Artists Agency in Nashville, TN.

After an internship with ESPN in their Charlotte office this fall, Olivia Korman ’19 has accepted a full-time position with the event team as a production assistant.

2020s

Roderick Azizi ’20 completed his undergraduate studies at Temple University and will be working in the College of Science and Technology as an adjunct professor and classroom support specialist for the spring semester.

Heading into her senior season at the University of Michigan, Maddie Burns ’20 was named the No. 24 player in Lacrosse Magazine’s Top 50 list. Burns is already a two-time First Team All-Big Ten and two-time Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association All-Region Second Team honoree.

Eleni Kytzidis ’20 received a 2023 Commercial Real Estate Women Greater Philadelphia scholarship.

Upon graduation from Pennsylvania Western University, Tayshaun Mack ’20 will be joining SEI as a fund accountant for alternative investment funds.

Brianne O’Hara ’20 will be joining General Dynamics Electric Boat as a design engineering intern for the summer of 2024. She will be working in their Internal Structures Department in New London, Connecticut.

Elle Stauffer ’20 has accepted an offer with Barclays as a 2024 sales and trading summer analyst in New York City.

Ella Brant ’21 joined the Isenberg School of Management Graduate Programs Recruitment Team as a student intern.

Rebecca Booth ’21 will be joining KPMG US this summer as a business development intern in Orlando, FL.

After recently completing a long-term legal regulatory analyst internship with Siemens Government Technologies, Viyon Houessou-Adin ’21 has started a new internship at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

Long-time 4th grade teacher Connie Williams P’01 ’03 ’11, enjoyed lunch at Chestnut Hill Grille with Yolanda Peat ’21. “Yolanda was one of my students in 4th grade 11 years ago!” Connie shared. “It was such a surreal blessing to enjoy a conversation with one of my memorable students, now a young adult pursuing a degree as a junior at Villanova University. We took a photo of our time together to capture this memorable occasion between student and teacher.”

Kendall Skalicky ’21 was selected as sports anchor for Centre County Report. CCR is an award-winning, studentproduced newscast created by Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State. The weekly show airs to 500,000 television homes and 29 counties in Pennsylvania on WPSU-TV (PBS).

Blythe Berlinger ’22 accepted her first co-op at Congress Asset Management. She will have the opportunity to further her experience with data analysis, competitive strategy, industry research, and more.

Henry Getson ’22 became a platinum member of the Penn State American Marketing Association. He achieved platinum status as one of two members out of 217, demonstrating exceptional commitment by participating in division meetings, professional development events, community service initiatives, and member relations gatherings.

Samuel Khavinson ’22 accepted an offer to join Brown Gibbons Lang and Company as a 2024 special projects intern on the healthcare team in their Chicago office this summer.

Molly Thompson ’22 was named to the Dean’s List at Miami University for the 2023 fall semester.

Aidan Walsh ’22 has been accepted to NASA’s L’Space program. He will be participating in a 12-week Mission Concept Academy where he will learn NASA missions and procedures and collaborate with students across the country on mission-related projects.

Maria Petko ’23 was named to the University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester.

During a unique brunch on GA/PC Weekend the GA Academy Club celebrated its 100th year with a special induction of alumni who have been outstanding volunteers, keeping their classes connected to GA.

Congratulations to the new alumni inductees: Laura Dudley Ricci ’73, Philip Deming ’73 and Amy Seyfert Connelly ’90, as well as Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760.

Also in attendance were numerous Academy Club alumni and some class of 2024 candidates who will be inducted in June 2024, following work throughout their senior year to learn about, and prepare their class for, becoming alumni. All enjoyed celebrating their participation in this historic club.

Academy Club Turns 100! 100

Claire McMichael ’23 and the Middlebury College Field Hockey team won the 2023 NCAA DIII National Championship over Johns Hopkins, 2-0.

THE GA CONNECTION

Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 recently traveled coast-to-coast to see you, our treasured alumni! From NYC to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and back home to Philadelphia, we are grateful to the more than 220 GA patriots who signed up to join in the fun of connecting, conversation, and relationship building that took place at each stop. We are eager to expand our destinations and hope to see even more of you soon.

Bruce Cahan ’72 graduated from Wharton and Temple Law, before heading to the West Coast. Now a business owner and Stanford University lecturer and course instructor, Cahan describes himself professionally as a “financial technology innovator on Earth, in Outer Space, and usually in-between.” Cahan represents the sentiment shared by other Patriots in the San Francisco area – strong interest in staying connected to each other, to the teachers and campus they remain proud of, and to future generations of alumni, as he looks forward to sharing his innovative financing concepts with GA students and others in the community this spring.

Despite the distance from UCLA to GA (2,723 miles!), alumni like Rhea Pincus Turteltaub ’78, UCLA’s Vice Chancellor of External Affairs, excels at living the GA mission by serving as a caretaker for GA’s young alumni who attend her school. Read more in Rich Schellhas’ letter on page 2. Even more connections among Los Angeles alumni were fostered at the event. Whether in LA for decades or were still new to the area, had already put their kids through school or were currently in the school search process, were retired from entertainment careers or just laying down roots – attendees enjoyed networking and supporting each other.

Brad Korman ’83 has given back in various ways during his 40-year relationship with GA. He’s hosted alumni events, is a loyal donor, served on his reunion committee, and was a member of the Board of Trustees (including a term as president), and now serves in an emeritus role. We are grateful that he again offered to host GA’s NYC event, this time with his son, Jackson ’13. Jackson and his wife, Maggie, welcomed the crowd to AKA Central Park to launch this event, referring to the ‘Patriot Pride’ that bound everyone in the room, despite being far from GA. It was the perfect message after nearly five years away from the Big Apple.

Alumni representing seven decades of GA history filled the Comcast Technology Center event space for the second-straight year. Filled with joy for GA, Deb Carlos Mirarchi ’94 served as our esteemed hostess alongside Parent of Alumni and former Trustee, Karen Buchholz P’14’17, who formally welcomed our guests. Accompanied by honorary alumni, current faculty and administrators, Patriot alumni met new friends and reunited with old ones. All 110 attendees shared that common thread of caring for, and showing constant pride in, Germantown Academy.