Harvey Magazine Spring 2021

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SPRING 2021

magazine

The Meaning of

COMMUNITY


contents H AR VEY M A G AZINE // spring 2021

4 F EATU RE S: THE MEANING OF COMMUNITY (Cover: Student Athletic Leadership Council members; photo by Gabe Palacio)

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Our Alums in Sports Know the Value of Community

Student Leaders: Stand Up, Stand Out

Several alums recall how the sense of community that was instilled in them at Harvey is very much a part of their lives in their careers in the world of sports.

Current students are doing remarkable things that instill pride within the school community and are helping to light the way for others to follow.

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Harvey’s Day of Giving: The Founding of a New Tradition

Harvey Couples: When It All Began

The first Day of Giving was a resounding success and proved how vibrant the spirit of Harvey’s community is.

Harvey alums do indeed share a bond, but those who met at Harvey and now share their lives together feel a very special connection to the school.


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CONTENTS 2

From the Editor

3 Welcome 28

Cavalier News + Views

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Artistic Spotlight

42 Sports 46

Faculty & Staff News

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Alumni News

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Class Notes

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In Memoriam

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Parting Thought

28 follow us! facebook.com/TheHarveySchool @HarveySchoolNY instagram.com/theharveyschool youtube.com/TheHarveySchool linkedin.com/company/The-Harvey-School

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From the Editor

magazine

The Harvey School 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536 harveyschool.org // (914) 232-3161 harveymagazine@harveyschool.org

HEAD OF SCHOOL William J. Knauer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Karen Grazia CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Chris Del Campo ALUMNI EDITORS Susie Danziger Greg Janos DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Susie Danziger CONTRIBUTORS Effie Afentoulides Leslie Caney Berni Ellen Christian-Reid Susie Danziger Chris Kelly Ray Lacen

Phil Lazzaro Alex Lindquist Jim Skrip Denise Smith Jessica Vicente John Wahlers

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Gabe Palacio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michele Morris Vinny Alexander Maureen Moser Susie Danziger Rick Price Karen Grazia Megan Taylor Marcie Hajem Jessica Vicente Greg Janos Elizabeth Visintainer Philip Lazzaro John Wahlers Joanne Lombardi Brittany Merola DESIGN Good Design, LLC gooddesignusa.com PRINTING Printech, Stamford, Connecticut MISSION STATEMENT The Harvey School provides a college-preparatory program that fosters lifelong learning and inspires students to develop the confidence and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in a diverse, competitive, and changing world. With our commitment to small class size, our community cultivates the strengths of each student through academic excellence, artistic exploration, athletic achievement, community service, and global understanding. CORE VALUES » Passion for learning » Respect » Integrity » Dynamic balance » Excellence

This spring, the Harvey campus came alive again. Students eagerly returned from spring break, ready to get back out onto the playing fields and courts and begin rehearsals for our spring theater productions. What a joy it’s been for me to get out from behind my desk and computer screen and return to the sidelines to capture photographs of sports action at lacrosse, softball, baseball, and rugby contests. From Stark Field, you can see Middle School runners tackling the campus hills for cross country. Outside the dorms, blacktop basketball is a whirl of friendly competition, layups, and laughter. Theater rehearsals moved outside under sunny blue skies to prepare for our annual spring productions, the Middle School performance of “Our Rotten Town” and the Upper School Theater Revue. We are fortunate to have a beautiful open campus to accommodate all of our after-school activities. Our Outdoor Exploration students even built fire pits, learned how to control a safe fire, and toasted a few marshmallows to mark their achievement in survival skills. Parents returned to campus for “Together at Harvey,” our first in-person event of the year at the annual Harvey Parent Association Spring Celebration in May. As the event reached full capacity, it was easy to see why. This was a long-awaited moment for Harvey parents to step back on campus and reconnect to our school. Community often means a group of people living in the same neighborhood or town. More broadly, it means a fellowship of people with common attitudes, interests, or goals. Common attributes or qualities. A group of people who are unified by that common thread. Truly, that feeling of “unity” binds Harvey together as a tight-knit community. This spring issue celebrates our community on many different levels, from our alumni excelling in sports careers and alumni couples who first met at Harvey, to our student leaders, parent volunteers, and award-winning robotics teams, to so much more. I hope you enjoy this issue! Happy reading,

Karen Grazia, Director of Communications

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Eileen Walker, Chair Philip Bowers ’70, Vice Chair Charles A. Krasne, Vice Chair Andrea L. Tessler, Treasurer William J. Knauer, President & Head of School Jerri-Lynn Galgano, Secretary Kevin Durkin Deirdre Glascott Lydia Hellinger Jonathan Kass Edward W. Kelly Raymond G. Kuntz Ronice Latta Wendy Lederer

Sandy Ogg Joseph Plummer Elizabeth Schwartz Wallace L. Schwartz Kathleen Treat Kelsey Turcotte Lindsey Walker ’05 Clifford Wallach Jennifer Waterhouse-Cooper J. Eric Wise Daniel K. Chapman ’73, Emeritus Alice DeSomma, Emerita Barry W. Fenstermacher, Headmaster Emeritus Jeffrey Lasdon, Emeritus Jane Petty, Emerita Frank A. Weil ’44, Emeritus

ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Lara Casano ’95, President Pieter Catlow ’73 Erica Cheyne ’14 George Dallas ’64 Philip A. Eifert ’73 Andy Jamieson ’09 Alexander P. McKown ’57 Laurel Meredith ’88 Seth Morton ’57 Greg Presseau ’98 Brian Ryerson ’05 Lindsey Walker ’05

HEAD’S COUNCIL LIST Tracey Davies Bruce L. Dennis Dennis Dilmaghani ’62 Lori Garbin John Hughes ’68 Richard Ledes ’71 Vivian Levy Lucy Lopez Dave Raneri ’69 David Silk Vanessa Williams Maury Leone*, Emeritus

* — deceased


welcome from the head of school A Transformational COMMUNITY

“Harvey is easily the most welcoming place that I have ever worked. The warmth and kindness are palpable, which attracts people to the school who are drawn to the sense of belonging and naturally want to perpetuate it.”

As head of school, I often speak with people — students, faculty, alumni, families — about their Harvey experiences. During their reflections, they inevitably mention the idea of “community” and gush about how connected they feel to the school. Community can be an amorphous and elusive concept, difficult to define or even describe. All schools talk about the importance of community and strive to develop and nurture it, but I sincerely believe that there is something truly special about this place that all of us recognize and value, and even visitors can sense. But what makes Harvey so remarkable? Harvey is easily the most welcoming place that I have ever worked. The warmth and kindness are palpable, which attracts people to the school who are drawn to the sense of belonging and naturally want to perpetuate it. At all levels, the connection is apparent. Harvey students welcome new peers into the community eagerly, dispelling the common fear that new students will find themselves outsiders, struggling to find a place. Teachers form meaningful and lasting relationships with their students, actively striving to understand who they are and what they need to thrive. Even our families often remark how inclusive they find the school to be and how welcome they feel in the parent community. During my five years at Harvey, I have come to realize that this sense of community is not imposed by the school but rather nurtured and cultivated from the inside by students, staff, and families alike. People here look out for each other. We share a common purpose. As we all know, and research supports, a genuine sense of belonging can lead to amazing outcomes. When asked to articulate what makes our community so unique, most often I turn to stories. Stories of children who for the first time in their lives look forward to coming to school each day. Of parents who shared that they “have their summer camp son back again.” Of the theater full of students who made their classmate feel safe enough to return to the podium, after leaving in tears, to deliver her poetry recitation to a standing ovation. Of the grateful mother who revealed that her daughter was suddenly singing in the shower again for the first time in years. Of the midyear transfer student who told his family that coming to Harvey was “the best decision he ever made in his life.” Story after story demonstrates the transformational impact that the Harvey community has on students’ lives. I look forward to next year and the chance to once again engage with members of our community, those returning and those new, and to discover more stories attesting to what makes Harvey such a remarkable place. With kind regards,

William J. Knauer, Head of School

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Our Alums in Sports Know the Value of

COMMUNITY Though separated by years, and in some cases several decades, today’s Harvey students and yesterday’s graduates have one thing in common: an appreciation for being a part of a vibrant and caring learning community first established 105 years ago. With a teenage son whose health had been compromised after a bout of rheumatic fever, Dr. Carter and his wife, Mabel, set the stage for more than a century of caring for young people when they founded a school that provided their son and his classmates with many opportunities to learn and grow. We are proud to share the stories of four alumni whose sports-related careers reflect the value and importance of a community, an organization, a team working together to achieve lofty goals. Each of them, as you will see, can trace the value of community back to their days as students at Harvey.

By Chris Del Campo

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ABT

BALDWIN BARNETT

GATES

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HOWARD L. BALDWIN ’56

Harvey, Hockey, & Hollywood

Above. Howard and Karen Baldwin // Below. Howard during his time leading the New England Whalers hockey team

Howard Baldwin ’56 has led an extraordinary life after his days on Harvey’s Hawthorne campus, when the school was all boys and went up to eighth grade. After graduating from the Salisbury School, Howard went into the U.S. Marine Corps and then completed a 2 ½-year stint at Boston University before leaving college for a failed tryout at spring training with the Detroit Tigers. “Just too old and too slow,” said Howard, who went on to land a job in professional sports as ticket manager/sales manager of the Philadelphia Flyers during their first year in the National Hockey League (NHL). Howard, whose first marriage to Anne produced three children — Scott, Becka, and Howard Jr. — saw his career take him from ice arenas to studio backlots, finding great success in both pro hockey and film production. He was just 28 years old when he left the Flyers after a successful four years and founded the New England Whalers of what was then the newly formed World Hockey Association (WHA). His Whalers would go on to win a WHA championship during his tenure. He led the franchise for 17 years and moved the team to Hartford in the late 1970s. Howard also became president of the WHA, guiding the league and team to a

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successful merger with the NHL in 1979. In 1988, Howard negotiated the sale of the Hartford Whalers for what was at the time the largest acquisition price in league history, despite playing in the smallest market and smallest arena in the league. Howard and his second wife, Karen, moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to pursue their interest in film production. At the same time, Howard continued to maintain his relationship with the NHL by engineering the entry of the San Jose Sharks into the league and the sale of the Minnesota North Stars. In addition, Howard put together a small group to acquire and operate the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise in the early 1990s. His Penguins would win the 1992 Stanley Cup when he was one of the team’s three owners and served as the CEO. Howard knows full well that it takes everyone in the organization doing their part to win the sport’s top prize. “In winning a championship, the credit goes to each and every person associated with the team — executives, staff, and, obviously, the great players,” he said. After selling their interest in the Penguins in the late 1990s, Howard and Karen transitioned to devoting all their efforts to their film production company, Baldwin Entertainment. His foray into filmmaking with Karen led them to produce more than 40 movies — one of them the acclaimed 2004


biopic “Ray,” which garnered Jamie Foxx an Oscar for Best Actor in his portrayal of rhythm-andblues legend Ray Charles. The film also won an Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing. Howard, along with Taylor Hackford, who also directed, and Stuart Benjamin earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture. Hackford was nominated for Best Director. The film also earned Oscar nominations for Best Editing and Best Costume Design. Among other films Howard and Karen produced are “Mystery, Alaska,” “Odd Man Rush,” “Sudden Death,” “From the Hip,” “Spellbinder,” and “Joshua.” When Howard thinks back to his formative years at Harvey as “one of the Hawthorne boys,” he can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for those bygone days when he and his three siblings — Ian ’53, Michael ’54, and Philip ’62 — attended the school where their mother Rose taught reading and managed the library. “All the teachers cared, and they were led by a great headmaster in Lev Smith,” Howard said. “And the reading teacher and librarian was pretty darn good as well,” he quipped in a notso-veiled nod to his late mother, Rose. “Many wonderful friendships were made there,” Howard added, “and I loved everything … except the classes.” Taking on a more serious tone in addressing today’s students, Howard said, “It’s a great privilege to attend

a school such as Harvey,” advising them to “work hard and value and appreciate the opportunity your parents have given you.” Howard continues to remain involved in both hockey and film production. To those who might one day want to follow in his footsteps down his two distinct paths, Howard said, “Few can relate to the two worlds I live in — professional sports and film. They both are challenging and difficult journeys, but so what? If it’s a journey you have a passion for and want to take, take it. Persevere. Stay with it. Don’t let others talk you out of it.” Howard and Karen report that they “are busier than ever these days” as the passion they share for film production has certainly not waned. We might soon see their names roll among the credits of several TV series, and perhaps a bit farther down the road, several films, some that will, no doubt, feature a sports backdrop.

Left. Howard and Karen with actor Jamie Foxx // Right. Howard with Rose Baldwin at Harvey

“All the teachers cared, and they were led by a great headmaster in Lev Smith. And the reading teacher and librarian was pretty darn good as well. Many wonderful friendships were made there.” — HOWARD L. BALDWIN ’56

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Gaining Ground as an NFL Player Agent GREG BARNETT ’93

“My profession is mostly about making personal connections and getting athletes to trust you.” — GREG BARNETT ’93

Above. Greg with NFL player and client Kendall Fuller // Right. Greg with NFL player and client Jamie Newman

Walking along the sidelines of MetLife Stadium and shaking hands with National Football League (NFL) players who greet you by name would be a dream come true for many boys and girls. For Greg Barnett, Harvey Class of 1993, such a dream is, today, his reality in his capacity as an NFL-certified sports agent. Greg, who graduated from Morgan State University with a degree in education and earned a master’s degree in school administration from Goucher College, went from being a middle school teacher designing lesson plans to a business agent drafting multimillion-dollar contracts for the players he represents. “I always enjoyed working with children, loved teaching and coaching, but I always wanted to work with professional athletes,” said Greg who lives in Atlanta with his wife, Katrina, and his two sons, Breon, 14 and Grayson, 10. An internship as a sports marketing agent opened the door for him to work with his current partner, Joel Segal, one of the most notable agents in the NFL. Greg recalls that entering the world of player representation took some getting used to after the 10 years he had spent being a teacher. “The biggest change was time management, going from being in one building for eight hours to working out of a home office making my own schedule,” Greg explained. He was also giving up a steady income when he first ventured out on his own as an agent. “Working as an agent at first was ‘Don’t kill, don’t eat’ until I became a partner in a firm,” Greg shared. Today, his client list features players such as Justin Houston, Kendall and Kyle Fuller, Dexter Lawrence, Lorenzo Carter, Anthony Miller, and Tavon Austin, to name a few. Greg says the highlight of his career so far came when he negotiated Houston’s Kansas City Chiefs six-year $101 million

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contract in 2015, which, at the time, made his client the highest paid linebacker. After starring on the gridiron for the Cavaliers and going on to play football for four years on scholarship at Morgan State University, Greg has not forgotten his days as a Harvey student. Although he admits that there was an adjustment period he went through coming from a socioeconomic environment very different from most of his peers, Greg recalled one teacher in particular who made a big difference. “Susan Daily helped me tremendously as I was coming from a different household and community from the average Harvey student,” Greg recounted. “I had a quick temper and was always flying off the handle in situations, but she helped me with channeling that energy and developing patience,” Greg shared. The middle school teacher turned sports agent was gracious in agreeing to kick off the Cavalier Speaker Series this April. In the true spirit of appreciating the value of community, Greg used his Zoom session to offer advice to current Harvey students while sharing his transformational story of perseverance and passion. Greg underscored the importance of what is at the heart of every caring community, saying, “My profession is mostly about making personal connections and getting athletes to trust you; learning contracts is easy once you have an education.” (Turn to page 50 for more on Greg and the Cavalier Speaker Series.)


ANDREW ABT ’10

In Good Shape in the Fitness World His love of sports helped Andrew Abt ’10 find a career path he first caught a glimpse of while practicing on the pitch with his mates on the Harvey rugby team. Andrew, the founder and owner of ABTsolute Training Systems in New Rochelle, New York, started his journey into the fitness world when he was a sophomore at Kutztown University working toward his Bachelor of Science in Specialization in Health & Fitness. Prompted by his entrepreneurial spirit, Andrew founded his first fitness training company, Raw Fitness, LLC, while interning with the Iona College strength and conditioning staff. As the owner of the fledgling enterprise, Andrew rented a field to train high school athletes every afternoon after work. “It was my first real experience as an entrepreneur, and I really found my passion for coaching,” Andrew said. He said his time interning at Iona gave him the opportunity to be fully immersed in the field of Division I college strength and conditioning and to refine and develop his skills as a coach. From there he held the position of assistant strength and conditioning coach with the University of Connecticut football program and with the athletic department back at Iona. When he was working at Iona, an opportunity presented itself for him to take ownership of a failing private training facility, which he reestablished and renamed ABTsolute, playing off his last name. Andrew’s facility was originally centered solely on sports performance and personal training but has since evolved and

expanded, growing from having only one staff member in a 2,000-square-foot facility to nine employees working in an 8,000-square-foot training center. Andrew said that he and his staff offer clients more than just nutrition and fitness. “We look at everything from how they sleep to how much time they spend on their phone. We take a look at their entire lifestyle and find ways to optimize it. It’s truly amazing how much we can help people.” The joy of helping people is something he discovered at Harvey with the help of Phil Lazzaro, his teacher, advisor, and coach, who gave him the opportunity to create workout programs for the rugby team. “While I didn’t really know what I was doing then, it gave me the opportunity to gain confidence in my future career and a chance to lead my peers,” Andrew said. Andrew, living in Stamford, Connecticut, with his wife, Katie, appreciates his days at Harvey. “It’s a special place that allows you to discover what you’re passionate about,” he said. He advises current students to “utilize the opportunities Harvey gives you and allow yourself to develop.” Referring to the risks he took to start his own business at a young age, Andrew urges those fresh out of college not to be afraid of a challenge. “Too many people look for the easy route — if you fail, that’s just part of life. It makes you tough, and it’s the best way to learn.” Since his Harvey days, this young entrepreneur, president, and head trainer of ABTsolute Training Systems, has truly, and quite literally, made a name for himself.

Left. Andrew at his ABTsolute Training facility // Right. Andrew with his staff and clients at ABTsolute // Below. Andrew and wife, Katie // Bottom. Andrew strength training at his facility

“[Helping to create Harvey Rugby workout programs] gave me the opportunity to gain confidence in my future career and a chance to lead my peers.” — ANDREW ABT ’10

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Living the Dream with LeBron’s Lakers GEOFF GATES ’04

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When Geoff Gates graduated from Harvey in June 2004, it would be fair to say he had absolutely no idea that one day he would be wearing a Los Angeles Lakers’ championship ring. You see, Geoff’s best days on the court at Harvey came while shooting hoop in McConnell Gym during lunchtime basketball. Today, 17 years later, Geoff is the associate director of social and content with the Lakers, overseeing the overall strategy and content for the Lakers’ social media channels. Geoff also works closely with other departments on various Lakers projects and recently started collaborating with corporate partnerships within the organization to come up with unsold ideas for brands utilizing the Lakers’ social media channels. Of all his duties, Geoff believes that taking care of the people he works with is his most important role. “I’m responsible for the well-being and growth of the five people who report to me — priority No. 1,” Geoff said. Geoff credits his Harvey days with instilling in him the importance of being a part of a caring community. ”Harvey truly formed who I was to become further down the road and instilled a set of values that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else,” Geoff said. “I cherish my days at Harvey, and I’m forever thankful for the time and attention that the faculty paid to me and all the other students.”

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Geoff, single and living in Los Angeles, calls being awarded a Lakers’ 2020 National Basketball Association (NBA) championship ring one of the top highlights of his career, which began rather inauspiciously as a marketing coordinator at a Canadian printer technology company. He had received his bachelor of business administration in marketing, with a minor in statistics from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. His next job was as a junior copywriter, and then a promotion to senior copywriter gave him opportunities to assist on sports-focused projects. From there he moved to a new company as a senior social media strategist, which gave him a chance to take the lead on a project involving a partnership between Twitter and the NBA. The long and winding road to the Lakers took a bit of a detour when Geoff’s next gig had him running the social and digital team at a boxing company, where for two years he continued to build his skill sets while traveling the world covering boxing. Geoff’s love of basketball fueled his dream of one day working in the sport. When he had a chance to go for the job with the Lakers, he jumped at it, and, after a few weeks of interviewing, he was selected. “I couldn’t believe it,” Geoff said. “My dream job!” As with most high school students, Geoff didn’t focus too much of his attention on where he’d be after college or what he’d be doing. This list of his fondest Harvey memories gives us a clue as to how much Harvey means to him. He said it was the early

morning rugby workouts with Mr. Lazzaro; extra help after school from Ms. Rowitt; Mr. Kelly walking him through a problem in Honors Physics; going off campus with friends to grab a bacon, egg, and cheese at Manny’s; attending the Headmaster’s dinner at Mr. Fenstermacher’s house; attending off-campus parties senior year; and “staying up past curfew in the dorms and getting yelled at by Mr. Schursky.” Geoff did not map out his career path. Things just kind of fell into place for someone with a passion for hoops and a desire to find something to do in life that would give him joy and great satisfaction. Asked what advice he’d offer current Harvey students about how much they should worry about their adult years, Geoff said, “I’d tell students that YOU’RE YOUNG!! Don’t worry about all these adult things. You have plenty of time. Take risks, make mistakes, learn, grow. Enjoy this time at Harvey — you don’t get these years back.” Sage advice from a Harvey alum who dons a Lakers’ championship ring and gets to hobnob with the likes of LeBron James.

Left to Right. Geoff Gates balancing a career he loves // Geoff with a friend at an ugly Christmas sweater party hosted by a Laker player // Geoff (end right) with Harvey ’04 classmates Nick Hertz, Maria Neri, Mallika Ragahavan, and Liz Mearsheimer // Geoff flashing his Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship ring

”Harvey truly formed who I was to become further down the road and instilled a set of values that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.” — GEOFF GATES ’04

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Young Alums Continue the Harvey Community

SPIRIT When Jackson Roberts ’15 was a student at Harvey, he was one of the most recognizable voices of the school community during his Upper School years. You’d hear his voice everywhere, calling varsity games, broadcasting news as part of the first TV production class, doing voiceovers on videos produced by the Development Office, and lending his vocal talents to radio commercials for the Admissions Office. Jackson also reported on his interviews with major figures from the sports world like Yankee great Bernie Williams and renowned New York Daily News columnist and novelist Mike Lupica. None of Jackson’s Harvey teachers doubted whether he would follow in the footsteps of his Emmy Award-winning father, Jimmy Roberts of NBC Sports. Jackson was one to fully embrace all the opportunities Harvey gave him, and now, two years out of Ithaca College, he has been honing his craft and blazing his own trail working as a sports anchor and reporter in Fargo, North Dakota, at FOX-owned KVRR-TV. Much of Jackson’s involvement in the Harvey community came about first by his own initiative when he and a schoolmate teamed up to form a sports broadcasting/media club. “We started calling games before I branched out to reporting,” Jackson said. “There was a bevy of things happening on campus that gave me the opportunity to share NEWS

JACKSON ROBERTS ’15

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through feature stories,” he explained. The success of the broadcasting club served as the impetus for two faculty members, Phil Lazzaro and Chris Kelly, to establish a TV production class that produced live newscasts highlighting campus happenings. “That (class) was certainly a stepping-stone in helping to grow my interest in sports media,” Jackson said. “That, along with a few more stories I worked on senior year and the basketball games I called, helped give me an idea of what colleges I wanted to check out,” he added. During his four years at Ithaca, Jackson became heavily involved in student media clubs starting in his freshman year, which allowed him to piece together a demo reel that comprised his best work. When he sent it out to various people in the industry, the head of the FOX station in Fargo liked it, called him for an interview, and then offered him a job. For almost two years at KVRR-TV, he has spent his weekends producing and anchoring sportscasts that highlight local teams, athletes, and coaches at all levels — pro, college, and high school. “For the most part, I’m a one-man band, writing my own scripts and editing my own video before going on the air,” said Jackson. During the week, he assists the sports director while also serving as a sports reporter. Among his highlights as a fledgling local TV personality, the one that stands out the most for Jackson is his getting the chance to cover a future

“The support of the teachers, faculty, and staff helped me grow all-around, and Harvey also gave me the chance to make some good friends whom I still talk with to this day.” — JACKSON ROBERTS ’15 top NFL draft pick, Trey Lance, who quarterbacked North Dakota State to a national championship as a redshirt freshman, setting records along the way and drawing national attention. Reflecting on his years at Harvey, Jackson appreciated being a part of close-knit learning community. “The support of the teachers, faculty, and staff helped me grow all-around, and Harvey also gave me the chance to make some good friends whom I still talk with to this day,” Jackson said. As for his future, Jackson says he will see where life takes him. As for advice to current Harvey students, Jackson recommends that they take advantage of all the opportunities Harvey offers them. “Diversify yourself — there are ample clubs, classes, and activities that don’t just provide an array of knowledge but also give you a well-rounded education,” advised Jackson, whose full immersion into the opportunities that Harvey offered him set him on an exciting journey fueled by his passion for sports.

Opposite. Jackson teams up with Michael Goodkind ’14 to interview one-time NBA player John Starks at a Knicks clinic held in the Fenstermacher Athletic Center. // Left. Jackson reporting for SNY-TV as part of his college internship. // Right. Jackson (left) returned to Harvey for an alumni basketball game and caught up with Zack Goligoski ’16 and Ricky Hicks ’15.

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Late Night with … MIKE GOODKIND ’14

Below. Mike interviewing Regis Philbin for Harvey Presents in 2013 // Bottom. Mike with NY Tech coach Sam Stern

Who knows? Talking late-night sports with Mike Goodkind may one day become a reality on network TV, if the affable and aspiring 2014 Harvey alum sees his dream come true. For now, Mike is pouring his time and energy into “Goodnight Goodkind,” the Instagram TV broadcast he kicked off during the pandemic, interviewing sports figures mainly via Zoom in the show’s first season. Mike likes the sound of his show’s title — one, he says that came to him when he was in the shower. “I was mulling names over in my head when I thought, ‘My last name is already Goodkind, so I could pretty easily make a nice pun with that.’” The word “goodnight” was his signature call when he described a successful 3-point shot as the play-by-play man for Boston University’s men’s basketball team. The premise of “Goodnight Goodkind” is a late-night show for sports with a bit of a twist. Instead of sitting at a desk with his guest seated comfortably on a nearby couch, Mike conducts his interviews on a basketball court, asking his guest questions while the two of them shoot baskets. Mike says the unique format loosens up his guest. “Standard interviews can be intense sometimes, so I want my guest to be as comfortable as possible,” Mike explained, adding, “I also have difficulty sitting still, so it makes it easier for me to interview.” Mike premiered his show in the more traditional way when he filmed it from the living room of his first interviewee, his mentor and friend, Joe Davis, the Los Angeles Dodgers TV play-by-play man. “Joe gave incredible answers and insight about the 2020 shortened Major League Baseball (MLB) season,” Mike recalled. Another notable moment for Mike was the first time he did a show on a basketball court. He enjoyed trading baskets in a game of “Horse” with DeAndre Asbury-Heath, former pro baseball player and star of reality TV’s “Love Island.” Mike has had experience working in MLB, first as a tour guide for the Boston Red Sox while he was attending college, and then helping with publicity for

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the L.A. Dodgers after he graduated. Unfortunately, Mike’s job with the Dodgers ended when the pandemic hit L.A. Currently residing in Miami, Mike says his dream job in baseball would be as a stadium host and a personality for the team’s regional TV network. The seeds for his dream were clearly sown at Harvey. “A stadium host is pretty much exactly the kind of thing I did at Harvey for pep rallies, basically be the MC for the ballpark,” Mike said. Mike also has dreams of seeing “Goodnight Goodkind” someday going to a national level where the show airs live from the site of a gameof-the-week telecast. “Maybe it’s a baseball game at Dodger Stadium on a Saturday night with me interviewing Cody Bellinger as I stand behind an L screen and pitch to him for batting practice. Or maybe it’s a basketball game in Miami on a Friday night, the Heat against the Spurs, where I interview Tyler Herro after the game while we have a 3-point contest.” Those Harvey students and teachers who knew him well know that the way he has expressed his dream is vintage “Mikey” Goodkind. As a student at Harvey, Mike contributed much to the vibrancy of the school community, lending his voice, not only to MC pep rallies but also to the telecast of varsity basketball games and public address announcements during games. Perhaps the highlight of his time at Harvey came during his senior year, when he served as the student interviewer of the late TV icon Regis Philbin on a late-night-styled Harvey Presents in Lasdon Theater. Mike is keeping all of his options open. We might see him one day on a jumbo screen at a major league venue, or maybe catch him on TV doing a late-night sports show, or maybe hosting a game show, or seeing his name appear on the credits for a TV sitcom for writing, or even acting. “I would like to be a multiversed television personality,” Mike said. For those who recall Mike Goodkind’s time at Harvey, they can see some, or even all, of these future scenarios playing out for a young man who dreams big with the devotion and the energy needed to fuel his aspirations.


Student Leaders:

Stand Up, Stand Out By Karen Grazia

HANDS©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/STOTIART

Harvey students are emerging from the uncertainty and separation of the pandemic, standing up as leaders and innovators to make their voices heard and reconnect as a community. Three student groups on campus are forging ahead with their eyes set on shaping Harvey’s future, leaving their mark as student leaders while preparing themselves for an exciting new world of possibilities as future alums.

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Harvey Athletic Leadership Council

Boosting

Harvey Spirit! With the recent successes of the Harvey School champion varsity ice hockey, baseball, and girls lacrosse teams, the foundation is set to chart a new and bold course for Harvey’s other teams to follow a similar championship path in 2021–22 and beyond. At Harvey, participation in athletics provides the unique opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and is an important component of a well-rounded education. Through athletics, students face real-life challenges in real time, which calls for individuals to put their leadership skills into play. Harvey spirit and excitement are building with a boost from the newly formed Harvey Athletic Leadership Council with 18 student leaders stepping forward beyond the fields and courts to promote the Cavalier athletic program. In its 2020–21 inaugural year, the council focused on school spirit and pride, connecting with the student body, athletes, and fans and providing a strong and clear vision for Cavalier athletics. “The pandemic has physically and emotionally separated students from each other,” says sophomore Hudson Chris. “We want to bring back the school spirit that has slowly faded due to the absence of sports.”

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Sophomore Emi Knauer agrees. “We are brainstorming ways to encourage the interest in athletics and to increase school spirit during this pandemic,” she says. “We want to increase Harvey Pride by involving the whole community in Harvey athletics through new Harvey merchandise to community-wide activities.” One of the council’s first initiatives was a Harvey Pride Day when they surprised students, faculty, and staff by handing out Harvey Pride T-shirts during lunch slots. Faculty and staff also received a beautifully designed “Harvey Athletics” sweatshirt. The council members view this gesture as a sign of unity. “What better way to spread school spirit than to give out new Harvey Pride merch!” says sophomore Juliet Jaques. “Our main job is to bring the energy and optimism beyond the courts and fields into the community.” How heartwarming it is to see Harvey blue and maroon Pride on display now in the halls, classrooms, and all across campus. The council also provides an opportunity for these students to be the voice of Harvey athletics and work directly with other members of the Harvey community, including the offices of admissions, enrollment, development, and athletics, as well as community service, outreach, and mentorship programs.


“Being part of the Athletic Leadership Council is a chance to work directly with the administration for the student body,” shares junior Jacob Weisberger. “I love being a member of Harvey athletics, and I think this is a great way to be able to improve school spirit and the athletic program.” “I love sharing my Harvey Pride and letting others know how much the school means to me,” says junior Sam Alexander. “Being part of the Athletic Leadership Council is a great way to do that.” The council kept busy thinking ahead about ways they can improve upcoming events. “We will try to make events such as homecoming, spirit week, and pep rallies more fun for students,” shares sophomore Jordan Latta. “We will spread cheer to our fellow students by showing OUR spirit for Harvey.”

What does being a Harvey Cavalier mean to these students?

“Being a Harvey Cavalier means being a member of a community where no one is unappreciated or left out,” says Jacob. “Cavaliers were strong fighters who would do anything for their fellow teammates. I believe the same ideas apply to Harvey. We are a small school, but we are an extremely strong community. No one is more important than the next, and everyone’s voice is heard.” Jordan agrees, adding, “It means showing respect to other students and teachers, coming to school with positive energy and ready to conquer in the classroom and on the field and the court. It means being a good example and being the best student-athlete you can be.” “Being perseverant and pushing yourself to the limits describes a true Harvey Cavalier,” Hudson says. “Whether you are a scholar or an athlete, or both, you put your best foot forward and stay persistent.” Sam defines what being a Harvey Cavalier means in one word. “Everything!” says Sam.

Committed Adventurous Valiant Spirited

2020–21 ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Adama Abdul-Wahab ’21 Sam Alexander ’22 Hudson Chris ’23 Ella Cohn ’22 Nick Calandros ’23 Dom D’Onofrio ’22 Max Edelman ’21 Jacob Hellinger ’22 Charlie Hildebrandt ’22 Juliet Jaques ’23 Emiliana Knauer ’23 Jordan Latta ’23 Kathryn Ogg ’21 Kira Ortega ’23 Kirk Ortega ’23 Erin Phillips ’22 Lamont Watson ’21 Jacob Weisberger ’23 Advisors Ray Lacen, athletic director Denis Arnautovic, assistant athletic director Gary Dunn, US dean of students, varsity baseball assistant coach Sarah Zeigler, US history teacher, varsity girls soccer coach Christian Coscio, US history teacher, varsity cross country coach

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Artificial Intelligence Robotics

Racing

Into The Future: The Harvey robotics program has seen championship wins for both the Middle and Upper School teams at every competitive level, all the way up to the VEX Robotics World Championships. After countless hours in the robotics lab, hard work, and dedication, the Harvey RoboCavs have garnered respect and admiration as a nationally top-ranked robotics program. This distinction has earned them a spot as one of 50 teams honored with being part of the inaugural VEX Artificial Intelligence program, a new program that poses a challenge unlike any other the Upper School RoboCavs have encountered. Artificial intelligence (AI) robotics challenges teams to build two robots to complement each other’s strategy. With one robot measuring 15 inch by 15 inch by 15 inch and the other measuring 24 inch by 24 inch by 24 inch, the robots compete completely autonomously with no student serving as the driver. “The robots consist of structure, motors, batteries, computers or the brains, and sensors,” says Chris Kelly, head of Harvey robotics. “Sensors use vision, sonar, lasers, and GPS to determine location and see objects on the field. Students must code their robots to work together to score as many points as possible. The code must see objects, evaluate their relative value, pick up objects, and score the objects,” adds Mr. Kelly. The AI game this year is to put red and blue balls into towers to create a tic-tac-toe pattern. Teams can try to create tic-tac-toe or aim to prevent their competitor from creating the pattern. “Success requires both,” says Mr. Kelly. “The trick is coding the robot to read the field and act appropriately.” Although there is a forum for teams to ask each other questions, that’s about all the guidance they have received in this beta program. Teams are diving into AI with very little information about how to best approach this project. They have spent months in the robotics lab designing everything from scratch. “The students have to design two great competition robots and create a brand new type of code that is much more complicated than anything we have done before,” says Mr. Kelly.

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AI robotics is not a class but something the students pursue beyond their academic day. To join the team, the students have to show only a desire and a passion to be part of AI. The team agreed that the main requirements are a collaborative personality, excitement to learn together, creativity, dedication, some ability in math, and, most important, enthusiasm to learn AI. Dedication and enthusiasm are certainly not lacking. These students meet in the Upper School robotics lab after school almost every day until 5 or 6 p.m. On Fridays, students often remain in the robotics lab until 10 or 11 p.m. “The fun is the main perk to being a part of AI robotics,” says junior Alex Piper. “I can spend 50 hours a week in robotics because it is so much fun to be there and be with the friends I’ve made.” The Harvey students have found that the other AI teams are always willing to help and guide each other, offer suggestions, and collaborate. “It’s a friendly community of learners,” say the team members. “Teams are willing to help each other” because AI is a new learning experience for them all. However, the Harvey students seem far from intimidated by this new arena in robotics.


“I like the aspects of AI, neurolinks, machine learning. That really sparked my interest,” says junior Wendy Lichtenberg. “By giving computers data with coding to tell the machine what that data means and programming it to see patterns, we are giving the robot the ability to train itself.” Wendy’s fellow team member, sophomore Alexandre Conoscente, is equally intrigued by AI. “I like the coding aspect of AI and robotics,” says Alexandre. “I want to learn more about virtual reality and anything that requires me to learn more about coding. I like things that are logical.” Junior Giselle Groff is looking to expand her knowledge. “I learned how to build machines in Robotics II. AI gives me the opportunity to learn more. I am thinking about pursuing a career in engineering, so this is giving me good experience in building.” “I have always liked making things, coding, from early on. Whether it was Minecraft and virtual building, to physical puzzles, I really like logical things, and robotics falls in line with that,” says junior Henry Howe. “Plus, it’s just fun.” The team has faced some roadblocks, such as when the coding works but the equipment does not, leading them to discover there was an issue with time lags in the sensors. A bigger challenge is that they will likely compete against not just other high school teams but also college teams with students majoring in engineering, computer science, and other robotics fields. This doesn’t seem to daunt them. They are ready to take on AI robotics and the future. “AI is the future,” says Mr. Kelly. “There are so many examples of situations where AI is in use, like the Mars probe using AI to look down on Mars and pick an appropriate landing site, to air traffic control using an AI computer to watch the skies and prevent collisions. AI computers look through microscopes and medical records to research and classify diseases. Now imagine that all those systems can learn and get better.” At the same time, robotics gives the students more than just an edge in engineering and computer programming.

“There is a place in robotics for everyone,” says junior Maggie Haber, a relative newcomer to robotics. “Whether it is making the videos, writing, building, coding — anything you do outside of school in your life — you can bring into robotics.” She credits robotics with helping her to hone her skills in interviewing, teamwork, and collaboration, as well as interpersonal skills. “What I have learned in the robotics lab has helped me in all aspects of my life,” says Maggie. Alex Piper shared the philosophy of Mr. Kelly and the Harvey AI robotics team. “We didn’t set out to make the best team we can,” says Alex. “We set out to make the most dedicated team we can.” When asked what the end goal of the AI team was, Alex added with a smile, “To dominate the world, of course!”

Meanwhile, Alex and Giselle haven’t quite conquered the world yet,

but they, along with teammates Henry Howe, Alex Conoscente, and Aden Yankwitt, dominated in Edison, New Jersey, in May when they went undefeated in the first-ever VEX Robot Revolution AI Invitational to capture the tournament championship for Harvey. harveyschool.org 19


Student Interns

Helping

as ‘The Face of Harvey’ Students are playing a significant role in helping the Development Office engage alumni and current families in special events that promote and celebrate the school’s vibrant community. Each spring, the Development team, in collaboration with the Upper School administration, nominates a group of students, mostly juniors, to serve as The Harvey School’s Development Office Interns. During the school year, these students assist the Development team with engaging alumni, participating in schoolwide events such as Founders Day and Homecoming, and offering their unique perspectives and voices as Harvey students. “The students participate in phonathons in the fall and on the Day of Giving to reach out to alumni not only to encourage their support but also to thank them for when they do lend their hand to Harvey,” says Ellen Christian-Reid, director of the annual fund. “Student outreach to alumni is mutually beneficial to both. Alumni get a chance to hear about Harvey today and understand not only how but whom their support helps. The students gain a unique perspective from someone who has been where they are going.” The connection between the current Harvey students and Harvey alums is powerful. “What I have most enjoyed about reaching out to Harvey alums are the conversations we have,” shares junior Ella Cohn. “Having the opportunity to learn about their experiences at Harvey,

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especially when it was a boys-only school, amazes me with how much has changed. I have seen their growth as alums and how Harvey impacted their lives for the better,” Ella says. “Speaking with alums and finding out what life was like at Harvey before I was a student brings about a lot of feelings,” says junior Amanda Mohamad. “Speaking to alumni who have so much respect and regard for the Harvey community, even if they haven’t been students here in decades, makes me proud to not only be an intern, but to be a student at Harvey.” Intern Ryan Spiro, a junior at Harvey, has learned “that most alumni like to give back to Harvey.” “They still feel a strong connection to the Harvey community,” says junior Giselle Groff. “I enjoy hearing about their time at Harvey and how their education and experiences here have helped them throughout their lives.” Being an intern has not only connected these students with Harvey alums, but broadened their perspective about their place in the larger Harvey community. “I definitely feel a greater sense of community talking to alums and seeing how much they credit their experiences to Harvey,” says Amanda. “To be able to find commonalities with someone much older than myself gives me a different perspective. Despite age differences, the alums and I are very similar. They developed as Harvey students


in the past just like I am developing as a Harvey student now.” “I do feel connected to that larger community because of what alums tell me and how open they are to share their experiences with me as well as listen to mine,” Ella says. “I was a new student last year, and this opportunity has given me the chance to become involved at Harvey. Through this experience, I feel welcomed to the Harvey community, and I feel that I am a part of it now.” All the interns feel that volunteering and giving back is something that motivated them to participate. For some, it was a way to step out of their comfort zone and get more involved. For others, volunteering was an opportunity to gain leadership, management, and organizational skills that might help them in college and life. “I have learned so much about how events like the Day of Giving are planned and the amount of work that goes into them,” shares Giselle. “This has helped me understand event organization and management while also providing the opportunity to closely work with the other interns.” “The goal of the intern program is to foster Harvey pride and instill the value of belonging to an alumni network,” says Director of Development Susie Danziger. “In addition, it has the added benefit of introducing students to a career path they might never have considered before. I hope that they also cultivate a lifelong relationship as donors and volunteers, making it a personal priority to give back,” adds Ms. Danziger. “Being an intern has taught me that my experience at Harvey will be remembered the way I want to remember it,” says Ella. “If I put in the effort to enjoy life at Harvey, then I will.” Amanda finds this true as well. “With community being such a significant aspect of life at Harvey, volunteering my time for the school gives me the opportunity to truly appreciate what my school contributes to me, while also allowing me to contribute back,” she says. “I want to make sure that the most important aspects of Harvey will stay for years to come.” As the end of the year approaches, this group of interns will move on to other endeavors next year at Harvey, as a new group will step into their shoes and continue down the path they have forged. “We always feel a bittersweet mix of pride and sadness when our interns move on and eventually graduate,” Ms. Danziger says. “The good news is, they will carry a stronger sense of belonging to our community and come home to Harvey before too long!”

2020–21 DEVELOPMENT OFFICE INTERNS Densley Blake ’21 Nekia Bland ’23 Ella Cohn ’22 Giselle Groff ’22 Halimatou Konteh ’22 Amanda Mohamad ’22 Ryan Spiro ’22

“I was a new student last year, and this opportunity has given me the chance to become involved at Harvey. Through this experience, I feel welcomed to the Harvey community, and I feel that I am a part of it now.” — Ella Cohn

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HARVEY’S The Founding of a New Tradition Harvey’s first-ever Day of Giving held in February was a resounding success as students, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents joined together in great numbers to show their collective pride and commitment to the school and its mission. As we celebrated Founders Day this year and our enduring tradition of transforming the lives of students, the Day of Giving on Feb. 11 sparked a new tradition that perfectly ties together honoring Harvey’s history and looking forward toward the future success of the school. Harvey’s inaugural Day of Giving highlighted the importance of participating and giving to the Annual Fund to enable us to support all the extraordinary programs and opportunities we provide to students every year. Not only was it a designated day of giving, it was also a day for the entire Harvey community to celebrate and share their school spirit and pride. Students received Day of Giving masks and goody bags when arriving on campus that morning and, during lunch slots, students were treated to music by the Harvey Band, a lively Harvey spirit wear swag raffle that generated laughter and smiles, and the 22 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

traditional cutting of the Founders Day cake. “It was thrilling to see the whole community, especially parents and alumni together, rally around this one big event to support Harvey’s Annual Fund in a very significant way,” says Ellen ChristianReid, director of the Annual Fund. Director of Development Susie Danziger was delighted with how well-received the Day of Giving was throughout all segments of the school community. “We were overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support,” says Ms. Danziger. The final tally shows that we exceeded our goals, raising $406,553 with 101 alumni donors and 335 total donations. Our alums helped us unlock a $5,000 challenge gift with the 25th alumni gift by Lily Brouwer ’14 and the 50th alumni gift by Alli Stone ’93. The first alumni gift of the day came from Henry Smith-Miller ’56, and the highest alumni gift of the day was given by Robert Sullivan ’77. The generous contributions to the Annual Fund will help support daily operations and make it possible for The Harvey School to attract and retain an outstanding faculty, support the academic program, provide tuition assistance to some of our families, and much more.


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HARVEY COUPLES:

When It All Began By Chris Del Campo

One constant theme we hear in the stories from both our younger and older alums is the fondness they feel for the school where they spent their formative years. They speak of the meaningful and lasting relationships they forged with classmates and staff alike. Though they have left Harvey to follow their own paths to personal fulfillment, many remain in touch — making calls, exchanging emails, sharing posts and messages through social media, or attending alumni events. Some even get to see each other 365 days a year, each day first when they awake in the morning and later at night when they go to sleep. They are our married alums, the ones who first met at Harvey, became friends, fell in love, married, and, today, live their post-Harvey lives together. They may be few in number, but their stories take the meaning of the fond memories of Harvey to a much deeper level altogether.

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The Walkers It Started with a Book

Give points to Harvey for bringing Evan Walker ’03 and Jackie Klein ’03 together, and give an assist to novelist Joseph Heller. Jackie recalls the first time she met Evan, during the summer of 2001 when she worked in the admissions office in Sylvan Hall. “Evan was loitering in the hall, waiting to be picked up from preseason soccer practice, when he struck up a conversation with me about his favorite book at the time, “Catch 22,” recalled Jackie. They were both sophomores when they first met. It was Jackie’s first year at Harvey. Evan had entered the school as an eighth grader. They had no classes together in 10th grade. In fact, they didn’t have much in common either when it came to after-school activities. Evan participated in soccer, basketball, rugby, and Model UN, while Jackie spent most of her free time at the rink, training for national ice dance competitions. They knew each other’s name, but they weren’t friends. When Jackie invited the entire Upper School to her Sweet 16 party at the rink, the opportunity was ripe for the two to spark a friendship. However, as fate would have it, Evan somehow managed to slice his hand open with his own skate blade and went home early.

Evan and Jackie started dating in the spring of their junior year and remained a couple through their college days. Evan earned his B.A. at Cornell, and Jackie a B.S. at Cornell in 2006; she then stayed there to obtain a master’s in public administration in 2008. It wasn’t until after their days as Cornell students that they began to think of marriage. Evan and Jackie tied the knot Sept. 5, 2010. After working for the New York State Executive Chamber until 2011, Jackie graduated law school in 2013 and started her second career, serving as general counsel for Apogee Telecom. Evan works at ApiJect Systems Corp. as VP of marketing. They are the proud parents of two children, Elyse, 5 and Claire, 3. When the Walkers look back at their Harvey days, their fondest memory is that of spending free periods playing euchre with friends and faculty. In addition to crediting Harvey for bringing them together for the most meaningful of relationships, the two alums speak in one voice, thanking their high school alma mater for providing them “with the frameworks we needed to succeed in college and beyond and with teachers who cared about our work.” harveyschool.org 25


The Starks Nep, meet poc

Another married couple who first met at Harvey is Dave and Jeannette (Brandt) Stark, Class of 1996, two classmates who spent quite a bit of time on campus during their formative years. The second of four sons of long-tenured faculty member Tim Stark and his wife Charmaine, or “Char,” the school bookstore manager, Dave, along with his brothers Matt ’92, Andrew ’98, and Jonathan ’07, knew all the ins and outs of the campus before they ever enrolled as sixth graders. You see, the Starks lived on campus. “I grew up as a faculty brat in the dorms, chasing and being chased by high schoolers up and down the halls,” recalled Dave. He remembers sledding down the giant hill above the soccer field, which is now named Stark Field in honor of his dad’s long and illustrious teaching and coaching career at Harvey. His fondest memories of his days as a Harvey student include playing sports, acting in plays, leading morning meetings, and taking off on lacrosse trips at spring break. There was also a memorable Model UN trip to the Georgetown Conference when he had the chance to cowrite a resolution with a teenage Chelsea Clinton. These recollections, Dave wisely points out, rate second to “the most important memories of meeting Jeanette,” despite the two of them having gone through school on opposing sides. “I think Jeanette and I are still the only NeperanPocantico marriage,” Dave stated proudly, albeit erroneously, as we will learn later. Dave is the Poc, short for Pocantico, while Jeannette is the Nep, short for Neperan. Interestingly, they first met in 1991 when Dave was the student assigned to show Jeannette and her one-year-younger sister Meredith around campus on their first day at Harvey. For her part, Jeannette enjoyed her years at Harvey, living in the dorms since her arrival in eighth grade and developing a special fondness for the school. “I loved being able to take part in all of the drama productions during my time at Harvey, and I really enjoyed all the good times with friends in the dorms,” Jeannette said. She added that “attending Harvey majorly impacted the trajectory” of her life, not only for introducing her to Dave, “the obvious impact,” she said, but also for allowing her, as a five-day

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boarding student, “to experience a sense of independence at a young age while still providing a smaller, supportive, caring environment.” Jeannette said that having already experienced living away from home on a short-term basis, she felt “more prepared to enter college and take on new challenges and adventures.” Dave and Jeanette, married for more than 18 years and living in North Carolina, have three boys, Chris, 13, Gabe, 9, and Ben, 5. The couple moved to North Carolina when Jeannette began law school at Wake Forest 20 years ago. They love the area and now share the state with most of their extended family, including Dave’s parents; his brother Matt; and Jeannette’s sister Meredith, who had skipped 11th grade and was also a 1996 graduate. For the past 12 years, Dave has worked for KPMG, currently leading the accounting firm’s Southeastern Development and Exempt Organization Tax Practice and working primarily with large nonprofits, including universities, health care systems, charitable endowments, and pension funds. Jeannette currently serves as the general counsel for Piedmont Advantage Credit Union. As the credit union’s first general counsel, she is part of the executive leadership team that oversees risk management, compliance to banking laws, fraud, collections, human resources, employee training, and legal. When Dave looks back at his time at Harvey, he recognizes and appreciates how the school helped him grow. “I got to push the boundaries of what I was comfortable doing and not stay in my lane all the time,” he said. He advises today’s students to do the same. Jeannette echoes her husband’s advice but adds, “Appreciate the tremendous gift that your family is giving you … being able to attend a school that provides a high-quality education and supportive faculty focused on helping you work toward your future goals, whatever they may be.”


The Dightons opposites

attract

Another Nep-Poc couple, married now for more than 25 years, met for the first time on the very first day of the 1984–85 school year when they were assigned to the same lunch table. Seven short months later, they became boyfriend and girlfriend. Lisa (Choffletti) Dighton ’88 entered Harvey as a ninth grader and a Poc. Her sophomore tablemate, Geoff Dighton ’87, was a Nep who had come to Harvey as a seventh grader. They didn’t have a whole lot in common. “Geoff was all sports, and I was soccer, even though I was terrible,” Lisa admits. Running up and down on a soccer field would at least let Lisa fulfill her athletic requirement. Lisa and Geoff’s first date in March 1985 was at the movies to see “The Breakfast Club,” along with friends Laurel Elkind Meredith ’88, Chrys Hellman ’87, and Luis Salgar ’87. Lisa and Geoff would date for 10 more years before getting married. Lisa recalls the couple broke up two times, and she shared what had to be a very awkward situation for a couple of teenagers. “One time, we double-dated to a prom together … with different dates!” Things obviously worked themselves out, as the Dightons will have been married for more than a quarter of a century this September. When asked how attending Harvey made an impact on their lives, Lisa said, “We would’ve never met if not for Harvey!” Considering how different their interests were as students, Lisa credits Harvey’s small school environment with giving this pair of married alums a chance to meet and develop a lifetime relationship. “We are and were very different, so in a bigger school we might not have ever gotten together,” Lisa said.

When Geoff graduated in 1987, he chose to enter the workforce. When Lisa graduated a year later, she chose to attend Western Connecticut State University, where she earned a B.A. in psychology and later a master’s degree in counseling. She serves as a student counselor at New Fairfield High School. Geoff is self-employed as the owner of Set N Stone Tile LLC of Ridgefield, Connecticut. They have two children, Erik 20, and Kaysie, 18. The family lives in New Fairfield, Connecticut. When the two married alums look back at Harvey, they do so fondly. Geoff especially appreciates the relationship he enjoyed with Mr. McMahon, an esteemed dean and faculty member who died in 2001. Lisa recalls that “all students were friends, with no judgments about what grade you were in.” She added, “Harvey gave us “lifelong friendships, great memories, and a strong work ethic.” Geoff and Lisa wish to pass on this advice to current Harvey students: “Have fun and don’t stress. Everything works out in the end, and these are some of the most fun years of your lives, so enjoy them!” One thing we learned from both the stories of the Dightons and the Starks was that one might be a Neperan and the other a Pocantico, but each couple sees eye to eye in recognizing the profound impact Harvey had on their young lives. When graduates from 1960 to present return to the Katonah campus for special events or reunions, you’d often see a few walking the grounds, recalling the Harvey community, the people and places that helped shape their lives. For the married alums, like Evan and Jackie Walker, Dave and Jeanette Stark, and Geoff and Lisa Dighton, their memories must be doubly special.

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CAVALIER news + views Spring Brings Campus to Life Again!

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1. Middle School students forage for plants and native species around campus with a guest teacher from the Katonah Library. // 2. Seventh graders Sophia Collum and Elena Pagan tackle a ropes course. // 3. Eighth grader Jonathan Bailey experiments with alchemy in a science lab. // 4. Harvey seniors Sasha Simon, Mia Cornell, Jeannie Fink, and Lauren Siegel get creative tie-dying shirts near the Quad. // 5. Middle School Latin students wear shirts they designed featuring the Latin phrase “Cucurri, Offendi, Cecidi.” // 6. In the One Acts play “Just Wait,” Cody Siegel ’22 and Maggie Haber ’22 have an accidental encounter // 7. Seniors enjoy treats and together time in one of several “FriYAY” activities. // 8. Eighth grader Eva Wilkerson presents her Latin project, “The Temple of Isis.” // 9. Dan Gasch ’23 is extracting DNA from strawberries in US biology class. // 10. Aleah Ford-Sussman ’23 and Tyler Wallach ’21 act in the One Acts play “The Long Way Home.” // 11. Everyone loves a food truck, including teacher Ms. Saraniti and seniors Chloe Krasne, Eliana Katzin, and Lauren Grauer. // 12. Members of the after-school Outdoor Exploration group try out one of the fire pits they built on campus.

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Annual Speech Contest

Speaking Up, Speaking Out The ongoing pandemic did not silence the voices of students this year in The Harvey School’s annual speech contest. With their own perspectives and the guidance of their teachers, Upper and Middle School students exercised the power of their words by writing a persuasive speech on a topic of their choice. In the winter, students rose to the challenge and recorded their speeches on video, preserving the tradition of the Wells Speech Contest. “It takes courage to speak with conviction, especially during times of volatile uncertainty,” said Chair of the English Department Jeff Seymour. “I want to applaud all our students for their efforts. Harvey students gave speeches that entertained, enlightened, inspired, and challenged us,” he said. In Upper School, students and faculty watched the recorded speeches of eight finalists during advisory periods, when the winner was announced. Junior Halima Konteh won for her speech “Safety for Sex Workers.” Honorable mention was awarded to senior Adama Abdul-Wahab for her speech “Unprecedented Times.” Serving as judges of the competition were Jen Parrucci, senior taxonomist with The New York Times and book editor; Tom Leaf, public defender with Connecticut Public Defender Services; and Katie Hacala, head of development for Delirio Films. The other finalists were freshmen Reid Armas and Katie McCulloch, sophomores Emma Galgano and Hudson Chris, junior Renee Chen, and senior Keegan Glucksman.

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“I know it seems daunting. As minors and Black people it’s hard to grasp the idea that we have any political power in this world. Speaking up for yourself is a key starting point to any kind of change. It takes a lot of willpower but there is always a benefit at the end. Someone else feels less alone.” — Adama Winner: Halima Konteh, junior “Safety for Sex Workers” Halima tackled a controversial topic, arguing for the protection of those working in the sex industry. “Legalizing prostitution would literally eliminate the harm that sex workers are put under because laws could be formed to help protect them, such as STD tests and specific rules as to where they can meet their clients,” Halima said. “As long as both parties are legal consenting adults, sex workers should be able to make money on their own terms without facing legal consequences,” she argued. Halima made a strong argument that arresting sex workers is actually inhumane, explaining that it could possibly be the only source of income that a person has to take care of themselves or others. She pointed out that most sex workers have little education and have been forced into the industry. Halima suggested that instead of facing arrest, they should be given access to food, shelter, adult education classes, and mental health services to improve their situation. The goal of society, Halima said, should not be to inflict more trauma on those who are trapped in the industry. “We must find effective solutions rather than punishments that only push them further down dark paths,” Halima said.


Middle School students and faculty watched recorded speeches during their advisory period, choosing one winner from each grade.

“I Believe” by 6th grader Sarah Fisher Sarah’s speech focused on the importance of the continuing fight to educate girls and women around the world. “I want people to realize how important education is,” said Sarah.

“Self Care” by 7th grader Maeve Lazzaro Maeve spoke to the need to practice self-care and relaxation during this challenging time. “People really need to realize that taking time for yourself makes you better for others because you are in the right mindset and relaxed,” said Maeve.

“Creativity” by 8th grader Ryan Byrne Ryan’s speech centered on the difficulty in creating original art. “The only way to achieve that is by throwing away the internet and taking creativity and imagination by the hand, using those skills you’ve developed to create a reference from life that is raw and emotional, that has beauty, and has a soul, because only then can you put down on the canvas something you care about and that matters,” said Ryan.

Lines of Poetry Connecting Us 2021 Michael Lopes Annual Poetry Recitation Contest In April, the month of Shakespeare’s birthday and the renewal of spring, Harvey students were challenged to choose a poem to study, internalize, and deliver. The Michael Lopes Poetry Recitation Contest is an annual tradition at Harvey, as students research poetry to find a poem that resonates with them personally, and then stand before the entire community to recite it with raw emotion, keen insight, and conviction of meaning. The Upper School and Middle School finalists recited their poems on video this year, to be shared with their peers during advisory meetings. “I was greatly impressed by the poems the students selected and the expressive presentations I had the pleasure to view,” said Jeff Seymour, chair of the Upper School English department and host of this year’s contest. The 2021 Upper School winner was junior Cody Siegel, who recited “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg. The judges awarded honorable mention recognition to senior Mia Cornell for the poem “Loving Like an Existentialist” by Savannah Brown. The 2021 Middle School winner was sixth grader Beatrix Mackil who recited “Lines Written in Early Spring” by William Wordsworth. Our esteemed panel of judges included poets Susan Barry-Schulz and Linda Simone, and writer, poet, Harvey alum, and MFA candidate in Creative Writing at New York University Matthew Tuckner ’15 (catch up with Matt in Class Notes on page 59).

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Middle School Winners


Our Annual PA Spring Celebration

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The sun was shining, the sky was a brilliant blue, and Harvey was a community ready to celebrate at the first in-person event of the year. The annual Harvey Parent Association Spring Celebration “Together at Harvey,” held May 15, was an occasion for Harvey parents to step back on campus, many for the first time in several months, and reconnect with their fellow parents. With many new parents attending, they were happy to have the opportunity to place names to faces and begin to build new friendships that will surely blossom during the coming years as their children progress at Harvey. As the garden party-themed afternoon reached a capacity attendance of 150 people, parents enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, lawn games, live music, and a bourbon tasting bar. The Silent Auction and Giving Tree raised $65,000 to support school initiatives through the generosity of our Harvey parents and larger community, which includes Harvey alumni, past parents, and faculty and staff. The hearty laughter on the breeze and joyous smiles reflected the shared sentiment of the day — we are a community elated to be back together again at Harvey. 1. Lawn games like cornhole and Connect-4 were a hit! // 2. We enjoyed the sweet musical notes of the Cary Brown Trio all evening. That’s Cary Brown on piano, along with Joseph Abbatantuono on drums, and Sam Bevan on bass. // 3. Donna Leone poses near Maury’s Bourbon Bar, named in honor of her late husband, Maury Leone, past parent, trustee, and dear friend. A popular draw of the afternoon with Harvey’s own Greg Janos ’98 serving as bartender. // 4. The diamond and ruby necklace went to raffle winner, new incoming Harvey parent Betty Zilberstein. // 5. Melissa Acciavatti and Adam Gueli are the happy raffle winners of the Bourbon & Spirit Basket. // 6. The Giving Tree offered parents the opportunity to choose a specific item to give to the school, including a new scoreboard, trees and plants, robotics equipment, and so much more.

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“Harvey is a community built on personal connections so it was a true breath of fresh air to be back together in person after so many months apart!” — Susie Danziger, Director of Development 3

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“What pure joy to spend a warm spring evening enjoying each other after more than a year of separation. Cheers to our fun and wonderful Harvey community.” — Juliet Howe, parent & event chair

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Peter second row, fourth from right

PETER DUNCAN ’65:

Leaving a Legacy My parents enrolled me in The Harvey School in 1963. They felt I needed more structure than what I was receiving at my school in New York City. Providing me with “more structure” was their way of acknowledging that I was failing miserably both at home and in the field of academia. Even though I never cared about schoolwork, and I was homesick for most of my three years at Harvey, I was motivated to keep my grades up so I could go home on weekends. Therefore, I straightened up and got to work. When I was at Harvey, I was very fortunate to have had teachers who saw my potential and took the time to guide me. Bob Shattuck “yelled” me into “loving” math, which I went on to study in college. I am afraid I took a few years off John McMahon ’s life while I tried to learn Latin. Bill Doyle taught me how to play soccer and be part of a team. Under his coaching, we were undefeated for two years straight. My favorite and most influential teacher was Richard Coe. In his art class, we drew stick figures and made a go-cart. We built crazy structures and remote-controlled airplanes that we lost in the woods. We did what boys do best: We had fun! All of that fun instilled in me the confidence to be creative, envision my ideas, and bring them to life — something I have enjoyed doing to this day. In 1973, after I graduated from college, John McMahon convinced me to return to Harvey as a math teacher. I tried my best to be a good mentor to the students and set a good example. I grew a lot in those four years and learned a great deal about myself. My experiences at Harvey as a student, and as a teacher, prepared me for graduate school, and in 1978 I left to attend The College of William and Mary. My brother, Michael Duncan ’50, also went to Harvey and befriended a student named John Davis. John’s family was responsible for the Davis Peter front row, fourth from left

34 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

Cup in tennis, and John left in his will a bequest that was used to build the present tennis courts. I do not have the financial means of the Davis family, but I felt it was important to follow their example. I donate to Harvey annually, but I have also included the school in my will. I did this because my experiences at The Harvey School made a lasting impact on my life in countless ways. Whether I am alive or not to see the fruits of my legacy gift, I take great satisfaction in knowing that future students will benefit in some important way. // If you have questions or would like to make a gift, please contact Susie Danziger at sdanziger@harveyschool.org.

“The Harvey School made a lasting impact on my life in countless ways. … I take great satisfaction in knowing future students will benefit in some important way.” — Peter Duncan ’65


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Harvey Perspective:

The Home Field Advantage By Ray Lacen, athletic director As the final seconds on the scoreboard ticked away, the anticipation and excitement were at a boiling point and, when the clock flashed all zeros, the emotions erupted and the celebration began. The Harvey boys varsity hockey team had just won the Fairchester Athletic Association Tournament Championship. It is a memory that I will forever keep. Not only because it was my first championship as a member of the Harvey community, but also because it demonstrated the support that the student body, the families, and the fans gave this group of young men as they marched toward the crown. What I did not know at the time was that this would be the last time we would gather again to cheer on our Cavaliers for the year 2020. Many of us held onto the memory of that glorious day in Evarts Rink and wanted so desperately to be able to return to more exciting moments just like that one. In the midst of all the pandemic confusion there was one constant leading the way and keeping the light of hope lit — the Harvey community would soon cheer on our teams once again. In a traditional town setting, the community is already created, as the high school most often carries the town name. The district’s schools consist of students who are born and raised there, or who have migrated to the town, and often the neighboring town is the school’s immediate rival. It’s a little different at Harvey. Our school community is composed of individuals from more than 40 different zip codes. Oh, yeah, and at least five different countries. We come together by choice from far and wide to join The Harvey School community. One of the ways students become active members of this community is through athletics. Many students find comfort in joining a group of people who share a common interest. As we went through the unique and challenging times of the pandemic, the athletic pause continued in 2020 and took away the spring, the fall, and the winter athletic seasons as well. How much the Harvey community was entrenched with athletics became very clear — simply by the many hanging banners and plaques attesting to our athletic successes, but more so by our engaged community members who come together at games to cheer on our athletes. You know, when you stop and think about what makes strong athletic programs, it is very similar to what makes a

strong community. It all begins with a willingness to work together for the better good of the whole. On a team, as in a community, you often must look beyond what benefits you if it means that the team will be more successful for it. It has been said that when you help others reach their goals, you will find that you have reached yours as well. Through a collaborative approach, leaders will arise. They are the individuals who are not afraid to speak up for the benefit of the group and lead through their actions. Leaders do not carry themselves as better than the rest but instead as one of the rest. Once the foundation of community is laid, confidence is shared with everyone involved. The confidence comes from a position of knowing they belong and they count. A team can never be successful if only a select few are the only ones with a voice. The same holds true for a community. At Harvey, we have been guided through these most difficult times by different members of the community who provide various perspectives for all of us to consider. Now, nothing is perfect, but perfection is not what we seek. Instead, what we strive for is respect and understanding. For some reason, we as a society have forgotten that you can disagree with people and still respect them. How many times has a coach made a roster move or called a different play you didn’t agree with. If you respect and understand that the decision is being made in the best interest of the team, then we can move forward confidently. Of course, the main ingredient in any community or athletic team is communication. The lines of communication must remain open and be clear and consistent. If communication is not present, then everything I have said to this point will never come to be. If current events have taught us anything, it is that we can overcome and succeed when we allow ourselves to communicate. We must listen to understand as opposed to hearing for the sake of replying. This is how we gain compassion and empathy for each other. A school community and an athletic community are more than just a shared motto or logo. We are the heartbeat of everyone who shares this special place. Hall of Fame basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once said, “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.” You can replace community for team, and the message is just as powerful. GO, HARVEY!!! GO, CAVS!!!

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Behind the Scenes: Our Maintenance Team

Not to be forgotten when we think of our school’s extraordinary success in providing an academic program during the year and half of the pandemic are the unsung heroes of Harvey’s maintenance team. They have been instrumental in ensuring that The Harvey School met the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and into 2021. From early on, there was much work to be done to allow Harvey to open its doors for in-person learning for the 2020–21 school year. The maintenance crew made the necessary changes to the infirmary and to every classroom and building throughout campus to keep faculty, staff, and students safe and feeling secure when school reopened in September. Their efforts are led by Director of Buildings and Grounds Rich Ryerson who is now in his 42nd year at Harvey. His team includes longtime Harvey members Ignacio Gomez who started in 2003 and Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds Scott

Phil Katz, Scott Fowler, Rich Ryerson, and Ignacio Gomez. (not pictured: Rick Martinez)

Fowler who came to Harvey in 2004. Rounding out the team are Phil Katz and Rick Martinez. The work they did to satisfy COVID-19 guidelines was on top of the regular responsibilities the maintenance crew handles on a daily basis around campus, as well as setting up for events, commencement, and putting up banners on the red barn. They are always happy to answer the call and respond to the needs of our community, no matter the request or task. We are thankful for their diligence and quiet dedication to Harvey. (And their good humor in posing for this photo!)

A Word That Describes Harvey Nurturing. Harvey provided our sons with an environment that is academically challenging and engaging, while also allowing them to develop as individuals. Recognizing that students learn at their own pace and that each one has something unique to offer is priceless. Students at Harvey have the time and space to explore their interests and discover new passions as they are preparing for college and beyond. The Harvey environment allows students to grow and thrive, developing close relationships with faculty, staff, coaches, and their peers. Within this incredible community, students find their voices, develop confidence, and leave with an amazing well-rounded education.

Why We Give

Why We Give Liz and Wally Schwartz, Trustees & past parents

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We have been involved at Harvey for nearly 20 years — long after our sons graduated. We were always involved in as much as we could be — serving as class parents or attending performances and games — and now we are both Trustees. We chose Harvey for its small classes and extra attention. We found that Harvey offered opportunities in arts and athletics that weren’t available to students elsewhere. These are still the choices being made today by parents. Harvey has grown and evolved, and it’s better than ever, but the basic reasons why people continue to choose Harvey have remained consistent. We give because we want other students to have the same opportunities that our sons had to learn and grow into confident, intellectually curious individuals.


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Harvey Robotics Teams

Capture State Title, Worlds Excellence Award What another remarkable spring it was for Harvey’s robotics program, as two teams of RoboCavs earned accolades for their outstanding performances in April’s VEX Southern New York State Championship live-remote competition. Harvey team 6277D, paired with a Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School squad, took the first-place trophy with a nail-biting final round 154–141 victory over two other paired schools. It was a comeback victory of sorts for Harvey’s team “D,” composed of juniors Alex Piper, Wendy Lichtenberg, and Maggie Haber, who were ranked No. 4 at the end of match play leading up to the finals. The Kennedy Gaels, ranked No. 1, chose to make an alliance with Harvey’s D team to compete in the championship rounds, as the rules of the VEX competition dictate. With the RoboCavs and Gaels

having previously worked together in developing ideas and strategy, Harvey’s head of technology and robotics coach John Wahlers saw their tournament alliance coming. “If the match rankings fell right, Harvey would pick Kennedy, or Kennedy would pick one of the Harvey teams,” explained Mr. Wahlers. In the first semifinal match, the RoboCavsGaels alliance defeated two other allied teams, 153–121, to advance to the championship’s final round, setting the stage for the final-round victory and the crowning of Harvey’s team “D” and Kennedy’s Gaels as Southern NYS Tournament Champions. Team “D’s” day of glory was not done. Alex, Wendy, and Maggie also earned the prestigious Excellence Award for having the strongest combination of engineering notebook, interview, and ranking in the event. The judges were unanimous in their

selection of team “D” as the recipient of the VEX tournament’s top prize. To make the day even more special for the RoboCavs, Team 6277B, with seniors Zi Glucksman and Henry Oliver and junior Giselle Groff, was the unanimous choice of the judges for the Design Award, which goes to the remaining team with the strongest notebook and interview. Meanwhile, a third Harvey squad, Team 6277A, with seniors Alexandre Pradines and Garrett Quinn and junior Michael Arbetter, got a chance to compete for only the second time and finished No. 3 after match play. “It was an all-around outstanding performance by all three of our teams,” said Chris Kelly, director of Harvey robotics. “Their success is a by-product of all their hard work, dedication, and collaboration, which makes their accomplishments all the more special.”

Team 6277D went on to win the top prize at the 2021 VEX Worlds Championship, bringing home the Worlds Excellence Award.

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Reflection on Community:

The Real Deal By Leslie Caney Berni, Harvey parent & Parent Association President On the ride home from our first Harvey State of the School evening four years ago, my husband Mark and I kept asking each other: “Is this for real?” The “scene” was not what I had imagined for a “State of the School” — whatever that was. In the crowd sat a scattering of blazers and dresses, maybe one or two couture pieces, lots of people in jeans and T-shirts, and others dressed somewhere in between or possibly having no idea of what was on their bodies. I don’t mean that in a bad way, or to focus on outward appearances, but what struck me right from the beginning was that the focus of the evening — on every level — was not on appearances but on substance. For sure, there was talk of finances and of fundraising, programming, and processes. But what resonated most was a thread of core values woven into each presentation: a commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, civil discourse, partnership, transparency, and kindness — community at its best.

38 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

For our 20-minute drive back to Stamford, Mark and I reflected on how the room felt vibrant and engaged, but relaxed. We felt engaged — and relaxed. We marveled at how people introduced themselves to us. How fellow parents looked at us and initiated conversations! How the questions those sitting next to us asked were not, “What do you do? but “What brought you to Harvey? How are you doing here so far? Do you need anything?” This was not what I expected at a “private” school. But then again, I should have known. For it was Harvey. And our family chose to come here for a reason. At Harvey, there’s an expectation to do your best, but your best is not preconditioned. It includes room for growth. The school fosters healthy competition without feeling competitive. Harvey takes a holistic, humanistic approach to help our kids on their journeys to find what excites them. The Harvey approach conveys to students and parents alike: We are in this together — works in progress.

This attitude in action stems from the top and flows into the community. That translates to Mr. Knauer and administrators standing outside each morning and afternoon to greet — by name — students and families. It’s teachers finding kids during free periods to offer extra help when they know it’s needed. It’s every staff member working with parents to help students find courses, teams and programs they might want to try. It’s parents helping other parents with questions about schoolwork, social activities, technology, college admissions, and more. It’s parents not afraid to be vulnerable with each other about their struggles and also applauding each other’s successes. It’s getting an email — as I write this — from Harvey’s safety coordinator to let me know that a student who found $300 in the gym turned it in, and that my son recently confided in his coach that $300 had “fallen” out of his wallet, and that the school wanted to let me know that Gary would hand the money to me at pickup today (so that I could then withhold it from my son who lost $300)! Connection. Honesty. Humanity. Community at Harvey is celebrating each other as individuals and as collective members of a special place. We aren’t big fish or little fish in a small pond at Harvey. We are all just part of a seemingly magical little space, where minnows swim alongside whales, and the clownfish hang with the angelfish, dolphins, starfish, and seahorses. It’s the real deal.


Artistic spotlight

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Previous Page. Photograph by seventh grader Tayla Langer // 1. US spring production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” featuring Elizabeth Cioffi ’22, Kara Freedman ’22, Alexa Williams ’24, Elizabeth Flaherty-Lovy ’22, and Isabelle Abramson ’21. // 2. “Vesperavis” by eighth grader Sophia Beldotti // 3. Elizabeth Cioffi ’22, Helena Kasarda ’24, Isabelle Abramson ’21, Julia Nelson ’22, Alexa Williams ’24, and Kara Freedman ’22 in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” // 4. “100” by eighth grader Ryan Byrne // 5. “Contrast of Cool” by eighth grader Ryan Byrne // 6. Middle School spring production of “Our Rotten Town” with eighth grader James Carlton as Romeo and sixth grader Beatrix Mackil as Juliet. // 7. “Vivid Colors” by eighth grader Isabella Jane Wang // 8. Public Art Class Fall 2020 // 9. Seventh graders Parker Eisner as Hamlet and Eli Klagsbrun as the ghost of Hamlet’s father in “Our Rotten Town.” // 10. Isabelle Abramson ’21

40 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

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! s v a C , Go ance to athletes their ch emic denied our nd pa 19 d state Dan VI l ca CO w, the e courts as lo ird season in a ro the ice and on th on ol pecially ho es sc Sadly, for the th , es eir et th esent student-athl e sport and repr . Once again, our on as se tion r ua te play their favorit in sit e w e th of th e, handled the cancellation s for the final tim rm ifo n un tio guidelines forced ey ira rv sp in their Ha to serve as an missed donning niors continued se r ey Ou rv . the seniors who Ha ng di of rs an derst that the edito ceptance and un truly appreciate I . on ty t rsi ou with a mature ac ve ed ad iss le hand seniors who m smen on how to to recognize the ue iss g for the underclas rin sp is e in th tor sure to find spac cen, Athletic Direc Magazine made , CAVS! — Ray La GO s, ay alw As t. ter spor playing their win

OCKEY VA R S I T Y H

ERKINSplayer JACK Pum mate team

cons “Jack was the e program to promote th ed lp he who t only to rd each day, no by working ha sh his pu lf but also to improve himse at Jack th practice. I wish teammates in ity to un d the opport would have ha senior s hi r shift during skate a regula se h Mor season.” — Coac GRADES 9, HIGHLIGHTS:

11, 12

VA R S I T Y H O C K E Y

SPENCER HELLINGER “Spencer played on the varsity team since his freshman year, filling any posi tion that was needed throughout his care er. Spencer would certainly have been one of our senior leaders this season. He was a model of consistency , whether it was playing as a checking line center or as a defenseman..” — Coach Morse HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12

VA R S I T Y H O C K E Y

HENRY OLIVER

“Henry was another four-year vete ran who would have been tapped to lead the team in his senior year. During his career, Henry played as a power forward, filling in as a top six forward when inju ries occurred or as a steady member on the checking line.” — Coach Morse HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12

VA R S I T Y H O C K E Y

STEVEN CHitioAnSE to the

“Steven was a nice add son. He became varsity program last sea , gaining the our fifth defenseman e following majority of his ice tim body very his penalties. Steven used style of cal ysi well and played a ph of nt fro the game, protecting rse Mo the net.” — Coach 11, 12 HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES

42 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021


er t n i W r u O g Recognizin s e t e l h t A r o i n 2020–21 Se VA R S I T Y S K I T E A M

N GARRETT QUINskiin g

“In his first year of competitive t last year, Garrett showed excellen His on. seas the ng duri t improvemen every day positive attitude and dedication example t llen exce an ided in practice prov re he whe ter mat No es. to his teammat had a ays alw ett Garr , race finished each ovic Leib h Coac — ” . face big smile on his TAIN 2020–21

HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; CAP

TBALL IRLS BASKE VA R S I T Y G

VA R S I T Y G I R L S B A S K E T B A LL

LUCETTE GOLD

“Lucy is a leader on both the offe nsive and defensive ends because she understa nds the intricacies of the game; as a result, she could help direct her teammates and put them in a position to succeed. Lucy always wore a smile and the team improved whe n she was on the floor.” — Coach Bruckner HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV CAPTAINS AWARD, VARSITY MIP 2019–20

N OGGI have KATHRY as atile a player

vers “Kathryn is as her natural rtially due to Pa d. he ac co er ev n be credited t much of it ca bu , m is ic r et hl at ement and he in self-improv st re te in n r io he sit to able to tran hers. She was , concern for ot titor, motivator pe tween com er kn seamlessly be uc — Coach Br r, and learner.” to en m , nd ie fr

AGUE ; HVAL ALL-LE GRADES 9–12 –19, CO-CAPTAIN S: HT IG HL G HI 18 MENTION 20 HONORABLE

VA R S I T Y G I R L S B A S K E T B A LL

CHARLOTTE GRADY

VA R S I T Y G I R L S B A S K E T B A L L

KRISTINA “ANNA” O’HANLON “In her first year at Harvey and her first time playing basketball, Anna was determined to gain the skills necessary to be a key player on the team, and she did just that!” — Coach Belcher HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 11, 12

“Charlotte, always displayed a grea t attitude and strong leadership on and off the court, and she served as one of our two capt ains. She played with great tenacity and dete rmination, grabbing rebounds, and making assists. She was always the loudest person chee ring from the bench.” — Coach Belcher HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV MIP, SPORTSMANSHIP; CO-CAPTAIN


L S BASKETBAL VA R S I T Y B O Y

EAL” LAMONT “SYRR WATSON ore his 1,000th

VA R S I T Y B O Y S B A S K E T B A L L

AARON DESMOND DUPREE

track to sc “Syrreal was on emic year, but the pand or ni point in his se . In so do to the chance did not give him in am te e th rreal led his junior year, Sy ic ov ut na Ar ts.” — Coach scoring and assis

“After joining the varsity team as a junior, Aaron made great progress during the season, earning a star ting job and playing a crucial role in our overall success.” — Coach Arnauto vic

–20 CAPTAIN, ADES 9–12; 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: GR AL ALL-LEAGUE HV MVP,

HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV MVP, VARSITY CAPTAIN 2019

–20

VA R S I T Y B O Y S B A S K E T B A L L

AARON SHYER

“After joining varsity as a junior, Aaron proved to be a great teammate and hard worker. Wh en on the court, he helped the team in many different ways. Shooting and speed were his best weapon s.” — Coach Arnautovic

VA R S I T Y B O Y S B A S K E T B A L L

PATRICK MURPHY

“Patrick’s hustle and endless energy made him a very important part of our team. With his strength in defense and rebounding, Patrick played ‘big’ against taller players and was never afraid to get into a good battle for the ball.” — Coach Arnautovic

HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12)

HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV MVP-DEFENSE

ASKET BOYS B VA R S I T Y

BALL

CHARLES UO NG) Z (YAOCHE with great handle

a guard ears, he “Charles is ring the y u D . n io is v hich and court mp shot w a great ju d e p s put lo e e rl v a e d guard. Ch to rd a h ready made him as always w d n a t rs fi e.” the team court tim hen given to play w ic rnautov — Coach A ES TS: GRAD HIGHLIGH

10–12

VA R S I T Y B O Y S B A S K E T B A L L

DENSLEY BLAKE

“Speed and athleticism made Blake a difficult matchup. During the years, he also became a better shooter. A great teammate, a selfless player.” — Coach Arnautovic HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV CAVALIER AWARD, COACHES AWARD

44 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring winter 2021 2021

ILLUSTRATIONS ©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NATASHA PANKINA


VA R S I T Y B O Y S BASKETBAL L

MAX EDELMAN

“This would have been the first ye ar for Max as a varsity player. Througho ut the years, Max was de dicated, hardwor ki ng, and passionate ab out the game. Ea ch year he made ste ady progress and would have been a grea t addition to our va rsity roster this year.” — Coach Ar nautov ic HIGHLIGHTS: GR AD 2018 JV COACHE ES 9–12; S AWARD

VA R S I T Y B O Y S B A S K E T B A L L

LUCAS CHIRICO “Throughout his high school years, Lucas was a great inside player who had the ability to rebound and score in the paint. He presented a tough matchup for every opponent he faced, using his strength and size to his advantage.” — Coach Arnautovic

VA R S I T Y B O Y S BASKETBALL

PHILIP MOYLES

HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV MVP

BA YS BASKET VA R S I T Y B O

LL

RRETAlly. DIEGOe U ra D to iego natu

m “Basketball ca as e varsity team th ed in He jo and laying a calm a junior, disp our team de that gave relaxed attitu ost. hen needed m confidence w rely pressure, he ra Great under autovic s.” — Coach Arn made mistake GRADES 11 HIGHLIGHTS:

Congratulations

to Lucas Chirico, who signed to play rugby at Division I St. Bonaventure University

, 12

“Phil showed great im provement with each year of pla ying. All the work he put in he lped Phil become a skilled player close to the basket with the ability to finish on both sides of the rim.” — Coach Ar nautovic HIGHLIGHTS: GRADES 9–12; JV

MIP


faculty + staff NEWS Fond Farewells Four long-standing members of the Harvey faculty and staff are retiring at the end of the 2020–21 school year. We wish them all the best as they embark on new adventures! Dolores Orchanian is retiring from Harvey after 13 years as the evening nurse. Ms. Orcharian came to Harvey in September 2008. Her fondest memories include all the students who have come in and out of the infirmary over the years. “I really enjoy the kids,” said Nurse Orcharian. “I’m always amazed at their talent and I will miss them.” “Dolores is such an important part of the nursing staff in the infirmary,” said day nurse Kerby Lewis. “She welcomed me to the Harvey community five years ago with open arms and a big smile.” Nurse Orchanian played a significant role in accommodating the international students when the program first began and helping them to feel comfortable in the dorms. Nurse Lewis agrees. “She treats all students with care and compassion and especially gets to know our dormers,” Ms. Lewis said. “She has taught me so much as a veteran nurse. I will miss her humor and her Brooklyn accent the most! We are so lucky that she has spent so many years with us and we will miss her dearly.” “Dolores coupled a terrific sense of humor with her medical expertise,” said Phil Lazzaro, upper school head. “She showed great compassion for our students and always offered her time to help our kids. She was a devoted member of the community and will be missed dearly next year.” In addition to being a nurse, Ms. Orcharian has been a fitness trainer and Bikram yoga teacher for the last 30 years. It is something that she loves, and she will continue to teach yoga and fitness classes at Club Fit. Nurse Orcharian will also spend more time with her family. “I have five children and four grandsons, and we are expecting a granddaughter in August,” shared Nurse Orcharian. “So my days will be full.” Best of luck, and we will miss you, Dolores!

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Irma Bloom has been a presence in the Business Office for the past 16 years. Starting in August 2005 as the Accounting Administrator, Mrs. Bloom interacted with the entire Harvey community on a daily basis and kept financial affairs running smoothly. Mrs. Bloom feels her biggest contribution to Harvey was working with Director of Finance and Operations Jim Skrip and her business office colleague Jeannine Young to make the Business Office a friendly place to come to work. “One of the greatest things about Irma is that she knows her job responsibilities extremely well and is very self-motivated, said Mr. Skrip. “As such, things just get done. She keeps everyone in line … including me!” Many sought out Mrs. Bloom for advice, and she was known for being firm, fair, and consistent. Everyone knew where they stood with Irma! Mr. Skrip agrees. “Irma is a great team player, and a big teddy bear under that ‘tough’ facade,” he said. “She is very proud of her family and loves being a grandmother. She lights up whenever the grandkids stop in for a visit.” “Harvey is one of the best jobs I have ever had,” said Mrs. Bloom. “Retirement will be a big change. I’ve never not worked since I was in the 10th grade, except briefly after having my two children.” Mrs. Bloom plans to do some traveling, enjoy the warm weather in Florida during the winters, and spend more time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Bloom will miss the people at Harvey most of all. “Everyone at Harvey is warm and friendly,” shared Mrs. Bloom. “Everyone really cares about each other.” “Irma has seen a lot of changes at Harvey during the years, and through it all, has endured,” said Mr. Skrip. “She is a wealth of history and will be missed.” We will miss you, Irma, and wish you all the best!


Robert Cook During his 20 years at Harvey, Mr. Cook immersed himself in many different departments and roles at the school that included Upper School Head, Dean of Studies, Director of the International Program, SAT/ACT Coordinator, and teacher of psychology and senior English. Coming to Harvey in July 2001, he has been a prominent member of the community and a leader in innovative programming. Mr. Cook started the international student program in 2011 with just four students and helped it grow through the past nine years to approximately 19 students each year. He has worked with students from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Spain, and Germany. This year, he will have seen 29 international students graduate from Harvey.

Judy Ryerson is retiring after 31 years at Harvey. Mrs. Ryerson came to Harvey in September 1990 and along with her husband, Rich Ryerson, director of building and grounds, they have been a huge part of the Harvey community. Mrs. Ryerson has held many positions at Harvey during the years, starting out part-time assisting registrar Susan Tannenbaum in the Upper School office, then assistant to the director of athletics, Evarts Rink secretary, assistant to the head of middle school, after-school Middle School touch typing teacher, assistant coach for the Harvey equestrian team, and now Director of Information Management. It’s difficult to think of Harvey without thinking of Mrs. Ryerson. “When I first arrived on campus in 1994, Judy and Rich were one of the first families I met,” said Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro. “Judy always makes time to help anyone in the community, no matter what the issue. She works behind the scenes to ensure the school runs as smoothly as possible, helping with the schedule, transcripts, academic reports, and communications.” Mr. Lazzaro notes that in a position where the work can get overwhelming, Mrs. Ryerson always displayed remarkable patience coupled with her great technological skills. Mrs. Ryerson feels her biggest accomplishment was helping to transform and maintain Harvey’s academic records from pre-computer days to the robust network and web-based student information system that it is today. “I will miss the satisfaction I feel every day helping everyone with various computer and data projects,” said Mrs. Ryerson. “After living and working in the community for more than 30 years, and raising my son here as well, Harvey has been not just a job but also a way of life,” Mrs. Ryerson said. The Ryersons have fond memories of traveling with the Harvey boys rugby team to New Orleans over spring break

“Bob worked with international students when they arrived at Harvey, giving them a week-long orientation before school started, tirelessly working through the Labor Day weekend,” said Alex Lindquist, current director of the international program. “Bob would take students shopping, to the bank, set up their cell phones, and embark on field trips to New York City and other local places.” Ms. Lindquist adds, “Orientation was a lot of work, but also very rewarding and so helpful to our international students who have traveled so far away from home.” Mr. Cook considers his role in elevating the fine and performing arts at Harvey to a coequal position with other academic subjects as his biggest accomplishment. When asked about his fondest memory at Harvey, Mr. Cook said, “Playing trombone in the pit band for 12 Harvey musicals.” He will also miss conversations with his colleagues. Mr. Cook is a passionate gardener and cook, often sharing the bounties of his garden with colleagues by bringing in homegrown garlic, homemade pesto, or a fantastic recipe. Best wishes, Bob! You will be missed.

to play Brother Martin High School (the alma mater of Mrs. Ryerson’s father) and on a spring break training trip to Parma, Italy. “We were impressed by the comradery, politeness, and maturity the boys exhibited throughout the trip,” said Mrs. Ryerson. “And of course, all of our lacrosse spring training weeks in Hilton Head, South Carolina, watching our son play!” Mrs. Ryerson also enjoyed assisting Amie Phillips coach the first Harvey Equestrian Club, and spending Wednesday afternoons at the farm. Although some students were advanced riders, others had never groomed or had ridden a horse before. “Watching everyone enjoy themselves, progress, and gain confidence was priceless,” said Mrs. Ryerson. These are just a few of the many memories Mrs. Ryerson has collected during her 30 years at Harvey. She has so many that she humorously shares, “I could write a book!” What is certain is that Mrs. Ryerson will long be remembered as a valued colleague and a friend. “Judy embodies great character and wisdom,” shared Mr. Lazzaro. “She will be sorely missed.” “While I’m looking forward to the next chapter, Harvey will always be in my heart,” said Mrs. Ryerson. “I will miss everyone!” What comes next for Mrs. Ryerson? “Spending more time with my family,” said Mrs. Ryerson. “We are welcoming our first grandchild, a baby girl due in August!” Congratulations, and we will miss you, Judy!

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faculty + staff

Harvey’s Growing Family Harvey nurse Kerby Lewis and husband, Andrew Cabrey, had a baby boy February 20, 2020, who joined the family weighing 9 pounds, 10.5 ounces, and measuring 21.5 inches. Dean of Upper School Students Gary Dunn and his wife, Tara, welcomed their son Grayson Thomas Andrew Dunn June 5, 2020. Grayson weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces. He joins big sister, Madison. Harvey science teacher Melissa Zeffer Casella and her husband, Brian, welcomed their first child, son Nathan Adam Casella, April 2, 2021. Nathan weighed 7 pounds and was 19.25 inches. They are all healthy and happy as they settle into their new routine as a family of three.

A Harvey Welcome! William Mena We welcomed Mr. Mena, our new Director of Admissions and Financial Aid in 2020–21. Mr. Mena has more than 21 years of experience in independent school education. Although joining Harvey during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Mena has navigated that challenge and continues to connect with new, current, and prospective families to share all that The Harvey School has to offer students. Mr. Mena and his wife, Michele, have two daughters, one who started Harvey this school year as a freshman. When he’s not spending time guiding prospective families and spending time with his own family, he can be found rooting for the Yankees.

Meg Booth joined Harvey as Director of College Counseling in July 2020 with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, where she worked in college admissions, study abroad, and student advising. “Working on the beautiful, rural campus of Harvey takes me back to my college days at Middlebury in Vermont,” says Ms. Booth. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her family, including traveling and exploring both locally and abroad. She uses cooking as a way to decompress and to introduce her family to new things. Ms. Booth and her husband, Sam, have three children, Libby, Alice, and Paul. Although it wasn’t an ideal school environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Booth didn’t let that stop her from scheduling virtual college visits and information sessions or from connecting with all our Upper School students and the community. “Through my own sense of adventure, I hope to help students begin to discover and foster their own passions and interests,” says Ms. Booth.

48 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021


©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/EIVAISLA

alumni news Dear Harvey Alumni, With the theme of the Harvey spring magazine being COMMUNITY, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what community means and how Harvey embodies all things good about community. Community, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “a group linked by a common policy; an interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location.” As we are all aware, this definition could not be more true of the Harvey community and the various individuals who come together, linked by a common “policy” — the belief that Harvey fosters lifelong learning and inspires students to develop the confidence and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in a diverse, competitive, and changing world, reflected in the school’s mission. Each one of us brings something different and unique to Harvey, yet we all accept and embrace the common thread that makes Harvey such a special place. Harvey’s inaugural Day of Giving was wonderfully successful and a true testament to the closeness of the entire Harvey community, as we all came together and generously gave for the continued betterment of the school, the students, faculty, and staff. Our community far surpassed the initial goals we had set of our Day of Giving, both from a monetary standpoint as well as from an overall engagement perspective, with more than 100 alums making donations. The Alumni and Development team did an amazing job with outreach — utilizing all forms of communications, including social media, text messaging, emails, phone calls, and word of mouth — to ensure that the day was a success, and it certainly was! Harvey students are developing into exceptional young leaders as they volunteer their time as Development Office interns and Athletic Leadership Council members; they also lead the way into the future with Artificial Intelligence robotics. I encourage you to read more about these inspirational Harvey students on page 15 in this issue. The Harvey community has fostered not only lifelong friendships but also many marriages! In this issue on page 24, we walk down memory lane with some alumni couples who have married after meeting at Harvey! There are so several ways to define community, and this issue is a reflection of what makes the Harvey community unique. Warm regards,

Lara Casano ’95, Harvey Alumni Association, President

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Cavalier Speaker Series Stories of Transformation

ILLUSTRATION©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JANE55

The first event in the new Cavalier Speaker Series, held April 22 featured sports agent industry insight and humor from Greg Barnett ’93, moderated by fellow alum Michael Goodkind ’14. The night had a great turnout via Zoom as many Harvey alums and current families and students joined us to hear Greg’s inspiring story of perseverance, persistence, and success. This engaging evening made everyone feel comfortable asking questions and catching up with old friends. Greg grew up in White Plains, New York, and played football for Harvey in Upper School. He is now one of the NFL’s most successful football agents, negotiating multimillion-dollar deals for players such as Justin Houston and Tavon Austin. Read more about Greg on page 8 in this issue. Michael grew up in Katonah, New York, and attended Harvey in grades 8–12. He was one of the first Harvey students in the TV production studio and is now forging a career in sports broadcasting. Read more about Michael on page 14 in this issue. The Harvey Cavalier Speaker Series, established in the winter of 2021, was created as an opportunity for our alumni to share their industry expertise, experiences, and stories of how they got to where they are today with our broader community. We believe their stories are powerful and, by sharing them, we will inspire each other to dig deeper and reach higher.

Next Cavalier Speaker Series will be September 23, 2021. Stay tuned for more information!

50 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

// Visit the Alumni section of the Harvey website to watch the Zoom recording. Stay tuned for more details and the reveal of the next Cavalier featured speaker! If you are interested in being a Cavalier speaker, contact Greg Janos at alumni@harveyschool.org.


alumni news

Welcome to the NEWAlumni Portal Our newly updated alumni portal makes it easier than ever to stay connected to your classmates, former teachers, and the Alumni Office at Harvey! • You can use the new and improved directory to search for your old classmates. • Our new Class Agents list gives you quick access to find your class agents with all the information you need to get in touch with them. • Our new Group Messaging board allows you to send messages in a group chat right in the portal! Here you will also find Harvey School and Alumni notifications and messages. Come on, let’s get a dialogue going!

• By filling out the Class Notes form, you can easily share your accomplishments, education and career achievements, fun vacations and travel, engagement, wedding, and baby announcements — and we will share them in the next Harvey Magazine. • Want to get involved at Harvey and don’t know how? Just fill out the volunteer form and tell us how you’d like to help out. Become a class agent, a reunion agent, mentor, or contributing writer for Harvey Magazine. You can also return to Harvey to be a guest speaker or teacher.

How do I sign in into the alumni portal? • If you have signed into the portal previously, you may continue to use the same username and password. • If you are a first-time user, click on Alumni on the upper bar of the home page. Enter your username as lastname_firstname. Use the password harvey1234. Once you sign in for the first time, then you will need to set a custom password. Contact website@ harveyschool.org with any questions.

Where Are You? Missing Alumni & Former Students The following are alumni and former students for whom we do not have contact information. If you have any information on these individuals, please contact alumni@harveyschool.org to help us reconnect with them.

1941

1956

Peter Welles Robert F. Young Carleton Chadbourne Keene C. Brown Robert C. James

John E. Mannion Robert Haig III John Davis Jacques L. Moxhet Walker G. Buckner

1946

1961

Jean F. Cattier Phillips Clark Robert Cluett IV Nicholas Tritton Thomas E. Sopwith G. Harding Thompson

Ian McAllister Peter Brower

1951 James H. Wallace David Gerli William T. Gosset

1966 Hamilton Sporborg Wilbur Bradley Stark Jr. Charles W. Shipley Robert Inglis Michael D. Nelson Phillip Smith

1971 Steven L. Boyette John J. Wagner Ronald McLean III Richard Lamb

1976

1986

2001

David Kleven Wilson R. Newlon Mark A. MacKenzie Scott Meyer Andrew Jenkins Leslie Snyder John N. Hall William J. Florence B. Noland Carter Edward N. Ross

Matthew Kurtz

Natalie Sultan Alexander Arbizo

1981

1991 Christopher Appel Adam Potash Robert Lattarulo Jr. Susan Cordes Darling

1996

2006 Alyssa Nardozzi Christianne Salmayr Sean Zackrison Peter Achenbaum Elyssa Respaut

William O’Neill Taulbee Randolph Daniel Casarella

Herbert Morash

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class notes To submit a note or share your Harvey memories, please contact your class agent or the alumni office at alumni@harveyschool.org.

1941 // 80th Reunion

1956 // 65th Reunion

Class Agent: Jim Wood, (914) 922-1559, jimandtwink@gmail.com

Class Agent: John Crawford, (540) 247-8810, celect@comcast.net

1951 // 70th Reunion 1953 George Eysymontt’s great-grandson Owen Eysymontt enrolled in Harvey Middle School this year as an eighth grader. Owen is an avid ice hockey player. His parents sent him to Harvey for the “strong community with teachers and fellow students who appreciate him for who he is and will help him to be the best he can be.” The family is thrilled to be reconnected to Harvey after all these years. 52 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

Howard Baldwin has led an extraordinary life since graduating from Harvey’s Hawthorne campus in eighth grade. He’s combined sports and film to great success. Read more about Howard on page 6 in this issue. John Crawford is an active Harvey class agent and a great role model for the younger alums. He recently joined Instagram to keep up with the younger alums and recently “hit it off” with 2019 Harvey graduate Sebastian Wallach at a class agent meeting.

Michael Van Winkle ’60 with wife Joanne

1957 Class Agent: Alex McKown, (718) 392-1373, alexander.mckown@gmail.com

1960 Michael Van Winkle is now retired and living in Maine on a small farm near Bar Harbor with his wife, Joanne. He has many fond memories of the old school at Hawthorne and the current campus in Katonah. Mike sends his best wishes to all his ’60 classmates.


1961 // 60th Reunion Class Agent: Sandy Gabel, (919) 693-8099, sandy.gabel@icloud.com Sandy (E. Alexander) Gabel went to The Hotchkiss School after Harvey, graduating in 1965, and then to Duke University, where he graduated in 1969. After two years in the Army as a military police sergeant, Sandy went to work in his family’s insurance brokerage firm for 33 years. He lived in Harrison, New York, and commuted to Wall Street, raising his children, Sarah (who attended Harvey), Carrie, and Andy, with his wife, Laura. In 2004, Sandy and Laura made the move to Oxford, North Carolina, and started rebuilding a farming operation. Today, they have about 100 cow/calf pairs (beef cattle), seven horses, assorted chickens, guineas, donkeys, and alpacas on their almost 1,000-acre Grassy Creek Farm.

1963 Duncan Marshall is enjoying an active retirement after an extensive career in teaching and educational administration, as well as nonprofit leadership. He occasionally does fundraising and marketing consulting and tutors students who need assistance in history, social studies, and language arts. Duncan lives with his significant other, Arlene, in Stony Brook, New York, and maintains an active lifestyle and busy social life. However, they miss their children and grandchildren, who live in California and Colorado. His fond memories of Harvey include playing “capture the flag” in the fall and sledding down the hill in winter at breakneck speed toward the athletic fields. Duncan remembers tea at Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s house as very special, although he was nervous about dropping his teacup! Harvey is where he developed good study habits and developed his love of learning, saying “the instruction I received there formed the bedrock of my education through graduate school and primed my love of learning.” He respected all his teachers, but he singled out Frank Perrine not only for his excellent teaching but also for his support, sensitivity, and caring.

Sandy Gabel ’61 and wife, Laura, on their North Carolina farm

1965 Class Agent: Rev. Malcolm Starring, (603) 444-6016, mfstarring@gmail.com

1966 Dave Achelis had formed a band, recorded a CD, and started to book gigs in Manhattan just when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shut down all music in NYC. He is the president of his neighborhood association in midtown and a member of Community Board 5. While Dave patiently waits to get back to playing music, he says, “You may find my website amusing.” www.daveachelis8ace.com

Duncan Marshall ’63 with his rescue pup, Max

Henry Devine and his wife recently moved from suburban Boston to their house in France.

1968 Class Agent: Alex Edwards-Bourdrez, (631) 754-1041, alexb2@gmail.com Alex Edwards-Bourdrez, along with a longtime friend and former teaching colleague, has founded the Long Island Alliance of Braver Angels, a growing national grassroots organization with a mission to depolarize America. Alex says, “We bring people of differing political leanings together in a safe space to openly and respectfully express themselves and listen to each other.” In January 2021, they hosted a two-part program “With Malice Toward None” (inspired by Lincoln’s words from his second inaugural address), which focused on breaking through the distrust among participants in the wake of the 2020 election. The Braver Angels website, www.braverangels.org, has recorded debates, videos, articles, program outlines, and suggestions for getting involved.

Peter Duncan ’65 with his fiancé, Sarah Smyth Hauser

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linkedin.com/company/The-Harvey-School

youtube.com/TheHarveySchool

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Dave Ranieri ’69 and Greg Janos ’98 at Evarts Rink

1969

1987

Dave Ranieri graduated from Harvey in ’69 in eighth grade before there was an Upper School. He continues to play hockey at Evarts Rink Tuesday nights and also served on the rink’s 50th celebration committee. Dave was happy to skate again at Harvey’s Evarts Rink. “It has been great to get back on the ice and start playing again during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being back at the rink has allowed me to stay connected to Harvey and meet other alumni such as Greg Janos ’98 and Malik Garvin ’11. I even had the chance to meet and skate with Head of School Bill Knauer,” said Dave. “It’s great to see Evarts Rink up and running and starting to be busy again,” said Dave. “The rink staff has done an amazing job keeping the building clean and safe. Tommy (Bonelli) has done a phenomenal job with the help of John Stark. We all are appreciative of their efforts.”

Geoff Dighton was a Nep when he attended Harvey. He met Poc Lisa Choffletti ’88 in 1984. Read about how they met and where they are today on page 27 of this issue.

1973 Class Agent: Phil Eifert, (914) 232-6489, peifert@yahoo.com Larkin Glazebrook received the best birthday present ever: his first grandchild, Mia Melinda Glazebrook, born April 14, 2021.

1978 Larkin Glazebrook ’73 welcomes his first grandchild, Mia.

Class Agent: Patrick Peterkin, (203) 655-9917, p_peterkin@yahoo.com

1983 Class Agents: Melinda Frey Arkin, bentleyshop@aol.com; Joshua Rosenthal, (970) 385-4723, weplay@bresnan.net

Stephanie (Jones) McCaine was appointed to the Bedford Town Board to fill a vacancy for the remainder of the term. A lifelong resident of Bedford, New York, Stephanie will hold the seat until the next election in November 2021. She is currently the Associate Director of Admissions and chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee at Harvey. Stephanie has been an active volunteer with numerous community-based organizations and boards including the Girl Scouts, Westchester Youth Alliance, and Bedford Community Theatre. She served as lead applicant and founding board member of the Amani Public Charter School in Mount Vernon, New York. Her daughter, Shelby, is a rising sophomore at Harvey.

1988 Class Agents: Charles Collin, (860) 263-7972, chascolin@gmail.com; Laurel E. Meredith, (917) 280-5233, laurel.meredith@gmail.com Lisa Choffletti found out that opposites attract when she met her husband-to-be, Geoff Dighton ’87, at Harvey. Read more on page 27 in this issue. In our Winter 2021 magazine, the rank of Adam Donofrio was incorrect. Adam was a lieutenant at the Bronx Detective Bureau Headquarters. He is now retired.

1989 Class Agent: Chris Abrenica, (914) 556-8344, cabrenica71@outlook.com

1984 Class Agent: Herbert Sloan, (203) 438-0051, hjs1988@yahoo.com Stephanie (Jones) McCaine ’87 with her husband, Robin

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class notes

1990 Class Agent: Peter Hall, (518) 369-1991, hallpeter1@gmail.com

1992

fosters dogs needing physical therapy. Andrea is married with eight dogs and a revolving door of foster pups. She shares, “I’m sure it doesn’t surprise anyone who knew me that I would end up dedicating my life to animals. It’s chaotic and hard work but rewarding.”

Jeffrey Feldman was ranked among the Top Mortgage Brokers in the nation in 2020, according to the Scotsman Guide.

1995

1993

Class Agents: Lara W. Casano, (347) 539-7301, Gilligan.school@gmail.com; Raphael Miranda, (917) 520-7808, mirandaraphael@hotmail.com

Greg Barnett is a top NFL sports agent with one of his clients becoming the highest paid linebacker in 2015. Read more about Greg in this issue on page 8.

Justin Blass was married Dec. 7, 2019. He lives with his wife, Katherine, in Stamford, Connecticut.

1994 Class Agent: Russell Stamm, (781) 329-3004, rcstamm@rcstammco.com Andrea Ramos Calderon is a certified canine physical rehab specialist with her own business called Wagging in Water, which is located in her home in Carmel, New York. She is a partner in a special needs animal rescue and

Looking for Class Agents or Reunion Coordinators Keys of being a Class Agent: • Share information about school events, local get-togethers, news from campus, and current students • Write periodic class letters and emails; establish class group on Facebook • Update class rosters • Locate “lost” classmates

Adam Davis works for Fannie Mae and in his off hours, he renovates homes for resale. He and his wife, Ashley, are working on their third “flip” in as many years in their Alexandria, Virginia, neighborhood. Adam designs unique layouts for each home based on the lot, and his first resale received a platinum Pearl certification in energy efficiency. Although the pandemic proved to be challenging in 2020, his new project is off to a smooth start and is scheduled to be finished by mid-July.

Erica Cheyne ’14

There can be more than one agent per class, so grab a friend and get involved in the Harvey community There are currently vacancies for class agents in the classes of 1942–1955, 1958–1960, 1962–1964, 1966–1967, 1969–1972, 1974–1977, 1979–1982, 1985–1987, 1991–1993, 2000, 2010.

Andrea Ramos Calderon ’94 giving canine physical therapy

Erik Rosner is a senior national director of market access for a small pharmaceutical company in Morristown, New Jersey. He spends the majority of his free time coaching his children (Luke 10, Evan 8, and Kayla 6) in travel hockey and lacrosse. His daughter enjoys soccer and gymnastics.

Jewel Li ’17

Treshawn Felder ’19

If you cannot take on a class agent post, please consider volunteering to serve your class as a Reunion Coordinator. Classes with an involved Reunion Coordinator have had more successful reunions with a higher turnout.

To volunteer or if you have questions, please contact alumni@harveyschool.org. harveyschool.org 55


1996 // 25th Reunion Class Agents: Keith Harrigan, (412) 853-9392, kh1843@gmail.com; David Stark, (336) 771-5303, dlstark@kpmg.com; Jeannette Brandt Stark, (336) 771-5303, jeanettemstark@gmail.com Jeannette Brandt Stark and Dave Stark have a long family history at Harvey. Read more about how this Nep-Poc couple met as students and where they are today on page 26 in this issue.

1997 Class Agent: Blayre Farkas, (561) 929-1802, carolynfarkas@gmail.com

1998 Class Agent: Greg Janos, (845) 857-7688, gjanos@harveyschool.org Greg Presseau has been busy raising his three boys, Lucien (9), Quentin (7), and Carey (3), with his wife, Amanda. He was recently involved in the launch of a new fund that trades commodities and other listed futures. Greg has remained in close contact with his Harvey friends and teammates since graduating Harvey.

Greg Presseau ’98 enjoying a beach day with his wife and sons

Luis (Lou) Nunez Jr. ’99 with his wife and two sons

1999 Class Agent: Amy Albert Morello, papillia@hotmail.com Luis (Lou) Nunez Jr. is a senior vice president with Citi in its risk management division, helping to deliver on various commitments the firm has with U.S. regulators. He graduated from Merrimack College in 2003 and has worked for IBM, UBS, Barclays, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. He married his wife, Jessica, in 2007 and spent the following two years on an extended honeymoon in London on an international assignment with UBS. Returning to the U.S., Lou and Jessica bought a home in Fishkill, New York, and welcomed sons Victor Rafael in 2015 and Evander Patrick in 2017. Lou now spends his free time coaching his sons as they start their young

This smiling baby girl, Sia May, is the daughter of Nicole Sayler ’00.

hockey careers in local youth hockey leagues. As a family, they enjoy traveling to Disney World annually, making camping and fishing trips, and having pool parties in the summer.

Refer a friend to Harvey! Small classes, inspiring teachers, rigorous academics, and an array of extracurriculars instill in students a passion for lifelong learning and the confidence to pursue individual passions.

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class notes

2007 Class Agents: Doniella McKoy, (914) 960-9375, donimckoy@yahoo.com; Alexandra Pugliese, (914) 760-0119, alexandra.m.pugliese@gmail.com Katharine LaVacca started the Hudson Veterinary Hospital Pet Resort and Spa in Ossining, New York. She is a full-time veterinarian and medical director at her full-service general practice, offering wellness visits, sick visits, surgery, laser therapy, boarding, and day care. Visit her website at www.hudsonvet.com.

Liz Interlicchio ’05 is mom to this curious baby boy, Logan, almost 1 year old.

Katharine LaVacca ’07with a canine friend

2001 // 20th Reunion

Matthew Weisholz became engaged to Dana DiPetro in February 2021.

Class Agent: Jennifer J. Vogeney, (914) 494-9397, jenn.j.vogeney@gmail.com

2004 Class Agent: Maria Neri, (845) 279-5234

2002 Class Agent: Tiffany Franqui Hamilton, (845) 612-9858, travelsize84@gmail.com Mark Maiden was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Greenburgh (NY) Police Department. Mark has a BS in Business Administration from Duquesne University and in 2012 earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. One year later in 2013, Mark was sworn in as a Greenburgh Police Officer assigned to the patrol division, where he has done an excellent job.

2003 Class Agent: Jaclyn Walker, (914) 319-1699, JaclynMarisaWalker@gmail.com Jackie Klein and Evan Walker met at Harvey in summer 2001 and they married in 2010. Read more about how they met on page 25 in this issue.

Geoff Gates has an L.A. Lakers’ championship ring. Find out how he accomplished that on page 10 of this issue. Gregory Haas welcomed son Emile Gabriel in December 2020.

2005 Class Agent: Brian Ryerson, (914) 329-6863, ryersonb@gmail.com Elizabeth (Katz) Pluskalowski welcomed son Ari George in 2020.

2006 // 15th Reunion Class Agents: Gregory Jurschak, (914) 260-8133, gjurschak@gmail.com; Teresa Neri, (914) 462-7440, teresa.neri12@gmail.com

In summer 2020, Bradley Osborne was inspired to try something new and acquired his drone pilot license, starting his new business, Innovation Ag, LLC. Through NDVI and DNRE imaging, Bradley scouts fields remotely and provides detailed maps on the health of crops at any growth stage, stand count, weed pressure, and tassel count to enable farmers to make vital decisions on their crops. He says he is “looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that are just over the horizon as this is the beginning of something incredible!” Samuel Powers is engaged to Shauna Taras Aaron. Samuel and Shauna met four years ago in NYC and have since traveled to 40 countries and spent 2+ years in the UK. They are currently living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where Samuel runs an NGO, Lens on Life Project, which he cofounded. He had planned an epic marriage proposal at the summit of the Nyiragongo volcano, but violent protests in the city of Goma and armed groups near the mountain kept them at home on the shores of Lake Kivu with the powerful Nyiragongo visible in the distance. He was honored to give Shauna his late mother’s engagement ring. Ryan Spiess and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their second baby, daughter McKenna Katherine March 1, 2021. She weighed 8.04 pounds and measured 20 inches long. McKenna joins older brother Fletcher, who is very excited to be a big brother.

harveyschool.org 57


are all constantly learning and teaching one another,” shared Gretel. Her favorite Harvey memories include a trip to Spain, working for Habitat for Humanity, and being a member of the tennis team. Paige Singer was named to the president’s list for the fall 2020 semester at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Alisa Langer ’09 with her fiancé, Rocky

2009 Class Agents: Andrew Jamieson, (203) 273-3884, andrewjamieson91@icloud.com; Erika Osborne, osborne7937@gmail.com; Peter Sorenson, (914) 438-7486, psorenson68@gmail.com; Megan Taylor, (914) 234-6205, meg.kerrytaylor@gmail.com

Samuel Nadell ’09 with fiancée, Haneyli

2008 Class Agents: Gretel Coleman, (914) 234-0907, gretelcoleman@gmail.com; Dylan Hackley, (914) 482-5318, dhack@me.com Gretel Coleman graduated from Lynchburg College with a B.S. in science and received her master’s in special education and early childhood general education from Bank Street College in 2015. She has been teaching ever since. Currently, Gretel is planning and developing curriculum as well as teaching a mix of general and special education students in first and third grades, including one with severe special needs. “Teaching during a pandemic is an experience that is unlike anything else,” said Gretel. She has found that working with a small group has helped her students continue to focus on their social skills and academics. “Teaching mixed ages simultaneously has reinforced the idea that we 58 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

Andrew Jamieson began working at the Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, in the advancement office at the end of October 2020. Andrew serves as a class agent at Harvey and a new member of the Alumni Executive Council. He continues to actively support Harvey and the Harvey alumni programs. Alisa Langer recently became engaged to Rocky Medeo, whom she has known since the fourth grade when she moved to the U.S. from Russia. He was her first crush, and their mothers are good friends, so two years ago, Alisa and Rocky reconnected, and “the rest is history.” Alisa has started a new business, Spirited Media Inc., a marketing and public relations company focused on assisting emerging spirit brands as they navigate the spirit industry while also creating a more inclusive and progressive category within the market. As Alisa puts it, she started her company “to give everyone a chance to sit at the bar.” She remains close to her two best friends, Megan Taylor Scholes and Maddy Visintainer (both current Harvey teachers). Visit Alisa’s company at www.spiritedmediainc.com and on Instagram @spiritedmediainc

Samuel Nadell recently became engaged to Haneyli, whom he met two and a half years ago. Sam describes Haneyli as “the most amazing person in the world who quickly became my best friend.” He feels overjoyed at this beginning to an incredible journey ahead and excited for the memories made and the millions more to come. Sam says, “Te amo con todo mi corazón amor de mi vida Haneyli Summer.”

2010 Andrew Abt first glimpsed his future career path while playing rugby at Harvey. Find out where Andrew is today on page 9 in this issue.

2011 // 10th Reunion Class Agents: Amelia Slater, (914) 874-7436, ameliajslater1@gmail.com; Nicolette A. St. Lawrence, (914) 707-0414, ns669@cornell.edu; Konrad Testwuide, (914) 953-9006, ktestwuide@gmail.com Victoria Shaffer has “gone to the dogs” but in a good way! She is head of outreach and puppy guru at Mutt Scouts, a popular Los Angeles and San Diego-based dog rescue. In 2020, she fostered 100 dogs and puppies. Victoria recently launched a YouTube channel under Victoria Lily Shaffer, and wrote a book “Pup Culture: Tips, Tricks, and the Importance of Adopting a Dog” scheduled for release in October 2021 by Tiller Press at Simon and Schuster.

Victoria Shaffer’s ’11 new book is available now through Amazon.


class notes

2012 Class Agents: Brandon Hickey, (845) 270-8670, hickbg05@gmail.com; Brett Marks, (914) 815-1686, brettmarks94@gmail.com; Nicole Pugliese, (914) 760-7148, npug@umich.edu; Julian Rissetto, (914) 539-1175, j.rissetto@icloud.com; Maya Sank, (203) 803-5850, mayasank7@gmail.com; Daniel Schonning, (203) 788-6811, danny.schonning@yahoo.com; Natalia R. St Lawrence, (914) 707-0406; Mikhyle Stein, (914) 419-4615, mick909@gmail.com Shay (Katherine Julia) Kessler was just accepted to the University of Northern Colorado to study American Sign Language (ASL).

York City. In the last two years, she has traveled throughout the country performing on stage and working in television, film, and commercials. Annelise can be seen in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film “West Side Story” due to be released in December 2021. Harrison Ross lives in Denver, Colorado, and is an accounting specialist for TalentReef, a Talent Management Solution HR software platform. His work involves depositing daily batches in accounts receivable and helping to recover accounts with past due balances, as well as managing the nonrenewals of clients. Harrison loves to ski and snowboard on his days off and enjoys taking hikes.

2014 2013 Class Agents: Sharif Koonce, (914) 356-1553, skoonce29@gmail.com; Karina K. Lambert, (914) 844-9123, karina.k.lambert@gmail.com; Ben Walant, (203) 947-4541, bwalant@gmail.com Since graduating from Harvey, Annelise Cepero received a BFA in musical theater and has worked steadily as an actor in New

Class Agents: Christian Artuso, (914) 462-0302, cjartuso@aol.com; Erica Cheyne, (914) 708-9482, ericacheyne@outlook.com Gabrielle Cacciola is currently performing, songwriting, and giving vocal and piano lessons virtually due to COVID-19. Right after graduating Harvey, she was signed to a small record label where she developed the relationships to get her where she is today. She is working on her own album and songwriting with independent label artists. She was living in NYC but moved back to her parents’ home in Connecticut during the pandemic. Michael Goodkind is currently living in Miami and is working toward a career in sports broadcasting. He continues to host his own late-night sports show “Goodnight Goodkind” on social media. Read more about Michael on page 14 in this issue.

Annelise Cepero ’13 will appear in the upcoming film “West Side Story.”

Julia Peraglia is attending graduate school for her Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She currently works in the field as a registered behavior technician at a school for children on the Autism Spectrum and is so excited to further her education. This degree will enable Julia to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

2015 Class Agents: Julia Chatzky, (914) 420-6876, jbc310@gmail.com; Richard Hicks, (914) 233-6825, hicks.ricky1@gmail.com; Brendan Kneitz, bkneitz24@gmail.com; Ariana Weaver, (914) 703-0008, arianaweaver@gmail.com Skye Bell graduated from Skidmore College in 2019 with honors in English and is currently an assistant to the CEO of a diversified online marketing company in Stamford, Connecticut. Jack Mather graduated from the University of Connecticut. Jackson Roberts is a sports anchor and reporter for the FOX channel in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota for the last year and a half. He covers professional, college, and high school sports in those areas. Read more about Jackson on page 12 in this issue. Ally Rosenfeld graduated with Latin honors and an English degree from Quinnipiac University, where she took an abundance of education courses and was a member of the International English Honor Society Sigma Delta Tau. She moved to Providence, Rhode Island, and currently works as an assistant administrator at a school-aged program within the public school district. She loves her job and working with students in grades K–5. Ally still loves to work out, discover new recipes to cook, and find new ways to hang out with her friends and family during this challenging time. Matthew Tuckner was a judge in April for Harvey’s 2021 Michael Lopes Poetry Recitation Contest. Participating by Zoom, Matthew helped select both the Middle School and Upper School winners (see page 31). Matthew is currently an MFA candidate in Creative Writing at NYU, where he is also assistant poetry editor of Washington Square Review. He received his B.A. from Bennington College. Matt has received a university prize from the Academy of American Poets, and his recent writing has appeared or is forthcoming in The Missouri Review, Sixth Finch, Poetry Northwest, The Massachusetts Review, New South, and Tupelo Quarterly, among others. harveyschool.org 59


2016 // 5th Reunion Class Agents: Hannah Herrera, (914) 714-5407, Hannahv_herrera@yahoo.com; Tyler Levy, (914) 572-3020, bbhockey22@gmail.com Julia DeNigris has accepted a position with the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s distance education and eLearning department as a broadcast media specialist/video technician. As a 2020 UNCW graduate with a double major in film and communications, she is excited to become a “Seahawk” again and begin this next chapter. Julia will also continue to grow her photography business, sharing, “I never imagined I’d start my own business, but I’m loving every second of it.” Tessa Knorr graduated in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in film, TV, and media from Quinnipiac University. Her personal journey with multiple sclerosis led her to create her own YouTube channel to promote MS Awareness. “My goal is to help other young adults who may be struggling just the way I did,” says Tessa. “This is a huge accomplishment for me, and I plan to take it to the next step in the future.” David Solano graduated this May with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College. David has a passion for marketing, especially digital marketing and social media. He completed an SEO internship at Conductor Inc. and was also the Social Media intern for The Ithaca Voice, a well-respected digital paper that keeps people updated on Ithaca news, politics, crime, happenings, and more. David also proposed and executed a social media plan for the 2019 Cortaca Jug, a 90-year-old Division III football rivalry between Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland, using social media platforms. This was also the first sporting event ever covered by The Ithaca Voice. In the summer of 2020, David interned with Intouch Solutions, a pharmaceutical 60 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

Julia DeNigris ’16 loves photography.

Josh Bloom ’17 and Michael Ecker ’17 return to Harvey to volunteer in robotics.

marketing agency where he learned about the pharmaceutical industry and how to conduct social listening projects on Sprinklr. His goal after graduation is to work in digital marketing and combine his passion for marketing with his love of sports.

Josh Bloom and Michael Ecker volunteered at the April live-remote VEX Robotics Southern NYS Championship competition, hosted by The Harvey School robotics program. Josh and Michael, former RoboCavs themselves, kept score and provided technical help. Due to a computer failure, Michael’s laptop was substituted to run the event. Harvey won the championship title for the first time, along with the Excellence and Design awards. Read more about the win on page 37.

Melissa Shaw-Patino graduated from Lehigh University in May 2020 with honors in Political Science, and Sociology and Anthropology. After taking some time to explore different areas of interest following graduation, she decided to pursue a career in the financial sector. Melissa recently accepted a position working for a reputable global asset management firm in NYC. A newfound interest she discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic is cooking! Melissa says, “I love learning and exploring different cultural recipes, and the intersection between food and culture. I feel like I’m traveling all over the world right from my kitchen.”

2017 Class Agents: Joseph Bakas, (914) 708-6131, bakasjoe@gmail.com; Alexandra Barber, (914) 414-7353, lgbarber1999@gmail.com; Jewel Li, (914) 920-1409, lijewel1117@gmail.com; John Wise, (203) 637-7876 Madeline Blinderman made the dean’s list at the University of Hartford. She is a psychology major.

Ava Kohn graduated in May from Syracuse University with dual degrees in psychology and citizenship and civic engagement with a minor in social justice. Ava will be attending graduate school at Columbia University for a master’s degree in nonprofit management. Halle Paredes is the recipient of two awards from Connecticut College: the Barbra E. Gurwitz ’89 Memorial Award given to a senior who, in striving for excellence in their chosen direction, inspires the best qualities in everyone whose life they touch, and is a perceptive, spirited, and caring friend; and the Susanne K. Langer Award for achievement in philosophy. Halle is thankful for these incredible honors and shared, “I am so grateful to my incredible professors, advisors, and my family and friends for supporting me throughout my four years at Connecticut College.”


class notes

Kasim Cisse ’18 (above and right) competing for Boston University (CREDIT: MATT WOLVERTON/ BU ATHLETICS)

Pierce Steinberg ’18 looks in for his catcher’s sign.

2018 Class Agents: Marissa Annechiarico, (845) 546-2011, marissa.annechiarico@yahoo.com; Yulanda Huang, (203) 947-2885, hjuewei@163.com; Chloe Savitch, (914) 393-9432, cbsavitch@aol.com; John Sullivan, (914) 217-6364, johns2388@aol.com Kasim Cisse took home gold for D-I Boston University in the high jump with a leap of 2.05 meters at the ECAC/ IC4A Championships in May. Ben Kabakow will be spending this summer working at Verizon as an insights and analytics intern with the Executive Relations team. Cian Keohane, named to the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA)/Dynamic Preseason All-American Division III Honorable Mention Team at Attack, was on his way to a terrific season at D-III Nichols College (seven goals in four games) before an injury ended his 2021 campaign. Pierce Steinberg, a rising senior at SUNY Plattsburgh, is a side-arm throwing pitcher for the D-III Cardinals. He has made nine relief appearances, eight of which he did not allow an earned run.

2019 Class Agents: Treshawn Felder, (347) 792-7458, joel@harlemlacrosse.org; Charlotte Levy, (914) 238-1099, charlottehailey16@gmail.com; Sebastian Wallach, (914) 763-2579, sebski01@gmail.com; Courtney Warren, (914) 755-6960, courtrw1@gmail.com Benjamin Avila, playing his second year at Grambling State as a redshirt freshman, appeared in 30 games for the Division I Tigers, 27 games as their starting catcher. He finished with 18 hits and five RBIs. Ben was a member of Harvey’s 2019 HVAL championship baseball team. Olivia Ciancio is a student in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the School of Information Studies as a dual advertising and information management and technology major at Syracuse University. She is also pursuing a minor in marketing in the Whitman School of Management. She has received dean’s list honors during all her semesters at Syracuse and is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, The Women’s Network, Syracuse University English Equestrian team, the Junior Panhellenic Council, and the TNH Advertising Agency. Olivia also writes for two campus publications, The Daily Orange and Zipped Magazine. Olivia also writes for and designs her sorority newsletter.

Daisy Grossman ’19 is double-majoring at UVM.

Daisy Grossman is double-majoring in Biochemistry and Emergency Medical Services at the University of Vermont’s Honors College. Most mornings she spends at UVM Hospital shadowing doctors and nurses, and training under paramedics. In the afternoon, she goes to classes and labs. She is in the process of studying for the DAT and preparing to apply to dental school. Outside the classroom, Daisy is a member of the club ice hockey team and the pre-dental honors society. She is also a tour guide and a calculus tutor at UVM and the community service chair on the Hillel student board. Carli Levethan is a sophomore at Hofstra University double-majoring in business management and marketing. She belongs to a “ton of clubs on campus” and spends her weekends exploring all of Long Island and NYC. harveyschool.org 61


Aidan Cammisa ’20 shares some of his favorite Harvey memories (above and right).

Charlotte Levy is a freshman at the University of Vermont Middlebury majoring in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and double-minoring in public communications and consumer affairs. She is also playing UVM club soccer and is on the club tennis team. Alexander Ogg attends Arizona State University and is a pitcher for the D-I Sun Devils baseball team. He made his first collegiate appearance on the mound March 12, with his first pitch being a strike and recorded the final out in a 10–0 victory against California State. Alex was a member of Harvey’s 2019 HVAL championship baseball team.

2020 Class Agents: Allan Dilone Rodriguez, (914) 393-3642, allanedilone@gmail.com; Daniel Galgano, (914) 763-0461, dpgalgano@gmail.com; Ryan Piken, (914) 628-4166, rypenguin57@gmail.com; Cameron Thomas, (914) 736-6565, cameronthomas155@hotmail.com Aidan Cammisa started as a freshman at Bryant University in Rhode Island in the fall of 2020. He is planning to major in marketing and minor in political science. He plans to join the club ice hockey team once the school allows club sports to start up again. Allan Dilone Rodriguez a freshman catcher on Wheaton College’s 2021 Division III baseball team, made his only at-bat a memorable one. Allan stroked a single to knock in a run and came around later to score a run. He was a member of Harvey’s 2019 HVAL championship baseball team. 62 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

Grant Doherty is attending Elon University in North Carolina, part of the 2024 teaching fellow group, and plays rugby. Grant’s passion to become a teacher was sparked at Harvey by the teachers and his interest in history. Grant was a member of the Harvey 2018 state rugby championship team and Harvey’s 2020 FAA championship ice hockey team.

Rebellious Lifeline clothing line by Spencer Wacksman ’20

James Mettler is playing junior ice hockey and is planning to enroll in college next year. He was a member of Harvey’s 2020 FAA championship ice hockey team. Christian Perez got a taste of Division I baseball action in his freshman year at SUNY Binghamton, appearing in 14 games with two starts and collecting his first collegiate base hit, a double. Spencer Wacksman is in the final development stages of his website for his clothing line, “Rebellious Lifeline.” This was his senior bridge project at Harvey and is active now on Instagram @RebelliousLifeline. Spencer’s plan was to launch his website in May or June.

NOTES FROM

Former Faculty & Friends Former math teacher and baseball coach Mike Rubenfeld welcomed his baby daughter, Julia Shea, February 11, 2021 weighing 7 pounds and measuring 20 inches.

Mike Rubenfeld with his little Mets fan, daughter Julia Shea

Tell Us What's New With You! To submit Class Notes: Send notes, images, or both to alumni@harveyschool.org. For short milestone info (weddings, engagements, births), please include full name and dates. Photo tips: • Set your camera to best setting. • Photo size 4 x 6, in 300 dpi. • Save files as .jpg or .tiff. • Identify people in the picture. • Attach file to email.


in memoriam ALUMNI

William McHenry Keyser ’68 December 15, 2020

After struggling with aggressive pneumonia and complications from lifelong diabetes, William McHenry Keyser died peacefully Dec. 15, 2020, with his wife, Virginia, by his side near their new home in Lake Wales, Florida. Mac was born Aug. 2, 1952, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a treasured place where he spent time every summer with his family. The son of R. Brent Keyser and Helen Angier Keyser, Mac spent his youngest years in his father’s native Baltimore. He attended the Gilman School and The Harvey School and later graduated from Middlesex School, where he was known as a hardworking student and a steady competitor in sports, including soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse. He graduated from New England College in New Hampshire, majoring in business. While attending NEC, his love of music and skiing led to his moonlighting as a disc jockey at the local radio station and working on the ski patrol at nearby Pat’s Peak Mountain. After graduating, he moved to Vermont, where he resided for more than 40 years. At an early age, he contracted juvenile diabetes, to which he responded with discipline and fortitude for the rest of his life. He did not allow this disease to slow him down and responded by living his life by his famous motto: “Go fast, take chances.” He became an accomplished sailboat racer with a natural hand on the helm and a knack for the preparation and maintenance of his Tempest class boat. Mac loved to tinker, take things apart, and make them whole again, usually while helping a friend in need. If something needed to be fixed, Mac knew how. He was able to repair his favorite Porsche and his many Saabs, as well as help friends with their vehicles. He was best known for his ability to work on bikes. Whether you called him “Uncle Mac,” “Mac-a-tack,” “Mackie,” or “the Macker,” you knew a bike dropped off for a simple tuneup would be returned spanking clean and perhaps with one or more parts completely rebuilt. The Shelburne Bike Club, established by Mac in the 1980s, continues to this day as the Wednesday Night Riders. For many years, his house was the starting and finishing point for these after-work evening rides, and as friends brought friends, they too became part of the fabric of his life. Biking was also a path for exploration for Mac. He led many trips throughout New England; Québec, Canada; and in the U.S., and Mac helped form the Vermont Iowa Pedalist (VIP) group, which participated in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), riding across Iowa on a dozen different Julys. A bachelor for much of his early life, Mac finally gave his heart to Virginia Keyser. Their courtship included Virginia’s indoctrination to biking, and they married in August 1996. Mac will be remembered for his love of puzzles and his competitiveness playing backgammon. He looked equally at ease wearing bow ties, cycling spandex, or suspenders with his Carhartts. His nieces and nephews fondly recall visits from Uncle Mac, never knowing if he would show up in a sports car or a pickup truck. He was always willing to help another in need. His humor and good nature kindled many loyal friends. His strength and ability to

meet his many health challenges stoically and without complaint never wavered and amazed us all. Over time, however, the wear and tear from his medical conditions presented greater and greater hardships. Virginia was his partner in facing the daily challenges, and they strived to live life to the fullest, doing the things they loved together. Mac always lived his life on his terms, and when his body finally ebbed, he was ready with courage to say good-bye, and he slipped away from us into a calm sleep, perhaps sharing a hint of his smile. He was a remarkable soul and will be remembered and profoundly missed by so many who were fortunate enough to know him. Mac is survived by his wife, Virginia Bartholomew Keyser; his mother, Helen A. Trumbull, and stepfather, Walter H. Trumbull; his sister, Leigh Keyser Phillips (Peter); his brothers, Donald A. Keyser (Anne) and Peter S. Adamson (Mary); and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was predeceased by his father, R. Brent, and his sister, Elizabeth H. Keyser Evans. Given current COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held in the future. (Published in The Burlington Free Press, Dec. 26–27, 2020.)

FORMER TRUSTEES

Suzanne (Susie) Ewing

(One of Harvey’s first female trustees) March 28, 2021 Suzanne Ewing died March 28, 2021, peacefully at home after a long illness. Born Muriel Suzanne Howard May 7, 1928, in New York, she was the only daughter of Zina McCarthy Howard and Ernest Ford Howard. She was predeceased by her only brother, Ernest Ford Howard (Peter) in October 2020. In 1947, Susie married Otis Allan Glazebrook, and in 1952 they bought and renovated an old farm in Bedford, New York. Their three sons all attended The Harvey School, where Susie took an active role, becoming one of the first female trustees in the 1970s, along with Louise Moore (1973–1982). “Susie was a great lady, a wonderful friend, and we were both devoted to Harvey,” said Louise Moore. “I remember the excitement we had being on the Board when the first discussions of Harvey becoming coed started. I’m sure you can imagine all the pros, cons, and development issues that went on in making the school ready to accept girls. A wonderful and momentous decision,” she said. Susie’s husband Otis died in 1966, and her son, Otis Allan Glazebook ’63 passed in 2014. In 1969, Suzanne married J. G. Blaine Ewing Jr. and continued to live in Bedford. She is survived by her three other children, daughter Zina Glazebrook, and sons Michael Truxton Glazebrook ’69 and Larkin Drummond Glazebrook ’73, as well as two grandsons, Larkin Jr. and Otis V. Louise fondly recalled her time with Susie at Harvey. “Susie’s son, Larkin, and my sons, Alden Mauck ’72, Parker Mauck ’74, and Andrew Mauck ’76 all played hockey at Harvey,” Louise said. “As a result, Susie and I happily spent a great deal of time at Evarts Rink watching their games and cheering Harvey on. She was a special friend, and I treasure many happy memories of our times together.” Susie loved to travel, read, garden, and rescue lilac bushes, and she was seldom seen without the company of a dog or two. Her warm laugh and pleasant smile will be forever missed and remembered. harveyschool.org 63


Parting Thought Although The Harvey School has seen many changes during the years since its founding in 1916, what continues is the one ingredient that defines the heart of Harvey: Community. Here’s a fun glance at Then and Now, which demonstrates how much of who we are is centered around the aspects of community that make us smile.

The Rambler staff, 1971 and 2021

64 HAR VEY MAGAZINE // spring 2021

The head of school still greets students in the morning.


Teamwork does make the dream work at Harvey!

Ice cream trucks are still a popular treat for students.

Everyone loves a community outdoor BBQ on campus!


260 Jay Street Katonah, NY 10536 Address Service Requested

! e t a D e h Save t

Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Saturday, October 30, 2021

Celebrating all classes, but especially those class years ending in “1” & “6.” Highlights include Hall of Fame Awards, Varsity Games, Special Class Photos/Events/Dinners, food trucks, and more! Visit our website for the latest info:

www.harveyschool.org

COM/TOMASKNOPP

ILLUSTRATION©SHUTTERSTOCK.


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