New Canaan Country School Bulletin Spring-Summer 2015 by Good Design

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL

Summer 2015

WELCOME

Dr. Robert P. Macrae

COUNTRY SCHOOL IS TURNING 100!

New Canaan Country School Bulletin Summer 2015 Head of School: Dr. Robert P. Macrae Director of Advancement: Terry Gumz Director of Marketing and Communications: Brooke Springer Contributing Writers/Editors: Diane Briggs Gina Ely Kent Findlay ’80 Mark Macrides Moina Noor Lynn Sullivan Photography: Steve Blazo Diane Briggs Kent Findlay ’80 Nanette Gantz Jodi Hasbrouck Betsy Hulme Moina Noor Fraser Randolph Shiva Sarram Brooke Springer Chi Chi Ubiña Torrance York Design: Good Design, LLC www.gooddesignusa.com

FOCUSES 4

Meet Dr. Robert P. Macrae

Year in Review

12 This I Believe 18 Celebrate the Journey 22 Walking in the Footsteps of History

Printer: Printech Stamford, Conn. Address changes: communications@countryschool.net On the cover: New Head Of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae PHOTO CREDIT: TORRANCE YORK

26 44

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of New Canaan Country School is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. We value the imagination and curiosity of children and respect childhood as an integral part of life. Our teachers set high academic standards and challenge students to question, to think, to collaborate, and to act with integrity. The school works in partnership with families to teach personal, social, and environmental responsibility and to create a community that honors diversity and our common humanity. New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.

CONTENTS AROUND FROGTOWN 26 Highlighting our Community, Achievements & Adventures

SCRAPBOOKS

38 Family Fun Night and Deal Days 44 Frogtown Fair 46 Reunion Weekend 48 Homecoming & Fall Fest 54 Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day 65 Former Faculty and Staff Luncheon

DEPARTMENTS

40 Horizons 56 Transitions: Welcomes and Farewells 80 A Look Back

ALUMNI

40 48 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014–2015 President: Steven E. Rodgers Vice President: Karen K. Wood Treasurer: Randall M. Salvatore Secretary: Lisa Bainbridge Sparks Member-at-Large: Sean J. McManus G. Peter O’Neill Jr., Interim Head of School Christopher T. Baker Alice B. Burnham Lynne F. Byrne Gary D. Engle Stephen H. Frank

Mark E.C. Hudson Thomas H. McGlade ’75 Tina C. Miller James P. Parmelee Mathew M. Pendo Ashraf R. Rizvi Susan S. Schulz Smita Singh Michael S. Sotirhos Judson C. Staniar Joseph P. Toce Jr. Kathleen Lyons Wallace Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81 David Kucher, Faculty Representative Abigail Manny Newport ’89, Faculty Representative

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2014–2015 President: Lynne Byrne President-Elect: Sanny Burnham Warner ’88 VP Community & Inclusion: Mandi Morgan VP Public Service: Jennifer Barnard VP Volunteers: Lisa Alpaugh Secretary: Mariko LeBaron Treasurer: Mara Neafsey

50 Alumni Gatherings 66 Class Notes 75 In Memoriam

ALUMNI COUNCIL 2014–2015 President: Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81 Emily Coughlin Basaran ’98 Dan Bergfeld ’58 Steve Bloom ’03 Carl Brodnax ’76 Sam Caulfield ’79 Dick Colligan ’01 Philip Ford ’99 Corey Gammill ’95 Heather Weed Goldberg ’89 Tucker Golden ’90 Benjamin Halsell ’87 Hugh Halsell ’59 Paula Kennedy Harrigan ’81 Diane Monson ’51

Amanda Nisenson ’94 Carl Rohde ’66 Katharine O’Brien Rohn ’78 Kelsey Hubbard Rollinson ’86 Michael Sachs ’97 Richard See ’75 Ex-Officio Members: G. Peter O’Neill Jr., Interim Head of School Terry M. Gumz, Director of Advancement Gina S. Ely, Director of Alumni Affairs

discover more // www.countryschool.net

To the

COUNTRY SCHOOL COMMUNITY: As we reflect on the 2014–2015 school year and look forward to the next, there is so much to celebrate within our community. Above all, I want to acknowledge the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff and administration to our children’s education. It is their hard work and devotion that makes the continuous progress of our school possible. On behalf of the entire Country School community, I want to thank Peter O’Neill for his service to our school during this transition year. Peter led with an unassuming but unwavering confidence that allowed the school to continue forward with a steady momentum. From the moment he arrived, Peter kept the school’s mission at the heart of his work, often referencing its unique emphasis on “respect for childhood as an integral part of life.” Peter quickly built strong relationships with teachers, students, parents, alumni and our extended community. During his tenure, Peter accomplished a great deal, keeping important initiatives on track such as mission skills and faculty professional development, and laying the foundation for exciting work of the next chapter, including campus assessments and centennial planning, just to name a few. We will miss Peter and Peggy, and wish them all the best as they head up the line to The Hotchkiss School, where Peter will take on another interim headship en route to eventual retirement on the Cape. Throughout this year, Peter has been in close conversation with incoming Head of School Rob Macrae, who is already hitting the ground running. Rob will meet with faculty and staff, as well as parents, throughout the summer at more than 25 gatherings hosted by members of our community. It is such a wonderful display not only of our community’s hospitality but also of Rob’s eagerness to dive in and get to know all of us and to more deeply connect with our beloved school. As we look to our upcoming centennial year and the beginning of a new era, I invite you to join me in wishing Rob and his family a hearty welcome. Kind regards,

Steve Rodgers President, Board of Trustees, New Canaan Country School

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

1 1. Members of the Class of 2015 Sabrina Sotirhos, Phoebe Casey, Nate Aliapoulios and George McGlade pictured with Peter O’Neill at the stone wall along Ponus Ridge. Throughout the year, ninth graders lent a hand in rebuilding the dry-stacked wall, earning them the nickname “The Rockstars.” For many on campus, the wall project became a metaphor for the transitional nature of the year, in which the school community itself was refortified for the next 100 years. For more, see Mr. O’Neill’s remarks on page 13. • 2. Welcoming students on the first day of school. • 3. Peter and Peggy O’Neill at the Annual Meeting.

PETER KEPT THE SCHOOL’S MISSION AT THE HEART OF HIS WORK, often referencing its unique emphasis on “respect for childhood as an integral part of life.”

3 discover more // www.countryschool.net

Meet Dr. Robert P. “LOVE IS A GREAT WORD and it needs to be at the heart of any great school.”

First grade students get to know Head of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae during his April visit.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Macrae OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL Dr. Robert P. Macrae, a distinguished educator with 26 years of independent school experience, joined New Canaan Country School this summer. Dr. Macrae is known as an inclusive leader who is critically trained in collaborative problem solving, a compassionate listener and a man of strong moral character. He has been a teacher, coach and mentor. He is an athlete, outdoorsman and a world traveler, but above all he is a champion for children. Dr. Macrae served as Head of School for Cincinnati Country Day School, a PreK–12 school, for the past 11 years. He previously held senior administrative roles at The Pingry School in Martinsville, N.J., including Assistant Headmaster, Head of the Middle School and Head of the Upper School. During his time at Cincinnati Country Day School, Dr. Macrae improved the school by all measures of success. In a recent regional accreditation assessment, the school met or improved upon 521 of 525 metrics. Dr. Macrae led the school through dramatic improvements, increasing enrollment, endowment and diversity, and improving the school’s college admissions and reputation. Just a few of the many initiatives he spearheaded include a world-renowned technology program, curriculum mapping, strategic planning, Mission Skills Assessment, a new professional development program, and revision of the school’s mission statement. He oversaw two major building projects and the launch of back-to-back campaigns with $21 million raised to date. Dr. Macrae earned a Ph.D. of Education in Educational Administration and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Teachers College– Columbia University, an M.A. in Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University School of Education, and a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics/Computer Science from Wesleyan University. Dr. Macrae has served on the Board of Trustees for Breakthrough Cincinnati and on the Board of Trustees of the National Breakthrough Collaborative. He was a member of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools and served as the association’s president from 2010 to 2013 and vice president from 2008 to 2010. He served on the boards of Queen City Foundation and the Fund for Independent Schools, Cincinnati. He has also previously held committee and board leadership positions for The Winston School, New Jersey SEEDS, The Darcy School and Cora Harshorn Arboretum. He and his wife, Lynn, have four children, Donny, Timmy, Celia and Jenna.

discover more // www.countryschool.net

a great Country School saying which is that we are “creating happy, healthy 30-year-olds.” I believe having a wonderful and happy childhood really is the basis for a very enriching adulthood.

“Looking each Country School student in the eye and taking his or her hand in mine was my first step in trying to accomplish that lofty goal of

KNOWING AND LOVING EVERY CHILD AT THE SCHOOL.”

Director of Marketing and Communications Brooke Springer caught up with Dr. Macrae earlier this summer. The following are excerpts from their conversation:

On your first trip to campus following the announcement of your appointment, you made a point to shake the hand of every student and teacher. Why was that important to you? I feel it is essential that I connect with every child at Country School. In the book With Love and Prayers, J. Washington Jarvis, headmaster of Boston’s Roxbury Latin School for nearly 30 years, wrote about how every child should be “known and loved.” Looking each Country School student in the eye and taking his or her hand in mine was my first step in trying to accomplish that lofty goal of knowing and loving every child at the school.

You are coming from a K–12 environment; what do you expect will be different in a PreK–9 setting? A much greater focus on childhood. The amount of time that I spent on putting out high school fires became disproportionate to the amount of time I spent as a headmaster for all the other grades combined. I’m looking forward to specializing in preparing children for secondary school and, more importantly, to live happy, healthy and productive lives.

What are you most proud of from your time at Cincinnati Country Day School? I am most proud of the strong accreditation surveys that we had two years ago that showed improvement in every key category from eight years prior. There’s no silver bullet for school improvement. It’s a sum total of the experience that you’re creating for the children, and to get results that were so universally strong in every category was very satisfying.

What drew you to New Canaan Country School? As I’ve been talking with many different people about Country School, I keep coming back to the mission. It is such a guiding force for the school and embedded in it are some very ambitious goals, but I believe that this school in particular has the ability and the resources needed to fulfill its mission and, most importantly, it has resounding commitment to continuously strive for those ambitious objectives. This is very exciting to me.

What resonated with you specifically about the school’s mission? There is a healthy balance which the school has maintained for nearly 100 years. First and foremost, the balance is between academic rigor— preparing children for a very competitive world— with preserving childhood and making sure the students are present in the moment. I’ve discovered

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

How do you interpret Country School’s motto, Audentes Fortuna Juvat, translated as “Fortune Favors the Bold”? Raising children today is complex, and to fight some of the trends in today’s society requires us as parents and as school leaders to be bold. Our society is looking for quick answers and shortcuts. We need to let children take their time to grow up and to learn the fundamental lessons. Students need to be very knowledgeable about themselves in order to be ready to face the challenges of adulthood. So we do it in a way that really preserves childhood. To me, that is bold.

You’ve said you are a head who isn’t afraid to use the “L” word. Can you tell us about that? Love is a great word, and it needs to be at the heart of any great school. Schools are very emotional, and

we need to be able to talk about our emotions and understand how to express them when we grow up.

What questions will schools have to answer in the next decade in order to stay at the leading edge of education and to best serve the students of today and tomorrow? I like to divide the challenges that schools are facing into two categories: first is how we need to prepare children for a rapidly changing world, and second is what tools we need for this work. The tools that I’m referring to range from technology— the actual devices which are available to us—to more intangibles such as research, for example, on the role of emotions on teaching and learning.

Have you had an influential mentor? What did he teach you? This is a timely question. I visited with the most important mentor of my educational life, John Hanly, in New York City just before I visited Country School in April. As head of The Pingry School, he was the one who hired me and we worked together for many years. He was the most inspirational educational leader that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He was steadfast about making the right moral and ethical decisions, always, always making decisions that had the child at the center, and he also knew how to balance the needs of the individual with that of the institution. I have consistently tried to live up to the standards that he set, and I am inspired by the many lives that he touched.

How would you describe your own leadership style? I have always believed in collaborative leadership and studied its application at Stanford and Columbia. After leading Cincinnati Country Day for 11 years, I am now more committed than ever to share the ownership of the school with all stakeholders including students, teachers and staff, parents and alumni. It is essential that each constituent has an ownership stake and that each is invested in the school. This leads to the most important outcome, which is when the students feel a true sense of owning their education. When this happens, their level of engagement increases leading to significantly improved learning.

Tell us a little bit about your life outside of school. What are your hobbies or passions? What do you do for fun? I don’t have very much time for other things outside of work and family. Wellness is very important to me, so my wife and I talk a lot about nutrition and I make sure that I exercise daily. I also enjoy playing squash, golf, going for long walks and being outdoors.

“RAISING CHILDREN TODAY IS COMPLEX, and to fight some of the trends in today’s society requires us as parents and as school leaders to be bold.”

What can we expect in year one? I want to get to know the school intimately, so I need to meet with the parents, teachers, alumni and students. This will be challenging to do in a short period of time, but a labor of love, as I truly enjoy everything about school life.

The students of New Canaan Country School gave Dr. Macrae their “top 10 pieces of advice” from each division on his visit in April. Watch the video at www.countryschool.net/ headofschool.

www.countryschool.net

YEAR IN REVIEW 10.31.14 The faculty band led the Lower School Halloween Parade through campus.

9.12.14 Country School gathered as a community to participate in the

11.19.14

national Sept. 11 Day of Service

The Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey

& Remembrance. For more, see

team celebrated a perfect

page 30.

season. For more, see page 27.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

10.20.14 Younger students

9.10.14 Ninth graders reached new heights during the Outdoor Action Trip as they embarked upon their final year.

enjoyed spending time with their older mentors through the school’s Buddies Program, which runs throughout the academic year.

12.3.14 Lower School students performed in the annual Arts Assembly.

12.3.14 Upper School students departed for Indianapolis to participate in the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference. For more, see page 29.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

3.4.15 Alumnus “Mo” Vaughn ’82 (pictured here with Tom Giggi) discussed “Careers in Sports” at a networking event sponsored by the Alumni council. For more see page 32.

1.20.15

3.11.15

The second annual Bazemore Society Breakfast was held in

Sixth graders selected topics

honor of former Head of School

about which they were

Tim Bazemore. Seen here are

passionate and presented

attendees Julie Halloran, Lucy

individual speeches as a

Ball, Tim Bazemore and Amy Chan

culmination of their public

Downer ’72.

speaking practice.

2.17.15 Former NBA player John Amaechi held a basketball clinic during a three-day visit to campus. For more, see page 35.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY 1.30.15

The Boys’ Varsity Squash team celebrated victory at Nationals.

MARCH 3.15.15

2.11.15 Middle School students conceived, produced and performed an original

The scientific experiments of seventh graders Gabby Perreault and Will Hall-Tipping were selected for publication in the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology’s annual

play, “Everafter,” in which the

magazine, Birdsleuth Investigator. Here they

princesses had to rescue the princes.

celebrate with their teacher, Sanjiv Maliakal.

For more, see page 32.

discover more // www.countryschool.net

4.11.15 Nearly 370 students and their

4.16.15

families participated in the

Upper School students

inaugural Kyle A. Markes Day

exhibited extraordinary talent

of Service, named in honor

at the Spring Happening.

5.1.15 Early Childhood students took part in the May Day Celebration of

of the late sixth grader.

springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival.

For more, see page 34.

APRIL 4.24.15 Family Fun Night kicked off

4.16.15

the festivities immediately

Early Childhood students

prior to the Deal Days Tag

explored the vernal pond

Sale. For more, see page 38.

hoping to see pollywogs, salamanders and other signs of spring.

4.19.15 Country School students took home second place at the Fairfield County Invitational Kâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 Scholastic Team Chess Championship.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

5.13.15 Fifth graders dressed the part and participated in jousts, games of chance and tests of strength at the annual Medieval Faire.

5.20.15 Fourth graders performed the traditional Greek Play.

MAY

JUNE

5.28.15 Lower School students took on the personas of famous historical characters, dressing the part and reciting

5.2.15 The Middle School robotics team

biographies, during the annual

6.10.15 The sun shone over the 99th Closing Exercises. For more, see page 12.

Wax Museum presentation.

attended ROBOnanza!, a robotics competition for independent schools. After showing off their programming prowess and resilience in overcoming technological and logistical difficulties, they brought home several medals. For more, see page 33.

discover more // www.countryschool.net

Words about the Class of 2015 ‘Rockstars’

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

THE FOLLOWING ARE REMARKS MADE BY INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL PETER O’NEILL DURING THE 2015 CLOSING EXERCISES:

Well here we are—the Class of 2015. There is no question; they have been the most outstanding class of my tenure here at Country School. There are so many superlatives I could put out there, but let it just be said that I consider them my “Rockstars.” In the spirit of County School, my reflections will actually come largely from you, drawing on the wonderful tradition that both of the student speakers have already touched upon: the “This I Believe” speeches. They are the best reflection of you as a class and of you as individuals and the values you have developed here at Country School. I selected just six “This I Believe” speeches from which to quote today, but honestly, they are all so strong and the themes so powerful, I could have used any of them.

Chase Glover and Dana Mills discover more // www.countryschool.net

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel the need to speak up? This student did. In fact, she felt the need to speak up for what she felt was an oversight or perhaps even an injustice: “This past Veterans Day, when NCCS neglected to hold a remembrance ceremony, I chose to voice my opinion. I was sort of terrified to go into the headmaster’s office, but then someone pointed out I had nothing to fear because, in truth, the headmaster was not calling me to his office for disciplinary issues; I was calling his actions into question. Even though this fact seemed comforting, questioning authority was still terrifying. However, I chose to not be a bystander and to speak up. My beliefs were accepted and honored. Almost everyone understood my disappointment and we all tried to fix this wrong.”

Here’s an excerpt from another student essay: “Have you ever experienced a culture totally different than your own? If you have, then you know what it is like to feel uncomfortable and out of place. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience a different culture from their own at least once in their lifetime…. I believe that if we take

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

the time to learn new cultures, we will be able to strengthen our own.”

In writing about a family trip to Hungary to explore and discover her roots, a student wrote: “You can bounce back, you can have determination, you reestablish your own identity, and you need to be resilient. “I believe in getting up after life has smacked you down, and I believe in what a distant relative of mine once said: ‘If you work hard, you will always manage. It is said of our family that you could dump us in the North Pole and we’d survive.’ Do not let the easiness of giving up or slowing down tempt you to stop while life charges forward.”

Another student talks about how he began teaching skiing to students with disabilities: “I had previously gone to public school where there were few kids with disabilities, and I, like most kids, I think, was uncomfortable around them. The thought of working with them scared me. I was reluctant to go; my mom knew better and took me anyway. My first student was a boy with severe cerebral palsy…. We got him into a sit-down ski and went out onto the slopes. By lunch break, I was ecstatic. I have been teaching disabled kids now for three years, and it has changed my life in more ways than I can express.”

This next one is from a student who has endured nine surgeries from the time he was four months old. They created huge anxieties,

10 9

“Do not let the easiness of giving up or slowing down tempt you to stop while

life charges forward.” 1. Scout O’Donnell • 2. Olivia, Nick and Scott English • 3. P.J. and Suzy Sensbach • 4. Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80, Elizabeth, Phoebe, Hannah ’13 and Alec Casey • 5. Susan, Kathryn and Thomas McCaughey • 6. Louise, C.J. ’12, Avery and Clifton York • 7. Teresa, Nick and Trevor Fellows • 8. Nick ’11, Ian and Charlotte ’11 Murphy • 9. Marianne, Nicholas, Christina and Paul Toldalagi • 10. Leon and Gabriel Byan and Liz Ferran • 11. Leigh Young-Lawler, Anna Bean and Kathryn McCaughey

discover more // www.countryschool.net

he said…and yet he never, ever engaged in self-pity. He never let that obstacle keep him from pursuing his goals: “The anxiety of each surgery is a huge struggle for me, and it is always easy to give up and let my feelings overwhelm me and keep me out of my normal life…. These challenges have helped me build my resilience and have given me confidence that no matter what obstacles I have to face, I can still pursue my goals.”

This next student discusses his experience and how his perspective changed while here at Country School:

can also spread good to others who have fewer opportunities.”

“Modern science has proven that any average person is able to be ‘smart.’ All it requires is a little knowledge and a lot of effort. From our perspective, many people may see our school as a normal, everyday school that has superb teachers. However, if we attempt to look from a different perspective, we have access to tools and resources that are highly enriching and enlightening. Here at Country School, we are privileged to be able to do things like ask for help and get a remarkably more thorough education than what most of the world has access to…. At this school, we are given a chance to do our best, whether in sports, academics, the arts or any other field of interest we may have. We should seize this opportunity to do just that so we

And this student talks about how he had to come upon a new definition of courage: “During the time mom was in the hospital, various aspects of my life were redefined, such as the way I thought of fear, religion and courage. My biggest fears in life were as simple as spiders or sharks, but during the four weeks my mom was gone, my definition of fear began to change from spiders and shark bites to something much bigger and scarier. “I grew up thinking I was a courageous kid, but I didn’t know true courage until those four weeks last spring. I had always thought courage was jumping off the high dive, or going on a scary roller coaster. I have learned that real courage is to be strong for my two younger sisters.”

12. Clay and Kara Prawl • 13. Barbara and Mike Conrad, Ann Conrad Stewart ’78, Cal Stewart ’14, Mayze Teitler ’11, Carson Teitler, John Teitler and Cece Conrad Teitler ’80, and Judith Katz and Michael Teitler • 14. Tom ’75, George and Melanie McGlade • 15. Jenny Cohen Zonis ’82, Maia, Charlotte ’12 and Jon Zonis • 16. Kevin, Ryan, Tucker, Dylan and Kendra Seth • 17. Emma and Kate Tapscott • 18. Sabrina and Ari Fleuriot

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

17 16

Destinations

These are all wonderful life lessons that have been recounted here, and they all reflect the values of our school and mission. I would like to add a couple of my own thoughts. Allow me to share a brief “This I Believe” speech of my own: I am fond of a quote from Mark Twain who once said, “I got educated in spite of school.” You have been blessed to attend a school that understands it is not about “schooling,” it is about a deep education. You have been here in a place that does not forget that. Continue to seek true education. I also believe that Ralph Waldo Emerson was right when he wrote in his essay The American Scholar, that “Character is higher than intellect.” That too has been the foundation of your education here at Country School. It has given you a strong basis. Both of the student speakers, Ian Murphy and Avery York, reflected on issues of character. Many of your “This I Believe” speeches touched upon issues of character. It is the most important gift you can receive from this community. Finally, I believe that the wall we restored is a metaphor not only for this year together, but also for your journey through Country School. Both of your speakers discussed the experiences that they had as young students, each of the building blocks they had gone through each step of the way through Country School which eventually brought them to

Class of 2015

this point. Your Country School education has been built stone by stone, by many hands, and it will endure for a lifetime. Many of those hands who helped to build your education are the teachers that are here honoring you today. Nonetheless, the wall is still somewhat unfinished and not built to perfection. In fact, we ran out of rocks! Just as there are many more stones to add to our Gate House stone wall, so too to your education and character. So remember it is never, ever finished. Country School has given you the strong foundation. Build on it and always remember to leave something behind that was improved because you were there. Perhaps even just a wall. Well, Rockstars, Class of 2015, we are ready to launch you, all of us, on the next part of your journey. It has been an honor and a privilege to share this journey with you. Vaya con Dios.

View more photos of Closing Exercises: visit www.countryschool.net

Nate Aliapoulios.... New Canaan High School Anna Bean....... Brien McMahon High School Gabriel Byan......... Phillips Exeter Academy Seve Calderini �� Berkshire School Phoebe Casey �� Greenwich Academy Claire Collins........... Loomis Chaffee School Matt Dormer �� Wilton High School Kricket Drewes �� Middlesex School Nick English........ Phillips Academy Andover Spencer Epps �� Westminster School Nick Fellows �� King Low Heywood Thomas Ari Fleuriot...... Brien McMahon High School Katharine Foster �� St. Paul’s School Connor Galante....... Loomis Chaffee School Chase Glover........ New Canaan High School Lucy Hudson............. Greenwich Academy Zach Liston............ Greens Farms Academy Kathryn McCaughey.... Phillips Exeter Academy George McGlade �� Berkshire School Dana Mills.................... Suffield Academy Ian Murphy................. Wilton High School Ryan Neafsey �� St. Luke’s School Scout O’Donnell �� The Masters School Clay Prawl �� Undecided Alexandra Schwartz �� St. Luke’s School P.J. Sensbach....... New Canaan High School Tucker Seth �� St. Luke’s School Ben Sosnow �� Millbrook School Sabrina Sotirhos �� Deerfield Academy Walker Stevens �� Westminster School James Tait �� Salisbury School Emma Tapscott �� St. Andrew’s School Kate Tapscott �� St. Paul’s School Carson Teitler...... Phillips Academy Andover Christina Toldalagi �� Miss Porter’s School Nicholas Toldalagi... Phillips Academy Andover Alexandra Truwit �� St. Luke’s School Ryan Ventura......... Greens Farms Academy Finn Walker �� Taft School Grant Wang......... New Canaan High School Ezra White........ King Low Heywood Thomas C.J. Woodberry �� St. Luke’s School Avery York............. Greens Farms Academy Leigh Young-Lawler....Brien McMahon High School Center for Global Studies Brian Zaffino �� St. Paul’s School Christopher Ziac..... Rye Country Day School Maia Zonis �� Milton Academy

Celebrate y e n r u o J the

May Day celebration in 1949.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

100

It is an exciting time at New Canaan Country School. In addition to welcoming Dr. Macrae as our new Head of School this fall, we are busy planning to celebrate our 100th birthday!

discover more // www.countryschool.net

100

BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2016, there will be centennial events, activities, exhibits and publications designed

to welcome and engage all ages. Country School has always valued hands-on experiences and community involvement, so we know you’ll want to join in the celebration.

Mark Your Calendars.

Get Involved.

The centennial year will begin with a student-led assembly in early January 2016. Current parents won’t want to miss the biennial Parents’ Association auction on Saturday, Feb. 27. Everyone will want to mark their calendars for the Centennial Celebration weekend—Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1— culminating in a big community party Saturday evening!

Share your memories, photos and more through our centennial website or by contacting us directly. Be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date and link to the school through social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #NCCS100). If you would like to help with planning, there are a variety of roles and timing. Just contact us or any of the event or project leaders (listed on the next page).

Connect and Learn. We hope you will mark this milestone birthday by engaging with Country School in order to: » Learn about the school’s history, what’s happening on campus now and plans for the future; » Discover how our alumni have left their mark on the school, our communities and the world; » Appreciate the enduring impact of the school and its mission; and » Boldly look forward to Country School’s next century.

Don’t Miss Out.

SHARE YOUR STORY!

Julie Halloran Topsy Post ’66 P ’12, ’12, ’13, ’16 P ’95, ’00 Centennial Co-Chairs

www.countryschool.net/100

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate a school that has meant so much to our families and community. We welcome you to join us as we “Celebrate the Journey” for Country School’s 100th birthday in 2016. Sincerely,

DID YOU KNOW?

The Community School was founded in 1916 in a small house on Seminary Street in downtown New Canaan, and it welcomed 17 students that first year.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

When Country School first came to the Ponus Ridge campus in 1936, the Maintenance Barn was a dairy farm with cows and chickens. The milk and eggs produced were delivered to local residents on a daily basis.

Gigi Brush Priebe ’74 P ’03, ’06, ’08

100

CENTENNIAL LEADERSHIP Centennial Chairs Julie Halloran P ’12, ’12, ’13, ’16

KEY 2016 DATES

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 All-School Student Assembly Centennial Kick-Off

Saturday, January 23 Alumni Hockey Game

Saturday, January 30 Culture & Collaboration Day: A Journey Through TIME (Together In Meaningful Experiences)

Saturday, February 27 2016 Parents’ Association Auction*

Saturday, April 16 Kyle A. Markes Day of Service: “100 Acts of Kindness”

Wednesday, May 4 Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day

Saturday, May 21 Frogtown Fair

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND Friday, September 30, 2016

Cocktail Reception for Alumni, Current/Past Faculty & Staff*

Saturday, October 1 Daytime: Homecoming Day Games & Fall Fest (all ages) Evening: Centennial Celebration* * Guests aged 21 and over

Topsy Post ’66, Gigi Brush Priebe ’74 Past Faculty; P ’95, ’00 P ’03, ’06, ’08

Advisory Committee Members Tim Bazemore, Past Head of School; P ’13 Gail Bindley-Taylor P ’07 Melanie Blandon P ’12, ’14 Steve Bloom ’03 Lyn Bremer Chivvis ’60, Past Staff; P ’86, ’89, ’96 Amy Cholnoky, Past Faculty; P ’00, ’03, ’05 Amy Chan Downer ’72; P ’03, ’03, ’04 Ted Fiske P ’84 Stephen Gamble P ’92, ’94 Bob Gibbons P ’86, ’88, ’94; GP ’17, ’18, ’21, ’23, ’25 Beth Golden P ’90, ’94, ’98; GP ’22 Tony Grassi P ’87, ’90 Francie Irvine, Past Assistant Head of School Jill Iscol P ’94, ’96 Elizabeth Kontulis P ’04, ’07, ’12, ’18 Bill Laverack P ’03, ’07, ’08, ’11 Lenesa Leana, Past Assistant Head of School Leslie Littlejohn P ’00, ’02 Rob Macrae, Head of School Mark Macrides, Current Faculty Linda Marshall P ’10, ’12, ’13 Tom McGlade ’75; P ’10, ’15

Michael McNaught, Past Faculty; P ’84, ’87 Katie O’Brien P ’73, ’74, ’78, ’81; GP ’01, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’09, ’12 Peter O’Neill, Past Interim Head of School Ellen Oppenheim P ’00, ’01, ’03, ’08, ’11 George Post P ’63, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’81; GP ’95, ’00 Steve Rodgers P ’18, ’20, ’22 Cris Russell P ’96, ’98 Kathy Sachs P ’97, ’99, ’03 Sue Speers, Past Faculty; P ’72, ’73, ’75, ’77 Jed Stevens ’78; P ’13, ’15, ’17 Jill Stevens P ’74, ’76, ’78; GP ’13, ’15, ’17 Kerry Stevens, Horizons; P ’13, ’15, ’17 Ann Conrad Stewart ’78; P ’06, ’08, ’14 Pat Stoddard, Past Faculty; P ’71, ’72, ’75; GP ’03, ’06 Charlie Stone P ’95, ’98 John Teitler P ’11, ’15 Nick Thacher, Past Head of School; P ’85, ’88 Linda Whitton P ’98, ’01, ’06, ’09 Jane Stoddard Williams ’72; P ’03, ’06 Karen Wood P ’07, ’10, ’13 John Ziac, Past Staff; P ’86, ’88; GP ’15, ’17

Committee Chairs Centennial Celebration Kelley & Chris Barnett P ’19, ’21, ’23 Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80 & Alec Casey P ’13, ’15, ’15 Annie Cohen P ’67, ’69, ’82 Josephine & Dolf DiBiasio P ’90, ’92; GP ’22, ’24 Jacquie Jeffress, Current Staff; P ’06

Curriculum Tom Giggi, Current Faculty; P ’07, ’09 100 Faces: Celebrating NCCS Alumni Kate Upson P ’06, ’10 History Book Francie Irvine, Past Assistant Head of School

2016 Parents’ Association Auction Brooke Connors P ’14, ’17, ’18 Marisa DiBiasio P ’22, ’24 Claire Salvatore P ’12, ’13, ’17, ’20

Historical Exhibits Elizabeth Kontulis P ’04, ’07, ’12, ’18 Ann Conrad Stewart ’78; P ’06, ’08, ’14

Culture and Collaboration Day Nicole Cribbins P ’21, ’24 Maureen Mayer P ’18

Treasurer John Ziac, Past Staff; P ’86, ’88; GP ’15, ’17

The oldest buildings on campus are the Barn, Ice House and the Gate House, which were all part of the farm owned and operated by the Davenport family. They all predate Grace House, which was built in 1898 and was dedicated, as a summer retreat, by Grace Church in 1899.

One of our oldest traditions is the Frogtown Fair, which evolved from an annual community picnic started in 1937. The first “Frogtown Fair” was in 1947 and featured pony rides, other games and a parent/student/ teacher marching band called the Frogtown Agonizers.

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Walking in the Footsteps of History The Civil Rights Movement Comes Alive for Students on Expanded Studies Trip BY MOINA NOOR

Ninth graders walked across the Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on the 5oth anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.” © CLEARSTOCKCONCEPTS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

As the students prepared to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, their teachers asked them to pause and reflect on what occurred there 50 years ago. “Put yourself in the marchers’ shoes,” said Upper School English and history teacher Tom Giggi. “What would it have felt like to cross the bridge and suddenly see state troopers on horses waiting for you on the other side?” For the last 15 years, a group of ninth grade students have visited the site as part of a five-day journey that retraces the history of the civil rights movement. This year’s trip was particularly noteworthy because it marked the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the subsequent marches in March 1965. The students reflected on the historic moment when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and hundreds of protesters crossed the Pettus Bridge on their march to Montgomery, the state capital, to protest the denial of voting rights to African Americans. “I tried to imagine the courage it must have taken to keep walking and how horrifying it would have been,” said

14-year-old Ezra White, who attended this year’s trip. The visit to the southern states each April is one of three trips offered to ninth graders as part of the Expanded Studies program; students can also choose to go to Yellowstone National Park or New Orleans. The goal of each Expanded Studies trip is to allow the students to immerse themselves in a topic in the classroom and then to travel and quite literally expand their studies through hands-on learning. As in previous years, this year’s civil rights trip, chaperoned by Mr. Giggi, Upper School English and history teacher Liz Carroll, and librarian Mary Ann Lansdale, began in Atlanta, the birthplace of Dr. King, and continued through the cities of Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham, Alabama. The group visited historic sites, museums and churches. Along the way, they experienced the

culture of the area—eating local food, listening to music and examining the geography. They also traveled to the Mississippi Delta, ending the trip in Memphis, Tennessee, where Dr. King was assassinated. “I knew a little about civil rights before, but didn’t feel like it was a part of my life,” said ninth grader Kricket Drewes. While the places of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth and death book-ended the trip, Dr. King was not the sole focus of the journey. The trip broadens students’ understanding of the civil rights era, as a movement that involved countless unknown people and ordinary moments that helped bring about desegregation and gain voting rights for African Americans. “When most young people think of the civil rights movement, they think of Martin Luther King and the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” explained Mr. Giggi. “It was so much more than that. Most

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people have not heard of the 99% of the people who helped to bring about all that change.” In preparation for the trip, the students researched some of these activists, such as Fanny Lou Hamer, vice chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, and Viola Liuzzo, a white housewife who came to Selma from Detroit to protest and was shot and killed by the Ku Klux Klan. As students traveled from site to site, they took turns educating each other about significant events, people and places. They visited places like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery to immerse themselves in stories of the period. Mrs. Carroll was awestruck when she and Mrs. Lansdale stepped into the back room at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery. “The room had nothing but a table and a few chairs,” she said. “It was here in this tiny room that the Montgomery bus boycott was planned. The room was small, but the ripple effect of those conversations was huge.” The ninth grade trip was originally conceived of as a history tour with a service component. However, over the years it has become as much about

Back Row: Ben Sosnow, Nick Toldalagi, Dana Mills, Seve Calderini, Ryan Neafsey, Spencer Epps, Nate Aliapoulios, George McGlade, Ezra White, Brian Zaffino. Front Row: Dr. Sister Anne Brooks, Kricket Drewes, Ari Fleuriot, NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015 Emma Tapscott and Leigh Young-Lawler.

understanding the role race and poverty play in the South today. “The trip has gotten better and better each year,” said Topsy Post ’66, an English and social studies teacher who retired last year and had gone on the trip almost every year since its inception. Over the years, Ms. Post played a key role in connecting the students to organizations and people to enhance the ninth graders’ experience. Four years ago, Ms. Post’s daughter Samar Jamali ’95 introduced the school to the Tutwiler Clinic. The medical clinic located in Tutwiler, Mississippi, is run by Dr. Sister Ann Brooks, a nun who is also a doctor, and provides free medical care to residents of Tallahatchie County who cannot afford treatment. Before leaving for the trip, students raised money for the clinic by selling homemade waffles to their classmates and teachers. “We call them our ‘waffle kids’,” said Cindy Herring, who works in the clinic’s office. The students also brought boxes of children’s books that now line the clinic’s waiting room shelves. Dr. Brooks spent time with the students talking about her work and the lives of the people she serves. She exposed them to stories of people who are sick because of their living conditions or who

are terrorized by the Ku Klux Klan. “The students listened with compassion and were not indifferent to the people who need help,” said Ms. Herring. “Dr. Brooks’ stories about the people she treated were heart-wrenching. It’s hard to think about all the suffering,” said Kricket. “But somehow going to the clinic also gave me hope. There are people who are really trying to make a difference.” The group also spent a day with Patrick Weems, a civil rights activist who is working to bring about healing in the town of Sumner, Mississippi. Mr. Weems, a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi, has dedicated himself to bringing about “justice and reconciliation” on what he calls the “micro” level—through a process of community dialogue. In 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old black boy who was visiting Sumner from Chicago, was lynched for whistling at a white woman. His murderers were arrested but acquitted after only one hour of jury deliberation. (They later admitted to the crime in a national magazine.) “There was no justice in the case of Emmett Till, and this community, after decades of simply ignoring it, had to confront the past,” said Mr. Weems. In

March, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, a museum and restored courthouse where the trial took place opened to the public. “Young people really respond to the story of Emmett Till,” said Mr. Weems. “He is, after all, the same age as many of the students. “My hope is that by seeing what has happened here in a small town in the Mississippi Delta, that it may spark something, some introspection, in young people,” said Mr. Weems. “Maybe one day they can take similar conversations back to their own communities.” An unforgettable moment occurred during this year’s trip involving the group’s bus driver, Ms. Deborah. She accompanied the Country School group as they learned about Emmett. Ms. Deborah, a grandmother from Atlanta, had not heard about Till’s murder and started asking a string of questions: “What did he do? Why was he there? Where is he buried?” Suddenly, she became emotional and started crying. “She just broke down. She was openly sobbing,” recounted Mr. Giggi. “She had been talking about her grandsons throughout the trip and she made the connection between Till and her ‘grandbabies.’ She said, ‘They have two strikes

against them: one, they are black, and two, they are going to be men’.” “Ms. Deborah was so afraid for her grandsons. I wouldn’t have understood that fear before this trip,” said Kricket. In that moment, the group was jolted from events that took place 60 years ago to the present day. Although the trip focused on the history of the civil rights movement, students were keenly aware of daily headlines about the shootings of African-American young men in Ferguson, Missouri; New York; and Baltimore, prompting protests around the country. “The civil rights movement is not over,” said Ezra. “There is still work that needs to happen and we all have to keep working.” Following this experience, the students have a personal connection to people, places and stories of the civil

rights movement. “We hope that this trip becomes a part of their ‘story’ and that the seeds are planted for further exploration,” said Mrs. Carroll. Josh Friedman ’09, a senior at Harvard University, is one of those students for whom the trip has had a lasting impact. “Even though we had taken a class and read and watched videos, there was something about actually going into a place like a Baptist church that made me realize that there was so much I was not familiar with about the culture and context of the black experience,” said Josh. “Everything became more tangible, more real and more serious. I still think about it.” Moina Noor works in the office of Marketing & Communications at New Canaan Country School

“Dr. Brooks’ stories about the people she treated were heart-wrenching. It’s hard to think about all the suffering. But somehow going to the clinic also gave me hope.

There are people who are really

trying to make a difference.” —Kricket Drewes

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around FROGTOWN

Highlighting our Community, Achievements & Adventures

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Friends Corps Program Expands The Country School connection with Horizons is deep and multifaceted. One of the many special connections between Country School and the Horizons Student Enrichment Program is Friends Corps,

were made on many levels: older to

play together,

which was started in 2001. Since its

older, older to younger, and younger to

to do projects

inception, this volunteer program has

younger. Two of the four yearly meet-

together, and to

paired Country School eighth graders

ings were scheduled on days that already

know one another—

with younger Horizons students in

brought the Horizons and Country

all at the school they

Grades 1 through 3. The children meet

School communities together: Culture

share and love.

on campus four times a year for a variety

and Collaboration Day, and Pajamas and

of interactive activities, from arts and

Pizza Night at the Festival of Books. The

crafts to writing and sharing stories. In

children participated in these events in

every activity, the older students mentor

the small groups matched up at the first

and guide the younger ones, and over

meeting, and their friendships subse-

the course of the year, strong bonds of

quently continued to grow.

mutual caring develop.

For the Horizons students, the

During the 2014–2015 school year,

program gives them another oppor-

the program doubled in number and

tunity to connect with the school at a

expanded in purpose. Eighth and ninth

time other than the summer program,

graders from Horizons were invited to

thereby deepening their ties. For the

join the Country School eighth graders in

older students, Friends Corps provides

mentoring the younger children, which

an opportunity for volunteerism and

also included second through fourth

mentorship. For all the children, it is an

grade students from NCCS. Connections

enjoyable and rewarding way to get to

“We are pleased with the evolution of this program and the high demand to participate in it, and we continue to seek ways to improve and expand it. We look forward to the future when the younger students who participated will be coming back to the program in the role of the older mentor. Country School is indeed a circle.” — Kerry Yeager Stevens, Executive Director of Horizons at NCCS

Varsity Field Hockey Scores a Perfect Season

Top: Barbara van der Keift Latimer ’85, Mimi White, Katharine Foster, Mimi Pastor, Sabrina Sotirhos, Whitney Rintoul, Christina Halloran, Ellie DeSouza, Keri Kern; Kneeling: Maia Zonis, Christina Toldalagi, Haley Strom, Greta Baker, Emma Hunter, Gabrielle Perreault, Kara Ventura

The girls’ varsity field hockey team experienced one of the rarest accomplishments in sports—the perfect season. Ending the season with an 8–0–0 record, the Cougars went undefeated, untied and un-scored upon. With several exciting wins over the course of the season, probably the two toughest and most exciting came against New Canaan High School and Greenwich Academy, both well-earned 1–0 victories! Playing most games with one or no substitute players, these girls put their best effort into every practice and every game, and their hard work truly paid off! discover more // www.countryschool.net

WHERE CURIOSITY & INNOVATION INTERSECT in the lab. By distilling an experience to its essence, we offer small groups of children the chance to discover the potential of materials in transformational ways. In

New York Times’ Columnist Ron Lieber Spoke at ‘First Friday’

doing so, we allow the child’s voice, his or her point of view, to rise to the forefront. While working with various media such as paint, clay, wire and paper in concert

Ron Lieber, “Your Money” columnist

with balance scales, ramps, light tables

for The New York Times, frequent

and shadow screens, children come to see

contributor to The New York Times

these materials as tools for exploration,

“Motherlode” column, and author

construction and self-expression.”

of the recently published book, The Opposite of Spoiled, an instant

Innovation labs, makerspaces and learn-

MAKERLAB

New York Times bestseller, spoke to

ing commons have recently been in the

The MakerLab is a space where Middle

parents on campus, on March 6. The

news and are gaining popularity in schools

and Upper School students are encour-

event was hosted by the Parents’

across the country. The core idea behind

aged to design, experiment, build and

Association as part of the “First

them is to provide learning environ-

invent as they deeply engage in science,

Friday” speaker series.

ments for students to work individually

engineering and tinkering.

The topic was “Helping Your

or collaboratively on entrepreneurial,

Children Think About—and

STEAM, STEM and design thinking proj-

not solely a science

Manage—Money Responsibly.”

ects. Country School has long understood

lab, woodshop,

Lieber discussed how “difficult”

the need to provide spaces for hands-on

computer lab or art

money questions should be out in the

learning, experimentation and creativity—

room, but it may

open and used as a teaching tool to

think the woodshop or Perrine Commons

contain elements

raise financially responsible young

for rhythms and movement. Now there

found in all of these

adults. His first

are two new additions to campus, the

familiar spaces.

book, Taking Time

Exploratory Lab and the MakerLab, each

Diversity and cross-

Off: Inspiring Stories

a dedicated environment with a unique

pollination of activities are critical to the

of Students Who

purpose, program and pedagogy.

design, making and exploration process,

Enjoyed Successful

A makerspace is

and they are what set makerspaces apart

Breaks from College

THE EXPLORATORY LAB

from single-use spaces. The collaborative

and How You Can

The Exploratory Lab is located in the

space is intended to provide an opportu-

Plan Your Own,

Thacher building and used by students in

nity for technological experimentation,

co-authored with

Beginners and Kindergarten. Head of Early

invention and teamwork.

Colin Hall, was a

Childhood Beth O’Brien describes it as “a

New York Times

space where play intersects with elements

prototyping is exactly what the space

bestseller in 1996. He also wrote

of art, science, design and engineering. A

was meant to inspire,” said Director of

Upstart Start-Ups, a book for young

place where children ages 3 to 6 are invited

Technology and MakerLab teacher Dave

entrepreneurs, and was the co-author

to explore materials, test hypotheses,

Stoller. “It’s exciting to see the creative

of a guidebook to the best entry-

discover connections and construct knowl-

spark come alive in my students as they

level jobs in the United States.

edge. Children become material scientists

dive into this work.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

“This type of cross-disciplinary

around FROGTOWN

Students and Faculty Attend Diversity Conferences A delegation of eight Country School ninth graders traveled to Indianapolis for the annual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), held Dec. 3–5, 2014. The event, which coincidentally began the morning after the Eric Garner grand jury decision was announced, and in the wake of riots in Ferguson, Missouri, addressed issues of racial, ethnic and cultural identity and equality. The theme, “Leadership at the Wheel, Riding at the Speed of Acceptance,” a nod to the auto racing capital, was attended by 1,600 ninth through twelfth graders from all over the country. Students heard from author and professor Dr. Michael Eric

Country School delegation at the Connecticut Student Diversity Leadership Conference in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Dyson about race relations in America; civil rights activist Cheryl Brown Henderson, the daughter of Rev. Oliver Brown who filed Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario about immigration.

New Canaan Country School Inclusion Mission Statement

The students also worked with trained facilitators to share their

On May 18, 2015, the Board of Trustees adopted a new

stories and brainstorm ways to improve their school communities.

Inclusion Mission Statement, which replaces the school’s

On April 12, a group of more than 40 Country School

previous Diversity Mission Statement. “I look forward

students and faculty chaperones traveled to West Hartford

to promoting its importance and using it to guide us in

to attend and help lead the annual Connecticut Student

the future,” said Head of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae.

Diversity Leadership Conference and spend a day immersed

“A commitment to inclusion is absolutely essential in all

in ideas of equity and inclusion with students from indepen-

great schools and communities. I hope all members of

dent schools across the state.

our community will take the time to read this Inclusion

As chair of the Connecticut Association of Independent

Mission Statement and think about how we can actively

Schools (CAIS) Commission on Diversity in Independent

strive together to strengthen our wonderful New Canaan

Schools, Country School Director of Community Development

Country School community.”

the historic lawsuit Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka; and

Lynn Sullivan was the chief organizer of the daylong conference, which was attended by more than 500 middle and high

Our students will live in a world more diverse and inter-

school students. Six NCCS ninth graders, who had participated

dependent than that of any previous generation. At

in the national SDLC conference in Indianapolis, served as

New Canaan Country School, we believe that helping

facilitators for student workshops, a privilege usually reserved

students to understand and attain their intellectual,

for older students. Omékongo Dibinga, a well-known diversity

creative, moral and physical potential means, among

educator, delivered the keynote address, “One of Us=All of

other things, preparing them for responsible citizen-

Us: Taking a Stand for Justice.” Students spent the afternoon

ship in such a world. The school is committed to the

in small breakout groups where they participated in exercises

development of compassionate people who value and

that encouraged self-reflection and group discussion.

respect our common humanity. We believe that an

“It’s powerful for our students to leave campus and talk to

inclusive school community invites greater academic

other students about these topics,” said Ms. Sullivan. “They

and personal success and strengthens a sense of

hear different perspectives, question their assumptions, and

belonging. We strive to create an environment where

are better able to understand their own identities and roles

each member feels comfortable and accepted and

in a broader context.”

where differences and commonalities are appreciated in equal measure. discover more // www.countryschool.net

COUNTRY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT AT NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE Country School administrators

Honoring Heroes: Sept. 11 Day of Service & Remembrance

shared their expertise with colleagues from around the country at the 2015 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) annual conference. The conference, titled “Design the Revolution: Blending Learning, Leading and Innovation,” took place Feb. 25–27 in Boston and focused on using design thinking techniques to transform schools into cutting-edge centers for learning in a new age. Head of Middle School Kirsten Rosolen presented Country School’s groundbreaking work on Mission Skills Assessment (MSA) on a panel, “The MSA Program and the Value of Measuring Non-Cognitive Skills.” Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Nancy Hayes presented with fellow Secondary School Admission Test Board Think Tank members, “Measuring What Matters in Admission and Beyond.” As a part of the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, Head of Upper School Tim Delehaunty was a presenter at “Using Empathic Design to Solve NAIS Sustainability Issues.” Several other Country School administrators attended the conference, including Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill, Assistant Head of School Day Rosenberg, Head of Lower School Kathi Holz, Head of Early Childhood Beth O’Brien and creative arts teacher Mark Macrides. “As part of our robust professional development program, it’s important that our academic leaders spend time with colleagues from around the country examining best practices and fill our own wells with inspiring new ideas,” said Assistant Head of School Day Rosenberg. Upon returning from the conference, division heads shared thoughts, posed

New Canaan Country School gathered as a community to participate in the national Sept. 11 Day of Service & Remembrance on Friday, Sept. 12. The entire student and faculty body came together around the flagpole as Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill led the annual ceremonial opening of school. This year, this gathering also launched the school’s Day of Service. Following the flagpole ceremony, students heard from a variety of speakers and participated in meaningful service activities all across campus. The theme of the day was “Sung, Unsung and Future Heroes/Sheroes,” whereby students learned about heroic stories from this important time in history. Students met with their “buddies” from across grade levels earlier in the morning and signed wooden puzzle pieces as a symbolic display of their pledges to “Be Kind.” One by one the buddy pairs brought the pieces to the steps of Grace House and assembled them into a giant sculpture that read, “Be Kind.” “They not only learned about powerful stories from our invited guests, it was our hope that students were inspired to search for positive outcomes through

questions and led discussions with their colleagues. “Are we risking enough to venture into the unknown?” asked Ms. O’Brien. “How can we design student experiences without schedules and defined spaces?” asked Ms. Holz. “Changing students’ lives in this century will be more important than ever. Teachers are central to this change,” said Ms. Rosolen. “Independent schools are in a position to lead the way through society’s cultural and technological revolution,” said Mr. Delehaunty.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

around FROGTOWN

community building,” said Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan. “Students were able to identify examples of Country School Mission Skills—resilience, teamwork, creativity, ethics, curiosity and time management—employed in the stories and perspectives that were shared throughout the day.” The Upper School hosted Alison Crowther, mother of Welles Remy Crowther, a fallen hero who saved at least a dozen lives during the Sept. 11 attacks before losing his own. He has become known as “The Man in the Red Bandanna” for his courageous actions. Crowther’s mother created the Red Bandanna Project, a character development program for classrooms, sports teams, camps and youth programs. Immediately afterward, the Upper School heard from Country School staff member Moina Noor, who wrote an article featured in The New York Times in 2009 titled “Explaining 9/11 to a Muslim Child.” They also had the opportunity to meet with invited guests from first-responder units, including Country School parent Rolando White. Middle School students met with Vernoy Paolini, director of the Red Bandana Foundation and veteran teacher. She read 14 Cows for America, an illustrated children’s book about a gift of 14 cows given by the Maasai people of Kenya

to United States as a gesture of comfort and friendship in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Middle School students created a symbolic representation of their possessions through the production of mandala projects led by Middle School Spanish teacher Abby Cali’s mother. This artwork became so popular that it spawned an afterschool mandala club. The Lower School learned about the role of first-responder canines and how the canine community commits acts of service, meeting a range of needs. Students heard from a panel of representatives from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Greenwich Police Department K-9 Unit and Therapy Dogs International. The students then participated in a service project to create canine crafts that were sold throughout the year at school events in order to benefit the organizations they learned about. 1. Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill opens the day. 2. First responders Eduardo Wilson, Brian Teitalbaum, Harold Brown, Rolando White, Chief Fire Marshal Charles Spaulding, Andrew Siano, and Officer Michael Macchia with Tyro the dog. 3. Carter Alvord and James Kontulis create mandalas. 4. Vernoy Paolini, Jefferson and Alison Crowther of the Red Bandanna Project. 5. Every student signed his or her name to this giant puzzle, which hung on campus throughout the school year.

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Middle School Students Turn Fairy Tales Upside Down with Original Play ‘Everafter’

The Middle School play “Everafter” was not a typical princess story. In this modern tale conceived, produced and performed almost entirely by Middle School drama students, the princes are captured and it is up to the princesses to rescue them. Twenty-three fifth and sixth graders worked feverishly for 10 weeks to stage their production. Every year, Middle School students put on a play of their choice. In previous years, students based their plays on popular books like Wonder and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This go around, they wanted to do something completely original. “We wanted to be truly creative,” said sixth grader Georgia Rivero, who played the princess, Belle, from Beauty & the Beast.

“We wanted to do something different—something with a tea party and Disney princesses, but that had a Freaky Friday twist,” said Georgia. They had to work together to brainstorm the plot and choose the music. When they could not agree on a plot twist, they voted. “Coming up with the story was the hardest part of the process,” said Georgia. “Everyone had a different idea at first. We had to get to a place where everyone was happy.” In addition to considerable collaboration, the students needed to be flexible. “The play was constantly evolving,” said sixth grader Deyante McKinstry, who played Prince Philip of Sleeping Beauty. “The story changed a lot from the beginning. We would change lines and jokes during rehearsals.” The evil princesnatchers didn’t even enter the story until

halfway through the writing process. “It was hard for me at first,” said Deyante, who was the assistant director. “I usually like to be in control of everything. I had to let go.” The students choreographed their dances and chose the songs, incorporating musical instruments into the storyline as their characters played the piano, saxophone and trumpet. “Their support for each other was incredible,” said fifth grade Apprentice Teacher Jeannette Leopold, who supervised the production. Her key role was to make sure that everyone’s ideas were heard and that everyone was included. “Other than that, it was all theirs.”

To see more photos of the production, visit www.countryschool.net/news.

The Alumni Office and Athletics Department Team Up for ‘Careers in Sports’ Panel The New Canaan Country School Alumni Council and Athletics

The panel also featured Sean McManus

Department welcomed sports enthusiasts and career hopefuls

P ’14, ’16, chairman of CBS Sports, and

alike with a “Careers in Sports” panel on March 4 that featured

Jon Spector ’03, senior manager of Team

Maurice “Mo” Vaughn ’82, former professional baseball player

Marketing & Business Operations at the NBA

for the Boston Red Sox, Anaheim Angels and New York Mets.

(inset) and Mary Beck ’89, senior vice president of

John von Stade P ’14, ’18, ’18, principal at Accelerated Growth

Marketing & Promotion at MLB Network.

Partners, moderated the panel.

Meegan Rourke, Carl Brodnax ’76 and his son, Cuyler Brodnax ’11, together with Maria Sette ’92.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Mo Vaughn ’82 and Tom Giggi

Eric Zeigler, Peter O’Neill and John von Stade, moderator

around FROGTOWN

ROBOTICS TEAM ACHIEVES KNIGHTHOOD AT ROBONANZA! The Middle School robotics team brought home several medals after showing off their programming prowess and resilience in overcoming technological and logistical difficulties. On May 2, they traveled to Greenwich Academy for the sixth annual ROBOnanza!, a robotics competition for local independent schools. This year had a medieval theme, “Bots of the Round Table.”  Arjun Dayal took first place in the Castle Siege, the most difficult of all the challenges, while Chris Calderwood and Jack Johnson took second place in the challenge. Of the seven schools participating in ROBOnanza!, only two teams even successfully tackled this challenge. Niki Sulkowski and Billy Warner took third place in the Jousting competition. In addition, Arjun Dayal took third place in Running the Gauntlet, another extremely difficult challenge taken on by only a few of the robots at the ROBOnanza! His robot had to complete all the challenges, with very limited substitution of parts. It required great skill to design and build a robot that could successfully master such a wide array of challenges. Rakesh Conway and Charlie Gosk’s robot was on the road to victory when it unexpectedly dropped and could not be put back together in time. In addition, Caitlin Neafsey, Dania Zein, Menna Delva, Maggie Ruvinsky and Amitav Nott all accomplished personal bests, programming their robots and making changes on the spot. Shane Carbin and Henry Katis found success and overcame considerable programming challenges. Last, but in no way least, Lila-Vivi Fagel could not attend, but worked hard with the team all year!

Zach Rothwell, Nicholas Toldalagi, Christina Toldalagi, Kricket Drewes, Jeffrey Pendo, Kathryn McCaughey, Laura Velez, Daltanette Mitchell and Emma Hunter

French Students Ace National Country School won several top honors in French language at the Grand Concours Prize Ceremony, sponsored by the Connecticut chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French, on May 21 at Amity High School. The ceremony recognized 12 Country School students who took the 2015 National French Contest and ranked in the top 10 in the state. Of particular note, seventh grader Jeffrey Pendo ranked first in the state and sixth nationally, and ninth grader Christina Toldalagi ranked third in the state and fourth nationally, in their respective levels. “Of all the years I’ve taught, this is the best outcome I’ve had for my students,” said French teacher Christiane Lundquist, who is new to Country School this year. “The students work very hard and are enthusiastic about French.” The National French Contest, an annual one-hour exam, was administered at Country School in early March. More than 10,000 students in grades 7–9 took the exam nationwide.

All team members took home certificates for successfully

Awards per level include:

completing challenges on the “Squire” Level.

Level 01A • Jeffrey Pendo (1st in Conn., 6th nationally) • Zach Rothwell (5th in Conn., 10th nationally) • Teddy Zinn (7th in Conn., 12th nationally) • Emma Hunter (8th in Conn., 13th nationally) • Charlie Tait (10th in Conn., 15th nationally)

The Middle School Robotics Team Members, front row: Arjun Dayal, Henry Katis, Nikki Sulkowski, Charlie Gosk. Top row: Amitav Nott, Rakesh Conway, Billy Warner, Fraser Randolph Middle School teacher and Robotics instructor, Shane Carbin, Jack Johnson, Christopher Calderwood, Dania Zein, Apprentice Teacher Joe Karpman, Caitlin Neafsey, Maggie Ruvinsky. Missing: Lila-Vivi Fagel and Menna Delva.

Level 1A • Daltanette Mitchell (4th in Conn., 4th nationally) • Laura Velez (5th in Conn., 5th nationally) • Joia Criss (10th in Conn., 10th nationally) Level 2A • Christina Toldalagi (3rd in Conn., 4th nationally) • Kathryn McCaughey(5th in Conn., 6th nationally) • Kricket Drewes (7th in Conn., 8th nationally) • Nicholas Toldalagi (10th in Conn., 11th nationally)

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Inaugural Kyle A. Markes Day of Service More than 370 students and many of their parents participated in the inaugural New Canaan Country School Kyle A. Markes Day of Service on Saturday, April 11. Volunteers came together on and off campus to participate in 15 projects supporting 12 area nonprofits including Ben’s Bells, Boys & Girls Club of America (Stamford), Carver Foundation, Delete Blood Cancer, Domus, Family & Children’s Agency, Inspirica, Jump for Joy, New Canaan Nature Center, Open Door Shelter, Person-to-Person, Smilow Cancer Hosptial at Yale-New Haven and Waveny LifeCare Network. First Selectman Robert E. Mallozzi III presented the school an official proclamation that marked April 11, 2015, as the Kyle A. Markes Day of Service in New Canaan. For months, parent committees and New Canaan Country School teams worked to plan this community-wide day of service in honor of Kyle Markes, a beloved sixth grader at Country School who passed away on Christmas Eve of

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

2013, after his 13-month battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 11. Kyle was committed to community service and even when critically ill, he started a bracelet looming project to raise money for a family cancer support program called Mikey’s Way Foundation. Many of the organizations that benefited from the day of service were dear to Kyle and his family. Raising awareness for, and the number of registrants to, the national bone marrow registry was another focus. Kyle’s family continues to be tremendous advocates for Delete Blood Cancer and Be the Match, actively registering potential bone marrow donors into the national registry. The day culminated in a basketball tournament held on Kyle’s Court, a Middle School gathering space that was dedicated last spring. Volunteers of all ages worked on various projects throughout the day, including painting an entry of a food pantry, sorting donated clothing,

assembling craft bags for cancer patients, making jump ropes and helping out in the bake sale.

“Kyle was very much present on our inaugural day of service. His legacy of service and the power of building community was actualized through hundreds of volunteers.“ —Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan, whose office, in conjunction with the NCCS Parents’ Association, sponsored the day 1. Volunteers worked to beautify the campus of Domus in Stamford. 2. Jackque Markes holds the proclamation of “Kyle A. Markes Day” signed by New Canaan First Selectman Rob Mallozzi. 3. Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan addresses the crowd. 4. Ninth graders Ian Murphy, Zach Liston and Spencer Epps won the Kyle’s Court Basketball Fundraising Tournament. 5. Volunteers worked on site at Inspirica in Stamford. 6. One group gave a fresh paint of coat to Open Door Shelter in Norwalk. 7. Volunteers of all ages helped to decorate ceramic wind chimes for Ben’s Bells, a nonprofit organization based in Newtown.

around FROGTOWN

“Never Cut Corners” is Former NBA Player John Amaechi’s Message to Students During a three-day visit to Country School this 4

winter, former NBA basketball player John Amaechi shared the story of his unlikely path to the NBA as a “fat kid from England who liked to eat cake and read books” and the lessons

he has learned along his journey about character, performance and inclusion. Growing up in Stockport, England, John Amaechi stood out. He literally stood head and shoulders above his classmates. One day he was walking down the street and a stranger stopped him and said, “You would be great at basketball.” “That was the first time in my life that someone outside of my home told me I would be great at something,” Amaechi told Country School students. So he took a chance and learned how to play basketball and finally found a place where he felt he did not stand out. He built confidence through hard work

and practice. Today, John Amaechi is a New York Times best-selling author, psychologist, executive coach, social entrepreneur and Officer of the Order of British Empire. “Your success is in your hands,” he told students, “and it’s not just the big decisions—it’s the everyday decisions. It’s really hard work to do the boring things required every day to be great.” During a coaching clinic with the basketball teams he reiterated this point, saying, “Never cut corners, not in basketball, not in life.” Amaechi spoke to students, teachers, staff and parents about the importance of inclusion in an increasingly diverse world. “You’re going to go out into the world and meet a lot of different people,” Amaechi told the students, “and your ability to manage those relationships is going to make the difference between you being successful or not.” “These are such powerful messages for our students,” said Lynn Sullivan, Director of Community Development, who organized Amaechi’s visit. “All students in all schools would benefit from the critical reminder that it’s the daily choices we make that make the difference when we think of inclusion. It’s not always about big policies or programs, but simply about being mindful in

our human interactions.”

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Culture & Collaboration Day celebrates Access to Education

4 1. BuildOn student volunteer representative Shateka Knight spoke about working with the nonprofit organization. 2. Ninth grader Gabriel Byan shared his experience from the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference. 3. Horizons parent Sandra Luz Reyes opened up the day with vibrant song and dance. 4. Creative Arts Department Chair Kathy Kravec led the New Horizons Choir in song. 5. Founder of buildOn Jim Ziolkowski spoke about his passion for access to education and shared excerpts of his book, Walk in Their Shoes. 6. Students made mancala game boards while learning about the origins of the game.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Country School hosted its second annual Culture & Collaboration Day Jan. 25, which featured keynote speaker Jim Ziolkowski, founder of the Stamford-based nonprofit organization buildOn, and author of the national bestseller, Walk in Their Shoes: Can One Person Change the World? “When students get involved in their communities, they realize what they are capable of. They elevate their own expectations and come to school and graduate,” said Ziolkowski, who urged students to “confront your fears and light a fire that nobody can put out.” The theme of this year’s event, which was co-hosted by the Horizons Student Enrichment Program at NCCS, was “Access to Education; Access to Play.” The day opened with a selection of songs performed by Horizons parent Sandra Luz Reyes. A student who has worked with buildOn gave a short presentation about her experience with the organization, and ninth grade students who recently attended the national Student Diversity Leadership Conference shared their reflections. The New Horizons Choir, a combined New Canaan Country School and Horizons student choir, performed a selection of songs. After the presentations, students were presented with passports to get stamped as they visited each game station. Families played and made multicultural games while learning about their origins. From traditional board games to international versions of hopscotch and jump rope, students of all ages explored games new and familiar. Each game station illustrated important country facts on colorful poster boards—its location on a world map, literacy rates, agriculture details and noteworthy accomplishments. “At Country School, we believe that together we are better,” said Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan. “This event is an example of how this community comes together to celebrate each other’s backgrounds while focusing on a broader service and community-building initiative.” The day finished with a potluck lunch and bake sale featuring dishes from many cultures represented by NCCS and Horizons families. A board game and activity book drive was a companion project to Culture & Collaboration Day. New and gently used activity books and board games were collected and donated to Darien-based Person-to-Person and our very own Horizons program.

Watch the slideshow at www.countryschool.net/news

around FROGTOWN

2014–2016 FACULTY CHAIRS A great education begins with great educators. Country School has always been committed to the principle of “lifelong learning” both for its graduates and teachers who serve as role models for this ideal. An Endowed Faculty Chair is a vital tool to promote teaching excellence by honoring and recognizing exceptional full-time faculty who demonstrate a commitment to engaging and inspiring students, creating innovative curriculum to reach all learners, and seeking ongoing professional development and expertise. Faculty Chairs are awarded for two-year terms to teachers with a minimum of three years of teaching experience at Country School. The following Faculty Chairs were named at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

KATHY KRAVEC

LIZ PEPE

KRISTIN QUISGARD

The Holmes Family Faculty Chair

The Laverack Family Faculty Chair

The Williams Family Faculty Chair

Creative Arts Department Chair,

World Language Teacher, Advisor, Coach

Grade 4 Teacher

Liz Pepe has been a Country School

Kristin Quisgard has been a fourth grade

teacher for 11 years. While she spends

teacher at Country School for 22 years. She

Kathy Kravec joined Country School 14

most of her time in the Upper School as a

received a second master’s in children’s

years ago as a rhythms teacher in Lower

ninth grade advisor and Spanish teacher

literature a few years ago and is pursuing

School and has served as the Creative

for Grades 7, 8 and 9, her leadership

this interest even further through her

Arts department chair since 2007. Ms.

reaches across campus. As Languages

own writing and by joining a group of

Kravec keeps the school’s vision in the

Department Chair from 2007 to 2013,

like-minded children’s book writers. She

forefront while establishing new and

she oversaw the expansion of the

is described by colleagues as “a veteran

innovative approaches including the

Spanish curriculum to the Lower School

teacher who embarks on each day with

establishment of the eighth and ninth

and Kindergarten and the addition of

a new teacher’s sense of wonder.” Ms.

grade electives program. Described by

Mandarin to the school’s language offer-

Quisgard has a truly open mind-set; she

colleagues as “a truly fearless teacher

ings. Described by colleagues as “a dear

looks at each child’s learning strengths and

who seeks collaboration and appropriate

friend with a great sense of humor … and

needs with equal measure. She teaches her

curricular risk,” she takes a “can-do”

a fabulous teacher,” Ms. Pepe has been a

students how to reflect upon their learning

approach to any task at hand. Most

mentor to several newer colleagues and

and how to set attainable goals for them-

recently, Ms. Kravec has led the develop-

a champion for professional develop-

selves, while recognizing that every learner

ment of our afterschool program, which

ment. As head coach, Ms. Pepe has led

is on a unique journey.

provides several opportunities for enrich-

the girls’ varsity soccer team to multiple

ment and fun in a nurturing environment.

undefeated seasons.

Creative Arts Teacher, Director of Afterschool Programs

For more information about faculty chairs, please contact Director of Advancement Terry Gumz at (203) 801-5633 or tgumz@countryschool.net.

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T H G I N N U FAMILY F DAYS L A E D D N A

s radition rished t e h c t s o e ool’s m 25. Mor the sch pril 24– A f One of o d n aff eeke y and st ed the w s, facult t continu n e r he a p nts, Night. T 0 stude ily Fun m a F than 50 l g r biennia n evenin d for ou enjoy a o t r gathere e h t g e toge shoppin nity cam review p commu le a s , tag sted s, music le co-ho of game h a raff it w f f o ed ill and d, capp er O’Ne and foo ool Pet h c S f o acrae. im Head bert P. M o R by Inter l o o of Sch g Head roader incomin ed the b m o lc e l g, we w aditiona t mornin g our tr in t s The nex o h , ampus ll over nity to c s from a ie commu il m a F ale. g items ys tag s le, findin a s e h t Deal Da d es to shoppe pplianc County itchen a k d Fairfield n a port thing ised sup from clo unds ra f ranging e h T . nsold soles , while u and con m a s r k g a o y r a p k id . ancial a harities ool’s fin s local c u io r the sch a v ated to ere don items w

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

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3 4

6 7

10 11

13 (1) Pippa Gore, Kyle Latimer and Lindsay Ferretti prepared for their turn in the photo booth. (2) Deal Days Co-chairs Megin Wolfman and Tara Coniglio along with incoming Head of School Robert P. Macrae enjoyed the Family Fun Night kick-off. (3) 2014–2015 Deal Days and Family Fun Night committee members, front row: Megin Wolfman, Pallavi DebNath, Tatiana Mendoza; second row: Tara Coniglio, Brennen Strine, Sarah Irwin, Heidi Mitchell; third row: Maureen Mayer, Jennifer Kearney, Lynne Byrne, Leigh Kennedy; fourth row: Beth Gosk, Katie Adams, Nicole Benedetto, Nuria Guardado. Missing from photo: Ashley Ghriskey, Katherine Tarrant, Martha Zinn, Kimby Johnson and Emily Warren. (4) Students competed in the hula hoop contest. (5) Deal Days donations filled the Watson Gym. (6) PE teacher Chantal Angelis got some one-of-kind deals. (7) Tracey Riccardi and her son Andrew enjoyed the festivities. (8) The volunteer team prepared to open the doors at Family Fun Night. (9) Paige Davis, Menna Delva and Layla Magnusen got in on the fun. (10) Emily Rodgers helped her mother Kristen at the check-out table. (11) Jenny D’Alba, Sacha McClymont, Sue Mackey and Suzie Walker sold logo items. (12) The Country School Cougar welcomed students to Family Fun Night. (13) Mateo and Carlos Mendoza enjoyed the preview shopping night. (14) Interim Head of School Peter and Peggy O’Neill joined in on the community event.

14 discover more // www.countryschool.net

Horizons Welcomes a New Team KERRY YEAGER STEVENS Executive Director

After a thorough and rigorous search process, Ms. Stevens transitioned from her position as Interim Executive Director to Executive Director of Horizons as of Jan. 1. With the help of an outside search firm, a national search was conducted and in the end, Ms. Stevens clearly emerged as the strongest candidate for the position and was the unanimous and enthusiastic choice of the search committee. Ms. Stevens has been an NCCS parent for the past 14 years and a Horizons Board member for the past 12 years, serving three years as Board Chair. She is also the proud daughter-in-law of George Stevens, who was the founder of the Horizons program as Head of School for NCCS over 50 years ago. Before joining Horizons, Ms. Stevens had an accomplished career in the private sector as the vice president and senior contributions officer for Chase Manhattan Bank Corporate Philanthropy. In addition, she created and managed Chase Partners in the Community, a worldwide employee volunteer program. Following her work at Chase, Ms. Stevens founded a philanthropic consulting firm, Community Investment Strategies, which provided

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

services to corporate and private foundations focusing on building effective and impactful philanthropic programs. This strong background in nonprofit leadership, in conjunction with Ms. Stevens’ deep and authentic commitment to Horizons’ mission and her energetic leadership and clear vision, gave us the utmost confidence in her ability to lead Horizons in continuing to fulfill its commitment to Horizons’ students and their families. AMY M. STEVENS Director of Development and Communications

After having served as Interim Director of Development since last June, Ms. Stevens assumed the permanent role of Director of Development and Communications in April. Ms. Stevens is not related to Kerry or George Stevens, but was a member of the Horizons board since 2007 and a Country School parent since 2006. She had a previous career in the asset management business at Shearson and Lazard, and has served as the president of the board for The Partnership for Inner City Education in New York City for more than 10 years. At Horizons, Ms. Stevens has the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of Horizons’ fundraising initiatives and also producing

all key communications. Horizons must raise over $1.6 million each year to fund year-round programming. KEVIN THOMPSON High School Program Director

In mid-June, Mr. Thompson joined Horizons as High School Program Director. Mr. Thompson was most recently a fourth grade teacher and the director of afterschool activities at Green Farms Academy. Mr. Thompson is working toward his master’s in Educational Leadership and has been an educator for the past eight years. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of Horizons. Mr. Thompson learned to swim at Horizons and used those skills to become a state champion diver in high school. He received a scholarship to University of Connecticut as a member of the swimming and diving team. Working as a Horizons teaching assistant many years ago, Mr. Thompson realized his passion for teaching and is now committed to working with young people to help ensure that they realize their own academic and personal potential. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Thompson back to Horizons.

Horizons Launches Ninth Grade Summer Program

Farewell to Wendy Baker and Elisabeth Evans By Kerry Stevens

Over the past 12 years, Wendy Baker and Elisabeth Evans have served Horizons Student Enrichment Program at Country School as the Co-Directors of the High School Program. The program provides weekly academic coaching, college counseling and tours, SAT prep, application and financial aid counseling and life skill assistance to members of the Horizons community during the school year and following their graduation from the summer program. Frequently thought of as a dynamic duo, in reality, each has brought unique skills to the Horizons organization and to its students. Ms. Baker will be remembered for her tireless commitment to college access for first-generation college students. Always available for students and parents, Ms. Baker was instrumental in guiding students throughout the entire college process. From visiting campuses, overseeing the SAT prep class, and counseling

students and families about their applications, acceptances and financial aid, Ms. Baker served as a guiding force for the Horizons high school families. Ms. Evans’ primary focus was establishing and leading the Academic Coaching initiative, which is now the cornerstone of the Horizons High School Program. Throughout high school, each Horizons student meets once per week, one on one, with an academic coach who provides educational support guidance. Ms. Evans has offered seamless support to families and students and served as the primary liaison to the 17 schools where Horizons students are enrolled. They have both invested tireless energy to and passion for their students, many of whom attribute their high school success and entry to college to the support provided by Horizons, their academic coaches, and most definitely, to Ms. Evans and Ms. Baker.

This summer, Horizons at NCCS launched a pilot ninth grade program for 26 students. The traditional sixweek, K–8 summer program hosted on the NCCS campus has long been a core of the services provided to Horizons families. Many of the 10th–12th grade high school students (as well as Horizons college students and graduates) return to Horizons during the summer to serve as teaching assistants. However, ninth graders aren’t old enough to work, leaving a summer gap for many of them. “The goal is to offer these students a combination of academic, leadership and teambuilding opportunities,” said Executive Director Kerry Stevens. Horizons at NCCS collaborated with Norwalk Community College, which hosted the ninth grade students two days a week, providing them with an introduction to college courses and exposure to the variety of their high-end learning labs and career-oriented programming. The other days, the students were on the NCCS campus participating with the other Horizons students in special activities including Career Services Day, a health fair and musical performances. The ninth graders continued the swimming tradition and spent their afternoons at neighborhood swimming pools, generously donated by NCCS families and others in the surrounding community.

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Spotlight

ON SUCCESS

Horizons Benefit On Feb. 28, more than 440 guests gathered at the Greenwich Hyatt for the Horizons “Spotlight on Success” benefit. Country School parents Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80, Mandi Morgan and Laura Parker chaired the evening, which was truly a community event shared by NCCS parents, Horizons parents and the broader Horizons donor community. The “Spotlight” format allowed for a very personal and intimate introduction to several Horizons success stories, including Country School lead fourth grade teacher Maria Sette ’92. Not surprisingly, Horizons played an important role in each of the featured guests’ journey. “Given our long history at New Canaan Country School, we have hundreds of graduates and success stories,” shared Executive Director of Horizons at NCCS Kerry Stevens. “Our Horizons graduates have realized success in a broad spectrum of career and life choices. We are grateful that so many of our graduates continue their involvement with Horizons, serving current students as tutors, academic coaches and teachers in our program. The spirit of giving back and serving as role models for future generations of Horizons graduates inspires us all.” Entertainment at the beginning of the “Spotlight on Success” program was provided by Country School alumnus, magician and conjurer Ryan Oakes ’93. Nearly 50 Country School parent volunteers worked to make the evening a memorable celebration. Horizons accomplished three major goals during the event: everyone left the event truly understanding the work that we do, more than 70 members of the Horizons community were included in the celebration, and the evening was a financial success. Our bond as a Horizons community and family is strong and enduring. To see all of our “Spotlights on Success” features and a fun video recap of the evening, visit www.horizonskids.org.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

“The spirit of giving back and serving as role models for future generations of Horizons graduates inspires us all.”

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1. Susan Schulz and Tracy McManus 2. Pat Oakes and Ryan Oakes ’93 3. John Ziac, Peggy O’Neill, Peter O’Neill and Nancy Ziac 4. Lisa Schultz, Michael Zea, Elizabeth Zea and Bob Schultz 5. Kerry Stevens, Jennifer Barnard, David Barnard, Torrance York and Greg Walters 6. Michele Jacob, Terry Salvator and Mike Salvator 7. Mike Riccardi, Sarah Irwin and Tracey Riccardi 8. Jenny D’Alba, Annika Sotirhos, Mike Sotirhos, James Frey and Maya Frey 9. Ivan, Beatriz, Salomon and Isaac Zapata 10. Isaiah BienAime, Lavone Roberson, Kevin Thompson, Lukasz Dec, Eloisa Melendez and Maria Sette ’92 11. Rituraj and Pallavi DebNath 12. Co-chairs Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80, Mandi Morgan and Laura Parker 13. Michael Zea, Susan Barr, Darby Webber and Mike Barr 14. Yolanda Coffield and Uchenna Pratt 15. The finale of a magic trick by Ryan Oakes ’93

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FROGTOWN FAIR

On May 16, the annual Frogtown Fair brought students, alumni, faculty, families and friends to campus. As is tradition, members of the ninth grade class created and hosted midway games of skill and chance. There were also the traditional fire engine rides, face painting, pony rides and a picnic lunch. Proceeds support the Country School financial aid program.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

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9 1. The Country School Cougar gets a hug. 2. Admission team members Nancy Hayes, Cathy Schinella, Nancy Montgomery and Kathy Steinman 3. Middle school students Annabelle Baird, Lila-ViVi Fagel, Layla Magnusen and Maggie Ruvinsky explore the midway games. 4. The fire engine ride is always a favorite. 5. Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill is introduced to a Country School tradition – the dunking booth. 6. John Reilly gives his son a ride. 7. Parents’ Association volunteers Katie McCormick and Stefanie Anfindsen get everyone fed. 8. Fraser Randolph takes one for the team. 9. Lillian and Olivia Back double up on the carousel ride. 10. Eloise Galante and Annabell Adams 11. Steve Rodgers and Jeff Johnson 12. Frogtown Fair Co-chairs Heidi Mitchell and Brennen Strine 13. Gavin, Clement, Aiden and Athena Tong 14. The pony ride is always a hit. 15. Daniela Soto and Abby Barnett get “married” for a good cause at the Midway Games. 16. Sasha Coughlin and Charlotte Price 17. Kathy Kravec and Cece Johnson sell hand-made canine crafts. 18. Everyone enjoys a hayride.

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2015 reunion 1

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

WEEKEND

The alumni celebrations began with an amazing presentation from the 2015 Alumni Award recipient, Zach Iscol ’94, to Middle and Upper School students, faculty and staff on May 15 (see page 52). It was great to have Zach back on campus with his family and friends. The skies cleared on Saturday, May 16, just in time for the Frogtown Fair & Alumni Picnic, and the excitement from the day bubbled through to the evening alumni cocktail recep-

tion and class dinners. Alumni from near (Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts) and far (California, Colorado, North Carolina and Maine) gathered to reconnect with each other and celebrate their milestone reunions. Thank you to our terrific reunions chairs who rallied their

classmates on all fronts: 1965: Annis Gilbert Kukulan, David Schirmer, Steve Tower 1990: Michael DiBiasio, Geordie duPont, Christie Gammill, Tucker Golden 2005: Julia Maguire, Andrew Safir

1. Members of The Class of 1965: Judy Milliken Holden, Jane Crary, Lucinda Winslow, Annis Gilbert Kukulan, Holly Ford Ridgway, Whitney Neville Harvey, Susan Allport Howell, Christie Nichols, Jim Harman, Ginny Richards Perrakis, Greg Melville and David Schirmer 2. Topsy Post ’66, George Post Sr., and Whitney Neville Harvey ’65 3. Julia Maguire ’05 and Taylor Bolton ’05 4. Some members of the Class of 1965 enjoyed the Alumni Picnic during Frogtown Fair: Holly Ford Ridgway, Greg Melville, Whitney Neville Harvey, Annis Gilbert Kukulan, David Schirmer and Steve Tower. 5. Steve Tower ’65 and Susan Allport Howell ’65 6. Past parent and grandparent, George Post Sr., and former faculty member Michael McNaught 7. Holly Ford Ridgway ’65 and Ginny Richards Perrakis ’65 8. Members of The Class of 1990: Rennie Geoffroy Howard, Geordie duPont, Tucker Golden, Dirk Hobman, Michael DiBiasio, Brian Kahn, Jaety Edwards and Christie Gammill

ATTENTION CLASSES ENDING IN 6 AND 1: Fall 2016 will be your time to reconnect and celebrate your milestone reunions in conjunction with Country School’s Centennial Celebration. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Director of Alumni Affairs Gina Ely at alumni@countryschool.net or (203) 801-5687.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

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HOMECOMING & FALL FEST 2014 11 Oct. 18, 2014, was a beautiful day on the Country School campus. The fourth annual Homecoming & Fall Fest activities included varsity games played by the soccer, field hockey, volleyball and football teams, the traditional Fun Run, as well as an alumni and past faculty & staff luncheon with incoming Head of School Rob Macrae. Save the date for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homecoming & Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 3.

1. Ryan Buckley introduces son Tyler to the Cougar mascot. 2. Matt Dormer makes a key play. 3. Megan Musto, Susanna Montgomery and Roan Scanlon-Black 4. Off the field, Greta Baker is joined by grandfather, Bob Baker. 5. Nate Aliapoulios 6. Kyle Gensburg, George McGlade, Jack Joyce, Sam Parmelee, Spencer Epps, Blake Sommi and Jay Parmelee 7. Supporting the home team 8. Annika Sotirhos, Jon Zonis, Jenny Cohen Zonis â&#x20AC;&#x2122;82, Zachary Stern 9. Caitlin and Mara Neafsey 10. The Guarinis make it a family affair. 11. Eloise Morgan, Brynn McClymont and Sloane Latimer 12. Haley Strom and Gabby Perreault 13. Greta Baker makes the play. 14. Jack DeGulis, Alex Almeida, Carter Spain, Andrew Almeida and Ben Guarini discover more // www.countryschool.net

ALUMNIgatherings 1

Third Annual NYC Alumni Reception for the 35-and-under crowd Alumni Council members Emi Coughlin Basaran ’98, Dick Colligan ’01 and Steve Bloom ’03 hosted the third annual Young Alumni Reception in New York City on Nov. 5, 2014. Alumni enjoyed craft beers and ciders under the stars on a surprisingly balmy November night. 2

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

1. Back row: Andy Zaccagnino ’04, Steve Bloom ’03, Caitlin Maguire ’04, Hadley Holmes ’07 and Carly Fink ’07; Middle row: Ali Epstein ’05, Amanda Harris ’05, Matt Heineman ’98, Christian Tookes ’02, Andrew Williams ’04 and Ryann Tookes ’04; Front row: Wynne Hamerman ’05, Margot Peppers ’05, Emi Coughlin Basaran ’98, Gordie Cohen ’01 and Pat Barragan ’04 2. Caitlin Maguire ’04, Christian Tookes ’02 3. Gordie Cohen ’01 and Emi Coughlin Basaran ’98 4. Andy Zaccagnino, Pat Barragan, Ryann Tookes, Andrew Williams and Caitlin Maguire, all Class of ’04 5. Haley Priebe, Steve Bloom, Andrew O’Brien and Jon Spector, all Class of ’03. 6. Margot Peppers, Amanda Harris and Wynne Hamerman, all Class of ’05 7. Hadley Holmes and Carly Fink, representing the Class of ’07

Betsy Dolge ’84, Andrew McNaught ’84 and Eden Wright ’84

San Francisco Alumni Gathering Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill and Director of Advancement Terry Gumz hosted a group of San Francisco-area alumni on Oct. 27, 2014. Alumni gathered at 1300 on Fillmore to wax nostalgic about all things Country School and to cheer on the San Francisco Giants on their road to the World Series championship! 6

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

our next Young Alumni NYC Reception is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015.

Natasha and Andrew McNaught ’84, Stephanie Wharton Holbrook ’61, Daphne Walter Bransten ’57, Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill, Greer McLane Hopkins ’56 and Geoffrey Smith ’67

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Jill Iscol, Kiva Iscol ’96, Meredith Malling, Wolf Iscol, Zach Iscol ’94 and Ken Iscol

And the Alumni Award Goes to … Marine Officer, Iraq Veteran and Entrepreneur Zach Iscol ’94

The New Canaan Country School Alumni Award is presented each year to honor an alumna or alumnus who best embodies the statement from the school’s mission, “New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.” This year, the honor went to Zach Iscol ’94.

Topsy Post ’66 and Zach Iscol ’94

While on campus May 15 to receive

ascribed to platoon leaders, Zach made

forces in Iraq. In 2010, Zach released

his award, Zach spoke to Middle and

a point to address the importance of

the film The Western Front, which

Upper School students about his

building relationships.

documents the war in the Al Anbar

experience as a combat-decorated

“True leadership starts with genu-

province and the decisions he made

Marine officer. Zach served two tours

inely caring for those around you,”

to protect his fellow Marines and

in Iraq and on other assignments

he said. “Strong relationships lead to

innocent Iraqi civilians.

throughout Africa, the Middle East

greater understanding, which ulti-

Zach is also the founder and CEO

and Central Asia.

mately is as important as being physi-

of Hire Purpose (www.hirepurpose.

cally fit and well prepared.”

com), an organization that offers

Since leaving active duty, Zach

job and career advice for veterans.

has worked with non-government

In addition, he is executive director

organizations, advocacy groups and

of the Headstrong Project (gethead-

U.S. government agencies to aid Iraqi

strong.org), which provides support

“Zach’s military and post-military

refugees and provide asylum to those

and treatment for veterans struggling

career is remarkable and certainly

in need—especially employees and

with mental issues associated with

exemplifies our school’s mission in

translators who risked their lives

combat and the wounds of war.

so many ways,” said Interim Head of

serving alongside U.S. and coalition

“TRUE LEADERSHIP

starts with genuinely caring for those around you.”

School Peter O’Neill. “We congratulate Zach on his many contributions—both his military service and his commitment to American veterans.” While courage and confidence are certainly attributes that may be

SEND US YOUR NOMINATIONS! We welcome your suggestions for 2016 Alumni Award candidates. Please send nominations by Oct. 1, 2015, to Director of Alumni Affairs Gina Ely at alumni@countryschool.net. Please include name and a short explanation of the reason for the nomination. To find out about previous New Canaan Country School Alumni Award recipients, visit www.countryschool.net/alumni.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Thanksgiving Reunion Classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014 The Alumni Office continued—and expanded—its 2

tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Reunion for our

youngest alumni. This year, we welcomed the Classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014 back to campus for pizza, cake and catching up. 1. The Class of 2012 2. Members of the Class of 2013: Henry Seth, Patrick Neafsey and Ryan Musto 3. Eva Murphy ’14, Henry Elkind ’14 and teacher Jean O’Dell 4. Members of the Class of 2014: Lily von Stade, Maddie Smith, Maggie McManus, Eugenie Greeff, Emma Sisk and Olivia Jebrine

SAVE THE DATE!

The Thanksgiving Reunion for the Classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015 is scheduled for Mon., Nov. 23, 2015.

5. Bret Pastor ’14 and Cal Stewart ’14 6. The Class of 2013 7. Julia DellaRusso ’14, Shea Delehaunty ’14 and Harlene Samra ’14 8. Pat Oakes with C.J. York ’12 and Kevin Pendo ’12 9. Members of the Class of 2012: William Reid, teacher John Hastings, C.J. York, William Landis and Diego Blandon

9 discover more // www.countryschool.net

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

9 Grandparents and special friends received a warm welcome on campus May 6. This annual event, always a favorite, provided students the opportunity to share a typical school day with their loved ones.

1. Early Childhood students take their grandparents and special friends on a nature walk 2. Henry and Caroline Irwin with Mike and Christine Murray 3. Dolf and James DiBasio 4. Sun Lau and Aiden Tong 5. Harry and Judy Jellinek 6. Casey Brown Jr. and Justus Armstead

7. Grandparents enjoy the Early Childhood Assembly. 8. Jill and Nate Stevens 9. Weezie and Bill Stoops, Martha Economou and Tucker Stoops 10. Brian and Marion Zaffino 11. Jack Scarborough and Cheryl Saiter 12. Marion Dalmolin, Molly Connors, Carolina and Joanne Salvatore

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TRANSITIONS

Welcome TO OUR NEW COLLEAGUES Facilities Director

Associate Director of Advancement

Ed Kirk joined Country School in the spring as Facilities Director. In this role, Mr. Kirk oversees the school’s physical plant, managing operations, maintenance, construction, safety and security. Ed has over 30 years’ experience in facilities, most recently as university energy manager for Johns Hopkins University and director of physical plant for the Loomis Chaffee School. Ed has an M.S., Environmental Management and Policy, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. in Marine (Mechanical Systems) Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Ed is also a retired Naval officer and has three grown children and three grandchildren.

Melissa Levin joins the Advancement team as Associate Director of Advancement. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, Ms. Levin will act as primary liaison to the Parents’ Association and will provide oversight for the Centennial. In addition, she will assist with future capital campaigns. Melissa brings considerable professional expertise and management experience from her roles as president of Accession Art Advisory Inc., director of Artnet Market Data (now Artnet Analytics) and director of the Wynn Collection. She also has a fundraising background from the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting & Sculpture, Bard College and American Ballet Theater. Melissa has served as a trustee of Putnam Indian Field School, and has chaired auctions and other fundraising events for Greenwich Hospital, the Bruce Museum and the Greenwich United Way. Melissa holds an M.A. in Arts Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.A. in International Relations from George Washington University.

Ed Kirk

Melissa Levin

Also joining us or taking on new responsibilities this fall are the following: • Jordan Alper, Upper School

Department Chair; Learning

Math Teacher • Jake Alrich, Performing

Resources Teacher

Middle and Upper

Beginners–Grade 1

School World Language

World Language Teacher;

Facilities Operations

Teacher (Mandarin &

Extended Day Teacher

Performing Arts Teacher

Manager

Spanish)

• Melissa Miller Faucher ’91,

Grade 4 Teacher • Renee Bornstein,

Upper School Math Teacher • Kent Findlay ’80,

Advancement Assistant

Marketing &

• Diane Briggs, Director

• Marshall Johnson ’04, Upper School English and History Teacher • Mark Macrides,

Communications

Visual Arts Department

of Annual Giving and

Associate; Centennial

Chair; Creative Arts

Stewardship

Coordinator

Teacher; Archivist;

• Dana Brooks,

• Catherine Flint, Upper

Learning Resources

• Catherine Mendoza,

Arts Department Chair, • Hayley Bloom,

• Rupert Chinatamani,

• Andres Gonzalez-Stewart,

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

School Math Teacher

• Moina Noor, Digital Communications Manager • Martha McAndrews, Upper School Science Teacher • Sean Robb, Grades 2–4 World Language Teacher • Haley Sanborn,

Projects and Special

Upper School Learning

Events Manager

Resources Teacher

FAREWELL

to our dear colleagues

SUE

Friborg

BY TOM GIGGI

Since 1989, Sue Friborg has been the “face” of the seventh grade, the very best example of teacher, advisor, confidant, supporter and friend for students and colleagues alike. No one has done it better. Everyone knows her as a model of creativity, compassion, organization, remarkable steadiness and consistently high standards for all of us in the Upper School. This has been a constant throughout her Country School career. What perhaps many do not know are the numerous contributions she has made outside of her classroom that have benefited our school community and influenced all of us in countless ways: for example, her extraordinary eight-year run of undefeated soccer seasons as the girls’ varsity head coach (and her sideline dances after every NCCS goal), her standard of excellence as the girls’ varsity basketball coach, her constant protection of the seventh grade program—its importance, uniqueness and age-appropriateness— and her leadership in bringing Special Olympics athletes to our campus. Sue’s incredibly unselfish gift of time for the many annual seventh grade social events she

sponsored made Halloween hayrides and visits to haunted houses, weekend ski trips and outings to Six Flags possible. No one has ever planned or executed a trips week in Boston—or seen its value—in the same way as Miss Fri. Certainly no Upper School teacher has ever dedicated a section of a classroom into a shrine for “Joe” and the 49ers. Who from among her many seventh grade English and history classes over the years could ever forget her passion for To Kill a Mockingbird, the Underground Railroad simulation, the Boston Tea Party, Friday “Smarties” challenges or Baskin Robbins grammar trips in June? Miss Fri, we will miss you most seriously next year and beyond. Room 202, the seventh grade and the entire Upper School will never be the same. No one has ever done it better. BY DAVID KUCHER

“Trust your gut.” These three comforting and supportive words, offered to countless students, athletes and colleagues for more than 30 years, encompass Sue: caring, kind, challenging, collegial, principled, measured, collaborative and empathic. Sue’s classroom offers the perfect balance of possibility and tradition with a SmartBoard adjacent to the one and only “blackboard” in the Upper School. Sue offers the constant reminder of what we are here to do: guide students to their own story by considering the stories of others, whether Sojourner Truth or Scout Finch or Sue Friborg. Sue’s true gift is her high expectations for all of her students to stretch their thinking and achieve more than they thought they ever could. Her infinite patience and genuine kindness are hallmarks of her classroom. The community of New Canaan Country School will continue to be enriched by Sue long after she departs. We will continue to strive —CONTINUED NEXT PAGE discover more // www.countryschool.net

—CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

to be kinder than necessary; we will rejoice in stories; and when in doubt, we will trust our gut. BY PAT OAKES

Just mention the name Miss Fri and smiles abound. A beloved Country School teacher for 37 years, Miss Fri is a legend in her own right. Hundreds of students have been the beneficiaries of her teaching, coaching, guiding, encouraging and genuine loving. She exemplifies the very best that a teacher can be. It is no surprise that Miss Fri was the first faculty member to be granted a professional development sabbatical and to be honored with an Endowed Faculty Chair award. Miss Fri has repeatedly been sought out by her former students and included in their triumphs. When one became a Presidential Scholar, it was Miss Fri whom he asked to accompany him to

the White House ceremony. Another requested that she be present when he was awarded his Eagle Scout medal. And the list goes on and on. Always striving to improve what she does and try new techniques, Miss Fri makes learning fun for her students. Miss Fri’s students also learn that she idolizes Joe Montana, is extremely knowledgeable about all sports but especially football, and can identify music and artists as well as Shazam. She is an avid athlete, especially enjoying tennis, skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, and has climbed all 48 major peaks in New Hampshire. Country School and its students are blessed to have had the extraordinary Sue Friborg share herself and her extensive knowledge with us for so many years. She is a treasure who will be missed and remembered with great fondness in the years to come.

Leroy

ANDERSON

BY MARK MACRIDES

Leroy Anderson came to New Canaan Country School in 1986 to join the school’s facilities team. In the 29 years since he became one of the best-known people on campus. In his role within the facilities department, he came into contact with most everyone—students, faculty, staff and parents. Leroy took great pride in his work and was a strong supporter of the Country School community. He always had a smile and a friendly hello for anyone he encountered. Leroy was always happy in whatever work he was doing and that happiness was contagious. In his job, he took care of the school community in so many ways: shoveling and snow-blowing, delivering packages, getting the fields ready for athletic events, picking up the mail, servicing the school vans and countless other things. As much of his work was critical to the life of the school but was in some ways behind the scenes, it was not always easy to give him recognition. We take this opportunity to thank Leroy for all he has done for Country School. We miss him already, wish him well and encourage him to come back often to visit.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

TRANSITIONS

JUDY

JEAN O’Dell BY BARBARA VAN DER KIEFT LATIMER ’85

For over four decades, Jean O’Dell has made topics like the Pythagorean Theorem, factoring polynomials and the Quadratic Formula come to life. She makes math exciting for students and engages them in the most difficult material. Graduates and past students always come back to Jean’s classroom to thank her for her fine teaching. Not only is she passionate about teaching mathematics, she is dedicated to her students’ growth and success. Jean often works with students in the morning, during study halls and after school. Jean will be missed as she leaves Country School to enjoy a new time in life after teaching a total of 45 years in seven schools in five states. Now she can spend time with her grandchildren and friends and family. She can even catch a few Michigan State football games at their home field. Thank you, Jean, for your years of instruction, friendship and fun. Everyone at Country School wishes you well on your future days. BY TIM DELEHAUNTY

Known now predominantly as a teacher of algebra, Jean O’Dell has taught much of the Upper School math curriculum at one point or another during her 26-year career at Country School. The epitome of a master teacher, Jean sets tough but fair standards for her students and has helped guide and enrich them with a combination of textbook academics and real-world scenarios. Jean is innovative and adventurous in her teaching methods and equally so in her own acquisition of knowledge. She became an early adopter of technology on campus, changing the content and delivery of mathematics curriculum. Jean is the model of our mission skills; she so embodies the ideals of teamwork, creativity, ethics, resilience, curiosity and time management. Students and colleagues alike have benefited from her espousal of solid Midwestern values, her keen intellect and good humor. Students will no doubt remember Jean as the self-appointed crusader for sensible hemlines, her indomitable stop sign held high above Upper School hallway traffic or her booming voice urging everyone to “Just slow down!” Colleagues will remember Jean for her high standards of excellence, her unrelenting dedication to her students and for her willingness to do whatever it takes for those around her to succeed. Quirky and kind, Jean is known to say what she means and to mean what she says. Students over the years have adored her, frequently returning to campus to seek her out and thank her, or writing to articulate how impactful she has been upon their academics, career and life after NCCS.

Rowett BY BETH O’BRIEN

A founding member of the Beginners team, Judy Rowett joined the County School teaching community in 1995. For 10 years, with her loyal dog, James, by her side, Judy taught 3- and 4-year olds. She shared her passion for the natural world and her interest in motor movement, and in 2007, she moved into a new role as Early Childhood motor specialist. Working closely with Jill Mays, our occupational therapist, Judy helped design a program for Beginners and Kindergarteners to develop children’s core strength and large motor muscles. A true role model, Judy always joined in the fun and started each lesson crab walking across the piazza floor alongside the children. An early-bird herself, Judy welcomed the first children into the Thacher building every morning and then headed out to the bus circle at 8 a.m. to greet the Beginners and Kindergarteners off the bus, be there sun, snow, wind or rain. A natural communicator and a thoughtful colleague, Judy always ensured birthdays were celebrated and that wild flowers were in abundance throughout the classroom spaces. We wish Judy the best as she welcomes a new rhythm and routine, with time to rise early and greet the day, ready to embrace all the possibilities that are sure to come her way.

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Kathy SHERWIN BY BARBARA VAN DER KIEFT LATIMER ’85

Kathy Sherwin arrived at Country School in 1994 and has been a caring math teacher, advisor and department head for 21 years. Whether she was decorating the Perrine Commons for the Spring Fling, riding on a Greyhound bus full of seventh graders to Washington D.C., teaching yoga for clubs, leading her ninth graders to yet another broomball victory, or hiking the Appalachian Trail on Outdoor Action Trips, Kathy’s calm and cheerful presence has been an integral part of the Country School experience. A truly involved teacher in the Upper School, Kathy has led the math department in a characteristically Country School mix of innovation and fun, incorporating both a serious environment in her classrooms as well as a wholehearted, eager approach toward new math subjects. We wish Kathy lots of luck and cheer as she leaves Country School to spend more time with her family and to explore new adventures outside the classroom, and we thank her for all she has brought to Country School.

MATT

Taylor BY DAVE STOLLER

Matt Taylor arrived at Country School in 1999 bringing not only his considerable technical talents but also his tremendous experience in the outdoors. His arrival coincided with the expansion of technology across the campus, and Matt took on a multitude of tasks, from building servers and pulling cables to training users and providing support to both students and faculty. There seemed to be no piece of broken hardware he couldn’t dismantle and get back in working order. However, he is probably best known by the students for his role as trip organizer and outdoor educator. Matt had just finished a sabbatical year hiking the length of the Appalachian Trail, so besides his work in the technology office he immediately began to assist with trips and outdoor education. In addition to planning and leading the annual ninth grade backpacking trip known as Outdoor Adventure Trip (OAT), he has helped on trips to Camp Dudley, Nantucket and a wide variety of day excursions. As the leader of the Upper School’s Outdoor Resource Team, he planned and built the bog walkway (known to many as the “catwalk” or the “boardwalk”), expanded the campus trail system, constructed our adventure course and fashioned the popular “Gnome Home” for the Thacher playground. When he leaves Country School, Matt looks forward to expanding his involvement in outdoor education and following his passion for hiking expeditions. Matt we thank you for your hard work and dedication and wish you the best of luck, smooth trails and excellent adventures!

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Andy MORRIS BY JOSH ZIAC ’86

Training our Cougars from the newest first grade cub up to head of the pride, Andy Morris has been there every step of the way for countless children who have worn Country School blue. From his beginnings in 2004 as a sixth grade homeroom teacher, he transitioned into becoming an integral component in the County School physical education program, where his passion for sports and sportsmanship flourished in our Lower School community. Additionally, for a while, he stepped into developing the service learning program here at school, as well as taking on logistics for the school’s numerous day and overnight field trips. Leveraging his positive relationship with Camp Dudley, he was able to bring two communities together, thus introducing a generation of eighth graders to the shores and joys of Lake Champlain. In contrast to his quiet behind-the-scenes work, his iconic voice can frequently be heard booming across campus, in the gym and out on the fields. Both commanding and endearing, Andy is always shoring up the confidence of participants in phys ed or a sports program. Any lacrosse, hockey or soccer player in the past decade probably still hears in their sleep, “Cougars on three. One, Two, Three, COUGARS!” Andy has been a true impact player within the Country School community. We thank you.

TRANSITIONS

LOUISE Leeds BY JOHN HASTINGS

After a 15-year career teaching in the Croton-Harmon schools, Louise Leeds brought her talents to NCCS in 2005, teaching Spanish to fourth graders with energy and passion. From the start, we knew we had something special. A consummate professional, Louise is apparently unaware that her job is part time, as she might finish her classes before lunch but still be at her desk long after the children have left. In spite of her wealth of experience, Louise always questions her methods, searching for more effective ways to reach her students. She has embraced technology and become a leader in using the SmartBoard and her website to enhance student learning. Even though her students only have Spanish three days per cycle, she often comes to Lower School special celebrations, whether it is a teaching day for her or not. Louise brings her whole self to the job. An avid ballroom dancer, Louise brought professional dancers to the campus to teach Argentine tango to Lower and Upper School students. When students are learning a new dance in the Perrine Common, Louise might pop in and join the fun. An integral part of our holiday celebrations, she has guided us during Rosh Hashanah, bringing in her family’s special holiday plates, candles and challah coverlets, as well as her special kugel recipe. She helped us to understand the true meaning of a mitzvah; indeed, having Louise at Country School has been a blessing for her students and colleagues alike. We wish her the very best and hope to still see her around campus. Muchas gracias, Señora!

Annabelle ALT

BY BETH O’BRIEN

Annabelle Alt joined the Beginners team in 2008. For seven years, she has designed lessons to captivate the children’s attention and to stretch and reinforce the children’s understanding. It is clear when observing Annabelle teach how connected she is to each learner and how artfully she unfolds experiences that speak to the interests of children while ensuring skills and concepts are mastered. As a member of a professional learning community of teachers, Annabelle shares insightful comments, asks thought-provoking questions and invites her colleagues to step into the unknown. For example, inspired by the photographer Judy Gelles, Annabelle proposed that as a division we embark on a photo project, one that spoke to

community, connection, understanding and ultimately belonging. Her commitment to the experience for the children and teachers alike, as well as her belief in offering people a chance to tell their individual story, created the opportunity for authentic connection and celebration. Over the years, Annabelle has shared her skills with those in need around campus. She has offered her technical skills to the Admissions Office, and in concert with the director, created a video to promote the Early Childhood program. Additionally, she worked closely with the Office of Community Development to ensure that every division supports every child and family in a thoughtful, respectful and inclusive way. We wish Annabelle well in her new role as a Lower School teacher at Pierrepont School in Westport. discover more // www.countryschool.net

JEANNIE

LaPlante

BY TIM DELEHAUNTY

Jeannie LaPlante arrived at Country School seven years ago as a third grade apprentice, seemingly born to the role of educator, so comfortable was she in the classroom. Soon thereafter, she began work in the Middle School science department taking on increasing amounts of responsibility. After stints in both eighth grade chemistry and physics, she was tapped to teach ninth grade honors biology and to become an eighth grade advisor. Outside of the classroom, Jeannie has been a valuable and versatile asset to the school as an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball and co-ed cross-country teams, as well as a faculty member on several Trips Week programs. Additionally, she has had a meaningful impact upon the creation and furtherance of the Service Learning initiative. Students will remember Jeannie for her ability to bring lessons to life through the study of real people such as Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell line, or Rube Goldberg and his deliberately over-engineered contraptions. Also, for lack of a better way to say this—for making physics physical. She is known to have her classes up and out of their seats, digging in the dirt, traipsing around campus and having hands-on learning experiences. Colleagues will miss her for her vigilance in ensuring that the science curriculum met and maintained the highest academic standards and for her affable personality and constant good cheer. Always calm, she is greatly admired for her ability in navigating difficult situations and offering solutions to problems. A popular teacher, she is considered a fantastic advisor with a terrific way of approaching both kids and parents. Although we will miss her greatly as she relocates to Cambridge, it seems poignant that her departure coincides with that of her original third grade class, who, like her, are ready for the next chapter in their lives.

Trustee Reception

FOR DEPARTING FACULTY On May 29, members of the Board of Trustees held an end-of-the-year reception honoring departing Country School faculty and staff. Board President Steve Rodgers singled out those members of the community who would be departing, thanking them individually for their significant contributions to the school and wishing them well. Always a fun event, many former faculty and staff returned to share in the revelry. The following departing colleagues with 20 or more years of service were honored— Leroy Anderson, Sue Friborg, Jean O’Dell, Judy Rowett and Kathy Sherwin—along with all departing faculty and staff. The community also bid farewell to Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill and Peggy O’Neill.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Peggy and Peter O’Neill Maureen Sanders, Topsy Post ’66, Jean O’Dell and Sue Friborg Karen Wood, Leroy Anderson, his son Timothy Freeman, Steve Rodgers and Susan Schulz Louise Leeds Jean O’Dell with her grandson Steve Rodgers and Matt Taylor Randall Weeks and Kathy Sherwin

TRANSITIONS

David KUCHER BY TIM DELEHAUNTY

David Kucher’s role during his five years at Country School has been that of teacher, chair of the Learning Resources Department, ninth grade advisor, coach, club leader, trip leader and faculty representative on the Board of Trustees. He has been fundamental in creating a climate in which children, particularly at-risk learners, can succeed. Well-versed in the concepts of differentiated learning styles, David has helped students recognize how they learn best, capitalize upon their strengths and bolster their weaknesses. He is absolutely committed to the idea that everyone is capable of learning and is a steadfast believer in preserving childhood for 14- and 15-year-olds. He is committed, professional, joyful and knowledgeable. Always on the cutting edge of brain research, he has been an invaluable source of information for colleagues and is able to organize and process information very quickly and disseminate it to the rest of us with ease. Graduates frequently seek him out when they return to campus and attribute their success to his solving—or unlocking—the mystery of how they learn best, or helping them to realize their fullest potential. David is known as a team player. He always volunteers for a turn in the annual Frogtown Fair dunking booth, plays in every ninth grade versus faculty/staff athletic contest, and leads extremely popular clubs such as one that familiarizes students with top-40 music from the past six decades and its cultural importance for its time. He has led student trips to Peru, New Orleans and the country’s national parks. The school will feel a real loss when David leaves, but we wish him the very best at the Southfield Center for Development, where we know he will continue to improve the lives of those around him.

Departing Faculty & Staff We thank the following members of our community for their dedication and contributions. • Margaret Platt (5 years), School Counselor • Morgan Nichols (4 years), Creative Arts Teacher • Natalie Lin (1 year), Upper School Mandarin and Life Skills Teacher 4

• Leslie Spalding (1 year), Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher

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DEPARTING Families June is a bittersweet time for us at Country School. Below is a list of departing families who have been with Country School for five or more years and other families who have graduating ninth graders or have Upper School students who are moving on. We will miss the families who have given so much to the school and wish the students well as they embark on the next step of their academic careers. Twenty-Three Years

Twelve Years

• Kemi & O.D. O’Donnell

• Liz Ferran

Hayley ’03, Emory ’05,

Leon Byan

Lulu ’09, Scout ’15

Gabriel ’15 • Elizabeth & Rab Ker

Sixteen Years

Madeleine ’10, Abigail ’14,

• Diane & Bill Glover Chip ’09, Kylie ’10, Chase ’15

Walker ’16 • Lisa & Mike Rintoul

• Melanie McGlade &

Christina ’15, Nicholas ’15 • Shu-chen Kuo & Ning-yang Wang Grant ’15 • Jenny Cohen Zonis ’82 & Jon Zonis Charlotte ’12, Maia ’15

Ashley ’12, Caroline ’14,

Tom McGlade ’75 Hugh ’10, George ’15

• Marianne & Paul Toldalagi

Whitney ’16 • Susan & Bob Schulz

• Cece Conrad Teitler ’80 &

Billy ’14, Jack ’16

• Louise & Clifton York

• Jennifer & John Ferm Jack ’17, Tess ’22, Rex ’24 Eight Years

• Noelle & Doug Henderson

• Margaret & Lee Meyerson

Hadley ’14, Campbell ’15, Piper ’19 • Kara Prawl

• Frances & Patrick DeSouza

Clay ’15 • Moya & Randall Saunders Sam ’14, Ben ’16

Thirteen Years

Brian ’15

Phoebe ’15

• Elizabeth Zimels & Tom Nero Henry ’22 Jim Sensbach P.J. ’15 • Kelly & David Walker

• Al Drewes Susan Drewes

• Anne & Dave Foster

Kricket ’15 • Daneille & Mark Fitzgibbon

• Carolyn & David Lewis

Grace ’16, Jack ’18, Scott ’20

Four Years • Sabrina & Guy Fleuriot Ari ’15 • Stef & Mike Grise • Liz & Cliff Schwartz Alexandra ’15 • Kristine & Brian Stoker T.J. ’16, Katharine ’18 Three Years

Six Years • Jeannie & Jim Ballentine Carter ’09, Lane ’13, Mac ’16 • Beth & Jim Degnan

Ten Years

Seanie ’16

• Julie & David Liston Zach ’15 • Debbie & Raymond Williams Louis ’17

Diana ’17 • Aditi Goswami Sugato Goswami Rohan ’14, Nikhil ’16 • Jenn & Bish McDonnell Paige ’20, Mimi ’23

Two Years • Sharon Walker & Sean Epps Spencer ’15 • Alison & Huw Jones Niamh ’17, Ruari ’20

• Gloria & Juan Mills

Paige ’13, Campbell ’16

Dana ’15 • Alena & John Murphy Charlotte ’11, Nick ’11, Ian ’15 • Gretchen & Jim Tapscott Emma ’15, Kate ’15

Peter ’17

Leigh ’15 • Kirsten & Peter Zaffino Greg ’09, Caroline ’11,

Mackenzie ’12, Parker ’12,

• Cathy & John Bonczek

Ryan ’18, Justin ’20

Hannah ’13, Elizabeth ’15,

Elizabeth ’12, Katharine ’15

Olivia ’13, Kathryn ’15

Michael ’15, Griffin ’16 Seven Years

• Susan & Jim Higgins

& Alec Casey

George ’12, Chapin ’13,

Devan ’19

Chris Lawler

Susanna ’12, Greta ’16

• Evan & Jim Clark

• Carin & Paul Phelan

• Donna Young

• Wendy & Steve Baker • Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80

Megan ’17

Herman Prawl

Thomas ’10, Daniel ’13, Ellie ’16

McCaughey

Kai ’14, Finn ’15 Eleven Years

C.J. ’12, Avery ’15 Fifteen Years

Nick ’15 • Susan & Thomas

• Suzy Sensbach Nine Years

John Teitler Mayze ’11, Carson ’15

Five Years • Teresa & Trevor Fellows

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

One Year • Heather & Jim Raymond George ’16

Former Faculty and Staff Luncheon It was wonderful to have so many former teachers and staff members return to Country School on April 15. They heard about the school’s upcoming centennial celebration, took a tour of the archives and joined former colleagues at the weekly faculty and staff lunch. In attendance that day were Margie Baylor, Lyn Bremer Chivvis ’60, Dave Crandall ’77, Jo Ann

Devlin, Ann Martin DiLeone, Carol Etzold, Sue Ewing, Sheila Far, Chris Garrison, Anneliese Gastrich, Betsy Hulme, Gay Jesup, Holly Lemoine, Cathy Mishkin, Al Perry, Topsy Post ’66, Asante Robinson, Bridget Robustelli, Maureen Sanders, Pam Simpson, Agneta Smith, Sue Socci, Jill Stevens, Marsha Whitman, Lisa Wood Wright, Francie Irvine and Andrew McLaren, Michael and

Lyn McNaught, and John and Nancy Ziac (some of whom are pictured above). 1. Margie Baylor enjoys reminiscing with friends while listening to Archivist Mark Macrides give an archival presentation on the history of the school 2. Jo Ann Devlin 3. Michael McNaught and Jill Stevens 4. Sheila Far, Marsha Whitman and Carol Etzold 5. Al Perry 6. Sue Ewing 7. Asante Robinson and Nancy Ziac 8. Pam Simpson

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Class Notes 1936 75th reunion We are missing the official graduation photo from your class! If you have one to share, please contact Gina Ely at (203) 801-5687 or alumni@countryschool.net. The Alumni Office is sad to report that Barbara Van Ness Whittemore passed away on Feb. 15, 2014. Please see In Memoriam. The alumni received word that Barbara Williams Quattrone sadly passed away on Feb. 15, 2015.

1937

We are missing the official graduation photo from your class! If you have one to share, please contact Gina Ely at (203) 801-5687 or alumni@countryschool.net.

1938

We are missing the official graduation photo from your class! If you have one to share, please contact Gina Ely at (203) 801-5687 or alumni@countryschool.net. George Grove recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and Bill Helm ’38 and Nella Lloyd Helm ’43 were both in attendance at the September 2014 event! A hearty congratulations to George for reaching this

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

milestone, and we look forward to seeing him at the next reunion!

1940

The Alumni Office is sad to report that Cornelia (Neder) McMurray Brooks passed away on March 13, 2014. Neder was the sister of Amie McMurray Mead ’41. Please see In Memoriam.

1941 75th reunion We are missing the official graduation photo from your class! If you have one to share, please contact Gina Ely at (203) 801-5687 or alumni@countryschool.net.

1943

We are missing the official graduation photo from your class! If you have one to share, please contact Gina Ely at (203) 801-5687 or alumni@countryschool.net. Katharine Wadsworth Wilson reached out with her news: “My verse play, a fictionalized tale of people connected with a mental health rehabilitation facility, entitled Dancing with the Shadow: Courting Sanity is about to be published. This year’s travel featured the Bay of Fundy, between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I continue working as a marriage and family therapist.”

1944

The Alumni Office is sad to report that Helen Tison Hilton passed away on Feb. 8, 2014. Helen was the sister of Tom Tison ’48 and Mary Tison Wheeler ’54. Please see In Memoriam.

1946 70th reunion The Alumni Office is sad to report that Norman Peterson Jr. brother of Joyce Peterson Thurmer ’45, passed away on Aug. 28, 2014. Please see In Memoriam. Kip Macdonald Farrell continues to work to preserve historic barns in New Canaan, and is happy to report that the town has had three “barn raisings” in the fall of 2014! Kip also extols the benefits of technology as she, along with the rest of her family, was able to FaceTime a granddaughter in Shanghai and a grandson in South Korea on Thanksgiving Day!

1947

Hedrick Smith writes: “After giving talks to more than 30,000 people in 18 states over the past two years about my book Who Stole the American Dream?, I know how angry Americans are—a broken political system, an economy stacked in favor of the wealthy and Washington doing nothing. People are fed up but they don’t know what to do or how to

bring about change. If they knew how much change is already under way in states and cities across the country, they might take heart and get organized in their own communities. “I have created a website, reclaimtheamericandream.org, to tell the story of progress and success on political and economic reforms: how California smoked out a political dark money scheme and passed a tough campaign funding disclosure law; how 28 states have passed laws for higher minimum wages; how New Englanders saved and restored a workerfriendly CEO; how Tennessee has moved to provide free community college tuition for needy students; how Colorado won a huge majority vote in a referendum to reverse the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision and restore the power of Congress to regulate campaign spending. And much more— visuals, maps, stories, issue briefings, and a section on “Getting Started.” I hope you’ll visit www.reclaimtheamericandream.org.”

1948

John Carpenter writes, “I am creeping into the early 80s, but continue to be active in our church, particularly as treasurer, a job I’ve been doing for 16 years. My wife, Carol, and my daughter, Betsy, and son, Rob, are doing well, as are my four grandsons, all in their 20s.” Gerry Smith passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2015, in Scarborough, Maine, after a valiant battle with cancer. Gerry was the brother of Anthony Smith ’49. Please see In Memoriam.

1949

Court Haight shares that he has been farming on the coast of Maine for the last 20 years. He is very busy with farmers’ markets in the summer and with winter activities of furniture making and visiting his family.

1951 65th reunion Louise Clark Smith has been busy, and writes that “life at Kendal, a retirement facility, is full of activity. In June, I went by ship, circumnavigating Iceland. It was a good trip, making interesting stops and going on zodiac cruises to see the nesting birds.” Sue Marshall Reed shares the news that Gateway Greening, the community gardening organization she founded, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Sue remains passionate about gardening, especially native plants to help birds, bees and butterflies.

1953

Joan Abernethy Wright presided over her daughter’s, Eden Wright ’84, marriage to Motti Butbol on May 4, 2014, in Sausalito, Calif., at the Presidio Yacht Club. Joan writes, “I love small-town life and I walk everywhere. I get to see the Met Opera live videos at $25 a seat! Photography doing well, as am I. Check out my website at www.joanwrightphotography.com.”

We are sad to report the passing of Deborah Moore Geithner on Aug. 12, 2014. Please see In Memoriam. Joan Dominick O’Brien and Jon O’Brien both attended the beautiful memorial service on Cape Cod and remember Deborah as “a great girl and a wonderfully accomplished woman.”

1954

Cathy Crane recently contacted the Alumni Office with her news: “I had a wonderful trip to Sicily in October. Great food, great weather, better Greek ruins than in Greece or Turkey. (The lintels are still ON the posts!) Fascinating history: Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and finally in 1860 unification with Italy. (However, it seems the Sicilians still think of themselves as Sicilians before they think of themselves as Italians!) “The other exciting news is that I have been selected to be honored as an ‘Outstanding Sustainer’ by the New York Junior League (NYJL). This honor pays tribute to my years of volunteer work, including being Sustainer Chairman at the NYJL, beginning the Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse which trains people to serve on nonprofit boards and helps to place them on boards, running a support group for people dealing with aging parents for more than 10 years, serving on the board of The City Gardens Club for most of the last 20 years, and now facilitating the planning for that organization’s centennial. The celebrations are fun but they sure involve a lot of trips to the beauty parlor!”

Matching Gifts:

GROW YOUR GIFT; GROW A CHILD Did you know that Corporate Matching Gifts are a great way to increase your personal gift to Country School? Please check with your employer’s human resources department to see if they participate in a matching gift program. Obtain a form from your company, send it to us with your gift, and we’ll take care of the rest. For more information contact, Diane Briggs in the Advancement Office at (203) 801-5619 or dbriggs@countryschool.net.

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1958

Henry (Harry) Loomis passed away on May 11, 2015, at his home in East Haven, Conn. Harry was the brother of Wendy Loomis Grew ’56 and Ken Loomis ’63. Please see In Memoriam. According to his classmate Dan Bergfeld, “Loomo had been in poor health for several years, but he continued to paint and sketch up to the last months of his life. During this period, he would also recite poetry during our telephone conversations, and one of his favorites was ‘The Pasture’ by Robert Frost.”

1959 Betsy Jones Zwick ’63 with her husband, Larry, in Bariloche, Argentina.

1956 60th reunion Greer McLane Hopkins writes that she still loves San Francisco and continues to work in corporate event planning. “I still have fond memories of NCCS and our great class. My husband, Thayer, is a wonderful architect. My son, David, is now 30 and is focusing on purpose-driven companies for Gamechangers 500.” Greer and other Bay Area alumni gathered together in October 2014 for a Country School reunion with Interim Head of School Peter O’Neill. Charlie Lusk shares: “Grandchildren! Twice! Boden Charles and Henry Thompson. Both look just like—well, shouldn’t ask for too much.” The Alumni Office is sad to report that Pete Truebner passed away on Jan. 23, 2015. Pete was the brother of Wendy Truebner Knapp ’54 and Elise Truebner Henning ’58. Please see In Memoriam.

1957

Sam Abernethy was a proud uncle attending the recent marriage of his niece, Eden Wright ’84.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Liz Davidson Kidder informs us that she is “enjoying living in downtown Miami, Fla.”

1960

Pam Swallow’s tenth book has recently been published. It’s a biography of Ellen Swallow Richards (1842–1911), America’s first degreed female scientist. Ellen graduated from MIT in just two years and earned a master’s degree from Vassar during the same period. She launched the ecology movement, opened the first chemistry laboratory for women, conducted the first water studies and food studies, opened the first health food restaurants, began the first school lunch program, and was the first woman elected into the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. She co-founded a summer seaside laboratory (which evolved into the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole). She also co-founded the American Association of University Women, and she headed the establishment of the home economics movement and was its first president. She represented Massachusetts at the 1893 World’s Fair, and was the only woman in her lifetime to teach at MIT. She will be honored in Washington, D.C., this summer as the first to diversify the sciences. Her biography is titled The Remarkable Life and Career of Ellen Swallow Richards: Pioneer in Science and Technology. Joy Fischbacher Law writes in from California that she is “still managing a small ranch with holistic management and training horses.”

1963

Congratulations to Betsy Jones Zwick, who writes: “The last year and a half has been a wild ride. I got married in December 2013; my daughter got engaged last June and will be married in August of this year. My son premiered a film at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. It’s a documentary titled Breach, based on the illegal whaling done in Iceland. It will premiere at the New York International Film Festival in May. Took an amazing trip to Patagonia and fell in love with Chile and Argentina. Spectacular adventure. Those are the highlights.”

1965

The Alumni Office recently heard from Steve Tower with news that “December 2014 finds me deeply involved with several initiatives around Northfield, Mass., since I closed my Sylvan Learning Center in Keene, N.H., at the end of last May after eight years and transitioned into ‘semi-retirement.’ We moved from Norwalk, Conn., to Northfield in 2003. In theory, I now have time to broaden my commitments as chair of the Board of Friends of Schell Bridge, chair of Northfield’s BSA Troop 9 Committee, and chair of the Board of Deacons at the Trinitarian Congregational Church here in Northfield. These have become challenging and engaging times for all these groups as each is dealing with transitions of various natures…. “I have created several (small) roles in area community theaters and continue to sing with and serve on the board of the Amherst, Mass., Da Camera Singers along with my bride, Heather. I conduct our church’s choir (after Heather chooses the music). “I have also been preparing several eighth graders for their SSATs (remember those?). In all, I am wondering how I ever had time to own and run the Sylvan Learning Center! As an educator, I want to stay involved and up-to-date, so I will be engaged in my own transitions as 2015 unfolds. “I have been very poor about keeping in touch but am looking forward to catching up at our 50th Reunion in May 2015! Let’s make it memorable!”

Class Notes Susie Allport Howell has written a book about stone walls—Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York. According to Amazon, “Sermons in Stone is the surprising and illuminating history of the walls, a story that begins in the Ice Age and that has been shaped by the fencing dilemmas of the nineteenth century, by conflicts between Native Americans and colonists over land use, by American waves of immigration and suburbanization. Who would think that a history of that humble workaday structure, the stone wall, would be so full of the fascinating, the peculiar,the downright eccentric? But here it is, laid out in a sprightly style and beautifully illustrated by the ink drawings of David Howell.” Lucinda Winslow shares her news: “I’m still in Stamford, my music career having morphed from opera to a combination of music via piano, social justice and standing for women’s empowerment as our world shifts. Our kids are flying; Katie Baker ’03 is in New York City working in compliance at Barclays Bank, and Bill Baker ’02 works in Boston at Grassroots Campaigns Inc. Bill is to be married in Salem, Mass., in May, and then he and Diana will take off for her residency in pediatrics in a place to be determined. My dad is still thriving at 95, and my brother, Ted Winslow ’72, is doing well in Cos Cob, Conn., with his wife and two daughters. My husband, Bill, is full of projects and together we are volunteer advocates for RESULTS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to summoning the power and will to end poverty around the world. I love the energy of being our age. So much to do with more wisdom and kindness. We are blessed and very grateful.” Sadly, the Alumni Office received word that George B. Post passed away on Feb. 27, 2015. George was the brother of Dinah Post ’63, Topsy Post ’66, Chris Post ’68 and Joel Post ’81. Please see In Memoriam.

1966 50th reunion The Alumni Office recently heard from Dick Bensen: “Who would have thought that I might hold the same job—more or less—for 25 years (at Bement School in Deerfield, Mass.)?

And now my son Dan works here too! Patrick’s a farmer, Mollie’s versatile and mobile and all this is good!”

1967

We don’t have a “Beginners End” yearbook for the Class of 1967! If you have one to share, please contact Gina Ely at (203) 801-5687 or alumni@countryschool.net.

1972

The alumni office is sad to report that Catherine Ivison Payne passed away Oct. 31, 2014, surrounded by family and friends, after a long, valiant battle with cancer. Catherine was the sister of Nancy Morton Myers ’63, Alice Morton Hutchinson ’69 and Doug Ivison ’74. Please see In Memoriam. The Alumni Office is sad to report that William A. Ryan Jr., MD, passed away on May 30, 2015. Bill was the brother of Nancy Ryan Lowitt ’70. Please see In Memoriam. See Ted Winslow in the Class of 1965 notes.

1973

The Alumni Office is sad to report that Van Richards passed away Jan. 31, 2015. He was 57. Van was a former apprentice at Country School and the beloved brother of Peter Richards ’60, of Vinalhaven, Maine, Ginny Richards Perrakis ’65, of Brookfield, Conn., Alden Richards ’69, of Brookline, Mass., and Chris Richards ’77, of Ft. Collins, Colo. Van was also uncle to Addie Richards ’00. Please see In Memoriam.

1975

Jon Isham, Ken Mountcastle, Alex Stoddard and Jamie Resor held a minireunion at the Feb. 25 Capitals vs. Penguins game in Washington, D.C. Christine Brooks reached out recently: “Happy 40th to the Class of 1975! 55 years old! How did that happen?”

Members of the Class of 1975 at a recent Washington Capitals game, from left to right: Jon Isham, Ken Mountcastle, Alex Stoddard and Jamie Resor.

1979

Andrew Ross wrote us with news that he is still running his equestrian show-jumping business near Reading, Pa. Andrew also hears from Dr. Chris Baker from time to time. Erik Smith has accepted the position of CEO of the company Sol Voltaics and is off to the old university city of Lund, Sweden, with his wife, Brandie, and their daughters, Linnea and Siri, for a three-year stay.

1980

Sallie Bryan shares: “All is well in California! I am loving being the head of a small middle/high school in Berkeley. Our boys are 10 and 13. My older one is a hip-hop dancer and in a company that performs all over the Bay Area. My younger boy is into nature. My husband is working for Tesla. I see Billy Shutkin every so often!”

1984

Eden Wright married Motti Butbol on May 4, 2014, in Sausalito, Calif., at the Presidio Yacht Club. Several NCCSers were there: Joan Abernethy Wright ’53 (mother of the bride), Sam Abernethy ’57 (uncle of the bride), and friends Betsy Dolge ’84 and Jennifer Williams ’85. According to Eden, it was a “magical weekend full of family and friends.” Congratulations to John van der Kieft, whose nephew and namesake, Willem John Bourne, was born to his sister Daphne van der Kieft Bourne ’93 (see Class of 1993 notes). John and his wife, Maritza, recently moved to

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Dallas with their 3-year-old twin boys, John and Jason, and 15-year-old son, Kelly. Tom Piper, director of production for Checkerboard Films, just released his latest film, Inventing Cornell Tech: The Vision, which premiered May 6 in New York City. He is currently in production on Piet Oudolf: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. In 2012, Tom directed, Diller Scofidio + Renfro: Reimagining Lincoln Center and the High Line. Visit checkerboardfilms.org to view clips and for more information. Tom and his wife, Gisela, live in Brooklyn with twin 5-year-old sons Otto and Frederico.

1986 30th reunion See Josh Ziac in the Class of 2010 notes.

1989

Carolyn Broadhead writes in that she was fortunate to be able to see Cortney Johnson Stanley in New York City over the winter and John Antonini in Palm Beach! Congratulations to Country School Grade 2

teacher Abigail Manny Newport and husband Jason, on the birth of their third child, son Robert Tully Newport (Tully), on March 6, 2015. Tully weighed in at 8 lbs, 13 oz and 22 inches and joins big sisters Riley and Maggie. See page 74 for a photo.

1990

Congratulations to Christie Gammill, who updated the Alumni Office with news that Caden (age 5) and Caylee (age 4) Colaneri are thrilled to welcome their new sister to the family. Cassidy Gammill Colaneri was born on April 3.

1992

Nicholas Cipolla writes: “I was privileged to serve as Jim Talbot’s best man in his marriage to the beautiful Leah Kissel. It took place at the stunning Lafond Winery north of Santa Barbara, Calif. Also in attendance were fellow 1992 alums Gene Bang and Jeff Adler. Three of Jim’s sisters were also bridesmaids—Whitney Talbot O’Connor ’95, Callie Talbot Castellani ’99 and Emily Talbot Malone ’01.”

Whitney and Spencer Mallozzi welcomed the birth of Edward Thatcher Mallozzi on March 30, 2015. Thatcher joins big sister Annie. Rob Faugno and Maria Sette welcomed the birth of Christopher Teodoro Faugno on July 15, 2015. He joins big brother Michael. See page 74 for a photo.

1993

The Alumni Office sends a hearty congratulations to Daphne van der Kieft Bourne and her husband, Ashley, who welcomed their second son, Willem John, on Aug. 9, 2014. Willem joins big brother Connor and his parents in Sydney, Australia. According to Daphne, “Willem is Dutch and an ode to my father’s heritage; as well as his middle name ‘John’ after his grandfather, Australian great-uncle and American uncle—John van der Kieft ’84. We are all thrilled and utterly in love. He’s a mini Connor!” From Matt Schneider: “Reaching out for the first time in many moons! I am an entertainment lawyer in New York City (you can check out my firm at www.rlscf.com), married to a teacher and artist named Michelle, and the proud papa of Zachary, who made his debut on March 4, 2014. Much love to NCCS!”

1995

Whitney Talbot O’Connor served as a bridesmaid in her brother’s, Jim Talbot ’92, wedding in Santa Barbara, Calif. (see Class of 1992 notes). From left to right, Gene Bang ’92, Nicholas Cipolla ’92, Leah Talbot, Jim Talbot ’92 and Jeff Adler ’92.

Big brother Connor Bourne holds his newborn brother, Willem. Congratulations to Daphne van der Kieft Bourne ’93!

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Jim Talbot ’92 married Leah Kissel. Sisters of the groom standing far left are Whitney Talbot O’Connor ’95 and Callie Talbot Castellani ’99, and standing far right is Emily Talbot Malone ’01.

Thatcher and Annie Mallozzi

1996 20th reunion Lauren Oakes defended her doctoral dissertation at Stanford University’s Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources on March 4, 2015. Her research focuses on adaptation to climate change through a social-ecological approach and centers on yellow-cedar decline, a tree species dieback associated with climate change in the Alexander Archipelago, Alaska. Lauren has written about her work for The New York Times Green Blog.

Class Notes

1997

Chandler Bewkes Stroud is currently working for American Express. She and her husband, Ryan, recently moved back to Darien where Chandler is hoping to see more of her old NCCS friends! Mickela Mallozzi, host and creator of Bare Feet, the popular travel dance series, took home a New York Emmy Award for “On-Camera Talent: Performer/Narrator” at Saturday night’s Gala at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The show, which follows Mallozzi as she travels the globe uncovering the dance and music culture of every place she visits, airs weekly on NYC Life, NYC Media’s arts, culture, and LifeStyle channel. Mallozzi’s win was one of six New York Emmy Awards won on behalf of NYC Media, the official broadcast network and media production entity of the City of New York. After a successful spring run of the first half of the season, NYC Life will continue to bring viewers on colorful dance adventures around the world.

1998

Matt Bloom served as one of two “best men” at his brother’s, Steve Bloom ’03, August 2014 wedding (see Class of 2003 notes). Jessie Vascellaro Lessin founded The Information in 2013 and is its editor-in-chief. Based in San Francisco, the premium news outlet reports in-depth news about the technology industry for professionals. Congratulations to Emi Coughlin Basaran on the birth of her second child. Isabella Basaran joined her parents and big brother Henry on Sept. 6, 2014, weighing in at 6 lbs, 15 oz.

Elizabeth Dyke Barker and her husband, Ford, welcomed their son, Augustus (Fox) Barker, on Sept. 10, 2014. Greg Martino and Lynsey Haggart met at a wedding in Greenwich in 2008 (the bride knew Lynsey; the groom was a friend of Greg’s), and after five years of dating, Greg surprised Lynsey by proposing at the church in Scotland where her parents were married. The couple were married in the summer of 2014 in Darien, with a reception following at the Belle Haven Club in Greenwich. Congratulations to Greg and Lynsey!

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1999

Callie Talbot Castellani was a bridesmaid at her brother’s, Jim Talbot ’92, wedding in Santa Barbara, Calif. (see Class of 1992 notes). Mary Birnbaum and Justin Shane were married on Oct. 5, 2014, at Waveny House in New Canaan. Mary is the associate director of the artist diploma in opera studies at The Julliard School, where she teaches acting for singers. Mary is also a freelance stage director.

Fox Barker, son of Elizabeth Dyke Barker ’98

Taylor Ingraham recently became engaged to Kelly Joyce. A June 2016 wedding is planned in Rhode Island. Katie Stoller Ludwig and her husband, Jeff, welcomed Joshua Robert Ludwig into the world on Oct. 27, 2014. Adoring grandparents are Dave Stoller (33-year Country School faculty/staff) and Sue Stoller.

2000

Jeremy Bloom shared the distinction of being best man with his brother, Matt Bloom ’98, at the wedding of Steve Bloom ’03 (see Class of 2003 notes).

Lynsey Haggart and Greg Martino ’98 (CREDIT VICKI + ERIK PHOTOGRAPHY)

Ellen Rowett and Phillip Blair were married on the island of St. John on Jan. 31, 2015. They met in kindergarten in Twee Haffner’s class. After graduating from Country School and not seeing each other for nine years, they reconnected in New York City and have been together ever since. Lauren Oakes ’96 in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness in Alaska.

Phillip Blair ’00 and Ellen Rowett ’00

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2001 15th reunion Emily Talbot Malone was a bridesmaid at her brother’s, Jim Talbot ’92, wedding in Santa Barbara, Calif. (see Class of 1992 notes).

Becca Fine Bocchino ’01 with her attendants and Country School classmates Tess Peppers ’01 and Andrea Hippeau Vogel ’01.

The Alumni Office recently heard from Becca Fine Bocchino: “I married Matthew Bocchino on Aug. 31, 2014, at OceanCliff in Newport, R.I. Tess Peppers was a maid of honor, and Andrea Hippeau Vogel was a bridesmaid. Tess’ daughter, Beatrix Bakken, who is my goddaughter, was one of two flower girls.” Rebecca and Matt reside in Brooklyn Heights. Andrea Hippeau Vogel writes in: “Becca (Becca Fine Bocchino) and I have been great friends since NCCS and got married just two weeks apart! I married Dan Vogel on Sept. 13, 2014, at the Wolffer Estate in Sagaponack, N.Y. Emily Mendez-Penate was maid of honor and Becca Fine Bocchino was a bridesmaid.”

2002

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

See Katie Baker in the Class of 1965 notes.

2004

Alexa Reid graduated from Yale University and, after working at MacAndrews & Forbes, is now registrar at the Andrea Rosen Gallery in Manhattan.

2008

The Alumni Office congratulates David Ingraham and Brittney Austin on their engagement. David and Brittney will tie the knot in San Malo, Calif., in September 2015.

2003

2009

Country School teacher Hayley Bloom and Steve Bloom ’03

Colin Woolford ’08 hoisting the 2015 National Championship trophy.

Oliver Bierman-Lytle writes in that “I have recently finished my year as a middle school teaching intern at a community school in Sun Valley, Idaho. I will be running a marine

Andrea Hippeau Vogel ’01 with her attendants and Country School classmates Emily MendezPenate ’01 and Becca Fine Bocchino ’01.

Steve Bloom and Hayley Curtis (a first year NCCS teacher) were married at the Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Riverhead, N.Y., on Aug. 23, 2014. Steve and Hayley both graduated from Connecticut College, where they met. Jeremy Bloom ’00 and Matt Bloom ’98 shared the honor of being best men. Brittany Collins of Hampton Bays, N.Y., was Hayley’s maid of honor. Andrew O’Brien and Jon Spector also joined the celebration.

Congratulations to Colin Woolford and the University of Denver men’s lacrosse team on their 2015 National Championship title. The junior midfielder and the Pioneers defeated the University of Maryland Terps on May 25, 2015, by a score of 10–5.

See Bill Baker in the Class of 1965 notes.

Andrea Hippeau Vogel ’01 and Dan Vogel

biology program in the Caribbean this summer (2014) before beginning my new position as a biology teacher at Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn.”

Christopher King informed the Alumni Office that he walked on to the Princeton University lightweight crew as a freshman, and rowed in the Freshman Varsity boats.

Class Notes

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have “new news” you’d like to share with fellow classmates? Please

James Randon ’09 finishing strong for Yale at the Heptagonal Cross Country Championships.

share your stories in the Bulletin by sending submissions and highresolution photos (with captions) to Nik LaBorne ’10 and Josh Ziac ’86 in the midst of their three-month firefighting course at the Greenwich Fire Training Center.

Jack Lane ’12, Diego Blandon ’12 and William Reid ’12 at their recent graduation from Phillips Academy Andover.

James Randon finished in 16th place (out of 93) at the Heptagonal Cross Country Championships held on Nov. 1, 2014, at Princeton. James placed second for Yale.

2010

Josh Ziac ’86 and Nik LaBorne are both volunteers in the Greenwich Fire Department; Nik with Cos Cob Fire Police and Josh with the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Both alumni have been training in a firefighter course at the Greenwich Fire Training Center.

2011 5th reunion Finishing up her freshman year at Middlebury, Annie Leonard made an impact on the women’s field hockey team—ranked #3 in the National Polls—with 20 points on the season!

2012

The Alumni Office congratulates Jack Lane, Diego Blandon and William Reid on their June 7 graduation from Phillips Academy Andover. In the fall, you’ll find Jack at Harvard University, Diego at Georgetown University and William at Yale University.

alumni@countryschool.net.

Class of 2012 Destinations Ferris Armstrong ��Boston University Christian Arntzen �� University of St. Andrews, Scotland Susanna Baker �� Middlebury College Nicky Balderston �� Hamilton College Lucy Baldwin..................... University of Virginia Dani Beam............................Stanford University Parker Beladino ��University of Denver Alec Bickerstaff ��Trinity College of Dublin, Ireland Diego Blandon..............Georgetown University Christine Campisi..........Washington University Henry Carr....................Millbrook School (2016) George Clark ��Williams College Olivia Consoli �� Trinity College Brianna Cummings.....Virginia Commonwealth University Daniel De Andrade �� Kenyon College George DeLana ��Bates College Jimmy Dolphin......Franklin & Marshall College Will Ford.......................Millbrook School (2016) Elizabeth Foster �� Trinity College Grant Galasso.................Washington University Barclay Gammill...........Berkshire School (2016) Hannah Grow............... University of Richmond Elizabeth Growney ��Deerfield Academy (2016) Kyle Halloran........................Dartmouth College Will Halloran.......................... Colgate University Kyla Johns........................ Quinnipiac University Lexi Kelley...............................Lafayette College Conlon Kiesling ��Lafayette College Clay Kontulis...................... Princeton University Will Landis �� Trinity College Jack Lane............................... Harvard University Andrew Laub..................... University of Virginia John Leasure....................... Bucknell University Mackenzie Lewis ��Elon University Parker Lewis �� Tulane University J.P. Loughran �� Canterbury School (post grad) Catherine Luchars �� Colorado College

Tess MacKenzie ��University of New Hampshire James Maguire ��Undecided Julia Mandel ��Trinity College of Dublin, Ireland Amalia Maric �� Unknown Crosbie Marine.............Georgetown University Henry Marshall ��Choate Rosemary Hall (2016) Sean McEwen �� Dickinson College Abby Melton �� Christopher Newport University Sam Merrill...................Berkshire School (2016) Katherine Norton ��Gap year Amy Orser............................ University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Haley Overlander........ University of Richmond Kevin Pendo....................... Princeton University Anna Phillips..................... University of Virginia Justin Podlesak.....Hobart & William Smith College Dylan Rathbone �� Tulane University William Reid �� Yale University Ashley Rintoul...................Vanderbilt University Nick Rohn...........................University of Denver Brandon Salvatore ��Cornell University Fiona Scanlon-Black �� Hampshire College Jamie Schlim..................... University of Virginia Katelyn Schoenholtz.... Wake Forest University Juli Serrano........................... Colgate University Patrick Shanahan ��Brown University Olivia Silverman ��Connecticut College Maggie Small ��Bowdoin College Justin Swirbul.................. Blair Academy (2016) Isabel Tibbetts............. St. Lawrence University Trent Turner �� Tufts University Tade Waters..................St. Paul’s School (2016) Adele Whitmyer.......Greenwich Academy (2016) Corey Wieczorek.........Berkshire School (2016) Scott Williams........Westminster School (2016) C.J. York...................................... Duke University Sarah Youngman ��Unknown (2016) Charlotte Zonis �� Hamilton College

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Faculty News Kevin and Chantal Angelis welcomed the birth of a son, Miles Angelis, on May 27, 2015. Leah and Ryan Kimmet welcomed a daughter, Posy Barnett Kimmet, on Nov. 10, 2014. Posy Joins older brother Trainor. Leah has accepted the position of Assistant Head of Lower School at Episcopal Academy.

Dana Mallozzi is proud to announce the birth of a grandson, Edward Thatcher Mallozzi. See Spencer Mallozzi ’92 in Class Notes for more information. Tatiana and Carlos Mendoza welcomed a baby girl on May 19, 2015. Valentina Mendoza joins big brother Mateo. Jason and Abigail Manny Newport ’89 welcomed the birth of a son, Robert Tully Newport (Tully), on March 6, 2015.

Mary Kate and Sean Robb, welcomed a son, Samson James Robb, born April 18, 2015. Samson joins older sister Luna. Daryle and Asante Robinson welcomed son Daryle Jayden Robinson on Nov. 15, 2014. Sue and David Stoller are excited to announce the birth of their first grandchild, Joshua Robert Ludwig, on Oct. 27, 2014. Josh is the son of Jeff and Katie Stoller Ludwig ’99.

Miles Angelis

Valentina Mendoza

Rob Faugno and Maria Sette ’92 welcomed the birth of Christopher Teodoro Faugno on July 15. He joins big brother, Michael.

Trainor and Posy Kimmet

Samson James Robb, son of Sean and Mary Kate Robb, with sister Luna

Faculty members and alums Josh Ziac ’86 and Barbara van der Keift Latimer ’85 joined their daughters Catherine Ziac and Sloane Latimer on the seventh Grade Long Island Sound field trip.

Thank you for all the help I have received from the Country School

community when I broke my hip this winter. The sweet notes from children, the beautiful pink roses with little birds on the stems, the delicious dinners Tully Newport with his big sisters Maggie and Riley

delivered by moms and dads and children made me so appreciative.

My bird feeders filled, my walks shoveled, salt delivered for the ice,

and Yak-Trax for my boots to help me walk in all the snow we had this winter. Also so many good books given and a new banister for my stairs.

I believe deep in my heart that all the care and love helped me heal. It is such a caring community here at NCCS and I am truly grateful. Thank you,

Katie Stoller Ludwig ’99 and Josh

Daryle Jayden Robinson

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

Twee Haffner

In Memoriam Alumni Barbara Van Ness Whittemore ’36, passed away Feb. 15, 2014, at Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt. She was 94. She and her husband of 55 years, Richard F.W. Whittemore (deceased, 1998), were among its founding residents. A graduate of the Madeira School (Greenway, Va.) and Garland College (Boston, Mass.), Barbara pursued a life of adventure. As a teen, she dreamed of swimming the English Channel, traveled west to enjoy dude-ranch culture, and danced in the headlights of friends’ roadsters. In adulthood, she graciously prepared meals, and stimulating conversation around her table revealed an appreciation of international cuisine, diverse opinions and belief in “an educated palate.” Barbara was profoundly affected by two wars (World War II and Korea) in which her husband served with the 10th Mountain Division and the Canadian-American First Special Service Force. She and Richard once wrote, “Medals should have been awarded to women who stood alone twice!” As a “faculty wife” at Western Washington State College (1957–1962), she designed a home modeled on her research on early 19th-century American colonial design. At Teachers College, Columbia University (1962–1979), she coordinated the TC Faculty Gift Shop, raising scholarship aid money for students. She also served as director of volunteers for Planned Parenthood-World Population of New York. From 1973 to 1975, the TC primary/ secondary education textbook-project took the couple to Afghanistan, where she supported women’s educational and health care initiatives. Throughout her life, she

persisted in an avid love of painting and theater, studying at the Lyme Art Academy under Deane Keller in Connecticut. She served on the interior design committee during Wake Robin’s inception, advocating the distinctive Adirondack style in the community’s shared spaces. Her advocacy of diversity, in thought, art and culture, and her unflagging commitment to others’ needs continue to inspire her three children: Sewall of Provincetown, Mass., Robert D. of New Milford, Conn., and Thomas C. of Seattle, Wash.; her two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth A. Beverly and Michele A. Broderick; two grandchildren, Lucy Miranda and Vanessa Kai; and a greatgrandson, Quentin Frazer Lobenstine. Those wishing to express sympathy are invited to join Barbara in her support of the Burnham Memorial Library or the Colchester Historical Society, both of Colchester, Vt.

Cornelia (Neder) Prouty McMurray Brooks ’40 of Charlottesville, Va., passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 13, 2014, at the age of 88. Neder was the beloved wife of Col. James H. Brooks, U.S. Army (retired), who predeceased her on Dec. 30, 2007. A resident of Albemarle County, Va., since 1978, Neder was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 24, 1925, the oldest daughter of the late Emily and Don McMurray. Neder spent her youth mostly in New York City with her mother,

stepfather, Malcolm A. Sedgwick, and her sister, Emily Mead, before moving to New Canaan. She and her sister spent many summers traveling to Lake Okoboji, Iowa, to visit their father and Iowa cousins with whom they remained close all their lives. Neder attended Abbott Academy in Andover, Mass. From there she went to Wellesley where she majored in chemistry for three years before deciding on a career change to interior design. She left Wellesley to pursue her passion for art and interior design and graduated from the Parsons School of Design. Neder and Jim were married in 1948, and lived in Manhattan, where she had two children, Emily and Candler. In the city she practiced interior design, working with several established clients, and after moving to New Canaan, broadened her passion to include gardening. All who knew her admired her for her impeccable taste. She was also an avid tennis player, jigsaw puzzler, bridge player and stalwart Republican. In 1978, after Jim Brooks retired from JP Morgan, they moved to Virginia, first to a farm in Earlysville, and later to Charlottesville. Over the years, she and her husband enjoyed standby travel on military and commercial flights to Europe and the Caribbean. Neder was beloved by all, especially her six grandchildren, who knew her for her optimistic disposition, her kindness and her wonderful sense of humor. Neder is survived by her sister, Emily (Amie) McMurray Mead ’41 of Etna, N.H.; two children, Emily Brooks Trier of Cleveland, Ohio, and Candler Prouty Brooks of Reston, Va.; six grandchildren, Malcolm Trier, Daniel Trier and Cornelia Brown of Cleveland,

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Ohio, Dr. Henry Trier of Pittsburgh, Pa., James H. Brooks of Arlington, Va., and Sgt. John C. Brooks, United States Army, of Fort Campbell, Ky., and two great-grandchildren, William Brown and Max Trier.

Helen Tison Hilton ’44 passed away on Feb. 14, 2014. She is survived by her brother Paul Hilton ’48 and sister Mary Tison Wheller ’54.

Norman Peterson Jr. ’46 passed away Aug. 28, 2014, after a long illness. He was 82. At the time of his death, he resided in Landrum, S.C. Born Nov. 13, 1931 to E. Norman Peterson and Helen C. Peterson of New Rochelle, N.Y., he graduated in 1949 from Millbrook School in Millbrook, N.Y. and in 1953 from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt. Norman served his country as a naval aviator for four years. He completed a study in investment banking in 1964 at the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. He was a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club, Asheville, N.C.; The Cliffs Valley Country Club, Travelers Rest, S.C.; The Kittansett Club, Marion, Mass.; and the Duxbury Yacht Club, Duxbury, Mass. as Commodore in 1989–1990. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Perdun Peterson; sons Michael H. Peterson and Christian Norman Peterson, and daughters Karen Peterson Symons and Brenda Peterson Shotts. In addition, he is survived by his sister Joyce Peterson Thurmer ’45 of Boulder, Colo., and eight grandchildren.

Gerard Smith ’48 passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2015, in Scarborough, Maine, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 81. He was born in New Canaan on March 31, 1933, the oldest of six sons born to Alice and Gerard Smith. Gerry married his wife, Patricia Mohun, in 1955, and they remained happily married for nearly 60 years. They began their married life in New Canaan, where they had six children. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked as a Wall Street stockbroker. In 1972, they moved to Goshen, Conn., where he opened the Trail, a hunting and

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

fishing store that allowed him to embrace his passion for the outdoors. Following his time as a small business owner, he followed another dream, purchasing land in Cornwall, Conn., where he turned to raising sheep. Gerry and Pat generously opened their home, first to Javier Rivera, a participant in the Fresh Air Fund. Javier spent his first summer with the Smiths in 1971, and has been a son and brother ever since. In 1982, the family was forever changed upon the death of Gerry’s beloved brother Stephen, followed closely by the death of Stephen’s widow, Lorna. Gerry and Pat adopted Steve and Lorna’s three children, and raised them as their own. He was a proud, lifelong member of the Marshapaug Club, serving a term as its president. During his time in Goshen and Cornwall, he was an active member and one-time president of the Litchfield Country Club, and served as president of the Connecticut Junior Republic, a residential home for troubled boys. Always active, Gerry volunteered for the Audubon Society and served as a reading tutor for elementary-aged children. He remained a dedicated golfer and a frequent beachcomber. Gerry spent his life with a dog by his side, developing a passion for nature which he shared with his children. He loved hunting, fishing and especially birding—possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of birdcalls, trees, and flowers and plants. He amassed friends wherever he went, enjoying many lifelong friendships. Even in his last months, he charmed staff at both Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. He was a tremendous storyteller, a gentle teacher and a lover of good humor. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his brother, Anthony C. Smith ’49; his children: Susan, Gerry, Catherine, Michael, Geoffrey, Christopher, Sarah, Kristen, and Bryan; his 12 grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; his nephew Sebastian; and his honorary son, Javier.

Deborah Moore Geithner ’53 passed away peacefully at home in Orleans, Mass., on Aug. 12, 2014, after a long journey with pancreatic cancer. Born June 6, 1938, to Charles F. Moore Jr. and Adeline Nichols Moore, Moore graduated Smith College 1960. Pianist, teacher, force of nature, she loved Chopin, performed for her friends at Weil Recital Hall, New York, and founded and played with the Cove Chamber

Players of Cape Cod. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Peter Franz Geithner, who spent much of his career at the Ford Foundation and with whom she lived in Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand and China. She is also survived by her siblings, Jonathan Moore, Lydia Moore DuPertuis, Benjamin Moore; her son Timothy and his wife Carole; her daughter Sarah and her husband Andrew, her son Jonathan and his wife Debora; her son David and his wife Christine; and her grandchildren, Elise, Benjamin, Kaiya, Lincoln, Peter, Clare, Caroline, Piya and Malee. Donations may be made to Broad Reach Hospice & Palliative Care, the Lower Cape Outreach Council, or any other cause that reminds you of Deborah.

Peter Louis Truebner ’56 passed away Jan. 23, 2015, after a valiant struggle with cancer. He was 73 years old. He had resided at the time of his death in Darien, Conn. Peter was born on May 29, 1941, in New York City, to Louis Harold Truebner and Elise Nieschlag Truebner, and was raised in Stamford, Conn. Peter earned his bachelor’s in Arts at Yale University in 1964, his Juris Doctor at the University of Michigan in 1967 and his Master of Law from Georgetown University in 1969. He also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Peter served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1969 to 1974 before returning to Connecticut where he would practice law for the next 40 years. As a litigator, he represented his clients in the federal, state and local courts. His practice was primarily criminal defense, civil litigation and family law. He was a member of the bar association in Connecticut and the District of Columbia, as well as the Federal Bar Council and Connecticut Association of Trial Lawyers. His commitment to the Darien community played an important part of his life. From 1994 to 2009, he served as a commissioner for the Darien Police Department. Peter also served as chairman of the Darien Housing Authority, the local Red Cross Chapter, and was an active member of the Republican Town Committee. Peter was a lifelong sportsman, a history highlighted by his role on the nationally ranked, undefeated Yale football team of 1960. One of his great

In Memoriam

passions was paddle tennis. He played both tennis and paddle tennis for Middlesex Club, and was also a member at the Silvermine Golf Club. Peter is survived by his wife, Jan Wright Truebner; their son Steve Truebner, his wife Emily and children Clara, Teddy and Tim, of Kansas City, Mo.; his daughter Blair Truebner Gorman, her husband Chris and daughter Piper, of Rowayton, Conn.; sisters Wendy Truebner Knapp ’54 of North Haven and Elise Truebner Henning ’58 of Darien; and devoted nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Obie HarringtonHowes Foundation, Darien EMS-Post 53, or A Better Chance in Darien.

Henry (Harry) Loomis ’58 passed away on May 11, 2015 at his home in East Haven, Conn. He was 72 years old. Prior to his retirement, he had worked at the Hagaman Memorial Library in East Haven for many years. He is survived by his sister, Wendy Loomis Grew ’56 and his brother, Ken Loomis ’63.

George B. Post Jr. ’65 died peacefully on Feb. 27, 2015, surrounded by his family in Beaufort, S.C. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of George and Linda Post; grew up in Darien, Conn., and was educated at St. Marks School and at Harvard College. He moved with his wife, Sally, to Beaufort in 1989. In 2004, Post was appointed by the Beaufort City Council to the Housing Authority Board, where from 2005 to his retirement in 2013 he served as chairman. He also served as chairman of the city’s Historic Review Board, then known as the Board of Architectural Review, from 1998 to 2002. Post served on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals as its chairman. For the past 22 years, Post has been a general certified residential and commercial real estate appraiser for Bundy Appraisal and Management. An avid sailor, he was a Commodore of the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. A gifted performer, he was a regular in Beaufort Performing Arts performances. Prior to his arrival in Beaufort, Post played keyboards and was the lead singer for the rock band, The Nude Ants, that performed regularly at CBGB, The Peppermint Lounge and other clubs on New York’s trend-setting Lower East Side as well as Studio 54 and Trax uptown. The Nude Ants won numerous awards for their music videos, including for “Lady Light”

that was written and performed by Post. He is survived by his wife, Sally, and their sons, Ben and James; his father, George B. Post; siblings Dinah Post ’63, Topsy Post ’66, Christopher (Chris) Post ’68, Joel Post ’81 and nieces Samar Jamali ’95 and Alexandra Jamali ’00. The family asks that memorial gifts be made to the First Presbyterian Church Music Fund in Beaufort, S.C., or the Islesboro Island Trust, 376 West Bay Road in Islesboro, Maine.

Catherine (Cady) Ivison Payne ’72 passed away at home on Oct. 31, 2014, surrounded by family and friends after a long, valiant battle with cancer. She was 57. She is remembered for her devotion to friends, family and church; her passion for the care of children; her loving nurturing of her mother’s waning years and her wild sense of humor. Catherine attended New Canaan Country School, Miss Porter’s School and Sarah Lawrence College before moving to Atlanta, Ga. Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Jerry O. Payne, and is survived by her devoted daughter, Annalee Rose Ivison Payne. Catherine is also survived by her siblings Nancy (Rebecca) Morton Myers ’63, Alice Morton Hutchinson ’69, Doug Ivison ’74 as well as her loving nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made for Catherine’s daughter to St. John the Wonderworker Church, 543 Cherokee Ave., SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (memo line: Annalee Payne).

William (Bill) A. Ryan Jr. MD ’72 of Baltimore, Md., passed away on May 30, 2015. He was 57 years old. Bill was born and raised in Stamford and New Canaan, Conn. He was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy (’75), and a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College (Biology ’79). Bill received his MD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1983. His early career as a physicianscientist was transformed over time by his interest in the fields of biotechnology and financial analysis. Bill earned a Master of Science in Finance from the Johns Hopkins University in 2009, and earned the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) certificate in 2009 from the CFA Institute. At the time of his death, he was leading a small startup company that shows great promise.

According to family, Bill’s life was marked by a dedication to scholarship and academic achievement. He loved his family, his friends, and leisure pursuits where he could engage the natural world. He will be remembered for his courage and his generosity. He is survived by his mother, Lynne Ryan, of Timonium Md., and by his sister, Nancy Ryan Lowitt MD ’70.

Van Richards ’73 passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 31, 2015. He was 57. At the time of his death, he resided in Riverton, N.J. Richards was a graduate of South Kent School in Connecticut and Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. He taught elementary students in several schools including United Day School (Laredo, Texas), Moorestown Friends (N.J.), Chapin School (N.J.) and St. Peter’s (Philadelphia, Pa.). Most recently, he worked at the Quaker School of Horsham (Pa.), where he was the director of development, wrote grants and was in charge of alumni relations. He also organized fundraising and public relations. He is survived by his partner, Brit Brennan, of Riverton. He is also survived by his mother, Jan Richards, of Stamford, Conn., and siblings Peter Richards ’60 of Vinalhaven, Maine, Ginny Richards Perrakis, ’65 Brookfield, Conn., Alden Richards, ’69 Brookline, Mass., and Chris Richards ’77 of Ft. Collins, Colo., plus 11 nieces, including Adelaide (Addie) Richards ’90, and nephews to whom he was a caring and devoted uncle. Van loved fires, clearing brush, cats and slapstick comedy. He was the go-to person concerning DVD players, cable connections, programming appliances and troubleshooting chainsaws. He lovingly cared for a 1946 A Model Farmall tractor. Wherever he lived, he made friends and was known for his generosity of time, humor, money and effort. He was a talented Tex-Mex chef and most recently discovered cairns and built several dozen of the stone structures for love and (sometimes) money. He was vitally interested in the Taylor Wildlife Preserve, which lay next to his residence in Riverton, N.J. He wrote about it, cleared clogged water courses, and made his rounds frequently, trash-picking, noting everything and delighting in the wonders of nature.

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Former Faculty/Staff Barbara (Bar) Bensen, wife of former faculty member Ben Bensen, passed away on Feb. 9, 2015. She was 94. At the time of her death, she lived in Damariscotta, Maine. She is survived by Garrett (Gary) Bensen ’63 and wife Rosie of Newcastle; Richard (Dick) Bensen ’66 and wife Pam of Deerfield, Mass.; Alison Bensen Terreaux ’67 and husband Philippe of Virieu, France, and Thomas (Tom) Bensen ’72 and wife Susan of Missoula, Mont.

Nelson R. Jesup, husband of former faculty member Gay Jesup, of Dorset, Vt., passed away on Jan. 1, 2014, after several years of declining health. He was 89. Nelson worked as an investment banker at Clark, Dodge and Company in New York until he retired. In retirement, Nelson volunteered his time to the town of New Canaan, first on the Finance Committee and then 10 very rewarding years as a police commissioner. In 1998, they moved to Dorset, where he served on the Planning Commission. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Keiron (Gay) Lynch Jesup; and their children, Sally Jesup Rue ’67 and husband Frank of Juneau, Alaska; Betsy Jesup Devlin ’69 of New Canaan; Jon Jesup ’71 and his wife Mary Chamberlin of Putney, Vt.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Robert G. Riedeman of Ocala, Fla., passed away on June 12, 2014, at the age of 84. Born in Toledo, Ohio, on May 13, 1930, Bob spent his childhood years in Massachusetts and attended Wellesley High School in Wellesley Mass., Class of 1948. He married his first wife, Patricia Washburn, also of Wellesley, and attended the University of New Hampshire, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952, and master’s degree in Botany in 1954. After graduate school, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He began his teaching career at Tilton School, Tilton, N.H. in 1956. He then moved his family to New Canaan, in 1961 where he taught science, and was head of the science department at the Country School. In 1970, he took a position teaching biology and ecology at Kent School in Kent, Conn., and became head of the science department there. In his retirement years, he lived in Vassalboro, Maine, where he and his second wife, also named Patricia, ran the bed and breakfast Independence Farm. He spent many hours tending to his organic vegetable

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

garden and loved to share the fruits of his labor with family and friends, and especially enjoyed cooking delicious meals for them. In addition, to the delight of his grandchildren, they had a menagerie of llamas, goats, chickens, geese, cats and dogs. Eventually leaving the cold winters of Maine and moving to the retirement community On Top of the World in Ocala, Fla., he became an active member of the native plant club, and very much enjoyed his years spent there. He loved beautifying the community, planting many native species and even rescuing endangered gopher tortoises, when their environment was threatened by development. Bob was an ardent lover of nature and wildlife, a bird watcher, a dog lover, an organic vegetable gardener. He loved the Red Sox and Garrison Keillor. He shared his passion and respect for the environment with his children, grandchildren, and the many students he taught. Bob is survived by his daughter Karen Riedeman Burdette ’69 of West Lebanon, N.H., his daughter Sue Riedeman ’70 and husband Charles Solomon of Middletown, Conn., his son Jon Riedeman ’73 and Madeline Falk of Norfolk, Conn., his grandchildren, Elizabeth Burdette, Jeremy Burdette and wife Alexandra, Charles (Alex) Solomon, and great-grandson Dominic Burdette. He is also survived by his sister Peggy Elkins of Tewksbury, Mass., brother Richard Nelson and wife Bonnie Nelson of Mansfield, Mass., and their families, and also his step-children Kelly Parente, Kevin McCort, Rick Seng, Bill Seng, and their families, and his ex-wife Pat Riedeman of Ocala, who remained his close friend, and of course, his devoted dog, Pixie. In honor of his love for the environment, teaching, and folk music, donations in his memory can be sent to: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY 12508.

Marilyn Ballou Starr passed away on July 11, 2014, in her Green Avenue, Conn., home. She was 75 years old. Born in Berkeley, Calif., on Nov. 15, 1938, Marilyn attended Piedmont High School and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California’s Davis campus, where

she majored in art and French. After completing an alternative accreditation program at the University of California, Berkeley, she taught French and English at three high schools in Northern and Southern California. While teaching she completed her master’s degree in 1969 at the French School at Middlebury College. In 1962, she married John Bryan Starr, whom she had known since childhood. The two spent their honeymoon in the deep February snows of Yosemite Valley. After some adventures in Southeast Asia, and having two daughters, the couple relocated to New Canaan in 1978, where Marilyn became a member of the Country School faculty. She taught French for the following 25 years, serving during her last five years as head of the foreign languages department. Marilyn shared with everyone whom she met her passion for all things French—its art, its culture, its literature and its cuisine. Family meals, which often brought friends and neighbors to the table, were convivial, delicious and filled with laughter and conversation. When she was not preparing elaborate meals, Marilyn visited art galleries, researched French social history and filled the house with opera music. Inspired by her passion, many of her students went on to make France a part of their lives and their careers. She retired from Country School in 2004. Following her retirement, she returned to her love of art and resumed water-coloring. Rural landscapes and still-life tableaus of flowers from her garden were her favorite subjects. She also served as an active volunteer at the New Canaan Library and in the Conversation Partners program at Norwalk Community College. She is survived by her husband, her daughters Lynne Starr Ringer and Katherine Anne Salomon, her sons-inlaw Gordon Ringer and Rafael Salomon, and her grandchildren, Christopher and Caroline Ringer. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Horizons Summer Enrichment Program at the New Canaan Country School, horizonskids.org.

Marion Troy passed away at home in Orange, Conn., on May 24, 2105. She was 85. She was predeceased by her husband, Augustine “Gus” C. Troy in 1995. Marion was a longtime Stamford resident until moving

In Memoriam

to Orange in 2012 to live with her daughter, Loretta. She was a 1948 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and a dedicated member of the Country School staff for 16 years. At her retirement in January 2002, it was said that “the school community quickly became accustomed to Marion’s selfless dedication, business acumen and lively sense of humor.” She was always cheerful, had a nice word for everyone, and made friends easily and everywhere. According to family, Marion and Gus loved life and hosted many Fourth of July, St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve parties that always included singing around the piano. She celebrated life right up until the end, when she injured herself dancing at a St. Patrick’s Day party. She never fully recovered, and her Alzheimer’s disease progressed quickly from that point on. She is survived by her children Patrick Troy, Mary Ellen Troy, Brian Troy, Loretta Pirc and Ginger Troy; and grandchildren Christopher Pirc (Emily), Brian Troy (Sofia), Cameron Pierce (Blair), Jennifer Troy and Carolyn Pirc.

Frances (Francie) Vietmeyer, 72, passed away on June 14, 2015, in the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick in Bolivia, N.C. She had most recently resided in Southport, but prior to that had been a 40-year resident of Rowayton, Conn. She is survived by her sons Scott Hermance ’84 and Geoff Hermance ’86. Francie was predeceased by her husband, Phil, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on April 25, 2015, six weeks earlier. Francie began her elementary school teaching career in Greenwich, Conn., and came to Country School where she taught Middle School, Upper School English and worked in English and Support Services until her retirement in 2004. It was noted in remarks made at her retirement that she, along with Bruce Lemoine, founded the Medieval Faire, which continues to this day as a fifth grade spring ritual. The family asks that donations in her memory be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice (of North Carolina), the American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our extended school community: Ellie Auchincloss Parent of Emily Lewis Agraz ’86, George Lewis ’89 and Catherine (Kate) Lewis Silvi ’85 Barbara Brunger Grandparent to Alice Hudson ’13, Lucy Hudson ’15 and James Hudson ’17 Matthew Forelli Parent of Peter Forelli ’82 and Briggs Forelli ’79 Marija (Mia) Marinovich Hay Parent of Stephen (Taylor) Hay ’68 and Cindy Hay Hardzog ’70

Jane Hutcheson Parent of Neale Hutcheson ’70

and grandparent of Janse Schoonmaker ’18 and Ella Schoonmaker ’19

Regina (Reggie) Schirmer Parent to David Schirmer ’65 and Katherine Schirmer Cochrane ’64 (deceased) and grandparent to David (Austin) Schirmer ’97, Alexander (Alex) Schirmer ’04 and Victoria (Tori) Schirmer ’07

Richard Steinberg Parent of Jane Steinberg ’79 and David Steinberg ’81 Stuart B. Upson Parent to Stuart Upson Jr. ’72 and grandparent to Mara Upson ’06 and Emily Upson ’10

Samuel V. Schoonmaker III Parent of Samuel (Sam) Schoonmaker ’83 (current parent) and Frederick (Eric) Schoonmaker ’93

Former Trustees George Moore of New Canaan, Conn.,

V. Henry (Hank) O’Neill former

and Sugar Hill, N.H., passed away June 5, 2015, after a four-year battle with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. He was 75. George worked as a private wealth investment manager with Merrill Lynch in the New Canaan office until his retirement in the spring of this year. He was honored for 50 years of service in 2014. George served as a Country School trustee from 1978 until 1986. In addition, he was actively involved in numerous charitable activities, serving on the board of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, as president of the New Canaan Chapter of the American Red Cross, as president of the Lockwood-Mathews Museum in Norwalk, Conn., and as trustee, president and chairman emeritus of The Hispanic Society of America Museum in New York. George is survived by his wife, Katharine Lipson Moore; son, George Moore ’83 of New York; daughter, Tanya Moore Jessop ’86 of New Canaan; five grandchildren, Carter, George and Schuyler Moore, and Katherine ’18 and Cooper Jessop.

member of the Country School Board of Trustees (1969–1972), passed away on May 3, 2014. At the time of his death, he was a resident of New Canaan, Conn. He was 89 years old. Hank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor; his children Victoria (Vicki) O’Neill ’68, Elizabeth (Lisa) O’Neill Wright ’69, Sarah O’Neill ’72, and Quinn O’Neill ’75; his sons-in-law, Tom Kelly, Bob Wright and Barry Munger; his daughter-inlaw, Romanie Rout; and his grandchildren, Eleanor and Margaret Wright, Nan and Hal Munger, and Liam and Val O’Neill.

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A LOOK BACK

Of Centennials by Mark Macrides

ecently, former teacher Topsy Post ’66 and I took a trip up to Bedford, Massachusetts, to visit Nanny Howland just prior to her 100th birthday. Ms. Howland was hired in 1959 by Henry Welles to assist in the Lower School Library. Later, she served as Director of Admissions, touring prospective families around the campus and convincing them that Country School was indeed the best place to send their children. The main purpose of our trip was to interview Ms. Howland as we begin to gather material in preparation for the school’s 100th birthday next year. What we came away with were some wonderful moments in time: Nanny escorting Miss Cline’s first grade down the fire escape on the east end of the Main Building after a visit to the Lower School Library, her memory of the special hat that Topsy’s younger daughter was always wearing when Ms. Howland would stop in to read stories to the Lower School children, and dropping prospective parents off at George Stevens’ office after she had finished her tour with them. These moments helped shape her Country School experience. After we returned to New Canaan, I began to ponder the meaning of these

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN // Summer 2015

two centennials: one about a woman who had given so much of her life and spirit to New Canaan Country School, and the other about a school that had so richly impacted the lives of countless individuals. Centennials, I decided, are collections of moments in time that have piled up neatly over the years to become, when embraced as a whole, worthy of great reflection and celebration. As Ms. Howland’s family and friends prepared for her centennial celebration, I could only imagine the wonderful and powerful moments they would choose for reflection. I wondered what all of us at Country School would choose to reflect upon during our centennial celebration. Our moments in time span decades, constituents, locations, curricula, philosophies and mind-sets. As we dig deeper into the archives, interview alumni and pay closer attention to every activity on campus, we are uncovering daily, wonderful moments in time that are indeed piling up neatly—the Class of 1965’s recollections of the Hiroshima women who visited the campus in 1957; the football from the 1985 JV team’s

undefeated season, signed by all the players; and the stone wall on the west side of campus carefully being restored by Peter O’Neill and the Class of 2015. These memories, objects and experiences, combined with an infinite number of others, equally relevant, will provide the moments in time that will shape our centennial in the coming year. “Moments” that belong to all of us, whether it be Kip Farrell from the Class of 1947, recently back to assist with identifying photographs in the archives, or Sue Friborg, the senior member of the faculty retiring after 37 years of teaching and coaching, or Brenda Friedman, completing her first year as an administrative assistant in Placement and Middle School. All of us, no matter how long or short our Country School experience, have moments to offer that are worthy of great reflection and celebration. As we stand on the precipice of our 100th year, we ask you to ponder your own special moments and consider sharing them. Only together, will we create a centennial that will appropriately honor all that was, is and will be New Canaan Country School.

Invest in Country School’s Future Planned gifts are a significant resource for Country School and make extraordinary opportunities possible for students. Bequests and beneficiary designations are often the gifts with the greatest impact, and they can be the easiest way to give. A thoughtful gift and estate plan can help address personal financialplanning needs and allow you to maintain control of your assets while providing Country School with important long-term support. Explore the many ways you can achieve your financial goals and maximize your philanthropic goals through effective gift planning. Please let us know if your plans already include a gift to NCCS and we will welcome you into The Welles Society.

Henry H. Welles Named for Country School’s first Headmaster, Henry H. Welles, the Board of Trustees established The Welles Society in 1996 to recognize those who choose to support Country School through planned gifts. As Country School approaches its centennial, many alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and current and former faculty are joining The Welles Society. Members will be honored guests at upcoming school events and receive periodic information, as a courtesy, about charitable planning or tax and estate law changes. Country School honors all donor requests for anonymity. To join The Welles Society or ask a question about estate planning, please contact Terry Gumz, Director of Advancement, at tgumz@countryschool.net or (203) 801-5633. We are deeply grateful to all members of The Welles Society for their gracious and generous support to help ensure that the quality of the Country School experience will continue for generations to come.

The Welles Society Members

Anonymous ’46 Anonymous P ’83, ’76 Robert R. Barker* P ’73, ’66, ’62, ’60, ’58, GP ’08 Pauletta and Ralph Beaty GP ’14, ’16 C. Daniel Bergfeld ’58 Karen Brody P ’99 Loocie Brown ’74 Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Margaret Childs P ’85, ’83, ’76, ’75, ’73, ’73, ’72 Judith Bricken Flanagan ’63 Timothy Gilbert* ’56 Jack D. Gunther Jr. ’56 Heather Winters and Cary Holcomb P ’10 Robert Hubby ’54 Lorna Layton Kellogg ’83 Sarah Storm Lockee ’55 Charles T. Lusk ’56 S. Brinton Luther ’76

Mrs. Walter Mansfield* P ’64, ’63, ’59, ’58, GP ’97 Robert McKay ’81 Sandy Carr Motland ’58 Katie and Kenneth F. Mountcastle P ’78, ’75, ’71, ’69 Jonathan O’Herron* P ’80, GP ’15, ’15, ’13, ’09, ’08, ’07, ’06, ’05, ’03, ’03, ’02 Joanna Pennypacker* ’45 Jane Pollock* P ’63 Joel S. Post ’81 Linda* and George Post P ’81, ’68, ’66, ’65, ’63, GP ’00, ’95 Heidi and Douglas Riggs P ’02 Patsy Rogers ’52 Kathy and Peter Sachs ’54, P ’03, ’99, ’97 Christopher Smith* ’57 John W. Stokes* P ’87, ’82, ’81 Steven Tower ’65 Katharine Wadsworth Wilson ’43 Dart Winship ’42 Sarah Mleczko Woolworth ’73

Current Faculty and Staff Holly and Bruce Lemoine P ’08, ’06, ’05 Peggy and Peter O’Neill Former Faculty and Staff Albert “Ben” V. Bensen* P ’72, ’67, ’66, ’63 Jean Caldwell* David Crandall ’77, P ’09, ’08 Ann Martin DiLeone P ’78, ’74, ’72 Anneliese and Berni Gastrich Elizabeth Hulme Sue and Guthrie* Speers P ’77, ’75, ’73, ’72 Marilyn Starr* Pat and Hudson Stoddard P ’75, ’72, ’71, GP ’06, ’03 Sarah and Nicholas Thacher P ’88, ’85

* (deceased), P’ (parent class of) GP’ (grandparent of alumni class of) ’ (alumni class of)

We did it!

Thank you for your generosity & commitment to New Canaan Country School in 2014–2015.

www.countryschool.net/giving

635 Frogtown Road New Canaan, CT 06840

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