Rippowam Cisqua School Bulletin Spring 2023

RIPPOWAM CISQUA SCHOOL

Bulletin

Rippowam Cisqua School Bulletin is published by the Advancement Office

Karin Smith, Director of Communications & Bulletin Editor

Caroline Vincent Mockridge ’81, Director of Special Projects

Daphne Viders, Director of Development

Melissa Mirkin, Associate Director of Advancement

Simone Azima ’22, Advancement Office Summer Intern

Credits

Design: Good Design, Deep River, Connecticut

Photography: Claire Fackler, CINMS, NOAA; Minush Krasniqi; Lila Nachbar ’23; Rhonda Spevak

Printing: J.S. McCarthy, Augusta, Maine

Board of Trustees

Abby Gerry, Chair

Ben Harris, Vice Chair

Rich C. Mugler III, Secretary

Charlene Sy Ryan, Treasurer

Sonja Bartlett

Christina Bresani

Micki Buchanan

Oliver Bushnell

Jonathan Childs

Kelly Coles

Nancy Dwyer Eaves ’92

James Fayed

David Gordon

Page Vincent Gosnell ’79

Harry Grand ’93, RCSAA Chair

Amy Harsch

Jennifer Buntman Indig

D. Bryce O’Brien

Will Reeve ’07

Daniel van Starrenburg

Jordan Vogel

Ex Officio

Colm MacMahon, Head of School

David Brown, Director of Finance

Julie Cooper, Parents Association Chair

Daphne Viders, Director of Development

RIPPOWAM CISQUA SCHOOL

Spring 2023

Message From the Head of School

Independent schools are often steeped in rich traditions that enable students of multiple generations to feel connected to those who came before them and those who will come after. From the annual Red/Blue Competition, to Field Day, to the Kindergarten Night Party and the SPK Ocean in Motion performance, Rippowam Cisqua School students, faculty, parents, and alumni have a long history of shared experiences that unite our community.

What I have come to appreciate over the past few years are the ways in which we continue to reenvision our traditions so that they are meaningful, inclusive, and representative of our school and its ethos. As is highlighted in the pages ahead, the student experience at RCS remains joyfully rigorous and increasingly designed to support our school’s mission.

Our representatives in Washington, D.C., could learn from the respectful, serious, and objective ways the members of our new middle school student council generate ideas and execute their plans to enhance the day-to-day lives of those around them. An aspirational bunch, the student council members are developing leadership skills that will allow them to thrive at RCS and and beyond. In the Lower School, our teachers continue to find interdisciplinary ways to approach material and concepts. A great example of this is the recent Industrial Showcase, where fourth grade students confidently performed in the Playhouse, conducted an engineering challenge with their parents in the Innovation Center, and showcased their research and writing skills with their own newspaper articles written in the style of the Industrial Revolution era.

In many ways, RCS remains the family-centered school it has been for over a century. Nowhere is that more evident than in the high number of alumni who return here as parents. This year we have 23 graduates who are now RCS parents,

and next year the number will grow even more. And although the school may look different than it did when they were in class with Mr. Perry or Ms. Zades, in most ways it feels and sounds the same. Laughter is pervasive in the classrooms and hallways, and students continue to strive for academic excellence while gaining confidence on our playing fields, on stage, on the playground, and in many other extracurricular areas.

This generation of Blue and Red team members is arguably our most diverse in thought and perspective, and I am excited to see the ways they shape both the today of our school and its tomorrow. My hope, and expectation, is that a future head of school will one day reflect back on how we have honored the past 105 years of tradition, while embracing the future and positioning ourselves for success in the next century. And while I hope you share my enthusiasm for the years ahead, until then enjoy these stories of what is happening now at our school.

Colm MacMahon Head of School

On the facing page: (top) Field Day in the ’40s; (middle left) the Silent March on Clinton Road led by Red Team Captains Joelle Savino ’00 and Shomari Smith ’00 and Blue Team Captains Jamie MacDonald ’00 and Lily Gumz ’00; and (middle right) the Field Day final score sometime in the ’60s

Kindness Matters

In October, inspired by students in our CAFE (Cultural Awareness for Everyone) Club who were leading the school in a stand against bullying, CAFE Advisor and Upper School DEI Coordinator Marie Peña launched the RCS Community Sticker Contest.

“The contest was an opportunity for students to create symbols of our school’s warm and inviting environment,” Ms. Peña explained. “We had over 85 creative and thoughtful submissions.”

Blind judging of the stickers was conducted by a panel that consisted of DEI Committee members and some of our ninth grade representatives. “Our community encourages relationships that are free from bias, criticism, and judgment,” Ms. Peña continued. “We embrace diversity and inclusivity, and support our members in their development to be their authentic selves.”

In January, Ms. Peña and students from CAFE led a thoughtful (and ambitious!) assembly. They invited students from Kindergarten through ninth grade to gather together in Wade’s

Gym, younger students sitting with their older partners, to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., work on a Kindness and Respect chain project, and finally, to find out the winners of the school’s sticker contest.

There was definitely a buzz on campus the day the winners were announced. Faculty and students alike were impressed by the quality of the stickers and the beautiful artwork.

“Some of the older students were in disbelief at the talent that was evident in the works by the Lower School winners!” Ms. Peña said.

Today, stickers are all around campus: on laptops, classroom doors and windows, and bulletin boards. Many students have commented that together, the three stickers accurately represent RCS.

“I think that if the students feel that way, then we are embracing the gifts we all bring to our community far more than we realize. The visual representations serve more as a celebration of what we stand for each day,” said Ms. Peña.

Why was this an important project for Ms. Peña?

“In an inclusive environment, students of all cultural orientations can freely express themselves. They are able to fully participate in learning and in social activities when they feel free from harassment. The submissions, not just the winning stickers, all reinforce how our students feel about our school’s warmth and acceptance,” she said.

Congratulations to (left to right) Poppy Gavigan ’28, Stephanie Gerry ’27, and Josephine Gavigan ’31.

Stephanie Gerry ’27

Poppy Gavigan ’28

Josephine Gavigan ’31

RCS Leads NYSAIS Workshop

Facilitating a Successful Assistant Teacher Program

By Emily Hyland, Director of Professional Development and Growth

The saying often goes that “you have to start somewhere,” and at RCS, we believe that if you are a talented and eager early career teacher, that somewhere should be here. During the 2022-23 school year, our newly appointed program directors, Nora Zahner, Nicole Levy, and Lindsay Zaremba, joined me in a critical review of our Assistant Teacher program. We examined everything from hiring practices to in-house teacher training to ongoing career support. We spoke with area directors, recruiters, and local graduate school programs to identify ways in which our program was thriving as well as how we could

attract top talent to RCS. Our goal is to provide an optimal experience for new teachers during their time here, and in doing so, ensure that every year’s assistant teacher cohort has a positive impact on our students. Finally, we want to ensure that we are paying it forward as a school so that our members go on to positively impact students far and wide in other schools.

After receiving extensive positive feedback both at RCS and from area schools who heard of the revisions to our program, we were eager to share what we had learned. We pitched the

idea to the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and were selected to host a workshop in November 2023.

Speaking to a sold-out audience in the RCS Library and Media Center, we shared insights and tips on what we have improved and revamped in the RCS program while also brainstorming further improvements with participants from top schools around the New York metropolitan area. The relationships formed during this workshop will provide a powerful network in the years to come for both our program and those who attended.

2023 Scholastic Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program began as a local writing contest in 1923 and has grown to become the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the nation. Judges look for work that best exemplifies originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. This year there were 2,247 entries submitted in the Hudson-to-Housatonic region:

390 Honorable Mentions awarded to promising works

234 Silver Keys awarded to distinguished works

148 Gold Keys awarded to the most accomplished works

5 American Voice Nominees selected as the strongest regional works

Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards.

RCS Writing Winners in the Hudson-to-Housatonic Region

Alex Aybar ’24, Honorable Mention, “Cold,” Flash Fiction

Mimi Biondo ’24, Silver Key, “Women’s Fight for Rights,” Journalism

Aubrey Lombardo ’23, Honorable Mention, “Breathe,” Poetry

Blair Sontag ’24, Gold Key, “Growing Up in Atrovirens Green,” Personal Essay & Memoir

RCS Art Winners in the Northeast Region-at-Large

Olivia Bosson ’23, Silver Key, “NYC Subway,” Photography

Olivia Bosson ’23, Honorable Mention, “Rainy Day,” Photography

Victoria Kearney ’24, Honorable Mention, “Untitled,” Photography

Lila Nachbar ’24, Gold Key, “Concrete Jungle,” Photography

Lila Nachbar ’24, Gold Key, “Puddle Reflection,” Photography

Lila Nachbar ’24, Gold Key, “Tavola,” Photography

“Concrete Jungle” by Lila Nachbar ’24

Lila Nachbar ’24

Gold Key Winner, Photography

RCS: How did it feel to win three Gold Keys?

LN: I felt very excited and proud that I won the three Gold Keys. I was also very surprised.

RCS: Who are the photographers you admire and why?

LN: I admire my dad because I really like the photos he takes and his passion for photography.

RCS: How did you get started in photography?

LN: My dad lets me use his camera sometimes and I take a couple photos when I’m at parties or on long walks. I really enjoyed taking photos so I joined the photography elective with my friend, Blair Sontag, and we had the best time.

RCS: Have any of your teachers at Ripp had an impact on your photography?

LN: Yes! Ms. M. [Art Teacher Sara Malekzadeh] has had a huge impact on my photography.

“Tavola” by Lila Nachbar ’24

“Puddle Reflection” by Lila Nachbar ’24

Blair Sontag ’24 Gold Key Winner, Personal Essay & Memoir

Growing Up in Atrovirens Green

My favorite color is one you probably haven’t heard of. It is called Atrovirens. Atrovirens is a dark green, like the color of the sea if it reflected a forest instead of the sky. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful shade of green you could ever imagine, peacock feathers and Christmas tree firs mixed with icebergs and pretty blue eyes. Atrovirens is also a kind of fish called Sebastes atrovirens, a kelp rockfish that is native to California. The Sebastes are ugly fish, with large bulging bug eyes and miry scales. It is funny to me, that such an ugly fish got its name from such a beautiful color. Even though the most hideous things may have the prettiest names, the most beautiful things are within.

Eventually, growing up will show you the different colors of life. Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” Well, life is really like a color wheel. For me, my younger memories are vibrant and yellow. My sadder ones are a deep navy blue and my happiest memories are a sprightly hot pink. The older I got the more my colors lost their vibrancy and reality came crashing in like an eraser. Now when I think of those colors and their beautiful vitality I can’t breathe. I see

too much blue and not enough pink, and my yellow is fading too much after every birthday. There are so many things I just can’t explain about it but my most curious question is, why are there so many colors but not enough words to describe them? Beautiful, beautiful colors but no words in the dictionary can do them justice. Mauve, lapis, amber, cerulean, misty rose, cornflower, periwinkle, mahogany, mint, chartreuse.

Perhaps it was that crash of reality that helped instill in me such a deeper sense of the world. I learned that, even though we are given the world in our hands, my generation is never content with what we have. We are never content with the way we look. We use surgery and money to make our teeth whiter, our bodies slimmer, and our faces higher. And in the midst of all this changing and starving and wishing, we are still not content with what we have. I wonder what our parents must think when we tell them we want to change our nose, the same nose that is distinct to our family and has been passed down for generations. Or, that we hate our eyes, the same eyes that show our culture

and make us unique. Envy may be a dark green but discontent is a deep red, like spilled wine and lipstick on someone else’s collar.

Even though I dream in color life is in black and white. How can something so vibrant look so dull in someone else’s eyes? The most important things may not be pleasing to look at but are fundamental to our lives. Take the Sebastes atrovirens fish for example. This fish is disgusting, to say the least, but it is a vital part of the ocean’s ecosystem. These fish imply coastal ecosystem health and keep the food chains balanced with their eating habits. They have venom in their dorsal fins and it is even said that the Sebastes atrovirens can live up to 100 years. They are so much more than just an “ugly” fish. So you see, outer beauty does not make something inherently beautiful. Their role in life is the most beautiful thing someone can have. The Sebastes atrovirens is also my favorite kind of fish.

I have shared a lot of favorites with you, but let me share one more. My favorite quote is by Confucius. It is “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Though I came to believe you had

to be beautiful to the world around you, colors taught me how to live so beautifully important. I loved growing up in Atrovirens green, there is no other color that could have taught me so much.

RCS: Is there a teacher at Ripp who has helped you the most with your writing?

BS: Yes, Ms. Cav [Humanities Teacher Melissa Cavaliere]! It is my third year with her and she is an absolute help with my writing. Through writing informational essays in Humanities I have been able to hone my skills and turn them toward personal and creative writing.

RCS: What inspired “Growing Up in Atrovirens Green”?

BS: I’m not sure anything particularly inspired this piece of writing; I simply wanted to teach a lesson… Everything

has a purpose, and everything happens for a reason. No matter how unpleasant or upsetting something or an experience is, it contributes to a larger picture. I also wanted to use this piece as a reminder that everything is beautiful and that “beauty” is an abstract concept that is constantly changing. I hope whoever reads this piece takes this to heart.

RCS: How did it feel to win a Gold Key for “Growing Up in Atrovirens Green”?

BS: I was very excited! I hadn’t expected to win anything, I just wanted to write a piece that I was happy with and proud of — so I did. I put a lot of effort into this piece so this win feels very rewarding.

RCS: As such a strong writer, I’m guessing you like to read. Any favorite books?

BS: Reading is one of my favorite

things! Some of my favorite books are Looking for Alaska by John Green, Lovely War by Julie Berry, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes. I also highly recommend the book I’m reading right now, which is The Secret History by Donna Tartt!

RCS: Which authors do you admire?

BS: My favorite author and a woman that I admire so much is Tahereh Mafi. She is only 34 years old and has made an incredible name for herself in the industry. She is most known for her Shatter Me series but her new book, These Infinite Threads, just came out in early February. She is an incredible woman and a great role model for minorities in the publishing industry. I highly recommend everything she has written.

Kelp rockfish (Sebastes atrovirens). Giant spined star (Pisaster giganteus). NOAA’s Sanctuaries Collection Photographer: Claire Fackler, CINMS, NOAA

Student Council: Building Community

Ask Assistant Head of School Erin Callaghan which program she’s most excited about this year, and she’ll probably point to the new student council. Elected by their peers and faculty in December, the council is made up of two representatives each from fifth through eighth grade, plus the ninth grade co-presidents and secretary/treasurer.

The middle school council meets weekly with Ms. Callaghan and faculty advisors to make decisions on school policy, culture, and events, while learning what it means to be an effective leader.

“We needed a place for students to have a voice,” Ms. Callaghan said about resurrecting the student council. “It’s important for middle schoolers to have some control over decision-making.”

The student council reps are taking their role seriously and are eager to effect change. In January, as they looked for new ways to spark connection in classrooms and between grades, they added a Valentine’s Day door decorating contest to the calendar. The elaborate Upper School doors looked fantastic,

The 2022-23 student council members and faculty advisors are (back row, left to right) Mrs. Wrinn, Grade 9 Co-Presidents Connor Gray and Caroline Kelleher, Ms. Callaghan, Grade 8 Reps Blair Sontag and Dean Sontag, Ms. Cavaliere; (front row, left to right) Grade 6 Reps Jamie Hall and Ryan Butkiewicz, Grade 5 Reps Owen Nachbar and Stephanie Gerry, Grade 9 Secretary/Treasurer Aubrey Lombardo, and Grade 7 Rep Sophie Rosen. (Missing from photo, Grade 7 Rep Lily Glynn)

and teachers noticed that the project was great for community building, too.

“This is one of the most engaging things we’ve done as a homeroom all year,” fifth grade teacher Christy Glynn said. “It appealed to every child in our classroom, and the kids contributed in their own ways. We had idea generators who helped with the grand plan, engineers who figured out how to make the candy mechanism work, decorators, lettering experts, and a group who figured out how to add lights! It was a truly collaborative project.”

Another initiative has been addressing food in the Dining Hall. The panini maker is back, and so is the cereal bar, thanks to the student council.

“It’s what kids wanted and we got it done for them,” Grade 6 Rep Ryan Butkiewicz said. “They use the cereal bar every day.”

Having the ninth grade class officers joined by student council reps from each of the Upper School grades has been positive. Together, the group is looking at issues that affect the entire middle school.

“We’re having richer discussions with more students around the table,” Ms. Callaghan offered.

And that opinion is echoed by the students.

“It kind of unites all the grades,” Grade 9 Rep Caroline Kelleher explained. “People from fifth through ninth grade get to have a say. The younger students have different ideas from the ninth graders; they’re really creative.”

When asked if she might pursue leadership roles in secondary school next year after being on the student council, Caroline said, “Yes, definitely. Because it’s a whole different experience being a leader.”

Other peer-elected student leaders are Red/Blue Team Captains (left to right) Catherine Phillips (Red Team), Kiersten van Starrenburg (Red Team), Kate Hallock (Blue Team), and Will Moody (Blue Team).

RippWriters at Young Authors Master Class

By Brooks Eleck, English Chair

In December, two talented RCS writers were chosen to attend the Young Authors Master Class at the Northern Westchester BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in Yorktown, New York. Aubrey Lombardo ’23 and Dean Sontag ’24 spent the day honing a writing piece of their choosing with a professional author to whom they were assigned. Aubrey and Dean’s work was then finalized and is being considered for publication in the online Young Authors Anthology.

One of Aubrey’s big takeaways from the workshop was that writers have

a “big responsibility to get a job done” to send important messages to their readers. Dean said that he was surprised to see how many of the editors and professional writers chosen by BOCES “had a variety of other professions as well as being writers.”

The annual BOCES student writing conference began 36 years ago to encourage and celebrate promising students who have demonstrated an interest and talent in writing. Aubrey and Dean had a meaningful experience at the full-day seminar and will continue to seek new opportunities to develop and enhance their writing skills.

Department Chairs Joining Forces

Earlier this year, the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) reached out to department chairs from its member schools across the region, inviting them to pitch ideas for presentations at the annual NYSAIS Conference for Division Chairs. This conference, designed for new and experienced department chairs, provides a collegial network for supporting the crucial work of this important role. English Department Chair Brooks Eleck and History Department Chair Melissa Cavaliere jumped at the chance and were among a select group chosen to present at the conference.

On January 31, Ms. Eleck and Ms. Cavaliere traveled to Mohonk

Mountain House in the Hudson Valley to share the work they’ve done to create interdisciplinary projects for RCS students. Their presentation focused on how departments can plan more efficiently by utilizing a variety of tools and platforms. Ms. Eleck and Ms. Cavaliere showed fellow educators how they’ve used Google-based apps like Jamboard and Calendar as well as Planbook and The Daily Juice to enhance their curriculum planning and deepen student engagement.

This is just the beginning of this joint force strengthening the student experience and spreading the great work happening within the walls of RCS.

It’s a Small World

Upper School students Harper Newell ’24 and Annabelle Newell ’25 shared a story at the March 10 assembly about Athletics Director Vincent Kwarula (Coach K), a soccer jersey, and a chance meeting in South Africa.

“When my mom was a teenager,” Annabelle began, ”her dad owned an international moving company, in Australia, and he would travel the world meeting with other companies. He and my whole family are huge soccer fans. My grandparents would collect signed jerseys and frame them to hang in their house.”

In 1996, Harper and Annabelle’s grandfather saw a soccer team from Kenya in the Johannesburg, South Africa, airport. He found the person in charge, the team agreed to sign a

jersey, he shook all the players’ hands, and he went home to Australia.

Recently, the Newells’ grandparents visited from Australia — and watched many RCS soccer games. One night, Harper told his grandfather that his coach had played for the Kenya national team in the World Cup. His grandfather remembered meeting the Kenyan team, and told his grandchildren about the jersey he took back to Australia. He wondered if Coach K was part of the team he met in the airport so many years ago.

“When he returned home to Australia,” Annabelle explained, “he checked the framed jersey that had hung on his wall for 26 years. And there it was: Coach K’s signature. This shows just how small the world is. It has been my familiy’s pleasure to hold onto this

jersey for 26 years, but today we’d like to present it to Coach K to enjoy.”

“The Newell jersey situation humbles me as a human being and reminds me how important it is to be polite and mindful of what you do. Never in a million years had it occurred to me that I would end up in the United States. I am still processing the whole jersey thing. Be nice to people — you never know!”

— Vincent Kwarula

Sixth Grade Musical: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Sixth graders impressed us with their performance of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream in November 2022. Working with a modern language adaptation by Dr. Carolyn Harper, their version was set in the Sixties and included everything you’d expect from a Shakespearean comedy: an enchanted forest, mischievous fairies, Elizabethan dialogue, and complicated love.

Truly a community effort, the original music was written by drama teacher Isabel Thornton and Theodore FolliniPress, with lyrics by the students. Ms. Thornton and music teachers Carrie Brandt and Bill Fornara provided the accompaniment, and fifth graders designed and painted the backdrop.

Sixth grader actors described the experience as fun, with friendships

growing as they practiced lines together. And more than a few students discovered a newfound interest in acting.

“Once I got on stage,” Maye Viders said, “I wished I had a much bigger part.”

“It was a big collaboration,” Scout Cooper said when asked what she liked best about the musical. “My other favorite part was just being together.”

Fifth Grade Stage Design

By Fatema Albader, Innovation Coordinator

In September, drama teacher Isabel Thornton shared her vision for a backdrop for the sixth grade play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Since the fifth grade art class collaborates on a yearly art project, I felt that this backdrop would be the ideal opportunity! I discussed this project with my fifth grade art class, and they were enthusiastic about brainstorming and planning. Together, we created a list of things we could incorporate into a magical forest, such as large trees, fairies, birds, neon mushrooms, a phoenix, and a unicorn.

When the backdrop arrived, we were intimidated by the massive 20x10-foot blank cloth staring at us. I thought it would be best to lay it on the floor and divide it into quarters. This allowed students to work on different parts of the backdrop each week. A team of dedicated art students worked on it during snack and recess time, and the rest of the time was spent during our regular weekly art classes. We were in disbelief when we finally finished it!

I think the most rewarding moment of the process was when the stage curtain opened, and the student artists gasped at the sight of the backdrop they had worked so hard on. They were thrilled and so proud to see it hanging on stage. This project had a significant impact on introducing students to the art of stage design. We can’t wait for next year’s art students to collaborate on a stage design project with Ms. Thornton’s drama class!

The Illuminate Benefit Auction for Rippowam Cisqua School on April 23, 2022, was a fun-filled extravaganza set on Meyers Fields, with more than 325 current RCS parents, past parents, faculty, and staff under a neon-lit tent. Designed in partnership with the talented Brett Cameron of La Maison Fête, Co-Chairs Payson Murray, Allyson Pachios, Tim Hall, and David Oliver Cohen seamlessly created a lively, somewhat raucous event featuring musical act Rubix Cube as an exclamation point to the night.

Weaving in items that ranged from children’s artwork and original works by Keith Haring, to local fare and out-of-the-box experiences donated by and for our community, the Illuminate Auction raised a record-breaking $2.2 million. Proceeds from this benefit have fueled the operational budget over two consecutive years to cover professional development, assistant teacher training programs, a new teacher mentoring program, and ongoing community events throughout the year such as curriculum mornings, parent coffees, and Friday Night Lights.

This hallmark event for our school was made possible through the vision and hard work of our extraordinary co-chairs, along with their parent volunteers, and many supporters, who brought Illuminate to life. Illuminate, which highlights the act of making something visible or bright by shining light upon it, was a benefit auction that served as a reminder that when our community relies on the partnership of its devoted volunteers, a tremendous impact can be made here in Bedford.

“The auction experience was a perfect lesson for me. I learned a ton, made new and wonderful friends, and gained insight into what it takes to make this kind of event a success. Most notably, I gained a newfound appreciation for what it means to be part of a school community and respect for how much creativity and hard work is required by our parent committees, faculty, and administration, to pull off such a marvelous endeavor. I feel so lucky to be a part of what would turn out to be a historic night for RCS!”

– Illuminate volunteer Suzanne Kirkpatrick P’27, P’34

Eighth Grade Celebration 2022

The last day of the 2021-22 school year began with our eighth graders gathering in the Trustees’ Gym for a group photo. Stepping down from the risers, still smiling, they walked out the gymnasium door and into the tent to be recognized for their completion of middle school.

“This is absolutely a ceremony of celebration,” Colm MacMahon said as he welcomed students, families, and friends to a special morning to honor RCS eighth graders. ”When I think of this class, the word that most readily comes to mind is impactful.”

“There is significant force behind what you do and how you do it,”

Mr. MacMahon continued. “And the impression you all will leave behind will be meaningful. Academically you are remarkably strong. Across the full

spectrum of classes, students in this grade excel and are held in remarkably high regard by their teachers, some of whom have been doing this for decades. And they consider you amongst the best that they have ever taught. Your class has voracious readers, mature, comprehensive writers, receptive mathematicians, inquisitive scientists, and more.”

Eighth grade Dean Marie Peña’s remarks followed, beginning with a description of what RCS deans do: “We think on our toes, and everything we do is in the best interest of the students and their families. The job of a dean is part emotional, part exhausting, and completely rewarding. Ultimately our goal is to make sure the students are happy, supported, learning from their mistakes, and growing as a result.”

She followed with a poignant, sometimes humorous, and thoughtful tribute to each eighth grade student on the stage.

“I hope that you all feel that you have been seen, heard, and understood,“ she said in closing. “It has been my honor to be a part of your eighth grade year. You have handled all your challenges with humor and grace; your successes have been achieved with pride and humility. We will miss all of you! Be sure to visit.”

After eighth graders Hazel Cameron and Wilson Crowell presented a class gift, each student on the stage received a certificate of completion from Assistant Head of School Erin Callaghan, Mr. MacMahon adjourned the program, and students walked off the stage, into the sunshine, and on to their summer vacations!

Presentation of the Class Gift

Wilson Crowell: Our eighth grade class, in honor of our time at Rippowam Cisqua School, has elected to leave behind a lasting memory on our campus. In the coming weeks, a fruit tree will be planted on the grounds, and marked with a plaque.

Hazel Cameron: The plaque will read, “For the future and the start of something new, given on June 9, 2022, by Rippowam Cisqua School’s eighth grade class. Thank you to our classmates, teachers, and parents, for all you have done to make this such a memorable experience for all of us. We will never forget it.”

G raduation 2022

Surrounded by family, faculty, and friends, RCS ninth graders processed into the tent at 4:00 p.m. on June 8, 2022, for the second celebration of the day to honor one journey ending and another about to begin.

“Not surprisingly I’ve been thinking a good deal about the past year, or more accurately, the past two years, and everything that we have been through together,” Colm MacMahon said in his welcome to the soon-to-be graduates.

“After spending the year teaching this crew, I would be lying if I said I didn’t want you to stay,” he continued. “I’d like you all to be back again next year, bouncing around campus, completing puzzles in the back of the classroom, having conversations with each other in class, driving Ms. Sperling and me crazy, and overall, just being you. But you’re ready to go.”

As he does every year, Mr. MacMahon announced the winner of the annual Red/Blue Competition — the Red Team, by a score of 2,334 to 2,119. He also recognized the grade’s two lifers, students at RCS since JPK, Jackson Cooper and Boden Bubb, and the families for whom this was their last child at RCS.

And as the ninth graders do every year, the Class of 2022 selected a member of the faculty to present them with remarks at Graduation. Ridley Sperling, co-director of the ninth grade program and the 2022 special speaker, said to the students, “Generosity begets abundance, courage begets confidence, and inclusion begets hope. With much gratitude to you, the Class of 2022, I am honored to know you, to care for you, and to have played a small role in the journey of each of your lives. Be good, do good, create change. And thank you for being wonderful.”

After the Capstone citations were given and diplomas were presented, Board Chair Peter Freund ’91 welcomed the graduates (and newest alumni) to the RCS Alumni Association. He also announced that three members of the graduating class had been selected to serve as the Class of 2022 Grade Representatives: Jackson Cooper, Finley Kennedy, and Olivia Port.

“If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that family, friends, and community are what we all need most. So, treasure those relationships,” Mr. MacMahon said in his closing remarks. “This book is nearly finished. And it is time to start a new one. So pick one that is filled with adventure because you deserve it. Congratulations.”

The Power of Belonging

Excerpts from the Class of 2022 Co-Presidents’ Remarks

Ethan Hamlet, Paolo Paskin, and Juliana Zahorjan

JZ: We are so honored to have the opportunity to represent the ninth grade today. In the fall as a ninth grade class we were all scattered and uncertain about ourselves, and what the year would bring. It seems as though Mr. MacMahon manifested this year when he made his debut as ninth grade history teacher by introducing us to the book Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging. At first we thought, what does this book have to do with history, or us? But now we understand how the innate need for, and importance of, belonging played a part in each of our lives.

EH: As the year went on, we learned about each other, ourselves, and the world around us. All of us faced and overcame challenges, and did things we never thought we would. We all became speakers, leaders, writers, and friends. Through thesis, Capstone projects, and TED Talks, we explored our interests in ways that mattered, as we shared them with other people and pushed ourselves to dive deeper into them than ever before.

PP: This ninth grade experience will impact the rest of our lives, and we will not forget what we have achieved this year and what we have learned from our peers, our teachers, and ourselves.

JZ: We are all unique individuals, as we should be. However, we complement each other and come together through our shared care for one another. This year went by so fast, but we cherish all the special moments and couldn’t have done it without you all.

Congratulations to the Rippowam Cisqua School

Class of 2019

The following is a selection of colleges and universities at which RCS students have matriculated in the past five years.

American University*

American University of Paris

Barnard College*

Bates College*

Boston College*

Boston University*

Bowdoin College

Brown University

Bucknell University*

Claremont McKenna College

Clarkson University

Colby College*

Colgate University*

College of Charleston*

College of the Holy Cross*

Colorado College*

Columbia University*

Cornell University*

Denison University*

Dickinson College*

Duke University*

Elon University*

Emerson College

Emory University

George Washington University*

Georgetown University*

Gettysburg College

Hamilton College

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Howard University

Indiana University*

Ithaca College*

Johns Hopkins University

Kenyon College*

Lafayette College*

Lehigh University*

Marist College

Marquette University

Middlebury College*

New York University*

Northeastern University

Northwestern University*

Princeton University*

San Diego State University

Southern Methodist University*

Stanford University

St. Lawrence University*

Syracuse University*

Trinity College*

Tufts University*

Tulane University*

Union College*

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Chicago*

University of Colorado Boulder*

University of Denver*

University of Maryland

University of Miami*

University of Michigan

University of Missouri

University of North Carolina*

University of Notre Dame*

University of Oxford

University of Pennsylvania

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond*

University of Southern California*

University of St Andrews (Scotland)*

University of Tampa*

University of Texas

University of Vermont*

University of Virginia*

University of Wisconsin*

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University*

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University*

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington and Lee University*

William & Mary

Yale University*

*indicates two or more students

Congratulations to the Rippowam Cisqua School Class of 2022

The following is a list of the secondary schools that our graduating ninth graders and departing eighth graders joined in September 2022.

Mae Bartlett, St. Mark’s School

Harriet Bartell, Athens Academy (Georgia)

Boden Bubb, Loomis Chaffee School

Hazel Cameron, Phillips Academy Andover

Keerat Cheema, Fox Lane High School

Lane Childs, Taft School

Jackson Cooper, Blair Academy

Wilson Crowell, Greenwich Country Day School

Paige Eaves, Hotchkiss School

Winnie Freund, Berkshire School

Wren Freund, Berkshire School

Luis Gutierrez, Rye Country Day School

Ethan Hamlet, Canterbury School

Olive Intinarelli, Masters School

Liam Katzin, Ethical Culture Fieldston School

Finley Kennedy, Millbrook School

Dua Khan, Sacred Heart Greenwich

Chase Krusko, St. George’s School

Cliff Lanier, Hotchkiss School

Lachlan MacLean, St. Luke’s School

Renzo Moha, Brunswick School

Jackson Mugler, Berkshire School

Wilson Mugler, Berkshire School

Jess Neary, Blair Academy

Dash Neville, Avon Old Farms

Saylor Pachios, St. Paul’s School

Paolo Paskin, The Darrow School

Ginger Peña-Rider, Carmel High School

Jack Phillips, Masters School

Lindsey Pontillo, Taft School

Olivia Port, Deerfield Academy

Lucas Rawlinson, Berkshire School

Kaitlin Scollans, Greenwich Academy

Sam Sharko, Choate Rosemary Hall

Sarah Solazzo, Hopkins School

Hector Stephenson, Millbrook School

Charlie Vance, Phillips Exeter Academy

Emily Vance, Choate Rosemary Hall

Lukas Wahlstadt, Greenwich Country Day School

Vince White, Tabor Academy

Blake Wilkenfeld, Harvey School

Juliana Zahorjan, Greenwich Academy

Upper School Academic & Athletics Awards 2022

Presented June 8, 2022

Hyperbole and Inspirational Speech

Hyperbole Winner

Charlie Vance ’23

Inspirational Speech Winner

Miley Peña-Rider ’23

Bryna Watkins Writing Award

Laura Sanchez ’25

Clio Slocum ’25

Awarded to members of the sixth grade class who have demonstrated passion and ability as writers

National French Exam

Médaille de bronze (Bronze Medal)

Aubrey Lombardo ’23

Mention d’honneur (Honorable Mention)

Lachlan MacLean ’22

Emily Vance ’22

National Latin Exam

Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude

Olivia Port ’22

Magna Cum Laude Certificate

Cora Kennedy ’23

Cum Laude Certificate

Wilson Crowell ’23

Ethan Hamlet ’22

National Spanish Exam

Medalla de plata (Silver Medal)

Lane Childs ’23

Cliff Lanier ’23

Medalla de bronce (Bronze Medal)

Hazel Cameron ’23

Honores (Honors)

Boden Bubb ’22

Keerat Cheema ’22

Lindsey Pontillo ’22

Juliana Zahorjan ’22

Frankel Scholarship Prize

Jamie Hall ’26

Awarded to the fifth or sixth grader with the highest grade point average for the year

American History Award

Cliff Lanier ’23

Awarded to a member of the eighth grade class for outstanding achievement in American history over the last two years

Harry Barber Sports Award

Jackson Cooper ’22

Awarded to the member of the graduating class who has shown the greatest athletic improvement during their time at RCS

Paul and Audrey Fisher Art Prize

Aubrey Lombardo ’23

Awarded for outstanding ability in art

Sarah F. Fowler Drama Prize

Jackson Cooper ’22

Awarded for outstanding contribution to drama

Sarah F. Fowler Drama Prize (tech)

Boden Bubb ’22

Awarded for outstanding contribution to drama/tech

Susan Fiala Music Prize

Jackson Cooper ’22

Lachlan MacLean ’22

Awarded for outstanding contribution to the musical life of the School

Ristorcelli Music Prize

Liam Katzin ’23

Awarded for the greatest improvement in music

Melanie J. Kraft French Prize

Lachlan MacLean ’22

Awarded for excellence in French

Spanish Prize

Keerat Cheema ’22

Awarded for excellence in Spanish

Wadleigh W. Woods Latin Prize

Olivia Port ’22

Awarded for excellence in Latin

Prudence B. Read History Prize

Juliana Zahorjan ’22

Awarded for exceptional understanding and appreciation of history

Stanley M. Feret

Mathematics Prize

Olivia Port ’22

Awarded for exceptional interest, initiative, and accomplishment in mathematics

Jane Brooks Robbins Science Prize

Olivia Port ’22

Awarded for genuine interest and enthusiasm in the field of science

Laura D. Paddock English Prize

Emily Vance ’22

Juliana Zahorjan ’22

Awarded for outstanding ability in all phases of English

Richard L. Wade Scholar Prize

Liam Katzin ’23

Awarded to the student in Grades 7-9 who has the highest academic average for the current school year

Ann Thacher Faculty Award of Distinction

Olivia Port and Paolo Paskin

The Ann Thacher Faculty Award of Distinction is given to members of the graduating class who the faculty feel deserve special recognition.

Walter F. Wyeth Prize

Emily Vance

The Walter F. Wyeth Prize is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has displayed the greatest consideration for others.

Waldo B. Jones Prize

Boden Bubb

The Waldo B. Jones Prize is given to a member of the graduating class who has exhibited creative thought in a variety of media.

Trustees’ Prize

Juliana Zahorjan

The Trustees’ Prize is given to that student who has shown significant academic improvement.

Gertrude Pell Bishop Memorial Award

Lindsey Pontillo

The Gertrude Pell Bishop Memorial Award is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has displayed outstanding athletic proficiency, together with the highest qualities of good sportsmanship, team play, and who has maintained high standards of scholarship.

Rippowam Cisqua Prize

Jackson Cooper

The Rippowam Cisqua Prize is given to the student who is outstanding in the qualities of leadership, character, and general school citizenship. This is the highest award conferred by the school. The Rippowam Cisqua Prize represents the importance of our students’ desire to explore their talents to the fullest, and their appreciation that honesty, consideration, and respect for others are values that will help make the world a better place.

Friday Night Lights

On Friday, September 23, 2022, Meyers Athletics Fields were once again the place to be! We kicked off fall with food trucks and face painting, dancing and a dunk tank — and so much Ripp school spirit. Thank you to FNL Co-Chairs Sara Haydock, Zan Young, and Liz Rini, the RCS boys and girls varsity soccer teams and coaches, our intrepid dunk tank team, and the legions of parents, faculty, staff, and students who contributed to making this year’s Friday Night Lights possibly the best fall celebration on Meyers Fields yet.

Ripp Athletics

Fall Sports Wrap-up

Girls Varsity Soccer

Coaches

Colm MacMahon, Katie Wrinn

Most Improved Player

Victoria Kearney

Coaches Award

Lina Halaifonua

Most Valuable Player

Caroline Kelleher

Boys Varsity Soccer

Coach

Vincent Kwarula

Most Improved Players

Ciaran MacMahon

Connor Scollans

Coaches Award

Connor Gray

Timmy Hall

Most Valuable Players

Luke Gavigan

Gavin Kwarula

Will Moody

Varsity Field Hockey

Coaches

Caroline Aronowitz, Brooks Eleck

Most Improved Player

Clio Slocum

Coaches Award

Catherine Phillips

Most Valuable Player

Kiersten van Starrenburg

Varsity Volleyball

Coaches

Miles Cameron, Lauren Moskovitz

Most Improved Players

Silvia Steffen

Hayden Vogel

Coaches Award

Tasia Bumbolow

Ella Fargnoli

Olivia Makaj

Most Valuable Player

Charlie Sisto

Cross Country

Coach

Jennifer Sednaoui

Most Improved Players

Alex Belle Lanier

Gigi McGinnis

Matheus van Starrenburg

Coaches Award

Aubrey Lombardo

Most Valuable Players

Eoghan Glynn

Paddy McGuinness

Varsity Flag Football North

Coaches

Lucas Curran, Max Moise

Most Improved Player

Landon Gray

Coaches Award

Brendan Lonergan

Most Valuable Players

Austin Davies

Jake Davies

Chase Ettere

Varsity Flag Football South

Coaches

Lucas Curran, Max Moise

Most Improved Player

Dean Sontag

Coaches Award

Patrick Lonergan

Most Valuable Players

Holden Cooper

Miles Cullen

Ryder Ettere

“The girls varsity soccer team exceeded all expectations and played incredibly well and tough all season. They finished 6-1, and they got better each and every week. The Coaches Award went to the player who played basically every minute of every game, helped set up for practice, helped clean up after practice, never complained, was always there… and that was Lina Halaifonua.”

— Colm MacMahon, Varsity Soccer Coach

Winter Sports Wrap-up

Girls Varsity Basketball

Coaches

Lauren Moskovitz, Emily Sanyshyn

Most Improved Player

Mimi Biondo

Coaches Award

Caroline Kelleher

Most Valuable Player

Lina Halaifonua

Boys Varsity Basketball

Coaches

Lucas Curran, Max Moise

Most Improved Player

Luke Gavigan

Coaches Award

Gavin Kwarula

Most Valuable Player

Connor Gray

Varsity Squash

Coaches

Storrs Coté, Jennifer Sednaoui

Most Improved Player

Blair Sontag

Coaches Award

Matheus van Starrenburg

Most Valuable Player

Miles Cullen

Varsity Hockey

Coaches

Miles Cameron, Gavin Robinson

Most Improved Player

James Eleck

Coaches Award

Patrick Lonergan

Ciaran MacMahon

Most Valuable Player

Eoghan Glynn

RCS Ice Hockey

This year we had 35 players from Grades 5-9 come out for hockey, which was the most in recent memory. It allowed us to have two teams, a Grades 5/6 team and a varsity team.

“The varsity ice hockey program had a really good season; we finished at 4-4,” Coach Gavin Robinson said. “Our most valuable player this year, stalwart on defense, played a lot of minutes, and we had a lot of success because of him, and that is Eoghan Glynn.”

“The 5/6 hockey team played three games this winter,” Coach Christiaan Cacciotti continued. “The first game was back and forth. With about a minute and a half left in the game, Hunter Prince drew a penalty, we went into a power play, and Nolan Walsh scored with four seconds left — in the most exciting 5/6 hockey game we’ve ever seen. We had a great season, we loved seeing these kids grow, and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”

“This young man was a major factor in the success of our team this year. He was a force on offense and defense, and a leader on the court. The Most Valuable Player award goes to Connor Gray.”

— Max Moise, Varsity Basketball Coach

“When our matches against other schools were finished, we held what we called the RCS Cup, an intra-squad tournament. The winner of that tournament this year was Miles Cullen, who also received our Most Valuable Player award.”

— Jennifer Sednaoui, Varsity Squash Coach

Industrial Success

Celebrating Fourth Grade Work in Music, Innovation, Reading, and Writing

By Ken Jordan and Nora Zahner, Fourth Grade Teachers

The Industrial Revolution was a time of progress, innovation, and development. During the month of February, our fourth graders took a deep dive into learning about the time period, and the numerous changes that took place in that era. In March, the two fourth grade homerooms, along with our Innovation team, hosted the first ever Industrial Showcase, celebrating the superb

student work completed in music, innovation, reading, and writing. The day was the brainchild of the fourth grade teaching team, as they were looking to find a way to celebrate the skills learned throughout the various elements of the projects.

The Industrial Showcase began with students under the guidance of music

teacher Lainie Zades, singing famous work songs from the time period including old favorites such as “Low Bridge, Everybody Down” (aka the Erie Canal song) and “Patsy Atsy Ori Aye.”

Next, parents took to the Innovation Center to complete a challenge with teachers Miles Cameron and Emily Sanyshyn, where we observed the

competitive nature of our students and parents alike.

Finally, parents came to the classroom to observe the multitude of student work. Our confident communicators did not disappoint, as they presented their parents with the fruits of their labor.

For their study, fourth grade students diligently completed a number of different projects. They began by studying the elements of a newspaper article, learning the most important components, and emulating the writing style. Then, they were given a historical event from the time period to write

about. After researching the event, they completed the assignment by penning their own article in the newspaper style. Additionally, in pairs, students took time to research their own “Invention Hall of Fame,” learning about the most important inventions of the era, including the locomotive, the telegraph,

Nora Zahner, now in her ninth year teaching fourth grade and her twelfth year at RCS, commented, “For the last couple of years, Ken and I have tried to figure out the best way to show students the significance of the Industrial Revolution. The challenge was always that while the inventions were truly astonishing and the world was changing at an incredible rate, from their vantage point in this century, students found the inventions difficult to understand and to research. The internal combustion engine made cars possible, but it is also confusing and not very interesting in itself. This year, for every invention we researched, we asked the students to consider several questions: What problem did it solve? What inventions has it led to? How did the invention change the world? What were the benefits and what were the downsides?”

and the lightbulb. Finally, fourth graders studied an inventor, whose invention changed the world in some way. Playing a “Guess the Invention” game with the visitors, students listed clues about their invention to see if anyone could correctly determine the answer, and followed up with facts and details about what brought that new technology to life.

While there are improvements we want to make when presenting this event next year, there was one important factor that showed us this model was a success. When we asked students for feedback about the event, there was a common thread. Just about all the fourth graders reported being proud to show their parents their work. And we can’t ask for any better indicator that

this was engaging and rewarding work for all of us.

The smiles on the faces of the students and parents alike made this a special day for all participants, and the pride each child took in their work was a rewarding experience for all. Who knows, maybe the process even inspired a few new inventors!

Fourth grader Lucy Baker eloquently summed up the experience, saying, “I really enjoyed showing my parents everything I had worked hard on. It was fun singing, dancing, and doing the project in innovation. I am very proud of my work and what I have accomplished.”

Rippowam Cisqua School Board of Trustees 2022–23

New Trustees

Micki Buchanan

Micki Buchanan

COTA/L is the director of Phoenix Memory Care at Willow Towers in New Rochelle, New York, responsible for the day-to-day operations of residents, staff, caregivers, and community partners. In addition, she is an advanced clinician and has been providing occupational therapy services for 12 years at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York. She also has served as a teacher’s assistant at Mercy College for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and mentors new therapists.

Since joining the RCS community in 2019, Micki has been an active and enthusiastic member of the Parents Association as a grade level connector as well as a Phonathon ambassador and Lower School chair for Rippowam Cisqua School’s Annual Fund campaign.

Micki is a Sunday School teacher at Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford and a U8 boys soccer coach for Ossining AYSO. She graduated summa cum laude from Mercy College with an AAS in Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities magna cum laude from State University of New York at Purchase. Micki and her husband, Howard, are the proud Team Red Ripp parents of Andrew ’31 and Matthew ’31.

“I have been an RCS ambassador since 2019 when my boys started JPK,” Micki said. “They have been immersed in an educational system that fosters and respects young minds; that promotes individual attention and creative daring in tandem with healthy structure. I have seen firsthand the benefits of this exceptional experience in my children’s

educational and personal growth. I am proud to join the RCS Board as I believe in the mission and have witnessed the positive effects of its stellar teachings.”

Oliver Bushnell

Oliver Bushnell grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and attended Shady Hill School, a small, coed day school with many similarities to RCS, before going on to Phillips Exeter and Tufts University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2007. Oliver has worked in commercial real estate investments in New York City for the past 11 years and is currently a vice president of acquisitions and asset management at Global Gate Capital. He has lived in Bedford since 2012 with his wife, Emily, and together they are raising their three children, Lennox ’32, Crawford ’33, and baby Eloise, surrounded by nature, a tight-knit community, and a creative educational environment.

“Having not attended RCS myself,” said Oliver, ”I am frequently amazed to hear such strong endorsements and memories from alumni several decades removed from the school. It excites me to think of my own kids growing up with such happy and formative adventures. While I do not have the intellect or patience to be a teacher or administrator, I am hopeful that my participation on the Board will have at least a small positive impact on students’ experiences and that I can help the school to continue to grow and strengthen its offerings.”

Jennifer Buntman Indig

Jennifer Indig received her Master of Arts in International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience both in the public and private sector in the fields of international affairs, counterterrorism, and intelligence analysis. She most recently served as a senior fellow at the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School where she managed projects related to domestic terrorism and cybersecurity. Jennifer previously served as managing director of business intelligence and analysis at a private investigative firm in New York City where she led a team of analysts conducting due diligence, background investigations, and social media monitoring. She also served as team leader and senior analyst with the New York City Police Department’s Intelligence Bureau for over seven years, where she was responsible for investigating extremist groups’ current operations, objectives, and potential threats to New York City. She also served as a term member at the Council onForeign Relations.

After moving to Bedford in 2020, Jennifer founded the Fern Hill Project, a networking organization that supports local women business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs, and she is involved in a number of local organizations including Northern Westchester Hospital. Jennifer and her husband, Chaim, live in Katonah with their three children, Sylvie ’26, Iris ’29, and little one, Bear.

“One silver lining of the pandemic and being uprooted from our lives in New York City was finding our way to Ripp,” said Jennifer. “While a move to Bedford was never in our plans, the school welcomed our family and created a community for our daughters — convincing us that this was the place we wanted to put down roots. The school’s ability to function and continue to support our children, the faculty, and administration while managing and responding to the constraints of COVID-19 was so impressive. Ripp has given so much to our children already, embracing them as individuals while encouraging their development, education, and introduction to a broader community. I am excited to be part of the leadership team at Ripp to help continue its growth as an institution, maintaining its traditions while pushing it to be the best place possible for our children and community.”

Jordan Vogel

Jordan Vogel has been actively investing in and managing real estate in New York City since 2001. Since April 2009, Jordan has served as cofounder and managing member of Benchmark Real Estate Group, LLC, a real estate investment company. Jordan oversees all the firm’s acquisitions and is chairman of its Investment Committee.

Benchmark currently has a $1.5 billion portfolio and has developed over two million square feet of real estate in New York since its inception.

In addition to real estate investments, Jordan is currently the chairman and co-CEO of Properties Solutions Acquisition Corp II and former chairman and co-CEO of Properties Solutions Acquisition Corp., two SPAC vehicles established to merge with high-growth companies looking to go public. Properties Solutions Acquisition Corp. successfully merged with Faraday Future Inc., the luxury electric vehicle company, in a $2.8 billion deal that closed in July 2021. Jordan currently sits on the Board and is lead independent director for Faraday Future.

Jordan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and received an M.S. in Real Estate Development from New York University. He lives in Bedford with his wife, Brooke, and their two children, Hayden ’25 and Hudson ’30.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Ripp’s community and Board of Trustees,” Jordan said. “My family had an instant love affair with the school when my children came home from school on their first day at Ripp last September and said, ‘I had the best day ever.’ Since then, I decided to do anything and everything in my power to help this tremendous school, and being asked to be a part of the Board was a true honor.”

Lifetime Donor List

Together, Our Potential Is Limitless

We can do anything when we put our hearts and minds together. Since 1917, our families and partners have supported Rippowam Cisqua School in creating a community of thinkers and communicators ready to lead by example. The vital investment made by so many empowers generations of students who will always remember the part RCS played in their education. The generosity and commitment of our community are valued traditions that continue to shape the experiences of future graduates.

With great appreciation to the list of donors below who have given over $100,000 — to our people, our programs, and unbounded possibilities — during their lifetime.

Visionary Circle (4)

Anonymous

Anonymous

Betsy and Dort A. Cameron III

Jim and Kristy Clark

Leadership Circle (17)

Alexandria and Michael Altman

Sonja and Jim Bartlett

Anne and Jake Citrin

Mimi Freund

Peter Freund ’91

Abby and Lloyd Gerry

Evan Greenberg

Sascha Greenberg

Christopher Jeffries

Susan and Nicholas M. Maounis

Allyson and Chris Pachios

Amanda and Richard Riegel III

Heidi and Richard Rieger

Lisa Pagliaro Selz ’66 and Bernard Selz

Starr Foundation

Susan Weber

Kendrick Wilson III and Family

Stewardship Circle (17)

Yasmeen and Ralph Bernstein

Mary and David Boies and Family

Andrew Cader

Melissa and Gregory Fleming

Mindy and Laurance Friedman

Laura and Benjamin Harris

Melinda and Stanley R. Jaffe

Veronique and Robert Pittman

Frank Richardson

Nina P. Freedman and Michael Rosenbaum

Sloan and Hardwick Simmons

Jack Sinnott

Sara and Joshua Slocum

Christine A. Svenningsen

Annica van Starrenburg

Daniel van Starrenburg

Kerry and Charles Wilson

Founders Circle (37)

Melissa and Scott Barshay

Janell Breck

Richard Breck ’81

Deenie and Frank Brosens

Cabot Lodge

Susie Lodge

Kirtley and Seth Cameron ’88

Claudine and Jonathan Childs

Kelly and Richard Coles

Sarah and Bryan Colley

Robert Conway

Lauren and Patton Corrigan

Karen and William Doniger

Cindy and Andrew Dwyer

Mary and Timothy Evnin

Maria and Ken Fields

Christina and Anthony J. Giammalva

Page Vincent ’79 and Arthur Gosnell

Lisa and Mark Heffernan

Carl Icahn

Deb and Robert Jones

Nancy and Timothy Joyce

Angela and Jon Kamen

Elizabeth and John Kilgallon

Nicole and Stuart Kovensky

Jeannie Lawson

Lara and William McLanahan

Debra and Wilkes McClave

Shirar and Richard Mugler III

Maria and Micky Newman

Samantha and Bryce O’Brien

Suzanne and Brian O’Callaghan ’83

Alex Soros ’01

Gregory Soros ’03

Colleen and John Sorte

Sheryl and Daniel Tishman

Hatsy and Scott Vallar

Benefactors (96)

Sara and Peter Arnell

Cyndi and Farhood Azima

Alexandra and Bruce Ballard

George Bianco

Cathy and Wing Biddle

Katie and Robert Boyd ’75

Stacey and Matthew Bronfman

Mark Brossman

Susan and Robert Bruce

Robin and Charlie Buckley

Laurie and Rob Casper

Gail and Charles Caulkins

John Chambers

Marsha Chambers

Gale and Kendall Chen

Jillian and Robert Cleveland

Andrea F. Cohen

Errol Cohen

Sandy and Bill Cordiano

Anne-Marie Crichton and Michael Crichton

Beth and Wyatt Crowell

Poppy and Robert Cummings

Heather and Kristoffer Durst

The Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation

Nancy Dwyer Eaves ’92 and Blue Eaves

Andy and Harvey Eisen

Tracy and Scott Fauver

Jamee and Marshall Field Foundation

Margot and Ben Fooshee

Susie and John Freund

Kristina and Louis Gimbel

Jill Brooke and Gary Goldstein

William Graustein ’60

Susan and Don Greenwald

Caroline and David Grubb

Patty and George Grunebaum

Martin Gruss

Christy and Alec Guettel

Randy Wilson Hall ’94 and Timothy Hall

Kimberly and Andrew Handler

Amy and Brett Harsch

Roberta Holinko

Alison and Jim Kallman

Mark and Anla Cheng Kingdon Foundation

Michele and Kevvah Konner

Heather and Tony Langham

Dorothy and Cliff Lanier

Nadine and Peter Levy

Angelina and Monte Lipman

Bonnie and Piers MacDonald

Kim and Gregory Manocherian

Cindy and Mark Manson

Kathleen and Bryan Marsal

Jennifer and Ivan Mattei

Courtney Hallock McGinnis ’89 and Michael McGinnis

Jill and Peter Melhado

Janis and Alan Menken

Elisabeth and Matt Mitchell

Mel and Chris Morley

Payson and Grant Murray

Cindy and Dan Offermann

Cyril O’Neil

Barbara O’Reilly

Nga and Mark Pedretti

Nelson Peltz

Ann and Ralph Pucci

Christy and Mackin Pulsifer

Jim Rawlings

RCS Parents Association

Nicole and Michael Reeber

Stewart Reid

Mary Ann and Christopher Robinson

Rochelle and Mark Rosenberg

Susan Rubin and David Rubin

Charlene and Daniel Ryan ’93

Douglas Schimmel

Michele Schimmel

Beth and Chris Schreiber

Stephanie and John Small

Lisa Smith

Lynnette Sodha

Roni and Bruce Sokoloff

Harvey Spevak

Rhonda Spevak

Erika and Adam Stern

Christina Bresani and Mike Struble

Antoinette and Martin Sullivan

Carolyn and Tim Tenney

Jean P. Tilt

Marilen Grosjean Tilt ’57

Barbara and Bob Vincent

Nancy and Roger Vincent ’59

Brook and Jordan Vogel

Peter Wasserman

Cathy and Vincent Young

Mary Brendler and Slim Zouaoui

Deceased

Corrrections or Changes?

Great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of our reporting. If we have omitted information or misspelled your name, please contact Director of Development Daphne Viders at viders@rcsny.org.

Why We Give Messages from Our Donors

“I gladly gave my time to Ripp because Ripp gave me the exact school I had hoped to have for my children — small and caring, creative and encouraging, academic and innovative. The Ripp family will always endure — the ever inspiring faculty, the always smiling and hardworking staff, the kind and interesting families. We love Ripp!”

— Beth Crowell, parent of Belle ’21 and Wilson ’23

“Michelle and I have been overwhelmed by the support and camaraderie from the RCS community. Only a special school and place such as this can provide an environment that lets three unique children thrive as they do — diving into their interests while providing them with the confidence to explore other areas of academics and athletics. Our involvement in the school is driven by a desire to give back to the community where our strengths can be additive, while showing our appreciation for all that has been given to our family from the faculty, staff, and other families who are here now and from those that have come before us.”

— Pete Kenny, parent of Charlotte ’28, Jackson ’30, and Everett ’33

“RCS is such a special place for our family. Its mission aligns with our intention to raise solid female citizens with strong moral compasses. We truly thank RCS teachers, coaches, support staff, and administration for their warmth, kindness, and dedication to our family.”

“We’ve seen our boys thrive at Ripp. They are truly seen and known — by faculty, staff, friends — and this has helped them grow into the conscientious, confident little humans we hope for. As two working parents, we are incredibly grateful for the support of this community in helping to raise our boys, and we therefore give back in as many ways as we can.”

“Our family deeply appreciates being part of the RCS community, and therefore we try to participate in supporting the school wherever we can. Watching our family grow here — from our youngest JPK student through our ninth grade graduate — has been so rewarding for us.”

— David Neville, parent of Dash ’22, Gray ’24, and Petal ’32

— Tyler Perry, parent of Elliott ’25 and Spencer ’28

– Deena Kur, parent of Dylan ’22 and Riley ’24

Message from the PA Chair

Every now and then, there is a moment of recognition that things have completely changed. For me, on our recent Spring Break vacation, I looked around and saw the faces of my fellow passengers on the London Underground, nary a mask in sight. This tangible representation that we have moved onward from a very long few years filled me with joy, as well as a surreal feeling of having actually gotten to the other side of the pandemic. I suspect I’m not the only one who has been cued that we’ve returned to normal. Our calendars have been full with commitments, and we have been able to come together as a community in ways that I had been missing.

The Parents Association has continued to focus its attention this year on building and strengthening the RCS community. We collaborated with the RCS Advancement Office to host an all school coffee at the beginning of the year and quickly followed that with a trifecta of fall events; our gratitude to Jennifer Steffen, Kristy Kearney, Heidi Sontag, and Tamara Newell for spearheading our Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and Halloween Blaze.

Our Gingerbread House Sale in December had tremendous success, and we are thankful to Jennifer Tedesco-Fayed and Erin Tedesco Hoffman for their work in preparing the candy in our school team colors. Despite our family’s adherence to the motto “Blue for Life,” I’m always a bit partial to the red flavors and treated us to one of each.

The Altman Library and Media Center was transformed yet again by the

wonderful imagination and dedication of Natasha Robinson. Our RCS Book Fair continues to be a favorite among our students and faculty and demonstrates our community’s love of books and reading. We were thrilled to offer faculty and staff a discount on their purchases and are hopeful that they left for break excited about their upcoming literary journey.

Lizzie Gahagan, Payson Murray, and Carolina White joined forces with the Advancement Team to bring back Grandparents and Special Friends Days for the first time since 2019. And for another first, this event was held on one campus. The outpouring of love for all things RCS is always on full display when we have our families in the building.

In an effort to increase our sustainability and tackle the clothing that goes missing each day, the PA purchased cabinets for both a Lost and Found and Uniform Swap. These cabinets are located in the hallway near the Innovation Center. Sarah Moody’s dedication to organization, and our community, has been invaluable to this initiative.

Also this year, we were able to show the RCS faculty and staff our appreciation. From coffee trucks on conference days to special treats from Chef Jonathan during the first week of May (Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week), we always want our gratitude to be felt by the dedicated people who support our children on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis.

There are countless volunteers who make all of this possible, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has given their time and energy to make

our school year better. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t name those parents who have taken on a full-year commitment to support the Parents Association. I know you will join me in extending thanks when you see them around school.

Executive Committee

Julie Cooper, Chair

Jennifer Steffen, Upper School Chair

Erin Tedesco Hoffman, Lower School Chair

Lizzie Gahagan, Early Childhood Chair

Michelle Kenny, Treasurer

Grade Level Connectors

JPK: Sara Haydock

PK: Suzanne Kirkpatrick

SPK: Zan Young

Kindergarten: Ariel Frankel

Grade 1: Jessica Crescenzi

Grade 2: Despina Molson

Grade 3: Kristy Kearney

Grade 4: Liane Slocum

Grade 5: Kellie Lakamp

Grade 6: Natasha Rutherford

Grade 7: Sarah Moody

Grade 8: Tamara Newell

Grade 9: Payson Murray

I wish you a joyous summer and look forward to partnering with each of you next year.

Julie Cooper PA Chair

Retirements

Penny Cataldo

After 33 years, Penny Cataldo retired from teaching at the end of the 2021-22 school year. We sat down with her just before graduation to hear about her experiences as a longtime SPK and Kindergarten teacher, and her plans for retirement.

RCS: What brought you to Rippowam Cisqua School?

PC: I had been teaching at Rye Country Day School, but wanted to work somewhere closer to my home. The headmaster of RCDS suggested that I check out Rippowam Cisqua School.

RCS: What was your first year like?

PC: It was very interesting. I was hired as a co-teacher to work in SPK with someone who was six months pregnant. After the first day of school, I got a phone call from Lower School Head Waldo Jones who asked me how my first day was and then said, “We are not going to panic.” She went on to tell

Susan Eng

For 17 years, Susan Eng was a valuable member of the Rippowam Cisqua School Business Office. Most recently she served as the School’s accounts payable/purchasing manager ensuring that textbooks and school supplies were ordered and ready for the start of each new year. Susan retired at the end of January 2022.

RCS: What was the most challenging part of your job?

SE: Making sure textbook orders, teaching materials, and school supply orders arrived on time and accurately for the new school year.

me that my colleague had gone into early labor and would not be returning. So, on day two, I became the head teacher. I honestly didn’t know if I was going to make it through the first week, but here I am 33 years later.

RCS: Did you always want to work in Early Childhood education?

PC: I felt like Early Childhood was always my area. But I am fortunate because at Ripp, I have had lots of opportunities to work with students of different ages. I ran Homework Club, which went up to fourth grade, and I was a math specialist working with students up to second grade. So I did get to see lots of other grades and the curriculum from all different points of view, but still my favorite was always Early Childhood. It was always where I wanted to be.

RCS: After 33 years, have you ever taught the child of a former student?

PC: It’s funny you ask that because when I first began as an educator, I remember telling my husband that when I’m teaching the kids of students who I taught, it’s time to go. When I

started my career, I saw teachers who were at that point, and I thought, Oh, no, I can’t be doing this when I’m that old… but I guess I did!

RCS: Now that we are all on one campus, do you see some of your former students who have grown into big middle schoolers?

PC: Yes. That’s always been pretty thrilling to me. This graduating class in particular — I taught so many of those kids, and to lead the faculty graduation procession was a very powerful way to end my teaching career.

RCS: What is your favorite RCS memory?

SE: The completion of the Master Plan almost seven years ago. It was very exciting to see and be part of the construction/renovation of the Upper Campus and classrooms.

RCS: What will you miss most?

SE: My job! I enjoyed assisting the teachers in the purchasing function. Also, I miss my colleagues in the Business Office.

RCS: What are your plans for retirement?

SE: I will be moving to sunny Florida in a few months and hopefully be able to explore the world.

Faculty

Profile: Ward Sader

Ward Sader has an English Literature degree from Brandeis University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Manhattanville College, and has done postgraduate work in Latin at Harvard University, Yale University, and Fordham University. He also attended the United States Air Force Academy.

Latin teacher and World Language Chair Ward Sader has spent the past six years at Rippowam Cisqua School teaching what is sometimes referred to as a “dead language.”

An educator for almost 30 years, his interest in languages began in sixth grade, when he started taking French. He liked French — a lot. He still reads French literature now. But in eleventh grade, when his high school decided to offer Latin and his parents encouraged him to give it a try, Mr. Sader decided to take both French and Latin.

And he loved Latin right away.

“It was my French teacher who taught Latin as well,” Mr. Sader recalled, “and he was a great, memorable teacher. And that makes a difference. He knew we all really liked him a lot, and he just made the class fun. Some of that rubbed off on me I think.”

There are many benefits for studying Latin in middle school. Students learn about the derivatives of words, increase their vocabulary, and sharpen their logic skills while translating.

“Latin is a challenge and also somewhat of a mystery,” Mr. Sader answered when we asked why he believes students sign up for his class. “I think that’s why students are curious about it. A lot of middle schoolers connect to Latin through the Percy Jackson books and mythology in general.

“When students first start to take Latin, it’s often because they love the gods and goddesses, the gladiators, and the Colosseum. That’s what they are excited about — not reading the classics. It’s not a spoken language; they are learning how to read it. We want students to be able to translate Latin at a high level, in eighth or ninth grade, and even after they leave RCS have the tools to be able to translate Caesar and all those classic authors.”

Mr. Sader is teaching them the nuts and bolts of word endings so they can read faster and tackle longer sentences. Eventually they work their way up to mythological stories and then to Latin literature that’s 2,000 years old. That’s the whole goal.

Ninth grader Connor Gray is reading small excerpts from Tacitus right now, the kind of material that Mr. Sader says a student doesn’t usually read until college.

“It’s pretty hard,” Connor admitted. “Mr. Sader helps me out a lot. There are usually a lot of words that I don’t know, or are really unfamiliar to me.

And he helps me out with grammar, declensions, and stuff like that. So that’s a big help. He’s very calm. And he’s an easy-going teacher, which helps, because Latin is a very confusing thing, so you have to ask questions, and you can always feel comfortable going up to him and asking questions.”

In his spare time, Mr. Sader likes to play the piano — about an hour each day. He plays everything from country and classical to pop and rock. He has a piano at home, but usually practices on the piano in his classroom, before school in the morning. Colleagues and students hear him from the hallways.

And about Latin being a dead language?

“It’s not dead yet!” the RCS Latin teacher assured us. “It was the language of the intelligentsia for over 1,500 years. Most English words are derived from Latin. It forms the base of the Romance languages.”

And finally, what does Mr. Sader like most about teaching?

“The kids. The humor, joking around. And seeing the students finally understand a concept. The aha moment and the banter. The conversations that might not have to do with Latin.

“It might take up a bit of the class, but that’s just how I teach. I get to know them. And I teach them year after year after year, so I get to know them really well. And they know me.”

Master Teaching Fund Grant Recipients

The Master Teaching Fund (MTF) was established in 1992 by the Rippowam Cisqua School Alumni Association, led by Roger Vincent ’59, in honor of the School’s master teachers. Its purpose was to offer current RCS faculty and staff who have completed more than five years of full-time service to the school, an opportunity to engage in something that is meaningful to them. The belief is that, however the faculty or staff member chooses to use their grant, the resulting

Nicole Putorti

personal renewal derived from the use of the grant will organically transfer into the classroom and ultimately be of benefit to our community. Past grants have been used to take trips across the country and around the world, to purchase technology equipment, to purchase musical instruments, to learn a new language or skill, and more. Here, this year’s recipients share their experiences and their gratitude for the grants.

PK Teacher, Early Childhood DEI Coordinator

Grant for 10 Years of Service

“As a teacher, there is nothing more fulfilling than being able to provide quality education for my students. After all, education is the key to unlocking a bright future for our children. But as much as we want to help our students grow, we also have a personal responsibility to our own families. This was the situation I found myself in when I was awarded a monetary grant for spending over 10 years at Rippowam Cisqua School. For me, this was a tremendous blessing, as it allowed me to invest in the education of my own children — my son in particular, as he has apraxia, a speech disorder that can make it difficult for him to communicate effectively. As a result, he needs specialized education and therapy to help him overcome this

challenge. These services can be costly, and it’s not always easy to find the resources needed to provide the best possible education for our children. But with the grant, I was able to ensure that my son received the care and education he needed to thrive. The financial support helped fund his education, including speech therapy and specialized classes that cater to his unique needs. And while the grant was certainly a welcome relief, it is the knowledge that I am able to provide the best possible education for my son that is truly priceless.

“As a teacher, I am eternally grateful to be part of a school community that values the importance of education. And while my experience is just one

Diane Belkevich Administrative Assistant Grant for 15 Years of Service

“My years at RCS have been tremendously rewarding. I was thrilled to use my grant to purchase a large picture window — a long-awaited home improvement that enhances the view of the wonderful outdoors from my home. I get to enjoy it every single day! The

example, it highlights the broader truth that when we invest in education, we invest in our children’s futures. Providing quality education for all children, regardless of their background or challenges, is the most important gift we can give to future generations.”

window brings sunlight and brightness to my living room and makes the space much more pleasant in every way. Thank you, again. I am very grateful to the RCS Alumni Association Board for providing this grant.”

Nicole used her MTF grant to help fund her son’s education.

Diane used the MTF grant to enhance her home.

Kathy Perry

Spanish Teacher, Upper School DEI Coordinator

Grant for 30 Years of Service

“I have always been fascinated with the Mayan culture and had not been to Guatemala. It had always been a dream of mine to see the ruins in the Tikal archaeological site. We explored multiple Mayan cities and climbed many pyramids. On our way through the jungle, we saw a troop of active spider monkeys and another of howler monkeys. I learned so much about the Mayan culture, which will be helpful as I teach about Mayan culture to seventh grade students.

“I learned that there are many variations in the ball courts and the play of the juego de pelota (the first ball game of the Americas, which gave rise to basketball and other such games). Some of the courts have hoops, some don’t. Some courts are small and others much larger, leading people to suppose

that the number of players varied a great deal.

“We traveled downriver to see Lamanai, a Mayan site in Belize, where I stood in front of the Temple of the Masks. We saw crocodiles, huge sliders (turtles), all kinds of kingfishers, a snail-eating hawk, many herons, and some really rare aquatic birds like the shy sungrebe. We were lucky enough to also spend time in the rain forest where we saw many cool birds like the ferruginous pygmy-owl (only about six inches tall), the magnificent Lesson’s motmot, and the slaty-tailed trogan, not to mention the toucan.

“The highlight for me was our trip to the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves (also known locally as ATM), a Mayan site discovered in 1989 and opened

to the public in 1998. Cameras are no longer allowed because tourists have damaged some of the skulls and other artifacts by dropping their cameras. There are only 26 people who are qualified to lead you on this exploration and each guide can only bring in eight people a day. It was fascinating to hear the guides talk about how many scientists feel that perhaps the Mayans cut down so many trees and burned so much wood to cook their food and build structures that they may have triggered the drought that precipitated the decline in the Mayan civilization.

“We had so many fun experiences and I have so many stories to share with my students. I am so grateful to the alumni who awarded me this grant and allowed me to have this amazing opportunity.”

The Perrys visited Guatemala and Belize.

The Perrys visited Lamanai, one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize.

Vincent Kwarula

Athletics Director

Grant for 10 Years of Service

“I am so grateful for the Master Teaching Fund grant as it has truly helped our family this year. We bought a second car, which allows us to get back and forth to see our son Devin ’18 who is away from home as a freshman at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Not only do we get the opportunity to visit him more frequently, but it also allows us the chance to go get him and bring him home.”

Catie Bertoncin

Reading Specialist, Assistant Director of Learning Support

Grant for 5 Years of Service

In the summer of 2022, Catie Bertoncin, her husband, Kevin, and their children, Ciaran ’29 and Eileen ’32, enjoyed an unforgettable trip to London and Paris. During their trip they witnessed the beauty of Monet, the thrill of Harry

Potter World, the excitement of an Everton football match, and of course the majesty of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This memorable experience was enhanced by the generosity of the RCS Master Teacher fund.

Vincent is thankful for the opportunity to spend more time with his college-aged son, thanks to the MTF grant.

Catie and her family traveled to London and Paris.

Tina Boudreau

SPK Teacher

Grant for 10 Years of Service

“After teaching at RCS for 10 years, I was delighted to receive the Master Teaching Fund grant. I took the time to visit my oldest daughter, who has been involved in education coincidently for the past 10 years as well. Emily, my daughter, is now teaching at an independent school in Los Angeles. I have visited her

classrooms in Connecticut, New York, Dubai, and now California, thanks to the Alumni Association Board. As my mother was a teacher and now my daughter is as well, it is exciting to pass along a love of school and education to the next generation.”

Ward Sader World Language Chair, Latin Teacher Grant for 5 Years of Service

“This year, I was so grateful to the school that I decided to donate my grant back to RCS — to the Annual Fund. I was lucky enough to win the Illuminate Benefit Auction item donated to a teacher by Megan and Kevin Sheehan for the Margaritaville Cruise this past spring. Our cruise took off from the Port of Palm Beach, Grand Bahama Island, for three nights. From the moment we stepped onto the ship we were truly made to feel like royalty.

Jay Oliver Maintenance Team Grant for 15 Years of Service

“Last summer, my wife, Andrea, and I took our daughter, Snow, now 20 months old, to Europe for the first time to meet her grandparents and extended family members. We went to the island of Kos in Greece for two weeks where we enjoyed local foods, wines, and toured the island stopping at beaches along the way. We visited Turkey for one day and then made

Jay traveled with his family to Greece, Turkey, and Sweden.

our way to Sweden, where Andrea is from. We spent time in Stockholm and Örnsköldsvik where Snow’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins live. This was the first time that Snow met everyone in person. We were all there when she took her first steps — it was amazing for our family. I am grateful for the Master Teaching Fund grant that helped make this possible.”

The staff attended to our every need and spoiled us with wonderful service as we sailed through what felt like paradise. At at a time when my wife, Michele, and I weren’t sure whether or not we would be able to get away on a vacation, this gift of a trip truly meant everything to us. It is because of this that I was inspired to thank the school for all that the community does. I feel grateful to be a part of it all.”

Tina visited her daughter in Los Angeles, where she’s an educator.

Ward donated his grant to the RCS Annual Fund.

The RCS Alumni Association Board

Harry Grand ’93, Chair

Jay Fischer ’00, Treasurer

Dana Johnston Brooks ’89

Richard Cahill ’92

Ellen Sluder Cohen ’92

Christine Colley ’06

Storrs Lamb Coté ’79

Cecily Fowler Grand ’65

Lakeya Graves ’04

Jenny Heath ’91

Gus Levy ’98

Forrest Mas ’04

Sydney Mas ’07

Vanessa Seide ’93

Annie Stickney ’96

Marilen Grosjean Tilt ’57

Alexandria van Starrenburg ’07

Missy Walker ’07

Parents of Alumni Committee

Alexandria Altman P’15, ’17, ’19

Cyndi Azima P’19, ’22

Tracy Fauver P’14, ’16, ’18

Stefanie Feidelson P’08, ’11

Melissa Fleming P’11, ’14, ’15

Susanna Giordano P’06, ’08, ’12, ’17

Patty Grunebaum P’11, ’12, ’14

Michelle Hodge P’18

Lisa Kaufmann P’20, ’22

Heather Langham P’11, ’14

Anna Lee P’06, ’08, ’13, ’15

Karen McFarlane P’18

Mel Morley P’08, ’09, ’12

Suzanne O’Callaghan P’19, ’20, ’22

Felicia Peterson P’18

Cassie Robbins P’16, ’18

Kim Speegle P’14, ’15, ’17

Facebook: Rippowam Cisqua School

Instagram: rippowam_cisqua

LinkedIn: Rippowam Cisqua School

For the latest news from campus: www.rcsny.org

Alumni Connections

Fall Back to Ripp

Our pre-Thanksgiving young alumni reunion is a tradition that gives recent grads an opportunity to stay in touch with one another and their favorite teachers. This year’s event, on November 21, 2022, for the Classes of 2019-23 included smiles, heartfelt hugs, and also parents of alumni, who enjoyed celebrating with friends just as much as alumni and faculty did.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alumni and Parents of Alumni New York City Cocktails

Don’t Miss Fall Back to Ripp 2023!

Monday, November 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Classes of 2020-24

An invite will be sent in the coming months. If RCS doesn’t have your contact info, please reach out to mirkin@rcsny.org so we can be sure you receive an invitation. We can’t wait to see you next fall!

Keep in touch with former classmates, educators, and RCS:

Update your contact information:

Does anyone look familiar? Here are just a few of the great crew who gathered for our last New York City holiday gathering. Don’t miss the next one in fall 2023. Be on the lookout for an invite in the coming months. We hope to see many of you there!

Celebrating Legacy Children of Alumni at RCS

It’s exciting to see so many alumni returning to our school to educate their own children. When we reached 22 alumni parents and 38 second-, third-, and fourthgeneration RCS students in our community last year, we knew we

wanted to celebrate. In June 2022, we invited them all to join us for a special legacy photo, and you can see here how many were able to return to the Playhouse stage one more time. See who’s who on the next page.

Who’s Who

1 Miles Cameron ’93, (top left) Harry Cameron ’28, (bottom left) Grey Cameron ’26, and (right) Georgia Cameron ’30

2 Nancy Dwyer Eaves ’92, (left to right) Knox Eaves ’27, Dwyer Eaves ’26, and Paige Eaves ’23

3 Seth Cameron ’88, (left) Hazel Cameron ’23, and (behind Seth) Wallis Cameron ’30

4 Peter Freund ’91, (left to right) Winnie Freund ’23, and Wren Freund ’23

5 Nicole (Richman) Vance ’87, (left to right) Emily Vance ’22, and Charlie Vance ’23

6 Courtney (Hallock) McGinnis ’88 and Gigi McGinnis ’26

7 Harry Grand ’93, (left to right) Bea Grand ’30, Win Grand ’28, and Lily Grand ’26

8 Timmy Hall ’24 and Jamie Hall ’26

9 Daniel Ryan ’93, (left to right) Morgan Ryan ’29, and Reed Ryan ’27

10 Ellen Sluder Cohen ’92, (bottom) Henrietta Cohen ’25, and (top) Bea Cohen ’29

11 Peter Hallock ’92, (left to right) Kate Hallock ’23, and Peter Hallock ’26

12 Roger Vincent Jr. ’88 and Effie Vincent

13

14

15

16

17

18

Not

’32

Happy Menocal ’95, (left to right) Daisy Swansburg ’29, and Rip Swansburg ’32

Jermaine Moure ’96, (left to right) Victoria Moure ’28, and Olivia Moure ’31

Peter Scala ’88 and Rinn Scala ’32

William Haydock ’98 and Wes Haydock ’31

Alexandra White Lawrence ’97 and Vivienne Lawrence ’32

Benjamin Ginnel ’95 and George Ginnel ’29

pictured: Randy Wilson Hall ’94; Alix Johnston LaMotte ’92 and Walker LaMotte ’25; Lauren Saiger Machowsky ’99, Lily Machowsky ’29, and Maxwell Machowsky ’31; Elly Dwyer Rice ’94 and Andrew Rice ’25; McLain Ward ’91and Lilly Ward ’30

Alumni Class Notes

1972

John Montgomery wrote: “I can’t believe it’s been 51 years since the Class of ’72 graduated. I’m still trying to dare to be true! I retired at the end of 2021 after 37 years of being a startup company lawyer in Silicon Valley. I frequently trade stories of impending elderhood with Peter Wyman and Geoffrey Little. I live in Point Reyes Station, a coastal hamlet on Highway 1 an hour and a quarter northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge, where I would gladly treat any traveling classmates to a meal of the local oysters.”

2000

Willa Blanche Fischer was born to Jay Fischer and his wife, Kendall Wilson, on June 3, 2021. “We are living in Larchmont and we love it,” said Jay. “My wife is a vet at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford and I work in New York City. Our daughter is nearly two and she loves her two fur-brothers!”

2006

Chase Beitzel wrote: “Charlotte and I were married at St. Luke’s Church in Darien, Connecticut, on December 17, 2022. Charlotte grew up in Darien and went to St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, where she often lined up against Ripp in hockey and lacrosse. We are currently residing in Bedford (down the road from Ripp on Cantitoe Street) and plan to stay in the area.”

2007

Alexandria van Starrenburg and Bud Vallely are engaged. Congratulations, Alexandria!

Amanda Weld shares that Henry Weld Templeton was born on March 1. “His big sister, Holland, my husband, Charlie, and I are thrilled to welcome him into our family. We currently live in Dallas.”

Tell Us

What’s New with You!

To submit Class Notes: Send text and high-res images to Karin Smith at ksmith@rcsny.org. For short milestone information (engagements, weddings, births), please include full names and dates.

John Montgomery ’72, catching a swarm!

Willa Fischer, daughter of Jay Fischer ’00

Chase Beitzel ’06 married Charlotte Lyons Amanda Weld ’07, daughter Holland, and baby Henry

RippRomance

Henry Bird ’09 and Ellie Lovering ’09 were always good friends growing up — they were actually born hours apart in December 1993 at Greenwich Hospital, believe it or not — and they stayed in close touch after Rippowam Cisqua School when he was at Deerfield and she was at Taft, and then further down the road when they were at Yale and Middlebury, respectively.

“A few years after college when we were both living in New York City, we

bumped into each other at a Ripp young alumni event at the Lambs Club and decided to go on a first date,” Ellie wrote. ”The rest is history!”

“Getting married at Ripp was so incredibly special and surreal. We knew right away that we wanted to get married in Bedford, where our parents still live, and it was Henry’s amazing idea to see if Ripp would be willing to let us host the reception on campus after our ceremony at St. Matthew’s.

We were so grateful that Colm was open to our unique idea! The very talented Brett Cameron of La Maison Fête brought the wedding of our dreams to life, and it was a true full circle moment being back where it all began with some of our oldest and best Ripp friends. We were married on October 1, 2022.

Henry and I are currently living in San Francisco, where we have been for a few years.”

A Field Day throwback!

Henry seated next to his sister, Isabel Bird ’06

Henry and Ellie as kids (center).

At the rehearsal dinner with Charlie Wilson ’09, a good friend from Ripp.

Ellie with her best friend in the world, whom she met at Ripp, Ari Abboud ’09!

With their very close Ripp friends Sarah Cox ’09 and Alexander Giordano ’08, who are getting married this fall!

Ellie seated next to her brother, Charlie Lovering ’05.

2008

Rachel Kanegis is now Rachel Ahdut, living with her husband, Efrayim, and three children Naomi, age four, Raya, age two, and Mayer, age six months, in Boca Raton, Florida, along with their yellow lab, Bamba. Rachel loves Florida, and loves staying so connected to her Ripp friends. She said, “These are my oldest friends, who I still talk to all the time. We still go by the ‘six chicks’ and don’t miss the chance to see each other every summer.”

2009

Sammi Cannold was recently engaged to Safi Rauf, a humanitarian running an NGO that provides aid to Afghanistan. Sammi and Safi were engaged on April 1

on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “We are living in New York City and I am currently directing a production of Evita that will run at the American Repertory Theater in Boston and Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.,’’ said Sammi. Safi is working on initiatives related to girls education in Afghanistan.

Ben Young graduated from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in May 2022. He will begin his residency in Internal Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia in June. Ben hopes to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology.

2018

Four RCS alumni graduated from St. George’s School in June 2022. Maddy Carlson received the Drury Prize for excellence in art and is currently studying at Washington University in St. Louis, Tim Evnin plays D1 lacrosse at Hobart College, Amelia Frelinghuysen graduated with distinction and is at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Chase Mockridge was the recipient of the Head of School’s Award and now attends Wake Forest University.

Frannie O’Brien is in her first season of lacrosse at Notre Dame. “I recently scored my first collegiate goal against Central Michigan University and am having a great time so far,” she said.

Sammi Cannold ’09 and her fiancé

Rachel Kanegis ’08 (now Rachel Ahdut) and family

Taylor Virtue ’08, Brittany Corso ’08, Pell Bermingham ’08, Sarah Burdick ’08, Lina Basilaia ’08, and Rachel Kanegis ’08 on Nantucket in the summer of 2022

Maddy Carlson ’18, Tim Evnin ’18, Amelia Frelinghuysen ’18, and Chase Mockridge ’18 at St. George’s School

Frannie O’Brien ’18 and her mom, Keri

2019

Hale Brown will be attending the University of California, Berkeley in the fall, where he will play lacrosse.

Corbin Coles will be attending Dickinson College in the fall, where he will play football.

2020

Jack O’Callaghan and Brandon Hackett faced off against each other this past February in a final end-ofseason hockey game, both as team captains representing King School and Greenwich Country Day School respectively. “Having played together Grades 5-8 at RCS, this felt like a momentous occasion,” said Brandon. Jack will begin as a freshman this fall at Denison University, playing on their football team.

Luke Bai will be attending the University of Vermont in the fall.

Josh Boies will be attending Bates College in the fall, where he will play football.

Maki Cameron will be attending the University of St Andrews in the fall.

Claudia Citrin will be attending the University of Miami in the fall.

Cole Decker will be attending Bates College, where he will play basketball.

Hailey Doniger will be attending Boston College in the fall.

Danny Ganeles will be attending Clarkson University in the fall, where he will play soccer.

Gardner Heitzmann will be attending Georgetown University in the fall, where he will play football.

Jolie Karen will be attending Bucknell University in the fall.

Juliet Kaufmann will be attending Cornell University in the fall.

Malcolm Krolick will be attending Johns Hopkins University in the fall.

Lila O’Brien will be attending the University of Vermont in the fall.

Daniel Schwartz will be attending the University of Miami in the fall.

2021

Annie Hallock is a junior at Millbrook School. She writes: “My first year starting as a sophomore at Millbrook was really great! I made many new friends and I feel like it’s my second home. I really enjoyed spending time with my friends on the field and in the classroom, and I can’t wait to return in the fall. A notable moment was being selected for a student leadership position, as a peer supporter.”

2022

Seen at the St. George’s School Winter Formal: Bryce O’Brien ’20, a senior at St. George’s; Tim Evnin ’18, a freshman at Hobart and William Smith College; Lili Azima ’19, a senior at St. George’s; Simone Azima, a sophomore at St. George’s; Avery Lamotte, a sophomore at St. George’s; and Harry Pachios, a sophomore at St. George’s.

Harry Whitman will be attending Southern Methodist University in the fall.

Jack O’Callaghan ’20 and Brandon Hackett ’20 face off

Brandon Hackett ‘20 and Jack O’Callaghan ‘20 in fifth grade Winter Formal at St. George’s School

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our school community.

Ann Valentine Cobb ’46 passed away peacefully on February 7, 2022, at her home in Belmont, Massachusetts. She was 90 years old. Ann was born on May 26, 1932, in Chicago. She grew up in Bedford, where she attended Bedford-Rippowam School, then went on to Milton Academy for high school, graduating in 1949. She attended Barnard College for two years and studied painting at the Skowhegan School of Art in Maine and at The Museum School in Boston. Ann married John W. “Jack” Cobb in 1953 and raised a family of four children with him in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she was active on the Save Venice Committee, was a member of the Cambridge Garden Club, and volunteered with a number of other local organizations. In 1972, Ann enrolled at Tufts University, where she completed a B.A. in English Literature, earning membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honors society, and then a Ph.D. with a dissertation on the works of Irish poet Seamus Heaney. She wrote reviews and short fiction for the Harvard Review and other literary publications. During her later years, she taught and took classes at Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR). Ann is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jack Cobb, four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth van Cortlandt “Tibby” Clark ’60 died after a long illness on May 3, 2022, at her home in Pound Ridge. She was 77 years old. Tibby is survived by her life partner of 44 years, Laila Tofte; Laila’s daughter, husband, and children; and her sisters Charlotte Clark de Bresson ’51 and Ella Clark ’55 and their families. Tibby was widely known as a loving, funny, and unique woman. She worked as a nurse for several years, and later started a home

cleaning business. She was an avid nature lover whose parents, the late Benjamin Clark and Charlotte Lyman Clark, bequeathed land to the Pound Ridge Conservancy, now known as the Clark Preserve in Pound Ridge, as well as the Maine Heritage Trust for Acadia National Park. Tibby was New York State certified as an animal rehabilitator. She loved the outdoors, had a beautiful garden, and was an avid wild bird watcher.

Shiela C. Swett ’50, mother of Benjamin “Benjy” Swett ’74, Sarah Carton Swett ’75, and Evelyn “Lyn” (Swett) Miller ’81, and a former RCS teacher, died on May 20, 2022, at her home in Hanover, New Hampshire. Shiela was born on December 23, 1935. She attended Bedford-Rippowam School, followed by secondary school at Garrison Forest in Maryland. She graduated from Radcliffe College in 1957. That year, she married Steven Carton Swett (a journalist and later publisher). A teacher for 40 years, Shiela specialized in mathematics, working with students with developmental disabilities, and learning with computers. She wrote and had published an early educational software program, Remainder Race, to improve computation skills, as well half a dozen photographic works on birds, flowers, and mushrooms — a reflection of her closeness to nature and her skills with a camera. Her sanctuary was a nature preserve in Sharon, Vermont, open to the public, which she and her husband created in the 1990s. In addition to her husband, Steven, and children Benjy, Sarah, and Lyn and their spouses, Shiela is survived by five grandchildren. She was predeceased by an infant son, Paul Stuyvesant Swett, in 1963, and a granddaughter, Rachel Barrett Swett, in 2010.

Peter Moffitt Holbrook ’61 died peacefully on July 13, 2022, after a short illness, at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Stephanie H. Wharton; daughters Sandra Holbrook James and Tania Holbrook Croft; and two granddaughters. In addition, he is survived by his brothers, John and David Holbrook of New York City, and their families. Born on September 16, 1947, in New York City, Peter spent his childhood in Bedford. He attended Bedford-Rippowam School, then Millbrook School, before enrolling at the University of Denver. After graduating with a B.S. in History, he moved with his family to San Francisco in 1970. Peter began a long career in banking at the Crocker National Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and later the Pacific Bank. From his success as a trust specialist, he was recruited to start the Trust Company at the First Republic Bank from which he retired as senior vice president. In retirement, Peter spent many happy hours playing golf at the San Francisco Golf Club and the Burlingame Country Club. Aside from being an avid golfer, he was a legendary gamesman, where his love of cards and dominoes ensured many friendships at the Pacific Union Club.

Penelope Griggs Doerge, daughter of Chad and Kate (Kernan) Doerge ’89, sister of Henry and Frankie, and niece of Josh Kernan ’84, died at home in Glen Cove, New York, on November 10, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. She was 16 years old. A talented artist, fashionista, world traveler, social media influencer, and the founder of “Glam Camp,” a summer program for young girls, Penny was a model of grace, positivity and courage. She was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF1) as an infant, but never let this define her or hold her back. She lived

her life “Walking on Sunshine,” in the words of her favorite song, and made an impact everywhere she went by shining her bright light. In celebration of the extraordinary life of their daughter, Chad and Kate launched Penny’s Flight (pennysflight.org), a foundation dedicated to advancing medical research in NF1 and its related disorders while inspiring others to live as Penny did — finding beauty in imperfection, positivity in the face of challenge, and faith over fear.

Harold “Cal” O’Callaghan ’77 died February 15, 2023, at the age of 60 after a long, heroic, and inspiring battle with cancer. Cal is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine, and their four beautiful and extraordinary daughters, Kate, Charlotte, Allie, and Sarah. He is also survived by his mother, Wendy Cushman, and siblings Michael O’Callaghan ’80 , Brian O’Callaghan ’83 , Dan O’Callaghan ’86 , and former RCS faculty member Karen (O’Callaghan) Horan ’76 as well as 13 nieces and nephews including Will O’Callaghan ’19 , Jack O’Callaghan ’20 , and Maggie O’Callaghan ’22 . Born on October 23, 1962, in New Rochelle, New York, Cal grew up in Katonah. He is a graduate of Rippowam Cisqua School, Trinity Pawling School, and Denison University, where he played on both the football and lacrosse teams. A leader in the construction industry over a 35-year career, Cal founded Bowline Construction in 2004, which played a vital role in developing and restoring office buildings, hotels, life sciences, and critical public facilities throughout New England. As an adult, Cal became an accomplished golfer and fisherman. His passion for fishing brought him to locations throughout the world. He loved being on the water with friends peering into the water to find and land whatever species the local environs offered, with a particular passion for the Atlantic salmon, whose conservation he supported. He was a member of Cohasset Golf Club, Cohasset Yacht Club (Cohasset, Massachusetts), Loblolly (Hobe Sound, Florida), and a longtime member of the Bedford Golf & Tennis Club (Bedford).

The Rev. Eleanor “Missy” Jones Panasevich Greer ’56 died peacefully in her home on July 13, 2022, with her devoted husband, Jay Greer, by her side. The three pillars of her life were her love of dogs, music, and her faith — probably in that order. Born in New York City, Missy grew up in Northern Westchester County, where she attended Rippowam Cisqua School (formerly Bedford Rippowam School). She went on to attend Emma Willard School where her experience singing in the school choir inspired a lifelong love of music. After majoring in English at Smith College, she worked as a photographer, a production assistant at WGBH, and eventually in the press office at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Working at the BSO she met her first husband, Leo Panasevich, a violinist in the orchestra. Missy and Leo had a son, Nicholas. As her life progressed, Rev. Panasevich’s faith and spiritual identity became increasingly important. She studied at Episcopal Divinity School where she received a Master of Divinity, and went on to

be ordained a deacon and priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

Rev. Panasevich served various parishes offering her pastoral care and spiritual, liturgical, and preaching gifts to the congregations of St. Michael’s in Milton, Massachusetts, and St. Peter’s in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was sponsored for ordination by St. Peter’s in Weston, Massachusetts, where her care for interfaith and ecumenical relations, as well as her pastoral gifts, established a legacy of ministry and friendships. In more recent years, she served as a spiritual director, worship leader, and retreat leader at Bethany House of Prayer and with the Sisters of St. Anne-Bethany in Arlington, Massachusetts. Eleanor is survived by her husband, Jay Greer; son Nicholas Panasevich (Lori) and granddaughters Willa and Harriet Panasevich; brothers Ross Jones ’57 and Timothy Jones ’58; and brotherin-law Peter Greer ’50. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law Joan Wyeth Greer ’49.

Rev. Panasevich Greer kindly remembered Rippowam Cisqua School in her estate planning. Her gift in the amount of $25,000 will benefit students and faculty for years to come.

Missy Jones ‘56 with her husband and RCS former student Jay Greer

Planning for Rippowam Cisqua School’s Future Imagine the Possibilities

Remembering Rippowam Cisqua School in your estate planning helps ensure a brighter tomorrow for our school.

The 1917 Society was established in memory of our earliest leaders and the year of the school’s founding — honoring those alumni, faculty, parents, and friends who made a choice to bolster the future of RCS by providing for the school in their estates and/or by establishing planned gift arrangements that benefited both RCS and themselves. Today, all donors — whether through a bequest provision or a life income arrangement — are granted membership into the 1917 Society.

When you join our ever-growing list of individuals and families who have chosen to make provisions for RCS in their estate plans — including bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance, real estate, or other tangible property — you are

to create connections today that will lead to unlimited possibilities.

Depending on your circumstances, a planned gift may not only greatly benefit RCS but also may provide some significant tax advantages for you and your family. Thank you in advance for considering including RCS in your estate planning.

1917 Society

Through a simple provision in your estate, request the following designation:

Trustees of Rippowam Cisqua School, a charitable and educational institution in Bedford, New York.

For more information, please contact Director of Development Daphne Viders

RIPPOWAM

www.rcsny.org