Gordon
alumni connection
Summer 2015
Dear Gordon Friends, The school year has come to a close, and the forty-two members of the Class of 2015 are officially alumni. To help them celebrate this exciting transition, numerous alumni have returned over the past month to impart their wisdom about the changes ahead, including Karan Takhar ’05, Maggie Sawdy ’05, Tavie Abell ’06, and Sharkey Weinberg ’06. The idea for this summer’s issue was conceived when the development team realized we have three Gordon graduates at the United States Naval Academy, including Danielle Benoit ’08, Gavin Fuller ’08 and Emmett Whalen ’08. In recognition of their commitment to public service, Danielle and Gavin are featured in this issue, along with Tavie Abell ’06 who is at the Rhode Island State House working for Governor Gina Raimondo, and Cara Camacho ’93, who works as a Director at the National Security Council in Washington, DC.
Additionally, Brent Lang ’96, who is a Senior Film & Media Reporter at Variety penned a short essay for the magazine, and in honor of five amazing years of the Teacher Residency Program at Gordon School and Roger Williams University, Karla Vigil, Gordon parent and TRP ’15, agreed to answer a few questions about her experience. Also, please note that June 30th was my last day at Gordon. I have had an amazing two years, and I feel grateful that I was able to be a part of such an extraordinary community! My successor, Lauren Jordan, can be reached starting July 1st at ljordan@gordonschool.org.
Photos are from Carnival 2015
Thank you, Mollie Mattuchio
Associate Development Director 1
Campus Notes
Technology Lab provides a home for Gordon’s thriving robotics curriculum
Over the past fifteen years, Gordon’s robotics program has grown from being a fourth grade lesson and after school program to occupying a central space in Gordon’s facilities and curriculum. Over the course of 2014, Gordon integrated robotics into the curriculum from Kindergarten to eighth grade, and the robotics program will now call the newly redesigned tech lab home. While continuing to serve the computing needs of the Lower School, and serve as an office for the school’s Math Specialist, the technology lab now provides Gordon’s robotics team a permanent, year-round space for their ongoing projects.
Day Long Teach-In
Last January, faculty came together across grade levels to plan a day of learning dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a beloved community. All grades were engaged in ageappropriate activities and workshops, with many opportunities for cross-grade and interdisciplinary experiences. The day included poetry and song, as well as multimedia workshops. Each activity was driven by students’ interests and facilitated by faculty, with support from special guests. Master storyteller Valerie Tutson joined students for the day, as did poet and activist Amber Rose Johnson. College Alumni Lunch with eighth graders
Caroline Miller ’07, David Oppenheimer ’08, Graham Watkins ’08, Erica O’Connell ’09, and Lindsay Waller ’09 returned to Gordon in January to share advice with this year’s eighth grade, and give them some perspective on the transition from Gordon to high school.
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Selma viewing and Civil Rights Trip
In January, Gordon faculty, families, and alumni gathered at Providence Place Mall for the opening night of the film Selma. Before embarking on the annual Civil Rights Trip, Gordon’s eighth graders also viewed the film. With the success of Selma, and the fiftieth anniversary of Bloody Sunday (March 7, 1965), the city was busier than any of the chaperones could remember seeing it in past years. Unpacking Race: An Essential Conversation in Schools and Homes
In February, Gordon co-hosted a symposium with Brown University, which attracted interest from over two hundred educators, parents, and professionals from all corners of the Northeast. Presenters included Michèle Stephenson, co-director of the film American Promise, James DeWolf Perry of the Tracing Center, and Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White. Alumni in attendance included Matt Shumate ’05, Anjuwon Spence ’05, Lucy Kahn ’06, Brandon Bowman ’09, Meghan Wales ’10, Crystal Spence ’02, Janie Lupica ’07, and Mia Springwater ‘13.
The After Party for After School Programs: an evening of Gordon Giving
In April, two hundred parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered for a lively celebration of the school and its mission. Those gathered showed enormous generosity, funding over one hundred and eighty items to support after school programs. Generous sponsorship from Bottles Fine Wine & Craft Beer of Providence made the evening possible.
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Art Show
The annual student art show was displayed in the Wales Theater in February, with work by students from Kindergarten to eighth grade. Over seven hundred pieces were on display for the community and guests to admire.
Eighteenth Annual Britt Nelson Visiting Artist
This spring, Gordon proudly welcomed award-winning animator and Rhode Island School of Design instructor Hayley Morris as the eighteenth annual Britt Nelson Visiting Artist. From April 13th to May 1st, she was on campus, teaching daily, working with the third grade, the fifth grade and some seventh and eighth grade electives classes. She taught some initial classes in March, in order to introduce several techniques so that students had some ready-to-animate work ahead of her arrival this April.
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The first season in the Wales Theater
In November, the Middle School presented Argo: scenes from Argonautika, based on the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, as adapted by Mary Zimmerman. The script and the production brought the classic tale to life while bringing the rivalries and partnerships between the female leads into the forefront. February’s musical was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. The show comes with quite a bit of cultural baggage, as director Milly Romanzi pointed out in the program notes, and “we made specific theatrical choices based on authenticity, not just the celebration of the exotic that earmarks the 1950s movie version of the play.” In May, the third and fourth grades presented their musical adaptation of Bunnicula. Their production combined traditional musical comedy with puppetry, dance, and live-action and stop-motion film. The script was based on the novel, co-written by James Howe, who will visit Gordon in the fall as the ninth annual Karla Harry Visiting Author.
Student singers take the stage in Boston and Providence
The G-Notes, Gordon’s Middle School a cappella group, were invited to perform at the National Association of Independent Schools’ annual convention last February in Boston, Massachusetts. G-Notes is an ungraded, not-for-credit activity, and the seventeen singers are chosen by audition. Last March, the G-Notes and the Choral Ensemble participated in the area Five School Choral Festival.
5
Gordon graduates from the Class of 2015:
Induction Luncheon
a century of family connections
Tavie Abell ’06 and Sharkey Weinberg ’06 served as the alumni speakers for the annual eighth
At Grandfriends’ Day this May, Gordon
grade Induction Luncheon in June. Tavie and Sharkey were Student Council Co-Presidents
welcomed two grandparents whose connec-
together at Gordon during the 2005-2006 school year. Tavie, a graduate of Phillips Academy
tions to the school are deep-rooted. Hannah
Andover and Tulane University, just recently returned to Rhode Island to work for Governor
Farwell ’15 (above) Gordon welcomed her
Gina Raimondo. Check out her profile on page 14! Sharkey studied at Moses Brown, and the
grandmother Liz Chace, spouse of beloved
Tisch School of Arts at New York University. Currently, Sharkey is a director and producer.
Gordon graduate Kim Chace ’48 and mother of William Saltonstall ’75. Sam Ingalls ’15 (below) welcomed his grandfather and Gordon Fund volunteer extraordinaire Noel M. Field, Jr. Noel’s father, Noel M. Field, Sr. ’17 graduated in the same class as Malcolm G. Chace, Jr. ‘17, father of Kim Chace ‘48!
CJ Buckley Experiential Learning Night
Maggie Sawdy ’05 returned to campus for the 11th annual CJ Buckley Experiential Learning night in June to address the Class of 2015 before they presented their service learning presentations to family and friends. Maggie went to Wheeler School, and then on to Smith College, where she studied biology. After school, Maggie spent time as a field research assistant on the Masai Mara Hyena Project. The Masai Mara National Reserve is on the border of Tanzania, on the Kenyan side of the Serengeti. The Masai Mara Hyena Project has been going on for over 25 years and is run by Dr. Kay Holekamp from Michigan State University. Maggie collected behavioral and demographic data in addition to data needed by current graduate students. Maggie is returning to Michigan State this fall, where she will start her graduate studies, and of course, she will continue to study hyenas.
Girls’ athletics achievements
The girls who participated in athletics this year at Gordon did an especially amazing job. In addition to winning the lacrosse tournament this May, the girls A field hockey and basketball teams took first place in their tournaments. Girls tennis also took first place in the state doubles tennis tournament. Congratulations to an amazing group of athletes!
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Commencement
2O15
On June 10th, the 2015 Commencement exercises took place at Gordon. Student Council
Co-Presidents Kari Buonanno ’15 and Sam Pal ’15 addressed the audience, and Karan Takhar ’05 served as the Commencement speaker. Karan attended Wheeler, and later graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Karan is now an Associate at Matrix Capital Management. As you may remember, Karan had a series of spectacular performances in the National Geography Bee when he was in Middle School at Gordon, which eventually brought him to Budapest where he was a member of the seventh annual World Championship team. Karan also competed in the Jeopardy Teen Tournament.
“Eleven years here at Gordon, and I feel good
“While we will continue to be a family, in a few
about how our grade has impacted this school. What
months we will be without each other in our new
change will we continue to make in the world?
schools. I know that everyone here will be able to
What change will we continue to bring upon others
make new families at their school, it’s a skill we all
in the next eleven years of our lives? I know we will
have. There are many things we have learned from
make an impact, whether we become engineers,
Gordon that will help us create new families wherever
lawyers, athletes, or politicians. Or mothers, fathers,
we go. I know that I will carry many things that I
teachers, neighbors, and friends. So thank you to
was taught here to Moses Brown. While some of
everyone in this audience for giving the Class of
it is academic, most of it revolves around the most
2015 the privilege to go to Gordon, where we were
important thing at Gordon to me, and yes, I’m talk-
taught to never settle, that change is achievable,
ing about our family. I will carry with me the lessons
and we can take what we’ve learned here at this
you all have bestowed upon me, I will be the person
school, and apply it to the greater world.”
that I have become, and I will challenge others at
—Kari Buonanno ’15
Moses Brown to live up to the high expectations of a family that we have set. I expect nothing less from all of you. When you travel to Milton, or Lincoln, or Putney, or Barrington or Bay View, wherever you are, I want you all to start small with a close, tight-knit family, and then expand the family, until you once again have a group with whom you can be certain you would define as brothers and sisters. Because that’s what we did here, not individually, but as one.” —Sam Pal ’15
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fac ult y profile
SARAH WHINERY
’97
’97
A
fter touching four decades during
It all stems from the basic fact that Sarah loves
her time at Gordon School, Sarah Whinery
young adolescents. She has the capacity to
decided to step away from school work this
draw them into academic work in ways that
past June. In the life of our institution, Sarah’s
stick. Her graduates know and retain 18th and
decision is significant. This is an educator
19th century American history. What stands
whose talents have touched many, many
out, however, are their vivid memories about
students and families.
how they learned, who they learned with and how Sarah orchestrated each lesson
Sarah started her career at Wheeler, which
and project.
was her high school alma mater, as Director
’94
of Alumni Affairs. As her family grew, she
The most publicly acclaimed piece of Sarah’s
stepped back from work a bit but kept her
teaching is our memory map project, which is
toe in the water as a field hockey and lacrosse
now housed in sixth grade. Sarah brought this
coach. She made her way to Maxfield Avenue
to Gordon in 1991 and it remains a trademark
in 1988.
piece of our program. If you quiz any of her geography scholars they still hold a visceral
Sarah began at Gordon as a science and his-
knowledge of political and physical geography.
tory teacher and continued coaching lacrosse.
What an asset in today’s global village!
In fact, it was Sarah who formalized our girls’ lacrosse program. Among other things, she
Throughout her time here, Sarah’s value has
took the step to make sure that the girls had
been felt far beyond the classroom. She was
uniforms. At the time only the boys’ teams
selected to be on the Head of School Search
had them.
Committee in 1994, served as the faculty representative on the Board from 1992 to 1994,
’89
In 1989, Sarah settled into her sweet spot,
and has given her time freely to numerous
seventh grade humanities, where she set up
other committees and initiatives. Over the
shop for the next 23 years.
past three years, we have benefitted from this institutional perspective as Sarah led our
Sarah’s impact in this role was profound.
secondary school placement work. Here, too,
There is no other way to describe her place in
families applaud Sarah’s central role in this
Gordon’s story. When Sarah’s students come
critical step in their children’s lives.
back to campus their radar is sweeping for Mrs. Whinery. Within seconds of reconnecting,
All of us have teachers who we have placed on
the graduates and Sarah are in a “do-you-
a pedestal. Sarah Whinery holds that position
remember” give and take that is, simply said,
for so many of the students who have passed
joyful. If you listen, the tales are nothing less
through our halls during her time here. Please
than Homeric, revealing how deeply threaded
join me in honoring this educator who has
Sarah’s influence is in the narrative of these
meant so much to our school and its commu-
individuals’ lives.
nity over the course of her career.
’89
—Ralph L. Wales, Head of School
8
’07
’09
“When considering a few words to write about
“It is truly hard to imagine a Gordon School
Mrs. Whinery, it is hard to not think of Harper Lee’s
without Sarah Whinery. Mrs. Whinery effectively
To Kill a Mockingbird. For so many Gordon gradu-
captures the attention of her students and with
ates, reading this American masterpiece was not
the utmost care and respect instills an apprecia-
only a rite of passage, but became the cornerstone
tion for education that I hope one day I too can
academic experience of our Gordon experience.
instill in my students.
A l um n i r e f l e c t i o n s
It takes a special kind of educator to dedicate their
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Whinery
“Gordon was new to lacrosse when I joined the team
career to seventh grade education and secondary
for seventh grade humanities and I was always
that Mrs. Whinery courageously volunteered to
school placement, and Mrs. Whinery did both with
drawn to her energetic yet peaceful and
coach. We didn’t have kilts, cleats, or collared shirts.
a quiet confidence and dynamism that few can rival.
maternal approach to all of the subjects she
Instead we wore shorts, high tops, and baggy jerseys.
For decades, her room, perched high above the rest
taught. Mrs. Whinery’s delicate approach to
But Mrs. Whinery refused to let on, to us or to our
of the school, more closely resembled a college
showing the Award-Winning movie Glory, a film
opponents, that we were underdogs. We were a
seminar than a typical middle school humanities
depicting the first all-black Civil War regiment
team, and that was all that mattered.
classroom, with Mrs. Whinery moderating lively
under Colonel Robert E. Shaw, was truly a
conversations and debates regarding history,
memorable and insightful moment for me. For
literature and geography, all with incredible ease.
as long as I live, I will never forget our discussion
I loved our practices, and our games, especially. Mrs. Whinery coached us to several wins our first
and reading of Lord of the Flies. This exceptional
year, which, considering most of us had never held
It is hard to imagine a Gordon Middle School with-
novel sheds light on themes that are quintessen-
a stick before joining the team, was a real testament
out Mrs. Whinery in it. Yet because of the incredible
tial to child-development, and I thank you Mrs.
to her coaching skills! She believed in us and we,
contributions of this passionate educator, Gordon
Whinery, for your exceptionally sound analysis
in turn, believed in ourselves.
will forever hold a place in the hearts and minds of
of this book.
countless graduates and their families. Thank you, Mrs. Whinery—for instilling in us the
Albert Einstein said, “it is the supreme art of
love of a sport that many of us played through high
Thank you for generously treating us like the young
the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression
school and even college—and also for teaching us
adults we so desperately wanted to be. You will
and knowledge.” Mrs. Whinery, you’ve not only
that being the new, scrappy kids on the block can,
always be an integral part of our Gordon experience,
awakened my creativity, but the creativity of
in many cases, work to our advantage! It was a treat
and deserve all the best as you take on your next
all your students. I wish you all the best in your
and an honor to have played for you.”
challenge.”
retirement and I thank you once again for all
—Georgia Hunter Farinholt ’92
—Rob Glancy ’97
your years of service as an educator.” —Matt Shumate ’05
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Karla Vigil TRP ’15
What made you choose the Teacher
Community Activism” unit. During the
Residency Program at Gordon School and
discussion, I asked them:
Roger Williams University?
What would you do if someone you knew
Kar l a E. V i g i l T R P ’ 1 5 is the parent of
I remember one day, in the beginning of the
was not being treated fairly or was not being
third g ra d er R e u b en T illman, IV, and
2013-2014 school year, walking in to drop
granted their rights?
a re c ent g ra d u ate o f the Tea cher
off Reuben in second grade. Emily Anderson,
Resid en c y P r o g ra m at Gordon School
Director of Admission, stopped to introduce
One student answered by saying that they
an d Ro g er Wi l l ia m s University.
me to Lynn Bowman, Director of the Teacher
would send letters to the Mayor of the city.
Residency Program. She said I should consider
Another student responded and said what if
Kar l a rec eived her Ba c he lor of Scien ce
looking into the program. At the time, I was
that doesn’t work? This student directed con-
in B u siness A d m inistrati on from the
working at the MET School and really hadn’t
versation allowed students to share their ideas
University o f R h o d e I s land, and prior
considered going back to school. I made the
on how to stand up for themselves and others.
t o c om in g t o G o r d o n she worked with
decision later on in the year. After doing some
Lastly, a student added to the conversation
inner city hi g h s c h o ol students as an
research, I only found two programs I was in-
by saying that he would form a march. This
A f ter Sc h o o l P r o g ra m Coordinator at
terested in: the Teacher Residency Program at
was a happy moment for me. They showed me
Inspirin g Mind s in P r o viden ce. K arla also
Gordon and Brown’s Master of Arts in Teach-
that they understood the importance of people
w orke d at T he M E T S c hool in Providen ce
ing Program. I was accepted to both programs
coming together to bring about change.
as an A d m issi o ns and Recruitment
and was thrilled to have two great options to
Specialist, which is where her 15 year
choose from. In the end, I chose the Teacher
What I loved about this moment was that, in
old son is currently a student.
Residency Program because of its deep
the beginning, I wasn’t sure if they would even
commitment to teaching for social justice and
be capable of having deep conversations about
In her f ree tim e , K ar l a desi gns j ewelry,
multicultural education. It was important to me
social justice issues. As an educator, you
bu t she has p u t m any of her pr oj ects
to learn about teaching pedagogies, research,
quickly learn that students will always impress
on h ol d b e c a u se o f the ti me she has
and philosophies. Having the opportunity to be
you by what they say and how they can make
d evote d t o the T ea c her R esi den cy
completely immersed in the classroom where
connections. Even at the age of seven!
P r ogra m . S he d esc rib es her j ewelry
teachers were walking the walk was priceless
as “f u n and c o o l c o stume j ewelry!”
to me. Choosing this program has been the
What makes you excited about teaching,
You c an view her d esi gns at
most valuable experience in my life. I now
and what do you hope to achieve after you
www. thekin g d o m iv. c o m. K arla has
have such a deep understanding of what it
graduate?
a l s o been f eat u red in Mar ie C lair e
means to be an effective teacher that values
I get excited about being in the classroom
Ma ga z ine ’ s S treet S ty l e secti on.
all students learning needs despite their race,
and making real connections with my students.
gender, class, ability, and ethnicity.
A huge part of teaching involves the ability to build trusting relationships with them.
Can you share a favorite moment during your
Establishing this trust will allow me to impact
time in the program?
students’ views and understandings. I love it
Just one? I have so many! Although it’s difficult
when students are able to grow and develop
to narrow it down to one, I will have to go with
the skills they need to reach their potential
a classroom discussion with my first graders
and lead productive lives. I’m also very
that took place at the end of our “Art +
passionate about providing opportunities where
10
students can unpack biases, assumptions, and
an Alumni poin t of view
stereotypes.
Brent Lang ’96
I’ve graduated now, and in August will begin working at Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy as a fourth grade teacher. I believe
After atten d in g Go rdo n, Brent Lang ’96
that all learners should receive a good educa-
contin ued his edu c atio n at the Wheeler
tion regardless of their class, gender, race,
School and then Br o wn University.
ability, and ethnicity. My goal is to make sure
Brent later attend ed Co lu mbia Univer-
that I work to eliminate barriers that prevent
sity ’s Grad u ate Sc ho o l o f Jo urnalism.
students from achieving. This past year has
Currently, Brent is a Senio r Fi lm & Med ia
provided me with the skills and tools I need to
R eporter at Va ri ety.
help all learners succeed. I now have a “backpack” filled with great multicultural and social justice teaching practices that I will carry with me forever. I’ve also had the privilege to have worked in an amazing school with impressive teachers. I only hope that I can be as great when I begin teaching. In May 2015, the fifth, and final, cohort of students received their degrees from the Teacher Residency Program at Gordon School and Roger Williams University. This class is the last to graduate from the program, a partnership between the two schools. In early May, Roger Williams University Provost Bob Cole reached out to Gordon administrators to share that financial considerations required the University to discontinue
Movies are my passion. Growing up, no
Still I wouldn’t trade it for the world and I have
weekend was complete without a trip to the
my Gordon education to thank for much of it.
video store (remember those!) and my room
The school and teachers like Mrs. Whinery and
housed towering stacks of worn Entertainment
Mrs. Quevedo taught me to dig deep, think
Weeklys and posters of The Fugitive and
critically and above all, ask questions! The old
Chinatown. What can I say? My tastes were
adage “there are no stupid questions” may be
diverse. I nearly failed eighth grade algebra,
apocryphal, but it is true that many of my best
but had there been a class on Oscar trivia,
stories have come out of having the confidence
I’d have aced it.
to tell a source I don’t understand something they’re saying.
Covering the movie and media business has been a dream come true. I’ve reported from the
Best of all they made me love books, and
Academy Awards, I’ve schlepped to Sundance
by having us read To Kill a Mockingbird,
and the Toronto Film Festival, and I’ve hob-
Animal Farm, and The Crucible, they helped
nobbed at movie premieres. Seeing throngs
me learn to write.
the program.
of screaming teenagers at the kickoff for the Twilight films still haunts my dreams. The
The movie and media businesses are both
Over five years, the Teacher Residency Program
Beatles have nothing on Robert Pattinson.
changing. Digital players like Netflix and YouTube are altering the way we access, enjoy
graduated thirty-six educators, steeped in the principles of multicultural education, who now teach
Best of all I’ve interviewed my idols, people
and think about popular culture. At the same
in every kind of school, from rural to urban, and
like Robert De Niro, Matt Damon, Jessica
time the internet is roiling the newspaper and
from public to private to charter.
Chastain, Peter Jackson, Christopher Plummer,
magazine business, making people accustomed
Ang Lee and Bradley Cooper. The late media
to getting their news without having to pay for
At Gordon’s annual meeting in May, Head of School
reporter David Carr described journalism as
a subscription or shell out for a newsstand
Ralph L. Wales called the Teacher Residency Program
“a caper,” and he was right. What other profes-
copy. I’m part of an industry that can feel the
the “best example of how Gordon can serve a role
sion gives you license to call smart people you
ground shifting under its feet while covering
in the broader field of education, to be, in a substan-
do not know and ask them for their thoughts?
another one that is in the throes of an identity
tive fashion, a private school with a public purpose.”
It’s a gift and I’m grateful I get paid to do it.
crisis. That’s alternately scary and exciting.
Gordon remains committed to the spirit of the
Not that I’m pinching myself every day. Work-
Movie theaters have been around for over a
Teacher Residency: the learning it inspired in Gordon
ing for Variety is a constant fight for scoops
century, but they may not make it to witness
classrooms, the partnerships it sparked in Rhode
and exclusives, and the battle to break news is
the dawn of another. I hope that doesn’t
Island, and the teachers it sent out into the world.
stressful and competitive. I’d be lying if I didn’t
happen because I still believe that movies like
In her remarks to the 2015 graduates, Teacher
admit there is a thrill to the chase. The dead-
Boyhood or Guardians of the Galaxy have the
Residency Program Director Lynn Bowman asked
lines are intense and the publicists have raised
power to thrill and move us. It’s a power that
them to continue this work: “we ask that you stay in
the use of profanity to an art form. Seriously,
moved me while I was a student at Gordon
touch—that you share your new learnings with us,
they’d make Ari Gold blush.
and it’s that fascination with cinema that drives
that you carry us with you to your new schools, and
me still.
that you always know you can come back to us for support and reassurance or guidance.” 11
A l um n i i n P u b l i c S e rv ic e
a lu mn i in pu blic service
Cara Camacho ’93
Gavin Fuller ’08
Cara Ca m a c h o ’ 9 3 is a Director at the National Security Co u nc il in Washing to n,
Gavin Fuller ’08 atten d ed Deer f iel d
DC . P revi o u s ly, Cara worked for the United States Treasury Department, an d befo re
A c ad emy an d then went o n t o atten d
that in the o f f i c e o f the Unite d States Senator Ja ck Ree d (D-RI ). Cara attend ed Mo ses
the Unite d States N aval Ac a d e m y. Gavin
Br own, Geo r g e Washin gton University, and then she went o n to rec eive her MPA
is cu rrently in the mid st of c o m p l eting
at Br own University ’ s Taub man Center for Pub lic Pol icy.
his ‘Two fo r Seven ’ c o mmitm ent, whi c h he sig ne d at the beg inning o f his ju ni o r
Did you always know you wanted to work
What is you favorite part of your job?
in politics and public service?
The people I work with are so capable and
I was always interested in politics, but I didn’t
dedicated. It’s humbling to be a part of such
necessarily think I would work in public
a dynamic group. I also find the policy issues
service. My mom took me to vote with her,
that I’m working on to be very compelling,
to participate in protests and rallies, and we
generally Middle East foreign policy, so I’m
always watched the evening news, so I’ve
always engaged by the subject matter.
always been interested in current events. It
(o r 2nd Class) year. A ll 2n d C l ass m i d ship men must sig n this ag reem ent be f o re atten d in g their first class o f the fa l l se mester. This ag reement is a c o m m itment to finish the last two years at the N aval Ac ad emy an d to serve a m ini m u m o f five years o n ac tive du ty f o l l o win g g ra d u atio n.
wasn’t until after college when I was working
How did your time at Gordon influence who
for a non-profit that I realized I wanted to work
you are today?
more directly in public policy.
Gordon provided a very nurturing environment in which to learn. I think back on a number
As a Director at the National Security Council,
of very positive relationships I had with the
what does your typical day entail?
teachers that I think would be difficult to
Each day varies, but generally the day begins
replicate in other environments. My time at
with morning meetings at the White House to
Gordon fostered a love of learning, sometimes
address the most pressing congressional issues.
in non-conventional ways, which I really
In the Legislative Affairs office, we’re focused
enjoyed and thrived under. The focus on
on advancing the President’s foreign policy
diversity left an important impression on me
agenda on Capitol Hill. There’s always a good
and taught me to value differing opinions
amount of coordination within the Administra-
and experiences at a young age.
tion, so the day can involve working with
Why did you decide to attend the United States Naval Academy?
It really was a lifelong dream. In Kindergarten all I wanted was to become an astronaut. When I was 10 years old I had the opportunity to go to Space Camp, which is run by NASA. That week in Huntsville, Alabama taught me that the United States Naval Academy has graduated more astronauts than any other college in America. For this reason, I was fixated on the Naval Academy from a young age. During my high school years, I researched the Naval Academy more thoroughly to learn
people from the State Department, Department
about what it means to be a midshipman and
of Defense, and others on specific national
what it means to serve the nation as a Naval
security issues. Finally, I could have a meeting
Officer. My reasons to attend became quite
on the Hill to brief members or staff on a policy
clear to me. The very beginning of the
issue like the Iran nuclear negotiations or the
Naval Academy’s mission statement reads:
Administration’s recent policy changes related
“To develop midshipmen morally, mentally,
to Cuba. 12
a lu mn i in pu blic serv ice
Danielle Benoit ’08 Mi dship man Danielle Beno it ‘08 atten d e d Linc o ln Sc ho o l, an d cu rrent ly atten d s the Unite d States N aval Ac a d e m y. S he is spend in g the first part o f her s u m m er o n a Navy destro yer. The se c o n d part o f her summer wi ll be spent trainin g at the United States N aval Ac ad emy, an d then o n a lo cal Navy ship c ru ise . At the end o f the summer she plans to spend tim e with her family at ho me in Rh o d e I s l an d .
Why did you decide to attend the United States Naval Academy?
I decided to attend the United States Naval and physically.” I wanted far more than just
a thousand officers into the Navy and Marine
Academy because I always wanted to serve my
academic enrichment from my four years of
Corps every year, leadership development is
country and be in the military, and the Naval
college. I knew that the Naval Academy would
the focal point. In my experiences, respect for
Academy is the best and most challenging way
challenge me and develop me wholesomely.
others is fundamental for successful leadership.
to become an officer. After two years at civilian
In addition to the challenge I sought after, I
My second takeaway is a desire for lifelong
college, I obtained a 3.9 GPA while simultane-
also desired to serve my country. I considered
learning. I attribute Gordon for formulating my
ously doing two internships and I did not feel
participating in ROTC as well, but I chose
motivation for self-development. Lastly, my
academically or professionally challenged.
being a midshipman at Annapolis because
third takeaway from Gordon is to always dream
I decided to go to the Naval Academy because
it would be the greatest challenge.
big. I am very fortunate to have had so many
I knew I would have regretted not doing so.
tremendous teachers while at Gordon. I feel
The Naval Academy gives you a chance to
What are your plans for the future?
very thankful that they always encouraged my
learn how to lead and develop yourself physi-
I have one more year left at the Naval
aspirations. The quote on my Gordon diploma
cally and mentally so that you understand that
Academy. I am not yet sure what I will be
reads, “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when
there’s no task you can’t handle, which makes
doing after graduation. I will most likely serve
there are footprints on the moon.” I think that
you a stronger person within the Navy and
as a Submarine Officer or as a Surface Warfare
sums it up quite nicely.
civilian world.
Officer. It is even less certain where in the world I will be. I could be stationed at a
What are your plans for the future?
number of different bases and could be
My future plans are to become a Naval Aviator
deployed almost anywhere, and as mentioned
or Naval Intelligence Officer. My majors at
above, I will serve on active duty for at least
the United States Naval Academy are political
five years. I am unsure about what I would
science and Arabic. My extracurricular activi-
like to do following my five year commitment,
ties are the parachute club and managing the
but I will make that decision based upon my
Navy women’s tennis team.
experience out in the fleet. How did your experience at Gordon shape How did your experience at Gordon shape
the person you are today?
the person you are today?
My lessons at Gordon, which were further
For me, Gordon was a very special place
developed by my high school years at Lincoln,
with so many amazing people. Although I have
allowed me to understand that there was no
benefited from countless lessons and experi-
limit to what I could do. Even after two years in
ences at Gordon, there are three takeaways
civilian college, I never doubted that I couldn’t
that resonate as being most important to me.
make it at the United Sates Naval Academy,
First of all, Gordon taught me to respect others.
even though I would have to start my four years
For the Naval Academy, which graduates over
over again.
13
alumni in pu blic service
Tavie Abell ’06 Tavie Abell ’06 recently relocated to Rhode Island to serve as a member of Governor Gina Raimondo’s staff. A graduate of Phillips Academy Andover and Tulane University, Tavie’s passion for politics blossomed in college, where she studied with former Clinton political operative James Carville. When she graduated from Tulane in the spring of 2014, she was awarded the Political Economy Senior Scholar Award, which is given annually to a top senior in the political economy program at the university. After graduation, Tavie worked on former Senator Mary Landrieu’s (D-LA) finance team. Tavie currently serves as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Chiefs of Staff for Governor Raimondo, and she also coordinates the First Gentleman’s issue portfolio.
When did you realize you wanted to work
blend a lot of my interests. Rhode Island faces
in politics and public service?
some big challenges, but we are lucky to live
I don’t think there was one “aha” moment, but
in a state with many capable people who have
more a mixture of personal passions and right
the skills to create solutions that will move our
place, right time. Political discussion was a
state forward. I can’t imagine a more dedicated
fixture at our family dinner table, and anyone
or capable leader than Governor Raimondo to
who knew me in 2000 will tell you that I gave
lead this charge and kickstart Rhode Island’s
vocal commentary on the presidential election.
comeback. We have a chance to do some truly
Awareness became interest, and I was lucky
great things in Rhode Island, and I’m honored
enough to parlay an internship into a job on
to be a part of the team.
Senator Landrieu’s reelection campaign in New Orleans. After the campaign I was ready
What are your career aspirations?
to engage in meaningful policy work, so I
The short answer is that I don’t know, although
came home to Rhode Island to join Governor
I definitely plan on going to graduate school
Raimondo’s team.
at some point in the future. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I think that I’d
Can you describe a typical day at the Rhode
ultimately like to be in a position where I can
Island State House?
connect people with great ideas with the
That’s probably my favorite aspect of my job—
resources that they need to grow their visions
there really is no “typical” day. One constant
and better their communities. For now, I’m
is the fact that things move at breakneck speed,
really excited to be working towards meaning-
and I’m always working on multiple projects at
ful change for a state that I care deeply about,
once. I often get to see members of the Gordon
and learning as much as I can about how to
family at the State House—Gordon alumni
translate ideas into effective policy actions.
parents Meredith Curren (Sam ’06, Caroline ’07, and Henry ’12) and Claire Richards (Maddy
How did your time at Gordon influence who
’10, Julia ’13, and Odie ’15) are in our office!
you are today?
Also, I usually stop once a day and appreciate
By giving me an appreciation for good teach-
the fact that I get to work in such a beautiful
ing and instilling in me a passion for lifelong
building that is perfectly emblematic of the
learning and social justice. I think that an abil-
strong, proud character of Rhode Island. I’ve
ity to see all experiences as learning opportuni-
been fascinated by the State House ever since
ties is an incredibly valuable skill, and one that
we toured it in Kindergarten, and so coming
has served me well throughout my life. Gordon
here every day is still pretty surreal for me!
is a unique place because every member of the community is mindful of how they can be
What is your favorite part of your work as
responsive to the needs of others while work-
a public servant?
ing to create a more vibrant, stronger team.
I’m constantly surrounded by inspiring people
From Preschool through eighth grade, I gained
who are dedicated to improving the quality of
the tools to be a critical thinker, trust myself,
life for all Rhode Islanders. It’s both humbling
and value the insights of those around me. Oh,
and encouraging. Working with the Deputy
and my time at Gordon sparked an undying
Chiefs of Staff means that I’m involved with a
love for bagels. Thanks, Mrs. Baker!
diverse set of policy areas, and so I’m able to 14
Young Alumni Reunion June 2015
15
Visit
class notes
Gordon School
s u m m e r
2 0 1 5
online
9Os
Alexa Buffum ’96 married Jonathan William Armstrong Conn on July 18, 2014, at el
w w w. g o rd o n s c h o o l . o r g
Convent de Blanes, Spain. A stateside reception was also held last August, at the Weekapaug Golf Club for the couple. Alexa is a graduate
@GordonSchool
3Os
Dr. Stephen Briggs Smith ’37 passed away on
IESE Business School in Barcelona. Alexa is
@gordonschool
April 19, 2015. His burial was held on May 13,
co-founder and CEO of Agorique, an online
2015 at Quantico National Cemetery. Stephen
fashion platform for designers and retailers
was the beloved husband of Audrey Branch
around the globe.
facebook.com/thegordonschool
Class Secretaries
Smith ’40. Stephen was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, and attended
Michael Floriani ’96 writes: “I have been oper-
Gordon from 1934-1937.
ating my own industrial electrical contracting
1987
Annie White
1997
Rob Glancy
1998
company for five years. I’ve completed projects
5Os
recently including Bank Rhode Island’s new
“Alex Chafee Reynolds ’50, Joe Beckwith ’50,
gansett, RI, which is a trend setter in boutique
Marilyn Palmer Helmholz ’50 writes:
Merebea Danforth
Kit Langdon ’50, Pauline Metcalf ’50 and
1999
I enjoyed a mini reunion of the Class of 1950
Georgia Mischak Nick Wall
2000
Isaiah Osofisan
2001
Rebecca Nelson
at The Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI last
This Fall, Ted Widmer ’76 will release his new
2003
country’s seventh oldest institution for higher
Liam Miner
2010
Emma Ruhl Charlotte Whalen
which is leading the industry worldwide and received grants from the University of Rhode
7Os
is a history of Brown University, which is the
2005
hotels. We were contracted by NAVTEK,
windtunnel testing facilities for the latest in
Katja Nelson
Maggie Moran
an ongoing project, The Break Hotel, in Narra-
Island and the United States Naval Academy.
book, Brown: The History of an Idea. The book
2004
branch in Wakefield, Rhode Island. We have
August.”
2002
Carlin O’Donnell
of Boston College and received her MBA from
education. Ted is currently the Assistant to the President for Special Projects at Brown, and he is the former Director of the John Carter Brown Library.
8Os
Gordon Class of 1980, do you have memories you would like to share about former Gordon
Interested in becoming a class secretary
teacher Nancy Patterson? Contact the Devel-
and managing updates for your class?
opment Office at (401) 434-3833.
Through NAVTEK we wired one of the premier wind and underwater technologies. MF Industrial Electrical is also a champion of green energy. We have come full circle with LED retrofit and industrial lighting applications. Current projects are taking us into hanger expansion at Quonset Point. I now live in Briggs Farm in Narragansett, RI. My mother is still holding down Pinewood Drive in North Providence, with a wonderful Husky Maximus. At this point my romance is casual so there are no little Florianis to report.” Noah Davis ’97 continues to work as a freelance journalist and regularly writes for publications like ESPN’s Grantland and FiveThirtyEight, Vice, and Men’s Fitness. He recently attended a barbecue festival in
Call the Development Office at
Austin, Texas and ran a film festival in Abu
401-434-3833x119 for more information.
Dhabi.
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Karl Dunkelman ’97 and his wife Megan
the end of July. I have been enjoying being in
Maggie Kilguss ’98 married Tyler Hauptman
welcomed their daughter Grace Elizabeth
the field of health and look forward to working
of Malibu, California in Palm Springs, CA on
on December 9, 2014. All are doing well in
as a nurse next year. In the next few years I
May 1st.
Winter Park, Florida.
plan to pursue additional education to go into
In January, Rob Glancy ’97 completed
primary care. I send my best to all of our
Erica Cerjanec ’99 completed her first
classmates.”
marathon, the Boston Marathon, on April 20th, fundraising for the Joslin Diabetes Center. She
the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School, and is now living
Charlie Enright ’98 is competing in the
caught the marathon bug and is off to Chicago
in Washington, DC.
Volvo Ocean Race as the skipper for Team
to run another in October. She currently lives
Alvimedica. The race began in Alicante, Spain
in Boston and works for a national architecture
Kristen Hopkins ’97 writes: “I’m still living
in October, and this past May, the Volvo race
firm as a Senior Graphic Designer.
in Asheville, North Carolina. It has been five
completed its sixth of nine legs and arrived in
years now. I’m getting back to my first love in
Newport for a stopover after a 5,000-mile trip
Wajih Mazloum ’99 passed away unexpectedly
the social work field, which is working with
from Itajai, Brazil. First grade teacher Siobhan
on Sunday, February 1, 2015. Wajih was a
homeless folks, and helping to get them into
Welsh captured a photo of Charlie’s Team
second-year law student at Tulane University,
sustainable housing. My main clients have
Alvimedica boat in Newport! photo 1
where he served as a student attorney and research assistant in the University’s environ-
been camping or in shelters for eleven to fifteen years, and all of my clients are veterans.
Evan Goldstein ’98 is well, still living in
The program is SSVF, Supportive Services for
Brookline, Massachusetts and and working
Veteran Families. I took an amazing seven
at an architectural firm in Boston.
mental clinic. Nick Wall ’99 has relocated to San Francisco from New York to open the West Coast office
months off last year to travel. The main highlights were a month in Costa Rica and then a
Kathryn Kenney ’98 writes: “In May of 2014
of MVision Private Equity Advisers, a London-
visit to EJ Brin ’97, in Vancouver, British Co-
I earned my Master of Interior Design degree
based private equity placement and advisory
lumbia, among a bunch of other amazing
from the Boston Architectural College in
firm, at which he is a Director.
places and experiences.”
Boston, Massachusetts. In December of 2014, I completed two years of contracted employ-
OOs
Julia McCann ’97 recently moved to San
ment with the Commonwealth of Massachu-
Diego, California where she is a public
setts Division of Capital Asset Management &
relations consultant and registered yoga
Maintenance (DCAMM) Office of Planning,
to speak at an event in memory of Martin
teacher (RYT). She earned her M.S. in public
Design and Construction in the role of Accessi-
Luther King, Jr. at the Yale School of Manage-
relations in 2013 from Boston University.
bility Compliance Assistant. Last winter, I be-
ment, where he is currently a student.
Last January, Ben Freedman ’01 was asked
came a permanent employee with DCAMM’s Andrea Weisman RusselI ’97 is busy working
Office of Real Estate Planning in the role of
Allie Ziino Hicks ’03 writes: “Our biggest
part-time as a psychotherapist in Taunton,
Program Coordinator II. City life is exciting,
change is that my husband and I welcomed
Massachusetts and raising her 15-month-old
and I look forward to many more years as a
our sweet little nugget into this world! Isabella
son Steven with her husband Ben.
Boston resident! I wish everyone from the class
(Bella) Faye Hicks on January 4, 2015. She is
of 1998 success and happiness in 2015 and
fabulous and so much fun. She’s easygoing,
beyond!”
photo 2
Merebea Danforth ’98 writes: “I will complete my nursing program in Baltimore, Maryland at
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mellow, and loves to smile! And she loves to
Alex Patinkin ’05 is working for a utilities
the patient. Coby is pictured in Washington,
sleep, who would have thought! She weighed
company in Australia. In his spare time, Alex
DC with his partner in design and innovation,
6 pounds 9 ounces at birth, and is just over 9
plays club lacrosse and football.
Aiden Robinson. photo 1
I’m working part time as an adoption social
Patrick Rock ’05 writes: “I have been living
Avery Stone ’06 was selected as one of 8
worker, which is what I was doing previously,
in New Jersey for six years. I received my
athletes to be on the cover of Jeff Sheng’s book,
but with a new agency. I love it! And all my
undergraduate degree from Drew University
Fearless, inspired by his photo exhibition,
kiddos.”
and I graduated from Seton Hall University this
which is a collection of portraits of over 200
pounds at 12 weeks. I also started a new job.
spring with a Masters in athletic training. I re-
“out” LGBT identified high school and college
Recently Eric Margulies ’03 became engaged
cently moved to Cleveland to begin working
athletes across the United States and Canada.
to be married to Kydlan Duchek. Eric, who
for The Cleveland Browns as a seasonal intern
The photos have been exhibited at over 70
attends Northwestern as a PhD candidate
athletic trainer.”
different venues, including numerous college
in chemistry, and Kydlan, who is a Masters
campuses, the corporate headquarters of Nike,
student in education at DePaul University,
Last winter, Maggie Sawdy ’05 wrote: “I was
ESPN, and Goldman Sachs, as well as the 2010
presently call Chicago their home after moving
a field research assistant on the Masai Mara
and 2012 Winter and Summer Olympics.
there from Montreal in 2011. Kydlan and Eric
Hyena Project. I was in the Masai Mara
met while both were attending McGill Univer-
National Reserve in Kenya. The park is right
Caroline Frishman ’07 writes: “I’m majoring in
sity. Kydlan enjoys working at the Francis
on the border of Tanzania and is basically the
public policy at the University of Chicago,
Parker School, in Chicago, and volunteering
Kenyan side of the Serengeti. This project has
writing my thesis on the mandate disparities for
at the Shedd Aquarium in her spare time.
been going on for over 25 years and is run
the HPV vaccine across the country, and I just
An August 29, 2015 wedding in Saugatuck,
by Dr. Kay Holekamp from Michigan State
started taking a piano class.”
Michigan is being planned.
University. We collect behavioral and demographic data and then whatever data current
Caroline Miller ’07 was selected to be a
This March, chef Jonathan Shumate ’03 was
grad students need. Hyenas are really cool,
Project Manager of a nonprofit called Girl-
featured on The Rhode Show’s In the Kitchen
highly intelligent, and unusual mammals. They
SportWorks that operates out of Cusco, Peru
segment. Jonathan is the executive chef at
have a very interesting social system that has
and teaches communication, confidence, and
Aruba Steve’s Island Grill in Warren, Rhode
often been compared with baboon’s, and
healthy living to young girls at several schools
Island.
unlike most mammals, the females are bigger,
in Cusco through afterschool sports programs.
stronger, more aggressive, and dominant over
She writes: “I will be leaving in late July and
the males.”
spending a year in Cusco which is sure to be
Nate Ardente ’05 is a Financial Analyst at Redgate Real Estate Advisors.
a lifechanging one.” Coby Unger ’05 writes: “I spent most of the last
Dana Bourque ’05 is living in New York City
year working at Instructables.com as an artist
Ava Anderson ’08 and her company Ava
and is working as an Associate Account
in residence and content creator. Now I am
Anderson Non Toxic were named Inc.
Executive at Coburn Communication, Inc.
off to India for a year to work as a designer for
Magazine’s Coolest College Startup of 2015.
Prakti Design Lab, a company that manufacAnna Mack ’05 just finished up a year living
tures highly efficient and low cost cooking
Danielle Benoit ’08 just finished her first
in China as a Fulbright Research Fellow.
stoves. In my free time I have been hiking, rock
year at the United States Naval Academy.
climbing, and riding bikes.” This June, Coby
In her company is fellow Gordon classmate
Liam Miner ’05 writes: “I’ve been living in
flew from India to Washington, DC to present
Emmett Whalen ’08. She hopes to do her
Denver, Colorado for about two years now
at the White House on behalf of Instructables.
summer training on an aircraft carrier in the
and am working for a software company as a
While he was at Instructables, Coby developed
Mediterranean. Her twin sister Lauren Benoit
consultant/business analyst. I skied ninteen
a new type of pediatric prosthetic arm that has
’08 is pursuing a Marine Biology degree
days this season, and I’m excited to hike this
interchangeable attachments, and grows with
from the Univeristy of Rhode Island, and she
summer.”
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finished a semester in Hawaii last winter where she dove with sharks and jumped out of planes. She hopes to have a summer internship diving and studying sharks in South Africa. Jessie Litwin ’08 is now the president of her
1Os
People last fall. Meg Schimelpfenig ’12 played a leading role in La Bête at Moses Brown last
Nate Bresnick ’10 was awarded the Donald
fall as well.
Cameron Duncan Prize For Mathematics during Commencement at Milton Academy
Aiden Herlihy ’11 and Lucy Carpenter ’12
in the spring of 2014.
portrayed Mr. Gibbs and Emily Webb, both
a cappella group at Northeastern called the
leading roles, in Classical High School’s
Nor’easters. They are one of five collegiate
Nainoa Nathanson ’10 is the number one fresh-
production of Our Town at the end of last fall.
a cappella groups that are part of an eight
man skipper for the Tufts University sailing
They are pictured backstage. photo 7
episode television docuseries produced by
team, which is currently ranked fifth in the
Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award- nation. As a result of his sailing accomplishments on Tufts’ nationally-ranked sailing team, winning singer John Legend called Sing It On.
Jamie Pine ’11 directed, produced and edited a short film celebrating the 2015 Reading Across
The show premiered in May, and it is running
Nainoa is only one of two freshman sailors to
Rhode Island Selection: Norwegian By Night
on the Pop Network. Jesse was on The View
receive a Varsity Letter. Additionally, Nainoa
by Derek Miller. You can watch it here: ribook.
at the end of May with John Legend and her
completed his first college semester on the
org/2014/12/08/all-about-that-book.
group. photo 2
academic Dean’s List. photo 5
Morgan Rainey ’08 stopped by the Annual
Last winter, Sherry Romanzi ’10 studied the
field hockey team last fall for her performance
Meeting on campus in May to honor Sarah
art of the caricature in her freshman seminar
on the Moses Brown varsity field hockey team
Whinery’s outstanding career as an educator
at Princeton University. She is pictured in the
as a senior midfielder. This spring, Lexee was
at Gordon. photo 3
Princeton University Art Musuem for a feature
also named a Cardi’s Hometown Sports Hero.
that was run about the seminar on Princeton’s
Lexee has won four state championships over
Lexee Pinsky ’11 was named to the All-State
Last February, as a sophomore at the University website. Additionally, Sherry and her band Eat Crepes were featured on the 95.5 WBRU radio of Rhode Island, Erica O’Connell ’09 helped organize and participated in the URI S.A.V.E.S.
program Home BRU’d last November. Three
Polar Plunge at the Narragansett Town Beach.
music videos, songs from their album, and an
URI S.A.V.E.S. (Students Actively Volunteering
interview are up on the WBRU website.
the course of her Moses Brown career, one in lacrosse and three in field hockey. Next fall, Lexee will compete at Johns Hopkins University.
photo 6
and Engaging in Service) is a volunteer student
Last fall, the Providence Country Day boys soccer team captured the Division III state title.
organization at the University of Rhode Island,
The Moses Brown girls varsity lacrosse team
Jake Walker ’11 assisted the game winning
to benefit URI S.A.V.E.S. as well as The Tomor-
captured the Division I girls lacrosse crown
goal, bringing the score to 2-1. Jake was also
row Fund. The Tomorrow Fund is a non-profit
this spring, defeating Barrington 8-7. On the
named to the All-Tournament Team.
organization located in Rhode Island that
championship team are Gordon alumnae
provides daily financial and emotional support
Meghan Buonanno ’11, Olivia McCahan ’11,
Nat Deacon ’12, a rising senior at Milton
to children with cancer and their families.
Lexee Pinsky ’11, Vanessa Garcia ’12 and
Academy, was just voted Dorm Monitor at
To date, more than 1,500 children and their
Grace Langmuir ’13.
Forbes House for the 2015-2016 school year,
families have received financial and emotional support from The Tomorrow Fund. photo 4
and he will serve as captain of the football Trevor Dorman ’11 was accepted early deci-
team next fall.
sion and will matriculate at Dartmouth College this fall.
Wheeler School elected nine juniors to the Cum Laude Society. Five of the nine are
Manya Glassman ’11, Emma Martinez-Daniel
Gordon alumni, including Jon Gunasti ’12,
’12 and Lex Majoros ’13 all had roles in the
Kass Hofmann ’12, Emily Larson ’12, Natasha
Moses Brown production of An Enemy of the
Markov-Riss ’12, and Amy Vogel ’12.
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Victoria Ritson-Parsons ’13 was named to the
An Nguyen ’14 won the Fels Science Award
2014-15 Providence Journal Girls Indoor Track
at Groton School this spring. This award is
All-State second team for her performance on
presented annually to a ninth grader who excels
the Moses Brown’s 4 x 800 meters relay team.
in science.
Xilian Sansoucy ’13 writes: “I attended Michelle
Simon Redfern ’14 qualified for the Rhode
Obama’s speech at Juanita Sanchez Education
Island State High School Tournament last May.
Complex in Providence last fall where she
He competed in doubles with his classmate
promoted Gina Raimondo’s gubernatorial
from Wheeler.
campaign. I thought I’d share pictures of me 1
Madeline Kahn ’12 wrote a detailed op-ed on white privilege that was published in the Providence Journal in May. Macken Murphy ’12 and Will Templeton ’13 both had roles in Wheeler School’s production of The Dining Room last fall. photo 1 Greg Smith ’12, a rising senior at La Salle Academy, assisted the Providence Fire Department Arson Investigators with his hexocopter drone last spring. A short film by Amy Vogel ’12 was part of the Youth Filmmaker Showcase at the Providence Children’s Film Festival this year. She created “Alex and the Lucky Gum” at the 92nd Street Y in New York City last summer. Last January, Bryce Kerr Abraham ’13 and Hattie Keene-Reinhard ’13 presented in front of Providence Country Day’s upper school to talk about their experience on Gordon’s Civil Rights Trip. Grace Langmuir ’13 was selected to represent Massachusetts/Rhode Island in the United States Lacrosse National Schoolgirls’ Tournament in Pennsylvania this May. Harley Hayes ’13 also competed on the New Hampshire/ Vermont team.
with some powerful leaders in our country!
Maggie Rock ’14 writes: “I was the starting point
The iPhone quality of the selfie with Michelle
guard for our varsity basketball team at Provi-
Obama could have been better, but I’m glad I
dence Country Day. My highlight of this year
got a snapshot of meeting her in person. It was
was shown in the Providence Journal. I scored
a day that I’ll never forget.” This April Xilian
14 points and pulled down 7 rebounds in the
attended and spoke at the Rhode Islands KIDS
quarter finals of the New England Prep School
COUNT policy breakfast, which was attended
Athletic Conference tournament to win against
by over 500 people, including Governor Gina
Marvelwood School. Unfortunately we lost to
Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Congressman
Worcester Academy in the semifinal, but I am
James Langevin, General Assembly leaders and
looking forward to next year!”
members, policymakers, and community leaders from education, health, and human services. Governor Raimondo even mentioned Xilian on Twitter after the event! “Xilian reminded us of the power of young voices.” photo 2 Courtney Breen ’14 just finished her freshman
Follow Gordon on Instagram!
year at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. Last fall she was a part of the varsity field hockey team. They won the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Class A tournament! photo 3 Ryan Green ’14 and Ellie Miller ’14 had the day off from classes at Wheeler School last fall, so they stopped by campus to say hello to their teachers and to see the new spaces! They are pictured with their former soccer coach and former Associate Development Director Mollie Mattuchio. photo 4 Rio Holzwarth ’14 won the Rhode Island High School State Championship on the Moses Brown varsity golf team this past spring, and Rio individually placed fourth in Rhode Island.
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Gordon wants to direct your gift to
Gordon to join together and enhance the school experience for every student. This is a new way of giving, rooted in supporting
the programs that matter to you!
programs and projects that benefit Gordon students today. Your gift makes a tangible statement about what Gordon means to you. CLASSROOM TEC H NOLO G Y
Financial aid
Lessons that use iPads will be introduced in
Supporting students and families will ensure that
Lower School, building on the current program
Gordon meets the enrollment goals of balanced
in Kindergarten. Robotics will be integrated
gender, increased racial diversity, and talented
throughout the Middle School science
and motivated students who are poised to
curriculum and white board technology will
achieve academic success.
continue to enhance classroom teaching. Curriculum innovation Joukowsky Family Library
Through an innovation grant program, faculty
The Joukowsky Family Library will support
will work across disciplines and divisions
learning through its 17,000 volume
on curriculum projects. Faculty will be invited
collection, research database resources,
to submit proposals to study, craft and
ebook options and technology.
implement curriculum enhancements.
M at h e d u c at i o n
The Math in Focus curriculum continues to be a place of investment. This year, a new math specialist position will be in place to work with faculty members to further develop teaching instruction.
Campus improvements
Gordon is committed to providing the continued beautification of the campus including twelve acres of land, a pond and stream, three playgrounds and nature trails.
Visual and performing arts
Student citizenship
Gordon’s new state of the art theater and
Continuing the Open Circle social curriculum
music classrooms will provide additional
in Early Childhood and Lower School, and
avenues to inspire personal creativity
introducing Developmental Designs in Middle
and individual expression through a variety
School, Gordon will invest in the social,
of exhibits and student performances.
emotional and academic growth of its students.
Athletics
Sustaining Gordon
Gordon will continue its commitment to a
Approximately $740 per student is needed to
positive athletic experience with a focus on
ensure that Gordon is excelling in every area
skill development, sportsmanship, empathy,
and meeting budgeted needs. A gift to sustain
communication, winning and losing with
Gordon allows you to make a tax-deductible
integrity and healthy risk-taking.
gift while supporting lower tuition increases.
How you can make a gift: Go to www.gordonschool.org/give or send a check made out to Gordon School in the enclosed envelope.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
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empowering young minds Join us for an Admission Open House or Reception at one or all of the following dates: Admission Open House Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 10:00 am Affording Gordon, A Financial Aid Workshop November 17, 2015 at 5:30 pm LGBTQ Admission Reception January 13, 2016 at 6:00 pm Admission Open House Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:00 am