GSB Magazine - Fall 2022

The Magazine of

Bernard’s

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 1

FEATURE

GILL ST BERNARD’S: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS TOGETHER

COMMENCEMENT & CLOSING CEREMONIES 6

THE SPRING UNIT 13

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS 16

VISITING AUTHORS 24

FEARLESS FIRSTS 26

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & COMMUNITY AT GSB . . . 27

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

ATHLETICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

THE ARTS

Performing Arts 38 Visual Arts 39 Music at GSB 40

NEW & RETIRING TRUSTEES 42

NEW LEADERS JOIN GSB 43

ALUMNI EVENTS 46

ALUMNI NOTES 47

Michael Weinstein

Karen Young

BOARD OF VISITORS

Brandon Clark

Sam Corliss

Golden Robert Hemm

The Hon. Thomas H. Kean

E. Matthews

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Friends,

This issue of the Alumni Magazine spotlights the 50th anniversary of the merger between The Gill School and St. Bernard’s. Gill was an all-girls school located at Stronghold in Bernardsville, and St. Bernard’s was an all-boys Episcopal school founded here, on our Gladstone campus, at the Hillard House. The two schools had an ongoing relationship for many years including joint classes and social events. After many months of meetings throughout 1971-72, the Gill and St. Bernard’s Trustees decided that the best course of action to ensure the future of both schools was to merge and become one co-educational day school. Today, the wisdom of their decision has become self-evident as Gill St. Bernard’s has become one of the leading independent schools in New Jersey.

The core values and traditions of each founding school live on today in our programs, the campus, and community. In the following pages, you will catch a glimpse of the past five decades of our combined school’s rich history. 50 years is certainly a long time in the life of a school; it is an important milestone. I hope you will enjoy this issue as we take a look back.

Kind regards, S.A. Rowell Head of School

Gill St. Bernard’s: Celebrating Together 50 Years

In 1972, two schools united in a common principle – that we are stronger together than we are apart.

This year, Gill St. Bernard’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of our school merger to honor the legacy of The Gill School and St. Bernard’s School and to commemorate 50 years of tremendous growth, as we continue to pave our future, together.

In the Beginning...

St. Bernard’s School

On June 2, 1900, the Reverend Thomas A. Conover married Charlotte Beasley Green, and the new couple moved to Gladstone, NJ, the site of Reverend Conover’s new school for farm and village boys.

Reverend and Mrs. Conover established school facilities in the Old Homestead (now Hillard House), using one end to house the boys and the other for themselves. Following harvest that fall, seven boys were enrolled: Russell Hockenbury Sr., Scott Van Note, Richard Davis, Herbert McIntyre, Drew Macready, James Ross, and Vernon Tiger.

The Gill School

Miss Elizabeth Gill had been headmistress of Miss Evans’ School in St. Louis, MO, for many years, but when that school closed, she was determined to set up her own educational institution in the East. She came to Westfield, NJ, where she established Wychwood School in 1934 with six boarding students and three teachers.

StrongholdOnly three years later, the school moved to Mendham and was

The Merger

The late sixties and early seventies were turbulent times for the country and for education in general. Coeducation was becoming fashionable, and many boys’ and girls’ independent schools were merging.

In 1971, the Gill trustees began seriously discussing going coed. However, the cost to accommodate coeducation in terms of new buildings, staff, and other capital expenditures was substantial. Realizing that St. Bernard’s had an extensive plant, the trustees approached its board about merging. At first, SBS declined, but after a year, the St. Bernard’s trustees approached Gill and discussions began in earnest.

After many meetings, some compromises, and much soul-searching, the announcement was made jointly in 1972 by James M. Fulton, chairman of the board of The Gill School, and Henry Luce III, president of the board of St. Bernard’s School, that, starting with the school year 1972-73, the schools would combine.

Gill St. Bernard’s, a Merged Identity

Gill St. Bernard’s opened its doors in September 1972 to 403 students. These young people joined together with the faculty and administration to create a new institution with its own personality and traditions.

The new Gill St. Bernard’s was a careful melding of both schools. For example, school colors were changed; neither the maroon and gray of Gill nor the red and white of SBS were used. Rather blue and white became the colors of the new Gill St. Bernard’s School.

In these, and many other ways, the traditions of both schools merged into one “young school with a long history.”

One of the first classes at Gill St. Bernard's - 1973

Gill St. Bernard’s: One School, One Campus

In 1984, the Board of Trustees began to study the feasibility of consolidating the Gladstone and Bernardsville locations and having a one-campus school. As well as providing for more efficient plant management, there would be educational advantages for the students, and one campus would allow for a greater sense of school unity.

In 1987, the school began the lengthy process of developing a master site plan for the purpose of consolidation. Finally in December 1995, the new lower school building was completed in Gladstone, allowing the campuses to combine.

Home Winds Farm

A major acquisition for the school was arranged in 2015, when the property across St. Bernard’s Road, formerly called the Dellicker Farm and owned by SBS from 1942 to 1965, was reacquired by GSB, in part through a generous gift by its owner, Betsy Michel. It was renamed Home Winds, the name the Michel family had called it for 50 years.

This purchase, along with the head's residence, increased the size of the GSB campus from 71 acres in 2001 to 208 acres in 2015.

Home Winds Farm now serves as a vibrant and engaging outdoor classroom, providing experiential learning across all divisions such as the Lower School Biome project, the Middle School STREAMS program, and the Upper School Animal Science course.

New LowerSchool groundbreaking ceremony

GSB Today

From the early years of St. Bernard’s students discovering their impact on the world around them, to the Gill School’s insatiable quest to learn from others to better understand themselves, our school has centered on a defining principle – growth.

As it enters the third decade of the 21st century, Gill St. Bernard’s is stronger than it has ever been. Enrollment in 2022 was 600. The current endowment is over $10 million dollars. The annual GSB Golf Classic has raised more than $1.6 million dollars toward the endowment for need-based financial aid, and the number of scholarships offered by the school has more than tripled since 2001.

Academic programs are strong with AP and Honors classes providing challenging opportunities for the students. Over the past 15 years, GSB has become an athletic powerhouse, winning several state, Somerset County, and Skyland Conference championships. Our Fine Arts program has expanded dramatically with the addition of the Performing Arts and Community Center and SBS Pavilion.

The end-of-the-year Unit program was retained as a way for students to experience and study a subject in depth. National and international travel still forms a part of several Unit programs and scholarship funds have been established to make these experiences more accessible.

Heads of School, Gill St. Bernard’s School

John H. Wright Jr. 1972-1979

GSB

The

William R. Cooper 1979-1986 Christine Gorham Cox 1986-2000

Timothy Rodd, Jr. (interim head) 2000-2001

Sid Rowell 2001-present

Doug Matthews and Sid Rowell

Russell “Junie" Hockenbury, Jr.

Class of 2022

JUNE 5, 2022

After processing into the Athletic Center to the traditional sounds of bagpipes, the GSB graduating class was emphatically welcomed by Head of School Sid Rowell During his opening remarks, Mr . Rowell thanked the 84 seniors, their families, and GSB faculty and staff for their wonderful accomplishments and contributions to the school this year .

Commencement

In keeping with GSB’s tradition that students serve as commencement speakers, six graduating seniors presented their personal reflections . Speakers included Kayla Palaia, Meghan Cohen, Anna Gnapp, Blake Bertolini, Maya Coleman, and Ryan Brandl

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Lifers 2022

Front row, from left to right: Isha Vemuri, Madeleine Soultanian, Olivia Soultanian, Madison Frantz Pendell, Caroline Davino, Regan Macak, Katie Scott, Meghan Cohen, Mary Jane Granito, Chloe Wasser

Back row, from left to right: William Stamato, Benjamin Sturman, Robbie DeVergillo, Hayden Chan, Shane Moriarty, Blake Bertolini, Anthony Curialle, Ben Novinski, Zac Saunders

Middle School Closing Ceremony

JUNE 7, 2022

Lower and Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong and Head of School Sid Rowell welcomed 8th grade family and friends to Gill St. Bernard’s Middle School Closing Exercises to celebrate a year filled with an appreciation for a normal schedule, a full athletic season, and social activities like the school dance. Mr. Armstrong thanked parents for supporting their children through the middle school years and thanked GSB’s teachers for their hard work, with special recognition to Mr. Frank Corrado, who received this year’s Teaching Chair of Excellence Award.

Lower School Closing Ceremony

JUNE 7, 2022

Gill St. Bernard’s honored the Class of 2030’s transition from Lower School to Middle School during the Lower School Closing Exercises. Lower and Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong welcomed friends and family, Lower School Dean of Student Life Jill Fedon introduced the Class of 2030 during the annual pin ceremony, and Head of School Sid Rowell presented the Amol Ajinkya Citizenship Award, the highest award a lower school student can receive.

GSB Class of 2022 College Destinations

Arizona State University

Belmont University

Bentley University

Boston College (2)

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Boston University Brown University Bucknell University Coastal Carolina University

Colgate University College of the Holy Cross College of Saint Elizabeth College of William and Mary (2)

Cornell University

Drexel University

Elon University Emerson College Georgetown University Hamilton College (2)

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Iona College (2)

Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University)

Lafayette College (2) Lehigh University (3)

Moravian University

Morgan State University

Muhlenberg College

New York University (2)

Northeastern University

Pennsylvania State University

Princeton University (3)

Purdue Sacred Heart University Savannah College of Art and Design Southern Methodist University Springfield College Syracuse University (3)

Tulane University of Louisiana (3)

United States Air Force Academy University of California-Davis University of California-San Diego (2)

University of Delaware

University of Miami (3)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Scranton

University of South Florida University of Wisconsin-Madison (5)

Villanova University (4)

Williams College Yale University

GSB Gives Back

Samantha Casternovia ’13 Partners with GSB in Ukrainian Relief Effort

The GSB Lower and Middle Schools hosted a clothing and stuffed animal drive in partnership with GSB alumna, Samantha Casternovia ’13 and family, to support Ukrainian refugees.

The Casternovia family is working with a church in Poland to distribute the donated items.

Upper School Andy’s Avengers Pancreatic Cancer Event

Early Childhood Students with the Mitten Tree

Upper School Winter Track & FieldCharity Run

Upper School Gender & Sexuality Alliance Bagel Sale

Lower School Kindness WeekThank You Cards

Middle School Ukrainian Relief Bake Sale

Samantha Casternovia ’13 and family are working with a church in Poland to support Ukrainian refugees .

The ProgramSpring Unit

GSB’s hallmark annual tradition, the Spring Unit and Student Internship Program, was back in action this year!

Upper school students utilize the last two weeks of the school year to participate in a collection of Unit courses, ranging from immersive travel opportunities, service-learning projects, experiential learning, student internships, and much more.

Through The Lens: Yellowstone National Park

Murals and Street Art

It's New Jersey! You Got A Problem with That?

Inward Bound Mindfulness Retreat

Maine Islands, Writers, and Artists

The Receiving in the Giving

Acer to Quercus: For The Love of The Trees

Launching a Startup Business

It was the first year since 2019 that students were able to partake in overnight excursions, and despite the increased level of restrictions, guidelines, and requirements, faculty chaperones and student travelers came away all having had amazing and

life-changing experiences and embodying the spirit of our school's motto: the world is our classroom.

Student Internship Program

The Student Internship Program returned this year after a 2-year hiatus because of COVID-19. Sixteen juniors and seniors were selected to shadow professionals in a variety of fields.

Thank you to our alumni, parents, and friends of GSB who volunteered their time to provide our students with a glimpse into professions that are not typical of a high school student experience!

Middle School Spring Unit

The Spring Unit experience is not limited to the Upper School!

The Fifth and Sixth Grade created skits based on GSB's Core Values and rotated through many new activities like screen printing, tie-dye, lanyard making, making dog treats, and making ice cream.

The Seventh Graders participated in units about stop-motion animation, advertising and commercials, the criminal justice system, survival skills, and physical and mental challenges. The eighth grade units involved cooking, mini golf, survival skills, ancient civilizations, and finding art in nature.

Annual The 16th GSB Classic

“

Over 96 GSB Community members joined together on Monday, May 16, 2022, to partake in the 16th Annual GSB Classic at Hamilton Farm Golf Club. Severe thunderstorms threatened to interrupt the long-standing GSB tradition, but the tempest held off long enough for all to enjoy a lovely day of golf on an outstanding course with the additional benefit of supporting a worthy cause.

This event started sixteen years ago at Hamilton Farm with the sole focus of supporting need-based financial aid,” Head of School Sid Rowell said in his welcoming remarks. “This year, we raised $100,000, which brings our total raised since the beginning of the event to $1.6 million. Thank you so much to everyone for coming out today and for supporting this cause.”

“

This initiative helps kids who wouldn’t be able to attend Gill without the support,” explained Co-Chair Celeste Campos P ’21, ’24. “Working with my co-chairs Brenda and Steve Liberti over the past 3 years and seeing how many kids have benefited from what we are able to bring in is a great feeling.”

GSB Golf Classic Committee

Bill Pereira P ’24, Tony Skiadas P ’21, Nicolas Skiadas ’21, Humberto Campos P ’31

Steve and Brenda Liberti P ’24, ’26 and Guests

Alumni Reconnect: GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend

Friday, April 29 - Saturday, April 30, 2022

50th Reunion Luncheon celebrating alumni from the classes of 1970-1972.

Alumni Weekend kicked off with a 50th Reunion Luncheon held in the Chapel on Friday, April 29, 2022, that celebrated alumni from the classes of 1970-1972. The day began with a tour of our bucolic campus and Home Winds Farm and was capped off with remarks and the presentation of medallions from Head of School Sid Rowell.

Alumni Reunion Reception at the Pilsener Haus Biergarten in Hoboken

Saturday, April 30, featured the Alumni Reunion Reception hosted at the Pilsener Haus Biergarten in Hoboken. Attendees at the event represented over 40 different graduation years. They enjoyed the company of current and former faculty and staff, looking through memorabilia such as year books and older GSB Magazines, and fun GSB swag to take home.

Alumni

Spotlight

Laura Evans: Designer, Host, and Organic Farmer

A former GSB Student Builds a Business in Umbria

There are a few key tenets that Gill St. Bernard’s has always taught— taking risks, creative problem solving, and believing in your vision— just to name a few. For Laura Willits Evans ’75, these foundational principles led her to a successful career as an American Folk Art Specialist at Sotheby’s. The art relationship and fast-paced New York metropolitan lifestyle lasted over fifteen years.

And then she bought a pile of rocks.

“My father was horrified when I showed him the villa I’d purchased,” Laura admitted.

The 18th century farmhouse was in such bad shape; it could hardly be called a ruin. It was, simply put, a 300-year-old pile of Italian rocks set upon a picturesque rise in Umbria.

What others saw as a disaster, Laura viewed as possessing great potential. She’d lived abroad as part of GSB’s Experiment in International Living programs, first in Quebec with a Quebecois family for three weeks and then in Perpignan, France, with a French family for a month. Her early exposure to total immersion into cultures different from her own had led her to develop a lifelong passion for travel. She’d visited central Italy several times over the years since graduation, and she had fallen in love with the people and the lifestyle—and the land.

“This particular property was stunning,” Laura remembers fondly. “The hillside around the house just spoke of a vineyard to me. I knew I wanted to take it on as a project.”

Her father wasn’t so sure.

The farmhouse had been abandoned since the 1930’s, well over a half-century, and was completely devoid of any modern updates. In addition, Umbrian farmhouses from the 1700’s were built to be all-inclusive: they included a barn on the first floor and living quarters for two or three families collectively on the second floor. In this way, families did not have to travel far to tend to their livestock. The kitchen was on the second floor, where the human inhabitants dwelled, instead of the first, and the homes didn’t even include an internal

staircase. Laura’s villa followed this exact format, except for the external staircase. It was missing because it had rotted away.

“I’d always had an interest in renovation and design,” Laura said. “I couldn’t say no.”

It wasn’t the first time the former Knight had been challenged to go beyond her comfort zone. During her time at GSB, she had been involved in Outward Bound, a program which Gill selected to develop self-confidence, leadership skills, and environmental and social responsibility in its students. Little did she know at the time, but the lessons Laura learned from these experiences influenced her approach to problem solving throughout her life. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles like the villa’s compromised roof and decades of water damage, issues that would have stalled most renovators, she chose not to stop. She adopted the Italian phrase “sempre avanti” which means “always forward” instead, and putting her father’s fears aside, she threw herself into the project.

Laura had a clear vision to convert the villa into a boutique rental property, somewhat like a private hotel, and to cultivate the land into a working farm complete with a vineyard, olive trees, and other organic products. While ambitious, her plan was to provide the signature Umbrian vacation experience to guests while growing products that could be sold to local restaurants and markets. To do so, she needed help.

“I had friends who had purchased the villa above me and who had gone through the same renovation process. In fact, they were the ones who notified me when my pile of rocks first came up for sale. One of them was an architect, and with his help, we transformed my ruin into the bespoke home it is today,” Laura explained.

Because of the villa’s deteriorated condition, that transformation into an exclusive five bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom getaway took nearly five years. Through all the ups and downs of renovation, Laura stayed focused on the end result—a working estate—and when the home was finally ready, she introduced it to the world as Podere  Calzone. The name was a symbolic nod to the home’s heritage: podere is the local Umbrian word for ranch or small farm, and Calzone

was the name of the original family who lived on the property in the 1700’s.

With the home in good standing, Laura turned all her attention to the grounds. In 2003, merlot and sangiovese seedlings were planted. 300 olive trees were cultivated, and the olives pressed into oil each year. 300 pomegranate trees were tended, and the products sold to local merchants. More land was purchased. An organic garden was established, and wheat was harvested. Time passed.

“Five years after planting the seedlings and ten years after purchasing the estate, I harvested my first significant grape harvest,” Laura said. “And with the help of a local, third-generation winemaker, I produced my first vintage.”

The vintage was a huge accomplishment and grounds for much celebration, but Laura’s journey to certified wine maker was far from over. Wine making is a highly regulated business, and before she could sell the wine commercially, she had to get properly licensed, a process that can take years.

More time passed.

While waiting to become an official wine producer, Laura kept chipping away at the estate. She added a pool, outdoor wood burning pizza oven, and abbreviated golf course onto the grounds to provide more amenities for guests. To expand the business, she designed a guesthouse, bringing the estate’s lodging up to six bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths.

Laura asked an American artist living in Rome to create the wine label’s artwork, which features a wild boar or “cinghiale,” an animal synonymous with Umbria, and she branded the wine e420. Each vintage released included the numerical insignia e420 to honor Podere Calzone’s elevation above sea level (420 meters), the number of bottles in a shipping pallet (420), and the address of Laura and her husband, Jim Diack’s, first apartment together.

As it is with most small family businesses, Jim became immersed in the process as well. He leveraged his business experience to launch a distribution company, named Wild Bore Importers, to help with the wine’s distribution outside of the immediate region, and he began to set up relationships with wine sellers in Florida, New Jersey, and New York.

More time passed—almost another five years, in fact.

“At some point, I wondered if my father was right,” Laura admitted. “Creating a vineyard out of bare land is a huge undertaking. But I loved preserving the house and the grounds. At some point, Podere Calzone became more than a project—it became my home. I couldn’t let it go.”

In 2012, fifteen years after Laura first put eyes on the estate, Podere Calzone’s Rosso e420 was finally approved and released for public consumption. The well-balanced red, blended from

85% sangiovese and 15% merlot, received immediate praise from consumers and was soon followed by e420 Rosé, a 100%  sangiovese sparkling rosé. Laura’s vision had come to fruition—almost.

Friends and family, including Laura’s sister and current GSB Board Member Caroline Evans Jones ’78, assumed that Laura would take time to enjoy the success of her first commercial vintage. However, the small business owner had a few more items on her to-do list before relaxing on the terrace with a glass of her chilled rosé in hand. In what she claimed to be her last big expansion, Laura added an award-winning tasting room onto the estate, completed in 2021 so that the wine could be properly displayed, and a barn.

“I’m ready to enjoy the property now,” Laura claimed. “I’m past the acquisition and growth stage, and I simply want to embrace living and working on the farm.”

What had started as an opportunity to live abroad in high school had turned into her life’s journey. The former New Jersey native now spends a majority of her time at Podere Calzone, running her wine, farm, and hospitality businesses and, after twenty-five years of hard work, realizing her dream.  She engraved “sempre avanti,” the phrase which had become her life’s mantra, on the back of St. Christopher medallions and handed them out to family and friends as a reminder of what they could achieve if they didn’t give up.

“We’re so blessed to have extended family and friends who can enjoy the estate with us, and we love hosting guests and introducing them to this amazing lifestyle,” Laura said. “It’s best when it’s enjoyed together.”

The successful launch of the business and the perseverance to see it through have brought joy to others outside of Laura’s immediate circle. Podere Calzone e420 Rosso and Podere Calzone e420 Rosé can now be special ordered through wine stores in Florida, New Jersey, and New York, and as the bottle’s label suggests, it should be paired with someone you love.

Now Then

AlumniSpotlight

Jack Green: Home Winds Mural Restoration

A Life with the Fine Arts

When Gill St. Bernard’s purchased Home Winds Farm in 2015, they jumped into the acquisition like any other enthusiastic new homeowner: updating some of the facilities, adding their personal touch to the property, and painting exterior elements which had faded over time. One such element that needed tending was the Home Winds mural, a realistic landscape painted onto the side of the Hemm House garage facing Bernards Road.

The mural had been commissioned by the former owners of Home Winds in 1993 to integrate the garage, located to the left side of the main home, into the background. At first glance, the mural’s green fields dotted with flowers rolling into a blue sky made it appear as if the front lawn of Home Winds continued into the pastures beyond, unbroken by modern structures. Unsurprisingly, after almost thirty years of exposure to the weather, the mural had lost its visual impact. Boards had been replaced on the garage which left gaps in the original composition, and details like the proportionately designed sheep barn were no longer distinguishable.

Different ideas on how to restore the mural—or even if the mural could be restored—were debated, until Board of Trustee member, Andrea Freeman ’95, offered the perfect solution. She’d stayed in touch with GSB classmate, Jack Green ’95, a local artist and real estate agent, and she asked him if he could take on the project if she supplied the raw materials. Jack jumped at the chance.

“It was an honor to be able to return to campus and give back to the school,” said Jack. “I had a great experience at Gill, and many of my classmates and I are still very close. It was so cool to not only be back on campus but to make my own small contribution to it.”

The former Knight had spent the last twenty years working for his family’s real estate and construction business, Jack Green Realty, in Monmouth County. Normally, a real estate agent wouldn’t be the

logical choice to restore an exterior mural, but Andrea knew about Jack’s artistic talents. He’d been an avid arts student at GSB and had gone on to earn an undergraduate degree in Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute School of Design. While he was a businessman by day, he’d continued to paint and keep art in his life.

“Having an art eye is a benefit in real estate development and renovation,” Jack explained. “But I’m also lucky to live near the Jersey Shore. There’s a really robust art scene down here.”

That scene included the group of friends who gathered to paint in the art studio in Jack’s backyard and the opportunity to exhibit art in local businesses and coffee shops. One very public display was the Sorry We’re Closed billboard Jack created in 2020 and installed at the end of the Ocean Grove boardwalk, directly in front of the crossover into Asbury Park. During the pandemic, Asbury Park had closed access to its boardwalk to all pedestrians while Ocean Grove remained open.

“The billboard received a lot of local press,” the artist admits. “I used to primarily paint on canvas, but when the pandemic hit and canvases were hard to find, I switched to painting on plywood like on the billboard and other mediums.”

Those other mediums included concrete, such as the concrete wall Jack was commissioned to paint in the style of a Japanese Water Garden. The wall was located in his friend’s backyard, and upon completion of the project, Jack hosted a pandemic-friendly outdoor gallery opening for the Japanese Water Garden mural and a collection of his other more traditional pieces. Over 150 people were in attendance.

“I try to host one formal show a year,” Jack said. “But this one was really special.”

After stretching his skills on large-scale projects during the pandemic, the mural restoration fit squarely in his wheelhouse.

Jack used a “paint by numbers” approach to segment out the process and to honor the original design which he describes as a “classical style” that had “impressionistic elements with a foundation in realism.”

“The Home Winds mural is admittedly different from my own style,” Jack said. “I had to be careful to redo exactly what was there and not to add my own touches.”

The style he paints in now is not only different from the realistic Home Winds mural but is also different from that of the 14-year-old who took art classes with June Julian on the third floor of Founders.

“We didn’t have the same facilities as the students do now, and yet, I received a solid enough foundation in painting and drawing to get accepted and to thrive at Pratt,” he reflected. “I loved the small class size and individual attention at GSB, and I appreciated having kids from other grades in my classes. Art is one of those subjects that would blend grades together, and it allowed me to get to know more of my classmates.”

Jack’s ability to explore art while meeting students in other grades was also expanded through the Unit Program, a time that he recounts as one of the best in his life.

“I got to go abroad to a variety of countries, including England, Ireland, Greece, and Spain, and I got to experience the art and architecture I’d studied in person,” Jack said. “I can still remember seeing Picasso’s Guernica in the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid. It was huge; it had one whole wall to itself.”

Thanks to Jack, GSB alumni, students, friends, and family can now have their own Guernica-like in-person art experience without having to travel to Spain. While the mural may not be as famous or receive as many visitors as the Picasso (yet), the Home Winds mural stands proudly over campus and will continue to be a source of amazement and joy to the community for years to come.

Alumni

Spotlight

Shannon Ludlum: A Life in the Performing Arts

It was the fall of 1996, and eleven-year-old Shannon Ludlum ’03 had just been cast in her first GSB performance. Paul Canada, director of the Upper School Musical Meet Me in St. Louis, needed middle school students to fill in for the younger roles. Shannon received the part of Agnes, the lead’s little sister, and took her first step on stage. By the end of the run, she was hooked.

“That step started my whole journey,” Shannon said. “I loved being part of that theater magic.”

Shannon continued to perform in shows throughout her Gill career, singing and dancing her way through comedic productions like Lucky Stiff and Something’s Afoot. Soon enough, the theater bug spread to the rest of the family, and her younger brother, Jimmy ’05, joined her on stage. Her mother, Laura, volunteered her skillsets as a visual artist and became heavily involved in painting giant scrims, sets, and backdrop murals.

“My mom was so much more than your typical theater mom,” Shannon recalled. “She went above and beyond, staying late to finish whatever needed to be done. Countless times, she hand-painted marble or stone floors. They were all so incredible. She started the amazing set painting that Gill is known for.”

When Shannon graduated from Gill, she left the life in lights behind—or so she thought. She enrolled at Gettysburg College and decided to pursue her second passion, science, as a biology major. She had grown weary of the professional acting strains: the constant auditions, the constant rejections, the uncertainty about where and when your

next job would come; and she knew the inconsistency wouldn’t be for her.

Like her older brother, Jeffrey ’01, who pursued a Bachelor of Science at Muhlenberg College in 2005 followed by a Master of Science from Rutgers University in 2008, Shannon believed science was the better path. Her decision lasted one year.

“I missed it,” Shannon confessed. “I like biology, but I like the theater more.”

The seed that had been planted with Meet Me in St. Louis was beginning to sprout, and Shannon couldn’t ignore the pull of the stage any longer. With her parents’ blessing, she switched her major to theater with a minor in studio arts and never looked back.

No one who knew Shannon well was surprised by the turn of events, including Paul Canada. “I always knew Shannon would end up in the arts in some fashion,” he said. “She just has this spark and love of everything to do with theater.”

“Paul had a high sense of integrity,” Shannon said. “He pushed us to be better and to try harder. He encouraged us to keep exploring. These were incredible life skills to learn so young, and one of the great benefits of live theater. Being on stage teaches you to try new things and to not be afraid of looking silly.”

After her college graduation, Shannon secured an internship at a New York City casting agency and returned to New Jersey. In her spare time, she volunteered with the Gill theater department, building and paintings sets, managing props—whatever might be needed. As the Gill theater program grew, so did her list of responsibilities. Eventually, the volunteer hours turned into a formalized position, and Shannon became the Performing Arts Department’s first Assistant Director and then ultimately, a Producer.

“It was so special to be part of the program who made me who I am today,” she reminisced. “I loved working with the kids. Theater is a safe space for them to explore who they are, and it forces them out of their comfort zone. I so appreciated my time on stage, and it’s amazing to see these kids having a similar experience to what I had.”

Since she was often on campus, Shannon stepped into other openings when they arose. Depending on the day, you could find her substituting for the Upper School, working in the Development Office as the Interim Director of Alumni Relations, or involved in archive preservation.

As the school enters the fiftieth anniversary of its merger, its body of historical documents has increased. “When I was working in the Alumni Office, I had access to all of these amazing artifacts,” Shannon said. “There were boxes of old pictures, yearbooks, and even an old St. Bernard’s bible. It’s our history, and it’s precious. I wanted to help organize everything and preserve it so that it will last another fifty years.”

Ten years after she graduated college, Shannon decided to take the next step and pursue her master’s degree. Her younger brother had recently completed his master’s at the Manhattan School of Music, receiving a Master of Music in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Classical Voice, and Shannon was ready to do the same. In 2019, she earned a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Drexel University and translated her credentials into an exciting job in a new arena – film.

“I am an Associate Producer for two PBS shows: Drive by History and Drive by History Eats,” Shannon shared. “I have

been doing it for the past two years. I love performing, but I’ve come to realize that I love being behind the scenes even more.”

“We see this pattern time and again with GSB alum,” commented Performing Arts Teacher Margery Schiesswohl, who has been choreographing the musicals at Gill since 1992. “They don’t realize it when they are here, but the classes they take, the clubs they are involved in, or even the Spring Unit they elect end up inspiring their path.”

Shannon’s path has taken her through every aspect of the production process. While the majority of her time is now spent behind the camera, she still stays connected to live performances, volunteering at local organizations like the Cranford Dramatic Club or the Chester Theater Group.

She also auditions from time-to-time, and as of the writing of this article, was headed out for a community theater audition. “I still perform, but not in situations where I get paid. It’s not as stressful that way or as much of a commitment. It’s just a lot of fun.”

“Seeing Shannon grow from a young student on stage into a person who has pursued a life in the dramatic arts has been a joy,” says Mrs. Schiesswohl. “She realized that theater was her calling because of the opportunities she had at Gill. That passion has guided her life’s journey.”

“I’m so thankful for the theater program, for Paul and Margery, and for how supportive they’ve been of me for my whole life. My siblings and I were all lifers at Gill, but our lives with Gill didn’t end when we graduated. The term lifer really means so much more to me. Gill has given me my life.”

Alumni

Tyler Merck: A Life in Service

“The World is Our Classroom” has long been a mantra at Gill St. Bernards, one which has influenced the school’s core values, curriculum, and sense of local and global citizenship. Through its travel, service, and experiential learning programs, GSB works hard to empower students to think critically about social issues, to appreciate diverse perspectives, and to understand the ways in which one individual can impact their local community and the world beyond.

Even with such a deliberate focus on local and global citizenship, the immediate concerns of homework, sports practice, or arts performances sometimes overshadow the larger, more intangible lessons for students. As Tyler Merck ’08 discovered, he may not have recognized the influence these assignments had on his decisionmaking and life choices at the time he earned his GSB diploma, but the seeds of acceptance and service had been planted—and the roots went very deep.

“I wasn’t consciously aware of Gill’s emphasis on service and community when I was 17 or 18,” Tyler admitted. “Fourteen years later, I’m able to see how introducing a focus on the greater good and on the bigger picture very early on gave me a macro view of society and the world.”

While he may not have credited Gill’s influence at the time, Tyler’s life of service began immediately upon graduation. He enrolled in ROTC at Auburn University, one of his only classmates to do so. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Auburn, the former Knight spent seven years on active duty as a U.S. Army infantry officer. A majority of this time he served with the 1-504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 82nd Airborne Division.

“I’m very grateful for my time in the military,” the veteran reflected. “My family has served in WWII, the Korean War, and

Vietnam to name a few. We have a long history of serving, so it is in my blood.”

Entering the military at such a young age wasn’t the easiest path, but Tyler credited the army with pushing him and showing him that he was capable of a lot more than he realized.

“The Army taught me that my baseline level of comfort is a lot lower than what modern society conditions us to believe,” Tyler said. “I learned I can endure a lot more than I thought I could, and I came out better for it. My experience was demanding, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Part of that demanding experience was being deployed to Afghanistan—twice. Tyler completed two combat tours with the 82nd Division, one in 2014 and one in 20172018. He understood that his post-college experience was dramatically different than many of his classmates’, but he also knew his opportunity to join the Army was limited. Once he grew older, the traditional option of securing a corporate position would always be there. The chance to be involved on the front lines of conflict would not.

“Our entire role changed between the first deployment to the second,” Tyler shared of his time abroad. “We shifted from being a fighting force to an ‘advise and assist’ role. At the end, our focus was on training the Afghan soldiers and police force and to facilitate their ability to fight on their own and hold territory.”

During his time abroad, Tyler had the opportunity to work with individuals from across the country as well as the globe.

“Gill has such a huge focus on diversity,” Tyler recounts, “but I believe diversity is a truly underappreciated aspect of the military as well.”

GSB has historically been committed to the goals and principles of DEIC, and the school most recently solidified that commitment by incorporating specific DEIC goals within the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. To define the concrete steps needed to meet those goals, the Board of Trustees then adopted the DEIC Action Plan in June 2020. As of August 2022, the school has successfully entered the final phase of the DEIC Action Plan and is proud to be meeting—and exceeding—the Strategic Plan’s goals and expectations to carry the work forward. In Tyler’s experience, the Army appeared to be doing the same.

“The Army has been comprised of different people from all over the country who have come together to work towards a common goal for decades—often with very little credit. I would argue historically they have been ahead of the curve in dealing with and overcoming the challenges associated with equality.”

Tyler suggested that the reason the Army had made such progress was, simply put, that they couldn’t afford not to.

“The military demonstrates our commonalities and encourages unity. Enduring real, often existential conflict puts that into perspective in a way no lecture nor slogan ever could. You gain an instant appreciation for, or perhaps a reliance on, unity: being a part of something bigger than yourself and working together towards a common goal—towards survival.

In the face of true adversity, the last thing on your mind is what differentiates you from those in your unit. In the middle of a foreign land, the accent, race, religion, or sexual orientation of the people around you tend not to even cross your mind. They’re American, they’re brothers, and that’s all that matters.”

As circumstances unfolded, the second stage of the mission in Afghanistan didn’t play out as planned, but Tyler held on to his drive and desire to make a difference in the world. He couldn’t shake the idea sown at Gill that an individual could have a positive impact and that everyone plays a role in the greater good.

“I began to see the world not just as my classroom, but as my workplace,” Tyler explains. “When I fulfilled my obligation to the Army, I knew I wanted to continue to serve. Law enforcement was the logical next step.”

Like the military, local law enforcement appealed to Tyler because it would allow him to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. He enrolled at Florida State University, earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and relocated to Tampa, FL, to accept a position with the Clearwater Police Department. His new occupation is in a different part of the globe with a different uniform, but the essential heart of the job is the same—to help people.

“It’s a different level of response,” Tyler said. “In the military, I was called into action twice in seven years. On the police force, I interact with people every day, sometimes receiving 20-30 calls in a day. It feels more personal.”

As part of the police force, Tyler no longer deals with conflicts on the same geopolitical level as when he was a soldier; however, as the geographical scale trended downward, the day-to-day pace ticked steadily upward, and he finds himself actively engaged. The civilian lifestyle also has the added benefit of being stationed in one place.

“I moved around a lot with the Army which can become taxing,” Tyler admitted. “It’s nice to have consistency and to become part of a community.”

For an individual who appears to have found his place in the world, Tyler confesses to struggling with what his life plans were going to be when he left GSB. He didn’t join the military assuming a 20-year career, and he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the long run. His advice to others in the same boat: don’t worry about it.

“Take a chance and do what you’re passionate about,” Tyler proposed. “Find something that gets you up in the morning and pursue it. Keep an eye on the short or mid-term, and don’t look too far out. Time goes by quickly—I can’t believe it’s been fourteen years since I graduated from GSB! Do your best to enjoy it and have fun.”

Visitors and community members who enter campus these days are welcomed by an eye-catching metallic globe emblazoned with the Gill mantra “The World is Our Classroom.” Even with this visual manifestation of GSB’s core belief, there are some students who, like Tyler, will not realize the significance of the message as they dash past it on the way to Founders or the Athletic Center. However, if they take his advice and do what gets them up in the morning, they may find that their desire leads them to address social issues, to appreciate unity, and to realize that one individual can impact not just the local community but the world beyond. They may find that “The World is Our Classroom” will become more than just a tagline or cliché. The mantra will become a living reflection of who that student is and the values by which they live.

Visiting authors

Nidhi Chanani

Lower and Middle Schoolers virtually welcomed author and illustrator Nidhi Chanani into their classrooms on March 2. Nidhi led interactive presentations with the students to talk about her career as an artist and writer. She generously shared details on how she gains inspiration from the world around us, and she even gave students a drawing lesson!

Ruta Sepetys

International bestselling author, Ruta Sepetys, virtually visited Gill St. Bernard’s seventh through twelfth grade students on March 9, as part of our visiting author series. The #1 New York Times author and winner of the Carnegie Medal has had her work published in over sixty countries and translated into over forty languages.

Ms. Sepetys joined Gill to discuss her most recent book, I Must Betray You, which tells the story of the 1989 student resistance in Romania, and how these little-known acts of courage by brave youngsters led to the downfall of a tyrant. Her first novel, Between Shades of Gray, centered around the forced deportation and imprisonment of the Lithuanian people after the Soviet occupation in 1941 and was inspired by her family’s personal experience with deportation at the hands of Stalin.

Vikki Young

Local author and GSB parent, Vikki Young P ’11, ’13, virtually joined the Lower School Assembly on February 23 to read her new children’s book, A Girl of Color, and to lead a discussion afterwards. During the Q&A, she shared her inspiration to write the book was to deliver the message “it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, because we are all the same on the inside.”

GSB Lower School Teacher Lynn Prosen Wins Agricultural Science Education Award

Congratulations to GSB Lower School Science and STREAMS Teacher Lynn Prosen who received the 2022 National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Corteva Excellence in Agricultural Science Education Award! This award, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, recognizes excellence and innovation in the field of agricultural science education.

As part of her award application, Mrs. Prosen submitted a third grade science lesson about heredity and inheritance using the sheep at Home Winds Farm as the model organism.

“This lesson was designed for students to observe, collect, and interpret data to provide evidence that animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms,” said Mrs. Prosen. “The Jacobs and Cormo sheep have specific traits that are easily observable. The Third Graders took note of the horns,

Elizabeth “Ebie” Nametz

wool color, and other traits and were able to trace specific traits back to the parents.”

Mrs. Prosen believes that students need to have experiences that connect them to the land and to their food sources to discern the complexities of our natural ecosystems, food systems, and the impact on the natural world. GSB’s Home Winds Farm provides a unique ecological campus that allows for placed-based learning experiences and the integration of agricultural lessons into science lessons.

“When I started at GSB twelve years ago, we had not yet acquired Home Winds Farm,” said Mrs. Prosen. “The farm provides so many scientific phenomena for students to discover and explore. Home Winds is so dynamic, and the on-site lessons help students to get excited for science and to learn how we connect to the natural world surrounding us.”

Receives Lindabury-Thomas Award

Head of School Sid Rowell presented Honorary Trustee Elizabeth “Ebie” Nametz P ’03, ’09 with the prestigious Lindabury-Thomas Award on Friday, May 13, 2022. The award is given annually to a former trustee in recognition of outstanding service to Gill St. Bernard’s and is considered the highest honor that the school confers on a trustee. Named in honor of Richard Lindabury, an original trustee and one of the founders of St. Bernard’s School, and Henrietta “Retty” Thomas, a dedicated trustee and GSB Board Chair, the award recognizes trustees who go above and beyond to support the school.

Nametz was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2007 and served for nine years, until 2016, even though her children had long since graduated. While on the board, she served on the Building & Grounds, Advancement, and Capital Campaign Committees. She was heavily involved in the expansion of the GSB theater program, including the development of Gills’ state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Community Center.

Today, Nametz continues to serve as an Honorary Trustee. She lives with her husband in Houston, TX, and spends her time competing in cattle cutting competitions around the country.

Patrick Nametz ’03, Head of School Sid Rowell, Ebie Nametz P ’03, ’09, and former trustee John Raymonds P ’21

Fearless

Firsts

First: First women athletes admitted to the GSB Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame.

The first two women admitted to the GSB Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame were Sandra Nagro Lobel ’62 and Joyce Creasey ’60, both inducted in its inaugural year, 1983. Lobel was a 13-varsity letter athlete, who also competed in equestrian events. She went on to coach the championship-Gill hockey team of the sixties and seventies. Creasey was a three successive season North Jersey All-Star player in field hockey, as well as the 1960 Gill Girl. The GSB Women’s Athletic Award is named in her honor.

John Saddler ’68 & Paul Saddler ’69

First: First African American students to attend GSB.

“The most compelling thing about attending GSB was my personal experiences and friendships that have lasted over 58 years.” - John Saddler ’68

“As you know, John was the first student of color to graduate from SBS, Class of ’68. Exciting times for SBS and our entire family. I was one of three African American students in the graduating class of ’69. Most important to me about attending GSB was the ‘personal experience’ of attending a predominately and traditionally ‘White’ private school during those times, something very meaningful to me and my family.” - Paul Saddler ’69

Meridith Ferber ’93

First: First GSB student to perform the national anthem at a boys’ basketball game in the Athletic Center.

Nikki Morley ’17 and Jack Riccardo ’17

First: First members of GSA (Gay Straight Alliance).

“In 2016/2017, my classmate, Jack Riccardo ’17, and I started the first Gay Straight Alliance at Gill St. Bernard's. Until that point, there had been no space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to get together as a community. Jack and I did a considerable amount of work in the years leading up to the club’s launch to ensure successful events such as hosting open forums to talk about current political issues affecting marginalized students through the Lead for Diversity open forums.

Today, the club has evolved into the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. I'm very proud of the work we did, because when I see the clubs available to students today, I know our work helped open up the space for them.”

- Nikki Morley ’17

“It was an honor to be asked to sing the national anthem by the school administration. I had never sung the national anthem before, let alone in public, and as you may know, it is a notoriously daunting task given the range required. I also sang it acapella, making it even more difficult. However, it went off without a hitch. I remember Mike Chimes and Gerry Cirillo telling me it was the first time someone had sung it live before a game, and I was honored. I had participated in the school plays, chamber choir, chorus, etc. but this was something incredibly special to me though it only lasted 2 minutes. Later that year, I received the Lisa Schmidt Music Award at graduation bringing the entire event full circle. Singing the national anthem is still something I mention now and then to my kids . . . hoping it will make me seem cool. It does not work.”

GSB looks to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate those alumni who were “first” to achieve a particular accomplishment here at GSB. We recognize the importance of trailblazers for the evolution of the school, and below are a few examples of alumni who have helped shape what the school is today:

John Saddler ’68 Paul Saddler ’69

Joyce Creasey ’60 and Sandra Nagro Lobel ’62

Joyce Creasey ’60

Sandra Nagro Lobel ’62

First GSA Club

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community at GSB

Mental Health Week

This year, the Upper School’s Student Mental Health Club (SMHC) decided it was time to honor the self, in addition to others, and took the opportunity to host a “Love Yourself ” Wellness Week alongside Valentine’s Day. The SMHC set up opportunities to improve mood, relieve stress, and enjoy life including a yoga class led by Naomi Panzer of Upgirl in the PACC lobby, an US assembly to hear Wellness Speaker, Scott, from Minding your Mind, therapy dogs, a Wellness Winter Walk around Home Winds Farm, and a service project co-led by SMHC and the Black Students United club to design “Blankets of Hope” for individuals experiencing homelessness.

With the pressure of schoolwork and extracurriculars, it can be hard to remember to make time for yourself. My hope is that this week, people have experienced some of the benefits of self-love.

- SMHC Co- President Sydney Goldberg ’22

“

Love Yourself Week means a lot to me because even though it is important to respect others, it is even more important to love and value yourself.

”

- SMHC Co-President Anna Gnapp ’22

GSB Pride Month

While National Pride Month takes place in June, GSB dedicates the month of April to recognize the LGBTQIA+ community during the school year. This year, our Middle and Upper School Gender and Sexuality Alliance Clubs (GSA) partnered with faculty and other student leaders in a variety of ways to foster acceptance, understanding, and support across campus, while also celebrating the lives and accomplishments of people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride Month is important at Gill because even in our small community it is essential that all members feel seen, validated, and represented. Pride Month is about acceptance and visibility that starts in our community and will hopefully finish with positive global change.

- GSA Club Leader Lauren Rossiter ’23

Ability Awareness Month

Gill St. Bernard’s built a year-long partnership with Daniel’s Music Foundation (DMF), a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with developmental and physical disabilities through the healing power of music. The organization is named after co-founder Danny Trush, who used music to regain motor skills after suffering a brain aneurism at the age of 12. In addition to their music programs, DMF’s mission is to work with schools and organizations across the county to bring greater visibility to the barriers that individuals with disabilities face and to help build mutual understanding, appreciation, and respect for individuals of all abilities.

Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of this year’s theme, “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” GSB acknowledged the tremendous work of our school nurses, Janice Backer and Laura Barback.

Janice and Laura’s leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is a true embodiment of our school’s core values. Their tireless commitment to our community’s health and safety is not only a testament to their passion for helping others, but an inspiring example of courage, poise, and hope for what we all aspire to be.

Parents of Color Forum

The GSB Parents of Color Forum (PoCF) hosted their final meeting of the year on April 11, in person and on campus. The event culminated a successful year of programming that included welcoming new families, social gatherings, and guest speakers. Open to all GSB families, the PoCF is a supportive network that fosters equity, inclusion, and belonging among parents and students of Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latinx descent.

Black History Month

Black History Month was kicked off by Desirae Hemans ’23, a leader of GSB’s Black Student Union (BSU), who explained how Black History Month began in 1926 by Harvard educated historian Carter G. Woodson as a week-long recognition of African Americans across U.S history and society. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized the entire month as Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

A different theme is assigned to each Black History Month, and this year’s theme, “Health and Wellness,” is timely as the nation enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have been intentional in providing our school community with dynamic programming that celebrates the diverse cultural experiences in our community. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive school environment is reflected in the ways we engage across our school community, inspiring our students to forge a more equitable future.

- Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Tracey Goodson Barrett.

Parents of Color Forum (PoCF) Wellness Event PoCF virtually hosted Karen A Chambers and Mahasin Phillips who presented “Finding Calm in the Culture ”

MS and US Music and Dance Assembly The Seventh Principle performed West African and modern African-American percussive dance, traditional music, and call-and-response pieces

Lower School Bulletin Boards Celebrate Black Artists Lower school students studied Black artists such as Alma Woodsey Thomas and Jean-Michel Basquiat and then displayed their “inspired by” pieces outside their classrooms

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Throughout the month of May, GSB students, faculty, and staff paid tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history.

The celebration culminated with the Lower School enjoying a Chinese acrobat assembly by the amazing Li Liu. She began her acrobatics training at the age of 8 and showcased talents in hand balancing, plate spinning, trick cycling, foot juggling, and ribbon dancing.

Lunar New Year

GSB celebrated Lunar New Year on February 1 in many ways across campus, including a special lower school parade led by our Preschool and Pre-K students to mark the end of winter and welcome the year of the Tiger.

Cultural Celebrations

The DEIC Committee utilizes speakers, assemblies, presentations, and media posts throughout the year to highlight the diverse ways we recognize and celebrate our heritage, religion, and cultural experiences. Since the new year, our all school recognition has included:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Presidents Day

St. Patrick’s Day

Holi (The Festival of Color)

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Good Friday and Easter

Passover

Juneteenth

Message from the PA President Sacha Marcucci

This year, Gill St. Bernard’s is celebrating fifty years of unity and progress. Looking back on the two founding schools and the changes that have taken place over that half century, I have witnessed first-hand many advancements. In just the last decade, we have seen campus improvements from the addition of a Field House and the Performing Arts and Community Center (PACC) to the expansion of the GSB Gardens and overall campus landscaping. Home Winds Farm, purchased in 2015, is more bustling today than just a few years ago, our STREAMS program has expanded to include more students, and the renovated SBS Pavilion is now a beautiful space to showcase our inspiring student works. Each one of these improvements makes our campus a spectacular place to learn. I am proud to be able to say that in many of these instances, the work of our Parents’ Association has supported these enhancements through our annual allocations. It is exciting to think about what GSB can accomplish next and how our children will flourish from such resources and vision.

Parents’ Association Year-End Breakfast Celebration

Parents and guardians gathered on the Founders Hall porch for the annual Parents’ Association Year-End Breakfast Celebration on Wednesday, May 17, 2022.The picture-perfect spring morning was the ideal backdrop for a casual breakfast, refreshments, and conversation before heading to the SBS Pavilion for remarks and a warm welcome from Co-Chairs Beth Gustafson P ’20, ’22 and Shannon Sabol P ’28, ’30. Head of School Sid Rowell took the podium to thank outgoing PA President Sheri Cohen P ’22, ’23 for leading the Parents’ Association over the last two years. As is tradition, Sheri unveiled the PA annual allocation given to GSB faculty and staff for the 2022-2023 school year. This year’s total allocations exceeded $45,000 and went to fund items and programs that benefit our students across all divisions and departments. The event wrapped up with Sheri passing the baton to incoming PA President Sacha Marcucci P ’26, ’29, ’32 and wishing her well. Sacha reconfirmed Sheri’s sentiment and encouraged all parents/guardians to either stay involved or to join a committee next year. “It’s always the people involved who make it fun,” commented Sacha. “I wish everyone a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you at the PA Welcome Breakfast next fall on September 15, 2022.”

Parents’ Association

Diversity and Inclusion

The PA Diversity and Inclusion Committee promotes and engages parents in activities, conversations, and special events to support the diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community.

GSB families responded to a call-out from the Parents’ Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee for images depicting the diverse ways we honor winter celebrations, including Diwali, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day, and Three Kings’ Day.

GSB Parents’ Association

Hosts Annual Fashion Event, La Dolce Vita

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, the GSB Parents’ Association hosted their annual Fashion Event at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. This year’s theme, La Dolce Vita, was particularly sweet as attendees gathered for an in-person format for the first time in over two years. Guests arrived to take part in a morning of shopping with local vendors and to explore this year’s prizes. With over 30 unique baskets and experiences to win, two door prizes, vendor finds, and swag bags for each guest, no one went home empty-handed! After a morning of shopping and catching up with one another, guests sat down for lunch as the 2022 Fashion Event Co-Chairs, Kate Hanson and Lauren Salko, greeted the crowd and extended their sincere appreciation for all who were involved in bringing the event to life. “One thing we have learned these past few years is that life is sweet and much sweeter together,” the Event Co-Chairs stated. “To say we are grateful to be gathered together as a community is truly an understatement.”

B-I-N-G-O Night Returns!

The Gill St. Bernard’s Parents’ Association held its 3rd annual Family Bingo Night on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Families and friends from across all three divisions gathered in person in the Athletic Center for a Mardi Gras themed afternoon of fun and frivolity. Swag bags full of brightly colored purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras beads and noise makers were distributed at the start, setting a joyful tone for the event. The games kicked off with a welcome by event Co-Chairs Jennifer Koester P ’30 and Marlene Bueno P ’24 who, together with “Mr. Bingo” Tony DeVergillo P ’22, kept the players entertained for the entire time. “We certainly had a blast having Bingo in person and seeing the excitement in the room,” said Jennifer and Marlene. “We are grateful for the GSB community for their support in attending and our committee for volunteering behind the scenes and their many contributions to the wonderful prizes!”

PA Tuition Raffle

All GSB parent/guardians were invited to watch the drawing for the $10,000 Tuition Raffle during the Parents’ Associations Open Steering Meeting in January on Zoom. The lucky family was notified immediately and was very excited! PA President Sheri Cohen extended appreciation to all participants at the meeting and a big thank you to all who supported the raffle.

GSB Parents’ Association Spring Book Club

GSB parents and alumni parents joined together to discuss our fifth recommended book, The Giver of Stars, by Jojo Moyes. The author weaves a poignant tale about the real women who brought the written word to the downtrodden and forgotten people of rural Kentucky during the Great Depression. Stay tuned for more details on our next book announcement for the 2022-23 school year!

Marlene Bueno P ’24, Tony DeVergillo P ’22, Jennifer Koester P ’30, Jennifer Chmura P ’23, Sheri Cohen P ’22, ’23

Parents’ Association Fashion Event Core Committee

Athletics

SOFTBALL RECAP

GSB Softball ended their 2021-22 season with some impressive notches under their belts. The Knights (17-5) captured the Prep-B Non-Public Championship on May 12, 2022, with a 12-2 victory over Newark Academy. The win marked Gill’s first Prep B Softball championship since 2016. The accolades didn’t stop there. After winning the Prep-B crown, the team finished 2nd in the Skyland Conference Valley Division, advanced to the NJSIAA Non-Public B Sectional Finals for the second consecutive year in a row, and posted an undefeated 11-0 record at home. It was also the second straight year that the team totaled over 250 runs and 200 hits.

BASEBALL RECAP

The 2022 Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Baseball team finished with an overall record of 15-14, took third place in the highly competitive Valley Division of the Skyland Conference, and advanced to the Non-Public B Sectional Finals for the fourth time in the last six years. Regular season highlights included an early season non-conference win over Morris County powerhouse Mount Olive, a Somerset County Tournament victory over Immaculata, and a two-game sweep of local rival Bernards High School. The boys spent much of their March pre-season in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the schedule included eight games against teams that were ranked in the top-25 in the state. GSB rattled off two upset victories over 3-seed Montclair Kimberley and 2-seed St. Mary’s (Rutherford) before ultimately falling to Immaculata 8-7 in the sectional championship game.

2021-2022

Sarah Hulsen ’22 Reaches 100 Career Hits

On Wednesday, May 3, 2022, Sarah “Scooter” Hulsen stepped to the plate and laced a scorching RBI single up the middle to help Gill earn a 20-2 home victory over Vorhees. While the base hit has become commonplace for Knights spectators over the years, this at-bat was particularly special, as it marked Scooter’s 100th career hit as a Knight. The senior captain and Muhlenberg-commit is the third GSB Softball player to reach the career milestone, joining Emma Corbett ’16 and Erin Bayley ’99.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL RECAP

The GSB Girls’ Basketball program finished their 2021-22 season with much to be proud of. The Knights (18-6) recorded the most team wins since their 2015 season and were recognized as one of the top teams in the state, climbing to as high as #12 in the NJ.com power rankings. The team also collected their second consecutive Skyland Delaware Division title.

While the team fell just short of their playoff aspirations with losses to fellow elite programs Rutgers Prep in the Somerset County finals and Saddle River Day in the North Non-Public B semifinals, Coach Gnapp believes the season was an outstanding success that will propel the program into next year.

Girls’ Basketball Coach Mark Gnapp Scores 300th Win

The GSB Girls’ Basketball team earned a 35-33 victory over No. 18 Franklin High School on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, tying Franklin for the Skyland - Delaware division lead and giving Coach Mark Gnapp his 300th career win.

The dedicated coach and father of GSB senior guard Anna Gnapp is celebrating his 30th year as a coach and his 4th year at the helm of Knights.

Anna Gnapp Nominated as NJSIAA Woman of the Year

Each winter, an outstanding female athlete from each school across New Jersey is honored in NJSIAA’s statewide presentation to recognize their accomplishments, accolades, and service to their school community. This year on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which occurred on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Gill St. Bernard’s was proud to announce Anna Gnapp ’22 as our nominee for the NJSIAA NJ Woman of the Year.

As a five-time varsity letter winner in Girls’ Basketball and Track & Field, Anna’s leadership, character, and team-first approach resonates in every aspect of her life at Gill. Anna’s leadership qualities extend well beyond the court as she volunteers her time in several student led organizations, including Student Mental Health Club, Gill for Diversity, Black Student Union, and GSB’s Mentoring Program.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL RECAP

The Knights, who posted a 20-7 record, finished their season ranked #3 in the state and as high as #14 nationally. The team battled through one of the toughest schedules in the country, playing in three premier national tournaments and facing off against six different Top 25 teams, including Whitney Young (IL), Isidore Newman (LA), and Greensboro Day School (NC). The Knights narrowly lost to Camden, NJ’s #1 ranked team, 57-55, in their February 3rd showdown.

A major turning point in the season came under the brightest lights, when the Knights took down perennial powerhouse Westtown School (PA) 70-60 in a televised matchup on ESPN2.

After their nationally televised win, the Knights went on a terror as they claimed their 10th Skyland Conference Delaware Division Championship and their first Somerset County championship since 2018 in an 84-63 over rival Rutgers Prep. After making a dominant run in the state tournament, the Knights season ended with a 68-62 loss to NJ’s #2 ranked Roselle Catholic in the North Jersey, Non-

Denver Anglin nets 1,000th point

Four-year starter and Georgetown-bound Denver Anglin finished his career as one of the top players in GSB Boys’ Basketball history. Playing a more traditional point guard role on a talent-laden team, the Georgetown-commit posted 16.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Anglin also netted his 1000th career point on January 13 against Hunterdon Central. He and senior Drew Kania, who will continue his career at Brown University in the fall, were two of 11 players in New Jersey to be nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Games.

LACROSSE

The GSB Boys’ Lacrosse team ended their 2021-22 season ranked #1 seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament and #7 seed in the stacked Somerset County Tournament. Entering the year as one of the top teams in the area, the Knights (10-6) won seven of their first eight matches and posted the firstever Country Tournament win.

The dominance was in large part due to Gill’s senior captains, defenseman Connor Albertson and goalie Ellis Wilson. Albertson, who will continue his career at Air Force, led the team with 7.3 ground balls per game to earn 2nd Team Skyland All League Honors. Wilson, committed to Hobart, recorded a 69% save percentage this season for 1st Team All League. He finishes his storied career as Gill’s all-time saves

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

The GSB Girls’ Lacrosse program ended their season strong, winning four of their last six games. The Knights finished the 2021-22 season with a record of 5-10 while competing against some of the top teams in the state, including Voorhees, Immaculata, and Somerville.

The team’s steady progress ultimately earned them the 11th seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament. In the first round, the Knights took rival Morristown-Beard down to the wire before ultimately falling 11-12.

FENCING

The GSB Fencing team finished the year 5-5 as they faced some of the premier fencing programs in New Jersey. The girls’ team was led by junior Grace Crimi and sophomore Whitney Lapper, who both had strong seasons, with Lapper placing 13th in the state in Women’s Foil. On the boys’ team, sophomore Jeremiah Ng highlighted his season with an 11th-place finish in State Individuals for Men’s Sabre.

CHEERLEADING

Cheerleading wrapped up a successful winter season with pom-poms held high. The Knights cheer squad continued the longstanding tradition of enhancing on-campus spirit at pep-rallies and home sporting events, and they routinely inspired GSB fans to their feet!

ICE HOCKEY

The Knights finished the season with a record of 6-5-2, earning 5th Place in a talent-stacked Haas Division. Unfortunately, the team’s loss to Mount Olive High School during their second competition on Monday, February 7, 2022, combined with Vernon’s win over West Morris, eliminated the Knights from Haas Cup playoff contention.

Alex Steinberg

Senior goalkeeper Alex Steinberg punctuated his GSB career and the team’s 2021-22 season with a well-deserved honor, becoming the first Gill goalkeeper to win the Morris County Secondary Schools Ice Hockey League (MCSSIHL) MVP award.

Christian Mote

When senior forward Christian Mote scored two goals and earned one assist in GSB Ice Hockey’s game against Mount Olive High School on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Mennen Arena in Morristown, he not only helped the Knights deliver a 3-3 tie, but also became Gill St. Bernard’s all-time leading scorer with 91 overall career points.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

The GSB Indoor Track & Field team’s senior captains Joe Licata, Mia Kolb, Kellyn Bucceri, Will Strong, and Jacob Goldklang led the season by pushing themselves to get better while creating stronger connections between teammates.

Notable moments included senior shot putter Zach Saunders placing 2nd in the Prep Championships and 3rd in States, freshman Ema Hercules leading the girls’ distance team with a 4th place finish in the Prep Championships, freshman Brady Domsic earning 3rd place in the Prep Championship High Jump, senior Will Strong dominating both distance and quick leg relays to place 2nd in Preps, and all-around athlete.

Kellyn Bucceri demonstrated her versatility in springs, throws, and hurdles while garnering 4th and 5th place finishes in the Prep and State Championships, respectively. Senior Michaela Kroon placed 3rd in the Prep Championships 3200-meter and junior Will Engelke placed 2nd in the 55-meter Hurdles.

Swimming

The GSB Girls’ Swimming Team wrapped up their 2021-22 campaign at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions held in Deptford, NJ, finishing the year in 3rd Place in the Skyland Conference Valley Division and placing 6th in the highly competitive Non-Public B State Tournament.

Standout players included Ella Ecko ’25, Tahlia Kofman ’24, Margaux Scott ’24, Maddie Soultanian ’22, each of whom combined to qualify for the heralded Meet of Champions, competing in the 200-meter Medley Relay and 200-meter Freestyle Relay. The event marked the first time in school history that a relay team qualified for the competition, with the group combining to set new school records in both events. Margaux Scott also broke a third school record while competing in the 100-meter Individual Breaststroke. On the Knights boys’ team, standout freshman Nathan Jiang set a GSB school record in the 200-meter Individual Medley.

SPRING TRACK AND FIELD

From April to June, the Knights traveled throughout the Tri-State area to compete in several distinguished competitions such as the NJSIAA Prep B Championship, Somerset County Championships, and the prestigious Penn Relays.

Senior Zac Saunders also qualified for the Meet of Champions in Shot Put while placing 1st at the E. Todd Murray Invite and 2nd in both the Prep B Championships and Skyland Conference Championships. Zac finishes his career 3rd all-time in GSB Shot Put History.

Senior Kellyn Bucceri showed her versatility in her first year of outdoor track after competing Indoor for three seasons. The senior captain earned 1st place in the 100-meter Hurdles at the Skyland Conference and 2nd Place at the E. Todd Murray Invite.

Junior Aniyah Boston earned her spot as the fastest athlete on the Girls’ Team, placing 4th in the 100-meter sprint in the Skylands Division, 9th in Prep Bs, and posting the 3rd fastest time in GSB history in the event.

Sophomore Samantha Leo received 2nd place in the Long Jump at the Skylands and 3rd place in the Prep B Championships. She is currently 6th all-time in the Long Jump event.

GOLF

The Knights (4-9) finished the 2022 season 4th out of 20-plus teams in the Somerset County Conference Championship as well as 5th in a 20-plus team field in the Skyland Conference Championship.

Sophomore Captain Lance Hollingshead earned the Skyland Conference Individual Championship and finished in a tie for first place in the Somerset County Golf Tournament. Those standings qualified Lance Hollingshead to play in both the New Jersey State Golf Championships sectional finals and The Meet of Champions State Tournament.

BOYS’ TENNIS

GSB Boys’ Tennis captured the Skyland Conference Mountain Division title with an overall record of 10-5. Under the tutelage of Coach Chris Walsh, the Knights had an outstanding season that included key wins against talented teams such as Voorhees and Wardlaw-Hartridge in the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Quarterfinals. With grit and perseverance, the team advanced to the semifinal round of the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament before ultimately falling to #1 seed and perennial powerhouse Newark Academy.

The Knights were led by sophomore Jack Dahler at 1st Singles and junior Travis Xue at 2nd Singles who earned 11 wins and 7 wins against some of the top competition in the state, respectively. Senior David Isserow dominated 3rd Singles with a record of 11-4, including seven matches that lasted 3 sets against no 3 set losses.

Joe Licata

Joe Licata ’22 capped off his GSB career as one of the most decorated athletes in school history while being named NJ.com’s Field Athlete of the Year. During his final year of Outdoor Track & Field, Licata dominated at every turn of the season, not only winning every conference meet but earning 1st place in both the Shot Put and Discus in 8 championships, including the Non-Public B State Championship, Skyland Conference Championship, Prep B State Championship, and Somerset County Championship. While at the heralded Penn Relays, Licata received a gold watch for placing as the first American individual in the High School Boys’ Shot Put Championship. In the final days of his career as a Knight, Licata competed against the state’s best competition in the New Jersey Meet of Champions, posting PR marks in both the Shot Put (64'8") and Discus (194'3"). The performance earned him 1st in the shot and 2nd in the discus, setting a new school record previously held by older brother CJ, GSB Class of 2018. He will follow in his brother’s footsteps by throwing for Princeton University next fall. Joe followed his Meet of Champions performance with a 6th place finish at the New Balance Nationals to earn All-American honors.

Performing Arts

Lower and Middle School After School Musical Performance, Aladdin KIDS! – May 14, 2022

Sixty young actors in Grades 1-6 transformed the Matthews Theater in this year’s Lower and Middle School Musical Performance, Aladdin KIDS! In the 40-minute show, students used song and dance to take their audience on a journey to the mystic lands of Agrabah, where they encountered magic, self-discovery, and the power of love.

Blue in the Face and the Joe Show Combine – April 27, 2022 Upper school students shined in a combined Blue in the Face/Joe Show in GSB’s Performing Arts and Community Center Matthews Theater. Blue in the Face is a newer musical favorite at Gill, having been created just over four years ago. The group is described as a “vocal band” that mixes elements of a cappella singing with the sounds of an indie folk-rock band. The multi-talented singers also play instruments and accompany themselves throughout the performance. The Joe Show, GSB’s student-led talent show, featured entertaining acts that showcased classical pieces to Broadway selections.

GSB Players in Camelot March 4, 2022 – The Gill St. Bernard’s theater department hosted four incredible performances as The GSB Players presented their 2022 Spring Musical production, Camelot. The show chronicled the fabled tale of an idealistic young King Arthur hoping to create a kingdom built on honor and dignity, embodied by his Knights of The Round Table. His ideals, however, are tested when his queen, Guenevere, falls in love with the young Knight, Lancelot, and the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.

VisualArts

K-12 Spring Art Show

May 13, 2022 – Students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered at the SBS Pavilion for the opening reception of the K-12 Spring Art Show, a celebration of the talent and creativity of our students on campus. The showcase featured work by artists in all grades and highlighted a wide range of media. The display included 2D, 3D, and digital art and even included a surprise live demonstration by Sara Rodiguez ’23, who worked on her painting on an easel in front of the pavilion.

In the center of the walkway stood a giant wooden hand created throughout the semester by all levels of Bob Ort’s ’89 woodworking classes and assembled for the art show “The project took lots of planning and collaboration,” said Mr Ort He admits that he had his vision for the project, but he let the students take the lead in the decision-making “I am pleased with how it turned out ”

Members of the Clay Club were on hand to sell handmade and hand-painted bowls Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase handcrafted wooden pens as well as prints by the graduating senior class Proceeds from the sales will benefit the Gladstone Food Pantry

Music at GSB

Early Childhood Spring Music Concert

May 12, 2022 – Preschool, PreK, and Kindergarten students hit some sweet notes in their highly anticipated Spring Music Concert, “Tasty Tunes.” Students used the skills they built this year in their Early Childhood music classes to sing together in harmony, perform instrumental and vocal solos, and dazzle their audience.

Middle School Choir Spring Concert

May 6, 2022 – Gill St. Bernard’s Fifth and Sixth Grade Choir and The After School Choir performed an energetic and passionate line-up of hits to a transfixed audi ence at this year’s Spring Concert. Entitled “The Stories of Our Lives,” the concert showcased a full year of musical training and dedication to craft.

Lower School Spring Music Concert

May 6, 2022 – Lower school musicians from Grades 1-4 took the stage in Gill St. Bernard’s annual Spring Music Concert and sang a selection of songs they have been practicing over the year. The performance also included Grade 3 students playing a song on the recorder.

Upper School Spring Choir Concert

April 21, 2022 – Family, friends, and musicians gathered in the Gill St. Bernard’s Performing Arts & Community Center Matthews Theater to enjoy beautiful choral arrangements performed live at the GSB Upper School Spring Choir Concert. Pieces were staged by a mix of choral groups including the Upper School Concert Choir, the Honors Choir, the Gillharmonics, and Blue in the Face. The chorus’s repertoire included both powerful ensemble moments, where the music encompassed the entire space, and extraordinary solos which spotlighted the unique talents of our students.

Middle School Instrumental Music Concert May 4, 2022 – Twenty-eight musicians graced the Matthews Stage at the Performing Arts & Community Center as part of the Middle School Instrumental Music Concert. Members from the GSB Middle School Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band shared songs they have been perfecting over the school year to a full crowd of family, friends, and supporters.

Lower School and Middle School Combined Spring Recital

April 27, 2022 – Family, friends, and young musicians gathered at the Performing Arts and Community Center Matthews Theater to share their love of music and to participate in the longtime Gill tradition of welcoming spring with song.

When the Moriarty family first arrived at Gill St. Bernard’s School in 1998, they knew they wanted to make an impact. While Ed assisted the school by serving as Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees, Jill utilized her time and talent in a new venture that had recently arrived at GSB – The Athletic Booster Club. That fateful decision led to twenty years of incredible dedication, longevity, and enthusiasm. As an early member of the Athletic Booster Club, Jill has been instrumental in the promotion of school spirit and athletic excellence at GSB. With each of her children (Meaghan ’11, Cole ’14, Kaitlyn ’16, and Shane ’22) finding success as student athletes, Jill began working behind the scenes in 2003 to support everything from concessions and fundraising to event planning. As a former Buyer for Bloomingdales, Jill used her expertise in marketing and merchandising to grow GSB Spirit Wear Sales in a way that was not only profitable, but that allowed for students and families to

enthusiastically show off their GSB Pride. Jill transitioned to an executive committee leadership role in 2013, serving as Vice President for club founder Dick Emmitt. She was later elected President in 2017 and has served at the helm for the past five years. During her twenty-year tenure, Jill has helped launch a variety of school spirit initiatives, including the creation of Knights Café (later changed to First Knight), an annual Boys and Girls’ Basketball Doubleheader that featured pizza and food trucks for fans as they cheered on the Knights. In her final year as club president, Jill continued her distinct leadership excellence by guiding fundraising efforts to support our student athletes, including facility upgrades, equipment purchases, team trips, and much more. As Moriarty stepped away from her leadership post at the end of the 2022 school year, she passed the reins onto incoming Athletic Booster Club President Kristin Licata P ’18, ’22, ’24.

Five-term Athletic Booster Club President Jill Moriarty P ’11, ’14, ’16, ’22 passes the reins onto incoming President Kristin Licata P ’18, ’22, ’24

New and Retiring Trustees

New Trustees Named

GSB is thrilled to announce the appointment of four new trustees to the board with terms beginning alongside the start to the 20222023 school year.

Sara Ash ’08

Sara Ash started at Gill St. Bernard's in fifth grade and graduated in 2008. While at GSB, she played both varsity tennis and softball, and her tennis team was the first in the school's history to be ranked in the state of New Jersey (ranked 16th!). After receiving a BA from Seton Hall University, Sara started a career at Merrill Lynch and has now been with Merrill over seven years. Her team currently has over 1.1 billion in assets under management; they are ranked in the top 3% of the firm and in the top 100 advisors in NY by Forbes. She attributes her success to Gill's hands-on approach to learning. Sara currently lives in Jersey City with her fiancé and rescue dog, Gouda. She loves to go to museums in NYC, play tennis, golf, and ski in her spare time.

Christina Dickson P ’34, ’37

Christina is the Global Head of GSK’s (GlaxoSmithKline) Consumer Healthcare Pharmacovigilance Operations & Regions. Her executive R&D leadership capabilities extend across the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer safety industries. She serves as a member of GSK’s Consumer Safety Leadership Team and is responsible for safety operations in 167 countries worldwide.

Christina holds a BS from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Toxicology and Pharmacology from Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Rev. Dr. Paul Saddler ’69

The Reverend Dr. Paul Saddler is the Senior Pastor of Twelfth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington, DC. Reverend Saddler’s ministerial experiences include serving as volunteer Chaplain at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center in Fairfax, VA, Executive Minister of the Shaw Community Ministry in the District of Columbia, and Director of the Homeless Shelter for Men.

Reverend Saddler was the guest speaker at the United States Supreme Court Justice’s Prayer Breakfast. He also delivered the opening prayer at GSB’s Commencement in 2021. Reverend Saddler recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust and is an Executive Board member of the African American Civil War Museum and Freedom Foundation. He and his brother, John ’68, were the first black students to graduate from St. Bernard’s School. Reverend Saddler received a BA from the College of New Rochelle at the New

Ashok Vemuri P ’19, 22

Ashok serves as Chairman of the Board at OSG Connect, a customer engagement and payroll solutions company. Prior to his current role, Ashok served as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Conduent Incorporated, a global digital interactions company and spinoff of Xerox Co. Previously, he was President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors of IGATE Corporation, a global technology and services company. Before IGATE, Ashok spent fourteen years in a variety of leadership and business development roles at Infosys, a multinational consulting and IT services company. Over the past two decades, Ashok has served as a member of additional boards, including Kroger, Board of IT Governors of the World Economic Forum, and the Board of Visitors at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University. He holds a Bachelor of Science from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and received his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management.

Retiring Trustees

GSB extends a heartfelt thank you to our retiring trustees who have so generously given of their time and talents.

Mark Mazzatta P ’21, ’23 Served 2016 – 2022, now an Honorary Trustee

James O'Connor P ’21, ’21 Served 2010 - 2022, now an Honorary Trustee

John Raymonds P ’21 Served 2013 - 2022, now an Honorary Trustee

John Frantz P ’22, ’24 Served 2016 - 2022, now a Past Trustee

York Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University, School of Divinity, and a Doctoral Degree at Wesley Theological Seminary. Reverend Saddler and his wife, The Honorable Fern Flanagan Saddler, have two sons and reside in Washington, D.C.

New Leaders Join GSB

Ananya Chatterji

Gill St. Bernard’s has named Ananya Chatterji as Director of Studies and Strategic Initiatives.

In this dynamic new position, Chatterji will play an instrumental role in reinforcing GSB’s Preschool to 12th grade curriculum and teaching practices, working closely with classroom teachers to understand not just what students are learning, but how students learn when they are at Gill. The collaboration will explore ways for students at each grade level and in each subject to receive the maximum possible benefit from learning.

Chatterji holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bucknell University, and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She serves as a mentor for the University of Pennsylvania’s Master in School Leadership Program, and she previously worked at The Pingry School as Upper School Director and Upper School Math Teacher.

Dr. Pamela Fiander

Gill St. Bernard’s is thrilled to announce the hiring of Dr. Pamela Fiander as the school’s Interim Director of Enrollment Management for the 2022-23 academic year.

Fiander most recently held the position of Assistant to the Head of School at GSB after having served as Gill’s Associate Director of Communications.

Prior to joining GSB, Fiander enjoyed a four-decade-long career which included being an elementary teacher, elementary and middle school principal, superintendent of three New Jersey public school districts, and head of two New Jersey independent schools.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Elementary Education and Teaching from Oklahoma Baptist University, Fiander earned her Master of Educational Administration from Northeastern State University, followed by her Doctor of Educational Administration from Oklahoma State University.

Jenn Noon

Jenn Noon has been named the Athletic Director at Gill St. Bernard’s School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Noon begins her role at GSB after completing a 17-year stint at Fairleigh Dickinson. During her tenure, Noon elevated FDU’s 23 interscholastic athletic programs as the Director of Athletics (2018-Present), Associate Athletic Director (2009-2018), and Head Women’s Field Hockey Coach (2009-2018) among several other administrative and academic positions.

Noon holds several accolades as an administrator, coach, and college athlete, including four Freedom Conference Coach of the Year Awards (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016) and the Educational Opportunity Fund Champion Award (2022). Noon also earned a First Team All-Big East Selection in Field Hockey during her career at Rutgers University (2000-2004).

Three Faculty and Staff Members Retire

Congratulations to all and thank you for your longstanding impact on GSB! You will be missed!

Front Row, from right to left: Eileen Gefell, Samantha Ramsay, Amanda Wulle, Linda Ormont

Middle Row, from right to left: Kathryn Magnoli, Lisa Mathus, Pam Gnapp, Lee Eaton

Back Row, from right to left: Timothy DiBisceglie, Jenn Noon, Kyle Modes

Laura Barback P ’01, ’05

Nancy Stober

John Taeschler

As the 2021-2022 school year closes, Gill St. Bernard’s says farewell to three admired members of our community as they celebrate their retirement: Lower and Middle School Nurse Laura Barback, Lower School Administrative Assistant Nancy Stober, and Upper School Science Department Chair John Taeschler.

The GSB Fund provides vital resources that enable us to sustain the hallmarks of a GSB education, including small class sizes, superb faculty, maintenance of our unique and bucolic campus, and administration of our one-of-a-kind programs which allow students to explore, discover, and achieve at their highest level. Your gift creates immediate impact and lasting benefit to the entire community.

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Alumni Events

From NYC to FL, GSB Alumni Reconnect and Reminisce

Between the hustle and bustle of NYC to the nation’s capital of Washington, DC—and on to the warm sunny weather of Ft. Lauderdale, FL—the Alumni Office was pleased to host our beloved GSB alumni in a series of regional events. Over three decades of class years were represented at these festive occasions, and it was so great to catch up and to hear all the great stories and accomplishments.

Stay up to date on where we will be hosting next, so you don’t miss out! gsbschool.org/alumni

Alumni of Color Dinner

On a beautiful summer evening in Summit, NJ, the GSB Alumni Office and the DEIC Office hosted several Alumni of Color for an evening of reflection.

Alumni representation at the event stemmed from GSB’s earlier years of the 70s to some of our most recent graduates. Those in attendance spoke about their experiences at GSB, and despite the different graduation years represented, the various Alumni of Color experiences were relatable across the board.

The Alumni Office and the DEIC Office spoke with attendees on ways both offices can support the entire GSB community. The discussion stemmed around the challenges community members faced, but it quickly became solution and goal-oriented on ways to address those challenges. Participants learned about the incredible strides GSB has made in the realm of DEIC, including the DEIC Action Plan. This “meeting of the minds” was just the first of many steps the Alumni and DEIC offices are taking to help make the GSB community more inclusive and diverse.

Senior Breakfast Welcomes Newest GSB Alumni

Alumni Council President Sonia Kumar ’10 and recent GSB graduate Nick Policano ’20 addressed GSB’s newest alumni members on their last official day of school. The Class of 2022 enjoyed a hearty breakfast provided by the Development Office followed by farewell remarks from Head of School Sid Rowell.

Alumni Notes

the SIXTIES

CLASS OF 1962

Diane Corkey ’62 continues showing and breeding Champion show dogs (Japanese Chin now) as well as running All Breed Dog Shows in Northern Illinois.

the SEVENTIES

CLASS OF 1975

Jay T. Jenkins ’75 recently took a trip to Jamaica for some fun in the sun! It was a well-needed vacation with family that was put off for 3 years due to COVID.

CLASS OF 1979

Rebecca Harvey ’79 has been appointed Executive Director of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, an internationally renowned nonprofit creative center. Rebecca’s career includes more than 25 years at The Ohio State University as well as a Head of Programme position at the Royal College of Art in London and Director of Ball State University’s School of Art. She writes, “If you are ever in Helena, Montana, stop by!”

the EIGHTIES

CLASS OF 1982

Michelle Wendell ’82 shares “A miracle occurred on July 17, 2022! A first marriage at age 58!”

After fifteen-plus years of being together, Michelle and David decided to make their boyfriend/girlfriend relationship more official...and it was all due to COVID. Previously, David’s career kept him away from home about 50% of the time, but after COVID struck, the two found themselves together 24/7/365. And they liked it! The ceremony took place in a historic Chapel with ten close friends in attendance and many more (including GSB’s Assistant Dean of Students Mike Wendell ’84 and Head of the Foreign Language Department Gina Wendell) tuning in via ZOOM.

the NINETIES

CLASS OF 1995

Adam Mozo ’95 recently remarried and moved. He writes, “I have an 8-month-old son, my first boy, and I have 2 daughters ages 19 and 14 from a previous marriage. I’m looking forward to receiving the newsletter in the mail and updates on a reunion with old class members!”

Jay T Jenkins ’75

Rebecca Harvey ’79

Michelle Wendell ‘82 and her new husband, David

the 21st CENTURY

CLASS OF 2000

Leigh Ann Wallace ’00 used some pandemic opportunities and alignments to her advantage and opened her own hair salon in April 2021! It’s called Peacock Beauty Studio and is located in Hunterdon County. She focused on reusing and repurposing much of the furniture, decor, and salon items from her former workplace as well as the store that existed in the space before her salon—and even her home. For example, the styling stations are made from old farmhouse doors. She is also a part of TerraCycle’s SalonCycle program in which items like hair, used color, foils, color tubes, etc. are recycled. The salon also happens to do some darn beautiful hair and even gets visits from old GSB friends now and again! Leigh adds, “I have a wonderful little team and our first year open has been so fulfilling!”

CLASS OF 2006

Sarah Clamp ’06 works for Prime Media in Washington, DC, creating political media advertising. She was recently named one of the award winners of the “2022 40 Under 40” which is selected by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). This is the only bipartisan Association of Professional Consultants in the U.S.

CLASS OF 2010

Megan Plevy ’10 and Steven Manobianco (groom) met through Zack Ball ’10 (who roomed with Steven in college) and got married at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on May 14, 2022, after 10 years of dating. Sonia Kumar ’10 and Lauren (Rosenblatt) Mathews ’10 were maid and matron of honor.

CLASS OF 2016

Destiny Salter ’16 graduated cum laude from Princeton University in 2020. She also earned the Toni Morrison Prize in Creative Writing. Shortly after graduation, part of her thesis was published in the scholarly journal Studies in Musical Theater. In 2022, she was accepted into the Tufts University PhD program.

Class of 2010 (l to r back row) Philippe Demontigny, Zack Ball, Kaitlin Filley, Steven Manobianco (the groom a k a honorary Gill guy), Patrick Shaw (l to r front row) Kristen (Bailey) Banks, Lauren (Rosenblatt) Mathews, Megan (Plevy) Manobianco, Sonia Kumar, Sabrina (Morton) Alvarez, and Bianca Noll

Sarah Clamp ’06

Leigh Ann Wallace ’00

Destiny Salter ’16

CLASS OF 2018

Nicole Johnson ’18 competed in the 2022 DIII NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon in June. Nicole qualified for the 800-meter Finals for Middlebury College where she placed 6th with a new PR of 2:09.06. By placing in the top 8, Nicole earned United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Associations (USTFCCCA) All-American honors. In her senior seasons, Johnson has achieved All NESCAC (4x400m), All D3 New England (4x400m), and All Open New England (800m and 4x400m) honors.

CJ Licata ’18 competed in the 2022 DI NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon in June. CJ finished 13th out of 24 athletes in the Shot Put finals for Princeton University with a throw of 19.31m. CJ, who earned All-American honors, helped propel Princeton to 7th place in the Championship standings, the best finish in program history. As part of his senior campaign, CJ also took home 1st place earlier this season in the Ivy League Championships.

Paul Mulcahy ’19 was interviewed by CBS2 News Reporter Otis Livingston in February, 2022, but their topic of discussion wasn’t on how the Met Basketball Writers Association named the Division 1 Scarlet Knight the Men’s Player of the Week, nor how the 6'6" guard’s team is making a push for their second NCAA championship appearance. Instead, the two focused on Paul’s charitable foundation, Grafteful4 Foundation. Begun at the beginning of the pandemic, Grateful4 Foundation’s mission is to spread the idea of gratitude and inspire a chain reaction of selfless acts. “No matter what’s going on in someone’s life,” Paul said, “there are at least four things to be grateful for.”

CLASS OF 2021

Micaah Garnette ’21 competed against some of the world’s best talent in the CONCACAF U-20 Championships for the St. Kitts & Nevis National Team in June 2022. He joined his teammates in Honduras for a slate of qualifying matches against Canada, Cuba, and the United States National Team. During his time at Gill St. Bernard’s, Garnette led the Knights to three Non-Public B State Championships and the #1 ranked team in the state in 2020. In his senior year, he amassed 21 goals and 14 assists in just 14 games, earning the honor of the New Jersey Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. He is currently a forward on the St. John’s University Men’s Soccer Program.

Ella Baker ’21 is representing Gill St. Bernard’s School well at Trinity College. Her time at Gill prepared her academically and athletically for Trinity, and she is thriving at yet another great institution.

Ella Fajardo ’21 was recently interviewed by News 12 to share her insights on the U.S. women’s three-on-three basketball team’s gold medal in Tokyo. She is quite familiar with the game, having played threeon-three for the Philippine National Team since she was 16 years old. “There's one sub, and there's a 12-second shot clock,” she told News 12. “You really got to get that shot up even if there are hands on your face. But it’s very, very exciting and interesting to watch.”

Ella, now playing for Fairleigh Dickinson University, brings a formidable track record to her college squad. Last year, she played on the National Women's Gilas Pilipinas team that captured a historic bronze medal in the FIBA Under-18 3x3 World Cup in Mongolia. At GSB, Ella served as co-captain and helped lead the Knights to an 11th place state-ranking.

Paul Mulcahy ’19

Micaah Garnette ’21

Nicole Johnson ’18 and CJ Licata ‘18)

Gill St.

Bernard’s

NJ

908-234-1611