THE GILL
S T. B E R N A R D’ S S C H O O L
MAGAZINE
FALL 2022
THE GILL ST. BERNARD’S SCHOOL MAGAZINE • FALL 2023
T H E G I L L S T. B E R N A R D’ S S C H O O L M AG A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2
what
inspires you?
The Magazine of Gill St. Bernard’s School
TABLE OF CONTENTS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 FEATURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What Inspires You COMMENCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SPRING UNIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ASSEMBLIES & CELEBRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ANNUAL REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 FISHING DERBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ANNUAL GSB CLASSIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 ALUMNI REUNION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 PARENTS' ASSOCIATION EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 THE ARTS The Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Music at GSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Fine Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 ATHLETICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 NEW & RETIRING TRUSTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ALUMNI NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Board of Trustees 2023-2024
Gill St. Bernard’s School P.O. Box 604, St. Bernard’s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934-0604 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org Produced by Communications Office Design by Vision Creative Group
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lee Amoroso P ’11, ’13, ’19 Sara Ash ’08 Keisha Audain-Pressley P ’25 Laura Brucker P ’22, ’23 John Coates P ’26, ’27 Raymond Conger ’03 Marcella Criscola P ’25, ’26, ’29 Rajiv De Silva P ’21, ’25 Tom Fischer P ’16 Andrea Freeman ’95 Elizabeth Fucci P ’17 Matthew Harding ’81 Haresh Kane P ’29, ’34 Jeff Lager ’86 Brenda Liberti P ’24, ’26 Emily Maillet P ’29
Douglas L. Matthews, Chair P ’16, ’18, ’24 Sandi Niccolai P ’16 Mike Petillo P ’26, ’27 Steven Polachi P ’08, ’11, ’14 Reema Puri P ’19, ’21 Sid Rowell, Ex-Officio Rev. Dr. Paul Saddler ’69 Antoinette Segreto P ’32, ’32 Ashok Vemuri P ’19, ’22 HONORARY TRUSTEES Brandon Clark P ’02, ’06 Bill Conger P ’03 Sam Corliss Ann Drzik P ’17 Gia Dunn P ’12, ’14, ’16 Richard Emmit P ’02 Nelson Ferreira P ’12, ’14 Donald Fuentes P ’14, ’16 Michael Golden
Judy Fulton Higby ’65 John Howard P ’17, ’21 Caroline Jones ’78 Adrienne Kirby P ’09, ’13 Rose Kirk P ’18 Michael Mandelbaum Richard Markham P ’11, ’12 Mark Mazzatta P ’21, ’23 Mary McNamara Linda Moore Edmond Moriarty III P ’11, ’14, ’16, ’22 Patty Muchmore ’66 Elizabeth Nametz P ’03, ’09 Ellen Nardoni James O’Connor P ’21, ’21 Robert O’Leary P ’11
Mark Paris Preston Pinkett III John Raymonds P ’21 Marianne Saladino P ’14, ’16 Robert Sameth, Jr. ’89 P ’25, ’25, ’27 Vlad Torgovnik P ’16, ’21, ’26 Janine Udoff P ’16, ’17, ’21, ’23 Michael Weinstein ’87 Karen Young P ’21, ’21, ’25 BOARD OF VISITORS Brandon Clark Sam Corliss Michael Golden The Hon. Thomas H. Kean Edward E. Matthews
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Friends, Believing that “there is greatness inside all of us” is a prerequisite for anyone who wants to be an educator. Teachers and coaches see the potential in their students and constantly seek to help them achieve at the highest level. An outstanding teacher or coach may inspire us to do more than we ever thought possible, and in so doing, they make an amazing difference in our lives. My very first Head of School, Korb Eynon, hired me right after college to teach history and coach at a small boarding and day school. Korb was (and still is) a brilliant man. Incredibly well read, deeply versed on everything, he was a wonderful mentor to me. Korb began his career as an English teacher, later becoming the Department Chair, Librarian, and Dean of Students. When the Board of Trustees asked him to become the Head, he did so out of a love for the school and a profound sense of service. After several years in that role, he stepped down and resumed full-time teaching. I was blessed this summer to catch up with him and his wife, reflecting on our years together and on my time here at GSB. Looking back, it is clear to me that he was one of the people most responsible for where I am now. Sources of inspiration are not limited to just teachers and coaches. Russell “Junie” Hockenbury, Peter Schmidt, John Ripton, and many others have been cited by alums as individuals who made a major difference in their lives. That inspiration, in turn, motivates our students and alumni to do amazing things themselves. The stories in this edition of the magazine offer some wonderful examples of what our community members have chosen to do with their lives. Indeed, our students and alumni have achieved amazing things as have our parents whose work sets an example for others to follow. Who has inspired you? Was it a teacher, coach, classmate, or someone else? Are they aware of the impact they had on your life? Have you taken the opportunity to let them know? I encourage you to consider this last question and perhaps reach out to them. I did just that this summer and am grateful for doing so. Regards,
S.A. Rowell Head of School
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GSB has been thinking about inspiration. We reached out to alum to hear their perspective.
You, the work you have done, and what you have accomplished in your life to date inspire us. Please share with us
what
inspires you.
Gill St. Bernard’s student-artists created the original cover art gracing this edition of the GSB Magazine during their 2022 Spring Unit “Murals and Street Art.” The dynamic piece was developed in collaboration with “Lady Pink,” a famous Ecuadorian-American graffiti and mural artist who paved the way for female street artists. It now lives in Founders Hall, a permanent addition to the art wing, where it brings light and inspiration to everyone who passes. The mural stands as a testament that, at GSB, anything is possible. Our community values the process of selfdiscovery and places emphasis on the journey, which provides our students with the opportunity to explore and discover something about themselves they never imagined. In the mural unit, for example, there were students who never thought of themselves as artists, and now, look at what they have created. Imagine what they might create next. There is greatness within all of us, and with the right environment, we can all have a positive influence in the world. We can all make an impact. GSB has served as the launching pad for “an ethical and meaningful life” for decades. The following alumni highlights share stories of just some of our Knights who have gone on to make their mark on the world. These Knights, their journeys, and their stories inspire us. We hope they inspire you, too. 2
Adam Tenner ’85 Adam received his Bachelor of Arts at Sarah Lawrence College. He currently owns his own consulting firm, Tenner Consulting, that focuses on helping to grow healthy organizations.
At Gill St. Bernard’s, Sue Ely and Peter Schmidt offered students Adam Tenner ʼ85, his husband, opportunities for us to volunteer and son on his son’s first day outside of school. Those of high school. experiences changed me and set the direction for my life. Even after leaving GSB, I didn’t stop volunteering. All through college and after graduation, I sought out opportunities – outside of school or work – that helped me to connect to a larger community, beyond my everyday experiences. At some point, I understood that I was not one of those people who could spend their days doing things that I didn’t feel were meaningful. And so, I set out to find a job working in a not-for-profit organization. My first job was doing HIV prevention work with homeless youth in Seattle. It was an amazing experience. I sought out mentors who helped me learn how to write grants and develop programs. I studied organizational development; I joined boards; I read all the books. Through that job, I was able to create brand new programs for LGBTQ youth in Seattle. When the young people asked for a GED program, we developed one. When young people asked for help creating LGBTQ-safe events, we found the resources and supported them in creating those opportunities. Those experiences helped to prepare me for the job of my life. I moved to Washington, D.C., and helped to grow the largest HIV organization in the world, focused exclusively on the needs of adolescents. Over the years, we trained thousands of young people in D.C. to be peer leaders – carrying that spark from GSB and passing it on. That work is still going strong and is now part of one of D.C.’s best community-based health care providers.
At Gill St. Bernard’s, Sue Ely and Peter Schmidt offered students opportunities for us to volunteer outside of school. Those experiences changed me and set the direction for my life. –Adam Tenner ’85
Current GSB Trustee Sara (Ash) Kenefick ’08 and former GSB Trustee Fredrica "Fredi" (Welles) Ash ’79, P ’08, ’11
The knowledge that there were people who believed in my potential has given me the confidence to embrace challenges and persist in the face of adversity. –Sara (Ash) Kenefick ’08
Ross Johnson ’97
Sara earned her Bachelor of Arts from Seton Hall University and currently works as a Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill Lynch. In her role, she is part of a financial advisory team with over 1.3 billion under management with the strategy and execution of every aspect of their practice; including business and relationship management. Fredi earned her Bachelor of Arts from Rollins College and works in real estate as a Broker-Associate at One Sotheby’s. She was recently recognized by America’s Best for being among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals in the United States in 2021, 2022 & 2023. Sara is currently serving on the GSB Board of Trustees. Her mother, Fredi, served on the Board from 2001 to 2008, and Sara’s younger brother, William Ash ’11, also graduated from GSB.
Sara:
Ross received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Latin American Studies from Gettysburg College. He currently holds the position of Chief of Police of the Mendham Township Police Department. Ross’s wife, Kelly Sansone, graduated from GSB in 1998.
After graduating college, I spent time in the corporate world, but my background as a volunteer firefighter/EMT when I was at GSB and at college sent me looking for something different out of a career. I was hired in 2004 by the Mendham Township Police Department, and after working my way through the ranks, I was promoted to Chief in 2017. I currently sit on the Morris County Chief ’s of Police Executive Board, where I was named President for 2023. I work with Chief s across the county and state on the challenges we face, and I ensure that Morris County and NJ Law Enforcement continues to be a leader across the country. Finding a career in something that both challenges and satisfies me, while helping to make the community that I am a part of a better place, is all I could ask for. When not working, you can find me on the water somewhere or up in the mountains!
Within the GSB community, encouragement is a cornerstone of growth. Whether it was in academics, sports, or personal endeavors, the consistent reinforcement and belief GSB showed in my abilities was transformative. The knowledge that there were people who believed in my potential has given me the confidence to embrace challenges and persist in the face of adversity. The GSB community has shown me that a supportive network can be a catalyst for selfbelief, motivating individuals to set ambitious goals and to strive for excellence.
Fredi: Gill holds a special place in my heart. It played a pivotal role in my development, particularly in instilling in me a love for learning and for the pursuit of excellence in both academics and sports. The experience showed me how to develop goals and to work towards them, whether they were professional or personal. 3
Miquel (Gabbidon) Ball ’12 and Jacob Ball ’12
Miquel and Jacob met at GSB, and almost ten years after graduation, they were married in 2021. Jake’s brother, Zachary Ball, graduated from GSB in 2010. Miquel attended GSB with two cousins, Brianna Roche ’09 and Jane (Harrington-Noonan) Selitto ’11. Miquel graduated from Rutgers University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations. She is an Executive Managing Producer for Growth Marketing Design at Apple, after having held positions with HBO, the New York Times, and Time Inc. Jake received his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience in 2016 from Vanderbilt University, and he returned to New Jersey to receive his Doctor of Medicine from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 2021. He is currently completing his orthopedic residency at the University of Southern California.
Since their wedding in 2021, Jake and Miquel have been based in Pasadena, CA, to pursue opportunities for both of their careers. Though they work in very different fields, both share a deep desire to make a lasting positive impact on others’ lives. Miquel is intentional, relentless, and peoplefocused when empowering teams and delivering high quality consumer products. Similarly, Jake’s approach to finding solutions to surgical problems through the lens of compassion and creative thinking is rooted in supporting his patients to the best of his ability. When asked about what inspired them the most during their time at GSB, they both recalled how thoughtful the faculty and staff at Gill St. Bernard’s were in preparing students for life after high school, both socially and ethically.
Harris N. (Harry) Ferris ’73
Harry earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bard College and SUNY Buffalo before earning his Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University. He recently founded his own consulting firm, HNF Consulting LLS, after retiring in June 2022 as the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. He is also the current CEO and Co-Founder of IGIA – Movement for Health.
I was inspired my senior year at GSB, when Mr. Wright helped us create a dance unit. We met in New York four out of five days with classes held at such iconic places as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. This unit actually set me on my ultimate path as first a modern and then a ballet dancer, and after a long dance career, it led to the chance to direct several ballet companies. Being "in the arts" is something that would not have been the case had I not had the chance to go to first The Gill School and then Gill/St. Bernard’s. Dance and movement have remained a passion for my entire life. Following stepping down as Executive Director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre last year, I have continued my interest as a Certified Hanna Somatic Educator and am now working on expanding the health benefits of somatic movement and healthy aging for the baby boom generation.
When reflecting upon inspiration, I am inspired by great choreography and the human form moving with intention through space. I am inspired by the power of philanthropy and by those who exert their capacity in support of artists Our teachers were and innovation. Perhaps not just thoughtful about what most importantly, I am inspired by the healing they chose to teach us, but also about potential of movement. helping us to learn what our own passions and goals were as we got ready
to leave GSB. Today, we carry that thoughtfulness into how we plan our careers and personal growth. 4
– Miquel and Jake Ball
The values I learned at GSB inspired my journey in public service to build a new generation of politics and foreign policy that sees, hears, feels, and helps heal. –Jessica Abowitz ’18
Sarah Abowitz ’16 and Jessica Abowitz ’18 Sisters Sarah and Jessica Abowitz have both been busy since graduating from GSB. Sarah pursued her Bachelor of Arts at Smith College with a double major in Computer Science and Classics and is now a PhD student at Tufts University for Computer Science. Jessica recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Religion at Wellesley College and is in the second year of her Master program for International and Development Studies concentrating in Conflict, Peace, and Security at The Graduate Institute in Geneva, Switzerland.
Tufts chose me to be their inaugural Provost Leadership Fellow for their computer science department. My focus is on doing the kind of important research that would contribute towards greater availability of the internet or towards better security and/or privacy for its users. Working on a PhD has inspired me to make the most out of this "World as Classroom" mindset including attending a conference for women in graduate programs in the Palace Hotel, on a Miro board with collaborators in Austria, and DEFCON, where I learned how to exploit firmware and protect my fellow security researchers while not getting hacked.
Jess: Sarah: Some of us were told in school that we can’t escape Latin. Some of us were told we can’t escape other things like taxes or death or AI. At GSB, we were told "Schola Mundus Est” which translates into our motto: The World Is Our Classroom. For me, I have never internalized an idea harder in my life. Applying analysis techniques I learned in Lit classes at GSB to other media outside of literature strengthened my analysis skills. Building graphics in BASIC and building mock projects in Java from what I had learned in the GSB computer science course made me a stronger programmer, a stronger mathematician. School fills your head with knowledge, yet if the world is your classroom, you must step outside to see the connections between seemingly separate subjects. In college, the world I knew expanded from school and home to the beautiful Pioneer Valley, as well as the mighty Silicon Valley. Outside of my classes, I applied my skills towards research and industry opportunities. My very first summer internship was at Google, on their Android Dialer team. The summer after Google, I assisted graduate researchers at the University of Connecticut in studying cybersecurity. During that time, I heard one of the professors speak about how in a PhD program, your dissertation as a doctorate is based upon turning unknowns in the world into something more knowable. If I was making the world my classroom before, this felt like I could be guiding the world and adding to the world’s knowledge in ways nobody had thought of before.
When I started as a 6th grader at GSB, I very quickly was looped into friend groups and new activities by older students who encouraged me to try new things and who helped answer my questions—and then taught me to pass on the culture of inclusion when they graduated. In my senior year of high school, the Parkland School shooting prompted Gill for Diversity (led by me) and Student Government (led by CJ Licata ’18) to collaborate on a joint Upper School Forum focused on how our school community should respond to the tragedy. Student and teacher fears were discussed, as well as—perhaps most importantly— how to listen to perspectives on all sides of the issue. It was one of the most, if not the most, widely attended student forums. That moment was one of the most formative in my entire education because it was a culmination of my leadership growth up until that point, a testament to the collaborative nature of Gill’s student organizations, and an important example of the courage and kindness of Gill students in choosing to approach a difficult conversation with respect and ears open. Those values not only came to define my legacy at GSB, but to inspire my own journey in public service to build a new generation of politics and foreign policy that sees, hears, feels, and helps heal. I’m currently interning for the State Department and US Africa Command working on Conflict Prevention and Stabilization as I pursue my Master of International and Development Studies. 5
Lamont “Tory” Stapleton ’06 After graduating from GSB, Tory completed a postgraduate year at St. Thomas More in Connecticut before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media from Southern New Hampshire University. He was captain of the men’s basketball team while at SNHU, scoring 1,383 career points during his career there. He is currently the head of Community Activation for an amazing athleisure brand called Actively Black. He also runs a nonprofit organization called Between The Lines that utilizes sports as a form of recreational therapy for incarcerated individuals and serves as a resource to assist with job placement and reintegration services upon release.
After college, I moved to Los Angeles to start a social movement called I’m Just Different to inspire individuality and acceptance of differences. Throughout the last 11 years here in LA, I’ve founded several initiatives and have worked heavily within the community to better the lives of the people. My life’s purpose is to unite and spread love, and I live to find new creative ways to do so. Day to day this might look different. I’ve dabbled in many different arenas such as fashion, music, sports, and entertainment. In short, I have a passion for people, and I wish to continue to pour out what’s been poured into me throughout my time on this Earth. I’m extremely inspired by my family and friends. I look around and see everyone pushing through all sorts of adversity and achieving such amazing things. I constantly feel as though I can be doing more, and I challenge myself to do so. The feeling I get when I connect with and am able to help someone along their journey is like no other. It’s something I wish I could bottle up and distribute to the world!
Stacy (Jerolaman) Mercado ’96, P ’27, ’30 Stacy received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the College of William and Mary. She completed her Master of Science in Research Administration at John Hopkins University and currently works at the University of Pennsylvania as a Director of Research Compliance at the Perelman School of Medicine. Stacy’s younger sister, Meghan Jerolaman, graduated from GSB in 2002. Her mother, Judy Jerolaman, was a GSB teacher from 1985-2012 as well as a Chair of the Science Department. Her two children, Wyatt and William, are now attending GSB. In both my personal and professional life, I’m always asking the question: How can this be better? How can we do better? At GSB, where The World is Our Classroom, I learned to always consider the big picture. I developed an appreciation for how all of us can apply our education and experiences to make the world and the communities we reside in better. Today, this is what drives me. My motivation comes from showing up every day to support and to contribute my part to an overall mission. In my professional role, the mission is to foster innovation by supporting the execution of compliant clinical research across a school of medicine and academic healthcare system. It’s exciting and humbling to see your daily work reflected in new discoveries and treatments that advance modern medicine and to help us better understand the world we live in today. In my personal role, the mission I support is to provide my children and family with the necessary foundation they need to achieve their goals and dreams while still staying rooted in communitybased concepts that support the betterment of humankind. Having my two sons attend GSB contributes to that mission. Their experience underscores the promise tomorrow holds for a better future, not just for them, but for the world collectively.
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Jaime (Messina) Goodrich ’01, P ’27, ’30 and Kris Goodrich ’99, P ’27, ’30 Jaime and Kris met at GSB, and after attending their respective universities—St. Joseph's University for Jaime and Stevens Institute of Technology for Kris—they married and returned to the area. Their two children now attend GSB. Both Jaime and Kris have pursued an entrepreneurial career path, and both have held positions in a variety of industries. Most recently, Jaime works as Director of Branding and Kris holds the title of CEO at R3volution Brands, a small business that offers support to new entrepreneurs, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
Jaime: Looking back, I think GSB did a really great job of instilling this sense of giving back to our community and the world around us. After leaving GSB, that mentality really stuck with me. Whether it was working for Idealist.org while in college, becoming a member of Lions International in my local community, or volunteering my time at GSB through things like the Alumni Council, the Parent Admission Network, and a whole host of other opportunities—giving back is just something that was always important to me, and I hope to inspire others through my example.
Kris: I have always been interested in business, but I think what inspires me now is being able to mentor those who are just starting out in their entrepreneurial journeys. I have been very fortunate to be able to come back to GSB and provide an entrepreneurial unit experience in the Upper School for the past several years. Working with these kids and feeling their palpable excitement for something I love so much inspires and reinvigorates me to keep doing what I do every day.
The people are the heart and soul of GSB, and as it has changed, grown, and evolved, that heart and soul has remained the same. -TarynAnn (Barry) Zampino ’05
TarynAnn (Barry) Zampino ’05 TarynAnn received her Bachelor of Arts in History, Government and Law from Lafayette College. She pursued her Master of Science and Teaching in Childhood Special Education from Fordham University, and currently works at Gill St. Bernard’s as the Director of Upper School Learning Support. My passion for learning was ignited as a child and fostered during my formative years at GSB. As a student here, I was encouraged to pursue my dreams and take risks; I felt limitless because of the support and guidance I received from my teachers. During my senior year of college, I faced a crossroads between law school and Teach For America. I decided I wanted to make an impact on the lives of children and instill the same love I received from GSB on future generations. I began my teaching as a TFA Corps Member in the South Bronx; while teaching was challenging, I was able to bring community building and relationships into my classroom, and my students were successful. As I started to understand systems of education wholistically, my appreciation for my time at GSB and the care of its teachers and community really began to resonate. I viewed my experience as a student here as a model for what excellence in education looks like, and my goal was to emulate the caring and supportive relationships I benefited from as a child. I fostered trust and created community with my students, allowing them to take risks and exceed their own expectations. My life has come full circle, and I am now the Director of Upper School Learning Support at GSB. I get to continue the GSB legacy and to create that unique GSB experience for other students, every day. The inspiration that launched my life—my time at GSB—has brought me back to my home.
At GSB, I developed an appreciation for how all of us can apply our education and experiences to make the world and the communities we reside in better. –Stacy (Jerolaman) Mercado ’96
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Class of 2023
Gill St. Bernard’s celebrated the Class of 2023 in the annual Commencement ceremony, held on Sunday, June 4, 2023, surrounded by enthusiastic family, friends, and community members. Graduates processed into the Athletic Center to the traditional sound of St. Ann’s of Hampton Pipes and Drums before being welcomed by Head of School Sid Rowell. The beautiful ceremony showcased many special moments such as Deacon Frank Owens, grandparent to Joshua Mulcahy ’23, delivering the opening invocation and closing benediction. In keeping with GSB’s tradition to invite students to serve as commencement speakers, six graduates, Riley Bittman, Shaniya GoldenRiddle, Desirae Hemans, Sophia Mariano, Rohan Nagpaul, and Lauren Peng-Rossiter, took the opportunity to stand before their classmates and share their personal, heartfelt reflections. 8
Commencement
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Lifers 2023
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Our lifers are those students who attended
Gill St. Bernard’s School since First Grade or before
Front row, from left to right: James Schadt, Sofia Walz, Kate Chen, Katherine Udoff, Jacob Cohen Back row, from left to right: Zackary Wendell, Luke Ruggiero, Patrick Henderlong, Nickolas Gattoni, Nicholas Parlavecchio, Riley Bittman, Philip Vayntrub, Austin Carey
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Middle School Closing Ceremony
Lower and Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong P ’21, ’29, ’36 welcomed 8th grade families and friends to the Middle School Closing Exercises on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the Class of 2027. The Middle School Choir filled the room with song and delivered a lovely rendition of For Good, and Middle School Music Teacher Amy Southerland provided musical accompaniment throughout the event. GSB faculty presented this year’s Middle School Awards and Prizes, and the momentous occasion concluded with Head of School Sid Rowell awarding the Certifications of Completion.
Lower School Closing Ceremony Gill St. Bernard’s honored the Class of 2031’s transition from Lower School to Middle School during the Lower School Closing Exercises on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
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The event began with a processional and welcoming comments from Lower and Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong P ’21, ’29, ’36. Students were involved in every aspect of the program, including introducing speakers, singing, commanding the podium, and of course, being recognized for their achievements. Lower School Dean of Student Life Jill Fedon led 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 2023 College Destinations
American University (2) Babson College (2) Barnard College (2) Boston College Boston University Bucknell University (3) Carnegie Mellon University (3) Case Western Reserve University (2) Clemson University (2) Colgate University College of Charleston (2) College of the Holy Cross Drexel University Elon University (2) Franklin and Marshall College Gannon University Georgetown University Gettysburg College High Point University (3) James Madison University Kenyon College Lafayette College (2) Lehigh University (2) New York University (2) Northeastern University (2) PG Year: The Peddie School Providence College
Purdue University-Main Campus Ramapo College of New Jersey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University-New Brunswick (3) Sacred Heart University San Diego State University Stevens Institute of Technology (2) Susquehanna University Syracuse University Temple University The University of Alabama Tulane University of Louisiana United States Coast Guard Academy University of Massachusetts-Amherst University of Miami (3) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Notre Dame (3) University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus University of Richmond (3) University of Rochester University of Vermont (2) Vassar College (2) Villanova University Wake Forest University (3) Wheaton College William & Mary 13
The
Spring Unit Program
By Dana Lotito ’24
Internship
Every year, Gill St. Bernard’s School concludes with a unique two-week program known as Spring Unit. This distinctive offering sets GSB apart from other schools, providing unparalleled opportunities for students to explore the world through travel or local concentrated study. At GSB, these dreams become a reality through the involvement of environmental sustainability, experiential learning, service learning, and interning.
GSB juniors and seniors had the option of participating in an internship to gain experience in a potential career path. Finance, education, law, medicine, entrepreneurship, and communications were just a few of the fields available to students.
In the Spring Unit of 2023, students ventured beyond national borders to destinations like the Netherlands and Romania. For those who preferred to remain stateside, GSB offered travel options, including the Florida Keys and the Pacific Northwest. Spring Unit is more than traveling; it is an avenue for acquiring skill sets beyond the classroom. GSB believes in providing an education that goes beyond textbooks and lectures, and students receive the chance to ignite new passions. (Dana Lotito ’24 worked with the GSB Communications Office for her Spring Unit Internship.)
Dr. Andrea Freeman ’95, owner of Kind Veterinarian Care Center, invited GSB interns to scrub in and observe a surgical procedure.
Middle School Spring Unit Middle School students investigated engineering by making Rube Goldberg machines or stop-motion videos, they improved their strategic thinking and decision-making skills by playing card games, and they built teamwork across grades through outdoor games.
Bruce Beck, a sports broadcaster, returned to teach the Sports Broadcasting unit for the fifth year.
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Paul Mulcahy ’19 returned to participate in a field day hosted for Middle School students by this year’s service learning unit, “RU Grateful.”
Tyrants In Transylvania Unit in front of Corvin Castle in Transylvania
GSB students surfing The North Sea while visiting The Hague, Netherlands. People Vs. Nature: Environmental Sustainability in the Netherlands Unit
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ. The Secret Science of NJ Unit
GSB students deep sea snorkling off Sombrero Reef. Under the Sea: Conservation and Sustainability in the Florida Keys Unit
Chase Stolarski ʼ24 and Jonathan Ferriera ʼ24 at the Natirar Cooking School in Gladstone, NJ. Cook Like A Pro: Natirar Cooking School Unit.
Dominque Vitalis ʼ12 hosted three finance interns to learn more about wealth management at Solution Driven Wealth.
Historical Village at Allaire in Farmingdale, NJ. A Chronological Journey Through NJ History as Told by its Public History Sites Unit
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Assemblies & Celebrations Asian American and Pacific Islander Month May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and throughout the month, GSB students, faculty, and staff paid tribute to the generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history with student reflections, a Japanese Taiko drumming demonstration, delicious meals from SAGE Dining Services, and vibrant library book displays in all three divisions. GSB Lower Schoolers enjoyed an interactive Japanese Festival Drums assembly by Taikoza which included musical instruments like the Taiko drum and the Fue (bamboo flute), along with storytelling, dance, and vocabulary lessons.
Pride Month April is Pride Month at GSB! While national Pride Month takes place in June, GSB dedicates the month of April to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community during the school year. GSB’s Pride Month celebration included a passionate assembly presentation, an Instagram takeover by members of the GSA, a cross-divisional Middle School and Upper School display showcasing "What GSA Means to Me", and colorful rainbow library displays.
Holocaust Remembrance Day In honor of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sophia Nehmer ’25 shared a heartfelt reflection during Upper School assembly on April 19, 2023. Sophia discussed the origins of Yom HaShoah, why it is important, and concluded with a video interview of her grandmother Mina Nehmer recounting living through the Holocaust.
16
BECOME PART OF THE ALUMNI WALKWAY
Order Your
GSB History Book To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the merger between The Gill School and St. Bernard’s, GSB is pleased to offer Proud Past, Bright Future: A History of GSB, a beautiful, 300+ page hardcover collection of photographs, history, and anecdotes highlighting the evolution of GSB from 1900 until now! As a member of the Gill St. Bernard’s School community, you have the opportunity to help preserve our past and secure our future. During GSB’s centennial year, the alumni walkway was established to honor members of the school community. The walkway approaches the Chapel, at the center of the GSB campus, and is used by every member of our community day after day. Reserve your place in GSB history by personalizing a piece of this walkway. Bricks may be purchased by or for alumni, students, faculty or friends of the school for $125 each (4” x 8”) and include up to 12 characters/spaces per line. You can order online or contact the Development Office for more information.
Order yours today on the school store. Quantities are limited!
Save Your Seat Celebrate a current student, alumnus/alumna, teacher, staff member, or friend of GSB by naming a seat ($1,000 each seat) in their honor in the Matthews Theater of the Performing Arts & Community Center. Contact Blake Putnam at (908) 234-1611 ext. 361 or BPutnam@GSBSchool.org 17
Annual Report 2022-2023 GSB Fund, Capital Gifts, and Endowment Gifts July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Total Dollars Received to Date - $2,061,567 Designation
Dollars Received FY 2021/22
Percentage of Total Dollars
GSB Fund
$1,484,844
72%
Capital
$459,723
22%
Endowment
$117,000
5%
Total
$2,061,567
Endowment $117,000
Capital $459,723
GSB Fund $1,484,844
18
2022-2023 Financial Reporting
GSB Fund Status
July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Total Dollars Raised to Date - $1,484,844 Type of Gift
Dollars Raised
Percentage of Total Dollars
Cash
$1,285,377
86.57%
Stock
$14,301
0.96%
Gift In Kind
$38,866
2.62%
Pledges ^
$146,300
9.85%
Total
$1,484,844
^ Pledge amount does not include pledges received prior to FY 22-23
Unrestricted vs. Restricted Restricted $501,739
Unrestricted $983,105
19
2022-2023 Financial Reporting
Dear GSB Community, 2022-2023 Was a Year to Remember! The past year has been truly remarkable! Our community has once again flourished, accomplished, and expanded. Our students reached significant milestones, achieved personal bests, received accolades, and, most importantly, created lasting memories. Our school holds a unique place in our hearts, and we are profoundly grateful to our community for its unwavering commitment, celebrations, and ongoing support. In a significant triumph, the GSB Fund reached an extraordinary milestone, raising over $1,400,000, the largest amount in its history! This remarkable achievement was made possible by the financial backing we received throughout the year. The incredible generosity of our alumni, families, students, faculty, and staff underscores the significance of our mission and our identity. At the heart of our endeavors are our students, driving our daily commitment to what we do and why we do it. Behind this core lies a vast network of families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who tirelessly support every facet of our mission. Together, we create a well-rounded, diverse, and secure community that equips our students academically, socially, and ethically for college and a fulfilling life beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your generous, thoughtful, and compassionate support. We eagerly anticipate another year filled with triumphs, challenges, milestones, accomplishments, and cherished memories. Warm regards,
Meredith Marks Director of Development
Parents’ Association One of the goals of the Parents’ Association is to build community through engaging events and to raise funds to enrich school programs that support students, faculty and staff. Last year the PA was able to allocate funds to each division for unique requests including Qtalk – Graphic Learning Aids for teaching language in the Lower School, sponsoring an on-campus author and artist visit for both Middle and Upper School, and purchasing a new synthesizer controller and complete drum set for Upper School students. In addition, the PA allocated some much-needed funds in support of scholarships, financial assistance, and professional development opportunities. Thank you for supporting the Parents’ Association!
Total Allocation for the 2022-2023 School Year:
20
22,006
$
2022-2023 Financial Reporting
2022-2023 Athletic Booster Club Highlights: Our student athletes worked hard, competed, and achieved many personal bests this year. Many won championships and will continue their journey as collegiate athletes. The support from our alumni, families, and friends has been tremendous. This support has propelled our athletic programs forward by providing our student athletes with the best of the best so that they can be the best in both the classroom and on the field.
11
Seniors from Class of 2023 will be competing in college (3 Division I, 1 Division II, and 7 Division III)
Total Allocation for 2022-2023:
16,696
$
7,500
$
AED’s for Athletics
74
student-athletes earned post-season accolades
1,400
$
Turf Barricades
Boosters paid for Championship gear for all three teams
3
State Championships (Boys Soccer, Golf and Boys Lacrosse)
4,900
$
Softball Windscreens
960
$
Golf
21
2022-2023 Financial Reporting Pinnacle Society - $25,000 + American Endowment Foundation
Chairman’s Council $10,000 - $24,999
Headmaster’s Circle $5,000 - $9,999
Mrs. Sharon Bittman
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Amoroso
Mr. Carey and Dr. Marx
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brooks
Ms. Sara Ash Kenefick ’08
Ms. Candace Clark ’94
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Carroll
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brucker, II
Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Emmitt
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Collins
Burnt Mills Cider Company
Fidelity Charitable Gift
Mr. Conn and Dr. Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Carosielli
GSB Parents’ Association
Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Criscola
Mr. and Ms. John B. Coates
Mr. and Mrs. John Howard
Crisdel Group, Inc.
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Mr. Huff and Mrs. Markey Huff
Mr. Rajiv De Silva
Mr. Raymond Conger ’03
Ms. Caroline Jones ’78
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Corliss, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Kalafer
Ms. Laura Evans ’75 and Mr. Jim
The Cormura Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Haresh Kane
Diack
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Culnen
The Kirk Kellogg Foundation
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Dickson
F. M. Kirby Foundation, Inc.
J. P. Morgan Donor Advised Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Fellon
Mr. and Mrs. S. Dillard Kirby
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Liberti, Jr.
Dr. Andrea Freeman ’95
Ms. Emily Maillet Kellogg and
Mr. and Mrs. Justin N. Marcucci
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Fucci
Mr. Kirk Kellogg
Mr. Mazzatta and Ms. McHugh-
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Mascharka
Mazzatta
Dr. and Mrs. David Goulding
Mr. and Mrs. Doug L. Matthews
Neurology Specialists of Morris
The Edward E. & Marie L. Matthews
County, LLC.
Foundation
Mr. James O’Connor
Mrs. Betsy Michel
Ms. Jordan Price
National Philanthropic Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Pridy
Mrs. Britany Nelson ’97 and Mr. Toby
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sanford, Jr.
Nelson
Mr. Schlaefer and Ms. Kraft
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Petillo Petillo, Inc. Mr. Pollard and Dr. Powell Ms. Antoinette Segreto Sentinel Pines Foundation Kenneth & Claudia Silverman Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Silverman The Starr Foundation Vision Creative Group The Willits Foundation
22
Schwab Charitable Fund Mr. and Mrs. John Douglas Smith Somerset Patriots Ms. Melissa Toledo Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Mr. Wagman and Ms. LeBec-Wagman Mr. and Mrs. Scott S. Webber Mr. and Mrs. Adam D. Winters
Harbor Freight International Inc Mr. Matthew Harding ’81 Mr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Hardy HBK CPA’s & Consultants Mr. and Mrs. David W. Johnson Mr. Kalinak and Ms. Wong Ms. Shannon Ludlum ’03 Mr. Jeffrey Ludlum ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Robustelli Wells Fargo Commercial Banking WKW Family Foundation
2022-2023 Financial Reporting Stronghold Council $2,500 - $4,999
Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Moriarty, III
Mr. William Freeman
Dr. Nehmer and Mrs. Albano-Nehmer
Genova Burns Attorneys-At-Law
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Niccolai
Stephen Gould Corporation
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
Peapack-Gladstone Bank
Mr. Guth and Ms. Abrash
Mr. and Mrs. José Briones
The Risor Foundation
HPE / AMD
Mr. and Mrs. Finn Caspersen
Mr. Sid Rowell
Ms. Jennifer Huff
Mr. and Mrs. Brandon L. Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Rowell
Mr. and Mrs. Konstantinos Kallopoulos
Mr. and Mrs. William Conger
Sage Dining Services
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Kroon
Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Cox
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Santos
Mr. Jeffrey Lager ’86
Ms. Christy Crickenberger
Mr. and Mrs. Preston Scott
Mr. Liu and Ms. Okamoto
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Danowski
Seal Spout Corp./American Aluminum Co.
Mr. and Mrs. William Loss
Day Pitney LLP
Mr. Vlad Torgovnik
Mrs. Laura Ludlum
Mr. and Mrs. John Drzik
Mr. and Mrs. Ashok Vemuri
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Macak
EVT Corporation
Winfield S. Russell Trust
Dr. and Mrs. Domenic Mariano
Cox Family Fund
Mr. and Mrs. William Young, Jr.
Mr. McCarthy and Ms. Rebay
Mrs. Wendy Farrell ’85
Mr. Page McConnell ’82 Mr. and Mrs. Vito Menza
Mr. and Mrs. Guy Garrubba
Founder’s Club $1,000 - $2,499
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Gattoni
Allyn Family Foundation
Mrs. Laurie Mlinar ’05
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Golden
Mr. and Mrs. Derek Argobright
Morgan Stanley
Mr. Kristopher Goodrich ’99 and Mrs. Jaime Goodrich ’01
Mrs. Fredrica Ash ’79 and Mr. Leslie Ash
New Horizons Real Estate Holdings, LLC
Atkins Companies
Hatfield Schwartz Law Group LLC
Anonymous
Dr. and Mrs. Stanley M. Baer
Hunterdon Healthcare System
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pereira
Mr. and Mrs. James Baisley
Mr. and Mrs. Bradford O. Hearn
Mr. William Pickle ’04
Anonymous
Mr. Hermida and Mrs. Camacho Beltran
Mr. William Pigott
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brandt
Ironbound Cleaning Services
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Pohlmeyer
Mr. Harold Brown ’77
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Jensen
Mr. Bruschetta and Ms. Baloiu
Mr. Steven Polachi and Ms. Debra Chipman
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Lawse
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Byrne
Mr. and Mrs. F. David Pressley
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Liberti
Campbell Freightliner LLC
Private Client Group, AM
Live Oak Landscape
Mr. and Mrs. Humberto Campos, Jr.
Mr. and Ms. Lianjun Ma
Fred C. Church
The Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mack
Dr. and Mrs. Joel Coleman
Mr. Edward E. Matthews
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Deo
The Mazzatta Family Foundation
Mr. Joseph Dobkowski
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Meenan
Dragonfly Hills LLC
Mr. and Mrs. John Micera
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fava
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Moeller
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fischer
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Ference
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Migliaccio
Dr. and Mrs. Navneet Puri Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Roettger Mr. and Mrs. Ronan G. Ryan The Rev. Dr. Paul Saddler ’69 Mr. and Mrs. Jerome J. Saladino Mr. Shen and Ms. Feng
23
2022-2023 Financial Reporting
24
Mr. Singh and Mrs. Jalihal
Ms. Kathleen Bartlett
Ms. Ananya Chatterji
Mr. Skiadas and Ms. Campos
Mr. Philippe Beekman
Mr. Chaump and Ms. Silka-Chaump
Mr. Smith and Mrs. Penner Smith
Mr. James Behot ’07
Dr. and Mrs. George Chen
Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. Steinbaum
Mr. Michael Behot ’03
Mr. Chimes and Ms. Hesler
Ms. Mary Compton Sunderland
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Bell
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cistaro
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Walter
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Bell
Mr. George Clayton ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Jay D. Wieder
Mrs. Katherine Berg ’73
Ms. Emma Clayton ’14
Wiss & Company LLP
Mr. and Mrs. Noah Berliner
Dr. and Mrs. John Coates, III
The Wood Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Binder
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Cohen
Mr. Ziaee and Dr. Khazraei
Ms. Lily Binder ’21
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Collins
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Blackman
Ms. Gina Collins ’07
Blue & White Club – Up to $999
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bockelman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Conte
Ms. Camille Bonds
Mr. and Mrs. Nat Conti
Ms. Jessica Abowitz ’18
Mr. John Botti ’03
Ms. Laura Cooper ’06
Ms. Sarah Abowitz ’16
Ms. Yaamina Boyd
Ms. Isabel Corbin
Mr. and Mrs. Festus Adebambo
Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Brandl
Ms. Cornellio-Alter and Mr. Thompson
Ms. Naomi Ages ’01
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Brauer
Mr. Frederick Corona
Mr. Justin Ages ’03
Breakaway Prep Mendham
Mr. Coronado Baas and Ms. Diaz Paz
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly R. Albertson
Mr. and Mrs. James Brehove
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Corrado
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alfieri
Mr. Jordan Brehove ’98
Dr. William Cors
Ms. Sabrina Alvarez ’10
Ms. Jacqueline Brogan ’84
Ms. Mary Cors ’15
Amazon Smile
Ms. Monique Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Costa
Mr. Matthew Amoroso ’13
Mr. Brown and Mrs. Pryor Brown
Ms. Chloe Cotoulas ’09
Dr. and Mrs. Brian Anderson
Ms. Kellyn Bucceri ’22
Mr. Joshua Creter ’96
Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Andreski
Mr. Bunin and Dr. Bunin
Ms. Cecilia Crowe ’22
Mr. and Mrs. Irving J. Angell, III
Mr. Christopher Burt ’81
Mr. and Mrs. Don Dahler
Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Anglin
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Cadena
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Darby
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Erik A. Caffrey
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel D’Arcangelis
Mr. Adam Aresty ’03
Ms. Amy Cain
Dr. and Mrs. Suresh Davda
Mr. and Ms. Kyle J. Armstrong
Mr. Douglas Cameron ’89
Ms. Veronica Davi
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Arnett, III
Cmdr. and Mrs. Miguel Cantu
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis
Mr. John Arnold ’80
Ms. Elise Cantu ’23
Mrs. Karen A. Dawson
Ms. Janice Backer
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carlucci
Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeBiasi
Ms. Alana Baer ’03
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carney
Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeFalco
Mr. Bailey and Ms. Siragusa
Ms. Kim Carton
Mr. Glen DePino
Ms. Erika Balku ’81
Mr. Chan and Mrs. Bliss-Chan
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony DeVergillo
Mrs. Kristen Banks ’10
Mr. Chang and Mr. Smith
Mr. Joseph DeVico
Mrs. TarynAnn Barry Zampino ’05
Charities Aid Foundation of America
Mr. Timothy DiBisceglie ’13
2022-2023 Financial Reporting Mrs. Rachel Dinsmore ’94
Mr. Grossman and Ms. Wolff
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kirsh
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Diverio
Ms. Jodi A. Guella
Ms. Phoebe Kirsh ’22
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doherty
Mr. Frank Guido
Mr. Robert Kirsh ’24
Dr. Kim Donaldson
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Halter
Mrs. Ann Marie Klein
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Durden
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Hanson
Dr. Joel Kleinman
Mr. Michael Edwards
Ms. Abigayle Hardy ’22
The Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation
Mr. Scott Edwards ’90
Ms. Dana Harris ’03
Mr. Kenneth Klipstein ’77
Mr. Jeffrey Edwards ’78
Mrs. Judy Harrison ’58
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Koester
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ehrbar
Ms. Evelyn Hartmann
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kolenski
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Ehrenkranz
Mrs. Rebecca Harvey ’79
Ms. Konner and Mr. O’Neill
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elleston
Dr. Hercules and Ms. Amador
Mr. Kontes and Mrs. Desai
Mr. and Mrs. William Emmitt, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Herrera
Dr. Rajesh Kothari and Dr. Martha Kothari
Mr. Fred Engelberger ’71
Mr. and Ms. Robert Herrington, Jr.
Ms. Sonia Kumar ’10
Essex County Cops for Kids
Mr. and Mrs. John Herrlin, Jr.
Ms. Anita Kurisko
Mr. Dennis A. Estis
Mr. John Herrlin ’18
Dr. Jed Kwartler and Dr. Carol Barash
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Falange
Ms. Carolyn Herrlin ’19
Mrs. Sheila Lane ’73
Dr. and Ms. Dario Falquier
Ms. Laura Hiestand ’75
Ms. Margaret LaPre’ ’13
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan M. Fedon
Ms. Charlotte Hogan
Ms. Lasher and Mr. Downing
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Fluhr
Mrs. Kyle Hoitsma ’04
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin G. Laubach
Miss Gianna Frangello
Ms. LaKiya Holmes
Mrs. Janet Leavenworth ’74
Mr. and Mrs. William Franz
Mr. Henry Holmes ’14
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Lee
Mr. Michael Freeland ’59
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Leo
Mr. Richard Fuschetti ’78
Honeywell International Charity Matching
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gallagher
Ms. Kecia Hoskins ’84
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Leonardis
Mrs. Garnes-Pages and Mr. Pages
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Howell
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Liberti
Mr. and Mrs. Cameron D. Gateman
Mr. Eric Hymowitz ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. Licata
Ms. Anneliese Gattoni ’21
Dr. Janas and Ms. Petrone
Mr. and Mrs. David Lichtenberg
Mr. Gaussoin and Ms. Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Jansson
Mr. Lincoln and Ms. Pine
Ms. Eileen Gefell
Ms. Yongmei Jia
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lipnickey
Ms. Hannah Geldzahler ’14
Ms. S. Christy Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Myles Litchfield
Ms. Katherine Giordano ’14
Mr. Douglas Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Liu
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gnapp
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Judd
Ms. Cindy Loder
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Godfrey
Mr. Byungki Jung ’03
Mr. Matthew Logan ’03
Ms. Rachel Goldman
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kaplan
Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Losada
Mr. Fernando Gomez
Ms. Linda Katz
Mr. Eric Loy
Mr. and Mrs. Lennard Grabowski
Mr. and Mrs. Erik Keller
Lumbermen Associates, Inc.
Mr. Jack Green ’95
Ms. Magdalie Kernizan
Dr. Brian Madden ’89
Mr. David Greenberg ’95
Ms. Kelly Ketterson
Ms. Kathryn Magnoli
Mr. John Groeneveld ’63
Mr. and Mrs. Chiranjeev Khanduja
Mr. and Mrs. Nakin Mahapant
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Leonard
25
2022-2023 Financial Reporting Mr. Kevin Mannion
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Mueller
Mr. Samuel Raymond ’93
Ms. Megan Manobianco ’10
Ms. Tracey Mueller
Mr. and Mrs. John Raymonds
Mr. and Mrs. David Marino
Ms. Josephine Muench
Mr. John Reeves
Ms. Meredith Marks
Mr. Patrick Nametz ’03
Mr. James Reiner ’14
Mr. and Ms. Robert Marrero
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Nibauer
Dr. and Mrs. Omer Riaz
Etta Marshall
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Nisky
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ricciardulli
Mr. Gerard Mason ’84
Ms. Bianca Noll ’10
Mr. George Rios
Ms. Lisa Mathus
Ms. Jennifer Noon
Mr. Rocha and Ms. Auclair Rocha
Ms. Caitlyn Matthews ’20
Ms. Mollie O’Brien
Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. Wires
Ms. Amity Matthews ’18
Ms. O’Leary and Mr. Richardson
Mr. and Mrs. Roelof Rongen
Master Bradley Matthews
Mr. Timothy O’Leary ’11
Ms. Anne Rose-Mason ’03
Mr. James Maynard ’76
Ms. Emily Oppenheimer ’03
Mr. and Mrs. Jody Rosenberg
Mr. Stephen Mazzarella
Ms. Donna Orr
Mr. Todd Ross ’94
Mr. Mark Mazzatta ’21
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Otteau
Mrs. Margaret Rothberg ’73
Ms. Mary Mazzocchi ’73
Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Pambianchi
Ms. Dylan Rowell ’14
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McCarthy
Ms. Sarah Pappan
Mr. Tyler Rowell ’08
Mr. Ryan McCluskey ’14
Mr. and Mrs. Seong Park
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Rubano
Mr. Joseph McDonald
Mr. and Mrs. David Pasquale
Mr. John Russo
Mr. Edward McKittrick ’81
Mr. and Mrs. Bhawar Patel
Ms. Kara Saladino ’16
Dr. and Mrs. Terry M. McSweeney
Mr. and Mrs. Avnissh A. Patel
Ms. Casey Saladino ’14
Ms. Mary Ann Meisenbacher
Mrs. Gwen Paxon
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Salko
Mr. Meng and Mrs. Li
Mr. Tyler Payne ’08
Mr. Sandman and Ms. Jones
Mrs. Stacy Mercado ’96
Mr. Penafiel and Ms. Aviles
Ms. Alexa Santoro
Ms. Eunice Merced
Mrs. Laurie Pisack
Mr. Angelo Scarpati
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Mr. Dylan Polachi ’14
Dr. and Mrs. Randall Schadt
Mr. and Mrs. James Messina
Mr. Ryan Polachi ’11
Mr. J. Douglas Scher ’78
Mrs. Gabrielle Milai ’04
Ms. Alexa Polachi ’08
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schmidt
Mr. Suwathin Phiansunthon and Ms. Susan Miller ’56
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Procaccino
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Schwalb
Ms. Blake Putnam
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Seeley
Mr. and Mrs. David Miller
Mr. Qin and Ms. Liu
Ms. Carly Seldow
Mr. Miller and Ms. Boewe
Mr. Quinn and Ms. Critchley
Dr. Thomas Serra ’73
Mr. Joseph Miller ’20
Mrs. Sarah Quinn Clausen
Mr. Shahidi and Ms. Ghadimi
Mr. Alex Mitola ’12
Dr. Rachofsky and Mrs. Sorabella
Dr. Shi and Dr. Yang
Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Modes
Dr. Eric Racine and Dr. Alison Racine
Mrs. Courtney Sica ’06
Ms. Linda Moore
Ms. Daina Raiffe ’10
Ms. Krista Silva
Ms. Kaitlyn Moriarty ’16
Mr. Jonathan Ramsay ’09
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Simonelli
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Mortensen
Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Randolph
Ms. Charlotte Simonelli
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Moussally
Lt. Joseph Raymond ’95
Ms. Kaitlyn Sleyster ’17
Ms. Gretchen Moynihan ’21 26
2022-2023 Financial Reporting Ms. Kerri Ann Small
Mr. Jonathan Titmas
Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Wilson
Dr. Arthur Smalley ’73
Ms. Page Tomblin ’91
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Witte, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Tooman
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wong
Mr. Tyler Snyder
Toyota of Morristown
Ms. Laura Wood ’13
Mrs. Rachel Solomon ’04
Ms. Zoe Tuohy Zimmerman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Woodward
Mr. and Mrs. David Southerland
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Udoff
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Yannaccone
Ms. Laura Spilatro
Founders Society
Mrs. Becky Spratford ’93
Upward Entertainment LLC / DJ Sparrow
Ms. Lisa Stanley ’74
Ms. K. Utzinger ’73
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Stewart
Ms. Alexis van der Sterre ’95
Mr. James Stover ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Vad Vayntrub
Ms. Andrea Strong
Mr. Matthew Vespa ’07
Mr. Sun and Ms. Wang
Mrs. Bonnie Vesper ’63
Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Swartz
Mr. Thomas G. Villacampa
Ms. Meredith Swenson Jordan
Ms. Jean Vitrano
Swiftwater Foundation, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Hendrik M. Voigt
Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Taliano
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Voigt
Mr. Tan and Mrs. Shen
Dr. Jennifer Volpe and Mrs. Brenda Volpe
Mr. Irv H. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Tedesco Ms. Jacqueline Teichman Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Tellalian
Mr. and Ms. Joshua Wang Mr. John Ward ’69 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Waters
Mr. Merritt Ierley ’54 Ms. Jane Nelson* Mrs. Marian Washington Starrett, GS ’48* Dr. Robert Cole* Mrs. Amy Liss* Mr. John V. G. Bowlus ’63 Mr. Robert Hemm ’46* Ms. Juliana Ruby* Winfield S. Russell Trust Mr. Chimes and Ms. Hesler Mr. Irv H. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Cox Mr. David Oakley ’47 Mr. Timothy Erday ’90 Mr. Michael Weinstein ’87
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Tellalian
Mrs. Sondra Wendell and Mr. Robert Stephans
Ms. Christina Temnycky
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wendell ’84
Mr. Kristopher Goodrich ’99 and
Mr. Adam Tenner ’85
Mr. Williams and Dr. Bonaventura
Mrs. Jaime Goodrich ’01
Mr. Douglas Thornton
Mr. Jamison Williams ’95
Dr. Pamela Fiander
Mr. and Mrs. James Tighe
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. Timothy
Mrs. Lois Hockenbury
* Deceased
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Fishing Derby Gill St. Bernard’s students, family, and friends came together on the banks of Lake Betsy, located on the sweeping front lawn of Home Winds Farm, to try their hand (or their fishing rod) at the first ever GSB Student Fishing Derby on May 6, 2023. GSB Fishing Club Advisor Fernando Gomez and members of the GSB Fishing Club were on site to help with baiting, unhooking fish, special casting, and fly-fishing lessons. The young students who participated in the derby discovered that every cast comes with a pinch of hope, drama, and mystery. “Smiles were everywhere,” Señor Gomez said, “and anglers were kept guessing: Is the bobber moving with the breeze or for a more exciting reason? If they were to catch a fish, which would it be: a trout, perch, sunfish, bass, or the fabled ‘one that got away’?” This first-ever fishing derby was envisioned as an introduction to Home Winds, Lake Betsy, and the lifelong sport of fishing. “The fishing derby at Home Winds offered a unique opportunity for the school community to gather and fish at Lake Betsy,” said Board of Trustees members and Co-Chairs Tom Fischer P ’16, and Brenda Liberti P ’24, '26. We were so excited to showcase how special the Home Winds Farm is to the GSB community. It was a beautiful day filled with laughter and learning, and we hope to come back next year to catch the one that got away!”
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Annual GSB Classic
GSB community members enjoyed a day of golf, tennis, and good-spirited competition at the Somerset Hills Country Club in Bernardsville, NJ, while raising funds towards need-based financial assistance at the 17th Annual GSB Classic on May 15, 2023. For the first time, the long-standing tradition was moved to a new location, Somerset Hills, and it included a new activity—tennis 105 round robin—but the mission remained the same. All proceeds raised during the day went to support the endowment for need-based financial assistance, allowing highly qualified students who may not otherwise be able to attend GSB. The average award a student receives at GSB is $27,577, and over 30% of GSB students receive some sort of financial assistance. The school is proud of its historical record of providing substantive financial assistance, and the GSB Classic is a key component of that worthy mission. Over $1.6 million dollars have been raised since its inception, with over $100k net raised in this event alone. “It was wonderful to see parents, alumni, and other supporters of the GSB community come together for a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and friendly competition, while benefiting the GSB scholarship fund,” said GSB Classic Co-Chair Rachel Kalafer P ’29. Co-Chairs Brenda and Stephen Liberti P ’24, ’26 agreed. “Every year this event just keeps getting better. In the past, we had a golf clinic for beginners, and now the addition of tennis means a variety of people can come out, have fun, and support a great cause.” 29
Alumni
Reunion One of Gill St. Bernard’s most joyful weekends of the year took place on May 5 and May 6, 2023, when all GSB alumni were invited back to campus for the annual GSB Alumni Reunion.
Thomas Serra ’73, Shelia Lane ’73, Louise Utzinger ’73
The fun began with a special Class of 1973 Reunion Medal Ceremony and Reception at the Hemm House on Home Winds Farm, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation from Gill St. Bernard’s. This year’s reception was particularly poignant as GSB marks the 50th Anniversary of the merger between The Gill School and St. Bernard’s, and the Class of 1973 was the first class to graduate from the newly merged Gill St. Bernard’s. Board of Trustee Chairman Doug Matthews P ’18, ’20, ’24 welcomed the Class of 1973 back to campus before Head
Head of School Sid Rowell, Meg Teele ‘73, Mary Mazzochi ‘73 30
Back row from L to R: Thomas Serra ’73, Peter Engelman ’75, Joanne Wolf ’73, Wendy Van de Poll ’73, Beau Bossert ’74, Fred Engelberger ’71. Front row from L to R: Louise Utzinger ’73, Meg Teele ’73 (behind), Sheila Lane ’73, Mary Mazzochi ’73, Lisa Stanley ’74 (front).
of School Sid Rowell gave each in attendance their 50th Reunion Medal. The celebration didn’t stop there, however, and the group continued on to dinner at a local restaurant organized by classmate Mary Mazzochi ’73. In order to share what the former GSB students have been up to since graduation, Wendy Van de Poll ’73, Sheila Lane ’73, and the Class of 1973 Reunion Committee created the first-ever reunion yearbook.
Lisa Stanley ’74 and Mary Mazzochi ‘73
Left to right: Adam Aresty ’03, Byungki Jung ’03, Phill Nagel ’03, William Young ’03, Dana Harris ’03, Emily Oppenheimer ’03, Alana Baer ’03, JP Botti ’03, Shannon Ludlum ’03, Ray Conger ’03, Annie Rose-Mason ’03, Former Head Librarian Randi Schmidt, Former A.P. Computer Science Teacher Irv Taylor
The following day, events were planned on the GSB Campus as a welcome to all alumni and, in particular, to offer special milestone honors for the Class of 1973, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018. Former Head Librarian Randi Schmidt, Former Upper School Director Peter Schmidt, Former A.P. Computer Science Teacher Irv Taylor, and Mike Chimes (who wore many hats during his time at GSB including History Teacher,
Daina (Raiffe) Newman '10, Sabrina (Morton) Alvarez '10, and Sonia Kumar ’10
Director of College Guidance, Technology Director, and coach) returned to catch up with past students. Throughout the entire weekend, campus was abuzz with activity. Alumni Reunion was an all-around wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends—and to make new ones. Save the date for reunion 2024 on June 1, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to campus!
Annie Rose-Mason ’03, Ray Conger ’03, Adam Aresty ’03 31
Alumni Knights 2023-2024 Events KNIGHTS ON THE ROAD
KNIGHTS ON CAMPUS OCT. 18: FOUNDERS’ DAY (Virtual)
OCT. 17: HOBOKEN, NJ
NOV. 24: ALUMNI SOCCER GAME
NOV. 30: WASHINGTON, DC
DEC. 21: FIRST KNIGHT BASKETBALL GAMES AND ALUMNI RECEPTION
JAN. 25: PHILADELPHIA, PA
APR. 18: ALUMNI DAY OF GIVING (Virtual) JUN. 1: REUNION
We can’t wait to SEE you! And we can’t wait to welcome you to our GSB alumni events this year. Whether here on campus, or on the road, we look forward to opportunities to connect with our alumni! Mark your calendars! Stay in the know with the monthly alumni e-newsletter. Update your contact information with us to ensure you receive it! If you’re interested in partnering with the Development Office to host an alumni regional reception in your area, please send us an email. Look forward to seeing you,
Katrina Musto Assistant Director of Development, Annual Giving & Alumni Relations kmusto@gsbschool.org 908-234-1611 ext. 292
Use the QR code to update your contact information, view the schedule of events, and to stay in the know for everything GSB! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 32
Alumni
Spotlight Sonia Kumar ’10 – A Life in Business Operations As part of our Alumni Spotlight Series, Gill St. Bernard’s recently sat down with Sonia Kumar, a GSB Class of 2010 alum and president of the GSB Alumni Council, whose professional path has taken her from Mr. Taylor’s AP Computer Science class to the business operations of a global digital advertising company.
1. What did you do immediately upon graduation from Gill St. Bernard’s? When I graduated from GSB, I knew I wanted to explore a new city and have exposure to a lot of different opportunities, and that philosophy has guided my decision making to this day. I was lucky to have traveled every year for the Spring Unit Program. However, one of the most memorable programs was Living on the Water. We traveled to Squam Lake in New Hampshire for a camping excursion and spent the second week on the Potomac River to work on an oyster boat. Living on the water for weeks without access to electronics and waking up in the middle of the night to a sky full of stars— they were the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. I knew I wanted to pursue a profession that would let me continue to see the world, while also letting me explore my newfound passion: computer science.
With my desire to travel and my interest in technology, enrolling in the University of Southern California after high school, one of the furthest points from New Jersey, and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Information, and Operations Management was a natural fit.
2. What has your career path been like, and how did you end up where you are today? As my four years in California came to a close, I knew that my next step would be to return east and try out a very different dream: living in NYC. Through a GSB connection, I secured a job with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in their Digital Risks Solutions division. Consulting in technology with one of the Big Four accounting firms allowed me to travel across the country and to work with different sized companies across all segments of the industry. It was an incredible learning experience, and I absorbed so much about business processes across sectors and how different companies operate. After consulting for almost five years with PwC, a multinational organization of 300,000+ employees, it was time for the next experience. I accepted a position with Mighty Hive, Inc., a data and digital media consultancy startup, to improve their internal business operations and post-merger integrations. I was Mighty Hive’s 226th employee. At that time, Mighty Hive was in the midst of an acquisition spree, and now, after only four years of growth, I’m heading a 6-person international corporate integration team for the 9000+ person rebranded company, Media.Monks. My group is focused on integrating the people, processes, and technologies of the 20+ mergers and acquisitions Media.Monks has made across the globe.
Spring Unit camping trip to Squam Lake in New Hampshire
3. How did your education/experience at GSB prepare you for what you are doing today?
My interest in technology began at Gill when I took my first computer science class and learned how to code BASIC. From there, I went on to take A.P. Computer Science with Mr. Taylor, and I became yearbook editor, which required that I learn how to use Photoshop and digital design techniques.
I became part of the student government, I was appointed captain of the cheerleading team, and I took over as editor of the yearbook. Leaning into those experiences taught me
While I was at GSB, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and take on various leadership roles, something I never imagined.
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France Unit (L to R) Top: Danielle Fleurant ‘10, Sonia Kumar ‘10, Jake Friedman ‘10, Caitlyn Dougher ‘10, Kaitlin Filley ’10 Bottom: Lauren Rosenblatt ‘10, Kristen Bailey ‘10, Sabrina Morton ‘10, Daina Raiffe ‘10
that I did enjoy being in leadership positions, and that by “staying uncomfortable,” I was able to push myself to learn something new and give back to my community.
4. Do you have a favorite GSB memory? My favorite part of GSB is the friends I’ve made. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say how close I am to my high school friends. We were the last small class at GSB, only 50 people, which made it a very special experience. I was always comfortable speaking with everyone in the grade, and the community and the experience set us up to be lifelong friends. My high school friends are my biggest cheerleaders, and I credit GSB for bringing them into my life. I can’t thank Gill enough for that.
5. What would be your advice to current GSB students? If you work hard and follow your passions, it will work out.
We have assigned seating in our classes, and the very first day at Columbia I was placed next to GSB alum Abigail Richardson ’12. It’s such a small world!
8. What have you been working on with the GSB Alumni Council? I have loved being part of the Alumni Council because it helps me to stay in touch with the school. This past year, I was able to take part in the Alumni Diversity Dinner and to learn more about how DEIC initiatives have been integrated into the culture of the school. I was also able to attend the Senior Breakfast and to welcome our newest alumni members into this wonderful community. Both were such great opportunities to connect. For next year, we are currently analyzing the results of the Alumni Survey, and we plan to restructure the Alumni Council’s focus and programming to better serve our alumni’s needs. I’m really looking forward to what is in store for our entire alumni community. Stay tuned!
I remember in high school always looking towards college. In college, I was focused on getting a job. I wish in both cases I had been more present. This time with your classmates doesn’t last forever, and once it’s over, you don’t get it back. So my advice is, as much as you can, try not to stress and be present. Be confident that if you work hard and follow your passions, it will all work out.
6. What is your favorite quote? Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
7. What book(s) do you have on your nightstand right now? To be honest, all the reading I’m doing right now is for my MBA. I’m enrolled in Columbia Business School’s Executive MBA program, and between working full-time and going to school, I don’t have much time for casual reading! 34
Wedding (L to R) - Megan Plevy ‘10, Sonia Kumar ‘10, Lauren Rosenblatt ‘10, Kristen Bailey ‘10, John Banks (Kristen’s Husband), Bianca Noll ‘10, Ben Newman (Daina’s husband), Daina Raiffe ‘10, James Mathews (Lauren’s Husband)
Alumni
Spotlight Nick Blackman ’13, A Life in Sports Public Relations & Operations What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are today? I dreamed of playing sports as a kid, but I always thought that if I wasn’t good enough to play on the professional level, then I couldn’t be involved. I never thought about the operations or business component, not until a family friend told me about an open Communications and Hockey Operations Internship with the New Jersey Devils. I played hockey at Gill under Coaches Pete Roslund and Bill Diamond and went on to play in college, so I had a good understanding of the game. Once I started with the Devils, I worked alongside the Manager of Hockey Communications writing games notes and credentials, and I realized the team side could be just as exciting. Now after five-plus years in the department, I am the Senior Manager of Team Operations and Hockey Communications, and we are about to move into the playoff season. It’s a very exciting time!
How did your education/experience at GSB prepare you for what you are doing today, your career, or life in general? I have to admit that even though I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from High Point University, and I work in a communications department, English class was not naturally my strong suit. Gill forced us to write a lot (as my college did), and as I had to write more and more, I eventually got better at it.
But more than the “book stuff ” that went on inside the classroom, it’s what Gill gave me outside of the classroom that set me up for my future. I went to Gill my entire life, and the way I learned to interact with faculty and staff at a very early age translated into my ability to have conversations with adults later. In real life, I have no problem meeting with General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald, or our Managing Partners, David Blitzer and Josh Harris, and I am able to have regular conversations with individuals who are senior to me without having to worry about each sentence. It’s the “little stuff ” like this that Gill taught me—which is actually very big.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but there were so many teachable moments at Gill that made me who I am today. When you’re in school, you assume that the rest of the world is being taught in the same way that you are. The truth is that Gill is in its own bubble. It’s not until you get out of the bubble that you realize you are way ahead of the curve. It’s been ten years since I graduated, which is hard to believe, and I’m so thankful for the experience.
What would be your advice to current GSB students? Dave Pasquale coached me in baseball, and he always used to tell us to, “Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” The idea is that you need to get outside of your comfort zone in order to take advantage of everything Gill (and life) has to offer. Gill offers amazing opportunities; many of which I couldn’t appreciate until later. You may end up not liking something you tried—or maybe you will—but at least you can say you did it.
Do you have a favorite GSB memory you’d like to share? I don’t have just one memory; I have a collection of them, and they all involve alumni that I’m still friends with today. Moments like making the Prep B Finals in baseball for the first time and the State Championships in soccer and elevating the ice hockey team from the JV to Varsity level definitely 35
(L to R) - Brendan Dougher ’14, Nick Blackman ’13, Peter Stone ’13, Chris Ward ’14, Ryan McCluskey ’14
stood out. But what made those moments special were the people I got to meet who I’ve stayed in touch with all these years. I’m thankful that Gill brought us together.
What is your favorite quote? I was told once to, “Keep your shoulders low but your head held high.” The idea is that you can and should be confident; you can keep your ears open and not be intimidated. But don’t walk around like you own the place.
What book(s) do you have on your nightstand right now? I’m currently reading Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. Life can be crazy day in and day out, and the habits you gain aren’t always the best when you’re just trying to stay afloat. This book offers a solution to the downward cycle that can happen and explains how small things can compound. The idea is that if you focus on getting just 1% better each day, then over a long period of time, your life will go on an upcurve. I have really connected with this idea, and I try to find things daily, no matter how small, that will help me to better myself and my team.
What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? Each day is a new challenge. Be open to opportunities and try anything.
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At each stage, I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities that were offered to me, even if they weren’t in line with what I wanted to do. When I was an intern, I was asked to work events other than sports—like concerts—which weren’t in my comfort zone. But I stepped in where I was needed and went above and beyond for the company and the team. With time, I worked my way up. That internship turned into a part-time position and then into a full-time position at an organization that I love, and every step I’ve taken has gotten me to where I am now.
Do you have a personal mantra that you live by? I write down what I’m appreciative of and grateful for each night—and they aren’t necessarily the same thing. It can get crazy working in sports—and in life itself—and I am my own harshest critic. This habit helps me to take a step back and to put things into perspective.
Alumni
Spotlight Brian Moscioni ’11, A Life in Public Service What do you do now, and how did you get where you are?
My recent experiences in Ukraine reaffirmed my desire to continue a career in public I attended Villanova University as a Mechanical Engineering service, and I decided to enroll in graduate school. This year I student and participated in the Navy ROTC program. Upon will be attending the Geneva Graduate Institute for a Masters graduation and commissioning as an officer in the Navy, I flew in International and Developmental Studies, followed by HarEA-18 fighter jets for five years, with aircraft carrier landings vard University for a Mas-ters in Public Administration. aboard the USS Nimitz and the USS George H.W. Bush. Following an honorable discharge, I started working at Goldman International relations and foreign policy currently fascinated me the most. I would also love to work in policy creation, Sachs in the Consumer and Wealth Management division either as a legislator or politician. based out of their Chicago and New York offices. My passion for public service encouraged me to serve as a volunteer firefighter in Mendham, but I still felt I had not achieved all I was hoping for. I still felt I had more to give. When news coverage of the war in Ukraine started, I found myself fully invested in the evolving story of the Ukrainian people. I made a quick decision to support the refugee crisis on the border in a strictly humanitarian capacity and informed my boss at Goldman I was going to Ukraine for a week. When I arrived, I found calm in the chaos. I was surrounded by international volunteers from all over the world with the common, genuine desire to help the displaced Ukrainian people. I have traveled to the eastern region of the country three times, with my most recent experience working with a group called Project Konstantin. Located on the front lines just outside of Bakh-mut, Project Konstantin is an all-volunteer, international coalition of medics who evacuate wound-ed soldiers from the trenches every day. They are a small but extremely effective group that has been recognized by and works embedded within the Ukrainian military.
What did you do for your Spring Unit? One was a Montreal unit, one was at Grand Tetons National Park, and one was at Disney World.
What would be your advice to current GSB students? Never be discouraged to set a goal that seems too high or to think a goal is out of your reach. When I figured out I wanted to fly fighter jets, I was never deterred. I focused on finding the clear path to success instead of being held back by obstacles. Find mentors who can guide you and in-spire you. Relationship-cultivation is key and will teach you the benefits of working within a net-work. Lastly always be a team player!
Do you have a favorite GSB memory you would like to share? I loved being on the cross-country team. You could not beat the camaraderie. To this day, my best friends are the ones I met at Gill. I keep in touch with many of them.
How did your experience at GSB prepare you for what you are doing today, your career, or life in general? I started my journey at GSB in the 3rd grade. When entering high school, I put a strong emphasis on math and sciences courses which would well prepare me for a STEM major in college. My course decisions were influenced by my strong desire to fly fighter jets following my degree. GSB’s small class sizes and the availability of the teaching staff for extra help was instrumental in my success in high school. I was a student that needed to spend the extra time studying to succeed with my grades. I was also an active volunteer with Bridges Outreach, which provided me with an insightful introduction to public service.
Sitting from L to R: Andrew Provines ’13, Brian Steck ’13, Byron Braue ’14, Pearson Treanor ’13, Brian Moscioni ’11, Max Stickel ’14, Svet Brankov ’13, Niklas Anderson ’11. In front from L to R: William Ash ’11, Alden Corbett ’11, Dillon Seng ’11. Standing: Max Lieblich ’14.
Message from the PA President
Lauren Salko P ’27, ’30
Inspiration surrounds us on our Gill St. Bernard’s campus. From our talented students to the dedicated staff and supportive families, our campus is full of opportunity and promise. At GSB, our Parents’ Association is always ready to welcome families every year and to make connections at all our wonderful community events. I hope our GSB community inspires you to participate and/or volunteer and enjoy the success of the many events planned. Gathering with new friends and old friends at our community events such as Family Bingo Night offers the opportunity to connect, have fun, and experience our caring and supportive community.
Bingo Night The GSB Parents’ Association transformed the Athletic Center into a Beach Bonanza on February 10, 2023, for the 4th Annual Family Bingo Night. Sand shovels, beach buckets, shells, and sunglasses were the theme of the night as over 270 community members gathered to dine on pizza and to try their luck at Bingo, the PA’s signature family fun game night. Cold weather was a distant memory, at least for a few funfilled hours, as guests vied for prizes while Mr. Bingo, Tony DeVergillo P ’22, emceed the games. “We loved how this event brings students and families together from the entire GSB community,” said chairs Ian Conn P ’28, Jennifer Judd P ’26, ’30, and Jennifer Koester P ’30. “It was great to see the excitement in the room from our littlest Preschoolers to our Upper Schoolers and adults.”
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Year End Breakfast Parents and guardians gathered in Founders Hall on May 17, 2023, for the last official GSB Parents’ Association event of the year: The Year End Breakfast Celebration. Event Co-Chairs Kate Khazraei P ’24 and Melissa Toledo P ’24 kicked off the morning’s speeches with a warm welcome. Head of School Sid Rowell spoke to the group next, extending a sincere thank you to outgoing PA President Sacha Marcucci P ’26, ’29, ’32, pointing out her strong leadership style and applauding her commitment and dedication. Sacha then took her last turn at the front of the room and reported on the PA Allocations made possible for each division, including a Lower School Play Sensory Table, Middle School Indoor Game Equipment, and an Upper School Visiting Author. “The PA would not be able to do all the things we do without the support of the Development Office, Communications Office, and fellow parent volunteers that always show up to support Gill St. Bernard’s,” Sacha said before welcoming incoming Parents’ Association President Lauren Salko P ’27, ’30 to the podium and passing over the baton.
Campus Connections and The Land Walk GSB parents and community members participated in our Campus Connections and The Land Spring Walk on April 28, 2023, hosted by the Parents’ Association and led by Home Winds Farm Manager Ned Lincoln. Participants walked around the four corners of the campus, from the gardens to the farm, and enjoyed picturesque views while learning more about the land’s history and the LenniLenape people, the first stewards of this land.
Fashion Event The GSB Parents’ Association hosted the 2023 Fashion Event, Wonderland at the Mansion, on April 12, 2023, at The Mansion at Natirar in Peapack, NJ. Floral filled teapots and bright spring colors created a warm welcome for GSB family and friends as they joyfully gathered in the Mansion’s historic halls and enjoyed picturesque views of Natirar Park and the bucolic hills beyond while they shopped, dined, and connected with friends during this annual community building and fundraising event. “The Fashion Event is a celebration of our GSB community,” said 2023 Fashion Event Co-Chairs Kate Hanson P ’30, ’32, ’35, ’38 and Lauren Salko P ’27, ’30. “The event’s vision came to life through the incredible efforts of the PA volunteers. It is such a joy to see our community shining.” At the lunch’s conclusion, parent models from the fourth, eighth, and twelfth grade classes graced the runway wearing the latest spring fashions from Windswept Boutique in Mendham, NJ. Runway music was provided by GSB parent Henry Davis P ’21, ’26.
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Performing Arts Music at GSB Upper School Choir Wins Gold at WorldStrides Heritage Festival Over spring break, twenty GSB performers from the Upper School Choir and Blue in the Face joined faculty members David Southerland, Amy Southerland, and Macada Brandl P ’20, ’22, ’26 for a four-day tour as part of the WorldStrides Heritage Festival in Washington D.C. The event marked the first time the choir had returned to D.C. since 2009, and despite a ten-year-plus hiatus, both placed in the top tier “Gold” level for their performances.
Upper School Spring Musical The GSB Players enchanted audiences in three spellbinding performances of their 2023 spring musical production, Chicago, Teen Addition. Guests were transported to the roaring 1920’s, where two Vaudevillian murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight while searching for fame, fortune, and acquittals for their crimes. The production marked the final performance for five GSB seniors: Austin Carey (Fogarty), Nataley Kothari (Mona), Alia Messina (Matron Mama Morton), James Schadt (Amos), and Philip Vayntrub (Fred Casely/Harry).
The festival, which features top choirs from across the country, aims to provide students with the opportunity to perform and compete on stage while exploring U.S. landmarks and learning about our nation’s musical and cultural histories. As part of their time in D.C., students took a monument tour around the Tidal Basin, and they attended two performances—National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and Pacific Overtures at the Tony Award winning regional theater, Signature Theater Company.
Lower and Middle School Spring Piano Recital Middle School Musical Thirty talented Middle School actors dazzled audiences on April 29, 2023, in this year’s Middle School Musical, High School Musical Jr.! Students from Grades 6-8 joined Middle School Drama Coordinator Amy Southerland and Performing Arts Instructor David Southerland to put on two incredible performances of the Disney Channel’s smash hit musical phenomenon, in which they told the story of friendship, surprise relationships, love, and acceptance. 40
Forty-two musicians from Prekindergarten to 8th Grade graced the PACC stage at the GSB Spring Lower & Middle School Piano Recital on April 13, 2023. Students joined Dr. Jennifer Branch, Lower & Middle School Instrumental Music Instructor, to display the songs they have been practicing this school year as family and friends gleefully listened in the Matthews Theater. In addition to piano works by Faber, Beethoven, Gillock, and others, 7th Graders also charmed audience members with a Mozart piece, Eine Kleine Nachtmusic, performed on the clarinet.
Early Childhood Spring Concert Preschool, Prekindergarten, and Kindergarten students premiered their 2023 Early Childhood Spring Concert, "Magical, Musical Me!" on April 27, 2023. Family members flocked to Evans Hall to watch 36 students perform a series of songs about the body, how to use their own bodies as an instrument, and what it means to be a happy, healthy human. Whether they were singing Head and Shoulders, Your Face, Put Your Finger in the Air, Dem Bones, or Mi Cuerpo, our youngest learners used every inch of their musical talent to the delight of family and friends.
Upper School Spring Choir Concert On April 13, 2023, the GSB Honors Choir and Blue in the Face ensemble treated audiences to two incredible performances at the Upper School Spring Choral Concert. Held in GSB’s acoustically stunning chapel, 26 musicians joined Music Directors David and Amy Southerland to share a repertoire of new pieces and familiar favorites. The concert marks the last GSB performance for eight seniors: Riley Bittman, Austin Carey, Anvika Hegde, Nataley Kothari, Alia Messina, Sara Rodriguez, Ally Ross, and James Schadt. "Some of these seniors have been singing with us since they were in first grade, and almost all of them have spent multiple years in the performing arts programs here at GSB," said Mr. Southerland. "Amy and I are honored to work with such special people, and we wish each of them the best as they embark on new journeys."
The EC Spring Concert marked a very special milestone as Early Childhood Music Teacher Jill Fedon P’27 conducted her 50th GSB concert. After the performance, Mrs. Fedon was recognized for her leadership and tireless efforts by Lower School Director Kyle Armstrong P’21, ’29, ’36, as well as her son Ben ’27 who presented her flowers in a truly heartwarming moment.
Middle School Instrumental Concert Musicians from 5th to 8th Grade took the PACC stage on May 5, 2023, to the delight of family and friends as part of the 2023 Middle School Instrumental Concert. The Middle School Band Program, which has grown to 39 impressive musicians, performed 14 songs from the Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Solo Artists, and Small Group Ensembles. The concert concluded with a combined showcase of Knights of Victory by Mekel Rogers, as each student took the stage to play flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, French horn, and percussion.
Lower and Middle School Spring Musical Review Students ranging from First to Fifth Grade dazzled audiences in two spectacular performances of their Spring Musical Review, Pure Imagination, on April 18-19, 2023. Performers joined Music Director Amy Southerland in the PACC to display their talents to family and friends in a Tuesday evening performance, as well as a special assembly showcase to their classmates the following morning. The performance featured lively renditions of hit songs from Frozen, Peter Pan, Willy Wonka, and many other fan favorites as GSB celebrated music and imagination at its finest.
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Middle School Spring Choral Concert Gill St. Bernard’s Middle School Grade Choirs and The After School Choir performed an energetic and passionate line-up of hits to a transfixed audience at this year’s Spring Concert on May 10, 2023, in the Performing Arts & Community Center Matthews Theater. Entitled “With Laughter & Singing the Green Earth is Springing,” the Spring Concert showcased a full year of musical training and dedication to craft.
Lower School Spring Music Concert On May 18, 2023, Lower School musicians took the stage in the Matthews Theater at Gill St. Bernard’s annual Spring Music Concert. The concert featured songs highlighting the school’s five core values: courage, integrity, respect, compassion, and excellence. Students from Grades 1-4 sang a selection of songs they have been practicing over the year with their music teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Carney P ’25, ’27, ’33, ’35, to the delight of family, friends, and teachers looking on from the audience. The performance also included a song celebrating GSB’s student athletes.
Fine Arts K-12 Spring Art Show Students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered at the SBS Pavilion on May 11, 2023, for the opening reception of the K-12 Spring Art Show, a celebration of the talent and creativity of our students on campus. Artwork from all three divisions was on display including drawings, paintings, photography, ceramics, and woodworking.
GSB Art Exhibition The GSB Fine Arts Department invited local artist Alison Scherr to exhibit her work in the Performing Arts and Community Center lobby this past spring. The exhibit launched on May 3, 2023, with an opening reception, and the works remained for GSB Community members to enjoy for the remainder of the school year.
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Get to Know Gill St. Bernard’s Please join us at one of our upcoming Information Sessions so that you can Get to Know Gill!
Middle and Upper School Information Session (Grades 5-12)
Tour our campus, meet our faculty and staff, and learn what makes our independent school community so special.
• Tuesday, October 24, 2023: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. • Tuesday, November 14, 2023: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Athletics Information Session (Grades 5-12) • Wednesday, November 1, 2023: 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Lower School Information Session (Preschool-Grade 4) • Thursday, November 16, 2023: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Learn More
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Athletics 2022-2023 GOLF
BOYS’ LACROSSE
GSB GOLF ENDS SEASON WITH NJSIAA NON-PUBLIC SECTIONAL AND STATE TITLES
GILL ST. BERNARD’S BOYS’ LACROSSE CLAIMS FIRST-EVER NON-PUBLIC B TITLE
The GSB Golf Team (10-2) finished the 2023 season with not one, but two, milestone achievements under their belts.
The Knights (14-7) ended the 2023 Boys’ Lacrosse season with the first state title in program history, a huge accomplishment, earned when they defeated Princeton Day School 10-8 in the Non-Public B State Championship.
Not only did the team claim the NJSIAA Non-Public B North Sectional title for the first time in Gill St. Bernard’s school history, but they went on to earn the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Championship title as well—another first for the school. As a team, the Knights finished tied 4th overall in the state, only losing by 9 strokes to the tournament champion, Hunterdon Central. This list of accomplishments, while impressive, was only the beginning. Team Co-Captain Lance Hollingshead ’24 won back the Somerset County Individual Championship, a title he first secured as a freshman, and added a second onto his list of accolades: NonPublic B Individual State Champion. Hollingshead also tallied the lowest overall individual scoring average for the team with an average score of 37 strokes per golf match, and he finished the State Tournament tied for 8th overall. Co-Captain Evan Wortman ’23 was hot on Hollingshead’s tail, finishing second for individual honors at the State Tournament NonPublic B match, and concluding his season with a 39-stroke scoring average for match play. Wortman’s outstanding play at the end of the season led him to place tied 12th overall in the state, out of 128 golfers. Senior Jackson Ketterson rounded out the top three members of the team. He ended the season with a match stroke average of 40, and for several of the matches played, he finished in the top spot— earning the honor of leading scorer.
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Leading the team to victory were senior co-captions and offensive powerhouses Will Deo and Gavin Collins. Deo, who was named NJSIAA 1st Team All-State Non-Public, 1st Team Prep B, and 1st Team Valley Division and who will continue his lacrosse career at Holy Cross, finished the season with 59 goals, 42 assists, and 48 ground balls. He concluded his high school career with 128 goals, 87 assists, and 92 ground balls—tallied in just three years—and he was the second player in the history of the GSB boys’ lacrosse program, as well as one of only 15 players in the state, with a 100-point season. Kenyon-bound Collins, who also received a NJSIAA Honorable Mention All-State Non-Public recognition and was named 2nd Team Valley Division, recorded 15 goals, 22 assists, and 24 ground balls for the season and closed out his three-season high school career with 39 total goals, 37 assists, and 56 ground balls. On the defensive side of the field, Michael Scarpati ’24, who was recognized on the NJSIAA 2nd Team All-State Non-Public and 1st Team Prep B, and goalie Colin Anderson ’25, who received 1st Team Prep B and 2nd Team Valley Division nods, both had incredible seasons. Scarpati recorded 109 ground balls and won 61 face-offs, and Anderson had 206 saves in his first year as a starter.
SOFTBALL GSB SOFTBALL DEFENDS PREP B CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING The GSB Softball team concluded their spring season by successfully defending their NJISAA Prep B Championship title, defeating Newark Academy by a score of 13-0. The team handled a challenging schedule that included matches against five top 20 teams in the state including formidable opponents like North Hunterdon and St. Thomas Aquinas. Six of their 13 losses were decided by just one run and two more by a margin of two runs. They finished the season 9-13 and held a 4-4 record in their conference. Junior Brooke Baisley recorded her 100th hit, making her only the fifth player in school history to accomplish this feat. Her 27 hits this season brought her career total to 107, placing her just 18 hits behind the all-time GSB hits leader, Scotter Hulsen, as she enters her senior year. The team’s senior captains, Elise Cantu and Vanessa Mavraj, also had notable contributions. Cantu recorded 27 hits with a .387 batting average, while Mavraj drove in 18 runs throughout the season. Both seniors were selected to participate in the Skylands Conference Senior All-Star game on June 15, 2023, with Head Coach Mike Surella serving as an assistant coach.
GSB Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse:
It’s More Than a Game. It’s a Community. The GSB Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse team came together with the West Morris Central High School (WMC) Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse team to host the first ever “Charity Game” on April 4, 2023, which raised over $4,000 and awareness for two local charities: Sarah’s Fight For Hope Foundation, the Long Valley First Aid Squad, and a book scholarship for a student at WMC. Known to be longtime rivals, the two lacrosse teams joined together in creating the event they dubbed “More than a Game!” for the simple fact that sports competitions are, at heart, more than a game. Rivalries, even strong ones, have the power to bring communities together for the greater good. “The hope of this charity game was not only to raise money for charity but to build up school spirit through giving back,” explained GSB Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Byron Collins P ’23. “We want to teach our players on each side to learn the value in “paying it forward.” We are all part of a larger community, and it’s so important to teach our players that one of the greatest lessons they can learn is to give back.” 45
Varsity Softball
Participates in First Ever Charity Tournament for Suicide Prevention Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Softball participated in the first annual non-public school charity tournament on April 8, 2023, and together with the six other participating teams, raised over $9000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The idea for the charity tournament arose out of a conversation between GSB Head Softball Coach Mike Surella, Coach Chip Carver of Pingry, and Coach Gary Bury of Immaculata. Coach Surella expressed interest in creating an early season tournament to expose athletes to competition at the start of their season while also raising money and awareness for a worthy cause, and Coach Carver and Coach Bury were immediately on board with the idea. The trio chose the AFSP because of concern over the impact Covid has had on mental health and the subsequent rise in suicides, particularly among teens and adolescents. In the end, seven schools joined in the fundraiser including GSB, Immaculata, Jonathon Dayton, Kent Place, Oak Knoll, Pingry, and Union. Pingry hosted the event on their campus.
BASEBALL The Gill St. Bernard’s Baseball team had its "ups and downs" in 2023, but the Knights saved some of their best baseball for late in the season. As the #5-seed in the Prep B Tournament, GSB advanced to the semi-finals with an upset win over #4 Montclair-Kimberley. Trailing 8-6 headed into the final inning, the offense erupted for six runs to secure a 12-8 victory. The Knights headed into the NJSIAA State Tournament on a three-game winning streak with wins over Delaware Valley, Newark Academy, and Oratory Prep. As the #7-seed in the Non-Public B North Section, the boys survived a firstround scare with a dramatic 9-7 come-from-behind victory over #10 Morristown Beard and followed that with their best performance of the year: an 8-3 win over #2 St. Thomas Aquinas in the quarterfinal round. Despite an overall record of 10-15, trips to the Prep B and Non-Public B semifinals and a five-game winning streak in late May provided GSB with some momentum headed into 2024. Senior Zack Wendell led the team on and off the field, leading the Skyland Conference in hits (43), which is the second-most hits in a single season in the history of the program. Seniors Nico Alfaro, Jack Ference, and Adam LaTournous also earned varsity letters in supporting roles.
BOYS’ TENNIS The Gill St. Bernard’s Boys’ Tennis Team ended the season with an 8-5 record after competing against seven extremely talented teams within Somerset County in addition to six other quality teams outside of the county. Highlight matches of the season included the first ever competition against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 4-1, and a hard-fought battle against Wardlaw-Hartridge, 3-2. Juniors Jack Dahler, Drew Pereira, and Bennett Lavoie led the team in victories for the season, with other contributors paving the way to the final 8-5 record. The entire squad is returning next year, and with the addition of some talented players from the Eighth Grade, the Boys’ Tennis team is very enthusiastic about their prospects for the 2024 season.
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BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Track and Field season can be summed up in one word: progress. Every GSB Knight improved this season. As a team, they never spoke about winning—instead, they talked about competing— every day. Everyone worked hard in practice, and the results showed at the end of the season.
Eleven Class of 2023 Knights
Commit to Play in College
Family, coaches, and GSB faculty gathered in the Athletic Center to recognize eleven senior student-athletes as they took the next step in their respective athletic careers and committed to compete at the Division I, II, or III level in college. Congratulations to our Knights!
Those results included Michael Simonelli ’25 receiving the 2nd Team All State Prep B designation in discus along with an Honorable Mention in the Skyland Conference. Samantha Leo ’24 also earned a 2nd All State Prep B designation and an Honorable Mention in the Skyland Conference in her top category: long jump. Lastly, Ema Hercules ’25 received recognition in the 1st Team Skyland Conference 3200-meter. Girls and boys teams were also sent to the Penn Relays this year, where they proudly represented GSB at the most famous relay track meet in the country. These experiences add up, and the athletes can’t wait to see how what they learned from this season will prepare them for the next.
Elise Cantu (United States Coast Guard, softball), Gavin Collins (Kenyon, lacrosse), Will Deo (Holy Cross, lacrosse), Joe Howard (Vassar, soccer), Ally Ross (Gannon, acrobatics and tumbling), Zack Wendell (Lehigh, baseball).
Aniyah Boston (Wheaton, basketball and track & field), Nicholas Collins (Rutgers, soccer), Nick Losada (Gettysburg, basketball) Jadyn Mapura (Babson, soccer). Not Pictured: Mario Castro-Sanchez (Susquehanna, basketball)
GSB’s Varsity Baseball
Takes Part in Autism Awareness Baseball Challenge On Sunday April 23, 2023, the Gill St. Bernard’s varsity baseball team played Colonia High School as part of the 2023 Autism Awareness Baseball Challenge. This special competition, organized by the Teamwork Unlimited Foundation, brings together 40 baseball programs from throughout the state for a three-day event to help raise money and awareness for all who face the challenges of autism. Mike Garlatti, a professional scout for the Colorado Rockies and the father of an autistic son, established the challenge in 2007 and has seen it grow into one of the premier showcase events in the Northeast. The GSB Baseball family raised over $2100 for the foundation, one of the highest totals of any of the participating teams. "We are honored to be invited to such a wonderful event," said Knights Head Coach Dave Pasquale. "Mike and his team do a fantastic job, and it’s always a highlight of our season to participate."
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GIRLS’ LACROSSE The Gill St. Bernard’s Girls’ Lacrosse season was one of significant milestones amongst a team of tight-knit student athletes who always demonstrated maturity on the field and who were constantly supporting each other. While the Knights closed out the season with a 6-12 overall record, they tallied a 4-2 record in the Valley Division and a 4-4 record in the Skyland Conference. Senior Captain Ava DiCesare recorded 100 career ground balls midway through the 2023 season and finished her time with the Knights with 61 goals, 19 assists, 112 ground balls, 168 draw controls, and 31 forced turnovers. Senior Captain Paige Brucker showcased her skills as a goalie, making 180 saves in the 2023 season alone and accumulating a career total of 413 saves. Brucker led the Skyland Conference Valley Division with the highest number of saves and save average—an impressive 46.6% Additional stand-out players included Tessa Lozner ’25 who achieved 100 career goals in only 1.5 seasons. Her record catapulted her to the top of the Valley Division and second in the Skyland Conference for goal scoring. End-of-season honors included Brucker and Lozner being named to 1st Team Skyland Conference Valley Division, and DiCesare and Sidney Quinn ’25 being named to the 2nd Team. Isabel Barsanti ’24, Sofia Criscola ’25, and Alexa Knapp ’25 received Honorable Mentions.
Coach Collins
Named Coach of the Year by NJILCA The culmination of the Boys’ Lacrosse season was the final award the team received: Coach Byron Collins P ’23 was named Coach of the Year by the New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NJILCA). "The entire GSB community is beyond proud of Coach Collins,” Director of Athletics Jenn Noon said. “The positive recognition could not have come at a better time, especially with the adversity his family has faced this year. Coach Collins is a class act, and no one is more deserving than him, his staff, and his team on all the accomplishments they attained this year!" When asked to comment on the recognition, Coach Collins could only speak about the community support which allowed him to coach.
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“This is a community award,” Coach Collins insisted. “Without Jenn Noon, Athletic Trainer Glen DePino, who was the real MVP of the team, Assistant Coach Sal Tromonda, who took on so much responsibility, Head of Strength Training Steve Leo, who provided on- and off-season conditioning, and the GSB lacrosse families, who were overwhelmingly supportive, the success of this season wouldn’t have happened. Everyone did so much to help me and my family so that I could be there to coach. The awards and championships are a celebration of everyone—and everything they’ve done. The GSB community made this success possible, and I hand my Coach of the Year trophy over to them. It’s a true family.”
New Employees Join GSB Community Gill St. Bernard’s proudly welcomed 18 new faculty and staff members to our community for the 20232024 school year. Please join us in welcoming these individuals to our outstanding group of faculty and staff! Front Row from L to R: Mary Wagner, Middle School Science Instructor; Kelsey Shebey, Middle School Science Instructor; Deborah DiBernard, Administrative Assistant to the Upper School Director Middle Row from L to R: Denise Quenault, Lower School Instructor; Robin Wilde, Lower School Instructor; Katelyn Carbone ’11, Lower School Instructor; Helen Livingston, Director of Facilities and Operations; Alex Beim, Upper School Science Instructor Back Row from L to R: Brandon Adams, Upper School English Teacher; Alex Stourton, Upper School Computer Science Instructor; Wendy Relation, Lower School Music Instructor; Jack Williams III, Upper School Music Instructor Not pictured: Clare Hoeckele, Upper School Counselor; Katrina Musto, Assistant Director of Development, Annual Giving & Alumni Relations; Amaia Owens, Farm Assistant; Celeste Payne, Upper School Science Instructor; Lisa Rodriguez, Upper School World Language Instructor.
Home Winds Farmstand
Would you like to add some veggies onto your dinner plate? Interested in farm fresh eggs for breakfast? The Home Winds Farmstand is open for business! Stop by Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and pick up homegrown produce, honey, yarn, eggs, and of course, Jersey tomatoes! Want to stay in the know? Connect with Home Winds Farm on Instagram (@homewindsgsb) for updates on farm life, news, and tips. 49
New and Retiring Trustees New Trustees John Coates P ’26, ’27 Coates is the managing partner of Burnt Mills Cider LLC, which opened its doors to the public in June 2020. Prior to moving to New Jersey in 2012, John spent 20 years working in New York City, which at first required a big adjustment from his childhood days growing up in Vermont. Starting in the investment management and research departments of JP Morgan, he eventually served as a portfolio manager at two investment partnerships and finally as a director in Citi’s principal strategies group. Coates has a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins and a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.
Mr. Petillo enjoys giving his time and resources to help communities and groups throughout New Jersey with constructing athletic fields and he serves as Co-Chairman on the Board of Directors of Pillar Care Continuum (formerly North Jersey Cerebral Palsy).
Retiring Trustees GSB extends a heartfelt thank you to our retiring trustees who have so generously given of their time and talents.
Marianne Saladino P ’14, ’16
Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Dr. Kane has always cherished a challenge. This led him to pursue his medical degree in Hungary where he graduated Cum Laude in 2003. To this day, he remains fluent in Hungarian and often cites that experience as a defining moment in his life. Yearning to pursue his education further, he then trained and completed an Internal Medicine residency program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a teaching institution which was, at the time, affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Saladino served on the GSB Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2023 and will remain as an Honorary Trustee. She joined the Board after serving as the Parents’ Association President in 2005. During her time, she served on the Executive Committee as Secretary, she Board of Trustee Chairman served as the Chair for the Doug Matthews P ’18, ’20, ’24, Marianne Saladino P’14, ’16, Committee on Trustees, she Head of School Sid Rowell was two-time Chair of the Auction and Dinner Dance, and she acted as the liaison to the Athletic Booster Club.
His true passion, however, was wound care. He decided to pursue an unconventional career path and founded Kane Wound Care, which has grown to become one of the largest wound care provider groups in New Jersey. The company delivers bedside wound care to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and independent living facilities.
In recognition of her two decades of volunteer work and service to the school and to her service as an Office of the Board and Committee Chair, Board of Trustee Chairman Doug Matthews P ’18, ’20, ’24 and Head of School Sid Rowell presented Saladino with a GSB insignia chair at the Faculty, Staff, and Board of Trustee Year-End Celebration on May 12, 2023.
Dr. Kane believes there are three absolute tenets to great care and requests that all his wound care providers show the same: Always be happy, always be humble and always be honest.
During Commencement 2023, Rowell recognized Saladino a second time, awarding her with the GSB Medal, which honors the highest level of service that one can give to the school. The GSB Medal has only been awarded four times since its inception.
Dr. Haresh Kane P ’29, ’34
Mike Petillo P ’26, ’27 Petillo is the CEO of Petillo Incorporated, established in 1994 with offices based in Flanders, New Jersey, Brandywine, Maryland and Middletown, New York. He started Petillo Incorporated with the goal of treating every construction project as if it was his own personal project. With his hands-on approach, Petillo Incorporated has grown to one of ENR’s Top 20 Specialty Contractors. 50
Petillo Incorporated has tackled some of the most challenging Site Projects on the East Coast ranging from Super Fund Site remediation to moving millions of yards of earth on 600-acre sites. Petillo’s team has done projects for Red Bulls Soccer, Meadowlands Racetrack, NJ Jets, NJ Devils, Newark schools, NJDOT, and the Resort World Monticello NY Casino and Golf Course.
Caroline Evans Jones ’78 Evans Jones served on the GSB Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2023 and is now an Honorary Trustee. She continues to serve as a trustee of the Willits Foundation. The Foundation was established by her grandfather, Harris Willits, 50-plus years ago and provides meaningful support to education, health initiatives and community outreach. The Willits Foundation has been a major supporter of GSB for several decades.
GSB Bids Farewell to Retiring Assistant to the Upper School Meredith Swenson The end of a school year often brings with it bittersweet moments, and none is as bitter or as sweet as bidding farewell to a beloved colleague. Unfortunately for Gill St. Bernard’s, this school year’s conclusion harkens in a new era for Assistant to the Upper School Meredith Swenson, who will be retiring after eleven years of keeping the Upper School running at tip-top shape to spend more time with her family. Meredith will not only be leaving the GSB Campus, but she will be moving out of New Jersey in its entirety to join her two grown daughters in Colorado. Hiking and skiing will be the new orders of the day— instead of faxing and emailing—and her life will be charged with new adventures and daily family visits.
Lindabury-Thomas Award Presented to Honorary Trustee John Howard
Head of School Sid Rowell recognized Honorary Trustee John Howard’s P ’17, ’21 longtime commitment to Gill St. Bernard’s by presenting him with the prestigious Lindabury-Thomas Award at the Faculty, Staff, and Board of Trustee Year-End Celebration on May 12, 2023. John joined the Board of Trustees in 2006 and served as the Chair of the Finance Committee and a Co-Chair of the GSB Classic for many years before becoming Board Chair in 2010. At the board’s helm, he helped spearhead the school’s strategic plan “Delivering the Future,” which was introduced in 2013, and he oversaw the acquisition of 3 St. Bernard’s Road and Home Winds Farm in 2015. Most recently, John and his wife Fran watched with pride as their two daughters, Mary Fran ’17 and Laura ’21, received their GSB diplomas. “It is impossible to briefly summarize all that John and his wife, Fran, have done for Gill St. Bernard’s School,” said Rowell. “Under John’s leadership, the school completed several major projects and acquired both 3 St. Bernard’s Road and Home Winds Farm. The footprint of the school will forever be changed for the better due to their involvement.”
Head of School Sid Rowell, Honorary Trustee John Howard, Board of Trustee Chairman Doug Matthews
John’s financial and leadership acumen developed over three decades in financial services, beginning with a BA in Economics from Columbia University followed by an MBA from Duke, and progressing with roles at Alex Brown & Sons, GE Capital, Conseco, Prudential Select, and Truist Financial Corporation. In addition to his time in finance, John served in the United States Navy and earned the designation of Knight of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. 51
Alumni Notes the SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES James Stone, who attended GSB during the 1960's, visited the campus on a recent trip back to New Jersey from California and presented Head of School Sid Rowell with a handblown wine glass, handcrafted by James in Stone and Glass, the studio he owns and operates in Escondido, CA. James is an Ocean Conservation Mixed Media Sculpture Artist most noted for his aluminum and sculpted glass pieces. He creates sea creatures and marine-themed sculptures that portray the ocean’s diverse flora and fauna. His process of casting glass hot out of the furnace, directly into the sculpted metal, is unique, and his technique combines metal and hot cast glass with painted accents.
James Stone and Head of School Sid Rowell.
CLASS OF 1976 Judson ’Jud’ Spencer ’76 writes “Time flies! I’m celebrating 10 years pursuing my fourth career as a Tour Director. I take my guests on vacation all over the world: Alaska, Hawaii, Israel, Costa Rica, Europe, Iceland to a name a few destinations. My six week Italy Renaissance Art History Unit from Spring 1976 sparked my love of travel and adventure. After living most of my life post GSB in Colorado, I moved to the central Oregon Coast town of Yachats (small town of 700) in 2011. I live a simple life - continuing to be "in service to others" - while meeting extraordinary people. Ted Wrigley ’79 and I stay in regular touch and caught up with each May 2021. GSB plays an important part of my life for without the experience I’d be poorer in spirit and knowledge. I look forward to 2026 and the 50th reunion with my classmates!”
Jud Spencer ’76
Ted Wrigley ’79 and Jud Spencer ’76
the 21st CENTURY CLASS OF 2006 Lamont “Tory” Stapleton ’06 writes of his visit to the GSB Campus on September 13, 2023 “Had such a great time today! Thanks for making GSB feel like home almost 20 years later.” After participating in last year’s “Black Knights” podcast, a studentled initiative highlighting Black History Month at GSB, Tory visited members of BSU during meeting time to catch up and discuss upcoming projects for the school year. Tory Stapleton ‘06, Head of School Sid Rowell, Lamont Stapleton P’06
CLASS OF 2008 Kaitlin Dicks ’08 married her husband, Danny Bouchard, on September 4, 2023. In attendance from GSB were Katie Galpin ’08, Brooke Donaldson ’08, Dan Gill ’05, and her brother, John Paul Dicks ’05. Brooke Donaldson ’08 shares that “This fall I will be celebrating my 2-year anniversary with the U.S. Bank as a digital accessibility consultant. After a 10-year career at The Seeing Eye as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, I moved into a career with a larger global impact related to accessibility. It’s been a big career shift, but I have appreciated being able to advocate in the user experience space for all people with disabilities. 52
Tory Stapleton ‘06 with members of the GSB Black Student Union
Katie Galpin ‘08, Kaitin Dicks ‘08, Brooke Donaldson ‘08, and Brook’s wife, Candice, at the wedding of Kaitlin Dicks and her husband, Danny Bouchard.
William Ash ’11 and Brian Moscioni ’11 reconnecting this past winter.
CLASS OF 2011 Gill St. Bernard’s alumni gathered to celebrate the wedding of Chandler Smith and Alex Markham ’11 on April 21, 2023.
CLASS OF 2013 Benjamin Brown ’13 stepped back into the GSB classroom on September 8, 2023, when he joined his father, Upper School Robotics and Engineering Teacher Stuart Brown P ’03, ’08, ’13, as a guest speaker in his father’s class. From L to R: Anthony Mea ’12, Head of School Sid Rowell, Jack Markham ’12, Brandon Milanaik ’07, Ryan Milanaik ’11 (holding the left side of the banner), Corey Milanaik ’09, Chandler Smith (the bride), Connor Milanaik ’11, Alex Markham ’11, Dom Hoffman ’12, Alexa Polachi ’08, Shannon Murphy ’11, Dylan Polachi ’14 (holding right side of banner), Tim O’Leary ’11, Ryan Polachi ’11.
Ben currently works for Microsoft in Washington State. When asked how GSB helped to prepare him for his career, he said, “GSB gave me the communication skills needed for college and for work as an engineer.” Former Head of School Christine Cox writes, “As a proud Grandma (Nana in our house), I cannot miss an opportunity to brag. My granddaughter, Sienna Roth ’13, graduated from Seton Hall Law School! She and her sister Zoey Roth ’18, her cousin Alyx Schrecengost ‘15, and her best friend Samantha Casternovia ‘13 came for the weekend to our house on Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate. We are so proud of her. She starts her new job as a lawyer with Chubb Insurance next week.”
CLASS OF 2016 Members of the Saladino and Polachi family visited Home Winds Farm for the first ever GSB Student Fishing Derby, and they brought along some friends. Sienna Roth ’13 at her Seton Hall Law School graduation.
Upper School Robotics and Engineering Teacher Stuart Brown P ’03, ’08, ’13 hosting Benjamin Brown ’13 on campus.
(Photo on next page.) 53
CLASS OF 2019 Daniel Shen ’19 graduated from the United States Naval Academy on May 26, 2023, and received his diploma and commission assignment from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. Dan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Robotics and Control and will commission as a submarine officer in the US Navy.
Nick Carroll, Kara Saladino ’16, Jake Saladino P ’14, ’16, Steve Polachi P ’08, ’11, ’14, and Marianne Saladino P ’14, ’16 holding their new Black Labrador Retriever puppy Poppy. The family dog, Marty, is on the leash.
Out of over 4,000 midshipmen, Dan was one of only 24 recipients selected for a prestigious award of peer leadership based on his exceptional military standards and genuine leadership skills. Iyanah Vemuri ’19 showed off her GSB pride at her recent graduation from the University of Michigan.
CLASS OF 2021 Nicholas Skiadas ’21 returned to campus on June 2, 2023, to welcome GSB’s newest graduates into the alumni community at the Class of 2023’s bagel breakfast, a celebration held on their final day on campus.
THIS SUMMER Alumni from several graduation years met up with Upper School Performing Arts Instructor Paul Canada and Ninth Grade Dean Margery Schiesswohl P’17 for dinner in New York City on July 7, 2023. Nathaniel Shen ’25 and Dan Shen ’19 at the Class of 2023 USNA graduation.
Iyanah Vemuri '19
Head of School Sid Rowell, Nick Skiadas ’21, Upper School Director Dr. Joel Coleman P ’22
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From L to R: Kris Goodrich ’99, P ’27, ’30, Ryan LaPre ’13, Stark Kirby ’13, Paul Canada, Margery Scheisswohl P ’17, Jaime Goodrich ’01, P ’27, ’30
OBITUARIES DR. RAYMOND HYER ’46 Dr. Raymond J. Hyer ’46, of Sanford, NC, passed away October 15, 2022, at the age of 94. Ray was born to Naomi and Jack Hyer in Keyport, NJ. He attended Keyport High School but graduated from St. Bernard’s Prep School in Gladstone, NJ. He served in the US Navy for two years and then joined the Navy Reserve. Ray was recalled during the Korean Conflict, served two more years, and was honorably discharged as a Hospital Corpsman, 3rd Class. Ray graduated from Rutgers University with a BA and a MA in Education and taught elementary, secondary, and special needs students. After receiving a Kennedy Fellowship, Ray graduated with a Ph.D. in Habilitative Sciences from Florida State University. He worked at training centers in Florida, was Education Director of the Georgia Retardation Center in Atlanta, a full professor at Appalachian State University, and Associate Director of Education at the J. Iverson Riddle Center in Morganton, NC. Affectionally known as “Pappy,” he spent his last years as a Quality Assurance Specialist for companies that provided care and training for persons with developmental disabilities. In 1998, Ray was presented The Cornerstone Award for Individual Achievement by the NC Association of ICF/MR Providers. Forever a teacher, he was a reading tutor to a young man with disabilities until the dementia forced him to stop. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Catherine “Katie” Riley Hyer. Ray is survived by his son, the Rev. Darin Hyer of Bluffton, SC, his brother, Keith Hyer of Lanoka Harbor NJ, and his “Little Man,” Sneakers.
CAROLYN (CARPENTER) URDIALES ’90 Carolyn “Curly” Ann Urdiales, age 51 years, of Justin, TX, former longtime resident of New Jersey, died peacefully on August 17, 2023, in Fort Worth, TX. Born on November 24, 1971, in Denville, NJ, daughter of Elizabeth Roche and the late Allan T. Carpenter, Carolyn was raised in Succasunna, NJ, and had lived for many years in Hillsborough, as well as Hunterdon County, NJ, prior to moving to Texas several years ago. A graduate of Gill St. Bernard’s School in Chester, NJ, Carolyn attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. Growing up with a love of animals and being very involved with both horses as well as the 4-H of Morris County, NJ, it was during her college years where Carolyn truly found her life’s calling. She developed what would become a lifelong passion for French bulldogs, eventually becoming a renowned breeder and trainer. Within the breed, she pioneered the magnificence of lilac-colored French bulldogs, leaving an unforgettable mark on the canine community. In addition to her father, Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved stepfather, Richard Roche, in 2021.
Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory her daughter and son-in-law, Tayler Ann Urdiales and Jayden Ferguson; her mother, Elizabeth Tsoucalas Roche; her sister and brother-in-law, Christine Ann and Sean Thompson; her stepsister, Debra Roche; and the father of her daughter, Nick Urdiales.
GERALD R. FOX, JR. ’70 Gerald R. Fox, Jr., 69, of Ocean Twp., NJ, passed away surrounded by family on August 24, 2021, at home. Gerry was born in Baltimore, MD, the son of Mary and Gerald R. Fox, Sr. He was a graduate of St. Bernard’s School in Gladstone, NJ in 1970 and Glassboro State College in 1974. He later received a Master of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky. He was a resident of Denville, NJ for 39 years before moving to Ocean Twp., NJ in 2018. Gerry in 2013 retired from the Mountain Lakes School District having been employed as Athletic Director, physical education and health teacher, soccer coach and golf coach. In 1980, he was employed by the Savannah Braves AA Professional Baseball Club as assistant general manager and stadium operations director. In 1982-87 he was employed by Tulane University as director of the sport management program, internship coordinator, instructor of physical education, and mens soccer coach. In 1995 he was inducted into Gill St. Bernard’s Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame and later in 2017 the NJ Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Meredith of 30 years; his stepdaughter, Alyson L. Collins and her husband Ronald of Ocean Twp., NJ; his sisters Betsy Birch of Dover, NJ and Patricia A. Gale of Succasunna, NJ; and his grandsons Aiden and Brody Collins.
PATRICK NAMETZ ’03 Patrick A. Nametz, 39, of Lynnfield, died suddenly on June 17, 2023, at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington. Patrick was born in Houston, Texas on May 5, 1984, and was the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Griffith) Nametz. He was raised in Texas and New Jersey and was a graduate of Gill St. Bernard’s School in Gladstone, NJ, where he performed in several theater productions. He was active in Boy Scouts, including a Philmont trek, and he earned the Eagle Scout rank. He was a graduate of Curry College, Class of 2009, with a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. After college he worked in the Boston restaurant industry and had a larger-than-life personality. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, his beloved dogs Birdie and Lou and was an avid Boston sports fan. In addition to his parents, Patrick is survived by his wife Jennifer M. (Clarke) Nametz. He was the brother of Steven Nametz of New Hampshire. He was the uncle of Anna, Catherine, Meredith and Grace Clarke. He is also survived by his in-laws, Michael and Margaret Clarke of Lynn and brother-in-law Joseph Clarke and his wife Kristen of North Andover.
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OBITUARIES ROBERT “BOB” HEMM SBS ’46 Honorary GSB Trustee Bob Hemm SBS ’46 passed away on April 29, 2023, at the age of 94. Bob was a longtime, active member of the GSB Community, serving as a Trustee from 2012-2018. In recognition of his tireless service, the main house on the Home Winds campus was named in 2016 in his honor. Hemm House continues to stand as a testament to Bob’s many contributions to the school over the years. During his days as a student, he lived in the house, which served as a dormitory in the 1940s and 50s. He graduated from St. Bernard’s School in 1946 and from Virgina Tech in 1950.
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Bob recently published his memoir, The Life of an Explorer: From 1 to 91 Years-Plus, which delves into his adventures exploring, skydiving, cave diving, flying, and sailing. He was an active member of The Explorers Club in New York City, where he graciously hosted GSB events. On September 7, 2021, Bob received the “Cross of Naval Merit,” awarded by a proclamation from the King of Spain, at the Spanish Embassy in Washington, D.C. At the time, he was the only American to have ever received the prestigious recognition. When asked about his GSB experience, Bob shared that “St. Bernard’s School prepared me to grow up physically and socially with new-found confidence. I also discovered a strong sense of what it takes to succeed in life, not just financially. The teachers lived with us and were always available. St. Bernard’s gave me a very strong sense of direction. The school was incredibly meaningful to me.”
JANICE CORFIELD HAYS Janice Corfield Hays, former Gill St. Bernard’s teacher, passed away on July 3, at the age of 83. She is preceded in death by her husband Raphael Smead Hays II and her son Edward Gardner Hays II. Jan was a teacher, then served as the Early Childhood Coordinator and Facility Campus Director at GSB. In 1982, Jan, along with former Lower School Librarian Pauline Lurie, decided that a reenactment of the folktale Stone Soup was a good way to teach young students about sharing. What began as a small campfire on the Bernardsville campus has continued as a valued school tradition for over 40 years later. Jan was born May 13, 1940, to the late Ruth and John Corfield and was raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Penn State University and sang with the PSU Chapel Choir. She completed post graduate work at the
University of PA and Newark State College. She also sang with the Rutgers University Choir for 35 years. Raphael and Jan Hays returned to Carlisle in 1995. Jan was on the Board of Directors for Frog Switch & Manufacturing Company. She also served on the boards of the United Way, Dickinson College Children’s Center, Cantata Carlisle, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, and Habitat for Humanity. Jan also volunteered with Project Share and was a trustee with Carlisle Family YMCA, was involved with the Carlisle Civic Club and helped with Student Reading Support at Hamilton Elementary School. She was a member and former elder of the Second Presbyterian Church. She was an active member of the CCHS and received the Milton E. Flower Historian of the Year Award in 2006. In 2013, she was awarded the Alexis de Tocqueville Humanitarian Award by the United Way. Jan is survived by her sister Judith Corfield Starkey, brother John Weller Corfield and Ellinor Hays Dyke, her sister-in-law. She had many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
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Gill St. Bernard’s School P.O. Box 604 St. Bernard’s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934-0604 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org