Milestones 2018 by Gill St. Bernard's School

EXCELLENCE

ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Commencement Reflections from the 2018 “Lifers” Closing Exercises for Middle and Lower School

Table of Contents FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 COMMENCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 THE 2018 “GSB LIFERS”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSING EXERCISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 LOWER SCHOOL CLOSING EXERCISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

What is Milestones? Milestones is published annually by the Communications and Marketing Department to celebrate the graduating class at Gill St. Bernard’s School. The magazine also highlights GSB’s eighth- and fourth-grade students as they transition to the Upper and Middle School divisions, respectively. As an independent college preparatory school that offers a pre-k through 12th grade education, Gill St. Bernard’s is also proud to recognize its annual “GSB Lifers” (graduating seniors who have matriculated at Gill for 12 years or more) in each issue of Milestones.

UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY, STAFF and ADMINISTRATION Gill St. Bernard’s Milestones magazine is published annually by the Communications and Marketing Department. Sid Rowell, Head of School Allyson B. Daly, Director of Communications and Marketing Jill Brown, Writer & Communications Specialist Gill St. Bernard’s School P.O. Box 604, St. Bernard’s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934-0604 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org facebook.com/gsbschool Cover image by Becky Bedrosian P ’11 of Becky Bedrosian Photography. Additional photography in this issue also by Becky Bedrosian Photography. Design by Vision Creative Group.

Kristen Armstrong

Isabel Corbin

Christine Hinkley

Robert Ort ’89

Mark Signorelli

Cornelius Arnett ’11

Fred Corona

Kathleen Hiott

David Pasquale

Kerri Ann Small

Tracey Goodson Barrett

Allison Czick

Sarah Isusi

Susan Petrone

David Southerland

Macada Brandl

Tim Davis

Leo Janas

Sharon Poticny

Michiel Stil

Patrick Brennan

Judy Dechent

Melissa Lewis

Ian Prevost

Meredith Swenson

Ed Brown

Kimberly Di Masi

Andrew Lutz

Eileen Procaccino

John Taeschler

Paul Canada

Thomas Gilbert

Derek Martin

Candace Pryor Brown

Kim Turse

Michael Cascini

Carolyn Giordano

Irene Mortensen

Steven Rabel

Greg Washburn

Brittany Casser

Fernando Gomez

Joan Mruk

Todd Ross ’94

Gina Wendell

Christine Chan

Carrie Grabowski

Tracey Mueller

Steven Rossi

Mike Wendell ’84

Michael Chimes

Len Grabowski

Amy Newman

Sarah Rowland

Jared Ciocco

Manuel Hercules

Lauren O’Leary

Margery Schiesswohl

MISSION STATEMENT Gill St. Bernard’s School provides a balanced, diverse and secure community that prepares students academically, socially and ethically for college and a meaningful life.

CORE VALUES Courage • Integrity • Respect • Compassion • Excellence

From the Head of School

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Less than a year ago, as the members of the class of 2018 began their senior year at Gill St Bernard’s—busy with college essays, fall sports, auditions, club leadership and friendships old and new—they, and the nation, felt the weight of recent news: racial unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia, and devastating hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In my convocation address in September, I called on everyone at Gill St. Bernard’s, and in particular, our senior class, to commit to fostering a community of kindness. As the year unfolded, all of our students repeatedly demonstrated that the school’s core values of compassion and courage are the best response to challenges, obstacles, and tensions. Our students were especially focused on hurricane relief; their efforts lasted throughout the year and culminated with a Unit trip to help rebuild homes in the Florida Keys. Later in the fall, the GSB community paid tribute to the memory of Brett Mershon, a much-loved teacher who served the school for 30 years. That effort is also ongoing, as both faculty and students work to create a fitting memorial for her on the campus. In the winter, students once again invested themselves in the spirit of giving, with food and mitten drives, as well as weekends dedicated to Habitat for Humanity. Finally, as the winter rolled into spring, unit trips to Key West, New Orleans, Guatemala, and Panama saw GSB students lending a hand far from home. While 2017-18 was a year of community engagement, it was also marked by many individual successes for our students, as scholars, athletes, and performers. The matriculation list, which includes many top-tier liberal arts schools, as well as distinguished programs in the arts and sciences, speaks to the diverse interests and accomplishments of our recent graduates. In addition, 10 members of the class of 2018 will be continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Looking back over the 2017-18 school year, there is again much to be proud of in the realm of athletics. Several of our teams advanced to the final rounds of state sectional tournaments, our golf team posted its best showing in the history of the school, and this spring saw CJ Licata become GSB’s first All-American athlete. In the arts, the GSB players navigated the challenges of staging two shows off campus; the most recent performance at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey giving them valuable experience on a professional stage. Please join me in wishing these young people Godspeed as they prepare for the next phase of their academic careers. They will now be joining new communities and discovering new ways to contribute and shine; however, they will always have a home at Gill St. Bernard’s. Warm regards,

S.A. Rowell

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Commencement 2018 Inspiration From Our Graduates Each year, seniors are welcome to share their own personal reflections during the Commencement ceremony. Four members of the Class of 2018 spoke. Jessica Abowitz, Connor Kirk and CJ Licata shared special memories and their appreciation of faculty members for their dedication and support. Dan Wang used the always challenging Rubik’s Cube to demonstrate how each student must take a separate path to solve problems and overcome the challenges that are a natural part of high school.

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Milestones

Jessica Abowitz

Andrew Amaro

Achilles Aslidis

Danae Aslidis

Yashraj Bajaj

Scott Begane

Jacquelyn Benoit

Grace Beveridge

Nicholas Bhimani

August Boland

Bradley Bundschuh

Sarah Caminito

Emily Cavanaugh

Harsabreen Chadha

TJ Chaney

Alan Chen

Claire Chestnutt

Robert D’Angelo

Catherine Davino

Alexandria Delehanty

2018 Commencement Honors and Prizes (In order of acceptance)

During the Commencement ceremony, several seniors were recognized for their achievements and contributions in academics, arts and athletics as well as for community service and service to the school.

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

The FRANCES B. ROHN MEMORIAL AWARD in MATHEMATICS

Named for a beloved Gill School mathematics teacher, this award is given to the student who has achieved the highest four-year average in mathematics. Dan Wang

The CAROL J. HEANEY MEMORIAL SCIENCE AWARD

Given in memory of treasured science teacher Carol J. Heaney, this award recognizes the student who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity, outstanding academic achievement, and superior promise in the study of science. Nicholas Bhimani

HISTORY DEPARTMENT AWARD

A book prize presented annually to the senior who has demonstrated the most outstanding work in history. Selected by the History Department faculty. Nicholas Bhimani

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Ava Diggins

Helena Digney

Olivia Ellman

Jackson Ensley

Bailey Gano

Giselle Garcia

Andy Gordon

Nathan Ha

Robert Haversat

Jack Herrlin

Cynthia Hu

Joe Johnson

Nicole Johnson

Amelia Kirby

Connor Kirk

Lynnsey Kwaak

Anthony Lake

Amanda Lazar

CJ Licata

Katherine Lioudis

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD

A prize awarded to the senior with the highest four-year average in English. Dan Wang

PATRICIA LEE GAUCH AWARD for CREATIVE WRITING

Presented in honor of this cherished English teacher to the senior whose inventive voice, artful storytelling and disciplined work contributed to the literary life of the school. Katherine Zhang

WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT AWARD

A book prize presented to the senior with the highest four-year average in either French, Spanish or Latin. Ivana Mejia

COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD

Awarded annually to the senior who has demonstrated interest, aptitude, and exemplary achievement in computer science and has excelled in computer programming, computeraided design, or both areas. Sabrina Sukhin

(cont. on next page)

Isaiah Lipkin

Nour Marzouk

Amity Matthews

Ivana Mejia

Sebastian Meza

Jonathan Moore

Ryan Morash

Josephine Neville

Will Orazietti

Catherine Quan-Shau

Alexander Roch

Casey Rojek

Zoey Roth

Nicole Ruggiero

Dorian Salter

Alexander Schachne

Tyler Schrecengost

Shane Shannon

Noah Steinbaum

Brooke Stephenson

GERRY CIRILLO PRIZE in the FINE ARTS

Given in honor of respected fine arts, woodworking teacher and administrator Gerry Cirillo, this award recognizes the most outstanding fine arts student who has demonstrated excellence in 2D art, 3D art, photography or woodworking. Selected by the Fine Arts Department faculty. Amelia Kirby

THe LISA SCHMIDT MUSIC AWARD

Established by Lisa Schmidt ’74, this award is given to the senior who has demonstated musical talent and contributions and

inspires growth and participation in the field of music. Jess Abowitz and Lynnsey Kwaak

this award is given to the most distinguished senior male athlete. CJ Licata

who demonstrates the highest level of service and loyalty to the school. Amity Matthews

THe JOYCE CREASEY MEMORIAL AWARD

The BENNETT SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD

LINDABURY SENIOR HONOR AWARD

The HAROLD D. NICHOLLS MEMORIAL AWARD

SUSAN H. STOVER AWARD

Given to the senior girl whose ability, leadership, sportsmanship and team loyalty have distinguished her and contributed the most to the school’s athletic program. Amelia Kirby

Presented in memory of the teacher, coach, senior master and headmaster from 1917-1957,

Given in memory of Caryl and J. Gordon Bennett to honor the student who best demonstrates, through active community service, the school’s concern and consideration for others. Connor Kirk

Presented in honor of the former director of development, this award is presented annually to the senior

Established to encourage all future seniors to understand the importance of community as part of the school’s core values, this award is given to the student who has demonstrated the role of mentoring, treating all members of the school with respect and has made an outstanding effort to positively affect the experiences of underclassmen. CJ Licata

Sabrina Sukhin

Cindy Tong

Danielle Towle

Ryan Turse

Daniel Wang

Rachel Wei

Amanda Weiss

Ariel White

Clinton Wolfe

Hayley Wu

William Yarbrough

Sabrina Yekta

John Yoss

Katherine Zhang

Mickey Zhang

CAPORUSSO/DeLUCA AWARD

Established to honor the senior who provided distinctive leadership to both the class and school during his/her years as an Upper School student. Helena Digney and Amanda Lazar

The JULIAN T. BROWN CUP

Awarded since 1913 and the highest honor that may be attained by a young man at graduation, this award is presented to the student who has worked for the good of the school, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained his integrity. He exemplifies the characteristics of faith, honor and consideration. CJ Licata

The ELIZABETH GILL GIRL AWARD

Presented in honor and memory of the Gill School’s founder, this award is the highest honor that may be attained by a girl at graduation. It is presented to the student who has worked for the good of the school, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained her integrity. She exemplifies the characteristics of faith, honor and consideration. Jess Abowitz

HONOR BOARD CERTIFICATES

To support the Gill St. Bernard’s Honor System and the core values inherent to it, a student-faculty Honor Board has been established in the Upper School. This group makes a commitment to promoting honor and integrity throughout our community and also helps to evaluate cases of student misconduct. Five seniors are selected each year to serve in what is considered one of the most important student-leadership positions at the school. Jessica Abowitz, Emily Cavanaugh, Amanda Lazar, Catherine Quan-Shau and Shane Shannon

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence, justice and honor in secondary schools. An association of 382 chapters worldwide, membership within cum laude is granted to those students who rank among the top 20 percent of their graduating class. This year’s recipients are Jessica Abowitz, Nicholas Bhimani, Olivia Ellman, Giselle Garcia, Lynnsey Kwaak, Amanda Lazar, Ivana Mejia, Alexander Roch, Alexander Schachne, Sabrina Sukhin, Danielle Towle, Cindy Tong, Daniel Wang, Rachel Wei and William Yarbrough

The JEAN LOIZEAUX AWARD

Award given to the senior who has the top academic record. Dan Wang

s r e f i L The

2018

GSB

From Left: (Front) Amity Matthews, Sarah Caminito, Zoey Roth, Nicole Ruggiero, Nour Marzouk and Catherine Davino (Back) Jacquelyn Benoit, Tyler Schrecengost, Alexandria Delehanty, Noah Steinbaum, Ava Diggins, Anthony Lake, Catherine Quan-Shau, Jack Herrlin and Katherine Lioudis.

Jacqueline Benoit Senior Jacqueline Benoit couldn’t wait to get to Upper School. In fact, she vividly remembers her last day of Middle School because she was so excited to be going to Upper School!

and she would help me with my reading and my math.” The extra help was really great, she said, because it gave her an edge on her classmates. “And it was really fun.”

Four years later, the Chester resident is bound for Fordham University, where she will study English. Her excitement this time is matched by a sense of confidence that she attributes to her years at Gill.

“I will miss getting to hang out with my friends, and the relationships I’ve been able to have with some of my teachers because of the small class sizes. I know it won’t be like that in college.”

While she expects there to be a learning curve, Jacqueline said she feels ready for what lies ahead. “I would say the workload and the courses at Gill were very helpful in preparing me for college,” she said. She fondly recalled her third-grade teacher, Ms. Schwartz. “I used to stay after with her

When she leaves, she said she will miss the library, where she has many fond memories. She also will miss the “smallness” of Gill, she said.

Although she will be only about 50 miles away from home, Jacqueline said she also will miss her parents. “We’re very close, and I will miss having their support,” she said. Her advice to future Gill students: “I would say take your time and make memories, because soon it’s going to be over. So take your time and do what makes you happy.”

Sarah Caminito Senior Sarah Caminito has come a long way, from the carefree preschooler playing “turkey-lurky” outside with her Gill classmates, to the poised and serious student who will enter the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. A resident of Branchburg, Sarah fondly remembers those “Turkey Days” and playing outside in the snow. Ms. Rankin, her kindergarten teacher, remains a favorite. Through her years at Gill, she has focused her time and talents on an interest in math and science. During her senior year, she was cocaptain of Gill’s well-respected Robotics Team. “Last year was a really good season,” said Sarah, who is the team’s wiring specialist. “This year was a bit of a hiccup because the robot we had to build was much more challenging. We may not have ranked as well, but overall we worked really well as a team. I know I definitely learned a lot of leadership skills, because it’s hard to manage a group of 15 teenagers when you’re a teenager yourself.” She said the Robotics Room is her favorite place on campus. “It’s like an organized mess,

but I like the vibe in there. Everyone is really motivated, and we’re all really close; we’re all good friends.” As she approaches college, Sarah credited Gill, and also her many summers at sleep-away camp, with instilling a sense of independence. “I’m an only child, and a lot of only children apparently are very attached to their parents. My parents didn’t want that for me, so they sent me to camp.” Even so, going to a prestigious Ivy League school can be a little daunting. To that point, she said Mr. Grabowski, a Princeton alumnus, has been a valued friend and advisor. “He has a lot of wisdom and has given me a lot of good advice,” said Sarah, who hopes to become a dentist. “He told me he was also worried about fitting in but not to let that keep me from getting involved in things.” Sarah feels ready for the next challenge, and thanked her parents for their support. “Thanks, Mom and Dad, for investing in my education,” she said. “I definitely feel like I’m ready. Being here was great for me. And all my teachers and my friends here, it’s just been amazing. I’m just glad I made it.”

Catherine “Kiki” Davino Kiki Davino, who got her nickname as a child from her baby sister, has been at Gill since kindergarten. Speaking of her lifelong schoolmates, the senior from Mendham waxed eloquent on the real meaning of being a Gill Lifer. “We’ve all grown up together, and I think we all found ourselves together,” she said. “In Lower School, and even more in Middle School, we didn’t really know who we were yet, but we all grew together, and we helped each other find who we are.” Kiki said Gill’s Lifers have always been supportive of each other. “I’m pretty close with a lot of them. I love them all. I know them all very well, obviously. I think it’s really cool that we all grew up together.” Kiki recalled favorite moments from her years at Gill, from playing outdoors on the “space net” in kindergarten, to Mr. Ciocco’s Latin class. “Latin 5 class with Mr. Ciocco was the best experience,” she said. “It was a really small class, so we all got

really close. I know I wouldn’t have that experience anywhere else.” She said Mr. Ciocco and Mr. Wendell were among her favorite teachers. “I just connected with them. They’re really great people. They were never condescending. They treated me like a friend, and I felt that was really great to have.” Kiki said she will miss her Lifer friends when she starts at Marist in the fall. But she also credited them with helping to prepare her for the next stage. “I think for me being around the same people for so long prepared me. I’m really confident now, and I think because of that I’m more ready for college.” Mostly, she will miss the Gill campus. “I know this place front and back,” she said. “It’s been so friendly and inviting. I just belong here.” She thanked her parents for choosing Gill. “I’m very thankful for everything they’ve done for me. They’ve helped me a lot through life, helping me find who I am, and I love them for it.”

Alex Delehanty Senior Alex Delehanty, who came to GSB as a kindergartner, said playing sports—softball and soccer in particular—have been a big part of her Gill experience. “I was never the best player, but I was always the hardest hustler. And that’s the thing that everybody remembers about you.” Alex, who lives in Long Valley, said the small school environment at Gill has allowed her to make friends with kids from all grades. Besides sports, she has been active with Reading Buddies, and she was the only female member of the Fishing Club. “You just never know who you’re going to have things in common with,” she said. But her fondest memory of Gill occurred on the softball field during her sophomore year, when GSB made it to the state final. Her sister, Samantha (class of ’16), was a senior member of the team. “I was at second, my sister was in center field. We ended up losing the game, but I just turned around and gave my sister a big hug because it was our last game together.”

And she is ready for the next challenge, she said. “Gill has definitely prepared me for college. I know how to interact with teachers, and I know how to study. Gill has taught me how to work hard but also maintain a balance.” That balance was reinforced by her parents, she said. “They taught me independence, but also how to be family-oriented and responsible. I think a good family foundation, as well as the firm religious foundation that I have, makes me ready to go to Baylor and be confident that I can do well there.” To students who will follow her at Gill, Alex advised that they not hold back. “You have to make the most of every moment. You don’t want to be a senior and look back and say, ‘I didn’t put all of my effort into it.’” About her parents, she said, “They have set such a good example for me. They supported me in everything, kept me away from the things I shouldn’t do and steered me toward my goals. So thank you for being the best parents ever.”

Alex said she has missed her big sister, although she has found many new “sisters” in the two years since. She and Sam will be reunited this fall at Baylor.

Ava Diggins Senior Ava Diggins belongs to a very athletic family. Her two brothers played college baseball. Ava, a four-year varsity soccer player at Gill, was recruited by Michigan State to play Division I women’s soccer for the Spartans. The Far Hills resident joined her new team in East Lansing soon after graduation.

Mr. Martin really helped me a lot.”

Soccer has always been a huge part of Ava’s life. Even when she was singing “Yellow Submarine” in Ms. Rankin’s kindergarten class, she was already playing soccer. In sixth grade she became close friends with soccer teammate Alex Delehanty. “Sixth grade was a big year for me,” she said.

Ava still remembers the first day she visited Gill as a prospective kindergartner with her parents. “There were so many places I could have ended up, but I’m so thankful my parents chose Gill. This has been perfect for me.”

But the academic rigor of Upper School quickly got her attention. “Upper School was definitely a lot harder. But they did prepare us well. The teachers were great. It was a really good transition for me.” In particular, she cited Mr. Martin for his help and support. “He has a reputation for being tough and a hard grader, but English has never been my best subject. I’ve always struggled with writing and just trying to get words on paper, and

She said being a varsity soccer captain these past two years was a rich learning experience, especially in her senior year. “This year was a big responsibility. There were a lot of underclassmen on the team, and I was just glad they wanted to listen to me. It was definitely a successful year, not only on the field but off the field as well.”

Her advice to incoming freshmen: “Don’t freak out. It’s all about time management.” She is planning to follow her own advice and not “freak out” as she enters Michigan State. “I am going to a huge school, with almost 60,000 students. A large class there is a couple hundred kids. It’s ridiculous,” she said. “I will be meeting new people every day. But I think Gill prepared me for that, the way we’re so friendly here. The way we say hi to everybody in the hallway.”

Jack Herrlin As a student, senior Jack Herrlin said he has a pretty good memory. “I memorize things, and for the most part it stays with me,” he said. As an actor with the GBS Players for the past four years, Jack’s memory has served him well. He has been cast in every play and musical performed at the school since he debuted in Grease in eighth grade. “Nine plays in all,” he noted. That’s a lot of lines. “We have a massive family of theater people at Gill -Mr. Canada and all the assistants, the parents and volunteers-and they’ve all helped me become the very best actor I can be and pushed my abilities to the highest level I can achieve,” he said. As he prepares to enter The University of Denver this fall, Jack said he is ready for the next challenge. “I feel prepared. Gill’s provided me with a lot of resources that, for the most part, I’ve been able to utilize. The support of teachers and students at Gill has given me confidence that I can start doing things

more on my own and manage my own time.” The Mendham senior said he has loved every moment at Gill and will miss the close community. “I’ve always been a super-friendly person, so I have a lot of friends at Gill. And after being together with one group of students for 12 years, they’ve kind of grown on me. We’ve all changed through the years and grown and matured around each other. We’ve seen one another move from one stage in our lives to another.” He said he is grateful to his parents for choosing Gill, and to his teachers, including Ms. Poticny, who he said has “always been there” for him. And also the Upper School nurse, Ms. Giordano, who he said he visited almost daily-not because he was sick, “but just to talk about stuff.” To future Gill students, Jack had this advice: “Try your best, and even if you don’t do well in a couple of classes, the teachers here are accessible and really easy to talk to. It may seem daunting, but it’s not as tough as it seems. “You’ll be fine,” he added. “Just don’t slack in your sophomore year.”

Anthony Lake An aspiring lawyer, Anthony Lake said Gill has given him an invaluable introduction to life as a professional litigator. As president of Mock Trial, the senior from Millington said his legal team scored high praise this year from a local judge. “After we won a match at the courthouse, the judge who presided over the case told me it was one of the more professional closing arguments and summations that he has seen, even from real attorneys,” he said. Anthony said just being a student at Gill has helped him feel more professional. He said some of his ease at public speaking dates back to the lower grades. “We had a speaking series where we had to prepare presentations,” he recalled. “I really feel that being at Gill from such a young age has been a very positive experience for me.” This fall Anthony will enter the University of South Carolina. He will become the first in his family to attend college.

everything. The way I take notes, how I write outlinesjust the way I learned how to learn.” Anthony’s Upper School education has been supplemented by his job as an eyewear salesman at Oakley, a high-end sunglass boutique at the Bridgewater Mall. This past holiday season he was the store’s top salesperson, he said. “In Upper School, Mr. Bostian taught me to work,” Anthony recalled. “Intellectually, he was intimidating. I got a C- my freshman year in honors physics. But what I learned from that was how to understand concepts. Because just trying to learn material, doesn’t work. So I was able to apply that down the line, and I got an A in honors calculus.” He also learned something about Mr. Bostian. As intimidating as he might have seemed, “I learned that he really cares about his students” -a characterization that describes many of his teachers at Gill, he said. To incoming freshmen, Anthony advised that they get involved-immediately. “This is not a school that’s run by seniors and nobody else gets to do anything,” he said.

Among his important influences at Gill, Anthony mentioned Middle School teacher Mr. Corrado. “He had To his parents, he said thank you. “Thanks this yo-yo club. That was always fun to do, and I can still do for giving me the opportunity to come here. it,” he said. “Academically, Middle School prepared me for I feel I have been truly blessed.”

Katherine Lioudis Katherine Lioudis says her parents felt Gill would be a good fit for her because of the smaller class sizes and extra attention. “I am an only child so Gill made the most sense to us,” she said. She remembers her first visit and meeting Mrs. Boyer’s hamster. “It’s funny. I can remember telling my parents that I wanted to go to Gill because of the hamsters,” she recalls with a laugh.

love the leadership and responsibility that comes along with being goalie,” she said. Lioudis says she plans to continue playing in college.

The senior, who is heading off to Colgate this fall, also has fond memories of performing in the Lower School musical The Nutcracker as the villainous Mouse King. “There was a costume for my character, but when my grandmother saw it she decided that she wanted to help make an even better one. I can remember how fun it was as she created the costume for my debut,” she said.

Throughout her Upper School career, it was her father who helped Katherine keep things in perspective. “My dad would always remind me that high school would go by so fast—just 16 short semesters—he would say. He told me not to focus so much on how hard the school work is, but to take advantage of the time and the opportunities I had before me.”

Middle School was a time of solidifying some of her most cherished friendships. Many of my best friends are the friends I made in Middle School,” she said. “They are friends that I will have for life.” It was also in Middle School that Katherine discovered her love of playing goalie in lacrosse, a sport she has enjoyed since she began playing in fifth grade. “I really

In Upper School, Katherine says Latin teacher Mr. Ciocco inspired her the most. “I had him for my junior and senior year and it was just me and two other girls in his class. He is always a great person to talk to and he would structure the class around things that interested us,” she said.

Katherine is grateful to both her mother and father for the opportunity to attend Gill. “I can’t thank them enough for pushing me so hard to do well in school and the advice and support they’ve always given me. Thank you for everything.”

Nour Marzouk Don’t be too surprised if you see Nour Marzouk’s name on an election ballot sometime in the future. The Gill senior and aspiring political science major has already put together the beginnings of an impressive political resume. “In Middle School I learned that I really like history,” she said. “Ms. Hayes was my sixth-grade teacher and she was really into current events. She always watched the news, and at home my mother always watched the news, so we always had a lot to talk about.” During her high school years, Nour has been active on the debate team, student council, and as a peer leader, in addition to playing varsity softball. For the last two years she has done the community service unit, visiting soup kitchens and animal shelters, and working with the elderly. “You had to schedule your activities. You had to be independent, which was good preparation for college, because there

won’t be anyone there watching over you,” she said. This fall, Nour will be heading to Loyola University Maryland. After her 14 years as part of the close community at Gill, Nour knows that Loyola Maryland—with more than 4,000 undergraduates—will be a big change, but she is unfazed by it and feels well prepared for the years ahead. “I think when you know how to get around and make connections with people, as Gill has taught me to do, you learn not to be scared and to put yourself out there,” she said. Nour thanked her parents for choosing Gill. “You picked the right school. This is like home. It’s my second home,” she said. Her advice to Gill students entering high school: Do everything. “As a freshman, I wasn’t shy, but I didn’t know if I wanted to do student government. What I have learned is, even if you’re not sure you want it, there is a part for you in this school, and you are needed,” she said. “And don’t just stick to what you know,” she added. “Branch out. Take an honors course. You might not think you can, but push yourself.”

Amity Matthews Senior Amity Matthews’ love of theater began in kindergarten, when she played “Clara” in The Nutcracker. It was a love affair that she faithfully nurtured through her early years at Gill. It included roles in Willy Wonka and Grease in Middle School. “Middle School set me up for what I wanted to do in Upper School,” she said. For Amity, however, Upper School was a rude awakening. In her first stage audition she failed to make the cut. “Up until freshman year I had never done a show that everyone didn’t get a part in,” she said. “I was shellshocked. I had never been told ‘no’ before, and I learned very quickly that things aren’t just given to you in the theater. You have to work harder.” That theme has applied throughout her experience at Gill. “The teachers here don’t just give you good grades. It’s something you have to work for,” she said. “In some classes, especially in the higher level, I’ve had to get tutored in certain subjects, and it’s taught me not to hesitate to reach out and ask for extra help.”

After that initial experience, Amity, who lives in Mendham, resolved to perform in a series of musicals as an ensemble member. Over time, following in the footsteps of her sister Caty (class of ’16), Amity won increasingly larger roles, until her senior year, when she played the lead in Into the Woods. In the fall, Amity will attend Loyola University, where she has already been accepted into the school’s voice program. She hopes eventually to use music therapy to work with special needs children. Looking back, she credited Mr. Canada with helping her to become the person she is today. “He isn’t the kind of person who will just say, ‘you’re doing a great job.’ He’s the kind of person who will say, ‘you can do better.’” To future Gill students, Amity advised that they work hard every year. “You should always try hard in your classes, because if you don’t do well one year, it will be harder to do well the next. It’s like a domino effect.” She thanked her parents for their continued support. “I remember I didn’t want to go out for tennis my freshman year, and my parents said do it, you’ll make some great friends. They were right.”

Catherine Quan-Shau Senior Catherine Quan-Shau said her parents had great expectations for their two daughters, which is why they chose to enroll them at Gill at an early age. “I think they were setting us up for a bigger education, and they thought it would be beneficial to start us in a prep school when we were younger,” said Catherine, whose family lives in Flanders. “And I think it was beneficial,” she added. In the fall, Catherine will begin classes at NYU, where she will study biology and neuroscience. She hopes eventually to become a neurosurgeon. “I’ve always had an interest in biology,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. It’s just always been a dream of mine.” Catherine said Middle School teachers Ms. Konner and Ms. Constantino helped nurture her dream. “Ms. Konner was very funny and very supportive.” And Ms. Constantino, she said, “never talked down to us,

as though we were children. It was like, we were OK on this level.” Catherine’s earliest memories of Gill include participating in The Nutcracker and Chinese New Year celebrations. But most of her more recent memories, she said, were formed in the classroom. “I haven’t been as involved in extracurricular activities as some. I’m more of an academic. And my teachers made that experience great for me.” She mentioned Mr. Signorelli and Mr. Hercules, and especially Mr. Bostian. “He really changes the way you think,” she said of Mr. Bostian. Catherine said she is ready for college. “Every time I talk to someone who graduated from Gill, they’re like, ‘oh yeah, Gill prepared me so well for this. In fact, college is almost a breeze compared to Gill.’” Catherine said she is grateful to her parents for choosing Gill. “I am very grateful for the way they have supported me all these years. They have been very loving and very caring, and I am just very thankful to have them.”

Zoey Roth Gill St. Bernard’s School is a family tradition for senior Zoey Roth, whose grandmother, Christine Cox, was once the school’s headmaster. “It’s so pretty here,” said Zoey, who has been at Gill since kindergarten. Asked what she will miss most when she graduates, she said, “everything.” She will miss her friends, including Kiki Davino, a fellow Gill Lifer who became Zoey’s close friend in Middle School. “We’ve known each other all of our lives.”

Before graduation, she completed a final service unit in Panama, where she taught children in a school. Last year Zoey participated in a travel unit to Iceland. She thanked her parents for choosing Gill. “This is an amazing school, and it has definitely prepared me for college. So thank you,” she said. Her advice to future Gill students: “I would say don’t be nervous because the teachers are really nice,” she said. “The upperclassmen will help you if you need help. Keep those connections with friends, and make sure you study—a lot.”

She will miss her teachers, especially Mr. Wendell, she said. “I’m so close to him. We talk about everything. It’s really cool to have that kind of relationship with your teachers. I don’t know if it will be like that in college.” A resident of Long Valley, Zoey will attend the University of Tampa in the fall. She said she was attracted by Florida’s warmer weather, but also by the small, intimate vibe she felt at the school. It reminded her of Gill, she said. As she prepares to leave Gill, “I’m ready and I’m not ready,” she said. “This is like my second home. I feel like just yesterday I was a freshman. It’s so weird how fast it goes by. But I am excited to meet new friends.”

Nicole Ruggiero Senior Nicole Ruggiero said her parents chose Gill because of its small size. “I was really shy when I was little, and so my parents sought a more concentrated environment. They wanted to help me with that shyness, and with more one-on-one attention they thought I would do better. And I definitely did.” This fall, the Long Valley resident will attend Marist College, where she plans to study business and marketing. She is excited that two of her Gill classmates will join her at Marist, but she says she is confident she would do just fine with or without the extra moral support. “I really feel ready for college,” she said. “I just feel comfortable. Two other girls are going with me, but I feel confident in myself and in my scholastic ability. I feel that Gill has prepared me well.” Part of that preparation took place on the lacrosse field, where Nicole played four years in Upper School, and led as team captain her senior year.

“Lacrosse was great,” she said. “I loved being a part of a team. Actually, that is what I loved most. I love the sport of lacrosse and I love playing it, but the reason I continued to play all these years is because of the team. I loved the bond that we all have, and I love every one of those girls. So, for me, that experience was worth more than actually playing.” Asked about a favorite teacher at Gill, Nicole mentioned Ms. Poticny. “I had her my freshman year. I kind of struggled that year, and then I had her again in my junior year. So she got to see me through the years, and see my growth,” Nicole said. “She helped me a lot, and she always pushed me to do better.” To future Gill students, Nicole said she would first tell them not to be nervous. “It’s not as scary as it seems,” she laughed. She also would advise them to work hard. “I would tell them to just make sure you’re on top of everything from the beginning,” she said. “But generally, I would say don’t be nervous. Be excited, because everyone is here to support you, not to tear you down.”

Tyler Schrecengost It was Mrs. Boyer’s teddy bears and hamsters that Tyler Schrecengost remembers the most from his Lower School years. He fondly recalled counting the bears and time spent under Boyer’s supervision during his afternoons in extended day. Tyler, whose grandmother is also former headmaster Christine Cox, joined the school in kindergarten along with first cousin and fellow Lifer Zoey Roth. The Hackettstown resident and lifelong hockey player will enter Springfield in the fall and says he’s excited but not exactly sure he’s ready. “Academically I feel ready, but it’s a lot of transition and this place has been a part of me for so long.” In Middle School, Tyler began playing lacrosse and happily found that many of his skills from the hockey rink were transferable to the lacrosse field. “My experience in hockey made the transition much easier for me than some of my teammates,” he said.

Once in Upper School, Tyler began playing on the varsity lacrosse team and says he grew even more in the sport under the direction and coaching of Brian Callahan. “He was a great coach and one of the biggest inspirations to me and my teammates,” he said. “Everything he said you just kind of latched on to. He had that kind of presence over our team.” At Springfield, Tyler plans to enjoy the location and all that it has to offer. “It’s really central to everything I want to be close to,” he said. He also plans to join a club hockey team to keep sharp at the sport he’s been playing since he was five. Tyler said keeping things in perspective is what got him through the rigor of Gill’s Upper School. “Relax. Not everything is that serious,” he advises younger students. “Breathe—just get it done and do what you have to do.” Of the opportunity to attend Gill, Tyler says that he is very thankful to his parents and grandmother. “I tell them thank you all the time. My senior quote was about counting your blessings and that has been very apparent to me over the past two years,” he said. “This has been an opportunity that I’ll never forget. I’ve been very fortunate.”

Noah Steinbaum Senior Noah Steinbaum remembers dissecting frogs in Middle School. He would eventually decide that science isn’t his thing—although he loved watching the birds and building bird houses in Lower School, he said. For most of his life, Noah’s “thing” has been music, and specifically the violin. He has been studying violin for 15 years. On Saturdays for the past three years he has studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Noah said he practices violin every night for two or three hours. “I put in a lot of time, so it’s a little like playing a sport,” he said. This fall he will continue his music studies at Carnegie Mellon, where he will also study history.

Noah also had high praise for Mr. Bostian. “Honors physics class was one of the hardest things I ever did in my life. But Mr. Bostian was a great teacher.” Noah said being a Gill Lifer was pretty cool. “You know all these people for a very long time,” he said, and leaving them will be sad. “But I also know it’s time to move on.” He said he feels ready for college. “I’m ready for a new experience. I think Gill prepared me very well.” When he leaves Gill, Noah will miss the environment and the people. He said his parents first chose Gill for him because of the friendly environment. To them, he said thank you. “They really valued education, and it’s great that they were able to do this for me.”

“I love history,” said the senior from Hopatcong who said his favorite teacher at Gill was Mr. Gilbert. “I ran out of histories here. There were no more histories for me to take.”

Milestones

Eighth-Grade Awards BOYS’ ATHLETIC AWARD

Awarded to the eighth-grade boy who, in the opinion of his coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship. Shane Moriarty

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Middle School Closing Exercises On June 5, at the annual Middle School closing ceremony, Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong offered a “heartfelt tip-of-the-cap” to the 63 members of the Class of 2022 on their successful completion of eighth-grade. During the ceremony, five eighth-graders addressed the gathering and shared reflections from their years in the Middle School; [see excerpts on pages 19-21]. Congratulations to our eighth graders on advancing to Upper School and to all of our Middle School students for successfully completing the 2017-18 academic year!

GIRLS’ ATHLETIC AWARD

Awarded to the eighth-grade girl who, in the opinion of her coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship. Kayla Palaia

FRANCIS WINSTON AWARD:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated the most significant personal growth. Olivia Soultanian

MARJORIE HIBBLER AWARD

Presented to the eighth-grade student who consistently demonstrates passion for and devotion to independent reading. Rachel Rieger

FRANK MAZZOCCHI AWARD

A silver bowl presented to the eighthgrade boy who best exemplifies a friendly manner, a willingness to help others and a devotion to the school. Jacob Goldklang

MARTHA GRAY TRAY

Presented to an eighth-grade girl who has consistently demonstrated loyalty, integrity and sincerity during her time in the Middle School. Madeleine Soultanian

SCHOLASTIC HONORS AWARD

Presented to the eighth-grade student who maintains the highest cumulative grade point average throughout the academic year. Lucas Alland

BRETT MERSHON CITIZENSHIP AWARD

The most important prize that a Middle School student can obtain, the Brett Mershon Citizenship Award, is presented annually to the student who best upholds the Gill School motto of faith, honor and consideration. Isha Vemuri

Courage, Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings and propel us, on occasion, to greatness. Mary Jane Granito ’22 read this excerpt from RJ Palacio’s novel Wonder in honor of longtime Middle School teacher Brett Mershon, who counted Wonder among her favorite books. Mary Jane added, “Mrs. Mershon was an incredible teacher and a wonderful person…She demonstrated these attributes wherever she went and treated them not just as concepts but as actions. On behalf of my class, I can honestly say that Mrs. Mershon helped foster our growth as students and individuals.”

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

“Self Changing” by Ken Bennight

Once you learn who you are, You change what you were before. You put new rags upon your back, Leave the old ones on the floor. Everyone who looks at self, Can find something to change. This elusiveness of perfection, Is why we rearrange. Beauty is both inside and out, And places in between. We know what we’re looking at, When by some it can’t be seen. Read by Stephanie Vasquez ’22

Eighth-Graders Recognized for Excellence in Academics EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH

Lucas Alland, Madison Frantz Pendell, Mary Jane Granito, Regan Macak, Liliana Micera, Rachel Rieger, Grace Rubinstein, Madeleine Soultanian and Isha Vemuri

EXCELLENCE IN GEOMETRY

Lucas Alland, Michaela Kroon, Rachel Rieger and William Strong

EXCELLENCE IN ALGEBRA

Nicolas Babbio, Ishaan Bal, Alexander Chotai, Madison Frantz Pendell and AnnaClaire Sems

EXCELLENCE IN HISTORY

Lucas Alland, Madison Frantz Pendell, Regan Macak, Liliana Micera, Rachel Rieger and Isha Vemuri

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE

Lucas Alland, Meghan Cohen, Jacob Goldklang, Michaela Kroon, Liliana Micera, Eideen Mozaffari, Rachel Rieger and AnnaClaire Sems

EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH

Emma Ryan

EXCELLENCE IN LATIN

Jacob Goldklang, Regan Macak and Eideen Mozaffari

EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH

Nicolas Babbio, Madison Frantz Pendell, Michaela Kroon and Emily Sumeray

EXCELLENCE IN ART

Emily Dehoff

EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN

Calvert Dahler

EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE/ CERAMICS Calvert Dahler EXCELLENCE IN DRAMA

Liliana Micera and Emma Ryan

EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC

Robert DeVergillo and Zachary Saunders

Awards for Students in Grades 5-7 I would like to thank the wonderful Gill St. Bernard’s community... teachers and coaches who motivate and support us every day... parents who support us and provide us with the opportunity of attending this amazing school... and every single one of my classmates for making me feel welcome the first day I walked through the Conover doors in sixth grade. Thank you, Gill St. Bernard’s. I cannot wait to see what the next four years have in stock! Joe Licata ’22

SEVENTH-GRADE BRETT MERSHON CITIZENSHIP AWARD Shaniya Riddle SEVENTH-GRADE HIGHEST SCHOLASTIC HONORS Katie Lin SIXTH-GRADE BRETT MERSHON CITIZENSHIP AWARD Zoe Calimani FIFTH-GRADE BRETT MERSHON CITIZENSHIP AWARD Adelaide Angell

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

I’ve known Gill as many things. It’s not just school, but it’s a home, a family, and a new adventure every day. Here, I know I always have friends watching my back. I remember in fifth grade, all I wanted to be was an eighth grader. I got so excited every time I thought about it. We are now moving to Upper School—crazy to even think about! Each year has flown by in Middle School, and now I am really sad to go. But a new chapter is always ahead, and every chapter holds a new adventure. I want to wish my entire grade good luck next year and beyond: always know that you have a family here. Here we go! Maddie Soultanian ’22

As I look back to the beginning of the school year, we were all newly planted seeds that ultimately sprouted into very bright flowers. All throughout Middle School, we took chances and experienced changes. We took chances personally, setting higher goals and standards in life. We took chances academically with grades and extracurriculars. We took chances socially, branching out and creating new friendships and stronger bonds. All the paths we took, all the decisions we made-they all helped us to realize who we are and who we want to become. We learned not to follow in footsteps, but to create our own. Middle School was a chance for us to shine. Angel Stevenson ‘22

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2018

Lower School Closing Exercises On June 5, the Lower School held its annual closing exercises marking the official end of the school year and recognizing the 24 members of the Class of 2026 on their successful completion of fourth grade. Head of School Sid Rowell offered his congratulations to these rising fifth-graders, saying “Middle School brings new opportunities and new challenges, and we believe these boys and girls are very much ready for the changes ahead.” Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on advancing to Middle School and to all of our Lower School students for successfully completing the 2017-18 academic year.

The Amol Ajinkya Citizenship Award is the highest honor that Gill confers on a Lower School student. The award recognizes thoughtfulness, sensitivity and generosity of spirit, with the recipient chosen each year by the Lower School teachers. Graham Berry ’26

Best Wishes

Class of 2018

Athletes continuing in College 24

South (Carolinas and Georgia)

Midwest and Westcoast

Florida

College Matriculation 2018 The University of Alabama

Gettysburg College

Purdue University

Baylor University

Hofstra University (2)

Rice University

Boston College

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Rochester Institute of Technology

Boston University (3) Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University College of Charleston (2) University of Chicago Colgate University Connecticut College (3) Cornell University University of Denver Drexel University Duke University (2) Emerson College Fordham University (2)

Johns Hopkins University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Marist College (3) Michigan State University Middlebury College New York University (5) Northeastern University (5) Pace University, New York City University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh Princeton University Providence College

University of California, Santa Cruz University of South Carolina Southern Methodist University (2) Springfield College Stevens Institute of Technology The University of Tampa Texas Christian University (2) The Ohio State University Tulane University Villanova University (2) Virginia Union University University of Washington Wellesley College

Gill St. Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School P.O. Box 604 St. Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934-0604 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org facebook.com/gsbschool facebook.com/gsbschoolalumni

Congratulations, once again, to all members of the Class of 2018. Your talents and successes have truly enriched the school.