41 minute read
Welcome
from the head of school
Saluting the Heroes Among Us
In July 2020, I held a virtual forum for faculty and staff to share the school’s reopening plan in the midst of the pandemic. Our plan to come back to campus was based on the guiding principles that schools provide an essential service for students and families and that it was our responsibility to make in-person schooling available to our students to the greatest extent we could safely do so. When school opened that fall, all of our teachers courageously put their own fears aside for the sake of their students and prepared to face the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead. As I later shared in a letter to the Harvey community, our teachers responded as “heroes among us,” with whom I was “honored to work.”
Some 15 months later, our teachers continue to arrive on campus on a daily basis, ready to challenge, support, and inspire our students. They do not just teach their students; they guide them, stretch them and get to know them as the unique individuals they are. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the arts center, or in advisor groups, our teachers are committed to bringing out the best in each person. Thanks to them, Harvey is a place where students flourish and become their best selves.
When asked about their Harvey experiences, alumni inevitably focus on the sense of community and belonging their teachers created in the classroom and, beyond that, enabled them to grow and thrive. They recall the dedication and care their teachers demonstrated and point to the lasting, meaningful relationships they formed with their teachers that endure to this day.
In short, our teachers are the heart of The Harvey School and all we do. I continue to be honored to work with them, and I am grateful for all they do.
With kind regards,
William J. Knauer, Head of School
When One Teaches,
Teaches, Two Learn
Alums’ Harvey Days Marked ‘Present’ in Their Teaching Today
For Alden Mauck ’72 and Tara McGarvey DiCorcia ’01, teaching is much more than a career. It is a vocation, a calling they trace back to their days as Harvey students. These two extraordinary educators heard the call and have combined to spend more than 50 years making a difference in the lives of young people, just as their Harvey teachers had done for them.
By Chris Del Campo
Alden Mauck ’72
This teacher of 40 years credits his days at Harvey with sowing the seeds of his lifelong love of books.
It was a love of reading, spawned and nurtured while a student at Harvey that ultimately led Alden Mauck ’72 to choose to become an English teacher some 40 years ago. Currently serving his 25th year teaching high school English at the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, Alden says what he remembers best from his days at Harvey is his discovery and love of books. Alden recalls: “I remember reading for English class, being in school plays, going to the old library and seeing Mrs. Coburn. I remember the anticipation of the Harvey Book Sale and being reprimanded by Mrs. Coburn for reading ‘The Godfather’ while at school. (My mother, a fantastic reader, claims she gave me Puzo’s novel!).”
Alden says there were several Harvey teachers who instilled in him an appreciation for reading, discussion, and writing, particularly, Mrs. Rose Baldwin, who Alden recalls had an “enthusiastic affection for learning and teaching her fourth-grade boys.” He also singled out another former teacher, Tom Dodd, praising him “for his presence within the community, his high expectations for his students, and serving as a model for the teacher as coach and advisor that all independent schools depend upon.”
After his ninth grade graduation from Harvey, Alden spent his upper school days at The Taft School and later received his B.A. in Art History and Comparative Literature at Lake Forest College. Lost in his undergraduate experience as to what career path to take, Alden finally found his way, crediting a professor at Lake Forest with suggesting he attend
graduate school and consider teaching English. “Professor Greenfield told me, ‘You like to read books and talk about them. If you teach, someone will pay you to do that.’” Alden called his professor’s words “some of the best advice I have ever received.” Alden went on to earn an M.A. in English from Binghamton University in New York.
Before he settled into a long career at his current school, Alden taught at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, Massachusetts, but his first teaching job was at Harvey in 1981-83 where, he said, he “received wonderful mentoring and friendship from Ron Wilson, Greg Hoffenkamp, Ted O’Connor, Jan Jacobi, Bob Schmidt, and my 1972 Harvey classmate Tom Tretheway.”
Alden says his goal in teaching is “finding the right mix of rigor, engagement, challenge, fun, discovery, and appreciation.” He describes teaching as “always a collaborative endeavor with the students.” He adds, “An essential strategy for the creation of a good class is always flexibility.” To be successful, Alden says the teacher must “be able to ‘read the room’ (pun intended) and to gauge where the students are and then to either meet their expectations or provoke them to go beyond the discussion or writing that they might have thought adequate before that specific class began.”
Asked what he loves about his profession, Alden said, “The day-to-day experiences of walking a school campus, seeing my students before and after class as well as during, teaching students I have coached and coaching players I have taught, reading new texts by new authors that can be integrated with canonical literature, and spending time with colleagues with whom I can share the trials and triumphs of working with teenagers and conversations that finish with laughter or advice, or hopefully both. These are some of the joys of being a teacher.”
Alden also found immense joy in his personal life. He and his wife of 36 years, Laurey, reside in Newton, Massachusetts. They have two children, Hannah, 33, and Henry, 30, and one grandchild, Nell.
To those young people considering a career in teaching, Alden would advise them not to worry about the money. “I can pave the road from Newton to Katonah with the anecdotal stories from my friends, family, and neighbors whose careers have provided only jobs. The rewards of their toil are measured by vacations, boats, pools, and houses on the Cape. We all carry regrets with us as we move through life, but I will never regret the decision to become a teacher. It has been the best possible profession for me … even though a pool would be nice. Oh, well!”
Opposite. Alden Mauck as an eighth grader in 1972, and now in his office // Top. Alden with his wife, Laurey // Above. Former Harvey Trustee Louise Moore with her sons, the Mauck brothers (left to right), Andrew ’76, Alden ’72, and Parker ’74
Above. Tara McGarvey in her senior picture 2001 // Opposite Top. Tara teaching high school science // Bottom. Tara with her husband Scott, and daughter Mia
Tara McGarvey DiCorcia ’01
A highly esteemed educator today, Tara recalls being inspired by her Harvey teachers to pursue a career that would allow her to care for young people.
Tara McGarvey DiCorcia, Harvey graduate in 2001 and high school science teacher today, was inspired to become a caring adult to young people by the example she received from her days as an Upper School student. “At Harvey, I felt I had teachers and staff who genuinely cared about me — Ms. Morris, Ms. Mahony, and Ms. Boltz, to name a few — and I always knew I’d love to be that caring adult to others,” said Tara, who is a highly esteemed teacher at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville, New York.
Tara has carved out a stellar teaching career. Starting out 16 years ago at Arlington, along the way she has earned National Board Certification and recognition as a 2021 NYS Master Teacher Finalist.
After graduating from Harvey, Tara attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she obtained a B.S. in Biology Education and an M.A. in Educational Psychology.
Entering the teaching profession felt right for Tara ever since her days as a high school student. “I’ve always enjoyed the school atmosphere — starting with my experience at Harvey. I truly enjoyed going to school, learning, and engaging with my teachers and my peers,” Tara said.
When Tara thinks about what prompted her to consider pursuing a career in science, she recalls with fondness her first-year experience at Harvey. “Ever since my first frog dissection in Ms. McGowan’s (Mrs. Hajem’s) ninth grade biology class, I knew I loved science,” Tara said. She also remembers taking a medical ethics class at Harvey with Mr. Wade, a chemistry teacher who Tara says taught her “to think about my position in the world as a young adult and to learn how to make educated, informed decisions.”
When Tara reflects on her time as a Harvey Upper School student, she feels thankful for the experience. “Harvey always provided a safe, supportive environment to allow me to explore a number of different interests — drama, figure skating, recreational hockey, softball, and student government. I don’t know if all those opportunities would have been available in a different school setting.” Tara also believes her days at Harvey gave her a solid foundation for academic pursuits after graduating from the Upper School. “While living on campus, Harvey provided me with fundamental tools, such as study skills, establishing evening
time for study and homework, and overall time management, which allowed me to be a successful college student and eventually an educator.” Tara said, adding, “My goal every single day as a teacher is to provide a safe, supportive, fun, and engaging environment that fosters a love of learning biology and exploring the world around us, all based on the foundation I gained at Harvey.”
Tara, who resides in Verbank, New York, with her husband Scott of 10 years and their 5-year-old daughter Mia, describes becoming a teacher as “the 100% best career decision” she ever made, and she would “absolutely” encourage a young person to explore teaching as a career.
For someone who discovered she loved being a student in school when she attended Harvey, Tara continues to find great joy each day as an adult in school as a teacher. “I love working with high school students because every day is different, and I truly believe I’m making a positive difference in my community.”
ALUMS MAKE CAREERS AT HARVEY
By Karen Grazia
The foundation of The Harvey School mission is creating an educational environment where students discover who they are and what inspires them. For the eight Harvey alums featured in this piece, their love of teaching and working in education was first sparked during their time as Upper School students and set them on a course to return to Harvey as educators inspired to engage and motivate current students to find their own passions just as they did years before.
Kyle Delaney ’04, who has been teaching at Harvey for 13 years, started Harvey in eighth grade. “My parents always said I’d be a good teacher and coach,” says Kyle. “Their support and encouragement made taking the first step toward becoming an educator an easy one.” After graduating Indiana University Bloomington with a B.S. in Education, Kyle found his way back to Harvey. “My teachers at Harvey played a vital role in my wanting to pursue a career in education. Mr. Kelly, Mr. Morse, Dr. Byrne, Mr. Plaskett, and Mr. Lazzaro all inspired me to want to teach and coach,” Kyle shares. “Their guidance, efforts, and mentorship were truly invaluable. I’m now fortunate to work alongside them.”
Kyle enjoys his many roles at Harvey which include Middle School history teacher, head varsity football coach, Middle School hockey coach, and assistant coach for varsity hockey.
Megan Taylor ’09 always felt the calling to be a teacher. “I think I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” says Meg. When she was a senior in high school at Harvey, she tutored at the Boys and Girls Club through Harvey’s community service program. She also worked one-on-one with local English Language Learners (ELLs) elementary students. “These experiences really solidified my love and passion for teaching,” Meg says. Graduating New York University with a B.S. in Educational Theater, Meg started at Harvey as a theater teacher for three years, and for the past four years has taught English. “My teachers at Harvey really showed me what kind of teacher I wanted to be,” says Meg. “Ms. Mahony was my advisor, theater director, and English teacher. She absolutely ignited my love for reading and writing, but, more than that she showed me how to champion my students to set high expectations and provide the ladder for them to reach their goals.” In addition to teaching English, Meg is a dorm parent and a coach for cross country and girls rugby.
Greg Janos ’98 returned to Harvey to teach in 2012. “Harvey has always felt like home, and getting a chance to work alongside former teachers and greats like Mr. Osborne has been outstanding,” says Greg. Attending Harvey as a student in grades 10-12, Greg definitely felt inspired to pursue a career in education. “For me, it was Mr. Jason Baker who had the most impact on me,” shares Greg. “Mr. Baker, or ‘Bakes’ as we called him, just knew how to get me to respond, even if it meant taking off his tie and getting right in my face. As well as being a teacher, he was also my advisor and a coach. We have kept in touch throughout the years. Building a relationship with a teacher outside the classroom was something completely new for me as I had transferred to Harvey from a large public school.” Greg taught science in the Middle School until this year when he transitioned to the Alumni Office as associate director. Living on campus, he is the director of the O’Malley Dorm and serves as girls varsity lacrosse head coach.
Tucker Kiessling ’02, who attended Harvey for grades 11-12, is a first-year fulltime English teacher after holding a parttime position last year. With a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature and creative writing, and an M.A. in teaching from Iona College. Tucker changed his career to pursue his lifelong love of literature and enjoyment
Kyle Delaney ’04
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Football (captain senior year) ›› Hockey (captain senior year) ›› Rugby
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› MS History Teacher ›› Varsity Football
Head Coach ›› MS Hockey
Head Coach ›› Varsity Assistant
Hockey Coach
Megan Taylor ’09
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Theater ›› Community Service ›› Student Council ›› Dance Chorus
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› English Teacher ›› Varsity Cross
Country Coach ›› Varsity Girls
Rugby Coach ›› Yearbook Advisor ›› Dorm Parent
Greg Janos ’98
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Science and Biology Club ›› Soccer ›› Baseball ›› Hockey ›› Lacrosse
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› MS Science Teacher ›› Associate Director of
Alumni Office ›› Dorm Director ›› Varsity Girls Lacrosse
Head Coach
Tucker Kiessling ’02
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Newspaper
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› English Teacher
Gretel Coleman ’08
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Community Service ›› Field Hockey ›› Tennis ›› Class Rep
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› Associate Learning
Specialist
Connor Welles ’10
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Soccer ›› Basketball ›› Rugby ›› Model UN
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› American History Teacher ›› ISP Associate
of working with young people. Teaching was the natural choice, and fulfilling that new career at Harvey was the perfect fit. “I had so many great teachers at Harvey, including some who are still around today,” says Tucker. “One who stands out is Mr. Owens, my English teacher. I remember his willingness to continue talking with me about ‘Slaughterhouse Five’ for half an hour after class had ended. His passion for the material and his excitement about my excitement always stuck with me,” Tucker says.
Gretel Coleman ’08 is another alum starting her first year as a Harvey teacher as an associate learning specialist for ninth graders, a new position created this year. Teaching for seven years now with a B.S. in Education from Lynchburg College and a M.S. in special education and general education from Bankstreet College in New York, Gretel discovered her passion for teaching early on in life. “Education played a leading role in my formative years,” shares Gretel. “Both of my parents are teachers, and having a very different learning plan from my sister became the foundation for my wanting to pursue a career in teaching.” A student at Harvey in grades 8-12, Gretel has a deep appreciation for her teachers at Harvey, like Ms. Visintainer, Mr. Hill, Mr. Morse, and Mr. Lazzaro. “Words cannot express my gratitude for all that they have done for me academically, athletically, mentally, socially, and emotionally,” she says. “Thank you for always encouraging me to become a better version of myself. With my learning profile, I would have been lost in a larger setting.”
New to teaching is Connor Welles ’10, embarking on his first year teaching American History and working with the international students at Harvey. “I have always considered being a teacher, and I took advantage of Harvey needing substitute teachers because of the pandemic,” Connor shares. With a B.A. in History from Western Connecticut State University, after attending Harvey in grades 6-12, the “Harvey Lifer” says, “My time at Harvey exposed me to the different individual personalities that make up a school campus and community. I owe my philosophy of individuality to Harvey.”
On the administrative side of Harvey, John DePalma ’01 has been at Harvey for 17 years and is now the Logistic Coordinator and Harvey Summer Camp Associate Director. “I’ve always enjoyed working in an educational environment,” John says. After attending Harvey in grades 9-12, John found his way back to his high school alma mater quickly. “Starting as a camp employee in the summer of 2000 showed me a side of Harvey that I never knew existed in my first few years as a student,” he says. “Being able to work in both operations (school and camp) is great with every day being different and challenging in a good way.”
Stephanie McCaine ’87 is now in her fifth year at Harvey in the Admissions Office as the associate director. She was one of the first girls and the first Black female student to attend Harvey in the 1980s. She paved the way for her own daughter, Shelby, who is now a junior. “Mr. O’Connor is the person who encouraged my parents to enroll me at Harvey and changed my whole academic journey,” says Stephanie. “Mr. O’Connor challenged me, knew how to get through to me, didn’t tolerate my nonsense, and got me excited about the work in spite of my having no passion whatsoever for history,” she says. “Mr. Lopes helped me find my voice and learn to engage in intellectual debates,” shares Stephanie. “There were still more boys than girls at Harvey then, and it was easy for discussions to be male-dominated. He always made sure the girls got our time and say. Mr. Lopes was the kind of teacher you never wanted to disappoint.” Stephanie graduated from Skidmore College with a B.A. in Psychology and worked in higher education for years before coming back to Harvey. Being back at Harvey allows her to follow her passion of making a difference in a student’s academic journey.
These alums share a common motivator for taking the road back to Harvey: rejoining the community that dramatically impacted their young lives. They are now passionate educators eager to create those same deep connections with their own students. “Harvey gave me so much when I
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Cross Country ›› Theater ›› Theater Tech
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› Logistics Coordinator ›› Summer Camp
Associate Director ›› Dorm Staff
Stephanie McCaine ’87
HARVEY STUDENT YEARS ›› Soccer ›› Basketball ›› Softball ›› Model UN
HARVEY TEACHING YEARS ›› Associate Director of
Admissions ›› DEI Chair
was a student and to be able to give back as an educator and coach makes my job deeply fulfilling,” says Kyle. “I am proud to be able to teach and coach at my alma mater.”
“I love spending my entire day on the Harvey campus,” says Connor. “I love working with the international students, with the students in my classroom, and being with students on the soccer field. The various aspects of the culture here make every day exciting and enjoyable.”
Tucker agrees, “I love that, as a teacher, I get the opportunity to really get to know the students both as scholars and as people,” he says. “I always hated talking in front of a group of people, which is actually ironic given my current job. One thing Harvey offered me was the confidence to get past that discomfort and be OK taking center stage. That kind of student engagement at Harvey is a fundamental aspect of student success. I try to make my English class interesting, even for students who would rather be crunching numbers.”
“At Harvey, you get to know students in so many different ways, whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, in the theater, or through a community service project,” says Meg. “I once had a student I struggled with in class until I coached him. We got to know each other outside the traditional classroom setting. I learned that he didn’t feel confident as an English student, so he approached my class with trepidation,” says Meg. “But once we were outside the classroom, he opened up. The best part was that it then carried over into our class.”
“The relationships I have built throughout the years with so many people from different paths of life is what I love about teaching and working at Harvey,” says Greg. “We are a community in ourselves on this campus, and there is a lot to be said about a school that can retain its best teachers for so many years. I have seen Mr. Osborne and Tom Banca at Evarts Rink ever since I came to Harvey in 1994,” he says. “They are staples of the Harvey community and why so many people feel comfortable being at Harvey.”
These alums are at Harvey because they want to be and not because they have to be. They all see Harvey as a place where students learn how to think and not what to think, where they are treated with respect and engaged by dynamic teachers giving life to the subject matter they teach.
“I believe you have to teach to the whole student,” says Meg. “Students have to be seen as people first.” The alums agree that learning is continuous, even as teachers. “We can all learn from each other,” says Gretel. “Understanding that we as teachers are never done learning is what drives us to take on additional responsibilities, such as mentoring and coaching. My teachers serving as my coaches allowed them to gain a stronger understanding of who I was as a student and person,” she says. “For this reason, I felt as though they really understood how to help me grow into the best version of myself.”
Meg sums it up with a sentiment her fellow alums all feel and that is rooted deep in their passion for both education and Harvey. “I love the kids,” Meg says. “It is awesome to get to know them and watch them grow and discover new things about themselves. Harvey is really about those incredible, authentic relationships between students and teachers.”
Mike Bonelli, Sr. a remarkable man, an extraordinary life
By Bruce Osborne
friend and colleague Mike Bonelli, Sr. passed away September 7, 2021, at the age of 83. He was a large presence at The Harvey School’s Evarts Rink for more than 30 years, but more than anything, he was my dear friend and a friend to countless others in the Harvey and rink community.
My relationship with Mike extends back to the early 1980s when his family joined the Hickory Hill program at Evarts Rink. With five kids in the various rink activities, Mike quickly became a “regular” at Evarts, fitting into the rhythm and culture of the rink. He did it all back then; everything from shuttling carloads of kids to various travel venues to being involved in the management and oversight of the program. I know Mike enjoyed every aspect of it, and he spent countless hours contributing his time and talent. Everything Mike did to help make a great program was not just for his kids but for every kid and family who skated at Harvey. Mike appreciated talented, skilled players, but, for him, it was more about giving kids opportunities, having fun, and learning a respect for the sport. During that time, hockey was not a sport that girls played. Mike believed that girls and women should have the same experience. Mike organized and coached the first female hockey team at Harvey, which included his wife Donna, daughter (also Donna), as well as my wife Dale.
As Mike already had established deep roots at Harvey, his actual employment beginning in 1989 was merely a formality. It is hard to recall a time when Mike was not involved at the rink, and it will never be the same without him. He is best known for his “rink signage” which always got the message across in a way that completely captured the situation. Once when the soda machine was not working, I asked Mike to put a note on it. I expected a typical “out of order” sign; instead, he drew a robed judge leaning over his bench waving a gavel saying, “This machine is OUT OF ORDER!” Another sign asked families to clean up after themselves in the lounge. Mike drew a woman at a table, rather oblivious to her child, who was sitting on the floor throwing popcorn in the air like confetti while surrounded by pigs and a rat. “Please Clean Your Table.”
He could find humor in any situation and would communicate it through his drawings. He was never demeaning, but you could always relate to his point.
Recently, to see pictures of Mike from his earlier beardless days was interesting. The distinctive “Bonelli beard,” his large gold-rimmed glasses and chuckle as he related one story after another are how I will remember him. He really did not change much during our long friendship. One haunting photo Mike took while stationed overseas was of a young Korean woman carrying a large bundle of firewood on her back, and, although you could not see her face, you could recognize through Mike’s camera how difficult her life was. A remarkable perspective for an 18-year-old, posted 12,000 miles from home. Mike served as a demolition man, disposing of unexploded shells. He would talk about making little panda bears out of the plastic explosives he used — dark humor in a bizarre, surreal experience, but totally Mike.
Dale and I attended Mike and Donna’s 50-year anniversary celebration that was held in the gallery of the Walker Center for the Arts. A large display of his artwork was assembled which covered much of his career. Mike’s work included covers from The New Yorker magazine, cartoons from The Village Voice, illustrations from various ad campaigns, the official 25th anniversary Woodstock poster, and skating rink drawings all side by side. (Mike also created the sculpture of the now-retired Emery Edge NHL award. He also drew NY Islander player caricatures, and illustrated “Historic Landmarks of the Town of North Salem, New York.”) Mike’s ability to relate to such a diverse audience and capture the essence of a subject for each was a remarkable gift. What was even more special that day was seeing Mike and Donna’s entire family gather to celebrate. How relaxed and comfortable everyone was, and the genuine respect and admiration they clearly expressed toward one another clearly demonstrated what a remarkable relationship the Bonelli family shares.
remembrances of mike
“Mike was beyond talented. I have never seen an artist, or anyone who could picture in his mind something he knew so accurately and then draw it with exact and complete detail. Mike was a very special part of the rink. He will never be forgotten by anyone who spent any time there. Always visible, he usually could be seen interacting with everyone.” — Tom Banca, assistant rink director “My father really loved the community feel and family atmosphere of Harvey for the decades he was there. As a parent, coach, and then employee, he was proud of his involvement with the school and was a big fan of the Cavaliers. The outpouring of calls, texts, and notes meant that the community felt the same about him.” — Mike Bonelli, Jr.
“Mike Bonelli was always present at Evarts Rink. He was a dynamic part of the rink for decades between coaching and cutting the ice. My memories of the Hickory Hill days will always include him. Rest in peace, Mr. Bonelli!” — Matty De Nicola “Our Tuesday night adult recreational hockey group has been skating at The Harvey School for almost as long as Evarts Rink has been around, and some of our players began skating there as children. So Mike Bonelli, Sr. was a familiar presence and friendly face to us.
“For some, he was the guy who drove the Zamboni unusually fast — it is a machine that we are all used to seeing do its magic at a more leisurely pace. For others, he was the guy operating the scoreboard all day long during weekend rec league games. One day during Spring League, a player in the penalty box watching a physical game turned to Mike and said, ‘Wow, pretty intense game today, huh?’ Mike had seen a lot of
hockey — a lot — and with a little grin and glance he told the player, ‘What game are you watching?’
“He was the quiet rink attendant who often had a cigarette in his mouth and his eyes on the ice, and although he didn’t say much, you definitely got the idea he was an excellent observer. Those who were themselves observant noticed that the funny rink-related artwork that started popping up on the rink’s walls and windows were his work. When he was doing all that watching, he was engaging in the process of creation.
“Merging his life as a professional illustrator with his life as a rink volunteer, Mike created drawings that gave a lighthearted character to a rink that already has a different atmosphere than other rinks in our area with its unique wooden roof and rural location, and the drawings add immeasurably to Evarts Rink’s own ‘personality.’
We know from Mike, Jr. who skated in our group for a number of years, that his father was a dedicated hockey dad and volunteer who, through his words and his work, encouraged young boys and girls to enjoy their time at the rink. He was also a hockey pioneer, coaching the area’s first women’s hockey team, with his daughter one of the players.
“But to many of us, Mike Bonelli, Sr. was a warm, friendly presence who always had a knowing smile on his bearded face and a twinkle in his eye.” — Stu Hackel, organizer
“I have been a regular at the rink since I was 13, first as a player, then as a coach, and now as a proud parent teaching my little ones to skate on the same ice. Mike was there to witness me and so many others grow up and enjoy the ice that he resurfaced, as fast as possible! Mike lived in the moment watching all the patrons of the rink enjoy the game of hockey. ‘Senior,’ as many of us in the rink community called him, was constantly watching over Evarts and going about his business, taking in all the sounds and sights of the rink, and then incorporating it all into an amazing artistic creation. Most often it was an illustration to remind the parents to watch their kids or not to bang on the glass in the warming room. Mike was famously known as the ‘Zamboni guy’ and celebrated as an amazing artist, but there was so much more to him. The parents, coaches, and players who were lucky enough to stop and talk with him were always amazed by his personal story and encouraged by his words of wisdom. They shared laughs with him as he picked on his own kids. The members of the rink staff are like family, and Senior was one of a kind. His presence at the rink will be missed.” — Greg Janos ’98, associate director of alumni, Hockey Alumni
“As a regular skater at Evarts Rink, I had the pleasure of getting to know Mike beyond his role as a colleague at Harvey. Mike was an integral part of the life and spirit of the rink. He clearly took joy in watching young people as they pursued their interests and passions on the ice, whether through figure skating or hockey, as he quietly worked behind the scenes to support their efforts. A quiet, humble, unimposing man on the surface, Mike was a kind, generous person; a loyal, loving parent and friend; and a creative and talented artist. The rink won’t be the same without him, but his legacy will live on.” — William J. Knauer, head of school
“Not only was he the fastest Zamboni driver this side of the Mississippi River, but Mike Bonelli, Sr. had been connected to The Harvey School and youth hockey programs run out of Evarts Rink for his entire adult life. Besides being a youth hockey coach, rink manager, and father of a former head coach of the Harvey program, Mike was an outstanding artist who drew countless Cavalier designs, which are still in use to this day.
“In the 20 years that I entered and exited Evarts Rink, the one constant face was Mike, who was always there with a smile on his face and a word of encouragement. When there were some lean years for the hockey program, or the team had just suffered a defeat, Mike would always remind me that the coaching staff had a larger role than just winning games. In his own way, he helped me see the true importance and impact that athletics have on teenagers.” — Alex Morse, History chair, varsity soccer and hockey coach
“I already miss Mike and I am sad he is not at the rink. I will always remember climbing up the rink’s stairs, opening up the rink doors, and seeing Mike in the lobby telling stories. He was always talking proudly about his family and had an ear to listen to everyone. I would give a ‘Hey, Mike’ as I walked into the office and began to put on my skates. As I looked around the office, Mike’s fingerprints were all around, beginning with his distinct artwork, model trains, and his famous artistic rink public service announcement posters. At the time, it looked like an artist’s studio …
Mike was always quietly generous with his talent. It seemed like he was always working on a character sketch someone asked him to do for retirements, graduations, birthdays, etc. I said to him once that he would be a multimillionaire if he were compensated for all his free work. If he wasn’t drawing, he was doing some renovation project at home or detailing his model trains which, as his son Michael said, “If you showed a picture of them to someone, they would swear they were the real thing.”
At the time in one’s life when most people are starting to slow down and relax, Mike decided he wanted to study watercolor painting. He enrolled in a course several years ago. His son shared the story of Mike’s first class where the instructor saw what he was working on and said, “What are you doing in this class? You could be teaching it.” Dale and I have one of his early works that is placed on our mantel. I look at it every day and it keeps me connected to him.
Mike was a special man who loved his family, circle of friends, country, and hometown. He was always comfortable and content with whatever he was involved in at the moment. In all the years Mike served the rink community, rarely did he consider his role at The Harvey School as “work.” He considered the rink staff his extended family, and anyone who ever worked at the rink felt it an honor and privilege to share time with him. He loved Evarts Rink and felt a connection to it. Once, after a very long, busy day, Mike said to me, “When you turn the rink lights out and walk into the rink area you can feel the building groan and creak, as if it were saying, it was a tough day, but we made it through.” I can’t think of anyone else who would frame it in those terms.
“After the three-month rink closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike was concerned about his health and did not feel comfortable returning to work. I think he was pleased that his son Scott had filled the position and felt that he was still connected. Last week, I received a late-night phone call from Scott, indicating that the Zamboni stalled and was in the middle of the ice. I quickly ran over and we got it running. The next morning Dale called when I was up at the school, and she was very excited. She said, “Just as Mike would have done, Scott drew a picture on his time sheet of a very tired and sad Zamboni.”
The entire rink community is sad with Mike’s passing but also celebrates a remarkable man who had an extraordinary life.”
Bruce Osborne is a senior faculty member, science teacher, and the director of Evarts Ice Rink. You can read more about Mike Bonelli on page 63 of this issue.
and, oh, Mike was a great artist! Mike was the heart and soul of the Harvey rink. He had to constantly keep the rink moving through its hectic schedule, rotating the teams on and off the ice like a well-operating carousel. Next, Mike was onto the Zamboni to ‘make ice,’ then into the pro shop to sell sticks and tape, and finally up to the lounge to politely ask fans to ‘Stop banging on the glass!’ Mike did all of this and more with his calming demeanor, which all of us loved about him. Mike was a proud family man, hockey ambassador, and a veteran of the Korean War. I will miss Mike Bonelli greatly.” — Doug Plaskett, Middle School history & Middle School hockey coach
“To many Harvey hockey players, Mr. Bonelli was the Zamboni guy who let us skate at all hours of the day, watched every practice and game with coffee in hand, and always seemed to appreciate watching kids enjoy the game. But for those who really got to know him, he was an accomplished artist beyond any high school student’s imagination. His many drawings are on display at Evarts Rink, and this is a tangible way of seeing how he is woven into the Harvey culture. But it is his intangible contributions that we will miss most: a selfless guy who was most content watching others enjoy the ephemeral years of adolescence and high school hockey.” — Greg Presseau Harvey ’98, Hockey Alumni
“No one could cut ice better with a Zamboni than Mike Bonelli. I also enjoyed working with Mike on the Rink’s 50th Anniversary and how he shared the wonderful pictured logo he created for the celebration. Truly a great artist.” — Dave Raneri ’69 “I always looked forward to pulling the nets on or off the ice because it gave me a few moments to chat with Mike. Whether it was just a ‘How you doing,’ a story from his past, or an update on his family, it always left me glad that I had that shared moment with such a genuinely kind person.“ — Stew Whittman, Harvey parent, Bedford Bears Program
homecoming 2021 celebration
HARVEY SPIRIT ABOUNDS
After missing our annual homecoming celebration in 2020, the Harvey community was pumped up and ready to make Homecoming 2021 a festive affair. Although the weather forecast was rain and gloom, it didn’t stop Harvey students, faculty, staff, parents, and alums from turning out in the hundreds in full Harvey spirit. Our positivity must have been contagious, for the clouds parted and blue skies appeared, allowing the sun to warm the spectators who came to shop the annual Farmers Market, enjoy the BBQ lunch, and “fill the hill” in support of Harvey’s athletic teams. Alums took campus tours provided by our dedicated student ambassadors; and children decorated pumpkins for Halloween; played with puppies up for adoption; and had fun taking hockey shots instructed by former NY Rangers hockey great Brian Mullen near Stark Field.
Whether it was shopping for Harvey spirit wear, jewelry, cheese, or grabbing a tasty bite of Mr. Lazzaro’s homemade pizza, the Farmers Market was bustling with laughter and smiles. With volleyball action in the Fenstermacher Athletic Center, girls soccer on R.K. Field, and boys varsity soccer and the big Homecoming football game at Stark Field, the campus was alive with Harvey Pride and just the simple joy of being together as a community on a wonderful fall Saturday. We think the photos from the day speak to what a spectacular day it truly was!
coming home
THE ALUMNI RECEPTION & LUNCHEON
The 2021 Alumni Reception and Luncheon at Homecoming was our first in-person alumni event on campus since the pandemic. We were thrilled to welcome Harvey alums spanning the decades back to campus October 30 to participate in all our Homecoming festivities with the Harvey community.
Alums were invited to take campus tours provided by our student ambassadors before settling in for a delicious luncheon featuring Asian-themed dishes, sushi, a carving station, and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and soup.
Associate Director of Alumni Relations Greg Janos ’98 welcomed his fellow alums and introduced a host of speakers including Head of School Bill Knauer, President of the Alumni Association Lara Casano ’95, and Director of Development Susie Danziger. Alums listened to an insightful panel of current students sharing “what life is like as a current Harvey student.” Harvey senior Halima Konteh and juniors Bennet Katzin, Emi Knauer, and Jacob Weisberger spoke eloquently about their experiences and answered questions. The reception concluded with recognition of the Harvey Class of 1961.
