Holderness School Today: Fall 2010

H OLDERNESS S CHOOL TODAY Fall 2010 INSIDE: Catching up with Dick Stevens Commencement 2010 Dave Nicholson ’72 & his son’s dilemma

THE DNA OF BRICK & MORTAR Look closely at a school’s buildings and you’ll see through them a window into its soul.

Elvis Presley has long had a talent for being in several places at once, and for many years he’s been seen at either end of the annual all-school photo. He can’t do that without an entourage, though, here provided by seniors Alex Gardiner, Jordan Camp, and to the right, Colin Mackenzie.

Photo Steve Solberg.

Front Cover: Derick Eaton, a member of the Buildings & Grounds crew, applies a fresh paint of coat to Livermore Hall this summer. Photo Steve Solberg.

Back cover: Elvis takes his place in the allschool photo—well, one of his places.

Photo Steve Solberg.

Holderness School Board of Trustees Holderness School Today

Nelson Armstrong (Secretary)

Volume XXVII, No. 3

Frank Bonsal III ’82 Elizabeth Bunce F. Christopher Carney ’75 (Alumni Association President) Russell Cushman ’80 The Rev. Randolph Dales Nigel D. Furlonge Douglas H. Griswold ’66 James B. Hamblin II ’77 (Treasurer) Pearl Kane Peter K. Kimball ’72 Peter L. Macdonald ’60 Paul Martini Richard Nesbitt Peter Nordblom Wilhelm Northrop ’88 (Vice-Chairperson) R. Phillip Peck Tamar Pichette William L. Prickett ’81 (Chairperson)

Features

Jake Reynolds ’86 The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson (President) Ian Sanderson ’79

4

Simple living

Jennifer A. Seeman ’88

You can’t always tell a book by its cover, but sometimes

John A. Straus

you can tell a school by its buildings. Let’s take a revealing

Rose-Marie van Otterloo

look at our own piles of brick in terms of their past,

Ellyn Paine Weisel ’86

present, and future.

Headmaster Emeritus The Rev. Brinton W. Woodward, Jr.

12

Smooth sailing Plant Manager Dick Stevens has been in charge of the

Honorary Trustees

school’s buildings since 1983. That’s not at all an easy job,

Warren C. Cook Mayland H. Morse, Jr. ’38

though, at a school that likes to keep its old facilities

Piper Orton ’74

running for just about forever.

W. Dexter Paine III ’79 The Rt. Rev. Philip A. Smith Gary A. Spiess

16

Effort, EQ, and gratitude Commencement speaker Pearl Kane knows just about

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Theuner

everything there is to know about American independent schools. Last May she took time to share what makes a Holderness graduate just a little bit different.

Holderness School Today

Departments 2

From the Schoolhouse

Editor: Rick Carey Editor Emeritus: Jim Brewer

3

Letters to HST

15

Honor Roll

21

Commencement Awards 2010

23

College Destinations

24

Around the Quad

37

Update: Faculty & Staff

42

Update: Former Faculty & Staff

43

Alumni in the News

50

Alumni & Parent Relations

52

Report of Appreciation

76

At This Point in Time

Assistant Editors: Dee Black Rainville, Robert Caldwell, Jane McNulty, Angela Francesco Miller ’98, Phil Peck, Judith Solberg, Steve Solberg, Tracy White, Amy Woods Photography: Steve Solberg, Art Durity, Rick Carey, Phil Peck HST is printed on recycled paper three times each year by the Springfield Printing Corporation. Please send notice of address changes to Angela Francesco Miller, Advancement Office, Holderness School, P.O. Box 1879, Plymouth, NH 03264, or amiller@holderness.org. Angie may also be contacted at 603-7795220.

Three generations of Nicholsons, three different economic eras: page 43.

Schoolhouse From the

“W

ITHIN THE CONTEXT OF

a caring community” is how our mission statement begins.

I have always thought of this statement as something that concerns itself with people, of course, and linked to the meaningful personal relationships that define Holderness.

As I was reading

through several of the articles in this enclosed issue, though, I realized that “caring” also defines Holderness School’s approach to our facilities. First, taking care to support our dynamic programs and people has always been our top priority in strategic planning. Second, we hold it important to care for the facilities we have before building something new. Finally, we have a rich legacy of values-oriented leaders who have cared deeply and wisely about our facilities.

THIS

COMMUNITY IS ALWAYS

careful in its approach to decisions around facilities.

The board, admin-

istration, and faculty deliberate long and hard before we begin construction, and considerations about programs and people have always driven those discussions.

In the present and throughout

most of our history, once we have to decided to either build or renovate, we have taken care to raise the money for the project before starting work.

Certainly this is not a fast or flashy approach to

construction, but it’s a method that has worked well over the long run for Holderness.

Ours is a caring community that works hard to do the right thing, even when it isn’t easy, and even when few notice.

AND

OUR HISTORY SHOWS THAT

whenever possible, we prefer to renovate rather than to build anew,

and then to take good care of our refurbished buildings.

We have a strong deferred maintenance

fund, and when we are blessed with a surplus in our budget, that money usually gets invested into the upkeep of our facilities.

Alumni returning from fifty years ago invariably comment about how

the campus has retained the same sort of feel to them—not to mention the same buildings.

That

said, many of those buildings have undergone extensive and transformative upgrades in the last fifteen years. Carpenter, Weld, Livermore, and the Schoolhouse are all dynamic 21st century facilities, but from the outside they maintain their original appearance.

FINALLY,

SUCH AN APPROACH TO

facilities would not have been possible without generations of lead-

ers who valued this caring approach. In this issue of HST you’ll read about the many Holderness icons who have championed this approach towards facilities.

Whether it is the early founders of

the school; or such visionaries as Rector Edric Weld, Plant Manager Rip Richards, or Headmaster Pete Woodward; or current Plant Manager Dick Stevens and the men and women of our present Board of Trustees, Holderness has been blessed with wise and caring leaders who have always done the right thing, even if it wasn’t easy, fast, or flashy.

AND

ISN’T THAT WHAT DEFINES

Holderness School? Ours is a caring community that works hard to

do the right thing, even when it isn’t easy, and even when few notice. Our mission and our motto— Pro Deo Et Genere Humano—calls us to do nothing less.

Phil Peck Head of School

2

Holderness School Today

letters To HST Send letters about HST to Rick Carey, Director of Publications, Holderness School,

03264

Dave Cutler ’61

P.O. Box 1879, Plymouth, NH 03264, or via email to rcarey@holderness.org.

Arsenic, Salmon, and brownies

race back to Livermore to be ready to

I have two comments about “In Memoriam” in the spring

serve tea to our team and the visitors,

issue of HST. First: in the article about Dave Cutler,you

of course after they had showered and

cite almost all his accomplishments. One more: he was a

coat-and-tied themselves. These

fine actor. In an era when boys played the feminine roles,

events were always the last thing any-

Arsenic and Old Lace was a bold choice for the 1961

body wanted to do after a game: lots

spring play. Dave, a block of a man who played guard in

of milling around the cookies and

football at Holderness and Colby, was cast as Abby

brownies, no intermingling, except for

Brewster, the sweet old homicidal lady who—with her

the coaches. The custom died hard,

equally lethal sister Martha (I

though, and was still with us during

can't remember who played

the early days of Weld Hall.

her, but someone equally against type)—genteelly dis-

Jim Brewer

posed of their elderly gentlemen boarders. In period dress,

Editor’s note: Former English teacher

full makeup, and falsetto

Jim Brewer founded both the boys’

voice, Dave led the way in

and girls’ lacrosse programs at Holderness.

Joan Brewer

creaky old Carpenter to make the production the funniest I

Wendy, Knowlton, and the van Otterloos

ever saw at Holderness.

Although HST is "Today," it always seems to include

Second, former faculty member Russ Salmon never has received enough credit for his contribution in starting

items that relate to the school when some of us older alumni were students. Last spring’s "Stopping By Woods"

lacrosse at Holderness. A former Williams goalie, he

column about Wendy Stephenson was especially enjoyed,

worked with the neophyte lacrossers until his '62 departure

as Wendy was on the faculty when I was a student. His

to pursue his Ph.D. in

Mt. Washington tenure was

Spanish. This photo

news to me.

I’ve enclosed shows

with the early history of

with Russ at our first

Holderness and the

home lacrosse game,

Knowlton Hall fire, I had

in 1961, against the

never seen the photo that

KUA JV. The field

appears on page 38. The

paralleled Route 175,

Rev. Edric Weld did a

and, subsequently dis-

remarkable job rescuing the

appeared under I-93.

school from the ashes.

The prospect is north,

The complimentary

looking over the field

article about Eijk and Rose-Marie van Otterloo was

and pastures that

well done and of interest to me, not just because of

were—as part of the

the Holderness connection, but because Eijk and

school’s deal with the

A photo, by Joan Brewer, of Coach Hinman (in the sport jacket) and Russ Salmon at Holderness’s first home lacrosse game in 1961.

Although I am familiar

Coach Hinman talking

state—stockpiled and

Rose-Marie and their family have been very much involved in the Pan-Mass Challenge. They have been

Bishop Dallas, Edric Weld, and trustee John Winant before the ruins of Knowlton Hall in 1931.

eventually spread as

generous sponsors of mine for most of the eighteen years

the topsoil on our cur-

that I have ridden and volunteered, doing so with my wife

rent Upper and Lower

Sandy and other family members.

field complexes. Austin Speed ’63, #13, is also in this.

Number nine is Dave Pope ’63.

Rik Clark ’48

The photo credit for that shot should be Joan Brewer.

From the same batch of photos I’ll send you a shot of Joan

Editor’s Note: The Pan-Mass Challenge is the nation’s

with an 8mm movie camera in hand, perched on the open

original fund-raising bike-a-thon, raising more money

tailgate of our Ford Falcon station wagon, a Speed

than any other athletic fund-raising event in the country.

Graphlex on the roof beside her. What makes it a period

Since its inception in 1980, the event has raised $270 mil-

piece is that she is wearing a matching skirt and jacket—a

lion for cancer treatment and research.

suit—and is poised, á la Holderness coach's wife 1960, to

Holderness School Today

3

Sim The Livermore Mansion in the 1870s. In the backdrop on these pages, the campus plan drawn by Jens Fredrick Larson in 1931.

4

Holderness School Today

Renovation work at the Hagerman Center, July, 2010.

p l e L iv i n g There have been a lot of different ideas proposed over the years about buildings on the Holderness campus.

But even the ideas that never came to pass had much to do with the original idea about this school.

V

ISITORS

to the Holderness

School campus, if they

got down as far as the

Hagerman Center at the north end this summer,

couldn’t have helped but notice the noise and the trucks and the scaffolding there. All that activity was the result of an energy audit performed last year by the Jordan Institute, a Concord-based

organization dedicated to

implementing climate change solutions—one of which would be the general reduction of energy use in buildings.

Engineers from Jordan had carried out an infrared energy scan of Hagerman, conducted blower door tests, and examined historical data on energy consumption. What they learned made a strong case for renovation: replacing the roof and windows, adding ventilation, increasing lighting efficiency, and sealing air leaks. “It’s a much better building now,” says Head of School Phil Peck, “and it looks just the same.”

In the decade of the “facilities wars”—a time when independent schools across the nation have staked their competitive edge on the newness, size, and grandeur of their science centers, their field houses, their dining halls, et cetera—a building that looks just the same after any sort of renovation might go down in the annals of those wars as something of a dud. Phil Peck is fine with that, though, as is the rest of the school leadership.

It fits in, after all, with the current iteration of what has been defined for generations as Holderness School’s “Facilities Master Plan,” and it suggests that this school looks at its buildings through a different sort of lens than many other places. Always has. Still does.

Holderness School Today

5

Simple Living

A

BUILDING BEGINS

in the same way

that a school begins—as an idea.

Ideally the two ideas have much

in common with each other, though certain things always conspire to separate the two: circumstance, perhaps, or money (usually the lack thereof), or

engage in any sort of facilities war with its famous big brother.

The Livermore mansion was enlarged in the summer of 1880 to accommodate a growing enroll-

changes in school character or philosophy, or else

ment, but then circumstance intervened in the shape

changes in the marketplace.

of a daytime chimney fire in 1882. No one was hurt,

This is the original idea for Holderness, as the scene was described by Rector Edric Weld in 1932:

but the house—and with it, Holderness School’s entire physical plant—was a total loss. “That

“Fifty-five years ago two men stood on a bluff over-

September, it was deemed necessary to borrow

looking the Pemigewasset River as it emerges from

$7,500 to cover building and maintenance expenses,

the White Mountains. They were William W. Niles,

and the debt increased in the ensuing months,”

the Bishop of New Hampshire, and Dr. Coit, the

writes archivist Judith Solberg in This Tender Vine,

headmaster of St. Paul’s School. The cause that had

her history of the school. “However, the trustees

brought them to that spot, the homestead of Chief

held firm on tuition levels, which would not budge

Justice Livermore, was their interest in establishing

for another six years.”

A student named F.A.G. Cowper, in an historical essay published in a 1902 edition of The Argus, describes how the school’s first Facilities Master Plan (FMP) was carried out with that borrowed money: “Plans were immediately drawn up for a large, three-story, fireproof brick building, with hollow walls and slate and metal roofs, and having accommodations for sixty boys, the Rector, his family, the masters, and all other members of the household. We are told that this building, which was called Knowlton Hall, was put up in eight weeks time. A large one-story building was erected for a schoolhouse. The buildings were ready for use by the fall of the same year.”

Knowlton Hall was architecturally as gothic as anything at St. Paul’s, but—truth be told—not so handsome. And it wasn’t much warmer than the mansion. One student, George Underwood, wrote in his journal in 1883 that his room was “as cold as

Knowlton Hall as it stood in 1882 before the fire . . .

a school for boys coming from families of moderate

usual enough to freeze the pin feathers off of an

circumstances. The property was purchased [actual-

Elephant.”

ly, it was provided as a gift], and Holderness was founded as ‘a church school for boys whose great object shall be to combine the highest degree of

struck again, as it were. This time the fire was of unknown origin, and it began in the night. Again,

lowest possible charge for tuition and board.’ For

miraculously, no one was hurt, but once again the

over fifty years the school has stood for sound edu-

building was a total loss, and once again a terrible

cation and simple living among beautiful surround-

fiscal blow had been struck at a school that was still

ings.”

running on red ink. “Trustees woke to discover that

“moderate circumstances,” “lowest possible charge,”

the mortgage, which had been allowed to mount with each successive deficit nearly to the height of

“simple living”—suggest immediately what the idea

the flames as they burst from the roof,” wrote Edric

for buildings will be at this school. In 1877 its first

Weld, “now would consume all the fire insurance

building, of course, was already there—the 1780

money.”

mansion built on that homestead by Samuel Livermore. When Holderness opened two years

Holderness School Today

Nor was it as fireproof as believed, because five decades later, in the fall of 1931, lightning

excellence in instruction and care-taking with the

Certain complementary phrases in that idea—

6

dormitories at St. Paul’s, but this is what “simple living” was about at a school that was not about to

By then the physical plant included not only the ruins of Knowlton Hall, but also the

later, this historic structure was the school’s only

Schoolhouse, the Carpenter Gymnasium, and the

building, and that fall its initial fifteen boarding stu-

Chapel of the Holy Cross. And once again

dents had to sleep on mattresses in its rooms

Holderness was a school without a dormitory, a din-

because beds had yet to arrive. The beds were there

ing hall, masters’ residences, nearly enough class-

by winter, but students nonetheless found the old

room space, nor any money. Some trustees wished

mansion cold, gloomy, and damp. Their situation

to close the school entirely. Edric Weld, and a fac-

was far different from that of boys ensconced (with

tion of the board led by John Winant, who was

maid service) within the gothic brick-and-mortar

between terms as governor of New Hampshire,

urged otherwise as students finished out the year in

vision of what the Holderness campus should eventually

Plymouth boarding houses.

look like was delightful to contemplate, but it proved

Finally Holderness rose once again from the ashes on the wings of a new FMP, a hastily thrown-together capital

impossible to achieve at that time. Livermore Hall, drawn from plans that Larson had done for Dartmouth College,

campaign, and more borrowed money. Weld and the

indeed went up that summer, and on the mere strength of

board—some of whom had resigned in protest—told the

that—and the promises of Edric and Gertrude Weld to per-

Holderness community that if the school were to open

sonally make up any deficits—the school reopened.

again in September, 1932, then by March of that year there

As the country advanced into the Great Depression,

had to be money for a new main building and two new dor-

though, fundraising for the dormitories lagged, as did

mitories.

enrollment. In 1935 Weld and the trustees broke ground for

But that would be just a start. In order to stay open at

the first of the dormitories, Niles, on the long gamble that

the same tuition level, they said, the school would need to

its beds would be filled. The gamble paid off, though, and

get bigger, to enroll as many as a hundred boys. For that it

two years later Webster was built.

would soon need another two dormitories, another class-

At that point, finally, the immediate life of the school

room building, a new gymnasium, and the conversion of

was no longer in doubt. But Holderness still labored under

Carpenter into an arts center. And no matter the size of the

a burden of debt and ran annual deficits. Meanwhile the

school, work-scholarships were to be eliminated as a cost-

Weld/Larson FMP was not abandoned, exactly. It was

cutting measure. Instead all students would be required to

merely postponed and—as circumstances, the market, and

assist in the work of the school and in maintaining build-

the gender-profile of the school changed—revised.

ings through what Weld called a new “Self-Help” program.

By the time noted architect Jens Fredrick Larson had—on a pro bono basis—sketched out a complete campus plan that year, certain compromises had already been struck in that vision for the future. In Larson’s 1931 “Plan

“I

N THE

1930S, the central question

about school facilities here was, ‘What do we need to survive?’” says

Phil Peck. “Nowadays the question is, ‘What do we need to

for Development of the Holderness School,” Carpenter

fulfill our mission?’And the next question after that is, ‘To

remains a gym. The Schoolhouse has been moved from its

what extent can we restore what we already have, as

site to a place at the northeast corner of the campus, where

opposed to expanding our footprint by building something

it becomes the field house for a proposed athletic field. An

new?’”

Phil’s version of Holderness School is not gasping for

assembly/study hall building occupies its former site, and next to that—as a sort of bookend to Carpenter—is the new

life, as Weld’s was. Instead he operates from a position of

classroom building. The new main building occupies the

strength, with virtually no debt, a respectable endowment,

site of Knowlton Hall, and opposite the two dormitories

an increasingly robust annual fund, and strong annual

needed immediately (which were to become Niles and

recruitment to a school nearly three times the size to which

Webster) are two other dormitories in mirror image to them

Weld aspired. And it’s now been more than sixty years since Holderness tuitions—on Weld’s own recommenda-

on the east side of campus.

Edric Weld’s account of the birth of the school as an idea in the 1870s came from a brochure that served as the

tion—began to climb upwards towards that level occupied

by St. Paul’s and other schools.

case statement for the new capital campaign. Larson’s

The noble experiment of offering “the highest degree

One student, George Underwood, wrote in his journal in 1883 that his room was “as ENOUGH

COLD AS USUAL

to freeze the pin feathers

off of an Elephant.”

. . .and as it smoldered on the day after.

Holderness School Today

7

Simple Living

Jen Fredrick Larson’s drawing of the Carpenter Gym (on the left, with a new entrance) and the assembly hall and classroom building that he proposed to join to it. The two new buildings would have replaced the Schoolhouse.

of excellence in instruction” at a discount price just

beyond that, it’s been a matter of picking the right

didn’t work, and today Phil and the trustees know

times to expand enrollment, and the right sort of

that Holderness can never be the “affordable”

buildings to support those students, those teachers,

school imagined by Bishop Niles and Dr. Coit.

and those programs.

They see the current Campaign for Holderness, though, as a stepping stone to a school just as

There were still only 72 boys in the school when Don Hagerman succeeded Weld as headmas-

accessible as they dreamed; that is, to a school with

ter in 1951. Student numbers had grown to 226

enough resources for financial aid that no qualified

(and not all of them boys) by the time he retired in

child “of moderate circumstances” would be turned

1977. So during his tenure, Don built a pair of new dorms, Hoit and Rathbun—though not in the

away.

Holderness has gotten to this point, however,

Edwardian brick style drawn up by Larson—and

not just by raising its sticker price. It’s also been a

set them behind the Schoolhouse, rather than oppo-

matter of great teachers and good programs. And

site Niles and Webster. He built a kitchen/dining facility, Weld Hall, to relieve overcrowding at Livermore. And he dipped back into the

Now that mere survival is no longer an immediate concern, nor classrooms or dormitories that flirt with condemnability, AN IDEA LIKE “EXCELLENCE”

can move

even more urgently to the fore.

Weld/Larson FMP in converting Carpenter into an arts center and building a field house in the Bartsch Athletic Center. Subsequently the school did without a gymnasium entirely, sending its basketball teams abroad to play and practice at Plymouth State and Ashland High School.

At the same time, slowly, Don and his trustees managed to retire most of the school’s debt. His successor, Pete Woodward, completed that process and began to build an endowment, first by steering Holderness into co-education, and building the facilities to support that: a common room in Weld Hall, girls’ dormitories on the South Campus, and a locker room addition to Bartsch.

Then Pete and his board were able to return not only to the Weld/Larson FMP, but also to a new plan commissioned from the WM Design Group of Center Harbor, NH, in 1977. This plan’s problem

8

Holderness School Today

statement noted that Holderness’s “building program has proceeded carefully in order to emphasize the educational program, use the out of doors to the maximum, and emphasize the retention of excellent faculty, rather than becoming involved in major plant expenditures.” It also noted, however, that the school now needed to succeed in a larger and more competitive marketplace, and that a number of essential facilities—questions of co-education aside—were simply missing: a gymnasium, an assembly space, and a cover for the hockey rink. In addition, a number of its classroom spaces ranged from “substandard” to “almost condemnable.”

The shift to co-education was very much a function of the school’s non-exclusionary educational philosophy, but it had its market considerations as well. And once the school possessed facilities that made Holderness feasible for girls, it returned to the task of providing such that were safe for—and attractive to—all.

WM Design proposed that this should begin with the abandonment of the Schoolhouse as a classroom building and the construction of a large “auditorium and classroom complex” at the northwest corner of campus beyond Livermore and Carpenter. But there were questions about the stability of that site—the school had buried trash there for many decades—and there wasn’t money in any case for quite so large a complex.

Instead the Schoolhouse remained in use, but the Hagerman Center was begun in 1984 to provide up-to-date classrooms for the math and science departments.

“Then Fred Ludtke, who was a member of the trustees’ Buildings and Grounds Committee then,” remembers Pete Woodward, “pointed out that just for a little more money we could raise the roof on that design and include an assembly space as well.”

Funding for the Hagerman Center was one of the central goals of a capital campaign dubbed the Campaign for the ’80s, but another facilities upgrade dropped into the school’s lap when Ted and Barbara Alfond P’87’88’90 offered to largely fund a roof for the ice rink.

The capital campaign of the next decade, The Holderness Challenge, continued this pattern of construction and renewal as partly the result of targeted fundraising and partly of serendipity. “For an example of how things could take unanticipated turns,” says Pete Woodward, “I approached Ted Alfond about a donation of fitness equipment for the athletic program, and he said, ‘How about a library instead?’”

By then the Webster Library, housed in Livermore, had grown painfully congested and out-of-date. The Alfond Library was dedicated in 1997, two years after the family of James Edwards ’27 had largely funded a renovation of the Carpenter Arts Center, and after the family of Richard C. Gallop

P’83 had largely funded, at last, a gymnasium facility. In 1998 the

Schoolhouse was renovated and expanded, and in 2000, thanks mostly to

Three master builders: from the top, Edric Weld, Don Hagerman, and Pete Woodward.

the generosity of Richard P. Wallace P’98, the Wallace Student Center was built in Lower Weld. Finally, in 2001—after the Cottage, a crumbling boys’ dormitory, was razed—the family of William C. Connell P’98’99 largely funded a new 24-bed dormitory.

But none of these projects, by themselves, were the donors’ ideas.

Like the cover for the ice rink, they were identified needs as determined by the most recent FMP—in Pete Woodward’s case, a 1993 document prepared by the firm of Cambridge Seven Associates in Massachusetts. Pete retired in 2001 with several of those needs still on the drawing board. But at the turn of the 21st century, for the first time in its history, the Holderness campus was as complete, comfortable, and up-to-date as Edric Weld and Jens Fredrick Larson had dreamed it might be.

Holderness School Today

9

The mission and the strategic plan are the twin engines of this effort, but this time around THERE IS NO DOCUMENT

from

an architectural consultant that can be brought forward as the current and official FMP. terpiece of the current strategic plan and Campaign for Holderness.

“Excellence in instruction and care-

Simple Living

taking” is at the heart of those initiatives as

10

well. Phil completed the goals of the ’93 FMP with the renovation of Livermore in 2004, and the renovation and expansion of Weld Hall in 2008. Now he and his Board are in pursuit of a degree of excellence, across the board, that will raise Holderness to the very front rank of American independent schools.

The mission and the strategic plan are the twin engines of this effort, but this time around there is no document from an architectural consultant that can be brought forward as the current and official FMP. Instead the strategic plan—and its elaboration into the goals of the Campaign for Holderness—serves to define an FMP that really is more a conversation than a fixed and formal blueprint.

WM Design’s 1977 drawing of the proposed auditorium and classroom facility intended for the northwest of Carpenter.

Holderness School Today

P

HIL

PECK and the Board

of Trustees could hardly

be more serious today

about answering to the mission of the school. There are other phrases, though, than just those in the mission statement that influence their planning for the future— phrases like “the highest degree of excellence in instruction and care-taking,” “the lowest possible charge for room and board,” and “simple living.”

Now that mere survival is no longer an immediate concern, nor classrooms or dormitories that flirt with condemnability, an idea like “excellence” can move even more urgently to the fore. So can “lowest possible charge,” if not in the form of belowmarket tuitions, at least in the form of ample resources for financial aid—the cen-

“Our strategic plan itself is written down, but it’s not set in stone,” explains Phil. “It’s always subject to revision, is always evolving. That means that in terms of a Facilities Master Plan, we need something that’s similarly flexible and opportunistic.”

“This sort of a plan is a work-inprogress,” adds Paul Martini, chair of the Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee.

“We identify current and future needs and discuss what opportunities there might be for funding them. So at this level it’s an ongoing joint effort between the Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Board’s Advancement and External Relations Committee, and the administration.”

And indeed there are pressing current needs at a school that—according to its

mission—“fosters equally the resources of the mind,

more members of the community into proximity with

body, and spirit,” and that aims now for higher stan-

each other.

dards of excellence in each. The mind? Well, it’s good that the Hagerman Center has been made more energy-

Nor will these dorms be the mirror-image companions to Niles and Webster that Jens Fredrick Larson

efficient this summer, but the technology and safety

suggested seventy years ago. That stretch of campus

standards of teaching math and science have changed

will remain as lawn divided between the baseball dia-

radically since 1984, and its classrooms sorely need

mond and a field hockey pitch. Instead the dorms will

updating. Ideally a small new building dedicated solely

be built, hopefully, off Mt. Prospect Road, on unoccu-

to science labs will be raised next door to Hagerman.

pied ground beyond the Head’s residence and the ten-

The body? Holderness has attained the unfortu-

nis courts. Direct access to the rest of the campus

nate distinction of being the only school in New

would be provided by a second underpass beneath

England with a Division I ice hockey program but not

Route 175.

an enclosed rink. The Alfond Arena needs to be joined

They will not be volleys in any sort of facilities

to Gallop, and the school’s 1967 locker room facility,

war, and Paul Martini likes that. “I think that whole

Bartsch, also needs expansion and renovation.

thing is starting to slow down anyway, and we can see

The spirit? The venerable Chapel of the Holy

that Holderness has always followed the most com-

Cross, built in 1884, has not been able to seat the

mon-sense approach to that,” he says. Nonetheless,

whole school community in its pews for years. The

with interest rates as low as they are now—even for

chapel must not only be enlarged, it must be enhanced

the short-term loans that Holderness uses for these

into a multi-purpose facility that can once more play a

projects—and with contractors shaving their bids down

central role in school life.

to the bone to get work, Paul sees an historic opportu-

And then there is that phrase in the mission statement about “a caring community,” and Bishop Niles’s charge to provide ‘excellence in care-taking.’

“This is one area in which Holderness can imme-

nity in the offing. “This is the time to build,” he says, “for generations to come.”

The dorms will somewhat enlarge the footprint of the campus, but only into unused acreage made avail-

diately set a standard for other schools,” says Phil.

able by that second underpass. A small new science

“And we’re really in a unique situation now. At most

building would add an extra toe, as it were. Everything

boarding schools, faculty families are anxious to move

else on the to-do list involves modifications to existing

off campus. At Holderness we actually have a waiting

structures. From the outside, the Hagerman Center

line of families anxious to move on and be dorm par-

looks the same now after its energy-upgrade as it did

ents. By building two new dorms—by adding 48 beds

before. That won’t change once its classrooms are

and six faculty housing units but keeping our enroll-

upgraded.

ment level—we can make the whole school like the South Campus: an 8:1 student-faculty ratio in each

“We like it that way,” says Phil. “If you look at all the buildings that we’ve renovated in the past two

dorm, more multiple-points-of-contact between kids

decades—Carpenter, the Schoolhouse, Niles, Webster,

and adults, and a situation where we really have a

Hoit, Rathbun, Livermore, and Weld—they all look

whole village available to raise each child.”

The dorms and those other projects are all on the

pretty much the same from the outside. They’ve been made safe, sound, efficient, and appropriate to their

wish-list of the Campaign for Holderness, but not in

various purposes, but Edric Weld would find much to

any special priority. Each shall be embarked upon

recognize at his old school.”

when—and if—opportunities arise. And it’s worth noting that when Phil Peck talks about competing in the

It all goes back to that original idea of “simple living among beautiful surroundings,” as Weld himself

independent school marketplace, and about setting a

crafted the phrase. And a good idea—like a good

standard for other schools, he talks not about new dor-

building, properly cared for by both students and

mitories that are in any way grand or opulent; rather he

staff—can last a very long time.

talks about new dormitories that will simply bring

Holderness School Today

11

Catching up with...

DICK STEVENS PLANT MANAGER 1983-?

Dick Stevens came to Holderness in 1972 to drive the Zamboni. Eleven years later he succeeded Rip Richards as the man responsible for the school’s buildings and grounds.

And that’s not an easy job at a school that prefers to keep the old rigs running (and running) rather than trading in for shiny new ones.

But nonetheless he’s been at the helm for three decades of historic activity on campus.

When not poring over blueprints and schematics, Dick turns to navigational charts in the Gulf of Maine or the Caribbean.

Smooth Sailing

S

OMETIMES buildings are like small children—you just can’t

leave them alone for too long.

Holderness School Plant Manager Dick Stevens remem-

bers, for example, the spring of ’95. He and his wife Gail (now the manager of the school store) were on a summer sabbatical and were piloting a chartered sailboat through the Virgin Islands. On a telephone call from there to Joey Tuveson, Headmaster Pete Woodward’s administrative assistant, Dick began by telling Joey that they were having such a wonderful time they probably wouldn’t be back. “We’re just going to keep sailing south,” Dick laughed.

Joey Tuveson had a quick and appreciative sense of humor. But this little sally fell entirely flat. “There was only this silence at the other end,” Dick says. “Then I found out that there had been a heavy wet snowstorm up there, one that laid so much snow on the roof of the Alfond Ice Rink that its purlins had twisted. Pete had called in an engineer, who had looked at the structure and condemned it.”

Dick felt more than ever in the mood to sail south at that moment, but he came back to do what plant managers are hired to do: ensure that all the buildings on a school

12

Holderness School Today

campus—including the roof over the ice rink—are sound, safe, efficient, appropriate to their purposes, and (we might add) handsome. And after all, the ice rink was where he began his career at Holderness.

HE HAD GROWN UP in Waltham, Massachusetts, and confesses to playing with trucks there. But he went as a business major to Alfred University—whose handsome upstate New York campus was showcased in the 1969 film, The Sterile Cuckoo. Dick graduated in 1970, marrying Gail, a student at Alfred State College, just a month later.

Besides that degree, he also had a front-rank draft number—115—at the height of the Vietnam War. “My father called just as I was on my way home to say that I was due in Boston for a physical,” Dick says. “But then I heard that Laconia’s National Guard unit had just returned from Vietnam.” Unlike the practice in our current wars, Guard units of that era did one combat tour and were done. Dick found a job with a building contractor in Meredith, where his parents had a summer home, and joined that unit, serving eight years and collecting a crucial extra paycheck.

Meanwhile, Dick’s sister Adrienne had

come to know the school’s then-Plant

mitment, however, Dick decided that he

Manager Rip Richards. Adrienne had

wanted to try something else while he

worked as a live-in babysitter for Rip and

was still young. The Ashland Lumber

his wife Mary when she was a student at

Company hired him to work in their busi-

Plymouth State College. Through

ness that spring, a job that was entertain-

Adrienne, Dick met Rip and learned that

ing enough that summer while the store

he might earn a better paycheck caring

was being renovated and lots of construc-

for the artificial ice rink that had been

tion was going on. “Then the winter came

installed just a few years before on the

and it was dead there,” Dick says. “I was

other side of Route 175 with pipes and

bored silly. Jay Stroud came in the door

boards and a compressor purchased (for

that spring and told me how busy Rip

one dollar) from Phillips Exeter

was with girls coming on campus and the

Academy.

school getting bigger and dorms being

“That was the fall of ’72,” Dick

built. Then he asked if I was interested in

Dick still remembers Gail’s involuntary gasp on seeing RIP’S MOTORCYCLE

coming back.”

parked in the living room

rink was open at the sides and had a

HE WAS BACK THAT fall. Three years

chain link fence at the ends. Teams from

later Rip retired, when Holderness was

on the day that she first

says. “So I drove the Zamboni and did everything over there that winter. The

PSC and Belknap College also played

still in the busy process of redefining

there. Those college kids would stand on

itself as a co-ed school. Dick not only

the snow banks, drink, and try to grab the

took over Rip’s old job, but he and Gail

sticks of opposing hockey players as they

moved into the Hill [now Barton], the

went by. It got pretty wild sometimes.”

Meanwhile Holderness kids and fac-

dorm previously occupied by Rip and

untary gasp on seeing Rip’s motorcycle

up at all hours of the night ensuring that

parked in the living

there was ice, much as Coach Hinman

room on the day

and Rip Richards had done for years

that she first saw

before. “Those pipes were lying in a bed

where she was

of sand,” Dick explains, “and you had to

going to live.

“The girls

to get machines on it when it snowed. So

arrived a few days

we had to flood that rink around the

later,” Dick says,

clock. Kids and teachers would do that in

“and they were four

teams through the night. That finally

great kids: Jennie

ended in ’86, when we were able to put a

Webster, Heidi

roof over the rink.”

Ludtke, Kathy

Dick himself spent just one winter, though, as the chief iceman at Holderness.

Keller, and Laura Couper. And there

In the spring of ’73 Rip’s

were a lot more of

long-time foreman on the maintenance

them over the thir-

crew, Al Wilson, suddenly retired, and

teen years that we

Rip appointed the new guy to take his

stayed there. We’re

place. “I was just 24 years old, and some

still close to some

of the older gents on that crew weren’t

of them. People like Colin Madden, Nick

too sure about this young whippersnap-

Leonard, Kip Garre, and Andy Katchen,

per,” Dick laughs, “but eventually I won

all class of ’92, come immediately to

them over and we got along pretty well.”

mind. They were all with us three years.”

Rip knew that he would. “I could see that Richie was a natural,” Rip says

Among the new Plant Manager’s first tasks were projects begun by Rip:

today from his retirement home in White

two classrooms in Lower Weld, and the

River Junction, Vermont.

Sargent dorm. Then came a three-decade

“He was neat,

he had wonderful hand dexterity in

burst of activity that first consolidated

respect to all sorts of carpentry skills, and

Holderness’s identity as a co-ed school,

I felt that philosophically he would be the

and then defined it as one of New

sort of employee who would care about

England’s up-and-coming and most ener-

this place on a 24/7 basis. He was also

getic schools: the construction of the

thoughtful of others and had very good

Hagerman Center (1985) and the installa-

people skills.”

tion of the roof that transformed the ice

After five years at that level of com-

to live.

Mary. Dick still remembers Gail’s invol-

ulty members—and Dick Stevens—were

be sure to have enough ice over that sand

saw where she was going

School store manager Gail Stevens, and above, a work crew installing a roof (and resurfacing the floor) on what became the Alfond Ice Arena in 1986.

rink into the Alfond Arena (1986); the

Holderness School Today

13

Job one: At the wheel of the Zamboni in 1972.

renovations

of Hoit

Dormitory (1986) and the Carpenter Arts

every facility on campus, at a school which much

Center, with the addi-

prefers renovating old buildings to constructing new

tion of the Edwards Art

ones. But over that time there have been remarkably few

Gallery (1993); the con-

instances of cases—such as at Hoit in 1986—when age

struction of the Gallop

and entropy have gotten ahead of the maintenance

Athletic Center (1995)

process.

and the Alfond Library (1997); the renovation of the Schoolhouse

izes the value of its buildings, and devotes a lot of resources to maintaining them,” he says. “Money for

of Webster and Niles

upkeep and preventive maintenance is a regular part of

dorms (1999); the

the budget here.”

Wallace Student Center

projects that might have happened, but didn’t—A WOODFIRED BOILER,

for example, that

would have required heavy truck traffic through campus.

And partly it has to do with the special qualities of the Plant Manager himself. “Dick Stevens is friendly,

in Lower Weld (2000);

humble, loyal, conscientious, patient, and one of the

the construction of

most thorough professionals I’ve ever known,” says

Connell Dormitory

Headmaster Emeritus Pete Woodward, who worked with

(2001); the renovation

Dick (except for that one year in Ashland) from 1977 to

of Livermore Hall, with

2001. “Thanks also to the presence of Gail and his

the addition of a Health

daughters Jen [’90] and Karrie [’93], he became part of

Center on its lower

the whole fabric of the school, working with students,

level and a terrace in

faculty, staff, and trustees. He is respected by all and any

front (2004); and the

of his colleagues who are familiar with his work, and

renovation of Weld Hall

Holderness has also benefited enormously from the

(2008).

quality of the people he has hired to work with him.”

Along the way there were certain proj-

Phil Peck, Pete Woodward’s successor, is no less a fan, and his respect extends equally to both Stevenses.

ects that might have

“One of the things that makes Holderness special is that

happened, but didn’t—a

it’s a lifestyle for those who work here, and not just a

wood-fired boiler, for example, that would have required heavy truck traffic through campus—and others that happened with greater

job,” he says. “No one models that lifestyle better than Gail and Dick Stevens.”

And that condemned roof over the ice rink in 1995?

than anticipated difficulty. There was the rot that was

Well, it wasn’t such a problem after all. Business

found to extend all the way to the foundation of Hoit

Manager Dick Blauvelt had had the foresight to take out

during that dorm’s renovation, requiring that the whole

a rider on the roof ’s insurance policy, one that protected

building be jacked into the air so the foundation could

it from “acts of God”—like a warm-weather snowstorm,

be replaced. And there were the concrete footings for the

for example. With Dick riding herd on the project, the

Hagerman Center, which were laid by the job’s contrac-

roof was replaced at no significant cost to the school

tor with a quality of concrete that didn’t test out. It was

well in time for the next hockey season, and at the same

back to square one—those footings had to be pulled out

time that the Gallop Athletic Center was going up. It’s

and replaced before the whole project could proceed.

been smooth sailing ever since.

IT’S NOW 37 YEARS since a very young Dick Stevens took charge of an ice rink that was already outmoded by

14

Partly this has to do with an aspect of school philosophy that Dick much appreciates. “Holderness real-

(1998); the renovations

installation of the

Along the way there were certain

the standards of many independent schools. During most of that time he has been in charge—on a 24/7 basis—of

Holderness School Today

GRADE 9 Mr. Jacob Cramer Barton Miss Elena E. Bird Miss Nicole Marie DellaPasqua Mr. Daniel Do Miss Jeong Yeon Han Mr. Caleb Andrew Nungesser Miss Celine Pichette Miss Olivia Grace Poulin Mr. Jesse Jeremiah Ross Miss Victoria Sommerville-Kelso Miss Iashai Dominique Stephens

GRADE 10 Mr. Nathanial George Alexander Mr. Jonathan Perkins Bass Mr. Keith Michael Bohlin Miss Ariana Ann Bourque Miss Benedicte Nora Crudgington Miss Abigail Kristen Guerra Miss Yejin Hwang Mr. Nathaniel Ward Lamson Mr. Brandon C. Marcus Miss Carly Elizabeth Meau Miss Kristina Sophia Micalizzi Miss So Hee Park Miss Julia Baldwin Potter Mr. Ryan Michael Rosencranz Mr. Mitchell Craig Shumway Miss Abagael Mae Slattery Mr. Brian Alden Tierney

GRADE 11 Ms Radvile Autukaite Mr. Desmond James Bennett Mr. David McCauley Caputi Mr. Jordan Leigh Cargill Mr. Se Han Cho Miss Samantha Devine Miss Amanda Claire Engelhardt Miss Kathleen Nugent Finnegan Mr. Nicholas James Hill Ford Miss Emily Maria Hayes Miss Cassandra Laine Hecker Mr. Carson Vincent Houle Miss Kristen Nicole Jorgenson Miss Paige Alexis Kozlowski Mr. Samuel Newton Leech Mr. Samuel Cornell Macomber Mr. Gabrielius Maldunas Mr. James McNulty Mr. Christopher Steven Merrill Mr. Alexander Sprole Obregon Miss Leah Rose Peters Miss Elizabeth Ann Pettitt Mr. Ethan Patrick Pfenninger Mr. Colin Thomas Phillips Mr. Derek De Freitas Pimentel Mr. Adam Jacob Sapers Mr. Nathaniel Owen Shenton Miss Emily Roberts Starer Mr. Nicholas E. Stoico Miss Margaret Mooney Thibadeau Miss Sarah Xiao

GRADE 9 Miss Abigail Elizabeth Abdinoor Miss Elizabeth Winslow Aldridge Mr. Alexander James Berman Mr. Christian Elliott Bladon Miss Hannah Susan Foote Mr. Jeffrey Michael Hauser Mr. Chandler John Hoefle Mr. Alexander Min Lehmann Miss Adelaide Mari Osawa Morgan Mr. Peter Pesch Saunders Mr. Robert Patrick Sullivan Mr. Kangdi Wang Miss Taylor Kathryn Watts Mr. Charles Norwood Williams

GRADE 10 Miss Shelby Jeanne Benjamin Miss Josephine McAlpin Brownell Miss Samantha Regina Cloud Mr. Peter Michael Ferrante Mr. Preston Kelsey Miss Samantha Anne Lee Mr. William Marvin Mr. Oliver Julian Nettere Mr. Nicholas Anthony Renzi Mr. James Ornstein Robbins Mr. Justin Demarr Simpkins Miss Erica Holahan Steiner Mr. Jean-Philippe Tardif Mr. Ruohao Xin

Honors: Fourth Quarter

GRADE 12 Miss Abigail Jane Alexander Miss Ashleigh May Boulton Miss Elizabeth Hope Brown Miss Hyun Jung Chung Miss Sarah Rogers Clarkson Mr. Nicholas James Cushing Miss Andrea Kourajian Fisher Miss Mary Jo Germanos Miss Brette Leigh Harrington Miss Erika Margaret Johnson Mr. John Scott McCoy, Jr. Mr. Wesley McLean Mitchell-Lewis Mr. Scott Wallace Nelson Miss Georgina Isabelle Ogirri Mr. Benjamin Christopher Osborne Miss Mireille Cecile Pichette Miss Laura Olivia Pohl Miss Gabrielle Jillian Raffio Miss Chelsea Ann Stevens Miss Ji Eun Sung Miss Sarah Ashby Sussman Miss Aubrey Frances Tyler Miss Caroline Patricia Walsh Miss Kristen Laural Elizabeth Walters Mr. Chatarin Wong-U-Railertkun

High Honors: Fourth Quarter

GRADE 11 Mr. Thomas William Barbeau Miss Kiara Janea Boone Miss Madeline Margaret Burnham Miss Cecily Noyes Cushman Mr. Kevin Michael Dachos Miss Juliet Sargent Dalton Mr. MacLaren Nash Dudley Miss Sarah E. Fauver Mr. Justin M. Frank Mr. Alexander Ulysses Gardiner Miss Pauline Zeina Germanos Mr. Nicholas William Maher Goodrich Mr. Chandler S. Grisham Miss Elizabeth Ryan Hale Miss Paige Nicole Hardtke Mr. Andrew V. Howe Mr. H. Alexander Kuno Mr. Charles Jacob Long Miss Alexandra Marie Muzyka Mr. Abe H. Noyes Miss Charlotte Plumer Noyes Mr. Zhachary Render Pham Mr. Cole Notter Phillips Mr. Charles Henry Poulin Miss Brooke Elizabeth Robertson Miss Sarah Stride Mr. Niklaus Carl Friedrich Vitzthum Miss Haleigh Elizabeth Weiner

GRADE 12 Miss Karen Frances Abate Mr. Philip Klein Brown IV Miss Julia Elizabeth Canelas Miss Julia Franckhauser Capron Miss Lucy Thorndike Copeland Mr. Samuel Carter Copeland Mr. Ivan Delic Mr. Nicholas Joseph Dullea Mr. Mark David Finnegan, Jr. Mr. Alex Oswald Anderson Francis Mr. Brian Mullin Friedman Mr. Nathan Benjamin Gonya Mr. Duong Tung Ha Duyen Miss Erica Frances Hamlin Mr. William James Hoeschler Mr. Kyle Francis Kenney Mr. Matthew Robert Nolan Miss Marissa Leigh Pendergast Miss Emily Hope Pettengill Mr. Eric Raymond Rochefort Mr. Kody Ross Spencer Miss Marion Trafford Thurston Mr. Jeffrey Robert Regan Wasson Mr. Carter Travis White

Holderness School Today

15

Commencement 2010

Dr. Pearl Kane, Director of Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center at its Teachers College, has built her national reputation on knowing what works in secondary education. In this excerpt from her address to the Class of 2010, she shows the links that exist between contemporary cognitive research and what Holderness has always done.

Effort, EQ, and Gratitude

T

HERE’S A FACT ABOUT

From the address of

Holderness that I

available to that student. For those who scored low,

the 3700 alumni of the Klingenstein

less was expected and less was offered. Intelligence

Center, this small New England school

was thought to be a fixed quantity.

commencement speaker

has had more faculty members graduate from our

and Holderness trustee,

master’s programs than any other independent

Dr. Pearl Rock Kane.

school. You are first out of approximately 900 schools throughout the nation and the

on research conducted at Columbia University and Stanford contradicts the belief that intelligence is

world—which is a commentary on how

innate or inborn. Effort, researchers believe, creates ability. In other words, people become more intelligent by working hard. Intelligence isn’t fixed—

As a trustee, I’ve sat in on classes and observed students and faculty interact. So I’ll share some good

effort builds intelligence; effort by those who learn and by those who teach them.

This cognitive theory—of intelligence as mal-

news about the ways in which

leable—guides Holderness faculty. This is a school

Holderness School has prepared you

where effort is visible everywhere, in and out of the

for success in college and life. I’ll men-

classroom, on the fields and on the slopes. Ashleigh

tion three.

Boulton said, “At Holderness, you get a sense of

The first relates to intelligence.

There is a popular belief that intelli-

how strong you are, mentally and physically.” So being a student at Holderness sends the message

gence is something you are born with.

that “smart isn’t something you are—it’s something

Many people think intelligence is

you get.” . . .

genetically determined, that babies are

Holderness School Today

The good news is that today researchers tell a different story. A new vision of intelligence based

much Holderness invests in teacher growth.

16

what kind of educational opportunities would be

want to share. Our records show that of

There’s a second way Holderness has prepared

born with a certain degree of intelli-

you. Social psychologist Daniel Goleman and his

gence that can be developed or stifled

colleagues studied the question of what contributes

during the early years of life. For a

most to success in life. They found that emotional

long time—and this view still pre-

intelligence—which they call EQ, meaning the

vails—IQ tests were the final measure

ability to identify and manage your own emotions,

of intellectual abilities. One test, in one

the awareness of your effect on others, and sensitiv-

sitting, on one day, often determined

ity to other people’s feelings—is more important to

success than IQ measured by a standard intelligence test.

in a happy relationship, whether a marriage, a job or a

Building relationships through teamwork, learning to man-

friendship, is cultivating that relationship by showing grati-

age conflict, and inspiring others are emotional intelligence

tude.

factors that are key to leadership. In these studies, emotional

Holderness has helped you develop the gratitude habit,

intelligence trumped all other factors in contributing to suc-

what Academic Dean Peter Durnan labels a “culture of

cess in work and life.

appreciation.” Mr. Durnan said that the way of life at

Goleman and his colleague stress that these abilities are

Holderness, making eye contact and saying hello by name,

not innate but learned. Many of you first learned about EQ

is a sort of cosmic affirmation of gratitude—an

from watching your parents and grandparents. But

edgement of the worth of others. Students say “thank you”

Holderness builds on those experiences through the leader-

so often, in person and on line, that Technology Director

acknowl-

ship program, the job program, OB, team sports, and the

Wayne Oldack had to ask students to refrain from sending

hours that your faculty invests in you through coaching and

“thank you’s” in response to technology notices. They were

advising.

clogging his email.

When I asked seniors which types of kids are most respected at Holderness, Syd Aronson and Ben Osborne

So [today] reflect on people who have

talked about students who lead by example, who “step up

influenced you, and

when they see a need.” . . . It’s this kind of emotional intelli-

think of someone

gence that distinguishes a Holderness graduate.

deserving of your

Effort and emotional intelligence—two routes to success. The third is gratitude, also nurtured by a Holderness education.

Researchers have found that people who actively

thanks. It will make a difference to your thirdgrade teacher or prep school coach—and, as

express gratitude, who don’t take life for granted, are not

research tells us, it will

just being polite—they reap personal benefits. People who

make a difference in

express gratitude for both little and big things enjoy higher

your own life.

levels of physical and emotional well-being, which con-

you’ll start a trend and

tributes to their happiness and success.

Harvard professor Ben Shahar teaches positive psychol-

The recipient of the 2010 Theuner Award for service to Holderness.

Perhaps

one day someone will be thanking you.

ogy, a course that focuses on the psychological aspects of a fulfilling life. Shahar asserts that the most challenging task

Holderness School Today

17

Commencement 2010 Mike “Ice” Heyward ’07 was one of two pleased recipients of the Woodward Prize. Betsy O’Leary ’07 was the other.

A great Holderness moment happened during the Renaissance.

From the address of Will Prickett ’81, Chair of the Board of Trustees

A

S

I

LOOK BACK

on this year, there

are many things that distinguish each of you and as a class of gradu-

ates. But the thing that stands out in my mind is your discovery of the power of collaboration, of coming together, and learning—sometimes from pain and adversity— to become leaders. Whether you were collaborating on triumphs (like the spectacular performance of The Wiz, an extremely challenging show to do well), or coming together to support earthquake victims in Haiti, or winning a game that no one expected you to win—you learned to be leaders and the power of working as a team.

One of my favorite moments of this year is the way you seniors supported and applauded a nervous, but incredibly composed and talented, group of freshmen during the Renaissance Dinner. That was a

18

Holderness School Today

great Holderness moment of collaboration and community—and it was a perfect example of passing on one of the secrets of leadership to those freshmen (encouraging them and providing a safe environment in which to take risks and push themselves). I believe that over your years here, you learned and proved that the power of the group is better, stronger, and wiser than any individual's—that the cohesion and support of a school community or a family or a team is what satisfies us and nurtures us most.

“

It was a perfect example of passing on one of the

secrets of leadership to those freshmen.

”

—Will Prickett ’81

A sampling of the members of the Cum Laude Society.

The value of pure and genuine laughter.

From the address of Ashleigh Boulton ’10, President of the School

T

AKE A DEEP BREATH,

Mom and Dad, we

made it. You may have had your doubts in March when the snow got deeper and the

Hoit bedbugs reemerged yet again, but today, donning white dresses, navy blazers, and bearing red roses, the Class of 2010 is ready to collect.

Patient smiles float across our faces as we anticipate our names being called and our diplomas in our hands. A class full of verve, passion, and spunk, the Class of 2010 is a group of individuals ranging from a Vermont-born owner of five alpacas to a 6-foot-5-inch New York basketball star who has mastered the art of flying. We come from the East Coast, the West Coast, everywhere in between, and many places beyond.

But today, on the anniversary of the arrest of the notorious bank-robbers and bandits, Bonnie and Clyde, only one question remains: where on

“

earth will Phil Brown be in twenty years? As a class we may have pushed the limits, aging Mr.

A class full of verve, passion, and spunk . . .

—Ashleigh Boulton ’10

”

Peck by at least ten years, but we also left a legacy that embraces the power of a strong work ethic and the value of pure and genuine laughter.

Don and Pat Henderson Awardwinner Ashleigh Boulton ’10

“

Holderness has

helped you

develop what Academic Dean

Peter Durnan

labels a “culture of appreciation.”

—Dr. Pearl Kane Retired English teacher Norm Walker receives a book of memories (notes from former students and photos) from Alex Francis ’10.

”

Holderness School Today

19

Commencement 2010 Mark 9:23 and the four-minute mile.

From the address of Carson Houle ’11, President-Elect of the School

I

N THE

1950S

IT WAS THOUGHT

that running a sub-four-minute mile was

impossible. Then in 1954, Roger Bannister broke the mental roadblock

and recorded a three-minute-and-fifty-nine-second mile. In that next

year, when everyone finally believed it was possible, three hundred and fifty more runners ran under a four-minute-mile along with Bannister. It goes to show that people were able to do it only once they believed it was possible. Similarly, if we as athletes didn’t believe that we could beat a school of a thousand students, or one that accepted only post-grads, none of those upsets would have happened. The seniors were the ones to really lead the whole school in this belief—not just the senior captains, but the seniors who stepped up as well.

I don’t know if any of you guys have noticed around campus, but the license plate of Lee Phillips, the organist in Chapel, reads Mark 9:23.

When Nick Ford and I asked her about it, she made us look it up on our own. We found the verse: “Anything is possible to him who believes.”

Seniors, when you get a minute, really take some time to think about how powerful that is. “Anything is possible to him who believes.” It will guide you places.

“

“Anything is possible to him who believes.”

Above, Clarkson Award-winner Manny Smith with language teacher Kristen Fischer. Right, Will Hoeschler accepts a handshake and the Marshall Award from English teacher Bruce Barton.

20

Holderness School Today

”

—Carson Houle ’11 (& Mark 9:23)

Cum Laude Society Seniors inducted in their junior year:

Abigail Jane Alexander Christopher William Bradbury Hyun Jung Chung Sarah Rogers Clarkson Mary Jo Germanos Erika Margaret Johnson Mireille CĂŠcile Pichette Sarah Ashby Sussman Laura Olivia Pohl

Seniors inducted this year:

Andrea Kourajian Fisher Chelsea Ann Stevens Ji Eun Sung

Dallas Awardwinner Mary Jo Germanos with language teacher Janice Pedrin-Nielson.

Chatarin Wong-U-Railertkun

Juniors inducted this year:

Desmond James Bennett Jordan Leigh Cargill Amanda Claire Englehardt

Book Prizes ’10

Carson Vincent Houle Samuel Cornell Macomber Christopher Steven Merrill Leah Rose Peters

Anderson Memorial Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . Se Han Cho Elementary Math Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kangdi Wang Advanced Math Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Ashby Sussman Elementary French Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Taylor Kathryn Watts Advanced French Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Colin Thomas Phillips Elementary Latin Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Steven Merrill Advanced Latin Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David McCauley Caputi Elementary Spanish Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristina Sophia Micalizzi Advanced Spanish Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Jo Germanos, Georgina Isabelle Ogirri Connor History Medal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iashai Stephens Ashworth Award for US History . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigail Jane Alexander Ashworth Award for European History . . . . . . . . Jeffrey Robert Regan Wasson Music Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Imoh Silas, Sarah Ashby Sussman Whiting Prize for Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So Hee Park

Ceramics Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wesley McLean Mitchell-Lewis Photography Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aubrey Frances Tyler, William James Hoeschler Fiore Cup for Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William James Hoeschler Science Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chatarin Wong-U-Railertkun

Spargo Award for Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigail Jane Alexander Renssalaer Medal (Math & Sciences) . . . . . . . . .

Christopher Steven Merrill

English Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigail Jane Alexander, Sarah Rogers Clarkson Poetry Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

William James Hoeschler

Writing Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chelsea Ann Stevens Harvard Book Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel Cornell Macomber Kenyon College Presidential Book Award . . . . . . Elizabeth Ann Pettitt, Kiara Janena Boone

Holderness School Today

21

Commencement 2010

Richard C. Gallop Award For creative and community leadership

Commencement

Laura Olivia Pohl

Dana H. Rowe Memorial Award For academics, athletics, and love of life Sarah Ashby Sussman

Awards ’10

Clarkson Award For the ability to persevere Emmanuel Sherrard Smith

Distinguished Alumni Award For exemplifying the highest standards of the school Margo Deselin ’78

Haslam Award For contributions to the life of the school Erika Margaret Johnson

The Rev. B.W. Woodward, Jr. Prize For achievement in the junior year of college

Marshall Award

Mike Heyward ’07

For contributions to the life of the school

Betsy O’Leary ’07

William James Hoeschler

The Right Reverend Douglas E. Theuner Award For increasing and furthering the mission of Holderness Pearl Rock Kane

Dallas Award For dedication to the ideals of the school Mary Jo Germanos

M.J. LaFoley Award For outstanding character in the 3rd or 4th form

Walter Alvin Frost Award

Kristina Sophia Micalizzi

For reaching the highest standards of the school Abigail Jane Alexander

Faculty Award For highest scholastic average in the 6th form Abigail Jane Alexander

Coach’s Award For contribution to the spirit of Holderness Nathan Benjamin Gonya

Webster Cup Award For excellence in athletics Sean Patrick Harrison

Ned Gillette Spirit Award For leadership and a spirit of adventure Andrea Kourajian Fisher

Don and Pat Henderson Award For contributions to the welfare of the community Ashleigh May Boulton

Head of School Phil Peck and Abby Alexander, who won both the Faculty and Frost awards.

22

Holderness School Today

Karen Frances Abate Abigail Jane Alexander Christian Boyd Allen Michael Scott Anderson Alvaro Apraiz Sydney Tovah Aronson Ashleigh May Boulton Christopher William Bradbury Elizabeth Hope Brown Philip Klein Brown Julia E. Canelas Julia Franckhauser Capron Hyun Jung Chung Paul Jarvis Clark Sarah R. Clarkson Lucy Copeland Samuel Carter Copeland Dillon Stokes Corkran Nicholas James Cushing Ivan Delic Colby Christopher Drost Nicholas Dullea Mark David Finnegan Andrea Kourajian Fisher Alex Anderson Francis Brian Mullin Friedman Mary Jo Germanos Nathan Gonya Duong Tung Ha Duyen Erica F. Hamlin Brette Leigh Harrington Sean Patrick Harrison Colin Edward Higgins William James Hoeschler William Winsor Humphrey John Knox Cochran Hyslip Erika Margaret Johnson Kyle Kenney Morgan Braid Markley Nathan Carl McBeath John Scott McCoy Charles Richard McNutt Kevin Sander Michel Wesley Mitchell-Lewis Scott W. Nelson

Loyola University Maryland Bates College Plymouth State University Saint Michael’s College University of Colorado at Boulder University of New Hampshire University of Denver Gap Year (Deferred at Bates College) George Washington University College of Charleston Saint Michael’s College University of Montana at Missoula Cornell University Roger Williams University Wellesley College College of Charleston Union College University of Colorado at Boulder University of Utah New England College Gap Year Plymouth State University Connecticut College Bates College Bryant University Lehigh University Hamilton College Saint Anselm College Gap Year Skidmore College University of British Columbia Hobart and William Smith Colleges Dalhousie University Skidmore College University of New Hampshire Boston University Colby College University of New Hampshire Keene State College Stonehill College Colgate University Norwich University University of New Hampshire University of Vermont Colorado College

Where We Go From Here College Destinations for the Class of ’10

Matthew Nolan Georgina I. Ogirri Benjamin Christopher Osborne Diego Osorio Nicholas Mark Parisi Steven Maxwell Parsons Marissa Leigh Pendergast Emily Hope Pettengill Mireille Cecile Pichette Laura Olivia Pohl Gabrielle Jillian Raffio Eric Rochefort Jack Kevin Saba Jacob Andrew Scott Emmanuel Sherrard Smith Kody Ross Spencer Elise Holahan Steiner Chelsea Ann Stevens Shiloh Summers Ji Eun Sung Sarah Ashby Sussman Elena Christina Taylor Marion Trafford Thurston Aubrey Frances Tyler Caroline Patricia Walsh Kristen L. Walters Jeffrey Robert Regan Wasson Carter Travis White Chatarin Wong-U-Railertkun Frank Peter Zarzeka Dylan J. P. Zimmermann

Gap Year (deferred at University of Colorado) Parsons School of Design University of British Columbia Gap Year College of Wooster New England College Salve Regina University Union College Princeton University Boston University University of Richmond Gap Year College of Charleston Dalhousie University Rivier College Colby College Syracuse University Tufts University Ursinus College Emory University Cornell University Washington College Northeastern University St. Olaf College George Washington University University of British Columbia Clark University Santa Clara University California Institute of Technology University of Montana University of Colorado at Boulder

Holderness School Today

23

Around the Quad

Academics

The chemistry of the Coliseum.

I

N

APRIL

A GREAT EXAMPLE

of teaching across the curriculum

occurred in Randy Houseman’s chemistry lab. We’ll let Latin

teacher Doug Kendall explain the activity: “Concrete—especially

Roman concrete—is made from, among other things, hydrated lime,” he said. “This is made by baking limestone in a kiln, in which it changes its chemistry. Then you add water to the pumice-like stones,

Getting out of the classroom,

which dramatically changes the chemistry again.”

and getting Out Back in.

stone to see if they had achieved the required chemical transformation.

B

and rooms

On that day Doug’s Latin IV students tested their kiln-baked lime-

Randy helped explain the chemistry of the process, and ceramics

ed for Out Back last spring

teacher Franz Nicolay came over from the Carpenter Arts Center to

necessarily have

with a special task: each to

explain what happens in the kiln.

walls, but at

find some sort of talisman

UILDINGS

Holderness we don’t want

in the woods, some natural

to make too much of that.

object in some way expres-

English teacher John

sive of his or her own expe-

Teaford, for example, has

rience or sense of identity.

no patience with the wall

On their return, John’s

that separates his classroom

students wrote about those

from Out Back, that pro-

talismans, and also pre-

gram that sends the junior

pared oral presentations

class into the foothills of

about their significance. It

the White Mountains for

was a sort of storytelling

ten days each March.

around the campfire—with-

Like the rest of the English department, he

The result was a lot of heat and smoke, and finally—some authentic Roman concrete, suitable for any aqueduct or coliseum.

Norm Walker

out the campfire—and of course it had to be outside.

teaches a reading list in his

Which it was, on one fine

junior classes that is heavy

day last April.

on the literature of nature, ecology, and the outdoors.

But John’s students depart-

Always one more poem to teach.

“G

OOD TEACHERS ARE

artists,” writes Norm Walker in the

introduction to the first edition of his book Teachers, a

collection of poems and essays. “Artists do not punch a

Last April Norm was a guest of Holderness on one of its School Nights in the Hagerman Center, an event that has previously accommodated such celebrated poets as Donald Hall, Robert Bly, and

time clock at 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM; they are often so committed to

Galway Kinnell. That’s a tough podium to read from, but Norm’s own

their work that the creative process never really ends. There is always

poetry was often equal to the challenge. And of course there were

one more chord to strike, a word or phrase to change, one last touch

poems by other great poets—Robert Frost, E.E. Cummings, and Hall’s

with the brush or chisel . . . .”

former wife Jane Kenyon—that Norm not only read, but taught to the

Norm has been retired from the Holderness School English department since 2007, but of course he is still writing impressive

assembled students, faculty, and friends.

It’s one thing to hear a fine poem. It’s another thing to understand

poetry, and also providing living proof that a teacher is indeed an

its secret magic. For a real teacher—Retired? You kidding me?—the

artist, since to Norm there is always one more poem to teach.

process never really ends.

24

Holderness School Today

Senior Honors Thesis: Start with passion, add initiative, end up strong.

That’ll get you from drift racing, just for example, on to Mozart.

Eric Rochefort, “Burning Rubber”

Sydney Aronson, “Deeper Impact” those engaged in competitive drift racing, a particularly difficult motorsport in which the driver intentionally over steers, causing a loss of traction in the rear tires. It’s not the fastest way to the finish line, but it has the cultural virtue of being way cool.

Or can a better understanding of a musical piece affect the listener’s experience of the piece? H.J. Chung , in “Improving Musical Experience Through Analysis,” left that for her listeners to decide. She not only played classical repertory piano pieces by Mozart,

tive? Sydney Aronson, in “Deeper Impact,” found a set of criteria helpful for making decisions like that, and for ensuring that people’s best intentions are rewarded.

There were many more great questions raised besides those, but what was especially impressive was how well and how uniformly the presentations answered to another of the program’s guiding principles—that the final product is “a finished piece of high quality.”

Beethoven, and Chopin, but deconstructed them as well, providing her audience a

T

HE FIRST GUIDING

principle of the Senior

Honors Thesis program is that “a student’s personal interest or passion leads

to an essential question that directs the proj-

ect.” Which leads us to an admiring consideration of just some of the questions that guided this spring’s harvest of Capstone presentations.

For example, what is the relationship between American culture and automotive design? Eric Rochefort, in a presentation entitled “Burning Rubber,” addressed that via the emotional bonds that have always developed between drivers and their cars, and especially

musician’s-eye glimpse into

H.J. Chung, “Improving Musical Experience”

how the pieces are put together and how they work their magic.

Or how can we do the most good in our philanthropic activities? This begs other questions. Is it better to send goods or contribute money?

And how do you know which of the many philanthropic organizations out there are the most efficient and effec-

A photo snapped just after the pooch learned that he couldn’t go.

“B

ON VOYAGE.”

THAT was the operative term on this morning

in June as a group of students gathered with their families

in front of Weld Hall to take the first step of their visit to

France with French teacher Janice Pedrin-Nielson.

The trip included for each student a five-day home stay with a family that includes a son or daughter of similar age and interests. And then there were tours of Paris, Reims, Selestat, and Chamonix. The departing French-speakers included Julia Capron, Betsey Pettitt, Leah Peters, Liz Legere, Taylor Watts, and Colin Phillips.

Holderness School Today

25

Around the Quad

The Arts

The Wiz is an historic piece of musical theater, but you didn’t need to know that to love the show.

I

N

1975,

IN THE

midst of a decade in

these days The Wiz can be enjoyed mere-

which the civil rights movement of

ly for its great entertainment value, as it

the 1960s was still on the move, The

was last April in Theater Director

Wiz represented a breakthrough on

Monique Devine’s production of the

Broadway. With music and lyrics by

musical. Salamarie Frazier ’12 played

Charlie Smalls and book by William F.

Dorothy, and seniors Jeff

Brown, the take-off on L. Frank Baum’s

Wasson the Tin Man,

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz featured an

Lucy Copeland the

all-black cast in its original production.

Scarecrow, and Will

And this unlikely marriage between

Hoeschler the Cowardly

Baum’s heartland children’s classic and

Lion. The show looked a

contemporary African-American music

great deal like its

and culture garnered seven Tony Awards,

Broadway original in its

including one for “Best Musical.”

Which is all good to know, but

energy and spirit of joy, and the color of your skin or fur or rags or sheet-metal was never really an issue. It was all great fun, and a fine piece of theater.

The Brick Road warriors: Jeff Wasson ’10 as the Tin Man, Lucy Copeland ’10 as the Scarecrow, Salamarie Frazier ’12 as Dorothy, and Will Hoeschler ’10 as the Cowardly Lion.

26

Holderness School Today

Also in the cast: Charlie Poulin ’11 as the Wizard, and Brette Harrington ’10 as the Wicked Witch.

The Royal X Dance Crew sails through a variety of

Pauline Germanos ’11.

dance styles and traditions.

In the front row: Salamarie Frazier ’12, Tyquan Ekejiuba ’12, and Casey Gibbs ’12.

A

MONG THE

pleasures of

Kara Boone ’11 and Tyler.

Germanos ’11, Tyquan

the arts calendar last

Ekejiuba ’12, Salamarie Frazier

May was a recital by

’12, and Gena Ogirri ’10. A

the school’s own Royal X

guest appearance was turned in

Dance Crew. The captains of

by Sam Nungesser ’11.

The group presented a

that crew are Meagan McKenzie and Erica Gilbert of

variety of dance styles, each

Plymouth State University, but

telling a story presented with

the crew itself is pure

precision, creativity, and ener-

Holderness: Kiara Boone ’11,

gy.

Casey Gibbs ’12, Pauline

Charlie Poulin ’11 as Hamlet had to get low to dodge those slings and arrows.

Karen Abate ’10 and Alex Francis ’10 share some water in “Check, Please.”

Hamlet had his issues, but so did some of these blind dates.

I

T CAN GET WET

up there, as it did

on stage at the Hagerman Center

at the end of the spring semester

in May. That was when theater director Monique Devine’s acting students presented their final projects to a live audience. One group performed a very abbreviated—and very funny—version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, while another performed Jonathan Rand’s one-act play “Check, Please,” which concerns how bad first dates can be.

Holderness School Today

27

Around the Quad

The Arts

Salamarie Frazier ’12 is one of the faces of POL in the NH Arts Journal.

“F

ROM THE FAMED ORATION

of Daniel Webster to the stories Fritz

Wetherbee tells us nightly on New Hampshire Chronicle, New

Hampshire has long embraced stories well told and lines well

delivered,” writes author and storyteller Rebecca Rule in the summer issue of New Hampshire Arts Journal.

That remains the case today, but New Hampshire is just one of fifty states now in which some 150,000 students compete in the art of oration— at least as it relates to poetry—for the love of poetry, for some measure of glory, and for $50,000 in scholarship money at the top echelons of competition. They do so under the auspices of Poetry Out Loud, a program born just five years ago as the brainchild of Dana Gioia, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The competition encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance,” writes Rule, “and helps students master public speaking skills, build selfconfidence, and learn about their literary and cultural heritage.”

In our last issue of HST, we reported on the success of Salamarie Frazier ’12 in first winning the school-wide POL competition here on campus, and so advancing to the regional competition held at Plymouth State University last March. That was as far as Salamarie got, at least this time around, but she represented Holderness gracefully and made enough of a general impression for her photograph to be included prominently in the NHAJ’s article on the event.

Service

Holderness spins out eighty pieces of pottery for the Bridge House.

T

HE

BRIDGE HOUSE

IS

a homeless shelter in

a lot of lovely pottery for sale, all donated

Plymouth that has been successful enough

by Shanware Pottery in Rumney, Phoebe’s

in its mission to be featured in a story on

Pottery Barn in Mount Vernon, Plymouth

New Hampshire Public Radio last March. And

State University, and the students of

each May, going back five years now, The Bridge

Holderness School.

House (TBH) hosts a Rock’n’Roll Retro fundrais-

And that was a lot of pottery from

ing event.

Holderness—more than eighty pieces. “It’s

This year’s version featured rock by Annie &

a wonderful night, and it celebrates a good

the Orphans, dancing by the Kids from Ninth

cause,” said photography and ceramics

Street, bread from the Berry Delicious Bakery, and

teacher Franz Nicolay.

Books for a Better World—23 boxes of ‘em.

F

ORMER

Holderness Development

Director Doug White is one of the leaders in the movement to

shipped to the BWF’s “Books for

educate donors about the relative mer-

Africa” program—which makes four

its of the charities who compete for

years in a row now that Holderness has

your philanthropic dollar (see Doug’s

donated at least twenty boxes to that

book Charity On Trial, Barricade

program.

Books, 2006), and one of the highestrated charities out there is the Better

Sarah Fauver ’11, Abe Noyes ’11, and Paul Pettengill ’12 worked togeth-

World Foundation, which manages to

er to organize the book drive. Kudos

direct over 90 percent of its funds and

also to Chris Bradbury ’10, Matt

goods to its beneficiaries.

Nolan ’10, Kevin Dachos ’11, Caleb

Last May the school’s student

28

of unwanted books from classrooms and dorm rooms. These were then

Nungesser ’13, and postmaster Len

sustainability crew made its own con-

Thompson for carrying it through to its

tribution of goods, gathering 23 boxes

conclusion.

Holderness School Today

O

NE OF THE

oldest rituals

Initiative,

of late April, dating back some sixty years

dependability,

now, is that night at Chapel when the names of next year’s

fairness, and

student leaders are announced.

These are individuals who are

leadership—

not so much elected as they are recognized—in a balloting sys-

sixty years and

tem that includes both students and faculty—for their strengths

counting.

in the areas of initiative, dependability, fairness, and leadership.

And as always, the announcements were preceded by speeches on the subject of leadership by the school’s current president and vice-president, as well as Head of School Phil Peck—who reminded students that each year some of the school’s best leaders go unrecognized, working quietly

Cleaning the Gulf, one follicle at a time.

in the ranks, as it were, to

A

Gulf of Mexico went from disturb-

ing so that the collected hair could be delivered to an organization

ly after Sydney Aronson’s Senior

called Matter of Trust. Hair and

Honors Thesis presentation on charities

In the photo above, from the left, are new Weld Hall leaders Juliet Dalton, Sam Macomber, and Nick Stoico; outgoing Weld leaders Jack

outgoing president and vicepresident Ashleigh Boulton and Abby Alexander; and new vice-

fact, has just completed a year in

and elsewhere—grow up

South Africa working as a volunteer

playing soccer barefoot.

for GRS, an experience that he has

three-on-three soccer games played

written eloquently about for HST.

an international effort to stockpile hair and fur and deliver it to

some

places where it could be made into

Holderness

booms and mats and then deliv-

students to

ered to sites in the Gulf.

Students also gathered hair from local cutting salons. “This

(hair-raz-

short-term effort can affect future

ing?) of

clean-ups as well,” cheered Head

their own.

of School Phil Peck, “since coordination and timing for this drive

Will

showed that education and local

Humphrey

efforts can make a difference.”

Losing our shoes for Grassroots Soccer and AIDS prevention.

Last spring’s “Lose the Shoes”

the reason was to provide help to

Abby Alexander ’10 as part of her Senior Honors Thesis project on liv-

that uses the sport as an educational

ing with HIV/AIDS.

tool in teaching African youth about

$10 per person, or $50 per team

Working in the most severely

ing— prompted

tournament was spearheaded by

Grassroots Soccer, an organization

the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

products, and MOT was mounting

Senior

president Alex Kuno.

barefoot on the Quad last May. And

more effectively than synthetic

tive giv-

hair-raising

new president Carson Houle;

fur are made of the protein keratin, a substance that soaks up oil much

and effec-

do a little

Hyslip and Mark Finnegan;

That was the background for the

number of students and faculty submitted to some amateur barber-

ing to hair-raising. Which—short-

ty.

M

Sunday Cut Day in May, when a

Petroleum well last spring

advance the school’s values and

in Africa—

took charge of what became

of that infamous British

and summer, the situation in the

enhance its sense of communi-

ANY CHILDREN

S LEAKING OIL SPEWED OUT

Athletes paid

(three starters and two subs), to participate. Music teacher Matt

stricken countries, GRS has already

LaRocca provided music, and GRS

educated more than 270,000 children

provided food and t-shirts for sale.

about healthy lifestyles and the

Even without shoes, soccer was a lot

choices that best protect against con-

of fun—and even more so as another

tracting the virus. Former Holderness

small blow struck against a terrible

soccer captain Kellan Florio ’01, in

and preventable disease.

Holderness School Today

29

Around the Quad

Service

Community Day:

The school’s athletes extend a coaching hand to local youngsters.

B

Y NOW IT’S A TRADITION

each fall and spring: Community Day, on

which Holderness varsity coaches and athletes invite youngsters

from the Plymouth area to watch a typical varsity practice and then

go through sets of drills with the Holderness kids.

The young athletes go home knowing a little more about the game and its skill sets, and a little more about Holderness School and its people, and the athletes enjoy the opportunity to do a little coaching of their own.

Above, Coach (and Director of Athletics) Lance Galvin ’90 begins the lacrosse version of Community Day last May with some excited young players and a set of varsity athletes on their way to a sparkling 11-2 season.

Community

B

OB

In respect to Brooksie.

BROOKS, a.k.a.

always found time to chat with a

Bartsch Athletic Center’s

freshman, whether they were a

equipment room from 1985 to

socially minded student or not,”

1997 is gone now, alas, but the

read the award’s commendation.

spirit of his warm and

“As a house leader in Hoit dor-

outgoing personality

mitory, Dillon’s keen sense of

lives on in the Bob

right and wrong was demonstrat-

Brooks Award, which

ed by the way he compelled stu-

is given annually “by

dents to perform their dorm job

the freshman class to

or get to bed on time—by reason

the senior who played

and persuasion, not by force.

the biggest role in

Younger kids feel comfortable

making Holderness a

with Dillon; in their words, he’s

home.”

This year’s award, presented at

Senior Dillon Corkran earned this year’s Bob Brooks Award.

I

SEPTEMBER, 2004, a University of

advisors, an event that also served as an occa-

died of an alcohol-related hazing inci-

sion for discussing the

dent. Gordie’s life and fate became the core

film in a small-group

subject matter of Haze, a prize-winning

setting.

documentary film about binge drinking and hazing rituals on college campuses.

Last April the school community

the many admirable qualities that obliged the freshman class to

Kangdi Wang ’13 and

honor him with this year’s Bob

Taylor Watts ’13, as

Brooks Award.”

Science teacher Thom Flinders and his advisees meet after the showing of Haze.

“By intentionally discussing difficult issues, including drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, and hazing,” said Head of School

assembled in Hagerman one afternoon to

Phil Peck, “we hope to go directly at the

watch the film as part of the school’s well-

topics which are so prevalent in today’s

ness curriculum. Then students broke into

society and so destructive of our young peo-

advisee groups to share a meal with their

ple.”

30

Holderness School Today

and kindliness are only two of

Dinner in May by

well as Mrs. Brooks,

Colorado student named Gordie Bailey

simply a fun guy to be around.

Dillon Corkran’s respectfulness

Commencement

Speaking the perils of hazing.

N

went to Dillon Corkran. “He

Brooksie, who ruled the

Year #17 for the Students of Color Conference, and stronger than ever.

I

T’S NOW IN ITS

seventeenth year,

and it’s just getting better: the

vides support, and cultivates leadership among students of color.

Association of Independent

Holderness contributed a large

Schools in New England’s annual

contingent of students. They listened

Students of Color Conference, held

to speakers, watched performers,

in April this year at Beaver Country

participated in workshops and affini-

Day School in Chestnut Hill, MA.

ty groups, connected with old

Some 35 schools participated in a

friends, made some new ones, and

flourishing event that raises self-

also enjoyed a little time off campus.

awareness, builds community, pro-

When the

A

PRIL IS THE TIME WHEN A YOUNG

man’s thoughts turn to, well,

whom he might ask to the spring prom. Some of our young men at

spring

Holderness are creative about their asks, and one—or several, in a

conspiracy, no doubt—combined the tradition of the notable prom invita-

prank

tion with that of the spring prank.

meets the

were greeted by large arrows on the carpet made of paper cups. This led to

So it was then, that one morning students entering the Schoolhouse

the classrooms of English teachers John Teaford and Doonie Brewer.

prom

Inside John’s classroom hundreds of cups were lined on a table, each filled with water, some with colored water, with the cups spelling out, “M.M.

invite.

Prom?”

Doonie’s classroom featured a nice piece of installation art in the water-filled cups that worked their way in a spiral around its perimeter. It all plainly took a lot of work, provided an unanticipated lift to the morning, and we can only hope M.M. made it to the prom.

Chapel The stones

Katie Smarse at the Outdoor Chapel.

remain.

M

AY PROVIDED

a lovely

day for the school’s

annual Rock Chapel

service, which begins the process

of saying farewell to each year’s graduating class. It’s always held away in the woods in the Outdoor Chapel, and this year’s speaker was Katie Smarse ’05, a departing English teacher who was making her second set of good-byes to the

Then seniors and departing faculty members took stones they had collected earlier, and each deposited one stone into the wall built from rocks left by previous classes. “It’s symbolic of the tie we hold with those who have come before,” said Head of School Phil Peck, “and with those who will come after.”

community. Katie called it her “second senior year.” Take time to appreciate these last few weeks, she counseled.

Holderness School Today

31

Around the Quad

Chapel In Memoriam: The terrible beauty of the Connick windows.

T

HE SCHOOL COMMUNITY—or

as much of

it as we can fit—gathers in the Chapel of the Holy Cross twice each week, both

for ecumenical religious observances and to

squadron that won fame for shooting down the Red Baron, Manfred von Richtofen, during World War I. Hedley followed in his father’s footsteps in joining the RCAF, and his fighter

hear speakers on subjects that might be

plane was lost behind German lines in Italy in

described as having a spiritual bent. Last April

1945.

one such speaker was school archivist Judith

Judith told students that at that time there

Solberg, who encouraged students to take a

were 232 Holderness alumni serving in the

careful look at the Chapel’s stained-glass win-

military, and this in an era when there were

dows.

only 60-70 students in the entire school. “So

Of course there is their beauty. They are among the last works of Charles J. Connick, an

when you come into this Chapel, please, be inspired by the beauty of these windows,” she

artist described in the New York Times upon

said. “And do think about these individuals.

his death in 1945 as “the world’s greatest arti-

But remember to use the windows as windows:

san on stained windows.” But there is also

windows into our shared past, windows into

their subject matter, as a number memorialize

your own conscience, windows into your aspi-

Holderness alumni who died in World War II.

rations for your own character. Because for all

These include, for example, Hedley de la

of us sitting in this Chapel,

Broquerie Young ’41, who starred on Coach

that is their purpose.”

Hinman’s football teams, and whose father had flown in the Royal Canadian Air Force

Summer

Archivist Judith Solberg before two of the storied windows.

Where do great minds gather? Just for example, here.

A

LOT OF LEARNING GOES ON

at Holderness each summer, but not

by Holderness students, exactly. Instead their places in the classrooms and in the Hagerman Center are taken by some of

the top scientists in the fields of biology, chemistry, and the physical sciences.

They come to attend seminars mounted by the Gordon Research Conference (http://www.grc.org), an organization that has been helping scientists gather and exchange ideas on college and independent school campuses since the late 1920s. The conferences at Holderness began in June with one entitled “Environmental Sciences: Water.” That was followed by “Drug Metabolism,” “Lasers in Medicine and Biology,” “Water and Aqueous Solutions,” “Organic Geochemistry,” “Research at High Pressure,” and “Plant Molecular Biology.”

So those are a lot of different ideas, bandied about by a lot of powerful minds. Holderness, for its part, likes to help out with this, and the scientists unfailingly are polite and respectful guests.

Sports

32

O

KAY, IT WASN’T

LeBron

James announcing on an

With many suitors,

ESPN TV special that he

was going to sign to play with

Francis ’10 made while he attended here. Dozens of those friends—which included many faculty members—crowded into

hoop star Alex Francis

the Miami Heat next year, but it

Weld’s faculty lounge one after-

was a good Holderness facsimile,

noon last April to watch Alex

signs with Bryant.

and better received by the public,

sign an NCAA Letter of Intent to

thanks to all the friends that Alex

attend (and play basketball for)

Holderness School Today

Bryant University in 2010-11.

Alex Francis signs his NCAA Letter of Intent, and thanks his many friends.

Bryant runs a Division I basketball program that has made seven appearances in the NCAA tournament, and has reached the Final Four once. Alex holds multiple scoring records in Holderness basketball, and led the Bulls to the NEPSAC semifinals last year, to the finals in 2009, and to the semifinals in 2008.

“Signing this Letter of Intent is an important thing for me, and I wanted to sign this letter with all of you guys because you all played a huge part in my life,” Alex said. “I arrived at Holderness School scared and confused, and now I’ve grown a great deal as a result of my time here. And it’s thanks to you, and the support

you’ve given me over the last four years.”

Pancho

Pancho stands to the left on the podium at the Spanish national championships.

Apraiz ’10 wins Spanish

T

slalom silver.

HE SNOW sports sea-

the national team: first in the

son came to a climac-

slalom, the GS, and the com-

tic end last spring for

bined.

Alvaro ‘Pancho’ Apraiz ’10.

In April he flew home to

Pancho’s versatility extends beyond ski racing.

Spain to compete in the

He raced on a Thursday, flew

Spanish national alpine ski

back to Holderness on

championships in

Friday, and on Saturday

Candanchu, where he

played a varsity tennis match

claimed a silver medal in the

at the #1 singles position—

slalom. And his fourth-place

played well enough for the

finish in the giant slalom put

win, thank you very much,

him ahead of a Spanish

against New Hampton.

Olympic team member in that event.

We also have to cheer for his results in what the

His proud family commemorated the national alpine championships by assembling the image to the

Spanish call their Citizens’

left, which includes Pancho’s

Category, which covers any

brother Diego, also a ski

racer who is not a member of

racer.

Alex Lehman ’13 tops the podium at the NE Track Cycling championships.

A

LEX LEHMAN logged a lot of miles on his bike

this summer, and to very

good effect, it seems. He claimed first place overall at the USAC New England Regional Track Cycling Championships in August, and also competed at the Junior Nationals.

Holderness School Today

33

Sports

Spring 2010: The Season in Review

This season marked year #50 for Holderness lacrosse. Jim Brewer, founder of both the boys and girls programs, took a front row seat with the boys varsity and alumni athletes at Alumni Day last spring.

Baseball

Cycling

The varsity baseball team finished the season

Cycling is anything but a solitary sport. Races

with a 9-6 record, 8-4 in the Lakes Region.

are conducted in packs, training is accom-

Highlights of the season were two walk-off

plished in groups, traveling is done in a loosely

wins over Bridgton (9-8) and New Hampton

organized mob that arrives towing a trailer

(3-2) as Nate Gonya and Chandler Grisham

bristling with machines of steel, titanium, alu-

each blasted a game-winner. The team also

minum, carbon fiber. The Holderness varsity

won the three-game season series with Tilton

co-ed cycling team is something of an “event,”

for the first time in a few years with a pair of

and that’s just the way we like it.

one-run victories.

On an individual level, Nate Gonya shat-

Holderness has a distinguished history in the sport of cycling. While the 2010 team was

tered the season record for RBIs with 37. Sean

comprised of riders relatively new to the sport,

Harrison led the team on the mound with a 4-1

our athletes were quick to make their mark on

record and an ERA of 3.33. The Coach's Award

the New England Prep School Cycling League.

went to Gonya. Shiloh Summers won the Most

Race wins and podium

Improved Award. Next year's captains are

appearances were earned

Carson Houle and Chandler Grisham.

by Andrea Fisher, Ethan

By Jory Macomber

Pfenninger, Aubrey Tyler,

Junior varsity baseball’s final record was 6-4.

Capron, Betsey Pettitt,

Led by senior Nick Dullea (who pitched, hit,

and Chelsea Stevens.

and fielded with distinction), the club boasted

More riders earned top-

Keith Bohlin at first (tall target with terrific

three honors in individual

glove), Jake Barton at second (always steady

events than perhaps any

and reliable), Caleb Nungesser at short (some-

year in the team’s histo-

times pitching effectively in relief), and Robert

ry, a record that con-

Sullivan at third (skilled glove and strong

tributed to the team fin-

arm).

ishing 4th overall in the

Henry Miles, Julia

Senior Sean Harrison led the Holderness pitching staff in wins and ERA.

The outfield had Dullea in center, Chris

season standings.

Merrill (good of glove and bat) in left, and J.P.

Holderness Boys B com-

Tardif (new to sport and fleet-of-foot ) in right.

petitors also earned sec-

Charlie Poulin blocked every low ball behind

ond place in the league

the plate and gave full effort always. Important

championship, while

contributions came from Preston Kelsey (great

Ethan Pfenninger placed

eye at the plate), Mac Dudley (leather clinics

second for individual

in the outfield), Charlie De Feo (oft injured but

honors in the Boys B

highly skilled), Nick Stoico (renamed “90 Feet

season standings.

of Fire”), Axi Berman (sure of glove and itch-

Our season con-

ing to pitch), and Chris Daniell (dubbed Mr.

cluded with a metric century ride (62+ miles)

Double). Season highlights included a thrash-

over the top of the infamous Gonzo Pass. All

ing of St. Paul's 9-3 in our last game.

starters completed the course, and appeared

By Bruce Barton

ready for more. When the last race is over, when the century is behind us, that is when Holderness cyclists know, for certain, that they

34

Holderness School Today

Junior Betsey Pettitt was one of a cadre of competitive cyclists this year.

Steve Parsons ’10 earned All-American honors for the 11-2 laxmen.

and Chris Allen. Thank you to the seniors and all players for leaving their legacy of continued Holderness JV lacrosse success.

By Duane Ford ’74

The JV boys lacrosse program successfully supported two squads this spring with several swing players seeing action on both teams.

The

boys JV2 lacrosse team finished off the season with a 5-2-1 record.

Highlights include a tremendous comeback at Cardigan Mountain, where they went from being down 6-1 in the third quarter to scoring six unanswered goals and winning the game. Also this season, attacker Chandler Hoefle had two five-goal games. have “arrived” in this sport. With these experiences behind us, Holderness cyclists seem poised to earn podium spots again in 2011.

By John Teaford

Golf With the spring New Hampshire weather cooperating, varsity co-ed golf hit the links early. Hoping to defend our Lakes Region Championship, we hacked around the countryside and lost our way.

Fortunately our captain Carter White had a great year and ended as the medalist (low-score leader) in the conference. Supporting our leader were Cole Phillips and Dewey Knapp, who stepped up from the JV squad to play in the first two pairings and contributed great rounds to help out in all of our wins.

Spring golf always seems to have a short season, and by the time we started finding our swings, the season ends. Although we didn’t score well as a team in match play, the work ethic of our returning players will serve as a cornerstone of our competitive mindset next season.

By Thom Flinders

For his consistent and honest effort all season, the team recognized Dan Do for the Coach’s Award. Also recognized this year was Olayode Ahmed. He was selected as the Most Improved player.

Whether it was on the Lower Fields, up on the turf, or on the road, the JV lacrosse players had fun, got better, and were an enjoyable group of young men.

By Frank Cirone

After losing nine players to graduation, the girls varsity lacrosse team could have been in a rebuilding year, but instead a great combination of returning players, former junior varsity players, and newcomers came together to finish the season with an impressive 10-4 record.

With five underclassmen who all started at various points in the season, the leadership of co-captains Abby Alexander ’10 and Cecily Cushman ’11, along with a group of dedicated seniors, was integral to the team success.

On average, six different players scored per game, with junior Charlotte O’Leary leading the team with 49 goals and 32 assists. The tenacious defense helped sophomore goalie Abby Guerra frustrate opposing offenses in her first season between the pipes.

Congratulations to Most

Lacrosse

Improved

The varsity boys lacrosse team celebrated the 50th year of lacrosse at

Player Morgan

Holderness School by posting an impressive 11-2 record. With big

Markley and

wins over Exeter and Andover as two of the many highlights of the

Coach’s Award

season (only the second time in history to beat both big schools in the

winner, Abby

same season), the Bulls also played Brewster and Tabor tough in the

Alexander, who

two games we lost; both contests were decided by a cumulative three

will both be

goals difference.

carrying on the

Many honors were awarded at the end of the season by US

Junior co-captain Cecily Cushman helped carry her team to an 11-4 record.

strong tradition

Lacrosse and the Northern New England Lacrosse League, including

of Bull alum-

All-American: Steve Parsons; Academic All-American: Mark

nae playing at

Finnegan; All-League 1st Team: Steve Parsons, Mark Finnegan, Phil

the collegiate

Brown, Dickson Smith, and Gavin Bayreuther; All-League 2nd Team:

level.

Nick Ford, Charlie McNutt, and Jeff Wasson. Most Improved honors

By Renee Lewis

went to Big Al Francis; and Phil Brown won the Coach's Award. The captains for next year's team are Nick Ford, Mac Caputi, and Jamie

The girls JV

McNulty.

lacrosse team

By Lance Galvin ’90

had a great season this spring. With many new and younger players, we saw a lot of

Boys JV1 lacrosse finished with an impressive 11-2 season. The high-

positive development throughout the season. We had many strong wins

light of the season was a three-games-in-six-days finale where the

and only two losses. The girls’ spirit and fight only got stronger as the

Bulls won two games against their best competition (Tabor and

season went along and as we faced more challenging opponents.

Exeter).

Dan Sievers and Nick Goodrich were the main goal-scorers dur-

We had two juniors and one PG who all provided solid leadership. The season peaked during the last two games, showing growth in

ing the year. Brendan Madden, Ryan Rosencranz, and Christian

teamwork and skill. In the second to last game, the girls came from

Anderson were the main ground-ballers in the midfield. The team was

behind to beat Brewster 11-8. The girls played hard for the entire fifty

led mightily by seniors Jack Saba, Dillon Corkran, Mike Anderson,

minutes and had the best transition game we played all season. In our

Holderness School Today

35

Sports

last game against Exeter, the girls

season was to have fun and to consistently display unparalleled

battled in the rain for a close fin-

sportsmanship. The fun piece was easy to attain and sustain

ish, losing by only one goal. We

because the team was composed of fabulous individuals. Add our

expect a lot of good things from

team mascots, Molly and Mason, who attended every practice and

this team next year.

match, and we had a recipe for constant levity.

Throughout the season we discussed the importance of com-

By Kelsey Sullivan

bining aggressive spirit and humility, regardless of the skill, good

Softball

or bad, of our opponents.

The varsity softball Bulls had a very successful and fun season this spring. The experience of the

Co-captain Emily Hayes ’11 helped pitch softball to a winning season.

players on the team varied from the unparalleled prowess of Ariana Borque to the newcomers Eliza Cowie, Jazzy Young, and Radvile Autukatie.

Everyone was able to come together and put forth their

best efforts to make the team into the best that it could be. Whether it was big hits from Carly Meau, a key defensive play from Paige Hardtke at second, or a caught fly ball from Hannah Weiner or Amanda Engelhardt, everyone could be counted on when it really mattered.

Tilton, who were the Lakes Region Champions. Under the leadership of captains Lizz Hale, Emily Hayes, and Marion Thurston,

promising for Holderness softball with the team returning

By Emily Hayes ’11

By Nicole Glew

The girls varsity tennis team got off to a bit of a slow start this season, but ended on a winning streak to finish the season 3-4.

The team was led by a strong group of seniors, including captain Sarah Clarkson, Brette Harrington, Lucy Copeland, Karen Abate, and Laura Pohl.

Also contributing to our victories were juniors

Paige Kozlowksi and Casey Powell; sophomores Abby Slattery,

year player Nicole Perusse.

The high-water mark of the season was an inspired 5-4 win over a talented Brewster team in which Abate and Perusse both won

and also coaches Baiano and McConnell, the team fin-

all but one player next season.

and high level of play. Congratulations to the JV boys tennis team for a season replete with laughter and a high level of play!

Pippa Blau, Bee Crudgington, and Josie Brownell; and lone first-

One of the season’s highlights was a close game against

ished the season with a strong record of 7-5. The future is

The team met this challenge and often

garnered praise from opposing coaches for their approachability

singles matches in tie-

Senior Karen Abate posted a big win against Brewster.

runs imposed upon

during the frequent

season with a 9-1 record overall, losing only to Tilton

rainy days this spring.

Academy by a score of 4-5 in our first match of the sea-

With a solid core of

son. A decisive win against a solid Exeter-B team was

young talent, the girls

arguably the match highlight of our spring competitions.

look to threaten for

Over the course of the season, key contributions

the league title next

were made by seniors Pancho Apraiz, John McCoy, Ben

year.

Osborne, and Will Hoeschler,

By Mike Carrigan

especially given the fact that both Apraiz and McCoy won

The girls JV tennis

all their singles matches in

team enjoyed another

team competitions. Each

successful season.

played in the championship

Although several of

match at the recent Lakes Region Tournament as well. Next year’s captain, Abe Noyes, our Most Improved Award-winner, played some terrific matches, while Chris Bunker, Will Gribbell, and Thany Alexander earned some key victories for our squad. Jesse Ross, Christian Bladon, and Alex Obregon positioned themselves to make significant contributions next year.

By Reggie Pettitt

The JV boys tennis team had a terrific spring season. Despite a novice coach and a team full of newcomers, the team eked out a 4-5 season with some impressive wins and many moments of hilarity. Our focus for the

Holderness School Today

and were cheerful

them by their coach

The boys varsity tennis netmen completed a successful

36

practiced hard this season on the courts

about the mandatory

Tennis

Captain-elect and “Most Improved” Abe Noyes ’11 of 9-1 boys tennis.

breakers. The girls

our matches were canceled due to inclement weather, the girls finished the season with a 6-1 record. The team consisted of eighteen girls who all contributed to our winning season.

At the Lakes Region Tennis Tournament hosted by Kimball Union Academy, the girls played well and won two of the four trophies. Hannah Foote competed against several excellent opponents and won the #2 singles trophy. Isabel Kerrebijn and Kristen Jorgenson played well together and were named the #2 doubles team in the Lakes Region. The team chose newcomer Brigitte Canelas as the Most Improved Player on the team, and Kristina Micalizzi was awarded the Coach’s Award. Many thanks to the girls who made the season so enjoyable and to all of our loyal fans!

By Tobi Pfenninger

Update: Faculty & Staff

A spirituality of connectedness.

Head of School Phil Peck contributes a Holderness chapter to a new NAES book on Episcopal schools.

“T

that

Phil’s written description of that process, one

we defined for Holderness—

that was published in the NAES newsletter—

HE KIND OF SPIRITUALITY

one of connectedness—helps

Phil was one of those contemporary leaders

me to act with more conviction

asked to contribute a chapter to the new edi-

as the head of a Christian community,” writes Phil Peck, “and helps us all to resolve the para-

tion.

Phil’s chapter, entitled “The School as a

dox of a school that embraces its Episcopal

Spiritual Community,” is a broader portrayal of

heritage at a time when only twelve percent of

that process, and part of a book that will be

its families define themselves as

mailed to all NAES member school heads, and

Episcopalians.”

then offered for sale at the NAES office and

Those words are from the second edition of Reasons for Being: The Character and

website.

That planning process, Phil concludes, is

Culture of Episcopal Schools, a book published

“a way of seeking out God’s will and helping

on Labor Day by the National Association of

one’s community thereby move closer to God.

Episcopal Schools. “In this new collection of

But the operative verbs are to ‘seek’ and to

essays,” writes The Rev. Daniel R. Heischman,

‘move.’ Teachers and their students do it all the

executive director of NAES, “contemporary

time. So do school leaders. They learn, they

leaders in Episcopal schools give eloquent tes-

ask questions, they discover how to be better.

timony to two basic questions, ‘What makes

The life of the spirit deserves nothing less.”

Episcopal schools unique?’ and, ‘Why do we do what we do in our schools?’”

Because NAES was impressed by the strategic plan that Holderness drew up last year

The planning process, Phil concludes, is “a way of seeking out God’s will and helping one’s community thereby move closer to God. But the operative verbs are to ‘seek’ and to ‘move.’”

“I cannot thank you enough, once more,” said Ann Mellow, NAES’s Associate Director, “for this important contribution to the literature about Episcopal schools.”

for its spiritual life—and impressed as well by

Holderness School Today

37

Update: Faculty & Staff

The Newbies

New faculty members include a couple of familiar faces and a wealth of talent, passion, accomplishment, and experience.

Sarah Barton

ated from the Institut National

Ms. Barton is a familiar face at

Des Sciences Appliquees in

Holderness, having served in a vari-

Rennes, France. He and his

ety of roles, including coach,

family will live off-campus.

teacher, dorm parent, substitute teacher, and tutor. She holds her

John Lin

B.A. from Trinity College, her M.A.

Mr. Lin will teach English and

from Middlebury College, and her

comes to us from the Thacher

M.Ed. from Plymouth State

School, where he taught

University. We are pleased to have

English and coached baseball

her formally return to the classroom

and horseback riding. Prior to

this fall, teaching junior English.

that appointment, Mr. Lin

Joseph Bobrowskas

the San Francisco Day School

served as Head of School at

Mr. Bobrowskas will become our

and Upper School Head at the

new Director of College Counseling.

Fessenden School. Mr. Lin

Mr. Bobrowskas received his B.S.

holds a B.A. from Carleton

from Troy University, and holds a

College, an M.A. from the

M.Ed. from Augusta State

Bread Loaf School of English

University and a M.A.L.S. from

at Middlebury, and a Master of

Dartmouth College. He has served

Philosophy in English Studies from

as the Associate Director of College

Oxford University. He has written

Counseling at St. Edward's School

and presented extensively on issues

in Florida as well as Phillips Exeter

related to diversity, boarding school

Academy, and has worked in several

life, leadership, and teaching. He

prestigious college admissions

and his family will live off-campus.

offices. In addition to overseeing the college counseling program, Mr.

Martha Macomber

Bobrowskas will also be involved in

Ms. Macomber, like Ms. Barton, has

Senior Honors Thesis. He will live

served Holderness in a number of

off-campus.

different capacities over the years, but she now joins the faculty as a

Patrick Casey

member of the history department.

Mr. Casey will take over as head

She has a B.A. in history from

Nordic coach and teach biology. Mr.

Dartmouth, a Master’s in social

Casey attended the University of

work from Boston University, and

Utah and has for the last four sea-

has taught US history in public

sons served as the Continental Cup

school and at Plymouth State. She is

Team Coach for the US Ski Team in

also a board member of the Circle

Park City, UT. He and his family

Program and NH Public Radio.

will live off-campus.

Andrew Sheppe ’00 Pierre Gervez

Mr. Sheppe graduated from

Mr. Gervez will teach our higher-

Holderness in 2000 and returns to us

level math courses, including AP

as a history and English teacher. Mr.

calculus and multi-variable calculus.

Sheppe has taught history and

Mr. Gervez comes to us from the

English at the Groton School and at

Maine School of Science and

the Blue Ridge School in Virginia.

Mathematics, where he taught AP

Mr. Sheppe graduated from

Physics and served as an advisor for

Georgetown in 2004. He and his

the robotics club. Mr. Gervez gradu-

family will live off-campus.

38

Holderness School Today

From the left, Lib Randall (substituting for Lindley van der Linde ’89), Martha Macomber, Pat Casey, Andrew Sheppe, John Lin, Joe Bobrowskas, Asst. Head Jory Macomber (who’s not new), Pierre Gervais, and Sarah Barton.

wRite on Cue

Playwright Monique Devine unveils a second original drama at the Little Church Theater in Holderness.

T

HEATER

DIRECTOR MONIQUE Devine continues to find

success as a playwright as well. In 2006 her original play Ice Out debuted at the Little Church Theater in Holderness. In August a second full-length play

debuted at that theater: wRites of Reunion: A Play in Two

Generations, which Monique co-wrote with Jessica Davis, the retired Chair of the Arts in Education program at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. The idea for the play took root one day over lunch at the Squam Lake Inn, says Monique: “We were discussing personal and professional life-journeys, and the age-related stereotypes around women today.”

The writers also collaborated in directing the play, which included in its cast Holderness faculty members Rich Weymouth ’70 and Kathy Weymouth, and also a new member of the Advancement Office staff, Angie Francesco Miller ’98.

“A high school and college reunion bring together two sets of women,” said the theater’s promotional material. “Old friends, reconnecting after years apart, they share memories, trials and tribulations, romances lost and found, and the enduring and often hilarious gifts of lasting friendship.”

Not unlike—perhaps—a Holderness reunion.

Participating in these wRites were Advancement Associate Angie Francesco Miller ’98, second from the left, above, and Dean of Students Kathy Weymouth, on the left in the photo to the right.

Lucky Us Music teacher and composer Dave Lockwood returns from a sabbatical with an original CD. Our music critic’s verdict? Bleak and beautiful and bittersweet.

M

USIC TEACHER

Dave Lockwood

going on with that title. “Look at what

was away from campus last

sort of amounts to the title song, ‘Lucky

year, enjoying a year of study

You,’” he says. “This is heaven, the song

and self-renewal courtesy of the van

tells us. Maybe you don’t know it, but it

Otterloo/Henderson/Brewer Faculty Chair

is, even though, as Dave writes, ‘I know

program, and one of his explicit goals for

pain and sorrow lurk outside your door/ I

that year was to compose an album of new

know there’s no one who understands you

songs.

anymore.’ That phrase ‘lucky you’

We can check that box off. A new CD—Lucky Me—was made available in October at an album-release event at the Flying Monkey in Plymouth.

assumes an acid sort of irony by the time the song is over.”

There are heavenly things to be found in its songs’ subject matter, Rick

Accompanying the composer at that con-

says, but ultimately the album is an

cert were the skilled musicians who

unflinching portrait of all the different

helped out with the CD: vocalists Erica

sorts of luck a man endures by the time he

Leigh and Al Rapetti; bass player Paul

reaches mid-life. “The songs speak to all

Ossola; percussionist Jerry Leake; and

the accumulated compromises and disap-

guitarists Peter Calo, Randy Roos, and

pointments and regrets endemic to that

Jeff Pevar—the last of whom has toured

time of life, and earns its irony without

or recorded with the likes of Gregg

any self-pity or pathos—instead we’ve got

Allman, Steve Stills, Bonnie Raitt, and

tough-minded humor and an enduring

Ray Charles (as well as having played a

resiliency,” Rick says.

recent School Night event at Holderness).

plined, understated arrangements. And

The album title? “I was in the middle of producing this album,” says Dave, “and

“I love the disci-

Dave always had a gift for writing melodies that sound like they were

just thought, ‘Wow, am I lucky or what?

cribbed from the American Songbook, but

Look what I’m doing?’”

then you realize, no, this is a new one.

Audiophile, Lockwood music fan,

Lucky Me is a dark little masterpiece.”

and Director of Publications Rick Carey sees something a little more complicated

Holderness School Today

39

Update: Faculty & Staff

Team Glew runs the Boston Marathon, raising $16K for cancer research.

S

IX MEMBERS

of the faculty

community, which supported Martha

Marathon—Mike Carrigan,

and her runners through the pre-event

Susie Cirone, Nicole Glew,

ners, and which continues to honor

’88, and Allie Skelley—all complet-

Sean’s memory.

raised nearly $16,000 in memory of former faculty member Sean Glew

sented each runner with an official Boston Marathon jacket. During that

But Team Glew was much big-

after Bonnie.

“I

T WAS

1963, but Barney

Wetterer said we were living in the Year One, A.B.—After

ger than those six runners. The team

“Seeing Sean’s colleagues and friends running for his life, his mem-

who also got lots of organizational

ory, his mission, his love, and his

help from Meredith Houseman and

family brought tears to my eyes,”

Lori Ford. It included Tom Grilk,

Kevin wrote. “Sean may rest with

who is president of the Boston

full confidence that he is loved and

Athletic Association, and the parent

that the students and teachers around

of Chris and David Grilk, both class

him are living their lives with pas-

of ’09. It was Tom who offered bib

sion, conviction, and fire in their bel-

numbers to each of the runners, so

lies—just as he would have wanted it

making the whole effort possible.

to be.”

fiction is a way of expanding my palette, and also a way to simply have fun with what I do. This short story describes the events that unfold

since the Sprinkles had moved in,

when a very attractive young house-

and Barney had the day he first saw

wife moves into a suburban neighbor-

Mrs. Sprinkle circled in red on his

hood occupied by three hormone-

calendar.”

addled adolescents.”

So begins “Our Own Version of

In September Rick gave a reading from his book-in-progress, titled

Director of Publications Rick Carey

Their Town, at the Monadnock

and published last spring in the pres-

Literary Festival. Other writers there

tigious literary journal Hunger

included New York Times columnist

Mountain Review, which comes out

and author Verlyn Klinkenborg, natu-

of the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Rick is the author of three previous books of narrative nonfiction, all of which deal, in one way or another, with the problem of sustainable fish-

ralist Sy Montgomery, and New Hampshire poet laureate Walter E. Butts.

Meanwhile “Our Own Version of Iowa” is still up on the Hunger

eries. His current nonfiction book

Mountain website—www.hungermtn.

project, though, tackles new subject

org/our-own-version-of-iowa/—and

matter: a day in 1997 when four lead-

readers are encouraged to post com-

ing citizens were murdered in the

ments. “As a member of the genera-

small New Hampshire town of

tion whose pubescent years are

Colebrook.

depicted in this story,” wrote one

“I wasn’t an eye-witness to any of that,” Rick says, “and writing this book will require some of the tools in composing scenes and dialogue that a fiction writer uses. So writing short

40

Holderness School Today

reader, “I felt the author got it just right.”

assembly Phil Peck read a letter from Kevin Ramos-Glew, Sean’s brother.

included leader Martha Macomber,

Bonnie. It was still less than a year

Iowa,” a short story written by

Tom Grilk was present at an assembly last May in which he pre-

and in support of the Thymic Foundation for Cancer Research.

Year One, A.B.—

marathon of bake sales and team din-

Randy Houseman, Emily Magnus

ing the course, and as a group they

From the left, team member Emily Magnus ’88, race organizer Tom Grilk, and (on the screen) Sean’s brother Kevin Ramos-Glew.

And it included the entire Holderness

ran in last spring’s Boston

Rick Carey publishes a new short story and speaks at the fall Monadnock Literary Festival.

From the Laconia Citizen, May 25, 2010:

Holderness School’s Lance Galvin named Northern New England Coach-of-the-Year.

L

ANCE

GALVIN [’90]

OF

Holderness

England prep school championship

School has been voted Coach-of-the-

semifinals this year.“Lance is a dedi-

Year by the US Lacrosse Association’s

cated coach who helped lead his team

Northern New England Lacrosse League.

to a very successful season this year,”

This year Galvin guided Holderness to a

said Bill Lee, Area Chairman of the

12-2 record and a #8 LaxPower ranking among

New England North Region of U.S.

independent schools in northeastern New

Lacrosse. “He is respected by all the

England. His squad included an All-American,

other coaches in the league. We are

an Academic All-American, and eight all-

fortunate to have him as a coach in the

league performers.

NNELL."

A 1990 alumnus of Holderness, Galvin

Holderness Head of School Phil Peck

was captain of the team that he now coaches,

added his own endorsement. “I am so pleased

and then captain of the lacrosse team at the

that Lance Galvin received this honor,” he said.

University of New Hampshire. He coached

“Nobody works harder, has higher values, or

lacrosse three years at Plymouth State

loves kids and the game more than Lance

University before returning to Holderness in

Galvin. It is a fitting tribute to an inspirational

2000.

educator, coach, and human being.”

He also teaches English, serves as Director of Athletics, and coaches varsity girls basketball. He led that team to the New

S

CHOOL

“This year Galvin guided Holderness to a 12-2 record and a #8 LaxPower ranking among independent schools in northeastern New England.”

RESOURCE Officer Mike Barney

is also an officer in the Town of

Holderness Police Department, and in

that capacity he’s also head of the department’s drug-education DARE program.

That’s how Mike got his picture in the local Record Enterprise weekly newspaper last spring. He attended the Community Builders Award program in order to receive a donation to that program of $200 from the Mt. Prospect Lodge #69 F&AM. In the photo to the right, Mike accepts that check from Worshipful Master of the Mt. Prospect Lodge, Glenn E. Dewhirst.

Mike Barney, in that other job, heads up DARE for the Town of Holderness.

Stella Brewster van der Linde: Welcome, young lady.

E

NGLISH TEACHER

TIAAN

healthy seven pounds, and in

van der Linde ’89 and

the photo is a fresh-faced

science teacher Lindley

three hours old.

van der Linde ’89 are the

Both Tiaan and Lindley

delighted parents of a brand

will be taking leave for a por-

new member of the

tion of this year to help Stella

Holderness community. Stella

get settled. Emily Magnus ’88

Brewster van der Linde

will fill in for Tiann in the

(named after her maternal

English department, and Lib

grandmother) arrived on

Randall—who is also the sci-

Tuesday, August 24, at Speare

ence department chair at

Memorial Hospital in

Waterville Valley Academy—

Plymouth. Stella weighed a

will take over for Lindley.

Holderness School Today

41

Update: Former Faculty & Staff

Is your nonprofit

A new book from former Development Director Doug White applies a probing ethical light to the world of nonprofits.

honest?

Really?

A

MID ALL THE

controversy

describes these sorts of

over corporate ethics—or the

challenges for nonprofits,

lack thereof—in recent

and pushes them to be their best. It also examines how other sec-

Director Doug White reminds us that

tors of society—business and gov-

the issue is as hot and timely in the

ernment, for example—would bene-

nonprofit sector as it is among

fit from a similar corrective jour-

investment banks.

ney.”

It’s hot and timely enough, in fact, to provide Doug with fodder for his new book The Nonprofit Challenge: Integrating Ethics into the Purpose and Promise of Our Nation’s Charities (Macmillan Press, October, 2010).

“Nonprofits have yet to

by which to operate—even though nonprofits com-

The book’s advance readers are very much impressed. For example: “This is a remarkable book,” says Dame Stephanie Shirley, the British government’s founding Ambassador for Philanthropy. “Unlike those that discuss the mechanics of fundraising

Challenge is the only one that discusses the obligations of the nonprofit community to society through the prism of ethics.”

prise the nation’s ethical sector,” Doug says. “Today we regularly

Senior Vice-President at the Ford

read of egregious ethical lapses at

Foundation, adds that the book “is

charities where board members and

rich in the history and stories needed

key staff are unable or unwilling to

to make the journey lively. By using

confront difficult issues. So my book

the prism of ethics it clears the

History teacher Martha Macomber spends a day on the links with two Holderness icons who live very much in the present.

I

JUNE, MARTHA Macomber—the

keep up with, Pat came up with the

Jory Macomber, a long-time dorm

quote of the day. I was surprised upon

parent, and now a member of the histo-

arriving at the course to be playing

ry department—got over to Vermont in

with Don, who over the past decades

order to spend time with a pair of leg-

has had his own game going several

endary former faculty members, Don

holes in front of Pat and I. But today

and Pat Henderson. Martha’s report:

he was with us. Pat explained, 'Don has

"On a recent, warm summer day I

outlived two foursomes so now he is

met up with Don and Pat Henderson on

reduced to playing with me and my

their home golf course on Lake Morey,

friends.' He was jolly, always encour-

Vermont. Pat and Don are happy, play-

aging, and dripping in opinions about

ing golf three to four times a week

politics, current events, and topics con-

while maintaining their delightful

cerning teaching and education. It was

home and small farm in Fairlee, VT. In

a complete gift to spend the day with

between pummeling me with questions

them."

about Holderness and all the folks they

42

still care about deeply and want to

wife of Assistant Head of School

Holderness School Today

Doug is also settling into a new job. He continues to speak and consult around the world on philanthro-

but these days he is also the Academic Director of the George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University. In September he was just in the process of moving from his home in Washington, D.C. to New York.

We should mention that he’s also the author of two other widelypraised books in the field: The Art of Planned Giving: Understanding

Barry D. Gaberman, formerly a

“A complete gift”

about ethical behavior.”

py, ethics, and nonprofit governance,

or governance, The Nonprofit

fully form an ethical code

N

underbrush used to duck questions

years, former school Development

Donors and the Culture of Giving (Wiley, 1995) and Charity On Trial: What You Need to Know Before Contributing (Barricade, 2007).

Don and Pat Henderson, and another good day in Fairlee, VT.

Alumni in the News

The Recession

What now?

A Millennial’s perspective on the American Dream.

I

N

JULY

THREE GENERATIONS

of the Nicholson family

in Grafton, MA—one of whom is Dave

A July front-page article in the New York Times describes the job search of Scott Nicholson, the son of Dave Nicholson ’72. It also considers how three generations of Nicholsons have fared in changing economic times.

firm. The brokerage firm then changed hands several times, but the elder Nicholson managed to stay in the

Nicholson—played the lead roles in a New York

Worcester office. “He spent most of his career in a rising

Times article on America’s shifting economic land-

stock market, putting customers into stocks that paid good

scape, and the implications therein for young job

dividends,” said the Times, “and growing wealthy on real

seekers (“American dream is elusive for new generation,”

estate investments made years ago, when Grafton was still

July 6, 2010).

semi-rural.”

photos Matthew Cavanaugh

The article’s leading man is actually Dave’s son Scott, who is 24 and a new-minted graduate of Colgate University, where he won a dean’s award for academic excellence. He is also, for all practical purposes, unemployed. He lives at home and scratches out some money mowing lawns, caring for gardens, and doing odd jobs. Otherwise, he spends his mornings—writes Times reporter Louis Uchitelle—“searching corporate Web sites for suitable job openings. When he found one, he mailed off a résumé and cover letter—four or five a week, week after week.”

Getting started in the job force wasn’t so hard for the previous two generations of Nicholsons.

Dave’s father William went from high school into the Army during World War II. He fought in Italy and earned a battlefield commission as a first lieutenant. “That was the equivalent of a college education,” he told the Times.

After the war an Army buddy’s father-in-law hired him as a broker at a Worcester brokerage

Dave’s son Scott is a member of that cadre of 18-29 yearolds “whose unemployment rate of nearly fourteen percent approaches the levels of that group in the Great Depression.”

Baby boomer Dave Nicholson went on to Babson College from Holderness. Next he joined the manufacturing company owned by a friend’s family. By then, the

Dave, Scott, and William Nicholson at home in Grafton, MA.

mid-70s, manufacturing in America was just beginning to decline, but “Worcester was still a center for the production of sandpaper, emery stones, and other abrasives.”

Dave has managed to stay ahead of that decline by helping to make good hand tools. He spent a number of years at Stanley Works, and then was hired as the general manager of the Endeavor Tool Company. He and his wife have lived comfortably and raised three sons in a handsome white colonial in Grafton, a house just a few doors away from his parents’ house.

Dave’s son Scott, though, is a millennial—a member of that cadre of 18-29 year-olds “whose unemployment rate of nearly 14 percent approaches the levels of that

Holderness School Today

43

Alumni in the News

group in the Great Depression.” That 14 per-

program. Finally he was offered a lesser posi-

“You maneuvered and you did not worry what

cent is a count of those who are seeking work.

tion as a claims adjuster at $40,000 per year.

the maneuvering would lead to,” he said.

Another 23 percent have given up the search,

Scott turned it down.

“You knew it would lead to something good.”

at least for the time being.

Scott’s friends from Colgate aren’t doing

Scott’s plan at Colgate had been to join

any better than he is, as a group. “Of the

the US Marines after graduation. “I could

twenty college classmates with whom he

have made a career out of the Marines,” he

keeps up, twelve are working, but only half in

said, “and if I had come out in four years, I

jobs they ‘really like.’ Three are entering law

would have been incredibly prepared for the

school this fall after frustrating experiences in

workplace.”

the work force, ‘and five are looking for work

He spent the summer after his freshman

just as I am,’ he said.”

year in “platoon leader” training, and last fall

Scott continues to be optimistic, though,

passed the physical for officer training. Then

about the right door opening up, sooner or

a Marine Corps doctor noticed that he had

later. “I worked hard through high school to

suffered from childhood asthma. “He was

get myself into the college I did,” he said,

washed out,” wrote Uchitelle.

“Rather than waste years in dead-end

Once upon a time Dave might have

work, he reasoned,” said the Times, “he would

“and then I worked hard through college to graduate with the grades and degree that I did

found a place for his son at Endeavor. “But

hold out for a corporate position that would

to position myself for a solid job. I am

the father is laying off workers, and a job in

draw on his college training and put him, as

absolutely certain that my job hunt will even-

manufacturing, in Scott’s eyes, would be a

he sees it, on the bottom rungs of a career lad-

tually pay off.”

defeat.”

der. ‘The conversation I’m going to have with

That would be the college graduate’s ver-

my parents now that I’ve turned down this job

sion of the American Dream—a job you liked,

S

COTT IS NOT YET AT A

point, in fact,

where he’ll take any job. His five

is more of a concern to me than turning down

one commensurate with your qualifications

that job,’ he said.”

and preparation and that guaranteed a good

months of sending out résumés actually

The nub of Dave’s side of that conversa-

future. In one way or another, it was a dream

did yield one good lead. He went to several

tion was that Scott should have taken that job.

attained by the previous generations of the

interviews with the Hanover Insurance Group

Once you got in the door, he said, other

Nicholson family. Scott keeps maneuvering

in Worcester, hoping for a job that would

opportunities would arise. That was the way it

towards that while his father and grandfather

place him within their management training

had been for him in the tool-making industry.

can’t help but worry.

The Arts

Complicated career techniques

Musician and writer Franz Nicolay ’95, well, stays active.

I

N OUR LAST ISSUE THIS

maga-

zine reported that versatile keyboard player Franz

Nicolay had left the prominent

indie-rock band The Hold Steady.

In fact Franz is supporting a solo career that has produced two

hog band,” Franz had told Paste

well-received CDs so far. He has

Magazine in an interview last

also just published a short fiction

January.

collection—Complicated

Since then the music web-

Gardening Techniques—and

site Spinner.com has reported the

maintains long-term roles in

hedgehogs’ side of the story, and

three other bands: the

it pretty well gibes with Franz’s.

World/Inferno Friendship

In May, Hold Steady front man

Society, Grand Guignol, and Star

Craig Finn told Spinner, "He's a

F---ing Hipsters.

a lot of different musical things

Holderness School Today

the next few months and it all was a pretty positive thing."

“I was kind of a fox in a hedge-

really ambitious guy and he had

44

concentrate on that'—and he agreed. He transitioned out over

“And rather than show any signs of a grudge, Finn is

he wanted to do. It was getting to

impressed,” Spinner contin-

the point where scheduling was

ues."’There's just tons of stuff,’

getting difficult. I really believe

[Craig] says of Nicolay's creative

in the power of a rock 'n' roll

output. ‘I certainly come from a

band, the commitment you make

more punk-rock thing. I don't

to other people, so I said, 'If you

have the musical ability he does

really want to do all these other

to do all these different things.

things, maybe you should just

There was a really good under-

“I don't have the musical ability he does to do all these different things.”

—Craig Finn, The Hold Steady And after that European tour, there was a US tour that included a

standing of what we both needed. We all wish him the best and I

couple of dates on late-night television: Conan O’Brian’s show in

think he'll go on to do really cool things and it's all good.’"

July, David Letterman’s in August.

One such cool thing was reported by Spinner later that month,

Meanwhile Franz has also been working on his second solo

and it had to do with a band hailed as the best in punk by Rolling

CD/LP, Luck and Courage, which is slated for an October 12 release

Stone in 2008. “Former Hold Steady keyboardist Franz Nicolay has signed on as a touring member of Against Me!” wrote Spinner. “The

date (cover art by Sophie Nicolay ’00). It’s a concept album inspired

mustachioed multi-instrumentalist will join Tom Gabel and company

by passages from Nicole Krauss’s novel, A History of Love.

“Nicolay spent two weeks recording the record in Brooklyn with

when they support their upcoming album White Crosses, which is

producer Jim Keller (Willie Nelson, Franz Ferdinand),” reported

due out June 8, with a run of European dates that get underway on

Paste in August. Franz had studio help from musicians from the

Monday in Munich.”

Dresden Dolls, the World/Inferno Friendship Society, Son Volt,

"We're very happy to welcome Franz Nicolay out on the road with us," the band wrote on its website, www.againstme.net.

Gutbucket, and a couple other groups. One of those musicians—

"Starting with this next run of Europe dates, Franz will be joining us

Maria Sonevytsky of the Debutante Hour—is also Franz’s fiancé.

onstage every night and lending his immense talents and presence to the band."

On behalf of the new generation.

L

AST

APRIL

A TRIO OF

alumni artists—each repre-

senting a different generation—joined to mount

an electrifying exhibit at the Carpenter Arts

Center. You might have noticed samples of their work in the spring issue of HST: a ceramic piece by Dean Mullavey ’48, a print by Elizabeth Heide ’85, and a photograph by Nicholas Schoeder ’06.

That show, however, was only part of their contribution to the school. Each also donated time to work alongside student artists in a number of classes. “It’s

Three generations of accomplished alumni artists combine for a show in Edwards and workshops for current students.

great to see accomplished artists come from Holderness,” said Head of School Phil Peck, “but greater still when they can come back to share what they’ve learned with a new generation of students.”

Medicine

Dr. Diaz and the gift of sight.

L

AST

DECEMBER DR. Vicente Diaz ’96

taking the bandage off for the first time, it’s

was mentioned in an article in the

impossible not to become emotional,” he

New York Daily News for his role in

told the Courier. “It makes all those years

an operation that miraculously restored the

of training, and all the focus and dedication

sight of a Brooklyn mother of two. Vince’s

from the very beginning, worthwhile.”

home-town newspaper, as it were, is the

The article describes Vince’s childhood

Queens Courier, and this summer Vince

in a tough Corona neighborhood, and his

himself was the subject of a follow-up fea-

parents’ belief in the power of education.

ture article: “Corona doctor gives gift of

Thanks to New York’s Prep for Prep pro-

sight” (June 1, 2010).

gram, “which places talented underrepre-

The mother suffered from uveitis, a

sented students into prestigious preparatory

disease in which a person’s own immune

schools,” writes the Courier, Vince “landed

system attacks the eyes, and Vince—who

at the Holderness School in New

currently works and teaches at the New

Hampshire, where he encountered a new

York Eye and Ear Infirmary—is a specialist

educational environment.”

in that disorder. “As a human , when you’re

Ophthalmologist Vincente Diaz ’96 is the subject of a profile in his hometown newspaper, the Queens Courier.

“It was a culture shock to go from a

Holderness School Today

45

Alumni in the News

community that is very nearly all Black and Hispanic,”

“Though he claims to not have his future entirely

said Vince, “to one where I was one of a handful of

figured out,” the Courier concludes, “Diaz acknowl-

non-whites in the school.” From Holderness he went

edges that it would be a great loss if he never found a

on to Brown and then the Yale School of Medicine.

way to give back to the community. ‘I have to believe

Today, besides the day job, Vince owns and operates a

that if I made it from Corona to here, there has to be a

medical device company, one that manufactures a

reason for that, and if nothing else, I should be accessi-

device he believes will substantially reduce the inci-

ble.’”

dence of glaucoma.

Why Brown means green in real estate.

Sustainability

C

ERTAINLY ONE

of

the most fruitful

ment, and training organi-

May. “This year he served

zation for the industry).

as a panelist on two of

“Zachary has done

places for the

ethics of environmental

an outstanding job leading

our seminars—one on Emergency Preparedness

sustainability to take root

BOMA’s Environment

and how to conduct a

would be the real estate

Committee—from over-

building evacuation, the

industry, and Zach Brown

seeing the Sustainability

other on how to take an

’99 has been accomplish-

Fair late last year, to host-

existing building through

ing a lot of husbandry that

ing the EARTH Awards

the US Green Building

way—enough to win the

program this year, plus

Council’s LEED certifica-

2009 Principal Member of

hosting monthly meetings

tion process.”

the Year Award from the

for BOMA’s Environment

Building Owners &

Committee which has

with his award and

Managers Association

grown to 60-plus mem-

BOMA San Francisco

(a.k.a., BOMA, a nation-

bers,” wrote BOMA in its

President Margo

wide advocacy, recruit-

citation for the award last

Crosman.

Philanthropy

The environmental work of Zach Brown ’99 earns him a national award from BOMA.

Zach appears at right

I

T’S NOT EASY TO

raise money in

hard economic times, but

Kathleen Blauvelt Kime ’99

focus the Class of 1985’s 25th Reunion fundraising activity on making a significant impact on our

“An experienced and

has hardly noticed. And a press

$40M immediate-use goal,”

formidable fundraiser.”

release out of Harvard this summer

reports Peter. “Under Kathleen’s

trumpeted the news that she had

thoughtful guidance, the Class ulti-

Kathleen Blauvelt Kime ’99 climbs another rung higher in her work at one of the world’s most prominent philanthropies.

been promoted to the position of

mately raised a remarkable $7.6

Associate Director of Leadership

million in immediate-use gifts,

Giving in the Harvard College

more than any Reunion Class and

Fund—an office where, incidental-

accounting for some 19% of our

ly, her boss is Holderness School

FY10 immediate-use goal.”

trustee Peter Kimball ’72.

Kathleen arrived at Harvard in 2004 as a Staff Assistant with

tremendous energy, enthusiasm,

Capital Giving, and then spent a

and drive to everything she does,”

year and a half working as a

says the release. “An experienced

Development Coordinator and

and formidable fundraiser, we

Associate for the School of

have little doubt that she will con-

Engineering and Applied Science.

tinue to have a noticeable impact.

In 2006 she joined the Harvard

In her new role, Kathleen will

College Fund as a Class Officer,

hone her frontline skills, managing

developing there a strong reputa-

a portfolio of 500 alumni and par-

tion for her skills in volunteer

ents with the goal of cultivating

management and strategic cam-

their relationship to Harvard

paign development.

“Among her many successes, Kathleen most recently helped

46

Holderness School Today

Harvard anticipates more of that in the future. “Kathleen brings

through both annual and reunion solicitations.”

The Outdoors

Reaching for the stars—

Nina Cook Silitch ’90 crashes the World Cup top-ten in the grueling sport of ski mountaineering.

and touching them.

“F

is not the

the score, that the challenges

at which a ski mountaineer

final ranking that is

and the camaraderie far out-

competes. Helping Nina to stay

important, but the

weigh the statistics and the win-

grounded are her husband Mike

loss record. Nonetheless her

’79, who is a noted alpine

OR ME IT

entire experience I had getting there,” wrote a contemplative

final 2010 World Cup ranking

guide, and their two children.

Nina Silitch on her blog in May.

in the grueling sport of ski

They live in Chamonix, France.

“I am an artist, and in art it is

mountaineering—a sport she

not the final result that is the

only took up several years

most important, but the process

ago—is astonishing.

in how you get there. So much

Nina has also found time to introduce her father, Warren Cook, to the sport. Former chair

Her goal last season was

of the Holderness Board of

of this has been a way of life—

merely to compete on the World

Trustees, and CEO of the

how to manage and balance it as

Cup circuit. She raced in five

Saddleback Mountain ski area in Maine, Warren trained with

a mother, partner, woman, and

individual World Cup races, two

athlete. The experience of com-

team events, in 22 races overall,

Nina this winter in preparation

peting at this level has been

and did well enough to earn a

for a half-marathon event in

traveling to other countries, get-

World Cup ranking of #7. “One

Switzerland, a resolve lauded in

ting to know other athletes, and

year ago if you asked me if I

a Boston Globe article last

sharing and pursuing this dream

was going to race at the World

December. But then Warren

together with those close to

Cup level this year, I would

found that it took his team 20

me.”

have probably said no,” she

hours to recon a route that Nina

wrote. “But somewhere inside

flew over in only 8 hours. “First

It sounds like Nina has pretty well absorbed exactly

of me I found the motivation

time I had to admit my 65 years

what it is that coaches at

and desire to reach for the stars

has some limitations!” Warren

Holderness try to teach about

this season, and I did.”

wrote to HST.

sports and the outdoors: that the game matters much more than

“One year ago if you asked me if I was going to race at the World Cup level this year, I would have probably said no.

But somewhere inside of me I found the motivation and desire.”

And those stars aren’t so far away if you’re at the heights

Sports

The wages of conspicuous success.

U

NIVERSITY OF

Florida Director of

Athletics Jeremy Foley heads up

one of the broadest and most

gram, in a September New York Times article

consistently successful athletic

(“As athletic directors compete, big money

programs in college sports. This

College athletic departments are growing while other budgets are being cut. For example, says the New York Times, take the University of Florida’s $95 million athletic budget, which is administered

by Jeremy Foley ’70. Worth every penny, says the school president.

emphasis on sports at the expense of academics. And so it was that Jeremy and his pro-

flows to all sports,” 9/3/10), became Exhibit A,

year Florida finished second only to Stanford

as it were, for lavishly funded athletic depart-

in the standings for the Directors’ Cup, a

ments.

national contest that measures success across the whole spectrum of college sports, from

“He has a budget of almost $95 million, growing fast, and command of three private

football to squash. Florida’s is the only pro-

planes,” write reporters Joe Drape and Katie

gram to finish among the nation’s top-ten in

Thomas. “He oversees a newly renovated and

each of the last 27 Director’s Cup competi-

certified green building as well as nearly a

tions, and in Foley’s 18 years as director, the

dozen other tricked-out facilities that are

Gators have won 15 national championships

among the most prized on campus. Even as the

and 95 Southeastern Conference titles.

University of Florida cuts faculty and budgets,

Success like that can’t help but be conspicuous, and if it’s in college sports, it can’t

its athletic director, Jeremy Foley, has been expanding a formidable empire dedicated to

help but become part of the conversation

winning championships, not just in football

whenever the question is raised about over-

and men’s basketball, but in 19 other sports.”

Holderness School Today

47

Alumni in the News

Sports

“If the Directors’ Cup went out of business tomorrow, we would not change a single thing we do,” Jeremy told the

Times. “It is what we do here: we compete. It makes our work fun. It reflects positively on our institution.”

one here truly believe that every athlete who steps onto this campus should be afforded the same resources, the same opportunities and same experiences as Tim Tebow,’ said lacrosse coach Amanda O’Leary, referring to the Heisman Trophywinning quarterback.”

Last year, in 21 sports, Florida finished in the top ten in the nation in 14 of them, with three—women’s swimming, women’s diving, and men’s indoor track— winning national championships. In the last three years, however, the university

But it’s not just Florida, says the Times. On campuses across America, “as

think that’s a strong part of the connective tissue that holds many alumni,” he adds,

they seek to raise their profiles, universities

“or allows them to stay connected to the

are investing in once-obscure sports that do

home institution.” The Times notes that

not come close to paying for themselves,

budgets are also up because more women

even in the face of dire budget cuts.”

are competing, more women’s sports are

Jeremy’s boss, college president J. Bernard Machen, has no qualms about

being televised, and that university officials don’t want images of losing teams in

Florida’s part in this trend. “If we are

dowdy facilities being beamed into

going to compete in something, we want to

America’s living rooms.

win at it—whether it is in pediatrics or women’s gymnastics. It is important to our supporters, both financial and among our community. We want people to know that Florida is a place for winners.”

Most college athletic programs, even

JEREMY’S program is

that rare beast in college athletics, one that competes across the

board in obscure sports and that doesn’t lose money. In fact, says the Times,

at the highest level, lose money, and yet—

“Florida’s athletic program has contributed

in 2008-09, even as schools were making

more than $55 million to the university for

cuts because of the recession—overall

academics since 1990.”

spending on athletics in the NCAA jumped by 28 percent. “The reason, university offi-

“If the Directors’ Cup went out of business tomorrow, we would not change a

cials say, is that emphasis on sports pays

single thing we do,” Jeremy told the Times.

off: athletics serves as the ‘front porch’ of

“It is what we do here: we compete. It

a university, a powerful marketing tool that

makes our work fun. It reflects positively

generates free advertising on ESPN and the

on our institution.”

sports pages.”

Vanderbilt University Provost Richard

48

M

EANWHILE

Therefore Florida’s spending on its nonrevenue sports has more than doubled

McCarty says that sports are part of the

over the past decade, and spending on

fabric of America, and believes that col-

women’s gymnastics, swimming, and track

leges reflect that in a positive way. “I do

has grown even faster. “‘Jeremy and every-

Holderness School Today

has laid off 139 faculty and staff members in response to a $150 million reduction in state funding.

And therefore questions are raised as the athletic department’s budget climbs by six percent from the previous year, and as the school builds more facilities and hires more well-paid coaches and support personnel. To Machen, though, the answer is easy: “This would be a different conversation if we were losing money over there.”

And Jeremy Foley, it should be noted, has succeeded not only in mounting winning sports programs that more than pay for themselves. Within his “formidable empire” he has succeeded to an unusual degree in ensuring that his athletes are true student-athletes. Florida has posted an 85 percent graduation rate among its athletes—six percent above the national average—and is the only SEC school to place 100 or more athletes on the academic honor roll for each of the last 13 years.

And oh, yes—if 21 sports seems like a lot, consider that Stanford competes in 35. That university has claimed the Directors’ Cup 16 years in a row, in fact, thanks in no small part to the unchallenged breadth of its program. Jeremy still has a ways to go there.

Not to be left unnoticed.

Martynas Pocius ’05 leads Lithuania’s national basketball team to third place at the FIBA World Championships.

M

ARTYNAS

POCIUS ’05, the

champion Team USA (coached, inci-

electrifying guard who

dentally, by Mike Krzyzewski). Then

helped lead Holderness bas-

Lithuania defeated Serbia to take

ketball to back-to-back

third place at the champi-

New England champi-

onships. Marty averaged

onships in 2004-5, went

nearly ten points per

off to Duke to play for

game over the tourna-

Coach Mike

ment, and scored thirteen

Krzyzewski’s Blue

against Coach K and his

Devils. Marty was never

roster of NBA stars.

able to get a lot of play-

These days Marty

ing time in his years at

is playing professional

Duke, but he’s getting a

basketball as well, but in

lot now—and you might

his home country of

have seen him on ESPN

Lithuania. He made his

this fall, during that net-

debut last season with

work’s broadcast of the

Zalgiris Kaunas, helping

FIBA World Basketball Championships in Turkey.

Marty was one of the starting guards on Lithuania’s national team, a

Marty averaged nearly ten points per game over the tournament, and scored thirteen against Coach K and his roster of NBA stars.

that squad win the 2010 Baltic League title. “The explosive guard is known for his aggressive drives to the basket and sharp style of

squad that went undefeated—with

play,” says Marty’s profile on FIBA’s

wins over international powers

website. “His presence on the court

Argentina and Spain, among others—

could never be left unnoticed.”

until its 89-74 defeat by eventual

Speak softly, but be imposing.

Ryon Howard ’04 is playing two American sports, football and basketball, professionally in Germany.

T

HESE DAYS

RYON HOWARD ’04 is in Germany playing professional

basketball—and in the offseason also a little pro football, it looks like

(see the photo above)— and it’s kind of fun to go to German media

websites and use Google’s translation tool to find out a little about what’s going on over there.

Ryon is playing in a league where teams are limited to two American athletes, but one in which Americans dominate most statistical categories.

“Nonetheless we are just parts of a puzzle,” said Ryon in an article in Derwesten from last December. The article continues in Google translatese: “The 25-year-old is modest. He speaks quietly and exceptionally slow.

Neither this, nor the statement fit the imposing appearance of the 1.98-meter long US-American.”

“Neither this, nor the statement fit the imposing appearance of the 1.98-meter long US-American.”

The article says later that if it wasn’t for basketball, Ryon would never have gotten to know that part of the world. Now they’re getting to know him as well. Give him a Google now and then to stay current with this imposing US-American.

Holderness School Today

49

Alumni & Parent Relations

Not for the faint of heart Want to win a Reunion Challenge award for your alumni class? Get your game face on.

T

HE COMPETITION

between Holderness

Class agent Heidi Webb ’00 is a great

alumni classes to win Reunion Challenge

fundraiser as well, and makes her living at it in

awards, we find, can forge bridges

the Advancement Office of Middlebury College.

between generations. It can also intrude into the

Fiurmara as the agent for the Class of ’02, and

other—all in a manner of speaking, you under-

then also volunteered her husband, Ave Cook

stand.

’02. This led next to a more personal sort of

Class agent Dr. Angus Christie, for exam-

Angus and Melissa (Wakely) Christie, both Class of ’85, with the rest of the family at Reunion Homecoming Weekend.

Heidi recruited her friend Maddie Rappoli

workplace and set spouses at odds with each

rivalry, let’s say, in the participation rates

ple, was determined that the Class of ’85 would

between the two classes. The Class of ’00 won

win the 2010 award for the highest rate of par-

that race with a 41 percent rate, but the 33 per-

ticipation. So this summer he was frequently on

cent that Maddie and Ave achieved for the Class

the telephone strategizing with another dynamic

of ’02 was a splendid showing for a non-

fundraiser, Assistant Director of Advancement

reunion year class.

Jane McNulty. “We were chatting one day about how to get a few more people to participate, and

The 2010 Reunion Challenge for the most money raised went to the Class of ’75, thanks in

I hear all these odd sounds in the background,”

no small part to Class Agent Chris Carney, who

Jane remembers. “Then Angus whispers into the

is also president of the Alumni Association.

mouthpiece, ‘Oh, excuse me, I’ve got to go—

Chris chipped in as well with a challenge to this

I’m in the operating room.”

year’s senior class—raise as much money as

It was all good. The Class of ’85 won that

you can, up to a thousand dollars, Chris said,

challenge with a glowing seventy percent par-

and he’ll match it. He did so, and has done so

ticipation rate, thanks also to help from fellow

now for three years running, ever since the

agents Freddy Paxton and Ian Sinclair, and all

graduation of his daughter Annie in 2008.

Angus’s patients got better.

Norman Vincent, won’t you please come home?

And C.J. too.

50

Anyone know where the following alumni are? It's time for their Class Reunion and we want them to know.

Please contact the Alumni Office, if you can help. Tracy White, 603.779.5228, or alum@holderness.org.

Norman Vincent '46

Jamie Knowlton '71

Cindy Pendleton '81

Thomas Kelly '51

Tucker Knowlton '71

Chris Rice '81

David Plusch '96

Richard Bruce '56

Brad Mills '71

Tim Barnes '86

Justin Smith '96

Greg Null '96

Dan Crouse '56

Pete Sherman '71

Elise Benkard '86

Seth Warner '96

Bradford Hooper '56

Wyck Wyckoff

Mike Iyer '86

Bill Bristol '01

Nils Kahl '56

Kit Baker '76

Paul Nanian '86

Jon Campbell '01

Duncan Syme '56

Jeremy Broadway '76

Rob Rollins '86

Pat Gannon '01

Leon Abbey '61

Tori Bullen '76

Nanc Taylor '86

Charlie Gaylord '01

Don Lott '61

Paul Deacon '76

Ryan Courville '91

John Glidden '01

Fred Noseworthy '61

Dana Hartwell '76

Natasha Morse Frank '91

Patrick Koethur '01

'71

Robert Walker '61

Rod Lichtenfels '76

Jorge Lucarini '91

Joey Mormina '01

Ron Clarke '66

Gab Miyar '76

Derek Norton '91

Alex Smith '01

Jerry Hewat '66

Mike Scully '76

David Rayburn ’91

Peter Stern '01

Takashi Kobayashi '66

Jesse Tucker '76

Martha Maher Sharp '91

Braden Wages '01

John Leland '66

Buz Walker '76

Porter Teegarden '91

Brett Weyman '01

Fred Rock '66

Bob Derby '81

Peter Voorhees '91

Cheryl Wright '01

Pedrick Sweet '66

Ken Fox '81

Angi Beckenbauer '96

Mateo Blumer '06

Dan Wakefield '66

Shelby Shipman Freeman '81

Scott Cook '96

C.J. Vincent '06

Robert Wolff

Charlie Kirkman '81

Fay Davis-Jeffers '96

'66

Hank Cochran '71

Butch Mallett '81

Nick Kaulbach '96

Gregg Forscher '71

Dave McCarron '81

Ollie Lemire '96

Bruce Hamill '71

Will Milheim '81

Mike Martin '96

Holderness School Today

Reunion Homecoming Weekend 2011: Celebrating 1’s and 6’s, Welcoming All! September 23-25, 2011!

Make your plans soon!

REUNION HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2010 was a huge success, and here are a few photos from the fall event just to whet your appetite. We’ll provide coverage of the whole shebang in the next issue of HST. In the meantime, mark your calendars and make your plans and hitch your horses for Reunion Homecoming Weekend 2011.

Holderness School Today

51

At This Point in Time...

Only Connect

I

title of this column

An unexpected box from the Weld family reminds archivist Judith Solberg that no element of this school’s history stands alone.

the box. Every time I received a research

of the Grand Monadnock. The flyleaf con-

ironic, as the topics I explore here res-

request, I would find something in the box that

tained an inscription from "Hubbard '84," indi-

onate with so many different points in

related to the topic or shed light on it in a new

cating that the book should eventually be

time at Holderness School. Perhaps it

way.

SOMETIMES FIND THE

should be titled "Only Connect!" I con-

returned to the Holderness School for Boys.

One family wanted to know more about

Ross indicated that he had no idea who

stantly find that one bit of historical informa-

their father's time at the school; the box pro-

Hubbard was, but thought the book should be

tion leads to another, that an item that is new

duced a letter sent by their father to Edric

brought back. I was pleased to be able to tell

to the archives illuminates another item that

Weld on the eve of World War II. Our admin-

him that William Stinson Hubbard, class of

has been filed away for months or years. And

istration became interested in the provenance

1884, had also been a faculty member, a long-

always—always—what I learn about a single

of unidentified building foundations on school

time trustee, and (as I had learned from the

person connected to the school expands my

property; the box revealed a letter describing

bound volume of minutes that I

knowledge of the school itself.

"The Lodge," the original structure built on the

showed to Ross) the first

I started to process the Weld items into the archives collection at the opening of the school year, and quickly began to feel that there was something slightly uncanny about them.

Never has this felt more true than in the first weeks of this school year. A record num-

foundation where Connell Dormitory stands today. The alumni office enquired about the

ber of researchers have visited the archives

historical context for the school's alumni

already this fall, with students, faculty, alumni,

associations (our current young alumni are

family of alumni, and local historians all mak-

interested in putting energy behind some addi-

ing use of the collection in different ways.

tional initiatives). Out of the box, of course,

elected pres-

Perhaps because of the condensed timeframe

came a bound volume containing the records

ident of the Alumni

for these visits, I have become acutely aware

of the school's first Alumni Association, dating

Association of

of the unexpected connections between

from 1888. I began to start work on any

Holderness School.

research topics that continually reveal them-

research request by searching the box, rather

selves.

than in the formal collection.

When I spoke to alumni during the Homecoming Weekend, I described a particu-

As we moved into homecoming weekend, I decided to share the newly discovered

Out of the box and into the archives: the founding of the Holderness School Alumni Association.

In the past, I have described the archives collection as a patchwork quilt, where each small piece of knowledge adds to or subtly changes the bigger pic-

lar example of this phenomenon. Over the

Alumni Association records at some of the

ture. More and more, however, I feel as

summer, the archives received a box of items

alumni events, and I made sure I was familiar

though the school's history is like a giant tap-

from the family of former headmaster Edric

with its contents. Which is why, while sitting

estry or web, where a single thread of knowl-

Weld. I started to process the items into the

at the 50th Reunion Dinner, I got goose bumps

edge connects to numerous others. As

archives collection at the opening of the

during Ross Deachman's presentation. Ross

researchers, we need only follow one thread to

school year, and quickly began to feel that

was donating material to the archives collec-

realize that we are tugging at innumerable

there was something slightly uncanny about

tion, including a copy of a book titled Annals

aspects of the school's bigger picture.

52

Holderness School Today

Supporting students… one gift at a time.

you choose Holderness Annual Fund

2010-11

The Holderness Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philanthropy for Holderness School, supporting every aspect of the school’s operations, from people to programs.

And now you can choose how your gifts go to work for Holderness, its faculty, and its students. You can designate your gift to apply to the school’s top priorities; or to faculty suppport and academic programs; or to athletics; or to the arts.

And however you choose, thank you for your continued support!

Go to

Reunion Homecoming Weekend 2011!

Celebrating 1’s and 6’s, Welcoming All! September 23-25!

Make your plans soon!

Friendship is one thing, and you can’t have too much of it. Time is another, and there’s never enough of it.

Make room for both. Plan now for REUNION HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2011.

And put your arm around an old friend’s

shoulder.

www.givetoholderness.org

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE

Holderness School Chapel Lane P.O. Box 1879 Plymouth, NH 03264-1879

Change service requested

PAID Permit No. 197 Manchester, N.H.