Holderness School Today, Spring 2019

The Magazine of Holderness School

| SPRING 2019

Inside: »» »» »» »»

CATCHING UP A DAY IN THE LIFE MOUNTAIN DAY 2018 THIS ACT OF FAITH

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sandeep Alva Neale Attenborough Katie Crumbo Carolyn Cullen ’87 Bob Cunha, Treasurer Chris Davenport ’88 Andrew Davis Paul John Ferri, Jr. Tracy McCoy Gillette ’89 Robert Hall, Chair Susie B. Hayes The Right Rev. Robert Hirschfeld, President Burgwell Howard ’82 Chris Keating ’81, Secretary Peter Kimball ’72 Robert Kinsley ’88 Alex MacCormick ’88, Alumni Association President Sue MacGrath Kevin Mattingly R. Phillip Peck Thomas Phillips ’75 Nell Reynolds Andrew Sawyer ’79 Harry Sheehy Gary Spiess Matthew Storey Sander van Otterloo ’94 Richard Vieira

HEADMASTER EMERITUS The Rev. Brinton W. Woodward, Jr.

HONORARY TRUSTEES Warren C. Cook Jim Hamblin ’77 Piper Orton ’74 W. Dexter Paine III ’79 Will Prickett ’81

Please send notice of address changes to the Advancement Office, PO Box 1879, Plymouth, NH 03264, or advancement@holderness.org. ©2019 Holderness School.

EDITOR: Emily Magnus ’88 EDITORS EMERITI: Jim Brewer and Rick Carey ASSISTANT EDITORS: Patrick Buckley, Suzanne Dewey, Neal Frei ’03, Andrew Herring, Stacy Lopes, Darren Moore ’99, Phil Peck, Mark Sturgeon, and Kelly van Lingen

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS: Bruce Barton, Max Paro ’17, and Margot Riley DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Tessa Magnuson, Align Graphic Design, LLC PHOTOGRAPHY: Neal Frei ’03, Ken Hamilton, Emily Magnus ’88, Max Paro ’17, and Yoon Byun

Holderness School Today is printed

by R.C. Brayshaw and Company on sustainably produced, chain-of-custody stock certified to Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®) standards.

FEATURES CATCHING UP

A DAY IN THE LIFE

MOUNTAIN DAY 2018 THIS ACT OF FAITH

This spring not one but four long-time faculty members retired. Their passion for teaching, care for students, and devotion to Holderness have impacted countless individuals and changed the course of Holderness history.

What does a day in the life of a Holderness student look like?

We followed four students for a day and were amazed by the diversity of their experiences and perspectives!

It’s back! With lots of logistical planning and a good dose of enthusiasm, the Holderness Bulls reinstated Mountain Day. The results? Fresh air and spiritual renewal!

Countless students have served Holderness School well through its unique leadership program.

But what impact has it had beyond campus? How has the program, in turn, served alumni?

DEPARTMENTS From the Schoolhouse.................................................................. 2 From the Editor............................................................................. 3 Around the Quad..........................................................................15 Sports........................................................................................... 32 Employee & Trustee Updates.....................................................50 Gatherings....................................................................................54 Alumni Profiles............................................................................ 57 Class Notes..................................................................................60 At This Point in Time................................................................... 88

Spring 2019 | 1

FROM THE SCHOOLHOUSE

LIVING UP TO THE HOLDERNESS MOTTO EVERY DAY Revisit days in early April are always important moments for us as a school to be our best bold self and to articulate clearly who we are. When accepted students and their families return for one last visit before deciding where they want to spend the next four years, I often will say, “While we are very proud of our facilities, if you are choosing to come to Holderness because of the facilities, please choose another school. We are also proud of our reputation as a school, but if you are choosing Holderness because of its name-dropping value, please choose another school. If, however, you are attracted to our programs which emphasize experiential learning and intellectual engagement; or to this setting in the White Mountains which we weave into our daily lives; or to the remarkable students and adults who care deeply about each other and embrace every aspect of the Holderness experience; if you find this culture compelling and inspiring, then welcome to Holderness!”

work being done around equity and inclusion—all are illustrations of the compelling culture here at Holderness.

I say this to prospective families and at the beginning of this edition of Holderness School Today because it is the culture of Holderness that is sacred. Much of this edition is dedicated to sharing insights into this culture, and it is done through the stories of the experiences and people who make Holderness great. You’ll see it in the Catching Up pieces about the four Holderness teaching icons who will be retiring this year and in the feature highlighting four students and their daily lives. The revival of Mountain Day, stories about the service leadership of our alumni and board members, exciting curriculum developments,

This past fall we just finished our ten-year accreditation, and we are in the middle of developing another strategic plan. Both of these efforts are not calling us to build fancy new facilities but to live up to the aspirational motto and mission of Holderness. What Holderness looks like today is different than it did 10, 25, 50, or 75 years ago; but what it feels like should resonate, and does resonate, with alumni no matter when they graduated or when they return to visit.

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And what role does the head of school play in this narrative?

I am blessed to find joy in both planning and thinking strategically about our future, as well as connecting in authentic ways with our community. It is with great pleasure that I read emails from alumni around the world, hear from faculty about lessons they are teaching in their classrooms, and meet with prospective families when they stop by my office. Brownie nights and open houses at the Head’s House are a chance to hang out with current students, and aspirational weekly board phone calls are a chance to stay focused on the long-term vision we have for Holderness and all that we are trying to accomplish. As I often say, working at Holderness is not an occupation, it is a lifestyle—one that daily challenges me, energizes me, and brings me joy.

Phil Peck, Head of School ppeck@holderness.org

It started with requests from alumni. We want to know more about today’s current students, they said. What do students do today that is different from when we went to school, they asked. It sounded like an intriguing idea to me as well—to tell the story of students at Holderness today.

And so began the feature for this current issue. I picked four students, followed each of them for a day, took as many pictures as I could, and documented their daily lives. I also set aside an hour with each of them to sit and talk. In the end, after I had collected everything I could, it quickly became clear that there was no typical day or typical Holderness student. This made writing the feature for this magazine a bit tricky, because I can’t hold any student up as “typical,” but ultimately their diversity impressed me. They are all engaged in Holderness in very different but equally meaningful ways.

Another unexpected result of my research was how tired I was after following each student for a day. I was under the assumption that being a student was easy—sitting through classes, hanging out with friends, stopping by the snack bar.

But I was wrong. Holderness faculty rarely allow students to just sit and passively take in information, nor do the students want to. Discussions are led by students; in fact, in one class the teacher even left the classroom brief ly, trusting the students to carry on the conversation without him—and they did! In biology labs the students are getting their hands dirty and asking good questions, in French they are taking turns at keeping conversation f lowing, and in ceramics they try and try again at the potter’s wheel to perfect the art of throwing clay. I was impressed by the students’ involvement in every class at every level; Holderness scholars work hard!

So I was glad to get back to my office for a bit of rest; the students went home for spring break, and I was able to focus my attention on the layout and editing of this issue of Holderness School Today. Hopefully you have appreciated the new layout and formatting of the magazine; the whole communications staff has worked hard to create a new look that is both up-to-date but is also ref lective of the long tradition of Holderness School. Feedback is welcome! In fact, feedback led to this new look!

The Communications Office is also currently helping to plan the retirement celebrations for Franz Nicolay, Janice Pedrin-Nielson, and Rich and Kathy Weymouth— is it even possible?!—as well as the groundbreaking celebration for the new academic building. These are two big developments in the life of Holderness, and it’s hard to imagine how both the leaving and arrival will impact the school—its students, it teachers, its family. What will a typical day at Holderness look like in five years or 10?

There’s often a lot of anxiety with change, especially for those who have been invested in Holderness for many years, some even decades. What will the future look like?

On what strategic priorities will the school decide to focus? My prediction? While the buildings and even the people will change, I believe the soul of the school will remain. I am confident in the mission of Holderness, and I believe the school has played, and will continue to play, a significant role in educating strong, capable, generous adults, regardless of their daily and diverse schedules.

Emily Magnus ’88, Editor emagnus@holderness.org

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FROM THE EDITOR

A DAY IN THE LIFE: TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE

CATCHING UP

BY RICK CAREY

It is with great sadness but equal respect that we announce the retirement of four long-time faculty members: Franz Nicolay, Janice Pedrin-Nielson, Kathy Weymouth, and Rich Weymouth ’70. All hired by Headmaster Emeritus Pete Woodward, they have self lessly given their lives to Holderness School and to this community. Each in his or her own way has shaped this school, helping to bring about positive change and forward thinking. In the following pages, we celebrate each faculty member separately, hoping to honor all the ways in which they have touched our lives.

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“FRANZ NICOLAY PROVED TO BE NOT JUST A PIONEER IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND CERAMICS, BUT ALSO A VISIONARY. DURING MY TIME, FRANZ COMBINED WITH DAVE LOCKWOOD AND EMILY ZABRANSKY TO MAKE UP THE MOST OUTSTANDING ARTS DEPARTMENT IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.” –PETE WOODWARD 6 | Holderness School Today

FRANZ NICOLAY: Art Is the Language We All Speak Franz Nicolay was clear about his goals when Headmaster Emeritus Pete Woodward hired the young man to teach ceramics in 1980. “I’d like to turn Holderness into an arts school,” he told Pete.

Okay, it was a joke, but not entirely. Franz had grown up on Long Island, attended St. Lawrence University as a fine arts major, and finished with a resolve both to practice art and teach it. He started at Dover High School in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region, but after six years—as the Seacoast became busier—he decided it was time for him and his family to get away to the mountains, even if it meant carpentry instead of teaching.

They chose Sandwich for its quiet and for other artists Franz knew who lived there. Then, serendipity: the legendary Bertha Waters was retiring, and somehow Pete learned that a young potter had just moved to the area.

Franz was hired despite his designs on school conquest.

Of course Franz was more than a potter. His is the sort of creativity that spills over the page and past its edges, transcending boundaries and overf lowing categories. Early into teaching ceramics, he noticed an empty space at the end of the hall in the basement of the old Carpenter gym, where the arts department was housed. Might that be converted into a darkroom? Might we offer a course in photography?

It was, and we did. That first year three students signed up. But it soon became Franz’s signature offering, one of the most popular courses in the school, and remains the only year-round course in the arts curriculum.

The list of alumni with careers now in commercial or fine art photography is too long for this space.

Meanwhile Artward Bound—founded in 1977 as something to occupy students not on Out Back—was languishing as an eclectic grab-bag of faculty-taught workshops, some arts-related, others not. In the early 1980s, working with then Dean of Faculty Jay Stroud, Franz supercharged the program by centering it under the arts umbrella and hiring visiting artists and craftsmen to lead its workshops.

In the 1990s the Carpenter gym was gutted and rebuilt as the new Carpenter Arts Center with an attached gallery space. Late in that decade, Franz became director of the Edwards Gallery and made it one of the more important exhibition spaces in northern New England by virtue of its high-profile showings of local, regional, and national artists.

A 2012 exhibit of historic White Mountain School paintings, for example, drew visitors from five states.

And an alliance with Boston’s Pucker Gallery has brought work by the world’s finest ceramicists to Holderness.

“All languages are imperfect, but art is one of the most important languages we have for communicating as human beings, and the most universal,” Franz says. “And once I spoke with colleagues in other disciplines about art as a language form, as language expressed in visual terms, that’s when we got buy-in, and an appreciation for both the power and the necessity of art in our lives and education.”

Now more than ever, adds Franz. “In this 21st century the visual content of our culture will attain even more emphasis,” he says. “The creativity and intuitive thinking fostered by the arts are going to be even more valued in the marketplace, for example. It’s true already that an MFA is the new MBA.” Some of Franz’s boundless energy was funneled into founding the school’s softball program in the 1990s, and perhaps that explains why, in 38 years, he fell just short of turning Holderness into an arts school.

But only just short. The arts have become something Holderness is very, very good at. Franz and some brilliant colleagues made it so. n

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JANICE PEDRINNIELSON: A Good Day at Holderness In 1981, when young Janice Pedrin-Nielson was hired to teach French at Holderness, she and her new husband Jeff thought they might stay two years and move on.

Janice had grown up in small-town New Jersey hearing her immigrant grandparents speak dialect Italian.

She didn’t hear enough to speak it herself, but as a small child she once heard her grandparents arguing.

“Then I was able to recite the content of the argument to my parents the next day,” she says, laughing.

At Middlebury College she was a French major, but she also took four years of Italian. Languages had always come easily to her—“Also they were fun”—and by the time she graduated, she saw in teaching an effective way to unite vocation and avocation.

She stayed just two years at the Vermont public high school where she met the young special education teacher who would become her husband. Then she worked only a year at the Virginia independent girls’ school that wasn’t the right cultural fit for her. But the interim headmaster there—none other than Don Hagerman, headmaster here from 1951 to 1977—knew that Pete Woodward needed a French teacher at Holderness.

here in 2019, about to close out a transformative career at a school that also wasn’t entirely the right cultural fit for her—until she led others in changing the school.

“We never imagined we’d be here so long,” Janice says, “but as we began raising our kids and learning from our friends about the stresses involved in raising a family in urban settings—well, Plymouth and Holderness School started looking pretty good.”

In the 1980s Holderness was in the process of becoming a coed school, and over the next four decades Janice’s would be a powerful voice for the empowerment of women at the school: on the faculty, on the staff, in the student body.

Even more significant, at the cultural level, was an everincreasing institutional emphasis at Holderness on academic achievement and the life of the mind. In her sixteen years as dean of academic affairs (and seven more as chair of the language department), Janice was the driving force behind this change, spearheading the implementation of a dozen new AP courses, the school’s innovative Senior Thesis program, and the shift from a trimester to a semester system.

“This was something that evolved over the years,” Janice says. “It was a matter of investing more and more deeply, and sincerely, in the ethos of teaching and learning, and of course this was something brought about by many people working together on behalf of that.”

By then married, Janice and Jeff had resolved to go wherever the best job lay. So they came here, except there was no on-campus housing available. Instead they lived in a rented house in Campton while Jeff commuted all the way to Wells River, VT, for his own teaching job. But it would just be for a couple of years, right?

Phil Peck will attest that no one worked harder than Janice.

Yet when she relinquished that deanship in 2010—modeling what Phil admires as “lateral advancement,” the movement of faculty across the organizational chart—it was in favor of more time in the classroom doing the single thing that made her happiest: “Any day on which I was helping one child to learn—that was a good day at Holderness.”

Yet they were still here in 1988, when Jeff was hired to join the Holderness math department, and Janice is still

No argument there. n

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“SHE WAS THE INTELLECTUAL LEADER OF THE SCHOOL FOR TWO DECADES AS THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES AND THEN ACADEMIC DEAN, AND NONE OF US TODAY KNOW ALL THAT JANICE FACED AND ACCOMPLISHED IN MAKING HOLDERNESS A TRULY COED SCHOOL.” –PHIL PECK

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“KATHY DROVE STUDENT LIFE WITH RELENTLESS ENERGY, AND MADE IT EXCITING, DAY IN AND DAY OUT.” –PETE WOODWARD 10 | Holderness School Today 10 | Holderness School Today

KATHY WEYMOUTH: What Community Means Today

Rich loved it too, and in 1984 the Weymouths made their way to Connecticut’s all-boys Salisbury School, where Kathy—as an English teacher and student activities director—assumed the challenge of coordinating such with neighboring girls’ or coed schools.

Kathy Weymouth vividly remembers her first day as dean of students at Holderness in September, 2001. “I was sitting alone in that office wondering who would believe in me, of all people, as a dean here,” she says with a laugh.

“An hour later a faculty member stepped in saying he needed to talk to me about a situation in his classroom.

‘Oh, my God,’ I thought to myself, ‘I’m a resource!’”

By 1998 Pete Woodward needed a chaplain and an English teacher at Holderness, and the Weymouths came home.

Kathy immediately lobbied for a year-round calendar of student activities, and more of them. With Pete’s blessing, she assembled a student committee and began fundraising for events such as hypnotists’ visits, outdoor big-screen movies, and inter-dormitory dodgeball.

Indeed she was, and she merited such belief— even though she had only been on the faculty here since 1998, and even if her original idea about how her life might go had been so different.

In 2001 Phil Peck, new on the job himself, promoted Kathy to dean of students. After that bit of first-day counseling, she continued to promote and expand student activities, knowing that there were greater rewards in it than just fun for the kids. “They strengthen community by building relationships,” Kathy says, “and you’ll need those relationships, that mutual trust, for the day, if and when, a kid gets in trouble.”

She had grown up in many places, but Holderness, NH, was where she and her family joined her grandfather, formerly the chaplain at Yale, for their summers. At the University of New Hampshire she was an English major who wanted to become a photojournalist.

In later summers she worked at the Rockywold-Deephaven Camps on Squam, and there she met a fellow UNH student—a Holderness School alumnus to boot—who was trying to figure out his own life’s work. Kathy’s grandfather suggested to this young man that he might consider the ministry.

In marrying Rich Weymouth ’70 and starting a family, though, Kathy found herself back at square one in terms of what her own vocation might be. So it was a good thing that while Rich was in seminary in Newton, MA, both Weymouths were offered internships teaching and coaching at the Noble and Greenough School.

“While I had attended boarding school, it had never occurred to me that I might choose this career,” Kathy says, “and it was a complete surprise to me how much I loved teaching and also loved that lifestyle.”

Indeed Kathy would become renowned for the wisdom and grace with which she handled the disciplinarian side of the job, and on her student activities calendar she would find ways to hitch fun for the kids to such philanthropic and social service programs as Relay for Life and the Wounded Warrior Project. Events like that—besides being fun—have raised over $150,000.

It bears mentioning that her first day in the dean’s office, back in 2001, happened to have been 9/11. The new head, the new dean, and the school chaplain would all do some of their finest work that day in affirming the multicultural integrity of the school community.

“It’s special here,” Kathy says. “I never really knew what community meant until I came to Holderness.”

What it means today has much to do with what a fine resource she proved to be. n

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RICH WEYMOUTH ’70 The Affirmation of Love and Grace They were always moments of calm and separation: standing in solitude under a streetlight, for example, or driving solo down a quiet highway. Rich Weymouth remembers these as pivot points in his life, but they involved not so much a decision on his part as a sense of being summoned.

Looking back, it all seems both improbable and ordained.

Rich grew up in rural Connecticut, knew about Holderness School only because a friend went there, applied because it was the friendliest school he visited. He became a three-sport varsity athlete, a f loor leader, and a student council officer.

Episcopal by background but not personally religious, he went on to the University of Denver, where he experienced what he describes simply as “a powerful conversion experience.”

But that wasn’t a summons, a calling—not yet. Rich would transfer to the University of New Hampshire as a lacrosse player and economics major with an intent to go into law or business. In the summers he returned to Holderness, as in the town of, to work at the Rockywold-Deephaven Camps on Squam Lake.

There he met young Kathy Lovett, who would become his wife, and also Kathy’s grandfather Sid, the retired Congregational chaplain at Yale. And it was Sid who encouraged Rich to apply to an interdenominational foundation whose program would help him decide if actually he wished to become a pastor.

“There were eight questions on that application,” Rich says, “and I wrote answers totaling 64 pages.” Rich topped out as a finalist there, but a sojourn under that streetlight—and all the energy he had poured into that application—provided that first whisper of a calling.

So began three years of seminary split between the Andover-Newton Theological School and the Yale Divinity School. Along the way, Rich and Kathy became intern teachers and coaches at the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, MA. After Yale came four years as curate to an Episcopal parish in Exeter, NH; ten years as chaplain at the Salisbury School in Connecticut; four years at St. Christopher’s in Richmond, VA; and at last, in 1998, a return to where he had found so many friends as a teenager.

During his stay in Exeter, Rich had learned he liked working with young people best of all. At Holderness he personally role-modeled the harmonious unity of mind, body, and spirit, as teacher, coach, and pastor.

And his bluff spirituality proclaimed both hard-won authenticity and a loving engagement with the world and its people, whatever their own backgrounds or beliefs.

During Rich’s time, Holderness has remained both an Episcopal school and a diverse religious and secular community—with the emphasis on “community.” On that behalf he revived the vestry program, drawing some thirty students into its fold and supporting a rainbow of philanthropic causes, public service activities, and connections with area schools and agencies.

And during occasions of community crisis—whether a national emergency such as 9/11 or a campus tragedy such as the deaths of two students in 2003— Rich’s piercingly eloquent prayers have affirmed the love and grace through which communities not only endure catastrophe, but become stronger.

“We never felt the call to leave,” Rich says in explaining his and Kathy’s 21 years at Holderness. But it’s time now, he concedes. He hopes the school someday will boast a chapel big enough for the whole school community and a chapel’s various functions, but in the meantime he has a shed to build, golf courses to challenge, old friends to visit.

Anything else? “We’ll let the clouds disperse a bit and then we’ll see.”

If that happens during a quiet moment alone . . . yes, we’ll see. n

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“RICH IS POSSESSED OF A HUGE PASTORAL HEART, IS TOTALLY OTHER-CENTERED, AND IN MOMENTS OF GRIEF, HE HELD US ALL IN HIS ARMS.” –PHIL PECK Spring 2019 | 13

PETE WOODWARD:

PHIL PECK:

“HOW CAN THEY BE REPLACED?”

IMMEASURABLY RICHER

With justifiable pride, Headmaster Emeritus Pete Woodward recalls that he hired all four of these faculty pillars back in those days when they were all young men or women looking to find their way, and who—in various ways—had found Holderness. The results?

“Franz Nicolay proved to be not just a pioneer in photography and ceramics, but also a visionary,” Pete begins. “During my time, Franz combined with Dave Lockwood and Emily Zabransky to make up the most outstanding arts department in independent schools.”

Janice Pedrin-Nielson? Pete remembers a recommendation he received from the head of the foreign language department at Middlebury College. “He said that she not only spoke French like a native, but that she led the department in academic achievement,” Pete says. “And that’s where she made the most difference here. We had one AP course in our curriculum when she arrived— soon we had ten, twelve, maybe more than that now.”

The Weymouths? “Before I hired Rich, I knew him as an alumnus, an athlete, a priest at two schools who led students in social work. He proved here to be a pastor par excellence, a leader who preached the gospel by his actions.”

Kathy Weymouth, who would rise to become dean of students, turned out to be a dynamo in that office. “She drove student life with relentless energy, and made it exciting, day in and day out.”

“Think of all the talent and high standards these four brought to Holderness, all the energy and love they gave over forty years,” Pete marvels. “How can they be replaced?”

Head of School Phil Peck is struck by the different sorts of genius, skills, and accomplishments represented so variously in these four soon-to-be retirees from Holderness.

Phil credits both Weymouths, Kathy and Rich ’70, with the vitality of the school’s vestry program and its many service activities. The latter he reveres especially for the bone-deep authenticity of his calling. “Rich is possessed of a huge pastoral heart, is totally other-centered,” Phil says, “and in moments of grief [like the deaths of two students in a traffic accident in 2003], he held us all in his arms.”

Meanwhile Phil marvels at the apparent ease with which Kathy—in her fifteen years as Dean of Students—combined the opposing roles of student disciplinarian and campus cheerleader. “Indomitable, a force of nature,” Phil says. “Limitless in her energy, always unf lappable, kind, and wise.”

Franz Nicolay elicits gratitude for the consistency and continuity provided by nearly four decades in the arts at Holderness and admiration for a fierce-as-day-one willingness to embrace new technologies and outlets for his creativity. “Franz models a teacher’s life-long learning as much as anyone I’ve ever worked with,” Phil says, “and so many of our alumni working in the arts today owe their own inspiration to Franz.”

Janice Pedrin-Nielson, Phil notes, has become the longest-tenured female teacher in the school’s history.

“She was the intellectual leader of the school for two decades as the director of studies and then academic dean, and none of us today know all that Janice faced and accomplished in making Holderness a truly coed school.”

All in their particular ways were pioneers at Holderness; each leaves the school immeasurably richer for both the length and brilliance of their service here. n

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AROUND THE QUAD

CHAPEL TALK Darwin 2.0: Neuroscience and You

BY BRUCE BARTON

I

n February, Director of College Counseling Bruce Barton talked in Chapel about the amygdala and how acts of empathy and compassion might actually help shrink this organ that determines how we react to fear.

Today, I want to talk for just a few minutes about what neuroscience is telling us these days about the brain and the amygdala, and to do so I will rely on the work of Dr. James Doty, a brain surgeon from California who happens to be the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism at Stanford University.

Let’s first talk about the amygdala. When we are in FEAR mode, our brains tend to shut down, we don’t want to have new experiences, we run away from what we don’t know to what we do know, the familiar. In FEAR mode, the amygdala is in charge; we go into what psychologists call our “fight or f light” mode.

But neuroscience is now telling us that intentional behaviors—particularly behaviors of empathy and compassion—actually shrink the amygdala. It turns out that not unlike our physical muscles which respond and change based on exercise (let’s say lifting weights, for example), the human brain responds to exercise too. The question now becomes: which exercises are good for the brain?

James Doty believes that acts of empathy and compassion actually help us shrink the FEAR center of our brain (the amygdala) and open us up to new ways of seeing and understanding and ultimately experiencing happiness in our lives. When we show compassion and kindness, the reward centers in our brain light up.

His research at the Stanford Center for Compassion supports this idea. Let me share two studies he’s done.

In one study, students were given a modest sum of money (let’s say 100 dollars) and told they had two choices, donate it to a charity of their choice or keep it. The students who donated the money saw the reward center of their brain light up. They produced oxytocin—a hormone that plays a central role in social bonding and interestingly in childbirth.

It’s called the love or cuddle hormone. The students who

kept the money saw no reward center stimulation and no oxytocin production, even though they were 100 dollars richer.

In a different study, students were asked what qualities they were looking for in a life partner.

There was some variation by gender, Bruce Barton however, of all the qualities listed, overwhelmingly, the most important traits mentioned were kindness and compassion. The results cut across every demographic. In numbers too large to ignore, people want their partners to have kindness and compassion above all other qualities.

It is my belief that religion, at its best, offers us an exercise in neuroplasticity—a chance to rewire how we think and live.

While it is true that we all have wants in our lives, religion helps us to come to some understanding of what is worth wanting. Christians believe that turning the other cheek and doing for others will bring you more happiness and satisfaction than doing for self. Buddhists believe that nothing is permanent and that human suffering can be mitigated by following a code of conduct known as the Eightfold Path.

Each wisdom tradition offers us a different way of seeing and being, and it almost always involves compassion and empathy for others. Science is now supporting this too.

At this moment in our evolution, perhaps it is survival of the kindest that will be our salvation. Amen. n Editor’s Note: To view the entirety of this Chapel Talk please use this link: https://www.holderness.org/ page/news-detail?pk=1001636&fromId=236116

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AROUND THE QUAD

SPEAKERS AT HOLDERNESS

H

olderness School has an amazing selection of teachers from whom our students learn on a daily basis.

The conversations they lead in classrooms, as well on the fields and over dinner, challenge our students to not just learn the facts but understand the whys and the hows.

Sometimes a fresh, first-hand account, however, can add to those conversations and provide new perspectives and fresh ideas. That’s where guest speakers can help—people who are experts in their fields and who will challenge all of us to reconsider what we think we know. Here’s a sampling of some of the visitors with whom we shared time this year!

Jamaal May In late October, Michigan poet Jamaal May was our first visitor. Jamaal’s poems have appeared widely in journals such as Poetry, New England Review, The Believer, and Best American Poetry 2014. He has also published two collections of poetry: Hum (2013) and The Big Book of Exit Strategies (2016). During a special afternoon all-school assembly, Jamaal shared both his poems and his personal experiences as a writer. He talked about how poetry allows him to distill an idea down to its essence; an idea or a thought that would take him pages and pages to explain in an essay can be direct and simplified through the writing of a poem.

Marion Blumenthal Lazan Later in the fall, Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan kept the Holderness community engaged as she told her tale and shared the lessons she learned during the horrors of her childhood. She described living in Berlin with her older brother and parents during Hitler’s rise to power. She detailed what she saw as a four-year-old on Kristallnacht (the Night

Jamaal May

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of the Broken Glass) in November of 1938. And she discussed the brutal circumstances and the unimaginable existence that she and her family survived in the Nazi concentration camps before coming to the United States in the late 1940s.

As she told her tale of perseverance, determination, faith, and hope, she asked all of us to have respect, compassion, and tolerance for one another. She also reminded us not to follow any leader blindly but to be true to one’s own self.

Eddie Moore, Jr., PhD Eddie Moore, Jr. has a PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, is the founder and director of the White Privilege Conference, and leads workshops in leadership, diversity, and privilege. He is also the founder of the Privilege Institute, a non-profit organization which seeks to engage people through relationships and learning. When Dr. Moore spoke at Holderness, he outlined five important challenges for the Holderness community to consider if they want Martin Luther King’s dream to become a reality: 1.

The super-privileged have extra responsibility. When you have a lot, you should do a lot.

2. Do the work. Practice what will help you. Staying within the confines of Holderness may not provide you with the practice necessary for getting closer to the dream.

3. Privilege matters. Power matters. You have an opportunity to do bigger things because of your education.

4. The best friend hate has is silence. Use your voice. Stand up.

5. Just like the Capital One commercials say, what’s in your wallet? What are your actions that will help make a difference?

Marion Blumenthal Lazan

Eddie Moore, Jr., PhD

THERE ARE BIRDS HERE

Dr. Fernandez is the associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and a lecturer in Wheelock’s Higher Education Administration program. He is also the co-creator of the popular Wide Lens film series at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, which seeks to explore underrepresented perspectives through film and conversation.

Dr. Fernandez’s signature workshop, “Blind Spots,” challenges participants to examine their background, beliefs, and biases while identifying areas in which they can work and grow.

Dr. Fernandez’s life work is to help people think critically about the past and what it means for their future. He talked with the Holderness community about what it takes to engage in social justice work and how change happens. n

a boy can’t stop smiling about

Amer Ahmed, EdD

BY JAMAAL MAY» For Detroit

There are birds here, so many birds here is what I was trying to say when they said those birds were metaphors for what is trapped between buildings and buildings. No. The birds are here to root around for bread the girl’s hands tear and toss like confetti. No, I don’t mean the bread is torn like cotton, I said confetti, and no not the confetti a tank can make of a building.

I mean the confetti and no his smile isn’t much like a skeleton at all. And no his neighborhood is not like a war zone.

I am trying to say his neighborhood is as tattered and feathered as anything else, as shadow pierced by sun and light parted by shadow-dance as anything else, but they won’t stop saying how lovely the ruins, how ruined the lovely children must be in that birdless city.

Raul Fernandez, EdD

Spring 2019 | 17

AROUND THE QUAD

Amer Ahmed, EdD and Raul Fernandez, EdD Amer Ahmed, EdD and Raul Fernandez, EdD both spoke this winter at Holderness School’s Inquiry Conference on Race and Ethnicity that was organized by Director of Equity and Inclusion Jini Sparkman. Dr. Ahmed’s diversity consulting firm is dedicated to enhancing the development of organizations through leadership, professional development, assessment, and strategic change. Dr. Ahmed serves as the director of intercultural teaching and faculty development at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst and as faculty at the Summer and Winter Institutes for Intercultural Communication. He is also a member of SpeakOut—Institute for Democratic Education. In his talk with the Holderness community he stressed that leadership and cultural competency are synonymous in today’s world and that one must see cultural competency as a process that is fed by life-long learning. Above all, he encouraged students and faculty not to live by the Golden Rule but by the Platinum Rule: “Do unto others as they’d like done unto them.”

AROUND THE QUAD

THE ELEVATING ACADEMICS CAMPAIGN SURPASSES FUNDRAISING GOAL

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olderness School charted a bold course for our teaching and learning program when we publicly launched the Elevating Academics Capital Campaign. After two and a half years of strategic planning and fundraising, Holderness is proud to announce that the campaign has achieved its goal of raising over $27.2 million!

The initial fundraising goal was $25 million, but thanks to a matching gift from an anonymous donor that challenged other donors, the goal stretched to $27.2 million. Head of School Phil Peck joyfully states, “It is unbelieveable how many individuals reached out and gave of themselves to support teaching and learning at Holderness. We are pinching ourselves with this news, for it allows us to break ground for the new academic building later this year without requiring any debt leverage. We have raised $27,310,000! We are beyond thrilled.”

Board Chair Robert Hall agrees. He shares, “The campaign had many donors who just came through in amazing ways. The momentum started with a very generous bequest, continued with the largest gift the school has ever received, and was accelerated with a phenomenal yet anonymous matching challenge that generated excitement in our community and helped us cross the finish line.”

One of the lead donors and current member of Holderness’ Board of Trustees Andrew Davis commented, “I’ve had firsthand exposure to the kind of school that Holderness is and how it impacts students. I care deeply for Holderness and believe the new academic building and renovations to the existing academic campus landscape will have a significant impact on the school. This new building will help to amplify the academic programs that already exist and make room for new programs to develop...The educational programming is already there and now there will be a place for it to reside.”

“The school is immensely grateful to Andrew, our anonymous donor family, and the many other wonderful donors who believe in Holderness and who exemplify our core value of service beyond self,” relates Phil Peck.

18 | Holderness School Today

An architectural rendering of a classroom in the new academic building, supporting collaborative, handson, and interdisciplinary learning

“Their combined generosity has enabled us to enter a new era for innovative, collaborative, and f lexible learning spaces, AND such generosity has allowed us to reach our goals much faster than we believed possible!”

The Elevating Academics Campaign will allow for the construction of a new academic building, will increase the size and configuration of many existing learning spaces to augment collaborative, hands-on, and interdisciplinary learning, and will create an academic quad that thoughtfully connects classrooms with the outdoors. Hagerman, for example, will feature re-sized classrooms and enhanced theatre spaces that amplify its current import on campus. Once completed, the academic learning space will double with the addition of 33,000 square feet. The new and renovated spaces will increase labs, break-out/ planning spaces, special use facilities (maker spaces and a black box classroom), and enhance collaboration, teaching, and learning for decades to come. n

BY SUZANNE DEWEY

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magine being a high school senior in a press box with CBS, CNN, and the major media outlets while Senator Kamala Harris, candidate for the Democratic nomination, is feet away sharing her stump speech with a gathered crowd. This is an unlikely place to find the co-editor-in-chief of Holderness’ Picador. A high school journalist with press credentials? How did that happen?

Kitt Urdang ’19 became involved with The Picador soon after the 2016 election in her tenth-grade year.

She was close friends with then editor Chae Hanh ’17 (currently a sophomore at Penn). Chae encouraged Kitt to write a post-election piece. “I was super-excited about writing,” she said. “I had never written in such a manner outside of English class and realized I really liked it.

Chae liked my work and motivated me to do more.”

The Parkland School shooting was pivotal for the United States but also for Kitt. She learned big lessons while gaining support for the March for Our Lives movement and organizing a group from Holderness to join other students in a demonstration in front of the New Hampshire State House. A photo of the Holderness group was posted socially and ignited controversy on campus because not everyone felt the same way as Kitt.

Initially Kitt was shocked and angry with the criticism and wanted to respond emotionally. “I ended up writing my college essay on what happened and what I learned,” she says. “Thanks to Mr. Herring [faculty advisor for The

Picador], I didn’t publish the first draft I wrote and didn’t write angry. I focused on the broader impact of the article.”

This experience taught Kitt a lot about herself and about how important it is to obtain varied inputs and to try to work through problems and disagreements with diplomacy.

Fast-forward to this year, Kitt’s senior year. When she learned that candidate Julian Castro was going to be speaking at the Politics & Eggs breakfast at St. Anselm College, Kitt knew she had to be there. First Kitt tried conventional methods to get into the program—emailing, calling–but she made no headway. Acting on a suggestion from her father, Kitt next tried to use her press credentials (The Picador is a news outlet, after all). She eventually made friends with the organizers, and they granted her a press pass for the breakfast.

“It was great to go to that breakfast and hear Julian,” says Kitt. “I was the only kid. I sat with the press.” Kitt learned that Kamala Harris was also coming to New Hampshire, a month later, for the same Politics & Eggs program. She reached out to her new organizer friend and was again given a press pass for the event. “That was definitely a different experience. I was able to wedge in under the CNN camera right by all of the spaces reserved for the big networks. I stayed with the press corps the entire time. I tried to behave like everyone else but no one could believe I was representing my high school newspaper!”

These experiences have increased Kitt’s interest in the political world and in journalism: “I do see the power of the press. It’s a lot of responsibility and it’s important to try to accurately portray someone.”

Kitt is headed to Williams College in the fall and knows she wants to stay engaged in social justice. She’s learned to be thoughtful about the impact and power of words.

She also knows how important it is to be persistent: “You have to put yourself out there. You have to keep asking and not be discouraged when the answer is no. In trying to get that press pass, I was really scared but really wanted to have the opportunity. It all worked out.”

Kitt Urdang ’19 in the press box at the Politics & Eggs breakfast at St. Anselm’s College in January

In talking to Kitt, one gets the sense that she will work hard to make things work out. She is a true Bull— passionate, determined, and ready to help others. n

Spring 2019 | 19

AROUND THE QUAD

THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE

AROUND THE QUAD

A JOURNEY TOWARD INFORMED EMPATHY

BY SUZANNE DEWEY AND EMILY MAGNUS ’88

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ow do we learn to navigate conversations about race and difference? How do we behave in a world where conflicts around race have intensified? Creating effective social justice habits takes energy, persistence, and community buy-in. And setting our intentions and adjusting how we spend our time is essential.

Holderness School openly and purposefully pursues the creation of community, welcoming all onto campus and into our educational and intellectual conversations.

We intentionally create a structure that requires buyin and encourages engagement and participation from all students and all adults. Inclusion is not always easy, however, and even with the best of intentions, our actions are not always as inclusive as we intend them to be.

“All of us are in a continual process of developing our own multi and intercultural skills and competencies in order to better understand and engage with the pluralism of the world and lives around us,” explains Director of Equity and Inclusion Jini Sparkman. “In other words, it takes practice.”

website created by Jini to frame the 21-Day Racial Equity Learning Challenge, the school contemplated a series of readings, videos, and questions from multiple sources. The daily challenges included discussions about the difference between race, ethnicity, and nationality, how to talk about race, and the history of affirmative action. The second week of the challenge focused on conversations about race with people from a variety of different perspectives including white, black, Native American, Latino, and police officers.

“Bias, prejudice, and racism often stem from ignorance, as well as distorted depictions of certain social groups,” one student observed during the 21-Day Challenge. “If one were to spend more time with these stereotyped people, they would know from their own experience that their assumptions are often false and ungrounded.”

Another student said that one of her “takeaways was to be aware that having racial anxiety is normal and knowing this going into a conversation can make it less awkward.”

With this in mind Holderness has intentionally set aside time to grapple with issues of race and ethnicity both

In addition to the personal daily ref lective endeavors, entire dorms participated as a part of Winter Carnival, additional advising time was created for discussions,

at the student and adult level, as a school and also on a more personal level. The biggest chunk of time was set aside this winter when the school embarked upon a multiweek learning and habit-changing exploration. Using a

and a full-day conference, the Inquiry Conference, was held at the culmination of the challenge. Amer Ahmed, EdD and Raul Fernandez, PhD presented keynotes while both students and faculty facilitated and

20 | Holderness School Today

AROUND THE QUAD

Facing page: Yansel Reyes ’21 leading a discussion on the experiences of students of color at Holderness School. Left: Faculty attending the People of Color Conference in December in Nashville, TN. Right: Ali Ferri ’19, Mina Nguyen ’19, and Avery Reynolds ’19 sharing suggestions brainstormed during a workshop that aimed to find ways to recognize Asian students as individuals.

attended break-out sessions. A film festival at the end of the Inquiry Conference provided students with the opportunity to further explore a variety of perspectives.

“As a white person,” one student ref lected at the end of the conference, “it’s easy not to worry about race since I have the privilege to not think about it on a daily basis...Racial literacy is about wanting to learn about race as it is part of today’s society, and for me it’s about embracing different races both in my life and through the material I read.”

Holderness School also builds inclusivity by sending faculty of color to the People of Color Conference. As welcoming and inclusive as independent schools are and want to be, people of color are still in the minority and are not always comfortable giving voice to their ideas. The conferences, then, “create space that lifts up, protects, and affirms the dignity and lived experiences of people of color in our schools and society.” They are a safe space for processing, sharing, and engaging in conversations with their peers.

“It was an incredible experience,” says history and Spanish teacher Carlos Villafane, PhD, who attended the conference for the first time along with five other Holderness faculty. “I made cultural connections with other conference attendees I haven’t thought about in years. It was an important combination of personal and professional experiences that have definitely stayed with me and that I have brought back to school with me.”

Dean of Students John Lin’s takeaway from the conference focused on how to recruit and hire faculty of color. “What will it take to get black faculty to come to Holderness?” John questions. “We need to be able to answer this question and make sure they feel supported and can benefit from being part of our community.”

Dean of Academics Peter Durnan agrees. “As I attended workshops and listened to the speakers, it became clear to me that faculty of color are increasingly feeling they have less support than they used to,” says Peter. “To me that is worrisome. Including people of color has to be a priority during the hiring process, not just at Holderness but throughout the independent school community.”

While not solutions, the 21-Day Equity Challenge and Inquiry Conference as well as the People of Color Conference aim to expand our thinking, help us to lean towards each other, and keep us moving on our journey toward intercultural leadership. If we can recognize that unconscious bias may impact how we think, or expand our thinking to look at other perspectives and not make assumptions based solely on our own experiences, we develop empathy and may collectively help grapple with the deep racial and geographic division that exist in today’s society. n Editor’s Note: Interested in learning more about the 21-Day Challenge? It’s not too late! Copy this URL into your browser to read, learn, and participate: https://jsparkman7.wixsite.com/21daychallenge!

Spring 2019 | 21

AROUND THE QUAD

ABOUT MORE THAN JUST SINGING NOTES

BY EMILY MAGNUS ’88

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he Holdernotes, Holderness School’s first ever a capella group, debuted in November at the fall concert, ramping up the energy in Hagerman and bringing the performance to a whole new level. Fortunately for us, they continued to pursue their love of music throughout the winter and in February performed in the quarterfinal round of the International Competition of High School A Capella (ICHSA).

The Holdernotes developed out of Music Director Alec Sisco’s personal passion for a capella. In high school and throughout college Alec was a member of several a capella groups and knows from first-hand experience the value of relying on just one’s vocal chords to make music.

“It’s about more than just singing notes,” says Alec. “The high level of collaboration in a capella is equitable to that of successfully executing a play in football, or sending a human into space. Everyone has a specific job they need to do. If one person is just a little bit off, it can compromise the entire performance/play/mission.”

In the fall, he introduced the club to the community, and 12 students decided to join him for weekly practices. By November, they were invited to the ICHSA and began practicing in earnest. Shelby Geaney ’22, Linh Nguyen ’19, Thao (Natalie) Mai ’21, and Kai Parlett ’20 formed the core of the group. Soloists included Nicole Kanowsky ’22, Allegra Driscoll ’19, Chip Peterson ’21, Addy Robison ’22, and Camden Bachochin ’22. Bass vocals and beat box rhythms were taken on by Chip Peterson ’21 and Emilija Jakumaite ’20.

The Holdernotes performing at the fall concert in Hagerman Going into the competition we didn’t expect to win but the other groups were so much better than we expected.”

While the Holdernotes did not win any prizes or accolades, they learned a great deal and came home with enough energy to power them through until next year.

Which is important, given the plans Alec has for them.

First stop is the spring concert for which he hopes to have a better sound system and new choreography.

Alec also hopes to make the club into an actual class. “If this was a public school, and students weren’t so busy, the club would be fine,” says Alec. “But in order to compete at a national or international level, the students need to practice more than once a week, and the only way to do that in the Holderness schedule is to make it part of a class.”

By the second week of February, the Holdernotes were ready. Bolstered for the first competition with positive vibes and plenty of nervous energy, they traveled to Danvers, MA where they competed against nine other high school a capella groups from around New England.

The added class time will also help support the community Alec sees building. “These kids spent a whole day with others they don’t usually hang with and they got to know each other,” says Alec. “That’s way more important than any award they could have received.”

Throughout the competition, their excitement grew as they watched the other teams perform. “We didn’t know what we were getting into,” admits Linh, a senior from Vietnam.

“We were the eighth group to perform and watching the performers who came before us was really intimidating.

As the only Lakes Region school with a competitive a cappella group, the Holderness community is beyond excited to support this group’s journey to becoming excellent musicians who share their love for singing and dancing with anyone who is willing to listen. n

22 | Holderness School Today

A DAY IN THE LIFE

BY EMILY MAGNUS ’88

W

hat does education at Holderness look like in 2019? Does Pro Deo et Genere Humano still matter? Do mind, body, and spirit continue to receive equal attention in the life of a Holderness scholar? What does a typical student do during an average day?

The truth is students’ schedules are as varied as the kids who attend Holderness. While some focus on athletics and achieving the highest level possible, others are more focused on the arts, spending all their free time in the Carpenter Arts Center, practicing guitar or developing photographs in the dark room. Some students take courses in math and science while others focus their attention on history and poetry. Some students join the vestry and volunteer during fundraising events on campus, while others are editors for The Picador

and share their thoughts, stories, and opinions with the community via the online newspaper. Their interests are diverse; their passions are many.

That being said, students’ schedules in some ways haven’t changed much in the past decades.

Students still go to Chapel (twice a week), attend sit-down meals (also twice a week), and participate in the Job Program. There’s still a dress code—although it’s a bit more lenient— and students still attend Saturday classes.

In the following pages, you’ll meet four current Holderness students, one from each grade. Each in their own way has embraced what Holderness has to offer and has engaged in a variety of learning opportunities, contributing their skills, talents, and passions to the fabric of the school.

Spring 2019 | 23

TAINA “T” MAIR Class of 2022

HOMETOWN:

CLASSES:

Boston, MA

Biology; English 9; Foundations of Modern Society; Geometry; Spanish 1

SPORTS: JV Soccer, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Softball

OTHER: T is on the varsity girls’ basketball team that finished with a 15-9 record and won the NEPSAC Class D Chapmpionship

“BEING AT HOLDERNESS IS A CHANCE FOR ME TO SEE IF I REALLY LIKE PLAYING BASKETBALL AND WANT TO DO IT PROFESSIONALLY. IT WOULD MEAN THAT I WOULD BE ABLE TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY.”

9 24 | Holderness School Today

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“AT HOME MY MOM WOULD NAG ME AND TELL ME TO DO MY HOMEWORK. HERE I’M MORE RESPONSIBLE. I’VE GOTTEN BETTER ABOUT PUTTING MYSELF IN GOOD SITUATIONS AND TAKING CARE OF MYSELF.”

“THE CONFERENCE ON RACE AND ETHNICITY TOUCHED MY SOUL. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH MY CLASSMATES AND THEIR OPENNESS IN SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCES. EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FEBRUARY 25 »» No classes today. Instead T will attend the school-wide Conference on Race and Ethnicity. There are great speakers lined up and she’ll participate in a student-led discussion about the experiences of students of color at Holderness. »» Advisory Meeting. T and her advisor will meet to review T’s grades and celebrate all the hard work she put in to make the honor roll for the third semester in a row! »» Call home. Staying in touch with her family is important; T goes home most weekends to spend time with her siblings and sleep in her own bed.

Spring 2019 | 25

ADAM MCNABNEY Class of 2021

HOMETOWN:

CLASSES:

Baltimore, MD

English 10: Global Literature; Physics; Precalculus; Psychology 1 and 2; Spanish 2; US History 2: A Bigger Government: The Great Depression and the New Deal

SPORTS: Cross-Country Running, Varsity Ice Hockey, Varsity Lacrosse

OTHER: Adam has promised Theater Director Monique Devine that he will try out for the play next fall.

“I THOUGHT I WAS SOCIALLY AWARE, BUT HOLDERNESS HAS TAUGHT ME TO SEE AND BE AWARE OF A WHOLE NEW LEVEL. THE CONFERENCE ON RACE AND ETHNICITY WAS EYE-OPENING.”

9 26 | Holderness School Today

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“I TOOK PSYCHOLOGY 1 IN THE FALL AND AM NOW TAKING PSYCHOLOGY 2. ALL THE THINGS I’M LEARNING IN CLASS I SEE PLAY OUT IN MY FRIENDS AND THE PEOPLE AROUND ME. I’M FASCINATED BY PEOPLE’S PATTERNS AND SOCIAL INTERACTIONS.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FEBRUARY 26 »» Hockey practice. Most winter sports are over but the boys’ hockey team is getting ready for NEPSAC postseason playoffs. “I can’t remember a season when I wasn’t playing on some team.” »» English Class. Adam was turned on to English for the first time this year in Mrs. Barton’s class. “When I have a chance to collaborate, that’s really helpful.” »» Artward Bound Meeting. “I’m hoping I get to do improv.

It’s interesting to see what happens when people get put on the spot and their inner sense of humor is revealed.”

“I GREW UP IN A ROW HOUSE IN BALTIMORE. I CAME TO HOLDERNESS BECAUSE I WANTED TO HAVE MORE EXPERIENCES IN THE OUTDOORS. I AM DEFINITELY IN TOUCH WITH THE OUTDOORS, BUT I THINK OUT BACK WILL CHANGE MY LIFE.”

Spring 2019 | 27

RUDY BEER Class of 2020

HOMETOWN: Meredith, NH (Day Student) SPORTS: Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Art in the Afternoon CLASSES: Advanced Photography; AP Calculus AB; AP Language and Composition; AP Physics C: Mechanics;

AP US History/AP European History: Advanced History of the West (2year course); Spanish 4 OTHER: Raised over $8,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation last summer and hopes to do the same this summer

“I’M NOT SURE IF IT’S JUST THAT I’VE GROWN UP OR THAT HOLDERNESS HAS CHANGED ME, BUT I’VE DEFINITELY BECOME MORE OF A LEADER. I’M ALSO MORE RESPONSIBLE AND SELF-SUFFICIENT.”

9 28 | Holderness School Today

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM FEBRUARY 7 »» The schedule is reversed on Thursdays during the winter season. Rudy’s day starts with Nordic ski practice in the morning; classes are in the afternoon. »» Pantry. As a job leader, Rudy helps finish the lunch dishes and leads his crew through clean up so that everything will be ready for the dinner crew. »» Band practice with friends. “We’re not very good,” he says, “but that makes it more fun. There’s no judgement.”

“ACCRUING WEALTH HAS NEVER INTERESTED ME, BUT I WANT TO HAVE MY NAME ON SOMETHING. AND IT DOESN’T EVEN NEED TO BE HUGE OR AMAZING. FOR INSTANCE, THIS FALL WHEN I WAS WORKING ON A PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT, I LEFT A NAIL IN A TREE. THAT NAIL IS GOING TO BE THERE FOREVER, UNLESS THE FOREST BURNS DOWN OR SOMETHING. I LIKE TO THINK ABOUT THAT.”

“I TAKE DIFFICULT CLASSES BUT NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO GET INTO A GOOD COLLEGE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I JUST LIKE KNOWING THINGS.”

Spring 2019 | 29

LINH NGUYEN HOANG Class of 2019

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism; AP Statistics; Postwar American Intellectual History; Senior Thesis

HOMETOWN: Hanoi, Vietnam SPORTS: Cross-Country Running, Art in the Afternoon, Track CLASSES: AP Calculus BC; AP Comparative Government and Politics II: Authoritarian Societies; AP Literature;

OTHER: Member of the Holdernotes, Creative Editor for The Picador, Job Leader for Green Team

“I CAME TO HOLDERNESS THINKING THAT EDUCATION WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. THE FIRST YEAR, I LIVED IN ONE OF THE BIGGER DORMS AND DIDN’T MAKE A LOT OF CLOSE FRIENDS. AS I’VE GOTTEN USED TO THE CULTURE AT HOLDERNESS, THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT I HAVE MADE HAVE BECOME STRONGER AND MORE IMPORTANT. I AM NOW FOCUSED ON MORE THAN JUST MY EDUCATION; I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT CARING FOR AND GETTING TO KNOW THE PEOPLE AROUND ME IS WHAT MAKES HOLDERNESS SPECIAL.”

9 30 | Holderness School Today

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“HOLDERNESS HAS TAUGHT ME NOT TO COMPARE MYSELF TO OTHERS. WHEN I CAME HERE, I NOTICED EVERYONE PLAYED THREE SPORTS AND I DID NOT. ON THE OTHER HAND, I FOUND THE CLASS WORK EASIER THAN MANY OF MY PEERS. I’VE DISCOVERED THAT IT ALL KIND OF BALANCES OUT.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FEBRUARY 15 »» Meeting with Senior Thesis advisor. Linh’s heading home to Vietnam for her March experience and plans to talk with artists about the relationship between propaganda and art. »» Art in the Afternoon. Linh and rest of the Art in the Afternoon crew are painting a map of the world on the f loor of the Carpenter art studio! »» Rehearsal for the spring concert. The Holdernotes, the school’s first ever a capella group, just got back from the International Competition of High School A Capella (ICHSA) and are now getting started on a new set for the spring.

“I TRY NOT TO ANTICIPATE ANYTHING AND INSTEAD TRY TO LET WHATEVER COMES COME. IF I TRY TO LOOK FORWARD TO CERTAIN THINGS, THEN I MIGHT MISS OTHER OPPORTUNITIES.”

Spring 2019 | 31

SPORTS

BULLS PROCEED TO POSTSEASON PLAY IN HOCKEY AND BASKETBALL

BY MAX PARO ’17 AND MARGOT RILEY

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his winter season showed levels of athletic play that were exceptional. We had four teams contending for tournament play and two teams who extended the season in an exciting and Bullfashioned display of well-coached moves, athletic prowess, and grit. We salute all of our teams and take special pride in the postseason success of the boys’ varsity hockey team and the girls’ varsity basketball team.

recovered from a one-goal deficit earlier in the game, when Carter Rose ’21 found the back of the net midway through the first period, the team set out to regain control of the game. Unfortunately, a few penalties, combined with the team’s urgency for a goal, left them vulnerable to Tilton’s counter attack. Tanner Ensign ’19 was able to slot home a puck in the dying minutes; however, the damage had already been done and the Bulls fell 5-2.

The Bulls closed out the winter season with two NEPSAC championship runs, meeting Lakes Region rivals in both final games. The girls’ varsity basketball team faced number-one seed Vermont Academy, while the boys’ varsity hockey team took on top-seeded Tilton School.

The girls’ varsity basketball team has seen quite the turnaround over the last three seasons. Two seasons ago, the team had a record of 2-17. Fast forward to this season during which the team posted a 15-9 record and won their second consecutive NEPSAC Class D Championship. The girls waltzed their way to the finals, defeating Bancroft School by a large margin in the quarterfinals and Lexington Christian Academy by 43 points in the semifinals.

The boys’ varsity hockey team’s playoff run contained a copious number of dramatic and jaw-dropping moments.

There was, for example, the nine-goal second period against Proctor Academy in the quarterfinals that saw the Bulls’ fivegoal lead evaporate in the span of just a few minutes. Thanks to Tim Manning ’20, however, who scored a highlight-reel goal and completed his hat trick, the game was once again out of reach for Proctor. The boys continued their success in the semifinals against The Rivers School with a final score of 4-2.

When the boys fell down a goal late in the third period against Tilton in the finals, there was no question that the team was capable of making the comeback. Having already

32 | Holderness School Today

For the finals, the girls traveled to Loomis Chaffee in Windsor, CT to once again battle Vermont Academy (VA) for the title. Last year’s clash between these two teams was a close-fought game that ultimately saw Holderness defeat Vermont 65-54.

The Holderness defense was a force throughout the playoffs but was particularly amazing in the championship game. It seemed as though no Vermont pass or shot was uncontested.

Both Emilija Jakumaite ’20 and Taina Mair ’22 kept forcing

SPORTS

turnovers. Taina added two spectacular blocked shots during which the sound of her hand on the ball could be heard over the sound of the crowd in the gym and which stopped the opposing player in midair. Holderness led at the half with a score of 36 to 19, out running, out passing, and outshooting VA. With the Wildcats within striking distance, the girls knew they could not take their feet off the gas. Instead, the team ignited, and Emilija exploded for 22 points in the second half. She worked tirelessly alongside Taina on defense to limit Vermont’s offense and forced turnovers. In addition Taina consistently shut down the VA shooters and several times slung the inbound pass à la Tom Brady the full length of the court for a fast break

layup. The Wildcats had no answers as the Bulls cruised to an 85-55 win and once again hoisted the trophy.

Having her best game of the season, senior KC Carter finished out her Holderness career in style. She was the game high scorer with 28 points and had a great performance rebounding off the boards and earning a double double.

Some days, everything just seems to go in; KC had one of those days and her smile just got bigger and bigger as the game went on. For the second time in as many seasons, KC Carter ’19 was named the championship MVP. When the teams returned to campus, they were met by applause and cheers, as the school shared in the celebration of both teams’ successful seasons! n

Spring 2019 | 33

SPORTS

IN SUPPORT OF GIRLS

BY EMILY MAGNUS ’88

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hat does it take to develop girls into our next generation of leaders? A recent study points out a significant correlation with athletics.

Gatorade’s recent “Girls In Sports” study indicates that girls are dropping out of sports at 1.5 times the rate that boys do by age 14. By age 17, more than half of girls will quit playing sports altogether. In contrast, according to a global EY (Ernst & Young) and ESPNW survey, 94 percent of the women working in C-suites played sports, and 52 percent played sports at the university level. Sports improve confidence, develop grit and resilience, and teach athletes how to work together to achieve a common goal—all of which can be put to good use later in life. Girls, now more than ever, need sports.

Most importantly, then, is participating in the first place.

As girls enter their teenage years, however, commitments increase—school work, jobs, friends, family—at the same time that athletic commitments increase; in order to be on a team, one has to train harder and longer to develop the skills necessary to play at the next level. Balancing athletics and other commitments becomes difficult. When forced to make a choice, many girls are choosing not to be athletes.

At Holderness, however, girls are expected to join a team; the three-sport requirement sees to that. Girls have to engage and commit to a full schedule that includes not just academics but athletics as well. For some it is at the

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varsity level where they can push and be pushed to levels they didn’t believe they were capable. But even at the junior varsity level, the benefits of physical fitness and commitment to a team are valuable; the girls are still learning lessons about grit, resilience, and perseverance.

So athletics are important and Holderness is good at ensuring girls participate. But once girls are committed, what’s the ideal environment? What’s important when coaching girls? What lessons can coaches teach girls that will help them later in life?

Head Field Hockey Coach Kelsey Berry stresses the importance of team bonding for girls. On one road trip last fall, for example, Kelsey watched all the girls immediately turn to their phones for entertainment, each girl in her own social media bubble. The junior varsity players were on the bus as well, and there was no interaction. It was a perfect opportunity for the older girls to bond with and mentor the younger players, so instead of accepting what has become status quo on most bus rides, Kelsey asked the girls to turn off their phones. Together on that ride to Exeter, the girls helped her make a music video, featuring “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz.

“It totally changed the atmosphere on the bus,” says Kelsey.

“That afternoon we went on to tie a very strong Exeter team, and we were missing one of our top scorers.”

SPORTS

Throughout the rest of the season, Kelsey continued to use social media to help build her team. On Instagram, she posted pictures of the team at practice, at games, etc., reinforcing the positive climate she worked hard to maintain on the field. In particular, she created rapid-fire interviews with each of the players that included responses from teammates about what makes each player unique.

Eastern alpine coaches Janice Dahl and Leigh Anne Connors agree that support is really important with girls, not just from their coaches but from each other as well. “Alpine skiing is different since we’re coaching both boys and girls together,” says Janice, “but the girls do better when they support each other. We teach them to focus on their own goals and to understand that being competitive doesn’t mean they can’t support each other. They should be cheering and hugging each other at the finish line AND working hard at their own goals.”

Girls also struggle with confidence. Even when things go well, observes Leigh Anne, the girls are reticent to show any confidence in their skills. “Rarely does a girl come down from a training run or race and say, ‘I had an awesome run,’” says Leigh Anne. “There’s something about saying it out loud that’s hard for them.”

So Janice and Leigh Anne, along with the rest of the ski team coaches, are working to change this. At the beginning of the season, the ski team partnered with Ginger Comstock ’92, a yoga instructor who also specializes in sports psychology.

“The girls had the opportunity to talk about pre-race management and how to maintain positive self-talk,” says Leigh Anne. “I was impressed with how openly they shared and how willing they were to being vulnerable.

It was nothing groundbreaking but she gave them tools they can use to improve their confidence.”

Other teams have worked on mental health and confidence as well, acknowledging that skills and drills are not the only part of training that builds strong, winning teams.

Chrissy Lushefski says she often talks to girls on the varsity lacrosse team about red light vs. green light thoughts.

Red light thoughts are those that are negative, that hinder progress towards a goal, that do nothing productive.

Green light thoughts, on the other hand, are positive and attribute to reaching a goal. It’s about acknowledging that the mental side of training can affect the outcome of a game or race just as much as physical fitness.

“In field hockey the whistle blows all the time,” says Kelsey Berry, “so it’s all about how the girls respond to turnovers. Do they dwell on the mistakes they have just made or do they focus on the next play?”

Girls also need good role models, something Chrissy thinks Holderness has done well. By hiring strong female athletes to coach the next generation, the girls have outstanding role models and mentors, ones that allow them to imagine themselves playing and performing at the next level.

Director of Athletics Rick Eccleston also provided them with additional role models this spring by taking several girls to the Girls in Sport Leadership Summit at Cushing Academy.

As of May 2018, only 24 women were leading Fortune 500 companies. That’s just around five percent. This is just one statistic, but it is indicative of a culture that is missing out on the leadership potential of very capable and intelligent women. Holderness wants to help change this statistic—through a commitment to athletics at every level, mental training that builds confidence, and positive role models who support the girls every step of the way. n

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MOUNTAIN DAY

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“THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WORLD WE INHABIT THAT IS CHARGED AND ALIVE WITH DEVINE POSSIBILITY, IF ONLY WE WOULD TUNE INTO THE RIGHT FREQUENCY, IF ONLY WE WOULD SLOW DOWN, AND OPEN UP AND TAKE A BREATH AND HAVE THE COURAGE TO BE WITH OUR THOUGHTS AND WITH OUR MINDS AND OUR HEARTS.” –Rev. Joshua Hill

Spring 2019 | 37

Tuning In To the Right Frequency Early in the morning on September 24, 2018, Holderness students and faculty boarded buses on campus and headed north to Crawford Notch for a day in the mountains. The day began with a short service in the historic Chapel of the Transfiguration, in Bretton Woods. Faculty and students then divided into groups and dispersed into the surrounding wilderness. While some

students stood in mountain streams and fished, others climbed the highest peaks and walked through the clouds. From yoga to rock climbing, from sketching mountains to riding singletrack, students chose how they wanted to spend the day. A common thread for all, however, was appreciating and savoring the mountains and valleys, the lakes and streams that we call home.

Thanks to all the students, faculty and staff who contributed photos to this essay and captured so many incredible moments.

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“YOU ARE SITTING IN AN ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE. AND I WANT YOU TO TAKE IN THE WEIGHT OF THIS PLACE AND THE STILLNESS OF THE STONES AND LET THEM CALL YOU INTO SOMETHING BIGGER AND DEEPER AND MORE LASTING THAN WHATEVER WAS BEEPING ON YOUR PHONES THIS MORNING.”

–Rev. Joshua Hill

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“WE BELIEVE THE MOUNTAINS ARE OUR BEST CLASSROOM. WE BELIEVE THAT NATURE IS OUR BEST TEACHER.” –Erik Thatcher Director of Outdoor Programs 40 | Holderness School Today

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“THIS PUBLIC LAND IS THE BACKDROP FOR OUR SCHOOL, IT’S THE BACKDROP FOR OUR SKI HILLS, WHERE WE GO TO CLIMB, BIKE, AND TO TRAIL RUN. IT’S WHERE WE GO FOR OUT BACK. IT’S A REALLY IMPORTANT PART OF WHO WE ARE AS A SCHOOL.” –Erik Thatcher Director of Outdoor Programs Spring 2019 | 45

THIS ACT OF FAITH

BY RICK CAREY

Holderness School’s student leadership program is unique among independent schools. Let’s see how five different current-day leaders from two different eras in school history measure its impact.

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F

ew alumni can lay claim to the breadth of school leadership positions held by Don Whittemore ’78 during his years at Holderness: the house leader of Hoit, chairman of the Social Committee, co-captain of the soccer team, and also editor of The Dial, the school yearbook.

Don says it was his experience running the yearbook, though, that had the most to do with the sort of leader he became by profession—and that’s because it all blew up on him one day.

“Well, the art of delegation—I hadn’t learned that yet,” Don says. “I was doing it all by myself, had put in three straight all-nighters to get it to the printer on schedule, and then in English class we were hit with a pop quiz on Billy Budd. I wrote my name on a sheet of paper and handed it in blank.”

That led to a spirited discussion with his English teacher, and then to an immediate appointment with Headmaster Pete Woodward. “So, yes, I got in trouble for that, but I’d do it all just the same today,” Don says. “It was a question of where the greater good lay—between my responsibility to the school at large or my personal obligations as a student.

Given that I had to choose, it was clear to me what the right choice was, and that trust in the greater good was perhaps the most enduring lesson I took from Holderness.”

“...TRUST IN THE GREATER GOOD WAS PERHAPS THE MOST ENDURING LESSON I TOOK FROM HOLDERNESS.” This character-based system involved so many tasks to be handled by students that today some sixty percent of the school’s eleventh and twelfth graders occupy one leadership position or another—or sometimes several, if you throw in sports, publications, clubs, committees, etc. In 1951 Rector Edric Weld wrote of this system, “For the boys it was ‘their school’ at last, and many regard it as Holderness’s greatest achievement.”

Inventing As They Went Along Seven decades later a case can still be made for that—and by now generations of boys and girls have found themselves suddenly elevated to positions and responsibilities that they did not necessarily pursue, and to which (like Don Whittemore) they usually do not bring previous experience.

Then, as now, Don was part of an informal curriculum in leadership unique to Holderness, one born partly out of catastrophe and partly out of a founding-father sort of genius. The catastrophe was the 1931 destruction (by fire) of Knowlton Hall, the school’s chief classroom and dormitory building. The expense of rebuilding was such that—as a cost-cutting measure—students became responsible for much of the school’s maintenance.

This grew eventually into today’s Job Program.

Betsy Pantazelos ’02, for example, is now Patagonia’s district manager for its f lagship retail stores in New York City and Connecticut, but at Holderness she was frankly amazed to be named first a job crew leader, and then a f loor leader in her dorm. She says, “I remember thinking, wow, so this is how the community sees me.” It wasn’t how she saw herself at the time. “It was more like this responsibility had been thrust on me, but I was also grateful for being viewed as up to the challenge, and that prompted me to take that responsibility very seriously, to want to handle it with integrity.”

Then, in the spring of 1949, English teacher Charlie Abbey and that year’s student council devised a new system of identifying student leaders: a school-wide referendum— dominated by the community’s largest demographic, its students—on strength of character as it was perceived in each student. That boy who impressed his peers the most by way of assessments for fairness, initiative, responsibility, and leadership became the school president. And that was only one job among many to be divided between other high-scorers: student council positions, house leaders, f loor leaders, and also crew leaders for the Job Program.

Over the years this informal curriculum has become somewhat more formalized and structured, but certainly earlier generations of leaders found themselves stepping into job descriptions they had to invent as they went along.

Kirk Siegel ’78 came to Holderness as an alpine racer with a passion for the outdoors, and became here a good enough Nordic racer (and later a marksman) to spend four years on the US biathlon team. The international races are over, but the passion for the outdoors remains, and Kirk is a founding member and now executive director

Facing page: Each spring the Holderness community gathers in the Chapel of the Holy Cross to celebrate and honor the student leaders of Holderness School. It is at this podium that students accept the responsibility of serving the community and putting others before self.

Spring 2019 | 47

of the Mahoosuc Land Trust, which protects some 8,500 acres of conservation land in western Maine.

Nowadays Kirk has extensive literature in non-profit management—as well as a degree in conservation law—to guide him, but as a f loor leader and then house leader of Niles (as well as captain of the cross-country running and Nordic teams), he had to take each day as it came.

“Our tasks were not highly scripted,” he says. “We learned by doing, and we were given a lot of leeway and allowed to make mistakes. I made a pretty big one as a student leader, but at the end of the day the faculty retained their confidence in me as a person and a leader.

It was a huge gift from the Holderness faculty, with life lessons involving trust, forgiveness, and redemption.

The unscripted nature of it all was fine with Will Graham ’72, who was a job crew leader in his sophomore year, a f loor leader of Webster in his junior year, and finally the house leader of Hoit—also captain of football and lacrosse at both Holderness and Middlebury, a high school and college All-American in lacrosse. He went on to join the Holderness faculty, become the associate head of Gould Academy, and then head of California’s Midland School, which since its founding in 1932 has had a job program very similar to Holderness’s.

“There was nothing written down about what we were supposed to do at Holderness, and there wasn’t at Midland either,” Will says. “It was very organic, with the newer kids introduced into the system by the older kids.

But the tasks we were assigned were very clear, and the feedback was immediate as to whether we succeeded or not. During that time at Holderness, youth culture was mostly anti-authoritarian, but this was actually a very clear system that worked well during an unclear time.”

Oh, yes, that feedback loop—because students were given tasks that actually needed doing, and not mere busywork, the consequences of failure were (and are) often swift and all too plain, particularly in the Job Program. Don Whittemore remembers another scrape he got into: “We were late getting back from a hockey game, and so I was late getting a walkway shoveled,” he says. “One of the faculty wives slipped and fell on it, and I got reamed out.”

There is the greater good, and sometimes the unavoidable evil. But since each of these tasks is important, it follows that all those charged with executing them are also important. “Everybody is empowered by virtue of their daily efforts,” observes Will Graham. “From the head of

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Don Whittemore ’78

Betsy Pantazelos ’02

school to the teacher in the classroom to the kids washing dishes in the kitchen, everybody has something to do that has immediate purpose to it, and no one is alone in the school community, or in any way dispensable.”

It becomes finally its own discrete facet of school life— different from the classroom, the athletic field, the outdoors, the arts center, etc.—and therefore someplace where a student can succeed who may not be succeeding in those other arenas. “Just by being a reliable community member in this crucial system,” adds Will, “a kid can develop confidence, understand a sense of accomplishment, and find their voice.”

Liz Norton, PhD ’01 hardly struggled at Holderness. A fixture on the high honor roll, she is now an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University. There she leads a research lab determined to use neuroscience to find earlier diagnoses and more effective interventions for children with language, reading, or mental health disorders.

At Holderness, though, she was one of those relatively quiet, low-profile students who aren’t elected to Abbeysystem leadership positions—though she was captain of JV hockey and tennis, editor of the literary magazine.

And the system worked for her as well, partly as a function of its pervasive camaraderie, and partly thanks to the example set by the faculty. “I didn’t have any sense of there being a hierarchy at Holderness,” Liz says. “You ride on a van to hockey games with your coaches, and you talk with them, person to person, and that sort of erases any sense of separation you might have from them in the classroom.”

It was particularly in the classroom, however, that faculty members, such as English teacher Norm Walker, modeled what good leadership looks like. “Mr. Walker was always

Will Graham ’72

asking the extra question, always pushing you, always challenging you,” Liz says. “But he and other teachers were always so engaged, and so obviously valued you and your contributions, that you didn’t worry about stumbling. It would still be okay, and you would still be supported.”

That sort of engagement now informs the way Liz runs her lab at Northwestern. “I have first-year undergraduates as part of the team, and I try to make them feel as valued as anybody else in the lab,” she says. “And I should, because in fact everybody has something important to contribute.”

If your first experience with leadership—whether by performing it yourself, and occasionally stumbling, or seeing it done skillfully—is in a community where every individual is incontrovertibly important because of the work that needs to be done, then leadership in fact becomes an act of faith shared between all parties in the relationship. This explains, for example, Betsy Pantazelos’s feelings about the job evaluation process at Patagonia.

“Of course I feel really good if I get a positive evaluation from the people in corporate headquarters,” Betsy says.

“But I actually feel a greater responsibility to the people I manage. If I hear in their evaluations of me that I helped some new hire start on a new career path, for example, or that someone really believes in the vision I’m expressing—well, that means so much more to me.”

A Context of Respect No, Don Whittemore didn’t go into publishing after Holderness. After attending Hampshire College and earning a master’s from Yale, he tried several different things before settling into Colorado and a career in firefighting. Starting as a volunteer, he became the first full-time chief of the Boulder Mountain Fire Authority,

Liz Norton, PhD ’01

Photo: Justin Barbin

Kirk Siegel ’78

and also an incident commander, leading management teams of firefighters and other emergency personnel to wildfires and disasters throughout the US, to any place where local resources are overwhelmed. He now teaches leadership and critical decision-making skills to fire departments and agencies in this country and Australia.

It’s a profession endemically fraught with risk and the possibility of catastrophe, where hard choices have to be made sometimes on behalf of the greater good, or else the lesser of two evils. “As a leader in this field you don’t have to inspire, because firefighters arrive that way—it’s in their nature,” Don says. “But you do have to provide a clear vision of success and the confidence that you’ll have their back if things go wrong.”

It’s an elevated version of the bottom-line support Liz Norton felt from Mr. Walker in the English classroom— and that Don himself eventually received from French teacher Lew Overaker, that year’s yearbook adviser, who came to his rescue in Mr. Woodward’s office.

It also has much to do with that non-hierarchical act of faith between leaders and the communities they serve, the one that presumes that everyone is worthy and important.

Don remembers reporting to Texas in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and overseeing the housing of 2,800 displaced people in a department store. “I had no experience running a shelter, but I knew a context of respect was essential,” Don says. “We began with language, and I didn’t allow members of my team to ever use terms like ‘refugee’ or ‘evacuee’—they were our guests.”

By then he had learned to delegate—and how to trust, how to provide trust, how to earn and return respect, and most certainly how to lead. n

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EMPLOYEE /TRUSTEE UPDATES

BALANCING THE FORCES OF VISION AND PRAGMATISM

BY ANDREW HERRING

B

ob Cunha has the credentials of the quintessential board member—independent school alumnus, magna cum laude at Harvard, investment and financial background, and extensive non-profit board experience.

Impressive. But Bob is more than his resume. Carrying himself with a humble cheerfulness, Bob is able to skillfully balance the often opposing forces of vision and pragmatism in an effort to guide Holderness toward furthering its mission.

Bob’s Holderness story is one of family. “We knew nothing about Holderness until we came one day to visit Marilee and John Lin—friends for more than 30 years—and fell in love with the place,” says Bob. “The students were bright and friendly; the mountains and gently falling snow were magical. When Maggie, our daughter, began looking for a school, there was only one boarding school on our list: Holderness School.” This visit with the Lins has led to the gift of the Cunha family—Maggie ’16 and Charlie ’19 as students, Kathy as co-president of the Parents Association, and Bob as the board treasurer.

What made Holderness such an ideal school for the Cunhas was its culture and values. “All of us,” Bob shares, “had grown weary of schooling that was relentlessly focused on individual achievement. That path leads to stress and burn-out, and it gradually (and insidiously) instills a set of values that veer toward self-centeredness. Holderness is different. The focus is always on supporting the Holderness community, as well as the broader New Hampshire community that students and faculty can service. That focus—on ‘we’ not ‘me’—is a better way to build well-rounded, high-achieving students, and it is better for the soul.”

Bob clearly embodies the we, not me philosophy that made Holderness so appealing. He is deeply committed to service, evidenced by his participation on the Conservation Commission of Plymouth, MA. Bob is also involved in increasing access to affordable education and supporting the homeless in his local community.

A financial aid recipient while a student at Milton Academy, Bob is keenly aware of the life-changing nature of generosity.

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BOB CUNHA ISN’T SOMEONE YOU WANT ON YOUR BOARD. BOB CUNHA IS SOMEONE YOU NEED ON YOUR BOARD.

It is this experience that guides Bob’s work in education.

“In my view,” he says, “the most important thing we can do is to give more middle- and low-income kids access to a Holderness education. Holderness was founded as a school for students of modest means and needs to be true to that mission…We can’t simply be a school for the rich if we seek to live the Holderness motto and prepare students for all of the diversity and breadth of our society.”

The work of a board treasurer isn’t easy, though. It’s hard enough to remain in a good financial position much less expand accessibility and financial aid grants. “I try always to keep in mind that every time we spend money, we are making a value judgment,” says Bob. “The single most important part of my job is to make sure that we make choices that directly ref lect and support Holderness’s values.”

What began as a visit with old friends has led to a meaningful relationship with the Cunha family. Bob’s leadership as a board member and board treasurer posture Holderness School to confidently face the financial challenges of the future. Service, purpose, and values are on full display when it comes to Bob Cunha. It makes sense, then, that Holderness didn’t just want Bob Cunha on the board; it needed Bob Cunha on the board. n

BY ANDREW HERRING

K

atie’s relationship with Holderness began when her son Charlie ’21 enrolled as a ninth-grader last year. The Crumbo family was “truly delighted that Charlie chose to make Holderness his home-away-from-home for high school. Charlie chose Holderness because he liked the feel of the close-knit community with a strong affinity for the outdoors…We genuinely feel that no one will ‘slip through the cracks’ and that every student is treasured.”

When Katie joined the board last fall, she brought with her extensive non-profit board experience. Katie is also a recently retired nurse practitioner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and her background and familiarity with best practices in healthcare and wellness initiatives will no doubt allow Holderness to better serve students and adults.

“As a nurse,” says Katie, “health and wellness, and how we best support students, faculty, and staff in a culture that has many pressures, are of particular interest to me.”

Although new to the Holderness Board of Trustees, it’s clear that Katie’s already made an impact. Board Chair Bob Hall says that Katie has “made her presence felt in the areas surrounding the students’ well-being.” Head of School Phil Peck echoes Bob Hall’s comments, saying, “Katie has established herself as a force, especially as the school focuses on health and wellness. We will benefit greatly from her background as an RN and in health services.”

“IF THERE IS ANY WAY YOU CAN GET KATIE CRUMBO ON YOUR BOARD, YOU WILL THANK ME FOR YEARS TO COME.” THIS BIT OF ADVICE CAME FROM A HEAD OF SCHOOL FRIENDLY WITH PHIL PECK AND HOLDERNESS AND HAS ALREADY PROVEN TO BE TRUE.

But, Katie brings more than just non-profit experience and medical expertise to the board. Phil Peck shares that Katie approaches conversations objectively and leads by asking probing strategic questions of the school. She thinks critically and cares deeply.

“Being a part of the stewardship of Holderness throughout the next three years, while preserving the qualities that make Holderness such a special place for my child and future generations, is important to me on every level,” Katie says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute.”

And Holderness, in turn, is grateful for the opportunity to have Katie Crumbo on its board of trustees. n

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What’s happening in your world? Holderness School Today wants to know! Have you: ▪▪Changed your mailing address or email?

▪▪Had an addition to your family?

▪▪Volunteered for an important cause?

▪▪Embarked on an exciting professional or personal adventure?

▪▪Experienced a chance encounter with another Holderness alumnus or alumna?

Send your photos, updates, and news to alumni@holderness.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

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EMPLOYEE /TRUSTEE UPDATES

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

EMPLOYEE /TRUSTEE UPDATES

IN MEMORIUM Pearl Rock Kane demonstrated her mantra, ‘leadership is a behavior, not a position,’ inspiring countless independent school educators around the world to lead the change our schools need.”

Her commitment to education and independent schools did not go unnoticed.

According to her obituary in The New York Times, Pearl was honored with the Endowed Klingenstein Family Chair for the Advancement of Independent School Education in 2003 and was presented with the Teachers College Medal of Excellence for her work as the director of the Klingenstein Center in May of 2018.

“

Our elevating academics campaign and our vision for teaching and learning is directly linked to Pearl’s vision for Holderness,” says Head of School Phil Peck of his close friend, mentor, and colleague Pearl Rock Kane who passed away in February. Pearl served on the Holderness Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2010.

“Pearl served as the visionary director of the Klingenstein Center for just over 37 years, transforming the center from a single fellowship program into the premier destination for the development of independent school educator-leaders it is today,” wrote the current Director of the Klingenstein Center (and former Holderness faculty member) Nicole Furlonge, PhD in a letter to the Klingenstein community. “Daily she

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In addition to her work at Teachers College, Pearl volunteered at a number of organizations. Most recently she served as a trustee on the boards of Uncommon Schools and Brooklyn Prospect. As a trustee at Holderness, Pearl chaired the Intellectual Life Committee and was a huge champion of the Senior Thesis program, department audits, professional development, and supporting a culture of curiosity and kindness at Holderness.

“She was known for showing up at board meetings on Friday morning and visiting four or five classrooms in short order,” remembers Phil. “In addition, the Klingenstein’s five programs have inspired and supported many Holderness faculty in recent years.”

Her impact on Holderness and Klingenstein alumni will be felt for many years to come. She is an inspiration to all who had the honor to know her. n

EMPLOYEE /TRUSTEE UPDATES

Bartley Bonfield Nourse, Jr.

A

former faculty member from 1978-81, Bartley B. Nourse, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. His enduring gift to his family and friends was that of a vibrant and generous man who had a passion for life that was unmatched.

That passion included a strong sense of justice and much of his life’s work was focused on changing systems to make a better world. This desire led him to a career in education, and most recently to the founding of Maverick-2-Mainstream Media where, as writer and director, he produced videos of best teaching practices and innovative schools, including a full-length documentary, Passion to Teach.

Bart was an exceptional teacher whose commitment to deeper understanding, authentic student work, and selfdirected learning was ahead of its time. Teaching experiences included Milton Academy (MA), Holderness School (NH), and Tabor Academy (MA). His interest in and concern for the natural world led him to create courses in environmental science wherever he taught. At Holderness, Bart was chair of the science department and, with students, designed and built the school’s BioShelter, a passive solar house boasting a greenhouse and greywater system. He was also an enthusiastic and skilled leader during Out Back.

Bart moved to Marion, MA, in 1988, and its people, harbor and Silvershell Beach became his soul home. In addition to teaching both English and science at Tabor Academy, Bart was the founding executive director of the Marion Institute. Bart then founded the South Coast Learning Network (New Bedford, MA), expanding its registrations to become the largest purveyor of shortterm adult community education in the South Coast.

loved to travel; highlights included a volunteer stint at the Toafaa Farm School, Vava’u, Tonga, study in Annecy, France, and birding adventures in the UK. He found peace rowing his single scull in Sippican Harbor, birding on its shore, and swimming daily in its waters. He was a voracious reader, each book filling rapidly with highlights and ref lections on Post-It notes. His conversations were rich with insights and convictions from all that he read.

“Let the life I’ve lived speak for me.” Bart taught us how to embrace life fully, to seek new adventures and learning, to give oneself to others, and to face illness with courage and optimism. His was a life full of kindness, deep wisdom, and genuine humility. n

Bart’s passions spanned many interests. He was fascinated by building design, could recite from Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language, and designed and built, with brother Jim, his parents’ retirement home in Brewster, MA. He

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GATHERINGS

SMALL GATHERINGS The Holderness School Alumni Association includes over 7,000 people worldwide, and throughout the year there's plenty of reasons to get together and celebrate! The Holderness Alumni Relations team plans events throughout the country, and sometimes even internationally, so check the Holderness School website calendar of events often and make plans to attend an event. It’s always a great day to be a Bull! Below are just some of the events that have occurred over the past year.

BOSTON HARBOR CRUISE

The sunset was beautiful and the company even better on the Boston Harbor Cruise. Thank you to the Cushman family for making one of Holderness’s favorite events possible.

SEADOGS 2018

NYC BOWLING

The New York Bulls took to the lanes this past October for an NYC bowling happy hour. Everyone had a good time, but it’s clear that a few of us need to work on our bowling skills.

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Take me out to the ball game! Last summer Holderness families from the Portland, ME area gathered for a night of baseball with the Portland Sea Dogs. We had to wait out a rain delay, but we had a great time catching up in the meantime.

Our annual Day of Giving is a success because of our alumni! This year we raised over $190,000.00, thanks to all the Bulls who took time out of their day to give. The best part of the day was towards evening when alumni and friends gathered in cities from the east coast to the west coast to celebrate our accomplishments! Go Bulls!

BURLINGTON Hosts: Liz Hogan ’90 and Courtney Fleischer ’90

NYC Hosts: Greg Ramey ’08 and Elise (Steiner) Hacker ’10 were the original hosts, but when they could not attend, they pulled in Dan Marvin ’08, Tim Regan ’08, and Jake Manoukian ’09 to help.

PORTLAND, ME Hosts: Peter Durnan (Faculty) and Jen Crane ’01

BOULDER Hosts: Jon Hatch ’91 and Kate Starrett ’94

DC Hosts: Tizzy Brown ’10, Eliza Cowie ’12, and Kristina Micalizzi ’12

BOSTON Hosts: Casey Gilman ’06 led with help from Gretchen Hyslip ’08, Baird (Meem) Anderson ’08, and Cecily Cushman ’11.

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GATHERINGS

DAY OF GIVING 2019

GATHERINGS

COLLEGE PIZZA PARTIES Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Neal Frei keeps busy these days, traveling all over the northeast and visiting with recent alumni on college campuses from upstate New York to southern New Hampshire. We love hearing his reports about their college adventures and all they are accomplishing!

HAMILTON/COLGATE

At Hamilton and Colgate, there was a small group, but they had fun catching up and sharing stories: (L-R) Lexi Black ’16, Annie Hayes ’15, Celine Yam ’17, and Bryce Murdick ’16.

ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY/CLARKSON It was great to see such a strong contingent of Holderness Bulls in the North Country: (L-R) Science Department Chair Randy Houseman PP, Parker Densmore ’15, Quinn Houseman ’18, Meredith Houseman PP, Lila Schibli ’18, Nick Grammas ’18, Celia Fleckner ’15, Stew Hutchinson ’18, Celeste Holland ’14, Phie Miles ’18, Lindsey Houseman ’15, Sasha Jones ’15, Liesl Magnus ’17, Gasper ’97 and Ella Sekelj, and Henry Day ’17.

56 | Holderness School Today

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

At UVM, Neal grabbed a few young alumni for a quick bite at Ruben James: (L-R) Karina Bladon ’17, Will Bayha ’18, Aldie Anderson ’18, and Ben Jerome ’18.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE Dean of Students John Lin accompanied Neal on a trip to UNH to grab a burger at Hop + Grind: (L-R) John Lin PP, Lindsey Hyland ’18, Kai Lin ’15, Charlie Day ’15, Will Tessier ’15, Elise Yabroudy ’18, Carson Holmes ’15, and Keegan Penny ’18.

BY RICK CAREY not to get complacent, to stay blue-collar.”

As a free agent, Gavin was inked in 2017 by the Dallas Stars and posted to the top of their farm system, the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League. In his first professional season, he blue-collared his way to becoming the league’s third-highest scoring defenseman among rookies. Last November, with the Dallas Stars’ roster thinned by injury, he got his call-up to the NHL. Gavin Bayreuther ’12 made his professional debut last winter doing the only thing that could make him jump out of bed on a winter morning.

H

“Really cool,” he said of that first appearance on ice in the world’s best hockey league. “It was the culmination of so much hard work and sacrifice, not just by me, but my parents, grandparents, family, coaches.”

ow much fun was it—the ice, the crisp air, the skates, the stick and the puck at the end of it? “It was so much fun—well, let me explain that I’m not at all a morning person,” said Gavin Bayreuther. “So much fun I’d get up before school to go out on the rink.”

John and Jessica and other relatives were in the stands for that game. His first NHL goal would be an emptynetter against the Ottawa Senators on November 15 after Ottawa had pulled its goalie. “Well, I guess they don’t write down how you got it,” Gavin laughed.

This was the rink his dad had built in the backyard of their home in Canaan, NH, and the launching pad for a young defenseman who made his National Hockey League debut last winter.

His next goal, though, came late in the third against the Calgary Flames, tying a game the Stars would win in overtime. That got written down.

Both Gavin’s parents, John and Jessica, work at Cardigan Mountain School, and Gavin was one of a small cadre of CMS students who came to Holderness in 2008. Here Gavin played soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, and was All-New England in those latter two. Heavily recruited in both by Division I colleges, he cited the proven power of hockey to get him out of bed in his choice of the ice at St. Lawrence University.

Gavin took a gap year to play for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the US Hockey League, where he made the league’s all-rookie team. At St. Lawrence he majored in sociology with a minor in sports management—but that was by way of backup, since he had set his sights on professional hockey. Why not? At SLU Gavin made first-team All-ECAC and second team NCAA East All-American. Twice he led the

Injured players get healthy again, and at the end of December Gavin returned to the AHL. In 19 games with the Stars, though, he had notched five points and earned a +2 plus/minus rating during his time on ice.

He’ll be wearing that Stars uniform again soon.

And he’s still blue-collar, knowing first-hand how the glamor of NHL hockey obscures the infinite labor necessary to getting there and staying. “Every game is so important, every minute on the ice so crucial to your career staying alive,” he said. “And it doesn’t stop on your days off—rest, hydration, diet, they’ve all got to be managed with the same discipline you bring to the game.”

So the dream in that backyard rink was to play the game at its highest level, where it’s also a cold-blooded

team in scoring, the first defenseman to do so even once.

business jam-packed with pressure. Is it still fun?

Nonetheless he went undrafted. End of the dream?

“Actually it was the best thing that could have happened to me,” Gavin said. “It keeps you honest with yourself—

“Oh, yeah, it’s fun,” Gavin said, speaking from a cell phone in March as the Texas Stars boarded a plane for Winnipeg. “And I’m so very grateful.” n

Spring 2019 | 57

ALUMNI PROFILES

“IT WAS SO MUCH FUN . . .”

ALUMNI PROFILES

IN THE FALL 2017 ISSUE OF HST, WE WROTE ABOUT BRETTE HARRINGTON’S PASSION FOR CLIMBING THAT BEGAN AT HOLDERNESS. A RECENT AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN CLIMBING CLUB DEMONSTRATES JUST HOW FAR THAT PASSION HAS TAKEN HER.

AND THE MOUNTAINS CALL

BY EMILY MAGNUS ’88

F

or Brette Harrington ’10, fame and recognition don’t seem to be important. It isn’t about the allure of a dangerous ascent or the desire to be first. Instead it’s about the joy of solving puzzles. Like an engineer who takes apart a machine in order to understand how it works, Brette analyzes mountain peaks, examining each crack and pitch, striving to understand every contour until a climbable route develops in her mind. She is part artist, part analyst, part athlete.

“I’m inspired by new challenges,” says Brette. “Sometimes that means making free solo ascents; other times that means finding new routes that no one has ever climbed before.

Not everyone has the flexibility or creative vision to climb something new. For me, that’s the most inspiring part.”

The climbing community acknowledged her skill and versatility in March when the American Alpine Club (AAC) presented her with The Robert Hicks Bates Award which honors young climbers who show “outstanding promise for future accomplishment.”

Brette Harrington first began to climb while at Holderness.

She came to New Hampshire, like many athletes, to ski, but it was on the climbing team that she discovered her life’s passion.

She continued to climb in college, honing her skills in sport climbing, learning everything she could to become stronger and more proficient on the rock faces around her home in British Columbia. 2016 marked her first attempt at big wall climbing when she and boyfriend Marc-Andre Leclerc decided to tackle El Capitan in Yosemite. As she recalls in the Reel Rock film Brette, the two, along with a third climbing partner, had a lot to learn about climbing big walls. But fortified by their years of climbing experience and a healthy appetite for adventure, Brette and her partners succeeded, reaching the top of the wall after five days.

Over the past three years, Brette has continued to add other climbing techniques and methods to her repertoire—

58 | Holderness School Today

including both winter climbing and free soloing. Her biggest accomplishment to date is free soloing Saint-Exupéry’s Chiaro Di Luna in Patagonia in February of 2015, becoming the first person to free solo the spire and the first woman to ascend a major formation in the Fitz Roy Massif.

Not all her achievements, however, have been fueled by positive energy. In March of 2018 Brette’s climbing partner, and soul mate, Marc-Andre was killed in a climbing accident in Alaska. Since then, drawn to the mountains where the couple often climbed together and where she still feels closest to him, Brette has added several new routes to her firstascents list. In the Canadian Rockies she and fellow climber Rose Pearson completed a new alpine route up the west face of Mount Blane in May of 2018. Last summer, when she returned to Alaska to search for the remains of Marc-Andre and his climbing partner Ryan Johnson, Brette climbed many new routes up the Mendenhall Towers. In September she and climber Gabe Hayden completed a first ascent of the rarely climbed Devil’s Paw in Alaska. Most recently she and climber Quentin Roberts completed a new route in Patagonia on the East Pillar of Torre Egger. It was a route Marc-Andre had seen while soloing Torre Egger in 2016.

“It is beyond words that Marc soloed this mountain, along with Cerro Torre, and Standhart,” Brette shared in an Instagram post. “As I found his rappel cordillete, I imagined him there with me, like he was part of the climb.”

The call of the mountains, the spirit of Marc-Andre, the creative vision that has blossomed inside Brette are all intertwined so intimately it is hard to tell where one leaves off and the next begins. Part joy, part sadness, the mountains continue to inspire Brette. The AAC award was a happy result but certainly not the goal. n

ALUMNI PROFILES

DESPITE THE ODDS

BY EMILY MAGNUS ’88

S

ue Francesco grew up in Ashland, NH, just south of Holderness School. Although her education in the local public school was adequate, the course choices were limited, and Sue wanted more. Holderness School was of interest but it was still an all-boys school. Despite the odds, Sue wrote to Headmaster Don Hagerman anyway and asked if Holderness would consider admitting a girl. With his encouragement, Sue filled out an application and in September 1971 joined six other girls, becoming one of the first non-faculty girls to be admitted to Holderness School.

Although she was only at Holderness for one year, Sue’s memories are countless. She remembers skiing at Tenney Mountain on Wednesdays, cheerleading for the football team, and rock climbing with Bill Biddle. She attributes her ability to think to history teacher Don Henderson and says Shelley Perkins (wife of math teacher Mark Perkins) was the anchor of the first group of girls.

“I fell in love with science that year,” says Sue, “and ended up doing my senior project at the Science Center that spring.” At a time when scientists were just beginning to understand the hazards of phosphates, Sue spent hours that spring testing how insects and small animals were affected by different types of dish detergent. At graduation in May of 1972, she became the first female to graduate from Holderness School who was not the child of a faculty member.

Sue taught high school science classes for several years upon graduating from the University of New Hampshire, but after taking a year off with her first daughter (Angela Francesco ’98), she decided it was time to begin a second career. She first turned to her family’s business at the L.W. Packard Company in Ashland, where she worked for 22 years in industrial safety, changing the mill culture to one of safety first.

In 1998 the L.W. Packard Company, was named as one of the top 10 textile mills in the world. But as the political climate shifted, her family’s mill struggled to remain profitable. The family tried various ventures in Mexico and China, but by 2002 they made the decision to close the factory’s doors.

“I needed a job and I hadn’t had an interview in decades,” recalls Sue. “I was totally unprepared to sell myself.”

Sue (Glidden) Francesco ’72 has a long history of advocating for herself. It all began with a letter to Headmaster Don Hagerman before Holderness was even admitting girls.

That’s when she learned about Toastmasters and a local chapter that was forming in Plymouth. She had heard about their focus on practicing public speaking and improving communication skills and figured it was the best way for her to network, prepare for interviews, and build enough confidence to land a new job. Sue became a founding member of that club, now called the White Mountain Toastmasters.

Toastmasters worked. In January of 2003 Sue landed a job with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES), designing and developing a program to help manufacturers throughout the state to change their habits and comply with very rigorous hazardous waste regulations. Sue was at the helm of this program for 13 years before retiring in 2016.

Meanwhile, Toastmasters had been so impactful that Sue decided to start a Toastmaster’s club at the DES. That club is now 12 years old and still supports and educates DES members in a speechcraft program that runs three times a year.

Today, Sue and her husband Pete live in Bennett Cove on Squam Lake in Holderness and visit frequently with their daughters Angie and Sarah. Sue’s retirement hobbies include hiking the New Hampshire 4,000-foot peaks, kayaking, birdwatching, bird photography, traveling, and being Grammy Sue. n

Spring 2019 | 59

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES Milestones DEATHS

Sanford “Jack” Brill ’17 and Ellen

John Olson (PEM): January 10, 2017

“Camilla” (Ketola) Brill ’17: August

Walter “Stormy” Deacon III ’89:

15, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa

August 5, 2017 John Arnold ’58: July 17, 2018 Edward Gignoux Jr. ’62: July 20, 2018

Taryn Darling ’93 and David Blunt: August 18, 2018 in Seattle, WA Jessica Potter ’08 and Andreas

John Dovey ’63: September 4, 2018

King-Geovanis: August 25, 2018

John Cameron (PEM, PP):

in Brandreth Park, NY

October 11, 2018 Ian Pollock ’04: November 4, 2018 Christopher Faison ’63: December 28, 2018 Robert Keating ’52: January 1, 2019

Bryce Connery ’03 and Kayla Connery: August 27, 2018 Katherine Vlahakis ’02 and Tricia Molfetta: September 1, 2018 in Arlington, VT Polly (Evans) Karas ’08 and Jakub

Charles Bovey ’77: January 16, 2019

Karas: September 1, 2018 on

Alexander Brown ’85:

Squam Lake, Holderness, NH

January 30, 2019 Elizabeth (O’Leary) Abelson ’07: February 9, 2019 Bartley Nourse Jr. (PEM): February 25, 2019 Pearl Kane (TR): February 26, 2019 Daniel Duguay (PEM): March 30, 2019

Reed Laverack ’06 and Emily Pendergast: September 8, 2018 at Camp Cody, Freedom, NH Alexander Brewster ’96 and Nadia

JaQay Carlyle ’00 and Alana

Resort and Spa, Napa, CA Nicole Southworth ’03 and Kris Nigel Malloch ’05 and Nikki

Wolfe: September 30, 2017 at the Springhill Pavilion on Ross Peak Ranch, Belgrade, MT Jaime (Dusseault) Roberge ’07 and Graham Roberge: October 28, 2017 George “Ham” Boynton ’77 and Viginia “Ginger” (Ingeles) Boynton: February 23, 2018 Kathryn (Bridge) Angelo ’98 and Steven

Newland: September 14, 2018 Peter Schlech ’05 and Emily (Simitis) Schlech: September 14, 2018 in Doylestown, PA Kyle Carey ’03 and Carmine Colajezzi: September 15, 2018 at Dragonf ly Yoga Barn, North Sandwich, NH Hannah Hickok ’05 and Jonathan Sadighian: September 15, 2018, Wellf leet, MA John Lockwood ’03 and Sophie

Angelo: June 16, 2018 at Sebasco

Evarts: September 28, 2018 at The

Harbor Resort, Phippsburg, ME

Westmoor Club, Nantucket, MA

Elizabeth Kutch ’05 and Yves Parent: June 23, 2018 at the Nokoma Resort, Clio, CA Ryan “Goldie” Goldsmith (EM) and Jenna Goldsmith: July 7, 2018

Allison (Stride) Lloyd ’09 and Michael Lloyd: September 29, 2018 in Littleton, NH Benjamin Rossetter ’02 and Amy Lorenz: September 30, 2018 in Beverly, MA

Robert Armknecht ’56 and Judith (Austin)

Baird (Meem) Anderson ’08 and

Armknecht: July 21, 2018 in Westport, MA

Kyle Anderson: October 6, 2018

60 | Holderness School Today

October 13, 2018 in Mount Mansfield, VT Katharina (Kurze) Behme ’04 and Fabian Behme: October 19, 2018 in Germany Patrick Saunders (PEM) and Keeley Hayward: October 20, 2018 in California McKinley “Chuckie” (Carbone) Crowley ’11 and Adam Crowley: November 10, 2018 at the Salem Old Town Hall, Salem, MA Abigail (Guerra) Bohlin ’12 and Keith Bohlin ’12: November 23, 2018 at Disney’s Aulani in Ko Olina, HI Charles McNutt ’10 and Kaitlin Anne Gagnon: December 28, 2018 Andrew Bloomingdales: February

2017 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Gillian (Howe) Wolfe ’98 and Nathanael

Officer: October 6, 2018 in York, ME Ashley (Crook) Carlow ’04 and Greg Carlow:

McClary Park, Kittery Point, ME Kathryn Cheng ’08 and Chris Sullivan:

Kloetz: September 9, 2018

Bladon: July 22, 2017 in Bristol, RI

Columns Hotel, New Orleans, LA Krista (Glencross) Officer ’06 and Peter

Sarah (Stride) Bloomingdales ’11 and

(Thorbourne) Carlyle: June 17, John “Jay” Bladon ’06 and Eliza (Fitzgerald)

Hutton: October 6, 2018 at The

Adnan: September 8, 2018 at Fort

September 8, 2018 at Carneros

MARRIAGES AND UNIONS

Chris Emerson ’00 and Helen

23, 2019 in Topsfield, MA Cary (Trainor) Duane ’03 and Eamon Duane: March 23, 2019 at Cannon Mountain, Franconia, NH

BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS Rebecca (Hildreth) O’Hanley ’09 and Robert O’Hanley: Caden Robert O’Hanley on March 9, 2017 Elizabeth (Thompson) Gleeson ’04 and Andy Gleeson: Katie J. Gleeson on July 13, 2017 Kelley (Keohan) Da Silva ’06 and Bruno Da Silva: Oliver Romanini Da Silva on August 2, 2017 Zach Zoulias ’02 and Bri Brothers: Zoe Brothers-Zoulias on August 15, 2017 Rachel (Cooke) Foley ’04 and Michael Foley: Mason Parker Foley on September 14, 2017 Natalie (Babony) McRae ’01 and Matt McRae: Michaela Valerie Gabrielle McRae on February 2, 2018 Marina (Chiasson) Sharpe ’04 and Oliver Sharpe: Georgina Belle Sharpe on March 1, 2018

CLASS NOTES

Fordy Sinkinson ’02 and Elizabeth Sinkinson: Elizabeth “Liesel” Grey Sinkinson on March 1, 2018 Matt Riley ’78 and Doreen Riley: Jack Riley on April 12, 2018 Jamie Bradley ’99 and Diane Bradley:

Ava and baby sister Vera Herring (daughters of Andy (EM) and Jena Herring) climbing on their patient dog Penelope

Alice Grace Bradley on June 7, 2018 Justin Simon ’04 and Jenna Simon: Camden Simon on August 12, 2018 Steven Thompson (EM) and Michelle Thompson: Theodore Thompson on August 13, 2018

Former math teacher Paul Baier and his wife Tatiana welcomed their first child, Timothy Andrew Baier, this past January.

Andrew Herring (EM) and Jena Herring: Vera Faye Herring on August 18, 2018 Elizabeth (Meck) Knight ’97 and Corey Knight: Corridan Trent Knight on August 23, 2018 Erik Ely (EM) and Lauren Ely: Luke Raymond Ely on August 27, 2018 Tyler Stubbs ’01 and Erin Butner Stubbs: Ardanelle Ryan Stubbs on September 1, 2018 Woo Jong “Jay” Peck ’98 and Hannah Park: Seo Ah Peck on September 2, 2018 Joseph Sampson ’02 and Kaitlin Sampson: Tanner Chase Sampson on September 8, 2018 Shawna (Pauley) Sharkey ’03 and

Jeremy Stubbs (PEM) and Katie Stubbs: Benjamin Robert Stubbs on March 5, 2019 Kristina Manion (EM) and Jeffrey Manion: Owen Wilder Manion on March 7, 2019

Katharina (Kurze) Behme ’04 and Fabian Behme: Gerda Annabelle Behme on December 11, 2018 Brendan O’Riordan ’05 and Katherine O’Riordan: Madison White O’Riordan on December 28, 2018 Han Min Lee ’05 and Sunny Park: Do Yoon Lee on December 29, 2018 Channing (Weymouth) Warner ’02

Jaime (Dusseault) Roberge ’07 and Graham Roberge: Miles Louis Roberge on March 11, 2019 Katharine (Nourse) Moore ’04 and Matt Moore: Wyatt Matthew Moore on March 23, 2019 Rachel Jastrebsky (EM) and Brian Jastrebsky: Corbin William Jastrebsky on March 26, 2019

and Luke Warner: Sidney Charlotte Warner on January 5, 2019 Mirte Mallory ’98 and Philip Jeffreys: Verena Zufferey Jeffreys on January 7, 2019

’45 Want to connect with your classmates?

Daniel Sharkey: Noah Daniel

Charles McNutt ’10 and Kaitlin

Sharkey on September 12, 2018

Anne Gagnon: Hailey Grace

and encouraging your classmates to

McNutt on January 9, 2019

reconnect in the HST class notes.

Jordan Graham (EM) and Allison Graham: Sullivan Abriel Graham on September 15, 2018 Ariana Nicolay ’04 and Joseph Curran: Ellie Beatrix Curran on September 18, 2018 Betsy (Cornell) Aceto ’01 and Anthony Aceto ’01: Charlie Brian Aceto on September 26, 2018 Hillary Nichols ’06 and David Burman: Luke Arthur Burman on September 28, 2018 Megan Nicolay ’97 and Luke Janka: Frida Simone Janka on October 4, 2018 Dami Amurawaiye ’02 and Tatiana Smith: Ivory Fournier Amurawaiye on October 11, 2018 JaQay Carlyle ’00 and Alana

Kathleen (Crane) Mitchell ’05 and Matt Mitchell: Owen Andrew

Consider becoming a class correspondent

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org for more information. Thank you!

Mitchell on January 9, 2019 David Campbell ’04 and Audrey Campbell: Matilda Rae Campbell on January 12, 2019 Paul Baier (PEM) and Tatiana Baier: Timothy Andrew Baier on January 15, 2019 Devin Hewitt ’03 and Assem Sapanova: Ryan Hewitt on January 31, 2019 Emily “Emma” (Schofield) Phipps

Mac Jacoby reports, “After about 25 years rattling around in the same old town house, I have relocated to the Asbury Methodist Village, where I am enjoying the absence of snow shoveling, grass mowing, dish washing, and other similar tasks! I still manage to put in a good deal of time at Landon School

’05 and Chris Phipps: Sloane

working in the athletic department! I plan

Phipps on February 1, 2019

on coaching tennis this spring, although

Joy (Erdman) Larkin ’04 and Robby Larkin: Phoebe Judith Larkin on February 10, 2019 Craig Panock ’03 and Katy

I have reached the time at which I will undoubtedly spend more time explaining and less demonstrating. We have a number

(Thorbourne) Carlyle: Quentin JaQay

McCleary Panock: Rylee McCleary

of talented players on the team, so the

Carlyle on November 3, 2018

Panock on February 27, 2019

coaching and spectating should be most

Andrew Walter ’99 and Sarah Walter: Wyatt James Walters on November 23, 2018 Ashley (Hedlund) Healy ’04 and Matt Healy:

Mindy (Regii) Wright ’03 and

enjoyable! I’m not sure I’ll be able to make

Justin Wright: Jazzlin Rose

it to New Hampshire this summer, but if I

Wright on February 28, 2019

do, I will certainly swing by Holderness!”

Lydia Grace Healy on December 5, 2018

Spring 2019 | 61

CLASS NOTES

’46

Bill “Chico” Laird writes, “Carolann and I

Want to connect with your classmates?

as possible and paying the monthly stipend

Consider becoming a class correspondent

for the necessities!! We’re in an assisted living

and encouraging your classmates to

facility here in Franklin, TN, comfortably

reconnect in the HST class notes.

situated in the town to which we moved as

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

the result of a corporate transfer almost 30

for more information. Thank you!

years ago. Tennessee is home; proud to be a

have continued on our plan of doing as little

Volunteer. We are no longer damned Yankees

Seppo Niemela ’53 and Elvin Kaplan ’53 in Montreal

’47

but still glad to be transplanted Yanks!!”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT Bill Briggs

’51

’55

magdalenabriggs@ymail.com

Want to connect with your classmates?

Want to connect with your classmates?

Consider becoming a class correspondent

Consider becoming a class correspondent

After Holderness, Frank Page was in the

and encouraging your classmates to

and encouraging your classmates to

United States Air Force for four years (Korea)

reconnect in the HST class notes.

reconnect in the HST class notes.

and then studied architecture at the University

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

of Florida. After, he worked in Florida and

for more information. Thank you!

for more information. Thank you!

’52

Bill Byers has been busy: “Susi and I, with

received a master’s degree in urban design from University of Edinburgh. Frank worked

Want to connect with your classmates?

July Fourth week visiting a cousin who has

in architecture/planning until retirement.

Consider becoming a class correspondent

a cottage-on-a-pond in upstate New York.

Now he is living in England (Cambridge)

and encouraging your classmates to

August’s second weekend saw us in East

near his daughter and two grandchildren.

reconnect in the HST class notes.

Machias, ME for the Blueberry Festival and a

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

friend’s family lobster festival. Great fun! We

’48

for more information. Thank you!

followed up with a short stay at an RV park in

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

’53

friends. In spite of meniscus surgery (left

Rik Clark capeclarks@aol.com

Want to connect with your classmates?

I didn’t go off with my camera on shore bird

Consider becoming a class correspondent

hunts. The camper got hooked up again for a

William “Bart” Chase is alive and well,

and encouraging your classmates to

late September trip to Sedalia, MO and to a

living in suburban Portland, OR. He loves his

reconnect in the HST class notes.

niece’s October 6 wedding. Then we hurried

family, his golf, and travel. … Richard “Rik”

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

back to Tolland for a partial knee surgery on

C. B. Clark and his wife Sandy continue to

for more information. Thank you!

October 19. All has been quiet since. My knee

then San Francisco, married an English girl (Shirley), and moved to Edinburgh where he

our two dogs, went camper-traveling over

Lubec, where we were joined by Connecticut

live on and enjoy Cape Cod. Decent health

knee) in the winter, walking was difficult, so

now works well. I can walk, hike, dance, and

helps. The second of Rik’s cataract operations

Elvin Kaplan writes, “Seppo Niemela and

run up and down stairs.” … Don Stephenson

has enabled him to better see his golf shots;

I have kept in touch via email for a few years

notes, “We update each other once again.

he only wishes the shots were better. His

and finally had a chance to get together in

Nancy and I were married in 1963. We moved

golf goal is shooting his age, 89, in 2019.

Montreal. We had a grand time reminiscing

to Laconia, NH in 1964. Our four children

about our Holderness days. It had been

were all born while we lived there. I taught and

65 years since we last saw each other, and

coached for 14 years in Laconia, which is also

of course, we have hardly changed.”

where we found The Church of Jesus Christ

’49

of Latter-Day Saints. We moved to Gilford in

CLASS CORRESPONDENT Bill Baskin william_c_baskin@sbcglobal.net

’50

’54

1973, and we are still in the same house we

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

and two great-grandchildren. We play in a

Berton Chillson

band and sing in a small chorale. We have

bbmchill56@aol.com

served three missions and are still serving

built then. But now we have 10 grandchildren

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

wherever we are called. Life is wonderful

Frank Hammond

even though age is creeping up on us.”

f hammond64@comcast.net

62 | Holderness School Today

’56 CLASS CORRESPONDENT CLASS NOTES

Dick Meyer richard419@roadrunner.com A note to the class of 1956: If you are reading this and you are a member of the class of ’56 you obviously have at least a modicum of interest in your classmates.

We are also interested in you, but the only

Bob ’56 and Judy Armknecht on their wedding day this past summer

way I can reach you is through email and mailed letters. Letters are a nuisance to put

Tom Anthony ’56

together compared to an email. I make my

turned out there was a missed connection

own humble little email group contact list,

parrots rescued from sometimes reasonable,

where the external speakers were connected

not the school. I get your individual contact

sometimes iffy situations. My wife Susan

with one wire to each amplifier. With this

addresses from the school, but only 14 of you

and daughter Jess were there to document

corrected, the sound system was rated the

supplied the school with an email contact,

it. The place is Siesta Sanctuary, should you

best many passengers claimed they had ever

and even one of those has a full mailbox.

wish to go.” … Bob Armknecht writes: “I

heard. Polar Express, which runs weekends

Won’t you please send your email address to

was struck by the number of classmates who,

between Thanksgiving and Christmas, saw

me at richard419@roadrunner.com? I will

like me, have lost a spouse: a sad sign of the

nearly 15,000 riders and no snow days.”

not forward it to Holderness if you request

times. This summer I once more followed

me not to do so. Now, with that off my chest,

my old roommate Peter Kingston’s example

on with the notes I have received. … Dick

and remarried. My new bride is the former

’57

Endlar was the first to reply: “I am down

Judith Austin; Judy and I are celebrating the

Want to connect with your classmates?

in Naples, FL enjoying the weather. I don’t

event by taking a cruise around the world this

Consider becoming a class correspondent

know about you, but as I get older, I can’t take

January as a delayed honeymoon. When we

and encouraging your classmates to

the cold weather at all. Not like the old days

return to Westport, it will be late spring, and

reconnect in the HST class notes.

when we would put up the hockey boards,

I am sure the fruit trees in blossom will be a

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

wait for the first snow, and start to build up

welcome sign after staring at so much ocean!

for more information. Thank you!

the ice. When we wanted to practice or play

Keep up the good work and threaten our

we had to scrape and shovel the rink. I spend

classmates with an extra hour of study hall if

the winters here in Florida and the summers

they don’t write more.” … Dick Meyer closes

’58

mainly in East Sandwich on Cape Cod. My

with a follow-up to the story of the Maine

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

twin granddaughters both got married: one

Narrow Gauge Railroad combine (a combine

Bill Biddle

about two and a half years ago and the other

is a passenger coach with a freight section):

williambiddle@myfairpoint.net

about ten months ago. They hate to be apart,

“After the roof was repaired I installed a

Brooke Thomas

so they live two and a half miles from each

new power system. The amplifier has two

rbthomas@anthro.umass.edu

other in Franklin, MA. I have two daughters

sections, each of 750 watts capacity. The

in Massachusetts and one in Royal Palm

entire consist for the Polar Express involves

Greetings to our 1958 classmates. Our

Beach, FL. It’s only about a two and a half

seven cars, with a total of 18 speakers: four

long-serving recorder of class notes, Charlie

hour ride, so we try to get together as much as

external and two internal in the combine,

Kellogg, has died. Those of us who lived in the

is convenient.” One day later Dick wrote this

and two additional in each of the other six

radius of his travels around northern New

follow up: “One more thing which I just found

cars. In order to balance the system, the 12

England—a circuit that included Middlebury,

out. I am going to be a great-grandfather in

speakers are driven by one half of the amplifier

upper Vermont, Holderness, and his home on

June. Very exciting—can’t wait to spoil her.” …

and all six in the combine by the other half

the North Shore of Massachusetts—already

Tom Anthony sent this along: “I’m doing some

of the amplifier. The design was excellent,

miss his occasional appearances. As the

fairly ambitious wood working, off to Parma

the execution not so much. All summer with

cross-country ski racing and biathlon season

in May for a couple of weeks, and last weekend

daily operation, usually using only four cars,

gets into full swing, his name and his face

(December 16) celebrated my 80th by going to

the system worked sporadically. Then when

come to mind often. … Gordi Eaton writes, “I

a parrot rescue farm in north central Maine.

rehearsing for the Polar Express with the

miss Charlie. Talk about a passion for life. I

I whole-heartedly recommend it to anybody

external speakers in use for the first time, the

thought he’d live forever. We stayed loosely

who happens to be in Harmony, ME, about

system nearly blew up. Keep in mind there

connected through ski racing and Holderness

50 miles west of Bangor. There are 75 to 100

are a zillion connections in the power car. It

reunions. Upon seeing each other, we would

Spring 2019 | 63

CLASS NOTES

much of the year.” He’s studying for a tourist

Erl went on to state that he is convinced that

guide license in the city. Meanwhile, Tim’s

the particular blend of wisdom, energy,

wife alternates between their home in Beverly,

patience, and insight that derived from his life

MA and Quebec, where she owns a cottage just

experiences characterized Herb Waters’ art,

north of Quebec City. Tim’s more constant

his teaching, and his mentoring to, among

companion is his third (brindle) Great Dane,

others, John Arnold, Tim Dewart, and both

Jake (who we infer does not travel with him by

Dave and Andy ’57 Smith. It was clear from

the motorcycle he drove to our 50th reunion).

the tone of Erl’s letter to us that he misses the

Tim appears to have f led north after doing a

good old days at the school. … No less an

stint as a musket-bearing color guard in the

enthusiast of art, Don Latham reports that

connect like we had only been separated for a

Sons of the American Revolution. Tim says he

after forty mostly very enjoyable years of

couple of days. I’m thankful for our time

eventually tired of performing patriotic duties

teaching art in a middle school, he has retired,

together.” Gordi has lived, until recently, in

when it became apparent that he and his

but only because a colleague told him, “You

Middlebury but is now retired. He and his wife

guard-duty colleagues were mostly mustered

want to feel good after you retire so you can do

of 46 years, Karen Budge Eaton (a fellow

to stand in loyalty to the dead in cemeteries

[what] you’ve been putting off because you just

Olympian), have followed their son Chris to

(which Tim concurred with) and that his

didn’t have the time.” So Don and his Jennifer

Hood River, OR, where Chris has recently

colleagues’ enthusiasm extended also to

retired, and, admittedly are relieved to be

gone to work for Tesla in nearby Portland.

Trump (which Tim did not concur with). …

done with the nurturing of their own children

Their daughter Abby has, since almost the

While Tim’s letter spoke of his life in the here

and five grandchildren, and the nurturing for

beginning, represented the family partnership

and now, Erl Solstad’s letter reminisced about

40 years of the school system’s children. They

in the operation of Gordi’s Fish & Steak House

the past at the school. He wrote that from his

bought a mobile home and wintered in Key

in Lincoln, NH, and continues there. … We

perspective, “Herbert and Bertha Waters

West with plans for other warm climate

also learned of John Arnold’s recent death but

were the best teachers at Holderness during

venues; more recent health issues, however,

have nothing more to report than the bare fact

the fifties and sixties.” Both children of

have persuaded them to keep to the mountains

that he and his family lived in Del Mar, CA. …

Christian missionaries in China, Herb and

of New Hampshire and the waters of Cape

As we reported in our earlier letter to you,

Bertha found each other, found their way

Cod. Because of his lifelong motivation, that

we—Brooke Thomas and Bill Biddle—

through college and graduate school in the

began during his initial arts education at

missing familiar voices in the alumni news,

arts, and found funding to acquire, in Herb’s

Holderness, Don has sung in a barbershop

have taken on Charlie’s role as class

case, an 18th century printing press, and in

chorus (winning the senior division

correspondents, in good part because we

Bertha’s, a potter’s wheel and kiln. They found

championship in the northeast region),

talked ourselves into believing we could use

their life’s work teaching and making

exhibited and sold his paintings, continued his

this column to find out and share what’s

significant art at Holderness. A large sampling

painting education (most recently in pastels

become of you all. We were only three at our

of their astoundingly good wood cuts and

and oils), and made an admirable career as an

60th reunion—Brooke, Bill, and Erl Solstad.

pottery was on display at the time of our 60th

artist and art educator. … John Greenman,

We saw some big changes at Holderness, not

reunion (though not the woodcut Herb Waters

stalwart fullback on the Holderness soccer

all of which are material, and many of which

made of the hockey rink outside Hoit showing

team, and I, Bill Biddle, have had an atypical

have more to do with the quality of student

a game in progress—Bill Biddle and Jon

connection since shortly after our college days.

life. With Charlie’s and John’s deaths, a third

Wales on defense, David “Beef ” Boynton in

Near the outset of his career in the ministry,

of our class of thirty-nine is gone, and before

the goal, Coach Hinman observing from rink

the Reverend John officiated at my wedding to

it’s too late, we’d really like to know what the

side, with a self-portrait of the artist beside

my first wife, in his and his first wife’s

rest of you are remembering of our common

him and possibly Archie Stark taking photos).

backyard at Bass River, Cape Cod. We’ve

past. We’d also like to hear about what you’re

Erl became more familiar than many of us

remained in touch, irregularly, over the years.

doing to keep your minds and bodies sound,

with Herb Waters’ pre-Holderness history,

Perhaps more than most of us, John has

what you’re thinking about the state of the

which he recounted in his letter. Herb grew up

continued in his commitment to the spiritual

world (or about more local matters), what

“in China in the 1910s, [came] to the US in the

life. He writes, with understatement, “I’m a

you’re eating (for pleasure as well as for

early 1920s, [attended] college and

ref lective sort of person. I don’t think I’ve

health), who you’re marrying or partnering

graduate[d] into the Roaring Twenties with

changed fundamentally since [my Holderness

with, what foreign lands you’re looking into,

women’s suffrage, the rise of the American

experience] in terms of my whys. I’m still very

etc. … In the matter of foreign lands, Tim

Communist Party, Al Capone, and Prohibition.

interested in the Episcopal Church and just

Dewart informs us he’s been looking into

During the Depression, he got work…with the

how a Christian goes about imitating the Lord

Canada. He enjoys dual citizenship that he’s

Works Progress Administration, and…in a

Jesus.” Unlike, but also like Tim Dewart with

cashed in on: “I found a nice apartment in the

shipyard to help the war effort. So by the time

his musket, John’s explorations of how to get it

heart of old Quebec (close to the Chateau

the war ended, we had a person with a lot of

right have included a period as an historical

Frontenac), which I use as a pied-à-terre for

life experience that helped him as a teacher.”

interpreter, in authentic colonial garb, in

A sketch by Doug Rand ’58 from a recent trip to Italy

64 | Holderness School Today

faculty was the most outstanding group that

passion has long been history, which he

ever had the opportunity to get me interested in

attributes largely to Don Henderson’s

learning. Other than my several hearings before

stimulating primary-sources approach to

the disciplinary board for smoking, I got away

teaching and writing about US history. John

clean.” We are much touched by your story,

also mentions that important lessons not only

Bruce, and I think your classmates would enjoy

about literature but about honesty, respect,

more details of your life, career, and marriage.

discipline, humor, and joy of learning came

It appears you really got it right! And what’s the

from sitting in English classes with Joe Abbey

company? … Well, there. You’ve heard

and Mike Kingston, Jim Collins, Peter

interesting news from some of us, which makes

Tuttle, and his roommate, the late George

us want all the more to hear from the rest of

“Bernie” Morrill. John writes, “Facing the

you. Write soon to Brooke or Bill using the

world as it is, and not as I would have it be, is a

emails at the top of the 1958 class notes.

prerequisite for getting along with others…

[That] has been challenging for me, but I am

CLASS NOTES

John’s case in Williamsburg, VA. John’s other

Charley Murphy ’59 and fellow members of the Piney Point Gunning Club. Charley is on the far right.

Van Buren, Eisenhower, Grant, and others; I

’59

have also read extensively on the Holocaust

making progress.” Furthermore, he adds, regarding Holderness, “Naturally, the school

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

though it was enlightening and most

needs to deemphasize the denominational

Jerry Ashworth

rewarding. My daughter Abby has given me a

aspect these days, but for me it was a critical

ashworth.kemah@gmail.com or

book list, comprised mostly of mountain

part of the school community.” We hope in a

jashworth617@gmail.com

climbing books. I am reading K2: Life and

but had to stop as it became too draining, even

Death on the Most Dangerous Mountain and

subsequent communication John will expand on these two notions, for they represent a

Charles Murphy was recently on a duck

then will start The Boys of Everest. I also

subject of interest in several regards, not only

hunt at the Piney Point Gunning Club on the

recommend “Q&A” on C-SPAN on Sunday

to all of us, but to the current leadership of the

Chester River near Queenstown, MD on the

evenings for wonderful interviews with

school as well. … Doug Rand writes from

Eastern Shore near Chesapeake Bay: “We

authors. I have the odd habit—although, I do

Gallatin Gateway, MT, of advice he got from

had a great shoot. The action was fast and

not feel it is that odd—to go to the Salisbury

Don Henderson: “I recall talking to him

furious, and this old man was challenged

Beach Reservation, in Salisbury, MA, year

about my typing speed, and he said I could

just getting on and ahead of all the birds

round. I read and walk there, and especially

easily triple it. ‘Doug! It’s very simple. You just

dive-bombing our decoys. It was a great

try to avoid crowds. Not to worry, however, in

do the same thing only faster.’” Doug says he

morning with a great bunch of guys.”

the winter. Now on to my classmates. … Spike Hampson writes, “I’ve finally gotten around

“never took an art class at Holderness, but Herb Waters’ morning assembly talks had a

’60

to composing an update of my goings on for

profound effect on me. I am forwarding some recent sketches from a recent trip to Italy. The

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

taken on the complexion of a narrative tale.

idea was to keep a pictorial journal by doing a

Gerry Shyavitz

Retirement is such a drag. All I do is play all

sketch every day and sticking with the first try,

g.shyavitz@comcast.net

day, week after week and month after month.

no matter how it turned out.” Doug concludes

the class notes, but as you can imagine it has

With no siblings, no living parents, and two

that he is appreciative of the “good teachers,

I may be the only one who is working full time

children who have their lives pretty well in

required sports, common civility, and high

with my job at the Internal Revenue Service

order, there’s very little at this stage in life that

expectations placed on us.” … Bruce Keller

and part time at my legal practice, focusing on

I need to feel responsible for. Until I can figure

reports that after having been “sent away from

estate planning. I enjoy my work life, and

out what I should do of a productive nature, it

a pending life of crime to the watchful eyes of

cannot imagine retirement, although it may be

looks as if my destiny will continue to be

Don Hagerman,” Bruce eventually reformed

forced upon me some day. Mother lived three

organized by my established routine: ski in the

himself enough to get into and through not

months shy of 100 and Dad died as an attorney

winter, sailboat cruise in the spring or fall, and

only Dartmouth’s undergraduate program but

at the age of 64 in the middle of a trial. So, I

motorcycle for much of the rest of the year.

also Dartmouth’s Tuck Graduate School of

am betting on the former. Pearl is still fine, a

Early in 2018, for the second year in a row, I

Business as well. He was instantly recruited

real gem for these 52 years, and my two

had the chance to ski with my son, David, for a

into his father’s upstart company where he

daughters, grandchildren and sons-in-law are

week at the major resorts surrounding Lake

(and presumably the company) have thriven

great. I am so very grateful and I never forget

Tahoe. For many years, David has worked for

ever since. Currently, Bruce is grieving over

it. For the past year or two I have begun active

Cole Sport in Park City, UT, and that has given

the recent loss of his wife Cynthia. We extend

daily reading, and I find that once I finish a

him the opportunity to supplement his

our deep sympathy. He is “alone now but not

book, I have a small let down, as if I am

preexisting skills on skis with what I would

lonely” with kids and grandchildren nearby.

leaving a friend. I have read mainly

consider to be very advanced proficiency on

Bruce offers, “I agree that the [Holderness]

biographies—Washington, Hamilton, Martin

the snowboard. Since he grew up in Hawaii,

Spring 2019 | 65

CLASS NOTES

David did not get much chance to develop his

made it there in time for Christmas. As it

can learn the shipwright’s trade from local

skiing skills until he was nearly a teenager, so

happens, there’s a ski area down there called

artisans. This is a volunteer position. Its goal is

it was hard for him as a youth to ‘compete’

Cerro Castro, the southernmost in the world. I

to establish for Brigantine in Abaco, a more

with a father whose formative years were spent

think it would make a most excellent break

formal sail and shipwright program for the

in snow country. But as a young man new to

from the doldrums of an upcoming northern

winter of 2020. This is an opportunity for

living in Utah, he took up boarding and

hemisphere summer. I’m writing this on

serious apprentices to start at the ground level

became really good at it. Then the day came

December 31 while taking a three-day break in

with an historic boat. The Albury was the

when I tried boarding for the first time and

the Argentinian town of El Calafate, tucked up

flagship of the Bahamas with the tall ships in

David was the one who introduced me to it. By

next to a glacial lake where the dry plains of

1976 and served as a training vessel for many

the end of the day—a knee-deep powder day—I

Patagonia meet the glacier-clad peaks of the

years. Many of her sailing alumni have gone on

had been beaten into submission. The younger

southern Andes. By around January 20, after

to successful careers in the marine industries.

generation always wins in the long run. On our

running northward on the hundreds of miles

The pilot program started in January with two

trip to Tahoe, we had a glorious time, but I did

of unpaved Carreterra Austral in Chile, I’ll

recruits, Ben Bell, a graduate of Brigantine’s

the prudent thing and stuck to skiing. David

bear right and head across Argentina in search

training program, and Sam Levine, most

boarded some days and skied others. We

of Buenos Aires. I hope to leave the motorcycle

recently from St. Martins. Rob Cope, from

managed to get in days at Heavenly, Squaw,

in Uruguay so as to get back to Utah in time

Brigantine Inc., has been in Man-O-War

Northstar, Kirkwood, and that little gem in

for a bit of skiing. Better late than never.” …

working on living quarters aboard. The first

Nevada called Mt. Rose. In April, I returned to

Rick Bullock reports, “I am still here, in

order of business will be to completely seal the

Popeye the motorcycle in Costa Rica, and after

reasonably good health, no complaints. My

decks. Next will be to repair the 4-53 Detroit

getting him out of storage, took in two weeks

family is nearby and all are well. It’s sad to see

diesel. With the engine running, we will be able

of semi-intensive Spanish language school on

classmates slipping away; I have many good

to make short trips to Hopetown and other

the Pacific coast before heading south to

memories of them. I’m still working in the

nearby islands for fundraising…We have been

Panama. On my August 31st birthday, I found

aviation business; I manage a hangar at the

working on the Wm H for four years now. The

myself on the Salar de Uyuni, a vast salt f lat in

Fitchburg Airport, overseeing a mid-size

bottom is repaired, caulked, and painted; the

southern Bolivia, nearly a hundred miles in

business jet that operates internationally. I no

worm shoe (faux keel) has also been replaced.

diameter with distant mountains all around

longer have the air charter business, but there’s

We have replaced both cabin tops and much of

its perimeter and a scattering of rocky,

still plenty to keep me busy. I look forward to

the cabin sides. Last winter we finished

cactus-covered islands protruding out of it

our 60th in 2020.” … Alan Dewart writes,

repairing and replacing her decks. Decks and

here and there. I mention my birthday because

“Try as I may, I am not able to come up with

cabin tops have been fiberglassed; bulwarks

it was the excuse I used to get my picture taken

anything new and interesting to share with

and some freeboard need replacement. Captain

with Miss Bolivia who happened to be out

our classmates.” … John Dunklee notes, “I

Brad Miller of Rockland, ME, has volunteered

there doing a photo shoot for tourism

retired from my company 10 years ago and

to prepare the masts, rigging, and sails for

brochures. In early September, I traversed the

shut it down. I maintain my master

installation. Our most optimistic hopes are to

high desert of northwestern Argentina and

electrician’s license but only use it for family.

have her sailing by the end of the season.” …

then spent over a week running south through

To keep busy, I’m a selectman in town and on

Ross Deachman writes, “School is looking a bit

Chile’s Atacama, where for all practical

several boards. I never thought I’d be a

dismal right now, as the Lakes Region can’t

purposes it simply never rains. Late in

damned politician. Otherwise, I work in my

make up its mind between rain and snow.

September I left Popeye in Santiago at a hostel

shop maintaining toys (boats, trucks,

Nancy and I leave in a few weeks for Florida.

that caters to adventure motorcyclists and

snowmobiles, etc.).” … David Wright is

Can’t wait for some sunshine.”

returned to the states for a couple months.

spending most of his time with Brigantine,

That gave me the chance to visit my daughter’s

Inc. and the William H. Albury. According to

family in Connecticut for a couple weeks.

their Facebook page, “Brigantine, Inc. is a

’61

Michelle is an established neuro-scientist at

volunteer-led charity which owns and operates

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Yale whose career has reached the point where

the Sail Training Vessel St. Lawrence II out of

John Holley Jr.

she can often set her own schedule—giving her

Kingston and Bath, Ontario, Canada. The

holleyjc46@gmail.com

time to cater to her dad’s every whim. By

organization provides one of the oldest

December 1, I was back in Santiago getting

traditional, live-aboard, sail-training

Win Fuller reports, “My wife and I have

ready for a trip to Tierra del Fuego. In fact, a

programs for teenagers, ages 13-18…To the

recently retired—Janet from leading the

good part of that was done on the ferry that

mutual benefit of both parties, Brigantine, Inc.

science department for 35 years at Derby

runs from Puerto Montt down to Puerto

and Abaco Boat Restoration, Inc. have formed

Academy in Hingham, MA, and me from way

Natales, a three-day transit through a warren

a pilot, winter apprentice program centered on

too many decades of technical consulting in

of wild islands. After a side excursion to Torres

the restoration of the schooner, William H.

econometric model building. We have four

del Paine, I set out for Ushuaia, the end of the

Albury. Recruits will live aboard on Man-O­-

grown children and nine grandchildren

road at the southern tip of South America. I

War Cay, where she was built, and where they

spread across the globe, some as far away as

66 | Holderness School Today

CLASS NOTES John ’61 and Candace Newland-Holley in Banff, Canada, August 2018

Recently deceased Chris Faison ’63 with friend John Kelly (submitted by past parent and trustee Warren Cook) Art Sleeper ’63 and David Pope ’63 on the waterfront in Wiscasset, ME, about to tuck into lobster rolls

Dubai. One of our offspring has just taken

graduates from University of San Diego in

up the position of head of health services at

May. Her brother started at Washington State

Holderness, so we expect to visit the campus

last fall and loves it. My namesake, Dalt, is

take me into other times, places, purposes,

more frequently in the future. We enjoy a

looking to go to the University of Idaho to

and activities. I choose not to begin my day

number of sports and hobbies here on the Cape

play football this fall. He’s pretty good, but

at dawn, and therefore I do not worry about

and are looking forward to our new-found

better at baseball! In September I received

arriving for work by eight o’clock. My age has

gift of time. We do plan to attend our 60th in

an award from Asian Fruit in Hong Kong for

earned me bankers’ hours, beginning with a

two years. Yikes, are we really that old?” …

being a pioneer in promoting apples and other

slow cup of delicious, rich coffee; and then

“Turning 75 came with some challenges,” John

fruits to Asia. In early December I earned

I’m happily off to work from ten to five/six.”

Holley notes. “Sore knees and feet, bad back

a second award: Apple Citizen of the Year. I

(skiing), a return of bladder cancer (removed),

get to ride in the annual Washington Apple

and a breast cancer scare (fake news). We

Blossom parade in May. This is the 100th

’62

are currently healthy and happy. The year

year of the festival; they must have run out

Want to connect with your classmates?

also included many blessings: children and

of people to give awards to! It’s nice to get

Consider becoming a class correspondent

grandchildren, exciting travel, and rewarding

the recognition. I’m spending more and more

and encouraging your classmates to

volunteer projects. I am delighted to be your

time in Scottsdale—playing golf, shooting

reconnect in the HST class notes.

class agent and class correspondent and look

clays, going to baseball spring training

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

forward to hearing from all of you. I got a

games, and doing what my wife tells me to

for more information. Thank you!

nice note from Ann and Lee Katzenbach.

do!” … John Cleary reports, “With my new

Both are doing well; they are moving back to

hip I feel fortunate just to be able to run my

the Northeast (Glenside, PA) from Arizona.

machinery and play in the dirt. I spend most

’63

Candace and I spent some time with Lee and

days outside constructing, shaping, pulling/

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Ann when they lived in Port Townsend, WA.

pushing, felling, et cetera and, on top, get

David Hagerman

Lee and Ann also saw Carol and Ken Gates,

paid (hopefully) to do so. Just yesterday, I

david.s.hagerman@gmail.com

who are both doing well. To those of you on

slung my mattock, steel rake, and pitch fork in

Facebook and Instagram, thanks for sharing.

order to repair/renovate a quarter-mile gravel

Morgan Nields reports the arrival of a

It is fun keeping in touch. Maybe we should set

driveway. I continue pushing my concept of

grandson, Asher Benjamin Nields.

up a class of 1961 Facebook page.” … Dalton

planting Van Gogh bright colors in empty/non-

Thomas writes, “Life has been a challenge the

utilized fields and pastures but with no takers

past 10 years! A knee, two hips, and a shoulder

yet. However, and typical of the shoemaker’s

’64

replacement, two pacemakers, and three bouts

children without shoes, my own landscaping

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

of cancer! I retired in September after 54

screams for attention; I may have to become

Sandy Alexander

years of growing apples, pears, and cherries,

my own very first customer. I dance whenever

salex88@comcast.net

packing them in my three warehouses, and

I can afford the time and cash; subsequently,

running my sales company, Oneonta Trading

I also have given up hope of meeting a

Thanks to the energy and persistence of Bill

Corporation! I sold the companies to my two

significant other and basically enjoy what I

McCollom and Sam Stout, this year Don

sons in September. I’m still above ground and

have and share that joy with other dancers

Henderson received a posthumous induction

find some enjoyment in life every day. I have

and non-dancers. With the help of Candace,

into the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

nine grandchildren which has been a pleasure.

my local library, and other supportive readers,

The ceremonies took place in Salt Lake City,

My grandson graduated from the University

I ‘vacation’ several hours in the middle of

April 4-7. Details can be found on their

of Arizona in December; my granddaughter

every night with books—lots of novels which

website… Jeff Hinman reports that his wife

Spring 2019 | 67

CLASS NOTES

Fred Naess ’68 teaching in a flight simulator Suzanne’s book about the history of Madison

John Coles’ ’68 latest creations: hand-painted jackets for alumnus John Lockwood ’03 and Sophie Evarts’ wedding

Towny ’69 and Jodee Anderson with grandkids Wally, Helen, and Georgie alumnus John Lockwood ’03 and Sophie

Square Garden will be published this spring.

‘These are used to going a long way.’ Jim Page

Evarts this summer on Nantucket (John

Titled The Grandest Madison Square Garden

guided Ty Ryder ’68 and me to our Junior A

Coles is old friends with Sophie’s parents).

and published by the Syracuse University

qualification in ski jumping. I was jumping

“The wedding was over the top fun,” he

Press, it will be available at Amazon and

again in the late 1990s at the pre-Olympic

writes and shares that he painted the couple

Barnes and Noble among other outlets.

jumps in Park City. In 1995 I attended the

lovely blazers just for the celebration.

50th reunion of Middlebury’s class of 1945 and

’65

met four Holderness graduates one evening.

I asked them which they thought was the

’69

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

superior education, and we all agreed that

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Terry Jacobs

Holderness was the best. I have recommended

Jon Porter

haj3@jacobswyper.com

it and had two friends send a student there.

jwoodporter@cox.net

Serendipitously, I’ve run into a few Holderness James Rosenblum writes, “I have no major

parents here in Salt Lake, so I have had

Larry Jamieson and his wife Ellen have

changes, which is probably a good thing. My

reports from a generation before me, my

been spending the winter months in warm

younger daughter is at Rhode Island School

three years there, and others afterwards. All

Wilmington, NC and had a spectacular trip

of Design, and the other one is working for

positive. Plus, the experience and changes

to Switzerland in October. Their son, Ben,

a veterinarian. I’m doing civil litigation

wrought at Holderness inspired my parents

continues to work at Harvard as an academic

and enjoying NYC’s terrific music venues,

to leave their estates to Holderness School in

advisor. Their other son, Jon, is a counter-

museums, talks, and social events.”

charitable remainder trusts. I have spent three

intelligence analyst for the government, and

and a half years doing home hospice care and

their daughter, Mara, is a senior vice president

’66

had the assistance of two wonderful CNAs

at a large national investment bank. They

originally from El Salvador. They too fell in

have six wonderful grandchildren who bring

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

love and became extended family. One had

such joy and enrichment to their lives. John

Peter Janney

read 100 Years of Solitude as a girl and again

is looking forward to getting back to Maine

pj@apllon.com

as an adult. We celebrated Marquez’s 100th

in May. … Towny Anderson writes, “I’ve been

birthday. My partner was also a Middlebury

reading the class notes since I graduated (soon

’67

graduate, class of ’45. An alpine racer, she

to be 50 years ago), but I’ve never submitted

remembered riding a bus from Hanover

anything. Don Henderson’s passing last

Want to connect with your classmates?

back to Middlebury with Don Henderson.”

spring brought forth a f lood of memories, not

Consider becoming a class correspondent and encouraging your classmates to

the least of which was my brush with death,

’68

coming-to in the woods beside the Tenney

reconnect in the HST class notes.

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

down at me with an expression that clearly

for more information. Thank you!

John Coles

said, ‘This is not good, Towny.’ I slipped back

j.coles@rcn.com

into a coma and learned later that Doris

Steve Worcester writes, “On a somber note,

Mountain trail, and seeing Don looking

Plaisted sat with me through the night until

my partner of 40 years died in June of 2017.

Per Fred Naess is enjoying life high in

I was transferred to Mary Hitchcock. What

I have realized at 70 years old that I am a fall

the Colorado Rockies. “I’m semi-retired,

remarkable teachers and staff Holderness

risk, and have been for 70 years. Grounded

training airline pilots part time in a f light

has had, and I am sure continues to have.

at Holderness for skateboarding down 175A,

simulator,” he reports. “I’m sorry to have

Those were life changing events for me, but

I was soon out drifting Don Backe’s ’53

missed the 50th reunion but glad that

I’m pleased to say that skiing continues to

Ford Cortina on weekends. Don Henderson

John Coles was there to represent us!” …

be a passion. Now I chase powder in the

gave me his old ski jumping boots and said,

John Coles attended the wedding of fellow

backcountry, which I will continue to do as

68 | Holderness School Today

CLASS NOTES Larry Jamieson ’69 and his wife, Ellen

Robert Johnson ’71 and encouraging your classmates to

long as I can drag my sorry butt, two metal

reconnect in the HST class notes.

hips, and stent in my LAD artery up the hill!

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

Historic Preservation is my other passion

for more information. Thank you!

Mountain selfie from Will Parish ’71 County, the Bohemia Ecological Preserve.” … Robert Johnson notes, “Having just seen

and I am now running HistoriCorps (www. historicorps.org), a nonprofit that engages

Ted Coates is “Retired, happy, living in

our three girls through independent schools

volunteers in the rehabilitation of historic

Charlottesville.” … After over 20 years

from Pre-K through a PhD program, grad

buildings on public lands. (Yes, we were one of

serving Holderness as a chaplain, coach,

school, and undergrad, I can now finally start

those small service providers deeply affected

and teacher, Rich Weymouth and his wife

saving for retirement. The good news is I get

by the government shutdown.) Headquartered

Kathy Weymouth are retiring. Kathy was

to work until I am 75 (insert smiley here). The

in Morrison, CO in the Civilian Conservation

our dean of students for many years as well as

better news is I work in an area of electrical

Corps camp that housed the workers who built

an English teacher and dorm parent. While

engineering known as programmable logic

the Red Rocks Amphitheater, we reach to all

both are sad to be leaving Holderness, they

which works with Field Programmable Gate

corners of the country. In fact, two of the 250

are excited to see more of their children and

Arrays (FPGAs) which fortunately are in great

plus projects completed since 2009 are located

grandchildren and won’t ever be too far from

demand. Basically, they are devices which are

in the White Mountain National Forest. Jodee

Holderness. We welcome everyone to reunion

too complicated to explain. Usually when I

and I celebrated 46 years last November. She is

this summer to help celebrate their retirement!

try, I get blank looks of disbelief because they

the quintessential Italian grandmother to our three grandchildren. Paisley (mother to the

think I am saying ‘Gatorade’ instead of ‘Gate

’71

Arrays.’ In a way, this interest grew out of my

three) and Jennings have long left the nest and are making their mark in the world—Paisley in

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

digital logic (guided by math teacher Mark

Missoula, and Jennings in Boulder. Jennings

Roger Clarkson

Perkins). Despite being predominantly a

is in the final months of his dissertation for

roger@rogerclarkson.com

fine arts major at Union College (due to the

his PhD in computer science, while he and

senior year spring-term self-study project in

strong encouragement from Holderness art

Montana college friend and partner run

Will Parish writes in, “Mac (32) graduated

teacher Don Latham ’58), I settled into

Montanabackcountryyurts.com. I’m not sure

Stanford Business School last spring and is

electrical engineering by way of a master’s in

how he holds it all together, but those days that

starting a company in LA that caters to the

industrial design from The Pratt Institute. My

Jennings joins me on big powder days are the

needs of millennial’s wellness at work and

whole education has been akin to advanced

most precious, indeed. Jodee spends more and

play. Nate (28) is helping Michael Tusk (owner

kindergarten—inventing things, finally getting

more time at our home in Lunenburg, Nova

of Michelin three-star restaurant Quince)

them to work, then getting an encouraging

Scotia, and, with any luck, I will, too, once

open his newest digs—Verjus, a wine bar.

pat on the head and a ‘That’s nice.’ This

retired. So a shout out to all ’69 classmates.

Nate is a credentialed school teacher turned

interest in creative science grew out of my

I don’t think any of us, despite our silence,

chef for now. Julie is stepping down as co-

love of photography and darkroom work. I

can deny the inf luence Holderness has had

chair of the Trust for Public Lands California

secretly owe a huge debt to fellow Holderness

and continues to have on us to this day.”

Advisory Council. I am founder/president of

student John Nystedt ’69 who passed on his

Ten Strands. We just successfully moved a

knowledge of best photography practices in

’70

bill into law with Governor Brown’s signature

a darkroom in the basement of Niles. During

in September that brings environmental

my ensuing years I have probably developed

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

literacy into California’s education code.

over 1500 rolls of 35mm and 120mm film.

Want to connect with your classmates?

Our two dogs are 12 and love hiking with

Photography has remained a hobby rather

Consider becoming a class correspondent

us on the land we steward in West Sonoma

than a career since who wants to spend

Spring 2019 | 69

CLASS NOTES

their weekends shooting weddings? As an

time at Holderness. It was a simpler time.

engineer, my big break came when I was hired

We obeyed the rules. We were supported and

by Lucent Technologies and was part of a

protected. For me it was the best time of life.”

small group that developed their first cellsite RF amplifiers employing pre-distortion linearization (don’t ask). From this success,

’72

Lucent Venture Capital spun off our group as

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

a start-up, which became so successful that

Dwight Shepard

Lucent eventually wanted us back again ten

shepdb@comcast.net

years later. Then they stopped buying from

Dick Conant ’73 and son Richard on the summit of Mt. Whitney, CA

us, so we failed and they swooped in and

I hope 2019 got off to a good start for you.

bought up all the patents and took all of the

Clearly last year was a good one for those of

best people, I not being one of them. So since

you I heard from. … “I’m an official double

time. Our youngest, Charlie and his husband,

2012 I have been working short, unsatisfying,

grand now,” David Nicholson writes from

Ken recently bought a home in West Hartford,

stressful contract positions punctuated by

Grafton, MA. “Theo was born on the Fourth

so that will provide us with plenty of

long stretches of unemployment. But hope

of July. (He should never have to work on his

opportunities to maintain our Connecticut

springs eternal and FPGAs are all the rage

birthday!) He’s big, happy and healthy so all

and Taft ties. I hope you are well and look

right now, and I should be good for another

is wonderful on the domestic front.” David

forward to catching up at some point in the

decade in the work force. I get hired for

says that his son Bradley recently ran the

not-too-distant future.” … My daughter Lisa,

my earnest determination. Another major

Leadville 100 ultra-marathon in 29 hours

who lives in Denver is planning to get married

inf luence from the Holderness days is running.

and 26 minutes, running straight through

this year, too. The question is, will it be on

I was elevated to cross-country team captain

the night in Colorado. Equally impressive,

Cape Cod in June, or Colorado in September?

due to being the only returning senior. Years

David adds, is that he also ran in the Race

That has yet to be decided. I’ll give you an

later I found myself at the Staten Island end

Across the Sky climb starting and finishing

update in my next set of class notes, when

of the Verrazano Bridge, lining up for my

at 10,151 feet. Runners climb and descend

I hope to hear from more of you. Dwight.

first New York Marathon. I have now run NY

15,600 feet, he says. “Curious if any other

twelve times. I learned the trick: just get past

Holderness grads have competed in this race.”

mile-17 at which point you feel so absolutely

… “All’s well with family,” Nat Mead writes

’73

wretched that you will do anything to get it

from Norway. “It would be great to host any

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

over with, even keep going. Once I broke four

classmates who think of paying a visit to

Dick Conant

hours (3:59:48), which I consider a major

this beautiful country. I live in the heart of

rconantjr@msn.com

achievement for a regular guy. What helps

fjord and mountain country which is also a

is the massive numbers of people lining the

destination for tourists.” Anyone interested

Hope you are all enjoying a good start to

way who keep yelling, ‘Lookin’ good’ and ‘...

in learning more about the school where Nat

2019. I had the chance to attend the memorial

only six more miles to go.’ Then the finish line

works can check out its website at www.sjh.

service for Don Henderson back in November

appears and you have a medal hung around

no. “It’s mostly Norwegian with an English

at the Dartmouth Skiway. There was a great

your neck by an attractive young lady, the

summary somewhere in there, but the photos

turnout of maybe 200 people and some very

mind mercifully blanks out the horror, you

say a lot,” Nat adds. “Wishing everyone well.”

touching testimonials. Mr. Henderson was

get to brag for weeks, and then stupidly you

… Chuck Kaplan writes that he is alive and

certainly one of the giants from our era. In

sign up to do it again next year. I was not as

well and living in Miami “because I had to

addition to Pat Henderson, there were a

robust an English student at Holderness. I

give up my Olympic potential skiing career

number of familiar faces from our day. Bill

remember meekly handing in my quiz—only

due to knee injuries.” But he also said that he

Clough ’57 and Duane Ford ’74 were there

half complete—on The Red Badge of Courage

is looking forward to his daughter’s wedding

as were Sam Richards, Peter Garrison,

to Mr. Biddle. The last question was ‘What is

in New Hampshire in September. … Chris

Tim Scott, Scott Morrison, and Morgan

the red badge of courage?’ I didn’t know. The

Latham reports, “I am retiring at the end of

Dewey. With the New Year, I have been

answer must have been towards the end of the

this current school year. Cindy and I will be

sending out snail mail notes to some of you

book which I had not quite gotten to. Years

moving back to our home in Marion, MA.

when I lack an email address. I’d love to hear

later I bolted up in bed out of a fitful sleep

Leah, our daughter, has been care taking for

from you since email is the primary way we

with the thought, ‘I know! It must have been

us, and I suspect she will stay, at least for the

can all connect as a class. I went through

the blood stain from a fatal gunshot.’ When I

near-term if we don’t drive her crazy! Our

Pres Parish up in Michigan to get an email

saw Mr. Biddle at a subsequent alumni event,

oldest son Hunt and his wife Jordan live in

to Dave Massarano down in Houston, and

I let him know of my insight and he promised

Rochester, MA with our grandson Archie

I heard from David Ryder in Pennsylvania,

to go back and update the grade. Practically

(four) and granddaughter Andi (two). So, we’re

who remembers Don Henderson as “a great

everything good in my life grew out of my

looking forward to lots of good grandparent

man.” Indeed! … Pres Parish writes that he

70 | Holderness School Today

Mike Schenck ’77 at the Dead Sea lives just inland on a lake that goes out to Lake Michigan, sans locks, on the west coast

Dirk Van Curan ’77 enjoying a 16-inch powder day at Sunday River

of Lake Michigan. When I reminded him that

issues periodically. Hope the class is well; help each other when you can, and go Pats!”

our 50th reunion was not too far away, his

David Rossetter reports from Tucson, “I’m

response was, “Wow, 50th, I remember as a

loving retirement in Tucson and doing lots

student seeing those ‘old guys’ come back for

of hiking and astronomy. On a happy note,

’76

such things!!” Yeah, “old” happens and some

my son Benjamin Rossetter ’02 married

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

of us certainly don’t have the hair we had

Amy Lorenz in Gloucester, MA last fall. It

Biff Gentsch

back in 1973. … Bill “Cos” Cosgrove writes

was wonderful to see Phil and Robin Peck

biffgentsch@gmail.com

that after a 45-year stay in Tacoma, WA, he

in attendance! On a sadder note, we lost

and his wife C.A. moved to Bend, OR. Bill

my mother, Birdie Rossetter, in November.

Jim Doble notes, “I’m still living in the Maine

has taken a part-time seasonal job selling ski

She parented two Holderness grads (me and

woods, making strange musical instruments

gear and is spending this winter learning to

my brother Steve ’76), and grandparented

and watching my kids grow.” … Tim Quinn

navigate Mt. Bachelor before golfing, biking,

two more (Ben ’02 and Rory Kelly ’00).”

writes, “I’m at the US Trust in the metro

hiking, and fishing season begins in central Oregon this spring. … Morgan Dewey writes

NYC area working with not-for-profit clients

’75

across the USA. But, the exciting news is

that he had a good time catching up with classmates at Don Henderson’s memorial.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

based in Florida. Take a look at the Raider

He also did a December overnight hike to the

Mac Jackson

II Sport and Raider II Turbo—performance

Hermit Lake huts at the base of Tuckerman’s

skifarmer@live.com

sailing for the recreational sailor and for the

Ravine with some Bowdoin classmates. He

that my wife and I bought Raider Sailboats

one-design racer. We’re planning to move

invites anyone interested to contact him and

Mac Jackson reports, “The ski season started

production to Rhode Island later this year

sign up for next year: “It was a great 24-hour

with a bang with over 60 inches of snow in

and can be reached at (833) 360-SAIL.”

getaway!” … Peter Garrison enjoyed catching

central Vermont before the beginning of

up with Tom Carver and Fred Savage at our

Christmas week! The weather turned normal

45th reunion last June and is hoping we get

with a warm up and unfrozen precipitation,

’77

many more of our classmates back for the

but the snow on the slopes has held up despite

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

50th! Peter also attended Don Henderson’s

the weather! My last child is off to college, but

Peter Grant

celebration of life event in November and was

just up the road at University of Vermont. The

pete@grantcom.us

impressed by the turn-out from our era. … As

other two are working in the Mad River Valley

for my news, which I’m sure you are all eagerly

and saving bucks by living at home! My son is

George H. “Ham” Boynton reports, “I

awaiting, I had a great trip out West again in

off on a US Naval carrier for a week in January

was married to a childhood friend Ginger

September to do some climbing/hiking with

installing and testing some new equipment!

on February 23, 2018. My dad and former

my eldest son. The high point (bad pun) was a

Robin, my oldest, and I are teaching skiing

Holderness faculty John Boynton, was my

near marathon-length day up and back on Mt.

at Sugarbush this winter. I’m on the road,

best man at the age of 85. Ginger and I have six

Whitney. We’re signed up for a guided climb

a lot, at other ski areas doing consulting

children and nine grandchildren between us.

on Mt. Rainier this coming September, and if

training for ski schools and working for the

We now live in Tucson, AZ. I see Olin Browne

that doesn’t kill me, we might head south to do

PSIA Eastern Division (sometimes working

once a year when the Champions tour comes

Mt. Hood in Oregon as well. Best to all, Dick.

alongside Brian Whatley ’74). Come look us

to town in early March, and Ginger and I will

up if you are in the Mad River Valley.” … Chris

have dinner with him a couple of nights. I am

’74

Fraker writes, “Just wanted to mention that

retired from being a pro golf caddie and now

George Fox visited me on my boat the Grey

write children’s books. I loved seeing everyone

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Lady and had lunch with me in my kitchen at

at the reunion.”… Peter Symmes writes, “As

Walter Malmquist

Windy Hill. We both agreed that getting older

my wife and I are federal employees we are

wmalmquist@kingcon.com

is a frame of mind that is tested by health

getting some unwanted time off, but so it

Spring 2019 | 71

CLASS NOTES

Bill Clough ’57 and Mac Jackson ’75

CLASS NOTES

goes. Our daughter Rebecca, who is a senior

houseboat. “Sirius is the last hull launched

at William and Mary is here with us. Our son

from the John Trumpy yard in Annapolis in

David, who graduated from West Point in

1973,” Bruce writes. “She is being kept at Kent

May and is in training as an infantry officer

Narrows, MD and is going through a light

at Fort Benning, is f lying in tomorrow with

refitting this winter.” … Loric Weymouth

his wife, Hannah. My Cox email account will

checks in from coastal Maine. The self-

be going away soon (finally made the switch

described “slacker” says he is “trying to do

to Verizon FIOS, which is much faster). Hope

as little work as possible so I can go skiing

you are all healthy and happy and enjoying

with the kids at Camden Snow Bowl.” … J.D.

time with your loved ones. Take care.” …

Hale contributes, “The ’78rs had a really

Thomas and Vicky (Anderson) Duffield sent

fun reunion last spring. We missed having

Pennie McEdward-Rand ’82, Ann (Ogden) Hausslein ’82, and Molly Nelson ’82 camping on a mountain behind Molly’s farm in Maine

New Year’s greetings from Campton, NH. …

Sandy Treat, of course, but did rent two

Jeremy Baulf writes, “Cheers Colly! I’ll never

boats on Squam (one piloted beautifully by

forget the Christmas I spent with you and your

Scott “Sirlsey” Sirles, and another by Colin

family at Cardigan. We had a frozen lake and

“Spud” MacLeod, also beautifully despite

an ice rink all to ourselves. Stuff of dreams!

being a large-vessel captain, LOL). That lake

Happy holiday greetings to one and all from

is so beautiful, set in the foreground of those

London.” … Michael Schenck’s holiday

mountains to the north and south (we checked

greetings came from the Promised Land,

out two islands, drank beer, you know…). Six

Dead Sea, Israel. … Michael Kraft notes,

of us also mountain biked on the single track

“My memory is probably f lawed, but brushing

and over to the ski hill—the jump is mowed

away the cobwebs, didn’t Dirk Van Curan and

and intact. We figured it would be smaller

John Neal go off the jump in alpine skis?” …

due to our years and growth into adults, but

James Murray remembers “tobogganing. We

that jump is still pretty darn big actually.

made a mess of the landing zone but a wicked

Can’t believe we used to go off it on XC skis

[redacted] good time!” … Jef Sharp writes,

chasing Bob Sachs ’79. Tip of the ski helmet

“Mike Schenck, you’re lookin’ good for an old

to Jody Collins ’77.” … As for your humble

the great views of the lakes to the east, and

man. Happy New Year, all! May 2019 find

scribe (Luther Turmelle), I had arthroscopic

into the stunning White Mountains to the

you in exotic places with friendly people.”

surgery on my left knee in early September

north. We greatly appreciate all the tributes

and came through it quite well. Later in the

to Bill Biddle that my siblings and I have

’78

month, I was honored to receive a national

received. I recently retired from JP Morgan

award from the Society of Professional

after 27 years in banking and joined The

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Journalists for more than 20 years of service

Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY as CFO

Luther Turmelle

to the national organization. I have been a

and Head of Operations. It feels right to be

lturmelle@sbcglobal.net

state chapter leader, a regional director, and

part of a school community again, even if we

served on the national board of directors.

are a bit far south of ski country. My daughter

In the immortal words of “Anchorman” Ron Burgundy: Class of ’78, Assemble! Let’s start

Ann (Ogden) Hausslein ’82 and Molly Nelson ’82 summiting Mt. Moosilauke after attending Don Henderson’s celebration of life

Martha lives in Denver and is in the Doctor of

’79

Psychology program at University of Denver.

off with Prescott Smith. Pres has moved more times than Allied Van Lines in recent years. He

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

into accomplished powder skiers, and you

writes, “I moved south to Virginia to downsize

Hratch Astarjian

may see their battered 4-Runner parked early

again. Why do the houses keep getting bigger?

hihratch@gmail.com

in the morning at a trailhead after having

We still savor our ski trips north and west.

We will be Downeast June-September and

She and her wife Candice have quickly turned

made an early AM escape from urban life. My

’80

daughter Abigail is a junior at Pitzer College

welcome visitors in Tenants Harbor, ME. If you find yourself in Charlottesville and want

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

psychology and political science—perfect for

to take in a UVA game, bike, play golf or just

Greg White

these interesting times. My wife Ridgely is an

kick back and enjoy the scenery, drop us a

GgNH@aol.com

official in Connecticut and NY state for field

line.” Team Preski, aka his kids, are in Los

in Claremont, CA, where she is studying

hockey and lacrosse. If you have a youth player

Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland, OR,

Edward Biddle writes, “Thanks all for your

and have a problem with one of her calls, speak

and he and his wife visit them “as often as

personal recollections of Mt. Prospect. After

directly to her! We would welcome connections

we can.” … Classmate Colin Bruce “Spud”

my daughter Pippa published her article in

with other members of the class of 1980,

MacLeod spent much of last year helping an

AMC Outdoors, a number of you shared your

either native to, or visiting the NYC area.”

old friend find, survey, and purchase a Trumpy

own experiences about that mountain with

72 | Holderness School Today

Craig Westling ’84 with Zach Martin ’84 at graduation in 1984. Thanks to Matt Flaherty ’84 (and his mom Terry) for digging up this photo that shows that the Cub’s tie was alive and well in the 1980s.

A photo taken in 1985 of recently-deceased Alex Brown ’85 by Colby Coombs ’85 for Franz Nicolay’s photo class. Alex always preferred the outrageous and showed it in his manipulation of the dress code.

’81 CLASS CORRESPONDENT Bill Baskin william.baskin.law.90@aya.yale.edu

Freddy Paxton ’85, Chip White ’86, and Greg Redmond ’86, then (1990)

Dave McCarron reports that he has been living in Charleston, SC for 22 years and has a great job as a hospital/inpatient physician.

He writes, “I play guitar in a classic rock band and have a house full of dogs—seven rescues. Life is good!! I would love to see

After juggling schedules and driving a bit,

Freddy Paxton ’85 and husband Steve Kaufman

we met in Rio Dulce for dinner and a quick visit to the ancient Maya ruins of Quirigua.

Anyone else coming down this way should

’84

give me a holler!” … Freddy Paxton is

visiting Charleston. Email me if you are in town–srvdmc2163@gmail.com.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

the FIDI Association, a quality organization

Fred Ludtke

for international HHG movement logistics

’82

ludtke4@gmail.com

in Brussels, Belgium. His final conference as

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

’85

during which he will be bringing blockchain

Chris Pesek cpesek@yahoo.com

Want to connect with your classmates?

forward to having Freddy back home in DC

Consider becoming a class correspondent

more often with their labradoodles Rufus

Molly Nelson wrote, “Annie O” aka Ann

and encouraging your classmates to

and TedE. … Mike Alkaitis ’86 and Colby

(Ogden) Hausslein and I went to Don

reconnect in the HST class notes.

Coombs got together this winter to surf

Henderson’s celebration of life, then

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

Kauai’s north shore. Their annual outings for

climbed Mt. Moosilauke. I think it was

for more information. Thank you!

the past 30 years are a testament to the bonds

any of my Holderness classmates who are

finishing up his last year as the president of

president will be in Amsterdam this April,

in November. Also, Pennie McEdward-

to his industry. His husband Steve is looking

created at boarding school. Coombs dug out

Rand, Annie O, and I went camping on

Jean-Louis Trombetta reports, “I’m still

his wool pants and frame pack and joined

a mountain behind our farm in Maine.

living in Antigua, Guatemala, enjoying the

Holderness Out Back this winter. Any alumni

The three of us still hang out a lot. I met

tropical weather. Recently I ran into Raul

interested in climbing Denali should join

two of my best buddies at Holderness!”

Alvarez ’82 while visiting Miami for New

him on the Holderness Denali climb May 14,

Year’s with Nicholas Dorion. After 34 years

2020, celebrating 50 years of Out Back. Email

’83

without hearing from each other, I had the

him at colby@climbalaska.org for details. …

pleasant surprise of an unexpected visitor

On a more somber note, Alex Brown passed

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

from Park City, UT. Mimi (MacNaught)

away this past January. In addition to being

Jane (Randolph) Jensen

Denton came to Guatemala on holiday with

an alumnus, Alex was a well-known painter

jjensen@uky.edu

friends to do a bit of sailing in the Caribbean.

with artwork exhibited at Feature, Inc. in

Spring 2019 | 73

CLASS NOTES

Freddy Paxton ’85, Chip White ’86, and Greg Redmond ’86 now

working, I am taking advantage of the open spaces—trail running, skiing, and sailing.” … Christopher Burgess chimes in, “Tennis

CLASS NOTES

season is year-round here in Hong Kong. We were actually city champions for the C league and were promoted to the B league!” … And Andrew Twombly writes, “Things are well here in Kansas. I recently moved here with

Mimi (MacNaught) Denton ’85 went to Guatemala on holiday and made an unexpected visit to Jean-Louis Trombetta ’85.

Nick Dorion ’85, Raul Alvarez ’82, and JeanLouis Trombetta ’85 in Miami for New Year’s

Pfizer to oversee the site’s Crisis Management, Business Continuity, and Resiliency Program.

It’s much more relaxed than Chicago, though a little short on mountains. That’s okay as I’m

So needless to say, between me and the boys,

only an hour from the geographical center of

New York; he was also a guitarist in the

we have a lot of purple and gold gear. It is fun

the US and f lights go out in every direction.

seminal hardcore punk band Gorilla Biscuits.

to get back to Williamstown as an alumnus

I’m looking forward to my first Holderness

Both Artforum and Brooklyn Vegan featured

and now as a parent. … Congratulations to

ski event in Colorado.” … As for me, Ken and I

articles about him following his passing.

Bob Gregg, who was recently named the

are still living in Providence and spending as

new head of school at St. Michael’s Episcopal

much time as we can on Martha’s Vineyard.

’86

School in Richmond, VA. Bob is currently

We’re taking care of an old dog at the end

head of school at Green Hedges, a preschool

of her time and enjoying the quiet rhythm

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

through grade eight school in Vienna, VA.

of the seasons. I still work/volunteer with

Chris Zak

schools and nonprofits in Providence but

chriszak@gmail.com

’87

have also gotten more and more involved with

I had a chance to catch up with Greg

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

my folks and grandparents led me that way,

Redmond this fall when he visited San

Kathryn (Lubrano) Robinson

and I have learned an enormous amount with

Francisco for work. A few notes from Greg:

kathryn.robinson@gmail.com

every person/family. It was great to be back

“I recently got together with Chip White at

hospice work. I suppose the caregiving for

on campus for our 30th reunion. Our class

his place in Middleburg, VA with Freddy

It was great to catch up with a few of our

has a strange habit of doing reunions solo? I

Paxton ’85. We were reminiscing about our

classmates via email recently. Joan (Horan)

think it was Todd Hopgood at our 20th, Joan

youth and decided to capture and contrast our

Twining writes, “Life in New England is

(Horan) Twining at our 25th, me at our 30th.

graceful aging process. We noted a few more

good. We saw our son off to Elon University

I am sure that there are a few of you who have

gray hairs, but our spirited youthful friendship

this past fall and dove back into applications

also been back on your own. Steve Jones I

has not changed too much. The Holderness

for our girl who is a senior in high school.

think I saw in an HST? We should probably try

bonds are still strong almost 35 years later!”

It’s fun to see how many alumni have kids at

and work on that in the future—35th? It would

… Ron VanBelle writes, “I am in my 14th year

Holderness! We tried, but ours stayed local.

be great to catch up; so many of you now

at Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT where

We’re riding horses, skiing, kayaking, and

have children attending Holderness, which is

I am in my fifth year as the athletic director.

painting for fun, caring for parents more, and

incredible and fun. Stay in touch and be well!

In the course of my job I have run into Bill

now spending more time on Cape Cod again.

Burke (head of St. Sebastian’s School), Dave

I see Pete Lamson ’81 around town, Lauren

Hinman (athletic director at St. Sebastian’s

(O’Brien) Smith ’88 on occasion in Vermont,

’88

School), and Billy Clough (head of Nichols

and keep in touch with brother-in-law Dix

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

School). Always great to see them and catch

Wheelock, Paula (Lillard) Preschlak ’88,

Alex MacCormick

up.” … Tina Brown reports, “I’m still on Orcas

and Steve Jones. I had a lot of fun being at

amaccormick@centerlanellc.com

Island, WA and am still bookkeeping and

Holderness visiting while our daughter was

Steve Walker

coaching the local rowing team. I’m also still

considering it. It was great as always seeing

stevewalkeremail@gmail.com

doing art (tinabrownarts.com) and loving it

Franz Nicolay, Pete Barnum, and Phil Peck.

here!” … Billy Clough and his wife Nanny are

The place has some magic that I will always

Chris Stewart writes, “Caught the first

leaving snowy Buffalo, NY and relocating to

appreciate.” … Eric Grace is living in beautiful

Phish shows of the fall tour with Alex “Baja”

Denver, CO. … As for me, my wife Jen and I

Sandpoint, ID, way up in the panhandle: “I

MacCormick and Scott “Espo” Esposito

are figuring out the empty nest thing as our

am the executive director at the Kaniksu

in Albany. I got to ring in the New Year with

two boys both attend Williams College. Nick

Land Trust, doing conservation work and

Espo, Ward Blanch ’89, and Steve Jones ’87

is a sophomore and on the hockey team, and

connecting kids of all ages to nature. It’s fun,

out in Jackson Hole and helped usher Jones

Thomas is a freshman and on the golf team.

important, and rewarding work. When not

into his 50th lap around the pond. I just

74 | Holderness School Today

got back from a frigid but snowy weekend

Jen (Murphy) Robison ’89 during a July 2018 visit to the Barker’s home in Westport, MA: Bill Barker ’62, Michael Brogna ’91, Nina (Barker) Brogna ’89, Jen (Murphy) Robison ’89, Ian Spencer ’87, Nat Barker ’85, and Halle Barker ’21

in Stowe with Dix Wheelock ’87 and his epic band of shredding children. Holderness

currently living. It’s not an ideal situation,

vibes alive.” … On the outdoor front, Matt

but we’re making the best of things under the

Schonwald spent a few weeks guiding clients

circumstances. Despite the fact we live in the

in Japan’s famous powder. … In honor of

same town, unfortunately, I seldom see Jen

the 50th anniversary of Out Back, Geordie

(Murphy) Robison or Scott Beckman. I’ve

Elkins plans on hosting a guided hike around

yet to cross paths with Jon Wales and I’ve

Highstead in Redding, CT. Date TBD. … Alex

spent the last three winters in Marblehead!

MacCormick is spending the winter in various

I’ll be visiting with Greg Eccleston soon and

winter locations including Vail, Crested Butte,

look forward to hopefully seeing all of my

and Montana. His daughter Molly is enjoying

classmates at our 30th reunion at the end of

her senior year at St. George’s as head prefect.

May!” … Brad Greenwood and family are

Great to see everyone at reunion. If you are in

all well and wish their Holderness family

Nantucket this summer, send him an email.

members a happy and healthy 2019: “Each season and year seems to bring its challenges

The Greenwood gathering in Kittery, ME in October 2018: Chip Martin ’88, Chris Davenport ’89, Jen (Murphy) Robison ’89, Tracy (McCoy) Gillette ’89, Brad Greenwood ’89, Sarah (Trainor) Pflaum ’89, and Rob Frost ’89

Megan (Sheehan) Kristiansen ’90, Pixie (Spencer) Brokaw ’90, Kat Alfond ’90, Serena (Black) Martin ’91, Tegan (Hamilton) Hayunga ’90, and Andrea Hamlin-Levin ’90

’89

and shining stars to us. I feel fortunate to

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

all in some way, even if we don’t always keep

Jen (Murphy) Robison

in touch all the time. It’s there; we all feel it

f lail. Also, there is So. Much. Gear. Anyway,

jennifermrobison@yahoo.com

when we need it. The best part is when we do

when I am not crushing it on the slopes of

connect, it always feels right; it feels like no

Vermont...ha...I am juggling in Sudbury,

Lauren (Parkhill) Adey writes, “My husband

time has passed and we are genuinely psyched

MA, working as a school counselor/college

Greg and I have been living in Falmouth,

to see each other and hang out. This fall was

counselor at Acton-Boxborough Regional

ME for the past 14 years and still love it

a perfect example. The stars aligned and I

High School and figuring out how to be the

here. Our boys are 16, 14, and 12 and all

got to host what turned out to be a crazy fun

parent of a middle school girl and nine-year-

go to Waynf lete School in Portland. I have

night at our house in Kittery. In attendance

old boy. Any advice would be appreciated. I

been in practice as a hand surgeon with

for a homemade seafood dinner and après

hope all of you are doing well and can’t wait

the same orthopedic group since we moved

outdoor campfire were Tracy (McCoy)

for reunion!” … Life continues to be full and

here.” … Nina (Barker) Brogna and Michael

Gillette, Robert Frost, Chris Davenport,

busy for me in Marblehead. My daughter

Brogna ’91 are enjoying their recent move to

Jen (Murphy) Robison, Sarah (Trainor)

Addy ’22 started her ninth-grade year at

Boston. They love being closer to their place

Pf laum, Chip Martin ’88 and his dog Papi,

Holderness this fall. She is thriving, which

in Westport, MA and having easier access to

who is a total lap dog and is hilarious when

brings me true joy, and often happy tears, on a

skiing, seeing old friends like Jen (Murphy)

Chip carries him around! Who would have

daily basis. Can’t wait to see many of my fellow

Robison, and visiting niece Halle Barker

picked Chip to have a lap dog??? Cheers to

’89s at our 30th reunion this coming May!”

’21 up at Holderness! … Life continues to be

all my Holderness friends and family!” …

exciting for Te Tiffany and family. He writes,

Jennie (Legg) Gabel writes that she hopes

“We’ve had a baby boy, who is now 15 months

to see many of you at our upcoming reunion:

’90

old and is charging around like a lineman-in-

“Yikes! How did it get to be 30 years! Is

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

training for Norm Walker’s football team! My

that right? Anyway, this former varsity rec

Nina Cook Silitch

family is now seven strong, and I continue my

skier is learning all about being a parent of

ninasilitch@gmail.com

bi-coastal existence between Alaska, where

children who ski race. We have rented a place

my professional guiding business is based,

in Warren, VT this season and are having

Johannah (Hatch) Mackin is thrilled to

and Marblehead, MA, where my family is

lots of fun with many opportunities to learn/

announce that her book, The Inheritance, has

have this group of friends that connects us

Spring 2019 | 75

CLASS NOTES

Jennie (Legg) Gabel’s ’89 children, Kenzie (12) and Will (nine), on the slope at Sugarbush

CLASS NOTES

The Martin family: Alex, Serena (Black) ’91, Adair, and Xander been published: “So many of you have asked when my book will be done. It took three years

Jon Hatch ’91 with his wife of 23 years Krissy Ransom

to write and I can finally tell you it’s here! It’s the true story of my great-great-grandfather

I had an amazing fall season with lots of

J. Wilbur Chapman, a famous hymn writer

Phishing and travel with Krissy, my gal for

and evangelist in the early 1900s. His life

23 years! Here’s to more connections in 2019.

was marked by pain and suffering, but he

And class of ’91 look out: I’m coming after

didn’t forsake the call of God. In telling his

you for class notes and money! Jon Hatch.

story, it seemed fitting to tell mine also. The Inheritance is captivating and raw, honest and revealing. It will inspire you to start telling

’92

your story, the best parts and the worst, and

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

to see where God redeemed your losses. Our

Kelly (Mullen) Wieser

stories have the power to help others overcome

kelly@wiesermail.com

their losses! Thank you for your support.”

Tyler Wood ’92 and son Mati on the cover of Tyler’s new book

’93 CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Tyler Wood reports, “I published a book

Lindsay (Dewar) Fontana

’91

recently about rescuing my abducted son from

linds_dewar@yahoo.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Amazon. I have an agent working on a movie

Lindsay (Garre) Bierwirth writes, “Hello,

Jon Hatch

deal.” … Devie Hamlen writes, “I returned

Holderness friends! My family and I have

hatch@boulderco.com

to Portland, ME close to five years ago after

moved back to my hometown of Chatham

eight years as the New Hampshire public

on Cape Cod. I love living here and our two

Serena (Black) Martin reports, “I have

defender. I’m still doing only criminal defense

children Jane (seven) and Harriet (five)

happily found myself back in the mountains

work, with 90% of it being indigent defense.

are thriving in school and in our seaside

of New Hampshire more and more these

My wife, Samar (Andover class of ’98) is a

community. I wake up in the morning and feel

days as our daughter, Adair (16), is attending

nurse practitioner working at the University

that I am truly where I was always meant to

Waterville Valley Academy during the winter

of Southern Maine. Our daughter Noor is four

be. We are very blessed and truly thankful.

months and then will return to Baltimore to

and a half and our son Devens (my namesake)

My husband Fred and I are opening a new

play lacrosse. Our son, Xander (18), is finishing

is one and a half. We love Portland and hope

business here called Chatham Works. Chatham

up high school this year and then heading

to run into some Holderness people here!”

Works is a combination fitness, co-working,

north to play lacrosse at Yale. Alex and I are

… Julia (Martin) Murphy is still living in

and retail space. We plan to open in June 2019,

finding more time for ourselves and have

and loving San Francisco while working

so if you are on the Cape, come by and check

jumped back into skiing full force amongst a

in energy and sustainability investing: “I

us out. I am fortunate to see Katie (Boggess)

few other activities. I still get to see Andrea

married a wonderful Irishman in March 2015

LeRoy and her family every summer here

Hamlin-Levin ’90, Kat Alfond ’90, Pixie

in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He joined me

in Chatham. She is a wonderful mom and

(Spencer) Brokaw ’90, Tegan (Hamilton)

in San Francisco in our home in Telegraph/

still has an infectious smile and boundless

Hayunga ’90, and Megan (Sheehan)

North Beach. I continue to do triathlons,

energy and positivity. Jenny O’Keeffe,

Kristiansen ’90 fairly regularly, which keeps

with my first half ironman in Muskoka,

recently married, is living outside of San

my fond memories of Holderness alive and

Ontario, Canada in July 2019. I have three

Francisco, and recently was home for a visit.

present!” … As for me, I wrapped up the best

wonderful nephews (seven and twin four-

Hope you are well. Please continue to keep

production in my residential real estate career

year-olds) who live in Silicon Valley. Their

in touch.” … Ginny (Kingman) Schreiber

here in Boulder in 2018. My kids are almost

father (my brother) is Justin Martin ’96. If

reports, “Naomi Sager Richardson, Kristen

adults—both now in high school; Ethan does

anyone is in the SF/Bay Area please send me

(Lougee) Hill, and I were able to get together

spring trips for college tours this year—yikes!

an email or call. We would love to meet up.”

in Seattle this past August to celebrate

76 | Holderness School Today

Bangladesh. It has 15 five-star reviews on

Naomi Sager Richardson ’93, Ginny (Kingman) Schreiber ’93, Amanda (Hill) Beidleman ’93, Taryn Darling ’93, and Kristen (Lougee) Hill ’93 in front of the Frog Pond during their reunion in 2018

CLASS NOTES

Lindsay (Garre) ’93 and Fred Bierwirth with their daughters Jane (seven) and Harriet (five) on Cape Cod

Liz (Meck) Knight’s ’97 little ones, Tristan and Corridan me a signed copy to share with my daughters.

He lives in Greensboro, NC and is currently writing a novel. It was great to see him, and we’re planning a trip next February to visit Augusta and ski in Utah all together. My family is skiing this winter in Waterville Valley, so I pass the Holderness campus on a weekly basis. Last weekend, I rode the chair up with two Holderness students, both sophomores who live in Hoit. I realized quickly that I had become the old lady asking too

Ginny (Kingman) Schreiber ’93, Naomi Sager Richardson ’93, and Kristen (Lougee) Hill ’93, joined together to celebrate Taryn Darling’s ’93 wedding in Seattle

many questions, and they were both so sweet to tolerate me for an entire lift ride! Wishing you all the very best!” … Andy Wood says, “I’m writing from London where it snowed

Taryn Darling’s wedding. We had just been together at the Holderness 25th reunion in June, so it was fantastic to catch up again so soon in the Pacific Northwest. I was back

yesterday but didn’t settle overnight. It’s

Amanda (Knox) Hoffman ’96 and her two daughters in Chicago, meeting with Augusta (Riehle) Comey ’96 and her daughter Norah

at Holderness for our 25th reunion, but was disappointed in our class turnout. Will you

incomparable to a New Hampshire blanket of the white stuff. As you can imagine, the country’s slightly on-hold as we wait for various people’s heads to be knocked together

’95

over Brexit. The dollar rate does mean we

all come back for our 30th? (We are going to try to snag one of the new dorms across the

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

guys! All is well and still living in Wimbledon,

street for the next go-round. Come and hang

John Farnsworth

London with my wife Gill and two sons (Olly,

out with us in 2023!) It was really fun to see

jpfarns@yahoo.com

three and Sammy, two). It’s a great location

Amanda (Hill) Beidleman, Jobu Roach, Anne (Blair) Hudak, and Pete Woodward

must be an attractive destination for you

for the commute into town but far enough

’96

out for easily getting down to the south coast

at reunion, though. I am still teaching drama at Forest Ridge School in Bellevue, WA

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

of living in London, in my spare time I get

and directing two productions a year. I am

Heather (Pierce) Roy

to a lot of sports events (Wimbledon, The

currently beginning auditions for Seussical

heatherbpierce@hotmail.com

Oval, Wembley), the theatre, and lots of our

this month. I have taken up skiing again

during the holidays. After over 20 years

wonderful (and free) museums. I continue to

after over a decade hiatus, and I get out to

Amanda (Knox) Hoffman reports, “It’s been

work in video production, making content for

Martha’s Vineyard and the Boston area about

a Holderness-filled winter so far. I f lew with

brands and broadcasters with my company

once a year. I hope that you are all well.”

my two daughters to Chicago in November

Silver Bullet (www.silver-bullet.tv). One day,

to meet up with Augusta (Riehle) Comey

I dearly hope to come back over to the states

’94

and her daughter Norah. Augusta is doing so

and of course make a Holderness visit with

well and lives in Salt Lake City, UT, where

the family! With love, Andy.” … Speaking of

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

she’s busy in the real estate world, raising her

London, Holderness Director of Admission

Ramey Harris-Tatar

twin boys (11) and daughter Norah (six). Just

David Flynn was across the pond doing some

rameyht@yahoo.com

last week, Chip Bristol (former Holderness

admission work this past February. He was

Chaplain) stayed the night. He’s completed

lucky enough to have a free evening and was

his second children’s book The Star and gave

able to spend it with a few alumni: “I had a

Spring 2019 | 77

CLASS NOTES

Nicholas Stoneberger ’98 and his wife Liz with their three children—Jack (six), Anne Marie (four), and Ethan (two)—in Vancouver, BC Woo Jong “Jay” Peck ’98 with wife Hannah Park, son Dan Woo “Daniel” Peck, and newborn daughter Seo Ah Peck

… From Switzerland, Adam George writes, “I

Sara (Simes) Custance ’99 and Tara (Walker) Hamer ’98 met Vito Roussell ’98 and Angel Del Villar ’98, aka Homeboy Sandman, at a show when Homeboy Sandman brought his tour to town.

am living in Switzerland, not far from the ski resort of Verbier, with my wife and six-year-old little girl. We run a mountain guiding business (intothemountains.com) and that keeps us busy year round. I’m often taking guests up iconic peaks like the Matterhorn or Eiger or skiing the famous Haute Route with them.

I’ve been living in Europe almost 10 years now, but it seems like yesterday I was still back in New Hampshire! If any Holderness alumni are in this area it would be great to hear from them.” … Allie Barker sent in a note from Chickaloon, AK: “I’m still living

Shahin ’99 and Erin Nemazee with their children Reza and Leela

in Chickaloon, off the grid, homesteading,

Mirte Mallory ’98 and Phil Jeffreys’ son, Theo, holding the newest addition to their family, Verena Zufferey Jeffreys

running Chugach Farm– our organic farm–

He makes us laugh each day and reminds us

in the non-freezing months, and working

to find the joy in small things. Best wishes

as an avalanche forecaster for Hatcher Pass

to all in 2019. Until next time, Putney.

Avalanche Center in the freezing months. We great night in London. The stories that were

are lucky to be living with an abundance of

shared and the laughs that were had were

wild, harvested foods, wild game and fish, and

’98

amazing. I’m so glad Jeremy Baulf ’77, Andy

homegrown veggies in addition to logging,

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Wood, and Andy Fishman ’00 took the time

milling wood, and skiing in the winter. It’s

Tara (Walker) Hamer

for a visit. A genuine love of their time at

been a challenging winter as we are mourning

Holderness was shared. Jeremy is in regular

the loss of our best friend of 16.5 years, Dylan

Woo Jong “Jay” Peck reports, “I moved back

touch with many members of his rebellious

Dog. The chickens are clucking, the ducks

to Korea in 2009; a new addition (girl) to our

and memorable class. Andy Fisherman is

are quacking, and we are enjoying more light

family arrived September 2, 2018.” … Mirte

close and still in touch with the Emersons

every day since the winter solstice!” … And

Mallory writes, “Phil and I and our son Theo

(Chris Emerson ’00). Andy Wood serves on

from Colorado, Liz (Meck) Knight shares

were so happy to welcome Verena Zufferey

the board of trustees of a private school in

this update: “I continue to live in Denver with

Jeffreys to our family in January; this family

London. His day job is in television and radio.”

my husband Corey and our growing little

of four is already back on their cross-country

family. We welcomed a little boy, Corridan

skis! Grandma and Grandpa Mallory are

’97

Trent Knight, in August 2018, and our little

extra excited to have the family just next door

girl, Tristan, turned three in October. Both

with lots of little visits from both Verena and

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

are doing great, and we are getting used to

Theo.” … Nicholas “Stoney” Stoneberger,

Putney (Haley) Wendell

being a family of four! I made the move a few

his wife Liz, and their three children—Jack

putneypyles@gmail.com

years ago from a big law firm to a corporate

(six), Anne Marie (four), and Ethan (two)—are

trust company, The Northern Trust, where I

living in Vancouver, BC, Canada. “The move

After being away from Holderness for so many

greatly enjoy working on all things related to

to Vancouver has been a welcome change for

years, and with so many of us spread across

trusts, estates, and tax planning. Life is busy,

the family, as previously I had been working

the globe, the emails have been a nice way to

but we try to take on new family adventures

away from home on energy and mining

reconnect and hear where classmates have

as often as we can!” … I continue to enjoy the

projects, predominantly in the Canadian

landed and how folks are spending their days.

daily adventures with my 16-month-old, Peter.

Arctic,” he writes. “It has been too long

78 | Holderness School Today

been 20 years. Which reminds me, I had

’98 and his wife at the show. We had a blast

better not be the only one at our reunion

talking about all the things we forgot about

this spring. Make the trip! May 31-June 2.”

over the years and the people we’ve seen since.

Hope to catch up with more of you next June

Darren Moore ’99 helping to coach the Holderness boys’ hockey team with Head Coach Alan Thompson ’04

at our 20-year reunion!! Take care.” … Jamie

’00

Bradley sends greetings from Portland, OR:

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

“Life is wonderful in the Pacific Northwest

Sully Sullivan

and, despite missing family in the Northeast,

MyIreland20@gmail.com

our family is fully engaged in all the area has to offer. My wife Diane and I welcomed our

Matt Powers is making the best of 2019

second daughter into the family on June 7,

already. He is working on a book and online

2018. Alice Grace Bradley was born 10 days

course on enthusiasm. “To me it’s the lynchpin,

late, like her older sister Evelyn, and seems to

no matter the faith,” he writes. “It is being

have a similarly difficult time sleeping. She

infused with a joyous passion for the moment,

is now seven months old, and while we are

gratitude for our journey, excitement for

weary from lack of sleep, we are enjoying the

what’s to come, and faith in each other,

little signs of development that come week

ourselves, and the unknown. It’s what will

after week. Solid foods, laughing, mumbling,

help people of all faiths make the changes

and starting to crawl have all happened in

necessary to blunt climate change and social

the past 60 days. We had a wonderful visit

discord and begin to reverse their effects;

from our family over the holidays, including

they, after all, are linked inextricably.”

the grandparents, Joel Bradley ’02 and his wife Elissa, and their 18-month-old daughter Elsa. Work has been good but busy; I’m

’01

working at a finance company that works

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

exclusively with charter and private schools

Karyn (Hoepp) Jennings

across the country and am responsible for

KarynPJennings@gmail.com

since I have seen anyone from Holderness.

managing the finance, risk, and real estate

Adam Lavallee

If anyone is ever around the Pacific

teams. We are looking forward to some time

a.l.lavallee@gmail.com

Northwest, don’t hesitate to look me up.”

on the cross-country ski trails this winter and

Sophie Moeller

hope to make it back to Quebec City for the

sophmoe@gmail.com

The Bradley family (Jamie ’99 and Joel ’02) at a 2018 holiday gathering in Portland, OR

’99

World Cup finals in March. It will be a first ‘international’ trip for Alice! If anyone is out in

Natalie (Babony) McRae and her family are

Want to connect with your classmates?

Portland, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

living in Burlington, Ontario, west of Toronto.

Consider becoming a class correspondent

We have a guest unit at our house and room

“My husband Matt and I have three little ones:

and encouraging your classmates to

for several folks.” … Shahin Nemazee chimes

Matthew (four), Yvonne (two), and Michaela

reconnect in the HST class notes.

in from the other side of the continent: “Hey

(11 months),” she reports. “Shout out to Joy

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

Holderness! It’s been a long time! My wife

(Domin) Southworth’s Body By Trimester

for more information. Thank you!

Erin and I have been keeping busy chasing

workouts which helped me stay active during

around our two kids, Leela (six) and Reza

all three of my pregnancies. While it’s a busy

Zachary Brown writes, “Hello to the class of

(four). We are living in Sterling, VA which is

household, it’s a lot of fun exploring each day

’99! My wife Michelle and I just celebrated

about 25 miles outside of Washington, DC,

with our little buddies. Matthew started to

our 10-year wedding anniversary in late

where I work for the Smithsonian Institution.

play hockey this year. As you can imagine,

2018. Other than that, we are still living

A special hello to Bruce Barton, Duane

Matt and I are thrilled that he loves the sport

and working in San Francisco and looking

Ford ’74, and Phil Peck!” … Darren Moore

as much as we do. Since graduating from

forward to lots of snow in Tahoe!” … Sara

reports, “I am super excited to finish my

university, I have been working for the same

(Simes) Custance notes, “It’s hard to believe

first full year as an employee at Holderness.

company, ZOLL Medical. The work has been

20 years have passed since I last saw most of

I had the opportunity this winter to be the

fulfilling and I am grateful for the team

you. Thankfully social media keeps most of us

assistant coach of the boys’ varsity hockey

with which I work. On occasion, I see Dami

somewhat connected. Tara (Walker) Hamer

team. It was a great experience and brought

Amurawaiye ’02 and his lovely wife Tatiana,

’98 and I caught up with Angel Del Villar

back so many great memories. I never once

as well as Jarod Warsofsky ’02 and his lovely

’98, a.k.a. Homeboy Sandman, a few weeks

said ‘back in my day’ but thought it more

wife Katie. While I have been in touch with

ago in Somerville, MA when he brought his

than I’d like to admit. I can’t believe it’s

a few people from Holderness, I welcome

Spring 2019 | 79

CLASS NOTES

tour to town. We also ran into Vito Roussell

CLASS NOTES

Karyn (Hoepp) ’01 and Joe Jennings’ daughter Avery, Holderness Class of 2034, skiing at Sugarbush in January 2019

Whitney Connolly ’02 and her boyfriend Kevin at their CrossFit gym, CFCA Sarah (Thompson) Means ’02 and her daughter Miri visiting her sister Katie (Thompson) Swenson ’00 and her family in Alaska

Dave LaPointe ’03 and Brendan Murphy ’03 Natalie (Babony) McRae ’01 and her family: Matt, Matthew, Yvonne, and Michaela anyone who is passing through southwestern Ontario to reach out and stop by. All the best in 2019!” … Karyn (Hoepp) Jennings reports, “I am still living in Lee, NH and working in Manchester, NH at Manchester Radio Group as the digital marketing director. My daughter Avery will be three in March. My husband,

Joe Sampson ’02 on a hike with the newest member to his family, Tanner

Joe, and I are having a blast teaching Avery

Sarah (Thompson) Means and her sister Lisa

how to ski! She can’t wait to be on the Eastern

(Thompson) Gleason ’04 came to the Day of

Ski team in 2030! I just met up with Betsy

Giving event in Portland, ME. Sarah reported

(Cornell) Aceto and Anthony Aceto in Boston

having an amazing visit this Christmas with

and was able to meet their beautiful baby

her other sister Katie (Thompson) Swenson

boy, Charlie! Even though we’re getting old,

’00 who lives in Alaska with her family of five.

Holderness is never far from our minds!”

Tom Richards ’03 and his family just after the arrival of their newest addition, Lucy my executive MBA at the National University

’03

of Singapore and hope to finish by November

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

to Almaty, Kazakhstan for work, and we will

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

Nick Payeur

probably spend at least a month in Almaty

Betsy Pantazelos

ndpayeur@gmail.com

this summer with the new baby visiting her

b.pantazelos@gmail.com

Neal Frei

family. We were able to meet Han Min Lee

nealfrei@gmail.com

’05 and his family in Seoul this October for a

’02

Whitney Connolly writes, “Quick life update:

2019. My wife, Assem, frequently travels back

nice dinner and night out. I hope to connect

I quit my day job. Kevin and I, along with

Devin Hewitt reports, “My wife and I are

with more Holderness alumni in Korea on my

two great friends, bought a CrossFit gym. I’m

settled in Bangkok and our first child, Ryan,

next trip or when I am back in Boston around

taking a few months off to get the gym running

just arrived this past January. I travel quite

mid-April!” … Eban Kenney is enjoying life

smoothly and to give my lifelong dream of

a bit around Asia, Africa, Middle East, and

in Incline Village with his wife Lindsey. “I

writing a book a shot. We bought the gym

Russia for work and try to squeeze in outdoor

spent the last year creating a new expedition

from alumni Jon Conant ’96 and his wife.” …

adventures whenever possible. I’m working on

vehicle fabrication company, Alpenvan,”

80 | Holderness School Today

CLASS NOTES

Another strong year of Holderness representation at Gunstock’s adult ski racing league: Mindy (Regii) Wright’s ’03 brother Will Regii, Joe Sampson ’02, Evan Mullen ’00, Morgan Markley ’10, Neal Frei ’03, and Megan (Bristow) Patten’s ’98 husband Brett Patten

Todd ’04 and Amy (Laverack) ’03 Nordblom’s girls, Lucy and Payson

Ashley (Crook) Carlow ’04 married Greg Carlow this past October at the top of Mount Mansfield.

’04 CLASS CORRESPONDENT Ryan McManus rbmcmanus@gmail.com “Life is grand!” writes Zach Lahey. “Tenthousand-foot view: I’ve been married for

Han Min Lee ’05, Phil Peck, Neal Frei ’03, and Tobi Pfenninger in Seoul, Korea

Neal Frei ’03 and Evelyn Hong ’04 at an alumni gathering in Seoul

Ashley (Hedlund) ’04 and Matt Healy welcomed Lydia Grace to their family. Parker and Cole are protective older brothers.

five years to an absolutely incredible person.

We’re updating our house to move into the second unit. I am rocking a newish job

’02, and Ben Tomaszewski ’06 during my last

and am getting in as much snowboarding

trip to NYC in the fall. I was also fortunate

as possible this winter.” … Ashley (Crook)

enough to do some traveling overseas for work

Carlow has had a big year: “I was married to

this winter! Phil Peck, Tobi Pfenninger, and

Greg Carlow this past October atop Mount

I traveled to China and Korea to meet some

Mansfield, and we moved to the Burlington

of Holderness’s current and past families

area. I am still based out of NYC for work as

in Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul. It was a

an interior designer and am down there a few

whirlwind trip but totally worth it. In addition

days a month. I also travel to cool projects

to all the amazing food and time with our

in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas.

current families, one of the highlights was an

I’m looking forward to meeting all the

alumni gathering in Korea where I was able

Holderness people in the Burlington area!”

to catch up with some Korean classmates and friends I hadn’t seen in years. Over 20 alumni and families came and it was very special

’05

he writes. “We’ve had a ton of cool projects

to catch up with the likes of Han Min Lee

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

and can’t wait for more. Check out my new

’05, Evelyn Hong ’04, Shijin Shin ’04, and

Brie Keefe Healy

Instagram, alpenvan.” … Amy (Laverack) and

Jungmin You ’00. I was bummed Jay Lee

brie.keefe@gmail.com

Todd ’04 Nordblom are happy to announce

couldn’t make it as he was a bit preoccupied

the birth of their second girl, Payson Strong

with his two young boys. Before heading home,

Emma (Schofield) Phipps and her husband

Nordblom, born this past July. Sister Lucy

I extended my trip and jumped over to Japan

welcomed their first child on February

is happy to share some space in the Nordic

for some skiing at Niseko for a few days; it

1, 2019! … Hannah Hickok writes, “In

chariot pulled by Mom or Dad. They will be

was my first time skiing overseas. It was a bit

September I got married in Wellf leet, MA.

up in the Holderness area a lot this winter

early in the season, but the powder was still

Holderness alumni in attendance included

skiing, so if you are around on the weekends,

incredible and the place charmingly quirky. I

my brother Drew Hickok ’07, Helena

don’t be a stranger! … Neal Frei reports, “I

highly suggest Niseko if it is at all on your list.”

Scott ’06, Krista (Glencross) Officer ’06,

loved seeing Matt Sopher, Betsy Pantazelos

and Sam Barnum ’07. Helena and Krista

Spring 2019 | 81

CLASS NOTES

J.J. Hall ’05 as part of the centipede at Bay to Breakers in San Francisco

Krista (Glencross) Officer ’06, Hannah Hickok ’05, and Helena Scott ’06, at Hannah’s wedding rehearsal dinner in September

A scene from Carlie (Bristow) ’06 and Anthony Febo’s wedding this summer manages corporate social responsibility and environmental philanthropy programs as an independent consultant for outdoor and natural food companies. She’s been experimenting with the minimalist nomadic lifestyle for two years as she works on a book about environmental philanthropy. She loves to travel, work from her laptop in beautiful places, and explore wilderness areas as the research progresses. She recently had her first article published in Rock & Ice which

The first child of Susan (Taylor) ’05 and Garret Wasp, Jack Wilder Wasp, showing a big smile

featured the philanthropic work of free-solo

A smiley Luke Arthur Burman, the first for Hilary Nichols ’06 and David Burnman

Hannah Hickok ’05 with her brothers Lucas and Drew ’07 Hickok at her wedding in September

climber, Alex Honnold. … Kelley (Keohan) Da Silva writes, “I live in South Boston with my wonderful husband Bruno and son Oliver.

a 2:24:08 PR and second place at the Napa

Oliver is almost 18 months old and his most

Valley Marathon. I moved to San Francisco,

recent development is pushing a chair to the

joined the infamous West Valley Track Club,

countertop, climbing up, and throwing things

and ran in their centipede (10+ overaggressive

off the counter. #childproofing. He certainly

runners connected at the hip by bungee cords)

keeps things interesting, and we love watching

at the Bay to Breakers. PopShop’s coming up

him grow! I recently got promoted to senior

on its second year and growing; I’m about to

manager at BDO USA, LLP, an accounting

kick off a second company but am currently

firm here in Boston and am balancing a

in stealth mode.” … Brie (Keefe) Healy

working mom’s schedule. I see Casey Gilman

writes, “I’m still enjoying living just outside of

often and look forward to seeing her when

each gave rehearsal dinner toasts featuring

Burlington, VT and teaching in the Montpelier

my tax season is over and she stops skiing in

hilarious, nostalgic stories from our time at

area. My husband Mike and I got a puppy in

May.” … Kelley’s sister Kirsten Keohan is

Holderness. In October I was a bridesmaid in

May and she’s been a ton of fun. I still connect

“enjoying the milder winter weather down in

Krista’s wedding in York, ME, where I caught

with and hang out with Emily Sampson on a

DC for the sixth year in a row. Vicky Stigum

up with Sarah Morrison ’07 and Jaime

pretty regular basis, which is always enjoyable,

would be proud that I’ve put my Holderness

(Dusseault) Roberge ’07. Shortly after,

refreshing, and hilarious. In August I visited

math classes to good use as an analytics

my husband Jonathan and I relocated from

my sister Ally Keefe ’02, and we camped in

director at a tech startup that includes all

Brooklyn to Paris, where he’s attending grad

the Redwood forest of California. I hope all

the Silicon Valley staples—free lunch and

school, and I’m working as a freelance writer/

my fellow Bulls are doing well and will be

a ping pong table. In my free time I have

editor. In 2019, I hope to visit Ashley Saba

in touch if you ever make it to Vermont!”

done a ton of traveling, including visiting my fellow Bulls Casey Gilman—in Buffalo,

in Amsterdam and host her and many others in our new city. I would love to hear from any

’06

NY to watch the Pats crush the Bills—and

Bulls who find themselves in Paris!” … Garrett and Susan (Taylor) Wasp joyfully welcomed

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

she impressed me with her f luent Arabic!”

their son Jack Wilder Wasp into the world

Casey Gilman

… Krista (Glencross) Officer reports, “In

in January 2018. “This past year has been

Clgilman5@gmail.com

2017 I took a crash course in user experience

a wonderful adventure!” she writes. … J.J.

Helena Scott—in Amman, Jordan where

design at General Assembly in Boston and

Hall reports, “I missed out on winning my

Jess Saba splits her time between Boulder,

now am a UX designer at Liberty Mutual in

weight in wine by four seconds but snatched

CO and Waterville Valley, NH. She

Portsmouth. I am currently pursuing my MBA

82 | Holderness School Today

CLASS NOTES

Travis Roy Foundation Wiffle Ball Champions CJ ’06 and Rebecca Vincent in Venice this past November

Oram ’07 if she is lucky. She loves spending time with members of the Holderness family.

at the University of New Hampshire and will

… Casey Gilman has been living in Boston

graduate in May. In other life news, I became

and works as a senior HR manager at a private

a first-time homeowner this past summer and

equity firm in the Back Bay area: “I still

got married in October in York, ME. Hannah

see Kelley (Keohan) De Silva quite a bit in

Hickok ’05, Jaime (Dusseault) Roberge ’07,

Boston, and I met up with Kristin Keohan

Baird (Meem) Anderson had three big

and Sarah Morrison ’07 were all there to

to see the Pats/Buffalo game this past fall

life changes in 2018! She moved from NYC

help me celebrate (and my Dad even wore a

in Buffalo. Go Pats! Ashley Babcock came

to Cambridge, MA in July, began her new

Holderness tie!).” … Hilary Nichols notes, “My

to visit in August, and I hope to visit her in

job soon after as a teacher at Spruce Street

husband Dave and I have been having a blast

Jackson Hole this ski season.” … This past

Nursery School in downtown Boston, and

with our first baby, Luke, born September 28,

November CJ Vincent and his wife Rebecca

married Kyle Anderson (Gould Academy and

2018. He’s a very smiley little guy! Maternity

took a beautiful trip through Italy, hitting all

St. Lawrence University graduate) on October

leave allowed me to spend time in New

the highlights from the beaches of the Amalfi

6 in Southampton, NY. A lot of Holderness

Hampshire over the holidays, where I caught

Coast to the snowy Dolomites, Venice, Rome,

friends attended Baird and Kyle’s wedding

up with Susan (Taylor) Wasp ’05 and her son

and Pompeii to list a few. CJ even waded for

and were even a part of it! Andrew Grace

Jack, and Tai Haluszka. I’m missing the days

40 minutes through a foot of water in Venice

’09 officiated the wedding, Haley Hamblin

when Blair (Thompson) Bruning and Anne

just to make sure he didn’t miss any gym

was a bridesmaid, and Greg Ramey was an

Richardson were also in NYC but thankful to

time while traveling. … Jesse Straus reports,

usher. The best weekend of 2018 (besides her

stay in touch over text and phone!” … Bruce

“I’m currently working in New York City at

wedding) was Holderness School’s reunion

Hamlin is living in Boulder and coaching

Summit Golf Brands and living in Stamford,

weekend in June! The class of ’08 had an

skiing again. … “2018 was a big year for me!”

CT with my fiancée Madison and our pup

amazing turn out, and they did not stop

writes Carlie (Bristow) Febo. “I got married

Lambert. Madison and I are getting married

smiling and laughing all weekend. Baird loved

in June to long-time Holderness Artward

on Martha’s Vineyard this October and are

getting to know other alumni during reunion

Bound teacher Anthony Febo. Franz Nicolay,

expecting a f lawless toast from classmate and

as well (especially the class of ’88)! She can’t

who we both consider a mentor, married us.

groomsman Ben Trook (no pressure, Ben).”

wait for the next Holderness gathering! …

Cambria (Hempton) Brockman ’07 was our wedding photographer. We also had many

Kory Himmer ’07 and his wife Kristina

This year Haley Hamblin left New York after

’07

five great years and moved to Washington,

family and friends as part of our day who are also Holderness alumni! It was an amazing

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

and very much appreciated. She had the

day saying ‘I do’ on the coast of Maine. I also

Annie Hanson

honor of being a bridesmaid in Baird (Meem)

recently made the leap into freelance life as

annie.e.hanson@gmail.com

Anderson’s wedding in October. Somehow

a photographer, educator, and community

DC. The change of pace was much needed

the two AirBnB’s she rented weren’t trashed by

organizer. I’m still living and working in

Kristina and Kory Himmer are expecting

Greg Ramey, Ax Hayssen ’07, Alex Osborne,

Cambridge, MA.” … Ashley Babcock is living

their first child this February and are excited

Polly Babcock, James O’Leary ’09, Andrew

in Jackson, W Y, where she frequently gets to

to start a new chapter of their lives.

Grace ’09, Jaclyn Vernet ’11, Brittany Dove,

spend time with Ryan Walters, Alex Martini, Ryan Caspar ’05, Ben Peters, and Tory

Annie Carney, Dan Marvin, and Gretchen

’08

Hyslip. Judging by the ten-year reunion, it’s a

Hayssen (who moved to Tahoe this past year).

Ashley has been teaching middle and high

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

in Denmark with her husband’s family.

school math at Teton Science Schools and has

Baird (Meem) Anderson

Home is still in Montréal! She is a designer/

recently started ski patrolling for Jackson Hole

bairdmeem@gmail.com

project manager and is working on various

Mountain Resort. She hopes to lead outdoor

Jessi White

construction projects in Montréal. Sacha is

adventure trips this summer for NOLS, where

white.jessica.madigan@gmail.com

very excited to buy her first rental property

she might get to spend some time with Katie

miracle. … Sacha Gouchie spent the holidays

with her husband, hopefully very soon! …

Spring 2019 | 83

CLASS NOTES

A scene from Allison (Stride) ’09 and Michael Lloyd’s wedding: James O’Leary ’09, Sarah (Stride) Bloomingdales ’11, Jack Dings ’09, Lina Encalada ’09, Allison and Michael, Holly Block ’09, George Weaver ’09, and Lauren Stride ’13

A big Holderness crew celebrating the marriage of Baird (Meem) ’08 and Kyle Anderson. Pictured (L-R): James O’Leary ’09, Andrew Grace ’09, Jaclyn Vernet ’11, Greg Ramey ’08, Brittany Dove ’08, Haley Hamblin ’08, Craig Leach ’08, Baird, Halsey Meem ’08, Alex Osborne ’08, Dan Marvin ’08, Polly Babcock ’08, Ax Hayssen ’07, Gretchen Hyslip ’08, and Annie Carney ’08 Greg Ramey is still living in New York City and has run into Holderness grads from coast to coast (shoutout to San Francisco: Ax

Bride Kathryn Cheng ’08 and bridesmaid Haley Wilich ’08

Hayssen ’07, Wyatt Fowler ’09, Molly Nissi

weddings of college and Holderness friends

’06). Greg’s former roommate, James O’Leary

recently. … Jessica White is still living in

’09, abruptly moved to Boston and left Dan

Quincy, MA and is working as the contract

Marvin and Greg to fend for themselves in

manager at her family’s construction company

the big city. James, we miss you. The Class

in Boston: “I had a great time seeing Big Sam’s

of 2008’s 10-year reunion was a memorable

Funky Nation with Annie Carney and Baird

one, as was Baird (Meem) Anderson’s

(Meem) Anderson this fall, where we ran into

wedding in October, both filled with tons of

former faculty Dave Lockwood and his son

old Holderness friends—too many to name!

John Lockwood ’03. Coincidentally, I also

… Jeremy Larrere lives in Hollywood and is

spent New Year’s Eve with Dave Murison ’05.

still acting and writing. He has been a casting

I’m looking forward to spending more time

associate for several feature films including

with Holderness alumni in the new year.” …

the live action Little Mermaid, Anastasia,

Polly Babcock has been living and working

lots of Holderness grads. I still live in the best

Reborn, and some Hallmark films. … Haley

in Denver for over two years. She started a

city in the world (NYC), but unfortunately

Wilich is enjoying leaning into the good life in

photography and archiving business in 2016

after losing Baird to Boston, James O’Leary

and around her home base of Portsmouth, NH.

from the foundational skills she built in the

’09 followed. Fortunately, Greg Ramey and

She’s an account manager at Cobalt Benefits

photography industry in New York City. She

I are still holding down the fort and getting

Group, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA

currently has two corporate clients, Vail

into trouble like the Connell days. I’m looking

subsidiary, and has her sights set on a health

Resorts and Starz, plus local artists and a

forward to 2019 and the possibility of an

insurance broker role in the field of self-

museum that have hired her to photograph

Andrew Grace ’09 return to his homeland.”

funded employee benefit plans. She’s found

and build a digital library for their marketing

… Right now, Christina Tierney is living in

that her industry colleagues aren’t quite used

purposes. She’s happy to be back in her home

Madrid, Spain, where she is teaching English.

to, but completely welcome, her energy, humor,

state, close to her mom. Polly attended her

This will be her fifth year living abroad.

and antics. Since leaving metropolitan life in

10-year high school reunion at Holderness last

She is currently working on her master’s in

DC and Boston, Haley has rediscovered her

summer (2018) and Baird (Meem) Anderson’s

international education. She always looks

love of skiing, hiking, driving on 101 and 95,

wedding in October 2018. … Kathryn Cheng

forward to the summers when she comes back

and, most importantly, beaching. … Ryan (RJ)

married Christopher Sullivan on September

to visit. … Fun news in the life of Landry Frei:

O’Riordan is going to school at the University

8, 2018 in Napa California. She was thrilled

PricewaterhouseCoopers transferred Landry

of New Hampshire, studying for a JD and

that best friend Haley Wilich was her maid of

from their Greensboro, NC office to Salt Lake

an MBA. He’s been living in Portsmouth,

honor. Kathryn and her husband are planning

City, UT in February. Landry is excited about

NH and working at Waterville Valley and

to move from San Francisco back to Boston

the move and happy to be back West near

snowboarding. … Craig Leach was relocated

this year. … “2018 was a great year and I had

family and wide-open spaces. Hit Landry

to Chicago for work and has been there since

a blast at the 10-year reunion in June,” writes

up if you are ever out that way. It’s always a

September of 2018. He just got a six-month-

Dan Marvin. “Another memorable weekend

good spot to stop over for some skiing or on

old puppy and has enjoyed attending many

was Baird (Meem) Anderson’s wedding with

your way to all the national parks in Utah.

84 | Holderness School Today

Toby Harriman ’09, Marion Thurston ’10, and Tizzy Brown ’10 caught up with each other in San Francisco just this past February

Elise (Steiner) ’10 and Michael Hacker rocking the Holderness banner post “I do’s” at their wedding this summer

’10 CLASS CORRESPONDENTS John McCoy

’09

johnsmccoy92@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

elisehsteiner@gmail.com

Elise Steiner

Allison (Stride) Lloyd astride@elon.edu

Tizzy Brown is running a non-profit called Global Women’s Innovation Network with the

Lina Encalada sent in some updates on Holly

help of Eliza Cowie ’12. … Emily Pettengill

Block, Ally (Stride) Lloyd and herself. Ally

writes, “I started graduate school in the fall

married her college sweetheart, Michael

and am pursuing a master’s in mental health

Lloyd, in September in Littleton, NH. They

counseling from Boston College. I also work

just purchased their first house right outside

part time at the Boston College Career Center

of Charlotte, NC. Lina currently lives in

and supervise a team of undergraduate

Durham, NC with her fiancé, Tyler. She works

students who provide career services to other

for a leading software company, Red Hat,

students. I live in Allston, and this summer I

which was just acquired by IBM for $33.4B!

plan to travel to Peru with a program through

She is excited to get married in October 2019

which I will gain more competency working

in Durham, NC. Holly Block moved to Denver,

with Spanish-speaking clients; in August

’11

CO in September and got engaged shortly after

2019 I will start my clinical internship.” …

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

in December. Ally, Lina and Alyssa Block ’07

Nathan McBeath is currently working as

Cecily Cushman

were there to celebrate her engagement! She

a finance consultant at Deloitte in Boston,

cncushman@gmail.com

has been enjoying her first Colorado winter

“progressing through the career landscape

Amanda Engelhardt

skiing the slopes! … James O’Leary reports

and fitting in fun and travel when able.” …

amanda.engelhardt29@gmail.com

from a new city, “I just moved to Boston

Elise (Steiner) Hacker reports, “In August

Jamie McNulty

and started working for WS Development, a

of 2018, I married my husband, Michael

jamcnulty20@gmail.com

Boston-based real estate developer. I sadly

Hacker, and as if that wasn’t exciting enough,

ended a four-year run living with Greg Ramey

six weeks later we moved to New York City!

Madde Burnham spent New Year’s Eve

’08 in NYC; not much has changed since our

We’re currently living in Manhattan and

skiing at Big Sky with Margaret Thibadeau,

Rathbun days. I had the privilege of going to

soaking up all the city has to offer, including

Nick Renzi ’12, and Emily Hayes: “I’m

two Holderness weddings this fall for Ally

reconnecting with fellow Holderness alumni.

living in Denver and I love being able to ski

(Stride) Lloyd and Baird (Meem) Anderson

We’re looking forward to skiing in New

every weekend. I see Emily Starer in Aspen

’08. Both celebrations were a blast! I am

England this winter and hopefully seeing

frequently as well as Macy Jones ’13 in

heading up to Canada this weekend with Jack

some of you on the slopes!” … “I moved to

Telluride.” … Jamie McNulty writes, “I’ve

Dings, Chris Grilk, Dave Grilk, George

Minneapolis, MN to pursue a marketing role

recently settled in Park City, UT and am

Weaver, and Jake McPhee to see Chris

with Diageo,” notes Wes Mitchell-Lewis.

working at a logistics company in town and

Borsoi. We are all looking forward to coming

“I will be staying in the Twin Cities for the

trying to maintain status as a ski bum in

back to campus for our 10-year reunion and

foreseeable future after changing jobs and

Alta. I have been trying to save up some cash

would love to congratulate Holly Block and

beginning with BI Worldwide as the national

to do some more traveling around the West

Lina Encalada on their recent engagements!”

event manager of experiential marketing.”

Coast. If anyone is in Utah, let me know!”

Emily Hayes ’11, Nick Renzi ’12, Margaret Thibadeau ’11, and Maddie Burnham ’11 celebrating the new year together in Big Sky, MT

… Emily Hayes and Juliet Dalton hosted a little impromptu Holderness holiday party at

Spring 2019 | 85

CLASS NOTES

Nathan McBeath ’10 and his girlfriend Kelsey

Emily Hayes ’11 and Juliet Dalton ’11 hosted a little impromptu Holderness holiday party: Nathan McBeath ’10, Sam Devine ’11, Emily, Charlotte Noyes ’11, Amanda Englehart ’11, Juliet, Chandler Grisham ’11, Sam Nungesser ’11, Cecily Cushman ’11, and Caleb McDermott ’13

CLASS NOTES

Jingyi Wu ’14 and one of her college professors at graduation

Julia Potter ’12, Kristina Micalizzi ’12, and Sara Mogollon ’12 meeting up in NYC

Dorothy Brill (mom), Jack Brill ’17, Camilla (Ketola) Brill ’17, and Cooper Brill ’20

Elena Bird writes in all the way from Palestine: “Greetings from Ramallah!

I’m in the midst of a year-long fellowship

’15

looking at natural resource use and its

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

their apartment in Boston this past December

socio-political implications in a few different

Hope Heffernan

with Nathan McBeath ’10, Sam Devine,

regions around the world. I’ve been in Israel

hopeheffernan@gmail.com

Charlotte Noyes, Amanda Engelhardt,

and Palestine since September working

Chandler Grisham, Sam Nungesser, Cecily

with an environmental group that brings

Cushman, and Caleb McDermott ’13.

together Israelis and Palestinians to do

’16

transboundary projects and research. It’s

Want to connect with your classmates?

been inspiring and challenging and needless

Consider becoming a class correspondent

to say I am learning so much every day.”

and encouraging your classmates to

’12

reconnect in the HST class notes.

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS Alex Leininger

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org

leiningerbalex@gmail.com

’14

Kristina Micalizzi

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

kmicalizzi08@gmail.com

CoCo Clemens

Julia Thulander spent her summer

Steph Symecko

coco@americanrhino.com

collecting data on whales during an

ssymecko@gmail.com

Tess O’Brien

internship with the Blue Ocean Society.

tobrien@brooksschool.org

As an intern for the marine conservation

Peter Ferrante reports, “After moving to

for more information. Thank you!

nonprofit, she observed ocean life from

Washington, DC in the summer of 2017

Rebecca Begley is in an accelerated nursing

a whale-watching boat off the coasts of

with my girlfriend and puppy, I have begun

program at Massachusetts General Hospital

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

working in Admissions at Saint Andrew’s

Institute of Health. … Mikaela Wall is

Episcopal School in Potomac, MD! It is a

working at demandDrive in Waltham, MA

wonderful school that reminds me so much

as a sales development rep and living in

’17

of Holderness!” … Nathaniel Lamson

Boston with Suzanna “Sookie” Liddle (her

CLASS CORRESPONDENT

graduated from Hamilton College in 2016,

ninth-grade-year roommate at Holderness).

Elizabeth Johansson

taught math at Millbrook School in 2016–

… Eliana Mallory is moving to Lyon,

ecjohansson17@gmail.com

2017, and is now attending UPenn Dental

France to work as a teaching assistant at

School (2017-2019). … Stephanie Symecko

the University de Lyon for a year! … Jingyi

Jack Brill and Camilla (Ketola) Brill were

writes, “I’m still loving working and living

Wu is a research technician at Dana-Farber

married in Cape Town, South Africa in

in Austin, TX (minus the lack of snow)! I

Cancer Institute in Boston. … Suzanna

August. They both attend Clarkson University

ran into classmate Michael Gassman in

“Sookie” Liddle is attending a post-

in Potsdam, NY. … “I’m continuing my

Houston over Thanksgiving; if there are

baccalaureate pre-medical program at

passion for women in STEM which started

any other alumni in Texas, let me know.”

Northeastern. … Reed Carpenter writes, “I

at Holderness and am majoring in math

graduated from Colby in May, and I’m now

and minoring in gender studies,” writes

’13

working in growth strategy for a financial

Hannah Fernandes. “Next semester I will

tech startup in NYC.” … Mathew Thomas

be conducting an independent research

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS

is working towards a provincial surveying

project on women in the classroom, and the

Kelly DiNapoli

license in Ontario. … Celeste Holland is still

differences in classroom dynamics by gender.”

kelldinap@gmail.com

at St. Lawrence University: “I am excited

… Brooke Hayes reports, “I am currently in

to see everyone at reunion this summer!”

my sophomore year at College of Charleston in South Carolina. I must admit I am missing

86 | Holderness School Today

CLASS NOTES

Sophie Sengpiel ’18 performing in the guard of honor for Cologne during Karneval in Germany

Ethan Hayes ’21 visiting his big sister Brooke Hayes ’17 at the College of Charleston where she is a sophomore

Caitlin Blinkhorn ’18 and her roommate, Sydney, at the Beaver Creek World Cup in Beaver Creek, CO

the snow during the holiday season, but I can’t say I miss the cold! It’s hard to believe I survived nights at -30 on Out Back, and now I shiver when it dips below 50. On another note, I just finished an EMT course and found an absolute love for the fast-paced world of pre-hospital care. I have my sights set on f light nursing, so we shall see how my endeavors go! I still ref lect on my Holderness

Bee McLaughlin ’18 and Meg Gillis ’19 cheering on Lila Schibli ’18 as she races in Stowe, VT

experience and will be forever grateful.” … Celine Yam was selected for the Levitt

ski and work at some really fun venues!” …

Leadership Institute in 2019 at Hamilton

Lolo Zabaleta has been on a gap year before

College. The two-week intensive leadership

college, traveling and working, including a

training program offers Hamilton students

stint on a local senate race this fall. … Ben

the opportunity to develop and practice

Lash has also been on a gap year; he is ski

their traditional dress, host performances and

personal leadership skills in the context

racing and hoping to race Division I in college

acrobatics, and participate in all the parades

of their individual career interests, with a

next year. … Harley Michaels writes that

and celebrations between January 1 and Ash

focus on developing a global mindset, ethical

Alex Gagnon and he are roommates again

Wednesday. While there are many groups of

behaviors, and regard for the public good.

as they are playing junior hockey in Ontario.

both adults and children, I participate in one

… Sophie Sengpiel reports, “It’s Karneval

of the traditional guards that was founded

’18

in Germany (Mardi Gras German style),

in 1902. It’s a wonderful time and I am so

and I am a member of the guard of honor

excited to be part of this tradition!” n

Want to connect with your classmates?

for Cologne, which is a huge honor! To help

Consider becoming a class correspondent

celebrate Karneval, the guards of honor adorn

Abby Wiseman ’18 and Lolo Zabaleta ’18 on a backcountry ski trip in Bozeman, MT

and encouraging your classmates to reconnect in the HST class notes.

Contact us at alumni@holderness.org for more information. Thank you!

Ryan Trieu is “Chillin’ in college.” … Caitlin Blinkhorn writes, “I am quite excited about my new internship at Ski Racing Media, where I have been hired as an editorial intern. I am working on stories focused on FIS and younger athletes; I have also had the opportunity to talk to an array of talented

SHARE YOUR NEWS! Have you recently encountered a milestone in your life?

Share your news with your classmates! Please contact us at alumni@holderness.org.

racers. Being in Colorado has allowed me to

Spring 2019 | 87

AT THIS POINT IN TIME

MOUNTAIN DAY RENEWAL

BY EMILY MAGNUS ’88

L

ook through the archives or read any number of historical accounts about Holderness School, and

you will find countless references to Mountain Day. It’s a tradition born out of a desire to explore and pursue adventures but also to seek spiritual connections to and appreciation for the natural world.

The earliest references to Mountain Day are recorded in Three-Quarter Mark, a history of the first 75 years of Holderness, written by former Headmaster Edric Weld in 1954. In the 1930s, “the school was small enough and the faculty young enough for all to go; only the rare student [with a football injury] stayed behind with ‘Mom’ Holbrook, or later with Mrs. Petty. The earliest mountain days were made doubly significant because Bishop Dallas climbed with us, and afterward invited everyone to Bethlehem for refreshments” (pg 26).

Three-Quarter Mark also describes “Cranmore Days” when all students would travel to Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH in the early 1950s for three days of skiing and skating. In another hand-written account from 1973, one student attests to a clean-up day around the Three Ponds area: “This is to duly record that 163 boys from Holderness School, plus some 15 faculty and White Mountain National Forest men, carried out almost 2 TONS of trash on the morning of our first Mountain Day in some five years.”

The five-year hiatus referenced above was not the only break in the Mountain Day tradition; there have been several long stretches when Mountain Day did not take place, including from 1984-2001. When Phil Peck became head of school in 2001, he tried to reclaim the important tradition. “In groups of eight students and two faculty,” he shares, “the ninth graders did Welch and Dickey, the tenth graders Osceola, the eleventh graders Moosilauke, and the seniors Lafayette. Each

88 | Holderness School Today

group had trash bags and a public purpose, but the Forest Service still objected to 70+ kids on any one mountain.”

After two years Mountain Day was again canceled.

This year Director of the Outdoor Programs Erik Thatcher and Chaplain Joshua Hill tried again and this year found success. “The goal of this year’s Mountain Day was to not only bring it back but to make it more intentional,” says Erik. “A number of studies I’ve read in the past year have shown that the learning potential from wilderness and nature experiences is greater if students are given a specific lens through which to view the experience beforehand.”

With this in mind, Mountain Day began with a service at the Stickney Chapel in Bretton Woods. Built by Carolyn Stickney in 1906 in memory of her husband Joseph Stickney—who built the Mount Washington Hotel—the Stickney Chapel is crafted of New Hampshire granite and is decorated with oak furniture and Tiffany stained-glass windows.

From this backdrop, Joshua and Erik talked about our spiritual connection to natural landscapes and encouraged students to ref lect on their relationship with nature.

The renewal of Mountain Day was even more special this year because it is the 100th anniversary of the White Mountain National Forest. Established through Executive Order 1499 by President Woodrow Wilson on May 16, 1918, the White Mountain National Forest covers nearly 800,000 acres and attracts several million visitors every year.

It’s never easy getting 300+ people moving in the same direction, but for Erik and Joshua the effort was worth it.

From the summit of Mount Washington to the banks of the Saco River, the Holderness community experienced the true beauty of New Hampshire and began again an important tradition that will hopefully be in place for years to come. n

SUMMER IS HERE AND YOU NEED SUNGLASSES! WE HAVE JUST WHAT YOU NEED. INTRODUCING OUR SUSTAINABLE GIVING INITIATIVE, SUSTAIN-A-BULL. The Sustain-a-BULL initiative allows Holderness donors to give on a recurring monthly basis.

Here are the top reasons to sign up for Sustain-a-BULL giving: 1. Never forget to give to your favorite school.

2. Reduce paper and email appeals.

3. Sustain a Bull (student) for real.

4. The Holderness Fund accounts for 10% of everything that is Holderness.

5. Breaking up your annual gift over 12 monthly payments allows you to make an ongoing impact at Holderness School.

6. You get a new pair of cool Holderness sunglasses.

GO TO WWW.GIVETOHOLDERNESS.ORG TO SIGN UP TODAY!

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Finn Pilaro ’19 working on a self-portrait during Studio Practices