Holland Hall Magazine Fall/Winter 2012

OLLAND HALL TM

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS FALL / WINTER

2012

MAGAZINE

legacy Families alumni share stories that

connect generations.

My Uganda Experience

by Janice Moore ’72

Experiential Education

by Joel Bicknell

Homecoming 2012

2012-2013 Holland Hall Board of Trustees Keith C. Goddard ’87 Chair

Rhonda Chastang J.W. Craft

Roger B. Collins Vice Chair, Chair Elect David Keglovits Secretary

Matthew S. Farris Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Bill G. Freudenrich

Charles K. Lamson Treasurer

Elizabeth G. Hagans

Susannah Hocutt Adelson ’85

Robert L. Hughes ’84

Philip B. Allen ’73

Courtney Latta Knoblock

Britani Bowman

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny Diocesan Bishop

Clint E. Brumble ’93 Alumni Association President

Frederick P. Koontz ’81 Kenneth D. Busby ’85 Tammie L. Maloney Geoffrey C. Butler Harold W. Salisbury Kimberly Campbell Parents’ Association President

Margret H. Warren ’82

ADMINISTRATION Richard Hart Interim Headmaster

Henry Finch ’76 Director of Technology

Joel Bicknell Head of Middle School

Steve Heldebrand Athletic Director

Charlie Brown Interim Director of Institutional Advancement Dennis Calkins Head of Upper School

Leslie Kelly Chief Financial Officer Olivia Martin Interim Director of Admission and Financial Aid

Brent Casey Interim Director of College Counseling

Jo-An Vargo Head of Primary School

Steve Dyer Director of the Walter Arts Center and Fine Arts

Holland Hall Magazine is a biannual publication.

Holland Hall is an independent coeducational college preparatory school affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma serving students from 3-year-olds through 12th grade.

The School shall provide equal opportunity in education and employment for all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military service, sexual orientation or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

2

Content 4

From the Interim Headmaster

5

Holland Hall Happenings

6

A Legacy of Value

by J.P. Culley, Head of School Elect

8

School News

12

My Uganda Experience

by Janice Moore ’72

16

Spotlight: Mrs. Lynnelle Snowbarger

by CiCi Zhou ’13, Holland Hall Student

17

Grandparents and Special Friends Days 2012

18

Experiential Education

by Joel Bicknell

FALL / WINTER

2012

OLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

TM

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS

20

Development News

22

29

Legacy Families: Holland Hall Alumni Share Stories that Connect Generations

30

From the President of the Alumni Association

31

Class Notes

37

Alumni Homecoming

38

Dutch Sports Review

39

Focus on Arts

Chaplain’s Corner

OLLAND HALL TM

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS FALL / WINTER

2012

MAGAZINE

legacy Families alumni share stories that

connect generations.

My Uganda Experience

by Janice Moore ’72

Experiential Education

Cover photo courtesy Susan Pray '85 Rainey.

Thank you to contributing photographers: Shirley Sokolosky, Michele McManus, Greg Spencer ’99 and many parent volunteers.

Holland Hall Magazine welcomes letters to the editor on subjects raised within the pages of the magazine. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include a name, address and daytime telephone number with all correspondence.

Address changes, corrections or omissions and material for publication are also welcome.

on the cover Legacy Family Michael & Cara Shimkus '84 Hall, Joseph '21 & Alexander '24.

Holland Hall Magazine Institutional Advancement 5666 East 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137-2099 Phone: (918) 481-1111 Fax: (918) 879-4793 Questions concerning the magazine, please contact Liz Anderson, Director of Communication at landerson@hollandhall.org.

Questions concerning alumni, please contact Christy Utter '92, Director of Alumni Relations at cutter@hollandhall.org.

For more information about Holland Hall and the Office of Institutional Advancement, visit www.hollandhall.org.

by Joel Bicknell

Homecoming 2012

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

3

From the Interim Headmaster

L

eading an admission tour at Holland Hall is a joy for me because it provides the visitors a glimpse of the remarkable energy that flows through the halls on a daily basis and reminds me of why Holland Hall is a special place. When preparing for a tour with prospective parents who are alumni of Holland Hall, I always schedule extended time — not because of the pace of the walking, but because graduates of the school recognize so many of their former teachers and spontaneous conversations about “the good, old days” occur. It is not uncommon for visiting alumni to walk into a former Primary School classroom and become emotional as memories of early school experiences sweep through their minds.

However, ultimately, these conversations and memories are only that much more pleasant with the knowledge that now as parents, they can share the Holland Hall experience with their child.

“.. every family plays an important role in continuing the school’s legacy and ensuring that the next generation of students has not just the same experiences, but even greater ones.”

Annually at Commencement, an impressive list of the names is read of the graduating seniors whose families have been a part of the school for two or more generations. These legacy families are prominent pillars of the Holland Hall community, possessing an invaluable institutional knowledge that is the backbone of the school.

Collectively, these families understand the school’s cultural literacy, such as the move from Midtown Tulsa to 81st Street, the evolution of Field Day and contests between Sakawas and Wanatas, and the establishment of the different branches of the school. The school’s history and each family’s history become inextricably intertwined with stories and memories, which make them that much richer. Current students of alumni grow to appreciate that they share memories with their parents or even grandparents who may have attended Holland Hall. This connection is valuable and important because as our alumni become actively involved with the school, it is assured that change and progress will always be rooted in tradition and understanding of the school’s history. It is with this in mind, that I thank our many alumni who not only support Holland Hall through the Annual Fund, but also actively participate and volunteer at various school events and projects. Your involvement is important.

While this issue of the Holland Hall Magazine recognizes our many Legacy Families, please keep in mind that regardless of whether or not your family has been at Holland Hall for generations, every Richard P. Hart Interim Headmaster family plays an important role in continuing the school’s legacy and ensuring that the next generation of students has not just the same experiences, but even greater ones. I hope the next time you walk around campus, whether as a parent, alumni or grandparent, that you will, as I always am, be reminded of many pleasant memories and be filled with anticipation of many more to come.

Sincerely,

Richard P. Hart Interim Headmaster

4

Holland Hall Happenings

Welcome Back - First Week of School: Upper School students Jackson Goddard ’15 and Matthew Burke ’15 sit in the Commons before heading to class.

Dutch Spirit Night: Claire Sherburn ’19, Caroline Kelly ’19 and Caroline Kane ’19 smile for the camera at Dutch Spirit Night.

Senior Class of 2013: The start of the school theme selected by the Class of 2013 was “Welcome to the Circus”.

Convocation: Kelsey Marr ’16 and Erin May ’17 during the annual Convocation assembly.

Hilarious Hair Day in Kindergarten: Parker Zahn ’25, Lauren Roberds ’25 and Julia Roark ’25 celebrate the letter “H”.

All School Picnic 2012: Brecklyn McFadden ’24 and Primary School faculty Shannon McFadden enjoy the fun-filled evening which brought the entire school together with more than 1,000 people attending.

Primary School Night: PS students put on a wonderful performance on Friday, September 14 before the HH vs. Casady football game.

Second Grade Fair: Ella O’Brian ’23, Macy Muir ’23 and other second graders present their own fair booths and exhibits.

Field Day: Eve Adelson ’18, Ali Bovasso ’18 and Zoe Weinstein ’18 purchase more tickets from Interim Headmaster Richard Hart during Field Day.

Team Up with College Counseling: Rebecca Larsen NYU Rep and Brent Casey spoke to parents about the college admission process.

X Day at the Upper School: Upper School student David Graybill ’13 helps Middle School students Jaxon Castillo ’20 and Breanna Lewis ’20 work on a project as part of X Day.

Cross Country at SPC: Nathan Stewart ’13, Collin Campbell ’13 and Michael Barton ’13 stop running long enough to smile for a camera at SPC.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

5

A Legacy of Value

A

Head of school elect holland hall

computer that literally could not leave the desk without serious consideration and effort adorned a small teacher workspace arranged in the math and science lab where I would spend much of the first three years of my teaching career.

Slick whiteboards surrounded the classroom, and three Mac computers were arranged in small stations where my students tackled projects and researched on the internet.

But the most important aspect of the classroom, the part that helped classify it as a “21st Century Classroom” and made it the envy of any other independent school science and math lab in the area, was situated toward the front of the room. A giant, unwieldy three-tiered cart housed a laserdisc player, another Mac computer, and the mother of them all: an enormous monitor for displaying what was on the computer or the laserdisc player. Now, we might call it the dawn of PowerPoint syndrome. Back then, it was about as cutting edge as it got. (So long overhead projectors.)

Curricular design a decade-and-a-half ago gave much thought to how new technologies in the classroom might change the student experience. Indeed, one of our most popular curricular evening events for parents featured third-grade presentations on various space topics. They organized all of their research findings in a predecessor to PowerPoint called Inspiration. Complete with dramatic sound effects and pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope students found on the web, they dazzled parents with facts they could barely understand and charged them “to continue to look onward as the infinite nature of space can only expand our imaginations!”

Needless to say, the 21st Century classroom played a key role in preparing for the evening.

A significant investment in technology for the room and vast amounts of class time begs the question: So what did they actually learn? Apart from some of the basic facts, most students, now, recall learning how to make a PowerPoint-like presentation and the measure of time required to download high quality images like the ones

6

J.P. Culley

from Hubble. (Back then, the answer was often several minutes.) While getting onto the stage helped alleviate some stage fright, for the most part the bullets they worked from stifled their public speaking skills. Too, they spent an awful lot of time finding just the right transition sound and effect. Educational minutes matter, and, even at the earliest stages of my career, I had to ask if the proverbial juice was worth the squeeze when it came to what students learned or knew how to do.

21st Century classrooms, as they were called, no longer exist.

The theme for this issue is legacy families. An important part of any independent school, legacies tell multigenerational stories about how things used to be and how the experience of school shaped who they are and how they choose to serve their families and the broader community. Those stories play an important role in the lives of current students. Indeed, mistakes of years past tend to sculpt a better decision here or there. The sacrifices made and anecdotes illustrating critical times in the lives of former Holland Hall students foster a sense of opportunity and an even stronger sense of purpose in the current classes, I am sure. Reflecting on those experiences and sharing them with the next generation function as an important currency in independent schools.

Indeed, they become memes that ensure the possibility of change is grounded in a history of experiences that informs what the next steps should be. Every family’s story is an important part of this school. Suffice it to say that without them Holland Hall would not continue to play an important part in the growth and development of the broader community of learners and alumni. So my questions to you are these: What are the experiences of years past with enduring value to what awaits the Class of

“Along with families, a place like Holland Hall instills, indeed challenges, our students to discover the best in themselves.”

2013? And will they be the same for the Class of 2028?

During an interview with Charlie Rose, famed Chief Executive Officer of Cisco, John Chambers, talked about the way Cisco thrived during the 2008 recession. He focused Cisco on constantly reinventing themselves to better meet customer needs and the shifting marketplace.

He expounded that much of what they have done at Cisco has played a huge role in his own life. Chambers continually finds ways to learn things anew — to counter his own assumptions and lay to rest what’s known for what is unknown. I paused at the notion, worried that such dramatic shifts could allow a company, or a person for that matter, to run astray of essential values and ideals. My own reflections on the question eventually led me to the growing importance that schools like ours play in the lives of children. Along with families, a place like Holland Hall instills, indeed challenges, our students to discover the best in themselves. That challenge serves as a foundation for the confidence necessary to abide by their own set of values, while continuing to refresh and intrigue their minds with what’s to come and what’s to be had by living a purposeful, giving life. My own reservations about the personal implications in Chambers’ statement relaxed in the promise that the Holland Hall community “An important part has on the lives of its graduates — a of any independent promise made evident by the stories in these school, legacies tell pages. Grounded in the questioning that a multigenerational liberal arts education instills, a continual stories about how sense of renewal is undoubtedly a good things used to be and mindset for our how the experience graduates to have.

of school shaped who they are and how they choose to serve their families and the broader community.”

As we celebrate our legacy families and the legacy of Holland Hall, let’s also give thought to the coming legacy of the Class of 2028, the children who will commence toward college just 15 short years from this academic year’s

conclusion. I leave you with these questions on their behalf — questions that I hope will encourage inquiry in you. How will our focus on excellence in all domains, as we renew and refresh, shape how they choose to engage the world? What will become of the lessons they learn from the stories and experiences shared by, and with, their teachers, their families, and the legacies of this place?

How will we know if this school experience matters beyond what we hope? Will our spiritual approach, through which Judeo-Christian values challenge all of us to become more empathic, more forgiving, and more understanding, grow in importance with how it shapes our students’ sense of self and belief in others? How can we help engender in them a sense of hope, of fortitude, of good humor, and of centeredness that we know to be essential already? And, finally, how do we prepare ourselves as a school, now, for their future that is yet to be seen?

Two things I know for sure: We’ll be well beyond PowerPoints and how to download things from the internet.

Holland Hall announced on October 18, 2012 that Jared P. Culley will be the next head of school effective July 1, 2013.

J.P. Culley is the associate head of school at St. George's Independent School in Germantown, Tenn. St. George's is a prekindergarten through 12th grade school with more than 1,100 students on three campuses in Germantown, Memphis and Collierville.

Before he was associate head of school at St. George's, Culley was a science teacher, coach, director of academic studies, upper school director, academic dean and interim middle school director.

J.P. Culley and his wife Mary, a fellow educator, have a four-year-old son named Louie. Mary Culley recently completed her tenth year of teaching and advising at St. George’s Independent School. She has taught Spanish from kindergarten through the AP Spanish language level and currently serves as an AP exam reader for the College Board.

“With great anticipation, we look forward to the experience of simultaneously becoming Tulsans and Dutch,” said J.P. Culley.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

7

School News Hardesty Field Renovations Benefit Students The installation of an artificial turf and renovation of the façade and signage of the school’s stadium bleachers was completed August 2012, allowing student athletes to begin fall practices on the new turf.

“The summer was busy, but we are thrilled with how smoothly this project went,” said Steve Heldebrand, Athletic Director at Holland Hall.

“It all came together and Hardesty Field looks amazing.”

The project was made possible by the Hardesty Family Foundation’s major gift of $905,000 to the school this past spring. The project began in May 2012 and ended with the Hardesty Field dedication on Friday, September 14 before the first home football game.

“We are grateful to the Hardesty Family Foundation for their generosity,” said Richard Hart, Interim Headmaster. “It is wonderful to see our students benefiting from these upgrades.”

Roger Hardesty joins the team captains for the opening coin toss at the first home football game on Hardesty Field.

Holland Hall Arts Faculty Laurie Spencer and Mazen Abufadil Exhibit in the Holliman Gallery Holland Hall arts faculty Laurie Spencer and Mazen Abufadil exhibited their ceramic and visual art in the Walter Arts Center’s Holliman Gallery August 21 through October 19, 2012. The Holland Hall community and the general public had the opportunity to visit with the artists at the artists reception held Thursday, September 6.

8

Cheer Squad Collects Donations for Oklahoma Fire Victims The Holland Hall Cheer Squad and friends collected donations in early August for Oklahoma wildfire victims, filling three SUV’s and several cars full of much needed items such as paper goods, pet food, diapers, canned foods and toiletries. The items were taken to the KVOO radio station. Hundreds of Oklahomans in at least four counties were evacuated and/or lost their homes. Authorities had to close parts of Interstate 44, the main roadway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa before the fire was contained.

School News

Five Holland Hall Seniors Semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program Five Holland Hall seniors qualified as National Merit Semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program: Michael Barton, Philip Gamble, Sarah Keglovits, Nick Weaver, Cici Zhou. More than 1.5 million high school juniors nationwide took the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) in October 2011. Of this number, the top one half of one percent qualify to become semifinalists.

15,000 of the highest performers were recently designated Semifinalists. Semifinalists are the highest scorers in each of the 50 states and represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors. They will be competing for 8,400 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring.

Historical Learning As part of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, over the summer, Holland Hall student Joshua Parrack visited the Constitutional Academy, the nation’s premier program for high school students to study the Constitution. Parrack read the Founding documents and discussed the ideals of the American Founding with 57 other students from across the country and constitutional scholars in Washington D.C. “This was a wonderful experience for me because I got to meet kids all across the nation that shared my passion for learning about the founding of our nation,” said Parrack. “We got to listen to some amazing speakers and visit places closed to the public. For example, we got to go onto the house floor and sit in the seats the representatives use when they are in session. We also got to meet with senators and representatives and hear about the political system from the inside. This program has left me with a new understanding of our nation’s past, new views on our nation's future, and some amazing friends spread all over the country.”

Sixth Grade Science Lab Provides Hands-On Learning Sixth graders dissected preserved sheep brains during a science lab, which provided a hands-on opportunity to study the anatomical structures of a mammalian brain similar to humans. The goal of the dissection was for students to examine a brain and identify its basic structures. The students were asked to complete several scientific sketches in order to focus their attention on the specific features of the brain. Parents were encouraged to volunteer and guide students as they examined and discussed their observations. This exciting experiment allowed students to begin their exploration of brain research and learning with a powerful hands-on lab.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

9

School News Middle School Musical: Radio Kids Holland Hall Middle School prepares to sing and dance through the oil boom days of Tulsa in a new musical by Middle School Drama Teacher Sally Adams. The show, Radio Kids, integrates lessons from the new 7th grade Humanities curriculum. The 7th grade team, Mark Johnson, Jane Beckwith, Candace Matthews, and Cindy Spain created a course of study that includes an investigation of Downtown Tulsa. The Downtown Studies unit takes 7th graders on a tour of Tulsa’s Art Deco period, inspiring students to explore the stories behind the buildings and neighborhoods. Adams observed the enthusiasm with which kids approached this exciting period of Tulsa’s history, and using both original and public domain music, she created a historical fiction set in Downtown Tulsa in 1926. The Middle School musical includes kids in 4th through 8th grades as well as Upper School mentors and technicians. Holland Hall will present the Middle School musical in the Branch Theater of the Walter Arts Center January 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door will be $7.

Tulsa, Oklahoma is one of the richest cities in the world in 1926. Country girls, Kate and Emily, move from an Iowa farm to the bustling metropolis after their mother dies. Their Pa does dangerous work as a roughneck in the oil fields nearby while Pa’s sister, Pat, raises the two teenagers. Aunt Pat is a telephone operator at the opulent Mayo Hotel where the girls and their friends learn about city life. The hotel manager, Mr. Nelson, and two bell boys, Joe, a friendly go-getter, and Charlie, a kid with a mean streak and a secret, reveal a story filled with larger-than-life oilmen, a wealthy society maven, and liberated ladies. A brand new radio station, a locally famous dance troupe, and the city itself all contribute to the excitement of the oil boom days in this new musical about friendship, fame and family.

Cross Divisional Projects: Learning Together Holland Hall Primary School, Middle School and Upper School students are teaming up and learning together. Projects include kindergartners teaming up with 7th graders on the Hardesty football field and engaging in activities associated with animal behaviors and movements, or third graders teaming up with 8th graders into groups of four or five for a nature scavenger hunt.

Teachers in all divisions are working together to plan these ongoing cross-divisional projects, which will continue throughout the school year.

10

School News

Primary School Goes to the Tulsa State Fair Primary School students went to the Tulsa State Fair on September 28. They ate wonderful fair food and saw all the great exhibits, including the farm animals. During the month of September, students learned about different types of farms, farmers and their jobs, various farm animals and their importance, planting and harvesting, and the process in which produce reaches the grocery store.

All School Food Drive Helps Tulsa Families Holland Hall, in partnership with the Christian Ministers Alliance, Inc., adopted 60 Tulsa Public Schools, with the goal of providing food items to aid families for the coming holidays. Donations of cans of food and other non-perishable food items filled two large bins that took over 20 minutes to unload with the help from students, boy scouts and volunteers from the Tulsa community. A total of 88 frozen turkeys (over 1/2 of a ton!) were also provided as a result of cash donations from the food drive. The food was delivered to Booker T. Washington. Tulsa Public Schools’ designated families who hold a ‘need voucher’ were the recipients of the food drive.

Kindergartners Form New Friendships Kindergartners at Holland Hall and McKinley Elementary School are working together and building new friendships. On November 13, 14 and 15, Holland Hall kindergartners visited their new friends at McKinley and participated in many fun activities such as creating Leaf Men and building with blocks. Kindergartners at McKinley look forward to visiting Holland Hall on December 20.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

11

my

uganda

experience

By Janice Moore '72 Holland Hall Middle School Faculty

12

From day one, I

felt right at home and

incredibly happy. I was struck by everything at once: the lush countryside and ideal climate, the

beauty of the Ugandan people, and their

pure

and simple way of life.

Here are just a few of the many stories from my amazing experience volunteering at a school in rural Eastern Uganda last summer.

“Bye Muzungu! Bye Muzungu! Bye Muzungu! … ”

Fifth grader Florence really wanted me to go to her house for a visit after school one day, but she lived two villages away. There were not enough hours left to make it there and back on foot before nightfall, so we hopped on a boda-boda (small motorcycle taxi), and got there in no time.

When Florence introduced me to her little sister, she burst out crying uncontrollably. She had never seen anybody that looked like me, and not even a lollipop could console her. She ran off screaming into the sugar cane and corn plants along with the family pig.

To help overcome their fear of Muzungus (light-skinned people), young children play a game called “Bye Muzungu.” When a non-Ugandan looking person is spotted walking nearby, a group of tiny kids run to the edge of the road chanting loudly “Bye Muzungu! Bye Muzungu!” over and over. “Bye” is meant as a quick hello and goodbye at the same time, because most Muzungus ignore the children and just keep walking. It did not take long for it to start driving me crazy, so I decided to interact singing “Erinnya lyange Janice” (my name is Janice) over and over in the exact same shrilling tone. English is the official language of Uganda, but young children and people who have not had much schooling only understand the native language of the area, Luganda. Children and adults always giggle when they hear a Muzungu speaking Luganda, and that day, the kids gleefully reacted “Bye Janice! Bye Janice!” From then on, I enjoyed the game much more.

“What are we doing next?”

My American students ask me this all the time, but I never heard this question in Uganda. I saw no clocks in the homes or the village shops. I was the only person wearing a watch, and no one ever asked me the time. In the villages, it is either day or night. There is no specific start or ending time for anything.

If you are enjoying yourself or trying to accomplish something, you keep going and finish when you finish. School usually

Above: Florence waiting for Auntie Janice.

Right: Village children following Janice along the road chanting,"Bye Muzungu!"

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

13

Above: The "matron," Gertrude, and her three children live in the boarding house with 63 students who either live too far to walk to school (more than 3 or 4 miles) or are orphans.

Right: Students passing through the village of Kittofali on the long fun walk home from school.

begins with “Parade,” an all-school outdoor assembly where the kids line up by class to sing the national anthem, hear announcements and pray. What happens next? A timetable hangs in the office, along with one clock donated by a previous volunteer. The teachers sometimes refer to them, but the students never know what is going to happen or when. After Parade, they might go straight to class, or perhaps clean the compound, or crowd into the church across the road with other local school children. On several occasions during my sojourn, they called off classes altogether to work on a special project. I cannot remember too many days when we actually followed the schedule. It was very frustrating at first, but I soon embraced the Ugandan pace, and now I miss it very much. It is so refreshing and relaxing to always live in the moment!

“Do You Know How to Dig?”

This was the first question the Ugandan children always asked me.

They assume correctly that most Muzungus (non-Ugandans) do not “dig,” or do physical labor, while it is a way of life for them. There is no maintenance staff or cleaning crew at New Life Primary School.

Students of all ages do everything, including a lot of hoeing and digging, and I never heard a child whine about it!

It is quite a sight to see the kids walking back up the long hill from 14

the village water hole carrying fivegallon jerry cans on their heads for the kitchen and dorm. Boarding students wash their clothes in small basins and then spread them out to dry on the ground in a grassy area.

Every child must take four pieces of firewood to school for the cooks to make breakfast and lunch for more than 500 people every day.

The kitchen is a room with brick walls, a dirt floor and three fire pits that accommodate huge pots for boiling water, and making porridge and beans. Another impressive sight is dozens of students bent over raking and sweeping the grounds and classrooms with little brooms made from brush. I did not see trash cans anywhere in the school or village.

Ugandans re-use almost everything, but the remaining litter ends up on the ground. The children cart the swept-up debris to a huge garbage fire behind the school.

I will never forget the day classes were cancelled, and 500 students worked all day to prepare for the

upcoming Parents’ Day (an all-day affair that is another great story).

All students were supposed to bring some matooke (green bananas) from their gardens to school as a contribution to the feast. After morning Parade, students who had come empty handed were sent home to get matooke; Some had to walk four miles! The other kids were assigned to various chores. A group of boys created an outdoor venue with collected poles and wood, nails, rope and old tarps. Many students had a hand in fence building, repair and painting. Others helped in the kitchen, or cleaned the compound while the drummers, dancers and choir rehearsed for the performances.

This went on all day!

Playtime

I knew I would be living with some small children, so I took a couple of store-bought toys as gifts. We played with them just twice, and only at my suggestion. Hope (7), Ivan (4) and little Martin (2) preferred to make their own toys. They had only one store-bought toy, an old, almost out of air soccer ball, and the rest were made from banana fibers, sticks, stones, flowers and pieces of plastic, metal, cardboard or paper trash. A very common game is running as fast and as far as you can wheeling an old bicycle tire with a stick. At recess one day, some kindergarteners made a slide out of discarded broken school benches, while a group of girls played keep-away with their plastic porridge cups. Two-year-old Martin

made a great push toy with a sugar cane branch, a round plastic lid with a little hole, and a small stick, tied together with banana fibers. Banana fibers are also great for hurdling and jumping games. The children never seemed to tire of these home-made toys. I wonder if they even remember the store-bought toys?

Giving Flowers

One day, early in my stay, a faculty meeting at lunchtime was running 30 minutes over into class time, and my American mindset had me worried about the unsupervised children. I could not follow along well because the teachers were all speaking Luganda, so I left to see what the 500 kids were up to. As I walked past P-2 (second grade), I heard the class counting in unison from one to one

hundred, led by a little girl pointing at a number chart with a stick. I later learned that each grade level has a class monitor who takes over when the teacher is not present!

I peeked into the P-1 classroom to see all 70 children busy copying a lesson from the chalkboard; Yes, 70 kids with no teacher present! I decided to enter, and they all stood up chanting the customary, “You are welcome, Auntie Janice.” I replied, “I am well, and how are you?” The students answered with the usual, “We are fine and obedient.” Obedient is an understatement! These children are so eager to learn that discipline is rarely an issue. “Can you teach us, Auntie Janice?” I had to come up with an idea on the spot. I glanced at the board and saw a list of farming tools and their uses.

A few minutes later, their teacher, Uncle Bosco, walked in surprised to see us all digging, chopping down tress and carrying crops in baskets on our heads as we shouted out the

names of the tools and actions. He had never seen a class conducted in this way before! In Uganda, the education system is very traditional and based on rote learning. At New Life Primary School, the students have no textbooks or workbooks at all. There is no photocopy machine.

The teacher has one book and chooses content and exercises from each lesson to write on the board, and the students write everything in their little notebooks. Then they all recite the lesson in unison. Uncle Bosco said to me one day, “We are not a reading culture.” It is amazing how these children learn at all with so few resources. Most of them have never held a book in their hands! At the end of the lesson, the kids “gave me flowers.” They all stood and waved both hands at me like dancing flowers to say thank you. The incredible obedience and manners of these children impressed me almost as much as their desire to learn and their appreciation of every moment at school.

“Oli Otya?!” “How are you?”

My favorite part of the day was the long communal walk to school.

Soon after I started out each day, I heard the pitter-patter of little feet running to catch up with me. As the children and I walked, we had fun making up songs and rhymes in English. They taught me words in Luganda for everything we saw along the road; goat, pig, hen, cow, maize, sweet potato, mango, avocado, pineapple, banana and so on. We laughed and laughed. It was so much fun! Every time villagers pass one another on the road, they always stop and exchange words. I will never

forget one beautiful morning when a very old woman emerged from a field barefoot, wearing a traditional dress, with an axe over her shoulder, and carrying a huge basketful of cassava on her head. “Oli Otya?,” I asked. She turned toward me with a radiant smile and replied,“Gyendi.

Oli Otya?” I felt such pleasure and a genuine connection every time I spoke with the villagers, as if we were communicating way more than the context of our limited conversation. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity, and I will forever feel an unforgettable bond with Uganda.

Middle School Spanish teacher and Holland Hall alumna Janice Moore '72 traveled to Uganda on behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) to work as a support teacher at New Life Primary School in the small village of Kitofaali for six weeks. All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa created a partnership with the school two years ago.

For more information about the partnership or how you can help, contact Janice Moore at Holland Hall.

Director and Founder of New Life Primary School, Reverend Mark Kyimba, pictured with Richard Hart and Janice Moore during a visit to Holland Hall last August. Reverend Kyimba built the school in his native village of Kitofaali, where his mother still lives.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

15

Spotlight Lynnelle Snowbarger, Holland Hall Primary School Teacher

by CiCi Zhou ’13, Holland Hall Student

I

f every teacher were as passionate about teaching as Lynnelle Snowbarger, what would America’s education system look like today? This was the question that repeatedly sprung up in my mind as we spoke. Her bright smile reveals an upbeat personality, and it is clear that she applies that personality to her work. The enthusiasm with which Ms. Snowbarger approaches teaching should be an inspiration to educators everywhere.

Tell me about yourself.

What’s your background like?

I’ve been a teacher for 12 years, ten at Jenks Public Schools and two at Holland Hall. I’m National Board Certified in literacy as of 2010. I graduated from Sapulpa High School and Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. I was the first in my family to attend college.

What did you do in your ten years at Jenks?

I was a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher as well as a secondgrade curriculum resource instructor. “Curriculum resource instructor” basically means I was the teacher teaching teachers. My job included mentoring new teachers and teachers who needed help, and helping to implement new teaching strategies.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?

Yes! I’ve always loved teaching; when I was little, I would teach my younger brother, and I would also give lessons to my baby dolls.

16

can focus on the improvement, the growth, of the class.

Do you think the “highstakes test” problem is better at Holland Hall?

Oh yes, much better. Here, without those tests, we can put kids in a highly encouraging environment and teach them things like how to think or what it means to be a problem solver.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

A singer. I used to sing in my church and I was actually a Music Education major in college, but I had some voice problems. I still enjoy listening to songs, including opera. My favorite is Puccini’s La bohème.

What do you enjoy the most about teaching?

I love being around children and seeing them grasp concepts. I get to teach them something they’ll be using for the rest of their lives and I can give them a love of learning.

You recently won the SMART Exemplary Educator Award, given to 150 teachers annually for using SMART technology to teach in innovative ways. In what way did you incorporate SMART into your classroom?

Right, so the award is given to teachers who use SMART technology as a tool for teaching. I used SMART Boards to supplement the Everyday Math curriculum. The SMART Boards are a great tool and gives the kids something tactile to work with; for example, they could learn about money by dragging coins around ... kind of like an electronic piggy

bank. The kids really love it.

There’s been plenty of talk recently over education reform. If you could reform the education system, what would you do or change?

Instead of having legislators come up with laws, I would talk to the teachers and ask for their opinions first. I also think we test kids way too much at a young age. At Jenks, students had to take a big test at the end of third grade, and if they didn’t pass they would have to repeat the third grade — and just the Social Studies section of the fifth-grade test could have included anything from the Vikings to the Civil War. When we teach for a test, we’re forcing kids to think in a certain way and forcing teachers to teach in a certain way.

Without standardized tests, how would you ensure teachers are “doing their job”?

There can be teacher monitoring, professional learning communities, and we can make sure that teachers stay abreast of the new teaching strategies out there. Or instead of a high-stakes test at the end, we can do smaller tests at shorter intervals; that way, we

What role do you think elementary school plays in a child’s education?

It plays a very vital role, because these are their formative years. Here, they learn things that will prepare them for the real world. For example, they should learn to feel safe taking risks because that’s something they’ll need to be able to do later on.

How do you teach your students to take risks?

We have these reading groups where they’ll read to each other, and after a while I’ll tap on one of their shoulders and say, “That was great, I really like the emotion you put into that, could you read to the class?”

So they get to practice in small groups and then read aloud to the class, and they learn to take the risk of getting up and reading to their peers.

How is Holland Hall different from your past teaching experiences?

It’s very different. The kids here are very well-behaved, and I believe that in the end they are better equipped to go on in school and the world.

I’m treated with respect as an educator; parents appreciate my work and are very thankful. I’m very passionate about my job and it’s great to be loved and appreciated in return.

Grandparents

& Special Friends Days 2012

Monday, November 19 and Tuesday, November 20, 2012 were special days at Holland Hall for students as they shared school with grandparents or a special family friend. More than 500 guests attended. Thank you to all who visited, we enjoyed having you on campus!

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

17

e

By Joel Bicknell Head of the Middle School

experiential education SOOD and Heifer International

W

ith the excitement and trepidation that accompanies experiencing an event for the first time, eighth grade students and faculty trekked to Perryville, Arkansas and Heifer International for their School-Out-of-Doors (SOOD) in October. Participating in Heifer’s Global Gateway Program, students experienced a SOOD like they never had in previous years. Over twenty-four hours, invaluable life-lessons were learned. Yes, this was outdoor education, but this was also a first-hand look at how hunger and poverty affect people around the world.

Led by Heifer Ranch volunteers, students spent the first afternoon interacting in large group discussions and receiving a tour of the Global Village. Students and faculty, side-by-side, shared details about their families’ traditions and day-to-day habits as they discussed what constitutes culture. Profound discussions unfolded about the differences between “quality of life” and “standard of living”.

After those discussions, our hosts guided us through the Global Village. We visited the sites we would be living in that evening. The sites simulated the living conditions of the hungry and impoverished people in the Appalachians, Thailand, Guatemala, Tibet, Zambia, a refugee camp, and urban slums. Slowly, the reality of what we were going to experience became evident.

By late afternoon, we gathered back as a whole group in Heifer’s open-air barn. Here, we were randomly divided into families and assigned our living quarters. Each family was given rations that matched the standard of living for each area. The rations given to faculty and students assigned to Thailand were much different than the rations given to those assigned to the urban slums. We were told Guatemala held the water rights for the Global Village. Appalachian held the rights for the wood that could be used. Clearly, bartering was going to be required to survive the evening.

Before heading back to the Village, each family was given a life challenge to consider. The life challenge would have immediate consequences. Each family had to make a decision to either place a handicap on one of their members or to surrender some of their rations. It was fascinating to observe the decision-making processes of each family. With the expectation of consensus, each family struggled to weigh

18

“Yes, this was outdoor education, but this was

education beyond the classroom

also a first-hand look at how hunger and

Upper School Ecology

poverty affect people around the world.”

The Upper School ecology classes went to Spring Creek and the Illinois River and bio-monitored the two streams by checking their invertebrate populations.

the well-being of one versus the wellbeing of the group. Additionally, one member of each family was given the responsibility of caring for a waterballoon baby. A disregard for the care of this baby that lead to the balloon popping would cost the family twenty minutes of “mourning” time - 20 minutes no one wanted to lose.

With all of these parameters to consider, with the faculty instructed to be observers, not leaders, and with the task of feeding your family, students and faculty headed out to their homes for the night. What transpired over the next five hours was at once exhilarating, chaotic, scary, safe, frustrating, inspiring, and fun. We witnessed the light and dark sides of human nature.

In the end, every family ate. Every family slept. Every family had a personal experience of what it meant to live with a different standard of living.

In reflecting on the experience the following week back in the comforts of Holland Hall, I was proud of all of our students and faculty as they shared their takeaways. Twenty-four hours outside of our comfort zone were never so well spent.

Freshman Orientation

Fourth Grade Outdoor Day The fourth graders spent the entire day exploring the trails, observing nature and learning outdoors on Holland Hall’s 162acre campus. All classes were held outdoors including writing, reading, science, drama, music, art and Spanish classes.

"Freshman O", a three-day camping adventure for the 9th grade class, encourages bonding among the US students. Freshman Orientation is conducted in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, Oklahoma. The overnight program involves physical challenges and mental tasks, helping to mold the character of students. Selected upper class student leaders are able to share their experiences and prepare the younger students for the years ahead at Holland Hall.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

19

Development News

$1.3

6%

Million Goal

Operating Budget

100%

Benefits Students

772

Donors to Date

The Annual Fund is Holland Hall’s most important fundraising program each year. After tuition is collected and applied to the operating budget, there are still numerous programs, events, activities and expenses to be funded. Things like:

computer software

teaching assistants

to technology guest artists and speakers upgrades teacher resources

professional development

assistant athletic coaches

art supplies

field trips into our community

From left, co-chair Lynn Frazier Goldberg '86, 2012 ARTworks featured artist Cecile Baird and co-chair Ken Busby '85.

Why Do We Need the Annual Fund?

Find out what a Holland Hall education is worth in this year’s Annual Fund video. Simply download the free mobile app and scan the QR code below with your smart phone to watch on your smart phone. Or visit the school’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/hollandhall) or visit www.hollandhall.org.

Download the free mobile app and scan the QR code with your smart phone to watch the Annual Fund Video!

20

ARTworks 2012 Features Artist Cecile Baird Holland Hall’s 2012 ARTworks program and art sale was October 29 through November 26 and featured Cecile Baird, a contemporary colored pencil artist. The Artist-in-Residency program began with a Gallery Talk and Opening Reception on October 28 with more than 100 people attending. Thanks to the hard work of ARTworks co-chairs Lynn Goldberg ’86 and Ken Busby ’85 and a dedicated group of volunteers, the event raised more than $35,000 for the school.

Participation Percentages Trustees 100% As the losing school, Holland Hall took breakfast to Cascia. From left, Cascia's Director of Advancement Kerry Hornibrook, Cascia's Head of School Roger Carter, Holland Hall's Alumni Director Christy Utter '92, Holland Hall's Interim Headmaster Richard Hart, Holland Hall's Director of Annual Fund Amy Whitaker and Holland Hall's Interim Director of Institutional Advancement Charlie Brown.

Alumni Challenge

During the month of September, Holland Hall and Cascia Hall faced each other in an Alumni Giving Challenge. Thirty days of vigorous donations by both schools ended with a score of 215 to 145. While Cascia came out victorious on the scoreboard, it was a huge win for Holland Hall’s Annual Fund, bringing the school more than $41,000 closer to the Annual Fund goal.

No gift is ever too small or unappreciated. The alumni participation goal is to have a minimum of 20 percent of alumni donate to the Annual Fund. Thank you to all who participated. It is due to the generosity of our alumni that Holland Hall can continue to prepare students for college and beyond.

WHY I

Grandparents 6% Alumni 6% Parents of Alumni 6%

GIVE

Legacy Family:

how to problem solve by making music, as well as solving math problems, where they learn scientific principles not just by reading a science textbook but by taking a hike on school-out-of-doors and where their knowledge of literature is informed by drama class as well as English class.

Robin Flint Ballenger ’63, Tobey Kelley Ballenger Alderman ’91, Abigail ’20 and Sebastian ’23

I give to the Holland Hall Annual Fund because it pays for the “extras”

Faculty & Staff 97% Parents 53%

Holland Hall vs Cascia Hall

I invest in the Holland Hall Annual Fund because Holland Hall invested in me.

When I matriculated at Dartmouth College in the Fall of 1991, to my classmates from Exeter and Andover and Choate I was quaint, folksy “Tobey from Tulsa,” but to my professors I was intellectually curious with a strong scaffolding of analytical and creative thinking skills, the courage to ask hard questions and the foundation and study habits to be a strong student from the moment I arrived. College had a lot to teach me, but how to learn and study were not on that list. Thanks to my experience at Holland Hall I was prepared for the rigors of an Ivy League Education from day one.

Thank You

that are not extra.

I want an education for my kids like the one I was lucky enough to have – an education full of the excitement of discovery, the thrill of accomplishment after failure, the stretch of thinking about a situation from an entirely foreign perspective. Holland Hall understands that the “extras” are a fundamental part of such an education.

Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Photography, Creative Writing, School Out of Doors, Sports, Author and Artist visits, Service Learning — these are the kind of mind expanding experiences that are an integral part of a Holland Hall education. A gift to the annual fund helps ensure that Holland Hall students continue to learn

I give to the Holland Hall Annual Fund to empower amazing teachers to transform learning.

One of the core beliefs of Holland Hall is that providing our children with an outstanding education starts with outstanding educators. The annual fund helps ensure that our teachers are given the challenges and resources they need to grow and thrive. Annual fund monies help pay for workshops, trainings and classroom materials that keep our teachers (and children) excited about learning and inform them of new techniques and tools that can make them more effective teachers, coaches, mentors and role models. ­— Tobey Kelley Ballenger Alderman ’91

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

21

22

Legacy Families Holland Hall alumni share

connect generations.

stories that

I’m so thankful that I was able to attend Holland Hall, and Michael and I choose to send our children to Holland Hall because we sincerely believe that one of the greatest gifts that we can give our children is a strong education and love of learning.

We are investing in their future by sending them to Holland Hall.

The Hall Family Michael & Cara Shimkus ’84 Hall, Joseph ’21 & Alexander ’24 Q: Why did you decide to send your children to Holland Hall? What does it mean to you to have your children attend your alma mater?

Q: What is your favorite memory as a Holland Hall student?

There are too many “favorite” memories to select just one, but each great memory makes me laugh and think about the life-long friendships that I made during my time at Holland Hall. Even now as I think back, I’m amazed at how many great friends I made at Holland Hall. Almost every time any of us are together another “favorite memory” comes up, and I usually laugh so much that tears start running down my face. It was such a happy place for me — something that I hadn’t really experienced at school prior to coming to Holland Hall.

Q: What are your children’s and/or family’s favorite memories so far at Holland Hall?

Our sons, Alexander and Joseph, are in the first and fourth grades, respectively, and I’m sure that our favorite memories of them at Holland Hall are probably not their favorite memories of themselves at Holland Hall, but here goes.

My favorite memory of Joseph is of him as the Peddler in “Caps for Sale” in preschool. It is the look on his face that I see so clearly in my mind; it was so clear that he was having so much fun acting and he was so cute.

My favorite memory of Alexander is when he was one of the reindeer in the Christmas play in Mrs. Panicker’s Junior Kindergarten class; he wore a hat that he’d made to look like a reindeer with a big red nose, and he was smiling from ear to ear, singing all the while. So cute!

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

23

Legacy Families

Q: Who were the individuals who made the greatest impression on you during your time here?

It wasn’t just the faculty that made an impression on me; it was also the students and the environment. There was so much trust. There were so many smart people — faculty and students. There were teachers that wanted you to succeed at learning.

Q: What do you think Holland Hall does best for its student body?

The first thing that comes to mind is always how much better prepared our students are for college than so many others. But I think that it goes beyond that; it’s also how, along with what you learn from your parents, the “ ... we think foundation is made for a life of service about what and a passion for lifelong learning.

we should

be doing to make sure that Holland Hall is an even better place for our

Q: How did your HH experience shape you and prepare you for life?

It’s hard to say what wasn’t influenced by my time at Holland Hall.

Q: What does it mean to be a Legacy Family? children.” It’s not something that we think about too much except Michael & Cara Hall when we are giving to the Annual Fund or working on a building for the school. During those times, we think about what we should be doing to make sure that Holland Hall is an even better place for our children’s children.

children’s

Q: What is GH2 Architects?

GH2 Architects is the firm that Michael and I own. It is an award winning, international architecture and design firm with 40 years of experience in creating outstanding design. We have around 40 professionals working in our two

24

offices; our headquarters is in Tulsa and we also have an office in Norman. The firm has a very diverse portfolio, which makes every day exciting. Our projects include education, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, equine, historic preservation, recreation, public, and multi-purpose facilities.

In addition to several other projects around the Holland Hall campus, we are pleased to have designed the new Health and Wellness Facility that will be the heart of the campus.

Q: What does your typical day at work look like?

I spend most of my day talking with clients about their projects and working with our team. I also have responsibility for firm, risk and financial management. About 25 percent of my time is spent traveling nationwide, to project sites or client meetings and the balance of my time is spent in our Tulsa office.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

I love talking with our clients about their projects; it is absolutely what makes me want to get up everyday.

Q: Why do you feel so strongly about giving back to Holland Hall?

It is the best school in the region, and it’s such a magical place for our children to learn. The opportunities at Holland Hall are like no other in Tulsa. Over the years, I have happily agreed to serve on the Alumni Board, the Board of Trustees and several of the Board’s committees.

Q: What advice would you share with current students?

My advice to graduating students hasn’t changed much over the last two decades: Add everyone that you meet in your contact file and never take anyone out. I used to say “Rolodex,” but that’s so lastmillennium; they probably don’t even know what a Rolodex is.

Proposed renderings for Holland Hall's new Health and Wellness Facility. Courtesy GH2 Architects.

Legacy Families

The Hughes Family Greg ’84 & Tara Hughes, Keaton ’23, Stella & Tuly (PS) It’s simple: Giving my kids the best opportunity to succeed in college and what follows, as I was given, means everything. School did not come easy for me and having been diagnosed with dyslexia early, thanks to some very caring teachers, I was given the special attention that not only helped me graduate, but go on to attend USC. I truly feel Holland Hall will prepare my girls and make sure they have the best tools to succeed after graduation. It’s early, but I already see Keaton ’23 in second grade using time management skills to do her school homework and even non-school related tasks. At this age, what more could I ask for!

The Crawford Family Tim & Christina Crozier ’87 Crawford, Jack ’17 & Ben ’17 To be a Legacy Family at Holland Hall is remarkable! The connection that I have with my sons, Jack and Ben (lifers who are now in the 8th grade) to the values and lessons I learned as a student at Holland Hall is profound. Many of our meaningful accomplishments can be attributed to the foundation of experiences and education we share from Holland Hall.

The Beckwith Family Chris ’88 & Jane Beckwith, Phoebe ’22 & Jillian ’25 As a Legacy Family, we celebrate the special pleasure of a shared history with our children. We enjoy sharing the community traditions rooted in the past while also connecting through the new experiences of the present.

The Klos Family Kevin ’92 & Shannon Klos, Gavin ’21, Mallory ’22, Abby ’24 & Felicity ’26 I enjoy the fact that my kids are being taught by some of the same teachers I had as a child. Plus my kids are enjoying the same experiences I had such as the Land Run.

The Dodson Family Ryan & Suzanne Sharp ’98 Dodson, Avery ’24 & Emery (PS) Sending my girls to Holland Hall means that I know firsthand that they’re getting a wonderful education.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

25

Legacy Families

The Ballenger Family Robin Flint Ballenger ’63, Jeffrey Alderman & Tobey Flint Ballenger ’91, Abigail ’20, Sebastian ’23 Four generations of my family have graduated from Holland Hall. We were here when the school transitioned to ever bigger and better campuses; we have watched it change from all-girls to co-ed; we have seen it grow from struggling beginnings to its excellence today. Through the decades, Holland Hall has given my family gifts of inestimable value.

I am thrilled to see my grandchildren at Holland Hall because I know that this is a place where their strengths will be enhanced and their weaknesses turned into advantage, and where they will learn the wonder of reaching a difficult goal. I absolutely believe this is a place that I can trust to grow them to be the best they can be, and equip them with the tools to make sense of a dissonant world. I am grateful for each day they spend here.

The White/Lollar Family Mary Frances Walter O’Hornett ’35, Lane ’85 & Amy Lollar, Matthew ’20, Sadie ’21, Paul & Monica Lollar ’81 White, Farley ’12 & Jillian ’15, Michael & Francie Lollar ’84 White, Mary Frances ’13 & Julia ’14 I have been a life-long supporter of Holland Hall. The school has changed a great deal over that considerable time, always toward the betterment of the student life. I have been so gratified to share my love for the school, with my children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren.

— Mary Frances Walter O’Hornett ’35 In a world that is global, mobile, disposable, and ever changing, I feel one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is a sense of heritage or the knowledge that they belong to something bigger than themselves. I personally believe that a sense of community is essential to building one’s character. Holland Hall’s community and traditions have shaped my children in very positive ways. I doubt that they would have benefited in this manner had they not attended Holland Hall. One of the proudest moments of my life was seeing my daughter receive her diploma from her 94-year-old great grandmother who was one of the very first Holland Hall lifers. Life at Holland Hall prepared my eldest daughter very well. I have been so pleased to see her thrive in college, “over prepared” for its academic rigors, just as members of the previous three generations of our family have been. — Monica Lollar White ’81 When I graduated in ’84, I remember feeling fortunate to be part of the third generation of our family to graduate from Holland Hall. I wondered if some day I would send my children to Holland Hall. In a few months, my daughter will be a part of my family’s fourth generation to graduate from Holland Hall. It is such a special feeling to have so many family members graduate from such an incredible school. We have countless shared experiences that make us smile. Some of us were fortunate enough to have been taught by the same teachers, almost all of us participated in the Land Run, we represent the Wanata team and we wore (or will wear) either a white dress or tuxedo to Graduation. It is an amazing feeling to know that we have four generations of shared educational experiences. I can only hope that there is a fifth generation of Holland Hall grads to carry on the legacy! — Francie Lollar White ’84 I am very proud to have my children be a part of our family’s fourth generation to attend Holland Hall. Continuing to be a part of such an amazing educational environment is truly a privilege. — Lane Lollar ’85 26

Legacy Families

The Frizzell Family Blaine & Cip Patterson ’76 Frizzell, Luke ’11 & Merich ’16. (Cadijah Patterson Helmerich ’52, Deceased) It is good for one to be exposed to different ways of thinking and different approaches to life. Holland Hall encourages people to be themselves, and for the most part, respects those differences. The idea that Merich ’16 gets an opportunity to play field hockey (in Oklahoma), as her grandmother and mother did, is important. The emphasis on family and tradition has always been important, but it is increasingly more important in today’s world. Having had a grandmother, mother, aunts, uncle and cousins who have attended here, establishes a common bond; it’s family – it’s an established legacy.

The Eaton Family Alex ’81 and Diane Eaton, James ’14 & Garrett ’20 Thirty plus years ago at Holland Hall, I was the guy who regularly asked my algebra teacher why I needed to learn algebra since almost no one in the real world used algebra to make a living.

What good would algebra do me in the future?

Often I would rail against my assignments, struggling to find the greater life-lessons contained in single-variable polynomials. It was a common theme for me. Mrs. Price reciting The Canterbury Tales in Middle English. What was that about?

I was particularly bad at algebra, and I never understood a lick of Middle English.

And, at the time, I clearly was missing the point. Thirty years ago, Holland Hall was putting in place the building blocks of my life and the foundation of my future. Without me knowing it, Holland Hall instilled in me a sense of community, responsibility, empathy and teamwork. Holland Hall reinforced the values I learned at home and held me and my classmates accountable to our families, our friends, our school and to ourselves. We learned about pride and loyalty, about dedication, respect and hard work. We learned how to win and we learned how to lose.

But most importantly, we learned how to think and how to manage ourselves. I have carried those building blocks with me for my entire life, and to our great satisfaction, my wife and I see that work being done at Holland Hall today with our boys. And although they don’t know it, our children are building a similar foundation for the life that lies ahead. What does it mean to be a Legacy Family?

For my wife and me it means everything, because what Holland Hall was then is what it is today, a place that instills a passion for learning, a strong sense of community and a solid moral foundation for our boys, helping them become better people and preparing them for whatever life may hold.

The Bovasso Family Stephen & Sharna Magoon ’87 Bovasso, Blake ’15 & Ali ’18 It means a great deal to me that we are a Legacy Family. I attended Holland Hall from 2nd grade through graduation. Going through the Primary, Middle and Upper School was so rewarding to me and now my kids, Blake and Ali, are feeling the same way as I do. It is a great feeling to get one’s entire education all through the same Holland Hall family. Holland Hall has greatly improved since I graduated in 1987 and it keeps getting better. I am thrilled my kids will have the same great experience and education that I had. It is the best stepping stone to any college!

The Hughes Family Robert ’84 & Carolyn Hughes, William Secrist ’12, Bobby ’18 & Margaret ’20 To me, there are two key elements to the Holland Hall legacy i.e. “something transmitted by or received from a predecessor”. First is the passion for critical thinking and life-long learning.

Equally important is the emphasis on a strong moral foundation and a deep sense of social responsibility. These themes are what I value most about Holland Hall as an alum and parent.

It is really gratifying to share them with William, Bobby, and Margaret. They were paramount and enduring in the 70’s and 80’s and certainly remain so today. That is the legacy.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

27

Legacy Families

The Winton Family Richard & Nan Hawkins ’91 Winton, Claire ’24, Rupert & Beatrix Being a Legacy Family at Holland Hall means we are a family with so many blessings. I went from being a student, to alum, to “special friend”, and now a parent.

Holland Hall continues to make the journey fun, worthy and enriching through lasting relationships, genuine care for the students and deliberate work with all the community’s stakeholders. Being a Legacy Family also means being part of the Holland Hall fabric and history.

What an honor.

I feel extremely fortunate to be involved at Holland Hall now as a parent. My boys entered Holland Hall in preschool and have had a remarkable experience just as I had when I was a student. Many of the same teachers, like Sandra Brown, are still teaching my boys! It’s not until you are a parent of a child at Holland Hall that you realize what an incredible school we have here in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

The Rainey Family Bo ’83 & Susan Pray ’85 Rainey, Max ’25 Our parents wanted to give their children the best education available, so they sent us to Holland Hall. Almost 30 years later, continuing this legacy means giving our son Max a foundation from which he will benefit his whole life: a love for learning, the courage to explore and question, a strong work ethic, life-long friends, and the Holland Hall family.

The Goddard Family Keith ’87 & Beth Lieser ’86 Goddard, Jackson ’15, Ellen ’17 & Charlie ’21 We couldn’t be more thrilled that our children have the opportunity to experience the same excellent Holland Hall education we did. We love being able to speak the HH “lingo” with them about Field Day, the Sakawa/Wanata track meet, Land Run, Morning Meeting and 22-minute mods. They even have some of the same teachers we had, which reminds us of the true, ongoing legacy of Holland Hall: outstanding faculty developing a personal relationship with each child and helping them become the best student and person they can be.

28

The Tetrick Family Jeff & Michaele McKinney ’83 Tetrick, Tyler ’20 & Gentry Wilburn ’12

The Kramer Family David Kramer & Kimberlie Dullye ’83, Lauren ’20, Lance ’23 & Luke It is important to me to be a Legacy family because Holland Hall creates an environment that nurtures individual strengths and provides a foundation that encourages a lifelong desire to learn. This family photo with our three kids was from Thanksgiving 2012 in Central Park when Lauren was in NYC with the Middle School Honor Choir!

Chaplain’s Corner

Lessons & Carols | December 9, 2012 Lessons and Carols is a traditional service of Scripture readings and choral music that has been an annual event for the Holland Hall community for many years.

The Rev. Bert Bibens Primary and Middle School Chaplain

Christians are members of several different denominations, and each one has its own particular traditions and ways of welcoming the holidays. Like all Episcopalians, my family treasures the monthlong season of Advent for the four weeks prior to the celebration of Christmas. Introspection and preparation of our hearts and minds are the hallmarks of Advent. In our own home, we always mark the Advent season with a wreathe that sits on our kitchen table ... lighting another candle each week, as we anticipate the approach of Christmas.

Not long after my wife and I first moved to Tulsa, we celebrated Christmas in our new city. At Trinity Church, in downtown, we were introduced to a new tradition. They used to hang a giant banner during Advent, from the balcony at the back of the church nave, which read, “Darkness is Shattered by the Birth of Christ”. It was an incredible banner, and its message sticks with me to this day.

Most Christians put up a tree in their living room, covered with beautiful lights and ornaments, and many also decorate the outside of their home. Sometimes, it feels like no matter where you turn, this time of year, you see brightly lit trees, house lights, and yard decorations ... the sky is aglow with the seasonal lights!

Besides looking spectacular, I think those beautiful lights are sending us a quiet message, this time of year. As Jesus would say many years after his birth, “You are the light of the world!” Our world can be a very dark and dismal place, and sometimes it’s difficult to find something good in the midst of all the pain and sorrow. But, much the same way as the light from one small match can pierce the emptiness and shroud of darkness, so can the “light” from one positive and uplifting person make a huge difference in a troubled situation. We are called by God to “light up the world,” by spreading our joy and good fortune, and by reaching out to the isolated, lonely, sick and heartbroken. Light means not only a “shattering” of the darkness, but also a bit of warmth and direction and hope for those who really need it. So, as we light our candles and trees, homes and school entrance, may we think about the significance of our own “light” in the world.

My prayer for every one of you, is that you might find ways to be that light in the darkness ... that hope for someone’s future ... the warmth in a life that may be void of human touch and dignity. This season is famous for its charity and good cheer. Let us all spread that good will over the entire year, and not just in the month of December. God bless us everyone!

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

29

Alumni Board Association

From the President of the Alumni Association Board

Mr. Clint Brumble ’93 President

Dear Fellow Alumni,

Mr. Sanford Roberds ’93 Past President

I am honored to begin my two-year term as president of our alumni board and represent the alumni constituency as an ex-officio member on the Board of Trustees. Our institution has experienced some changes in the past year, however, under the leadership of the Trustees, Interim Headmaster Richard Hart, dedicated faculty and staff, we are poised for many more prosperous years.

Mr. James Alame ’04 Ms. Sandra Alexander ’69 Mr. Darin Alred ’84 Mr. Brett Baker ’89 Mr. Robert Butler ’92 Mr. Russell LaCour ’75 Mr. Kevinn Matthews ’88 Ms. Sarah Regan McKinney ’01 Ms. Virginia Miller ’71 Ms. Ashley Parrish ’93 Mr. Jason Percy ’90 Ms. Susan Pray Rainey ’85 Ms. Farryl Stokes ’59 Mr. Oliver Sutton ’98 Mr. Brad White ’95 Mr. Joey Wignarajah ’00

Please join me in welcoming Christy Utter ’92 as Holland Hall’s new Director of Alumni Relations. As we seek to actively and meaningfully engage the alumni in the life of our school, we are fortunate to have such a motivated individual to lead this effort. Her enthusiasm for Holland Hall and her leadership skills will be a major factor in our success. All of our alumni are important to the prosperity of this school, and with the guidance of Christy and Charlie Brown, Interim Institutional Advancement Director, Holland Hall will continue to make it a priority to honor, recognize and invest in our alumni.

The school recently announced the appointment of J.P. Culley as Head of School Elect. I had the opportunity to spend time with J.P. during the new trustee orientation, in which we visited each division of the school gaining first-hand knowledge of the excellent education our students are afforded. I was impressed with J.P. as I watched him genuinely interact with faculty and students in an effort to begin building those relationships within the Holland Hall community. I am sure you will appreciate J.P.’s ability to be articulate, and we can all feel confident our institution will be in the hands of a strong and effective leader for many years to come.

On September 15, 2012, we had a successful Homecoming Weekend as we battled it out with Casady in front of 150 alumni who helped dedicate the new Hardesty Field. We also presented our 2012 Annual Awards. The Distinguished Alumni Award honored Kenny Brody ’88 for demonstrating true devotion to the school and service to society. The Young Alumni Achievement Award honored Sarah Adams ’99 for her significant work in Malawi. She demonstrates excellence as she pursues her passion to help those in need. The Tim S. O’Halloran Faculty Award honored Karen Holmes, Chair of the Upper School Math Department, for enriching the lives of students and serving as an example for all. Congratulations to each of our award recipients; the school is grateful for their positive influence and proud to have them as a part of our Holland Hall community.

On February 2, 2013, we will host our annual Holland Hall Trivia Night. We are moving the event to the Middle School Gym anticipating growth, as well as, making improvements to the evening. New corporate sponsorship opportunities are available with benefits such as your own personal table runner. Visit the Holland Hall website to register your team online. Remember, reserve early because this event always sells out!

On May 10 – 11, 2013 we will celebrate Reunion Weekend with those class years that end in 3 or 8. On Friday evening, immediately following the Holland Hall Athletic and Hall of Fame Banquet, we will host our second annual all alumni/faculty/staff reception at the DoubleTree Hotel at Warren Place. Last year, we welcomed more than 250 guests at this event and look to grow the event with new exciting additions such as a live alumni band and recognition of our 2013 Alumni and Tim S. O’Halloran Faculty Award recipients. If it is your reunion year, you will be receiving information from your class agent regarding specific reunion details, which includes activities during the day Friday and Saturday. We hope each of you will plan to re-engage with Holland Hall during this weekend.

The Alumni Association is flourishing and actively seeks alumni to serve on our alumni board or on a committee; Homecoming, Trivia Night, Reunion Weekend and Board of Governance. Throughout the year, the Director of Alumni Relations, sponsored by the Institutional Advancement Office will be hosting regional alumni gatherings, as well as, local “lunch on us” meetings. Additionally, the alumni board will be promoting a quarterly gathering for those seeking to engage more. I genuinely hope that when the opportunity affords itself, you will choose to participate in any of our alumni events so you can be reminded of the special bond we have as fellow alumni of Holland Hall. For more information about our board and how you can get involved, please visit the website at www.hollandhall.org or contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org.

Thank you for your support of Holland Hall, I look forward to seeing you engage yourself more in the life of our great institution. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Go Dutch!

Clint E. Brumble ’93 President, Alumni Association

30

Class Notes

1970

Class Correspondent: Janie Sanditen Kolman longhorna@aol.com or 210-494-0804

George Holt ’70 Director of Performing Arts at the North Carolina Museum of Arts, staged the AfroCuban music festival on June 10, 2012.

1974 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Roy S. Johnson ’74 began a new job on July 19, 2012. He is the new Editor-In-Chief of the History Channel’s Magazine and Executive Director of the History Channel Club.

Reviewers said, “The show at the North Carolina Museum of Art was a huge success on many levels. Not only was the combinaClass Correspondent: tion of African and Cuban music a delight, Cathy Herrin it is rare to see a multiracial and multicultural chiefbuddybean@aol.com event of this nature in our generally suburban community. This was an exceptional opening to the Museums 16th summer concert season. AfroCubism continues a cultural exchange that has been going for a long Margaret Barry ’76 is the time. In 1960, following independence from Manager of Communications France, Mali’s president Modibo Keïta introat the Presbyterian Children’s duced one-party socialism. Fidel Castro and Homes and Services in Austin, Cuba became a close ally and Cuban music was actively promoted throughout Mali. Dur- TX. Her film, The Polish Hotel, debuted at the 10th annual ing this period musicians from Africa also Tallgrass Film Festival in went to Cuba to study.”

Wichita, KS. The festival ran from October 18-21, 2012. Her short film was shown not only at the VIP Filmmaker’s Lounge, but also in the “Extraordinary Featurette” category, complete with Q&A with the director(s).

1976

1988 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Richie Lawrence ’70 has come out with his second solo album, “Water” which you can see on CD Baby or Facebook.

1989

Class Correspondent: Brett Baker brett@parttimepros.com

Mary Caroline Cravens Sugden ’89 and her husband, William, welcomed their son, Jeremiah Samuel Cravens Sugden, on November 24, 2012!

He joins big brother Alex just in time for the holidays!

1990 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Aaron Woodhead ’90 and wife, Elisa Michelle Marquart Woodhead are proud parents of Ryan Zachary Woodhead, born on August 3, 2012 at 11:53 a.m.

He weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz.

Lisa Gallery ’88 is pictured with her purebred Arabian horse Sogo Khemo at the U.S. Arabian Nationals held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 19-27, 2012. They showed in the Working Cow Horse and Reined Cow Horse classes, taking Top Ten honors in Working Cowhorse and the U.S. National Championship in Reined Cowhorse.

Lisa has been showing Arabian horses since 1998 and has multiple U.S. National Top Ten awards and Regional Championships in the cow horse classes. She opened Cowgirl Training Center in Cushing, Oklahoma in 2009 where she trains all breeds and disciplines but specializes in the Arabian Working Western classes as well as distance horses. She is also a Registered Veterinary Technician on a part-time basis at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University. For more information or to follow her progress check out her website at www.cowgirltrainingcenter.com.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

31

Class Notes Kyle Ham ’90 Cable network, TLC, took the digital series Kyle and his colleague Paul created, and turned it into an hour of TV. The program was “Long Island Medium: Behind the Read”. It received a 1.8 rating, which was the highest rated TLC series in its timeslot in almost three years. The show aired on November 4, 2012 and was in the top ten watched shows in all of cable that evening!

1992

Class Correspondent: Ginny Barron McCune ginnymccune@sbcglobal.net

Hall Estill, Oklahoma’s leading law firm, is pleased to announce Samantha Weyrauch ’92 has joined the Tulsa office as Special Counsel. Prior to joining Hall Estill, Samantha was an associate attorney at Barber & Bartz in Tulsa. “All of us at Hall Estill are happy to have Samantha join the firm,” said Michael D. Cooke, managing partner. “We are eager to have her knowledge and experience join our already established health, estate planning, tax and business litigation practices.” Weyrauch received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa, and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Weyrauch is also a Certified Public Accountant.

She is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association and the Oklahoma Bar Association. She has published numerous articles related to health law in various journals and publications around the country.

Laurel Burton Ledbetter ’92, an officer in the Tulsa Police Department, was recently promoted from Sergeant to Captain. She, along with six other officers, received important promotions on October 23, 2012.

32

1994

Class Correspondent: Marianne McGregor Guelker mariannemcgregorguelker@gmail.com (801) 577 – 9775

Rhees Lane ’92 and his wife Rebekah have just started the process of adoption. They are anticipating adopting three siblings from Columbia. Rhees and Rebekah are teachers in Owasso and will be raising the funds necessary through several means.

1993

Class Correspondent: Missy Lieberman Jackson melissa874@aol.com

Melanie Kilgore ’93 Tuggle and husband Mike welcomed their fifth child, a daughter named Larke Freda Tuggle on September 11, 2012 at 8:58 p.m.

Todd Lincoln ’94 made his feature length film debut with the horror/thriller The Apparition which opened August 24, 2012.

Starring Ashley Greene (Twilight), Sebastian Stan (Captain America) and Tom Felton (Harry Potter), the film follows a young couple, Kelly and Ben (Greene and Stan), haunted by a presence that was unleashed during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition relentlessly feeds on their fear. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural, Patrick (Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force.

In the spirit of classic horror films, Lincoln relied on in-camera effects and a suspenseful anticipation of potential terrors, rather than a preponderance of CGI. His inspirations were Poltergeist, Flatliners, Twilight Zone and The Strangers among others.

Malcolm Wightman ’94 was recently promoted to Sergeant in the Tulsa Police Department. He, along with fellow Holland Hall graduate Laurel Burton Ledbetter ’92, were honored with other officers receiving promotions.

1996

J.J. Lewis ’93 is a licensed clinical social worker and Lieutenant Commander in the United States Public Health Service, recently completing a tour of duty as the head of Psychiatric Social Work at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, earning the distinct honor as 2011 U.S. Public Health Service Social Worker of the Year. J.J., his wife, Tegan, and three children, Annika (age 10), Isaak (age 8), and Mykah (age 4) are now stationed on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, AZ where he serves as a child mental health therapist with the Indian Health Service. J.J. recently matriculated into the doctoral program at the Institute for Clinical Social Work, Chicago, IL.

Class Correspondent: Sarah (Lemons) Bradbury sarahebradbury@yahoo.com (personal) sbradbury@gardere.com (work) 214-499-2168 (cell)

Ryan Rahhal ’96 and his wife Julie became the proud parents of twins on November 9, 2012. Bennet weighed in at 6lbs, 11oz and Reese weighed in at 5lbs, 10oz.

Class Notes

1997 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Cynthia Stall ’97 Townsend and husband, Steve, welcomed their son, Blaine Bennett Townsend, on July 12, 2012. He was born at 7:42 a.m. and was 6lbs, 13oz and was 20 ¾ inches long.

cated in the Brady Arts District. “It is an upscale modern steakhouse with beef options like no other in town,” Thompson said. “We will have prime wet-aged beef, which is the most common in steakhouses, plus American grass-fed beef and 40-day dry-aged beef.”

In addition to beef, the restaurant will offer such items as lobster, scallops, salmon, Cornish game hens, lamb and pork chops. Hours will be 4-11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.

Jenny York ’98 In 2009, Jenny graduated from Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine and Science in Chicago with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree. She worked at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago for three years in the acute care rehabilitation department. After living in Chicago for the past six years, she moved back to Tulsa in September and is now working for Physical Therapy of Tulsa. Jenny has recently received her certification to become a certified lymphedema therapist from the Academy of Lymphatics and will be working with women before and after breast cancer surgeries.

1999 Armand Etame ’97 married Sarah Ochoa on November 11, 2012. The couple resides in Lewisville, Texas.

Class Correspondent: Amalia (Wolsiski-Kuhn) Talty akuhn27@gmail.com

Steve Eagle ’99 married Jasmine Ladd on October 20, 2012. The couple resides in Southern California.

Two of the Spencer brothers, Greg ’99 & John ’07, went head-to-head with their respective X-Country teams at this year’s annual Chili Pepper X-Country Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas. John is the head coach at Le Doux High School in St. Louis, MO., while Greg remains the coach for the Dutch. There was a lot of smack being talked through Facebook preceding the race as to whose team was better. The younger brother emerged as the victor, as Greg’s top two runners came up lame before and during the race. Rumor has it though that one of John’s runners purposely tripped one of the Dutch competitors. Rematch in 2013!

1998

Class Correspondent: Kate Rusley Gorman k8gorman@yahoo.com

Justin R. Thompson ’98, chef-proprietor of Juniper, opened his second restaurant, Prhyme Downtown Steakhouse, on November 28, 2012. The new steakhouse is lo-

Kyle Brown ’99 and Kaylynn Pressley announced their engagement September 2012.

The two were married in Norman, OK on December 8, 2012 and are expecting their first child!

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

33

Class Notes

2000

Margaret Rosene Robinson alieze@aol.com hhclassof2000@aol.com 918-640-0735

Lola’s Cantina, the roof deck at Alba, Katana Salon & Spa, several Rachael Ray Show design segments, a new flooring collection for Mats Inc., and several residential design projects in the Boston area. She works as the assistant designer for Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible, featuring celebrity chef Robert Irvine and HGTV host and designer Taniya Nayak. She was formerly working on HGTV’s Destination Design/Original Media Productions as a Design Assistant.

2001 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Katrina Kerr ’00 Sevier and husband, Toby, welcomed baby boy, Peyton, on August 11, 2012.

Brady Dillingham ’00 Carlson and her husband, Kevin, welcomed baby boy Alexander on October 11, 2012 at 6:00 a.m. He weighed 6lbs, 1oz and measured 17 7/8 inches long.

Bronce Stephenson ’01 and wife, Robby, welcomed Alyssa Lynn Stephenson on June 20, 2012. She weighed 7 lb, 15oz and measured 21 inches. Big brother Jaden proudly holds his new sister in the photo.

Sarah Blessing Losey ’00 and husband, Darren, welcomed their newest baby girl, Evalynn Joan, on Thursday, October 26, 2012 at 8:42 a.m.

She weighed in at 7lbs, 10oz!

Nicole Bhow Maier ’00 works at Taniya Nayak Design, LLC as an Interior Designer.

In addition to their work on Restaurant: Impossible, projects include: Julep Bar, Whiskey Republic, Petit Robert Central, Blue Inc.,

34

Casey Palmer ’01 married Timothy Neil Bogenschutz from Thornton, Colorado on July 8, in Granby, Colorado at Sol Vista Ski Resort.

They honeymooned in St. Lucia and now live in Thornton just north of Denver. Elizabeth Frame ’01 Ellison was the officiant and in attendance were Barrie Garrett ’01 Lamberton, Tesha Karnchanakphan ’01 and Allison Barnett ’01. It was a small and beautiful wedding!

2003

Class Correspondent: Leslie Sanditen leslieesanditen@gmail.com 918-625-6903

Michael Tollette ’03 and his wife, Austin Purser ’03 Tollette welcomed baby girl, Sophia Elizabeth Tollette on July 19, 2012.

Bennie Shenelle ’03 Thierry and Kate Marie (Jadin) Thierry were married October 20, 2012, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL. The couple honeymooned in the Canary Islands before returning to Chicago where they will continue to reside. “We are overwhelmed by all the joy and love at the union of our hearts and the merge of our families.” Bennie is a Procurement Administrator/Lean Advisor at the Chicago Transit Authority. Kate is a Social Worker at Catholic Charities.

Megan Elise Dunkelberg ’03 and Joe Elias Tsambiras were married on October 28, 2012. The couple resides in Dacatur, GA.

Jonathan J. Johnson ’03 is directing the feature film The Creek When He Came Back. For more information, visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/847478286/the-creekwhen-he-came-back-the-feature.

Class Notes

2004

Class Correspondent: Molly Munroe marykmunroe@gmail.com

Amanda Gribbin ’04 Kenna married Patrick Kenna on October 13, 2012.

2005

Class Correspondent: Sam Plost sam.plost@gmail.com 918-808-0531

Amanda Harris ’05 married Taylor Winge of Dublin, GA on April 7, 2012.

They were married in the Old Bracewell Farm in Dublin, GA. Holland Hall alum, Anup Bharani ’03, was a member of the wedding party. Alumni in attendance included Katy Morgan '05 and Tana Karnchanakphan '05 and former Holland Hall teacher, Sharon Morgan.

The couple resides at Beale Air Force Base in California. Amanda is an Academic Coordinator for Cultural Homestay International and Taylor is a staff sergeant with the Elite United States Military Intelligence Force of the US Air Force.

Kristine Alston ’05 married Nate Andrysco on October 13, 2012. The couple resides in Chandler, AZ.

2006

Class Correspondent: Grant Plost grant-plost@ouhsc.edu 918-289-1041

Michael Waters ’06 married Lauren Waters on October 27, 2012. The couple resides in Houston, TX.

2007

Class Correspondent: Jason Maloney Jason-Maloney@utulsa.edu

Courtney Roberson ’06 married her husband, Will, on April 1, 2012.

They welcomed baby girl, Ameila Marie “Mia” on July 13, 2012!

Congratulations!!

Kathy Khosrowyar ’06 plays for the Iranian National Women’s Soccer team. She is featured in a short film about the life of a female soccer player in Iran, called Veil of Dreams. The film explores a clash between sacred customs and contemporary athletic aspirations, this program follows an Iranian women’s soccer team daring to push traditional limits and pursue victories both on and off the field. Interviews with players and their families are combined with commentary by supporters of the sport as well as cultural leaders in the wider region who convey various opinions about its prospects. Specific topics include: what it’s like to play soccer (or football) with a chador, or headscarf; the team’s rigorous preparations for an overseas trip; the construction of sports facilities in the Middle East; perceptions of female athletes within male-dominated Iranian society.

Chris Carmichael ’07 married Jillian Heidlauf on July 28, 2012. The couple currently resides in Hummelstown, PA.

Missy Packell ’07 Santos married Anthony Santos ’05 on October 5, 2012. The two met while at Holland Hall!

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

35

Class Notes

2008

Class Correspondent: Clark Plost cjplost@gmail.com

Hillary Bach ’08 was named Pac-12 Conference Woman of the Year. She is the first Arizona State University student-athlete to garner Woman of the Year honors. Bach graduated with her undergraduate degree in business marketing in 2011 (3.75 GPA), as a junior of the softball team. She is currently working towards her masters of business administration. Hillary is pictured with 2012 Holland Hall graduates Jules and Paris Townsend who are freshmen on the University of Oklahoma softball team.

2009 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Luke Sweeney ’09 Senior running back Luke Sweeney rushed for 247 yards and set the school’s career record as the Pomona College football team romped to a 37-0 win over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Senior Day. He broke the school record of 2,676 career rushing yards held by Jim Regan (19951998). Sweeney ended his career with a clean sweep of the major Pomona-Pitzer rushing records, holding marks for single-game (265), single-season (1,419, set last year) and career (3,004) totals.

2010

Class Correspondent: Jordanne Morrow J.MORROW@tcu.edu

Layne Miller ’10 spent time in PortAu-Prince, Ouest this summer with International Medical Relief, an organization offering short term medical mission trips for volunteer doctors, dentists, medical and nonmedical professionals. They provide medical relief in areas where health care is limited or difficult to obtain and in disaster areas.

Tyler Ramsey ’92

On Monday November 19, 2012, artist Tyler Ramsey ’92 presented the story of his art to all of the Holland Hall middle school students.

Tyler was on hand to share with students his recent adventures in India working as an artist/ambassador for Tom’s shoes. Tyler’s philanthropic work has made him a player in the United Nations’ Global Creative Forum and the Philippine Red Cross.

2011 Class Correspondent Needed!

Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org

Taylor Moult ’11, a sophomore runner on the Texas Christian University’s men’s cross country team, was named to the 2012 Academic AllBig 12 cross country first team. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters.

Tina Smith

Former pioneer in the physical education department at Holland Hall and multi-sport coach, Tina Smith was inducted into the University of Central Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame on November 2, 2012. She played a variety of sports during her fouryear career with the Bronchos in the mid1960s, excelling in field hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, fencing, golf and track.

In Loving Memory: Daris Schell ’05 — June 2, 2012 Sally Ann (Sanny) Walker Moore ’59 — October 27, 2012 Margery Mayo Bird ’33 — August 29, 2012 Jake Ebright ’15 — September 12, 2012.

Frank Ward

On Sunday, October 14, 2012, LaFortune Tennis Center dedicated a court to Frank Ward. Mr. Ward was a tournament director in Tulsa for 35 years and was inducted into the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame in 1997.

36

Alumni Homecoming

From the Director of Alumni Relations

S

ome things change and some things stay the same.

This statement could not be truer of our beloved Holland Hall. When I graduated in 1992, we were the Dutchmen, our mascot was a pair of paper mache clogs, the football field was grass, being a Sakawa/ Scalper and a Wanata/Warrior was literally in your bloodline if you were a legacy family and we had lunch tickets instead of debit cards. While those traditions have been altered slightly, there are many that live on and new ones that are cementing themselves in our everyday culture.

Mary Lou Gallagher Doudican ’80, Oliver Sutton ’98, Brad White ’95, Bo Rainey ’83, Cara Shimkus Hall ’84, Zack Crocket ‘96, Lewana Bumpers Harris ’95, Virginia Miller ’71, Lynn Frazier Goldberg ’86, Dr. Christine Franden ’83, Beth Lieser Goddard ’86, Susan Pray Rainey ’84, Sharna Magoon Bovasso ’87, Sandra Alexander ’69, Matthew Laster ’07, Nan Hawkins Winton ’91, Sandford Roberds ‘93, Christy Utter ’92, Sarah Regan McKinney ’01, Joey Wignarajah ’00, Darin Alred ’84, Greg Spencer ’99, Roger Marshall ‘70.

Christy Utter '92, Sanford Roberds '93, Sarah Adams '99, Richard Hart

Martin Brody, Shirley Brody, Sanford Roberds '93, Christy Utter '92

Christy Utter '92, Karen Holmes, Sanford Roberds '93

Alumni Homecoming 2012 Homecoming took on a different feel this year by combining with the All School Picnic and Primary School Night. On a drizzly Friday night in late September, upwards of 100 alumni flocked to campus to join in the festivities. The alums were treated to food, fun, awards and of course, football!

Three alumni awards were given out at various times during the football game against Casady. The Tim S. O’Halloran Award, which is given to a faculty member who exemplifies student life enrichment, dedication and service, was awarded to Karen Holmes by the Class of 2012.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient is a graduate from the past 15 years who excels in his/her profession, university and pursuit of education. This year’s recipient was Sarah Adams ’99.

The final award of the evening was the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recipient demonstrates true devotion to the Holland Hall community, service to society, professional achievement and recognition from a local to a global scale. This year’s recipient was a very deserving, Kenny Brody ’88. Kenny most recently demonstrated true devotion to the school with a $1 million dollar gift benefiting Holland Hall’s financial aid endowment.

Regardless of when you attended Holland Hall, there were traditions galore and memories being made every day. Coming back to Holland Hall in my new capacity as Director of Alumni Relations has been every bit as rewarding and emotional as expected. I have the privilege of re-living my experience as a student each day. I attend morning meeting where they still read the names of the students who have yet to check in and announce birthdays, athletic victories, choral presentations, skits, cum laude and national honor society members, pep rallies and more. School started on August 21, 2012 and I have attended upwards of 50 morning meetings. I still enjoy this tradition and hope the uniqueness of these daily gatherings will be a part of the school forever.

Whether you attended Holland Hall for one year or were a Lifer, one thing holds true…we are all Dutch(men).

We share common memories of making octopi for Field Day, being excited for Free Dress Day, having butterflies before performances or athletic contests, wearing ties and dress shoes, sporting middies and jumpers, running through the Middle School Maze, hiding in Senior Corner and more.

My job is simple and amazing: reconnect alumni back to the school and with each other, and encourage alumni to attend Holland Hall sponsored events. If you need an alumnus to vouch for the excitement you will feel at these events, look no further. I celebrated my 20th high school reunion in May 2012 and can say with all honesty, it was one of my favorite weekends!

Please join me and other alumni in reconnecting back to a school where we, as students, were given every opportunity to grow as people, athletes, artists, musicians, leaders, inclusive classmates, friends, mentors and community activists. We were given the finest teachers, administrators, custodians, maintenance staff, assistants, chefs and most importantly…opportunities. No matter your personal experience, take a chance and reconnect.

You will find you have a second chance or just another opportunity to make new and lasting memories! You’re always welcome to come “home”.

Christy Utter ’92 Director of Alumni Relations HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

37

DUTCHSPORTS 2012 Fall Sports Highlights

Varsity Boys Finish 5th at the SPC Cross Country Race The varsity boys cross country team ran extremely well at SPC to finish in the top five of the 18 SPC schools.

They were led by senior Nathan Stewart who finished 21st overall with a time of 16:59 in the 5K. Junior Daniel Cruickshank finished 23rd with a 17:00, freshman Michael Saliba finished 27th with a 17:08 and senior Michael Barton finished 31st with 17:31.

Boys Cross Country Wins OSU Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater For the first time since 1993, the boys varsity cross country team won one of the most competitive cross country meets in the state at the Cowboy Jamboree. This race is a highly competitive race by classification and the Dutch defeated Plainview who is the #1 ranked cross country team in 3A. The boys had four runners finish in the top 20: Nathan Stewart, Daniel Cruickshank, Michael Saliba and Michael Barton.

Savanna Smith Finishes in Top 10 at the SPC Cross Country Race Junior Savanna Smith finished 8th overall with a time of 19:46 at the SPC cross country race in Fort Worth, TX. Savanna earned her 2nd All Conference medal, as she also was All SPC as a freshman. She also helped the Dutch finish 7th overall out of 17 SPC schools. Also, junior Halle Salisbury finished 28th with a time of 21:02 and freshman Brianna Zanders finished 29th overall with a 21:02.

Cheer Wins Regional for Fifth Time Congratulations to our Cheer squad as they won their cheer regional to 38

SPC north zone play and qualified as the #3 seed at SPC. The Dutch lost two very close matches at SPC to Houston Christian and Houston St. John’s, but won their final match against ESD for their 20th win of the season and the fourth consecutive year to make Division I. advance to nationals in January.

These girls work extremely hard to not only support our basketball and football teams, but also prepare for their cheer competitions.

Dutch Football Qualifies for First Ever SPC Playoff In the last week of the football season the Dutch football team defeated ESD 41-40.

With 26 seconds left junior John Byers blocked a field goal attempt by ESD to seal the victory.

It was the third block of the night for the Dutch and the second for Byers. The win qualified the Dutch as the #2 seed in the north in the SPC Division I bracket. The Dutch came up short in the semi final football playoff game, losing to Houston Episcopal.

Dutch Volleyball Wins 20 Games The Dutch volleyball team finished 20-11 on the season and 5-3 in

Dutch Field Hockey Retains the Nuckolls Trophy The Dutch fell behind early to rival Casady 0-1, but battled back to score two goals in the first half to take a 2-1 lead at the break. Senior Erin Best and junior Hayley Holmes scored for the Dutch. Casady tied the game with about 12 minutes remaining and the game ended in a tie at the end of regulation and in OT. The game was decided on strokes as the Dutch scored on their first three attempts and goalie, Maddie Gilbert, deflected all of Casady’s shots.

Luke Sweeney ’09 broke the career rushing record at Pomona-Pitzer in his final collegiate game last Saturday vs. Claremont. Sweeney needed only 10 yards to claim the rushing title, but rushed for 247 yards and 2 TD’s to lead Pomona to a 37-0 victory.

Sweeney ends his collegiate career with 3,004 yards.

Will Thompson ’11 was named to the Capitol One Academic AllDistrict Five Division III Football first team. Thompson is the starting right tackle for Washington University in St. Louis. Will currently has a 3.63 GPA and is majoring in business.

focus on

Middle School Honor Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall The Middle School Honor Choir, under the Direction of Holland Hall music faculty Ginny Ledoux and Lori Swisher, traveled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall with the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and the Tulsa Children’s Chorus Friday night, November 23, 2012. They sang the Ralph Vaughan William’s “Hodie”, which was conducted by Dr. Tim Sharp, Artistic Director of the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and Executive Director of the American Choral Director’s Association. Mrs. LeDoux was asked by Dr. Sharp to conduct the children’s narrations, which were accompanied by a portative organ on stage, while Dr. Sharp conducted the adult choruses and orchestra.

The second half of the program was the “Mass of the Children” by internationally acclaimed composer John Rutter. Mr. Rutter himself rehearsed with the children and adults and conducted all of the choruses.

Mrs. Swisher was on stage to assist with standing and seating the children. Following the performance, the students and families took a harbor cruise featuring dinner,

arts

Holland Hall String Orchestra Awarded Superior Rating The Holland Hall String Orchestra was awarded a Superior rating at the OSSAA (Oklahoma State Secondary Schools Activities Association) State String Orchestra contest held November 13. This award is the highest rating an ensemble can receive.

This year marks the second time the Holland Hall String Orchestra has achieved this rating at the state contest level.

dancing and wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.

For the young singers it was an unforgettable experience to perform in such an historic concert hall to the cheers of a capacity audience.

4th - Elliott Andrew, Kaelyn Case, Joel Cooper, Andrew Dunaway, Elsah James, Andrew Krueger, Gracie LaFortune, Joci Lake, Lillie Roberts, Sarah Synar 5th - Abigail Alderman, Natalie Bair, Caleb Baird, Olivia Butkin, Jaxon Castillo, Lauren Kramer, Caroline Lawson, Sophia Lepak, Allie Lechtenberger, Becca Levit, Breanna Lewis, Mark Massey, Elle Mullendore, Hailey Radford, Tyler Tetrick, Haven Yaffe 6th - Clinton Baird, Mallory Brander, Charlotte Bumgarner, Eva Campbell, Alec Cooper, Erin Dean, Kate Easter, Caroline Kane, Caroline Kelly, Lexi Lake, Johnny LaFortune, Emily Grace Moore, Liddy Patterson, Sarah Thomas 7th - John Connor, Jack Grossman, MacLeod Lawson, Gray Martucci, Olivia Studebaker, Nathan Washecheck

Seventh grade dance members perform Round @ Bound to the music of Patriot

by Michael W. Smith In November, the 2012-13 Modern Repertory Dance Ensembles of the Middle and Upper Schools gave their annual fall concert. The pieces presented included choreography projects by students as well as formal works created by faculty. Also performed was the dance "Ingress" by guest artist Christina Woodrow. Dancers from left: Ryen Guthrie, Olivia Studebaker, Julia Gross, Claire Harbaugh (seated).

2012 ARTworks Artist-in-Residency Program Sheds New Light on Colored Pencils Students from every grade level were thrilled to work with Cecile Baird, 2012 ARTworks featured artist. Utilizing the medium of colored pencils, and focusing on how light can transform objects, Ms. Baird shared her techniques for turning simple still life arrangements into dynamic works of art. Thanks to all our ARTworks patrons and parent volunteers who helped to make this 35th installment of ARTworks a truly unique experience.

Upper School production of Dracula a “Biting” Success Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Upper School Thespians fall production, brought life to one of literature’s most infamous villains of the night. In this photo Count Dracula (Josh Parrack ’13) is preparing to feast on his new bride Lucy (Emma Genesen ’13).

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE

39

Holland Hall 5666 E. 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID TULSA, OK Permit No. 582

Return Service Requested

Trivia Night — February 2, 2013 Book Fair Preview Party / Book Fair — February 22 & 23, 2013

Save the Dates

Dinner and Live Auction — April 27, 2013 Alumni Reunion Weekend — May 10-13, 2013 Hall of Fame / Alumni / Athletic Awards Ceremony — May 10, 2013 Golf Tournament — May 13, 2013

40