NYA Chronicle - Spring 2008 by HYNESIGHT

Spring 2008 Vol 27 Issue No. 2

NORTH YA R MO U T H

ACAD E MY

CHRONICLE

THE ARTS SPRING

2008

O. 1

,N VOL. 28

NYA

A SPECIAL ISSUE

DEAR NYA COMMUNITY There is a secret that those of us who live in the closer NYA community know and that too few others never seem to hear about. It is not a new secret. It is actually

one that has been around for a long time if you talk to alumni from the 1930’s and on. Today, more than ever, our marketing surveys say that this secret still exists, and that in some ways it is more hidden than ever. Yet, those who have attended NYA, and those who have been associated with our school in any way, know that the arts are not only alive and well here, but that we have one of the most diverse, dynamic and creative arts programs in the state, and every student is deeply involved in some aspect of it. • 100% of our Middle School students take studio art every year. • 100% of our Middle School students are in either instrumental or choral programs. • More than 30% of our Middle School students will appear in drama productions this year. • 100% of our Upper School students have an arts requirement for graduation.

From Cabaret produced at Williams College, 1972, featuring Peter Mertz, freshman year.

NORTH YARMOU TH

•M ore than 20% of our entire student body participates in drama every year. NYA students share their participation in the art studios, music performances and drama productions with a highly competitive athletic program that has produced over 20 state championships in the last seven years and a demanding college preparatory program that is recognized for its quality and depth. The typical NYA student is an excellent student, a dedicated athlete and an artist, actor, singer or musician. That is the NYA experience distilled to its essence. It is also the NYA experience that many of our alumni have known and cherished through the years. The theater in Safford Auditorium has seen countless performances, concerts and presentations, and I am thrilled to think that it will be seeing many more in the years to come as it is renovated, remodeled and improved according to our bold campus master plan. The secret of NYA is beginning to be heard. I hope that you enjoy this issue of the Chronicle, dedicated to the artistic spirit of NYA, and I encourage you to help spread the word and also enjoy the many diverse talents of our NYA students as they take full advantage of our exceptional arts program. Sincerely,

Peter W. Mertz, Headmaster

ACAD EM Y

CHRONICLE

Spring 2008 Volume 27 Issue No. 2

CONTENTS

• Over 75% of our Upper School students participate in at least one choral or instrumental music group.

HEADMASTER’S LETTER

CREATIVE STAFF

NYA + THE ARTS

A DAY IN THE LIFE

BACK TO THE FUTURE: SAFFORD HALL

NORTH STAR MUSIC CAFE

PHOTOGRAPHY

ALUMNI IN THE ARTS

MEET THE “BEATLES”

FALL 2007 SEASON SUMMARY

STEEL DRUM BAND

CLASS NOTES

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

STAFF NOTES

POTTERY

CHRONICLE SPRING 2008

THE ARTS OPPORTUNITY.

In Webster’s Dictionary the definition is “a favorable juncture of circumstances or a good chance for advancement or progress.” And that’s exactly what the fine arts program at North Yarmouth Academy is all about. “The strength of our arts program is in the number of opportunities available to kids at any experience level,” said Ian Ramsey, chair of the Fine Arts Department.

NYA

On most days at NYA, music and art fill the hallways and spill onto the green spaces in warm weather. “I think it’s wonderful that the first thing you see when you enter the front door of the Curtis Building is our gallery,” said Headmaster Peter Mertz. The Curtis Gallery serves as a formal display space for NYA’s visual artists, as well as guest artists from the Greater Portland community. The fine arts program, which includes the visual arts (painting, drawing, design, sculpture, ceramics and photography), instrumental music, choral music and drama, has grown by leaps and bounds over the past twenty years. When Susan Fahlgren Riley joined the faculty in 1985, there were few class options for students interested in the arts and even fewer for those interested in music. “Music was a fledgling

program when I came to NYA. One of my biggest challenges was deciding how I could make music a viable option for the kids and generate their enthusiasm. My own two sons, Sven and Brett, were students here then, and I wanted them to have not just great academics and athletics, but also great art and music. I interviewed ninety kids in the upper school and asked them if they had ever played a musical instrument and whether they would continue to play at school if there were choices. Playing in a school band just wasn’t cool, so I had to get them excited about it in order to grow the program,” she said. “I hired a guy to come once a week, and we literally started with four kids—two of them my own! They had a great little combo, I think just a trombone, a sax, a trumpet and a drummer. And that’s how it all began.”

CHRONICLE 2008

THE ARTS

NYA

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 Riley recounted a day when she actually pried a door off its hinges in Weld House so the combo could hold their regular practice with their teacher. “We didn’t have a music space or even a dedicated music room back then, so the band had to practice in a tiny little room in Weld House. “One day the door was inadvertently locked, but believe me, there was no way I was going to let those kids miss their once a week practice session! So, I found a screwdriver, took the door off its hinges and practice began. I’m sure those four boys thought I was absolutely nuts, but I didn’t want anything stopping the momentum of what we were doing—it was too important.” Under the guidance of Ian Ramsey, long time NYA music teacher and now Chair of the Fine Arts Department, the music program now offers Wind Ensemble, Steel Band, Jazz Band, String Ensemble, Middle School Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Middle School Rock Band, Allman Brothers Ensemble, Contemporary R&B Ensemble, Irish Fiddling Ensemble, Bluegrass Ensemble, Jazz Combo, The Beatles, Shakuhachi Ensemble, Flute Trio, French Horn Quartet, Brass Quintet, Brazilian Samba Brigade, World Percussion Ensemble, and Studio Band. “Our greatest strength is the opportunity for kids to participate at whatever their experience level is,” said Ramsey, “We try to listen to the kids and what their musical interests are, whether it’s contemporary music or bluegrass or jazz, and

NORTH YARM O U TH ACAD E M Y

then find a way for them to be participants. We have musical ensembles this year that range from learning to play a Shakuhachi, which is a wooden Japanese flute, to performing as the Beatles—and pretty much everything in between.” It’s Ramsey’s goal to create more linkage from the NYA music department into the larger community. For many years, the NYA steel band and its adult counterpart, Pan Fried, have been the primary musical groups performing off campus. Once again, it was Riley who was instrumental in getting the steel band formed and funded. “Before I came to NYA, I was living in Seattle, and my son Sven played steel drums in the sixth grade. The kids felt success in a very short period of time. That is not usually the case when studying instrumental music. So when I came to NYA, I thought ‘this is just what we need—a jump start.’ People thought I was a bit crazy when I tried to explain. In fact, I got into a bit of trouble for ordering the pans before we had raised the money, but we recycled cans, among other things, and it worked out okay. I recruited seven drummers. Rebecca Wing, our music teacher at the time, taught them a couple of songs to play at the auction, and boom!—that’s all it needed. That was the first spark. After that first performance, folks were amazed, and we got lots of support after that.” There are twenty-three drummers playing in this year’s steel band, and it has become one of the most w w w. n y a.o r g

special privileges of being a senior at NYA. “A year after the steel band program was started, the first ever New England Steel Band festival happened— with two bands, and NYA was one of them. At this year’s Festival, 24 steel bands from every state in New England will participate,” said Ramsey. While music fills the air at NYA, the visual arts fill the walls and nooks and crannies with amazing color, texture and depth. Riley, former Chair of the Fine Arts Department who retired from NYA in 2007, always felt it was important to open up the program to encourage and include more kids at every level. “My goal was always to get everybody into the studio—whether hesitant beginning artist or advanced placement art student. I always introduced every trimester by telling every one of my students, you can do it.” Mimi Olins, the new visual arts instructor at NYA, said her plans for the future include enhancing the opportunities already offered to students. “I’d like to grow the program a bit to perhaps add more three dimensional choices to those already offered,” she said. A sculpture class that would include working in wood, cardboard, plaster and wire is one of the classes she would like to add in the near future. “I think the idea of temporary installation work is fun for the kids and exposes them to work in new materials,” she said. Olins would also like to bring more visiting artists into the studio at NYA. “Kids get excited about mak-

ing art in new ways, creating in new ways with materials they perhaps haven’t used in the past. A visiting artist connects them to the greater community as well—they get an opportunity to see what cool stuff is happening out there. It opens their minds to explore a bit more—to go outside of themselves,” she said. Carrying on the philosophy of welcoming students of all abilities into the art studio, Olins explained her belief that each student can have successes in art. “The art studio is both a place of inquiry and determination. Students are welcome to use the space for art making throughout the week during free blocks and after school. There is a quote from Scott Adams that I love and use with my students— ‘Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing (or learning ) which ones to keep.’ It is important that they practice taking risks, trying out a new approach with a familiar tool, picking up a new material and experiencing awkwardness, and then, driven by their interest and with encouragement, they learn to keep working on a piece, refining skill, pushing the full expression of their idea or intention, until they come to a place where they have grown and can feel proud of how the artwork has developed and what it looks like,” she said. Visual art students at NYA may currently select courses in design I, II or III; drawing I, II, or III; painting I, II or III, advanced placement studio art with concentrations in either two dimensional, three dimensional or drawing; clay and photography. Complimenting the instrumental music program at NYA is a vibrant and exciting choral music department. Nora Krainis has been the choral director at the school since 1992 and has seen much growth during her tenure here. “When I first came to NYA, I had just one Upper School chorus with 26 kids and a very small Middle School chorus. Today, we have six and sometimes seven groups singing each year,” she said.

really expose the kids to all kinds of professional musical experiences. We have a lot of fun, but it’s truly a learning adventure,” she said. If students are more drawn to the dramatic arts, NYA provides a myriad of opportunities for getting involved on stage as well as behind the scenes. Each year, the school produces a full-scale musical, under the direction of Krainis, and several other dramatic shorts and plays. This year’s musical is “Once Upon a Mattress,” a play based loosely on the children’s story “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Andersen. “This year, our Middle School students will swap roles with the Upper Schoolers for one performance. Usually the younger performers fill in the chorus and some of the minor parts, but they will play the lead roles for our Saturday show this year. I think it will be fun for both the performers and the audience to have us ‘mix it up’ a little bit—and the older kids think it’s great too!” Krainis said. Past shows have included “All I Learned in Kindergarten,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

“

Teenagers,” said Riley, “are trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be. What better way than through the arts where they can take risks, struggle, solve, explore, express, perform and develop.

Behind the scenes, students learn sound and lighting techniques, scene building and the art of stage design. “We have some very talented kids who run our sound board, help create the special lighting we need and do all the behind the scenes work that really puts the show together. We couldn’t do the productions we do without all the students who have gotten involved both on the stage and off. These are really student productions in every sense of the word,” Krainis said. Opposite page: Winter Concert ‘07 Upper right: Susan Fahlgren Riley in the art studio with Margie Gribbell ‘05 Below: 3 Apples by Finn Hadlock ‘11, Acrylic Paint on Canvas

”

“Kids come to Higgins Hall [the music building] to create and emote. That’s what music does— it connects them to their emotions and makes them feel really good. Music and singing give kids something they can and will use for the rest of their lives,” Krainis explained. Along with the choices that have expanded over the years in the choral arts, other extracurricular programs have also evolved. “Every other year, I take the chorus to New York City to compete and to hear other choirs perform. We go to Broadway for a couple of shows, visit Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall—

CHRONICLE 2008

NYA BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2007-08 Linc Merrill ‘75, President Julie Moss, Vice President David Champoux, Vice President Thomas Newman, Treasurer Richard Abbondanza, Secretary

THE ARTS

John Carpenter MaryEllen FitzGerald Diana Garcia Charles Gendron Margaret Griswold Laurie Hasty Michael Healy John Kauffmann Betsy Mead Brian Noyes Lynn Noyes Charles Oestreicher ‘89 Bruce Poliquin R. P. Field Rider Tracey Russell Priscilla Savage Theodore Sharp ‘60 James Skillings ‘84 David Warren Eric Weinrich ‘85 Jean Wilkinson

NYA

HONORARY TRUSTEES Mary Anderson Stephen Anderson Mark Fasold Christopher Flower Margot Milliken C. David O’Brien Christopher Pierce Michael Savage Curtis Scribner John Staples Anita Stickney Peter Mertz, Headmaster

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE STAFF Kate Putnam Chief Development Officer Tara Johnson Assistant Director of Development Debora Hirshberg Noone Director of Alumni Relations Kristi Belesca Director of Community Development and Communications Jim Briggs Dee Post Designed By Hynesight | Brochu Printed By Printmail of Maine

NORTH YARM O U TH ACAD E M Y

Safford Auditorium, circa 1950’s, was used for graduation, drama and music productions and even as a movie theatre until it was converted to a multiuse cafeteria/theatre space in the late 1970’s.

BACK TO THE FUTURE SAFFORD TO REGAIN ITS CREATIVE FOCUS Although some folks might appreciate the clanging

’39 recalls that on weekend evenings, the school

ears, more than a few fans of the performing arts

for students as well as town residents. The space

of cafeteria pots, pans and cutlery as music to their are delighted with the plans to restore Safford

Auditorium back from multi-use cafeteria/theatre to its original 1930’s glory.

In it’s original design, Safford Auditorium was just

that—a lovely auditorium where NYA drama and music performances were held, and the fold-down seating for nearly 400 easily accommodated allschool meetings and graduation. Flo Wile-Hodsdon w w w. n y a.o r g

charged admission and showed movies in Safford also served as the meeting venue for Yarmouth Town Council meetings.

The architect’s rendering above depicts how the restored auditorium will appear. An enlarged green room and storage space will be added behind the

stage, and enhanced acoustics will help create a wonderful new/old space for NYA performing arts.

PHOTOGRAPHY Abbie Sewall has been teaching photography at NYA for fifteen years. During her tenure, the program has been transformed from a black box room in the middle of Mr.

McMahon’s Middle School art room to a full darkroom

with six enlargers, a film processing room complete

with temperature controlled stainless steel sink, and a

classroom housing an extensive photographic library, camera and tripod equipment. There are great images all around! NYA offers Photo I, II, III and Advanced Photography. Photo I is basic photographic concepts

and camera mechanics. Photo II builds on Photo I, and Photo III and Advanced challenge the student to think

conceptually about the world. “Students are asked

not just to document, but to interpret what they see. Emphasis is placed on the student’s personal journey in photography,” explains Sewall.

“For two trimesters of photography class, I have been lucky to have my brother, Alex Paige (‘14), as my model.

He is really good at getting into whatever role I ask, so as soon as I hit the trigger for this picture, I knew it was a strong shot!” – Katie Paige ‘10

“Possessed” by Katie Paige ‘10. Silver print.

MEET THE “BEATLES” “The Beatles” is an extracurricular group that started in 2006 when Ian Ramsey noticed the talents and

interests of four middle school students. Members are: Jerry Murray ‘11 (John Lennon-guitar/vocals), Elliot Daniels ’11 (Paul McCartney-bass/vocals), Robert Miller ‘11 (Ringo Starr-drums/vocals), and Jake Susla ‘12 (George Harrison-guitar/vocals).

The first year, the group, complete with suits and Beatle

haircuts, played from the 1964 Beatles, including “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “Twist and Shout”. Each year, they will follow the Beatles’ progression until they

are playing songs the White Album and Abbey Road as seniors.

Beatles music is challenging, and music from their later albums is increasingly difficult, so it will be

progressively challenging. They have played to crowds

of shrieking girls at NYA events, and they plan to play off campus more frequently. Look for them at NYA’s

Spring Instrumental Concert and the Groovy Sixties Auction.

Left to right: Jerry Murray ‘11, Jake Susla ‘12, Elliot Daniels ’11 and Robert Miller ‘11

CHRONICLE 2008

Self-Portrait by Cole Paiement ‘08

Cole Paiement is currently a senior at NYA. He is

in his second year of Advanced Placement Studio

Art. After successfully completing a 2D Design AP

portfolio as a junior, he is working on a drawing AP

The Senior

Experience

portfolio this year. Cole has taken numerous NYA

steel drum band

drawing and photography. He has taken classes at

This year, they wear cool orange tie-dyed tee shirts

the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition.

play fun music and they get to hang out with Mr.

art courses such as clay, design, computer graphics, the Maine College of Art and received honors from

that proclaim they’re “tighter than spandex,” they Ramsey. The NYA steel drum band—what could be better?

Description of artwork: Self-Portrait by Cole Paiement ‘08 9 ¾” x 18” Spray paint on wood board

NORTH YARM O U TH ACAD E M Y

Playing in the steel drum band is one of the most coveted of senior privileges and rewards.

“It’s

sweet,” said Andrew Collins, a member of the band. “It’s way more chill than the regular band,” echoed

fellow drummer, Reid Walker. Collins added, “As an

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underclassman, everyone can’t wait for the chance to play in the steel drum band. It’s the coolest thing.”

For non-musicians, the steel drum band is a nice way to have an NYA musical experience. One such senior, Alex Briggs, said it was pretty easy to match

the notes on the music with the same notes written

on the pans of the drums. “You can pick it up pretty quickly, and within a few practices you can play just as well and as fast as the rest of the group,” he said.

THE ARTS

NYA POTTERY

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Directed by Nora Krainis (Chorus and Middle School

math teacher), “Once Upon a

Mattress” retells the story of

“The Princess and The Pea”

Middle School leads,” said Assistant

NYA has offered Clay classes for over twenty

Director Rhonda Barker (Middle

years. All levels require a working knowledge

School French teacher).

Upper School leads:

of clay, glaze and heatwork. Students show

their work with the Scholastic Art and Writing

Abby

Awards, Portland Pottery, 317 Main, and

with surprising twists. The most

Godfrey ‘08, Pete Mertz ‘08,

pea at all that caused the princess

‘11, Alex Ward ‘10, Kate Sharp

Kat Gillies, clay teacher at NYA since 2001,

Webbert ‘10, Maeve Stier ‘10,

students including community clay projects

surprising, is that it wasn’t the a sleepless night!

There were five performances

in February with three different

casts, including a show with all

NYA’s winter and summer exhibitions.

Haley Bennett ‘09, Jenny Sharp ‘09, Elliot Daniels ‘11, Jacob

brings a broad range of clay experiences to

Emma Banks ‘11, Ashleigh

at Maine Medical Center and Mid-Coast

Taylor ‘09, Amy Miller ‘08

Hospital. “I love teaching here. The classes

are small enough that you can tailor a program

Maggie Meixell ‘12,

Middle School leads, which had never been done

Middle School leads:

three different casts is challenging, but it all really

St. John ‘12, Hadley Gibson ‘12, Rachel Matson

at NYA before. “Our kids are amazing. Having

Evan Kendall ‘12, Grant McPherson ‘12, Amilia

came together. We are particularly proud of our

‘12, Tess Gallagher ‘14, Alex Coffin ‘12

for individual students and have them study techniques from various cultures as well as from contemporary ceramics,” said Gillies.

One of the casts from “Once Upon a Mattress” left to right: Grant McPherson ‘12, Caroline Howes ‘09 Ashleigh Taylor ‘09, Pete Mertz ‘08, Alex Coffin ‘12 and Elliot Daniels ‘11

Sculpture by: Caroline Kessler ‘08

CHRONICLE 2008

THE ARTS CREATIVE STAFF

NYA

Ian Ramsey Chair, Fine Arts Department

Ian Ramsey is the Chair of Fine Arts and Director of Instrumental Music at NYA. An honors graduate of the University of Southern Maine, he is a multi-instrumentalist. He has traveled to Trinidad, Ireland, the Bahamas, and Alaska to study local musical traditions and has performed in Russia, Poland, Ireland, England, and throughout the US. Last summer, he was chosen for the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund and traveled there to study Japanese music, education and culture. He is also a published writer, a licensed Maine Guide, a four-star certified BCU Seakayaker, and is extensively involved in environmental issues in Alaska and the Gulf of Maine.

Nora Krainis

Kat Gillies

Chorus, Middle School Math

Clay

Nora Krainis teaches vocal music at NYA, where she conducts five choral ensembles, directs the drama program, teaches Middle School math, and coaches volleyball. She is a graduate of Corpus Christi State University. She is the Choral VP for Maine Music Educators Association and is the treasurer and music librarian for MMEA District 2. She directs a musical drama program for K-5 at SouthCoast Community Church in Scarborough. Nora lives in Freeport with her husband and their two cats. She spends her summers helping to run Camp Taconic, a residential summer camp in the Berkshires.

Kat Gillies is the ceramics instructor at NYA. She received a BFA with honors from Massachusetts College of Art in art history and ceramics. She co-directed Boston’s alternative arts venue, Red Alert, and Sidney Falco Films of which she won the Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs Award. She lived in England for eleven years and was represented by Crucial Gallery in the Ladbroke Grove/Notting Hill area of London. She is the director of Art Attack, a summer arts program in Yarmouth, where she gets to know many aspiring NYA art students.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCKER ROSS MARKONISH Upper School English

Ross has played guitar for 20+ years, and has been in several bands over that time. The music he’s played has ranged from blues to classical to classic rock covers to experimental instrumentals. His current band is a hard rock band named OGRE that has been around since late 1999. OGRE has firmly established itself in the local scene, and was awarded the “Best Hard Rock Band” award by the Portland Phoenix in 2006. They have also traveled and toured along the East Coast, playing shows from Maine down to Virginia. They have released two full-length albums and have a third one due out in March. They also have a large international fan base, with listeners in Greece, Germany, England, Australia, Israel, and many other countries. “Our biggest news, though, is that we will be going on a tour of Japan over March break, which is a dream come true for me.” – Ross Markonish

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OGRE: Markonish, Will Broadbent (drums), Ed Cunningham (bass and vocals)

Mimi Olins Upper School Arts

Mimi Olins came to NYA in 2007 after teaching visual art at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine. She has BFA degree in ceramics from Maine College of Art and completed her postBFA teaching program at the University of Southern Maine. She has taught art in a variety of programs in Portland and keeps an active studio practice in ceramics. She shows and sells her work in local galleries and craft fairs. She lives in Freeport with her husband and baby daughter.

“ Nana’s Cushion” by Abbie Sewall. Color Xerox print on paper.

Linda Vaillancourt Middle School and Upper School Strings

Abbie Sewall Photography

Abbie Sewall has taught photography to enthusiastic students at NYA since 1994, while running a photo business for over sixteen years. “Discovering artistic voice through visual selfexpression excites me as much now as it did when I took my first photo class in a small high school much like NYA. I am currently exploring the vast capabilities of digital photography and Adobe PhotoShop, but I hold fast to the value in teaching film based photography as a technical and aesthetic foundation to image-making in the 21st Century.”

Linda Vaillancourt directs NYA’s Middle School band and the Middle and Upper School strings. She received her MM in Viola Performance from the University of Maine and her BM in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine. She is an active performer and plays in the Bangor Symphony, Maine Chamber Ensemble, and other local groups. She lives in Lewiston with her husband (also a musician) and two daughters.

Renee Prescott Admission Assistant

Tim MacMahon ’93 Middle School Art

Tim McMahon has been teaching Middle School art at NYA for four years. He is a graduate of NYA (’93) and received a BFA from Maine College of Art. In addition to teaching, Tim is the NYA gallery coordinator, Middle School cross country coach and boys lacrosse coach. Tim splits his free time between his studio and renovating a turn of the century home in Portland.

NYA Admission Assistant Renee Prescott received a BFA from Maine College of Art, focusing on ceramics. She just recently began pursuing art again. She is now painting and engraving on wood. She is exhibiting her work at NYA March 14 through April 18, 2008. She lives in Yarmouth Maine with her husband and two dogs.

CHRONICLE 2008

A DAY IN THE ARTS

PETE MERTZ ‘08 Between Spanish class and AP Calculus, senior

Pete Mertz attends Steel Drum practice, AP Art class, then after school rehearsal for the musical “Once Upon a Mattress,” where he plays Prince

Dauntless. Pete also plays the saxophone in several NYA bands and the Youth Wind

Ensemble for the Portland Symphony Orchestra and sings in various choruses.

HOW DO THE ARTS FACTOR IN TO A TYPICAL DAY?

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NORTH STAR MUSIC CAFE NYA’s Studio Band played a gig at the North

Star Music Cafe in November on Munjoy Hill in Portland, one of many shows this band plays in the community.

This page photo (left to right): Jenna Lane ‘08, PD Wappler ‘08, Charlotte Michaud ‘09, Caroline Kessler ‘08, Miles Isacke ‘09 Opposite page, left photo: PD Wappler ‘08 Opposite page, center photo (cloockwise from top left): Ethan Allred ‘10, Robert Miller ‘11, Weston Masi ‘11, Charlotte Michaud ‘09, Robert Newman ‘08, Caroline Kessler ‘08, Jenna Lane ‘08, Jerry Murray ‘11, Owen Howes ‘11, Ian Ramsey Opposite page right photo: Alden Kelsey ‘11

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THE ARTS

NYA

AMY MILLER ‘08 Likewise, senior Amy Miller fits AP Art and Steel Drum rehearsal in along with Art History class,

Latin and AP Calculus. She is also in “Once Upon a Mattress” and designed the promotional

poster. Amy is an accomplished photographer (she currently has a photograph nominated for a Scholastic Art and Writing Award) and also sings in several choral groups.

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CHRONICLE 2008

ALUMNI IN THE ARTS Nick Wellin ‘05

Matt Kuhn ’97

Matt Kuhn ’97 writes for the CBS television show How I Met Your Mother. After graduating from NYA, he studied Geography, Public Policy, and Art History at Dartmouth College while writing for the Jacko Lantern humor magazine. “One day during my junior year at NYA, Julia Chin allowed me to perform a song I had written to the tune of a popular Eagles’ rock anthem. While “Precal California” was, at best, marginally educational, I did learn something: solving logarithmic functions was not as fun as trying to make people laugh*… which is what my parents must have thought I was doing when I announced I was moving to L.A. to write comedy. Oddly enough, I’ve found writing for television is not that different from classes at NYA.” “Slapsgiving” - an episode Matt wrote for How I Met Your Mother – was recently included in Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Best TV Episodes of 2007.” * L ogarithmic functions were still a hoot though, Mrs. Chin.

Nick is currently a junior at Colorado College in Colorado Springs majoring in English with a concentration in Film Studies and a Minor in Environmental Science. He was involved in the Music Department for all seven years at NYA. It was Nora Krainis’ dedication to her student singers that encouraged him to pursue music. After seeing the college a cappella group The Colgate 13 perform at NYA, he knew he wanted to sing a cappella in college. He learned about Colorado College’s a cappella group The Back Row and tried out. Five months later, they pressed their first CD, Unleash the Periscope, and the group toured the East Coast, visiting Boston College, Boston University, University of North Carolina, and NYA. After returning to Maine for Winter Break, he was proud to see his younger brother Gus sing as a member of NYA’s Men’s Chorus, the same group he left three years ago.

Madeline Yale ‘94

Madeline is the Executive Director and Curator at Houston Center for Photography, a nonprofit space dedicated to contemporary photography and related media.

Photo: Bob Warren

NYA Presents the 7th Annual Steve Morris Golf Tournament

JULY 26, 2008 All proceeds go to the Steve Morris Scholar Program Endowment Fund To register, contribute or for further information,visit www.nya.org. Register early – spaces fill up fast!

NORTH YARM O U TH ACAD E M Y

The NYA faculty encouraged her to pursue the arts through dance, photography, and other media. She said, “Abbie Sewall and Susan Fahlgren were terrific teachers. (I was far better at looking at art than I was at making it!).” She received a BA from Skidmore College and interned at the Portland Museum of Art. She received a post graduate certificate from Sotheby’s in London in art history. She has a master’s degree from the Norwich School of Art and Design in England in Photographic Studies.

JUdy Sawyer Lake ‘77

Judy designs and makes decorative lampshades with vintage fabrics. She started her business in her home over twenty-one years ago. She opened a shop in 1996, Lake’s Lampshades, which is located close to her home in Pawlet, VT. She does custom work for interior designers as well as wholesale. She always credits NYA and the art department, especially Rosalie Smith. “She was a great teacher and a real artist; she pushed me to learn to see and grow as a young artist. I am very thankful for her generosity and creativity,” said Lake. She has a four-page piece in the February 2008 issue of Country Living magazine and is in the process of writing a book on lampshade design.

Save the Date: NYA Auction

Saturday April 26, 2008 5:00 pm Travis Roy Arena

online auction! View ALL auction items by following the Auction link at www.nya.org. Bid online on an exclusive group of items available March 26th-April 23rd. Check it out! w w w. n y a.o r g

THE ARTS

NYA

Milton Welt ‘33

Milton says he was considered the class artist at NYA. He was asked to decorate for the annual senior hop, so he cut out life size silhouettes in black paper and glued them to the white brick walls. After the dance, Mr. Hyde, the principal, asked that he clean up what he had done. He said it took him the entire day to chip away at each glued piece of black paper. When he graduated, he was given a summer job of painting woodwork, including the cupola, on the Curtis Building. He also did the pen & ink drawing that appeared on the 1933 NYA graduation annual report. Milton graduated from the Keith Parris School of Art in Portland, Maine and has broad experience in painting. His work is sought out by many private collectors and hangs in homes and offices throughout the country. His interest in Cape Cod out-ofdoors is reflected in his paintings.

Andy Cross ‘93

Andy began photographing under an “amazing” teacher at NYA named Dody Coman, a ceramics and photo instructor. He went to the Maine College of Art, and after graduation, continued to work in Portland at Macomber Studios - (Peter’s son Sam Macomber went to NYA as well). He received his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. He then moved to LA and was as a commercial photographer and assistant, working with Mario Testino on several of his shoots for Vogue magazine in 2006. He now lives in San Diego and is a professor of photography at the University of San Diego and Grossmont College. He shows his work nation-

ally and has had work published. He recently did a shoot for SPIN magazine and continues to work commercially.

Welt lives in Harwich, MA and will be ninety-four in April. He is still very involved in the 820 Main Gallery in Harwich Port, MA. In fact, 2007 was his most successful year as an artist.

Robin Luera ’98

Robin Luera lives in New York and is an animator. Her fifth movie, “Horton Hears a Who,” was released in March 2008. She also worked on “Ice Age: The Meltdown.” Robin says, “I really owe my career path to the AP Art program….it was a last minute decision that I’ll never regret.” Editor’s Note: from June 2006 class note

THE 2007-2008 ANNUAL FUND Our goal: $300,000 by March 31, 2008

Tuition covers 80% of school expenses. The Annual Fund helps fill the gap. The Annual Fund supports North Yarmouth Academy’s arts programming, financial aid, athletic programs, campus maintenance, faculty development, and much, much more. It is vital to the health of the school and touches every aspect of the student experience at NYA. Your generous support furthers NYA’s continued excellence in the classroom, the art studio and the playing field. To make a gift now, visit our website at www.nya.org or see the giving envelope enclosed in The Chronicle.

Please help us make our Mission Possible!

CHRONICLE 2008

SEASON SUMMARY

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BOYS VARSITY SOCCER Western Maine Conference First Team All-Star (left to right): Alex Pilitsis ‘08, Cody Zane ‘08, Taylor Gorman ‘08 MSCA Western Maine Class C Regional All-Stars: Taylor Gorman ‘08, Alex Pilitsis ‘08, Cody Zane ‘08 MSCA All-State Team: Taylor Gorman ‘08, Cody Zane ‘08 MSCA Class C Player of the Year: Taylor Gorman ‘08 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald All-Star: Taylor Gorman ‘08, Cody Zane ‘08 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Honorable Mention: Alex Pilitsis ‘08

VARSITY CO-ED GOLF

CROSS COUNTRY

Individual Girls State Champion: Kate Merrill ‘09 (pictured above) Western Maine Conference All-Stars: Kate Merrill ‘09, Tim Millett ‘11 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Player of the Week: Kate Merrill ‘09 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald All-Star: Kate Merrill ‘09 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald MVP: Kate Merrill ‘09

GIRLS Cross Country

Western Maine Conference All-Star: Amy Miller ‘08 BOYS Cross Country

Western Maine Conference All Star: Steven Lentine ‘09

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SAILING Gleekman Trophy: Boston, MA (Team Members: Ethan Allred ‘10 and Evan Siepert ‘09) /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER FIVE-TIME STATE CHAMPIONS Western Maine Class C Regional Champions, Maine State Class C Champions Western Maine Conference First Team All-Stars (above, left to right): Alison Carpenter ‘09, Courtney Dumont ‘10, Charlotte Eberle ‘11, Maddie Lane ‘09 Western Maine Conference Honorable Mention: Alex Noyes ‘08 MSCA Western Maine Regional Class C All-Stars: Alison Carpenter ‘09, Courtney Dumont ‘10, Alex Noyes ‘08 MSCA Senior All-Star Game: Alex Noyes ‘08 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Honorable Mention: Courtney Dumont ‘10, Alex Noyes ‘08 Forecaster Girls Team Coach of the Year: Jeff Thoreck

VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY Western Maine Class C Player of the Year: Allie Tocci ‘08 Western Maine Conference All-Stars: 1st Team (above, left to right) : Allie Tocci ‘08, Marion Leslie ‘08 2nd Team: Lucy Gerrity ‘09, Caroline Kessler ‘08, Kayte Demont ‘08 Maine Field Hockey Association All-Star Team Class C: Allie Tocci ‘08, Marion Leslie ‘08 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Player of the Week: Marion Leslie ‘08 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Honorable Mention: Allie Tocci ‘08 The Forecaster NYA Athlete of the Fall: Allie Tocci ‘08

CHRONICLE 2008

CLASS NOTES

Alumni Winter Sports Day

had a great turn-out, once again, for both the basketball and hockey games. A reception followed at the Muddy Rudder. It was fun to have parents and other alumni join us for a pre-holiday gathering TO CATCH up with classmates. ALUMNI HOCKEY TEAM Back Row: Dan Dearing ’06, Kent Hulst (Arena Manager), Matt Curran ’04, Sean Lynch ’06, Peter Gerrity ’05, Dan Bartlett ’04, Robin Klasek ’07, Than Wellin ’07, Nick Wellin ’05, (directly in front) Nic Lolar ’07, Whit Martin ’78, Eric Gilbert ’97, Matt Noone ’92, Tim Hardy ’77 Kneeling: Russ Simms ’07, Dan Alexander ’86, Brian Clarke ’80, Steve Lawrence ’03, Garret Brown ’05, Matt Greason ’97 ALUMNI BASKETBALL TEAM Front kneeling: Sam Moss ’04, Dinch Kelesoglu ’07, Banak Thiwat ’07 Back row: James Sterling ’07, Joel Thompson ’90, George Briggs ’99, Chris Lachance ’02 , Choul Ngoal ’07

1936 Ruth Douglass let us know: “Life is Good. Had a trip this summer to London, France and Nice. Keep ever so busy!” 1937 Marian MacPherson writes: “Hanging in there and enjoying my grandchildren.” 1954 Dorothy Small writes: “I moved to Yarmouth in my junior year. Although I lived in Yarmouth for the next 40 years, I am sad to say I did not keep in touch with my classmates. Hopefully I’ll do better in the future.”

1956 Colonel Dennis K. Hodsdon, Ret writes: “...another year...another company. Joined STG, as Sr. Business Analyst. STG won a defense contract in support of the NETCOM CONUS Theatre Network Operation & Security Center here in Fort Huachuca, AZ. So much for retirement!” 1958 Lucretia Towle Spence writes: “Enjoying time with children (5) and their families. We took a thirty-one day road trip across U.S.A. and NW Canada in MayJune. Breathtaking! Nine-thousand, one hundred and seventeen miles by car!”

Bill Adams moved to NC and writes: “Would welcome NYA classmates on their way to or from Florida and hoping to see many of them for a 50th reunion in 2008.” 1962 Rufus Jones writes: “I’m retired! But busier than ever.” 1963 Sally Lindquist Perry writes: “Both my husband and I are loving retirement in our new home on Sebago a big change, sharing our woods and shore with our Airedale “Toby”, two eagles, a mink, deer, loons, ducks and lots of other small creatures. We love company and have a cottage to share!”

Charles A. Bangert, III ’66 September 2006

Priscilla Merrill Cash ’54 November 2, 2007

IN MEMORIUM

Ralph Stevens ’51 January 31, 2007

Eleanor York Trask ’48 November 2, 2007

WE REMEMBER THESE NYA ALUMNI

Robert Waterman ’40 October 2007

Jonathan Moxcey Ames ‘73 November 21, 2007

Maxine Wyman Torrey ’49 October 19, 2007

Bernice Sullivan Merrill ’54 November 23, 2007

ADDITIONS 1965 John Branson writes: “As historian for Lake Clark National Park and Preserve I’ve recently completed writing a book entitled The Canneries, Cabins, and Caches of Bristol Bay, Alaska, ISBN 978-0-97964321-7. The book is available through the Alaska Natural History Association and I make no profit on book sales.” 1970 Stephen Purington writes that he lives in North Berwick with his wife and two chocolate labs. 1973 Bob Swenson writes that he sees Chris Littell ’73, Preston Hoffman ’73, and Curt Sosebee ’72 during the summers. Jonathan Moxcey Ames ’73 – written by Faith Baker ’75: “Dear NYA Alumni, I am sad to report that on Wed. November 21, 2007, Jonathan Moxcey Ames ‘73, passed away after fighting cancer. Jon was one of those all-round nice guys that seemed to get along with everyone. My memories of him in the 1970’s wouldn’t be complete without acknowledgment of his love of photography. He took many pictures for the NYA yearbook while he was here. Jon got my email address a few years ago off the NYA alumni page, and he contacted me to say hello. He had been living in San Diego, California since 1975. After his mother died, Jon became the caretaker for his father and together they moved back to Yarmouth in 2006. He was looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life back in Maine when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer this past year. It spread quickly and despite chemo treatments, Jon knew he didn’t have long to live. Jon’s California friends called him Moxcey but his NYA friends called him “Johnny Angel”...and so he is, now. Johnny Angel, you will be missed and fondly remembered by your NYA friends.”

1975 Charles “Chip” Patterson writes: “Best wishes to the Class of ’75. It was a fun class with good people.” 1979 Mark McCarthy writes: “I took the position of Managing Director of Ariel Preferred (August 2007), based in Williamsburg, VA. Ariel owns and operates seven outlet centers in the US and has two new projects under development. Also, I was elected to the Board of Directors of Developer of Outlet Centers and Retailers Association.” 1986 Kelly Masters writes: “Our boys arrived on New Years Eve: Jacob Masters Harmon (on the left), otherwise known as baby A - born at 12:58 pm, 19” long and 5 pounds, 10 ounces. Erik Mason Harmon, or baby B - born at 1 pm, 18-1/2” long and 5 pounds, 12 ounces. We are truly blessed that they are healthy and all is well. Happy New Year to all, Kelly and John.”

Theo Oliver Myer Fahlgren on May 31, 2007 to Sven Fahlgren ‘89 and Reed Kelly ’90

1989 Sven Fahlgren and Reed Kelly ’90 have a baby boy, Theo Oliver Myer Fahlgren, born May 31, 2007. They live in Freeport and Sven works for Modernista Advertising in Boston. 1990 Scott Moynihan writes: “I currently live in North Yarmouth with my wife Kim and son Devon, 3. Employed by Dead River Company and member at nearby Toddy Brook Golf Course.”

Samuel Talcott Poole on July 11, 2007 to Lesley and Gus Poole ’96

1991 Nate Goodwin writes: “Things are good here in sunny south Florida. I am the owner of one of South Florida’s most reputable Yacht restoration companies. I currently have about forty employees and a steady flow of boats to be worked on. I am the proud father of three and a fierce competitor in the sport fishing circuit. My Three Sons Fishing Team is currently in 4th place for the Florida Billfish series and we’re looking at many more tournaments in the near future.”

Mary Ware Lawrence Miles ’51 November 26, 2007

Harold P. Small ’35 January 4, 2008

Albert E. Hodsdon Jr. ’29 December 2, 2007

Iva Gladstone Willard ’54 January 7, 2008

Bertha Whitney McLellan ’39 December 26, 2007

James B. Satterthwaite, former faculty, English January 23, 2008

Ilma Welch Martin ’35 January 3, 2008

Janet Shirley Phipps Clarke ’60 February 17, 2008

Jacob Masters Harmon and Erik Mason Harmon on January 1, 2008 to John Harmon and Kelly Masters ’86

Look for NYA soon on MySpace, LinkedIn, and Face Book! Send us your email address: dnoone@nya.org

CHRONICLE 2008

CLASS NOTES Above: Marissa Markonish, panel facilitator and Chair of Language Dept.; Denise Moriba ’06, Amanda Preston ’05, Margie Gribbell ’05 speak to members of the Class of 2009; Below: At the Junior reception, 2005 classmates catch up – Peter Fitz ’05, Katy Briggs ’05, Margie Gribbell ’05, Amanda Preston ’05

junior class college kick-off Fourteen alumni came back to campus to participate on panels where they SHARED their experiences in college and knowledge about the application process. As usual, it was enlightening for the Junior Class (2009) to hear how beneficial an NYA education is to being one step ahead of many once they enter college. Alumni spoke about the “family” atmosphere at NYA. They encouraged Juniors to take full advantage of capitalizing on their college experience by getting to know professors and advisors, just as they did at

NYA. They also advised Juniors to visit campuses in order to choose a college where academics, social life and athletics, as well as location and size, were compatible with their interests. Following the panel discussion, alumni joined other members of the NYA community at a reception.

REUNIONS

celebrated at Homecoming in September, bring many alumni to campus to see classmates and faculty, cheer on the NYA panthers, and tour the campus.

Top PHOTOS, left to right: Class of 1972 Ben Davis, Diane Davis, Ralph Sparks, Jodi Browning, Mac Browning; Class of 1967 Donald Katzman with his wife,

Margaret; Class of 1948 Helen O’Donnell Whitney, Joan Johnson Kimball, Eleanor Plummer Thompson, and Barbara D. W. Robinson; Class of 1947 SEATED, left to right: Joyce Newcomb Weed, Irene Spicer, Colleen Cook, Marge Richardson, Patricia Maass Lewis, Ruth Mansfield Andean STANDING, left to right:

Harry Storer, Albert Cook, Bob Crossett, Don Richardson, Ken Kimball; BOTTOM PHOTOS, left to right Class of 1952 Sam Whittemore and Florence Plummer Whittemore; Class of 1977 Board Chair, Linc Merrill ’75 catches up with Micky Thomas and Bruce Russo in front of the new Science Center greenhouse on Grizzy Quad; Class of 1997 Theo Tierney and classmates; Class of 1957 John Pride, Judtih Scott Jones, Jane Thompson Witzel, Joanne Partridge Jones, Retta Cleaves Gramboln

More information to follow this spring. Help organize your Saturday night class party. Contact Debbie Noone, Director of Alumni Relations at 207-846-2380 x9305 or dnoone@nya.org

NORTH YARM O U TH ACAD E M Y

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RECONNECTING TO

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY AND CLASSMATES

REUNIONS 2008

SAVE-THE-DATE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

1992 Matthew Howell: An engagement was announced in the Maine Sunday Telegram on December 30, 2007, between Matthew and Mirjam Macchi of Schoetz, Switzerland. Mirjam is employed at the University of Bern where she received a Master of Science in Geography in 2003. Matthew received a Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Edinburgh in 2006 and is currently an architectural intern with the firm of Peter Zumthor in Chur, Switzerland. The couple plans a wedding in August 2008. Brett Fahlgren and Danielle Palmer were married on October 14, 2006. They live in New York and Brett works for GQ Magazine. 1993 Tim McMahon, Middle School art teacher at NYA, and his wife Jill are expecting a baby at the end of April, 2008. 1994 Stephanie Nadeau Mains writes: “I just bought my own house [Sabattus, ME] where I live with my two kids, Dominic, 10 and Lily, 7; 6 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 fish! I work as a medical secretary for a cancer center, and I have my own photography business on the side. I would love to hear from any alumni out there!” Morgan Cuthbert writes: “My wife Christina and I returned from England in June and bought a home in Freeport. She is working for North Atlantic Capital in Portland, and I am teaching in the South Portland School District. I look forward to meeting and reconnecting with other NYA alumni.” Jay Flower writes: “We are living in S. Freeport still and expecting our first child in late May. I am working in the investment business and my wife, Julie, is in marketing.”

1995 Shawn Curtis writes: “I wanted to drop a quick note of hello and well wishes to the NYA family. I am still working at LEGO in Enfield, CT and was recently promoted to Senior Marketing Manager for North America. Unfortunately I do not get back to Maine too often these days as my parents retired and moved to Florida. I am still volunteering at the Fire Department and in my third year as a Lieutenant. On Saturday, December 1, 2007 I got engaged to Jordyn Wnek in Mystic, Connecticut. Attached is a picture of us in Italy this summer on the Island of Capris.”

1996 Alicia Cady Malette & Anthony “Ace” Malette “have been married for nearly seven years now. We live in Gray with our two wonderful boys, Cameron (4 years) and Dominic (15 months). Ace is a Territory Manager for Tri-State Packing Supply in Scarborough, and I am an agent for Horace Mann Insurance, also in Scarborough. Ace also runs the men’s hockey league at the Portland Ice Arena. Cam has just begun taking skating lessons. Maybe one day he will play for NYA, too.”

Heather Graul Geoghan writes: “Michael Geoghan and I were married on August 24, 2007 at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. Eliza Fitzgerald, Erin Donahue (McCarthy), and Kristine Johnson, all 1998 NYA grads joined us.” (Photo - Erin McCarthy Donahue ’98, Kristine Johnson ’98, Mike Geoghan, bride Heather Graul Geoghan ’98, and Eliza Fitzgerald ’98.)

Gus Poole writes “My wife Lesley and I have been living in Seattle for the past 5 years and had our son Sam on July 11, 2007. I am working for a general contractor out here and continue to like the West Coast.” 1997 Caitlin Kelly Howell married Stefano Antonio Mazilli in Rome, Italy on December 29, 2006, according to the Maine Sunday Telegram (Dec 30, 2007). Matt Howell ‘92 was one of the attendants. Caitlin attended Lycee International des Pontonniers, Strasbourg, France and graduated from Tufts University in 2002. The couple resides in Nairobi, Kenya where Caitlin is employed by the International Planned Parenthood Federation and Stefano by the UN. 1998 Jeremy Saxton writes: “In January, I opened bacari, “a spirited bistro” located at 212 Maine St., Brunswick (next to Bowdoin College and The Maine State Music Theatre). Our menu consists of small plates and featured tastings with selective wines and a full bar.” James Cabot writes: “I have now been living in Warsaw, Poland for three years, where I have been working for a non-profit that focuses on economic and public policy research. As always, I encourage anyone in the neighborhood to drop me a line at jecabot@gmail.com.”

2000 Colin Bumby writes: “I finally finished my three harrowing years of law school deep in Chicago’s Southside at the University of Chicago. Law school was not all work, though. I ran the law school’s happy hour for a year and began a program that helped disadvantaged middle schoolers get into magnet and private high schools. As I await the results of the dreaded NY bar exam, I’m beginning my career (finally!) as an associate at Latham & Watkins in New York. If anyone is in the city, I’d love to catch up.” Katie Crockett writes: “I am recently engaged to Brian Stack. We are planning a wedding for Sept. 20, 2008. Emily Clark and Amy Stone will be in the wedding party. Other than wedding planning, I am teaching History and ESL at Gould Academy.” Missie Walker – her parents let us know “Missie graduated from Trinity College and is now working for a real estate investment trust in NYC.” (See news about brother, Nathaniel ’04) Emily Clark writes: “Liam O’Meara and I were engaged last May, and we are busy planning for a July wedding in Maine- Katie Crockett ‘00 will be a bridesmaid. I’m nearing the end of my last rotation and will graduate from Optometry school in May. Would love to hear from anyone if you are ever in Annapolis, MD!” 2001 Ashley Dunham: Her parents report that Ashley is moving to Boston to study nutrition at Simmons College. 2002 Greta Teller – her sister, Cayla, writes: “Greta has been living and working in Boston since doing her undergraduate work at Boston University. She has been extremely successful as a Marketer for the Lyons’ Group at several of their venues.

CHRONICLE 2008

CLASS NOTES 2002 Continued On January 18, 2008 Colin McKenney, along with classmate Joe Bianeoni, graduated from United States Marine Corps Recruit Training, Parris Island, South Carolina. Colin was selected to receive a meritorious promotion to Private First Class. Following ten days of leave to visit home, he will attend Marine Combat Training School, and then enroll in his military occupation specialty training of accounting/supply.

2003 Rachel Brightbill writes: “I got engaged to my boyfriend, Mike Grygorcewicz on December 25, 2007. We are planning a wedding for September 2009.” Cayla Teller writes: “I graduated from Rollins College in May, 2007 with a B.A. in Biology. Alongside me was my twin sister, Cara, who graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Communications. On my graduate school hunt last year, I was accepted into University of Massachusetts’ Intercampus Graduate School of Marine Science, working towards my PhD. I was awarded a Research position at the Boston campus, and have made that my home-base. Additionally, I am a Teacher’s Assistant in an undergraduate course conducting research. Cara Teller writes: “After graduating from Rollins College in Florida in May 2007, I took a position at Boston University in the International Program’s Office. I work in Marketing and Recruiting as well as organizing itineraries for our visitors from

our various sites world-wide. Aside from work, I volunteer as a girls’ lacrosse coach and enjoy everything the city has to offer - especially the Red Sox and being near my two sisters, Cayla and Greta.” Jonathan Alpern writes: “After graduating from the University of Richmond in May, I headed down to Guatemala for 6 weeks where I stayed with a family, taking Spanish classes during the weekdays and traveling on the weekends. I have hopes of being somewhat competent with the language when I head back to Central/South America in the near future. I’m now back in Richmond - this time in the city - at the Medical College of Virginia (VCU School of Medicine). 2004 Molly Myer, a senior at Gettysburg College, is a player on the nationally top-ranked NCAA Division III field hockey team, according to her Aunt Susan Fahlgren Riley (September 2007).

Nathaniel Walker – His parents let us know “Nathaniel is now attending St. Lawrence University. He has a US Coast Guard license and operates the Camden Yacht Club launch in the summer.” Bobbi Dennison – According to the Bowdoin College website, Bobbi was one of forty-one Bowdoin student-athletes awarded 2007 NESCAC All-Academic Team recognition. To be honored, a student-athlete must have reached junior academic standing and be a varsity letter winner with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.35.

2005 Charley Stetson writes: “I am finishing up a 14-month tour in Iraq with the 1/40 cavalry in the 25 infantry division, and I am looking forward to spending some time recruiting in the New England area. I also enjoyed helping out with the lacrosse team last spring while on leave.” Editor’s note, Charley is now back in the U.S.

2007 Katie Rude – (From the Falmouth Forecaster 10/18/07) Katie received the Founder Scholarship at Elmira College’s fall academic convocation. Katie is majoring in criminal justice and psychology and was awarded the scholarship for her secondary school class rank, overall achievement and test scores. Russell Simms – his mom let us know that Russ is skating for the Portland Junior Pirates. Until recently, he was with the Cyclones in New Hampshire. He is also working at The Creamery at Pineland making cheese and refereeing hockey games. Sarah Drouin – Her parents let us know she is “loving her freshman year at Claremont McKenna College [CA] where she plans to major in International Relations. She is playing intramural water polo and soccer and participating in the model UN. She doesn’t miss Maine winters!”

CLASS OF 2007 RECEPTION

2007 classmates meet with faculty and parents at a reception to celebrate their half-year reunion. Left to right: Dinch Kelesoglu and Choul Ngoal, Alex Champoux and Headmaster Peter Mertz, Henry and Marie Gerrity

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STAFF NOTES BUD FLAHERTY RETIRING after 41 years at nya

No words can adequately wrap up forty-one years of Bud Flaherty’s experience, commitment and contribution to NYA. Headmaster Peter Mertz sums it up by saying, “I believe Bud’s greatest strength has been his ability to consistently connect with kids, from seventh grade social studies students to 20-year-old post grad football players and every one of the thousand and more students he has inspired. He has personally made a huge difference in the lives of so many students and his colleagues.” With forty-one years come many stories—ask any NYA alumni or colleague. You can be sure Bud has a few of his own. He’s seen a lot over the years, and when asked if he’d write a book, with a sincere laugh he said, “No one would believe me. They’d think it was fiction.” Bud started working at NYA in the fall of 1967. The prospect of living on campus and being responsible for a dorm full of students intrigued him and sounded like something he would be good at. The rest is history. Those first years, NYA was primarily a boarding school for boys, housing one-hundred and seventy. For Bud, living in the dorms meant spending many out-of-classroom hours with students. During those ten plus years, he got to know all aspects of his

students’ life—a rich environment for fostering interesting stories. He loved the personal interaction and getting to know his students on a different level. Many alumni keep in touch to this day. Bud is a storyteller by nature, and many alumni can still remember much of the history he taught them. His secret to teaching history, “engage the students, make it interesting by showing them how historical figures are much like them. Make history come alive.” Linc Merrill ’75 recently entertained reunion alumni about the morning his history class came alive when a grenade bounced across the room, and Bud entered carrying a Tommy-gun. That lesson will be forever etched in their minds! What are his future plans? He has many hobbies and plans to keep busy with his dogs and house. He is fairly sure Marie, his wife of over thirty years, will find much for him to do. He’s also on the hunt for a part-time job to keep him active. For those of us at NYA, it will be tough not having Bud on campus. We’ll miss his friendly greeting, his stories, his hearty laugh, and his amazing memories about NYA’s recent past. His wealth of institutional knowledge is unsurpassed. Thankfully, we know he’s just a phone call away, and he promises to keep in touch.

SAVE-THE-DATE TO HONOR BUD FLAHERTY AT A RETIREMENT PARTY IN CELEBRATION OF HIS 41 YEARS AT NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008 Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland, Maine Tickets Required – Limited Seating Email “Bud Stories” to dnoone@nya.org A formal invitation and reservation card will be mailed in April.

Julia chin head of the upper school, leaving nya after 19 years

After nineteen years, Julia is stepping down as Head of the Upper School. She is most proud of the work she has done to improve the quality of the academic programs, teaching and the classroom experience at

NYA. French teacher Margaret Perkins explained, “Through her leadership, the Upper School curriculum has been strengthened, and a number of AP level courses have been added to give students the opportunity to work at a more advanced level.”

lenging concepts. Julia is a gifted educator who truly values the connections she makes with both students and faculty. Her influence and impact on NYA over the past nineteen years will forever be felt here.”

Julia started at NYA as a math teacher, and math is still her real love. She teaches AP Calculus, and students can frequently be seen in her office getting math help. Mathematics Department Chair Eric Austin said, “I have worked with no other teacher who can better explain a difficult idea to a student and who cares more about her articulation of chal-

NYA won’t be saying goodbye to Julia, however. She will remain in the area and is looking forward to a future of professional growth and challenges. To her replacement, she said, “Enjoy it because it will be one of the best jobs you’ll ever have.”

Photo Credits Chronicle Spring 2008 Brian Beard/Creative Images Photography / Mimi Olins / Chris Mazzurco / Amy Miller Snavely Associates / Brian Peterson / Dennis Griggs / Jay York / Abbie Sewall Deb Thompson / Bruce Myers / Deb Noone / Kristi Belesca

CHRONICLE 2008

EVERY GIFT

CREATE EVERYDAY

BUILDS A STRONGER COMMUNITY

After studying the art work of the artist Andy Goldsworthy, students from Design 1 class created their own installations. Eliza Gercke ‘09 (left) and Renee Lamoreau ‘11 (right) created arranged leaves, ordering the gradual transition of autumn colors in a lawn strewn with fallen leaves. Front Cover: Members of the Men’s Chorus raise their voices in song at this year’s Winter Concert. Pictured left to right: Henry Sterling ‘10, Jerry Murray ‘11, Duncan Briggs ‘08 and Alden Kelsey ‘11

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