Looking back, I spent a lot of time outdoors growing up in the 1970s and 80s. So many days, especially in the summer, were spent playing pick-up games, wading in the nearest “crick” to find crawfish and turtles, and riding our Haros, Diamondbacks, and Mongooses with my racially mixed band of friends. Often, we’d bike to the woods, shovels and rakes in hand, and spend hours, even days it seemed, clearing trails and building ramps that would help us on bikes defy gravity and soar. What seemed like 10 feet airborne, I came to accept, was probably more like five! And what I thought was a whale-tail move of the rear tire worthy of serious notice was likely just a blip.
One of four boys and with a persevering nurse for a mother, I grew up hardscrabble in the armpit of Delaware County and had a free-range, adventure-fed childhood. Like most kids I knew, the outdoors was a stimulating place for me. And summertime meant I could be out all day, swinging home only for water and a snack on occasion, heading home only when the porch light beckoned or on the rare occasion I ran out of kids to play with. From sunup till sundown, life for my friends and me was unsupervised, autonomous, rooted in community. Our rough and tumble existence sometimes led to fierce disagreements. Nothing at risk but pride, we’d argue, race, or even tussle our way through conflict, headlocks and all, only to come out blood brothers through spit-handshakes by nightfall, morning at the latest. None the least distraught.
While I spent my formative boyhood years learning lessons while outdoors, it wasn’t until many years later, in both 2013 and 2015, when I did a five-day trek at the North Carolina Outward Bound School that I came to know a thing called “outdoor education.” The wilderness of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina would serve as the classroom. Backpacking and rock climbing with a group rewired my relationship with fear and challenge. Climbing Table Rock Mountain, which stretches high on the edge of Linville Gorge, scared me but didn’t scar me. Rather, it changed me, strengthened me. Reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, Table Rock, and my experiences at Outward Bound, was wholly spiritual and existential. More than a kind of athletic endurance, my treks in the hinterlands demanded both an ability to remain composed during uncertain moments and an appreciation of the insights drawn from the outdoors. When my wife, Davirah, and I took a long weekend in Colorado this summer, I was reminded of the restorative powers of nature. Nature stirring our senses and generating awe and wonder is a profoundly generous gift.
Jonathan Haidt, in The Anxious Generation , has much to say about nature, that is, the changing nature of the American childhood and adolescence. Youth should be a natural time for discovery, challenges, and risks, essentials for healthy growth and maturity. With compelling data, Haidt makes a blistering case that the steady decline in “playbased childhood,” stoked in part by fear of violence against children, followed by the steady increase in smartphones and unfettered access to addictive social media, has fed a “phone-based childhood.” Add to this disembodied existence unresolved loneliness, fragile relationships, vapid societal expectations, unrelenting academic pressure, overprotective parenting, and you have Haidt’s clarion call: “The great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness.”
In this edition of SCHool, we focus on outdoor programming, including science outdoors. Outdoor education is a varied form of experiential learning that is deeply rooted in nature and emphasizes personal growth, social development, and environmental stewardship.
Thank you for your continued support of SCH Academy. I hope to see you on campus this year.
Cover: Students, inspired by the book Hatchet, crafted their own rafts to test density and buoyancy in Wissahickon Creek.
Delvin M. Dinkins, Ed.D. Head of School
SCHOOL
Delvin M. Dinkins, Ed.D. Head of School
Marketing & Communications O ce
Karen Tracy HA, P’10, P’14, P’23 Director of Marketing and Communications
Laura Breen Cortes ’06 Visual Identity and Creative Services Associate
Julia MacMullan Director of Marketing
Laura Richards Senior Writer & Editor, SCH Publications Editor, SCHool magazine
O ce of Advancement
Kristin Norton P’20, P’22 Director of Development
Melissa Blue Brown ‘87, P’16, P’20, P’21 Director of Alumni Relations
Maggie Boozer Assistant Director of The SCH Fund
Diana Cosgrove Director of Parent and Community Engagement
Carolyn Greenleaf Development Coordinator
Paul Hines H’03, P’06 Special Projects
Jenny James McHugh ’84, P’15, P’19 Director of Major Gifts
Brooke Mattingly P’36 Assistant Director of Development Director of The SCH Fund
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) students at SCH are proving that passion, dedication, and a touch of creativity can transform both the campus and the community. From the kitchen to the garden, and even the newsroom, the young innovators are turning their ideas into reality, leaving a lasting impact on their own community and beyond.
After his nearly 50 dinner guests had finished their farm-to-table gourmet main of poached branzino with couscous and pickled fennel, chef Cole Benner ’24 thanked them for coming to his Clean Plate night on campus. The event was the culmination of three years of work in CEL and months of dedicated planning through his senior project with the SCH Development Office. Ultimately Benner raised $6,000 for Face to Face Germantown, a Philadelphia organization to which he's had a deep commitment as a volunteer that provides fresh hot meals, along with legal, health, and social services to those in need.
“Sometimes it feels hard to be taken seriously as a person with such a specific passion at such a young age. In a largely academic and athletic generation, it feels hard to stand out as someone who cares and is career-focused on something that seems more like a hobby,” said Benner before bringing out the “last bite” of the evening: olive oil cake with fennel confit glacée.
While Benner’s passion for culinary arts found expression in a fundraising dinner, Annabella Castellanos’ ‘24 environmental focus led her to revitalize the Springside Rain Garden, a unique environmental feature on Cherokee Street just outside the Thornley Middle School that combines art and sustainability. Designed by environmental artist and sculptor Stacy Levy in 2008, the rain garden had become overgrown and underutilized. Castellanos saw the potential for the
space to be a vibrant hub for the school community and an important mitigator of rainwater runoff. What began as part of her Venture Accelerator project turned into her senior project during which she reclaimed the space, planting native plants and creating an original mural.
“This garden has truly brought me closer to everyone in the community,” she says.
Like Castellanos, junior Griffin Whitman’s CEL project breathed new life into a “space” on campus. With a passion for writing, he revived the school newspaper, The Campus Lantern, recruiting writers, editors, and artists and organizing coverage of campus and the SCH community. Sixty-three Upper Schoolers were published in six online and two print editions last year. Not only has the paper connected students to one another, it has further connected alumni and their families to their own Upper School writing and editing days, including Chas Landreth ‘66, the son of the second editor of the paper, Charles H. Landreth ’29.
Junior Adina Jeremiah recently took home the Miracle Monocle Award for Young Black Writers for her powerful poem "Dark Sparkle Beneath Ivory Waves." The piece, published in the journal's 22nd issue, explores themes of self-acceptance and navigating racial identity. Miracle Monocle, recognizing excellence in a historically underrepresented group, awards $200 and publication to the winning writer. This recognition celebrates Jeremiah's talent and highlights Miracle Monocle's mission to champion young Black voices.
young poet adina jeremiah wins award for powerful verse exploring identity
Chas Landreth ’66 with Griffy Whitman ’25
Cole Benner ’24
Annabella Castellanos ’24
Adina Jeremiah '26
The Upper School Service Council was not only awarded $1,000 from the Philly Service Award (PSA) organization last fall for their work assembling backpacks for homeless Philadelphians, but they also won an additional $1,000 at the PSA Impact Awards ceremony for engaging with the PSA social media platform and posting photos and videos of their work. The extra boost in funds meant even more opportunities to give back. The council used the additional money to assemble care packages for military members stationed overseas through Operation Shoebox.
“It was powerful to have our students interact with business leaders and city council people and to see that the service projects that we do at SCH are meaningful beyond the scope of our own campus. We are already gearing up to plan another project to submit for next year's awards,” says Upper School Service Council advisor Ann Zalasky.
SCH juniors were the first high schoolers in the country to take part in a reentry simulation designed to teach students about the difficulties faced by people recently released from prison. The simulation sparked feelings of frustration, sadness, and loneliness among participants but, most importantly, according to a post-field trip survey, it fostered a significant increase in empathy for those reintegrating into society.
Taking on unique identities, students spent the morning visiting stations manned by volunteers. They took on a variety of challenges mirroring those faced by formerly
The PSA is the pioneering city-wide high school competition focused on championing community service projects led by Philadelphia's promising students, awarding over $100,000 in prizes to the winning schools.
incarcerated individuals. Equipped with a "life card" and a "wallet," they navigated obtaining IDs, accessing social services, securing food and transportation, managing bills, and even facing the possibility of returning to jail, reflecting our nation’s high recidivism rate.
This innovative in-house field trip, previously exclusive to college students and people working in justice fields, was developed by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The simulation, which complemented the students' American Stories curriculum, was offered in partnership with the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and PAR-Recycle Works.
“Although this simulation may be fleeting for our kids, for many people in our society, the collateral consequences of involvement in the criminal justice system may cause them significant hardships for many years, and even for the rest of their lives,” says English teacher Colleen DiDonato. “Lessons learned in this simulation can create awareness about the barriers to reentry, change perceptions about the criminal justice system, deepen empathy, and inspire our youth to make positive change.”
reentry simulation fosters empathy in students
upper school service council supports troops with award funds
Members of the Upper School Service Council attend the Philly Service Award event.
CAMPUSNEWS | GENERAL
students get a close-up look at the careers of artists and scientists
Each year, legacy funds provide SCH students with a dose of real-world inspiration.
This year, the Springside Class of 1954 Composition Workshop Fund enabled music students to jam with legendary guitarist Carlos Alomar, a collaborator with David Bowie. The Jamie Bell '78 Music Fund brought to campus Conjunto Philadelphia who worked with students as they completed the final preparations of Cuban repertoire for their spring concerts.
Dempsey Writer-in-Residence Jenny Perinovic, who persevered through many rejections before publishing her debut novel, shared her writing journey. Leveraging her experience as a librarian, she meticulously weaves historical details into her novel. Set in 1920s Chestnut Hill, the story follows a protagonist who once attended Springside School. Perinovic's research shines through, from the descriptions of trolley rides from Center City to the precisely-rendered Laurel Hill Cemetery at the time.
And, in Biology, students learned how to use science communication for social action from the Kleckner Scientist-in-Residence Sarah McAnulty, a squid biologist and science communicator. This visit capped off a unit where students researched and prepared to convey accurate scientific information to the public.
The Springside Class of 1957 Artist in Residence Fund supported a residency with photography-based artist Tawny Chatmon last fall. The founders of The Class of 1957 Fund were honored at this year’s Alumni Awards ceremony. (Read more on page 23.)
Leaning into SCH’s mission to effect positive change, every student in Danielle Gross’ AP Government class pursued a civic action project over the past year.
“It’s incredibly important for students to realize how much power they have to get involved and to transform their
academic study of government and politics into taking action in ways they're genuinely interested in,” says Gross. Whether encouraging voter registration here on campus or in the Wissahickon, taking part in the Save the Train initiative by joining a group lobbying in Harrisburg, or working as a poll volunteer in the fall elections, students were engaging in the political process and making an impact across the city. Several students also researched topics of interest beyond Philadelphia, from gerrymandering in Michigan to the issues around the bill banning TikTok. Among other projects, students learned about and analyzed voting procedures and conducted voter registration.
Senior Abdoul Diallo spent a day shadowing City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. “It was such a refreshing experience to figure out how our local government was working to make the livelihoods of residents in Philadelphia much easier,” he says.
Jenny Perinovic with members of the SCH Middle School team. From left: Jessica Tiffany, Bonnie Bloy, Perinovic, and Becky Williams.
from classrooms to city hall: ap government students drive civic engagement
Seniors Cameron Harrop and Cecelia Stevenson volunteer at the polls on election day.
sch students reach new heights: from eclipse balloons to national drone champs they launched their final balloon, and then Putney, VT, where they retrieved the payload of experiments carried by the away during the annular eclipse.
For over a year SCH and Drexel student scientists—and their mentors—participating in the NASA-sponsored Nationwide Eclipse Balloon Project (NEBP) have been on a mission to send a variety of experiments into the atmosphere during eclipses in the name of science. In April the Devil Dragon team wrapped up their epic journey in Old Forge, NY, where
“I’ve been able to pursue so many different passions through this experience,” says Devil Dragon team member Devin Gibson ‘24, “and watching everything come together was simply spectacular. Witnessing the eclipse itself was yet another reminder of how incredible this world is.”
Quickly switching gears after the final balloon was launched, classmates Gibson, Shaun Gupte, and Cameron Lyon competed against four other teams during the Philadelphia Regional ARC Drone Competition, simulating a drone firefighter could fly to waypoints, retrieve and drop objects, and autonomously maneuver through a pre-set course. The drone came out on top in the “head-to-head” competition, racing to complete tasks against a rival drone. First place came with a $1,000 prize and qualified the trio for the national competition in Los Angeles.
This group of seniors along with Karina Chan-van der Helm has come up through the robotics program together, and their experience culminated in an exciting senior year launching weather balloons, presenting at a national conference, qualifying for the FIRST World Championship, and winning the drone competition.
“The main lesson I gathered from all of this is to step out of your comfort zone,” says Lyon. “I've realized there is a difference between what you learn in the classroom and what you learn in the field, and by doing these projects, you begin to step out of this box and interact with people you would have never known.”
student presents research at university of maryland
Brendan Russell '25 was selected to present his work on using fruit flies as model organisms in studying concussions at the Society for Developmental Biology regional meeting at the University of Maryland College Park in May.
A silver medal winner in the Health and Medicine category at the local George Washington Carver Science Fair this year, he was the lone high school student to present at this conference among graduate students and post-docs. He was thrilled to be able to talk to developmental biologist researchers and graduate students who suggested further opportunities for his project.
Brendan Russell presents his work at the Society for Developmental Biology regional meeting.
From left: Upper School Physics and Robotics teacher Dr. Alissa Sperling; Class of 2024 classmates Shaun Gupte, Devin Gibson, and Cameron Lyon; and recently retired Robotics and Engineering Department chair Peter Randall '68 at the American Astronomical Society conference.
Two teams of SCH math students put their skills to the test in a grueling 14-hour Mathematical Modeling Challenge in March. The challenge posed a real-world problem for participants: model/predict housing supply changes, homelessness populations, and a long-term plan for addressing homelessness while considering a range of factors.
The teams spent the day, starting early strategizing with whiteboards, charts, data regression tools, and a little online research. They detailed their findings in lengthy papers, one of which totaled 20 pages.
“I have never enjoyed writing a paper as much as I enjoyed writing this one,” said participant Stone Xin ‘24.
This is the first year SCH has participated in the national competition, and according to the students, it was one of the toughest challenges they've faced. But despite the exhaustion, there's a sense of accomplishment—these mathletes put their skills to the test.
RENTR, a neighborhood tool marketplace launched just this spring in the Venture Accelerator program, is the latest success story born in SCH’s CEL. Seniors Charlie Greenberg, Alex Topping, and Andrew Blum took their idea all the way to Silicon Valley, CA, in June and won the teamwork award at TYE Globals, the annual flagship event for the Youth Entrepreneurship Division of TiE.
RENTR’s business model offers the DIY community a peerto-peer option for renting tools. Need a high-pressure power washer for a spring clean-up or a stump grinder for the tree that just fell down in your front lawn? RENTR, which recently went to market with their website, is the solution. The team is getting started with Chestnut Hill’s zip code: 19118, adding more as the business grows.
“We hope to grab a piece of the $14 billion tool rental market while solving for the underutilization of expensive tools and creating passive income for tool owners,” says Greenberg.
neighborhood tool marketplace earns reognition at global entrepreneurship competition
sch mathletes take on national modeling challenge
From left: Alex Topping, Andrew Blum, and Charlie Greenberg
Math students participate in 14-hour modeling challenge.
lower school teacher empowers students abroad and at home
Twenty-one-year SCH veteran Mary Ann Domanska, a 2nd-grade girls teacher, embarked on a professional development and service experience this past spring in rural Kenya where she worked with the Maasai people of Lemong’o and students at the Belgrove Primary School. Her trip was funded through a grant from the Agnes and Sophy Dallas Irwin Foundation, which supports teachers in any pursuit that provides opportunities for renewal, reflection, and personal growth outside the classroom.
Thanks to a fortuitous encounter with Carolyn Tague '80, Domanska learned about The Lemong’o Project, a
nonprofit “dedicated to empowering the Maasai people of Lemong’o in rural Kenya through the improvement of nutrition, access to education, health support, and employment opportunities.” Having met Tague, the founder and executive director of the organization, during Alumni Weekend 2023, Domaska drew on her previous service work and more than two decades of teaching to support the Maasai people.
“I also wanted to find a way of helping the school by potentially providing funding for teacher salaries, art materials, and appropriate teaching resources that might be lacking due to funding constraints and availability,” she says.
Empowering the Lemong’o students, she says, will also help her guide and empower her 2nd graders at SCH in the years ahead. It’s already happening: Teacher Eliza Culp's CEL Gifts For Good project this year with 2nd graders raised over $2,000 for The Lemong'o Project with the help of families. The funds will help to pay the yearly salary of another much-needed teacher at the primary school.
two alumni named to prestigious ‘40 under 40’ list
Graduating from CHA and Springside just a year apart, two alumni landed on Philadelphia Business Journal’s (PBJ) prestigious “40 Under 40” list this past spring: SCH’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) Executive Director Ed Glassman '03 and Adrienne Simpson Gittens '04, deputy general counsel for Comcast.
The PBJ recognizes the region’s up-and-coming leaders each year with its annual awards program. According to the publication, the 2024 class is made up of “innovative thinkers on the cutting edge of impactful technologies, developers and designers building the infrastructure of the future, doctors changing the way patient care is delivered, and everything in between.”
Gittens was also honored at the Alumni Awards ceremony during Alumni Weekend in May. (Read more about her on page 23.)
Mary Ann Domanska (center, right) travels to rural Kenya for professional development through the Agnes and Sophy Dallas Irwin Foundation.
Ed Glassman '03 and Adrienne Simpson Gittens '04 are named to the "40 Under 40" list by the Philadelphia Business Journal
CAMPUSNEWS | ATHLETICS
SCH's winter and spring sports seasons were a resounding success, highlighted by dominant championship runs (softball and crew) and several track athletes qualifying for Nationals. This winning spirit extended beyond the field, with more than 40 student-athletes committing to play at the collegiate level next year. Delve into some of the most inspiring moments on the fields, courts, tracks, and boats:
winter
SQUASH
Upper School girls varsity squash had a tremendous run at U.S. Nationals, starting from the 12th seed and ultimately claiming the Division II title. The Middle School boys team also had an impressive national tournament, winning the DIII crown. Upper School boys squash finished 3rd in the league and were seeded No. 2 in DIII at Nationals.
BASKETBALL
Varsity boys basketball tied for 3rd in the Inter-Ac this season and Cam Burns ’24 tallied his 1,000th career point.
INDOOR TRACK
Four indoor track athletes—Tony Hicks ’25, Stefon Dodoo ’25, Matt McTamney ’25, and Kennedy Hayward ’25—qualified for States and three for Nationals (Hicks, Dodoo, and Hayward).
WRESTLING
Two wrestling team members qualified for Prep Nationals: Sean Brett '25 and Nasir Yard '25.
Spring
GIRLS CREW
SOFTBALL
Varsity softball finished 2nd in the Inter-Ac and was the PAISAA Champions. Pitcher Sami Snyder ’27 tallied her 300th career strikeout in just 2 seasons with the Devils. Kamaha'o Bode ‘24 finished the Inter-Ac games with an impressive .552 average, a 1.000 slugging percentage, and an OPS (on-base percentage and slugging) of 1.68. She also had a perfect 1.000 Field Percentage at first base with 78 putouts.
For the first time in program history, girls crew won the Kate Godwin Trophy for Women’s Sculling, awarded for accumulating the most points of 36 teams during the Manny Flick Series. The junior varsity girls quad—Charlotte Trayes ’26, Caitlin Keough ’25, Emma Ludwikowski ’25, and Ariya Goswami ’26—won silver at the Scholastic National Regatta as well as silver at Stotesbury, bronze at the Cooper Cup, and bronze at City Champs. SCH’s girls novice single—Linnea Klas ’27—also won silver at the Stotesbury Regatta.
(Photo Credit: Tobey Schwartz '27)
Kamaha'o Bode '24
Girls quad, Class of 2024
TRACK AND FIELD
Track and field celebrated Inter-Ac Meet champions in the girls 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x400m, and 4x100 relay, and in the boys 400m, 800m, and 300 hurdles. At the PAISAA meet, the Devils tallied 3 gold medals: Kennedy Hayward '25 in the 100 hurdles (new PAISAA record), Stefon Dodoo ’25 in the 800m (new PAISAA record), and Matt McTamney ’25 in the discus. Dodoo finished the season ranked No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 1 in PA in the 800m, and Tony Hicks ’25 finished top 5 in PA and top 20 in the U.S. in the hurdle events. Dodoo earned a gold medal in the 17/18 800m at AAU Junior Olympics with a 1:50.69 and Hicks placed 4th with his club at AAU Nationals in the 110m this summer.
BASEBALL
Varsity baseball finished 3rd in the Inter-Ac and fell to the eventual PAISAA champions in the semifinals. Tucker DeLisle ’24 tallied SCH records of 156 career strikeouts, with 83 of them this season; Ha’oa Bode ’24 finished with 112 career strikeouts; and Rory Finn ’24 led the Inter-Ac in batting average (.457), home runs (3), and RBIs (15), a baseball triple crown.
LACROSSE
Boys varsity lacrosse tied for 3rd in the Inter-Ac and earned a No. 1 seed for the first-ever boys lacrosse PAISAA tournament. The team finished the season with a 14-8 overall record. Several seniors celebrated big career milestones: Ross Prince ’24, 700 faceoff wins; Hayes Schreiner ’24, 800 saves; Stevie Pileggi ’24, 100 goals; Alec Tulio ’24, 200 points; and Finn Dougherty ’24, 100 points. Schreiner was named a U.S. Lacrosse All-American and Prince was selected to play in the New Balance Senior All-America Game.
Girls varsity lacrosse had amazing career milestones for many players, including Alex Reilly ’24, 200 goals; Madison Freeman ’24, 100 goals; and Molly McCann ’26, 100 saves. Reilly was also named a U.S. Lacrosse All-American and was also recognized with the prestigious Jackie Pitts Award, for going “above and beyond in service to their team, school, and community.”
Get more details and the latest athletics news: www.sch.org/athletics.
Squash Partnership Announced
In June, SCH and The Philadelphia Cricket Club announced a new and exciting squash partnership for the 2024-2025 academic year. While independent entities, leadership at both organizations see synergies that will result from working closely together. For SCH scholar-athletes, the collaboration will enhance the experience and development in the sport in the following areas: programmatic coherence, including a clear coaching philosophy that promotes work ethic, responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship, competition, leadership, and student wellness; top-notch coaching with PCC’s professional squash staff, among the finest in the country; after-school clinics for all ages; and supervised open court time during certain school day afternoons and weekend days, allowing for additional on-court practice and play.
The partnership will enhance the squash experience at SCH. Leveraging the power of expert coaching to grow and strengthen the program, this partnership reflects a joint commitment to excellence in squash.
Stefon Dodoo '25
Alexandra Stoddard '24
LONGTIME FACULTY SENDOFF
Physical education teacher Betty Ann (BA) Fish HA’02, who has been part of the community for 37 years, and robotics and engineering chair Peter Randall ‘69, whose family as been part of the school for nearly a century, retired at the end of the academic year. Each believed in doing what was best for their students, one bike ride at a time, one robot at a time.
Earlier in the spring, Paul Hines H’03, legendary track and cross country coach, stepped onto Hines Track, pulled the trigger on the starting gun, and stated authoritatively, “Let the games begin” one final time. For more than 40 years, Hines coached track and taught history.
SCH Robotics Pioneer Peter Randall Retires
Robotics and engineering co-founder and department chair Peter Randall graduated from CHA in 1969 and began teaching at SCH (then CHA) in 2001. He, the department, and the robotics team received many accolades over his 22 years as a teacher. Before he retired, we asked the 2020 Phillies All-Star Teacher of the Year and beloved coach and mentor a few questions.
What will you miss most about teaching here at SCH?
The students. The opportunity, at my advanced age, to work with some of the best and brightest of my children's generation—and beyond—has been a joy every day. The students inspire me with their curiosity, dedication, and perception every day. They bring passion and energy to everything that engages their attention. The amount of engagement, e ort, and time committed by students to Team 1218 continues to amaze me even after more than 20 years. The opportunity to continue to work with these amazing students will keep me involved with Team 1218 for years to come.
Do you have a favorite teaching story or moment?
Undoubtedly, my favorite moment at SCH was April 27, 2019, when the SCH robotics team stood on top of the world as a member of the winning alliance in the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Detroit. Beating over 7,000 teams from throughout the world, the SCH team demonstrated tenacity, perseverance, and resourcefulness to claw their way to the top. SCH had come close before, finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in previous seasons, but nothing compares to standing at the center of the Ford Stadium (home of the Detroit Lions) in front of 38,000 screaming fans as the announcer read out the final score of the third of the best of three matches declaring that we had won by a single point: 91-90. Years of late nights and hard work by students, parents, mentors, and supporters paid o in a single rush of adrenaline. I am so proud of our students.
Is there some object in your o ce or at your desk with special significance to you?
I have two from my career at CHA and SCH. The first, and most obvious is the bright blue FIRST Robotics World Championship Winner banner hanging at the front of my robotics lab. It reminds me every day of how far you can go with grit and hard work. The second is my class of ’69 patch which reminds me of my heritage at CHA. The five stripes and light blue color run deep in my soul and remind me daily how to meet the challenges before me.
Clockwise from top: Peter Randall '69, Paul Hines H'03, and Betty Ann (BA) Fish HA'02
DEVELOPMENTNEWS
THE REC GROUNDBREAKING
SCH rolled out the red carpet for Rec supporters this past spring! With less than $400,000 of the $6.5 million needed to restore The Rec, SCH’s beloved performing arts space, donors, current and past Players, directors, trustees, and friends gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the theatre in May.
SCH Players presented four spectacular performances of Urinetown: The Musical this spring. For the first time, the SCH Players cast and crew fully embodied the Brechtian Theatre style. Throughout Urinetown, both leads and ensemble members directly addressed the audience, interrupted action through song, and shocked the audience with strong front lights and flashlights.
“When the style perfectly matched the comedy, SCH Players invited the audience to laugh, think, and question their society and its current
events from the safety of their theatre seats,” says director Carolina Millard '06.
The building will soon be under construction with updates on the horizon: expanded seating, a modular stage system, upgraded sound and lighting systems, expanded dressing rooms, a dramatic, glass-walled, wraparound lobby, and more. Phase I of the Restore The Rec Campaign, which included a renovation of the roof and windows, was completed in January 2022.
The groundbreaking ceremony wasn't just about bricks and mortar. It was a celebration of the memories and magic created within the walls. Co-chair of the Restore The Rec campaign Caroline Estey King P’17, P’19 expressed her gratitude to guests and donors and delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow co-chair, Barry Shannon ’70, who said, “The renovation of The Rec is a major milestone for all past and future Players.”
BETTY ANN FISH HA'02 FIELD
Retired physical education department chair Betty Ann (BA) Fish HA’02 made a di erence in the lives of generations of students, fostering a love for sports and physical fitness. In honor of her contributions as a beloved teacher, leader, and coach, members of the SCH community came together to name the sports field behind the Vare Field House. The naming of the Betty Ann Fish HA'02 Field during this fall's Homecoming Weekend celebrates her legacy and her lasting influence on our students.
Several others expressed their love for The Rec and the Arts at SCH through King, including past director Jill Garrett, who shared, “The Rec. Where memories are made. Where magic happens and traditions live on. Where friendships live on and everyone is equal. There is no other place like it.”
Before the ceremonial ribbon cutting by Head of School Delvin Dinkins and SCH Board Chair Patrick Lindsay, Players co-
presidents Agharese Olagunju-McWilliams '24 and Cameron Harrop '24 shared their favorite Rec memories and their hope for the future, including keeping the tradition of cast and crew signing a wall with encouraging “simple, kind words,” according to Olagunju-McWilliams, for future generations of performers.
There is still time to give: www.sch.org/restore-the-rec
ED AVERSA H'15 TEAM ROOM
Ed Aversa H'15, a longtime coach and assistant to the director of Athletics, has an extraordinary ability to uplift students and foster a strong sense of team belonging. His positive impact on countless members of our school community is immeasurable. To honor Aversa’s dedication and the lasting legacy he has created, SCH will name a new team room in the lower level of the Commons, as part of the Campaign for the Commons, in his honor, thanks in part to a generous, anonymous donor who will match all gifts.
Give in Ed Aversa’s honor
From left: Delvin Dinkins, head of school; Patrick Lindsay, Board of Trustees chair; and Caroline Estey King P'17, P19, co-chair of the Restore The Rec Campaign
DEVELOPMENTNEWS
WELCOME,
NEW SCH TRUSTEES
SCH extends a warm welcome to our newest members of the Board of Trustees who will serve a three-year term.
“I love SCH for its dedication to academic excellence, emphasis on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and strong competitive spirit. I also value the school's ability to combine rigorous academic standards with nurturing teaching methods.”
HOLLY FLANAGAN, P’23, P’25
Managing Director, Gabriel Investments
"I am very excited to rejoin the SCH board to have a renewed opportunity to participate in the continued growth and success of the school as I transition from being a parent of three successful students to being a parent of alumni (one to go!). I love the overall experience that my children have had at SCH, which balances academics, athletics, and community focus."
TIMOTHY W. LEVIN, P’22, P’24, P’26
Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
“Being a board member is consistent with my belief that children are our future and deserve the best opportunities for learning and development. I am excited to take on this role at SCH because it aligns perfectly with my passion for supporting children's education and promoting mental health in diverse communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this worthy e ort and appreciate the trust my community has placed in me to look after their best interests.”
DR. NICOLE MAYO, P'34, P'35, P'37
Psychologist
“I am excited to serve our community in any capacity that I can add value to, but specifically my excitement for SCH is derived from the mission of inspiring unbounded curiosity and independent thought in our future generation. I truly believe my children along with all of their classmates throughout the school have a tremendous opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow in an amazing environment that I am committed to improving in any way I can.”
ESSEX D. MITCHELL, P’32, P’36, P’39
Chief Operating O cer, Hologic, Inc.
"As SCH continues to grow and enter its next phase, I am excited to help shape the future of our school for our children. At the same time, I also want to ensure a sustainable future for SCH as an institution for future generations.”
KEVIN S. SHMELZER, P'25, P'28, P'28
Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
“My three children have had amazing experiences at the school. I would love to help the school continue to build on its strengths while looking for new ways to grow and improve. I love the sense of community at the school. I also love how the school has evolved over the years to provide new and exciting ways for students to explore their interests and passions.”
JOHN D. TALBOT '90, P’26, P’28, P’30
Client Development Director, DLA Piper
Boots on the Ground
Outdoor experiences build character and complement the curriculum.
Hiking boots. Heavy wool socks. Rain gear. Brimmed hat. The gear list for SCH Academy’s 9th graders is as rugged as the five-day Outward Bound expedition that awaits them each August. But one item is conspicuously absent: the cell phone.
“When they’re outside doing a team-building activity together,” says Head of Middle School Meadow Pepino of students on group trips in Middle School and beyond, “they are relying on good old-fashioned communication skills: looking each other in the eye, reading each other's facial expressions, and having collaborative conversations to work through challenges.”
Thanks to its location, where the city meets the woods, outdoor experiences have been a valued highlight in the CHA, Springside, and SCH community for generations. Alumni have fond memories of orienteering trips and hikes in the Wissahickon. In more recent years, group trips based in nature have expanded; they are intended to bring students together in Middle and Upper School, tightening bonds among students, the wider community, and nature itself. In Lower School, students take part in an Outdoor Program in which they explore the woods on foot and bike, sometimes with their families by their side, and they explore nature from a scientist’s perspective through the Science Outdoors program.
At SCH, seemingly simple walks in the woods can transform into lessons on microbiology, while a curricular lesson on bird calls can spark a lifelong passion. From Pre-K onward, students are introduced to curricular and extracurricular outdoor experiences that foster teamwork, resilience, a love of learning, and stewardship of the land. While outdoor education is not SCH’s primary focus, faculty and administrators have long explored the rich connections between the natural world and academic pursuits, all with an emphasis on effecting positive change.
“Nature stirring our senses and generating awe and wonder is a profoundly generous gift,” wrote Head of School Delvin Dinkins in the front of this magazine. “Jonathan Haidt, in The Anxious Generation, has much to say about nature, that is, the changing nature of the American childhood and adolescence. Youth should be a natural time for discovery, challenges, and risks, essentials for healthy growth and maturity.”
Boundless in Upper School
Matt Norcini, head of Upper School, has been fostering the relationship between SCH and Outward Bound for a decade. He’s become such a proponent of experiential learning outdoors that he is also now chair of the board of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School.
“Outward Bound expeditions are a natural extension of our existing 9thgrade program with the creation of a positive group culture that emphasizes courage, integrity, thoughtfulness, resilience, and diversity—the same values we find in every SCH classroom,” he says.
Ninth graders begin their high school career on the Appalachian Trail, backpacking and rock climbing with their advisory, a group they remain in for the next four years. Led by a group of trained SCH seniors, they take on challenges at every turn.
“Through the intensity of the experiential crucible, you get, hopefully, a firm foundation for these relationships and their advisories,” says Norcini. “As the expedition progresses,
the facilitators step back, creating space—many times, uncomfortable space—for the students to take ownership and leadership of the experience. It shows them that they’re capable of more than they thought. Most are coming from a single-sex environment in our Middle School and not only is it a great equalizer it gives them all common ground.”
Building community at every turn is core to SCH’s mission and a major “turn” is the start of high school. Since partnering with Outward Bound in 2010, more than 1,000 SCH students have been on an expedition. It’s a pivotal moment ushered in by this grand adventure.
“Belonging is a huge part of Outward Bound,” says Ava Szalay ‘24, who assisted with last year’s Outward Bound trip as a senior. “Everything kind of fades away in the woods: who you are, who you’re friends with; it’s all about being together. And you find yourself bonding with people who you may not interact with on a daily basis. And that’s part of the magic of it.”
of this initiative, from the early years to the later ones.
“SCH is unique in how well the outdoors is embedded in our program through all three divisions,” says Scott Stein, chair of the Science Department. “This is combined with the environmental stewardship on the part of the school in terms of recycling, composting, water runoff management, and more.”
“Everything kind of fades away in the woods: who you are, who you’re friends with; it’s all just about being together.”
–Ava Szalay ‘24
The first-year students learn to push themselves—and one another—beyond their limits. That sense of “high achievement,” a cornerstone of the program, hopefully carries into the school year.
“It’s an amazing bonding experience,” says Devin Gibson ‘24, who continued to support his peers beyond that weeklong trip. “I have encouraged group members when something was difficult: ‘You survived Outward Bound, you can survive the math test.’”
Science, Outdoors
Back on campus, the 9th graders are part of a community that values outdoor learning. Science teachers in every division are at the heart
During “Science Outdoors,” as it is officially called in the Lower School, students “practice science skills, especially observation, making predictions, and experimentation,” says Carie Szalay, a Lower School science teacher. “This includes a study of phenology, noticing seasonal changes in animals and plants in the Wissahickon.”
Generally, the younger students explore outdoor science skills more generally while, as they age, they apply these skills through specific units.
“Lower School students explore a wide range of topics, from the sun and bees to owls and the tiny creatures living in our local stream,” says Stein. “We engage them in citizen science projects, where their collected data directly contributes to real scientific research. For example, to understand how climate change affects plants and animals, our students observe and record the blooming dates of tulips each year.”
In Pre-K, students are outside identifying the types of trees (deciduous vs evergreen), pond life, and signs of each season, exploring sinking and floating in the stream and
pond during water unit, planting pea seeds in the gardens, flying maple samara and beech seeds in the woods during an air unit, taking temperature during a penguin and Antarctica unit, and looking for worms during an egg layer study. And that’s just the beginning.
Throughout Lower School, interdisciplinary studies mean that students are practicing native bird calls on their recorders in the woods or launching a hand-crafted raft like a character in Hatchet, a novel of survival and adventure, while also testing their rafts for buoyancy in the Wissahickon Creek. The cross-disciplinary approach is nothing new in the Lower School, but the recently adopted language arts curriculum, Wit & Wisdom, helps focus efforts around an essential question that leaves room for exploration outside the classroom.
In Middle School, students learn about the rock cycle, observing the wavy lines of metamorphic Wissahickon schist to understand how weathering and erosion shape the local landscape. They also learn about the ecosystem and food webs with a focus on what's happening in the local ecosystem and the organisms that live in it.
“Although students are often somewhat aware of more media-abundant ecosystems and food chains, such as that on the African savanna, most are unfamiliar with what is happening in their own backyards,” says Middle School science teacher Roy Moffitt. “It is effective to have a student be fully immersed in their local environment to gain a deeper understanding of that ecosystem and how their lifestyle choices impact that system.”
In the later years, Upper School Environmental Science students are actively engaged in studying the Wissahickon, investigating the spread of invasive species, and utilizing lichen to measure air pollution levels. Zoology students are delving into forensic science by analyzing insect activity on decomposing matter.
“The outdoors allows students to test their hypotheses, collect specimens, reproduce scientific experiments, and see things they have never seen (or noticed) before. Being outside engages kids in a way that sitting at a desk—or even a lab table—can't,” says Lisa Queeno, Upper School Science teacher, who also notes the importance of stepping away from technology.
In 11th grade Biology, all students take on stream and forest studies to assess the health of Wissahickon Creek and the surrounding ecosystem and analysis of water runoff around SCH. An Environmental Science and Oceanography field trip takes students to Island Beach State Park to study ocean and bay ecosystems, and closer to home they collect and quantify plastics on campus and in the Wissahickon and analyze microplastics.
Stewards of the Land in Lower School
Lower School hallways are lined with muddy boots, evidence that respect for the local land starts early at SCH. An outdoor Naturescape play space on the edge of the Wissahickon woods, complete with sustainability rules, allows students to use nature in play.
“Our students take time to focus their attention on the world and people around them in a setting that nurtures open eyes, ears, and minds. With quality time spent in nature, our students learn to become good stewards of the land.”
With LaMent as their guide, students embark on hikes and bike rides throughout the Wissahickon and other neighborhood parks. Parents also get involved, accompanying their children through the woods on various weekend excursions.
Aside from the formal Outdoor Program (and recess!), students are deepening their knowledge of art, history, storytelling, music, and more through hands-on activities outdoors in line with the curriculum. They can be found journaling outside, drawing in the forest, or simply stomping in the snow.
“Nature stirring our senses and generating awe and wonder is a profoundly generous gift.”
–Head of School Delvin Dinkins
“Together we build an ethic of caring and respect for this resource that is theirs to protect and maintain,” says Jamie LaMent, the director of the Lower School Outdoor Program who has been taking Lower Schoolers on expeditions for more than 15 years.
Lower School students have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship through their creative and practical initiatives. To reduce waste and promote sustainability in the past few years, they have crafted reusable lunch bags and designed branded decals for trash cans around
“It is effective to have a student be fully immersed in local environment to gain a deeper understanding of that ecosystem and how their lifestyle choices impact that system.”
–Roy Moffit, Middle School Science Teacher
the school, encouraging proper waste disposal and fostering a sense of ownership over their environment.
Recognizing the plight of birds, in partnership with an organization called Bird Safe Philly, they also took action by placing stickers on cafeteria windows to prevent harmful collisions, showcasing their compassion and understanding of the delicate ecosystem.
"The variety of outdoor experiences significantly enhances the education of our Lower School students," says Douglas Wainwright, head of the Lower School. "The hands-on, boots-on activities not only foster a deep respect for the world around them but also build self-confidence, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills.”
Learning the Ropes in Middle School
In Middle School, students draw on the experiences from their early years, while also wrestling with more complex environmental issues from the effects of climate change to ocean health.
“One of my favorite things to do in 4th grade was trail maintenance where Mr. LaMent would give us assignments such as clearing the overgrowth off of the wooden boards and digging a mini trench to help the rain flow naturally underneath,” remembers Middle School student Tori Owens. “I still remember how much fun it was for me to get outside to the beautiful land that we have and, to this day, I still feel a personal connection to our grounds.”
Owens, now a member of the Middle School Eco Club, says she also valued having natural resources further afield to strengthen bonds with her friends
and deepen her knowledge of the natural world around her. She visited Pocono Plateau in 6th grade for teambuilding activities, leadership strategies, and cooperative learning experiences.
“These trips are an opportunity for students to push themselves and take risks,” says Head of Middle School Meadow Pepino. “The camaraderie that comes from rallying around a nervous classmate: That’s really special and it most certainly translates to the classroom.”
Other excursions, explains Pepino, have an added element of service, including one to the Riverbend Environmental Education Center where students help remove invasive species and plant trees, among other tasks. Taking their appreciation for the environment to the next level with activism is a natural step, and it is one many students embrace during their Middle School years when they join clubs and spread the word.
This past April, the Middle School Eco Club interviewed their peers on video about their concerns for the school’s collective environmental footprint. The students spoke of fossil fuels, natural disasters, and waste, but they also expressed hope for the future and said they were committed to working toward sustainable practices. The video itself acted as an educational tool for the rest of the school. This spring, Eco Club members also coordinated a week-long cafeteria waste audit, monitoring and measuring compost, recycling, and trash.
“My hope is that we could cultivate a desire to care for our Earth in everyone that is a part of our community and then they would bring that into their everyday life,” says Owens, “and that it would not just live in SCH but instead throughout our surrounding neighborhoods.”
Coming Full Circle
The school’s emphasis on environmental stewardship through a collaborative approach has created
a ripple effect throughout the community. Students like Mackenzie Hines ’25 exemplify this commitment. Selected as one of only 33 Pennsylvania students to become a “Young Ambassador” with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Hines is dedicated to fostering environmental responsibility among her peers. Through her venture, Students for Sustainability, she's working to educate younger students about eco-friendly practices and revive the school's composting program.
“I want to inspire students with new ideas both in and out of school about the things we can do to help our planet,” says Hines.
Now, with over three decades of outdoor programming, thousands of SCH students leave the school with a mindset like Hines to take action and get outdoors. This year that mindset gave birth to a mobile app developed in the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership that helps people shop more sustainably, and Food Fuel, a semester-long research project focused on the process of converting food waste into biodiesel fuel.
The school is being recognized for its efforts. SCH was the first school in Pennsylvania to receive Bird Habitat recognition from Audubon Pennsylvania, thanks to student-led projects creating rain gardens and habitats for wildlife, and RecycleBank grants have supported the planting of native trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as the installation of bird feeders and rain barrels. These efforts not only attract wildlife and support biodiversity but also provide valuable educational opportunities for students to study and analyze local ecosystems.
On campus, trails, and ropes, SCH students are communing with nature while learning the power of growth, renewal, action, and community. BRB, we’ll just be outside.
“YOUR DIAMONDS ARE NOT IN FAR DISTANT MOUNTAINS OR IN YONDER SEAS; THEY ARE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, IF YOU BUT DIG.”
–Reverend Russell Conwell, founder and first president of
Temple University
Visions of the Wissahickon
SCH presents the 2024 Fall Barbara Crawford Gallery exhibition through December 3.
As part of the celebration of the centennial of Friends of the Wissahickon, an organization founded in 1924 to conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley, SCH presents the 2024 Fall Barbara Crawford Gallery exhibition, Visions of the Wissahickon: Art Inspired by the Wissahickon Valley, now through December 3.
Alumna Judy McCabe Jarvis ’77 and Aimee Rush King P'26 curated the exhibition to showcase the beauty of the Wissahickon Valley, highlighting the landscape, historic structures, and scenic views. “The park‘s jagged topography boasts of creeks, schist, walls, and bridges that transform throughout the year with the changing seasons,” says Jarvis.
Artwork by Paul DuSold, August, 2022
By fostering a deeper understanding of and reverence for local natural resources, the exhibition aspires to cultivate a community dedicated to their preservation and includes work by more than a dozen artists, many of whom are Springside and CHA alumni. Artwork includes sculpture, paintings, photographs, and mixed media pieces showcasing the landscape, historic structures, and scenic views of the Wissahickon Valley and watershed.
“I was inspired to organize a show focused on the Wissahickon while reflecting on a speech by the Reverend Russell Conwell, the founder and first president of Temple University,” says Jarvis. “In the speech, Conwell exhorted his listeners to find fame and fortune where they were, rather than look far afield, famously concluding his speech, ‘Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig.’ As I reflected on his words in recent years, I saw them in a new light. I had searched the world for great scenes to paint, largely ignoring
SPRINGSIDE ALUMNAE ARTISTS
Pamela Bussey '75
Maggie Hodges ‘79
Patricia Brock Ingersoll '66
Judy McCabe Jarvis ‘77
Kathryn Lynch ‘79
Trudi Green Smith '86
CHA ALUMNI ARTISTS
Joe Castle ‘79
Cort Morgan '76
SCH PARENTS
Carrie Blivice P’26, P’29
Anna Chandra P'37
Chris Ward P’10, P’12
ARTISTS FROM THE LARGER COMMUNITY
Lara Cantu-Hertzler
Paul DuSold
Nancy Granda
Mary Jarvis
Douglas Martenson
the beauty in my (and SCH’s!) own backyard— the Wissahickon Valley. I realized that Wissahickon Valley Park‘s 1,800 acres and 50 miles of trails were her diamonds.”
This fall, SCH is igniting a passion for the local environment through an immersive connection to the exhibition. By exploring their role as stewards of the Wissahickon and, by extension, all nearby land, students will develop a deeper appreciation for nature. Through gallery talks, storytelling, hands-on community service, and creative outlets like photography, watercolor, and oil painting, students will uncover the rich connections between the outdoors and their academic pursuits. Our faculty, alongside talented guest artists and historians, will weave together the threads of visual arts, sciences, entrepreneurship, and English, inspiring
students to become thoughtful and engaged citizens.
“We hope this show encourages a new generation of artists and conservationists by showing the Wissahickon through the eyes of accomplished artists,” says Megan Monaghan, director of the arts at SCH.
Robert Porter
Jack Ramsdale
Monique Sarkessian
Eric Spaeth
Radhika Srinivas
Artwork by Mary Jarvis, Touch Grass, 2024
Artwork by Judy McCabe Jarvis Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, 2024
Alumni Award Winners
CHESTNUT HILL ACADEMY & SPRINGSIDE SCHOOL
2024 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
Each year during Alumni Weekend, the school honors the service and outstanding accomplishments of its alumni.
CHESTNUT HILL ACADEMY
YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD
This award recognizes the achievements of an alumnus who has graduated within the past 20 years. It honors excellence in a career or service to the community.
Jake Kind's love for basketball continued beyond CHA and college. It fueled his desire to give back, leading him to found a transformative youth basketball camp in Jamaica, all while keeping his day job. This camp, run by his nonprofit organization, Friends of The Philadelphia Men's Basketball League (PMBL), impacts over 1,500 children every summer in Saint Elizabeth Parish.
The story began in 2012 with a simple idea: keep playing basketball and use it for positive change. Each year, Kind and his team travel to Jamaica loaded with supplies for the kids' free, five-day camp.
“His story,” said CEL director Ed Glassman ‘03, “is a wonderful intersection of sport, character development, and entrepreneurship.”
Through networking, crowdsourcing, and teamwork, Kind formed a program that continues to grow year after year. The camp welcomes young Jamaicans aged 4 to 20, fostering a love for the sport while nurturing valuable skills beyond the court. The program's success relies on the dedication of its founders and coaches who not only gather donations to fuel the camp's operation but also are on the ground in Jamaica each summer, empowering and inspiring the campers.
This past January, he returned to his alma mater to share his story and passion for service with the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership students.
Jake A. Kind ’03
CHESTNUT HILL ACADEMY
THE ROLL OF FAME AWARD
This award recognizes an alumnus who has made significant, far-reaching contributions to society. He is considered an expert in his field, and his work has had an impact that reaches beyond the bounds of a single community.
Dr. Matthew J. Weiss ’94
Dr. Matthew Weiss is deputy physician-in-chief and director of the surgical oncology program at Northwell Cancer Institute. He's a board-certified surgeon specializing in pancreas and liver diseases. Previously, he was chief of hepatobiliary surgery at Johns Hopkins and director of the Pancreas and Liver Multidisciplinary Clinics as well as the complex general surgical oncology fellowship.
Joining Northwell in 2019, he created a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, geneticists, and other specialists who collaborate to create unique treatment plans for patients across the health system. His team also works with scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research to develop and run groundbreaking clinical trials.
An international leader in liver and pancreas surgery, Dr. Weiss has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed publications in the field and is currently a professor of surgery and oncology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
He completed his residency in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and was dual fellowship trained in surgical oncology and hepatobiliary surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
“I’ve never met a person who is so dedicated to being the best at what he does,” said classmate Mike Corvasce ‘94.
FRANCIS P. STEEL JR. ’77 AWARD
This award, named for former head of school Frank Steel, recognizes an alumnus who, over the course of many years, has made unique contributions and shown an outstanding and extraordinary devotion to the school.
James M. Talbot II H’81
Jim Talbot has been a part of the CHA and SCH community for over 50 years in many different capacities. From 1966-2000, he served the school in many roles: teacher, coach, director of Admissions, and director of Athletics. He also served as chair of the CHA Athletic Hall of Fame committee, on the board of CHA for more than a decade, and returned to campus in 2020 as a senior gifts officer in the Development Office.
When he wasn’t inside the school, you could find him out on the field coaching his beloved soccer teams. He coached the CHA varsity for 27 seasons from 1967 through 1993. During his tenure, CHA won nine Inter-Academic League titles, the last seven consecutively, from 1987 through 1993. In 1973 he coached CHA’s only undefeated team, which finished 14-0-2.
“Coach Talbot was both unassuming and fiercely competitive,” said Matt Eskin ’89. “With such a calm demeanor, his aspirations for OUR greatness were larger than we could have understood as young men at that time.
The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Philadelphia Chapter) inducted him as a member in 1995. CHA board chair Ted Rorer dedicated its new soccer field to Talbot in 2001. He was also inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach and several times alongside his championship teams: in 2013, 2016, and 2022, and in 1993 he won the prestigious Corning Pearson ’30 Service Award.
SPRINGSIDE SCHOOL
THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNA AWARD
This award recognizes the achievements of an alumna or alumnae who has graduated within the past 20 years and has demonstrated excellence in a career or service to the community.
Adrienne Simpson Gittens ‘04
Adrienne Gittens, the deputy general counsel for Comcast, was recently named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list. She has over 12 years of legal experience, with a focus on complex commercial litigation, investigations, and regulatory inquiries involving U.S. and international enforcement authorities.
At Comcast, she oversees and reports on compliance programs across the company's global subsidiaries— including Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky—on financial crime, international trade controls, and human rights.
After graduating from Princeton University, she attended Harvard Law School where she discovered her passion for effective legal advocacy with the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau as a student advocate for low-income clients in family court. She harnesses the same passion with which she represented her clients in Boston’s family court to zealously advocate for her clients today.
In 2019, she was named “a lawyer on the fast track” by The Legal Intelligencer for the Professional Excellence Awards. Her experience has also scored her recognition in the "Top 40 Under 40 for Pennsylvania” by The National Black Lawyers list.
In addition to her work at Comcast, Gittens is committed to giving back to the community. She is the director and nominating Committee Chair for Ardent Credit Union, director of the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group Alumni Association, and founder and executive director of Calvary Baptist Church of South Jersey Food Pantry, which operated through the pandemic uninterrupted and served more than 5,000 people.
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
This award recognizes an alumna who, over the course of several years, has made unique contributions and shown an outstanding and extraordinary devotion to the school.
The Springside Class of 1957 Artist in Residence Fund
After discussing several creative suggestions to honor their 50th Reunion in 2007, The Springside Class of 1957 Artist in Residence Fund was established. Fast forward 17 years: This fund has now enabled hundreds of students and faculty members to learn from talented performing and visual artists. Over the years, Springside and SCH students have had a frontrow seat to performances, talks, and exhibitions by artists, singers, composers, dancers, and others. Local members of the Class of 1957 have joined artists’ visits, from a performance of the world-renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade to seeing the beautiful mural created by students of all ages with famed Philadelphia mosaic muralist Isaiah Zagar.
This year, the fund welcomed Tawny Chatmon, a photography-based artist who spent two days working closely with SCH students. Together with a group of Lower Schoolers, Chatmon created a collaborative art piece now hanging in McCausland Lower School.
Babbie Miller ‘57, who helped to establish the fund, reflects, “I always thought this fund was a brilliant idea, not just because we were raising money for such an interesting program, but because we could take part in the gift, enjoying the programs the artists were presenting. It gave us a reason to return often to our alma mater to see what was going on and to keep us tied to SS/SCH and each other.”
Members of the Class of 1957 who were present at the Alumni Awards ceremony: 1st row, from left: Barbara Peake Frazier, Natalie Otter Barnes, Sherley Young; 2nd row (from left): Frankie Foley Jueds, Ann Merrit Hunter
SPRINGSIDE SCHOOL
THE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD
This award recognizes an alumna who has made a significant contribution in her field and whose accomplishments have had an impact on the larger community.
Jennifer Lee is the Julian Clarence Levi Professor of Social Sciences at Columbia University, her alma mater. An award-winning author, distinguished scholar, and experienced public commentator, she has successfully placed the study of Asian Americans centrally in the social sciences and public discourse.
She is the author or co-author of four award-winning books, including Asian American Achievement Paradox, which garnered five national book awards. In it, she and her co-author dispel the cultural fallacy that Asian Americans excel in education because they value education more than other groups. Her work has also focused on immigrant entrepreneurship, intermarriage and multiracial identification, affirmative action, and the surge in anti-Asian
violence during the pandemic, which she presented to the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
In her most recent project, she calls attention to discrimination against Asian Americans in the workplace. Presumed competent, she says, Asian Americans are not presumed fit to lead.
Lee was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Political and Social Science, and the Sociological Research Association. She is a distinguished fellow at the Cook Center for Social Inequality at Duke, serves on the board of the Obama Presidency Oral History, and is chair of the board of trustees of the Russell Sage Foundation—the first Asian American to hold this position.
Committed to public and policy engagement, her essays and commentary have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, CNN, Science, and The Brookings Institution, among other news outlets.
NOMINATE YOUR FRIEND OR CLASSMATE FOR AN AWARD FROM THEIR ALMA MATER!
Alumni Association Awards and Players Hall of Fame Nominations Due December 1, 2024
Athletic Hall of Fame Award Nominations Due February 1, 2025
Visit sch.org/alumni for details.
Jennifer Lee ’86
LEGACY FAMILIES CLASS O F 2024
GRADUATES AND THEIR RELATIVES WHO ATTENDED SPRINGSIDE, CHA, OR SCH
ALEX '22 AND RYAN '24 AGNEW ; JULIA DARDARIS '16 AMELIA '24 AND SAMIRA '16 BAIRD KELLEY '26, JACK '24 AND PENELOPE '28 BOYLE
OLIVIA '24, ALEX '21, AND ELLA '30 CAIONE
ELIZABETH '21, ANABELLA '24, AND JUAN '19 CASTELLANOS
DEMIANNA '19, JAMESON '24, MADDIGO '22 CALLAS
ELIO '24 AND NICHOLAS '23 COLAVITA
DAX '26, TY '24, AND CAM '31 CAPLAN
JACK '24 AND CHASE '20 COOK
ISABELLA '23 AND AVA '24 DECESARE AVA '22 AND TUCKER '24 DELISLE
FINN '24 AND MELISSA (HARTMETZ) '93 DOUGHERTY
SAKI '23, WILLIAM '24, AND GRANT '29 DUNBAR
THOMAS '27, MEGHAN '24, AND JOSEPH '26 FLACH
BRENDAN '24 AND ERIN '21 JOLLY
G. MICHAEL LEMOLE JR. '87, DECLAN X. '24, AND GERALD M. LEMOLE III '22
ARJUN '24 AND ARIYA '26 GOSWAMI
CHARLES '20, ALEXANDRA (FERGUSON) '87, JACK '24, HANNAH '18 LARKIN
ELOISE '26 AND ALEXIS '24 LEVIN
HARRISON '26 AND RYAN '24 KULL
HILARY (SWEENEY) '90 AND OLIVIA '24 HAYES
TAGUE '18, ELLIOT '24, AND DANE '20 HARMATY
BILL '91, HOLDEN '28, MADISON '24, WILL '23, PEGGY (DAVISON) '62 FREEMAN
D. PATRICK '19, ALEXANDRA '17, OLIVIA '21, AND GABRIELLE '24 MCHUGH
CHASE '22, LESLIE (CONNOR) NEWBOLD '86, ROBERT CONNOR '81, SAMANTHA NEWBOLD '24, ALEXANDRA JORDAN '24, AND CAROLINE CONNOR '81
IAN '91, ALEX '24, JOHN '61, AND BETH (RIDDLE) '61 PILLING
RYAN '24 AND TIMOTHY MCMANUS JR.'22
KAITLYN '21 AND ELIZABETH '24 PEARCY
MICHAEL '24 AND KATIE '26 MCMULLEN
MAEVE '24 AND GRIAN '26 O'CONNOR
LUKE '21, CORTNEY '24, AND WILL '20 NEVEROSKY
ALYSON '12, TOMMY '24, BOBBY '21 MARKEY LIAM '29, AIDEN '24, MOLLY '26 MCCANN
ELLA '24 AND MADELINE '22 MAHONEY
CHARLTON '26, SOPHIE '24, AND ED MCDEVITT III '93
ANNA '22, PETER '24, AND AMY (TYLER) '87 SHEA
MAYA JONES '16, COURTNEY WILLIAMS '24, DOMINIQUE JONES '11, AND BENITA (PENDLETON) WILLIAMS '91
DORA '24 AND ELLA '22 WARD
ALEC '24 AND BELLA '22 TULIO
THOMAS '22 AND NOLAN '24 SHELINSKY
STEWART '29, HAYES '24, KATIE (WARWICK) '95 SCHREINER ; BOTTOM: N. DUDLEY WARWICK '59
NADINE (BADGER) STEVENSON '90, CECELIA '24, CORNELIUS '27 STEVENSON
DAVID '24, JUSTIN '19, STONE '24 XIN
ALEX '24 AND CECE '22 REILLY ANYA '24 AND JACOB '21 ROSENBLOOM
FINLEY '26, SYDNEY '24, GAIL (CLEMENTS) REDPATH '81; DEVIN (MCINERENY) RUSSELL '09
SKIP '87, KYLE '17, MADISON '24, AND JAKE '20 SCHOLL
LEILA '28 AND AVA '24 SZALAY
SPRINGSIDE CHESTNUT HILL ACADEMY
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR THE CLASS OF 2024
Alabama A&M University
Albright College
American University *
Arcadia University (2)
Arizona State University
Art Center College of Design
Auburn University (2)
Bard College
Barry University
Bennett College
Berry College
Bethune-Cookman University
Boston College *
Boston University (4) *
Bowdoin College *
Bowie State University
Carnegie Mellon University (3)
Case Western Reserve University (2)
Catholic University of America (2)
Chatham University
Chestnut Hill College (2) *
Clark Atlanta University (3)
Clark University *
Coastal Carolina University (2) *
Colgate University
College of Charleston (10) * College of the Holy Cross
Colorado Mesa University
Commonwealth UniversityBloomsburg *
Connecticut College
Coppin State University
Cornell University (2) *
Davidson College (2) *
Delaware State University
Delaware Valley University
Denison University *
DePaul University
DeSales University
Dickinson College (3) *
Drexel University (16) *
Duquesne University
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (2)
Eastern University
Elizabeth City State University
Elon University (5)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emerson College
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School *
Fairfield University (2) *
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (3) *
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fordham University (10) *
Franklin & Marshall College (2) *
Furman University (2)
George Mason University
Georgetown University (3) *
Georgia Institute of Technology (5) *
Gettysburg College (3) *
Goldey-Beacom College *
Gonzaga University *
Grambling State University
Hamilton College *
Hampton University (3)
Haverford College (2) *
High Point University (3)
Hobart and William Smith Colleges *
Hofstra University
Howard University (5) *
Indiana University - Bloomington (2)
Ithaca College
Jacksonville University (2)
James Madison University (6) *
Johns Hopkins University *
Johnson C. Smith University
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (2)
La Salle University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University (5) *
Lincoln University (3)
Louisiana State University (5)
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago (3) *
Loyola University Maryland (3) *
Loyola University New Orleans *
Macalester College
Manhattan College *
Maryland Institute College of Art *
Marymount Manhattan College
Marymount University
McDaniel College
McGill University
Michigan State University
Millersville University of Pennsylvania (4) *
Misericordia University (2) *
Mississippi State University
Monmouth University
Montana State University
Moravian University (2) *
Morehouse College (2) *
Morgan State University (2) *
Muhlenberg College
New York University
Niagara University *
North Carolina A & T State University (4)
North Carolina State University (2)
Northeastern University (3) *
Norwich University
Oberlin College *
Pace University - New York City (2)
Penn State University - Scranton
Penn State University - Altoona
Penn State University (37) *
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pratt Institute
Purdue University (4)
Randolph-Macon College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2)
Ringling College of Art and Design
Roanoke College
Rochester Institute of Technology (2) *
Rollins College
Rutgers University (2)
Rutgers University - Newark
Sacred Heart University *
Saint Joseph's University (9) *
Sarah Lawrence College (2)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of Visual Arts *
Seton Hall University (2) *
Sewanee: The University of the South (2)
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Smith College
Southern Methodist University (5) *
Southern University and A&M College
Spelman College
Springfield College *
St. John's College - Annapolis
St. John's University
St. Lawrence University
Stetson University
Stockton University
Stonehill College
SUNY at Albany (2) *
SUNY at New Paltz
SUNY Buffalo State University
SUNY College at Cortland
Susquehanna University (2)
Swarthmore College (2) *
Syracuse University (6) *
Talladega College
Temple University (7)
Tennessee State University
Texas Christian University *
The Ohio State University
The University of Alabama (2) *
The University of Tampa (3)
The University of Tennessee
Tougaloo College
Towson University
Trinity College (5) *
Tulane University of Louisiana (3) *
United States Coast Guard Academy *
United States Naval Academy *
University of Arizona (4)
University of Bridgeport *
University of Colorado Boulder (6)
University of Connecticut (3)
University of Delaware (11) *
University of Florida *
University of Hartford
University of Hawaii at Māno *
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland (5)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2)
University of Massachusetts (2)
University of Miami (2) *
University of Michigan *
University of Mississippi (4) *
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska
University of New Hampshire (4)
University of New Haven
University of Pennsylvania (9) *
University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg *
University of Pittsburgh (30) *
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond (3) *
University of South Carolina (4)
University of South Florida (2)
University of Southern California
University of St Andrews
University of Toronto *
University of Vermont (4)
University of Virginia (2) *
University of Wisconsin
Ursinus College (2) *
Vassar College
Villanova University (3) *
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia State University
Wake Forest University (2) *
Washington College
Wesleyan University (2) *
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (7) *
West Virginia State University
West Virginia University (5) *
Widener University (2)
Wilberforce University
William & Mary *
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University of Louisiana
COMMENCEMENT 2024
On June 8, 2024, SCH Board of Trustee Chair Patrick Lindsay and Head of School Delvin Dinkins presented 127 students with diplomas.
“The Class of 2024 is an ‘a’ali’i where no gust or gale of wind can knock us over. We may twist and bend in all directions but in the end, we will stand tall and strong.”
– Kamaha’o Bode, Senior Class Speaker
91%
81 SENIORS WERE ADMITTED TO DIFFERENT COLLEGES AND WILL ATTEND DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS
213
43 OF THE CLASS WAS ADMITTED TO ONE OF THEIR TWO TOPCHOICE COLLEGES ATHLETES IN THE CLASS OF 2024 WILL PURSUE THEIR PASSION AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL
35% 25% OF THE CLASS OF 2024 WAS ADMITTED TO ONE OR MORE “HYPER-SELECTIVE” SCHOOLS WHOSE ADMIT RATES WERE LESS THAN
“You have all proven to me time and time again that you are all extraordinary. I ask you all to continue to be yourselves, because it is a scary and sometimes horrible world out there, so why not be extraordinary?”
– Ryan McManus, Senior Class Speaker
END-OF-YEAR AWARDS
At the end of each school year, the Upper School takes a moment to recognize students who have distinguished themselves through academics, athletics, character, or service to the school. The following awards were presented to students at the 2024 awards ceremony on the eve of Commencement.
DEPARTMENTAL DISTINCTIONS
arts
9th: Claire Lynch
Amit Greene
Tobey Schwartz
10th: Blake Jeune
Addison Rhodes
Chloe Hanson
11th: Baylin Manusov
Georgia Barrick
12th: Anya Rosenbloom
Sophie Piatkowski
Matt Rizzo
Stone Xin
Ryan Agnew
Will Dunbar
cel
10th: Quinton McDonnell
Judah Meyer
Colin Salas
Tristan Ferraro
11th: Brendan Flatow
12th: Coleman Benner
engineering and robotics
9th: Jude Hackford
10th: Leo Cohen
11th: Nick Donato
12th: Cameron Lyon
english
9th: Harmonee' Summers
Claire Lynch
Maeve Carr-Lemke
10th: Roman McNichols
Charlotte Trayes
Addison Rhodes
11th: Brendan Russell
Naomi Becker
Morgan Risnychok
12th: Ava Szalay
Amelia Baird
Antonin Zappala
history
9th: Harmonee' Summers
Claire Lynch
Grace Wolpert
10th: Bezi Merid
Quinton McDonnell
Jimmy Talbot
11th: Sam Harris
Julien Friedland
Andrew Blum
12th: Amelia Baird
Ameara Smith
Alexandra Stoddard
mathematics
9th: Emma Hannigan
Nadia Russell
Claire (Xinyi) Yan
10th: Eloise Levin
Roman McNichols
Lauren Wilson
11th: Naomi Becker
Connor Brown
Nick Donato
12th: Ward Dobeck
Sophie McDevitt
Arjun Goswami
& Robotics
Arts Distinction (from left): Front: Baylin Manusov, Sophie Piatkowski, Blake Jeune, Addison Rhodes; Back row: Anya Rosenbloom, Georgia Barrick, Ryan Agnew, Amit Greene, Stone Xin, Will Dunbar, Tobey Schwartz, Claire Lynch (Not in photo: Chloe Hanson, Matt Rizzo)
CEL Distinction (from left): Quinton McDonnell, Coleman Benner, Judah Meyer, Brendan Flatow, Colin Salas, Tristan Ferraro
Engineering
Distinction (from left): Cameron Lyon, Nick Donato, Leo Cohen, Jude Hackford
English Distinction (from left): First row: Amelia Baird, Harmonee' Summers, Claire Lynch, Maeve Carr-Lemke, Addison Rhodes, Charlotte Trayes; Second row: Morgan Risnychok, Naomi Becker; Third row: Antonin Zappala, Ava Szalay, Roman McNichols, Brendan Russell
9th: Jonathan Vargas
Xinyi (Claire) Yan
Emma Hannigan
10th: Aaron Jia
Judah Meyer
Lauren Wilson
11th: Sam Harris
Naomi Becker
12th: Ameara Smith
Michael McMullen
Arjun Goswami
Sophie McDevitt
world languages
10th: Lauren Wilson
Alec Gupte
Grian O'Connor
11th: Zarin DeVeaux
Naomi Becker
Connor Lauerman
Robert Lamb
12th: Arjun Goswami
Mia Santiago-Sanchez
Jack Larkin
Lucas Reeves
Jamie Neris
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR
Recognizes seniors who were among the 15,000 students who reached the status of National Merit Finalist for the year 2024.
• Shaun Gupte
BOOK AWARDS
the bowdoin college book award
Presented to a member of the junior class who helps others and works toward positive change to improve the world. This student is working in service to the common good and toward developing ethical and balanced approaches to how they live and do work.
• Ava Lanzetta
the brown university book award
Recognizes a junior who best combines a high degree of ability in English expression, both written and spoken, with those outstanding personal qualities which, in the words of the Brown Charter of 1764, give promise that the student will become one of the “succession
of men and women duly qualified for discharging the o ces of life with usefulness and reputation.”
• Emma Ludwikowski
the harvard university book award
Awarded to an outstanding junior who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.
• Patrick Gaghan
the smith college book award
Awarded to a junior who exemplifies the academic achievement and leadership qualities that characterize the thousands of women who have graduated from Smith College.
• Zarin DeVeaux
History Distinction (from left): First row: Amelia Baird, Bezi Merid, Harmonee' Summers, Claire Lynch; Second row: Sam Harris, Grace Wolpert, Quinton McDonnell, Ameara Smith; Third row: Alexandra Stoddard, Andrew Blum, Julien Friedland, Jimmy Talbot
World Languages Distinction (from left): First row: Naomi Becker, Lauren Wilson, Grian O'Connor, Zarin DeVeaux, Robert Lamb, Jamie Neris; Back row: Lucas Reeves, Jack Larkin, Arjun Goswami, Connor Lauerman, Alec Gupte, Mia Santiago-Sanchez
Math Distinction (from left): First row: Sophie McDevitt, Eloise Levin, Lauren Wilson, Naomi Becker, Emma Hannigan; Second row: Ward Dobeck, Arjun Goswami, Nick Donato, Roman McNichols, Connor Brown, Nadia Russell (Not in photo: Claire (Xinyi) Yan)
Science Distinction (from left): First row: Ameara Smith, Sophie McDevitt, Sam Harris, Naomi Becker; Second row: Aaron Jia, Judah Meyer, Lauren Wilson, Jonathan Vargas, Emma Hannigan; Third row: Michael McMullen, Arjun Goswami (Not in photo: Xinyi (Claire) Yan)
Presented to a junior who best exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of Benjamin Franklin, the founder of the University of Pennsylvania—a scholar, innovator, and one who served the community.
• Griffin Whitman
the university of virginia book award
Presented to a junior who is outstanding in academics as well as extracurricular activities in acknowledgment of that student’s commitment to academics, leadership, and community involvement, which Thomas Jefferson held in high regard.
• Lida Goloveyko
the yale university book award
Presented to a member of the junior class who has shown intellectual promise, significant involvement in extracurricular activities, and service to the community.
• Caitlin Keough
DEEDED AWARDS
ACADEMICS: THE ARTS
the players on- and off-stage awards
Given by the director of Players for significant contribution, loyalty, and commitment to Players—on stage and off.
On Stage
• Ava Szalay
Off Stage
• Cameron Harrop
the suzanne turner rebmann award
Given in memory of Suzanne Turner Rebmann for excellence in one of the performing arts.
• Ava Szalay
the wendy romig concannon ’82 photography award
Given by her classmates, family, and friends in her memory in 2022, this award honors Wendy’s myriad talents and skills as well as her grace and elegance and is presented annually to a promising Upper School student.
• Sela Perryman the alumni association art award
Given to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated extraordinary interest, ability, and accomplishment in the visual arts.
• Matt Rizzo
ACADEMICS: ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
the peter randall ’69 robotics prototype award
Awarded to a first-year participant or “prototype” of a potential future leader of Robotics Team 1218, celebrating a student
who has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, service, and dedication to Team 1218.
• Ariana Chan-Van der Helm
ACADEMICS: ENGLISH hutchinson k. fairman campus lantern cup
Awarded to the member of the junior member of The Campus Lantern staff who has exhibited unparalleled dedication and commitment to the school’s newspaper. Established in the 1940s in memory of Hutchinson K. Fairman ’28.
• Anderson Swanger
ACADEMICS: SCIENCE
the society of women in engineering award
Recognizes and honors students who have achieved excellence in the study of mathematics and science for at least three years and have demonstrated an aptitude and interest in engineering.
• Emma Ludwikowski
the rensselaer polytechnic institute award for excellence Awarded to a member of the junior class for outstanding academic achievement in the study of mathematics and science.
• Zarin DeVeaux
the m.i.t. promise of the future award
Given to the student who, through personal initiative, has done the most to promote the awareness of science and technology.
• Leah Laudenbach
ACADEMICS: GENERAL the class of 1959 award
Awarded to the student or students who show the greatest intellectual curiosity during each of the high school years.
9th: Ariana Chan-van der Helm
10th: Roman McNichols
11th Naomi Becker
12th: Devin Gibson the christopher fraser carpenter ’60 memorial award In memory of Chris Carpenter ’60, this award is granted to that member of the junior class who has shown the greatest improvement during the year.
• Bethany Haughton the daniel webster charles memorial history award
Presented in honor of legendary faculty member Dan Charles, who taught at CHA from 1943-1971, to a 9th or 10th grade student who
Book Awards (from left): Lida Goloveyko, Emma Ludwikowski, Griffin Whitman, Ava Lanzetta, Patrick Gaghan, Zarin DeVeaux, Caitlin Keough
Deeded Awards in Academics: (from left): First row: Lauren Wilson, Leah Laudenbach, Sela Perryman, Ava Szalay, Cameron Harrop; Second row: Andrew Shmelzer, Ross Prince, Emma Ludwikowski, Zarin DeVeaux, Naomi Becker, Ariana Chan-Van der Helm (Not in photo: Matt Rizzo)
Deeded General Awards (from left): First row: Ayana Banks, Ariana Chan-Van der Helm, Naomi Becker, Zarin DeVeaux, Weber Salamanson; Second row: Mackenzie Hines, Bethany Haughton, Roman McNichols, Devin Gibson, Anderson Swanger, Brody Saccomandi, Trey Angell
has demonstrated exceptional ability for writing in history.
• Lauren Wilson
the daniel webster charles memorial essay award
Given in honor of legendary faculty member Dan Charles, who taught at CHA from 1943-1971, to the member or members of the junior class who has/have demonstrated excellence in both historical research and creativity in incorporating their research into writing.
• Naomi Becker
debate cup award for excellence in debate
This Deeded Award was established to honor and recognize outstanding achievement in the field of debate, highlighting the importance of critical thinking skills among our student body. The Debate Award will be awarded annually to the student who demonstrates exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to the art of debate. The recipient of this award shall embody the values of integrity, respect, and open-mindedness. This award will serve to inspire future generations of students to engage in meaningful dialogue, to embrace diverse perspectives, and to uphold the values of civil discourse in all aspects of their lives.
• Ross Prince
• Andrew Shmelzer
the franklin & margaret steele fund for entrepreneurship
A scholarship to support summer work given to a student who wishes to pursue their entrepreneurial passion through an internship in a certain industry or business.
• Zarin DeVeaux
• Weber Salamanson
• Brody Saccomandi
CHARACTER
the franklin d. sauveur memorial award
Honors an alumnus from the Class of 1911 and given to a member of the 9th grade for character and scholarship.
• Jude Hackford
the garrett d. pagon award
Given to a member of the 10th grade for moral courage and integrity.
• Ayana Banks
the community service award
Recognizes a senior student for their extraordinary commitment to the community and meaningful service connections throughout their school career.
• Ryan McManus
the robert a. kingsley award
Given to that student below 12th grade who has shown the highest degree
Deeded Awards, Character (from left): First row: Harmonee' Summers, Avi Oliver, Ayana Banks, Jude Hackford; Back row: Cecelia Stevenson, Alexandra Stoddard, Alexis Reilly, Joshua Miller, Ha'oa Bode, Ryan McManus (Not in photo: Madison Freeman)
of academic promise and scholarship, along with the most responsible type of leadership.
• Joshua Miller the kevin kirk ’15 memorial award
Presented in memory of Kevin Kirk ’15 who passed away during his freshman year and given to a student, new to Upper School, who has made the greatest positive impact on the community.
• Harmonee' Summers
the jane bell memorial award
Established to keep alive the memory of the founder of Springside School, Jane Bell, a woman of noble personality, full of enthusiasm and courage, and to remind students that in this ever-changing world, there will always remain a need for these virtues.
• Avi Oliver
the martin henry dawson ’90 memorial award
Presented in memory of Tinry Dawson ’90 to that senior who has, by vote of the members of the senior class, provided the most positive support and friendship to their classmates during their years together in the Upper School.
• Cecelia Stevenson
• Madison Freeman
the sara wetherell blake ’70 award
Given in memory of Sara Wetherell Blake ’70, by vote of the senior class, for service, simplicity, and sincerity.
• Alexandra Stoddard the alice morice ’24 memorial award
Given in memory of Alice Morice ’24, by vote of the faculty, to that senior who has shown loyalty and devotion to the school in all aspects of school life.
• Alexis Reilly
the edward savage memorial award
Named for Edward Savage, who worked at CHA from 1915 through the 1930s taking care of athletic equipment as well as maintaining the athletic fields, and presented by the alumni for loyalty and service to the school.
• Ha'oa Bode
the caroline susan jones junior & senior awards
Given in honor of Springside’s headmistress from 1900 to 1921, Caroline Susan Jones, by vote of faculty and students, to a junior and senior for
courage, cheerfulness, fair-mindedness, good sportsmanship, influence widely felt, and the courage of their convictions.
11th: Zarin DeVeaux
12th: Kamaha'o Bode Alexandra Stoddard alumni gold & silver awards
Presented to a junior and senior who, in the judgment of the Alumni Association and after consultation with faculty and students, best exemplifies those characteristics of leadership, academic standing, character, and service to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
Silver: Griffin Whitman Gold: Shaun Gupte
ATHLETICS
the meredith s. & langdon w. harris iii award
Given by the Harris family in memory of Langdon Harris and in honor of Meredith to the parent or parents who have been most supportive of SCH athletics and athletes during the school year.
• Jennifer Pilling P’24
the junior vare award in memory of johanna sigmund ’94
Named for the former head of the Physical Education Department and given in memory of Johanna Sigmund ’94, this award is given to a junior who exhibits a keen interest in athletics, demonstrates sportsmanship, and maintains consistent academic achievement.
• Caitlin Keough the phyllis m. vare sportsmanship award
Given in honor of Miss Vare, former head of the Physical Education Department, to a senior who has loved and participated wholeheartedly in the physical education program throughout the years and who, through their leadership and example, has
shown to others the highest standards of sportsmanship and play.
• Cortney Neverosky the lawrence r. mallery 1905 award
Established by the family of Lawrence Mallery from the Class of 1905, this award honors a scholar-athlete of the senior class.
• Ward Dobeck
the blue & gold award
Presented to a female athlete in the senior class who best exemplified excellence in athletics this year and is voted on by the Athletic Department.
• Alexis Reilly
THE CORNING PEARSON '30 SERVICE AWARD
• JOHN J. SOROKO P’18 Parent
the j.l. patterson cup
Named for Dr. James Patterson, headmaster from 1897 to 1923, this cup is awarded to the best all-around athlete in the senior class.
• Thomas Markey the michael f. mayock distinguished teacher-coach award
The Michael F. Mayock Distinguished TeacherCoach Award is a monetary award named for the former longtime Haverford School football coach and given annually to up to two teacher-coaches in recognition of the positive impact those individuals have had on student-athletes.
• Julian McFadden
Given in recognition of extraordinary service to the school, long-standing commitment to the school’s educational experience, dedication and loyalty to the school’s values and mission, and passion for its traditions, as personified by Corning Pearson, Class of 1930, student, athlete, educator, administrator, and benefactor.
Presented to John J. Soroko P’18, director of The William B. Dietrich Foundation, for his instrumental role in advancing the cause of architectural and historic preservation on campus. With the generous support of The William B. Dietrich Foundation, SCH Academy has received invaluable support for the Wissahickon Inn, and grants provided funding to restore the Henry Library and the preservation and enhancement of the facade of The Rec.
Alumni Gold & Silver Awards: From left: Shaun Gupte and Griffin Whitman
Corning Pearson Award (from left): Ali Pearson Webster ’03, Head of School Delvin Dinkins, John Soroko P’18
Caroline Susan Jones Award (from left): Zarin DeVeaux, Kamaha'o Bode, Alexandra Stoddard
Cortney Neverosky, Jennifer Pilling P’24, Caitlin Keough
OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS
the edward morris mcilvaine memorial scholarship
Provides an outstanding summer opportunity for a student who exhibits leadership potential and seeks a special growth experience. Given in memory of Edward Morris McIlvaine, CHA Class of 1995, this award will provide an Outward Bound experience.
• Theodore Giannone
• Sam Tonkon the outward bound award
This scholarship provides an outstanding summer opportunity for a girl who exhibits leadership potential and seeks a special growth experience.
• Maya Artis
• Sidney Smith
NON DEEDED AWARDS
SPRING ATHLETIC AWARDS
the inter-academic athletic league athletic directors award
Presented annually to two senior students who have been multi-sport varsity athletes and have exemplified dedication to their teams and school. Recipients are considered to be outstanding representatives of the InterAc League in sportsmanship and leadership.
• Madison Freeman
• Ross Prince
the chestnut hill academy father’s award
Presented to the senior who, as a varsity team player, has demonstrated the most outstanding combination of enthusiasm, perseverance, and dedication to their team and the school.
• Ryan McManus
the chestnut hill father’s club award
Presented to the student below the varsity level who has demonstrated the qualities of constructive school spirit, determination, and courage in athletics throughout the year.
• Anav Edwards
the varsity pride award
Honors a varsity senior athlete who has demonstrated passion, respect, intensity, determination, and enthusiasm both on and o the playing field.
• Madeline Caliendo
junior varsity pride award
Honors a junior varsity athlete who has demonstrated passion, respect, intensity, determination, and enthusiasm both on and o the playing field.
• Charlotte Trayes
james f. mcglinn award
Presented to a member of the faculty or sta for their dedicated interest in and loyal support to the athletes and athletic program.
• Richie Blyweiss
THE SHIELD AWARD
• RYAN AGNEW
The SCH Shield Award, the school's highest honor, was presented to graduate Ryan Agnew '24, who was "involved in nearly every facet of school life." He received the award during SCH’s Commencement ceremony on June 8, 2024.
Named in honor of Richard A. Hayne who, as a longtime board chair, “inspired unbounded curiosity and independent thought while maintaining a courageous and resilient spirit with thoughtfulness and integrity.”
Head of School Delvin Dinkins presented the award to Agnew, someone whose "care for knowledge and his education, ability for complex thought, and desire to succeed," reflects the award's values:
"He appears confident and exudes a genuine, caring soul beneath the surface waiting to influence and inspire whoever is fortunate enough to discover it. Here at SCH, you don't need to go too far to discover him. This student shares
his array of talents across many disciplines, including music, athletics, Student Facilitators, and Players. He has a penchant to bring laughter, energy, or positivity to any group he's a part of. He is always all in."
Agnew's impact extends beyond the classroom. He volunteers at his local library, teaching chess to children and sharing his passion for the game. His community service also includes delivering meals for Meals on Wheels and working as a caddy at Sandy Run Country Club, where he employs his interpersonal skills to engage with diverse groups of people.
Academically, Agnew distinguished himself at SCH with an impressive transcript featuring A's in honors and AP-level courses. His commitment to excellence has earned him admission to Villanova University, where he plans to study business and economics and join the marching band.
Deeded Awards in Athletics: (from left): Julian McFadden (coach and dean); Thomas Markey, Ward Dobeck, Alexis Reilly,
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2024
Scan QR code for more Alumni Weekend photos!
CLASS NOTES
1930s
1938
Ginnie Strong Newlin '38 was excited to host her niece, Ruthie D. Strong Ferraro '79, and Jenny James McHugh '84 for a visit in February. Newlin is 104 and shows no signs of slowing down! Ginnie and Emilie "Kayo" Rivinus Bregy '38 are SCH Academy's oldest living alumnae. (Reprinted with correction.)
1950s
1950
Mary Lee Lincoln McIntyre is living in Vinson Hall, a retirement community in McLean, VA. “I’m still alive and kicking!” she reports.
1957
Richard P. Wenzel MD, editor-atlarge for the New England Journal of Medicine,
is mostly retired from the field of infectious diseases at Virginia Commonwealth University. My third novel, a mystery, The Writer in Tuscany, will be out over the winter holidays,” he writes.
1958
Patty Canby Colhoun is having a year of travel: A Viking ocean cruise from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand, and then a Viking riverboat cruise from Budapest to Bucharest. This summer she traveled to Paris to see her daughter and watch the Olympics.
Elaine Endres Kelton shares that she completed radiation for breast cancer and is learning new skills including line dancing and golf. She shares, “Miss Zara’s School wins! Our classmates have shared a choreographed set of shared memories and each has given life to another. This past year has made me realize that we CAN continue to do what we love—short of skydiving—if we accept that we may have to do it di erently. I think back frequently to our 60th reunion and the common ground we all share from our years spent at Springside. Thank you each for being players in these memories.”
1960
1960
Syd Lea, a Vermont poet laureate and Pulitzer finalist, has published his second novel and 26th book, Now Look. He is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of his eighth grandchild in July.
1962
Robin Reath Graves welcomed her 8th grandchild, Thompson Fox. “My husband Sidney died on March 5 of cancer. It is a huge loss,” writes Graves.
1963
Ted Hammett visited SCH in April to talk to 11th graders about his memoir, Entwined with Vietnam: A Reluctant Marine's Tour and Return Hammett shares, “Speaking from the same podium in the chapel where I had given my valedictory speech in 1963 was somewhat surreal.” He also met with two 11th-grade sections of American Stories to discuss his book and the music that was an integral part of the story. “Thanks to Melissa Brown, Colleen DiDonato, Anthea Waleson, Rebecca McWilliams, and Sarah McDowell for making my visit possible. I hope to come back in future years!” he says.
Several members from the Springside Class of 1963 enjoyed a “West Coast reunion” in April. Doris Baizley, Peggy Malmed Wright, Patty Fischer, Kye Huggins Kierzkowski, and Ernesta Ballard enjoyed three days of good weather, good company, and great catching up.
R
1965
Patterson Sims continues to focus on two artist foundations established to promote their legacy and scholarship about their lives and art. He also participates on the boards of several other arts nonprofits. “The chance to still be working with contemporary art and artists for over 50 years is deeply gratifying. My foundation work has taken me to Milan, Switzerland, London, and Venice in recent years,” writes Sims. He and his wife of 35 years, Katy, live in New York City and Equinuck, PA, and have two daughters living in Los Angeles.
John Fruncillo was vacationing in Florida and met up with classmate Tom Hogan, who is living in Jacksonville, FL.
1966
Tish Brock Ingersoll participated in COMMONWEAL’s exhibition, Plantasia, in June. Inspired by Mort Garson's beloved 1976 album, Plantasia features 11 Philadelphiabased artists focusing on flora and the organic world.
1968
Tim Greenwood and his wife, Sandy, who have six grandchildren at SCH, welcomed another grandchild: Thomas S. Greenwood III ’01 and Emery Maine Greenwood ’06 had their fourth child, Thomas S. Greenwood IV, on May 20. There are now three generations of Greenwoods who have attended SCH. Tim and Sandy’s children, Sarah Greenwood Salmon ’97, Thomas, and Fraser Greenwood ’03 also graduated from Springside and CHA. The couple is also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year and took a 3-week trip to New Zealand.
1969
Peggy Klein Mandell ’69, who attended SCH’s Alumni Weekend in May, says her new favorite reunion tradition is the memorial service. Mandell was grateful to have the opportunity to speak about her friend Jack Merritt Platt ’68 who died in March. Platt and Mandell had been friends since childhood and their mothers were best friends. Mandell also had a book signing event for her heartfelt new memoir, And Always
One More Time. Classmates joined her at Debbie Gress Jansen’s ’87 independent
book store, “booked.,” in Chestnut Hill for the event. Margel Graham and Karla Wenk Kimmey visited Barcelona in April and had a great trip. After 30 years as a registered nurse, Graham retired from Hospice of Guilford County (Authocare Collective) and now works part-time at a Home Health Agency. “I’m also enjoying all my grandchildren,” writes Graham.
Sandra Gilbert Evans and Ellen Reath traveled to Boulder, CO, to visit classmate Hildy Armour who was recovering from a knee replacement.
1970
R1970
Andrew Ross has had unexpected experiences since moving to Lisbon last year. They attended several films at the IndieLisboa Film Festival. “While Piranha! (1978) is a definite B-movie, it was a chance to watch a bad horror pic in a pool,” writes Ross. “Swim caps are required in public pools; my CHA alumni weekend shades were optional.”
Je erson M. Moak was elected president of the Worcester County Historical Society in Maryland in May.
Karen Liebert Pulini enjoys spending time with her granddaughter Kate Pulini.
1973
Jon Ambler and his wife, Peggy, said they had a fabulous time at his 50th reunion last year and again this year at the 50th reunion of many friends from the Class of 1974. Ambler writes, “What progress SCH has made, particularly the impressive STEM and CEL programs!”
1974
Suzy Goldstrohm Cline welcomed a new grandchild. Cooper Louise was born on May 1 in Tokyo, Japan. She is the fourth grandchild and first granddaughter!
Peter Clausen and his wife live in Seattle, WA, but in the past couple of years started living in Washington D.C. in the winter and driving back and forth across the country.
1976
Bill Stroud writes that he and his wife, Nancy, moved back to Pennsylvania from Massachusetts to be closer to their grandchildren now that they are retired. He writes that they are “now spending more time with family and traveling.” In 2023, Stroud and Nancy celebrated 40 years of marriage, and classmate David Delacato was an usher at their wedding. Bill is looking forward to his 50th class reunion in 2026.
1977
Rosaleen Gembala Parsons, chief of radiology at Maui Memorial Medical Center, reports on her role on the frontlines when the fires erupted in August 2023. Read the sidebar in this section about her experience.
1979
For the past six years, Clare Edwards Myer has been an English language development coordinator for the No. 1 Philadelphia School District neighborhood high school, Universal Audenried Charter High School. She is quadruple certified with the PA Department of Education and has received both the Special Services and Exemplary Educator awards at her high school. Her husband, Robert, is a retired architect, and their daughters are thriving: One is attending law school and the other is a marketing executive in New York City. Myer wishes everyone good health and prosperity as she counts her blessings!
Carlton Young, MD, is currently the co-director of the Comprehensive Transplant Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he has been an abdominal transplant surgeon for 27 years. He welcomed his first grandchild, Sophia, in January 2024.
1980
R
1980
Joseph L. Messa Jr., founding partner of Messa & Associates, will receive the Justice Michael A. Musmanno Award from The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association for his “courage, passion, and intellect throughout his career.”
Carolyn Crin Tague founded The Lemong’o Project, a nonprofit organization supporting the small Maasai village of Lemong’o in rural Kenya, in 2011. The Lemong’o Project was recently featured on The Fixers, a national television show featuring a team of expert builders who set out to make a di erence in communities around the globe. The Fixers crew constructed a beading workshop that will significantly benefit the village of Lemong'o for years to come. Twenty-oneyear SCH veteran Mary Ann Domanska, a 2nd-grade girls teacher, was inspired to pursue a professional development and service experience with the Maasai people of Lemong’o and students at the Belgrove Primary School thanks to Tague.
Lahaina Fires: Covert Heroes
Rosaleen Gembala Parsons '77
Having grown up as close to the Springside campus as possible, Rosaleen Gembala Parsons ’77 was now one of the farthest flung of her classmates. Having moved to Maui in 2021, the chief of radiology at Maui Memorial Medical Center and her husband were just getting settled into a new pace of life on the island when the Lahaina fires occurred in August 2023.
“The hospital overhead speakers began broadcasting
1981
John K. Brown published Spanning the Gilded Age: James Eads and the Great Steel Bridge, which describes the design, construction, and consequences of the Eads Bridge, completed in 1874 over the Mississippi River at St. Louis, MO. The first structure of any kind built of steel, the bridge broke world records and is still in use 150 years later.
‘code triage,’ indicating mass casualties incoming, and ping alerts exploded on our cell phones,” says Parsons. “This was when we all first learned about the massive fire in Lahaina and returned to our departments in preparation for trauma victims.”
Surprisingly few victims arrived that night. The fires continued to burn.
“Dry vegetation, canyons, and Kaua’ula winds whipped across Maui on August 8.
Lahaina, a sacred spot in Hawaiian history, was a maze of twisted streets built for buggies with poorly constructed multifamily dwellings, and dead ends. It has been speculated that the fire was an electrical one and with raging winds it didn’t take long for the 3-mile town to be engulfed and people trapped.”
1982
Susan Matlack Troemel writes, “After 30 years in public education as a teacher and professional developer/coach, I got my real estate license. I love my new job with Quinn & Wilson Realtors in Jenkintown.” She recently received a Thousand Points of Light Award for her volunteer work with Family Promise, an organization that supports families transitioning out of homelessness. In her free time, she loves to walk, read, and help take care of her great-nieces and greatnephews.
1983
Carolyn Sawin started a new position as a writing specialist at her current organization, Mansfield Hall, a residential academic and
As the death toll grew, the morgue was overwhelmed while the emergency room was not. The hospital helped with the morgue’s overflow and acted as “last responders.” The moniker, says Parsons, was “not out of disrespect but with honor as their role required the same professionalism and skill attributed to ‘first responders.’ They were quickly overwhelmed with the gruesome Herculean task that had fallen on them.”
The radiology department, located next to the emergency room, took on forensics as bodies came in.
The sta , who lost their own houses and were trying to locate loved ones, continued to work and process it all.
“My team was ‘faceless and anonymous,’ just like the victims,” says Parsons.
life skills support program for neurodivergent college students in Vermont. She met up with Lucy Lennon Tucker in Falmouth, ME, in March. It was the first time they had seen each other since graduation.
Holley Russell writes, “In addition to my ‘day’ job as a techy project manager type, by ‘night’ I am a MagnaWave PEMF practitioner and have recently become certified as an equine massage therapist and completed training in red light therapy. Kenn and I are in the process of moving our ‘base’ from Pennsylvania
“CNN was not interviewing us, and the covert operation continued.”
Eventually, 101 victims were processed by Parsons’ department and no outside recognition was awarded. She staged her own Hawaiian feast and blessing ceremony for the team.
“A few months after the fires I asked the sta how they were coming to closure and was moved to learn that the group had found peace hiking together in the mountains above Lahaina not far from the 101 crosses on the Lahaina bypass honoring those killed in the fires,” she says. “The ‘nameless and faceless,’ they had helped to bring home.”
Read Parsons full account online at www.sch.org/magazine.
to Ocala, FL. Anyone coming to Ocala to a horse show, please let me know!”
Massey Davis Pitts is a senior marketing strategist in advertising and marketing. Pitts has moved to Palm Springs, CA, and is expecting a second granddaughter in December. “Loving life with my husband of 32 years and three beautiful grown children,” writes Pitts.
1985
Charlie Chambers has been working for the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and develops software for the radiology department along with classmate Darco Lalevic
Lora Bantom Leyens recently started her own business: Connecting the Dots Life Coaching for Kids. After spending many years teaching and guiding kids and their families through developmental stages, educational choices, and social/emotional challenges, Leyens wanted to do more. She shares, “I am working with kids individually, in small groups, and a day camp setting. I am focusing on kids who are 6-12 years old and helping with mental wellness, confidence, and self-esteem building.”
1986
Flo McCall has been in business for 30 years as a professional portrait photographer. In addition to getting a new puppy, she has done some traveling. "I recently went on a golf trip to Ireland, which made me see the strong connection between Philadelphia and Ireland, and also gave me confidence in my golf skills and life,” she writes. “I also
went to visit my sister in the Middle East and Israel and felt so lucky I could see that part of the world and fully understand the conflict within Israel. When back in Philadelphia I always connect with my girls from the Class of 1986: Leslie Connor Newbold, Maggie McGreal, Sylenda Schade Graf, and Kris Beck Henry, and it's such a treat every time. I feel super lucky we have maintained that relationship, it means so much to me."
1987
Judge Jo e Pittman had a proud moment as he swore in Clayton Ewell, son of Jordan Ewell ’75
Anna Boardman “Boardie”
Warren Kurz recently joined King School in Stamford, CT, as the director of Annual Giving. Cristin Michals Konkel and Kurz have formed a tradition of meeting in Chestnut Hill every five years around their reunion. This year they met (on an o year!) and saw Mary Shaifer and Christy Morse Kelly
Michael Cobb, a United Methodist minister, has been active in the movement to “remove the language that discriminates against LGBTQ+ people from church rules and practices for nearly 20 years,” he writes. “Last month I was
at the worldwide General Conference of the United Methodist Church. What a moment it was to be present when the denomination finally voted to end this policy! There is much more work to do, but it is gratifying to recognize and celebrate such historic change. When I had to speak in the CHA chapel so long ago, I never would have expected so many chapels and churches in my future. It has been very moving to see several other CHA and Springside friends online, sharing how they have been doing their own part to create more justice in the world.”
1988
Erica Klein Erignac and her sister Jenny Klein Morrison ’82 started a podcast called “Bootie and Bossy: Eat, Drink, Knit.” Check it out wherever you get your podcasts.
1989
Kweli Archie and her son Bakari Porter '16 are both enrolled in graduate school programs. Archie is attending Arcadia University earning a master’s in equity, inclusion, and opportunity in special education. Porter is attending Columbia University for a master’s in psychology in education with a spirituality, mind, and body area of focus.
1990
1992
Brothers Keith Murphy, Sean Murphy ’90, and Ryan Murphy ’96 attended the school’s alumni event in Washington D.C. this spring.
1994
Terrill Julien welcomed Maiya Avalina Julien on April 4, 2024. Daiya Yasmin Julien is enjoying being the big sister.
1998
Fred Claghorn III is a senior investment executive and founder of Good Life Advisors of Mt. Pleasant Financial Planning Firm. Claghorn is married to Melissa J. Claghorn and has three children.
1999
Eric Pearson welcomed a baby girl, Montgomery. Sarah Stevenson recently returned to the Philadelphia Water Department as a deputy commissioner after spending four years as the city's chief integrity o cer. Stevenson will lead the department’s regulatory and legislative strategy.
2000
2001
Mary Zell graduated from Georgetown with a master's degree in foreign service and worked in D.C. with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2018, while working at the U.S. Agency for International Development, she converted to the foreign service (U.S. Diplomatic Corps). She served at the U.S. Embassy to Liberia for four years, where she oversaw U.S.-funded programs to strengthen their elections and democracy in the wake of Liberia's civil
war and Ebola crisis. She is now a foreign service o cer in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and mastered French (her fifth language) in just eight months. When she's not at work, she's tent camping all around Africa, section hiking the Appalachian Trail or French Alps.
2003
Ali Pearson Webster, husband, Whit, big sister, Grace, and big brother, Charlie, welcomed another boy, Edward Pearson "Edson" Webster, on May 8, 2024. Webster says, “Edson has settled in nicely to our happy chaos and we're all grateful for the blessings of our growing family of five.”
2004
Mollie Braverman is overjoyed to announce the birth of twins, Esther and Rose, born on March 1, 2024. They join big brother, Eden, who is 3 years old.
Victoria Grau is teaching psychiatric nursing at the University of Pennsylvania.
She completed a master’s in nursing, quality safety, and risk management, and will complete a Doctorate of Nursing Practice next spring. She says she loved seeing classmates at her 20th reunion!
Lucy Ross and her family moved to Mill Valley, CA, last year. "Dad, Andrew Ross '70, and his wife, Betsy, had a wonderful visit. Gogo (Andrew) and his granddaughters had fun eating the perfect ice cream treat."
R2005
Wyn Furman and her husband, Ian, are delighted to announce the arrival of their child, Rhys Alexander MacNeill, on January 2 in San Diego, CA. Also welcoming Rhys are his aunt/biggest fan, Wallis Furman Hamilton ’08, and canine siblings, Freddie and Fleur. “He is a total delight and we’re looking forward to his first visit to Philadelphia this summer,” says Furman.
to principal resource modeling analyst at NextEra Energy, a leading developer in renewable energy.
Michael Beautyman was promoted to commander in
the U.S. Navy while serving as the command diving o cer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Beautyman and his wife, Lauren, also welcomed a new baby, Silas Victor Beautyman.
Julia Rorer, the director of rowing/head coach for the boys and girls crew team at SCH, spent late July in Connecticut as the statistics expert for rowing for the 2024 Paris Olympics with NBC Sports.
2008
Nora Langan welcomed Nicholas Lowe Bowman on April 9, weighing 7 lbs 11 oz.
Mary Beth Dougherty, JeanAnne Gallager McCauley, Leslie Jacoby Hack, Lucy Rice Culp, and Daylan Bakes Heaslip were bridesmaids in classmate Nina Testa’s wedding.
Victoria Roebuck Stokes and her husband, John, welcomed their first baby girl to the world on February 13: Virginia Beale Stokes. Stokes says, “Mom and baby are both doing great and we've been enjoying all our
newborn snuggles.” She and her brother, Chelsey ’06, who welcomed son, Charles, on January 20, are having fun introducing the baby cousins (three weeks apart) to each other!
March 18.
Sara Wieman was previously the vice president of marketing for Northland Investment in Massachusetts and has accepted a role with one of the largest technology firms for real estate accounting, Yardi. She is the regional manager for the Northeast overseeing 1,500 accounts and supporting businesses with their marketing strategy.
2010
2010
Jillian Byron Giese earned a doctorate from the University of Southern California in educational leadership in May.
Bonnie Anderson Vehlies has been promoted
From left: Susie (3), Penny (5), Weezie (2)
Lucy Rice and Chip Culp welcomed Eloise Davison Culp on
Ashlei Tinsley is a veterinary criticalist (critical care specialist) VCA in Los Angeles, CA, and passed board exam for certification in emergency and critical care.
2011
Cali Wilder graduated with a master's in professional clinical counseling from La Salle University in May 2024 and regularly connects with SCH alumni.
Classmates Charlie Ru n, Cali Wilder Dickens, Cierra Parsley, and Ty'Quish Keyes attended the Independent Trust Philadelphia holiday social. Independent Trust is a nonprofit organization working to build a professional network of independent school alumni of color.
Jack Maine and his wife, Annie, welcomed a baby girl, Eleanor “Ellie” Davie Maine, on June 6, 2024.
Longtime colleagues gather to view the solar eclipse!
Jim Talbot II H’81, Paul Hines H’03, and Roland Woehr H’07 donned their eclipse glasses to witness the celestial event.
Dominique Jones ’11 graduated from her residency program in pediatrics and was selected as chief resident at Nemours Children's Hospital in Delaware.
2014
Melissa Moxey is moving to the Bahamas this summer to start working as a learning support coordinator at a school in Nassau.
2016
Zach Halfpenny moved to Texas to attend The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
2018
This past March, the Zoological Museum of The University of Zurich, Switzerland, reopened after renovating its paleontology exhibits. Tess Gallagher was the scientific consultant and concept artist for three models. This renovation added many new fossils from the American, Jurassic Morrison formation, including
complete skeletons of famous dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, and Diplodocus. Gallagher created the reference art, which focused on the integument and is directly based on her research on Diplodocus skin. She says “Seeing the research I've done come to life as these life-like models is an amazing experience. It's so cool to see how my research is impacting the world around me as our views on the skin of these long-necked giants change.”
Georgia Forjohn will step into the role of running her family business, Quelque Chose, a Chestnut Hill boutique. Her mother, Susanna Roxby Forjohn ’87 , celebrated 30 years of the store in March and is happy that her daughter will be taking over the dayto-day operations of this beloved Chestnut Hill shop.
2019
Jahli Hendricks is working with the Chicago Cubs as a Northeast Video Scout.
2020
R2020
Jared Sprague Lott '20 was drafted in the 9th round of the 2024 MLB Draft to the Oakland A's.
Caden Traversari recently received the University of Chicago’s Jane Morton and Henry C. Murphy Award. This award recognizes student leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the University community and have improved university student life. Traversari spent the summer in Tanzania on a Center for Global Health Fellowship.
Dominique Regli graduated from Johns Hopkins and won a five-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship that will support her robotics graduate work at MIT. While at SCH, Regli was a robotics co-captain of Team 1218.
Scott Bandura, who is playing in the minor leagues with the San Francisco Giants, traveled to Birmingham, AL, to play at historic Rickwood Field, in the first-ever regular season MLB game between the Giants and Cardinals.
2021
Andy Lau has been interning at Lincoln Financial Group as a software developer. Lau recently traveled back to Shaoguan, China, for a vacation with his family. He shares, “I haven't been back in almost 15 years so it's nice to see some relatives and the development and changes in the area where I grew up from 2 to 7 years old.”
2022
Kayla Runkel was our Blue Devil mascot when she was a student. Runkel, a rising junior at Cornell University, is now donning a mascot costume for the Big Red!
Cali G. Wilder ’11 and Timothy W. Dickens ’11 were married on April 26 in Philadelphia. They started dating after "meeting" at their 10-year reunion!
Meghan McCool ’16 married Brodie Phillips at Skytop Lodge in Skytop, PA, on June 15.
Virginia Kelly ’12 married Jacob Bobrow on May 25 at the Barnes Foundation in downtown Philadelphia.
Peter Ferraro
Pictured,
Julian Brown ’09 married Ginger Mills on September 20, 2023, at SCH Academy. Many classmates and friends were in attendance to celebrate this special day.
married Morgan Eugenio on May
Palm
in memoriam
from march 1, 2024 - july 15, 2024
1942
Mary Wood Kurtz
1956
John J. McDevitt
1959
J. Thorpe Feidt, Jr.
1964
Anne W. Sims
1968
Jack M. Platt
1971
Lewis Tanner Moore, Jr.
1988
Carolyn Van Sciver Armstrong
Nina Testa ’08 married Nick Stitt on April 27 in Jupiter Island, FL.
Carlton Young ’79 married Bonnie Blocker in Birmingham, AL, on May 11
’13
4 in
Beach, FL.
from left: Grace Ferraro, Henry Ferraro, Will Ferraro ’09, Ruthie D. Strong Ferraro ’79, Peter Ferraro ’13, Morgan Eugenio, Tom Ferraro, and Ellie Ferraro ’19.
Students gather on campus grounds to watch the April partial eclipse.
