Spring 2018, "Says who? What to trust"

LAKESIDE SPRING | SUMMER 2018

SAYS WHO?

WHAT TO TRUST MEDIA ALUMS, STUDENTS SEARCH FOR TRUTH

MADE YOU LOOK

YOUR COMMENTS In response to our From the Archives story, “Lakeside Country Day School: A blueprint for future growth,” Mike Price ’77 wrote Lakeside archivist Leslie Schuyler. With his permission, here is an excerpt:

I

HAD TWO THOUGHTS about your recent article in the Fall/Winter 2017 Mag. Unless cross-dressing was an accepted fact of prep school life in 1922, my eyes notice in the photograph on Page 48 that there are a few girls in dresses and head ribbons sitting with the boys at the Lakeside fire circle. Was our fair school down by the lake with the crewhouse originally coed?

Regarding the North Seattle school campus building timeline described on Page 49, am I correct in understanding that the land was acquired in April 1930 and it was cleared, plotted out, graded, and Bliss and other buildings were ready for school in September? These are substantial buildings we still use today. OMG. I just completed managing a solar-power project on the roof of my house, and it took seven months. How was it even possible to complete the purchase and building of the Lakeside school in four to five months??? Perhaps instead of classical countryday education, the founders of Lakeside may have had a more significant impact on the world via instruction in construction management.

— Mike Price, Class of ’77

OWEN O. ’18

BEST FEET FORWARD: Owen O. ’18 was one of eight Lakeside students selected for

Bellevue Arts Museum’s “20 Under 20” juried exhibit, featuring 20 artists under 20 years of age. Owen took the photo on a backcountry ski expedition in Colorado while on a semester away with the High Mountain Institute. “We built quinzhees (hollowed out mounds of snow)

ARCHIVIST LESLIE SCHUYLER REPLIES:

to sleep in,” he says. “They kept us surprisingly warm, and were absolutely magical to be

The two girls sitting in the fire-circle picture were Mary Moran, the head (and founder’s) daughter, and Dorothy Moorhouse, her friend.

The girls attended Lakeside when it opened in 1919, so you could say that Lakeside did actually start out as coed. (Dorothy was asked to join the class so Mary wouldn’t be the only female.) But the two girls were exceptions; Lakeside was advertised as a boys school until it went coed in 1971.

As for the construction, a series of Seattle Times articles corroborates that the land for the school was purchased in April and the first three buildings were open for business by September. Presumably, in those days things moved fast, given fewer required permits and general safety rules and precautions. As far as I know, no one was injured during construction.

An amazing but true timeline.

in.” This photo was shot from inside the shelter just after sunrise, “facing our small, crawl-in entrance as it fills with morning light.” ■

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LAKESIDE

Fall/Winter 2015 Spring/Summer 2018

of Lakeside School. Views presented in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the school.

EDITOR’S NOTE As for expense: Remember that old adage, if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.

If we believe in a fact-based press, and we have the means, we need to support it. Producing quality journalism costs money.

MAE WALDRON

PRESSING FOR THE TRUTH

W

ATCHING THE MOVIE “The Post,” when Meryl Streep, playing Katharine Graham, publisher of The Washington Post, risks all to uphold the values and responsibilities of a free press, tears rolled down my face. I glanced at my husband; his cheeks were wet.

For anyone who has worked in fact-based journalism, the importance of a free press in a democratic society is a deeply and passionately held belief.

So I will say it straight: I am biased about the subject headlining this issue of Lakeside magazine.

I was a newspaper journalist for more than 30 years. I have family and many friends who work as journalists.

When I hear people say they’re too busy, or news is too upsetting, or it’s too expensive to subscribe to news outlets, I am both frustrated and saddened.

Yes, we’re all busy, and the news is often distressing, but surely being an informed citizen is a civic responsibility.

Few journalists take home big paychecks.

Most go into the field because, corny as it might sound, they want to make the world a better place. Do journalists screw up? Sure, sometimes they do. But mostly because they’re human and make mistakes, rarely out of malice.

As you’ll read in this issue, Lakeside alumni are doing important work in both legacy and new media.

All, in their own way, are dedicated to telling truth.

Here at Lakeside magazine, we also believe in upholding truth.

That’s what we expect of Lakeside students, and that’s what we expect of ourselves.

Someone once said to me, “Oh, isn’t the purpose of Lakeside magazine to do puff pieces?”

Um, no, actually, it’s not. That would contradict the school’s mission and undermine our credibility.

Our role is to inform you about important developments at the school and what alumni are out doing in the world. Certainly we are not an investigative organ or out to do exposes.

But we stick to facts, and we do not lie.

On that, you have our word. ■ CAREY QUAN GELERNTER

Editor, Lakeside magazine magazine@lakesideschool.org 206-440-2706 14050 1st Avenue NE Seattle, WA 98125

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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LEXI S. ’20

Lexi S. ’20 shot this film portrait of Margery Ziff, her former Middle School art teacher, as an assignment for her Upper School Intermediate Photography class.

COVER STORY TELLING TRUTH ■ ■

Alumni in the media 14 Learning media literacy 22

Inside Lakeside

Head of school’s letter 4 Lecture series 5 Equity and inclusion initiative 6 Tamra Patton, Margery Ziff retire Campus news briefs 10 LEEP 12 Sports 13

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Alumni news

LAKESIDE MAGAZINE EDITOR: Carey Quan Gelernter ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS: Kelly Poort WRITERS: Lornet Turnbull, Carey Quan Gelernter, Amanda Darling,

Leslie Schuyler, Robyn Vatter, Mike Lengel ART DIRECTOR: Carol Nakagawa CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Tom Reese, Clayton Christy, Paul Dudley, Lindsay Orlowski, Mike Lengel COPY EDITOR: Kathleen Triesch Saul

ON THE COVER

Illustration by Ted McCagg ’88.

When not drawing cartoons, McCagg works as the founder/ creative director of the social-media agency Roshomedia. View more of his illustrations in the collection “Paper Doll Orgy” (on Amazon) and at questionableskills.com.

Alumni cooking class 25 Classes without quizzes 25 Class notes 26 Seattle reception 31 T.J. Vassar ’68 celebration 34 Bay Area reception 35 In memoriam 36 From the archives 40 Distinguished Alumni 42 Calendar 43

Contents

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HEAD NOTE

by BERNIE NOE

Let’s refuse to deceive ourselves

T

TOM REESE

HE DAY AFTER the horrific school shooting in Florida this past February, The New York Times carried a front-page story about Russian bots using the hashtags #gunreformnow and #Parklandshooting to spew fake news on Twitter in an effort to sow as much discord as possible among those on either side of the fractious gun debate in America. I hope that nothing in the many news cycles since then has eclipsed either of those stories or the reporting, just days earlier, on the Justice Department’s indictments showing that thousands of fake Facebook and Instagram accounts spearheaded the Russian disinformation campaign that plagued the 2016 presidential election cycle.

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LAKESIDE

Spring/Summer 2018

The truth is under siege in America and in democracies around the world where free speech and the open expression of ideas are encouraged.

Given the volume of information available to all of us, it has become almost impossible to know the origins of each news story we encounter, and we seldom have the time to track down the truth about a story. As you will read in this issue of the magazine, we are teaching students how to identify fake news and how to think critically about a story they read or hear about.

It is our hope that by giving our students these skills, we will enable them to discern between falsehoods and facts when they see them.

While it is important to teach our students how to recognize fake news when they see it, it is even more critical to nurture in them an unrelenting desire to know the actual facts of a situation and also to have the courage to draw accurate conclusions from those facts, uninfluenced by ideology or personal bias. Part of what feeds the global fake news phenomenon right now is everyone’s desire to have their own deepest convictions and world views reaffirmed, even if those convictions and views are not, in each case, borne out by the facts. We can all watch news programs and participate in online forums that confirm what we already hold to be true. We can even choose to seek out the news as delivered only by news anchors or writers who we suspect share our world view.

So, let’s all start with a

refusal to deceive ourselves, even when it is convenient to do so. Let’s make it a point to know the facts about the issues that concern us, to unrelentingly face the reality of an issue and think it through, without flinching, whatever the facts might mean for us. Maybe we will even have to change our minds and acknowledge that an opposing viewpoint is correct. And let us demand the same rigor from others, especially those we tend to agree with! We might even discover we do not have the market cornered on the truth, and in the process, find common ground with people who have a somewhat different view.

If we can do this, we will be able to recognize and dismiss fake news as soon as we see it — even fake news generated by a government with all the authority of the state behind it and run by the political party we support!

Refusing to delude ourselves is hard, but our students, and all of us, are up to the challenge. In doing so we will become healthier people and, I believe, better serve our democracy.

Have a great spring, everyone. If you are back on campus, stop by and say hello. ■ Cordially,

BERNIE NOE

Head of School

INSIDE LAKESIDE

Lakeside Lecture Series

by ROBYN VATTER

T

HE LAKESIDE LECTURE SERIES 2018-2019 season is shaping up, with two impressive talents onboard: a ground-breaking cancer researcher/professor/author and an award-winning novelist renowned for her powerful Southern stories.

As of publication, additional speakers were still being finalized.

All lectures take place on Wednesdays at Lakeside School, and are free and open to members of the Lakeside community. Please visit the series webpage for more information and/or to RSVP: www.lakesideschool.org/about-us/lakeside-lecture-series.

BELANICH FAMILY SPEAKER ON ETHICS AND POLITICS Oct. 24, 2018

Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee

Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee is an oncologist, cancer researcher, and author of the book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer,” winner of a 2011 Pulitzer Prize. Dr. Mukherjee will delve into material from his recent book, “The Gene: An Intimate History,” to answer the question, “What comes of being human when we learn to ‘read’ and ‘write’ our own genetic information?”

In a Gates Notes piece from 2016, Bill Gates ’73 wrote, “In

Jesmyn Ward

‘The Gene,’ Mukherjee once again shows his gift for making hard science easily accessible. He wrote this book for general audiences because he knows that it’s not good enough for scientists alone to debate the huge ethical questions that their discoveries provoke. As he emphasized repeatedly in our conversation, determining the proper rules and boundaries for these technologies requires broad public discussion, debate, and consensus.”

A physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, among others, and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University, Mukherjee and his laboratory are on the forefront of cancer drug research, with

Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee

work published extensively, including in Nature and The New England Journal of Medicine.

MARK J. BEBIE ’70 MEMORIAL LECTURE Feb. 6, 2019

Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward is a two-time National Book Award-winning author of novels “Salvage the Bones” and “Sing, Unburied, Sing”; she is the only woman or person of color to receive this honor twice. Ward will share how her experiences growing up poor and black in the South influence her work.

Ward’s writing has been widely acclaimed, including by The New York Times, which said, “Ward chronicles our American story in language that is raw, beautiful and dangerous. ... [Her] singular voice and her full embrace of her anger and sorrow set this work apart from those that have trodden similar ground.”

Ward received her MFA in creative writing from the University of Michigan, held a Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University from 2008-2010, and was a Grisham Writer in Residence at the University of Mississippi. In addition to her National Book Awards, she has received Virginia Commonwealth University’s Cabell First Novelist Award and the American Library Association’s Alex Award. Her memoir, “Men We Reaped,” was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography, and named one of the Best Books of 2013 by Publishers Weekly, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, NPR, Kirkus, New York Magazine, and Time magazine. Ward now teaches creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. ■ Robyn Vatter is the digital communications specialist at Lakeside School: communicationsdept@ lakesideschool.org or 206-440-2955.

Head Note, Lecture Series

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INSIDE LAKESIDE

New initiative aims for a more inclusive, aware school

by AMANDA DARLING

L

AKESIDE HAS introduced the next phase of its ongoing work to promote equity and diversity. The new initiative – Our Work Together: Inclusion, Multiculturalism, Respect – expands on previous efforts to address race and socioeconomic class to also consider the school’s inclusiveness toward individuals of diverse genders, sexual orientations, religions, political viewpoints, and cultures.

It calls for Lakeside to more closely examine the root causes of inequality, exploring the impacts of implicit bias, systemic racism, and monoculturalism.

The initiative draws on findings from a 2017 survey of 1,500 members of the Lakeside community – students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, parents and guardians, and alumni from the Classes of 2012-2016. The survey, called the Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism, is administered by the National Association of Independent Schools. In January, Head of School Bernie Noe and Jamie Asaka ’96, recently appointed director of equity and inclusion, wrote to parents and guardians to share results and conclusions: “The survey data – both quantitative and qualitative – reinforced what we knew from candid conversations, previous surveys, and our own experiences: We have come far, but we have work to do.

“Lakeside has become a more diverse community, but we are not yet truly inclusive — a place where individuals from many cultures and backgrounds feel affirmed, respected, and empowered as opposed to feeling they must conform to one way of thinking, acting, looking, and being.”

The survey data pointed to the need to build on the five-year 6

LAKESIDE

A collage designed by student facilitators captures what they hope to accomplish in the To Be Honest Community Conversations program this year.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiative (DII), begun in 2011, with several new approaches. Our Work Together: Inclusion, Multiculturalism, Respect sets four goals, with strategies and tasks spread over the next three to five years.

Noe expressed optimism about what can be accomplished.

“Among Lakeside’s students and adults, the level of respect for one another is high, and that level of respect provides us with a firm foundation on which to build an even more inclusive school environment for everyone.”

GOAL  Increase the racial/ ethnic diversity of the faculty, administrators, and trustees through focused recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies.

Spring/Summer 2018

What’s new: This goal will build on the inclusive teacherrecruiting and hiring strategies developed during the earlier initiative, and apply them to administrator and trustee positions. All three groups are role models to students, so the aim is for adults at Lakeside to reflect the greater diversity of today’s student body. The school will amp up regional recruiting, having found that interested candidates of color have most often come from the Pacific Northwest. New retention strategies will include cultivating leadership among faculty of color, and providing training for all school leaders on privilege and crosscultural communication.

GOAL  Ensure faculty actively seek to understand their own implicit biases, use diverse pedagogies, and incorporate diverse perspectives into their curricula.

What’s new: “Implicit bias” is a term used to describe attitudes or stereotypes we all hold without our conscious knowledge, and which affect how we act. Teachers must understand their own biases to be able to create classrooms in which all students have equal access and opportunities to learn and achieve to their fullest potential. Working with experts in cross-cultural competency and inclusive teaching, each faculty member will be supported to achieve individual growth and learning. They will also be evalu-

MEET THE ‘TOGETHER’ TEAM

ated on their work in this area.

For example, the teacher-evaluation system will be revised to explicitly include growth of cultural understanding, inclusive pedagogy (teaching methods), and multicultural curriculum. Work toward this goal began under the earlier diversity effort.

GOAL  Empower students, employees, and families to bring their full selves to Lakeside School and actively build relationships with people who are different from themselves.

What’s new: Building on the original focus on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class, the new initiative expands to address the experiences of people of all genders, sexual orientations, religions, political viewpoints, and cultures.

Over the past five years, an emphasis on inclusive student, adult, and family culture led to expanded student programming, including starting student affinity groups at the Middle School and affinity

groups for parents and guardians of students of historically underrepresented backgrounds. Now the school will apply a broad lens to review and evaluate those student programs, as well as curriculum, co-curricular programs, physical spaces, professional development, and school traditions.

As part of this work, faculty, through training and professional development, and students, as part of the curriculum, will learn about the history of systems that codified racial prejudice, racial discrimination, and racism, and how these manifest in our community. Faculty and students will also receive training in how to have respectful and honest conversations about political and ideological differences. A piece that Noe and Asaka stress: The emphasis is on creating an inclusive learning environment while upholding the school’s mission and values. “We want everyone in our community to learn about our similari-

ties and differences, and, as a result, develop a deeper level of understanding and respect for each other,” Noe said.

GOAL  Continue to nurture a school culture that acknowledges and honors difference, leading to an increasingly inclusive school where every individual is listened to, respected, and valued.

What’s new: While Goal 3 is focused on individuals, Goal 4 considers how the institution can support a multicultural community, as opposed to a monoculture. Strategies include curriculum and student programs that explore the experiences of various cultural groups (at Lakeside and in the region) and adapting institutional programs and practices to support a more inclusive environment that takes into account different cultural norms, values, and behaviors. ■

An expanded equity and inclusion team will spearhead Our Work Together. Members are: Jamie Asaka ’96, director of equity and inclusion/director of student and family support; Debbie Bensadon, assistant director of equity and inclusion; Nancy Canino and Stephanie Wright, faculty equity program coordinators; Merissa Reed, Middle School student equity program coordinator; and Ben McKinley, Upper School student equity program coordinator.

Jamie Asaka ’96

Debbie Bensadon

Nancy Canino

Stephanie Wright

Merissa Reed

Ben McKinley

Amanda Darling is Lakeside’s communications director. Reach her at communicationsdept@lakesideschool.org.

LEARN MORE: Read more about the initiative, the equity and inclusion team, and

ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion work at www.lakesideschool.org/about-us/ diversity-equity-and-inclusion.

Inside Lakeside 7

INSIDE LAKESIDE Margery Ziff demonstrates watercolor techniques to 7th graders in her spring 2017 art class.

TOM REESE

Retiring, with many memories, plenty of plans MARGERY ZIFF Middle School visual arts teacher *1988 Backstory: From her own school days,

Ziff ’s passion has been the arts. But she was good at math and science, too, and pursued those in college, thinking they were more practical. She taught at schools, public and private, on the East Coast, then, visiting a friend in Seattle, dropped off a resume at Lakeside. Interviewing for a Middle School math-teaching position, she told then-Head of School Dan Ayrault she didn’t want to teach math forever; she really wanted to be in the arts. By her second year she was teaching 8th-grade algebra and English/ drama and co-directing three Middle School musicals a year. In subsequent periods, she taught combinations of science and drama, directed musicals for different grade levels in the Middle School, then taught visual arts and improv and directed theatrical performances at the Upper School. Most recently, she focused on Middle School art for grades 5, 7, and 8.

Known for: Piper Carling ’96, who taught

with Ziff and considers her a mentor, sums up what many teachers, administrators, and students say they value about Ziff: “She 8

LAKESIDE

Spring/Summer 2018

works hard to make sure her students are given many choices to express themselves artistically in their own unique way. She spends countless hours in the studio after school and on weekends working on stepby-step demonstrations of her lessons and setting up her room in whatever way best suits the medium she is teaching. She strives to create a safe environment in her classroom where kids feel they can be themselves and feel understood. And she’s funny to boot.”

Memories: “As my 8th-grade advisor, Mar-

gery taught me how difference is beautiful,” said Andre Mattus ’13. “Armed with organic gummy bears and an endless supply of cheery disposition, Margery gave me the foundation upon which I built my confidence throughout Upper School and beyond. It was an honor to have her celebrate my graduation from the University of Washington with me last June, as I couldn’t have done it without her all those years ago.”

A memory that stands out to Alexander Oki ’08 is how “she took an enormous leap of faith by casting me as Harpagon in ‘The Miser,’ despite my lowly grade (sophomore) and less-than-ideal schedule (rehearsals conflicted with lacrosse practice). . . . Her larger-than-life vision and energy super-

charged our rehearsals, encouraging us to take risks in a highly physical, challenging comedy. I’m so grateful to Margery for these lessons: that passion-driven diligence and determination can overcome most challenges, and that risk-taking isn’t so precarious if it’s supported by the proper level of enthusiasm.”

For Ziff, highlights over the years include: “Directing at the US, particularly ‘Fiddler on the Roof ’ and ‘Urinetown, the Musical,’ but also many fun shows like ‘Smash’ and ‘The Miser.’ It was particularly exciting and delightful to work with Upper School students I had known as 5th-graders or at least as 8th-graders. MS highlights would include the 5th-grade Rube Goldberg projects and model rocket contests, MS musicals such as ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘Crazy for You,’ and all the riotous and deeply moving moments in 8th-grade improv, such as when the room was silent in awe of the realism and spontaneity of their peers.

“Recent highlights include seeing my art students thrive and develop confidence in their skills, especially when they begin the year skeptical. Art projects that have been highlights include the 5th-grade ceramic fish installation, 8th-grade ceramic cookie jars, 7th-grade clay tikis , watercolor landscapes, printmaking, and charcoal drawing for realism.”

Tamra Patton tapes a student’s knee in the Ed Putnam Sports Medicine Facility in the new Paul G. Allen Athletics Center, shortly after its 2014 opening.

ADAM HUNTER

What’s next: “Painting and sculpting!

That’s for starters. I have never had the chance to just do my own art except for the summer months. Then I hope to develop creative workshops and eventually have a studio for teens and adults in the arts, possibly for both visual art and improvisation.

I am currently in training to learn how to facilitate what is called Process Painting, a creative way to explore oneself with a tremendous amount of freedom.”

University of Pittsburgh, San Jose State (as director of sports medicine education – the youngest person in that position in the U.S. at the time); Western Illinois; Seattle University; Seattle Pacific. Then she worked briefly at a therapy clinic, which included helping schools set up training rooms and hiring staff. When she did this for Lakeside, she realized: “I want this job!” in part because she missed teaching. “So we gave it a go. I guess it was a good match; that was 28 years ago!”

Known for: Her combination of caring,

MIKE LENGEL

Patton “truly went above and beyond for each student-athlete,” said Adam Coppel ’09.

TAMRA PATTON Head athletic trainer *1989 Backstory: She’d always been interested in

medicine, always knew she wanted to teach, and loved sports. Happily, “I found I could combine them all for a career – and a career that lets you help people have a better life.”

Patton worked first at universities: Gonzaga,

cheerfulness, tough love, and sports-medicine skills. “For every team and every athlete, she was another coach, one that cared deeply about Lakeside athletics,” said Chris Hartley, director of athletics. “She is equally skilled in the science and artistry required to be an outstanding trainer.” Alumni say they still use her advice – about injuries and about life. Patton “truly went above and beyond for each student-athlete, and cared about you personally,” said Adam Coppel ’09. Duncan Hussey ’09 said: “She could make you laugh when you needed it, console you when times were difficult, and most of all no one could give you a kick to the pants quite like Tam when you just needed to bite the bullet and get back out there.” Recalled Matt Raine ’09: “I messed up my elbow in a big way one time.

I must have been moping around looking for sympathy. Tamra pulled me aside and said something along the lines of, ‘You’re here, there’s nothing you can do to change that. Whining or worrying has never helped

things that have happened. What you do moving forward is on you.’ Still some of the best advice I’ve gotten.”

Memories: “I love Lakeside because of the

variety,” Patton said. “I have been able to do so many things and have so many different experiences. If you find a need and are willing to fill it, Lakeside gets behind you. Significant memories are of course state titles, GSL (Global Service Learning) trips and such, but mostly seeing kids grow and change. Watching them learn about themselves and coming to you with excitement about the awareness.

A thing I will really miss is the wonderful people here. Challenging, intelligent conversation is available every day. And people who are passionate about making kids’ lives better.

You don’t just find that anywhere.”

“My strongest memory of Tamra,” said Luke Hussey ’07, “is her incredible ability to multitask during the chaos period between school and the start of practice. I swear she could be wrapping my ankle at lightning speed, diagnosing someone’s hand injury, and coaching another through shoulder rehab, all at the same time! It wasn’t until I went on to play collegiate sports that I realized how spoiled we were with her abilities.”

What’s next: Hiking, skiing, gardening, and

spending time with friends and family, “things that have taken a back seat while I’m at work.” She can’t wait to travel during fall and spring. “Vocationally, I don’t have anything set just yet. We will see what life offers.” ■ Retirees

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CAMPUS NEWS

The new student center has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for special activities and just hanging out.

Students get a fresh center of activity

The new student center, which opened this fall, has quickly become a favorite gathering place, hosting special activities, notably a Harry Potter Film Festival, Fall Film Festival, and

Students of Color Social, which brought together Lakeside and Overlake students. The space was created in the Refectory as a way to encourage community-building – attracting students with comfy chairs, couches, a video screen, and a monitor with up-to-the-minute news of activities and programs. Another big attraction: Unlike the library, where students tended to socialize before, the student center allows food.

The Downtown School still has room

LINDSAY ORLOWSKI

Accepted students to the inaugural class of The Downtown School mingled with newly hired teachers in February at the renovated space, two blocks from Seattle Center.

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LAKESIDE

Spring/Summer 2018

MIKE LENGEL

After a successful application season, a limited number of spots remain for the founding classes of the Lakesideaffiliated high school, which opens in September. The school will accept up to 80 students for its first year – 60 in grade 9 and 20 in grade 10. At a lively event in February, accepted students met newly hired teachers and toured the school, where renovations are now complete. Among the five teachers joining Head of School Sue Belcher is longtime Lakeside Spanish teacher Lupe Fisch. Other teachers and the schools where they taught previously include Ananya Rabeya, North Seattle College and Oregon Institute of Technology; Kelsey Van Dalfsen, University of California, Berkeley; Brian Crawford, Seattle Country Day School; and George Heinrichs, Community School, Sun Valley, Idaho.

The Downtown School plans to add 40 students for 9th grade each year until it reaches its capacity of 160 students in grades 9-12. To apply or for more info: www.downtownschoolseattle.org.

Our ‘Fellow’ links leaders

Physics and engineering teacher Michael Town, named a Knowles Senior Fellow, helped develop Observe Northwest, which links science and math teachers who visit each other’s classrooms for feedback and inspiration. The Knowles Teacher Initiative is a nonprofit grant-making organization’s national network of teacher-leaders “who have the capacity and drive to be primary agents” to “improve math and science education from the ground up.”

From school to center stage

Rob Burgess, maintenance foreman, starred in Seattle Shakespeare’s production of Nikolai Gogol’s “The Government Inspector” at Center Theatre in the fall, and this spring played Thomas Edison in “Camping With Henry and Tom” at the Taproot Theatre.

Teacher takes arts award

Jacob Foran, Upper School arts teacher, won a prestigious Artists’ Trust fellowship award. His work was exhibited nationally at a number of venues this year.

Auction features Barry Wong photo

Upper School photography teacher Barry Wong’s still-life photograph “Nori 2” was one of the pieces by notable Asian-American artists featured at this year’s Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience benefit auction. ■

“Nori 2,” by Barry Wong.

New signs available for Wright Community Center and student center tables.

LINDSAY ORLOWSKI

ANSWERING THE CALL

New guidelines address smartphone use

A

GROUP OF FACULTY, staff and students convened

by Head of School Bernie Noe has drawn up new guidelines for smartphone use at Lakeside.

The catalyst was Noe’s growing concern about the impact that social media and the ubiquitous use of smartphones is having on school culture. The guidelines include: • The Middle School continues its existing policy requiring phones to be put away during the school day.

• The Upper School has adopted the same policy for class time.

• No rules are set for Upper School student use of mobile technology in public spaces; rather, the school recommends students follow a set of best practices (see sidebar).

• In the Wright Community Center, signs will designate some lunch tables as technology-free zones. Students are being provided additional signs they can use to designate a table in the student center as technology-free.

TECHNOLOGY BEST PRACTICES FOR UPPER SCHOOL

 Do not text while walking,

especially on stairs. Look up and around you; even greet the random passers-by!

 Be 100 percent present in

class and other activities.

Don’t text, stream, or go onto social media when you could be learning or connecting.

 Do not interrupt a face-to-face conversation you are having with someone to view a text you just received or take a phone call.

 Delete apps you know you

are spending too much time using.

 Spend more time living your life rather than recording it.

 Give your tasks your full

attention. Try not to multitask.

 Ask yourself why you

are using your phone. If you are using it to avoid awkwardness, try not to do it.

 Be your authentic self online; but don’t share personal information.

 Continue to use technology

and social media in safe and positive ways to learn and connect with people near and far.

Find a link to Head of School Bernie Noe’s e-letter to parents and guardians on research about students’ smartphone use and social media: www.lakesideschool. org/magazine.

Campus news

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INSIDE LAKESIDE

LEEP to add younger students for summer program

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AKESIDE Educational Enrichment Program, or LEEP, will for the first time include a younger group in its free, four-week summer program that brings Seattle Public Schools students to the Lakeside campus for a blend of academics, personal development, and fun.

Since its inception in 1965, LEEP has enrolled rising 9th graders — students who will enter high school in the fall. This summer, in addition to 60 of these older students, LEEP has accepted 40 rising 6th graders.

“I’m so excited to add the younger cohort,” said LEEP director Latasia Lanier ’90. “It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”

LEEP looks for students who show promise and may not have access to educational-enrichment programs. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for learning and to prepare the students for a successful transition to high school – and now middle school, for the younger group.

LEEP staff and their Seattle Public Schools partners believe that an advantage of offering the program to younger students is that by starting earlier, they maximize chances of mastering key skills by high school.

Also, fewer enrichment programs are available for the younger age group — especially not a free program that includes lunch and transportation as LEEP does, Lanier said.

The program expansion is made possible by longstanding endowed funds from donors who designated their support for LEEP. To date, the program has served more than 3,600 students.

Last year’s LEEP group had an average GPA of 2.95. Eighty-six percent identified as a student of color, and 58 percent qualified 12

LAKESIDE

These students were part of the 2015 class of LEEP, which this summer will expand to cover additional Seattle Public Schools students. At right is teacher Andy Law.

for free or reduced-price lunch.

Aspects of LEEP will be the same for both age groups, including work on improving organization and time-management skills, discovering leadership abilities, developing computer and multimedia skills, enjoying outdoor education, sports, and other physical activities, and emphasis on the core LEEP values, which are: Take risks, actively participate, and respect yourself as well as others.

Older students will continue rowing lessons, a LEEP tradition, while younger students instead will take swim lessons.

That decision was made after a LEEP survey showed that most 9th graders in the program don’t feel confident about their swimming skills. The younger students will also participate in an overnight camping trip.

Spring/Summer 2018

Lanier said other changes to curriculum and school-year follow-up sessions are being made because Lakeside took a hard look at where it could contribute the most good, taking into account evolving student needs, opportunities now available elsewhere, and data about LEEP graduates.

To design the revised program, Lanier brought together a number of Lakeside and LEEP faculty and gathered feedback from Seattle Public Schools teachers, counselors, and administrators.

As part of the revamp, the program is introducing an interdisciplinary course and emphasizing project-based learning, with students required to present their projects at a fair.

The school-year program will be scaled back. For the past three

years, students in the summer program participated in 10 Saturday follow-up sessions; seven were all-day, emphasizing academics, while three were social. But LEEP staff realized that, by high school, demands on students’ time were compromising the effectiveness of this approach.

So instead, LEEP plans to have several “touchpoints” during the school year, events that will be mostly fun and social, possibly with a service learning component for one of them, along with offering resources to students.

“The idea will be to keep them engaged and excited about learning,” Lanier said.

Applications for this summer opened Feb. 1 and the deadline was April 3. More info: https:// www.lakesideschool.org/summer/ leep/admissions ■

SPORTS ROUNDUP

by MIKE LENGEL

LIONS ROAR INTO STATE Girls Swim and Dive takes second

A

FTER EIGHT Metro League wins this past fall, the Lions were ready to take on the best that Washington state had to offer.

Which Lions: The football team or girls soccer? The answer: both.

Both teams, led by experienced seniors and talented younger players, knocked off eight wins in a highly competitive Metro League, each with their own signature victories: girls soccer with a 2-0 win over third-ranked Holy Names, and football with a 35-25 stunner over Roosevelt High School. Players from both teams made an impact in the Metro League as well: senior forward Francesca Sheppard ranked second among all Metro girls soccer players in points (25) and goals (11), and senior quarterback AJ Allen was named co-offensive most valuable player for the Metro League’s Valley division, shattering all but one Lakeside passing record along the way.

Girls swim and dive continued their Metro League dominance, winning a fourth-straight Sea-King District 2 league championship, and a second-place team finish in the state meet. As if that weren’t impressive enough, the team hasn’t lost a regular-season duel in three seasons. Amy T. ’21 made a splash on the state swimming scene with a new state record in the 100-yard freestyle, clocking in at 49.81 seconds.

In winter sports, junior wrestler Wren Healy made his second career appearance in the WIAA state tournament. Wrestling in the 126-pound weight class, he accumulated 13 wins during the season, seven of which came by first-round pin. Wren took second place in his weight class in the Metro League tournament, and third in the regional tournament, earning his spot in the state bracket. “Wren is an incredibly fast, strong, and explosive wrestler,” head coach Bryce Aktepy said.

Boys swim and dive finished fourth in the Metro League and placed ninth in the WIAA 3A state meet. At the state meet,

PHOTOS BY CLAYTON CHRISTY

Quarterback AJ A. ’18 attempts a pass against Roosevelt in a Metro League game. The Lions upset the Rough Riders, 35-25, to earn their way into the WIAA state playoffs.

Senior forward Francesca S. steals the ball on her way to scoring the game-winning goal against Mt. Spokane in the WIAA state tournament. The Lions took down Mt. Spokane, 1-0.

Alex B. ’20 took fifth in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 52.45 seconds, while Nate C. ’19 took sixth in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:45.11.

Girls basketball finished with an 11-10 record and an appearance in the Metro League tournament. Boys basketball finished with an

8-13 record. Max K. ’18 earned a third-team AllMetro League nod.

For more highlights and statistics from the 2017-2018 fall and winter seasons, visit www.lakesideschool.org/athletics. ■ Mike Lengel is the assistant director of athletics at Lakeside School.

Reach him at athleticsdept@lakesideschool.org.

Inside Lakeside, Sports 13

ALUMNI

IN THE MEDIA

FIGHTING FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE, &THE AMERICAN WAY

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BY LORNET TURNBULL | PHOTOS BY TOM REESE

A

BOUT THE TIME he was marking the end of his first year in office, the president of the United States announced a new kind of prize.

The Fake News Awards, President Trump tweeted, would go to the most corrupt and biased of mainstream media.

His so-called list of “losers,” when it was finally revealed, included some of the industry’s most recognizable and respected names.

For the American media, it is a new day.

Perhaps never before has the industry been confronted with so many challenges. The proliferation of platforms for getting information to the public, the infinite reach of the internet, and the steady rise of social media have blurred the lines between news, perspective and entertainment. At the same time, the credibility of those who shape what we hear, watch, and read is being unrelentingly questioned.

The very definition of truth, the bedrock of the Fourth Estate, has come under direct and severe scrutiny. Americans’ confidence in the media has never been lower. Yet the undeniable takeaway from today’s big headlines – from the ongoing Russia investigation to the ever-widening #metoo movement – is that the need for credible agents of facts and truth has never been more crucial.

It was against this backdrop that we reached out to Lakeside alumni employed in different areas of the media to talk about the industry turmoil, how they are navigating the changing media landscape, and where they believe we all go from here.

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Alumni in the Media

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Kaveh Waddell ’09 A former reporter at The Atlantic and National Journal, Waddell is a Beirut-based freelance reporter who writes about Lebanon for American publications, including The Atlantic, Wired,and CityLab. www.kavehwaddell.com

I

N THE NEWSROOM at The Atlantic, where Waddell honed his journalism skills, the staff had frequent, ongoing discussions about how to cover Donald Trump’s America.

The influential D.C.-based magazine had considered, but resisted, the temptation to take on a more liberal slant. And in an atmosphere of heightened scrutiny of the media, Waddell says, “It was really drilled into our heads as writers and reporters to do our job even better than before because even a small mistake, whether in a cover story in the magazine or technology piece, reflects on everybody.”

He had worked his way onto the staff of The Atlantic after a fellowship with its affiliate, National Journal. After the Journal went through layoffs and buyouts, and eventually suspended its print edition, The Atlantic kept him on, assigning him to its technology desk to cover privacy and surveillance.

In the post-election political environment, Waddell says it was even more important to find social angles to the stories he wrote, examining how technology affects areas of socioeconomic inequality and race.

In May 2017, he left the Atlantic to live in Beirut - the fulfillment of a desire sparked in his youth by his family’s frequent travel around the world, including to his mother’s native Iran - and nurtured by teachers at Lakeside. With his longstanding interest in the Middle East, he says, “the goal was to come and write about the region for an American audience.”

He believes the strategy by U.S. news organizations like The New York Times and The Washington Post to take readers behind the curtain will, in the long term, inspire trust.

Showing “how the sausage is made” has always been useful, he says, but in this era of uncertainty it’s becoming common. An example is how The Washington Post shared details of what went into its investigation of the sexual-harassment allegations against Alabama senatorial hopeful Roy Moore.

“There’s more journalistic metadata on stories these days … It shows that journalists are going out of their way to prove their work is airtight and bulletproof. It’s necessary to bring the reader into how it’s made so they buy into it and make their own judgment, but doing so with the information they need.” ■

“

COURTESY KAVEH WADDELL ’09

IN SOME WAYS I FEEL A LITTLE REMOVED (BEING OVERSEAS). IN OTHER WAYS THE FIREHOSE OF TWITTER IS ALWAYS IN OUR POCKETS, FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE — OFTEN FOR WORSE.”

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Grunbaum is business editor of The Seattle Times, and former editor of Puget Sound Business Journal. @rgrunbaum

G

RUNBAUM REMEMBERS the days before the internet intruded on the way we get our news, when it was served up in three basic formats — radio, newspaper, and TV. Readers knew precisely when they were getting opinion and when they were getting news because it said so on the masthead.

“You had three channels for the evening news and you could listen to Walter Cronkite and he would tell you what was what,” Grunbaum says.

As business editor of The Seattle Times, where he’s spent the past 14 years, Grunbaum has withstood the rocky transition of the newspaper industry into this digital age.

As papers have slimmed down, merged, gone entirely online, or closed, those like The Times have evolved into a version of their former selves — not quite traditional newspaper anymore, not news websites or apps entirely, but some unnamed combination of them all.

The sole Seattle daily is much different today than when Grunbaum began, when so much was driven by the need to beat the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which stopped printing in 2009 and is now online only. Grunbaum hung on as The Times took its knocks, going from deputy business editor in 2016 to business editor of what is today the second-largest paper by circulation on the West Coast, after the L.A. Times.

These days, competition doesn’t come just from across town but from social media, a flurry of news websites, and bloggers in their pajamas working from their basements.

Mainstream outlets like his must set themselves apart by demonstrating authority as well as credibility. And transparency.

“There is a lot more room out there for questioning the media, and we realize the media is not infallible, like The New York Times’ misleading stories in the run-up to the Iraq War,” he says. “People rightfully want to vet those things and discuss them openly. That’s legitimate. The thing that distinguishes real journalism is that you live

TOM REESE

Rami Grunbaum ’74

“

NO MATTER HOW MANY BLOGS OR SOCIAL-MEDIA FEEDS ARE OUT THERE, HOPEFULLY THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A NEED FOR THE PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED CREW OF PEOPLE WHO CAN GO OUT TO (AN INCIDENT SUCH AS THE 2014) LANDSLIDE IN OSO AND START ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS...”

up to your mistakes. You don’t bury them. You make it clear on your website or in the paper because ultimately that enhances your credibility.”

The Times has embraced the digital evolution. It now breaks news online as soon as it’s ready, and through its website, Facebook page, and in print, “reaches more readers than ever.”

It is also finding creative ways to help fund the important work it does - in areas such as transportation, education, and homelessness - through partnerships with foundations and others. “We are trying to reinvent the whole project as we go, trying to see what works and trying not to be afraid of failing or falling short on something.”

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Alumni in the Media

17

“

IT’S NOBLE AND IMPORTANT THAT OUTLETS LIKE THE WASHINGTON POST CALL 20 PEOPLE TO VERIFY A STORY, AND I THINK HISTORY WILL PROVE THEY WERE SMART AND CAREFUL TO DO THAT. BUT I ALSO FEEL LIKE THE READING PUBLIC DOESN’T APPRECIATE IT BECAUSE THE READING PUBLIC WILL JUST BELIEVE THE LOUDEST VOICE THAT THEY LIKE.”

Ken Bensinger ’93 Bensinger is an award-winning investigative reporter for BuzzFeed, where his reporting of the bribery/corruption scandal involving officials of soccer’s international organization (FIFA) is the subject of his forthcoming book, “Red Card.” He previously wrote for the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times, where he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his reporting on unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. @kenbensinger

I

N 2014 Ken Bensinger made a radical career move that stunned perhaps even him.

An investigative reporter at the L.A. Times, he was among the first hard-news journalists to join BuzzFeed, as the site, known back then for its outrageous lists and quizzes, sought to build an investigative team and sober up its brand.

He was growing restless at the Times when BuzzFeed came calling. “Something about it appealed to me, and I decided ‘I’m gonna take a crazy risk.’ ” Former Times colleagues would come visit “dummy Ken in that weird internet place to see why he walked away from everything.”

Granted, there were things early on that concerned him, “like the silly, trivial stories that ran on the home page next to my stories: ‘The 25 Bathroom Signs That Will Make You Pee Yourself.’ ” But he liked the laid-back culture; the CEO, when he was in town, would hang out with reporters at their desks to talk about story ideas. “It had an effervescent feel to it.”

The new investigative team began hitting home runs right away. Bensinger authored one of its first, on how the head of the Los Angeles NAACP chapter, which had bestowed awards on racially controversial L.A. Clippers owner Don Sterling, was an ex-Detroit judge disrobed for accepting bribes. The chapter president later resigned.

He was also on the team that last year published the controversial Russian dossier, which described alleged attempts by Russian officials to cultivate and compromise candidate Trump. Bensinger can’t discuss the piece, which has drawn no fewer than three lawsuits, including one by the president’s personal lawyer.

These days, BuzzFeed is more structured and balkanized, with a breaking news department and a politics team, and “hyper aware of the speed of news in this environment,” he says.

“I think it’s incumbent on journalists to hold the bar high, despite everything that’s going on, and I personally try to do that. But I think as a symptom of the Trump era, there’s a bit of journalism that is faster and looser right now.

The pressure to be faster is crazy these days.”

Yet amidst this ferment, he sees good news: “a flourishing and democratization of investigative and publicservice-type journalism.”

That includes an emergence of conservative investigative journalism, he says. He cites a news and opinion site called The Daily Caller that he believes does good work through a different political lens.

COURTESY KEN BENSINGER ’93

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OTHER ALUMS ‘MAKING’ THE NEWS H

ere are more Lakeside alumni who work in the media.

Knute Berger ’72, staff writer, Crosscut, and editor at large, Seattle magazine. crosscut.com/author/ knute-berger Dylan Byers ’04, senior reporter, CNN. cnn.com/profiles/dylan-byers Audrey Carlsen ’08, graphics editor, New York Times. audreycarlsen.com

Simone Alicea ’11

TOM REESE

Alicea is a Seattle-based reporter for public-radio station KNKX, formerly KPLU, where a 2013 internship first introduced her to radio. She previously worked as a reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times and as an intern at the Cape Times in South Africa. @svalicea

I

N A RAPIDLY evolving media landscape, Alicea is still trying to find her place. She’s the personification of an industry fundamentally upended by the emergence of the internet, where Facebook and Twitter are as normal a source of daily news as the morning paper once was.

Alicea got into journalism hoping to write for newspapers, while witnessing the carnage as publications across the country merged and shrank and disappeared.

Like many of her fellow journalism graduates, her employment prospects in 2015 made her anxious — even with a degree from Northwestern University, a top journalism school. When she landed a job as a reporter on the breaking news desk at the Chicago Sun-Times, she felt lucky, but in the wake of massive staff cuts months earlier, knew better than to hope she could build a journalism career there.

When she learned of an opening at KNKX, she returned to Seattle, where she produces sto-

“

I THINK TO BE COMFORTABLE IN THE NEWS INDUSTRY IS TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH DISRUPTION AND CHANGE CONSTANTLY; IT IS TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH BEING WRONG, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS OUR JOB TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT.”

ries on business, labor, and other local issues for on-air and manages the station’s online news content and social media.

Alicea had been an advocate of more transparency in the media even before this concept of fake news crept into regular parlance.

She sees value in letting listeners in on how a story develops. “People are craving an understanding for why you are saying this the way you’re saying it. Why

should I trust you?’’

But she also finds that people her age have fairly low expectations of the media: “They’re generally more skeptical of everything they read.”

So as the industry tries to sort it all out, she finds herself doing the same.

“The thing about news as an industry, it seems to be the case that the changes are just as fast as the news itself.”

And, “The thing I might be doing five years from now might not even exist yet.”



Stephanie Clifford ’96, New York-based freelance journalist, specializing in criminal justice. stephanieclifford.net Rebecca Davis ’07, correspondent for China, Agence France-Presse.

Samuel Eaton ’90, New York-based independent radio, multimedia, video journalist.

Isabella Gutierrez ’13, assistant producer, NBC News. isagutierrez. com Whitney Johnson ’97, vice president, visuals and immersive experiences, National Geographic.

Andrea T. Jones ’06, story editor at The Intercept, a nonprofit online news organization specializing in investigative reporting. theintercept. com Doug Merlino ’90, New Yorkbased freelance writer specializing in narrative non-fiction books. dougmerlino.net/about Susie Neilson ’11, freelance journalist, specializing in science reporting; based in Oakland, California. susiecneilson.com/ journalism-work Eilis O’Neill ’07, EarthFix reporter, KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio.

Jill Rosok ‘12, data analyst, reporting and optimization, The New York Times. jillrosok.com Elias Rothblatt ’08, chief operating officer, The Outline, a New Yorkbased news and culture site. theoutline.com Emily Baillargeon Russin ’87, Seattle-based writer/editor, specializing in arts, lifestyle. emilyrussin.com Alumni in the Media

19

“

NEWS ORGANIZATIONS ARE WRITING MORE EXPLAINERS NOW BECAUSE THERE IS MORE NEWS HAPPENING THAT NEEDS TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY AN AUDIENCE WITH A SHORTER ATTENTION SPAN.”

Gabriella Schwarz ’06 PHOTOS COURTESY GABRIELLA SCHWARZ ’06

Schwarz is the New York-based managing editor at Flipboard, a news aggregation site with more than 100 million monthly users in nearly 200 countries worldwide. Before that, she was an Emmy-winning producer at CNN, where she first began as an intern. At Lakeside, she was editor of Tatler. @gabyaschwarz

T

HE TIME Schwarz spent as a CNN producer, traveling around the world with President Obama, she says, will “remain the highlight of my professional life — as long as I live.”

She helped produce a 90-minute CNN documentary, “Obama Revealed,” showcasing the former president’s life. Assigned to Obama’s campaign on the eve of election night 2012, she recalls a moving scene in Iowa as he held his final rally as a candidate in nearly the same spot where he’d launched his improbable run four years earlier. “Michelle was there with him, and he was visibly emotional,” Schwarz says. For their “Outstanding Live Coverage” the following night, her team earned an Emmy.

Journalism has always been Schwarz’ passion, and she enjoyed the fast pace of TV news. But emerging technologies had gotten her thinking that she should apply her journalism skills in other ways. In 2014, she joined Flipboard, which regards itself as a technology company with media values, and partners with the biggest news organizations in the world. Considering things like balance, timeliness, sourcing, and trustworthiness, Schwarz’ team of editors presents the day’s best stories in a magazine format that allows users to flip through the shared content.

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Across the world, news sites are emerging all the time, providing readers with fresh and different perspectives on issues they care about. Additionally, more publications are going deep - doing more stories that explain more, Schwarz says. “Clearly there’s appetite for understanding the world.”

In her position as managing editor, Schwarz finds herself at the center of the ongoing conversation around true and false information in the press, which she addressed in a March 2017 blog. “News is content based in fact. Lies are the exact opposite. Therefore, you can’t have fact-based lies . . . To tie the two together is to do a disservice to credible news and play into a narrative being propagated for political purposes.” ■

Gabriella Schwarz was working for CNN covering President Obama’s last campaign stop in Iowa before Election Day in fall 2012, and at the White House Christmas party for journalists the same year.

HOW TO BE YOUR OWN TRUTH-FINDER

T COURTESY JOEL STONINGTON ’98

hese days, finding truth in an ever-widening minefield of news sources can turn the average consumer into an amateur sleuth. Here are some tips offered by Lakeside alumni in the business about how to increase the odds that what you’re reading is not fake news.

Joel Stonington ’98 Stonington is a San Francisco-based documentary producer at AJ+, an online news channel owned by Al Jazeera Media Network. AJ+ produces video and media directly to social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. A writer, videographer, and photographer, he started out as a reporter before taking up long-form documentary-making on social issues. joelstonington.com

“

“AS JOURNALISM HAS CONTRACTED AND THERE’S LESS AND LESS ORIGINAL REPORTING OUT THERE, I SEE MY ROLE OF DOING ORIGINAL REPORTING BEING EVEN MORE IMPORTANT.”

A

S A documentary producer at AJ+, Stonington’s work on important social issues is disseminated widely across social media.

A six-part series on guns that he produced last year, for example, took a close, neutral look at a fiercely polarizing issue where there seldom appears any middle ground.

Another, recently released, examines the multifaceted intrusion of technology into our lives, including how it exacerbates inequities.

Stonington worked at small papers and magazines, then at the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Businessweek, before accepting a fellowship in Berlin, where he stayed four years. He returned to the U.S. with a new passion: making his own documentaries.

In Europe, he walked the tracks alongside Syrian refugees, documenting how they dodged police cars and helicopters to sneak into the European Union just ahead of the closing of Hungary’s border. He reported on a movement of young neo-Nazis called Nipsters, who are

embracing aspects of hippie culture in an effort to go mainstream.

AJ+, Stonington says, is a platform that gives a voice to those diverse and independent viewpoints that often lack one.

It allows him to do the work he loves. And in today’s fraught climate, “we’ve all felt that what we do here is even more important.”

But these kinds of jobs are few — and becoming fewer. And as journalism has contracted, they are often the most expensive for news organizations to support.

The problem is made worse by the fickle nature of social media, he says. Even before Facebook established new algorithms to favor social feeds over published content, AJ+ and other organizations have been “trying to figure out how to operate on their own platforms or with less reliance on social media,” Stonington says.

“Distrust of social media has been brewing for a while.” ■ Lornet Turnbull is a Seattle-based freelance writer and regional anchor for The Washington Post. She’s a former reporter for The Seattle Times and a writer and editor for YES! Magazine. You can reach her at lturnbull321@gmail.com.

• Consider the source. Rely on reputable media organizations with proven track records for checking facts, attributing sources, and correcting mistakes and misinformation when they happen.

• Whose byline? Who wrote a story can be just as important as where it appears. If you can, consider a writer’s record in covering a topic.

• Don’t rely on a single source.

Check several. If something sounds iffy, confirm it elsewhere before accepting it as truth. A good reporter has a finely tuned BS meter; consumers should, too.

• Check the date on information you share on social media. Don’t pass years-ago information off as contemporary news.

• Dig deep. Don’t just skim headlines and feel you have the full picture. Read original materials linked to stories. Watch that clip of the press conference and decide for yourself.

• If an article uses unnamed sources, does it cite others who corroborate that information?

Does the publication tell you why a source is unnamed?

• Get out of your bubble. Look for well-reported and well-researched pieces with views unlike your own.

OTHER SOURCES FOR SUSSING OUT THE TRUTH • poynter.org/channels/fact-checking • factcheck.org • snopes.com • politifact.com

Alumni in the Media

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BY CAREY QUAN GELERNTER | PHOTOS BY TOM REESE

H

ow can teachers equip students to grapple with what some scholars are calling global information pollution?

In disciplines from philosophy to science to history, Lakeside faculty have long taught students how to think critically. But these times call for specifically addressing “mis- disand mal-information,” as one major report characterizes a prevalent obscuring of reality.

The truth is taking a beating by everything from Russian disinformation warfare to politicized assaults on fact-based reporting.

The scholarly report, “Information Disorder,” sponsored in part by Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, calls on schools to play a major role in battling “information pollution on a global scale.”

Among its recommendations: Teach a robust news literacy curriculum that includes everything from understanding the nefarious forces at work to techniques for combatting them.

Here are just a few of the ways Lakeside teachers are tackling the challenge.

TRUE &FALSE

On display in Janelle Hagen’s 8th-grade Digital Life class is a TED-Ed video on “How to Choose Your News.” It challenges students, including Zoe L. and Eric B., to take responsibility as they consider: “How do you get the truth?

Or something close?”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA LITERACY: ALL INFORMATION IS NOT CREATED EQUALLY An expanded media literacy curriculum debuts this year in Digital Life classes for grades 6, 7, and 8; and for the first time, 5th graders are introduced to the topic. The rationale: Middle School is the time students need a foundation in how to consume and evaluate media and to acquire the habit of reading fact-based news.

When students begin Middle School, “they are used to believing everything they read,” says Digital Life teacher and MS library head Janelle Hagen. Digital Life classes cover how and why all information is not created equally, with lessons that increase in sophistication by grade level.

Students learn to distinguish among news, opinion, propaganda, advertising, publicity, and entertainment; to identify major authoritative news sources; and to detect and resist disinformation. They learn how

WHERE DO MIDDLE SCHOOLERS GET THEIR NEWS? A poll of 8th graders in Digital Life

classes showed these main sources: 1. Social media (Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.), 23% (18) 2. Internet news source (Google News, Yahoo News, HuffPost, etc.), 20% (16) 3. Radio, 12% (10) 4. Newspaper, 11% (9) 5. Other sites (BuzzFeed, YouTube, 4Chan, Reddit, Daily Beast, Guardian), 11% (9) 6. I don’t actively read the news, 3% (3)

As teacher Janelle Hagen calls out examples of news, opinion, propaganda, advertising, entertainment, publicity, and raw information, 8th-grade students hold up signs to identify the right category. Henry C. correctly picks “news” for “content intended to inform you.”

their own biases can interfere with their ability to think critically about what they’re reading or seeing, and how content designed to trigger emotions — especially anger — tends to cloud people’s judgment.

• Checkology, a fun, game-like interac-

• Newsela, a database of news stories

from reputable sources geared to different ages, guides students to read about current events closely and critically.

• All Sides, a news aggregator, is great for

older-middle- and high-school students.

It lets them compare stories in different media outlets and explore the concepts of slant, filter bubbles, and echo chambers that can result when people get their news from social media that use algorithms to effectively narrow what viewers see.

Eighth-grade teams were assigned to come up with tweets showing what they learned about fake news (defined by the Associated Press as “the modern phenomenon of deliberate falsehoods or fiction masked as news circulating on the internet”). Here’s a sample: • More than half of the articles posted on social media aren’t checked. #fakenews

New tools support the curriculum: tive program, puts students on the virtual scene as newspaper reporters pursuing a story, so they learn about professional journalism standards of ethics, fairness, and multiple layers of editing and factchecking. “One thing I really believe in is that news institutions are not just making stuff up,” Hagen says. “Being able to see the work that goes into the work of journalists is important.” This knowledge helps students assess the value of content by purveyors who don’t follow such professional standards.

(REAL) TWEETS ABOUT FAKE NEWS

• Don’t un-follow credible news outlets that you don’t agree with. Fake news tells only one-sided stories #CredibleNews #KnowYourNews #FIGUREITOUT

Fifth-graders in Janelle Hagen’s Digital Life class make public-service-announcement posters to educate the Lakeside community on what fake news is and ways to recognize it.

Some key assigned articles and videos include these, which you can find at www.lakesidesideschool.org/magazine: TEDEd’s video “How to Choose Your News” (TED-Ed is TED’s youth and education initiative); a Stanford University study on young people’s ability to reason about information on the internet (“can be summed up in one word: bleak”); a Business Insider article on how teens get most of their news from Snapchat and Twitter; a YouTube video comparing anger to germs in its ability to promote viral content.

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• Fake news is often conveyed as satire. It is hard to know because you can’t convey tones #KnowYourNews #FOXNewsBusted • Check your URLs before you spout your opinion #potus #scam #fakenewsisfake • Fake news messes with people’s brains. #fakenews #russiafakedtheelection • Don’t fall for URLs that resemble reputable news outlets. Look for the details. #FakeNewsIsFake #Scam • If news is too outrageous and nobody else is reporting on it, then it is FAKE! #knowyournews #fakenews • Check your sources before you retweet!! #fakenews #FOXNEWS Media literacy

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TRUE&FALSE

PHOTOJOURNALISM AS TRUTH-TELLING “Good photography can be a powerful tool for truth-telling,” photography teacher Barry Wong tells his advanced photography classes. “It can inform and change minds.” Wong, who was a longtime, award-winning photojournalist for The Seattle Times, emphasizes the importance of a free press. He notes how historically “the first thing a dictator does is try to restrict communications — taking control of newspapers, radio and TV stations.” These days, he tells students, with good photography skills they don’t need to work for a media company to become a truthteller; they have many platforms available to share their work.

In his advanced photography classes, he shows how propaganda photos in information-restricted places like North Korea and Congo contrast with the images photojournalists take when they’re free to document truth. Students are assigned to take their own photos to show truth.

“If you’re going to be a documentary photographer, your reputation rides on accuracy and authenticity of your photos,” he reminds them.

No re-creating scenes, no Photoshopping. “Each of us is human, has our own flaws, and how we might see something is influenced by our upbringing, but you need to tell something as truthfully as you humanly can.”

“CALLING BULL: DATA REASONING FOR THE DIGITAL AGE” Upper School students participated in a special interactive assembly last spring led by two University of Washington professors who team-teach the popular “Calling Bull—” class. The assembly

Upper School photography teacher Barry Wong tells his students that documentary photographers want their photos to convey answers to “the basic questions – who, what, when, where and why, and how; it’s classic journalism.”

was put together out of concern by a group of Upper School teachers and administrators, especially after a Stanford University study showed most students failing to assess the legitimacy of news sources, says Upper School history teacher Colleen Kyle. The UW profs assigned students the Lakeside Data Challenge.

Working with the same World Bank data on life expectancy and child mortality, each grade was given a different task: to either use data misleadingly to make a case that the U.S. health system is a disaster; or to spin data to show it’s a highly effective model; or to present a neutral, accurate summary of the facts.

SCRUTINIZING SOURCES 2.0 Upper School teachers, with librarians’ help, are adding layers to their traditional lessons in vetting sources and evaluating evidence. “The way people get their information has changed so much, so quickly, that we need

to be doing things regularly to help kids be proactive” in their vigilance, says history chair Stephanie Wright.

Librarians have long helped instruct Upper School students as they begin history and biology research papers. Now that job is harder than ever, says Upper School librarian Carly Pansulla. Students too often are enticed by engaging websites with high production qualities, forgetting to consider provenance.

Conversely, they also too often conclude that “everything is biased and nothing can be trusted,” says Upper School bioethics and history teacher Kathryn Brooks ’00.

“It’s basic history that we ask: Where is a document coming from? Why was it created, how did the person or people who created it shape it? Usually kids start out saying, ‘They’re all biased,’ but we need them to say: ‘We’re all biased but it doesn’t mean everything is equally truthful.’”

NEWS AND MEDIA LITERACY IN THE DIGITAL ERA Upper School history teacher Nadia Selim will offer a new elective next year,“News and Media Literacy in the Digital Era,” open to juniors and seniors. The semester course will emphasize the problems and promise of the enormous proliferation of online sources, helping students build on skills learned in World History to evaluate and analyze sources. Topics will include data visualization and presentation; digital advertising; pseudoscience and pseudohistory; and news on social media. ■

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Spring/Summer 2018

Sophie L. ’18 explains her documentary photo to her Advanced Photography classmates.“We want to know what you know about what you shot,” Wong tells students. “Typically a journalist would be writing down names and locations very accurately. One thing in journalism: If you don’t know, don’t make it up!”

ALUMNI NEWS

A RECIPE FOR FUN

Alums savor cooking lessons from Lakeside’s top chef

by KELLY POORT

N

OVEMBER, the month famous for feasting, marked a milestone for Lakeside: its first cooking class for alumni. Hosted by the Lakeside/ St. Nicholas Alumni Board, the event drew 20 grads representing classes from 1959 through 2010.

Once gathered in the Wright Community Center, Lakeside chef Ben Resnick coached his charges through preparations of some of the school’s favorite fall dishes, including mulligatawny soup, Moroccan red chili chicken stew, dried apricot couscous, and falafel.

While participants chopped, diced, peeled, sautéed, blended, and stirred,

TOM REESE

Mixing it up are, from left, Alumni Board member Brandon Vaughan ’06, Moani Russell, Allie Chinn Spiess ’89, and Kate Coxon ’01.

they peppered the chef with questions about cooking techniques, favorite recipes, and the challenges of preparing healthy, delicious meals each day for more than 800 students, faculty, and

staff across two campuses.

Everyone had a blast, and after their hard work in the kitchen, they sat down in the Fireplace Room to toast the occasion and enjoy their feast.

Visit www.lakesideschool.org/ alumni for additional photos and the recipes from the class. ■ Kelly Poort is assistant director of development, alumni relations. Reach her at alumni@lakesideschool.org.

CLASSES WITHOUT QUIZZES Parsing ‘What does it all mean?’

I

T WASN’T THE HALE’S ALES, delicious appetizers, or promise of a fun night with fellow alumni that drew a crowd to the Classes Without Quizzes gathering at Hale’s Brewery on Feb. 15, but rather the mere mention of one name in the event invitation: Tom Doelger. As “class” began that evening, the longtime Lakeside English teacher started to speak, and silence fell across the audience as the “students” were transported to Room 20 in Moore Hall.

Doelger reflected on his 33 years of teaching at Lakeside and his answer to the question, “Indeed, what does it all mean?” In his lecture and the lively Q&A that followed, he shared stories from his youth, answered questions about what motivates him to continue to teach (the students!), and talked about the value of the Quest class and Outdoor Program at Lakeside. The crowd lingered into the evening as former students shared their thanks and favorite memories with their much-loved teacher. Look for information on future Classes Without Quizzes on the alumni homepage and Facebook group. ■ -Kelly Poort

Far left, Remington Schneider ’10 and Lakeside English teacher Tom Doelger.

Sisters Margaret Hardy ’02, left, and Abby Hardy ’06.

1993 classmates, from left, Alumni Board member Lisa Narodick Colton, Alumni Board member Maki Arakawa, Katie Hosford Traverse, Kari Kraft Larson, and Ali Stewart-Ito. Media literacy, Alumni News

25

CLASS CONNECTIONS 1965

Alumni from Lakeside, St. Nicholas, Bush, Shoreline, and Ingraham schools are planning a multiyear/multi-Seattle-area high school reunion at the Dunn Gardens in August 2018, and they invite Lakeside and St. Nicholas alumni to join them. The steering committee includes Ruth Kagi ’63, Pat Dunn, Bill Steckel, Tym Park ’66, Arthur Dunn ’69, and Ned Dunn ’70, as well as many others. The “Good Vibrations Party” will take place Wednesday, Aug. 1, from 6-9 p.m., and feature live music by The Lake Boys. Bring your blanket, concert chairs, and picnic dinner or avail yourselves of the tasty meals and desserts from select food trucks.

Beer, wine, and cider available for purchase by the glass. Tickets are $60 per person or 10 for $500 and benefit preservation of the century-old nonprofit gardens, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit www.dunngardens.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Stephanie Garlichs ’77, cofounder of the Ethiopian Education Fund, with Ethiopian college student Desta.

1969

Matt Griffin and Evelyne Rozner hosted their annual Lakeside/Stanford dinner while in California in October. Guests included Lakesiders currently attending Stanford, friends, and Lakeside’s former Upper School director, Than Healy, now head of school at Menlo School.

1977

Stephanie Garlichs writes, “I have been a veterinarian for 25 years, and started the nonprofit Ethiopian Education Fund in 2005 after living and working in rural Ethiopia for two years. We saw the need bright kids from poor rural backgrounds had for support to finish their education.

We have been expanding this program to more students since, and have remarkable success stories that are on our website, ethiopianeducationfund.org, and video, youtu.be/dBycyEi8ank.”

1979

Maren Beck ’80 and Joshua Hirschstein’s new book, “Silk Weavers of Hill Tribe Laos: Textiles, Tradition, and Well-Being,” provides an in-depth look into the community of silk weavers with whom Beck and Hirschstein have developed a deep connection in their travels. Maren writes, “We are very excited

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Spring/Summer 2018

Clockwise from lower left, Andrew Summerville ’14, David Steinberg ’15, CJ Paige ’15, Debbie Sterling Glasband, Sam Scharenberg ’15, Quentin Chi ’16, Beau Lewis ’00, Alexandra Koch ’17, Matt Griffin ’69, Evelyne Rozner, KC Rubin ’17, Hannah Shabb ’16, Than Healy, and Sofia Dudas ’16.

Maren Beck ’80 and Joshua Hirschstein ’79 are authors of “Silk Weavers of Hill Tribe Laos: Textiles, Tradition, and Well-Being.”

Todd Weir ’83 has won the Jacques Barzun Prize for Cultural History from the American Philosophical Society. to see our last dozen years of venturing in hill-tribe Laos and Vietnam culminate in a publication. Our business, Above the Fray: Traditional Hilltribe Art, continues to ‘turn the wheel’ each year and promote the silk (and hemp and cotton) textiles of hill-tribe Laos and Vietnam. Otherwise, Josh’s 27year business, Lane Tutoring Service, Inc., in Eugene continues to occupy the blank spaces in his life. Our two sons have grown up, with one teaching children in Portland and the other graduating from Bard this spring in neuropsychology. Oh, we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary together in June! Who’d ever have thought, some 40 years ago, that the two of us cello-stand partners at Lakeside would share a life together!”

1980

Alison Rogers Kirk and George Kirk were married Aug. 19, 45 years after first meeting as classmates at Lakeside Middle School.

Wedding guests included Alison’s sister, Susan Rogers Rembold ’78 (maid of honor); George’s sister, Mary Kirk McCarthy ’82; and 1980 classmate Erin Isaacson Fray. George shared, “We were 10-year-olds and went on to 5th through 9th grades together. Alison then transferred to Overlake, where she also is class of ’80. We’re so grateful to all who followed our special wedding story and look forward to our 40th in a few years.”

Mona Kristoferson Campbell writes, “We had the pleasure of a mini-Lakeside/St.

1985

Todd Weir has won the 2016 Jacques Barzun Prize for Cultural History for his book “Secularism and Religion in NineteenthCentury Germany: The Rise of the Fourth Confession,” published by Cambridge University Press. This prestigious prize is awarded annually by the American Philosophical Society, the oldest scholarly society in the United States, founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin. Weir, a professor of religious history at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands, traveled to

Alice Crary was recently appointed professor of philosophy at the University of Oxford (UK), where she will start this fall. After serving for several years as chair of philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York, where she also cofounded and directed a graduate program in gender and sexuality studies, she is enjoying a sabbatical at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, N.J. She will be the Wittgenstein guest professor at the University of Innsbruck in Austria this June and will spend most of July in Berlin co-running Humboldt University’s summer institute on critical theory. If any classmates are near Princeton, Innsbruck, Berlin, or Oxford, she’d be delighted to be ➢

Alison Rogers Kirk ’80 and George Kirk ’80 married on Aug. 19.

Lakeside and St. Nicholas alumni at the farmto-table dinner at Kristoferson Farm included, back row from left: Mona Kristoferson Campbell ’81, Dave Jones ’74, Paul Carlson ’73, and Kris Kristoferson ’73. Front row from left: Betsy Kristoferson ’71, Nancy Kristoferson O’Neal ’69, Vicki Weeks ’73, and Page Knudsen Cowles ’73.

Nicholas reunion among the 46 guests at our farm-to-table dinner at Kristoferson Farm, featuring Knudsen Vineyards, in August.

We have enjoyed partnering with Knudsen Vineyards for this event and reconnecting with our classmates.”

1983

See 1979 notes for news from Maren Beck.

1981

Philadelphia to receive the prize in April. The prize committee wrote: “Dr. Weir’s book is a subtle, extensively researched study of a complicated set of historical and philosophical questions. What is secularism, as distinct from secularization? When does a world-view become a form of faith rather than an array of opinions? Is atheism a kind of creed? ... ‘Secularism and Religion in Nineteenth Century Germany’ makes a large contribution to our understanding of an important and difficult period in recent history.”

More information can be found on the website of the American Philosophical Society, https://www.amphilsoc.org/.

Alumni news

27

CLASS CONNECTIONS

Lakeside groomsmen at the wedding of George Hageman ’08 and Susan Seav, from left: Richard She ’08; Mac Fisken ’08; George, Susan, Zach Rait ’08; and Grant Williamson ’08.

Sarah Peterson ’98 and Sophie Calderón ’00 welcomed Wynne Christine Calderón in October.

Ann Browning ’01 married Nate Hollingsworth in November.

in touch. She has been thinking about how fortunate Lakesiders are to have a high school philosophy course, and is planning to write a book about how one becomes a philosopher.

book is not just for law students or lawyers.

Rather, it is intended for anyone interested in understanding the laws that govern the president of the United States — and what those laws mean for making one’s voice heard.

1992

Elizabeth Bayley writes, “After 11 rewarding years working in primary care as a nurse practitioner at Fremont Family Practice, it was time for a new challenge. In September 2017, I accepted a position at the UW Regional Heart Center, working with the Adult Congenital Heart Disease service. The team here is ubersmart, engaging, keeping me on my toes.

Feels good to stretch clinically and learn a new area of medicine! Plus, I have the benefit of learning a whole new vernacular, which includes acronyms like: HLHS, TOF, d-TGA. Reminds me of Millie Katz (my 9th-grade bio teacher, RIP). Her test on the heart was the only one I passed with decent marks.”

1998

Lisa Marshall Manheim has coauthored a book, “The Limits of Presidential Power: A Citizen’s Guide to the Law,” published in January 2018. A law professor at the University of Washington, Lisa wrote this book in response to the high level of interest in presidential politics over the past year, yet this

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Sarah Peterson, Sophie Calderón ’00, and their daughter, Reese, welcomed Wynne Christine Calderón into the world on Oct. 25, 2017.

2000

See 1998 notes for news from Sophie Calderón.

2001

On Nov. 4, 2017, Ann Browning married Nate Hollingsworth on a beautiful autumn day in Highlands, N.C. Ann met Nate, who grew up in a small town in Ohio, at an event in Hartford, Conn., and they quickly began a long-distance relationship between Boston and New York City. Three years of planes and trains later, they got engaged in Austin, Texas, and finally landed in their new home in Ipswich, Mass.

“THIS IS THE COLOR DESCRIBED

BY THE TIME,” the play that Lily Whitsitt conceived and directed with her Door 10 theater company, premiered at The Flea Theater in New York in February. Audience members wear headphones to “drop you inside the imagined unconscious of

Jamari Torrence ’10 with former FBI director James Comey in D.C.

Send us your updates!

S

HARE YOUR UPDATES and photos with classmates and Lakeside/St. Nicholas friends.

Events big and small, personal or professional, are always of interest.

Send in your baby announcement and photo, and we’ll outfit your little one with a Lakeside bib. Photo guidelines: We ask that images be at least 300 dpi, approximately 6 inches wide, so they will display well. Email notes and photos to alumni@lakesideschool.org.

Deadline for the fall issue is July 15.

Find alums with shared interests

A

Maile Wong ’11, right, in “Peerless” at ArtsWest this spring. avant-garde writer Gertrude Stein, pursuing her everyday routine in France as World War II erupts all around her. In Gertrude’s constantly shifting mind, Alice B. Toklas, Thornton Wilder, and Vichy official Bernard Faÿ flutter in and out of the frame.”

2002

Jenn and Donald Van Dyke welcomed son Diedric on Oct. 17, 2017. Donald reports that former Lakeside teacher Ken Van Dyke is a doting grandpa.

2008

In May 2017, George Hageman married Susan Seav. George’s groomsmen included classmates Richard She, Mac Fisken, Zach Rait, and Grant Williamson.

2010

Lakeside Middle School science teacher Nancy Canino writes, “Carolyn Nuyen spoke to all of Matt Huston’s and my 8th-grade Earth Science sections on Nov. 30. She did a fabulous job teaching students about her current seismology research at the UW (she’s in her first year of a Ph.D. program in geophysics) and talking with them about her Lakeside Upper School experience, her gap year, her college search, and her decision to go to graduate school.”

After graduating from Howard University, Jamari Torrence has been working at the political consulting firm Hamburger Gibson

Creative in Washington, D.C. Recently, he had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with former FBI director James Comey via a Rainier Scholars connection. Jamari said about the meeting, “I really enjoyed his openness and frankness. We talked about everything from the law-enforcement community’s relationship with minority communities to politics 2018.”

2011

Maile Wong played “L” in Jiehae Park’s play “Peerless” at ArtsWest this spring.

The Seattle Times called it “an immensely ➢

RE YOU LOOKING for new, fun activities for your toddler? Wanting to find some new hikes around the Pacific Northwest this summer?

Hoping to share your creative endeavors or see what cool things Lakesiders are creating? Perhaps all three? Check out Facebook for the alumni affinity groups from the Lakeside/St. Nicholas Alumni Board.

• Creative Activities: A place for alumni to share their passions for creative activities.

Show us what you’re working on — from new photography work to poetry, from digital design to performing arts — and get feedback from your fellow alums (and maybe a few teachers!).

• Outdoor Activities: A group for alumni to share their love of the great outdoors. Let’s connect about upcoming trips, share tips and tricks, and build a community of Lakeside graduates who can’t wait for the next adventure!

• Parenting: A group for alumni to discuss life as parents. Whether that involves planning for a new family, caring for kids of any age, ideas for family activities, or discussions about schooling, this is a place to share your thoughts and request others’.

Basketball tourney makes a comeback

B

RUCE BAILEY ’59 tells us, “I’m excited to announce the return of the Lakeside Alumni Basketball Tournament. More info will be shared this fall, but all players are encouraged to mark their calendars for Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019!”

Jenn and Donald Van Dyke ’02 with son Diedric.

Former Lakeside teacher Ken Van Dyke with grandson Diedric.

Alumni news

29

Having a brew with Bernie

Pride shows at annual get-together

I

N NOVEMBER, alumni from the Classes of 2003-2013 gathered at Art Marble 21 in South Lake Union for the 2017 Beers with Bernie gathering. This annual event has become a favorite with young alumni, who often note that they had breakfast or brownies with Bernie as students and are pleased to have graduated to beers with the head of school. Participants were encouraged to download and use the Lakeside School Alumni App, and everyone left with their own Lakeside pint glass.

I

From left, Alumni Board member Sadie Mackay ’09, Head of School Bernie Noe, Nick Ellingson ’07, and Alumni Board member Brandon Vaughan ’06.

From left, Andrew Cox ’06, Arianne True ’09, SammiJo Lee ’09, Austen Brandford ’07, Emma Schuster ’11, Graeme Aegerter ’11, Dezmond Goff ’10, Jamila Humphrie ’07, Zach Lundin ’07, Alex Bernson ’06, and Alice Minor ’07.

From left, Alumni Board member Brooke Loughrin ’10, Andre Mattus ’13, Susan Burke ’13, Emily Lang ’13, and Manu Gandham ’11.

N DECEMBER, LGBTQ+ Lakeside alumni gathered for the third annual Lion Pride night organized by Jamila Humphrie ’07 and Austen Brandford ’07 at Poquitos restaurant on Capitol Hill. Don’t want to miss out on future gatherings? Be sure to join the Lakeside LGBTQ Alumni Group on Facebook. Thanks to Jamila and Austen for leading this event.

CLASS CONNECTIONS entertaining, darkly comic riff on ‘Macbeth.’”

Maile shared, “I’m directing the middle school education production of ‘Macbeth’ for Seattle Public Theater this spring – so ‘Peerless’ was good preparation!”

teaching, and choreographing throughout Europe and the Americas. His choreography will be featured this summer on upcoming television shows across the U.S. and Asia.

For more information, www.vikasarun.com.

2012

See 2012 notes for news of Eleanor Runde.

Adrian Rodrigues and Eleanor Runde ’13 are cofounders of AskNot, a nonprofit organization dedicated to renewing America’s civic spirit and tradition of national service. The AskNot Fellowship is a unique gap-year program composed of hands-on local service experiences and rigorous academic inquiry in civics, political philosophy, and the idea and history of America. Through real community engagement and honest theoretical exploration, AskNot hopes to foster a new generation of responsible citizens, capable of bridging our partisan divides and tackling our country’s most urgent problems. The inaugural AskNot Fellowship will launch in July 2018. Applications are open on www.asknotamerica.org.

2013

Vikas Arun has been making a name for himself in the dance industry. After graduating from Columbia summa cum laude this past May, he was offered a

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LAKESIDE

Spring/Summer 2018

Dancer and Columbia University student Vikas Arun chose maroon and gold tap shoes for his first pair from sponsor Capezio. fellowship to finish his master’s at Columbia.

Since graduating, he has picked up a sponsorship for dancewear giant Capezio, the first South Asian to do so.

As part of his sponsorship, he gets custom tap shoes annually, the first pair of which he chose to have designed in Lakeside colors. He has earned himself a teaching spot on the faculty of the famed Broadway Dance Center, appeared in movies such as “Breaking Brooklyn,” performed to sold-out crowds at Lincoln Center, and performed at private events for esteemed guests such as John Legend. He currently tours the world with three companies judging, performing,

2014

Gaby Joseph and Jani Adcock were chosen to be part of the first cohort of Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford.

This first class of 49 recipients includes citizens of 20 different countries who will pursue degrees in 28 graduate schools. The program “aims to prepare a new generation of leaders with the deep academic foundation and broad skill set needed to develop creative solutions for the world’s most complex challenges.” Jani is earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with a minor in computer science at MIT, and will pursue a Ph.D. in computational and mathematical engineering at Stanford School of Engineering. Gaby is earning a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology at Princeton before pursuing an M.D. at Stanford School of Medicine. ■

SEATTLE-AREA ALUMNI RECEPTION 2018

by KELLY POORT

Take me out to the ball park

Lifetime honorary Alumni Board member Bruce Bailey ’59 (far left) with members of the Class of 1990, from left, Dan Shih, trustee Sean O’Donnell, Alumni Board member Michelle Chang Chen, and Shael Anderson.

PHOTOS BY PAUL DUDLEY

I

N MARCH, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered at Safeco Field for the 2018 Seattle Area Alumni Reception. Alumni from seven decades gathered to celebrate and soak up the sights of the ballpark, busy with final preparations for the upcoming Mariners season. Head of School Bernie Noe shared student stories; Alumni Board president Claudia Hung ’89 reviewed the myriad alumni activities and events; and the Alumni Board raffled off Lakeside logowear to those already using the Lakeside School Alumni App. Visit www.lakesideschool.org/alumni for more photos from the event and information about how to get the free alumni app today.■

From left, Carter McKaughan ’16, Shannon Foran, and Upper School arts teacher Jacob Foran.

Classmates from 1978, Teresa Rosen (left) and Kate Winton.

Classmates from 1988, from left, Elizabeth Joneschild, Alumni Board member Gen Rubin, Lisa Black, and Lisa McMahon-Myhran.

A family affair: From left, Cole Stephens ’15, Natalie Grim Stephens ’81, and Alumni Board member Ben Stephens ’77.

Alumni news, receptions

31

➢ RECEPTIONS 2018

From left, Tierna Bravo Buchmayr ’82, Maggie Olsen Taber ’76, and Robert Buckmayr.

From left, Denise Yavuz ’06, Sha Li, and Michael Spillane ’06.

From left, Nic Lane ’10, Remi Schneider ’10, Molly Freed, and Jay Bensal ’12.

From left, Trea Schocken Diament ’95, Nathan Jackson, Katherine Winquist Jackson ’95, Emily Johnson Dozier ’95, and Curtis Dozier.

From left, Teryn Allen Bench ’04, Andy Bench ’04, Alexander Oki ’08, Matt Griffin ’69, and Evelyne Rozner.

From left, Kate McCaw ’10, Kyle Whalen, Alumni Board member Emma Brillhart ’10, Rachel Taylor ’10, Adam Wise, and Ellis Hazard ’10.

From left, Cristy Smith, Tom Gilman, Gigi Ryan Gilman ’80, and Terry Smith ’71.

From left, Ethan Gottlieb ’12, Aran Khanna ’12, and Zach Gottlieb ’11

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Spring/Summer 2018

From left, Shane Yellish, Alumni Board member Michelle Moore Morrison ’02, John Morrison, and Lauren Deal Yelish ’99.

From left, Cole Stephens ’15, Sam J. Schrader ’15, Devin Callahan ’15, Shawna Zhou ’15, Celina Georgeadis ’15, and Laura Le ’17.

From left, Barry Erickson ’82, Alumni Board member Brian Park ’88, and J.D. Denney ’88.

From left, Maithili Joshi, Andre Mattus ’13, Reilly Anderson ’13, Nadja L. Redmond-Harvey ’13, and Shani Paul.

From left, Head of School Bernie Noe, Whitney Moller Howe ’01, Ron Koo ’96, Jared Howe, and Margaret Trzyna Marks ’01.

From left, Alumni Board member Elizabeth Richardson Vigdor ’85, trustee Natasha Smith Jones ’89, and Julia Bacharach ’86.

From left, Ned Dunn ’70, Doug Johnson ’70, and Scott McIntyre ’71.

From left, Hana Rubin ’93, Alumni Board President Claudia Hung ’89, and Upper School Director Felicia Wilks.

Receptions

33

2018 T.J. VASSAR ’68 ALUMNI DIVERSITY CELEBRATION

by KELLY POORT

T

HE THIRD ANNUAL T.J. Vassar ’68 Alumni Diversity Celebration in January brought together alumni, friends, faculty, and staff at the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. Guests had a chance to tour two exhibits: “Day in the Life of Bruce Lee” and “What’s in Your Cup? Community-Brewed Culture” (“the beverages, from traditional to trendy, that give life to Asian Pacific American communities”). Then all gathered for conversation and a short program. Melissa W. ’19 and Elda K. ’20 offered a glimpse into Lakeside student life. Head of School Bernie Noe and Jamie Asaka ’96 shared school updates. Asaka, director of equity and inclusion/ director of student and family support, spoke about Lakeside’s new initiative on equity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. (See Page 6 for more on the initiative.)

Find more event photos at www.lakeside school.org/alumni. ■ Steve Yin ’91 with his daughter, Shelby.

From left, Brianna Reynaud ’96 and event speakers Melissa W. ’19 and Elda K. ’20.

From left, Upper School history teacher Bob Henry, Alumni Board member Maurice Drayton ’89, and Alumni Board member Bruce Bailey ’59.

From left, Denise Yavuz ’06, Alex Bernson ’06, Alumni Board member Nicholas Stevens ’06, and Aileen Aquino.

From left, Upper School Director Felicia Wilks, Harrison Forch ’13, and former faculty member Liz Gallagher.

From left, 1994 classmates Sarah Leung, T.J. Vassar III, Denise Moriguchi, and Athena Makratzakis Dickerson.

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Spring/Summer 2018

BAY AREA GATHERINGS

by KELLY POORT

From left, Brooke Spearmon; Aisha Burrell ’95; Alumni Board activities chair Brandon Vaughan ’06; L’Erin Asantewaa ’97; Zinda Foster, Upper School Service Learning coordinator/student center activities director; Jazmyn Scott ’97; and Shaun Spearmon ’97.

Family affair! Jamie Asaka ’96 and Gary Asaka ’68.

Classmates from 1992, from left, Michelle Perkins and Monika Batra Kashyap.

I

N FEBRUARY, alumni from around the Bay Area spent an evening at Sessions at the Presidio gastropub in San Francisco’s national park at the Golden Gate Bridge. Representing classes from 1967 to 2016, 55 of them gathered to enjoy old friends, network with fellow Lions, and get caught up on all things Lakeside.

Middle School Director Elaine Schneider Christensen ’82 reconnected with many former students and shared why she’s stayed working at Lakeside for more than 25 years (hint: opportunities to innovate, amazing leaders, a mission she believes in, it’s fun).

Upper School Director Felicia Wilks told how she first learned about Lakeside (meeting T.J. Vassar ’68 at a conference), and some things she’s observed in her first months on the job (like: the school doesn’t rest on its laurels, it’s always examining its practices; the kids are as smart as she expected but also “just lively, fun kids”).

Christensen later commented to colleagues: “In talking with the alums from the ’60s to the present day, I was struck by the fact that their strongest and most formative Lakeside memories are of the relationships they had with teachers and the growth facilitated by the experiential elements of Lakeside’s program — outdoor trips, Global Service Learning trips, arts.” ■ Photos from the New York Area Alumni Reception in April can be seen at www.lakesideschool.org/alumni and in the next issue of Lakeside magazine.

From left, Paul Alsdorf ’95, Upper School Director Felicia Wilks, Shannon Fitzgerald ’94, Margaret Campbell Miller ’93, Wendy Weiden ’94, and Joel Stonington ’98.

From left, Burgess Malarkey ’11, Tess Eisenhart ’06, Brett Eisenhart ’08, Sarah Drucker ’12, and Kyle McAndrews ’11.

From left, Chinmay Nirkhe ’13, Francis Wilson ’13, Helena Eitel ’13, Hal Wright ’10, and Mary Zamojski ’12.

Advisory reunion!

Middle School Director Elaine Schneider Christensen ’82 with her former advisee Hal Wright ’10.

Classmates from 2016, from left, Jared Youmans and Carter McKaughan.

Receptions

35

IN MEMORIAM

ST. NICHOLAS ALUMNAE MARY LOU MINOR KRAVIK ’39 • Oct. 27, 2017

If you have a remembrance to share about a St. Nicholas alumna or Lakeside alumna/ alumnus for the next magazine, please email the alumni relations office at alumni@ lakesideschool.org or call 206-3683606. The following are reprints of paid notices or remembrances submitted by family members. All remembrances are subject to editing for length and clarity.

The deadline to submit one for the fall issue is July 15.

Mary Lou Kravik, age 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by much love. Mary Lou was born in 1921 to Gladys Waterhouse and Stanley Minor, in Seattle. She was raised in the Denny-Blaine neighborhood, spending summers on Bainbridge Island. Mary Lou came from a renowned family. Her grandfather, Frank Waterhouse, was an English stenographer who settled in Seattle, and in 1898 started Frank Waterhouse and Co., becoming one of Seattle’s most prosperous shipping magnates. Her father, Stanley Minor, graduated from Yale and served in the Navy during World War I. Mary Lou went to St. Nicholas and the Bush School, then the University of Washington and Pine Manor, a private college in Boston. She was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and had just received an award in honor of her 75 years of membership. Mary Lou played tennis and golf, enjoyed swimming, skiing, riding horses, dinner parties with friends and family, boating with her husband, Gerald, and playing bridge, well into her 80s. An avid reader, she enjoyed the classics, biographies, the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay, and a good mystery. She loved sports and going to games (the Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies were among her favorite teams), classical music, and the theater. She loved to sing and dance.

Mary Lou was affiliated with and active in many social and civic affairs, including The Woman’s Book Club, Campfire, Everett Athletic Club, and Everett Country Club. Mary Lou loved to travel, both in the U.S. and abroad, and did so extensively with her husband, family, and good friends. Among her most treasured memories were trips to Hawaii with her granddaughters.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Stanley Minor; her husband, Donald MacMillan; her second husband, Gerald Kravik; dear cousin Nan Ketcham; and brother Stan Minor Jr. She leaves behind her son, Don MacMillan (Pauline); daughter Linda Goodrick (Michael); granddaughters Bridget Rodden (Michael) and Megan Slade (Michael); great-grandchildren Maddie and Isabel Rodden, Freddie and Harry Slade; and other extended family.

KATHLEEN CALVERT MARYATT ’44 • Oct. 6, 2017

Kathleen “Kay” Calvert Maryatt, surrounded by loving family, joined her parents, Lawrence Cragin Calvert and Elizabeth Calvert Lewis, and her sisters, Virginia Calvert McAusland and Elizabeth

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Calvert Graham, in heaven. She is survived by Charles Robert Maryatt, her beloved husband of 18 years; sister Laurie Calvert Parrott (John); her three children, Gary Grosenick (Michele), Susan Grosenick Newman (Carl), and CP Grosenick III (Martha); seven grandchildren; one greatgrandchild; and extended family by marriage to William Brinkley and Charles Maryatt.

Born in Seattle on March 4, 1926, Kay was a true Northwest native. At the University of Washington, she was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She learned from her parents to love the great outdoors. This began during her childhood with her family and friends on Lake Washington.

Kay’s parents taught their four daughters to fish in Alaska and bird hunt in Eastern Washington. As a teenager, Kay learned to ski at Mount Baker and Sun Valley. As an adult, she enjoyed skiing with family and friends at Steven’s Pass, Sun Valley, and in Europe. Kay became an avid tennis player, and learned to golf in her later years. Kay enjoyed many years boating with family in the waters of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. She was an active member at the Sunset Club, Seattle Tennis Club, and Seattle Yacht Club.

In her golden years, she loved time spent on her favorite island, Maui, and with Chuck at the Maryatt family home on Whidbey Island. Kay’s infectious smile and zest for life were shared with many over her 91 years. She loved nothing more than making those she cared for feel appreciated and loved.

Kay had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive attitude regardless of what challenges came her way. She gave time and resources to many charities, including Ryther Child Center League, The Junior League, and The Lighthouse for the Blind.

Her faith in God guided her actions. She was an active Episcopalian attending St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina, Trinity By The Sea Episcopal Church on Maui, and Epiphany Episcopal Church in Seattle, near her childhood home in the Mount Baker neighborhood. Her grace and beauty will be sorely missed but will endure through the treasured memories and traditions she leaves as her legacy.

PRISCILLA EKBLAD SHEROTSKY ’61 • Sept. 20, 2017

Priscilla Colleen Sherotsky, artist, author, and illustrator, peacefully went home to be with Jesus after a prolonged illness. She was born May 6, 1943, in Greeley, Colorado. She is survived by her loving companion, George; their son, Steven, and his wife Sarah, and two dear grandchildren, Leif and Mira.

LAKESIDE ALUMNI MACDONALD G. BECKET ’46 • Dec. 7, 2017

MacDonald Becket, FAIA, was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Welton Becket and Associates and the parent company, The Becket Group. The firm merged in 1987 with Ellerbe Inc., forming Ellerbe Becket, once the largest architectural firm in the U.S., with offices all over the world. In 2009, AECOM Technology, a Los Angeles-based architecture, engineering, and planning firm, purchased Ellerbe Becket.

When Mr. Becket (Don) became president of Welton Becket in 1969, the firm increased the scope of its work to include almost every major building type. Don was instrumental in the design and development of the Washington, D.C. Convention Center; Terminal One at L.A. International Airport; the Federal Courts Building in Los Angeles; the Reunion Hyatt Regency in Dallas; several Disney World hotels; Grand Ole Opry in Nashville; and the redevelopment of Boston Common. In California, he was coordinating architect for the master planning and architectural implementation of the 260acre Century City project and in renovating the state capitol building. He expanded Becket’s development, investment, and international roles, resulting in unprecedented joint ventures in the People’s Republic of China with the Great Wall Hotel in Beijing and the World Trade Center in Moscow, Russia. He was the first American architect to do a major building in China. Under his direction, five large projects for the Samsung Corporation in Seoul were also accomplished.

Don designed and completed personal homes for former U.S. presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Gerald Ford. In 2014, he published “Leadership in Architecture: My Passion in Life,” which focused on stories surrounding his career. A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Don was a member and then chairman of the Institute’s Documents Review Board and was on numerous architectural awards juries. He was appointed to the board of the National Institute of Building Sciences by President Ronald Reagan and served as its chairman. He was on the board of the Unocal Corporation from 1988 to 1997.

Don graduated from the University of Southern California in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and later received a certificate in business economics from the university.

Born in Seattle, he was president of Lakeside’s Class of 1946.

He passed away in Phoenix at age 89. He is survived by his wife, Diane, of 35 years; his sister, Jacquelin Hart; four sons; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

JOSEPH L. HOLMES ’47 • Aug. 4, 2017

Joseph “Joe” Holmes passed away at age 88. The only child of Jane Lambuth Holmes and J. Lister Holmes (a prominent Northwest architect), Joe grew up in Madison Park, attended Garfield High, and graduated from Lakeside. After three years at Colorado College playing football, he transferred to the University of Washington. He joined Sigma Chi Fraternity, double majored in journalism and sociology, and served

as sports editor of the UW Daily. Hoping to see the world, Joe joined the U.S. Navy. Ironically, after completing Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., the remainder of his four years in the service were spent on the Great Lakes. He taught navigation and piloting on warships, leaving the Navy as Lieutenant Holmes, public information officer for that area.

Joe’s first “real job” was as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal in San Francisco, then at United Press, reporting and distributing news between Hawaii and the mainland. Next, he and a friend opened an advertising agency. On a streetcar in San Francisco, Joe met his first wife, Karen Mullaly. After several years in the Bay Area, the family moved to Seattle, then to Medina, where they lived for 30 years. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Boeing recruited Joe to develop and lead a new department as director of communications for Boeing Computer Services, a position he held for 22 years. At age 60, he retired from Boeing with the goal that retirement would be his longest “career” — and it was!

Karen died from breast cancer in 1994. A year later, Joe met Diane Sweezey on a blind date. They married in 1997.

Joe is survived by Diane; son John (Val); daughter Helen (Jeff) Mosley; Diane’s daughter Anne Bruzelius; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Joe and Karen’s first-born son, Joey, died as an infant.

An avid sportsman and fan, Joe played football and tennis and was a West Coast squash champion. He was a member of Seattle Tennis Club, Washington Fly Fishing Club, University Club, and Seattle Yacht Club. He always owned boats, and for 15 years was captain of Cabo Wabo, his and Diane’s 52-footer, moored at their home near La Conner. Summers were spent boating in the San Juan Islands and British Columbia.

Joe also loved to write, and played a mean banjo as well as piano. Talented, gentle, wise, smart, caring, funny, and kind, he was quality; a special, genuine, truly nice man. The family extends special thanks to Polyclinic oncologist Dan Burns, Mirabella’s health-care staff, and Providence Hospice for Joe’s superb care.

JERRY WHITE ’48 • Oct. 1, 2017

Jerry White passed away peacefully at Rockwood South Hill in Spokane at age 87. Jerry was born in Seattle in 1930. He attended Harvard University for two years, spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, and graduated from the University of Washington in 1954 with a B.A. in business.

That same year he married Virginia “Ginny” Rodrick. He obtained his MBA from the University of Washington while employed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. In 1966 he moved to Spokane to accept the position of managing director of the Inland Empire Freight Traffic Association, an organization which was melded in 1976 into J. White & Associates, Inc. Jerry was active in the Spokane business community for 30 years. He was a certified member of the American Society of Traffic and ➢ In Memoriam

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➢ IN MEMORIAM: alumni Transportation, a Registered Interstate Commerce Commission Practitioner, and practiced administrative law before state and federal transportation regulatory agencies. He was an active member and served on the boards of the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce; Spokane Economic Development Council; Momentum; Becoming, Inc.; Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity; and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he was the longtime treasurer. He retired from business in 1996 after 30 years as a freight transportation consultant.

Late in his career, sadly, his wife Ginny passed away. Jerry and JoAn Lambert were married in February 1991. They spent many winters at their home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, playing golf and enjoying friends. They were active members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Family was important to Jerry, and gatherings with his daughters and grandchildren were a source of pride and joy. With his marriage to JoAn came a stepfamily, which he welcomed with open arms. Jerry was kind and generous, and a man of integrity. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Ginny White, in 1990; their eldest daughter, Lois White, in 1999; and a grandson, Nicholas Jerry Duncanson, in 1987. He is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Steve) Duncanson and Julie (Fred) LeFriec, his second wife, JoAn, five grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, three step-children, four step-grandchildren, and 11 step-great-grandchildren.

JOHN S. HOLCENBERG ’52 • Oct. 15, 2017

John Holcenberg passed away with his loving wife and children at his side. Born in San Mateo, Calif., Oct. 9, 1935, John moved to Seattle as a young boy. He spent his summers around Lake Washington and swam competitively for many years. John attended Harvard University. While in college, his interests wavered between music and science. He sang with the Harvard Glee Club and the Dunster Dunces, a small vocal group. He settled on science and earned a medical degree from the UW. A pediatric oncologist, John did research his entire career aimed at the treatment of cancer. During the span of his career, the survival rate of children with some cancers increased dramatically. He served on the faculties of the UW, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of Southern California.

Until last year he was a consultant for both the Western Institutional Review Board and The National Institutes of Health.

It was appropriate that he worked with children because he was so young at heart. He had a deep knowledge of a wide array of topics, was always open to new ideas, and was up-to-date on all the new technology.

John had a wicked sense of humor and always loved sharing a good joke. He had a lot of fun growing vegetables every year and had a bumper crop of tomatoes and cucumbers in his final summer. John is survived by his love and partner of 60 years, Esther; daughter Rachel and her husband, Patrick Morley; and son David and his husband, Michael Heitzman. He was papoo to his granddaughters Julia and Anna. John enjoyed being a part of Esther’s big family and was uncle to lots of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara. John had

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chronic lymphocytic leukemia for 20 years and was under the excellent and compassionate care of Dr. Hank Kaplan.

THEODORE R. JACOBS ’58 • Aug. 17, 2017

Theodore Ray Jacobs, known to all as T. Ray, died at his Missoula home, with his wife, daughters, and grandsons alongside him. Born Sept. 15, 1940, he was, through his parents, Ted and Rusty Jacobs, and his Graves family from Bannack and Dillon, a fourth-generation Montanan. He loved the state and his hometown. Always a true patriot and staunch conservative, he was proud of his service in the United States Air Force. T. Ray first attended Missoula County High School and then as a sophomore transferred to Lakeside School. He remained a dedicated alumnus of Lakeside throughout his life.

After graduation he returned to Missoula to attend what was then Montana State University. He became a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and all things Grizzly were important to him for the rest of his life. He was a member of Air Force ROTC at the university, and upon graduation was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

After assignments in Arizona and Puerto Rico, T. Ray returned to Missoula and went to work at First National Bank, which had been owned by his family since the turn of the century. In later years, he was an active Missoula realtor and right-of-way agent.

In 1973, T. Ray married Marjorie Loyall Porter and became an instant and forever father to two daughters, Brenda and Ann. One special interest of the couple was being host parents for international students at UM. The result was that young people around the world now have a “Montana Dad” who was important in their lives. He was a member of Sentinel Kiwanis for more than 40 years; played in many Missoula soccer leagues; coached girls soccer; sang with gusto in local choral groups; served on the Historical Preservation Board and many other boards and committees.

T. Ray was a lover of people and dogs (as his grandson puts it, “no dog was ever left unpetted”). During the past months of a powerful battle against Myelodysplastic syndrome, he counted the dedicated nurses at the St. Patrick Infusion Center and Dr. Linda Ries among his real friends. He is survived by Marjorie; daughters Brenda Jacobs and Ann Jacobs Jones; grandsons Theodore Jacobs Edmison and Jesse Jacobs Jones; sister Carla; and mother-in-law Margaret Heath Rice.

BRIAN W. MCMAHON ’61 • Dec. 12, 2017

Brian McMahon, eldest son of Dr. William and Mrs. Barbara (Brygger) McMahon, passed away of cancer in Port Townsend.

His wife, Lilly Zhang, and stepdaughter Maggie were by his side. He is survived by them and brothers Bill (Gene), Pat, and Tim (Cynthia) and sister Mary (David) Schneidler; stepsisters Anne (Scott Abbot) and Judy Ricker and stepbrother Scott Ricker; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Brian grew up on the family ranch in Woodinville. He attended Lakeside and in 1961 graduated with Ingraham High School’s first graduating class. At Washington State University, Brian joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity and followed his lifelong love of music and played keyboards for the popular band Crossfire.

He attended the University of Oregon Law School and, after passing the bar in 1969, he and his friend, Lee Kovel, became the first two attorneys in the newly established public defender office in Seattle. Shortly thereafter, Brian joined with Bruce Erickson and Dave Sherett to create an innovative caseloadsharing program that allowed each of them to work two-thirds time, giving them all ample opportunity to travel. After two years, Brian, Steve Ukser, and Doug Cook opened a private practice in Pioneer Square.

In his time off, Brian played keyboards with the band Pyramid and their singer, Diane Trani, at the Central Tavern, Bombay Bicycle Club, and many other local venues. In 1979, Brian again joined Bruce Erickson, the newly appointed public defender for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Saipan.

Returning to the Pacific Northwest in 1982, Brian continued as the public defender on Saipan until 1985, when he went into private practice. During much of that time, Brian maintained a separate home on Agate Passage with his first wife, Cindy (Brennan). After they divorced, Brian bought a condo in Port Townsend, where he lived for part of the year. In 2010, Brian married Lilly Zhang and returned to Port Townsend full-time. He remained close to his friends from each era of his life. He was a kind and generous guy, beloved by his large, extended family and many friends. He lived a full and rewarding life.

WILLARD E. SKEEL JR. ’61 • Dec. 12, 2017 ADRIENNE JOHNSON HALL ’88 • Feb. 25, 2017

Adrienne Johnson Hall of Dorchester, Mass., and Londonderry, Vt., passed away suddenly in February 2017. She was the beloved wife of Christopher, devoted mother of Courtney Hall, cherished daughter of Alexander “Bryan” and Daphne Johnson, and sister of Victoria Pereverzoff. Adrienne was born in Seattle, then lived much of her life in Deerfield, Mass. After moving back to Seattle, she spent her junior and senior years at Lakeside and, after graduation, attended St. Lawrence University. She recently lived in Boston and worked as a paralegal at State Street Bank. She loved the outdoors and was an accomplished skier, coaching the sport in Vermont.

MELISSA PRAGER ROURKE ’96 • Jan. 23, 2018

Melissa Rourke of Lakewood unexpectedly passed away in her home from unknown causes. She is survived by her sister, Allyson Rourke; nephew Ryan Schatschneider; and parents Rosalyn and Philip Rourke. Melissa was born in Phoenix July 9, 1978. She grew up in Clyde Hill. She majored in philosophy and graduated with honors from Yale University in 2000. Melissa earned her juris doctor law degree from Georgetown Law School in 2004. She practiced environmental law with the State of Washington Attorney General’s Office in Olympia until 2013. From then until her passing, Melissa worked as a life, nutrition, and fitness coach. In the last year of her life, she also served as spiritual advisor to individuals who sought her counsel. In the summer, Melissa’s family will host a memorial for friends and family celebrating her life.

CHLOE A. ZAGER ’09 • Nov. 6, 2017

Chloe Ann Zager, 25, passed away in Seattle. She was born in

Seattle on Jan. 4, 1992 to Jay and Cathy Zager. Chloe is survived by her parents, sister Andrea (Yuri), nieces Avie and Amelia, and many other beloved friends and family members. She was a bright light and will truly be missed by those she leaves behind.

FORMER FACULTY FRANK HARTUNG • Nov. 22, 2017

Frank H. Hartung was born July 7, 1933, and passed just before Thanksgiving 2017. He grew up in Olympia and graduated from Olympia High. At the University of Washington, he joined Alpha Delta and graduated in 1955, entering the Army as a second lieutenant. Frank married Ross Gault, and they were stationed in Germany for three years. Subsequently, he attended Central Washington University, receiving a B.A. in education. He began teaching science and math and coaching track and football at South Mercer Junior High. He continued his education during summers and earned a master’s degree from Seattle University.

In 1965, Frank traveled with family to Kabul to teach high school math and science at Afghanistan International School of Kabul for two years. He then worked for two years with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), teaching Afghan teachers at the Afghan Institute of Technology. In 1969, he moved to Illinois to teach at Southern Illinois University for three years. Returning to Seattle, Frank worked at Lakeside as a biology and math teacher and coached the girls and boys tennis teams until his retirement in 1994. Frank was a man of many interests and talents who lived for the unexpected. He had a lifelong passion for teaching, and inspired many students. He is remembered fondly for his eccentricity and sense of humor.

Frank is survived by daughters Marnie Gustavson (Norm), Ruth Hartung, and Fran Nunes; grandsons Colin Hume (Mercy) and Reese Hume, Will and Joe Nunes; great-granddaughter Caroline Hume; siblings Ritajean Butterworth (Fred), and Dan Hartung; and nephews Fred, Dan, Tom, Michael, and Jeff Butterworth (predeceased).

DEBORAH NICELY • Nov. 22, 2017

Deborah “Debby” Nicely was born in Paris on Dec. 17, 1934.

She was the daughter of Katharine Terry Nicely and James Mount Nicely and grew up in New York City and Mount Kisco.

Debby is survived by her daughters, Sarah Levy (children: Zachary Levy and Gabriel Levy) and Marian Davidson (children: Katie Davidson and William Davidson).

Debby brought passion to all her pursuits. She taught history at Lakeside (and previously St. Nicholas) for more than 30 years. In retirement, she traveled extensively, looking for wilderness experiences. She became very active in the 1st Legislative District Democrats and in local environmental causes. The bulk of Debby’s time and energies were devoted to her beloved thoroughbreds, whom she cared for until the end.

She had many friends in the horse community, including those involved with dressage, eventing, and hunter/jumper showing.

Debby remained an avid reader throughout her life, and always had the latest political commentary on her bedstand. ■ In Memoriam

39

FROM THE ARCHIVES

by LESLIE SCHUYLER

JANE CARLSON WILLIAMS ’60 ARCHIVES

In the Bananas and Plumber’s Helpers Conflict, students representing competing alternative campus newspapers battled for dominance in the 1971-72 school year.

BANANAS VS. PLUNGERS

Moore Hall and McKay Chapel. There were also posed photos of students

Underground student newspapers took their war of words outside

with their “battle gear.” What was this? A

S

I suggested using one of those photos

ince Lakeside’s earliest years,

honesty, decency, and good taste.”).

students have published

Sometimes, as happened in the late

newspapers covering the

since-forgotten tradition? So, when the alumni office began posting Throwback Thursday images on its Facebook page, from the 1972 yearbook, along with a plea for more information. To my great delight,

’60s to early ’70s, two separate alternative

Patty Niemi Mitropoulos ’75 posted a

goings-on of the day. And, along with

newspapers formed. And at least once in

cryptic comment: “The Bananas and

the official version, there have usually

Lakeside’s history, this resulted in a duel.

Plumber’s Helpers Conflict, of course!”

been alternatives that challenge the

First, a little backstory:

I took the bait and emailed her. Patty

mainstream paper for one reason or

After nearly 10 years as archivist of

pointed me to her brother, Ries Niemi

another. In the 1940s, there was The

Lakeside school, looking through many

’72, who she said could tell me more.

Underground (“a true unprejudiced view

photos stored over the years, I kept

“I was just the little sister,” she wrote.

of Lakeside life”); in the 1950s, Lightning

coming back to a series of images in the

When Ries responded, his explanation

(favoring literary, foreign policy, larger

1972 Numidian. I was intrigued because

contained such humorous detail that we

political issues); in the 1960s, the Thinker

the images were so wacky, and I couldn’t

decided we should share it along with

(“The Tatler seems always to avoid

figure out what was happening in them.

one of the action shots of the “battle.”

criticism and controversy. The Thinker,

In some, students wielding bananas and

Ries wrote:

however, does not intend to pull any

plungers seemed to be having a kind

“This was a duel, a feud, a public

punches … Our only limits are those of

of staged battle on the grass between

showdown. At that time, Tatler was the

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

 A December 1964

issue of another alternative paper, The Thinker, which complained that Tatler “seems always to avoid criticism and controversy.”

 The second issue of

 

The Underground, in November 1943, which promised to deliver “a true unprejudiced view of Lakeside life.”

 A 1968 Barb shows

an editorial relating to school policy on drug use.

   Lightning, a 1949-50 alt newspaper,

focused on literary topics and, later, on U.S. foreign policy and political issues.

 A 1969 issue of The Saturday Evening

Wapoo, a countercultural supplement that Tatler produced, reflects the spirit of the times. official school paper of Lakeside, and its editors and staff had to be vetted by faculty, meaning it was relatively tame in its coverage. This was the era of New Journalism; several of us at the school

two papers, the opposition challenged

were regular readers of things like The

us to a duel — we would name the time,

of The Barb, thanks to alumni Taylor

Village Voice, Ramparts, Rolling Stone,

place, and weapons. We chose noon in the

Bowie ’70 and David Paterson ’70, but

The Realist, and the Helix. We were

Senior Circle (a long-forgotten privilege of

no copies of its rival, Godzilla, or the

dissatisfied with Tatler, but we were also

Seniors, straight out of ‘A Separate Peace,’

offspring of the two: Barbzilla. This is

smart-ass high-school cynics with a taste

it was a grove of trees that only Seniors

not surprising as the papers weren’t

for Mad Magazine. TWO competing,

could enter, and where administrators

the products of an official Lakeside

unauthorized high-school newspapers

overlooked smoking, even though it was

endeavor. But their historical value —

sprung up. One, The Barb, which Knute

both illegal and banned on campus).

as windows into a bygone era — is

Fortunately, the archives has copies

Berger, Frank Minard, Erik Thomas and I

“For weapons, we chose bananas

(all Class of 1972) and a few others were

and plumber’s helpers. I think we had all

would consider donating to the archives,

writing for, we considered to be snarky

been recently reading Tom Wolfe’s ‘The

please contact me. We’d be thrilled to

intellectualism. (Forgive us, we were

Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.’ We, being the

know how long the paper lasted and the

kids.) The other, Godzilla, was written by

educated and sophisticated crew, wore

story of its demise. ■

people we considered to be unlettered

sport coats. A wild melee ensued, with no

jocks, writing gossip. (No one is more

obvious winners or losers, but honor, on

judgmental than a 14-year-old.)

both sides, was satisfied.

“There emerged a rivalry between the two, and, after various posturing in the

“In the end, the two papers merged into the Barbzilla.”

undeniable. If you have copies you

Leslie A. Schuyler is the archivist for the Jane Carlson Williams ’60 Archives at Lakeside School: 206-440-2895 or archives@lakesideschool.org. Please contact her if you have questions or materials to donate, or visit the archives webpage: www.lakesideschool.org/ about-us/history-archives.

Archives

41

2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD WINNER

Dr. Emily Johnston ’81

D

R. EMILY JOHNSTON ’81, emergency physician, mountaineer, and adventurer extraordinaire,

was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2018 at the Upper School assembly on Jan. 31. She introduced herself to students by walking onto the stage in her snowsuit, then peeling off layers of clothes to evoke her diverse personas. “We all wear a lot of different costumes,” she said, noting that the snowsuit represents the image most people expect of her as a mountain climber and guide. “But that’s not actually who I am,” she said, adding “there is this other costume I wear sometimes” as she peeled off the suit to reveal a lab coat and stethoscope. She opened the coat to uncover a flannel-and-cord outfit that she’d worn as a Lakeside student: “This is me.”

She shared with students her life story, its many adventures, and the sacrifices she’s made to be able to do what she loves. In conclusion, she told students, “Listen to the voice inside of your head, trust your own judgment, and do what it is that you love to do.”

She began her day by sharing her story at the Middle School community meeting, then talked to the 5th-grade students about mountaineering gear for their upcoming science project. At the Upper School she spent time discussing hypoxia PAUL DUDLEY with chemistry students and talked with members At a student assembly, Johnston peels off layers of clothes to of the Quest class about the importance and magic represent her diverse personas. of the outdoors. That evening, she delivered remarks for the 2018 Dan Ayrault Memorial Lecture.

What follows is the citation, read aloud at the Upper School assembly, that touches on the many contributions she’s made in her multiple roles. Visit www.lakesideschool.org/alumni to see the video of Johnston’s talk to students.

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Dr. Emily Johnston ’81, atop Mount Vinson in Antarctica.

Dr. Emily Johnston ’81: Distinguished Alumni Award 2018 IN LIFE, THEY SAY, it’s the lucky few who get to combine passion and profession. Dr. Emily Johnston ’81 is one of those few.

She was 13 when she talked her way onto an excursion to Glacier Peak, crampons, ice axe and all — then slipped into a crevasse and had to be rescued by her panicked team. From Denali to Mount Vinson, Johnston has guided wide-eyed adventure-seekers onto some of Earth’s highest peaks and down some of its gnarliest rivers.

She has made the trek up Mount Rainier 125 times, and in 2015 calmly led a tense group of Mount Everest climbers to safety after the deadly earthquake in Nepal.

Yet, the girl who never liked running but joined the Lakeside cross-country team anyway, earning the nickname “Namun, Woman Warrior,” is always reaching for new horizons. Her passions are fed as much by a personal drive as by the desire to help new and sometimes intimidated climbers discover the beauty of the outdoors.

In fact, it was Johnston’s concern for the well-being of those who explore and frolic in nature that turned a longsimmering interest in medicine into a career. A skier with a heart condition had died after Johnston rescued her.

The soul-crushing loss brought a sober realization: In the rugged West where so many people engage in all manner of risky activity, there was a serious shortage of physicians.

So, having studied biology and

COURTESY DR. EMILY JOHNSTON ’81

Eastern religion at Middlebury College, Johnston, at 39, enrolled in medical school at the University of Washington.

She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Oregon Health & Science University.

Today, she helps mend the broken as an emergency medicine doctor in Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and South Dakota, and provides medical direction for guide services and outdoor programs across the globe. Johnston is also a clinical instructor for UW School of Medicine and teaches military mountain medicine to medics and doctors in the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Johnston said her medical training makes her more prepared to lead people into remote places, whether high in the mountains or on rushing water, and make life-altering assessments for treating and evacuating them when something goes wrong.

“We live on a complex and dynamic planet, and in one short life I know I’ll never get to see as much of it as I’d like,” she said.

For someone whose adventures are so influenced by weather, Johnston loves that we still can’t control it. Every excursion, she said, feels like the first time. “It’s never the same river or mountain from day to day. And there’s always a different lesson for me to learn.”

For her fearless and enduring spirit of adventure and deep passion for ensuring the well-being of others as they, too, discover the outdoors, the Lakeside/St. Nicholas Alumni Association is proud to honor Dr. Emily Johnston ’81 with the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award. ■

2018 CALENDAR of EVENTS JUNE

12 14 15 16

Last day to contribute to the 2017-2018 Annual Fund

30

Eighth-grade graduation

Upper School commencement and 50th reunion luncheon

Reunion 2018 dinner hosted by Lakeside for classes ending in 3 and 8 Alumni row, alumni soccer game, alumni basketball game, alumni lacrosse game

16-17

SEPTEMBER Annual Fund kickoff breakfast and note-writing event (date tentative)

22

Questions? Please contact the alumni relations off ice of the Lakeside/St. Nicholas Alumni Association at alumni@ lakesideschool.org or 206-368-3606.

Reunion 2018 individual class events

2017-2018

LAKESIDE/ ST. NICHOLAS ALUMNI BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Claudia Hung ’89

President Crystal Ondo ’99

Immediate Past President

ARE YOU USING THE LAKESIDE SCHOOL ALUMNI APP? Network and connect with fellow alumni around the world easily and securely. Features include a secure alumni directory, enhanced networking with LinkedIn, “Alumni Nearby” geolocation map, directory search

by Lakeside sports/activities, and more, all from your smartphone or tablet. Download in the iTunes App store or Google Play. Questions? Check out the FAQ at www.lakesideschool.org/alumni.

Elizabeth Richardson Vigdor ’85

Mission and Governance Chair Brandon Vaughan ’06,

Activities Chair Sadie Mackay ’09

Connections Chair MEMBERS Maki Arakawa ’93 Bruce Bailey ’59

(Lifetime Honorary Member) Alison Alkire Behnke ’00 Emma Brillhart ’10 Sophie Calderón ’00 Michelle Chang Chen ’90

Lakeside Class of 1978

Lisa Narodick Colton ’93 Maurice Drayton ’89 Ginger Ferguson ’82 Laurie Frink ’81 Trevor Klein ’03 Brooke Loughrin ’10 Dahlia Liao Mak ’92 Tyler Moriguchi ’91

COURTESY OF THE JANE CARLSON WILLIAMS ’60 ARCHIVES.

Michelle Moore Morrison ’02

REUNION 2018 WEEKEND June 14-17

Elliott Okantey ’05

Celebrating St. Nicholas and Lakeside alumni from classes ending in 3 and 8.

Gen Rubin ’88

Festivities kick off June 14 when the St. Nicholas and Lakeside Classes of 1968 will be honored at a 50threunion luncheon, then lead the Class of 2018 into its commencement ceremony. The next night, Friday, June 15, Lakeside School will host a reception at 6 p.m. in the Wright Community Center; a casual dinner will follow in The Paul G. Allen Athletics Center at Lakeside’s Upper School. All reunion alumni and a guest, plus current and former faculty and staff, are invited. Activities on the morning of Saturday, June 16, will include alumni soccer, basketball, and lacrosse games. Reunion volunteers are planning individual class events throughout the weekend.

Contact the alumni relations office at alumni@lakesideschool.org or 206-368-3606 for more information.

Liza Shoenfeld ’05

Brian Park ’88

Ben Stephens ’77 Nicholas Stevens ’06

Distinguished Alumni, Calendar

43

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