Laurel School's Highlights Magazine: 2011-12 Year in Review

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LAUREL SCHOOL

2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

LAUREL SCHOOL’S EIGHTH ANNUAL

ARTISAN

BAZAAR

A Literary and Historical Pilgrimage to

Ireland

A juried show featuring beautifully handcrafted works of art by Northeast Ohio’s finest artisans

SATURDAY December 1, 2012 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SUNDAY December 2, 2012

with Jeanne Stephens — June 2013 OPEN TO ALUMNAE, PARENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND FRIENDS OF LAUREL SCHOOL

“Come away, o human child, to the waters and the wild.” from “The Stolen Child” — W. B. Yeats Would you like to see the places that inspired Yeats throughout his life? Join Jeanne Stephens, longtime Laurel English teacher and Irish Literary Renaissance expert, for a ten-day trip to Ireland, June 16-25, 2013.

Since this trip is a literary and historical pilgrimage, there is an educational component, with suggested reading! The group of travellers will meet several times during the school year to learn about Irish history and to discuss works by William Butler Yeats, J.M. Synge, Sean O’Casey and James Joyce. Perhaps long-distance alums can join by technological wizardry!

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11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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ADMISSION

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$5.00 (Children Free)

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LAUREL SCHOOL One Lyman Circle Shaker Heights, OH 44122 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL TRACY SOLAN AT 216.464.1441 EXT. 3152 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE AT LAURELSCHOOL.ORG.

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Spend five days on the beautiful west coast of Ireland. From our base in Galway, visit the spectacular cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscape of the Burren.

Take an excursion to one of the Aran Islands, Inishmore, the site of an ancient Celtic ring fort.

Drive through beautiful Connemara, stopping at Kylemore Abbey.

In Sligo, where Yeats spent summers as a child, take a boat cruise of the Lake Isle of Innisfree and see many other venues the poet refers to in his beautiful early work.

En route to Dublin, visit the Famine Museum and Newgrange, a prehistoric monument older than Stonehenge.

During two busy days in Dublin, tour sites including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Jail and St. Stephen’s Green.

See a play at the famous Abbey Theater!

If you’re intrigued and would like more details, contact Jeanne at jStephens@LaurelSchool.org.

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MESSAGE FROM ANN V. KLOTZ .

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As our Head of School wisely notes, milestones are meant to be celebrated.

KEN MOORE Q & A

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What do Laurel School and Hiram College share?

Read this interview on Board leadership and find out.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS .

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Introducing nine women who are committed to Laurel’s mission.

ALOHA HAWAII .

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LIFE AT LAUREL

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Laurel girls work hard, study hard and play hard as they Dream. Dare. Do. A month-by-month look at the highlights of the year, including Alumnae Weekend.

ALUMNAE BRIEFS

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Meet a dedicated volunteer committed to revitalizing her city and preserving history.

IN MEMORIAM

Travel along as Kindergarten teacher Julie Haylor visits Hawaii thanks to the endowed faculty travel fellowship.

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[ ON THE COVER ] Ann V. Klotz and Barbara Peterson

Ruhlman ’50 cut the ceremonial ribbon at the official dedication of the Dining Room.

Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

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Highlights A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LAUREL SCHOOL

HEAD OF SCHOOL Ann V. Klotz DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Deborah Farquhar Jones EDITOR Julie Donahue ’79, Director of Alumnae and Communications ASSISTANT EDITOR Caroline Kruse, Director of Community Relations IN MEMORIAM EDITOR Maegan Ruhlman ’03 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Kimberly Torda PHOTOGRAPHY Julie Donahue Stephen Crompton Roger Mastroianni Shea Pierce Renee Psiakis Kimberly Torda PRESIDENT, ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION Martha Walter Royan ’71 CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kenneth C. Moore SUBMIT CLASS NEWS UPDATES AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE: 866.277.3182 toll free or e-mail: classnews@LaurelSchool.org Highlights is published by Laurel School for alumnae, parents and friends.

Laurel School is an independent day school for girls, Kindergarten through Grade 12, with coeducational programs for three- and four-year-olds. We are proud to be an inclusive and equitable school community, and we actively seek a diverse student body and faculty without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, or sexual orientation.

MISSION STATEMENT To inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world CORE VALUES In a community of learners, Laurel girls are courageous, ethical and compassionate, ready for the complicated world they will inherit.

WWW.LAURELSCHOOL.ORG All photos are identified left to right unless specified.

How do you spell fun? Ask the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW 3

PHOTO BY ERIC MULL

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, ANN V. KLOTZ

milestones IN THE DAYS BEFORE SUPER HIGHWAYS AND SOPHISTICATED GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS), WEARY TRAVELERS RELIED ON MILESTONES TO HELP GUIDE A JOURNEY; THESE DAYS, WE NOTE THE REFLECTIVE MILE MARKERS ON HIGHWAYS TO DESCRIBE OUR LOCATION IF WE NEED TO CALL AAA AND TO PASS THE TIME AS WE COUNT DOWN THE MILES BETWEEN THERE AND HERE. IN THEIR FIGURATIVE SENSE, MILESTONES MARK HOW FAR WE HAVE COME AS A SCHOOL. THE MOVE FROM DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND TO SHAKER HEIGHTS IN THE 1920S, THE LAUREL-HARVARD STUDY IN THE 1980S, THE PURCHASE OF THE LAND FOR WHAT WOULD BECOME THE BUTLER CAMPUS IN THE 1990S HAVE ALL BEEN IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN THE LIFE OF OUR SCHOOL.

And now, more recent milestones: the completion of an elevator that allows people, for the first time, to reach the third floor easily; the beautifully renovated Dining Room with “heaven” restored (Mrs. Lyman had to add the raised portion of the Dining Room swiftly in 1929 because of increased enrollment—she had no time to excavate); record enrollment; our One-to-One program in Middle and Upper School; and, the tennis doubles, basketball and soccer teams creating school history.

Such were the milestones for 2011-2012.

When I think about the accomplishments of the past year, I feel breathless, swept up in the positive momentum that characterizes such milestones! We are a school proud of our heritage and optimistic about our future; a delegation of visitors from a colleague girls’ school said of Laurel that we are who we say we are: warm, innovative, collaborative, joyous, and fueled by our mission and values.

In the midst of such significant institutional accomplishments, it is important to remember that many milestones happen in every child’s life over the course of a year. Milestones serve a frame for learning.

Each accomplishment helps a girl to gain confidence, to build on the foundation she has established. A Laurel girl learns to read or masters her math facts; she waits her turn or bravely leads the Primary in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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She focuses a camera, hits a high note, forgives a classmate, secures an internship, studies in another country, turns her ring after the Junior Chapel. She completes a college application, rewrites an analytical essay, masters a concept in physics, gives her Senior Speech, intervenes when another classmate is unkind.

Many of these milestones are unheralded, private, almost invisible, but they are no less significant in helping a girl fulfill her promise and better the world.

We celebrate birthdays, of course, which are obvious milestones, but more subtle ones shape our community as well: one class is graduated and a new Kindergarten class begins; adults in the school finish raising their own children and begin to care for elderly parents or for grandparents. Our days are punctuated by milestones of all sizes—deaths and births and weddings and moves— in a school, the only constant is change.

Whether a milestone happens once in the life of the school or is ongoing, its effects can be far-reaching.

Milestones occur, in part, because of the initiatives we have started over the past several years. Our inclusion statement, ratified by the Board of Trustees last year, is a symbol of our commitment to equity and inclusion.

Evidence of the depth of this commitment is seen in an evolving curriculum that features new kinds of learning like May Term and electives in English and history that

Photo by Roger Mastroianni

encourage us to consider the voices of those too often marginalized or forgotten. For seven years, we have sent robust contingents of students and faculty to the NAIS People of Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership Conference because we want to be a part of the national conversation around inclusion. Inclusion led us to partner with Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy and to create our North Star Collaborative, now a model for public-private partnerships.

Inclusion has led to the E.E. Ford Foundation grant we were so lucky to receive, and match, for the creation of Perspectives: Power, Poverty, Privilege—a Local, National and Global View, a seminar program on civic engagement for Grades 10 and 11 that helps girls understand the complexities facing urban America and the kinds of policies that enhance our fight against systematic oppression in the world.

While we look to understand how we might better the world, we also are mindful of the importance of reflection and thinking about how we can improve our pedagogy to better inspire the girls we serve. The Center for Research on Girls at Laurel School has helped us reclaim our legacy as the school that puts the world’s best research to work for girls and has linked us to many, many outstanding girls’ schools in this country and around the world. We are proud to be a thought leader in girls’ education, proud to share the work we are doing at Laurel every day, and fortunate to collaborate with other schools in research partnerships, in endeavors like the Online School for Girls.

Milestones, I think, are sometimes achieved because one teacher has a passion and a vision and is willing to serve as a Pied Piper, leading her peers and the children.

Consider, for example, our commitment to sustainability, made manifest in the Silver LEED certification awarded to the Butler Center, but also lived each day through programs like Learning at Butler (LAB) days.

This hallmark of our Primary curriculum came into being because of science teacher

Perhaps our greatest milestone to date is our mission, which is known and understood by every member of the community: to inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world.

Sue Farrell’s vision and the Primary faculty’s willingness to make sustainability and the lessons of the natural world cornerstones for learning. So does Eco!Wonder, a curriculum developed by the faculty, which infuses the entire Pre-Primary School with a greater understanding of sustainability and the preservation of our natural resources. And now Kathryn Marshall, one of the architects of Eco!Wonder, is helping the whole school consider ways in which we can be more conscious of sustainability initiatives.

Any meditation on milestones must make mention of our Passport program. It is through travel that girls learn more about the world; that they experience another culture.

Travel broadens us and changes us. At Laurel, girls have visited China, Greece, Honduras, England, Botswana—I marvel at the opportunities and marvel, too, at the calm with which our girls undertake these transformative adventures. They literally are traversing the globe, absorbing the world and bringing all they learn back to Laurel to enrich the whole community. In a similar vein, girls who cannot travel still have exposure to language and culture through our extraordinary world languages program, and

every girl has the opportunity to apply global awareness to the local environment as she works to understand the history and future of Cleveland, working at internships or in public-private partnerships like the North Star Collaborative. All girls are citizens of the world; we want them to understand that every person has a responsibility to her community. Our Kindergarten skyped with scientists in Antarctica! Even when we cannot leave home, we can invite the world into our classrooms.

Perhaps our greatest milestone to date is our mission, which is known and understood by every member of the community: to inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world. Our inclusivity, our insistence on the values of courage, compassion and ethical thinking shape us—as they have for 115 years. The old milestone endured by the side of the road generation after generation. Laurel milestones, like the mission, are part of our bedrock. New heights are achieved as a result of a powerful foundation.

Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

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A matter of ethics

profile

A Visit with Kenneth C. Moore, Esq. Chair, Laurel School Board of Trustees

Squire Sanders (US) LLP, where Ken Moore is a partner, notes the following on the firm’s website: “Ken’s practice has focused on environmental law and commercial litigation for more than 35 years, starting with the conclusion of his clerkship for U.S. Circuit Judge Harrison L. Winter on the Fourth Circuit. Ken is Squire Sanders’ Chief Ethics Counsel and for more than 15 years he has spent a substantial proportion of his time in the field of professional ethics counseling our lawyers around the globe. Ken also provides advice on legal ethics and governance issues to a number of clients.”

Ken graduated from college during one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. history. In the late 1960s, a volatile political arena including the Vietnam War and Civil Rights brought unrest to college towns around the country.

Life in Hiram, OH, was no exception. When the class of 1969 arrived at Hiram in the mid1960s, dorm mothers were at home in the residence halls and strictly enforcing curfews; by the time the class graduated, the students were protesting in Washington and seeking far-reaching social change for Blacks, women and the poor.

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Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

During his senior year at Hiram, Ken had perhaps his first opportunity to seek to resolve the issues that had arisen between students and administration.

He served that year as President of the Hiram student body, and during that time he would be required to navigate complicated matters involving the rights of Blacks and women students and the change that was sweeping through higher education nationally. Perhaps graduation in June of 1969 was well-timed, as Ken left the no-longer quiet town of Hiram and traveled to Cambridge, MA, where he began his studies at Harvard University Law School. The skills he honed on the Hiram campus learning to work with many different groups of people would be put to good use, as his law school experience would be interrupted by Basic Training at Fort Jackson and advanced training at Fort Collins, CO. Ken served five months of activity duty in training as part of a sixyear Army Reserve commitment. Upon returning to Harvard, he was selected to join the Harvard Law Review, and completed his studies 1 ½ years later, graduating with honors in 1973.

Laurel entered the picture in 2000, when Ken’s daughter Kristin began her Laurel career as a Sixth Grader. A member of the Class of 2007, Kristin followed many a Laurel girl to Wellesley College, spent her junior year in Athens, Greece, and Melbourne, Australia, and after a sojourn selling real estate in St. Petersburg, FL, entered Stetson Law School in her new home town of St. Petersburg, FL, this fall.

As a highly-respected voice in legal ethics and governance, Ken is in great demand —in addition to serving as the Chair of Laurel’s Board of Trustees (2011-2014), Ken serves as the Chair of the Hiram College Board. His decision to serve

in these roles simultaneously acts as a starting place for this conversation.

Q: Chairing a Board is a big responsibility. What prompted you to serve Hiram and Laurel in this capacity in tandem? The opportunities to serve Laurel and Hiram as Board Chair arose independently in each institution. It was a fortunate—if demanding—coincidence.

I did not seek to serve both institutions simultaneously, but I am grateful for the education and opportunity for service each Board has afforded me.

Q: How does your work with the Hiram Board help your efforts on behalf of Laurel? Many governance issues are common to nonprofit organizations and this is especially true of educational institutions. Solutions developed at Hiram can be presented to Ann Klotz, the Laurel Executive Committee and the Laurel Board for collaborative discussion on whether they would be an appropriate means for resolving problems at Laurel. They also may serve as a stimulus to thinking and discussion. Continuing learning as a College Board Chair about higher education and governance in higher education through publications, seminars and informal discussions also enables me to bring a higher-education perspective and information to discussions and decisions at Laurel

Q: Your personal background demonstrates a commitment to private or independent education.

Why is that important to you?

Education enriches the lives of students, helps prepare them for fulfilling and rewarding (in all senses) positions in the world of work and in family settings, and enables graduates to enjoy a higher and broader range of interests

after hours during the work years and after retirement. Private education can nimbly adopt a promising new approach to education different from the standard approach. Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls commands national and international acclaim for its new insights and innovative approaches to educating girls and young women and represents the best that private education offers all educators, public and private.

Independent schools have the great opportunity to experiment with new and innovative methods of teaching and learning, not only academic content, but also artistic, athletic and interpersonal skills. Finally, private schools can focus more freely on imparting values.

Q: Describe the characteristics of a

great Board Member. A great Board Member asks thoughtful strategic questions, strives to fully fulfill his or her responsibilities as a fiduciary, faithfully attends Committee and Board Meetings, prepares for meetings by reading the substantial information distributed to Board Members or made available on the board website, contributes ideas and perspectives to collaborative discussions, enhances the interpersonal relationships among Board Members, and understands that Board work is a team sport in which Board Members do not act independently but as a deliberative and collective body. In addition to these traits common to all Board Members, a great Board Member understands that the diversity of the Board is its strength and that Board Members from different occupations, life experiences, ages, genders, races, religions and talents each have a unique contribution to make to the high functioning of the Board as a whole. This requires each Board Member to provide his or her individual array of abilities and perspectives in a way Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

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Laurel School

profile 8

that maximizes the performance of the Board as a whole. In sum, a great Board Member contributes an appropriate personal mix of time, talent and treasure to the success of Laurel School.

the Board and the human dimension of its Members are equally, if not more, important than the formal structure of committees, task forces and the Board itself.

Q: How is the work of the Board

Q: How important is succession

accomplished? How critical are the committees of the Board? Most of the work of the Board is done through its continuing Committees and its temporary Task Forces. The Committees and Task Forces study a problem, discuss it in detail and present recommendations and supporting rationale to the Board for discussion and decision. The work of the Board is accomplished through structures, but it is driven by the aspirations and work of the Board Members. The culture of

planning in the life of a Board?

Succession planning is critical to the long-term successful performance of the Board. Succession planning is part of the delicate balance between stability and renewal in the life of a Board. It is also one of the tools for enabling a broader range of Board Members to contribute new strengths and talents to the common enterprise.

Q: What best practices are most important in your mind for

Names New

Members

to

Board of

Trustees

Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

independent school boards such as Laurel’s? Best practices involve do’s and don’ts. Some important do’s and don’ts are provided in the preceeding answers. A clear “do” is that the Board must think strategically and with vision.

The Board’s structure and actions need to be focused outward on the mission of Laurel School and its goals, not inward on the Board itself. Another “do” is to be open to new ideas and creativity, to welcome change. A cardinal best practice “don’t” is to avoid involvement or interference with the separate role of the Head of School and her Administration. A great Board is created by many Board Members doing many wonderful things together, not by a few Board Members doing a few things well.

Susan “Sue” Collins Bosland ’76 (term 2012-15). A resident of Summit, NJ, Sue has been the Head of School at Kent Place School, an all-girls independent school for Pre-Primary through Upper School, since 1999. Sue holds a B.A. from Denison and an M.A. from Columbia and is a member of the Board at Delbarton School, and of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools Board.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Porter Daane ’73 (term 2012-15). Betsy is the Trustee of The Main Trust of Frank H. Porter and is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with the State of Ohio. She holds a B.A. from Wheaton College and an MSSA in Clinical Social Work from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, CWRU. Betsy is a current Board Member of The Center for Families and Children, a former Trustee

for Wheaton College and a past President of the Alumnae Association of the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, CWRU. Betsy chaired Laurel’s Distinguished Alumnae Committee in 2008.

Diane Downing (Deirdre Corrigan ’03 and Sarah Corrigan ’05) (term 201215). Diane served as District Director in Cleveland for U.S. Senator George Voinovich prior to his retirement. In May 2012, she joined Huntington Bank’s Greater Cleveland office as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Corporate Affairs. Diane is a graduate of Vassar and serves on the following boards: Cleveland Metropolitan School District, The Diversity Center of Cleveland, Leadership Cleveland, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Vassar Club of Cleveland and Vassar College Alumni Association.

Terry Horvitz Kovel ’46 (term 2011-14). Terry is a world-renowned expert in antiques, as well as an author, publisher and owner of Kovels Antiques, Inc. She graduated from Wellesley College and the University of Illinois. She also is a board member of Cleveland Euclid Beach Carousel and WVIZ/Ideastream.

Jacquelyn (Jakki) Nance (Melanie ’19) (term 2011-14).

Jakki is President of Philanthropic Solutions, Ltd. A graduate of Spelman College, Syracuse University London Centre and CWRU School of Law, Jakki also serves on the Board of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and on the Ohio Judicial Center Commission and Foundation Board.

Carey Jaros ’96 (term 2011-14).

Carey is the Director of Strategy and Business Development at Dealer Tire.

Previously, Carey spent 11 years with the management consulting firm Bain and Company; she returned to Cleveland after 16 years living and working in Providence, Boston, Amsterdam and London. Carey is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Business School; she served on the Brown University Ten-Year Reunion Committee and on the Board of Cleveland MOCA.

Lynnette Jackson ’93 (term 201215). Lynnette is a Relationship Manager and Vice President at Key Private Bank. She holds a B.S. from Hampton University and an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the Weatherhead School of Management, CWRU. Lynnette served as President of Laurel’s Alumnae Association Board from 2009-12. Her other board work includes serving the Cleveland Leadership Center and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Foundation.

Melissa O’Dwyer ( Jayne ’15) (term 2011-14). Melissa is a commercial property and casualty insurance underwriter and is a graduate of Allegheny College. Melissa served as President of the Laurel School Parents Association (LSPA) in 2010-2011 and as chair of the GatorBash in 2009.

Victoria (Vikki) Anderson Patacca ’82 (Kaylie ’13 and Hannah ’16) (term 2011-14). A graduate of Colgate University, Vikki is a community volunteer and serves as Board Chair for Summer on the Cuyahoga, a collegiate internship program. Vikki served as President of the Laurel School Alumnae Association from 2006 - 2009 and co-chaired the GatorBash in 2012.

She is the past President and Treasurer of the Colgate Club of Cleveland.

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by Caroline Kruse, Director of Community Relations

F

or the past five years, Kindergarten teacher Julie Haylor has taught a five-week thematic unit on the Hawaiian Islands. While a colleague planned the foundation of this theme, Julie has worked each year to develop it, enrich her study with thoughtful lessons and integrate the theme throughout the curriculum with specialists. “My passion is thematic teaching and taking my students on a journey of discovery of the world around them and their own possibilities,” she notes.

Although she had never visited Hawaii, Julie had done quite a bit of independent research to develop a vast knowledge base for this beautiful place and its rich culture. So after hearing the constant joke about “taking a field trip” to Hawaii, she decided to submit her application for the endowed faculty travel fellowship for the summer of 2011. But for Julie, this trip was much more than a ten-day vacation in a tropical paradise. “I thought it was a wonderful opportunity that was being offered to faculty to see a part of the world they had never visited,” she says as her eyes light up. “Applying to see a place that was part of my curriculum would inform my teaching and make the experience that much more rich for my students.”

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While Julie could have spent her time soaking up the sun and frolicking on the sandy beaches, she and her husband, Brian, filled each day learning about Hawaiian history and culture and visiting the vibrant islands of Oahu and Maui.

The Hawaiian culture is on the verge of disappearing with many sociologists believing that by the year 2044 full-blooded Hawaiians will be extinct. “When there is a possibility of a culture dying, it is a great historical tragedy,” she believes, “and one our students need to learn about, such as Laurel’s units on the Aborigines in First Grade and Native Americans in Second Grade.”

In addition to the sociological aspects of thematic integration, the islands also

downtown Honolulu. They took a very moving tour of Pearl Harbor, hiked to the top of Diamond Head and toured Iolani Palace, Chinatown and the Hawaiian history museum. On their last full day on Oahu, they drove to the surfing town of North Shore where the couple spent time on the beach at the Pipeline, swam with sea turtles and tasted shaved ice.

The Haylors spent the next five days on the island of Maui where they drove to Hana, saw the sunrise on top of the world’s largest dormant volcano, snorkeled off the island of Lannai and attended an authentic luau.

Happily, her husband accompanied her on the amazing trip. Brian had listened to Julie talk about Hawaii for many

most amazing pineapple,” she says. “At the North Shore we spent time on the beach at the Banzai Pipeline where the Eddie Aiku surfing championship is held each year. We had lunch and tasted shaved ice made the authentic way with flavored ice, ice cream and Japanese beans. In the afternoon we swam with several sea turtles.”

A Laurel stuffed animal gator accompanied her everywhere she went in Hawaii to document the trip for her students. On the snorkeling trip to Lannai the captain of the boat noticed her gator. Amazingly, the Haylors discovered that Captain Ron was a 1977 graduate of University School and had been to many dances at Laurel!

For Julie, it is difficult to find the

provide a rich source of science curriculum with their number of endangered animals including the humpback whale, green sea turtle and monk seal and the numerous volcanoes, active and dormant, that provide insight into how the islands were formed. “The rain forests of Hawaii offer integration with my curriculum and our five-week study in early spring of the rain forest,” she explains. “I had the opportunity to hike and view this fragile ecosystem and share this experience with my students.”

Julie and Brian spent the first four days on the island of Oahu and stayed in

years as she planned her curriculum and she was delighted he could share in her new discoveries. After all, “he has supported all my lesson plans over the years including cutting and priming wood for 30 girls to make their own surfboards when we study the history of surfing in Hawaii,” she elaborates.

Although difficult to name just one favorite part of the trip, she offers that she really loved the day she and Brian spent on the North Shore. “We toured the Dole Pineapple Plantation and learned that all pineapples are planted and harvested by hand, and we tasted the

words to express how much this opportunity meant to her. She is honored that her thematic teaching has been recognized and is very appreciative of the opportunity to have Laurel make a dream come true. “After spending so much time learning about a subject matter, finally seeing it in person was really moving to me,” she explains.

And she is very excited about the impact on her students: “I would like to think that I am a living example to my students of Dream, Dare, Do. As a result of my trip I have new lessons to teach, photos to show and rich history to share.”

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Sarah Lyman

DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

August/September

LIFE AT LAUREL

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The Center for Research on Girls Symposium In keeping with the Center for Research on Girls (CRG) at Laurel School’s mission to put the world’s best research to work for girls, over 40 educators from schools in Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, DC attended CRG’s biennial symposium.

Presentation topics included: Programs to Promote Girls’ Well-Being, Brain Training: Teaching Growth Mindset to Middle School Girls, Shielding Students from Stereotype Threat, Girls and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Girls and Blended Learning.

Keynote speaker Dr. Catherine Steiner-

Adair of Harvard University, and a member of CRG’s advisory panel, spoke on “Safety Nets for the Internet: How Adults Can Stay Connected to Girls in the Age of Technology.”

CRG in the News!

The media called and Dr. Lisa Damour, Director of CRG, answered on topics as varied as girls and Facebook, sleepovers,

The Laurel School Alumnae Association successfully launched its first Sarah Lyman Day of Community Service in four cities —Cleveland, Chicago, NYC and Atlanta!

• In Cleveland, alumnae (and three daughters!) spent the morning at Family Connections, a program that supports the growth of children and their families with early literacy education, parenting programs and pre-school education activities. Half the group tackled a bedraggled garden and weeded, mulched and planted mums and daffodils while the other half brightened up the interior entrance and hall with a fresh coat of paint and a mural designed

by Tiffany Laufer ’91.

• Atlanta alumnae gathered at Piedmont Park to join the “Clean and Green Makeover Team” and spent their morning mulching, watering, shoveling, raking and removing invasive plants to help clean and perk up the natural surroundings.

• Chicago alumnae volunteered at the Oak Park/River Forest Food Pantry serving food and beverages to food pantry clients, helping distribute food and crafting Halloween necklaces with the children as they waited with their parents.

• New York City-area alumnae partnered with the Lower Eastside Girls Club and gave the organization a makeover by painting its gallery and facilities.

Sarah Lyman Day 2012 • September 29! Activities were held in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland and San Francisco.

Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

and the importance of tinkering to girls finding their inner “Mulan” to combat test anxiety as well as the early results of CRG’s study on 21st Century Athenas; Aligning Achievement and Well-Being. During 2011-12 the following media highlighted the work of CRG: • • • • • • • • •

Psychology Today Education Week Redbook The Wall Street Journal (twice!)

Cleveland Magazine WOR (NY radio) WCPN Cleveland.com Civics Commons

NYC CHICAGO

ATLANTA CLEVELAND

Twelfth Night

October/November

“If music be the food of love, play on…”, wise words from the Bard. Mistaken identities and love triangles made for great fun as the Upper School’s fall production proved. Here Megan Zupon ’13 toys with two suitors….Danielle Weitzman ’13 and Kira Postak ’14.

What a year for Laurel Gator fans!

Green and white pom-poms and spirit wear sold out in the LSPA Gator Lane as the entire School community came together to support Laurel athletics in its most successful year in history!

Field hockey A team highlight was the victory in 7 x 7 overtime against Columbus’ Olentangy High School when the Gators took control of the ball within the first 15 seconds of overtime and scored to win the game.

Cross Country finished third and advanced to regionals!

Volleyball A thrilling come-from-behind Volley for the Cure victory over arch rival HB at home on Senior night meant that Laurel remained undefeated in Volley for the Cure matches!

Gator “Love” for Tennis State Runners Up! Laurel’s doubles tennis team of Alison Biltz ’12 and Danielle Buchinsky ’15 defeated Ottawa Hills 6-3, 6-4 in semifinal play to advance to the state finals against

tough competitors Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, who ultimately won the championship match. Congratulations to Alison and Danielle who played their hearts out and brought home the Division II Tennis Doubles State Runners up Trophy!

Soccer Goes to States!

With a 3-1 win against #1 ranked Hawken in the district semifinals, Laurel’s Gators took the Laurel community on a wild ride to the state finals in the first year of Division III soccer! After claiming the district championship, Laurel won the regional semi-finals against Elyria Catholic (2-0) followed by the regional finals against Hartville Lake Christian Academy (5-0), where the varsity soccer team captured its first regional championship in its second consecutive and the ninth shutout of its season!

The Gators had two opponents in the state semifinals in Clyde, OH—official opponent Archbold and Mother Nature!

But the power of Green and White and the fans in the stands were no match for either as the Gators defeated Archbold (1-0) in bitter cold winds that gusted above 40 miles an hour!

Having proved its mettle in the state semifinals, the Gators played for Laurel’s first state soccer championship in Crew Stadium in Columbus on a beautiful fall afternoon. While Cincinnati Summit Country Day’s Silver Knights won the title (2-5), the Gators never lost their spirit and Jerry Snodgrass from OHSAA praised the Gators for their remarkable talent and tenacity and said they “deserved to play in the final game in November.”

SOCCER

No Debating It! Laurel Speech & Debate Earns Membership in NFL’s 100 Club The National Forensic League (NFL) announced that the Laurel Speech & Debate program had placed in the top 10% of NFL chapters nationwide. This remarkable milestone demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching students life skills— communication, research, listening, writing and organization.

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December

LIFE AT LAUREL Holiday Luncheon and Class Song Contest Outside of Commencement, it is Laurel’s oldest tradition and each December it brings alumnae of all ages, especially those still in college, back to One Lyman Circle to enjoy a special luncheon and to behold the spirited competition of the Class Song Contest. This year’s bragging rights went to the Class of 2012 for their rendition of “Songs of Sisterhood.”

JUNIORS

SENIORS

SOPHOMORES

FRESHMEN

SAVE THE DATE: Holiday Luncheon and Class Song Contest 2012 • Thursday, December 20, 2012

ABOVE (L TO R): Judges Heather Chisholm Evans ’80, Sarah AlHaddad Tout ’03 and Chessie Kemp Bleick ’58; three generations: Anne Conway Juster ’80, Mary French Conway ’46 and Julia Juster ’10; Lavonne Evans Cowan ’49, Jane Watt Shapard ’50 and Kay Weidenthal Boyd ’50 LEFT (L TO R): Amanda Sturges ’05, Jamie Taylor ’02 and Amanda Royan ’04; Allison Young ’09, Ann V. Klotz, Maggie Killeen ’11 and Kathryn Harris ’11

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January

LIFE AT LAUREL

Dining Room Dedication When the students returned to school in the New Year, they were greeted by a completely renovated—and expanded—Dining Room.

Thanks to the generosity of Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’50, this major construction project was completed over winter break.

Ann Klotz shared the history of the project with the group assembled at the Dining Room’s dedication: “When the facilities master plan was delivered to the Board of Trustees in 2009, the Board recognized there was much work ahead of us. We asked Barbara to consider helping us launch the facilities master plan by investing in the renovation of the Third Floor. She agreed to assist us by funding new office space for Development/External Affairs. Then, it was as if we began to play a real life game of dominos. If we move the Development/External Affairs Offices to the Third Floor, we’ll need an elevator to help older alums visit the Alumnae Office; in order to install an elevator, we need to invade the small dining room; invading the small dining room would require a major renovation of the main Dining Room, which meant renovating the kitchen. You see, modifying an 80+ year-old building is not unlike renovating your own home—everything, inevitably, is connected!”

TOP: The beautiful new Dining Room; MIDDLE: Head of School Ann V. Klotz, Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’50, Maegan Ruhlman ’03 and Kenneth Moore, Chair of the Board of Trustees; BOTTOM: the new faculty/staff lounge connecting the Dining Room with the Alumnae Room; Cari Richer Ross ’85 (Nina ‘20) and Beth Embrescia ’88

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January

LIFE AT LAUREL

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Alumnae Association Presidents Present and Past: Lynnette Jackson ’93 and Vikki Anderson Patacca ’82 (Kaylie ’13, Hannah ’16) ; Pam Juergens Isquick ’62 and husband Scott; Anne Conway Juster ’80 with daughter Grace ’12; the new home for Gator Lane; Terry Horvitz Kovel ’46 and Lanie Grasselli Hadden ’49; parents Laura Stack (Veronica ’14, Genevieve ’08), Catherine LaCroix (Elizabeth ‘05, Sarah ’10) and Kelly Warsaw (Madison ’13, Erin ’10).

Through Barbara’s generosity, the Dining Room renovation and the addition of a passenger elevator were added to the project. Baird Dixon, of Street Dixon Rick Architecture, Nashville, TN, was selected to work with us, and The Albert M. Higley Company of Cleveland, OH, served as general contractor. Renovating the building proved to be very challenging —the Higley team accepted the task and handled its work as professionals, causing little to no disruption to the school day.

Components of the renovation include: pushing out the courtyard wall to create three additional spaces—two of the spaces can be used as classrooms before and after lunch and include SMART boards, and 16

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the third space, which is connected to the Alumnae Room, is the new faculty lounge (the old faculty lounge was melded with the old Gator Lane and is now a classroom); refurbished ceiling and walls; new lighting fixtures; new eco-friendly marnolium floor; woodwork lovingly restored to its original dark finish; a new dishroom; the stairs in front of “heaven” reconstructed; and, last but not least, air conditioning!

In addition to the restoration of the Dining Room, a new elevator has been added to the front hallway and travels to the second and third floors. Known as the “Ruhlman Lift,” it has been an amazing addition to the life of the School and is much welcomed by those on crutches or in

a wheelchair who want to access the other floors of the main building.

Gator Lane has found a new home in the old dishroom and it is now a marvelous space. With built in cabinets to display fantastic new spiritwear, Gator Lane’s sales keep growing.

The Dining Room/Elevator project took seven months from start to finish and included a renovation of the Laurel kitchen, thanks to the generosity of donors at the 2011 Gator Bash and the 2010-2011 LSPA. The Dining Room was dedicated on January 8 with a crowd of 150 members of the Prentiss Society and special guests in attendance.

LIFE AT LAUREL

February

Gator Bash 2012 It was a Starry, Starry Night along the shores of Lake Erie as the sixth annual Gator Bash turned the City View Club at Cleveland Browns Stadium into a silver wonderland! In addition to delectable food and drink, live music got partygoers out onto the dance floor and a silent and live auction got guests into the bidding spirit. This event raised over $100,000 for Laurel. Thanks to co-chairs Kristi Anderson Horner ’80 and Vikki Anderson Patacca ’82 and their committee of true Laurel stars for making this a night to remember!

Swimming It seems only fitting that Laurel Gators would be at home in the water! Three Senior Gators (Maureen Mentrek, Anna Orlando and Amanda Orr) were selected to the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America (NISCA) as AllAmericans. To qualify a swimmer or diver must be a Senior varsity athlete and carry a minimum of a 3.75 GPA.

SAVE THE DATE: Gator Bash 2013 – Saturday, February 9, 2013 ROW ONE (L TO R): Paige and Steffen Lauster (Emily ’14, Hannah ’16); Bidding on the silent auction ROW TWO (L TO R): Co-Chairs Kristi Anderson Horner ’80 (Amanda ’13) and Vikki Anderson Patacca ’82 (Kaylie ’13, Hannah ’16); a successful live auction bid! ROW THREE: Dancing the night away

The Laurel Swim Team began its journey through the OHSAA State Tournament by competing at Sectionals at Hawken School where it finished 5th out of 22 teams. Some girls swam personal bests and six qualified to swim in ten different events at the Division II District Meet at Cleveland State University. Four of those swimmers qualified for the 2012 OHSAA State Tournament in Canton, Ohio. Swimming at States were Sarah Litt ’12 - 100 Butterfly; Rachel Onders ’13 - 500 Freestyle; Krista Wong ’12, Hannah Ballock ’13, Sarah Litt ’12 and Rachel Onders ’13 - 400 Free Relay.

SEEN ON FACEBOOK! There’s No Debate! We’re so proud of the eighteen members of Laurel’s Speech and Debate team who were State Qualifiers and headed to the State Tournament in Massillon! Young women who know their voices are heard and valued are capable of extraordinary feats! Congratulations!

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Katherine S. B. Mills Photo Exhibit

March

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Laurel Basketball The amazing year for Laurel athletics continued with some impressive firsts for hoop action! In a game against Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (NDCL) Senior Alexis Guy hit her career 1,000-point! She was named First Team All-Ohio (the only student in the area chosen) and Senior Katie Kajfez was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio in the 2011-12 Associated Press Division III All-Ohio girls’ basketball teams. Near the end of the regular season, the Gators outshot #1 ranked Cuyahoga Heights 51-47 in what was perceived an upset by everyone except the Laurel fans! The two teams met again in the Division III district semifinal—with two seconds remaining

in the game, Alexis Guy hit a jump shot to give Laurel the win and a rematch against Gilmour Academy in the district finals.

In front of a deafening crowd of on-theedge-of-their seats Gator lovers, Laurel’s basketball team made school history twice in one night! First by playing in the district finals and then, in defeating heavily-favored Gilmour (65-60), advancing to the Regional Semifinals! The 2011-12 Associated Press bestowed more honors: Katie Kajfez ’12, Nicole Felice ’15 and Jenna Bailey ’12 were named to the Northeast Lakes All-District Girls’ Basketball Teams in Division III. Alexis Guy ’12 was named “Player of the Year” and Coach David Meyer was named “Coach of the Year.”

by Maureen Harrington The 2011-12 Katherine S. B. Mills Grant for the Study of Photography, established in memory of Katie Mills ’97, was awarded to Sophie Schwartz ’13. Sophie used the grant to attend the Advanced Darkroom & Digital Photographer Workshop at the School of Cinema & Performing Arts (SOCAPA) in New York City during the summer of 2011.

The 11th Annual Katherine S. B. Mills Photography Exhibition featured Sophie’s work.

An excerpt from her Artist’s Statement reads as follows: “LifeCycles …

All photography is inherently about time—whether it captures a spontaneous moment, freezes an event in history, or records a phase of someone’s life—photography illuminates the cycles of light, content and emotion.… I have chosen to explore themes related to cycles, organizing my work into short narrative series. To best tell the story of each series, I chose to work with a different photographic technique. Each of these tools attempts to further reflect and enhance the content it illustrates— ranging from the instantaneous gratification and personal nature of the Polaroid, to the highly unpredictable plastic Holga camera that captures an impressionistic view of the urban landscape…. I would like to thank the Mills Family for this honor and opportunity, and dedicate this body of work to the memory of Katherine S. B. Mills.”

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LEFT: Sophie Schwartz ’13 with Os Mills, father of Katie ’97, Christine Mills Stovall ’90 and Tori Mills ’88 RIGHT: Studying Sophie’s work

Emma ’15 and Sophie Schwartz ’13 with their parents Mark Schwartz and Tina Katz

April/May

LIFE AT LAUREL

The jurors included Michael Loderstedt for Photography, Bill Busta for 2D Art and Mark Yasenchack for 3D Art. Visit www.

LaurelSchool.org/BeamInvitational for a complete list of winners.

Beam Exhibit The 17th Annual Beam Visual Arts Exhibition filled the Holloway Gallery in the Upper School Hallway with 100 pieces of outstanding student artwork from 21 Seniors and 20 Juniors. Through a generous endowment gift from Frank and Jinny Judd Beam ’54, The Virginia Judd Beam Visual Arts Invitational and Prize provides students an opportunity to create art in a wide range of media and submit it for consideration in a juried art exhibition.

lerinas and explored history as dinosaurs and Egyptian Pharoahs.

Power of the Pen! Four Laurel Middle School students, Lillian Ostrander ’17, Lucia Pabon ’17, Emma Bossen Wong ’16 and Caroline Werner ’16, qualified for the State Power of the Pen Tournament. Lucia won a best of round at the regional tournament and Lillian was recognized as the finest writer!

Laurel’s Youngest Students and the Schools for Water Campaign Laurel Pre-Primary students were featured in The Sun Press for selling original works of art to raise $350 for the Schools for Water campaign, which brings safe drinking water to people around the world.

The Beam Invitational acknowledges the vital role played by the visual arts in the academic curriculum at Laurel. Through the exploration of the visual arts, students gain technical proficiency, and are encouraged to think independently, take risks and flex their creative “muscles,” skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Primary Spring Celebration — BEHIND THE SCENES: Laurel Explores University Circle In an original production, penned by Laurel’s own Ann V. Klotz, Primary girls celebrated the cultural institutions of Cleveland’s University Circle. Combining art, music, drama and dance, the girls brought paintings to life as they became Degas’ balHighlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

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May

LIFE AT LAUREL Alumnae Weekend: Green & White–Reunite!

Kicking off Alumnae Weekend, alumnae, family and friends gathered for dinner to celebrate the remarkable volunteer and philanthropic contributions of Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’50, the 2012 Distinguished Alumna.

Friday’s programming included a Speech and Debate showcase, a FitGirls walk and a presentation about The Center for Research on Girls. A panel discussion on where Laurel girls (young and young-at-heart) derive their passion preceded the annual Alumnae Luncheon and Saturday concluded with the Four-School Fling at Laurel.

(L TO R) TOP ROW: Distinguished Alumna Committee Chair Michael Anne Johnson ’64 with Barbara Irr Eggert ’50 and Kay Weidenthal Boyd ’50; 2012 recipient Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’50 being presented the Distinguished Alumna pin. MIDDLE ROW: Ann V. Klotz; Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’50 with her family at the dinner honoring her. BOTTOM ROW: Ann Gillespie (Laura ’91, Gwen ’00), former Head of School Helen R. Marter and Lynnette Jackson ’93, President of the Alumnae Association; The Class of 1950 celebrates one of its own: Jane Watt Shapard, Barbara Irr Eggert, Nina Freedlander Gibans, Barbara Peterson Ruhlman, Marilyn Lieser Finn, Lois Mueller Roulston and Kay Weidenthal Boyd

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LIFE AT LAUREL

’52

’57

CLASS OF 1952: Standing: Joyce Brenholts Weidenkopf, Carolyn Lange Udvardy, Marilyn Donnelly Doman, Ann Cleminshaw Limbach,

Barbara Bing Kaplan Seated: Ruthanne Myers Anderson, Clare Weed Obermeyer, Martha Kurtz Hively, Marilyn Mueller Dickey CLASS OF 1957: Standing: Barbara Frick Jung, Mary McConnell Meinig, Timy McGoff Sullivan, Marietta Giunta Gullia

Seated: Karen Lesher Young, Judy Sloan Isaacs, Sally Pastorelle Reed, Sue Kremser Smith

’67

’72

’77

CLASS OF 1967: Standing: Linda Rogers Fruits, Leslie Forbes, Margaret Mills Plumpton, Amy Wrolstad Burger, Emily Wilson Zeiders,

Betsy Briggs Nogueira Seated: Leslie Leavenworth Fincun, Kathy Grant, Tally Groves, Evie Newell, Sharon Snyder CLASS OF 1972: Standing: Mary Izant, Carol Towson. Seated: Barbara Hart Yorks, Alisa Taylor Cowen CLASS OF 1977: Kay Sheppard Swigart, Sarah Taylor Swearer, Mary Garner Ganske, Noreen Wilson

’82

CLASS OF 1982: Standing: Missy Lapine Curran, Kathleen Kelley Harrison, Missy Glaser Schiller, Vikki Anderson Patacca,

’87

Elisabeth Hoffmeyer Hilton, Beth Barry Kaufman, Mindy Cohen, Susan Marotta Parente, Christina Cobb, Sarah Fagerburg Nixon Seated: Anne Lafave Mauck, Stacey Zoltowicz Seward, Wendy Luzius Booma, Lisa Moore Mayer, Joyce Nahigian, Lorrie Angus CLASS OF 1987: Standing: Amy Battles, Becky Storey, Tina Stefanski, Binnie Kurtzner, Nicole Dekleva Bannerman Seated: Suzy Boughner, Maura Fallon Schmitz, Nicole Wolf, Julie Altschul Leizman Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW 21

May CLASS OF 1992: CLASS OF 1997: CLASS OF 2002: CLASS OF 2007:

’92

’97

CLASS OF 1962: Top row: Mimi Stief Gallo, Elaine Roemisch Crane, Dare Thompson Rust, Bonnie Dickes Fraser, Barbara Pinkerton Corns, Frances Richardson Murray, Gail Kersey Visconsi Bottom row: Penelope Thompson Hamlin, Louise Pomeroy Dempsey, Leann Kline Papp, Judith Arnold, Peggy Benes Ocepek, Jeanie Brown Belhobek, Susan Tippit Rafter, Carol Cheney, Nancy AuWerter Cockley, Mary Fawcett, Margaret Dietz Henderson, Eleanor Drane Christensen, Cheryl Johnson Mees, Pamela Juergens Isquick, Elise Cooper Bennett, Eloise Oviatt Reierson

Social media hits the Alumnae Luncheon! Members of the Class of 1967 capturing photos from the archives to upload to Facebook!

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’02 ’07

Standing: Janae Lockett Reynolds, Martha Olin Stromann Seated: Krista Ramonas, Tanya Tarar Oblak Maia Hunt-Ledford Rucker, Erica Kort McClurkin Meredith Webb, Jessie Bourland Marisa Mulac

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LIFE AT LAUREL

Saturday morning panelists Sarah Fagerburg Nixon ’82, Jenna Bailey ’12, Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’50, Naja Davis ’13 and Sophie Schwartz ‘13 and Timy McGoff Sullivan ’57 Classmates from 1952 reunite History teacher Tim Connell and members of the Class of 1982 Three of the four Royans! Amanda ’04, Martha Walter Royan ’71 and Emma ’06

Jane Eigner Mintz ’78, Meg Sheehan ’91, Sue Hlavacek and Ann V. Klotz in the Courtyard prior to the induction ceremony

Members of the Senior Class were recognized for their athletic careers at Laurel.

Four were recruited to play in college: Harron Young, track and field at Syracuse University; Jill Dayneka, soccer at Dartmouth; Alexis Guy, basketball at Centre College; and Sarah Litt, swimming at Hobart and Wm. Smith Colleges.

Members of the Senior Class being recognized for their athletic careers at Laurel.

Athletic Hall of Fame The Biennial Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony capped off a beautiful alumnae weekend! Honored at the brunch this year were Jane Eigner Mintz ’78, former LPGA golfer—not to mention paddle tennis, tennis, field hockey and softball player; Meg Sheehan ’91, former collegiate athlete and coach of basketball and field hockey; and Sue Hlavacek, former Athletic Director at Laurel School and at Notre Dame College and record holder in women’s basketball at Cleveland State University.

Track and Field Harron Young ’12 placed 4th in the 800m run in regional competition, earning her a trip to States where she finished 7th with a time of 2:19:43. Also at regionals, the 4 x 800 relay team of Anna Orlando ’12, Grace Robbins ’13, Ellen Kuerbitz ’12 and Harron Young ’12 placed 6th and Ellen placed 7th in the 1600m run.

Breoni Turner ’14 and Leah Neroni ’14 also competed in individual events at the regional meet.

Lacrosse The 2012 Gator Varsity Lacrosse team came together to pull off a fantastic win in the first round of the State Playoffs.

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May

LIFE AT LAUREL

May Term 2012 Over the course of nine days, the inaugural May Term offered Middle and Upper School students opportunities to actively live the Laurel curricular philosophy of experiential, multidisciplinary, community-based learning. Faculty collaborated on innovative pedagogy and subject matter to present courses where students could take

MAY TERM

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Highlights/2011-12 YEAR IN REVIEW

a deep dive into areas that interested them and have fun while leaving the traditional classroom in pursuit of knowledge and experience.

The menu of courses included the science and art of glassmaking; carpentry; culture, cuisine and chemistry; financing life; science, engineering, mythology and story-

telling; playwriting; broadcast journalism, and the Cleveland food scene. In addition to the courses options, students had the opportunity to go abroad on one of the Passport trips to Italy, France or England or pursue a ProtĂŠgĂŠ internship project.

Senior projects, a capstone to the Laurel academic experience, were options as well for the Class of 2012.

June

LIFE AT LAUREL

Commencement Once again, Severance Hall, the magnificent home of the Cleveland Orchestra, was the site of Laurel School’s Commencement. Family, friends, faculty, staff and the Upper School gathered for the 113th time to celebrate a graduating class.

Elected by her sixty-five classmates, Emma Freer represented the Class of 2012 as the student speaker. Jessica Shortall, Director of Giving, TOMS Shoes, inspired all with her commencement address. (See the back cover for the list of lucky colleges and universities where Laurel girls matriculated this fall.)

North Star Summer Academy Forty-five girls from Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy (WGLA) returned to Laurel for the fourth Summer Academy, the six-week summer intensive component of the North Star Collaborative (NSC).

A unique partnership between Laurel and WGLA, a single-gender Cleveland

Metropolitan School District school, NSC braids together the two communities in authentic ways, working towards revitalizing Northeast Ohio through educational access. This summer’s theme, Discovering Your Voice, applied to both the North Stars and the Laurel Upper Schoolers and young alums who developed their own curriculum for courses ranging from Latin to Expressions and Equations to American Sign Language to Tae Kwon Do. Zoology at Butler and presentations and performances on Women in History augmented the North Stars’ experience.

Top Workplace Laurel is a great place for girls AND faculty and staff to Dream. Dare. Do! We were named one of the Top 100 Workplaces by the Plain Dealer (based on confidential employee surveys!). And a big Thumbs Up to Head of School Ann V. Klotz who was recognized with a special leadership award! Check out http://bit.ly/ LaurelinTopWorkplaces.

WE THANK YOU FOR MAKING 2011-2012 A RECORD-SETTING YEAR FOR LAUREL’S ANNUAL FUND! Nearly 2,000 members of the Laurel community stepped forward to contribute a total

$1,118,684!

Because of your thoughtful support, One Lyman Circle remains a vibrant place where every Laurel girl (and little boy) has the opportunity to Dream.

Dare. Do.!

Your involvement in the 2012-2013 Annual Fund is welcome and truly will be appreciated. Help keep Laurel strong by making your commitment today!

NORTH STAR

COLLABORATIVE

Summer Academy 2012 class of forty-five girls

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ALUMNAE BRIEFS ALUMNA PROFILE: JEANNE DEIBEL TYLER ’42 A child of the Depression, Jeanne Deibel Tyler remembers clearly her father, Cy Deibel, President of the General Dry Cell Battery Company, stressing the importance of giving back to the community. She took that directive to heart and has worn the badge of community volunteer her entire adult life. Upon graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Jeanne joined the Junior League of Cleveland and set to rolling up her sleeves.

Marriage to John Tyler and a move to Warren, Ohio, for his job followed. She rose through the membership ranks of the Junior League of Youngstown to become Regional Director for two years, responsible for 15 leagues in Ohio and Michigan, followed by two more years as the Secretary for the Association of Junior Leagues International. Numerous other Youngstown and Mahoning Valley nonprofits have benefitted from her organizational and leadership skills: among them Planned Parenthood; Paisley House, a home for older women; Fellows of Riverside Gardens; and Stambaugh Auditorium.

Community and nonprofit leaders knew who to call if they needed something done! Jeanne served as President of the Visiting Nurse Association for eight years and for 30 years was a member of the Youngstown Hospital Board. She even chaired the Symphony and Red Cross Balls.

Undoubtedly, one of Jeanne’s most treasured affiliations has been with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. “My family’s roots in this area go back to the Revolutionary War. I remember visiting my grandparents when Youngstown was the wealthiest community of its size in the United States,” she explains. “I believe in preserving historical sites.” That belief was the impetus for a sizeable lead gift to the campaign for the new Mahoning Valley History Center in the former Burt Building (Harry Burt invented the Good Humor Bar).

“We are Youngstown’s attic. We needed more room,” she notes.

The new center, in Youngstown’s business district, has been named the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center in honor of her foresight and commitment to downtown revitalization.

Born in Lakewood, Jeanne started at Laurel as a Sophomore and lived in the dorm, the commute to the west side much different in the late 1930s and early 1940s. She remembers with fondness Miss Andrews, Miss McGregor and Latin class with Miss Besaw. Over the years, she’s managed to squeeze in golf, tennis, skeet shooting and lots of bridge and world travel. Now a widow, Jeanne’s honors include the Friend of the University award from Youngstown State, Trustee of the Year from the Western Reserve Care System and the YWCA Woman of Valor Award.

Exclusive to Laurel School Hand-painted Enamel and Porcelain by McLaughlin Glazeware – American craftsmanship in the English tradition Perfect for Laurel girls of all ages! Great Graduation or Special Occasion Gifts!

PENDANTS: (1ˇˇ) Enamel and Sterling Silver Monogram with Laurel Seal $120 Laurel Tree with Dream, Dare, Do $100

LAUREL TREE CUFFLINKS: Gold finish $150 Sterling $180 (ladies size) ENAMEL BOX: 2.5ˇˇ $160* * Personalization of name inside lid – add $20

SMALL ENAMEL BOX: 1.5ˇˇ with Laurel seal $140*

LAUREL SEAL CHINA TRAY: 3.75ˇˇx 5ˇˇ perfect for holding your Laurel class ring!

Hand-painted 24K gold border $40* * May be personalized with name or date – add $20

Allow three weeks for production. Shipping $9 extra. Each item comes packaged in a custom presentation gift box.

To order, call the Laurel School Alumnae Office at 216.464.1420 or toll free at 866.277.3182.

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Laurel Ring Stories “Margie, a friend of mine from St. Louis, was having lunch at the Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Ludington, Michigan with a friend of hers, also from St. Louis but who summers in Michigan. Margie called me over to introduce me to her friend, Pat Neilson. We chatted for several minutes. And then I said, “You attended Laurel School!” How did I know? She was wearing her Laurel ring! Pat Dougan Neilson ’57 and I ended up playing in a golf scamble that summer. —Virginia Taylor Young ‘56

That Sue Kessler ’95, Executive Director of The Bushwick Starr Theater in NYC, received an Obie award in May? Each year, the Obie committee singles out an innovative theater in NY to honor for its outstanding achievements and excellence.

Jiexi “Cici” Lu ’11 was on the Race Crew as a Power Electrical Engineer for the American Solar Challenge this summer? A computer engineering major at the University of Michigan, Cici joined the Solar Car Team and welded and helped design the battery pack, constructed the breaker system and the majority of the wires inside the car, working on maintaining the solar array. The Race began in Rochester, NY, and concluded in St. Paul, MN, eight days later. Cici was one of two women on an engineering crew of eight and one of four women on a total team of 19.

Gina Orlando ’09, a Senior at Georgetown University, is interning in the office of Advance Scheduling at the White House this fall?

Autumn Dunn ’07 was named a recipient of the Widmeyer Fellowship, recognized by the Princeton Review as one of America’s Top 100 internships? The four-month internships provide real world experience in public affairs and public relations.

Laine Graselli Hadden ’49 was presented with the University Medal

by Case Western Reserve University? The award recognizes her “leadership, dedication and service to the University, to higher education and to society.”

Emily Janke ’97 received the John Saltmarsh Award for Emerging Leaders in Civic Engagement? Established by the American Democracy Project, the award honors Mr. Saltmarsh’s lifetime commitment to preparing emerging civic leaders. Emily is the Special Assistant for Community Engagement at the University of North Caroline at Greensboro.

POSTED ON THE LAUREL ALUMNAE FACEBOOK PAGE: “I met Darci Sternen ’88 at Ice Age Archaeology Day at the Burke Museum of Natural History in Seattle, WA. She was with her daughter and she recognized my class ring. You can take the Laurel Girl out of Laurel School (and 2,400 miles away) but you can’t take Laurel School out of the girl!” — Samantha Hallstead ’06 SPEAKING OF LAUREL CONNECTIONS...

When Amanda Block ’11’s parents visited for a family weekend at the University of Chicago little did they know that they would make another Laurel connection. After saying their goodbyes to Amanda, the Blocks struck up a conversation with another mom of a girl they discovered was in several of the same dance classes as Amanda. The parents’ conversation turned, naturally, to hometowns. The Blocks mentioned living in Cleveland never dreaming the other mother would say she grew up in Cleveland! And that she went to Laurel School! Of course, the Blocks had to find Amanda to share their good fortune. And that is how Amanda met Aletha Thomas Tong ’74.

Class News Your Class Agents have been hard at work, gathering updates and news. In fact, there is so much good news to report that we are publishing an all Class News edition of Highlights.

Watch your mailboxes for it this fall!

facebook fans...

Did you know?

ALUMNAE BRIEFS

DO YOU “LIKE” LAUREL SCHOOL? Then become a fan of the official Laurel School fan page featuring the Laurel ring — don’t be confused by imitators! Check out our page for updates throughout the year on the exciting things happening at One Lyman Circle… and at our Butler Campus!

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alumnae

IN MEMORIAM Ann Halle Little ’31 of Pepper Pike, OH, on January 16, 2012.

Ann received her B.A. from Smith College and a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Cambridge School of Architecture. She met her husband, Robert Little, at a Boston architecture firm and the couple moved back to Cleveland where they worked together in his private practice. Ann co-founded the Ten-Thirty Gallery, the first nonprofit, contemporary art gallery in Cleveland.

She co-published a book on the history of the Halle Brothers’ department store, co-founded the Pepper Ridge neighborhood in Pepper Pike and was a trustee for many nonprofits, including Laurel School. As a student, Ann was vice president of the Athletic Association, secretary and vice president of the Senate, Senior Class president, a member of choir and glee club, captain of the hockey and basketball teams, and a member of the baseball and track teams.

Predeceased by her sisters Kay Halle ’21, Margaret Halle Sherwin ’24 and Jane Halle Crile ’27 and niece Joan Crile Foster ’55, she is survived by a son, four grandsons and two nieces, Ann Crile Esselstyn ’53 and Susan Crile ’60. (See Legacy For Laurel profile on the inside back cover.)

Martha Perrin Niepold ’32 of Naples, FL, on December 7, 2011. She received her degree in music from Wellesley College. After traveling the country raising her family with her first husband, Charles Day, Martha eventually retired to Naples, FL. In Naples, she met and married Robert Niepold with whom she worked as an interior designer. After his death, Martha moved to the retirement community, The

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Glenview, where she served on the board of directors and helped design the common areas. She was involved in the Junior League, the Wellesley Club, League Club, the Imperial Golf Club and Moorings Presbyterian Church. She also volunteered with the Red Cross and LUVS for Youth Haven. She is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Jenot Warner Mills ’33 of Centennial, CO, on December 4, 2011.

At Laurel, Jenot was involved in the Senior play, drama club, the magazine board, student government and the track and tennis teams. Continuing her lifelong support of the school, Jenot was a member of Legacy for Laurel and her family directed memorial gifts be made to Laurel School. She is survived by two sons; two daughters, Dolly Mills Lager ’61, Martha Mills Bruch ’70; nieces Emily Warner Craig ’55, Jensie Warner Shipley ’60, Allison Davies Talbot ’63, Margaret Mills Plumpton ’67; and great-nieces Victoria Mills ’88, Christine Mills Stovell ’90 and Amanda Mills ’11.

Virginia Blanchard Becker ’34 of Cleveland, OH, on July 12, 2012. Ginny majored in art at Smith College. A longtime Laurel class agent, Ginny was noted for her wit and for being a dedicated, loyal alumna volunteer. She is survived by her son, and two of her three daughters, Betsy Becker ’69 and Debbie Becker ’73.

Emily Flesheim Schaffner ’35 of Beachwood, OH, on August 8, 2011.

Emily graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Bennington College and a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.

During her Laurel student days, Emily was a member of student council and on the Laurel Leaves’ board. She is survived by her three sons, four granddaughters including, Sarah Hibshman ’98, Rebecca Hibshman Kirshenbaum ’91 and Rachael Hibshman Podolsky ’89, and eight great-grandchildren.

Louise Ireland Humphrey ’37 of Tallahassee, FL, on March 18, 2012.

Louise was a volunteer extraordinaire— a pioneer leader of the Chagrin Valley hunts, the first female president of the Metropolitan Opera and a commissioner of the Florida Game and Fish commission. She led many boards, including the Visiting Nurse Association and Day Nursery Association.

In Cleveland she helped create the Ireland Cancer Center and restore Severance Hall, and supported numerable nonprofits, including Laurel where she was the 1985 Distinguished Alumna and served on the Board of Trustees from 1955-1967. She was predeceased by her daughter, Margo Humphrey Bindhardt ’60, and her sister, Kate Ireland ’48; she is survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Emma “Jo” Robinson Morris ’37 of Cleveland, OH, on June 25, 2011. Jo graduated from Vassar College. As an alumna, the mother of two alums and former trustee, Jo was a longtime supporter of Laurel School. In the past she volunteered as class news agent, a reunion planner, and served on the Highlights advisory and alumnae boards. Predeceased by her daughters, Cynthia Morris Yarmesch ’64 and Sylvia Morris ’69, she is survived by three grandchildren, her sister, Sylvia Robinson

Cruess ’47, nieces Joanne Flynn Frantz ’64 and Virginia Taylor Young ’56, and her great nieces, Candace ’13 and Annabelle ’15 Lincoln.

Mary Feil Hellerstein ’39 of Cleveland, OH, on August 30, 2011.

Mary completed her undergraduate degree at Smith College and received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She was a practicing pediatrician and family clinician for most of her life. In her successful nomination for Distinguished Alumna in 1981, her husband wrote that Mary was a “mother of six talented children, educator of medical students, therapist of young infants and children, participant and officer in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Women’s Hospital, Medical Library [and] Community Center.” A Laurel stalwart who could be counted on to attend nearly every Holiday and Alumnae Luncheon, one of her proudest moments was seeing her daughter, Kathryn Hellerstein ’70, honored as the 2011 Distinguished Alumna—they were the first mother and daughter to receive the award.

In addition to Kathryn, she is survived by her three sons, two daughters, 14 grandchildren and her sister.

Mary “Mickey” McCrea Fant ’42 of Chesterland, OH, on May 12, 2011. She graduated from Wellesley College. Mickey was remembered as a “merry prankster,” a “star athlet[e],” and the class’ “prize genius” in Laurel Leaves, of which she was Editor-inChief. A member of glee club and choir, and the field hockey and track teams, Mickey’s legacy continued as she taught Latin and

History at Laurel for 20 years and was a proud mother of Katherine Fant Mitchell ’68, Emily Fant Martin ’72 and Molly Fant Pierce ’76. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her husband, brother, son and eight grandchildren.

Frances Kositzky Newton Sorace ’42 of Chagrin Falls, OH, on December 21, 2011. Fran was known as a Laurel student whose “capacity for fun [was] enormous.” A terrific athlete, sidelined by injury her senior year, she was a member of choir and glee club.

Fran was a member of Legacy for Laurel. She is survived by her two daughters, her son, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lois Glatthar Mapes ’43 of Shaker Heights, OH, on March 17, 2012.

After attending Hood College, Lois worked as a social worker in Baltimore until she and her husband returned to Cleveland.

She enjoyed bridge, meeting new people, and was deeply devoted to her family. Her Laurel classmates remember her as a skilled actress, a history buff, “a swell swimmer and [one who] can jitterbug with the best.”

Predeceased by her sister, Doris Glatthar Kellogg ’39, she is survived by two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Sara Quiring von Koschembahr ’44 of Gates Mills, OH, on May 5, 2011. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Sara served Laurel in many volunteer positions including multiple class reunion committees and years spent as an Annual Fund leadership agent. She is survived by her husband, one son, three daughters including Cornelia von Koschembahr Rendall ’73 and Margaret

von Koschembahr ’79, and her granddaughter, Molly Rendall ’06.

Louise Marshall Prescott ’45 of Montville, NJ, on May 29, 2011.

“Weezie” graduated from Chevy Chase Junior College and was very active as a bowler, bridge player, singer, mother and wife, and former travel agent. The youngest member of her class, she was remembered in Laurel Leaves as cheerful and poised with “a quick wit, and a rare sense of humor.”

She is survived by three sons and six grandchildren.

Nancy Olson Morrison ’46 of Kirtland, OH, on August 6, 2011. At Laurel, Nancy was an alto in the glee club and a member of the recreation committee.

After Laurel, Nancy married her seventh grade sweetheart, Jack Morrison, as the yearbook predicted: the Senior Class Will states that “Nancy Olson leaves with Jack.” A loyal supporter and Annual Fund leadership agent, she is survived by her son; two daughters, Elizabeth Morrison Marcotte ’69 and Virginia Morrison ’76; her sister, Susanna Olson Reichert ’53; two grandchildren, including Avery Glassman ’09; and nine nephews and nieces, including Katherine Young Hurley ’79.

Suzanne Fidler Ruelle ’48 of The Villages, FL, on January 24, 2011.

Though moving to Pennsylvania prevented Sue from graduating with her classmates, she continued to stay in touch and support Laurel throughout her life. She earned a degree from Endicott College in medical illustration. An avid volunteer and home-

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alumnae

IN MEMORIAM maker, Sue enjoyed bridge, horseback riding and the arts. She served as the president of multiple Ladies Golf Associations. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter and four grandchildren.

Jane Smith Sanborn ’50 of Chardon, OH, on January 9, 2012. Jane attended Mount Vernon College and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She volunteered for the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, Girl Scouts, the Phillips-Osborne School, the Chardon local schools and, of course, Laurel School. She is survived by her husband; two sons; her daughter, Kim Sanborn Phillips ’76; her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Murphy Sanborn ’73; seven grandchildren including Sarah Sanborn ’05; two stepgrandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren and her brother.

Dianne McCracken Brown ’52 of South Natick, MA, on October 21, 2011.

Dianne was a graduate of Wellesley College and had a passion for art that not only led to a career in interior design, but also “graced the decorations of many a Laurel prom.” A member of the Museum of Fine Arts ladies committee, she helped reestablish the historical McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach, and loved studying and making Sailor’s Valentines. Her family, home, church, dogs and gardening kept her active.

Predeceased by a daughter, she is survived by her husband, a daughter and son and seven grandchildren. Dianne was a member of Legacy for Laurel.

Patricia Doron Warner ’52 of Conway, AR, on May 5, 2010. Pat 30

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graduated from Marjorie Webster Junior College and had a full life as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, PTA president, Sunday school teacher and remedial reading volunteer. She worked tirelessly with local cancer and breast cancer groups, visiting patients to lift their spirits. Her hobbies included sewing, oil painting, cycling, bowling, gardening, reading and knitting. Pat is survived by her daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers and her sister, Bonnie Doron ’61.

Sally Eshelman Baird ’53 of Oxford, OH, on August 30, 2011. Sally graduated from Denison University with degrees in biology and education and taught in Ohio, at The Spence School in NYC and at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. She loved gardening and served as president of the Des Fleurs Garden Club and the McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteered at the Oxford Presbyterian Church and Planned Parenthood. At Laurel, she was the vice president of her class and Senior speech chair. Sally is survived by her husband, two daughters, one son and eight grandchildren.

Karen Kail Smoots ’56 of Charlotte, NC, on February 13, 2012.

After graduating with a degree in home economics from Purdue University, Karen taught school for several years and, after a restaurant career in Cleveland, in 1980 she opened Eli’s Catering, a successful catering/ event planning company in Charlotte that became synonymous with creative and exquisite food presentation. It was purchased by the Charlotte Panthers football organi-

zation so she could run the stadiums’ food operations. She loved to play golf and travel and adored her family. She is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. Her family directed memorial gifts to Laurel School.

Harriet Bebout ’58 of Cincinnati, OH, on March 17, 2012.

Harriet was a scholar and dedicated to education all of her life. After Laurel, she received degrees from Duke and Tulane Universities, as well as a Ph.D. from UWMadison. She was an associate professor of math for 20 years at the University of Cincinnati and worked relentlessly to try and improve education in urban schools to help level the playing field of educational opportunities. She is survived by two sons, one daughter, six grandchildren, a brother and her sister, Penelope Bebout Gann ’53.

Karen York Murray ’58 of Cleveland, OH, on July 19, 2011. Karen graduated from Hollins College with a degree in math and enjoyed a long and successful career at the Cleveland Clinic.

Upon retirement, she remained busy singing alto in her church choir, being a member of the Garden Club and volunteering for cultural, educational and civic organizations.

Karen was a 50th reunion class planner and enjoyed reading and spending time at her summer cottage in Canada. She is survived by her son.

Mary Harrison Lansing ’63 of Naperville, IL, on September 20, 2011.

Mary received a B.S. in Education from North Texas University and a M.S. in Education from Texas Women’s University and specialized in reading and language skills for

pre-primary through second grade. In addition to teaching all over the country, she was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church and taught Sunday as well as vacation Bible school. She enjoyed walking, rollerblading, swimming, bowling, weight lifting and doing Pilates and yoga. Over the course of many trips, Mary was able to backpack 25% of the Appalachian Trail. Predeceased by her mother, Suzanne Brookhart Harrison ’37, and her aunt, Virginia Harrison Hamann ’26, she is survived by her husband, three children, six grandchildren, her brother and her sister, Virginia Harrison Knight ’66.

as a “brilliant” professor and “staunch supporter of academic excellence and integrity,” who would be remembered for “her sharp intellect and her dry sense of humor as well as her courage.” Laurel classmates remember her beautiful artistic talents and strong command of the French language, accompanied by an almost native-esque accent.

Kathryn Rewick Kulinski ’66 of Etna, WY, on September 24, 2011. Kathy attended Bowling Green State University and received a degree in secondary education from Arizona State University. At Laurel, Kathy was known for her “amazing talent for narrating humorous tales on many subjects,” and indeed, she went on to have several short stories and poems published.

She worked as a teacher for many years, and finally retired as the Dean of Students for a school in Arizona. Kathy enjoyed horseback riding and racing and traveling. She is survived by her daughter.

Sarah Ford Rickert ’75 of Westminster, CO, on January 1, 2012.

Sarah attended the Institute for American Universities in Avignon, France. She fulfilled her passion for traveling by visiting Paris often and through her work in corporate travel for over 30 years. At Laurel, Sarah was on the staff of Laurel Leaves and a member of the tumbling club. She is survived by sisters Allison Ford Craver ’72 and Carrie Ford Gray ’79, her brother, two sons and a daughter, nieces and nephews, and cousins Lynne Ireland Dearborn ’51 and Mary Dearborn ’76.

Phyllis “Filiz” Burhan ’68 of Paris, France, on May 23, 2011. Filiz graduated from Bryn Mawr College and received her Ph.D. from Princeton University. She taught in Dakar and worked for NASA for many years. In the 1980s she moved to Paris where, from 1984 until her death, Filiz was an integral part of the Department of Art History and Fine Arts at the American University of Paris. She was described by former students and colleagues

Lynn (Steingass) Mandel ’81 of Los Angeles, CA, on January 22, 2011.

Lynn attended Laurel until her family relocated to California, where she graduated from Beverly Hills High School and the University of California at Berkeley.

She worked in the aviation department for Lillick & Charles LLP, which became Nixon-Peabody after a merger. Lynn enjoyed travel and dressage—growing up, she was an accomplished competitor and she continued

Jill Schroeder Bischoff ’71 of Chardon, OH, on December 27, 2011.

Jill was a member of Chapel Theatre and Mugwumps at Laurel. She is survived by her daughter.

to pursue it as an avocation. Lynn noted that she “often considered [herself ] more a Laurel girl than a graduate of [anywhere else].”

She is survived by her mother and two brothers.

Lorraine Klika Mann ’83 of Denver, CO, on January 5, 2012. She graduated from Albion College. Lori was a member of Laurel’s glee club and in the fall play during her Senior year. Her career was focused in the telecommunications industry, and in 1997 Lori presented a workshop at Alumnae Weekend, speaking about starting a home-based business incorporating the Internet. She is survived by her mother and her brother. Her family directed memorial gifts be sent to Laurel School.

We recently learned of the deaths of the following alumnae: Mary Lou Hanks Smith ’45 of Tucson, AZ, on July 29, 2009.

Ann Krieger Fendrich ’71 of Lake Forest, IL, on August 28, 2009.

Beth Wagley Danforth ’51 of Vero Beach, FL, on August 10, 2011.

Ann Pierce Smith ’48 of Indian River, MI, in 2010.

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IN MEMORIAM Jessica Elizabeth Frankel ’13 of Shaker Heights, OH, on December 21, 2011, in a snow tubing accident. The remaining members of her class are heartbroken over the loss of their classmate. Jessica was much loved and a friend to many. Her teachers respected her academic success, and she proved herself to be a good teammate in every sport in which she participated. Jessica is survived by her parents, Lori and Donald Frankel, her brother, Marc, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. A rooftop garden has been lovingly funded as a celebration of her life and graces the roof on the addition to Laurel’s refurbished Dining Room. Jessica’s Garden was dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 2012. More information on Jessica’s Garden is available at www.jessicaefrankel.com.

We wish to express our profound appreciation to the Laurel community for the outpouring of support and heartfelt sympathy on the death of our beloved daughter, Jessica Elizabeth Frankel.

Jessica was a caring, beautiful and talented young woman who touched the lives of so many within the Laurel community.

Although there is very little that can be done to lighten our hearts and assuage the grief this terrible loss has brought to our family, it has been a comfort to know that the Laurel community cares so deeply.

Sincerely, The Frankel Family Joanna Putney Durdle of Moreland Hills, OH, on January 9, 2012. Joanna was a longtime member of the Laurel Admissions Office where she was Director of Pre-Primary Admissions.

A graduate of The Shipley School in Bryn

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Mawr, PA, and The College of Wooster, Joanna received a master’s from Kent State University. At her memorial service, held at Laurel, Head of School Ann V. Klotz remembered Joanna as, “A woman of exceptional hugs, exceptional courage and grace. The gift of Joanna’s attention made the listener feel, always, as if she were the most important person in the world. Her tenderness with young children brought many families to the school—she could listen for hours to a parent’s hopes about her little son or daughter. Her devotion to her colleagues and friends made her office a little mecca in the school. Filled with flowers and girls and artwork and love, it was a happy fishbowl….We were inspired by her candor, awed by her willingness to face cancer head on and to fight until the very end, showing her devotion to her family with every breath.”

Joanna is survived by her husband, Brian; her son, Chase Pavlik; daughters Taylor Pavlik ’11, Ellie Durdle ’17 and Grace Durdle ’19; her mother and a brother. The family directed gifts in her memory to the Joanna Putney Durdle Scholarship Fund at Laurel.

Demetrius Dickson of Cleveland Heights, OH, on May 29, 2011. A longtime member of Laurel’s facilities and transportation departments, Demetrius was a quiet but steady presence whose soft-spoken demeanor reassured children of all ages (and faculty and staff ), whether they rode his van route or

came into contact with him at the Lyman or Butler Campuses. “D” would go out of his way to help students and staff alike, often unsolicited, and his behind-the-scenes good cheer and efforts helped make many an alumnae or special event a success. He is survived by his wife, Patrichia; three daughters, Demetria, Dejanigue and Dacionna; and grandson Demetrius.

Timothy J. Curtiss in Cleveland, OH, on June 28, 2012. A noted activist in teen suicide prevention and the incoming Chair of the Board of the Suicide Prevention Education Alliance, Tim was remembered as one who put others’ needs above his own. He graduated in 1978 from University School, where he was a competitive swimmer, and went on to earn a degree in Economics from Yale University. After working on Wall Street, he returned to Cleveland in 1998, and continued a career in securities and investments until his death. Throughout his life he gave time and talent to numerous organizations.

He served as a trustee of Laurel School, from which his beloved daughter Morgan ’10 graduated; was a member of the Old Stone Foundation; a national officer of the Anti-Defamation League; treasurer of the talent-retention program “Summer on the Cuyahoga”; president of the Yale Alumni Association of Cleveland and a governor of the Association of Yale University. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife, Susan, a brother and sister and nieces and nephews. The family directed gifts in Tim’s memory to Laurel School.

Legacy for Laurel

Ann Little, Laurel School Class of 1931, epitomized what it means to Dream. Dare.

Do. The first sentence of her January 22, 2012, Plain Dealer obituary reads as follows: “Ann Murphy Halle Little flew a biplane, co-published a book about the family store and promoted modern art and architecture.” What we learn later in the article is that she had earned her pilot’s license by the time she was 16 – ANN MURPHY HALLE LITTLE ’31

prior to her 1931 graduation from Laurel!

The ties between Ann’s family, founders of Halle’s Department Store, and Laurel School span more than 100 years. Her cousin, Marion Halle Strauss, graduated from Laurel in 1913. All four of her siblings attended Laurel: Walter Halle, Class of 1922, was among the special group of Laurel alumni, having attended Laurel for First and Second Grades; Katherine Halle, Class of 1921, Margaret Halle Sherwin, Class of 1924, and Jane Halle Crile, Class of 1927, all began their careers, like Ann, in First Grade and continued at Laurel until graduation. Succeeding generations included children, cousins and grandchildren.

Ann and her husband, Robert, a descendant of Paul Revere, were among the original settlers of Pepper Ridge, the first, and probably only, planned neighborhood of modern homes in the state of Ohio. Their neighbors bore familiar Laurel names, such as Taft and Esselstyn.

In 2003, Ann shared with the School her interest in Laurel’s Faculty Investment Initiative, an endowment that assists Head of School Ann V. Klotz in her effort to provide competitive compensation for Laurel’s outstanding faculty. Ann Little indicated that the School would receive a distribution from her estate that should be directed toward this endowment. Laurel faculty members had played important roles in the lives of Halle family members for nearly a century, and for Ann Little, this was her opportunity to assure the finest teachers would continue to grace Laurel’s classrooms.

Membership in Legacy for Laurel is extended to all alumnae, parents, faculty and friends who make a provision in their estate plans to benefit the school.

For more information about joining Legacy for Laurel or on making a planned gift to Laurel School, contact Deborah Farquhar Jones, Director of Development and External Affairs, at 216.455.3027 or via email at dFarquharJones@LaurelSchool.org.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING FINE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WHO WELCOMED YOU THIS FALL: Boston Conservatory, Bucknell University, Carleton College, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Centre College, University of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati–Architecture, Cleveland State University, College of Charleston, College of William and Mary, The College of Wooster, Colorado College, Connecticut College, Cornell University, Cornell University–Architecture, Dartmouth College, DePaul University, Duquesne University, Elon University, Fordham University–Honors, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, Hiram College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, John Carroll University, Kenyon College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Miami University, University of Michigan–School of Kinesiology and Honors, University of Mississippi, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University–Mount Leadership Society Scholar, Honors, International Scholar and School of Music, University of Oxford, Rice University, University of Rochester, University of St. Andrews, St. John’s College, St. Olaf College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Smith College, University of Southern California–School of Cinematic Arts, Syracuse University, Syracuse University– Architecture, Tulane University, Vassar College, University of Vermont, University of Virginia, Washington University, Wellesley College, Wesleyan University, University of Western Ontario, Williams College, Xavier University

We were honored to help inspire you to fulfill your promise and to better the world. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish as Laurel School alumnae who Dream. Dare. Do.

PAID CLEVELAND, OHIO PERMIT NO.

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