Highlights A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LAUREL SCHOOL inside SUMMER 2022 | Microsoft Hololens in the Classroom • Alumnae Weekend '22 • Commencement '22 • The Ruhlman Family Legacy
Highlights | SUMMER 2022 1 LAUREL SCHOOL Laurel girls today. Leaders tomorrow. Highlights | SUMMER 2022 IN THIS ISSUE Scanning the Landscape: Beyond the Circle, A Message from Ann V. Klotz 4 Microsoft® Hololens Brings Augmented Reality to the Classroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Student Profile: Kaitlyn Ernst '24 9 Alumnae Weekend 2022 12 Commencement 2022 20 The Ruhlman Family Legacy 24 2021-2022 Faculty Awards 27 Class News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 6 16 25 Dream. Dare. Do. ON THE COVER: Laurel School's Class of 2022!
PRESIDENT, ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
MISSION STATEMENT
Submit address changes to the Development Office at 216.455.3096 or bGreen@LaurelSchool.org
To inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world.
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ALUMNAE EDITOR Julie Donahue ’79
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Laurel School
Highlights SUMMER 2022
CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Maegan Ruhlman Cross '03
LAURELSCHOOL.ORG
Highlights is published by Laurel School for alumnae, parents and friends.
HEAD OF SCHOOL Ann V. Klotz
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Maia Hunt-Ledford Rucker ’97
CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR Jessica Allen
EDITOR Sarah Hibshman Miller ’98
PHOTOGRAPHY Kimberly Dailey, Bill DePalma, Downie Photography, LLC, Neal McDaniel, Mock Tuna
Megan Lum Mehalko ’83
LAUREL VALUES STATEMENT:
Committed to building a just and inclusive world, Laurel girls are courageous, creative, ethical and compassionate.
Laurel School is an independent day school for girls, Kindergarten through Grade 12, with coeducational programs for 18 months–four-yearolds. 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.
Do.Dare.Dream. Highlights | SUMMER 2022 3
What changes could we make today to make us stronger 5+ years from now?
BEYOND THE CIRCLE: Empowering Girls, Changing the World A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR LAUREL’S NEXT CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND DISTINCTION.
SCANNING THE LANDSCAPE: BEYOND THE CIRCLE
up of trustees, faculty, staff, alumnae and parents. Each committee asked questions through these lenses:
What will be most critical to: students, families, faculty/staff, alums and other stakeholders in five years?
What’s changing in our competitive landscape locally and nationally?
Over several design sessions, each committee dreamed about Laurel’s future, learning more about what we already do and scanning the landscape for possibilities. When all the ideas were winnowed down, we emerged with our new strategic plan named Beyondthe Circle:EmpoweringGirls,ChangingtheWorld .
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL ANN V. KLOTZ
s a little girl without much nautical knowledge or exposure, I was fascinated by periscopes, an instrument used when submerged underwater that would allow someone to “see” objects out of sight. Pivoting to discern movement or activity in many directions seemed magical to me. Much older now, I still don’t know much about submarines, but I think of a periscope as a way to scan the terrain, scouting for opportunity and possibility. In a sense, the school’s new strategic plan is like a periscope and much more practical to employ! A strategic-planning process allows the school to take stock, to compare ourselves to peer schools, to consider trends, anticipate the future, assess our strengths and imagine possibilities. It is an exhilarating and energizing process, one that we typically engage in about every five years.
Within the shifting landscape, how do we emerge in the position of greatest Whatstrength?could strengthen, differentiate and improve our value proposition 5+ years from now?
Designed both to celebrate our strengths and to offer possibilities for new growth, the strategic plan will hold us accountable
A
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Almost two years ago, a trustee committee, expertly chaired by Susan Shons Luria ‘85 and Karen McCartan DeSantis ‘79, interviewed a number of strategic planning consultants and selected Ian Symonds of Ian Symonds
and Associates to lead Laurel’s strategic planning process. Ian helped us convene a design team of about 15 members—trustees, staff, parents and faculty. Then, members of those teams convened committees made
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An athletic steering committee convened this spring to investigate how to build strategic excellence in athletics. And, always, we are considering the ways in which “community”—diminished due to COVID—can be re-established and created in new ways. Two new Assistant Heads have joined us for the 2022-23 school year. Rachel Herlein will oversee academics and Heather Daly will help us move our strategic ambitions forward. With Ms. Herlein and Mrs. Daly in place, I will have more time to travel to visit with alumnae and friends of Laurel—something I love but which was curtailed during COVID.
We head into the school’s next chapter with joy and pride—scanning the landscape, benchmarking ourselves against other schools, reflecting, piloting, taking stock. Great education demands that children think critically and embrace creative risks. We, as an institution, aim to do the same. We are proud of who we are and excited about the future to come. L
At the same time, we know we must also focus on the Lyman Campus. We are pleased with the work the department chairs under Director of Teaching and Learning Megan Weiskopf have done in articulating the ways in which skills and themes spiral through disciplines making our powerful curriculum more visible. We continue to refine our Protégé and Capstone Scholars programs and have appointed new directors to oversee and build on them.
Great schools evolve. It is incumbent on school leadership to evaluate what traditions we retain and what must evolve. A strategic plan allows us to pause, consider, share ideas, and point towards refreshed goals. At Laurel, we invest in people—faculty, staff, students. Our alumnae urge us forward; our parents entrust their children to us; we want, always, to be worthy of that trust, so we work to communicate all we do with transparency.
We have established ourselves as experts in educating girls. Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls draws visitors each year who want to learn about the ways in which we put the world’s best research to work for girls. Other educators are curious about how we teach resilience and work on cultivating the kind of deep civil discourse that promotes a strong sense of belonging for every student and faculty or staff member. We are proud of being leaders in understanding— that social and emotional wellbeing are essential for academic achievement!
"GREAT SCHOOLS EVOLVE. IT IS INCUMBENT ON SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TO EVALUATE WHAT TRADITIONS WE RETAIN AND WHAT MUST EVOLVE. A STRATEGIC PLAN ALLOWS US TO PAUSE, CONSIDER, SHARE IDEAS, AND POINT TOWARDS REFRESHED GOALS."
over the next several years and help us measure our progress. The plan is laser focused on the following goals: retaining superb faculty and staff; increasing enrollment by attracting the very best students; investing in academic and programmatic excellence, and continuing to build on our legacy of innovation. These goals give us the chance to align our internal priorities with our fundraising goals.
Another signal of our future momentum includes the renovation of the Dining Room and the Pre-Primary entry and classrooms at Lyman. At Butler, over the summer we developed grade-level gardens and this fall we will construct a learning pavilion. In addition to the
Additionally, the Butler Campus has cemented our expertise in outdoor education and experiential learning; our use of Butler as the home for the Outdoor Prekindergarten and Grades 3, 4 and 5 has emboldened us to debut an exciting interdisciplinary curriculum that positions us as the leaders in environmental stewardship in Northeastern Ohio. We will continue to build on this reputation as those programs grow, and we will work to be sure we are threading environmental stewardship and care for the natural world through our work at the Lyman Campus, too. When the environmental justice semester—a program for Laurel students (Grades 10-12) and girls from surrounding public, private and faithbased schools—launches in the Fall of 2023, we will have students from ages 4-18 at Butler daily.
construction of a garage for storing equipment, plans are in the works to build sleeping yurts as well as an Environmental Learning Center—a cornerstone of Laurel is Where She Begins, our Capital Campaign. It is through the generosity of many donors that these projects can begin. See page 24 for an exciting announcement about a transformational bequest from Barbara Peterson Ruhlman '50 that will fund the Environmental Learning Center and enhance learning at our Butler Campus.
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TECHNOLOGY
AugmentedHoloLensMicrosoft®BringsReality (AR) to the Classroom
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n 2019, Laurel School’s incredible community successfully raised $107,431.20 dollars to bring Microsoft HoloLens technology to the classroom during the Gator Bash’s “Call to the Heart” paddle raise. At that time, Laurel had forged a unique relationship with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to incorporate augmented reality into the classroom via Microsoft HoloLens. In fact, Laurel was the first school in Ohio to partner with CWRU in this way. The funds raised ensured Laurel could acquire the necessary hardware and software and more importantly, provide the opportunity to our students to learn programming and to be active collaborators with faculty in the development of new applications for use in K-12 classrooms.
Fast forward to 2022, three years and one pandemic later, Laurel has 10 HoloLens Mixed Reality (MR) headsets in hand and has been working diligently to incorporate two different applications into the science curriculum. COVID put an interesting spin on timing but once students were back in the classroom, Laurel’s Upper School Science Department worked together to find inventive ways of utilizing augmented reality to enhance learning.
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By Sarah Hibshman Miller ‘98
HoloLens® toAugmentedBringsRealitytheClassroom
the ability to pull back the curtain and interact with electron clouds and internal organs from the comfort of the Acrossclassroom."otherdisciplines
QUANTUM brings the first 18 elements of the Periodic Table up on the screen and through virtual reality, students have the ability to click on individual elements and study their breakdown by seeing in 3D where electrons are.
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“Studentsseeing.havedefinitely embraced this type of learning and have enjoyed incorporating mixed reality into how they consume information,” said Taylor Kaar, Science Department Chair and Physics Teacher. “Making physics and chemistry more tangible—something
Technology has significantly changed the way in which learning can happen, and the use of AR is not just for Physics and Chemistry. The long-term plan for HoloLens is to incorporate the use of AR and HoloLens programs into other departments across the Upper School and Middle School.
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"There is so much potential for learning by incorporating augmented reality into the classroom," said Kathy Masaryk, Upper School Science Teacher, who began utilizing HoloLens in her College Prep Chemistry and Honors Chemistry classes this past year. "In addition to the physics and chemistry programs Laurel is already incorporating into our curriculum, there are many other amazing programs designed for HoloLens that help students explore topics like anatomy and atomic structure, topics that are sometimes difficult to conceptualize because we can’t actually see or touch them in our daily lives. HoloLens gives students
Both programs can be viewed on a screen so multiple students can review and correspond about what they are
outside of science, augmented reality can help to transform education. In math for instance, students can literally see real-world examples of word programs. In English and history, students can become immersed into the plot of a story or of historical events. This type of learning, in conjunction with more traditional classroom learning, offers students new and unique ways of absorbing information.
THE PROJECTILE MOTION
PROGRAM is currently being used in Physics. For this, students see a control panel and use it to launch an object through the air at an angle, which can be manipulated. Students can pause the projective at any point to study the velocity and other aspects of the trajectory.
students can actually see, has been beneficial to the learning process.”
There is a great deal of potential to enhance the way in which students learn by utilizing this technology.
“This is the way of the future so it is pretty amazing to embrace the type of technology in the classroom,” continued Taylor. “It is hard to bring a simulation to life and there is a physiological reaction that takes place when you move from the 2D to the 3D realm.”
hile in Eighth Grade, Kaitlyn’s science research focused on developing a novel source of energy that has zero environmental impacts, all while being cost-effective and applicable to the average consumer. Focusing on climate change, she developed the idea to take an unused source of heat that would typically contribute to climate change and used it to create needed electricity.
KAITLYN ERNST ‘24 began her journey at Laurel as a Kindergarten student and early on, demonstrated a passion for math. When Kaitlyn entered Middle School, she saw how math naturally intertwined with science and her interests further developed through her desire to learn through research. Though Laurel did not offer a Middle School science fair program at the time, Kaitlyn was fascinated by the process of research and innovation, and worked with Middle School Director Leslie Segal ‘95 to create a way to take that research and participate in science fairs. By her Eighth Grade year a Science Fair Elective was offered to students who, just like Kaitlyn, had a passion for research and science they wanted to develop.
Though only in Middle School, Kaitlyn’s research was well beyond her years. It was in Eighth Grade that she was selected as one of 10 inaugural Fellows for the Hafize Gaye Erkan First Republic Fellowship Program, which fosters STEM education, leadership and career paths for promising young women. Each Fellow receives $5,000 per year during high school for STEM educational services and programs. Kaitlyn is using the funds she received as a Fellow to help launch a STEM research extracurricular for other interested Laurel students. "The first thing I jumped to is I wanted to spend the money not on myself, but on bringing opportunities to other people," she said. "I'm very privileged to be in a position where the work I do at the lab, I don't have to worry about funds. I want to make sure the other students at my school also have that opportunity."
STUDENT PROFILE Highlights | SUMMER 2022 9
By Sarah Hibshman Miller ‘98
W
A Role Model for Women in STEM, Kaitlyn Ernst ’24 Blazing a Trail at Laurel School and Beyond
Kaitlyn Ernst ‘24 Blazing a Trail at Laurel School and Beyond
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Working with mentors in Laurel’s Upper School science department, Kaitlyn excelled at the District competition her Eighth Grade year, earning Superior status and a $1,000 scholarship to any Ohio College. She was the only Middle School student to receive a Governor’s Award and she advanced to the State Science Fair where she again ranked among the top scorers.
be named as a Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) finalist. Six interviewees were ultimately chosen by BSEF to attend ISEF and Kaitlyn was one of them. She went on to attend ISEF in Atlanta this past May where she had the incredible opportunity, as only a Sophomore, to connect with hundreds of students from around the world and learn from top female scientists at a Women in STEM panel.
“Kaitlyn's communication of science-related topics is beyond her years. I have witnessed Kaitlyn represent her research to science experts at international competitions, and I am continually impressed by her confidence and poise. She is a role model at Laurel for what young women can achieve in STEM, and I know she will continue to break barriers throughout her high school career.”
— Kimberly Corrigan, Upper School Science Teacher and Director of STEAM Engagement
With all of these successes in science, it was no surprise when Kaitlyn was announced as a Melvin Scholar this year by the Ohio Academy of Science, which recognizes and rewards pre-college, student researchers. These scholars will represent Ohio at the National Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) meeting, which is held in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AJAS is very unique because it is not a competition, rather it is a conference that celebrates student success by introducing them to the social, cultural, intellectual, and professional aspects of STEM professions.
Kaitlyn spent this past summer back in the lab at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine participating in the Scientific Enrichment and Opportunity (SEO) Program along with two other Laurel students who are preparing to compete in upcoming science fairs. Kaitlyn’s research investigated the biocompatibility and immune response of a type of electrode injected as a liquid. She commented that, “Through neuromodulation, it can be used for chronic pain and other health conditions instead of opioids.” Kaitlyn used imaging techniques to determine macrophage recruitment in tissue samples from rat models. She hopes to apply her research to her work in the year ahead.
While focused on science, Kaitlyn also found other ways to harness her passion for research as a member of the Model UN Team and, once in Upper School, a member of the Lincoln Douglas Debate team. Her focus and determination has led her to incredible success in both of these endeavors. During Kaitlyn’s Ninth Grade year, she won the State Novice tournament in Lincoln Douglas Debate—a huge honor for a first time Speech and Debate competitor. In December 2021, Kaitlyn already had enough bids to qualify to participate in the Speech and Debate State Tournament in May. In addition, as part of the World Schools North Coast Brown Team, an elite group of debaters that come together to compete as a team, Kaitlyn’s team finished as one of the top 30 teams in the world after competing at the National Tournament in June.
Model UN was no different for Kaitlyn, who used her research skills as a member of the Arab League this year, where she enjoyed working on the human rights council. She won the Gavel Award, the highest award given in each committee, and the Best Position Paper Award. In fact, this was Kaitlyn’s third Gavel Award win, having won it twice in Middle School as a member of the Junior Model UN Richteam.Kawolics, former Director of Speech and Debate at Laurel, has worked with Kaitlyn for several years and said in a Chagrin Valley Times profile about Kaitlyn’s achievements that “Her dedication to research is evident through her classroom work and extracurricular activities. As an experimenter and researcher, Kaitlyn is unique. She is singularly driven to uncover as much information as she possibly can. That comes through in debate, too. She’s truly a remarkable student.”
This “Superior” ranking has become a theme for Kaitlyn over the years. Her research has consistently earned her spots at State competitions. This past year, Kaitlyn’s research on how a novel molecule derived from oats interacts with the immune system to drive antitumor functions for the purpose of developing immunotherapies, won her rave reviews at the Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair (BSEF) where she was one of only 12 participants to be selected to interview with BSEF to potentially
1st place for the Akron District Society of Professional Engineers Award Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Award
1st place for the Future Physician-Scientist Award L
2022 State Science Fair Superior Ranking
Superior Ranking (state qualification) Ohio Tuition Trust Authority Award
Bridging Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) Medicine Engineering Fair Cleveland Clinic Award
202220212020
2021 State Science Fair Superior Ranking
2022 District Science Fair Superior Ranking (state qualification) 2nd place in Health Sciences Category
2022 Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair Melvin Scholar—Ohio delegate for the national American Junior Academy of Science International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Qualifier
ScienceofAcademyOhioThecredit:Photo
*In 2020 Kaitlyn also qualified to attend the Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) but it was canceled due to COVID.
KAITLYN HAS RECEIVED MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS FOR HER RESEARCH AND PARTICIPATION IN STATE SCIENCE FAIR COMPETITIONS OVER THE YEARS.
1st place for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Environmental Protection Research Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Advanced or Alternative Energy Scholarship
2020 District Science Fair
2021 Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF)
Cleveland Clinic Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolics Sciences Award Cleveland Clinic Department of Biomedical Engineering Award
1st place in Health Sciences Category
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) ISEF Finalist
2021 District Science Fair
Superior Ranking (state qualification)
1st place in the Health & Medicine category Cleveland Clinic Cancer Biology Award
1st place for the Governor's Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in Biotechnology and Biomedical Technologies Scholarship
2020 State Science Fair Superior Ranking
2022 Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF)
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STUDENT PROFILE
1st place in the Health and Medicine Category
The traditional Alumnae Luncheon got a twist and became a picnic under a tent in the parking lot adjacent to the old dorm/current Middle School. The picnic culminated with an ice cream truck full of cool treats on a warm day. Reunion classes were so glad to reconnect at their offsite gatherings on Friday and Saturday nights.
After three years, it was wonderful to welcome back alumnae in person for the aptly named Circle Back to Lyman: Alumnae Weekend 2022. The weekend committee, chaired by Meredith Stewart Reimer ’95 and Shanika Ranasinghe Esparaz ’05, kept Laurel’s ever evolving COVID safety protocols in mind in making its plans. The weekend kicked off with the Distinguished Alumnae Awards Ceremony, this year a virtual conversation with our three recipients moderated by Distinguished Alum Committee Chair Anita Tarar ’91 and Ann V. Klotz.
Distinguished Alumnae Thursday, May 19, 2022 • Deborah Hannon Rosenblum ’80, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs (Distinguished Alumna) • Jane Startzman ’70 , Arts Advocate and Director of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival (Lifetime Achievement) • Jamie Taylor ’02 , LPGA Professional and Founder of the Black Golf Directory and JT Mobile Training (Young Alumna of Distinction) 12 Alumnae Weekend 2022 CIRCLE BACK TO LYMAN
Friday, May 20 – 50th Reunion Breakfast 2.1. 3. Saturday, May 21 – Alumnae Picnic 4. After three long years, the sign says it all! 5. Alumnae Weekend co-chair 5.4. Highlights | SUMMER 2022 13
ALUMNAE WEEKEND ’22 1. Bobbie Brown and Michelle Miller reconnect over breakfast for the Class of 1972 in the Alumnae Room 2. Mary Izant and Sarah Wiseley Allyn 3. The Class of 1972 celebrating its 50th Reunion. Back row (l to r): Alisa Taylor Cowen, Kathie Williams Clyde,
Michelle Miller, Sarah Wilkinson Kemp, Carol Towson and Bobbie Brown. Front row: Barbara Hart Yorks, Deborah Hill McAlpin, Nancy Tippit Navatsyk, Sarah Wiseley Allyn, Mary Izant and Paulette Balin Yasinow
8. The Class of 1982: Lisa Moore Mercado, Elisabeth Hoffmeyer Hilton, Beth Barry Kaufman, Vikki Anderson and Joyce Nahigian Nicole Dekleva Bannerman ’87 and Nicole Wolf ’87 to Lyman for their 35th
9.
returned
14 LaurelSchool.org 4. Saturday, May 21 – Alumnae Picnic 5. 5. 1. Alumnae Association President Maia Hunt-Ledford Rucker ’97 welcomes alums to the Picnic. 2. The traditional Alumnae Luncheon became the Alumnae Picnic in a tent in the Green Lot 3. Celebrating their 70th Reunion! Marilyn Donnelly Doman ’52 and Marilyn Mueller Dickey ’52 4. Enjoying their 65th Reunion! Members of the Class of 1957: Standing: Judy Sloan Isaacs, Mary McConnell Meinig, Sue Kremser Smith and Karen Lesher Young. Seated: Marietta Giunta Gullia and Sally Pastorelle Reed 5. Celebrating their 25th x 2 + 10! Standing: Mimi Stief Gallo, Pam Juergens Isquick, Barbara Pinkerton Corns and Jeanie Brown Belhobek. Seated: Nancy AuWerter Cockley, Betsy Ellis Somershield and Elise Cooper Bennett
Circle
6. The Future is Bright with the Class of 1967! Standing: Emily Wilson Zeiders, Margaret Mills Plumpton and Mary Kelsey. Seated: Nicki Visconsi Mawby, Jeannine Furrer and Evie Newell
7. Celebrating their 45th Reunion: Kay Sheppard Swigart ’77 and Melissa McClelland ’77
1. 2. 3.6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Members of the Class of 1992 celebrating their 30th Reunion: Cindy Langmack, Martha Olin Stromann, Jeanne Gallucci, Janae LockettReynolds, Jenny Waits Walter
11 The Class of 1997: Marlana Strange Harris, Maia Hunt-Ledford Rucker, Erica Kort McClurkin and Sarah Shatila
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12. The Class of 2002: Rosemary Mudry, Arnetta Dean Matthews, Meredith Webb, Caroline Leibert, Jessica Bourland, Gausia Chowdhury, Courtney Batt, Amber Davis Dumas, Jamie Taylor
13. Celebrating their 10th Reunion! Caroline Kamen, Grace Robbins, Terah Coleman and Emily Johnson
11.10.12. 13. 14. ALUMNAE WEEKEND ’22
Saturday, May 21 – Alumnae Picnic
16 LaurelSchool.org 1. Jeannine Furrer ’67 reading her poem about Reunion at the Picnic 2. Chicago residents Lynne Inman ’82, celebrating her 40th Reunion, and Amy Goodman Weller ’78, Alumnae Board member 3. Brittney Jackson ’10 and Young Alumna of Distinction Jamie Taylor ’02 4. Ann V. Klotz shares highlights of the 2021-22 year 5. Several alumnae members of the Board of Trustees attended the Picnic: Gausia Chowdhury ’02, Alisa Taylor Cowen ’72, Kim Simpson ’90, Chair Megan Lum Mehalko ’83 and Michael Anne Johnson ’64 6. Leslie K Segal ’95 and her mom, Kathy Perris Torgerson ’65 7. Nancy AuWerter Cockley ’62 and daughter Missy Cockley Spellacy ’89 8. Honorary Alum and faculty emeritus Tim Connell with Martha Olin Stromann ’92 9. Carol Towson ’72 and Barbara Hart Yorks ’72 10. Janae Lockett-Reynolds ’92, Jen Waits Walter ’92 and Alum Board member Saturday, May 21 – Alumnae Picnic I scream, You scream, We all scream for ice cream!3. 4.2.1. 6. 7. 8. 5. 10.9.
11. Alum Boar and Car 12. Rosemary Mudry ’02 and Rebecca Brakeman ’02 13. Kay Sheppard Swigart ’77, Ann V. Klotz and Jeannine Furrer ’67 14. Who doesn 15. Alum Board Vice President Amanda Royan ’04 and Trustee Emerita Vikki Anderson ’82 Saturday, May 21 – Alumnae Picnic ALUMNAE WEEKEND ’22 11. 15. 12. 13. 14. Highlights | SUMMER 2022 17
The weekend wrapped up with a pancake breakfast for current Laurel families, alumnae, parents of alumnae and faculty emeriti. Special guests were Mark Mulac, Upper School Math, Rich Kawolics, Upper School Science and Director of Speech and Debate, and Susan Kramer, RN, School Nurse. Former colleagues and students paid tribute to all three who were retiring after 20 or more years of service at Laurel.
May 22 – Breakfast at Butler
1. Anna Victoria MacGregor ’17, Susan Kramer and Katerina MacGregor 2. Honorary Alum and faculty emerita Denise André with Anne Wilkinson ’75 and Sarah Wilkinson Kemp ’72 3. Longtime Upper School Spanish teacher and golf team coach Marti Hardy 4. Denise André with retiring honoree Upper School science teacher and Director of Speech and Debate Rich Kawolics 5. Retiring honoree Upper School math teacher Mark Mulac 6. Grant Cross and Maegan Ruhlman Cross ’03 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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Alumnae Weekend MAY 19-21, 2023 SAVE THE DATE! Highlights | SUMMER 2022 19 ALUMNAE WEEKEND ’22 Sunday, May 22 – Retiring Honoree Tributes 7. Retiring honoree Nurse Susan Kramer 8. Retired math teacher Jim Hassel saluting retiring Mark Mulac 9. Rose Babington ’04 paying tribute to Mark Mulac 10. Retired science teacher Licia Kovach honoring Rich Kawolics 11. Jacquelyn Daugherty ’10 thanking Rich Kawolics for inspiring her career in engineering 12. Grace Robbins ’12 sharing memories of Speech and Debate with Rich Kawolics 13. Meredith Stewart Reimer ’95 honors Susan Kramer 7. 8. 9. 11. 12. 10.13.
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“That’s going to be especially challenging because over the years, I feel like we’ve grown into a family of our own. A messy one to be fair, but we are so deeply connected. . . . I’m going to miss our simple hellos. . . . And I’m ultimately dreading our final goodbye. Because though I know we will always be connected, we will inevitably change and grow over the course of college and whatever else may lie ahead. That is not a bad thing, it’s only natural. No matter how scary or daunting, change is inevitable.
REFLECTIONS ON THE CLASS OF
“I know our journey is nowhere near finished. College is quite real and approaching rather quickly—no matter how deeply in denial we all may be. While it’s certainly exciting, it’s also really scary at the same time. We are going to endure a whole new set of challenges and we are going to do it without the constant presence and support of each other.
COMMENCEMENT
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“I feel so certain because I believe we have already made Laurel a kinder place. . . . Even when faced with my own problems and schoolwork—and more recently the daunting
raduation day. It was only four years ago that we first officially walked into the Upper School as high schoolers. Only four years, and yet it feels so long ago. We have endured so much over these years. There were a lot of times when I never actually thought we would make it to this day, that the looming presence of college and the greater future was just some far off idea only meant to scare us into doing all our homework and getting good grades. And on top of normal high school concerns, we also had to worry about the pandemic. We literally had to isolate ourselves from one another and family members during what should have been a time of formative group experiences. . . . Today, I look at us and I know we’ve made it. I am happy that despite all the challenges we encountered, we made it and we made it together.
This year, Samantha Devaney was chosen by her fellow members of the graduating class to represent them as student speaker at Commencement. Below are excerpts from her speech.
“. . . (W)hen I look at the Class of 2022, at my peers and friends, I feel confident that we will all do great things. I know the future is not without hardships and its own set of disappointments, but it’s so much more than that. . . . I know that the people around me are only going to grow into even more interesting and beautiful people, but more than that, I know they are going to do amazing things for others and make the world that much kinder.
Samantha Devaney
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“I also can’t begin to thank all the wonderful faculty who have also helped to shape us on our journey. They inspired us not
only to be better students, but better people. They always encouraged our questions—even if they were totally unrelated from the topic we were studying or just plain silly. They were compassionate to our struggles. And they always pushed us to reach our potential. . . . We wouldn’t be here today without them. Because at every step in our journey, it always felt like they believed in us, even when we didn’t.
“There is so much more to be grateful for, including our parents who supported us along the way and made it possible for us to attend Laurel in the first place. Most of all, I am grateful for my classmates. Grateful to have known them all before they go off and do wonderful things. They all have such an amazing capacity for compassion. And I feel like that’s what defines our grade. We choose to be kind, it is what makes us so special, what will only drive us to grow further. And I have full faith that we will ‘fulfill [our] promise and better the world.’”
college application process—I always made time to talk with Underclassmen, and so did so many of my classmates. We would actively include, give advice, smuggle Senior desserts, and always offer a shoulder for them to cry on. In turn, they have helped us just as much as we have always tried to help them. Making us laugh during lows, cheering us on during highs, and just being an all-around supportive presence. . . .
“But just as we have changed our school for the better, Laurel gave us the same opportunity to grow. We wouldn’t be here today without the community Laurel has given us. I never would have met all these amazing, and different people who have become my peers, my friends, and quite frankly, a second family. Laurel offered me a place to be myself among my friends and for that I will be forever grateful.
“Youself-motivated.arealsoresilient—as
COMMENCEMENT
“W hat is it that defines a Laurel graduate? Without bragging, I note that the Laurel alums I know—and there are many of them from across the generations—have a confidence, a courage, a willingness to dive in and do things—that sets them apart. Perhaps it’s passion or living your truth or a sense that you have an obligation to the world, embodied in the school’s mission and values. Perhaps it’s that we learn, at Laurel, to claim our voices, to raise them to amplify voices that may not have been heard. Laurel graduates are unafraid. They take their places at colleges and universities prepared not solely for academics, but to participate in the life of a community—because they have learned to be invested in the Laurel community. You are accomplished athletes, writers, artists, musicians, actors, techies, volunteers—you have many talents and we thank you for sharing them with the Laurel community.
“Academic excellence is the foundation of a Laurel education, and you, as a class, have demonstrated superb critical and creative thinking in a wide range of disciplines. Despite having your Sophomore year interrupted by the pandemic, you found ways to continue to challenge yourselves intellectually. Though you were appropriately ambitious about your future beyond Laurel, lots of you found joy in learning. You are curious and
. . . “There is no ’set path’ you are predestined to take. It is up to you to be the mapmaker of your own world. Take time. Think about what it is you really like to do. While your course may change, always be intentional about what you do—don’t dilly dally through life. Use your voice. Be the courageous, ethical and compassionate young women we know you to be. Do not fear making mistakes—often, failure does not turn out to be failure. Nothing you do is wasted; see yourselves as collectors of experiences that will help you to shape your life. You are the bright and bold generation that the world needs more than ever.” L
Highlights | SUMMER 2022 23
“You are also resilient—as a class, you have rallied around each other with empathy and care through some very difficult times.
Ms. Mehalko was elected Board Chair in 2021 and previously served a term on the Alumnae Board, including co-chairing Alumnae Weekend, before joining the Board of Trustees in 2019, where she most recently served as Vice Chair. In her role at Benesch, Ms. Mehalko advises public companies on corporate governance issues and securities law issues. She is also the sole woman on the firm’s executive committee. Below are excerpts from her address.
Commencement Address by Megan Lum Mehalko ’83, Co-Chair of the Corporate and Securities Practice Group at Benesch and Chair of Laurel’s Board of Trustees
a class, you have rallied around each other with empathy and care through some very difficult times. More recently, you adapted smoothly to school on Zoom. Once you were able, you returned to the dear walls of the Lyman Campus and worked with your teachers and with the grades above and below you to rebuild and, in some cases, reinvent the sense of community that has always been palpable at Laurel School.”
Megan Lum Mehalko ’83
Left to right: Grant, Jason and Maegan Ruhlman Cross '03, Rob and Abby Ruhlman, Ryan, Tesse, Graeme, Brooks and Alei Ruhlman '32.
24 LaurelSchool.org
s a girl, living on Laureldale just three houses from Laurel School, Barbara Petersen Ruhlman, Laurel School Class of 1950, listened to the Laurel students practicing piano on the third floor of the main building; the sound of music wafting from the school enchanted her. Barbara entered Laurel as a Sophomore and credited those three years of Upper School with giving her the foundation and self-confidence that enriched her life. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wellesley College, she worked as a hospital social worker before marriage and raising a family in Cleveland. Years later she would become a Trustee of Laurel serving in an active and then Emerita role for 20 years. Sadly, Barbara passed away in January of 2022. And now, 75 years after she first entered Laurel School, many members of the Ruhlman family are still actively involved at Laurel either as a parent, grandparent, student, alum or employee.
Barbara’s granddaughter, Maegan Ruhlman Cross ‘03, whose blood runs as green as her grandmother’s did, now serves as Development Director at Laurel and is a new proud Laurel parent to Grant, who joins the Early Learner’s Program this school year. Maegan commented that, “Laurel is so important to me and to us as a family, and it all started with my Grandma. As an institution, Laurel truly lives its mission. One of the things I always come back to is how this mission, to inspire each girl to
Highlights | SUMMER 2022 25
THE BUTLERLIVESFAMILYRUHLMANLEGACYONATLAUREL'SCAMPUS
In addition to Grant, Alei Ruhlman ‘32 is in Third Grade. She is beyond excited to be back at the Butler Campus for the next three years of learning. Alei’s Laurel experience began at Butler, where she thrived as an Outdoor PrePrimary student, reveling in the opportunity to learn, immersed in the natural world, in such a hands-on, impactful way. “We are an outdoor family,” said Maegan. “We love to sail and are quite active, so Butler really taps into this area of passion.” The Ruhlman family was impressed with both Alei and her brother Graeme’s
fulfill her promise and to better the world, continues to push me to be the best version of myself, even today, nearly 20 years after graduating.”
A
It is safe to say that Barbara’s time at Laurel not only made an impact on her and her family, but also will impact future generations of Laurel girls for decades to come with her transformational estate gift totaling $4.7 million.
believe in this so wholeheartedly, it makes sense that the Butler Campus, thanks to Barbara's remarkable estate gift, will be home to The Ruhlman Family Center for Environmental Learning, which will be the first dedicated academic building at Butler, and we anticipate will house classrooms, laboratories, a stunning “living” atrium, and a full-service kitchen and Dining Room. The Ruhlman Family Center will celebrate the many hallmarks of the Butler Campus experience, including access to outdoor learning spaces and space for Laurel’s emerging environmental justice semester program.
$4,639,650 $ Barbara's1,000,000Fund $ FamilyThe3,000,000RuhlmanCenterforEnvironmentalLearning$ Lyman639,650Campus
The 150-acre Butler Campus gives girls an experiential learning opportunity like no other. From performing their own bicycle maintenance to using elements of STEAM to build bridges and ramps that benefit the outdoor Campus, students are taught the principles of learning while realizing they are capable of doing anything! A focus on resilience and pushing yourself to do hard things is what Butler is all about. Since the entire Ruhlman family
Outdoor Pre-Primary experiences, and Maegan hopes to see their younger brother, Brooks, and Grant follow in turn.
fund for Lyman Campus deferred atandDiningPre-PrimarymaintenanceentranceandRoomrenovations,afuturememorialgardentheLymanCampus
Barbara P. Ruhlman '50 Estate Gift TOTAL:
Endowed
THE BUTLERLIVESFAMILYRUHLMANLEGACYONATLAUREL'SCAMPUS L 26 LaurelSchool.org
Brian Carpenter, Kim Corrigan, Taylor Kaar, Rich Kawolics, Kathy Masaryk and Julie Topping THE UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
'21-'22 FACULTY AWARDS
Presented at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year.
In the fall of 2017, the Laurel Upper School science department began to plan for a significant curricular change that would introduce students to Physics in Ninth Grade rather than Eleventh. Known as Physics First, this approach required a resequencing of science classes that the department understood would better serve students. The entire department collaborated in researching and exploring the costs and benefits to making such a change and spent two years writing the new Physics curriculum, which needed to adjust in order to accommodate the change in science experience and math levels that students entering Physics would have in Ninth Grade. This past year concluded the long and steady rollout of this program, as the ‘22-’23 year marks the first year that all Upper School students at Laurel will take Physics as Ninth Graders. In these past five years, from initial concept to full implementation, all members of the department have considered not only the changes that needed to occur in the Physics program but also the curricular revisions to Chemistry and Biology necessitated by the sequence change. This departmental effort has shown the value of careful, intentional planning and messaging so students, families, advisors, and leadership could understand and be confident in the shift; continued evaluation and revision of curriculum in multiple courses as the change rolled up; and dedication to providing the best educational experience possible for students in the classroom. For their continued focus, teamwork, and creativity, and for seeing this process through over five sustained years, we are pleased to award the Upper School Science department with the Innovative Teaching Award.
This endowment was created on the occasion of the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1964 to award excellence in teaching. It anticipates an award, given annually, to a Laurel teacher or team of teachers to encourage and promote outstanding classroom innovation, leading to new or improved curriculum and/or programs which impact the education and lives of Laurel girls. The Class seeks to award the implementation of creative, mission-driven teaching ideas which will help Laurel girls find their voices and excel in the world.
CLASS OF 1964 INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD
Left to right: Rich Kawolics, Julie Topping, Taylor Kaar, Brian Carpenter and Kim Corrigan (not pictured: Kathy Masaryk).
FACULTY AWARDS Highlights | SUMMER 2022 27
April Walker
A master teacher who is committed to her craft and takes joy in learning, Mrs. Walker’s classroom is inviting to children and reflects her commitment to order and beauty. She started at Laurel during the first year of the pandemic and quickly became a faculty member who could be called upon and trusted to step in where needed. Mrs. Walker’s steadfast and committed presence is an asset to the Pre-Primary program and we are lucky that she will continue to grace us with her talents next year in the new Early Learners classroom and as a Pre-Primary Art specialist.
Mr. Abbot-Klafter’s questions probe for depth in thinking. Learning in his classroom is simple, clear, but not easy. Mr. A-K expects a lot from his students: that they are showing their thinking in their writing, through their debate positions, or by speaking with conviction during class discussions. In his first year of teaching, Mr. A-K posed good questions about WHY Sixth Graders at Laurel learn what they learn: he wondered what interests them, what is important in increasing their literacy, and what is left out of their curricular experiences? As an historian himself, Mr. A-K was distinctly aware that just "because Sixth Graders have always read it" is no reason to continue teaching a text. He proposed new stories, new genres that could hook girls in his classroom and help them build on their skills. Mr. A-K balances creativity with a desire to build a cohesive program for his students in all of their experiences.
THE VIRGINIA BEIDLER NEFF ’29 AWARD
Edward and Virginia Beidler Neff ’29 established this award to recognize teachers within their first three years of teaching at Laurel who demonstrate excellence and potential in the classroom.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH AND SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
April Walker
Sean Abbott-Klafter
28 LaurelSchool.org
Sean Abbott-Klafter
EARLY LEARNERS TEACHER, PRE-PRIMARY
Ying Lu
The purpose of the Mary French Conway Award is to recognize excellence in teaching, both in the classroom and in a demonstration of commitment to the School through participation in non-classroom activities with students.
THE MARY FRENCH CONWAY ’46 AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
MarabitoYingLu
Laura Marabito
WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER, CHINESE; PRIMARY & MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Highlights | SUMMER 2022 29 FACULTY AWARDS
FIRST GRADE TEACHER
Ms. Lu had the incredible task of teaching every level of Chinese this past year from Sixth through Twelfth Grade. We rely on Ying to do a lot, and she does it all well. In each level, she challenges and supports students in speaking, reading, writing and culture, meeting them where they are and pushing them to the next levels of comprehension and competence. Ying Lu is a natural teacher, connecting easily and predictably with a range of learners, communicating her high expectations clearly, and imparting her native culture and language with love and care to Laurel's Chinese students. Ms. Lu sees every student as an individual. When asked "What person at our school has made the biggest impact in your life this year and why?" one Eighth Grader wrote in her end of year reflection,"Lu Lao Shi. Her class never felt stressful, but I always felt like I was learning." This is Ying Lu's gift: to keep her language students hovering in that zone of proximal development.
Laura
As a lifelong learner and student, Ms. Marabito is continually thinking beyond her own classroom and recently decided to return to school to work on her Ph.D. in Literacy, knowing there was more to learn and use in the classroom to better serve her students. With that, she has generously shared resources and expertise around literacy to improve teaching and learning for all our students. Ms. Marabito is compassionate about every girl's needs and is a constant champion for those who need extra support. Known as a kid-whisperer, students trust and confide in her. Ms. Marabito juggled a lot this year—supervising a student teacher, working on her Ph.D., and still had time for extras like aftercare and running club. She is always willing to help out her colleagues in other ways, too.
Shannon Lukz
THE HOSTETLER CHAIR
Shannon Lukz
FOURTH GRADE LAUREL SCHOOL AT BUTLER TEACHER
Ms. Lukz is an amazing teacher who gives her all to Laurel's mission. If she's not co-creating initiatives like the NorthStar Collaborative or Adventure Girls or Power and Purpose, she is jumping in to help out with Running Club or Summer at Laurel. Dedicated to learning and practicing her craft, Ms. Lukz is an avid reader of texts on place-based learning, outdoor education, and more. She also seeks professional development opportunities through webinars and online conferences and has presented at numerous professional conferences over the years. Ms. Lukz strives for continual improvement and never backs down from a challenge. Calm and cool under pressure, Ms. Lukz sets a powerful example of what it means to be a "strong girl." As a teacher, she allows girls to take ownership of their learning and encourages them to ask questions and become problem-solvers. A quiet but fierce leader, Ms. Lukz’s true gifts are her warmth, compassion, and ability to bring out the best in those around her.
The first endowed chair established at a girls’ school in the country and made possible by a transformative gift from Hazel Prior Hostetler, Class of 1911, the Hostetler Chair recognizes master teachers who generally have taught for at least ten years, who have demonstrated excellence in teaching in the classroom as well as an unusual ability to communicate with students.
30 LaurelSchool.org
Below (left to right): Bill Litten, Brian Rafferty, Brian Hosier, Mary Ann Pellerano, Mike Irving, Leroy Worghs and Jerry Vigliotti.
Julie Donahue ‘79 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE AND COMMUNICATIONS
FORMER DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS FOR GRADES 6-12 AND NEW DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FOR GRADES 6-12
Ms. Donahue is one of the hardest working humans around and these past few years were no exception. She worked tirelessly to maintain COVID communications over the past two and a half years, and consistently monitored COVID-related news to stay up-to-theminute. She attended countless COVID-webinars and maintained her flawless letter-writing skills to our community throughout it all. Her devotion to alumnae and her cool-in-a-crisis demeanor never wavered. For all of this and more, she has gone above and beyond!
Mike Irving, Jerry Vigliotti, Leroy Worghs, Brian Rafferty, Brian Hosier, Bill Litten and Mary Ann Pellerano THE FACILITIES TEAM
Tami Perkins
AWARDS
Highlights | SUMMER 2022 31
Julie Donahue ’79 L
Tami Perkins
FACULTY
Mrs. Perkins truly went above and beyond this year for engendering pride and school spirit in all of us, for taking on two jobs for most of the second half of the year with joy and humor and professionalism, for working tirelessly to bring students to Laurel, and for essentially mandating that we all wear green each Friday!
The Above and Beyond Award was established in 2021 by the Head of School in honor of those members of our community who routinely go above and beyond. This year three awards were given to members of our staff who truly went above and beyond in a variety of ways that benefited the school and our community.
ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD
The third Above and Beyond award goes to Laurel’s Facilities Team for their generosity of spirit, their willingness always to do more than the minimum, their good humor and optimism, their problem-solving, can-do attitude, and their tireless commitment to both campuses. On both campuses they provide upkeep of the buildings and grounds, including snow removal during early winter mornings. They work to fix anything that breaks and are key players during security and emergency drills. No matter what they are juggling, they are always responsive to any request. This dynamo team continues to go above and beyond in all that they do to help keep Laurel running!
By designating Laurel in your estate plans, you will join over 250 dedicated community members as a member of Legacy for Laurel, which allows us to recognize you appropriately for your generosity, foresight and dedication. Additionally, you’ll be invited to special Legacy events that will connect you with other supporters and where you can be recognized for your important commitment to our future.
A PROMISE for THE FUTURE
We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you the School’s programs and goals to help you decide on a purpose that would be meaningful to you or your family.
• Contact your attorney and your financial advisor to let them know you are considering a planned gift to Laurel School. They can best assist you in determining what type of gift suits your personal and financial circumstances.
LEGACY for LAUREL
• Be sure to talk with your family and friends about your plans and personal wishes in addressing family needs as well as your legacy gifts.
• Contact Maegan Ruhlman Cross ‘03, Director of Development, at 216.455.3031 or mCross@LaurelSchool.org to let us know your intentions. We’ll be happy to send you further Legacy for Laurel information.
INTERESTED? Here are the steps to follow:
Legacy for Laurel supporters in the present honor Laurel's past by planning for the School’s future. Over the years, much of the School's financial stability has stemmed from bequests and other planned gifts.
As alumnae, parents, and friends who love Laurel School, we have the power to strengthen and protect the School’s future. A planned gift is simply a gift promised in the future, and it’s easy to designate Laurel School or any of its programs or spaces as a recipient of a gift in your estate.
LaurelSchool.org
Laurel School
FOR PARENTS OF ALUMNAE: If this magazine is addressed to a daughter who no longer lives at home, kindly call us with the correct address: 216-464-1420
/LaurelSchool @LaurelSchool
LAUREL SCHOOL | est. 1896
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