Edition VIII. Issue XII. FINAL ISSUE.
EXTRA
The Student Newspaper of The Stanwich School
THE POST’S COMMEMORATIVE:
HISTORIC QUOTES & LEGACY NEWS MARK THE FINAL ISSUE By Ted Frascella NEWSROOM - With so much change, why should the school newspaper be any different? Reporting means making decisions: what to cover as news, how to cover it, and how to deliver the information to those who want to know. For our final issue, after eight years, the school newspaper staff of 2018-19 decided to print our first and only - paper issue. This serves as both a marker and a commemorative, making this a historic paper. The Post staff wanted to tell the tale of Stanwich through direct quotes by contacting community-members past and present (students, alumni, faculty, administration). All quotes in this issue, particularly on the timeline pages, are original quotes from the speakers to whom they are attributed. No quotes were re-used from past issues. Instead, the ones that tell the Stanwich Story in this issue were collected by our student-reporters for this special issue.
Originally called The Stanwich East Times (The SET), the staff of Stanwich’s Upper School-run news outlet has been delivering news, the issues that affect the Stanwich community, and global events for nearly a decade. From Presidential elections (both Student body and of the United States) to extreme weather events; from class trips to movie and tech reviews; from Stamford to Greenwich; The Stanwich Post (TSP) has functioned over breaks, snow days, and even a week-long school hiatus due to Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Stanwich Post has faithfully delivered stories averaging 15 issues per year on topics ranging from arts and sciences to sports and opinion since its inception in 2011. Using editorial standards and guidelines which evolved as we grew, the dozens of writers, editors, and photojournalists who took the Journalism elective as high schoolers refined the craft of non-fiction composition. Some of these reporting standards were basically invisible to our
readers: whether to use “3” or “three;” whether to capitalize grade level names (we decided not to do so, except for “Seniors”); how to respectfully address but distinguish between adults and kids. This final issue becomes the most visible decision the class ever made, and we took some liberties in our writing (for example, all students will be referred to as “Class of” regardless of current or future school). These practices
made sense out of respect to both the past and the future. We are thankful to all who helped us make this issue more meaningful by contributing their words. Enjoy this final, special, and unique commemorative issue of The Stanwich Post. Ted Frascella ‘19 is Editor-in-Chief, 2018-19
New Upper School on Campus Will Recall Stanwich
By Carylin Rivera
NEWSROOM—Tributes to Stanwich have been pouring in since the GCDS announcement in November, 2017. The Post has learned that these will not stop once the doors close in June, nor when the GCDS doors open in September. “A number of tributes to Stanwich will be part of the new GCDS Upper School building,” Adam Rohdie, Headmaster at GCDS told The Post. “This may include signage, plaques, and a display with Stanwich memorabilia.” This year’s student government has raised funds for some of these projects and talks continue about style, wording, placement, and final look. “This will allow the Stanwich heart to live on at GCDS,” said Cullen Murphy, Class of 2019 and outgoing Student Government President. “Stanwich was never about facilities and now that’s our greatest strength because it’s the spirit that can endure.” “For the next generation, as former Stanwich students make their
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way through GCDS, so will the memories of our school,” Ms. Jackie Wood, Upper School history teacher, said. “While it was jarring at first, I believe that this merger will be a very positive event and will demonstrate the best of both worlds,” said Hamish Dubitsky, Class of 2020, echoing the thoughts of many. No matter what is displayed or remains “just” a memory, the most important elements that stay on Stanwich Road’s campus will be the “hearts” of former students and all of their classmates. Carylin Rivera ‘20 is a staff reporter.
The Stanwich Post
Through the Years: A Look Back at 21 Years of The Stanwich School Quotes Sourced By The Stanwich Post Staff
–Pat Young, Founder, The Stanwich School
–Pat Young, Founder, The Stanwich School
1998
2000
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“The Stanwich Seven set us apart and the Stanwich students earned a reputation as the ‘nicest kids!’ ”
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“It was a day of hope and promise and great joy for the Greenwich community!”
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2001
“Pat Young was a pioneer in championing the importance of character education. She understood well before her peers the need to pro-actively engage students, PreK-12, in word and in deed, in learning what it means to make the world a better place.” –Jerome Murphy, Faculty/Upper School Head 2004-2019 “Much of the magic of Stanwich was the deep sense of togetherness we shared as a community. It was a place where you were known and loved.”
“Jim Brown was Pat Young’s inseparable right-hand man; Jim worked tirelessly to put into action Pat Young’s vision of a values-based school.” –Jerome Murphy, Faculty/Upper School Head 2004-2019
“Our first 9th grade graduation. A day full of pride and emotions” –Shaun Fletcher, Faculty 2006-2019
–Meaghan Mallin, Faculty/Lower School Head 2002-17
The Stanwich Post
2007
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2006
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“With our limited space on our campus at the time, the Stanwich vans opened us up to a whole new world of opportunity.”
“Helping others was inextricably woven into the Stanwich educational experience. My children were profoundly impacted by their learning here and have developed into individuals of character and purpose. We will be forever grateful to Stanwich.”
–Chris Cardarelli, Faculty/Athletic Director/Coach 1999-2019
–Liz Oestreich, Parent, Faculty, Trustee
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2005
“With the opening of the Middle School, there was a feeling of the little school that could was moving forward and heading towards bigger and better things. We would now be able to compete in the academic setting and on the athletic fields and courts.”
“After Hurricane Katrina, Stanwich wrapped its arms around six refugee students from New Orleans - a perfect example of making God’s world a better place.” –The Drennens, Charter Family, 18 years
–Chris Cardarelli, Faculty/Athletic Director/Coach 1999-2019
(Caroline Drennen, Salutatorian, Class of 2014)
“Stanwich’s ten year anniversary was certainly one to remember. In honor and recognition of Pat Young’s dream, the entire Stanwich community took over the Greenwich High School Student Center with carnival games and a palpable atmosphere of fun and excitement. It will not soon be forgotten” –Brian Miller, Stanwich faculty 2002-2018/GCDS faculty 2018-present
“Our first student trip to Rwanda. Our students demonstrated a commitment and compassion as they navigated through this amazing journey.” –Shaun Fletcher, Faculty 2006-2019, Project Blessing “Shock and excitement rippled through the assembly when it was announced that St. Jude would be donating a playground to Stanwich to thank students’ for their incredible fundraising efforts.” –Cristin Robb, Faculty 2006-2019
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2009
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The Stanwich Post
Through the Years: 2010 - 2018 –Merilyn Stephens, Faculty/Coach 2000-2018
–Paul Geise, Second Head of School 2012-2015
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“The value of a Stanwich heart, once set ablaze to make God’s world a better place, is in itself invaluable.”
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“It had its challenges, but everyone was extremely receptive to any changes we wanted to make to help make our experience more memorable. We all became extremely close and I couldn’t imagine being part of a graduating class anywhere else.” –David Rivera, Class of 2014
“During my tenure as Stanwich’s third and last Head of School, the lesson confirmed for me has been that character can support a person and a school — through difficult times and against all odds — to a happy ending.”
2012
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“I was very proud of the boys who won the National Middle School Division 2 Championship. They showed that commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship led to their success.”
“It was great to see students of all ages sharing the same academic and athletic space and sharing celebrations. It provided a lot of opportunities for collaboration and play across all grade levels.” –Mark Milostan, Faculty 2011-2019
“STEAM activities play a crucial role in the Lower School curriculum. The creation of ‘STEAM Teams’ enabled students to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math while fostering collaboration among students of different grade levels.” –Amy Kerekes, Faculty, 2002-2019
–Charles Sachs, Third Head of School 2015-19
The Stanwich Post
2016
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“A sad day given the immeasurable, monumental influence she and her educational vision had on the thousands of families who have called Stanwich home over the years.”
“Having the entire school one on campus together was a bit of a family reunion for us - it only served to make our Stanwich spirit that much stronger.”
–Jerome Murphy, Faculty/Upper School Head 2004-2019
–Meaghan Mallin, Faculty/Lower School Head 2002-17
2014
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2012
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“At Stanwich, excellence on the athletic field was so much more than being a great athlete. It meant you showed up every day ready to work. It meant being there for your teammates when your team faced adversity. It meant being gracious in defeat and being humble in victory. Excellence wasn’t determined by the scoreboard, but instead about how you grew as a person and the lessons you learned every time you left the field.” –John Esposito, Stanwich 2006-2013 and Seven Award recipient
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2017
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–Garssandra Presumey-Leblanc, Valedictorian, Class of 2014
“It was really interesting going from competing against GCDS to working together on the same team, with the same goals, and learning to be one school, team and family.” –Henry Goldberg, Class of 2023
2018
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“An amazing evening that united all of our Stanwich families. Our students demonstrated confidence as they strutted down the catwalk.” –Shaun Fletcher, Faculty 2006-2019, Project Blessing
“Very rarely does someone get to leave behind a legacy, but that’s what we did in 2014. We were the first and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Stanwich Post
Through the Years: 2019 “While the construction on campus this year has been disruptive in a variety of ways, the process has also brought our community closer together and has shown the resiliency of our teachers and students to remain focused on education and more importantly on the values that have defined Stanwich since its inception.“
“Re-envisioning the school’s design and building GCDS’s great new high school proves if you build it with thoughtful vision, they will come.” –Charles Sachs, Head of School 2015-19
“While change can sometimes feel unsettling, the future for the new Country Day is extremely exciting and we are positioned to do great things.”
–Jerome Murphy, Faculty/Upper School Head 2004-2019
Photo: Carylin Rivera
Photo: David Jared Matthews
–Adam Rohdie, Head of School, Greenwich Country Day School 2004-present
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“I really enjoyed how Stanwich was a school away from the typical cliques. I am sad to see my time at Stanwich come to an end but I’m looking forward to see what GCDS has to offer and the friends I will make!”
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Photo: David Jared Matthews
–Maia Somma, Class of 2024
“Finding out about the transition was hard and took me quite some time to process but after reflecting on my time at Stanwich, since then, I have learned that sometimes change is necessary, and with change comes new blessings and new opportunities that I will never take for granted.” –Carylin Rivera, Class of 2020
“I think the merge is going to be exciting, it’ll bring new friends and new opportunities... It’s not something we should be scared or nervous about, it’s something that will essentially turn out great in the end.” –Janet Orozco, Class of 2022 “I had a lovely year here after 11 great years at Country Day, and while I feel the sadness with others, it’s even more true that both schools are very special places and the best will come next.”
“This transition brings lots of emotions, but excitement is definitely one of them. New classes, athletics, students, teachers, and opportunities are all sure to come with the new GCDS Upper School. I believe that the change will benefit everyone!” –David Jared Matthews, Class of 2021
Photo: Ted Frascella
Photo: Nichole Roldan
–Sam Weiner, Class of 2021
The Stanwich Post
2019
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“I cannot wait to learn and teach at our bold new high school on Stanwich Road!” - Lauren Waller, GCDS Faculty, 2008-present
“It’s fun to be in one school that’s a great big family!” –Sophie Katona, Class of 2030
“While 2019 has been a time of transition, we celebrate all we have accomplished as a school and look forward to what the future holds at GCDS. We are all so blessed to have been a part of Stanwich, and the Stanwich Heart will live on within each of us.” –Lindsey Wohl, Faculty/Lower School Head 2006-2019
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Helping Others Be Their Best, Even When Put to the Test
“Awesome that we are going to be one big school.” –Tommy Lametta, Class of 2033 (As the youngest current student, Tommy will hold the distinction of the“last” Stanwich studen t when he graduates from high school.)
By Schuyler Dubitsky “It’s an interesting time, and while it’s sad to see the school I have been attending for many years being merged into the GCDS school I am looking forward to the changes and opportunities that are going to be available for us.” –Christopher Benincasa, Class of 2021 “Although change may seem scary, I feel that this transition could turn two great schools into one amazing school both academically and socially.” –Nichole Roldan, Class of 2020 “The GCDS high school is a new chapter for GCDS and there are no guarantees as to how it goes but I do hope for the best of the school seeing a bright future ahead of us.” –Justin Roldan, Class of 2022 “I think the merger is great and really exciting. I can’t wait to teach and learn with new GCDS classmates!” –Charlie Robertson, Class of 2027
“I’m glad we’ll have more people in my class because it gives more opportunities to make more lifelong friends” –Isabella Turek, Class of 2023
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NEWSROOM — Since The Stanwich School’s charter was issued 21 years ago, it experienced ups and down; dramas and triumphs; wins and losses. Fortunately, the school had many more peaks than valleys, and students who went on to study elsewhere at all levels still recall Stanwich as the place where they were known and valued. Every institution has its downdays, but what truly defines an institution are the positives which people cultivate out of the lows and the extent to which they can share in the highs. Stanwich has seen everything from an entire generation of kids, now adults, who grew to love learning. The school relocated to St. Catherine’s then Stanwich East in Stamford, with PreK Cottage at Greenwich Baptist Church. From a dangerous bus crash, to the loss of a beloved educator, to the high of a first graduating class, to the building of an entirely new school in Rwanda, Stanwich persevered. And this list is brief. In terms of Stanwich’s legacy, there’s much more to it. The number of communityaffirming events which occurred at Stanwich since its opening in 1998 truly set the trend for what the school would become. Beginning with the large amount of growth Stanwich experienced in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s to the purchase of 11 acres
of land, to the opening of the turf field as well as the Senior House’s work to get kids into good colleges and universities, Stanwich is nothing but a success. Some may see Stanwich as all-too-brief, but the name and structure was never the point- the heart of the place was what gave it life. During times of grief or fear, from storms to accidents and even the most human of losses, there was always a rally to the Stanwich mission to help others be their best. Despite the hardships endured by Stanwich, it only showed the true character of those who compose the community, and brought many even closer together. So it was on November 20, 2017, when the Stanwich universe learned at around 4pm that it would grow, merge, and integrate with Greenwich Country Day School, a campus on Old Church Road that went in one afternoon from athletic rival to brothers and sisters. The community rallied — as it always has by being its best — and made the world a better place for young people in Greenwich and the surrounding area to learn and grow. With this mantra in mind, Stanwich is hardly gone. Schuyler Dubitsky ‘19 is a staff reporter.
The Stanwich Post
“Mission” Accomplished: Stanwich Made the World a Better Place; Legacy Stable into the Future By David Jared Matthews NEWSROOM—Stanwich transformed both students and teachers during its 21 impactful years. As or more profoundly, Stanwich has literally changed the world. There are alumni, professionals, and people in careers outside of education who consider their time here the most comforting. There are kids in school in Rwanda who have a place to learn because of the efforts of this community. There are athletic fields and performing arts stages near and far which were witnesses to the sportsmanship and talent of Stanwich kids. Stanwich’s values shaped the community. Students learned their ABC’s and 123’s - but they also became good people. This doesn’t end when a shovel hits the ground. It endures in lives and
the lives of the friends and families of those who studied here. Since 2006, Lower School students have raised more than $350,000 by participating in the Math-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ninth grade students travelled annually to Costa Rica where they helped Nicaraguan refugees. This changed the lives of everyone involved, including the students. Project Blessing, in its tenth year literally built a school in Cyabatanzi, Rwanda. “How do we end poverty,” we ask in our history courses. Answer: Education. Especially for those boys and girls who might not otherwise experience it. Stanwich also had an impact on the world without leaving campus. Teachers impact students through
their words as well as their teaching styles. Students are taught to be courageous by stepping outside of their comfort zones and taking risks. Both students and faculty are compassionate to one another and are committed to learning. This leads to wisdom and honesty in everyone’s approach to the world ... a world which can be unforgiving is met with forgiveness by our community. Lastly, everyone that has ever been a part of Stanwich is
joyful: joyful for our opportunities, our families, and our blessings. So the world continues to turn on its axis, made better by our school. We have all left schools before - from elementary school to middle school, or because a family moves to another town - and this is no different, as we carry Stanwich’s ideas and lessons onward. David Jared Matthews ‘21 is a staff reporter.
The Stanwich Post Editorial Staff
Our mission is to bring the news, opinion, events, and the arts of The Stanwich School to the student body and the greater Stanwich community.
Ted Frascella Editor-in-Chief Mr. Peter Katona Adviser
The Stanwich Post
Schuyler Dubitsky Reporter
Carylin Rivera Reporter
Nichole Roldan Reporter
www.stanwichpost.org
Hamish Dubitsky Reporter
David-Jared Matthews Reporter Ms. Laura Dianis Print Designer
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