Lamp Post Fall 2011
a publication of The Lamplighter School | Dallas, Texas
Report of Annual Giving
2010 -2011
Mattingly Dream Makers A photo essay on Fiji, page 10.
• ALSO INSIDE: READ ALL ABOUT WHAT YOUR FRIENDS ARE UP TO IN “ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT.” PAGE 14.
BulletinBoard Lamplighter Events
Lamp Post Fall 2011
All-School Program December 10, 2011
LPA Snow Day Auction Social January 21, 2012
Dolores Evans Speaker Series – Carol Dweck January 30, 2012
Managing Editor
Edward Ritenour, Director of Communications & Marketing Art/Design Ana Bohanan, Communications | Design Coordinator
Contributors
February 8 - 10, 2012
Sandy Diamond, Sheila McCartor, Hilary Jenkins, and Jacquelyn Wilcox
Spirit Award Luncheon
Mission Statement
Alumni Days
February 10, 2012
LPA Auction Gala February 25, 2012
Grandest Friends’ Day March 23, 2012
LPA Auction Dads’ Poker Night Social March 30, 2012
International Night April 12, 2012
Barneys Moms’ Night Out – LPA Auction Social April 19, 2012
Dolores Evans Speaker Series - Tom Kelley May 1, 2012
LPA Auction Jamaican Dinner Social May 5, 2012
Senior Opera May 18, 2012
Young Alumni Carwash May 19, 2012
Senior Graduation Hootenanny May 21, 2012
Lamplighter is a nurturing, child-centered community built on academic and personal excellence, trust, and respect for diversity in each other and in our society. Lamplighter inspires lifelong learners who are self con dent, self-reliant, and creative, critical thinkers.
Diversity Statement
Diversity will strengthen the education of Lamplighter children and enrich the lives of all members of the Lamplighter community. Lamplighter will, therefore, strive for the lamps that we light to re ect the ever changing community in which we reside. We value individuality and encourage all children to reach their potential, while respecting their similarities and differences. We are united in purpose and committed to working together to accomplish the mission of The Lamplighter School. If you are interested in becoming a member of Lamplighter’s Diversity Work Group, please contact Matt Brenner, Director of Admission and Community Services, at 214.369.9201. The group meets several times throughout the school year to support the school’s diversity efforts.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In compliance with federal and state laws, The Lamplighter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, nancial aid program, athletic and other school-administered programs, or the employment of staff.
Contact Us
Send story ideas to Edward Ritenour (eritenour@ thelamplighterschool.org). Deadline for articles, photographs, and news for the next issue (Spring 2012) is February 1, 2012.
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What’sInside
“The Other Side of Fiji”
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Pre-K teacher Debbie Herskovitz spent 15 days in Fiji this past summer volunteering for Global Habitat for Humanity, building a home for a local family.
Departments Head Lines 4
4 8
On Board 5 Campus News 8 Cover Story 10 Focus 14 Alumni Spotlight 18 Around the Barn 19 Annual Report 21
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HeadLines There is nothing like the beginning of a new school year! This fall season has been wonderful. During my first few months as Head of School, I have spent time meeting and engaging in good conversations about the school with students, parents, grandparents, Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff about our school. From the first day of school, during Carnival, and through the Halloween picnic, I have enjoyed talking with you and especially meeting your sons and daughters.
O
ur Lamplighter students are amazing young people. They are curious, interested in learning and love school! As I think about what makes Lamplighter special, I want to share five points that I believe make The Lamplighter School a phenomenal place to learn and grow. First, Lamplighter is a school that attends to the whole child. The faculty is a dedicated, caring team of professional educators. They are focused on assisting each child develop habits of mind. More than teaching facts, they are particularly skilled in teaching children how to learn. This metacognitive approach to teaching makes children aware of their own thinking. Methods used by faculty distinguish Lamplighter from other schools. At Lamplighter, children construct knowledge through an interdisciplinary curriculum; this approach encourages lifelong learning and a willingness to embrace difficult tasks rather than shying away from challenges. Learning new things is fun! Second, the words “The Lamplighter School” and “community” are interchangeable. Children learn from and with each other. That is the hallmark of a caring community. Each week it is so heartening to see grandparents and parents participating in their child’s education. Reading to children, helping with tours, organizing the Friday lunch program, assisting in the Media Center and attending fun events like the Lamplighter Socials and the Auction are just a few of the ways in which parents demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that we have a strong and vibrant school community. Third, Lamplighter students are intrinsically motivated. Conventional practices that are common in other schools, like over-assigning
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homework, grading everything that is written and testing every new concept, are sure-fire ways to diminish enthusiasm for learning. At first, students may enjoy striving for the sticker; but over a period of time, without a balanced approach to teaching, extrinsically motivated children become point grubbers interested only in the grade. The Lamplighter way is different. Our students come into school each day intrinsically motivated. They want to learn because learning new things is fun. In this age of high-stakes testing, Lamplighter is counter-cultural and it is refreshing. The fourth observation I have made as a newcomer is that Lamplighter teachers teach for deep understanding. Children approach learning with a sense of wonder and a desire to learn. The interdisciplinary curriculum is thoughtfully planned and structured well. We know that we cannot teach everything so the curriculum is intentionally narrow and deep which gives students time for exploration during their foundational years. All too often, schools make the mistake of offering a curriculum that is broad and shallow. A lot is covered but in the end, students only have a few isolated facts that can quickly be forgotten. When students are taught for deep understanding, they learn how things are connected, they see patterns, and they learn how to generalize and replicate what they know. Lamplighter teaches for deep understanding. Last, our school takes children seriously. We know that childhood is a special time that is over too fast. Lamplighter children are engaged in ways that have relevance to them. Our school has a special way of capturing their attention and imagination. Children have a chance to experience concepts that are being taught first-hand, and then they are discussed at different times and in creative ways.
Lamplighter faculty believes that each child has unique gifts that deserve to be supported and enhanced in school. The plain truth of the matter is that every child starts from a different place, and at the end of formal schooling every young adult will be going to a different place. Lamplighter honors the individuality of each child in the formative years. There is no better gift! It is a pleasure to lead this marvelous school. Going forward, we will be working together to enhance our school through a strategic visioning process. Every member of the Lamplighter community will be invited to participate. Be assured that the enhancements will build on the strong Lamplighter tradition and mission that the founders, Natalie Murray and Sandy Swain, intended. Our goal is to continue to strengthen our school as we build and plan for the future. Please take time to review the outstanding performance of the community provided in the annual report. Thank you very much for your continued support of our amazing school, its faculty, its programs, and of course, its children. On lighting a lamp: Fuel the lamp with a world of information… Find the spark of curiosity and feed it well… Set the wick high and let the flame burn free in a happy, open place Enough lamps and we can light the earth – Anonymous Sincerely
Joan Buchanan Hill Head of School
OnBoard
“We are who we are because of all of you.” Dear Lamplighter Community, We have hit the ground running this year with so many important initiatives already in progress. The most exciting news is the addition of our new Head of School, Mrs. Joan Buchanan Hill. She has settled into her new home with ease, and it seems as if she has always been a part of Lamplighter. The Board of Trustees is focused on three priorities this year. First, we hold ourselves responsible for ensuring a smooth transition for our new Head of School into the Lamplighter community as well as the larger Dallas community. We are fortunate to have Joan who wants to make a difference in our children’s lives every day, and she also understands the importance of placing weight on her involvement in local organizations. As we all know by now, Joan’s calm, graceful demeanor is precisely what Lamplighter needed. Her child-centric educational philosophy perfectly meshes with Lamplighter's. She truly is an empathetic, progressive, accomplished educator and leader. In this most exciting time in our school's future we have a true lifelong learner to lead our precious children by the best of examples. The head of school installation, held on October 2 was a fitting welcome for Joan. Thanks to all of those involved, the ceremony was flawless. Having Liza Lee, former Head Mistress at Hockaday and current Head of School at the Columbus School for Girls, present Joan to us was moving. Seeing so many of you in the audience showed not only support for
Joan, but a sincere desire to help make the next chapter for our school a truly amazing one. Second, we continue to be focused on the financial stability of the school. We approach this goal in many ways. The Annual Fund and Auction are two of the most important endeavors in helping us close the gap in our annual operating budget. As you all know, we were afforded the incredible opportunity to purchase our land from Hockaday almost two years ago. Through the leadership of Kirsten Kerrigan and the steering committee and Sandy Diamond in the Development Office, we continue our targeted efforts to retire the mortgage on our land. We hope to finish raising money for the land by the end of this school year. Doing so will allow us to focus on the next phase which will support the highest-priority needs of the school. This leads to our most important and exciting task. We are beginning to work on our strategic plan which we expect to complete in late 2012. The purpose of strategic planning is to confirm our mission, set forth our vision, and lay out goals to achieve this vision over the next 5 to 10 years. We are committed to an engaging process involving all of our constituencies. This will allow you as parents, alums, past parents, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in this important and exciting planning. Catherine Rose is leading this effort for the Board, and you will undoubtedly hear from her and Joan Hill regarding opportunities for you to weigh in on our thinking.
What can you do to help us achieve our goals? • Continue to open your arms to oan Hill and offer her constructive input, when appropriate. You can even let her know when things are going great! • a e your pledge to the nnual Fund and join us for another great uction event on February , . • Support the land campaign. • ttend the eet the ead lunches and answer any surveys we may conduct in order to gather your input during our strategic planning process. Thanks to each and every one of you for continuing to be such important parts of our school. We are who we are because of all of you. Sincerely,
Karen Pollock Chair, Lamplighter Board of Trustees
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2011-2012
OnBoard New Trustee Bios
The Lamplighter School
Jenny Bulban Jenny was born in Kansas City, Kansas, attended the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawks!) and graduated with a degree in education in 1992. After graduation, she moved to Dallas, completed her student teaching at The University of North Texas and taught fourth grade for seven years at Janie Stark Elementary in Carrollton. Currently, she works in the family business, TexasCarsDirect.com which her husband, Pete, began in 1981. Jenny and Pete have been married for sixteen years and have one son, Preston who is a senior at The Lamplighter School.
Kent Kunkel Kent was born in Berkeley, California, where he spent his early years before moving to Columbus, Ohio, and southwest Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Education and studied early childhood education in graduate school at SMU. Kent and his partner, Vaughn, are the parents of four sons. Ross is currently a junior at SMU and is majoring in chemistry and physics. Trey is a kindergartner in the special education program at Armstrong Elementary School, and Luke and Zach are in pre-k at Lamplighter.
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Jane Hurst Jane was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She went to public elementary school and junior high, and graduated from a Jesuit Preparatory high school in 1984. She graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 1988 with a degree in political science. She earned her juris doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 1991. Jane moved to Dallas after graduation to take a job with the law firm Winstead, Sechrest and Minick as an associate in the real estate division. After working at Winstead for three years, she went to work in her family business. Jane and her family own and manage apartment communities in Texas, Illinois and Iowa. Her father began the business in 1960. Jane’s husband, Michael, and all his siblings attended Lamplighter. Jane and Michael’s son, Jake, began in pre-k and moved to the Winston School in second grade. Daughter Sophia is a fourth grade senior at Lamplighter.
OnBoard George Tang George is the proud father of Tyler, who is in Kindergarten, and Charlotte in pre-k. After moving to Dallas in 2009, George and his wife, Charmaine, were seeking an enriching, nurturing, and progressive school for their two children, and discovered Lamplighter. George currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Texas High School Project at Communities Foundation of Texas, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing postsecondary readiness for underserved students throughout the nation. Prior to this venture, George co-founded Rosetta, the nation’s largest independent digital agency. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from New York University, is a Dallas native, and graduate of J. J. Pearce High School.
New Trustee Bios
2011-2012
Kelcy Warren
Kelli Chabria
Kelcy is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP). Mr. Warren also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the general partner of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) Chief Executive Officer of the general partner of ETC OLP (subsidiary that owns ETP’s midstream operations), and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the general partner of ETC Holdings, L.P (owns interest in ETE). Prior to the combination of the operations of ETP and Heritage Propane in 2004, Mr. Warren served as Vice President of the general partner of ET Company I, Ltd., the entity that operated ETP’s midstream assets before it acquired Aquila, Inc.’s midstream assets. He has served in that capacity since 1996. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Warren served as a director of Crosstex Energy, Inc., and from 1993 to 1996 he served as President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Cornerstone Natural Gas, Inc. Mr. Warren has more than 20 years of business experience in the energy industry. Kelcy’s son Klyde is currently in second grade at Lamplighter.
Kelli was Vice President of The Lamplighter Auction in 2008 and 2009. She lives in East Dallas with her husband, AJ Chabria, and their son, Josh, who is in third grade at Lamplighter. She is a native of southern California, graduated from the University of the Pacific, and went to graduate school at SMU. In her preLamplighter life she worked as a field producer and assignment editor for CNN’s Dallas Bureau, and co-authored Little Dallas, a 2005 book on life with children in Dallas.
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CampusNews “Example isn’t another Lifelong Learners Lamplighter teachers not only instill a lifelong love in their students, they exemplify it by returning to school to further develop way to teach, it is the only oftheirlearning skills and knowledge. For example, Carrie Bays, June Landry, and Kate Ogden way to teach.” – Einstein have recently completed Masters of Education degrees, and Brian McCool is in the
Pictured: Bill Burton, Jody Stout, Carrie Bays, June Landry, Kate Ogden, Lauren Hosek, Brian McCool, Joan Hill Not pictured: Johanna Nystrom, Nicole Rivers, Jezabel Guadalupe
process of completing one. Johanna Nystrom and Nicole Foster recently completed Bachelor’s degrees. Jezabel Guadalupe recently received a Master’s of Bilingual Education, Lauren Hosek is pursuing a Master’s degree in counseling and Bill Burton recently completed a second Master’s degree in information science. When Jody Stout, who recently received a Master’s of Liberal Studies degree, was asked about her decision to return to school, she said, “The challenge of being a student again was an opportunity to grow as a teacher and as a person.” This dedication to lifelong learning extends beyond the faculty and is shared by Lamplighter’s Head of School, Joan Hill, who is in her final year of the doctoral program in educational leadership at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. At Lamplighter, learning does not stop at the end of a school day but lasts throughout a lifetime.
170 Dresses “Beautiful girls, beautiful dresses” was the overwhelming consensus among Lamplighter alumnae Coco Freling, Katie Kerrigan, Chandler Tucker and Lauren Chilton as they helped girls from Warren Easton Charter School in New Orleans select their upcoming prom attire. The moment marked the culmination of a year-long joint project between The Lamplighter School and Dallas Market Center that included Lamplighter alumni and staff coordinating and delivering 170 prom dresses to students at the Warren Easton School. This marks the second year the two groups have collaborated. The high school was severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “This event demonstrated the importance of sharing in the building of community, one of our major goals at The Lamplighter School,” reports Sandy Diamond, Lamplighter’s Director of Advancement. “It was a most rewarding experience for our young alumni.” The Lamplighter group traveled to New Orleans recently to deliver the dresses. “We were met with much enthusiasm and had a great time meeting our new friends,” recalls Lamplighter
alumna Katie Kerrigan. “We helped the seniors choose their dream dresses along with matching shoes to complete their looks.” Even Lamplighter alum (1989) Jennifer Kitner Mintz, who now resides in New Orleans, stopped by to help sort, fit, and admire the girls in their new dresses. The Dallas visitors toured the school’s new building projects and improvements completed since the hurricane. “This trip was an opportunity to serve others,” remarked Sheila McCartor, director of the Lamplighter Alumni Association. “Everyone involved benefitted from the experience.”
Talkin’ ‘bout the Car Wash Lamplighter’s young alumni sponsored a first-ever carwash last May, and it was an overwhelming success. Kate Mosle ’04 directed the project and did an amazing job coordinating. She and her team of 10 other Lamplighter alumni met monthly prior to the event date. They planned every detail, appropriated sponsors, created posters and banners, and collected towels, sponges and other necessary supplies. The group visited local businesses and secured a number of sponsors whose names were then publicized on the official carwash T-shirt. Sponsors generously supported the group’s efforts 8
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on behalf of Lamplighter. Jackson Spencer ’06 designed the T-shirt artwork – a colorful picture of a classic automobile. Evan O’Brien, ’09 and his band, Plowboy, entertained the crowd, followed by Rand Barnes ’04 and his band, Kelvin 47. The young alumni sold sandwiches from Chick fil-a, cookies, lemonade, and water, as well as the T-shirts. Everyone who participated seemed to enjoy the afternoon as they listened to original music and enjoyed snacks while their cars were washed and shined. The young alumni raised almost $7,000 for Lamplighter and contributed it to the Land Fund.
CampusNews Skyping Soldiers “I had happy inside tears,” said third grader Abby Brand. “I can’t go one night without seeing my family, and the soldiers have been away eight months and four weeks.” Abby was one of the third grade students at Lamplighter who recently had the opportunity to Skype with U.S. troops in Afghanistan. In early February, the students created Valentines for troops abroad. Soldier Dennis Cohen contacted Lamplighter teachers to let them know they had received the handmade cards on Valentine’s Day and how much that had meant to them. “While speaking with Dennis, I realized what a wonderful opportunity this was for our students to understand not only what our troops are doing for us but also to learn about another part of the world,” commented Vicki Raney, assistant head for academics. During the 45-minute conversation, which also included soldier Francis Ziegler from the Dallas area, students were able to ask the soldiers about life in Kabul and how it felt to serve in the military.
Favorite questions included:
What is your favorite food? Do you get to play video games? Where do you sleep? Due to the confidential nature of the soldiers’ mission, they were unable to answer specific questions about it, but according to teacher Jody Stout, “The children participated in an event that has increased their awareness, curiosity, gratitude, and empathy.”
When asked what we at home could do to support them, soldier Cohen said, “When you see soldiers in uniform, thank them for their service. Support from everyone at home means so much to us. And, if you can mail anything, we are very fond of Girl Scout cookies!” Before saying goodbye to their new friends in Afghanistan, the students serenaded the troops with a rousing rendition of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” followed by the school song, “Lamplighter Spirit.”
Laureate at Lamplighter If you ask your 10-year-old what she did in school, and she says “Chatted with a Nobel Laureate,” you might want to put a check on her imagination. Unless of course, she goes to Lamplighter, where that statement is totally legit. Frank Wilczek, 60, the Herman Feshbach Professor of Physics at MIT, was in Dallas to present at the Lightner-Sams Lecture at SMU in late April and made a pit stop at Lamplighter to answer students’ questions, chat about the universe, and admire the school’s roosters. The Lightner-Sams lecture series was created in honor of Gary McCartor, late husband of Sheila McCartor, executive director of the Lamplighter Alumni Association who arranged Wilczek’s visit. Gary McArtor and Wilczek were friends. “He came to SMU several times at Gary’s behest, and worked with him at MIT,” McCartor said. “I could not have been more pleased. He was sincerely impressed with the school and with our science program. It was gratifying,” said McCartor. “I have never seen a school designed like Lamplighter,” said Wilczek. “It is beautiful and functional. I can’t believe you have a farm with animals. These roosters look quite formidable!” Wilczek has received many prizes for his work in physics,
including the 2004 Nobel Prize for work he did as a graduate student at Princeton University when he was only 21 years old. Mr. Wilczek is known for a discovery within the world of quarks. This discovery brings physics one step closer to fulfilling a unified theory comprising gravity. After visiting former Lamplighter teacher John Breitfeller’s science class, Wilczek said he was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the students’ questions including one who asked if he always wanted to be a scientist. “Yes. Since my childhood, I was fascinated with the way things worked, and I never really ever thought about other careers,” Wilczek replied. “I’ve always been drawn by mysteries and puzzles, and science is a very big mystery story. “Physics is exciting and interesting,” he told them. “You never know what you might find, or you may find nothing at all for a long time. My type of physics is not experimental. I don’t do experiments; I work out calculations.” Later, the children were intrigued with Professor Wilczek’s story about living in Albert Einstein’s house – complete with his furniture and many of his artifacts – when he was at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton.
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CoverStory
The Other Side of Fiji “One of the most famous expressions in Fiji is ‘Bula.’ It is the Fijian word for hello but also means happiness and good health. It is as commonly used as ‘aloha’ in Hawaii. As a visitor to Fiji you quickly catch on to this ubiquitous greeting, which is often pronounced with great gusto - BULA!” – Debbie Herskovitz
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ccording to this year’s Mattingly Fund Award winner, pre-K teacher Debbie Herskovitz, “We at Lamplighter are very fortunate to work, learn and grow in such a loving, caring, supportive environment, and do not know what it would feel like to be without life’s necessities.” However, she explains, “Others have not been so lucky.” Debbie spent 15 days in Fiji this past summer volunteering for Global Habitat for Humanity, building a home for a local family.
Among the reasons she was chosen this year included multiple benefits for both herself and for Lamplighter: • Experiencing a unique culture that she was unfamiliar with; • Challenging her to expand beyond her personal comfort zone; • Exposing her to new people and new ideas; • Undergoing the ultimate in team-building exercises. The trip to Fiji was a two-week mission. Exploring a new culture and Fiji’s natural wonders was something she really wanted to experience. Debbie explained why she chose Global Habitat for Humanity versus helping a domestic family. “In my travels throughout the U.S., I certainly have recognized that there is a disparity between those who do and do not have things. But, I assume the need here pales in comparison to the needs in other parts of the world where countries and communities do not have the support and infrastructure to help its citizens the way we as Americans do.” Through various organizations that Debbie supports, she has volunteered her time and energy to causes she considers important. But, in some cases, she reasons, “I haven't really been able to see the direct results. The home-building effort through Global Habitat for Humanity enabled me to see a project through from start to finish and interact directly with those I am helping.” Ultimately, Debbie returned home to Lamplighter from a worthwhile venture for her personally and for the Lamplighter community as a whole. She then expressed her appreciation for this amazing opportunity. “Thank you for granting me this honorable Mattingly Fund Award.”
Focus2003
Class of 2003 David Bayless ’03 graduated from The Cambridge School of Dallas and is attending Samford University. While at Cambridge, he was involved in TAPPS academic competitions all four years in math, social studies and science, American Math Competition, National Latin Exam Maxima Cum Laude, cross country’s coach’s award, and a history award. Bethany Berg ’03 graduated from ESD and is attending the University of Virginia. While at ESD, she was involved in Cum Laude, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Community Service Club President, Spanish Club President, Connecticut Book Award, and received the Presidential Community Service Award for four years. Christina Brewster ’03 is currently attending ESD where she is involved in the yearbook committee and is managing editor of people pages. She also served as student council treasurer and achieved a black belt in Taekwondo. Her favorite Lamplighter memories are Miss Curlin and cookies with Miss Mattingly on your birthday. Marisa Breitfeller ’03 graduated from the Greenhill School and is attending Carnegie Mellon University. While at Greenhill, she was involved in Science Olympiad, theatre, and creative writing. Her favorite Lamplighter memories are senior days, scooter city, and recess. Alexandra Foote ’03 graduated from The Hockaday School and is attending Harvard University. While at Hockaday, she was 14
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involved in the apple project, which teaches Chinese migrant students English online, the Beijing language and Culture University intensive language study, National Junior Classical League, the Latin Honor Society, the Chinese Bridge US National High School Student Chinese Speech contest, and board chair on the convocations student council board. Katherine Francis ’03 graduated from Parish Episcopal School and is attending Vanderbilt University. While at Parish, she was involved in ASTRA community service organization, student government officer, student ambassador, the school newspaper, speech and debate, the environmental club, the Panther Pride club, volleyball and cross country. Rebecca Genecov ’03 graduated from ESD and is attending the University of Texas. Her favorite Lamplighter memories are Mrs. Mackie, Mrs. Beddow, Ms. Ritz, the barn, and the playground. Trevor Goodwin ’03 graduated from The Shelton School and is attending Hendrix College. While at Shelton, he was involved in nano technology and is looking forward to undergraduate research at Hendrix. He was awarded the Hendrix Academic Scholarship, the Hendrix Odyssey Distinction Award for fine arts, and was awarded the Hendrix Theatre Scholarship. Natalie Jaynes ’03 graduated from Parish Episcopal School and is attending the University of Arkansas. While at Parish, she was involved
in the teen board of the Ronald McDonald House, was a member of ASTRA, a community service club, and volleyball. Her favorite Lamplighter memories are the opera, Mrs. Mackie and Man of La Mancha, Ms. Ritz and her love of all dogs, gathering and selling eggs, and the Halloween parade. Angus Klamer ’03 graduated from ESD and is attending the University of Texas. While at ESD, he was involved in basketball, lacrosse, the investment club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Junior Classical League. He received the faculty award, the best in show award for ceramics, the Honor Roll, the Headmaster’s list and was a member of the National Spanish Honor Society. He received a Silver Medal for the National Spanish Exam, was a National Merit Commended Student, and received the Presidential Community Service Award. William Labadie ’03 graduated from Highland Park High School and is attending The University of North Texas Honors College. While at Highland Park, he received the Silver Medal National Latin Exam, was in the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. He was an AP Scholar with honors, and National Merit Scholarship Corporation named him the Commended Scholar. Lindsay Langston ’03 graduated from Parish Episcopal School and is attending The University of Mississippi. While at Parish, she was on the Honor Roll and was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. ISAS invited her to display her photography at an art festival, and she was also invited to attend the Youth National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. Marielle LeMasters ’03 graduated from Parish Episcopal School and is attending Furman University. While at Parish, she was involved in varsity basketball, softball, volleyball, and she took electric guitar lessons. She was a member of a multi-cultural club, National Honor Society, the Panther Pride Club, DECA club co-founder, and a student ambassador. Brett Merriam ’03 graduated from the Greenhill School and is attending Vassar College. While at Greenhill, he was involved in theatre, Teen Age Communication Theatre, TPSMEA all state choir, and High Honor Roll. He was named valedictorian of the Class of 2011. Meagan Mulry ’03 graduated from W.T. White High School and is attending SMU. While at W.T. White, she was involved in
Focus2003 the swim team, the dance company, choir, the spirit group, the key club, The National Honor Society, and was a leader in the mentoring program. Her favorite memories are the wells, the barn, the chickens, the playground, scooter city, and the teachers. Dutt Pranav ’03 graduated from the Greenhill School and is attending SMU. While at Greenhill, he was a Hindu youth leader, a volunteer tutor, and an animal adoption center certified volunteer. Dutt was student council vice president and secretary of his junior class. He was a member of the jazz band, the concert band, and the Akshar Dhwani Marching Band. Jacob Rosenbloom ’03 graduated from Science and Engineering Magnet School and is attending Harvey Mudd College. Jacob was co-president of the National Latin Honor Society, a historian in the National Honor Society, an office assistant for religious school office, counselor-in-training at Camp Kiowa, the Presidential Scholars Program nominee, top academic award, Outstanding Character Award, Award of Excellence in AP Latin IV, AP Scholar with Distinction, Computer Science Award, Soaring Eagle Award, and a National Latin Exam Gold Medalist. Naveed Samei ’03 graduated from ESD and is attending SMU. While at ESD, he was in The National Honor Society, received the Presidential Award for Community Service, was captain of the ESD varsity tennis team, was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, and a member of the community service club, the art club, ambassador club, and president of the art club. His favorite Lamplighter memories are Ms. Curlin, the Chinese New Year celebration, and the Halloween parade. Lauren Savage ’03 graduated from The Hockaday School and is attending Emerson College. While at Hockaday, she was the head of the race relations committee, was nominated for the best actress in Dallas by the Cappie Awards committee, and she had her first film accepted by the Lone Star Film Festival. Savannah Seifert ’03 graduated from Highland Park High School and is attending SMU. While at Highland Park, she was involved in the Highland Belles drill team and the National Honor Society. She was a cornerstone athlete, on an All-American dance team, and a Homecoming queen nominee. Her favorite Lamplighter memories are the Halloween parade, well time, barn time, art
projects, the playground with houses and giant tricycles, and square dancing. Caroline Sikes ’03 graduated from ESD and is attending Rhodes College. While at ESD, she was a varsity crew captain, and received a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Ellen Skochdopole ’03 graduated from ESD and is attending Rhodes College. While at ESD, she was involved in theatre, journalism and was the newspaper design editor. Ellen was a member of the National Honor Society, National Charity League, Mock Trial, head acolyte, Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Ronald McDonald House, and Teen Board Founder. Sarah Stewart ’03 graduated from The Hockaday School and is attending Wake Forest University. While at Hockaday, she was a fouryear letterman and captain of varsity basketball, editor-in-chief of Vibrato, and convocations board member. She was a member of Teen Age communications theatre, and on the Headmistress list for four years.
Connor Thomas ’03 graduated from The Hockaday School and is attending the University of the South. While at Hockaday, she was on the varsity tennis team and received the Hockaday Community Service Award. She was president of the American Field Service Club, and in Hockaday’s Concert Choir. Connor was on the Honor Roll, and earned a rating of Cum Laude on the National Latin Exam. John Wetzel ’03 graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas and is attending the University of Notre Dame. While at St. Mark’s, he was a finalist in the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts YoungArts Week, a member of the Association of Texas Photography Instructors, on the Texas Imagemaker Team 2010, a first place winner in Jr./Sr. Portfolio in Texas A & M’s Photography Shootout, and won St. Mark’s Photography Award. John has his own photography website, and is a member of St. Mark’s community service board.
Where They Are Headed Bryce Anglin – Wofford College David Bayless – Samford University Bethany Berg – University of Virginia Marisa Breitfeller – Carnegie Mellon Christina Brewster – High School Class of 2012 Colin Cardinale – Texas Christian University Levi Chilton – High School Class of 2012 Erica Clendening – University of Georgia Kelly Cole – Bates College Emily Dorward – Rhodes College Joe Firth – Texas Christian University Alex Foote – Harvard Alex Fraley – University of Texas at Austin Zach Fraley – University of Missouri Katherine Francis – Vanderbilt Taylor Freeman – Notre Dame Greer Gardner – Harvard Scout Garnsey – Austin College Becca Genecov – University of Texas Sarah Gibson – Texas A&M University Trevor Goodwin – Hendrix College Nick Hamburger – High School Class of 2012 Natalie Jaynes – University of Arkansas Angus Klamer – University of Texas Will Labadie – University of North Texas
Lindsay Langston – University of Mississippi Marielle LeMasters – Furman University Ilana Markey – University of Kansas Brett Merriam – Vassar College Meagan Mulry – SMU Austin Nixon – Penn State University Nicole Norton – SMU Moriah Parker – University of Tampa Dutt Pranav – SMU Holly Reilly – Furman University Jacob Rosenbloom – Harvey Mudd Margaret Rote – Duke University Naveed Samei – SMU Stephanie Sarles – University of Oklahoma Lauren Savage – Emerson College Savannah Seifert – SMU Melissa Shohet – McGill University Caroline Sikes – Rhodes College Ellie Skochdopole – Rhodes College Pete Smith – Vanderbilt Sarah Stewart – Wake Forest Frederick Todd – Howard University Connor Thomas – University of the South (Sewanee) John Wetzel – Notre Dame
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Focus2007
Will Agritelley now attends Parish Episcopal School after his eighth grade graduation from Good Shepherd. Will has fond memories of his Lamplighter experience. Kelly Allen graduated from Parish Episcopal School and is now attending Spring Creek Academy. She is an enthusiastic, competitive equestrian who thoroughly enjoys horsemanship. Some of Kelly’s special memories are the Lamplighter carnival, getting her senior jacket, and the Lamplighter Layers Corporation. Blakely Castleman graduated from the Episcopal School of Dallas and now attends high school at Woodberry Forest School in Virginia. He was active during his ESD years with the Clayton Dabney Foundation Kids Committee. Blakely remembers that Lamplighter had the very best playground in Dallas. Anna Cole attended Parish Episcopal School and now enjoys ninth grade at The Hockaday School. While at Parish she was co-president of the student council and received honors and high honors her seventh and eighth grade years. She 16
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was involved in track, soccer, volleyball, and cross country running. Her favorite memories of Lamplighter were the playground, getting “married” on top of the hill, and the chickens. Claire Cramm will continue to matriculate at ESD where she has been since graduating from Lamplighter. Kendall DeSantis continues her journey at ESD for high school. She is involved with cross country running and crew. She particularly enjoys horseback riding. She received honors in math (algebra and geometry) and science. Kendall supports the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and the Museum of Nature and Science. John Thomas Graas will continue to study at St. Mark’s School of Texas where he particularly enjoys basketball and track and field. Griffin Gustafson attended middle school at the Dexter School in Brookline, Massachusetts. He will continue his journey at Belmont Hill School in Belmont, Massachusetts. Heather Hall will continue her studies at the Episcopal School of Dallas where she has been since graduating from
Lamplighter. At ESD, she has been active in lacrosse, softball, basketball, volleyball, and field hockey. She volunteers her time at the North Texas Food Bank, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Shoes for Orphans, Souls, Meals on Wheels, Jubilee Center, and a home for senior citizens. Heather’s special memories of Lamplighter are the carnival, hootenannies, Mrs. Mackie reading Narnia, Girl Scouts, and the senior parade. Harry Herz will continue his studies at St. Mark’s School of Texas. He participated on the lacrosse team and is engaged with piano and Boy Scouts. He received the Barnum and Bailey Gold Award for Outstanding Community Service. Harry’s special memories of Lamplighter are fourth grade football, Lamplighter Layers Corporation, and Donuts with Dads. Lauren Kim attended Hockaday middle school and will continue her studies there. She was on the community service board and participates in field hockey, golf, and tennis. Her memories of Lamplighter include creating the time capsule, the fourth grade opera, making waffles in math class, and pizza Fridays.
Focus2007 William LeMasters graduated from eighth grade at Parish Episcopal School and will continue his journey at the school. His football team won the TAPPS city championship, and he was chosen basketball MVP. William won third place in the Poetry Society of Texas competition. In addition, he won the Parish Language Arts Award for outstanding achievement in poetry composition. His favorite memories are basketball with Mr. B and poetry writing with Mrs. Mackie. Maria Limke graduated from Griffin Middle School in Frisco and now attends Wakeland High School, also in Frisco. She is an active volunteer at Frisco Family Services Center. She is a member of NJHS and dances with the Frisco Ballet. She took broadcast journalism in middle school and is a new member of Wakeland High School’s drill team. While in middle school, Maria took all honors classes. Her favorite memories are the Halloween parade, earth worms, Ms. Brown, and tricycles. Kelly Maloney will continue her high school education at Parish Episcopal School where she has achieved honors every year. She is a member of the soccer team, and participates in cross country, track, and cheerleading. Her memories of Lamplighter are the wells, recess, motor skills, Mr. B, Mrs. Mackie, Ms. Stout, Ms. Yarbrough, and Mr. Olson. Timothy Simenc continues his high school studies at St. Mark’s. He received the Athlete of the Year award for 2010-2011.
He was a member of the USA National Water Polo Team, and was a finalist for the International Traveling Team. Ali Smith attends high school at Parish Episcopal after graduation from the middle school. She was engaged in volleyball and soccer and earned academic honors, as well. Nithya Thomas graduated from Schimelpfenig Middle School in Plano and continues on to Clark High School, also in Plano. She was a member of NJHS for two years, and participated in the science fair for two years. She earned honors in all her classes and received the Presidential Award in both elementary school and middle school. Her favorite memories are Mrs. Parton, her preschool teacher, and the many friends that she had at Lamplighter. Sydney Yonack spent her middle school years at Parish Episcopal School and at Hockaday where she will continue her high school studies. She has been active in volleyball, track, and community service at the Ronald McDonald House. Her special memories are all the teachers, the farm, and meeting her current best friends. Elizabeth Zogg graduated from McCullough Middle School and now attends Spring Creek Academy. She is involved with Children Helping Children and tennis. Her favorite memories are the carnivals, the animals, recess, and choice day.
Class Agents 1968 – Beth Unis 1969 – Jon Gross 1971 – Helen Butler 1974 – Kyle Ford 1975 – Eugenia King 1976 – Max Swango 1977 – Margaret Solomon 1977 – Bradey Miller 1978 – Adam Leventhal 1979 – Greg Marquess 1980 – Shannon Morse 1981 – Giggy Loeb 1982 – Royce Poinsett 1983 – Elizabeth Dodge 1984 – Ashley Geller 1985 – Aimee Whitaker 1986 – Jeff Kitner 1987 – Sarah Stockton 1989 – Courtney Johnson 1990 – Flauren Bender 1991 – Lilly Albritton 1993 – Craig Smith 1993 – Ashley Johnson 1995 – Hunter Lewis 1996 – Emily Hess 1999 – Meredith Klein 2001 – Laura Brylowski 2002 – Laura Frazee 2004 – Margaret Rote
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AlumniSpotlight Calling Young Alumni! Stop by Lamplighter to: • Visit your former teachers! • Remember good times on the playground! • Have lunch in one of your old classrooms! Lamplighter is always thrilled when alumni return to visit. When you plan your visit to the school, please contact the Alumni & Parent Relations Coordinator, Hilary Jenkins, either by phone, 214-369-9201 x378, or email her at hjenkins@thelamplighterschool.org to schedule a time. The best time to visit Lamplighter is between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Lamplighter Parents’ Association Receives Spirit Award High enthusiasm and profoundly evident Lamplighter Spirit combined to create magical moments and memories for attendees of the Lamplighter Spirit Award Luncheon last February. Along with alumni, some dating back to 1969, past presidents and carnival and auction chairs attended to receive the award.
Lamplighter would like to congratulate the following National Merit Semifinalists from the class of 2004: •Caitlin K. Garcia •Duncan Smart •Joshua L. Fontenot •Katherine E. Mosle •Laura C. Roberts •Reid A. Weisberg
2011 –2012 Alumni Council
Jane Hurst, 2010-11 LPA President, accepted the award on behalf of all LPA members. Accompanying her at the podium to receive the award were past presidents Carol McEachern, Carol Ruggeri, and Angela Pittman, who represented multiple decades of service. At the luncheon, Lamplighter singers presented a medley of musical numbers specially chosen for the occasion. Fourth grader Cormick Stockham gave a speech suggesting what it was like to be the child of an LPA president. Ms. Hurst announced that the LPA board unanimously agreed to pledge $1,000,000 to the Land Fund, a pledge which they are well on their way to fulfilling.
Back Row: Lilly Albritton, Justin Small, Peggy Black Meyer, Adam Leventhal, Bradley Miller, Greg Marquess, Craig Smith Front Row: Ashley Geller, Sara Luxen Junkin, Eric Reeves, Lucy Wrubel, Courtney Johnson Not pictured are: Flauren S. Bender, Steven Davidoff, Joseph (Joe) B. Davisson, Robert (Kyle) K. Ford, Christopher C. Gannett, Elisabeth L. Jacobson, Rachel Ladin, Gregory L. Marquess, Brian Neuhoff, Kristin Ortega, Kay E. Pollack, Amanda Rockow,
Justin A. Small, Max N. Swango, Aimee M. Whitaker 18
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Around the Barn News Flash Every morning, Lamplighter students eagerly anticipate “Flash,” a live morning news broadcast that is shown on smart boards in classrooms. Students enjoy reporting school news, local weather, and special reports all written, directed, filmed, and anchored by Lamplighter fourth graders. The programs are broadcast from a studio equipped with state-of-the-art cameras, teleprompters, lighting, and green screens just like studios of professional television news programs. Each week a team of eight fourth graders, led by the school’s academic technology coordinator, Kate Ogden, collaborates to create the broadcasts, each student learning a specific job but also learning the importance of teamwork. “I love how well the students have all come together to work as a team,” Ogden commented. “Each group adds a piece to the project, but the project as a whole belongs to the entire fourth grade.” By the end of the school year, every fourth grader will have worked in every role necessary to produce the broadcasts, from anchor to technician. Judy Gass, last year’s Interim Head of School, says of the initiative, “It’s collaborative and hands-on. Plus the students hone their presentation skills while building community schoolwide.”
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Dream in Turn Dreams Into Reality With
Lamplighter’s Annual Fund The Annual Fund is the lifeblood of Lamplighter. Annual Fund dollars raised during the school year cover the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating a Lamplighter student. A successful Annual Fund campaign depends on participation from every member of our school community – trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Last year, 100% of trustees and faculty and staff and 95% of parents participated. We hope to reach our goal of 100% participation among parents and of increased participation from alumni, grandparents, and parents of alumni. Lamplighter strives to keep tuition at a manageable level for a wide range of families. The Annual Fund allows us to continually enhance the classroom experience while limiting tuition increases. Unlike tuition, contributions to the Annual Fund are tax deductible. Annual Fund Recognition Levels The Luminary Society Beacon Torchbearer Candle Lighter Luminary Member The 1953 Club The Lantern Club
$12,500 and above $7,500 – $12,499 $3,000 – $7,499 $1,250 – $2,999 $500 – $1,249 $25 – $499
Ways to Make Your Donation Mail: Send your pledge/gift to the school by using the return envelope. Online: www.thelamplighterschool.org. Click on Support Lamplighter. Phone: Call 214.369.9201 ext. 365 with your credit card information or to inquire about stock gifts. All gifts to the 2011 - 2012 Annual Fund must be made before May 31, 2012.
The Lamplighter School 2011 - 2012 Annual Fund