On the Mountain Spring 2018

On the Mountain

THE STORM KING SCHOOL JOURNAL SPRING 2018

The Stor m King

school Lo

150 1867

YEARS

SESQUICENTENNIAL —A Once in a Lifetime Celebration

Board of Trustees Officers Roger D. Auerbacher ’66 Chair Michelle T. DeFreece P’14 First Vice Chair Joseph W. Blount ’74 Second Vice Chair Thomas W. Sheppard Third Vice Chair Scott Rutter ’73 Secretary Myles Megdal Treasurer Jonathan W. R. Lamb Headmaster – Ex-Officio Trustees Hilary Ackermann P’12 Ila Barton ’92 Scott H. Cantor ’73 – Ex-Officio Robert Ginsburg ’72 Lawrence “Lon” Gratz ’61 Chair Emeritus – Ex-Officio Bruce Hanson ’62 David Hartcorn ’73 Robert Docherty ’72 Renee Tobin P’20 Trustees Emeriti Maia Brogan – Honorary Michael Brower ’63 Robert Cory III ’63 Jack D’Angelo H’13 Harrison M. Davis ’56 Thomas Delaney ’58 Stephen Duffy ’71 Peter Duggan H’58 Lawrence Fain ’58 Michael Fischer ’82 Stanley Freilich P’11 Herbert Gelhardt ’48 B. deRacey Gilbert ’60 Margaret Harbison Norman Jeavons ’48 Hon. Harold Kennedy ’73 Peter Lamb ’72 Bettina Murray GP’20 Arthur Reis ’75 David Riker ’50 John Settel ’50 Jeremiah H. Shaw P’95 Karl Soderlund P’91 James Sollami P’02,’08,’09 Robert D. Williams Jr. ’54 Suzanne van der Woude P’74,’75 Peter Wunsch ’73 Kenneth Wang ’69

The Storm King School does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation, marital status, national or ethnic origins, age, disability, or any other classification protected under State or Federal law.

2 / MOUNTAIN ROAD

On the Mountain is made possible by the enormous effort of our school community.

Special thanks go to: John Meynardie ’77 Heather McGillvray-Myman ’81 Larry Spiegel ’69 H. Everett Kennedy ’73 David Harper Harold Heno Maria Fedosenkova ’19 Guillermo Ramos Sanchez ’19 Ben Harnick Scott Cantor ’73 Lynn Crevling ’72 Tom Fogarty Anne Fulton P ’09 Sarah Fulton ’09 Michael Hauser Jonathan W.R. Lamb Marek Pramuka P’20 Michaela Pramuka P’20 Kimberly Marshall P’21 Elizabeth Wilson Taviloglu P’19 OTM contact info:

On the

Mountain

The Storm King School Journal SPRING 2018

F E AT U R E S

4 Sesquicentennial: Past Traditions, Future Visions Part 3 Looking back at the history of our school from 1967 to 2018, and forward into the 21st century

8 Passion for Making a Positive Impact: John Meynardie ’77

otm@sks.org

A look into the life and family of U.S. Attorney and SKS alumnus John Meynardie ’77 and his passion for helping his community

OTM: The Storm King School 314 Mountain Road Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520

12 SKS Model UN Team Makes Their Mark In NYC

On the Mountain, the official journal of The Storm King School, is published for the benefit of the greater school community, including alumni, families, friends, and faculty.

On the Mountain is designed to communicate the School’s mission, values, and culture with accurate information and stories about members of the school community past and present, current news, upcoming events, and other information of interest to our community.

See how a group of Storm King students made their mark at the nation’s largest high school Model UN conference

14 New Academic Schedule Starting in the fall, students and faculty will follow a new, college-like academic schedule

16 Strategic Plan: Boldly Forward Learn about the School’s new course as it moves forward into the 21st century

18 Storm King Tennis: The Real Deal Juniors Maria Fedosenkova and Guillermo Ramos Sanchez heat up the new courts and the tennis program at SKS

D E PA RT M E N TS

2 Letters/Comments PHOTO: Gissel Morales ’18 dancing to Alejandro at the Spring dance recital ON THE FRONT COVER: Storm King Tennis sensation Maria Fedosenkova ’19 ON THE BACK COVER: Our School’s 1888 Tennis Team

3 From the Headmaster Head of School Jonathan W.R. Lamb reflects on the balance of tradition and future-envisioning

21 Mountain Road Fall theater production is a hit; A Senior Capstone Project that’s making a difference; Fall & Winter Athletic Summary; SKS celebrates MLK Day with 550+ hours of community service; undergraduates with big summer plans; College Acceptance is at an All-time High

26 The Common Room SKS Alumni Council is reestablished; SKS Alumni Profile: Heather McGillvray-Myman ’81; SKS Alumni Network: Wherever you may Roam

29 Events and Notes 30 Class Notes 31 In Memoriam

Letters/Comments Larry Spiegel ’69, who visited campus last summer, provided OTM with a heartfelt Class Note which was published in our Fall 2017 issue. Portions of Larry’s note were edited, including his explanation of how he coordinated the “somewhat unconventional” 1969 Senior Class photo which appeared in The Quarry of that same year. OTM wishes to share the photo and the story behind it now.

According to Larry, he had arranged for the shooting of the infamous photo “with the explicit intent to be countercultural and representative of the “times that were a ‘changing.” The only free moment we had was a Sunday afternoon. I told the guys to show their individuality and (if you look closely at their outfits in the photo) they certainly didn’t disappoint,” he explained.

Thank you Larry, for sharing the history behind this photo with OTM and the Storm King family.

Following a visit to the Cornwall Historical Society last fall where he presented a book about his relatives—the Sherwoods of Cornwall—David Harper sent us a wonderful photo of Sydney Sherwood, Jr. who was a Storm King alumnus from the Class of 1919 (Stone School).

With Storm King Mountain in the background, the photo shows Sydney, Jr. with his horse Barton sporting his new uniform from the Stone School. The story of Sydney and the Sherwood family, a prominent Cornwall family in the early 1900s, was told in Mary Hodges’ historical book Making a Difference-The Story of an American Family. In it, there is a chapter dedicated to Sydney, Jr. that talks about his time at The Storm King School, and his relationship with his horse: “In the fall of 1917, he had entered The Storm King School to prepare for Princeton. Storm King would be different and harder… the classes were geared toward passing college entrance exams. Even getting to school was harder. He had earned enough to buy a little Morgan riding horse for fifty dollars. On every school day during his two years at Storm King, he fed, groomed, and saddled Barton, cleaned the stable, took a bath, and dressed before eating breakfast.

By seven-thirty he was galloping across the field to the brook road and three miles up Deer Hill Road to be at school by eight o’clock. His fellow students called him ‘Paul Revere.’”

2 / LETTERS/COMMENTS

Many thanks go out to Mr. Harper for sending the photo and giving us a small window into what life was like at The Storm King School during its early years.

PLEASE SEND COMMENTS TO: otm@sks.org or OTM: The Storm King School 314 Mountain Road Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520

On the Mountain reserves the right to publish none, parts or all contents of a letter.

From The Headmaster Jonathan W.R. Lamb Dear Storm King Family, When I first drafted this introduction, the sun had just emerged over a new layer of snow on the Mountain. By the time we were ready to send OTM to press, the dogwoods were blossoming and we were closing in on the final months of our 150th year. All of us who work in schools and watch children grow into young men and women understand well the merging of natural and human seasons. Our School continues to thrive fueled by the right balance of tradition and mission-focus on one hand, and aspirational growth and future-envisioning on the other. Many years ago, a professor of mine told me that the students we teach are moving targets. We come to them equipped with knowledge and skills gathered from our past. Our goal is to equip them for the future into which they are moving that will surely require new knowledge and skills beyond what we can impart.

Based on the changes in our lifetimes, we can certainly project that the world today’s Storm King graduates venture into will change at a pace even faster than we have seen. But, we continue to convey the fundamental values of “truth, respect, and responsibility” through our lessons in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the neighborhoods

around the Hudson Valley where our students lend a helping hand. We do this because we know these tenets will serve them well. We focus on equipping them not just with sets of facts, but with skill sets and confidence that will guide them in using knowledge in new ways that we may never have imagined while watching Buck Rogers or Star Trek in our collective past.

In the past five years our campus and program have grown and improved in many ways. This Sesquicentennial edition of On the Mountain features our updated Strategic Plan which will guide us through the next five years as it continues to focus on the work of securing our future.

As always, this issue also offers many examples of what makes Storm King such a truly special place, including the third and final segment of our narrative history series, the story of John Meynardie ’77, along with other updates on some of our alumni which demonstrate the rich heritage from which we come. Additional stories about the School’s exceptional college acceptances, our talented student-athletes, and many more confirm all the exciting things that have been happening on campus today.

At 150 years-and-a-half, your Storm King is as vital today as it has ever been. Please read and enjoy these stories. In a few short weeks, we will host our Sesquicentennial Reunion Weekend June 8-10, 2018. We hope it will inspire you to visit and support us, especially during this special year.

The Storm King School Sesquicentennial A Once in a Generation Celebration, June 8-10, 2018

150 YEARS of extraordinary

Storm King School History

Registration is Live!

sks.org/Reunion-2018 sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2018 / 3

1967 CONSTRUCTION OF WALTER ORR STUDENT COMMONS

PAST TRADITIONS, FUTURE VISIONS THE SCHOOL’S HISTORY PART III The Sesquicentennial—The Storm King School’s 150th anniversary—is upon us. In this special commemorative issue of On the Mountain, we bring you the third and final piece in our three-part historical narrative series. Here, we will visit the School’s most recent 50 years and, from this magnificent vantage point, look out toward a future for Storm King that has never been brighter.

In our previous issue, we journeyed through the School’s middle years that witnessed two world wars, the Great Depression, and a period of transformation in the 1950s and early ’60s. It was Storm King’s Centennial, and Frank Brogan had just arrived on the Mountain as the School’s 10th Headmaster.

Mr. Brogan would soon discover that the emerging times of cultural change would influence Storm King heading into the ’70s and beyond.

HEADMASTER FRANK BROGAN 1966-1974 4 / PAST TRADITIONS, FUTURE VISIONS

THE SCHOOL’S HISTORY PART 3

1967-2018: Toward the Millennium to the Sesquicentennial THE CENTENNIAL Shortly after his arrival and minds of students in innovative been discussed for many years. Ecoon the Mountain with his wife, Maia, ways. When one student asked him nomics played a role, and Storm King’s and their two children, Frank Brogan who the commencement speaker would policy shift reflected a national trend presided over the School’s Centen- be that year, Brogan spontaneously in independent schools. Enrollments nial celebration in 1967. Three admin- responded that “everyone” would be. were down, and SKS was fortunate istrations that had been overseen by In that spring of 1970, a tradition was to be near capacity. By the end of the the Board of Trustees headed by Ste- born of every senior being allowed to year, the coed population had grown phen P. Duggan were honored—those say his piece at graduation; all but one to include 14 female day students. Five of Burke Boyce, Warren Leonard, and student spoke, and only two made neg- years later, Storm King welcomed its now Frank Brogan. During the celebra- ative statements. Many schools would first female boarders. tions, former New York governor and follow suit with their own open comIn 1974, Thad Horton succeeded Ambassador-at-Large Averell W. Harri- mencement forums.

Frank Brogan as Headmaster, and for man was present to dedicate the brandthe next nine years, he worked toward new Walter Orr Student Commons.

COEDUCATION ON THE MOUNTAIN During ushering the School into the 1980s.

Headmaster Brogan noted optimisti- Brogan’s tenure, another major change A graduate of Emory University in cally that many students “were claimed was implemented: The Storm King by a fair vision of the School as it could School’s first three full-time female stube—a caring community—who in quiet dents were admitted in the fall of 1970. and private moments made their deci- The local paper noted that “in its 104th sions to meet the School’s high expec- year, Storm King welcomed 130 boys tations.” After realizing that traditional from 15 states and five foreign counpunishments, such as expulsion for tries, as well as three full-status coeds major disciplinary infractions, were from the Cornwall community.” costing the School students it didn’t Headmaster Brogan reminded everywant to lose and demoralizing the one that the School had already admitSchool community, he solicited the ted some young ladies on a temporary commitment of every student to sup- basis back in 1912 when heavy snowfall port decisions short of dismissal. Soon made it impossible for them to get to after, he was faced with deciding what school in Cornwall. That year, though, to do about five decent boys caught the School sought them. Headmaster in a third infraction (what he called a Warren Leonard had pushed for coed“no-choice” decision). “I was desper- ucation but had insufficient support HEADMASTER THAD HORTON 1974-1983 ate, so I set up a one-week survival pro- 15 years earlier, and the concept had gram with Outward Bound at Hurricane Island in Maine. It was to be a demanding test of their desire to demonstrate to the School the sincerity of their commitment. Gaining their parents’ permission, they volunteered, and two teachers agreed to accompany them,” Brogan said at the time. “The month was February, the chill factor went to 16 degrees below zero, and they were outdoors the entire time. When they returned, very dirty, very proud, they were embraced.

No one disputed their right to remain at the School.”

The late 1960s and early ’70s were difficult with the Vietnam War in full swing, but Headmaster Brogan and his ways persevered, capturing the hearts LEFT TO RIGHT: KASSIE SPACKMAN RANDALL ’73, LYNN CREVLING ’72, AND BARBARA HOFFMAN ZOHAR ’72 sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2018 / 5

THE SCHOOL’S HISTORY PART 3 Atlanta, Georgia, and a multifaceted man, Horton moved through successful careers in TV-radio sports broadcasting and advertising, among other things, before he became the 11th Headmaster of The Storm King School.

Horton was best known for his dedication to students and quest to make learning engaging and fun. “Far too many young people have long since lost whatever sense of joy and excitement school once held for them,” said Horton in one of his commencement

HEADMASTER PHILLIP RILEY 1997-2004

speeches. “Our first job, then, is to restore fun at school, through imaginative course development; comfortable pupil/teacher relationships; informal, seminar-style classroom structure; then confidence, based on faith in both teacher and self; then success, based on work done with confidence, in a community of concern.” His words mirror the mission and values The Storm King School adheres to today.

EMBRACING THE ARTS AND THE OUTDOORS Dr. Rients and Suzanne Van der Woude, residents of Mountain Road, announced in December 1981 that 70 acres of Storm King Mountain land, contiguous to the campus on the western side, would be donated to the School. With a significant grant from Girard B. Henderson ’23, the Henderson Outdoor Recreation Program was launched, further expanding the tradition of embracing the School’s natural setting and immersing students in the outdoors. From regular hikes in Black Rock Forest to weeklong camping trips in New England, the program we now call Outdoor Education introduced students to mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, wilderness first aid, and outdoor photography, among other skills. These significant developments came at the end of Horton’s tenure and

sealed his legacy to the School and the surrounding community.

In 1983, Thad Horton was succeeded

by Headmaster James T. Dowell, who served for the next three years. His tenure saw The Storm King School formalize its membership as one of 15 founders of the Black Rock Forest Consortium in 1984, permanently preserving the 3,800 acres of wild mountain forest for the public’s benefit.

1984 was also an important year for the arts at Storm King—the year when the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre was dedicated as the result of a generous gift from SKS alumnus Walter Reade Jr. ’35, whose eponymous movie theatre chain had grown to more than 70 locations around the world. A facility was now available on campus for the study and practice of dramatic arts, a program that incorporated everything from sound and lighting to set and costume design, voice, and stage performance, which has provided countless opportunities for Storm King students to flourish. It also offered a 230-seat venue for allschool gatherings that could include parents and friends.

Headmaster John Suitor Jr., who served from 1987 to 1997, presided over a decade that included more important dedications—that of a new roll-top observatory built around a late 19th-century telescope bequeathed to the School, and the renovation of the Cobb House, the former residence of the Cobb family and descendants of the School’s second Headmaster, on the north edge of the campus. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Karl Soderlund, the home was acquired by the School in 1990 and expanded to become the Allison Vladimir Art Center, named after Ms. Soderlund’s daughter. Since then, the visual arts program at The Storm King School has thrived with courses ranging from painting to printmaking, pottery, and sculpture to digital design and video production.

ENTERING THE MILLENNIUM Phillip Riley, who was Headmaster from 1997 to 2004,

HENDERSON OUTDOOR PROGRAM 1991 6 / PAST TRADITIONS, FUTURE VISIONS

THE SCHOOL’S HISTORY PART 3 was heralded as the man who returned Storm King to athletic prominence. The year of the millennium saw the boys varsity basketball team win the New England Preparatory Schools Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) title, repeat as conference champions in 2001, and experience a near-miss repeat win in 2002. Three years later, in an epic soccer match that went scoreless for 120 minutes, the boys varsity team was named NEPSAC cochampion alongside Chase Collegiate School. Effectively, the title match was called a draw.

Helen “Steevie” Chinitz became Storm King’s first female head of school in 2004, marking a moment in time when girls were well represented, not only within the student body, but across the faculty and staff. Steevie’s administration also established the Mountain Center, predecessor of today’s Academic Support Program, where students with learning differences could receive additional, intensive help in smaller classes. Ms. Chinitz retired in 2012 to be replaced by Paul Domingue until 2014.

THE SESQUICENTENNIAL AND BEYOND Jonathan W. R. Lamb, the current Head of School, was appointed to succeed Domingue in 2014. Under Lamb’s vision

and leadership, The Storm King School has entered yet another era of transformation, reaching historic heights on all fronts: enrollment, signature academic programs, experiential learning, the arts, athletics, and campus improvements. As the School approaches the culmination of its Sesquicentennial celebrations at the end of the school year in 2018, a new academic center is on the drawing board which will embrace the modern concept of STEAM teaching and learning—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics— as students are prepared for the rapid advances of the 21st-century economy.

Ultimately, The Storm King School will continue to thrive, as it has for the past 150 years, by doing what it has always done impeccably: inspiring students toward academic strength and confidence with a caring faculty and community who embrace character, balance, and trust. Today, Storm King’s legacy lives on through its thousands of alumni who have left the Mountain and taken their successful places throughout the world. This legacy will endure for the next 150 years as long as Storm King continues to reflect on its rich history while it moves forward in meeting the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

ALMA MATER

In the shade of Storm King Mountain stands our Alma Mater true.

Oh Storm King School we proudly honor, Let us offer praise to you.

Sing her glory and her beauty, Let praise sound from hill to vale.

Beloved is our Alma Mater, Storm King School to you all hail.

—Jean Brosseau

The Storm King School 1867

150 Years on the Mountain ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

This hardcover edition commemorates the School’s rich heritage through historical narrative and hundreds of archival and contemporary photographs.

Purchase for $150 with proceeds benefiting The Storm King Fund.

To order, please visit: sks.org/Book ALLISON VLADIMIR ART CENTER sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2018 / 7

John Meynardie ’77 performing in church with wife Jane and son William

PASSION FOR MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT - JOHN MEYNARDIE ’77 - BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19 -

From life on the Mountain to the lowlands of Mississippi; an early interest in politics, which led to a distinguished career in law, John Meynardie ’77 has built his life around his passion for making a positive impact. Whether he’s in the courtroom, coaching youth baseball, or lecturing at high schools across the nation, John still relies on his talent for acute critical thinking, a skill that was fostered here at SKS. “Find something you are passionate about,” John Meynardie ’77 advises current Storm King students as they prepare for life in college and beyond, much as he advised his own three children: “If you can make a living at it, you’ll have a rich and fulfilling life.”

This simple yet powerful bit of wisdom comes from someone who has accomplished just that. John, who is the deputy criminal chief for narcotics at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Gulfport, MS, has a long history of personal and career successes that, to most people, would seem difficult to achieve.

According to John, the path that led him to where he is today wasn’t always a straight one: “One thing I learned is that you should never rely solely on your plans. They rarely work out exactly as

8 / JOHN MEYNARDIE ’77

you imagine them.” For example, John didn’t always plan on becoming a high-profile U.S. prosecutor with a passion for thwarting the national opioid crisis. In fact, he says he got the job through a stroke of luck when someone he knew came across an old résumé of his in a drawer.

A Strong Foundation Aside from a stellar education at two of America’s top universities, John explains that he had a very important advantage that allowed him to start his game out running—a solid family.

Regarding them, John says he’s been blessed: “I’ve always had a very closeknit and supportive family. I think that starts with my parents. My mother and father [Robert Meynardie and Mary

Wood Meynardie] were both born and raised in Charleston, SC, and left the United States after WWII to be missionaries in Japan. That’s where my brother Bob and I were born in 1959. We moved back to the United States when we were three, and back again to Japan from ages six through nine. My earliest memories are from our time there, and I suspect it has led me to be curious and interested in other cultures,” he explains. “During my early years, my parents also moved us about every three years. I think that experience, moving frequently and having to make new friends, made it much easier for me to pick up and move to other parts of the country as opportunities arose.”

A true family man, John says the example his parents set is one that he and each of his siblings followed.

“My wife and I have been married for 27 years and have three children, ages 18–24,” he explains. On the challenges of raising a family, John seems to have taken it all in stride. “When our kids were younger, we used to sit down for dinner like clockwork every night. One of them asked “Why?” and my wife rather flippantly said, “Because families that eat dinners together are less likely to have kids that drink.” I swiftly raised my glass and replied, “Yes, but they are more likely to have parents that drink.” It was a funny moment, but in truth, kids are a challenge and I’m sure they’d say the same for parents. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it, though,” John says with a smile.

Life on the Mountain John admits he didn’t fully realize it at the time, but his life at Storm King played an important role in shaping who he is today. “I started at Storm King as a freshman, along with my brother, in the fall of 1973. We were both leaving two years at the New York Military Academy (NYMA), and to say the atmosphere at Storm King was different is an understatement. I don’t know if we truly appreciated what a magnificent setting

the School sits in. I certainly enjoyed living on the Mountain with Black Rock just under the tunnel, but I also remember being in a hurry to live in a big city. I think I would appreciate it much more now,” he explains.

“One memory I can’t erase (because there are pictures) is how awful our clothes were back then,” John laughs.

“When I arrived at Storm King, I was at that awkward age of 14, and all around me the world was changing rapidly. The Vietnam War was coming to an end, and the liberties of the 1960s had changed the culture. Watergate was in full swing.

These two events had a tremendous effect on the country and may have been the start of the deep schisms we see today. You could feel the start of that in the mid-’70s when we were at Storm King. I think we had a very enlightened faculty that, for the most part, encouraged us to be skeptical, think critically, and to have our voices heard, especially when we saw an injustice. That was unusual in the mid-1970s.”

In fact, critical thinking—a skill that John says he discovered and fostered at Storm King—is still one of the most important skills he relies on today. “Trial work is a combination of preparation, theater, and critical thinking,” John explains. “Churchill once remarked that it took a lot of preparation to be so spontaneous. The preparation can be tedious, but I can see it all playing out and where it can go wrong in my head.

Then it’s down to the presentation. So much can be communicated with a look, a pause, or phrase. Having the appropriate skill set makes any challenge exciting rather than nerve-racking.”

The SKS Advantage What was it about his education at Storm King that ignited his passion for breaking down and conquering complex situations? “The humanities classes in particular taught and encouraged us to develop our critical thinking and writing skills. Because of the small size of the School, I also became involved in a lot more than I would have

in a larger school and often found myself in a leadership position. One example was writing for and then leading The Voice, our student newspaper,” continues John. “Storm King also gave me the right balance of structure and freedom to explore my interests and talents.”

Another factor, according to John, was Storm King’s faculty and the close relationships they had with the students.

“The faculty was full of inspiring characters. Having adults that are role models and that are relatable is pretty important to an adolescent’s development. Ned Farman and Ned Ingraham were probably the two teachers that stood out the most. Bill Cesario, Mr. Sauer (I still can’t call him Herb), Al Bernstein—it was a fantastic faculty. I’m sure I should mention my mom here, too, but I never actually took a class from her,” John says.

“At Reunion in June 2017, Ned was there, and I told him the best lesson I learned at Storm King was skepticism.

In his class, we would read a book, a magazine, or newspaper article, and it wasn’t enough to learn what the contents were. Ned made us consider why the author wrote what he wrote, what his or her motives and biases were. It taught me to think in those terms about everything I heard or read. I can’t overstate how important that is to what I do for a living. I put that skill to use every day, whether it is reviewing a report or cross-examining a key witness.”

From History to Politics “I have a lifelong passion for history

and, to this day, I read anything I can get my hands on. That probably started at Storm King, or possibly even before. The courses we took in history and English at Storm King gave us the kind of critical thinking skills that fit more closely with a college education. I think Storm King prepared me well for the many challenges I faced in college and gave me an important advantage. I also don’t doubt that my mother’s love of history helped to inspire my own, but probably more from a genetic perspective. She encouraged each of us to pursue our own passions and never directed us specifically toward any subject.”

His love for history prevailed, and upon graduating from SKS, John went on to major in history and

Above: John Meynardie was inducted into the SKS Sports Hall of Fame at Reunion 2017 Below (left to right): Jane, William, Michael, John and Jack Meynardie in 2012

JOHN MEYNARDIE ’77

political science at Boston’s prestigious Tufts University. “Looking back, I had some good choices for college. In the end, I chose Tufts partly because I was sold on Boston as a city. I also wanted to participate in the great basketball program at Tufts. Of course, it also didn’t hurt that my best friend from Storm King, Mike Sloan’77 was going there. We spent four years together on the Mountain and then another four together at Tufts. My aspirations were slightly different then,” he explains with a smile.

John says it was his passion for history and the atmosphere of politically

Above: John coaching the Detroit Tigers youth team Below: John #42 at Storm King

charged Boston that sparked his interest in politics: “I actually became interested in politics, and it was politics that eventually brought me to law. My college experience took place during the last years of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, Ted Kennedy’s challenge, and then Ronald Reagan’s victory. I had a front-row seat because I was interning for Tip O’Neill’s son [who was the lieutenant governor of Massachusetts and very involved in the election in 1980]. I worked on a lot of things in the lieutenant governor’s office, and I was tasked with writing the first child safety legislation in Massachusetts. That was incredibly rewarding,” John recalls.

“At roughly the same time, Senator Kennedy was challenging President Carter for the Democratic nomination for president (1980). The lieutenant governor was very involved in that campaign and, therefore, so was I. I was lucky enough to be on the floor when Senator Kennedy gave his momentous speech at the convention.

It remains the best speech I have ever heard,” explains John.

Unfortunately, as a 20-year-old idealist, losing both Kennedy’s nomination and then the presidency to Ronald Reagan was crushing for John. “At the same time, I realized that people running for office are constantly making compromises with their beliefs and their principles. It isn’t in my nature to mask my opinions on political issues, and any politician who can’t do that doesn’t get elected. I decided, in the end, that politics was not something I was suited for,” he says.

Politics, Law & Luck By the time John attended Emory Law, he knew he wanted to end up as a federal prosecutor: “Emory was, at the time, unique in requiring all law students to go through an intensive litigation training program. After that program, I knew I had a knack for trial work. My initial intentions were to pursue civil cases, but due to pure luck, I got into the world of criminal law.”

10 / JOHN MEYNARDIE ’77

“After graduating from Emory, I started out at a big New York law firm, Lord Day & Lord, Barrett Smith, then did government service with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Then I moved to Mississippi because I needed a change. My wife is also from Mississippi, so it seemed like the natural choice,” explains John. “After a year or so as a civil lawyer, the truth is, I got lucky.

Another lawyer I had worked with previously at my firm later became the civil chief at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He found my old résumé in a drawer and hired me right away. My bosses wanted me to get my feet wet in the fast-paced world of prosecuting criminal cases. It was only supposed to be for a year. After that, I had planned to transition into white-collar or securities cases. I ended up loving criminal work and the people I was working with. Before I knew it, I had been doing it for almost 20 years.”

The Biggest Impact Today, it is John’s passion for making a positive impact that keeps him focused on his mission rather than being distracted by its challenges: “The opioid epidemic requires a very multifaceted strategy, and I hope my work will be a part of the larger solution. My main goal is to ensure the survival of as many people as possible. The cases that I believe have had the biggest impact are the ones involving medical professionals—doctors, nurses, or pharmacists who are selling or writing prescriptions for narcotics illegally.”

“The impact of our work is also being felt internationally. The announcement last fall of the first foreign national prosecuted for fentanyl is my case.

For a really small office, we’ve had a lot of firsts, including the first indictment against the head of one of the large cartels.”

John is also making an impact with high school students across the nation by promoting awareness of the dangers of opioid use. He has traveled to nearly two dozen high schools so far and visited his alma mater Storm King to present

the program in October 2017. “I remain convinced that education on this subject is our most potent weapon in combatting the crisis,” explains John. “We have to do much more for those who are already addicted, but stemming the tide of new addictions is just as important.

I’m always looking for new ways to make an impact in this crisis, and I continue to speak to any group that will listen about how we got into this and how we can get out of it.”

Giving Back with Baseball Aside from his hectic schedule, John still finds time to make an impact in his community in other ways, including passing on his love for baseball to local kids. “I have been involved in the local youth baseball program here in Biloxi since my oldest was playing T-ball. I spent 11 years on the Board including serving as president for five years, and I still coach a team in the spring,” says John. “We have all benefited from the adults that as teachers, coaches, scoutmasters, whatever, gave their time to and influenced us growing up. I think we all have an obligation to give back in whatever way we’re capable. Coaching baseball is something I know how to do, and giving back to the next generation is extremely rewarding. I was the president of our league for five years, and every year I’d meet with the coaches and

tell them we are teaching these kids a lot about how to interact with their peers and authority figures, how to win and lose and operate as a team. These are life skills. Baseball is the least important thing we teach when we’re coaching young people. I also picked up the guitar about 12 years ago and play on Sunday mornings at church. That’s another small way I can give back.”

On the Future John, who returned to Storm King Mountain for Reunion 2017, says the experience brought back many fond memories. “In 10 years, I’ll be retired.

Hopefully I’ll still be healthy and traveling to see places I haven’t yet. I’m sure I’ll be involved in something and probably still coaching baseball. Had you asked me what my life goal was at 20, and then compared it to what I’ve accomplished, it would probably come up short. If you don’t want to change the world at 20 you aren’t thinking big enough. But I hope it will be said of me that my life had purpose and that, in a small way, I made a positive impact on my world and my community.”

When asked what he would want today’s Storm King students to say 10, 20, or even 30 years after graduation, he continues: “I would hope they say that their years spent at Storm King were key to forming the person they became. And

Above: the Meynardie Clan today Below: Mary Wood Meynardie

that Storm King’s influence on them had global implications. That is what Storm King did for me.”

Robert & Mary Meynardie John’s late father, Robert Meynardie, served as the business manager at Storm King from 1971 to 1989 following a stint at a private school in Ohio. Robert was known at SKS for his stern but gentle manner and his by-the-book accounting practices. John’s mother, Mary Wood Meynardie, a missionary and historian turned educator, later joined Robert at Storm King as the School’s History Department Chair from a teaching position at NYMA. Mary remained a highly valued and beloved member of the faculty for 15 years until her retirement. “Mom didn’t start at Storm King until my sophomore year. I know that she was a great teacher with a deep love of history, but I never actually took a class from her. As for my father, it was always odd having him as the business manager. He was known for his frugality, so people were always teasing about him. I doubt he minded because he was a very strong individual and knew what he was doing. As a family, our lives were obviously completely wrapped up in being part of Storm King, but we lived a little ways off campus, so it also felt as though we were leaving the School when we went home for the day. That was our family time.”— John Meynardie ’77

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SKS MODEL UN TEAM MAKES THEIR MARK IN NYC: The Experience of a Lifetime “Often times at Model UN conferences I have to represent countries in talks with states that have policies I don’t always agree with. This trains me to be openminded and flexible. To analyze all of the positions, even those that I oppose, so I can propose constructive solutions that will benefit all parties. Developing these diplomatic skills will help me as I prepare for leadership in the future. ” — Pierce Pramuka ’20 12 / MODEL UN

W

ith our diverse and vibrant international community, it is only natural that The Storm King School is home to one of the top high school Model UN (MUN) teams in New York. After a year of intense preparation, this small but dedicated group of students who are interested in international affairs, politics, and economics, traveled to the United Nations General Assembly to demonstrate their prowess at the 2018 National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference. The conference was held in New York City on March 2–5, 2018.

The largest high school conference in the world, NHSMUN is known for its diverse and prestigious attendees, worldclass staff, proven substantive excellence, and accurate, engaging committee simulations. The event hosts over 5,000 participants from more than 75 countries and 250 schools each year. The conference also provides students the opportunity to interact with high-profile United Nations delegates and gain insight into the challenges of international diplomacy, including a face-to-face visit with diplomatic representatives from the country they are representing. This year, the Storm King MUN team was challenged with representing

the war-torn African nation of Niger.

Throughout the winter, Storm King’s delegates spent countless hours preparing for the event. In January, the team had the chance to learn from members of one of the nation’s top college MUN teams when the captains of West Point’s MUN team, Cadets Derrick Siebman and John Govern, spent time with them here on campus. The cadets, who are both seniors at West Point, coached the SKS team on strategies and leadership approaches to use as they outlined an effective case for the conference.

“Above all, make yourselves visible. Be vocal.

Don’t be afraid to talk, raise your hand, and share your opinions with others,” the cadets explained.

The group covered areas such as preparing a professional paper, delivering an opening speech that would resonate with the judges, and researching and presenting the issues assigned to each committee.

In February, the students also had help all the way from Stuttgart, Germany, when they participated in a conference call with Mr. Brian Ross of the United States Africa Command. Mr. Ross, who currently serves as the “desk officer” for Tunisia there, has also served in the Department of Defense as the desk officer for Niger and other nations in the region. While he answered their oftentimes difficult and complex questions, Mr. Ross provided valuable insights about Niger and other Central African nations, and his in-depth experience of the region proved to be a great resource for our students.

By the conclusion of the conference, all of the students’ hard work and dedication had paid off.

The team couldn’t help but smile when the SKS delegates received praise from three chairs of committees. One chair commented that “most schools have two or more delegates in each committee, but one of Storm King’s committees had a single delegate who did the work of several students and was simply outstanding.”

Storm King’s History and Social Sciences Department Chair Michael Hauser, who has been mentoring the students all year, was very pleased with the outcome and of his team’s performance: “I was especially impressed that our students chose to represent the country of Niger, one of the poorest nations in the world. This allowed them to engage at the NHSMUN on very important issues such as poverty, human rights, and security. The Storm King community can be very proud of our student-delegates. They were prepared and motivated, and they showed considerable intelligence and insight regarding the tough issues addressed in each committee.”

Mr. Hauser speaking about leadership to the School’s student body

Michael Hauser

History & Social Sciences Chair History and Social Sciences Department Chair Michael Hauser holds a BS in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MA in international relations from the University of Hawai‘i, an MEd from the University of Oklahoma, and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

Mr. Hauser came to The Storm King School from the US Department of State, where he led efforts in global maritime security, political-military strategy, ending piracy off the coast of Somalia, the European migration crisis, and engagement with international organizations. He also served in the US Foreign Service as the economic and commercial officer at the US Embassy in Sierra Leone.

He is a former director of international strategy for an agricultural biotechnology company, where he managed projects related to development, the environment, and business growth in Asia. Michael also represented the International Chamber of Commerce as the head of the industry delegation in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and as member of industry delegations to the UN Convention on Climate Change and the World Trade Organization.

A former US Army enlisted soldier and officer, infantry lieutenant colonel, and Army attaché, Michael commanded in combat, led organizations from the tactical to senior levels, served in over 30 countries, and worked in embassies in Sierra Leone, Jakarta, Sarajevo, and Singapore.

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The Path to Success Starts Right Here

on the Mountain

Introducing Our New Academic Schedule

In our rapidly changing world, today’s youth must prepare for jobs that do not yet exist in fields that have not yet been imagined. To ensure that our students continue to graduate with a competitive edge, ready and eager to thrive in the 21st-century global economy, Storm King will implement a new academic schedule starting this fall. The new “4 x 4” schedule opens the door for a richer, college-style academic program where each student can craft their own academic trajectory, spark and broaden their interests, and start themselves on the road toward a successful future in higher education and beyond.

Students pursuing a diploma at The Storm King School will now have more flexibility and autonomy to design their own course of study in preparation for life beyond secondary school. Beginning in August 2018, the School will launch a new “4 x 4” schedule, which will allow more immersive engagement in fewer subjects at a time. While college requirements still determine many fundamental topics and skills taught within our curriculum, the new schedule will also create the opportunity for students to take additional academic and elective credits in a myriad of subjects.

Whether their goal is to attend a four-year college, pursue the arts, or hone their knowledge and skills for a career in technology, the new schedule reinforces Storm King’s commitment to supporting each student individually as they engage in a wide variety of interests.

Headmaster Jonathan Lamb was pleased to announce the news to the community: “The new schedule further reflects our commitment to provide student-focused, experiential education that enables students to plan a course of study in light of their talents, passions, and future objectives. As a four-year college preparatory school that caters to a diverse student body from all over the globe, we can do no less as we seek to educate the new generations who will be our future leaders in positions to change the world.”

interviews with students, families, and teachers, a year of experimentation with longer class periods and trial schedules, and extensive best practices research. All agree that the resulting program truly facilitates Storm King’s student-centered approach and will help ensure the School continues to lead its students into successful lives and careers well into the 21st century.

Alongside the marked advantage our students will have acquired upon graduation, the new program will also bring many benefits to faculty on a day-to-day basis. According to World Languages Department Chair Patrick Martha, who has been very active in the process of formulating the program, “while students will have more opportunities to explore areas of specific interest, [the schedule] will also allow teachers more time and the necessary consistency and structure to engage and immerse students in their chosen subjects.

Daily class meetings mean less interruption and deeper, more hands-on coverage of course materials. Yearlong AP courses will allow more in-depth coverage of challenging coursework at a reasonable pace. Other advantages for faculty include more time for collaboration, curriculum building, and the implementation of professional development.

Ultimately, Storm King students will reap the benefits from these changes in the longer term,” explained Mr. Martha.

A WIN FOR THE COMMUNITY

HOW IT WORKS

Maximizing the educational experience of our students in accordance with the School’s mission has been an ongoing priority for the Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty. The concept of a new schedule and expanded program is, in reality, far from new, and has been in the making for more than three years. Led by SKS’ current Dean of Academics Harold Heno and a committee of key faculty members, the program development and design process included

Storm King’s incoming Dean of Academics Dr. Tim Lance is another strong proponent of the changes: “Our aim is to help our students become thinkers, doers, problem solvers, and adapters. With the new program, the ‘4 Cs’—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication—are emphasized throughout the curriculum. With approximately 100 courses, including AP and honors-level subjects, our students will have the opportunity to design a program that

14 / NEW SCHEDULE

Advanced Calculus Advanced Math Topics AP Calculus AP Statistics Honors British Literature Film & Literature Contemporary World Literature AP English Local History of the Hudson Valley International Relations Advanced Economics Comparative Government Advanced Psychology American Sign Language Honors Chemistry Environmental Science Advanced Music Theory Computer Science

E X P L O R E YO U R O P T I O N S

Finite Math

allows them to explore their particular interests and passions. Fashion design, robotics, and international studies are only some of the concentrations from which students can benefit from as early as this fall.”

Dr. Lance also explained the mechanics of the new “4 x 4” schedule and how it better serves Storm King’s commitment to providing a tailor-made experience for each student: “The new program follows a university-style schedule. The same four periods meet every day, and students take three to four courses in a given semester. With eight periods offered over the course of an academic year, students engage in more classes than they would at most other prep schools. By refocusing education on the principal of

Creative Technology and Design Spanish 1-4 Dance and Advanced Dance Chinese 1-3 American Sign Language 1-3 Animation Studio Art Digital Photography Digital Design AP Biology Video Production Broadcasting Acting Stagecraft AP Physics Music Production Earth Science AP Studio Art AP Art History

teacher-student interaction, the new SKS model allows us to offer an experience that is specifically geared toward each student’s interests, abilities, and passions,” continued Dr. Lance.

DREAM EVEN BIGGER Mr. Lamb attributes the quality of the end result to the teachers who dedicated themselves to the process. “I wish to thank all the faculty members who worked on this initiative for their diligence, thoughtful consideration, and commitment to this process. I believe our new schedule will allow the School to better prepare our students for the future and encourage them to dream even bigger,” continued Mr. Lamb.

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Boldly Forward Few institutions in the United States can say they’ve served their students’ educational needs for 150 years.

This year, as The Storm King School celebrates its Sesquicentennial, the School inducts itself into this exclusive club. While we all share the exuberance of this special milestone, Storm King’s Board of Trustees and administration have leveraged what has been gained by over a century and a half of education to set a new course and move the School boldly forward into the 21st century.

P

revious issues of On the Mountain have described the extraordinary and strategic investments made in the School’s infrastructure over the past six years, which have expanded the campus by nearly 16 acres, increased boarding capacity, improved faculty housing, enhanced classroom environments, upgraded technological capabilities, and acquired a beautiful new home for the Head of School. SKS has also experienced a considerable increase in the demand for its educational offerings, which has translated into record enrollments; nearly 180 students from 26 countries now walk the campus paths.

While enrollment continues to climb, the demand for Storm King graduates at

Artist’s rendering of the Academic Center which will overlook the Hudson River

16 / STRATEGIC PLAN

some of the finest colleges and universities in the country has grown as well. This spring, students in the Class of 2018 have gained admission to Cornell, Georgetown, New York University, Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, Bucknell, George Washington, USMA West Point, Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, Syracuse, Stony Brook, Penn State, RPI, University of Southern California, and many others. Additionally, the majority of our seniors are not only gaining access to their firstchoice schools, but the level of academic merit scholarships received has markedly increased as well. Storm King anticipates this trend to continue into the next decade and beyond.

In 2016, after completing the first phase of the School’s Campus Master Plan, a record enrollment, and an extremely healthy balance sheet, the Board set about the task of creating a long-range strategic plan that, once complete, will position SKS as one of the Northeast’s schools of choice by 2022. Knowing this plan was being developed from a position of strength, the Board sought input from a broad section of the SKS community and created a list of strategic needs and wants from which to prioritize. After much thought and deliberation, the School’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan was approved by the Board, overwhelmingly supported by the administration and faculty, and endorsed by the newly formed SKS Alumni Council. To many, the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan marks the beginning of the next great chapter in the School’s storied history, which once realized, will see Storm King School solidify its reputation among the finest student-centered prep schools in the nation.

Throughout its celebrated history, The Storm King School has planned— and planned well. In the May 1945 issue of The Quarry, then Headmaster Anson Barker (1932-1951) said, “Plans for a new Main Building and a Gymnasium are in the making. Preliminary sketches have been submitted.…We have been poring over them making corrections, suggestions and notes to ensure that they fill our needs and that the atmosphere of Storm King will not be lost for mere brick and steel.” He continued by writing, “We know that it is often a long time before hopes and plans are realized. But realize them we shall. The planners of today ensure the needs of the future.”

The School is now planning an equally ambitious project 73 years later—to build a 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Academic Center. Like Headmaster Barker, we too have been poring over plans and making corrections to ensure this building will fulfill the needs of our students well into the 21st century. At the same time, as pedagogical paradigms continue to shift throughout the world, the plan also includes the continued incorporation of emerging educational technologies while developing key elements of our strong academic programs, especially in outdoor education, while

leveraging the School’s proximity to the more than 3,500 acres of Black Rock Forest. As Storm King School’s reputation continues to rise, we also foresee the current enrollment rising to 190 students while retaining a multinational culture within our already diverse community.

To guarantee the Storm King School’s educational value is sustained for current and future alumni, our 2017-2022 Strategic Plan also calls for the establishment of an SKS Alumni Council to advise and support the School’s alumni programs while recognizing strong alumni participation in The Storm King Fund as the School’s number-one philanthropic priority. Additionally, the Board is pushing to grow the School’s endowment, the annual income that not only keeps tuition increases in check but also provides the additional resources necessary to continue attracting the finest faculty to the Mountain.

If one had a crystal ball, the completion of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan would then signal the next planning cycle, one that would see proposals for a new dormitory, additional faculty housing, expansions to both the gymnasium and Orr Commons, and a major renovation to the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre.

There are many parallels that can be drawn between The Storm King School of 1945 and today, but none closer than the future direction that was and is developing the School as an energetic, educational, and global community of thoughtful and inquisitive students. They benefit from blending the best aspects of SKS’s tradition with emerging educational imperatives, which are made possible with new buildings and technologies.

Anson Barker may have summed it up best: “Storm King deserves the best. We want the ‘students’ and ‘faculty’ of the future to love the School as we love it and to have even better and more permanent equipment.”

Today, as our Board, administration, and alumni look back over and celebrate the last 150 years, we have been busy planning to provide for the needs of the next century and a half of student-centered education. A plan that not only heralds the beginning of the School’s next 150 years but also sees that Storm King students understand how to take the necessary risks in becoming successful and responsible leaders of the 21st century.

For a complete copy of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, please visit:

sks.org/strategic-vision-2012-2022 Headmaster Anson Barker 1932-1951

New Members Join SKS Board of Trustees At the April 2018 meeting of The Storm King School Board of Trustees, Chairman Roger Auerbacher ’66 announced the appointment of two new members to their ranks. We welcome them as they continue to help guide the School toward its 2022 Strategic Vision.

RENEE SANDS TOBIN PH. D P’20 Dr. Tobin will join the Storm King Board this fall. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from Fordham University and serves as an independent learning specialist and consultant in New York City. Dr. Tobin’s real claim to fame is being the mother of rising junior Rory Tobin ’20, a standout student-athlete at Storm King. Along with Dr. Tobin’s mother, Dr. Bettina Murray, they are direct descendants of the School’s founder, Dr. Louis P. Ledoux.

Dr. Tobin has served at the Cornwall Community Foundation and the Columbia University Summer High School Scholarship Program.

Dr. Tobin and her family reside in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.

MR. ROBERT DOCHERTY ESQ. ’72 Mr. Docherty has distinguished himself as a reputable lawyer having retired from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office after a 37-year career where he served as the assistant attorney general.

Following his graduation from The Storm King School, he attended Colgate University and received his law degree from Pace University School of Law. Mr. Docherty is married to Patricia Docherty, and they have two children: Caitlin, a graduate of Fordham University, and Robert, a graduate of Gettysburg College. He and his wife reside in White Plains, NY.

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18 / THE REAL DEAL

Storm King Tennis

ADVANTAGE SKS Long before playing their first matches here in the United States and representing Storm King tennis, SKS juniors Maria Fedosenkova and Guillermo Ramos Sanchez were already known on the International Tennis Federation’s Junior Circuit. Word about the teens’ tennis abilities has been traveling around their home country of Spain, and the world, since they first stepped onto the courts at a much younger age.

Even for junior circuit players, tennis at this level requires not only skill but also a great deal of training, hard work, and tenacity. It is this resolve that brought both students from the warmth and sunshine of the Iberian Peninsula to the harsher winters on Storm King Mountain. For both of them, deciding to become student-athletes at a top college prep school in the United States was a conscious choice, one The Storm King School is delighted they made.

“I wanted to focus on academics this year,” explains Guillermo, the 17-year-old junior, during a recent interview. “I had to make the choice to continue training intensely for tennis or to study, since my goal is to attend a top-10 university here in the USA and study engineering.” At Storm King, he is now able to do both.

Maria, who is also a 17-year-old junior, is aspiring to gain admission to an Ivy League college. She made a similar decision: “I can still train here with great coaches while I study, and now I am representing Storm King on the varsity tennis team. It will all look great on my college applications and help me get acceptances I want.”

Both student-athletes had established a strong reputation among an elite group of young tennis talents in their hometown of Alicante, Spain. Both of them were looking to join a strong tennis program at a US prep school where academics is a top priority. Storm King was the perfect choice for them. While Maria and Guillermo pursue their studies, Storm King has made sure they can continue to practice, play, and compete year-round at an indoor complex in New Windsor, creating a program Storm King can now offer to all aspiring tennis student-athletes.

The addition of Maria and Guillermo to the Storm King tennis program has been not only a boon to the School’s tennis program but also to their teammates’ skills. Being able to practice with players of this capability has raised the bar for all, including the overall

team standings. As the girls varsity tennis coach, Nancy Greenhill, puts it, “The addition of a high-caliber player like Maria has impacted the team in so many different aspects. Maria’s enthusiasm for the game, competition, and practice sessions have set an example by pushing her teammates to work and play harder. Maria has been a wonderful addition to The Storm King School community as well as to the girls tennis team.”

But tennis is not the only area of the School on which they are making their mark. This past fall both Maria and Guillermo were key members of SKS varsity soccer programs, which captured the Hudson Valley Athletic League championships. Maria was also an important member of the cast of this winter’s production of West Side Story and performs in every campus dance recital.

She also volunteers countless hours of community service at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. In addition, her work with the Orange County ThunderBolts, a local team of young athletes with learning challenges, has received high praises.

Guillermo’s tennis prowess is complemented by academic achievement as he held a 4.1 GPA this past quarter in mostly Advanced Placement classes. As a senior next year, he will also serve as one of SKS residence hall assistants.

Maria and Guillermo were not the only additions to The Storm King School tennis program this year. In 2017, The Storm King School began building a new tennis center using the same footprint as the old courts. This summer, the final touches will be placed on the tennis center as the new courts are sealed and painted in addition to the new tennis shed adjacent to the courts. To combat the famous Hudson River Valley winds, familiar to all former Storm King tennis players, windscreens surrounding the new courts will be installed while spectator bleachers will be forthcoming in the nottoo-distant future.

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Here’s more from Maria and Guillermo:

GUILLERMO RAMOS SANCHEZ ’19

MARIA FEDOSENKOVA ’19

How old were you when you began playing tennis? When did it become your passion?

GR: “It’s been my passion for a very long time. I began to play

MF: “I started playing at around seven years old in Russia.

when I was 10 years old in Alicante, where I’m from. I started very late. Many of my friends started playing and competing in grammar school around age five. I trained hard for several years until my level caught up to these advanced players.”

At the beginning, I played for fun. My coaches realized I was good, so I moved to Spain to play tennis after eighth grade.

Spain has the best tennis in Europe. That’s when I became really passionate about it.”

Is playing tennis here in the United States different than playing in Europe?

GR: “Each place has a different style of training and focuses

MF: “We play on a lot of clay there so the ball feels slower.

on different things. Here in America, the focus is on serving, volleying, and getting the point quickly. It’s more aggressive, and the match progresses faster. That’s why the best servers come from the USA. In Spain, the focus is more on lots of playing and hitting a lot of balls.”

But, playing here is much more relaxed with a lot less stress.

In Spain, I was playing in lots of tournaments. That’s the way you improve your ranking. I used to get nervous and feel the pressure. Here, I concentrate on my game more and don’t feel the stress.”

What is your favorite subject and who is your favorite teacher at Storm King?

GR: “I like science the most. I like all my teachers, but right

MF: “I have a lot of favorites. I can’t really decide. All of my

now, I guess I would say Mr. Vondras because I take AP Biology with him. Also, Dr. Feffer. He went to Stanford and has done many interesting things. He is my tennis coach here at Storm King, and I like training with him.”

teachers here are very good. My International Relations class with Mr. Hauser is very interesting. Also Dance with Mrs. Jacobson. It’s my first time taking classes like these. I also like working with Ms. Greenhill, my girls tennis coach.”

What are your future aspirations for college and career?

GR: “I want to attend a top-10 college and study engineer-

MF: “I want to go to a good college here in the USA. I’m not

ing. My goal is to be accepted at Stanford like Dr. Feffer and play Division I tennis for them.”

sure yet which one or what I want to study. I plan to apply to 15 or 20 top schools that have strong tennis programs.”

20 / THE REAL DEAL

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Bridgette’s CAPSTONE PROJECT:

Making a Difference

F

or her Capstone Project, senior Bridgette Wickiser has tackled the subject of autism awareness right here on the Storm King campus.

Through her work, Bridgette wants to ensure that everyone in the SKS community is well informed about autism and has the opportunity to interact with young adults like her older brother Kieran, 19, who lives with the disorder.

“Up here on the Mountain, we are a bit isolated so our students don’t get the chance to interact with kids that have autism or other special needs as much as they would at other schools,” explained Bridgette when asked why she chose this topic for her Capstone Project.

As part of her project, Bridgette organized a very special event which involved her SKS basketball teammates and the Orange County Thunderbolts, a group of special needs athletes. On a cold February evening the Storm King girls varsity basketball team and their coaches traveled to the gymnasium of a local elementary school to run drills with the Thunderbolts, and help them improve their game. The Thunderbolts practice various sports several times a week at area schools to prepare for local and state tournaments such as the Special Olympics.

The evening was a great success and an uplifting experience for everyone involved. “It was so great to see my teammates stepping up to help, passing the ball, and teaching the kids how to shoot,” explained Bridgette, who was ecstatic about the outcome of the practice. “My objectives were to help the

22 / MOUNTAIN ROAD

2017/18 FALL & WINTER Thunderbolts get better so they can do well in their tournaments, and to get the Storm King team to interact with them. I think both teams got a lot out of it,” explained Bridgette with a smile. Girls varsity basketball coaches Kristen Barbosa, Tim Lance, and Michael Hauser all agreed.

“We walked into the New Windsor gymnasium as a team looking forward to helping our community and we walked out a family knowing that this night was one of the most special nights we will ever have on the court,” explained Ms. Barbosa on behalf of all the coaches.

According to Bridgette, the event will be the first of many for Storm King student-athletes. Another goal of her Capstone Project is to make the program an ongoing one even after she graduates.

Bridgette’s recent work with the Thunderbolts and her drive to increase autism awareness on campus are excellent examples of how Storm King’s project-based education encourages students to synthesize learning from all aspects of their lives and introduce their discoveries into real world situations. For more information on our Signature Courses please visit: sks.org/signature-courses.

Athletics Summary Boys Soccer Season Record 17-5 HVAL Champions NEPSAC Quarterfinalists

Girls Soccer Season Record 13-3-1 HVAL Champions

Bowling Season Record 10-2 HVAL Champions

Cross Country Season Record: Undefeated HVAL Champions

Boys Basketball Season Record 14-9 NEPSAC Semifinalists Kingswood-Oxford Tournament Semifinalists

Girls Basketball Season Record 9-6 HVAL Finalists

Girls Volleyball Season Record 8-4 HVAL Finalists

Cross Country Season Record: Undefeated HVAL Champions

Wrestling Season Record 3-4 HVAL Finalists

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Here is a sample what they accomplished: 4,500 ft 2 of walls were painted at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Newburgh

14 scat samples were identified in Black Rock Forest as part of a territory study of coyotes

SKS Celebrates MLK Day with 550+ Hours of Service

A 9-foot tall rocket ship was constructed, along with a crawl-in play cave, at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s preschool playground Over 50 blankets were assembled for

O

ur core values of Truth, Respect, and Responsibility came to life as The Storm King School commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15. While most of the nation had the day off, Storm King students and faculty spent this federal holiday volunteering for great causes and making a difference. Their combined efforts made a positive impact on the local community and captured the true spirit of the day. In total, they completed more than 550+ hours of service.

project Linus

One truckload of gently-used clothing was collected by Storm King’s Black and Latino Student Union to benefit Puerto Rican hurricane relief efforts

62 pints of blood, enough to save 186 lives, were collected in the SKS Gym for the New York Blood Center—a record-breaking blood drive for SKS

Undergraduates with Big Summer Plans Pierce Pramuka ’20 will serve as a US Senate Page this summer. Appointed by Charles Schumer, the senior United States senator from New York, Pierce’s duties will consist primarily of preparing the chamber for Senate sessions, delivering bills and amendments to various support staff in the Senate, and distributing correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional complex on Capitol Hill.

Pierce will reside in the Senate Page Dormitory located just a few blocks from the Capitol. As there are only 30 page positions available each term to serve the 100 members of the Senate, the selection process is highly competitive.

Maria Jose ’20 has been accepted and awarded a full scholarship to take part in Yale University’s Young Global Scholars program this summer.

Tiana Vazquez ’19, who is next year’s senior class representative, was accepted and awarded a full scholarship to participate in Cornell University’s Curie Academy – one of the nation’s most prestigious engineering summer programs.

24 / MOUNTAIN ROAD

Sofia Bove ’22 was invited to participate in Princeton University’s summer rowing program.

Shania Roehrich ’19 was selected to represent Team New York in the inaugural Under Armour WPLL (Women’s Professional Lacrosse League) Futures Summit this summer.

Jordan Jiang ’19, who is interested in business, was accepted at Georgetown University’s prestigious Economics Policy Immersion Summer Program. The program provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the complex role played by states and other governing entities in relation to markets, through the lens of both economics and political science.

Bin Robin Hu ’19, known as a budding entrepreneur, was accepted to Columbia University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. This hands-on program focuses on the creation, evaluation, development, and launch-readiness of new business or social ventures.

SKS College Acceptance at an All-Time High SKS SENIORS ARE GOING PLACES This year, college acceptances are more impressive than ever at The Storm King School. The good news: 100% of the senior class has been accepted by their top three school choices, and several students are moving on to the Ivy League. In addition, we have many seniors who have been accepted at four or more well-known colleges and several student-artists who will attend some of the most prestigious art colleges in the nation.

What’s the secret to our students’ success? According to Storm King’s college counselor, Jim Leppla, it is the combination of highly engaged and motivated students, supportive parents, and dedicated faculty. “Our school takes great pride in the high level of personalized attention it provides each student as we help them plan for life after secondary school,” he explains. “All of our students have individual needs. Therefore, our approach is to allow the college application process

to reveal the best choices for them as they continue their educational journey. Our objective is to guide each student in selecting the most appropriate colleges or universities that match their talents and potential and to assist them during the application process.”

Storm King’s personalized approach to college counseling continues to prove its effectiveness year after year, and first- and second-choice acceptances are at an all-time high for the Class of 2018. So far this year, we have seniors leaving Storm King for Cornell, Georgetown, New York University, Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, Bucknell, George Washington, USMA West Point, Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, Syracuse, Stony Brook, Penn State, University of Southern California, and many others.

Congratulations to the SKS Class of 2018!

Here’s what some of our new graduates have to say: Joseph Dawson – USMA at West Point “West Point was my first choice. I was very surprised, and I feel elated. I plan to major in law and prepare for a life of service to my country.”

Ichabod Ren – Rhode Island School of Design “I am very excited and looking forward to the fall semester. RISD has great facilities, faculty, and resources. In art, it’s all about opportunities. I’ll get great exposure within the art world at RISD.”

Grace Song – Cornell University “It has always been my dream to go to Cornell. Now that I’ve been accepted, I’m nervous because it is a challenging university; but, I am determined to succeed and look forward to my first semester in Ithaca, NY.”

Joan Kacyira – Georgetown University “My acceptance at Georgetown opens up many great opportunities.

It has a great alumni network with incredible connections and internship opportunities. The next four years of my life will be wonderful, and the last four have made it all possible.”

Liza Shligerska – George Washington University “I am very excited to be attending George Washington University this fall. I’ve chosen International Business as my major, and the university is located right in Washington D.C. giving me access to incredible extracurricular activities and resources.”

Jack Besterman – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute “Rensselaer’s motto is ‘why not change the world?’

This is something I have always believed in. As a future engineer, I will strive to make a difference in the world.”

sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2018 / 25

SKS Reestablished its Alumni Council

O

ctober 17, 2017, on a motion made by Alumni Association President Scott Cantor ’73, duly seconded and unanimously approved by the 12 alumni representing over 70 years of the School, a new constitution was ratified for The Storm King School Alumni Council. And that was the easy part.

Since its founding in 1867, The Storm King School has had an active Alumni Association. Over the years, the Association has served as the representative body for all SKS alumni, overseeing, at times, the School’s Class Agent Program and, at other times, off-campus alumni events, reunions, and alumni activities. In the late 1940s, the Alumni Council worked with the School to oversee the activities of the Alumni Association and helped former Headmaster Anson Barker and the School planners “insure the needs of the future.”

During the 1950s, the Alumni Council played various roles in the life of the School while continuing to serve as the representative body for all SKS alumni while continuing to guide the Alumni Association. In more recent times, Council membership dwindled as the original charter became out-of-date and the ongoing work of the Council was left to ad hoc committees or SKS staff.

In 2017, with the Board of Trustees’ approval of the School’s 2022 Strategic Plan, one of the plan’s main focuses was that of a broader and more representative emphasis on alumni engagement. More specifically, the Board was deeply aware that to maintain strong Board governance, succession planning must include a heightened commitment to the education, engagement, and cultivation of alumni leadership throughout the decades. Understanding the important role that a formal Alumni Council played in the School’s history, the Board and Administration moved to reestablish a formal body that would again

26 / COMMON ROOM

THE STORM KING SCHOOL ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING ON OCTOBER 21, 2017 Standing from L to R: Christopher Bonner ’66, Steven Bluth ’83, Johnathan Flores ’12, Scott Cantor ’73, Madison Sergi ’14, Lynn Crevling ’72, and Charles Cordero ’92; Seated from L to R: David Gilmore ’61, Richard Broughton ’54, Christine Watson ‘94; Participating by telephone: Adam Eisen ’80; Members not in attendance: Tom Delaney ’58, Sele Birchwood ’09, and Katrina Wu ’12

serve as both ambassador and adviser in helping Storm King move strategically forward into the 21st century. The School then identified and enlisted 12 individuals representing 70 years of graduates to serve on the newly formed Alumni Council.

This past summer, the Board, the School’s Administration, and the Alumni Association’s president redrafted and updated the 1940s SKS Alumni Council Constitution. What emerged was a document from which to guide the newly established body and to ensure its own preservation. Installed within the new Council was a permanent Alumni Council secretary who serves as the School’s director of alumni relations. That role is filled by Lynn Crevling ’72. Additionally, to safeguard strong ties between Storm King’s Alumni Council and the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Council president, in his or her capacity, is extended a standing invitation to attend regular meetings of the School’s Trustees as an “ex-officio” member.

In October, the newly formed Alumni Council gathered on The Storm King School campus to begin setting the course for a new era in alumni engagement. Their first order of business was to ratify the Alumni Council Constitution, elect officers, and form the various committees required to extend the benefits of the SKS Community beyond the boundaries of the campus to alumni who share, support, and live out the School’s ideals. By midday, the Council had elected the following officers: Second Vice President Christine Watson ’94, First Vice President Steve Bluth ’83, and President Scott Cantor ’73 for a three-year term. By the end of the day, a working committee structure was in place with charters to once again help advise

the School to guarantee that the future needs of the alumni and the School would continue to be met.

In February 2018, the second regular meeting of the Alumni Council was held in conjunction with the annual Alumni Basketball Game. Among the deliberations at the meeting was discussion regarding a comprehensive SKS alumni survey, plans for a fall Storm King Golf Classic, review of the 2018 Sesquicentennial Celebration, and the elections of the 2018 Sports Hall of Fame and Margaret Clark Faculty Excellence Award recipients. The Council was also provided an in-depth report on the state of the school including updates on current budgets, fundraising, enrollment, academic programs, student and faculty life, and progress being made on the School’s 2022 Strategic Vision.

Recommendations were also made by the Council to expand the current alumni awards to SKS distinguished alumni artists, writers, and performers in addition to establishing an award that would recognize lifetime service and achievement.

Prior to adjournment, the Council deliberated on ways in which SKS alumni and students could increase their meaningful interactions through summer internships, visiting residencies, and participation in the School’s ongoing Thursday night lecture series.

This spring, the Alumni Council’s standing committees will continue to meet and advise the Alumni Office on ways to continue fostering a sense of shared purpose among SKS’ alumni body while capturing the energy of the various decades of graduates in support of the School, its students, and the highly skilled and dedicated faculty. According to Council Secretary Lynn Crevling ’72, “The Alumni Council is a diverse group of alumni volunteers, each with a unique history and time at SKS, yet they come together in their passion for the School and their dedication to seeing it continue and thrive for the current and next generations. From these varied perspectives come interesting conversations, improved understanding, and terrific energy.”

All Storm King School alumni are invited to attend all regular meetings of the Alumni Council which are held three times per year on the School’s campus. Should you be interested in serving on the Alumni Council, please direct your inquiry to Director of Alumni Relations, Lynn Crevling ’72, at lcrevling@sks.org

I am proud to be a member of the 1867 Society.

It gives me a chance to give back to an institution that gave so much to me. I’ve had a lifelong connection to SKS, my classmates and the faculty and staff. Through the 1867 Society, I can give to ensure others have the opportunity to enjoy all Storm King has to offer in the future.

You should consider a planned gift as well .

The Honorable Harold E. Kennedy ’73

LEARN MORE: 845. 458. 7564

sks.org/Planned-Giving

SKS Alumni Profile Heather MacGillvray-Myman ’81 “My name is Heather MacGillvray-Myman, and I graduated from The Storm King School in 1981. I live in Los Angeles, am married with two children, love to travel, and I work as a television writer.

I am busy wrapping up the second season of CBS’s Kevin Can Wait. I started working on the show this year. Kevin James is an incredibly talented, funny, and hardworking guy. Besides starring in and executive-producing the show, he writes/produces feature films and still finds time to do stand-up comedy on the weekends.

I also work with Leah Remini, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Informational Series for her A&E docuseries, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. She is also a consummate professional, as well as very funny and warm.

Before Kevin Can Wait, I worked on Liv and Maddie for the Disney Channel, starring Dove Cameron . . . and lots of other shows before that!

Although I only spent three short years at Storm King, I believe they were very influential in defining who I am today and how I have lived my life.

I gained a love of the outdoors playing soccer on the upper field overlooking the Hudson and having spent a lot of time climbing on the Mountain and running in Black Rock Forest.

I had teachers who were both mentors and friends and who were invested in my growth on both academic and personal levels. That kind of support is invaluable, and I feel very grateful for having had the experience.

I made great friends at Storm King, and in my 50th decade

Heather McGillvray-Myman, back row – third from left, and the writing staff of Kevin Can Wait

find it incredible how close I still feel to them.

Life at Storm King taught me how to live independently and think for myself. There were set rules to live by, but we were given the room to make decisions for ourselves, from class schedules, to sports, to what we would do for recreation.

Much like college, it was a time for huge personal growth.

Having recently been back on the Mountain for Reunion 2017, it cemented for me that the Storm King experience is unique; its bond is strong and its lessons are for life.”

Wherever You May Roam Did you know that in the 2017–2018 school year, students at The Storm King School hailed from 26 nations? It all started in 1922 when the School enrolled its first international student from Cuba. Since then, the School has been welcoming students to the Mountain from all over the world.

Planning a road trip to Belize? A fishing adventure in Ireland? Why not look up a Mountaineer? Whether you explore the Great Wall of China, safari in Kenya, walkabout down under, or vacation in Tahiti, you can find Storm King alumni willing to join you, discuss joint ventures, or offer travel suggestions.

This year’s Class of 2018 is joining an international network of 3,000 SKS alumni from more than 75 countries and territories representing nearly 40% of all recognized countries on the planet; a global network of professionals with which to connect for education, business, and travel. SKS may be a small school “in the shade of Storm King Mountain,” but you can find a Cougar wherever you may roam in practically every corner of the globe.

Should you be planning to travel internationally and would like to see how you can connect with a Storm King alumnus, please contact Lynn Crevling in the SKS Alumni Office at lcrevling@sks.org.

28 / COMMON ROOM

Alumni Basketball Game

Our Alumni Community See even more friendly faces: photos.sks.org/Alumni

NYC Holiday Gathering

Look for events near you: sks.org/Alumni-Events

EVENTS & NOTES / Spring 2018 / 29

Class Notes 1954

1995

George McGowan ’54 got back in touch with SKS recently, writing, “I played on the SKS golf team, and Bill Schlief ’55, Pete Redfield ’55, and Dick Broughton ’54 were the team’s big guns. David Van Dyck ’40 was our coach. All my teachers were memorable: Herb Sauer, John Chase, and Dean Dyar, to name a few. My only regret is that Mabel Boyce, our headmaster’s wife, arranged to have me audition at Radio City Music Hall as “The New American Voice,” and I chickened out. I published Swingin’ Along, a book of golf anecdotes, and I am now working on another golf book of anecdotes and looking for partners to start a unique golf business. I was a golf professional at Wyantenuck Country Club, where Pete Redfield’s mother, Elizabeth, was a great supporter of women’s golf.

Christopher Cleaver ’95 did some reminiscing recently: “Some of my fondest memories of attending Storm King in ’93 and ’94 were of daylong hikes in Black Rock Forest and piling in the big blue SKS vans on trips to explore bucolic places like the Gunks and Catskill Mountains. Scott Smith, the science teacher and head of the wilderness program, was always eager and enthusiastic in educating students on the natural world. He played a crucial role in developing my respect and appreciation for the outdoors. Twenty-five years ago I shared many of these experiences with fellow classmates like John Corckran, Elia Zinn, David Diament, Jerry Shaw, and John Discala. The memories I shared with these classmates and many others will carry on with me for the rest of my life. Years later, I have become a wilderness first responder; led many backpacking trips with colleagues, friends, and family; and hiked thousands of miles throughout many national parks and wilderness areas across the country. Five years ago, I changed professions and became a RN. After watching many patients battle for their lives against cancer, I decided to join Climb to Fight Cancer in benefit of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and raise money to fight this horrid disease. A new passion for mountaineering was born, and I will be participating in my fourth Climb to Fight Cancer and hope to reach the summit of 14,110 feet on Mount Shasta in Northern California this June. I currently live in Portland, OR. I would love to hear from my old classmates. I can be reached via email at hawaiihodge@yahoo.com or on Facebook.”

1964 Bill McDonald ’64 wrote to us regarding his latest project.

Bill is an avid canoeist, amateur historian, and retired newspaper reporter in Milford, CT. He learned about Peter Pond (1740–1807), who was born and is buried in his hometown. Bill said, “I sought to learn as much as possible about him. This included paddling the Clearwater River in Western Canada in 1988. Pond was the first white man to descend the Clearwater in 1778 and had a goal to be the first white man to travel overland to the Pacific Ocean years before Lewis and Clark. But fate turned against him. I am an avid canoeist, and upon learning about Pond and how he used the canoe to shape North American history, I started a website (www.peterpondsociety.com) that turned into a historical novel. This photo was taken during a 1988 canoe trip in Canada on the same river—the Clearwater. I’m paddling in the stern (back of the canoe). On that trip, we went through the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.” At SKS, Bill was the editor of The Mountaineer student paper and says that his career in writing was influenced by Mr. Carhart, his SKS English teacher.

1967 Doug Capers ’67 gave us a quick update: “I enjoyed a few days warming up in Luquillo, Puerto Rico this past March. I had a great time getting caught up with my ’67 class at my 50th reunion last year, and hope some classmates return for this year’s 150th anniversary.”

How are you?

Communities thrive on communication. If you don’t see any news about your classmates, it’s because no one has sent us an update. We’d love to hear from you—and keeping up with the Storm King community has never been easier. web: sks.org/Classnotes call: 845. 458. 7517 email: classnotes@sks.org

Please let us know how you’re doing.

Please go to sks.org/Classnotes for the most up-to-date information on classmates, including obituaries.

30 / CLASS NOTES

In Memoriam 2008 Marvin Yue ’08 wrote in to tell us that he is working in the family apparel business near Shanghai, China, after completing his bachelor’s degree at Pace University. He also makes hip-hop music, mixes tapes, and sings. SKS music teacher Frank Annunziata was Marvin’s mentor, and his classmate Jihoon Park’s courage to study music also influenced him.

(Jihoon is currently a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston and majors in contemporary writing and production.)

Marvin’s other hobby is a race team with Honda go-karts.

He looks forward to coming back to SKS for a visit. Marvin wants to say thanks to people from his time on the Mountain: Marvin Henderson, Michael Phillips, Jose Alamaney, Cody Davis, and Travis Smycznski.

2009 Henry Wu ’09 tells us that after graduating from The Storm King School, he pursued his passion for art and design. In 2013, Henry graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in industrial design from California College of the Arts. Right after college, Henry began working as a product/digital designer in San Francisco with clients everywhere from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Henry spends his spare time as a celebrity fashion/portrait photographer, and his work has been published in various publications in the fashion industry. When reflecting on his time at SKS, he said, “Storm King gave me the tools and education I needed to pursue my love of arts. I will never forget the many friends and memories I made while I was there.”

2014 Katie (center) with college classmates

Kaitlin Soter ’14 gave us an update of what’s she’s doing now: “When I graduated from SKS, I wanted to become an actress and headed to Pace University in Manhattan. I realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do and ended up going to Full Sail University in October of 2016 to get my BS in game design and development. Knowing absolutely nothing about making a game was extremely frightening, but I wanted to change my life, and Full Sail provided just that. Full Sail has an accelerated program, and I would get my Bachelor of Science degree in 20 months. I’m about to graduate and have learned so much. I have a ton of friends and all the professors are industry professionals who are so down-to-earth, you wouldn’t believe that they’ve worked on famous titles. Every person I’ve met since moving to Orlando

1956

1966

William “Barry” Lorch

William Colin Wagner

March 12, 2018

February 9, 2018

Douglas L. “Doug” Bard

1968

February 18, 2018

William Thomas Morris November 21, 2014

1958 Michael Chambers January 17, 2016

1991 Karl Ulrich April 3, 2018

Fred Fox

2002

April 19, 2018

Christopher Toogood

John LeVind

December 27, 2017

February 5, 2018

2010

1961 Richard W. Curtis February 23, 2017

Jarrett Lawrence Markel April 20, 2018

2015

Scott Faulkner

Chance Haegele March 20, 2018

1962 James “Tom” Nesbitt Jr. March 19, 2015

Faculty and Staff David Hasbrouck Van Dyck ’40 Math Teacher, Coach and Dorm Parent December 25, 2017

Joan T. “Jody” Horton Wife of former Headmaster Thad Horton 1970-1983 February 21, 2018

has changed my life for the better. My classes are only four weeks long, and it’s a lot of work; I barely have free time.

I never realized how much it takes to make a game. As a designer, I’m responsible for taking what the artists and developers make and creating an area for them to flow seamlessly together. There’s a lot of psychology, coding, and art that goes into it! I’m currently in my final project, where I spend 60 hours per week for four months dedicated to creating a game from scratch. I’m so close to graduating and could talk about games for weeks. I’d love to catch up with more alumni at a reunion. I’ve never been happier!”

sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2018 / 31

HAROLD HENO D E A N O F AC A D E M I C S

Good educators are the foundation of every school. Great educators succeed in leaving a long-lasting impression on their students and colleagues, and upon their departure, accomplishments that will endure and continue to lead their school well into the future. After 16 years of dedicated service, Storm King’s Dean of Academics Harold Heno will depart from Storm King to pursue his lifelong passion for directing theater, leaving behind a legacy that will serve SKS well into the 21st century.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. How did you come to SKS? Initially, I moved to Cornwall, NY in 2001 to take summer work at Centerline Studios as a fabricator and artist. At that time, my wife Jen and my daughter Marilyn were living in North Carolina. When Jen was offered a job in New York City, we immediately packed up the house there and settled in Cornwall as a family. Everything was going well until the unfortunate events on September 11, 2001. Soon after, the theater industry collapsed. For a while I was commuting to the city to work as a tech designer. I was also writing a book for young readers, and coaching Marla Hanson, a celebrity and model who was attacked in NYC, as she wrote her biography. Then, I heard about a position in the English Department at Storm King. With my strong background in writing, I was hired.How did your responsibilities evolve? During the academic year of 2002-03 I taught English and revamped the library.

The following year I became the Director of Theater. It was a wonderful time. The School had received a $100,000 grant to do major renovations to the theater building. We updated many of its facilities and spaces, established the Theater, Dance and Music programs, and many other improvements. Later on, I took on administrative duties assisting the headmaster, working in admissions, and assisting the Dean of Academics while I continued to manage the theater. Four years ago, I took on the role of Dean of Academics.

What was the most satisfying aspect of working at Storm King? It was getting the students and the community excited about theater. We were producing shows at a very high level that rivaled Off-Broadway.

32 / MOUNTAIN ROAD

I have always had the notion that students of theater should do it all themselves. I allowed them to manage everything and facilitated the opportunity for them to do great work. When I became Dean of Academics I was thrilled as I was able to encourage this approach with the faculty - convincing them to trust their students to do things on their own and lead their own learning.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Over the last four years, I have been working on the School’s new academic schedule along with the administration and faculty. It has finally come to fruition and will be implemented in the fall of 2018.

Moving the School into the 21st century technology-wise is another important component. The addition of a state-of-the-art, integrated software system being rolled out this summer will make everything we do at the School easier and more efficient.

What is your fondest memory?

I have many, but I think it would be doing theater with my daughter Marilyn for four years while she studied here. Also, the many gatherings Jen and I have held over the years for faculty and friends. What will you miss? The School’s location. It is magical here, especially in the summer. There is serenity and peacefulness one doesn’t notice during the bustle of the school year. Also the School’s proximity to New York City was great for weekend getaways.What would you say to our current and future students? In our literature, we always talk about “dreaming big.” My life path took many turns, and it was never a straight line, but my dream of working professionally in theater has now come back around. I would tell them to stay focused on their dreams no matter where life takes them.

The Storm King of today is built on the generosity of yesterday Our 150th year is the time to commemorate our institution, honor our traditions, and set our sights on the future.

The Storm King Fund supports the operation of the School and provides access for deserving students.

That’s why we need your support more than ever to continue the legacy of a Storm King Education into the 21st century and beyond.

There’s no time like now to give to The Storm King Fund. Make your gift online at: sks.org/give For more information contact: The Storm King School Alumni & Development 314 Mountain Road Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520 845. 458. 7522 sks.org/A-Tradition-of-Support

On the Mountain

The Storm King School 314 Mountain Road Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520

CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER SINCE 1867