n i a t n u o M e h t n O
THE STORM KING SCHOOL JOURNAL WINTER 2022 1867
Board of Trustees Officers
Roger D. Auerbacher ’66 Chair Robert Docherty ’72 First Vice Chair Renee Sands Tobin P’20 Second Vice Chair Robert Ginsburg ’72 Third Vice Chair Scott Rutter ’73 Secretary Myles Megdal Treasurer Jonathan W. R. Lamb Head of School – Ex-Officio Steven Bluth ’83 Alumni Assoc. – Ex-Officio Trustees
Ila Barton ’92 Charles Cordero ’92 Bruce Hanson ’62 Kerryane Monahan ’92 Christine E. Watson ’94 Trustees Emeriti
Michael Brower ’63 Robert Cory III ’63 Jack D’Angelo H’13 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 Hon. Harold Kennedy ’73 Peter Lamb ’72 Bettina Murray GP’20 Arthur Reis ’75 John Settel ’50 Jeremiah H. Shaw P’95 James Sollami P’02,’08,’09 Robert D. Williams Jr. ’54 Suzanne van der Woude P’74,’75 Peter Wunsch ’73
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.
On the Mountain is made possible by the enormous effort of our school community. Special thanks go to: Andrea Torres Ferrari ’22 Steven Bluth ’83 Zoe Buddie ’22 Elena Centeno ’23 Nicole Cervantes Alan Coleman ’64 Charles Cordero ’92 Annie Cosgriff ’24 Lynn Crevling ’72 Elizabeth Ding ’22 Sophie Drewes ’23 Jeanne Stoddard Edwards ’71 Tom Fogarty Jeremy Freeman Anne Fulton Sarah Fulton ’09 John Garrett ’63 Tim Gillett Dominique Gooden ’21 Jayde Greene ’26 Ben Harnick Henry Jova ’68 Jonathan W.R. Lamb Shayla Lawrence ’21 Sarah L’Heureux ’75 Anora Mahin ’22 Fernando Morales Moreno ’23 Michael Pock ’94 Sue Woodruff Pons ’71 Marek Pramuka P’20 Michaela Pramuka P’20 Kenzo Sadiku ’23 Toni Scherrer Elizabeth Wilson Taviloglu P’19 Charlotte Torrez ’25 Winnie Van der Woulde ’74 Daniel Zhang ’25 OTM Contact info: otm@sks.org OTM: The Storm King School 314 Mountain Road Cornwall on Hudson NY 12520 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.
On the
M ountain
The Storm King School Journal WINTER 2022
F E AT U R E S
4 Students Helping Students Build Community Find out how SKS students have supported one another through peer networks and helped the community thrive during the pandemic.
8 Alumni Council President Steven Bluth ’83: Cultivating Success Through Teamwork Get to know our Alumni Council President and what is behind his passion for sports, coaching, and inspiring young people.
12 50 Years of Coeducation at The Storm King School Help the SKS community celebrate this important milestone and gain insight into the School’s journey as a premier coed institution.
D E PA RT M E N TS
2 From the Head of School
38 The Common Room
3 Comments
SKS Celebrates Military & Veteran Alumni; Heard at the Council; Class Notes; In Memoriam.
16 Mountain Road Service Learning: Students Foster a Love for Science at NAUC; From the Classroom: Freshman Physics Explores Motion; I am SKS: Anora Mahin ‘22, Fall Athletics Roundup; Fall Outdoor Adventure; Andrea Ferrari ‘22: Dancing for a Better World; Performing Arts: Godspell; 153rd Commencement & Awards.
44 Class Notes 48 In Memoriam
PHOTO CAPTIONS LEFT:
Winter Wonderland FRONT COVER:
Storm King sunset hike with Fall Outdoor Adventure BACK COVER:
1991 Henderson Outdoor Program, from left: Jason Rudin ’92, Todd White ’92, Marianna Anthonisen Priest ’91, and Aimee Lieberman ’91
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From The Head of School JONATHAN W.R. LAMB Dear Storm King Community, The start of The Storm King School’s 154th year has certainly been driven by a theme of ‘emergence.’ Our normal orientation and opening of school with students, families, faculty, and staff together in the dining hall or at all-school meetings had to be tempered once again as we opened with the lingering shadow of COVID-19. However, as the fall semester progressed, we have emerged from that place. Day by day, we have been able to return to teaching, learning, and campus life that is much closer to ‘normal.’ In this edition of On the Mountain, you will see many examples from our school and community which are highlights of this new beginning. The feature articles celebrate key changes to our school–one from the past and one from the present. In the first, we celebrate our 50th year of coeducation on the Mountain. The second focuses on our new and wonderful peer listening and tutoring programs which provide a student-based support network within our current school community. As always, people are the heart of Storm King. The third feature is about Steven Bluth ’83, the new leader of our Alumni Council and Association. Other entries highlight the achievements of our current students, faculty, and staff including Anora Mahin ’22, our student body president, Andrea Ferrari ’22 who danced in the Bronx this summer for a good cause, and the intro-
duction of Dr. Nicole Cervantes, our new Athletic Director. You will also find stories about core elements that are vital parts of the day-to-day life of our school: classroom happenings, arts, athletics, and community service; and all demonstrate the commitment and quality of the people in our community. The past year and a half has presented incredible challenges to The Storm King School, as it has for many other organizations. Our students and families, our Board of Trustees, our faculty and staff, and our +3,400-strong alumni community have all rallied to support the School’s continued success. This issue of On the Mountain serves to demonstrate the success of that support. Thank you and enjoy! Jonathan W.R. Lamb
Henry Jova ’68
Comments Dear OTM, Thank you very much to SKS for sending me the handsome The Storm King School: 150 Years on the Mountain coffee table book. It is very interesting. In addition to information on the school itself, it contains a lot on the history of Storm King Mountain and the surrounding Hudson River Valley area which is well researched and well-written. In the ‘From the Mountain to the Globe’ section on page 68, I read the piece on Cuba and the Sanchez family. I knew Fernando Sanchez ’67 quite well as our time at SKS coincided for two years in 1966 and 1967. He was student body president that last year. When I worked with Coca Cola in Ecuador in 1977, we were introduced by my boss in the hotel bar while on a visit to the coastal city of Guayaquil. We recognized each other instantly (Fernando was working with an oil company, perhaps Exxon) and was stationed there. We saw a fair amount of each other during the three years I was in Ecuador. I also enjoyed our Career Week Zoom session and hope it was worthwhile for the students who heard it. Don’t hesitate to reach me if I can be of help in the future.
Henry Jova ’68 with family
With my warm regards, Henry Jova ’68
For more information please contact: Sarah Fulton ’09 at sfulton@sks.org
sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Winter 2022 / 3
“As a Peer Listener I was able to both listen and be heard. The degree to which I was able to support my fellow Peer Listeners and the students who joined our meetings equaled the support I received from them.” – Zoe Buddie ’22
4 / BUILD COMMUNITY
STUDENTS HELPING
FELLOW STUDENTS BUILD COMMUNITY
Peer Listeners and Peer Mentors are helping their schoolmates and the SKS Community return to ‘normal’ after the pandemic
As the 2021-2022 academic year progresses and many of the School’s pandemic protocols are slowly becoming things of the past, the Storm King Community has been eager to get back to ‘normal’ life on the Mountain. As our students continue to re-adjust themselves to in-person learning, athletics, and dorm life, the existence of several student-led peer networks has made the transition smoother. These are the Peer Mentors and Peer Listeners who are helping their fellow students cope with a wide range of academic, social, and emotional challenges and greatly improving their experience at SKS. Peer Listeners, 2020-2021 First to enter the spotlight were the Peer Listeners. Formerly called ‘Peer Counseling,’ the Peer Listeners began meeting in 2019 under the guidance of SKS’ Dean of Faculty Jeremy Freeman. The group gained momentum during the height of the pandemic as a resource to help fellow students struggling with the exhaustion, depression, and missing socialization that went along with extended periods of online learning. “Having a Peer Listening Program is more important than ever,” explained senior Zoe Buddie ’22, who started as a Peer Listener in her junior year. “I believe the program provides an important sense of community and support among students, which was especially important during the pandemic,” continued Shayla Lawrence ’21 about her second year as a Peer Listener. According to both girls, the Peer Listening Program evolved as an important way for students to focus on their mental and emotional well-being during an especially challenging time. “The program’s popularity grew as more and more students experienced the benefits of participating. By listening to each other’s struggles, many students found that they went through similar experiences and began to offer their support. When the same members began to attend our meetings regularly, we started cheering each other on and celebrating our growth. It became a safe space for us to build each other up,” continued Shayla. “The Peer Listeners have been up to some great work. With surprisingly little direction from me, they succeeded in organizing bi-weekly virtual forums for student-cen-
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“The pandemic caused us to hit serious lows in our lives. Loneliness, depression, and anxiety were at their highest peaks. That’s why the Peer Listening Program was more important than ever.” – Shayla Lawrence ’21
tered discussions on mental and emotional health,” commented Mr. Freeman, who is very pleased with the efforts of the group. “Some weeks they hosted general discussions just for students, and toward the end of the 2020-2021 school year, they began a series of educational presentations on Mental and Emotional Health (MEH) topics.” Mr. Freeman went on to explain that the program was beneficial in helping students process the added stress brought on by the pandemic as well as being a way for remote learners to participate and feel closer to the school community. In addition, students who participate as Peer Listeners have the added benefit of practicing skills that will serve them well in their future careers and life relationships. “I’m hoping to go into psychology, and possibly counseling, as a career. I thought Peer Listening was a perfect way to get involved with the School in a way that aligns with my passions,” explained Zoe. “I always had an interest in advocating for mental health,” continued Shayla. “I became a Peer Listener when I first knew I wanted to pursue psychology as a career, and wanted more experience in dealing with mental health issues.” Dominique Gooden ’21, who spoke with the Peer Listeners often, said that she recommends it to other students: “The Program helped me tremendously during the pandemic. Like many others, I was sad that I had to complete some portions of my senior year online. It helped me to know that I wasn’t alone and that there was always someone willing to talk whenever I needed it. Sometimes, students feel better talking about their experiences on a peer-to-peer level. I hope the program becomes even more integrated into the SKS experience, as well as at other schools across the world.” Mr. Freeman, who shares Dominique’s vision, continued to support the program this fall. “Now that we’re coming out of the pandemic, the group has directed its focus toward the overall social and emotional well-being of their schoolmates, and being available to talk whenever someone wants to participate. I’m excited to say that their great work is continuing this year, and we have recruited some great new members as Listeners this semester.”
Peer Mentors, 2021-2022 With the success and positive feedback received by the Peer Listeners, a second peer network was born to kick off the 2021-2022 school year– the Peer Mentors. The brain child of Student Council President, senior Anora Mahin
Dominique Gooden ’21 6 / BUILD COMMUNITY
’22, this group focuses on helping new students adapt to their new life at SKS during the first two months of school. “Starting at a new school and relocating to new state or country is very exciting, but it also means big changes,” explained Anora. “Meeting new teachers, navigating a new campus, and mastering a new set of classes and homework can be daunting, not to mention the prospect of making brand new friends. The goal is to create a greater sense of community at Storm King, especially after the effects of the Coronavirus.” According to Anora, the Peer Mentoring Program creates a win-win situation for both mentors and their mentees. “Mentors who volunteer have the chance to meet new students and improve their leadership skills, and they earn community service hours for their time. New students, or mentees, benefit because they feel at home right away, and have someone who is supportive, friendly, and can answer their questions, big or small,” continued Anora. What does it take to become a Peer Mentor? Volunteers must be returning students who have completed at least one year at SKS, and possess “good communication and time management skills, compassion, friendliness, and flexibility.” In its first year, the program has attracted 24 mentors from various grade levels. New students are matched with their mentors by dormitory, grade level, and common academic classes and interests. “So far my experience has been great,” commented Peer Mentor Sophie Drewes ’23. “I love being able to help new students get more involved and adjusted. I’m glad I have the opportunity to meet more people than I would during a normal school day. I really helped one of my mentees by suggesting they find a peer tutor to help them in certain classes, and another by obtaining a list of clubs and leaders for another mentee who wanted to make more friends and become involved. Even though SKS is a small school, it can be hard to make new friends and see people outside of your four classes each day. Having someone who’s been new before to lean on, ask questions, and get tips from is really helpful.” New student and mentee Fernando Morales Moreno ’23 echoed Sophie’s positive feelings about his experience with his Peer Mentor: “I’m really enjoying the campus. It is beautiful and I get the chance to see nature that I don’t get to see back home. I’m also making really good friends from different parts of the world and from different cultures. Having a Peer Mentor to help me is important because everything is different here. Everyone is going to have some problems, so they need a person that has gone through the same thing to help them have a great boarding school experience.”
“I was inspired to be a peer mentor because I wanted to become more involved. I was a new student last year and I know that having a peer mentor would have helped me a lot.” – Sophie Drewes ’23
Anora Mahin ’22 sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Winter 2022 / 7
Cultivating Success through Teamwork
Alumni Council President Steven Bluth ’83
BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19
“Society is so focused on winning that we’ve forgotten what it takes to get there.” - Steven Bluth ’83 8 / STEVEN BLUTH ’83
From the moment he first set foot on campus in 1981, alumnus Steven Bluth ’83 became an important member of the Storm King School Community and has been playing for ‘Team SKS’ ever since. During his time on the Mountain, he lived and breathed athletics, and says his SKS coaches and teachers were the first to teach him the importance of relationships and good sportsmanship. Today, Steven has dedicated his life to athletics and mentoring young people. As a successful coach, prep school athletic director, and loving husband and father, his journey is about creating experiences that kids will take with them for the rest of their lives. Now, as Storm King’s Alumni Council President, Steven is using his experience to serve his alma mater and hopes to continue batting for SKS for many years to come.
Steven at graduation in 1983
“Storm King lit a spark in me that, perhaps, changed the course of my life.” -Steven Bluth ’83
MEETING THE MOUNTAIN
Steven working with SKS students at Career Night 2018
“I genuinely love working with kids. I feel young around them. I perpetually feel like I’m 18 years old unless there’s a mirror in the room,” Steven explains as he talks about his life and career with his trademark ear-to-ear smile. “There is something really powerful and beautiful about witnessing a student as they start to see something or understand something; like when the light bulb goes on. More importantly, when you start to build relationships with kids and you see that they believe in you; then you know they are going to do great things in your classroom, athletic field, or court.” A native of Great Neck, New York, Steven says that his light bulb went on shortly after arriving at Storm King. “I found SKS at a crossroads in my life. I wasn’t happy with the education I was receiving on Long Island. I was a ‘middle of the road’ student and felt like I was getting lost in the process,” he explains.
“Arriving at SKS as a junior was a bit scary in the beginning. Everyone knew each other, so it was tough at first. But, I made friends quickly. They and our teachers always made me feel welcome and a part of the School. I remember playing sports, of course, but it was the relationships that we built with our teachers, coaches, and each other that stood out the most.” By commencement, Steven says he had transformed into a completely different person. “I was confident and had experiences and relationships with students and faculty that I never thought I’d have. I was taught many things well beyond the classroom. For many of us, living with others and learning how to coexist and to deal with the many issues that it brings was exactly what we needed. I remember having tears in my eyes at graduation, not just because I was leaving so many people who had such a profound influence on me, but also because of how far I had come as a person.” “For me, these experiences and memories have carried on into my adult life and had a lasting impact. Storm King lit a spark in me that perhaps changed the course of my life. It instilled in me a love for learning, how to be a better person, a better athlete, a better teammate, what hard work looks and feels like, and what great teachers and coaches can do for their students. All of this took me on a life-long journey of teaching children these same spectacular lessons.”
LOVE OF LEARNING Attributing much of his present-day success to his relationships at Storm King, Steven says that several people at SKS had a profound impact on the future of his professional life and helped to set the stage for who he has become. “The first spark was lit with Thad Horton, our head of school and baseball coach. He saw something in me that I had no clue
sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Winter 2022 / 9
her way to help me through the tough times and the great ones. One of the best moments for me was when I reconnected back with SKS (thanks to Lynn Crevling ’72) for alumni weekend. I was talking with some alums that were younger and Karen walked up to us with a huge smile. I remember looking at them and seeing their genuine love for her. For a moment, I was jealous as it never dawned on me that other students from different generations could have a similar relationship with Karen. Then I realized what she must’ve done for so many students over the many years she was at SKS. To this day, and forever, I will always call Karen Mom!”
A TRUE MOUNTAINEER Steven, with his wife, Jocelyn, and daughters Nicole and Stefanie
“My favorite thing is to take a group of people and watch them transform into a family.” -Steven Bluth ’83 existed. He was a tough disciplinarian who demanded excellence from every player. He was brutally honest with us and we needed that. Off the field, he was ‘one of the guys’ and built relationships with all of us. We had great players, who were even better teammates, and we were very successful in my two years. He also taught a public speaking course that all seniors took, and it was so needed. Thad also went out of his way to make sure I stayed at SKS my senior year as our family’s finances changed. These lessons he directly and indirectly taught have stayed with me to this day. Another member of the Storm King faculty who demanded excellence was my first history teacher Dr. Mary Meynardie. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more afraid of a teacher than I was of her. She was a no-nonsense, tough, very demanding teacher who changed how I looked at my education. More specifically, Mary taught me to love learning. She also saw something in me that I didn’t, and forced me to let it out. I still think of her and the gift of loving to learn that she gave me. Karen Szvoren (Hayes), our school nurse, also had a huge impact on my time at SKS. She became my surrogate mom as she went out of
10 / STEVEN BLUTH ’83
According to his classmates and teachers, Steven ‘lived and breathed’ athletics at Storm King and accomplished a great deal in his two years as a Mountaineer. Steven was the Varsity Soccer Captain in 1982 and 1983 and received the Varsity Soccer Coaches Award in 1983. He played Varsity Basketball in 1982 on the HVAL champion team, was captain in 1983, and received the Varsity Basketball Coaches Award that same year. He played Varsity Baseball in 1982, and was captain of the 1983 Hudson Valley Athletic League (HVAL) champion baseball team in 1983, receiving the MVP Award that year. He also played Varsity Tennis and worked as the editor of the yearbook his senior year. Earning a total of six SKS Varsity Letters, Steven was named 1983 SKS Athlete of the Year. At his commencement, Steven was awarded the Spy Rock Cup. Thirty-five years later, Steven’s former peers elected him for induction to The Storm King School Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements at SKS. “Finally, I will never forget our athletic director and basketball coach, Marty Volmuth, who is the best coach I have ever played for,” continues Steven. “Marty was demanding and tough, and he forced us to play harder than we ever thought we could. He was a mentor and a friend, and cared deeply about all of us. As a basketball coach myself, I have taken so many lessons that I learned from him to all of my teams. I was thrilled to be able to coach against him during my time at New York City’s Ethical Culture Fieldston School and he at The Hill School.” Coach Volmuth shared the same fond memories: “Steve was a tremendous athlete with a great personality who related to both the players and the coaches in the sports he played. His leadership qualities were demonstrated by his being elected captain in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball his senior year. It was a pleasure to recognize Steve with the Coaches award that year. I further had the pleasure of coaching against Steve in basketball while I was at The Hill School. It turns out that in my 44 years of coaching, Steve was the only former player that I coached against. It gave me a real sense of pride.”
CAREER TEAM PLAYER
TEAM SKS
After graduating from The Storm King School, Steven continued his love of sports, playing for the University of Arizona baseball team in the fall of 1983 and the lacrosse team in 1984. Later transferring to Connecticut’s Quinnipiac College, he played on the tennis team from 1986-1988, where became captain in 1988 and received the Coaches Award that same year. Steven’s success also followed him throughout his career as a teacher, admissions associate, coach, and athletic director at prep schools including Fieldston, Riverdale Country School, and Trinity Prep in Florida. “I have been lucky professionally in that I have been able to incorporate the things I’m passionate about…my love of sports and working with young people. I love sports and the lessons it teaches about life. I have had so many kids tell me that they’ve learned more about life skills and how to deal with adversity from their athletic experiences.” The key to Steven’s approach is not equating success with winning. He teaches his players that success is a by-product of hard work, commitment, passion, and working as a team. “Society is so focused on winning that we’ve forgotten what it takes to get there. I teach my players that winning is the result of all of the little things that it takes to be successful. There’s a great quote by Henry Ford: ‘Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.’ I tell my players not to allow their fears, insecurities, or mistakes dictate their next move. Always think you can. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes…and, when thinking about not being good enough at something, always finish that sentence with ‘yet.’ I’m not good enough...yet.” Now living in Rye Brook, NY, Steven is the Director of Camp Southwoods in the Adirondack Mountains and continues his work as a basketball coach at Riverdale. It seems his ‘luck’ and positive outlook have also followed him in his personal life. “I am truly the luckiest father and husband in the world. I am married to my beautiful wife of 25 years, Jocelyn, and have two daughters, Nicole, 20, and Stefanie, 18. Being a dad and a husband is by far the greatest memorable story from my life.”
Always a team player, Steven still finds time to give back to his alma mater by sharing his positive life lessons and experiences in sports, life, and family through his role as SKS’ Alumni Council President. His advice to current SKS students: “Everything in your life starts and ends with building trusting relationships. Take advantage of this, and all that The Storm King School has to offer. Have fun! Try to find time each day to do things that you love doing. Be in the show. If there’s a rock band, learn how to play an instrument. Most importantly, make life-long friendships like I did. There’s nothing better. It has been wonderful being able to give back to the School that helped change the course of my life. I have had the pleasure of working on the SKS Alumni Council for a number of years. I’ve been a high school administrator for 25 years and understand the challenges; the tough decisions that need to be made, and the many folks who want to be involved. At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for The Storm King School. As alumni, we want to make sure that the very special education we received and the love and passion and friendships we made stay true for as long as the School exists. With the School’s current trajectory, the sky’s the limit.”
“I love building teams and seeing my players learning and figuring stuff out on the court.” -Steven Bluth ’83 Coach Bluth at basketball camp
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50 YEARS OF
COEDUCATION
AT SKS
Lynn Crevling ’72, Kassie Spackman Randall ’73 and Barbara Hoffman Zohar ’72 in the Art Studio BY LYNN CREVLING ’72 & ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19
Despite all of its challenges, 2021 will go down in The Storm King School’s storied, 154-year history as a landmark year. It is the first time the School’s number of enrolled female students has exceeded the number of male students while it fittingly marks SKS’ 50th year since ‘going coed.’ Why is this so significant? Founded as a college preparatory school for boys in 1867, Storm King remained an all-male institution with a primarily male faculty for 104 years before admitting its first three females as day students during the fall of 1970. By the spring of 1971, the coed population had grown to include eight female day students. Five years later, Storm King opened the doors to its first female boarding students, and the number of girls has continuously grown ever since. Today, The Storm King School enjoys its status as one of the New York area’s premier coed boarding and day schools with an enrollment of 185 students in grades 8-12 balanced among girls and boys. Storm King Athletics offers six girls’ varsity teams that have won eight league championships in recent years, and more than half of the teachers at SKS are women. Talented female students are at the forefront of student leadership each year including the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and the SKS Green Team. The student-led Intersectional Feminism Club (IFC), which explores global women’s topics, has claimed its place as one of
12 / COEDUCATION
the most popular School clubs. To help the SKS community celebrate 50 years of coeducation on the Mountain, the IFC designed a commemorative T-shirt with the slogan ‘Storming up the Mountain since 1971’- a fitting description of the success of women at Storm King and the School’s continuing journey as a coed institution. The school archives tell us that the seeds for this major change were sown when the School admitted a few young women on a temporary basis back in 1912. Heavy snowfall had made it impossible for the girls to get to their local school in Cornwall, New York. Later in the century, citing economics and a growing national trend in independent schools, Headmaster Warren Leonard (1956-1966) began to advocate for coeducation, but had insufficient support to make the change. As the School emerged from the tumultuous 1960s, the winds of change prevailed. Warren’s successor, Headmaster Frank Brogan (1966-1974), succeeded in rallying the support of his trustees and administrators, admitting the first girls as day students during the 1970-1971 school year. The rest is Storm King School history.
THE ‘FIRST LADIES’ OF STORM KING Two seniors were the first young women to cross the lawn of Spy Rock to receive a Storm King School Diploma. Susan Woodruff Pons ’71 was the first female enrolled in the fall of 1970, and Jeanne Stoddard Edwards ’71 followed soon after. Sue, who is now retired, had a respected career as an RN pediatric, NICU and labor/delivery nurse, and as Director of Clinical Services at Maxim Healthcare in Scarborough, Maine caring for chronically ill children. “Fifty years ago, I had the privilege of being the first girl to sign admission documentation to attend the formerly all-boys Storm King School. Being one of the three first girls brought its challenges. I worried that the boys would be defensive or angry that we were invading their territory, but if anyone felt resentful, I was never aware of it. From day one, I was treated with kindness and respect and felt welcomed. With the ratio of boys to girls, we received quite a bit of attention. I know, not exactly a challenge. Personally, I was flattered and honestly soaked it all up, but at times felt overwhelmed. Luckily, as the year progressed, I developed strong friendships with not only other students but also teachers and school staff that felt comfortable and true.” Jeanne’s career breadth spanned being a hospital dietitian, a guidance counselor in Germany for US Army soldiers, and an Education Specialist for the United States Military Academy at West Point. “When thinking about my experience at Storm King, I think of three words: wonderful, sweet, healing. Admissions Director Richard Broughton ’54 interviewed me to be the second girl to attend SKS. During those first few weeks, the brave boys began introducing themselves and having conversations with us. They came from all over the world and many walks of life. We felt welcomed. The days and weeks passed, and it wasn’t long before we all felt like family. We learned to try new things, be brave and take risks, which has served me well in work and life. There are too many memo-
1975 SKS Females
First Girls Soccer Team 1977
ries to mention them all; a best year of my life. We made many brothers and friends for life! I think my yearbook page says “lived, laughed, and loved.” SKS’ third female to enroll was freshman Winnie van der Woude Hennessy ’74, the School’s first four-year alumna. She looked back on that experience as building courage that would be called upon in her life and work. With a PhD in Nursing Science, Winnie pioneered the palliative care program at the Medical University of South Carolina and led professional development and research for Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, North Carolina, among other accomplishments advancing the medical profession. “I was a late bloomer...I am convinced Storm King provided me with the foundation to think with an open mind, critically and with tolerance. I was a young, insecure and socially awkward 14-year-old girl thrown into a school of young men. That experience shaped how I balance compassion, vulnerability and intelligence to succeed and have impact as a woman in a man’s world.”
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Carolyn Kohn ’72 was SKS’ fourth female to enroll in 1970-1971. She was elected as the first female Senior Class Representative, and was a member of the first graduating class of women at Dartmouth College in 1976. Carolyn was invited to serve on the SKS Board of Trustees in 1982 and in 1991 she was named as the first woman Board President. Carolyn has a successful career in investments and finance, and is currently First Vice President and Senior Investment Management Consultant for Morgan Stanley. Lynn Crevling ’72 was the fifth young woman to enroll that year. Lynn returned to the Mountain in 2013 after pursuing her career in government, nonprofits, and nine years working in Development. She came back to SKS as the Director of Leadership Support and Alumni Relations. Lynn shared fond memories of her first years at SKS in the School’s hardcover commemorative 150-year history book. “The year was 1971. We were small in numbers, sitting conspicuously on chairs at our daily morning meeting in the big room on the ground level of the Orr Commons. We were surrounded by a sea of boys sitting on the floor, and the faculty standing watch. Headmaster Frank Brogan’s booming voice greeted the day, saying, “Good morning, gentlemen,” and the response of “Good morning, Sir!” was thunderous. And in turn, our headmaster called out, “Good morning, ladies.” The voices of the seven or eight girls seemed to squeak out a soft response, “Good morning, Sir!” Our experiences were a reflection of the times, following the changes of the ’60s. The boarding/preparatory school environment was new to most of us, and it was a time of traditions in the midst of a changing society. Our headmaster and teachers insisted that the boys open doors and hold chairs for us in the School’s tradition of educating gentlemen. We accepted this with appreciation, while also exploring the budding feminist movement of the times.
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There were no sports teams offered for so few girls in those early years, so when the boys played sports we leapt around in leotards in modern dance class. Our other sport was mountaineering– running up and down the Mountain just like the boys did. Some of us had felt invisible and lost in the crowd at our local public high schools, but that was impossible at The Storm King School. We loved Storm King because it was a community – a family.”
Left: Lisa Cohen Aronow ’75, Madeleine Keeve ’76, Marcy Handler ’74, Kym Farina Gabatini ’75, Robin Levinson Catuyrelles ’75, and Joann Bennett ’75
Sarah L’Heureux ’75 came to SKS in 1972 as the first female legacy student, following in the footsteps of her father, John L’Heureux ’41. Sarah was an artist during her time at Storm King. She played guitar, wrote her own songs, and staged impromptu concerts. “There was nothing to do in the evenings, so people would come to listen,” she says. She acted in plays on a makeshift stage in Orr Commons, the gym or in Ogden Library. Sarah credits her career as a teacher with the great examples of teaching at SKS.
2Xist: Women’s group at SKS In 2010, female Development staff founded a support group for female SKS students called 2Xist to empower, educate, and expand awareness of women’s issues and promote self-esteem and healthy living. Topics included Body Image/Women in Media, Expectations Placed on Females, Relationships, Domestic Violence, Social Injustice Issues Affecting International Women, and Women’s Body and Health.
Miss Margaret Clark Margaret Clark was the School’s first female faculty member and designed the emblem that was adopted as the official school crest in 1935. Margaret retired from Storm King in 1938 after 44 remarkable years of service. Her legacy is honored annually with the presentation of the Miss Margaret Clark Faculty Excellence Award to deserving, former SKS teachers.
Helen ‘Steevie’ Chinitz (2004-2012) Ms. Chinitz was selected as the first female Head of School by the Storm King School Board of Trustees in January 2005. During her 8-year tenure, she was known for her supportive relationships with students and recently wrote “at last count, there are 207 alumni with whom I remain in touch.”
Intersectional Feminism Club (IFC) “IFC was founded by two alumni, Naunet Leonhardes-Barboza ’20 and Sophia Grauso ’20 to discuss what feminism really is, promote the power of women, and explore different topics having to do with women’s rights. We have done many activities in the past like Kahoot game nights, dress down-days, and fundraising for women’s causes and to celebrate the power of women throughout campus. Looking forward, we are planning a hygiene product drive for Fearless HV, a wonderful organization that works on protecting women in relationships. In addition, we are planning activities to promote the power of women throughout the SKS Community.” - IFC President Elena Centeno ’23
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-- Service Learning --
COUGARS FOSTER A LOVE FOR SCIENCE
In Local Children
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ervice Learning is back in the spotlight this year at The Storm King School. Along with it, a group of dedicated SKS students are back at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center (NAUC) to volunteer. Every Saturday morning, they travel to NAUC to teach “Kitchen Chemistry” and other fun subjects to local kids. Kitchen Chemistry is an interactive program for grades 1-6 designed to help children develop a love for science through simple, fun experiments using materials they can find at home. NAUC has always been a favorite choice of SKS volunteers, and many have enjoyed the experience so much that they’ve gone above and beyond their required 20 hours of service each year. This fall, several students are on the
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road to doing the same, including junior Kenzo Sadiku ’23 and freshman Charlotte Torrez ’25. Charlotte, who is from Virginia, said that she chose to volunteer at NAUC because she was feeling a little homesick at the start of the year. “I love spending time with young kids. It’s fulfilling and fun. I’m also a morning person, so I thought going to the Armory would be a good thing,” she explained. Kenzo, who came to study at SKS from Nigeria, echoes a similar sentiment: “Volunteering at NAUC makes me feel quite fulfilled and that I’m giving back to the community. It’s also very heartwarming when the kids begin to remember your name and ask you to come back next weekend.”
Charlotte: “The Elephant Toothpaste experiment was the most fun so far. All the colors went everywhere. Everyone was a big mess and the kids were laughing...it was a visceral reaction. It was wonderful.”
Charlotte and Kenzo agree that volunteering at the Armory is a win-win situation for themselves and the children. “We’ve done really fun and colorful experiments so far, such as the Skittles Experiment, Elephant Toothpaste, and Clock Reaction. It’s really great that the kids can learn high school chemistry concepts at such a young age, but in a fun way. Also, if you don’t know something, you can’t teach it. I think the knowledge will help me in my chemistry class next year,” explained Charlotte. “Some of the experiments I’ve done before. Not only can I provide more help, but seeing the wonder in the kids’ eyes reminds me of my first time seeing the same experiments,” Kenzo continued.
Kenzo: “I’ve learned how much I enjoy answering the kids’ questions. They’re very curious and also very friendly. Seeing their personalities bloom is also a sight to behold.” NAUC Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Proyect is very pleased with our students’ work this year: “We get a good number of volunteers from throughout the greater Newburgh community and the students from The Storm King School are among the best. They walk in the doors with a great attitude. I love when they want to return to the same classroom each week. A lot of the children we serve need good role models and consistency in their lives. Having the same volunteers each week really helps and the SKS students I’ve worked with this year seem totally committed to their volunteerism and have been excellent role models in the classrooms.” Both Kenzo and Charlotte, as well as their fellow Armory volunteers, hope that more SKS students will choose NAUC to help complete their community service requirement. “I definitely think other students should try it out. There’s a certain magic to being there and interacting with the kids. The relationships bring me back and I find myself tapping into my more childlike side,” explained Kenzo. “I love working at the Armory. I hope we can help get the word out so more SKS students will consider volunteering there,” concluded Charlotte. Storm King’s Director of Service Learning Ben Harnick is very pleased to be back on track and engaged with the local community. “It’s heartwarming to hear from some of our juniors and seniors just how excited they are to go back to NAUC, and re-establish their connection with some of the young children that they have grown to know well and missed over the last year and a half,” he explained. “There are still more exciting opportunities to come as students return to some of their favorite organizations like Beautiful People Adaptive Sports, Saddle Brook Farm Rescue, Habitat for Humanity, and others. In cooperation with the School’s neighbor, Black Rock Forest Consortium, students will also have the opportunity to volunteer for outdoor projects including trail
Charlotte Torrez ’25
Kenzo Sadiku ’23 maintenance and combating invasive species,” continued Mr. Harnick. “In past years, we also helped to prepare a site in Black Rock Forest for a major reforestation project. Last year, our senior class helped to plant 60 trees in this area as a way to give back to the Mountain and leave a long-standing legacy,” explained Mr. Harnick. “Throughout this year, we plan to grow willow saplings taken from Black Rock Forest in the School’s greenhouse, and plant them as part of the NY DEC’s Trees for Tribs initiative along with SKS’ Green Team. However the students choose to fulfill their graduation requirement, it is a great pleasure to facilitate the good-natured work they engage with to make their world a better place and grow as individuals,” explained Mr. Harnick with a smile.
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-- From the Classroom --
EXPERIENTIAL FUN
Brings Newton’s Laws of Motion to life Learning was put ‘in motion’ for students in Mr. Zenz’s Freshman Physics class with a live demonstration of Newton’s first law of motion. Using a hovercraft made of plywood and a battery-powered leaf blower, his students experienced first-hand that ‘an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.’ In this case, the unbalanced force is friction.
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“The board upon which the students sit is made frictionless by virtue of gas being discharged underneath it by the leaf blower,” explained Mr. Zenz. “The craft is then accelerated (pushed) by another student or a teacher. Since the craft is not constrained by any friction, the rider gets the odd sensation of traveling at a constant velocity with no change in speed or direction.” Each student was given the chance to ride the hovercraft first in the gymnasium, then on rougher ground outside. The students were skeptical, but as the hovercraft began to levitate and slide across the floor, smiles and laughter erupted into cheers. Once they experienced the feeling of gliding unhindered, the class was asked to determine which of Newton’s principles was demonstrated in the experiment as part of their homework. Maddie Devine ’24 commented that she was hesitant at first, but had a lot of fun trying out the hovercraft both indoors and outdoors. Following the experiment, she was one of the students who determined Newton’s law correctly in the homework, writing “since the hovercraft eliminated friction, it would have kept going on forever.” “I really learned a lot riding on the hovercraft. The feeling of floating across the gym floor was really fun. It was more difficult outdoors on the pavement, because this was a rougher surface, creating more friction,” commented Maddie.
About Freshman Physics The Freshman Physics class at The Storm King School follows a modeling approach in which the students actively participate in the process of scientific inquiry. Major concepts are introduced with paradigm labs where students measure observable quantities, extract key relationships between the variables, and develop models to understand the observed phenomena. Multiple representations – schematic, graphical, and mathematical — are developed, which together define the models. Students regularly work in teams and present and defend their work amongst each other. The curriculum includes kinematics, dynamics, energy, gravitation, wave phenomena, and simple electrical circuits, in addition to other topics, as time permits.
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I AM SKS:
Anora Mahin ’22 BY SARAH FULTON ’09
Meet Anora Mahin ’22. Anora– a three-year senior at SKS– is bestknown by her classmates and teachers for her excellent grades, her wide smile and outgoing personality, her involvement in campus and student organizations, and most of all, her affinity for leadership. In a recent interview with On the Mountain, Anora told us about her journey at SKS which began in the 10th grade, her future aspirations in the field of law, and how she has come to embody Storm King’s core values of ‘Truth, Respect, Responsibility.’ How did you decide to come to The Storm King School? Through middle school, I settled into a familiar but unchallenging academic routine. This monotony continued into my freshman year of high school and it was clear to my parents that I needed a change. I sought more rigorous classes and an expanded worldview that only an international school like SKS could provide. The most significant thing that drew me to SKS was the access to new opportunities. Unique courses, extensive afterschool offerings, and connections to summer programs were all things I was interested in. I intended to take advantage of each new experience available to me.
What has your experience at SKS been like? Storm King has provided me with both academic and social opportunities. I love meeting the new students that join our community each year and learning about different cultures; and I enjoy the courses offered. My teachers have been kind, understanding, and remarkably skilled at what they do, and I have been able to form great friendships with many of them. I have found an excellent support system in some of the faculty members I have come to know here- one that I am very blessed to have.
What activities/leadership positions have you been a part of at SKS? During my time at Storm King, I’ve involved myself in many different activities. From becoming a peer listener and peer tutor to joining the National Honor Society and playing soccer for the first time (as a senior!), I’ve had a lot of fun. Soccer is a brand new sport to me, as I’ve played lacrosse for around six years. I even had the opportunity to captain our girls’ team last year. My favorite part about playing a sport at Storm King is the people. I have always loved my team. I am also captaining our Model UN team for the second year. Model UN is a program that the last place I attended did not have. It’s one of the reasons I had been looking forward to coming to Storm King, and I feel fortunate to continue to lead our team now. I’ve also held a few other leadership positions at Storm King. I’ve been an active Student Council member for the past three years. I served as its Student Communications Coordinator
during my sophomore and junior years, and as Student Body President this year. We’ve planned a lot of schoolwide events, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual Bingo nights, a Superlative Night during the spring of 2021, and most recently, a Fall Social and Pep Rally that included a ‘Minute to Win It’ tournament. These events have been a great way to hone my ability to communicate and organize and I’ve become more connected with my school community. I also championed the Student Mentorship Program this year to help our new students assimilate to the School. There are now 25 student mentors at Storm King, paired with two or more new Storm King students. They offer both knowledge of the School and support during the first two months of the academic year.
What are your goals for the future? I look forward to college and earning my undergraduate degree. I’m interested in pursuing Molecular Biology, Psychology, or a Pre-Law track. I spent part of my summer this past year at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. because I received a full scholarship to attend the Advanced Law & Trial Internship offered by Leadership Initiatives Youth Development Programs. It was a wonderful program that helped me gain some real-world experience in the field of law. My ultimate goal would be to attend law school and begin a career as a lawyer. I hope to live somewhere warm with plenty of beaches and my favorite brand of yogurt nearby. Most of all, I want to continue learning about who I am and how I can improve myself.
What would you say looking back at your time at SKS? My time at SKS has been one highlighted by growth and internal acceptance. The past few years were challenging, but the lessons I have learned during my time here are invaluable. I feel prepared and excited to begin the next chapter of my life and continue working toward my future.
sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Winter 2022 / 21
-- Fall Athletics --
A SEASON TO BE Proud Of With competitive athletics back on the roster after more than one year, the Storm King Cougars concluded their fall 2021 season without missing a beat. All SKS varsity and JV teams finished their schedules with outstanding sportsmanship and play, with one team bringing home the Hudson Valley Athletic League (HVAL) Championship Trophy, and the others ranking high in the league.
BOYS VARSITY SOCCER Overall Season Record: W 7-L 1-T 2; HVAL Season: W 6-L 0-T 0; 2021 HVAL ranking: #1 The Cougars played full steam ahead through their HVAL schedule this fall resulting in a #1 ranking in the league. A resounding win in their last season game against NYMA advanced the team to compete in the HVAL semifinals. Cruising to victory over the Darrow Ducks in the first round, the Cougars ultimately fell to the Oakwood Pterodactyls in a nail-biting championship game highlighted by intense back-and-forth play.
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GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER Overall Season Record: W 4 – L 6; HVAL Season: W 3-L 1-T 0; 2021 HVAL ranking: #2 Girls Varsity Soccer finished their regular season on a high note with a #2 ranking in HVAL and an exciting 9-2 win versus Marvelwood in the league semifinal match. Although they fell to Hoosac in the following round, the team played a tremendous game to conclude an outstanding season.
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BOYS CROSS COUNTRY HVAL Season Record: 4-0; HVAL Ranking #1; 2021 HVAL Champions The SKS Cross Country harriers came out on top of the league again this year, finishing their season by winning the HVAL Championship meet held at Faith Christian Academy. The undefeated boys brought home the league trophy for the 6th consecutive season.
New Course Record SKS junior, Edward Iannuzzi-Sucich ’23, set a course record at New York Military Academy on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, running 17:55 on the 3.25-mile trail. He eclipsed the old course record of Matthew Montes (NYMA), who achieved a time of 18:15.1 during the 2017 HVAL Championship.
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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 2021 HVAL Individual Champion - Maria Tovar Monsalve ’22 This fall, Storm King’s small but mighty girls cross country team raced in 4 league tournaments. At the Oakwood Invitational, Marissa Chapman ’24 finished 1st overall, and senior Maria Tovar Monsalve ’22 placed 5th in her debut race. The SKS Invitational brought similar results, with both girls capturing 2nd and 6th places, respectively. At NYMA, Marissa was SKS’ lone female runner, claiming 1st place. The girls had excellent times at their final meet at Marvelwood, capturing 1st and 3rd places.
Individual League Champion As the boys team captured their 6th consecutive HVAL championship, Maria became the individual league champion by finishing first in the girls race to close the season.
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GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Overall Season Record: 3-9; HVAL Season: W 1-L 3; HVAL ranking: #4 The girls varsity volleyball team had a productive fall highlighted by resilience and consistent improvement of their volleyball skills. The Cougars ended their HVAL season in 4th place which sent them to the first round of the championship tournament versus Faith Christian Academy marked by the team’s grit and sportsmanship.
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O
n National College Signing Day, which took place on November 11, 2021, two Storm King Seniors committed to attend and play NCAA athletics at their respective colleges in the fall of 2022. Sofia Bove ’22 will join the Lehigh University Rowing’s Division I women’s team, and Carly Neville ’22 will play Division II women’s lacrosse with The College of Saint Rose Golden Knights. Congratulations to both young athletes!
SKS WELCOMES A NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
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“I believe the future is bright for Storm King Athletics.” — Dr. Nicole Cervantes
he Storm King School is excited to welcome Dr. Nicole Cervantes as our new Athletic Director for the 2021-2022 academic year. Dr. Cervantes will spend her time overseeing SKS’ Department of Athletics, working with our students, coaches, teams, and clubs, and teaching health. Dr. Cervantes holds an EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri, an MS in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Mass Communications from Franklin Pierce University. Her philosophy is focused on the young people she coaches and oversees. She believes in helping student-athletes become young professionals, encouraging hard work and discipline, and making a difference in her community. “I believe the future is bright for Storm King Athletics,” explained Dr. Cervantes. “We are extremely excited to have our competitive teams back on the road and share all of the skills they’ve learned during their mostly-training seasons last year. My hope is that win, lose, or draw, each of our student-athletes will take pride in wearing Storm King on their chest and remember that truth, respect, and responsibility are the foundation for all of our success.” Before joining the faculty at Storm King, Dr. Cervantes served as Director of Athletics and Student Leadership at The Academy at Penguin Hall, and an assistant volleyball coach at George Washington University and Southwest-Southeast Missouri State University, where she was also the recruiting coordinator and camp director. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cervantes to the Storm King Community.
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-- Fall Outdoor Adventure --
EXPLORING THE HUDSON VALLEY AND BEYOND
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eminiscent of the days of the SKS Mountaineers, Storm King Athletics offered a new extracurricular sport this semester called ‘Fall Outdoor Adventure.’ Led by Coach Tim Gillett, an avid hiker and outdoorsman who doubles as Storm King’s History & Social Sciences Department Chair, the Cougars were given the opportunity to explore the rugged natural beauty of the Hudson Valley while learning outdoor survival skills and earning points toward Storm King JV and Varsity Letters. The Outdoor Adventure team met every day after school for ‘practices’ that consisted of shorter outings and hikes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and longer outings on Wednesdays and weekends. The students earned ’survival points’ for completing certain events. Some events, such as overnight camping in the Catskills, were worth more points. At the end of the fall season, each student’s status was determined as ‘Captain,’ Varsity,’ or ‘JV’ depending on the number of points they accrued. All Stars and Future Captains reached 60 points, Varsity teammates earned 50 points and JV hikers earned 40 points. Twenty-three students signed up for the sport that took them to nearly 30 hiking and camping destinations including Popolopen Torne, Breakneak Ridge, Anthony’s Nose, the Catskills’ Slide Mountain, Lake Minnewaska, Mineral Springs, and many others. The students also enjoyed days of mountain biking, trail clearing, and indoor rock climbing.
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Comments from students: Hon. Captain & High Points Winner Elizabeth Ding ’22 “I felt a lot of friendliness and encouragement from both coaches and students; people who climbed faster were always patiently waiting for those behind them. Going to practices has given me a sense of achievement. When we reached the summit of a mountain or finished maintaining a trail, I felt like I had accomplished something new, which was very satisfying. My favorite location was the Catskill Mountains because we had an overnight camping trip there. It was my first time camping, and I learned so much from this experience, such as starting a campfire and building a tent. Coaches Mr. Gillett, Mrs. Centeno, and Ms. Carrano did a great job taking care of us. I will definitely remember this trip for a long time. Outdoor Adventure taught me the power of encouragement. I never knew that a simple, kind word could give one so much positive energy when they feel down.”
Varsity Adventurer Annie Cosgriff ’24 “Outdoor Adventure gave us all a chance to challenge ourselves while exploring the wonders of the natural world. Surrounding the Storm King School campus are miles of scenic wilderness covered with trails of varying difficulty, which we were able to use to our advantage in this club. Every day brought a new adventure, from climbing up mountains to biking to maintaining the trails we used. The teachers also organized special activities such as our Halloween Scarecrow and Scary Story contest, or the afternoon we spent at a rock climbing gym. We even went on a field trip to The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and New Windsor Cantonment, where we learned about recipients of the award, various medical treatments and equipment, and the difference between a musket and a rifle, as well as many interesting facts. We would often split into smaller groups to perform specific activities, giving us an opportunity to work with and talk to different people. I made some amazing friends in this club I may have never even met otherwise.”
All Star and Future Captain Daniel Zhang ’25: “My favorite hike was the trip we went on to Popolopen Torne. It was a really challenging hike that had a few places with a huge slope which we could only climb up with a rope. On the Moonwalk trail, we could see the skyline of New York City from the top of Bear Mountain, and I regret forgetting to bring my binoculars. By participating in this after-school club, I had a deeper understanding of the concept of enjoying a process rather than just the end result. When we went on hikes, even though the view from the summit is fantastic, I learned that the process of hiking up the mountain is more important and also more enjoyable.”
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DANCING FOR A BETTER WORLD
ANDREA TORRES FERRARI ’22 BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19
Like other seniors at The Storm King School, Andrea Torres Ferrari, a student from Barcelona, Spain, has a busy schedule as she prepares for graduation in June. When she is not studying or attending classes, she participates in extracurricular activities, volunteers for community service, and plays varsity volleyball as a Storm King student-athlete. In her free time, Andrea enjoys assisting her father in his work as a ‘global humanitarian’ and pursuing her passion for hip hop dancing. This past summer, she had the chance to do both while teaching a ‘crew’ of young children in need in the Bronx. How did you & your family become interested in humanitarian work? “My father’s name is Andrés Torres. He is the founder and executive director of Global Humanitaria, an NGO dedicated to social, humanitarian, and development projects in many countries that have populations in need. As a former war correspondent for Spanish and international media, he
covered the refugees of the Iraq war, the guerrillas in the Colombian jungle, and the Balkan War, among others. He experienced many people in tough situations, so he decided to found Global Humanitaria. He´s been working there and helping people for almost 30 years now.”
What are some examples of the work done by Global Humanitaria? “Global Humanitaria runs aid projects in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, Ivory Coast, India, Jordan, Cambodia, Pakistan, and many other countries. The funds are obtained from private and corporate donations to carry out educational, medical, and food projects for impoverished families. His current project is an aid campaign for the Afghan refugees in Pakistan to rebuild a local hospital so they have
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access to the healthcare they need. Global Humanitaria also has social projects in the United States. The project I worked for is in New York City’s borough of the Bronx. Its mission is to provide food to families and to help vulnerable children integrate into their local communities instead of joining gangs or falling into lives of crime. I am happy and proud that SKS voted for Global Humanitaria as our school cause this year.”
How did you become interested in dance & hip hop music? “Hip hop is a musical movement that unites different cultures and races. It’s universal. I became interested in music years ago because it is a language that is understood throughout the world. I started dancing from a very young age; since I was five. I like meeting people and helping out, so my father offered me the opportunity to teach hip hop classes as part of his project in the Bronx. The goal was to give the kids an activity where they felt useful and could coordinate as a team. This way, we also got to know them better, learn about their problems, and help them feel good.”
How is hip hop different from other types of dance?
“Being big or small is not a factor for greatness. Setting an example is.” -Andrea Torres Ferrari ’22
“Hip hop is a group dance that allows dancers to act together in coordination, generating a feeling of teamwork. It makes them develop on a personal level; it is like therapy. In a typical lesson I would tell the kids a bit about how the group should cultivate communication and friendship. Then, I would teach them simple choreographies so they would stay active and be able to dance with rigor, effort, and enthusiasm.”
In your view, how does dancing & music help the children? “Music and dance helps them free their minds from problems, because they become disconnected for a while from the real world. In addition, physical effort frees them from bad thoughts and negativity. Ultimately, it helps them see problems from a different point of view. After several dance sessions, one of my students confessed that she saw life differently and that she was more positive in her thoughts. She told me she was sure that she wanted to study at a university, have a career, and contribute to society. I am very happy that the dancing helped her in this way.”
“Music and dance are, for me, the best way to express your emotions.” -Andrea Torres Ferrari ’22
What has this experience taught you? “With this experience, I feel very useful to society and to those most in need. You don’t have to be great to achieve great things. Being big or small is not a factor for greatness. Setting an example is. In the future, I would like to study everything that has to do with humanitarian work and the defense of human rights. I also had the opportunity to travel with my father to India and Jordan to help the children in those countries. It was an experience that absolutely changed my life. I know that I like to help others and to help fight against injustices. Thanks to my father, this is already my life, and I want to continue his humanitarian legacy.”
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-- SKS Performing Arts --
Overcoming Challenges Day by Day with Godspell
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s The Storm King School approached the end of the 2020-2021 school year, the SKS community had already endured more than one year of the pandemic, and there still was no clear end in sight. After nearly three semesters of online learning, quarantines, and the social isolation that came with them, the effects of the ongoing crisis weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of our students and faculty. These circumstances were especially challenging for the students taking Performing Arts classes who were disheartened by cancellation of two stage performances and craving a return to in-person instruction. To the Community’s delight, the creativity and determination of the SKS’ Performing Arts Department prevailed. Through their collaboration and teamwork supported by the extraordinary efforts of a special group of student-performers, SKS succeeded in putting on a safe, outdoor musical that brought a renewed sense of joy and excitement to the community. “In my fifteen years of producing shows at SKS, I had never canceled a show,” explained Performing Arts Chair Anne Fulton. “It was very disappointing for both the students and teachers. As we entered the spring 2021 semester, there seemed to be some light at the end of the tunnel,
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and we were determined to bring the community a live show in the form of our traditional spring musical. “Several factors led us to choose Godspell. It’s a show that I’ve loved for years, but it also had the right cast size and production capabilities in a year that would require us to perform the show outdoors for safety reasons. We built a stage out on the field in front of the gazebo and set up amplyspaced chairs for the audience. After some trepidation, it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve had producing theater at Storm King,” continued Mrs. Fulton. While Godspell lends itself to being performed outdoors, the production wasn’t without challenges. The weather cooperated for the most part, but the Sunday matinee had to be postponed to the following evening due to a sudden storm. “That day coincided with the 50th anniversary of the original Godspell opening off-Broadway. The weather was perfect, so it turned out to be a great evening,” explained Mrs. Fulton. “The cast gave great performances and the musicians in the small orchestra were excellent. I’m glad our students were given the opportunity to perform on stage again, and that they experienced the excitement of outdoor theater. We’re looking forward to performing once again in our Walter Reade, Jr. Theater this year. Our winter play is Twelve Angry Jurors which will be performed on February 25 and 26 and our spring musical is Chicago: Teen Edition with performances on May 20-22, 2022.”
GODSPELL CAST Jesus: Shayla Lawrence ’21 John the Baptist/Judas: Zoe Buddie ’22 Nina: Nina Gannon ’23 Theresa: Theresa Gormley ’22 Kylie : Kylie Marshall ’21 Alex: Alisdair Neighbors ’22 Olivia: Olivia O’Blaney ’21 Shawn: Shawn Ramie ’25 Warren: Warren Stone ’23 Riley: Riley Tippin ’24 PRODUCTION CREW Directors: Anne Fulton, Sarah Fulton ’09 Production Manager: Anne Fulton Music Director: Alva Nelson Choreographer: Jeanette Perk Jacobson Technical Director: Lindsay Myers Brown Vocal Director: Gabriela Mikova Johnson Stage Manager: Elizabeth Jiang Ding ’22 MUSICIANS Piano: Alva Nelson Guitar: Burr Johnson Bass: Damon Banks Drums: Jon Doty
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153RD COMMENCEMENT
HONORS IN-PERSON & ONLINE GRADUATES
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n Saturday, June 5, The Storm King School held its much-awaited 153th Commencement for the graduating Class of 2021. After a drive-through car parade replaced an in-person graduation ceremony the previous year, the live ceremony held on the lawn in front of the Stephen P. Duggan Bell Tower was welcomed by everyone in the school community. Speeches given by Head of School Jonathan Lamb and alumnus Charles Cordero, Class of 1992, highlighted the morning as 41 young men and women from 13 countries and 3 states were awarded their diplomas. It was the first hybrid graduation in the School’s history with 23 members of the senior class attending the in-person ceremony, and 18 completing their year remotely. “It is wonderful to see a gathering of people, in person, on our campus,” began Head of School Jonathan Lamb in his opening words. “Graduation is always an important event, but following all that everyone here and throughout the world has gone through during the past 15 months, it is even more significant.” Mr. Lamb went on to outline the accomplishments of the senior class, and praised them for their resilience, perseverance, and grit. “Much has been made of what we missed due to the pandemic. I believe it is well worthwhile to consider what we have gained, and for the seniors in particular, what you might have learned and what you will take with you. Our students,
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faculty, and families all made the global/hybrid experience of going to school work. Everyone can say ‘we did it!’” Members of the Class of 2021 have much to be proud of. With one of the School’s best college acceptance rosters on recent record, many will pursue university studies across the globe from the US and Canada to Europe, Japan, and Hong Kong. Several have expressed interest in combining a business major with a globally-focused academic program such as international relations, foreign language, or environmental sustainability. Others have indicated they will study computer science, engineering, or a science discipline in preparation for medical school. A few will pursue their passion in the fine arts and enroll in programs covering stage management, visual arts, or fashion design at
some of the nation’s most prestigious art schools. Alumnus and Alumni Council Member Charles Cordero ’92 also offered inspiring words and advice to the new graduates: “Move slowly, and allow your hopes and dreams to manifest themselves. Be Present in all you do. Be intentional with a purpose. Because every person is born to do something great; so do your job so great that the living, the dead, and the yet-to-beborn can do it no better.” Other highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of the 2021 Commencement Awards by Dean of Academics Dr. Tim Lance, class promotions conducted by Mr. Lamb, followed by the presentation of diplomas to the senior class. As their names were announced, the smiling graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and have their tassels flipped from right to left, officially completing their high school careers and concluding their lives on the Mountain. Following the ceremony, the graduates and their families gathered on the athletic field as per tradition to toss their caps and mingle with faculty members to say their farewells.
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Commencement Award Recipients The Riley Cup: given in recognition of former Headmaster Philip Riley “to honor in perpetuity an outstanding member of the staff and an outstanding student who have contributed to the School’s community ethos in practical and creative ways.” Emily Elizabeth Kent ’21 Sharon Schoonmaker – 30-year staff member The Storm King Scholar Award: granted to those students who have consistently achieved at the highest academic levels and who have contributed significantly to other areas of campus life. Dias Aidossov ’21 Romee Choi ’21 Kylie Marshall ’21 The Spy Rock Cup: awarded annually to that senior whose performance and contributions to our school have fostered its best interests and traditions. Dominique Gooden ’21 The Headmaster’s Cup: a gift of Mrs. Anson Barker, whose husband was the headmaster of The Storm King School for 19 years. Since 1938, the Headmaster’s Cup, inscribed “for cheerfulness of spirit and enthusiasm,” is annually awarded to that senior whose love for the School is profound. Olivia O’Blaney ’21 The Storm King Cup: the highest commencement award and an enduring tradition at the School whose recipient is chosen by a vote of the faculty, staff, and students. Since 1915 it has been won “by students who have distinguished themselves by their personal qualities and their accomplishments. What other positive traits they have manifested, they have shared the traits of idealism, quiet courage, and a vision of the School as it could be.” Shayla Lawrence ’21
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Where Are They Now? Class of 2021 Attends Top Colleges Around the World The Office of College Counseling is pleased to report that the Class of 2021 committed to attend an impressive list of colleges, universities, and art schools across the US and the globe. “The Class of 2021 faced many hurdles and constantly changing parameters due to continuing pandemic, but they succeeded in having one of the best college acceptance records in the history of The Storm King School. I’m extremely proud of them,” explained Director of College Counseling Dr. Marti Kwon.
The Class of 2021 is attending: Purdue University
Michigan State University
University of Toronto (Canada)
Gonzaga Global University
California Institute of the Arts
Denison University
George Washington University
The University of Belgrade (Serbia)
Fordham University
Waseda University (Japan)
University of California-Davis
Sophia University (Japan)
University of California-Santa Cruz
Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg
Syracuse University School of Visual Arts Emerson College University of Rochester Northeastern University Niagara College (Canada) University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stevenson University University of Wisconsin-Madison Howard University University of Hawai’i at Manoa
Clark Atlanta University University of Hartford Clark University Ithaca College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign State University of New York at Buffalo
Military and Veteran Alumni Share Stories on Zoom
O
n Wednesday, November 10– the eve of Veterans Day–a group of alumni from various decades gathered on Zoom for a conversation about their lives and experiences as active duty or veteran members of the US Military. The conversation, facilitated by Trustee Emeritus Robert (Bob) Cory ’63 and Gabrielle Garcia Murray ’15, had representatives from the Air Force, Army, and Navy and class years ranging from 1963 to 2020. The group also included a current SKS student, junior Kaitlin Bou ’23 (daughter of Kari McNaughton Bou ’91), who is interested in the Air Force as a path into the field of meteorology. “We all have two things in common,” began Bob as he kicked off the discussion. “We are all alums and members of the Armed Forces, making us a unique group.” “Our experience of serving was and is so meaningful and relevant in each of our lives, as SKS has been,” added Mike Brower ’63. The first in the School’s Fall 2021 Alumni Conversation Series, the participants agreed that the event was a fitting commemoration of Veterans Day. Across the decades, a wealth of understanding and advice was shared, as well as some good-natured bantering. After the conversation, John Garrett ’63 wrote “I found it
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insightful, broadening and a meaningful way to connect with the broader SKS community.” Head of School Jonathan Lamb, who also attended the discussion, commented “When I speak to alums, I always want to know, not just about their SKS experience, but also where life took them after Storm King. Our focus with current students is not just ‘college prep,’ but more importantly, life preparation. College is a vector to what we hope to be a positive and successful life. Listening to everyone tie their SKS experience to their life experiences was great, inspiring and provocative. Thank you to everyone for participating.” Participants: Pierce Pramuka ’20 is an Air Force ROTC cadet and sophomore majoring in public policy and pre-med at the University of Chicago. Pierce hopes to join the medical field in the Air Force. Dennis “Ricky” McMahon ’17, a graduate of Norwich University, served as a combat engineer in the National Guard for two years, and is now a plebe at USMA/ West Point. Gabrielle Garcia Murray ’15 is an energetic and enthusiastic E5 (Staff Sergeant) in the Air Force. As a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst and a trainer, she is “always learning and challenged every day.”
Caynan Picard ’93 served 21 years in the Air Force and Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Germany with missions that included humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and air assault narcotics eradication. Tim Keogh ’79 served in the Air Force as a family legacy, with his fifth great-grandfather having fought in the American Revolution and every generation since having served. Tim has also served on the Congressional Veterans Advisory Council for the 10th District of California. Michael Brower ’63 served in the Air Force from 19661969. He “had the bug to fly” and his service led to a 10-year journey in the field of aviation. He said that the service
gave him the structure and routine he needed back then. John Garrett ’63 is a seven-year Navy veteran who served on two Polaris submarines, including as a supply officer on the submarine USS James Monroe from 1969-1971. Bob Cory ’63 was drafted during the Vietnam War, but instead chose to enlist in the Air Force. He served four years of active duty and 18 more years in the Air National Guard. Tom Leeds ’69 spent six and a half years of active duty in the Army’s Quartermaster Corps furnishing vital supplies and services under adverse and dangerous conditions. After becoming a reservist, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Remembering Patrick Roy ’99
E
very year on October 12, The Storm King School takes a moment to commemorate the passing of one of its own–Patrick Howard Roy ’99. Roy was among the 17 crew members killed in the line of duty on the USS Cole following a terrorist attack on the ship as it was refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen on October 12, 2000. Roy, then a new SKS graduate and recruit in the United States Navy, was only 19 years old at the time of his death. This year, Storm King’s History Department Chair Tim Gillett, accompanied by Music Director Paul Connors, said a few words honoring Roy at the foot of Memorial Rock. He then played a solemn rendition of “Taps” before placing a wreath near Roy’s name which is engraved on a plaque dedicated to Storm King Alumni who served and lost their lives. The wreath remained at Memorial Rock for one month, through Veterans Day on November 11, 2021.
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Students Thank Alumni & Service Members On Veterans Day 2021, the Storm King Student Council rallied their peers to say ‘thank you’ to our alumni veterans and service members by sending them personal thank you letters. Twenty-five alumni from various decades received sincere, handwritten expressions of gratitude for their service from several Storm King students including Student Council President Anora Mahin ’22, Thomas Chou ’23, Scout Zischke ’22, Daniel Zhang ’25, Jayde Greene ’26, and Vincent IannuzziSucich ’24. Several alumni reached out to show their appreciation for the students’ efforts including Alan Coleman ’64 who served 18 months in Vietnam with the US Army, John Garrett ’ 63 who was a Naval Officer who served seven years, and Steve Croll ’74 who was a Navy supply officer stationed at Okinawa during the Vietnam War. John Garrett commented that Daniel’s note “was the first written thank you for his service he ever received.”
Jayde Greene ’26 wrote to Alan Coleman ’64:
Alan’s response to Jayde: Dear Jayde, “I just read your lovely note on my service. It was very well written and I truly appreciate the gesture.”
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Daniel Zhang ’25 wrote to John Garrett ’63:
John Garrett ’63 response to Daniel:
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Heard at The Council Sele Birchwood ’09
Michelle Farber ’83
At the first Storm King School Alumni Council meeting of the year on October 9, 2021, new Council President Steven Bluth ’83 welcomed attendees and said that he felt lucky to be in this new role.
Steve Bluth ’83
Johnathan Flores ’12 Richard Broughton ’54
Madison Flores ’14 Jodi Gerson ’91
Scott Cantor ’73 Lynn Crevling ’72, Secretary
David Gilmore ’61
Steve said he sees that one of the important functions of President is to build relationships, and asked each participant on the Zoom call to share a bit about themselves, saying what led them back to SKS. The comments of Alumni Council members and guests confirmed the common themes of the SKS experience. Members spoke of the life-changing support and affirmation, and the camaraderie in dorms, classrooms and sports. They particularly recalled the special attention and care given by teachers and administrators, and mused about the uniqueness of lifelong friendships from their time at SKS. Alumni Council members all shared the desire to perpetuate these experiences for current and future students, and a commitment to give back to a place that had given them so much. Steven said “We conduct business meetings according to an agenda and with a degree of formality, but taking time to get to know one another and our mutual connection as SKS alumni is very important.” In Council business, Michael Pock ’94 was voted in as a new Council member. He expressed his appreciation and eagerness to be a helpful resource for the Council and the School. Outreach and Development Committee Chairman Jim Perlberg ’70 noted the extraordinary commitment of Council members last year, with 100% making a gift to the Storm King Fund. His Committee is working on a private LinkedIn group of Storm King School alumni. “Alumni have a vast network that we want to put to work for alumni employers, job seekers, and/or those willing to be career mentors or resources,” he said. Lisa Veyka ’83 spoke about a project to collect quotes about SKS and its impact on alumni from a variety of eras. “How the school has touched lives brings home the importance of our role as alumni to keep it going through our giving and support,” she said.
Jermaine Miller ’02
Tom Delaney ’58
Jodie Gerson ’91 is working on ideas for the continuation of the Alumni Conversation Series on Zoom– a great way to connect with the SKS community regardless of the location of alumni around the world. “Alumni gatherings on Zoom have been great for me, living in Hawaii.” This drew agreement from alumnus Fred Sopher ’58, who enjoys joining in from
Jim Perlberg ’70
his home in London, and routinely offers SKS hospitality to alumni who might be in the area. Freddie’s devotion to SKS is exemplified by what may be the longest list of Christmas card recipients in the School’s history! Johnathan Flores ’12, Chairman of the Awards Committee, reported that the Committee continues to work on ideas to increase alumni involvement in the awards process, explaining “We want a process that makes sense and allows SKS to recognize excellence in our alumni.” Storm King’s new athletic director, Dr. Nicole Cervantes was invited to attend the first Alumni Council meeting of the year to introduce her and have her meet the members. She said that she sat in on the meeting so that she could understand the perspectives and experiences of SKS alumni.
Citing the strength of SKS athletics, she emphasized that her efforts will be directed toward building upon those strengths. Finally, Development Director Tom Fogarty provided the Council with an insider’s deep dive into the School’s enrollments, finances, strategic direction, and the capital campaign that is in process for an important new Academic Center. The record support of The Storm King Fund in 20202021 was noteworthy, and there are a myriad of positive indicators for 2021-2022. “Alumni, the Board, parents, friends, and strong management by SKS leadership have kept the School on solid footing,” Fogarty said.
Lawrence Spiegel ’69
Alumni Council meeting minutes may be found on the SKS website https://sks.org/
alumni-overview/alumni-association/
SKS Welcomes New Alumni Council Member Michael Pock, Class of 1994 At its fall 2021 meeting, The Storm King School Alumni Council voted to welcome Michael Pock ’94 as a new Alumni Council member. Mr. Pock has been actively involved with SKS over the years as a speaker at Career Nights and at Senior Lunches, as a class agent, and as a participant both in and at SKS events and regional and campus gatherings. “Giving back is a great gift. There are so many ways a person can give back, and the true reward is knowing that I aided in making a difference,” Pock said. “Post college, I was hired for my first job to work in the United States Senate for Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. In that role I learned the value of helping people who were in need of assistance. In the Senate I was tasked with a responsibility to make sure that my boss’ constituents were answered in a timely fashion and their issues and concerns addressed and resolved. Still, to this day, in the private sector I continue to enjoy helping others accomplish their challenges and will go that extra mile for them.” Pock continued “My memories about The Storm King School are amazing. I remember the first
Judy Romano ’79
time visiting the School, I did not want to leave. During my time at SKS, I met great friends that were not only my classmates, but also my teachers that educated and provided all of us with guidance on the future. I still speak with many alums from different class years. SKS will always remain a special memory, it was my home for my high school years and when I do get to visit, it is just like coming home. Currently, I am a partner with the Nassau Consulting Group (NCG) in New Jersey, a public affairs firm that focuses on government relations for companies that require access to all aspects of government from the local levels to Federal offices. The firm also represents companies for government affairs work internationally. In my spare time, I always enjoy meeting new people and offer guidance to those who have questions about a career in government. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I have two amazing daughters ages 12 and 14.”
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Monifa Tarjarmo ’90
Lisa Veyka ’83
New Alumni Council member, Michael Pock ’94
Class Notes
Les is the 5th from the left
“Three Amigos” Trustee Bruce Hanson ’62, and Trustee Emeriti Mike Brower ’63 and Peter Duggan H ’58 lunch in Naples Florida 2021
Greg Shea ’62 sent a 60-year reflection: “Some events in life have profound impacts; others pass in the night and are forgotten. Some shape you and help guide you down the ever-increasing complexities of choices that one faces. Some teach you how to accept that not everything will go your way or that you will, in fact, fail at times. Storm King provided a three-year opportunity for a fifteen-year-old teenager to reassemble his life to deal with the future. It provided a daily structure to facilitate discipline that encouraged learning, whether in the classroom or on the sports field. The small class sizes allowed for greater interactions with the teachers, most who lived at the school. An update on our life: I worked for three corporations that required relocations to solve various management and financial issues. We finally got fed up! We have been living on the coast of Maine for the last 29 years, which was our 15th move in 25 years. This April, Joan and I will be celebrating our 54th anniversary. Our interests have led us to explore the world on small expedition ships. We have cruised the coast of Maine and the St. John River, Nebraska, in our own boat. We have made Zodiac landings in remote areas of Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, and experienced the overwhelming impact on our senses of their wildlife. We have seen the results of soft drinks on the teeth of teenagers in Greenland. And then COVID-19 arrived…”
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Leslie (Les) Gordon ’66 wrote: “After graduation in the spring of ’66, I went to study Mechanical Engineering at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. After college, in 1971, I began my career in Boston working for Westinghouse. In 1973, I met and married the love of my life, Cheryl Pactovis, RN, and we settled in the Boston area for approximately seven years. From Boston we continued to move around the country, and finally landed in the Atlanta, Georgia area in 1995, just prior to the ’96 Olympics. Along the way, we had three wonderful children who are now living in the Atlanta area, along with our six grandchildren, five girls and one boy. In the span of my 45 years of work as a Mechanical Engineer, Senior Project Manager, and Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager, I traveled around the world managing and building power plants and chemical plants. Cheryl and I are now retired in Forsyth County, Georgia, north of Atlanta. We are close enough to our children and grandkids to visit and enjoy their company, and be able to go back home to allow them their space. We are very blessed.”
In September 2021 there was a mini SKS 1973-’74-’75 reunion at Mike Hankinson’s home in Bridgehampton, New York: Peter Wunsch ’73, Arthur Reis ’75, and Mike ’74 “dined on grilled steaks and drank lots of excellent red wine while enjoying a gathering organized by Arthur and his wife, Marianne, who were camping on eastern Long Island for the month. No politics were discussed, just like in the high school days, but a good deal of sports banter was available to dine on with the beef.” Mike and Peter live in The Hamptons and Arthur is back in Florida for the winter months. The next trip scheduled will be Mike and Peter visiting Tim Hankinson ’73 in Texas.
Scott Cantor ’73, Chris Capers ’74, and Phil Cunningham ’72 recently went on a trip from Missouri down the “Mississippi Blues Trail,” ending in New Orleans five days later. Chris wrote: “Scott, Phil, and I talked about making a trip like this for several years and finally made it happen. We flew into St. Louis and headed to pay our respects to Chuck Berry at his gravesite, then on to Eolia, Missouri, to visit the grave of Tim Herring ’73. Tim was taken from us way too soon. He was one of the most likable and personable friends we ever had, and he is missed by everyone that ever had contact with him. We enjoyed visiting his mother and sister, having lunch, and reminiscing at their farm. We then drove to Memphis, with Phil and me sharing the driving while Scott played all our favorites from his well-organized Spotify collection. In Memphis, we toured Sun Records and Stax recording studios, both homes to many of the giants in the music world. We visited the Lorraine Hotel where MLK was shot, now The Civil Rights Museum. Clarksdale, Mississippi was next– the Mecca of many of the blues greats who played in the juke joints and clubs in the area. We hit several music halls featuring local talent that was as impressive as the BBQ we ate. On the way to New Orleans, we visited many of the historic towns home to blues greats such as Muddy Waters, BB King and, of course, Robert Johnson who is credited with starting it all. We met SKS alumnus Robert Leberton ’73, a native of ‘Nawlins’ whose family has a rich history there, topping off the trip with a great meal. We flew back home the next morning feeling so grateful to be able to spend such quality time with each other, and to enhance our special relationships formed on the Mountain over 50 years ago.”
Amy Ossias-Bright ’79 is temporarily living in Northern California with her younger son, Joseph, and his family. “I’m helping them with my grandson until he’s ready for daycare. If anyone would like to contact me, my email address is: amysbright108@gmail.com. I’ll write you back quickly.”
Steve Grodensky ’85 wrote: “It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to the Mountain. As I look back on my life and the people that have come and gone, some of the best people I have ever known were those I met at SKS. Through social media I have reconnected with my roommate from SKS and some very good friends with whom I had lost track. After SKS, I finished high school in New York City. Then went off to Arizona State University where I met my wife (33 years together) and graduated with a BA in History. Here’s the kicker for anyone who knew me well– I’m an attorney. That’s right!! My roomie Rob Jones ’84 said it best: “They’ll let anyone be a lawyer these days.” I’ve been practicing for over 20 years, the first 13 in New York City. My family moved up to Western New York in 2013 and resides in the Rochester area. The summers are short up here so we pack as much in as possible. My motorcycle and I see lots of pavement between June and September. My wife and my two girls are super busy. My oldest is a theater kid. She has done Broadway workshops, performed in many plays and musicals, and most recently has taught herself to play guitar. The little one is a hellion and is a mini-me. My poor wife! She just started playing the standup bass and is killing it. My wife is an advocate for elite athletes and Olympians, mostly swimmers, who have been victims of sexual abuse. She has appeared before the U. S. Congress and has done many print and TV spots surrounding this topic. And, she recently became a swim coach at our local HS. I hope to bring them all back to SKS soon to put a visual to my stories, and there are plenty. I’d like to close by paying a small tribute to my Headmaster Thad Horton. He believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. He gave me one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received: self-esteem. I hope to see many of my old friends soon back on the Mountain.”
Michael Juran ’86, who just finished his 30th year and season of doing public addresses for Lycoming College Men’s Soccer wrote: “This year’s roster included SKS alumnus Jordan Golding ’20! Coming up in the spring, I enter
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Jordan Golding ’20 and Michael Juran ’86
my 26th season of public address for Lycoming College Lacrosse, which also has a bit of a Storm King connection. When the first Lycoming lacrosse coach heard me do the soccer P.A., he complimented me on a good job. He then asked if I would like to do announcing for lacrosse; I said ‘Sure.’ That was his first question; the next question was if I had ever seen a lacrosse game. ‘Yep, at Storm King,’ through the tunnel under 9W at the lower field. One more thing about lacrosse: the third game I announced at Lycoming was a women’s game. I was surprised by what I saw since Storm King only had boy’s lacrosse when I was there, though we did have one girl on the team, Suzette Coffin (Wolf) ’85.
Ferdinand Beauperthuy ’86 wrote: “The new norm these days is quite different, even down here in the Caribbean, but thank goodness we have great beaches to soak in some sun and fun. After graduating from SKS, I returned home to St. Maarten and went to The University of the Virgin Islands where I studied Business Management, concentrating in computer applications. I work for the Windward Islands Bank, starting as a merchant officer, and now holding the position of Marketing Manager. I love my work, which entails advertising, sponsorships, new projects and social events for staff. I have twin daughters attending a University in Miami, Florida. Thus far, they are doing exceptionally well and I am very proud. SKS was a great learning experience to meet friends from all over this wonderful planet Earth. I received the Sportsmanship Award and the Walter Reed Theatrical Award at SKS. My last dorm residence was the third floor in the Headmaster’s home, Spy Rock, with roommates Dan O’Callahan ’86 and Brian Clough ’86. Imagine, this island boy even played lacrosse,
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thanks to SKS, and we drove to many other scenic schools to compete in sports on some very cold days! I saw my first live rock concert at West Point, and attended an Army/Navy Lacrosse game. Hiking was beautiful throughout the mountains. I hope to visit someday and send my best regards to all.”
Shannon Judge ’93 wrote: “Through the process of career reinvention, I’ve been fortunate to realize some significant lifelong dreams in 2020 with the inception of my professional coaching practice, Clarity Coaching & Wellness. As a client of business coaching for some years, I looked back on the components of my professional career in hospitality business operations, professional writing, sales and leadership, and shifted that perspective forward to the arena of coaching, which has had a tremendous impact on my life and success. A desire born during my time at SKS to make a significant contribution to the world around us and help others has been a large part of what led me to this work and to my purpose. With a focus on business, personal development and functional health, I work with individuals and businesses to assist with discovering their road maps to creating and building the work and the lives they love.”
Colette Resnikoff ’94 wrote: “Even though I’m over here like Farmer Jones most days working on the land in Texas, I managed to complete my canine esthetician certification. As an official CCE here I’m so excited about the possibilities that can open up for a groomer with a unique focus of holistic care; nutrition based, skin and coat educated, and extensive safety knowledge with exceptional handling skills.”
trust internet sites with customer service outside of the United States to handle their business. With our expansive history in the car business, we leverage our relationships to make sure that our customers get the best deal possible.”
Daniella R. Jones ’97 married Mr. Andrew K. Baynes, her “treasure,” on May 8th 2021 at the Amazing Grace Church in Newburgh, New York followed by an intimate reception with family and close relatives at the Newburgh waterfront. Daniella met Andrew in the summer 2017 and was engaged in the winter of 2018. Daniella currently is working for the Federal Government as a Medical Director and Andrew owns an elder care business that supports elders in their daily errands and needs. The couple enjoys dining out, vacations, and spending time with the family. Daniella is also now a stepmother of four children ages 8-19. Daniella says, “Love is patient, love is kind… the greatest of these is love…Keep God first in all you do.”
Sele Nathaniel Birchwood ’09 wrote: “I am currently pursuing my love for hip hop music, working on five new songs and music videos to release. I recently got into acting to improve my visibility, and I shot one short film this fall. I’m still working to be a part of an agency. I’ve also started a new business called Truevestments Auto. We are auto brokers who serve a particular niche of people who don’t have the time or energy to go to 100 dealerships to find the car they want and don’t
Matt Fascaldi ’14 embraces history, inspired by his SKS teachers Ian Morris and Dennis Costello. “Some of you may know that as a hobby I’m a historical reenactor and I attend what are known as living history events. The purpose of these events is to educate the public on areas of history that are forgotten and overlooked, since they are largely not taught in school. Although I enjoy other aspects, like feeling immersed in another time and getting a connection to history, going to these and talking to the public all day for free is more for those we should remember. I’m learning about their tremendous sacrifices, and getting a small peek into what life may have looked like for these men and women. I reenact men in the World War II Red Army, American Civil War, Italians in WW2, and Russians in WW1. No matter how much criticism I receive for some of the roles I portray, I will continue to keep history alive for those who sacrificed everything. People need to know that it’s the average guy and gal that pays the price and it is their contribution and sacrifice we aim to remember. I can’t speak for every living historian, but this is why I do what I do. I love teaching people about history.”
Chuizheng (Richard) Kong ’17 graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute last year and is in grad school pursuing robotics. He has an internship next year at Mitsubishi to work on robotic arms. Last year, Chuizheng and two other
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schoolmates participated in the RPI Burt Swersey Inventor’s Studio Challenge, requiring an idea that would impact society and the globe in positive ways. His team developed Soc!al– an online game-like system to integrate new members into a community through an Artificial Intelligence (AI ) matching algorithm that places them into teams of four and gives them challenges that ultimately encourage them to do things in-person together. The challenge games are designed to encourage interaction and lead to new bonds and friendships. In his free time, Chuizheng continues to enjoy fencing, weight-lifting, and has visited SKS several times.
In Memoriam SKS is saddened by the passing of the following members of our community. As is our custom, they will be remembered on Reunion Weekend 2022.
1947 Eric H. Smith November 11, 2021
Haohui Catherine Zheng ’19 wrote: “I am a third year student majoring in Marketing, minoring in Business Analytics at The Ohio State University. I have been on camera in some form since I was a junior at SKS, and I have worked on small productions for OSU’s production school including interning at a studio that has helped me develop my skills. I am also working in a start-up software company as part of the product team where I come up with new features and have the main focus on the users’ side. My goal is to one day create advertisements that highlight the people around the world and provide access to their unique stories. I really love Columbus, Ohio: the school, the people, the food–I love it all!”
1957 George Leighton Tholken July 5, 2021
1961 Ed Butler Blanc September 22, 2014
2008 Travis Lee Smyczynski July 31, 2021
Past Faculty & Staff
1997-2001 Peter Carleton Wicker Nov. 11, 2021
1999-2007 Kevin O’Brien September 11, 2021
Samantha McCullough ’20 is currently a sophomore on the Dean’s List at Norwich University in Vermont– the nation’s oldest private senior military college. Samantha was a day student at SKS, playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse while also playing league hockey outside of school. She was named SKS Athlete of the Year. Sam also participated in SKS’ Model United Nations program. Awarded a national three-year Army ROTC scholarship in April 2020, Cadet Corporal McCullough is currently a History major and a member of The Cavalry Troop at Norwich. She is also a member of the Women’s Club Ice Hockey Team. Sworn into the U.S. Army on October 9, 2021, upon graduation in May of 2024 she will commission into the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.
2001-2014 Scott Hunt May 27, 2021
On the Mountain
The Storm King School 314 Mountain Road Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520
CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER SINCE 1867
