On the Mountain - Spring 2021

n i a t n u o M e On th

THE STORM KING SCHOOL JOURNAL SPRING 2021 1867

Board of Trustees Officers

Roger D. Auerbacher ’66 Chair – Ex-Officio 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 Scott Cantor ’73 Alumni Assoc. – Ex-Officio Trustees

Ila Barton ’92 Michele T. DeFreece P’14 Bruce Hanson ’62 Kerryane Monahan ’92 Paul Ryan P’23 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: Sele Birchwood ’09 Lindsay Brown John Carruthers Lynn Crevling ’72 Anne Fulton Sarah Fulton ’09 Tom Fogarty Tim Gillett Jordan Golding ’20 Dominique Gooden ’21 Joseph Graziosi Ben Harnick Jeanette Jacobson Zhenya Kiperman Jonathan W.R. Lamb Shayla Lawrence ‘21 Megan Liggett Jermaine Miller ’02 Michael Moore ’73 Alva Nelson Justice Pessoa ’21 Marek Pramuka P’20 Michaela Pramuka P’20 Shania Roehrich ’19 Dilcia Roehrich Toni Scherrer Steven Sims ’69 Elizabeth Wilson Taviloglu P’19 Ellen Van Dunk Gerald Washington ’73 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 SPRING 2021

F E AT U R E S

4 SKS Celebrates Black History Past & Present As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, hear the perspectives of students, alumni, and faculty on social justice, their experiences at SKS, and the history and contributions of the Black Student Union.

12 Jermaine Miller ’02: Paying it Forward One Basket at a Time See how this alumnus and NYPD detective uses his passion for basketball to help young people from New York to West Africa.

16 A Creative Leap: Teaching the Arts During a Pandemic Take a closer look at how our visual and performing arts faculty found new ways to teach their students amid many challenges.

D E PA RT M E N TS

2 From the Head of School 3 Comments 22 Mountain Road Faculty Profile: Alva Nelson; I am SKS: Shayla Lawrence ’21; Athletics Fall/Winter Roundup; From the Classroom: Black Rock History Hike; Service Learning: Fighting Food Insecurity.

32 The Common Room Alumni Mini Feature: Shania Roehrich ’19; Heard at the Council; 2021 Humanitarian Award; Alumni Art Award; Sports Hall of Fame 2021.

42 Events & Notes 46 Class Notes 50 In Memoriam

PHOTO CAPTIONS LEFT: The 2021 coed lacrosse team scrimmaging against one another FRONT COVER:

2020-2021 BSU Co-president Dominique Gooden '21 who will attend University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall BACK COVER: 1975 Black Student Union photo from the yearbook page of T.D. McClenton '75

From The Head of School JONATHAN W.R. LAMB Dear Storm King Family, It was about this time last year when The Storm King School, along with the rest of the world, shifted into pandemic mode. Some in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the globe had already paused or shut down, and here on the Mountain, we were just beginning.

When we moved our entire program to a remote platform during last year’s spring break, we had no clear idea of the outcome. Faculty, students, and staff all worked together through the initial days of the crisis culminating in a successful conclusion of the school year. Last summer, as our country was grappling with social justice issues and widespread unrest, our administrators, faculty, and staff members continued to work tirelessly to design a plan for the reopening of our campus for the 2020-2021 school year.

In one sense, all of us know that we are passing through one of the most traumatic periods we have ever faced. In another sense, for all of the doubt and suffering we’ve experienced, we have also learned how resilient we are.

Today, we are two months away from our 153rd Commencement, successfully and healthfully teaching, learning, working, and playing on our campus while we extend our program online to students around the world. The fortitude and grace exhibited by our students, parents, faculty, and staff members throughout this time is a testament to the character and resilience of each and every member of the Storm King community.

In this issue of On the Mountain, you will find articles about our programs, and the experiences of our students, faculty, and alumni that highlight this character and resilience. In addition, stories about our Alumni

Humanitarian Award and Arts Award recipients demonstrate the true spirit of giving back which is so important at Storm King.

In celebration of Black History Month, this issue also puts a special focus on the achievements of some of our alumni, current students, and faculty members of color, and their perspectives surrounding social justice and Storm King’s history of diversity. Their voices reflect our continuous commitment to becoming the very best version of what we can be as a school and as a community.

Toward this end, one step the School has taken is the formation of a faculty committee focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). This group will be discussing ways to ensure everyone in our community is informed, educated, and involved in this vital topic. As the work of the committee moves forward, we will look for ways to involve students, teachers, parents, and alumni. You can expect more news on the work of the DEI Committee in future issues.

Now, with the spring weather upon us, and vaccinations gaining momentum, the future is brightening once again for all of us. The lessons we’ve learned during this past year have served to remind us that we still have work to do and adjustments to make in the weeks and months ahead. But, the perseverance and adaptability shown to date by all gives me confidence that, as a community, The Storm King School will emerge from these difficult times stronger and more capable than ever.

Jonathan W.R. Lamb

2 / MOUNTAIN ROAD

Matt Culberson rappelling

Comments Will the real Bill Cesario please stand up?

Dear OTM, I enjoyed your (SKS) Annual Report. It had a lot of good stories and celebrations in it that are often missing from an AR. I apologize for what might sound like a critique, but it is only an observation I feel obligated to make on behalf of William Cesario, whom I have never met. The picture on page 16 of the AR of Mr. Cesario is not actually him. Egad, it’s me–my 22-year-old skinny self! I know you will be celebrating William (for the Clark Faculty Excellence Award) at reunion weekend. I am sure he and former students will appreciate pictures of him more than of me! I do often think of SKS as I return to a boarding school for the first time since 1982.

All the best, Matt Culberson, Head of School, Wasatch Academy, Utah

Bill Cesario (SKS yearbook dedication 1978)

Note from OTM: The rappelling photo of Matt Culberson, past SKS faculty (1980-1982), was published in the 2019-2020 SKS Annual Report and was mistakenly identified as Bill Cesario.

Dear OTM, I had the opportunity to join the Alumni Speaker Series discussion of the book Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabella Wilkerson which was facilitated by alumnus Steve Sims '69. Your inclusion of teachers in the book discussion was brilliant! They added a lot of energy and knowledge to the discussion. It was also very reassuring to the alumni that attended to see that SKS still attracts the very best teachers, which has always been the School’s strength.

Chet Neumann's senior yearbook portrait

Sincerely, Chet Neumann ’68

Join Classmates and Friends for Storm King’s

VIRTUAL REUNION 2021!

For more information please contact:

Sarah Fulton ’09 at sfulton@sks.org sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 3

SKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY PAST & PRESENT

BSU Faces from the 1972 SKS Yearbook

SKS Celebrates Black History Past & Present

BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19 & SARAH FULTON ’09

For more than one year, the aftermath following the death of George Floyd has run parallel to our grappling with the pandemic, and has weighed heavily on the minds and hearts of our community. At The Storm King School, where we value diversity and inclusion, and take pride in our international, multicultural community, we have strived to create learning opportunities for our students from these unfortunate events. Likewise, we are continuing to look inward to ensure that every aspect of our school lives up to the values we hold so dear.

In this issue of On the Mountain, many of our community members of color, including current students, faculty members, and alumni, have graciously shared their stories, experiences, and points of view. Their voices serve as windows on how the Black experience has evolved at Storm King, and their inspiring words will help to further conversations on the role our school will play in making the world a better place for all.

4 / SKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY PAST & PRESENT

SKS Black Voices

Washington and Broughton Reunion 2014

Gerald Washington ’73 “I arrived at SKS as a fourteen-year-old from a small rural town in Mississippi called Rolling Fork (pop. 800). I was the fifth child of ten children. My father was a butcher at a grocery store and my mother worked as a maid and later at a textile factory. I came from segregated schools and knew only a segregated society. I was like the country mouse coming to the city without knowing what I was getting into. Even at an early age, I knew I wanted something better than where I came. SKS was the most profound change agent in my life.

I didn’t think my experience would have been different if I had attended another school. There may have been more Black students— maybe not. The small number of overall students (less than 120, as I recall) meant that I had to interact with everyone and find my strength.

There were roughly 12 Black students my first year. We had to become each other’s best friends, even though our backgrounds proved to have little in common except race and being relatively poor.”

“Coming to an all-boys school was a shocker, and this became more obvious the longer I was at SKS. I was extremely lonely my freshman year.

There were so few students from the South, and my “southern drawl” took a while to adjust. It was my spiritual faith and conservative upbringing that helped overcome the loneliness and opened me up to similar spirits. I remember attending ‘social mixers’ with an all-girls school at St. Mary’s, a Catholic high school in Newburgh.

Racial issues became more central during my junior and senior years—affected more by the headlines than tension on campus. My first roommate was white (Tim Herring ’73 (dec.), from Eolia, MO). With Tim’s help, I became more aware of who I was and could be. The headmaster(s), to their strong credit, allowed room for growth, without

surrendering an insistence on caring for each individual, regardless of color or background.

Early diversity efforts at Storm King were integration experiments: an organization called ‘A Better Chance (ABC)’ selected capable African-American students from around the country and matched them with prep schools in the Northeast. The goal was to improve preparation and selection of these students into top colleges in the country—and therefore assure success in professional and career development, and a better integrated society. I was selected by The Storm King School from the pool of ABC applicants.

SKS’ biggest and best strength then, and perhaps now, is its faculty. They are the single, most important reason my professional and career experience was a success. SKS faculty helped a native southerner feel “okay” about being from the South. More importantly, no one accepted excuses for poor work or offered sympathy for a poor learning or financial background. They were naturally sensitive to issues of race and prejudices, and perceptions of wealth and poverty; but didn’t allow me to use these as an excuse for not excelling at what I had to do.”

Gerry Washington

sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 5

SKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY PAST & PRESENT

Shayla Lawrence ’21

Justice Pessoa ’21

“I am from Wappingers Falls, New York.

Both sides of my family are Jamaican and they taught me to love the skin that I am in. They reminded me as a child to know my worth as a young Black girl.

My experience at SKS has been a positive one. Teachers and students are open to understanding and educating themselves on the Black experience. As a Co-President of the Black Student Union (BSU), I am able to advocate for Black struggles along with joining the fight for equality. I find it comforting to go to a school that radiates this accepting and open atmosphere.

I think the School can be even more vocal about the importance of the Black experience. The best way is to continue to be open to different perspectives.”

Dominique Gooden ’21 “I come from a large, culturally diverse family with an immigrant background.

My father’s Panamanian and Jamaican heritage, and my mother’s Cape Verdean and Cherokee Indian roots contribute to the identity I proudly represent.

Attending a school that values diversity makes me feel motivated to share my cultural background and identity. I enjoy hosting civil discourse with peers, participating in social justice initiatives, and educating others about Black culture.

I think SKS has done a good job in fostering a diverse campus. Having peers from different nations and upbringings allows me to experience their cultures in an up-close manner. I think the School can further support students who are passionate about social justice causes.”

6 / SKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY PAST & PRESENT

“I am from Brooklyn, New York. My family is from Montego Bay, Jamaica and my mom moved to the States when I was born. My experiences with the BSU have been positive. It’s a way for Black students to have a real voice and share their ideas. If I had attended another school, I might not have had the same ability of creative control or being able to voice my opinions. I think SKS could listen and talk even more when it comes to Black problems.”

Sele Birchwood ‘09 “I was born in Brooklyn, New York. Before I came to SKS, I spent a lot of time in other parts of the US and Germany due to my mother being in the military. She was born in a small town in Jamaica and my father was born in Scarborough, Tobago.

My experience as a Black teen that moved around a lot was a peculiar one. I definitely experienced both overt racism and micro-aggressions towards me due to my skin color. I think a lot of people see Blacks as ‘other people’ and treat them accordingly. I believe it’s important for SKS to increase the diversity of its faculty and staff, and to educate them on Black history and culture.”

Jordan Golding ’20 “I’m from Kingston, Jamaica. I come from a big and Afrocentric family with great support from parents and grandparents that instilled racial pride early.

I came to boarding school in the United States because I wanted a new experience. My goal was to attend a US college.

My experience at SKS was a good one.

Being a minority both on campus and in the USA was very different. There were many Black-conscious students with Black pride. Many of my classmates had different experiences and backgrounds, and I learned from all of them. I can’t recall many times when Black students were treated differently or experienced insensitivities. If there was, I was supported if I took a stance or addressed an issue. I would hope that the Black students of the past made SKS better and opened up opportunities for discourse for current students. To ensure the most positive experience, the School must be ready to take a stand and continue to support Black students. It is also important that faculty reflect the diversity of its student population.”

ALUMNI & STUDENTS DISCUSS BLACK EMPOWERMENT

W "Don’t assume that we (the older people) know the answers. We look to you and all you bring to teach us."

— Michael Moore ’72

hat began as a virtual conversation between past and present members of one of Storm King’s extracurricular clubs blossomed into a series of online events that united decades of SKS students and alumni; giving them a forum to discuss racial equality, empowerment, and the facilitation of change.

Earlier this winter, current members of the BSU met via Zoom with some of the organization’s founders from the 1970s. Joined by alumni from various decades, the group compared notes on social justice topics and discussed the focus of the BSU then and now.

Current BSU members and seniors Shayla Lawrence, Dominique Gooden, Jedianne Graham, and Justice Pessoa were joined by alumni from the ‘70s to the 2000s as well as more recent graduates including Gabriella Quartey ’17, Kakazi Kacyira ’18, and the 2019-2020 BSU Co-president Jordan Golding ’20. The event was facilitated by Alumni Council Member Charles Cordero ’92 and featured lively and productive discussions among the attendees.

As the group’s interest in continuing the discussion grew, a second virtual gathering was organized one month later to talk about Black empowerment. The conversations ranged from the macro: beyond the US to the African diaspora, to the micro: a family that instills in their daughter that she is beautiful, strong, and capable; and touched on history, economics, political structures, institutional racism, community, and self-awareness.

The final event in this series took place in March, where Steven Sims ’69 facilitated a virtual discussion on the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Caste is a nonfiction book by the American journalist Isabel Wilkerson which examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and still defines the lives of our nation’s citizens today.

The attendees of all three events spanned several decades and nationalities and brought diverse perspectives to the table. “We suggested the topic of empowerment for the second meeting because it is multidimensional and global in reach,” explained last year’s BSU Co-presidents Jordan and Guy-Paul Delisfort ’20. “Being connected to Africa was a big part of our mission, so the African perspective is important as well as the American one.”

sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 7

Inform. Educate. Inspire.

Meet the SKS Black Student Union Inform. Educate. Inspire. According to the four co-presidents of the Storm King Black Student Union (BSU), these are their organization’s goals as they collaborate with the school community to celebrate Black History Month and promote awareness of Black culture this year.

“It's important to celebrate Black History Month as a school community because Black history is an essential part of American history. Black culture and Black excellence have contributed so much to our country, so it is imperative for all of us to understand. We must come together to celebrate Black accomplishments and achievements, not only as a school, but as a family because they have potentially influenced a lot of what we know life to be today,” explained one of the BSU’s four co-presidents.

To achieve this, Co-presidents and seniors Shayla Lawrence, Justice Pessoa, Jedianne Graham, and Dominique Gooden have been leading efforts to bring meaningful activities using art, culture, writing, music, and film to share diverse aspects of Black culture and heritage with their peers.

For example, the BSU partnered with the Student Life Office regarding weekly movie nights. “Movie Nights are regularly shown as a weekend activity for boarding students. This February, we suggested that all the movies be related to Black history, Black excellence, and Black culture,” they explained. “We thought this was a good way to engage all students in celebrating Black History Month in an informative and entertaining way outside of the classroom. Students voted for new movies each week like Black Panther, Selma, Malcom X, and Lincoln.”

Another exciting project the BSU has worked on is this year’s virtual Black History Performance– a student-led video compilation of presentations, music, poetry, and art done by students who wish to express themselves in commemoration of Black

8 / SKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY PAST & PRESENT

History Month. “The Black History Performance was a Thursday night event last year and we wanted to continue this tradition of celebration for us, and for future Storm King BSU members,” they continued. The BSU and other students worked on their individual contributions to the video which was released virtually to the community in early March.

“Through this video, we hope for people to see and understand what Black excellence means to us, and how it has inspired us as students who wish to implement change in this world. Our main goal is always to inform, educate, and inspire, and that's what we wanted to achieve with this project.”

Other Black History Month activities coordinated by the BSU included a special Black History lunch menu, Dress in Black Days, and participation in several virtual discussions about Black empowerment and social justice with SKS alumni. In addition, the club is working to organize a series of classroom discussions that will take place through the rest of the school year. “These class discussions will give students a chance to learn from different perspectives and from each other as we talk about today’s issues of racism and social justice. The plan is to have each grade meet on Zoom with their class dean, a National Honor Society member, and a BSU member to moderate the discussion. Making sure that everyone remains respectful to each other’s point of view will be very important. This project is something the BSU is very excited to be putting forward and we hope everyone uses it as a learning opportunity.”

A BSU Founding Father: Michael Moore ’72 "The mission and goals of Storm King’s BSU today are not far from those of the BSU’s original members,” explained alumnus Michael Moore ’72, who wrote the SKS BSU Constitution shortly after the club’s founding in 1971. “When I got to SKS, I was so impressed because it seemed that there was a unified group of Black students there. More than that, they were getting together and taking a day off from classes and going up the mountain for a “black solidarity day,” including an overnight campout. That wasn’t how I was raised– my middle class family values did not want to do anything to draw attention to race. I thought we might get into trouble and that our Assistant Headmaster, Thad Horton, who helped bring me to SKS, was going to be hurt or angry if I participated. To my knowledge that didn’t happen. It was okay at SKS. At the same time, I was growing more race-conscious and saw that the group of Black students could be formalized. I wrote a Constitution for what we would come to call The Black Student Union. This name, the BSU, evolved naturally out of the supportive environment and in those societal times calling for Black unity and identity."

"We must come together to celebrate Black accomplishments and achievements, not only as a school, but as a family."

— Shayla Lawrence ’21 sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 9

Reprint from the Spring 2015 edition of On the Mountain

E G N F CHA

O E R U T L U YC

M

BY STEVEN SIMS ‘69

T

he world has changed (evolved) since my departure from Storm King and its culture of learning, competing and self-challenging struggles in 1969. In a male dominated environment at that time, our Alpha male was the late Mr. Frank Brogan, and his example of caring, challenging and constructive criticism set the tone for the school and its attendees. Now, culture, in one sense, is defined as distinct ways a group/tribe/country lives and represents its values, traditions and mores.

My nurturing, empowering and buddy-focused culture of Storm King was replaced as I transitioned to a college culture at Columbia College in New York City, which required me to continue to be competitive, educationally curious, much more disciplined, with a desire to stand out in constructive and productive ways. I have come to realize my generation - the Baby Boomers - has impacted the country and the world through every growth phase we have moved through (education, work, social, financial, civil rights, family, etc).

I went from a very structured environment at SKS to the chaos and trial and error process of adjusting to and absorbing the new college culture I sought to embrace and reflect. I should also note that this transition was during

10 / SKS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY PAST & PRESENT

the Vietnam War, and my college was at the heart of challenging the country’s leadership over a war many of us also took issue with. Simultaneously we began a fight against an ineffective war on poverty, racial discrimination, housing discrimination, sexism, educational inequities and a questioning of what was America’s role in an evolving global hierarchy. The collective Baby Boomer sense of purpose and desire to promote real changes caused a culture shift, starting on college campuses and moving across society.

The cultural shift was not so much about lambasting the old ways as much as celebrating a new age (of Aquarius) and desire to focus on the positive; equal rights, equal access and a more level playing field giving everyone a chance to succeed based on merit and not peerage.

I write these reflections to examine what has been and what is, and leave it to you to consider what will be in the future of the larger society. But on a personal level, I am a strong believer in introspection and I hope as you read this you also reflect on who you are and who you would like to be in terms of values, integrity and principles which could/ should define you.

Making money has never been the most important thing in my life. Making a difference has always been more

Steven Sims receiving an award from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

important. A quick story: I was Captain of the 1969 SKS Basket- given a lot. I have also gained/ ball team (yeah, our main man was Lloyd McMillan, ’72, new SKS benefited from my contribuHall of Fame Inductee at Reunion 2014). The previous year, the tions. I have met every president team had not won a game but we started that year with three since Jimmy Carter. I have parstraight wins. I was not impressed with the level of support for tied with President Obama (he our accomplishments, so I signed the name of several players was a Columbia student) a couple to the list of those attending the Saturday movie, shown at the of years ago and one of my best same time we would be playing our next game. In the Friday friends is Attorney General Eric Morning Meeting, the day before the game, Mr. Brogan raised Holder, one of my posse from “the his concern about the student who would sign the basketball Colum”. I say this not to brag because, even as I enter retireplayers up for the movie bus. I stood up and confessed that I had ment, I wonder if there is more I could have done and more I signed their names. I believed that there should have been more can even do now. school support for our efforts and I thought it a My musings, in this note, are a reflection of what I subtle way to share my feelings. Well, the movie “I WRITE THESE value in life, and I hope that they encourage you to bus was cancelled and everyone was strongly REFLECTIONS TO seek to challenge yourself; to give as much as you encouraged to attend the game and cheer on receive; and believe you can change the world if you EXAMINE WHAT the Mountaineers. I will cut to the chase; we are really ready for the demands required of such HAS BEEN AND lost by three points, but I never regretted what I feats. I have made plenty of mistakes in a number WHAT IS, AND did and why I did it. The kicker was the heartfelt of areas, but on the whole feel I moved my culture note from Mr. Brogan thanking me for demon- LEAVE IT TO YOU and my world forward. As I entered that phase of life strating leadership for my fellow ballers and TO CONSIDER which involves self-reflection and a sense that I might the school. It made my year and I still have the not have added as much to the discussion as I could WHAT WILL BE IN note. This is what I mean about wanting to live have; I write to express my joy, confusion, fear and my principles and assuming everything else THE FUTURE OF pride in my meager, but also tremendous contribuTHE LARGER would work out. tion to my own and the larger American culture.

I had a number of value forming experiences SOCIETY.” It is time to begin or readjust your lifelong process while at Storm King and two others involved of asking where you are going. If you can recall the the camaraderie of Mr. Gregory Ziegler (English teacher, Direc- values, character and tor of Dramatics and Varsity Soccer Coach) and the honor knowledge you embraced bestowed upon me by my main man, Richard Broughton, ’54 at Storm King School, the (Mathematics teacher, Director of Admissions and Varsity Base- next step is actualizing ball and Soccer Coach). I think about the value forming experi- and reflecting that expeences of day to day life at SKS often. rience through what you I have spent a lifetime working with the underrepresented and do today and more impordisenfranchised; working to empower minority businesses tantly tomorrow. Are you and communities. I chaired the Board of the Boys Choir of a product of SKS influHarlem (Chair Emeritus); served as Vice President of the New ence and where/how do York Urban League; Advisor to the Harlem Consumer Educa- you express it today? What tion vwCouncil; Recruited minority students, and did inter- do you want your life to views for prospective Columbia applicants in mean? Can you live your the Washington DC area and served recently SKS values and principles as Vice President of the National Minority or even more importantly, Supplier Development Council. I genuinely are you aware of or in believe the saying, “that to those who much touch with your SKS values is given, much is required” and I had been and principles?

Steven Sims at Columbia ‘77

Letter to Steve from Headmaster Frank Brogan

sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 11

“Storm King changed my life,” says Jermaine Miller ’02 with a very wide smile. As an incoming member of the Storm King Alumni Council next year, he is already looking toward the future and at ways he can contribute to the continued success of his alma mater. “I’m excited to be on the Council and to see what we can do. I think I can bring a different take and a different perspective on how to put SKS in the spotlight for the better, and be seen as a school that offers greater numbers of deserving students a life-changing opportunity like it did for me.”

Harlem Hoops

Jermaine (center) and two Bball Shape Training players

Jermaine Miller ’02

Paying it Forward One Basket at a Time

BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19

From the streets of Harlem and the beauty of Storm King Mountain to the halls of Drexel, the University of New Haven and beyond, Jermaine Miller ’02 has built his life around his passion for basketball and making a difference in the lives of young people. Whether he’s on a case as an NYPD detective, organizing a workshop for youth players in West Africa, or helping under-represented students survive college, Jermaine–the first SKS graduate to attend college with a full athletic scholarship–is determined to continue paying it forward one basket at a time.

12 / JERMAINE MILLER ’02

Jermaine, known in many circles for his basketball passion, is also a full-time NYPD detective, CEO, philanthropist, coach, and father of four. Born in 1983 in New York City, Jermaine spent most of his childhood in Harlem where he began playing neighborhood basketball at a young age. “Both of my parents are Nigerian.

I was born here, so I consider myself Nigerian-American. I grew up in a single mother household together with my two older brothers. I also have 10 other siblings from my father’s side. We are 12 in total, so actually, we are a huge family. As a kid, I definitely had the youngest boy sentiment of being the baby, but I was always the biggest one,” recalls Jermaine.

Jermaine says that he began to take basketball more seriously by the age of 12. “I started out at Frederick Douglas Academy, an elite public school in Harlem. I was tall, so my teachers encouraged me to play. I competed first on the team there, and then with the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) – a nonprofit youth sports organization that gets groups of players together to form independent teams and has them compete in tournaments.”

"Unfortunately, New York City in the late 1980s was a crime and drug-infested place. A lot of kids I grew up with ended up in jail or dead. I was in real danger of falling victim to my surroundings. At Frederick Douglas, I wasn’t in touch with academics and I wasn’t really trying. I began skipping classes and would come to school in the afternoon just to play basketball. The environment was taking over.”

A New Take At that time, Jermaine says he felt there was nowhere else he could go. Then, during his junior year, he was presented with what he calls the opportunity of a lifetime– a chance to attend Storm King on a full athletic

scholarship for basketball. “To this day, I still don’t know who put my name in for a scholarship at SKS, but that person gave me a whole new outlook on life, and a new take on what I could do as a person,” he explains.

“Was it a hard decision to make? Yes and no. It was uncharted territory for me. I saw SKS as a small, private school up in the mountains that wasn’t far from home, but seemed liked it was a world away. Peter Wicker was the head of admission at the time. He treated me and my family very well, and encouraged me to visit. Once I actually came up from the city to see the School, I loved it. Coach Kevin Houston was also there and I got to meet him. Mr. Wicker recommended that I reclassify as a junior and spend my junior and senior year at SKS. This benefited me academically and also allowed me to qualify for the NCAA,” Jermaine continues.

When Jermaine arrived on campus for new student orientation in late August of 2000, he was very excited, but admits that he was also intimidated.

“It was a very different experience in terms of who was around me. I was one out of eight or nine African-Americans. The rest of the students at that time were either white or came from South Korea. I’m from Harlem. I never spent time around white people before, and I really only saw Asians if I went to Chinatown. Ultimately, I didn’t have difficulty making friends, but it was a learning curve to understand how adults and children of other races act and interact. It wasn’t rough, just very different.”

Reflecting deeper on his experience as a Black student at SKS in the early 2000s, Jermaine says the School’s small size and family-like connections between students and faculty took race out the equation. “Our interaction was always very direct with one another. The teachers actually knew who each student was as an individual. We were valued for who we are as people, and not for what we did, or our race, or anything else,” he explains.

“I never experienced any racism or negativity, and my relationships were always very positive. Our differences showed more in things we didn’t do as Black kids from the city – like snowboarding. Early on, some behaviors of the white kids surprised me.

For example, the way they talked and argued with their parents. I later learned that expressing contrary opinions was actually encouraged in their families, whereas in my culture, we pretty much do what we are told. I also learned a lot about South Korean culture

where respect for the most senior member in a family or group is very important. For example, if a faculty member was having an issue with one of the Korean students, they would have more success with that student by talking to the oldest Korean student on campus first.”

Respect “One thing that stood out to me immediately at Storm King was the respect that was present overall.

Although we were teenagers, the entire faculty had a level of respect, both for us and that was expected of us. This showed us what direction to take in terms of interacting with people. I always admired art teacher Mr. Briggs and how he was raising his family while living on campus.

I’ll always respect the way he took care of his special needs son, Luke, and still had time for his job and his students. At the time, he was the only Black teacher at SKS. Young black boys on campus would look to him for advice. He was an example to me and how I operate in my adult life with my own family. Also,

Coach Houston and his wife both treated me like a son. When he lost her in 2009, I came back and got the whole team to come back as a show of respect for her, and the both of them.”

Passion Re-ignited Jermaine also credits Coach Houston for bringing out his leadership qualities and re-igniting his passion for basketball. “My time at SKS really taught me responsibility, and to know what it takes to lead, both by direction and by example.

I will always thank Coach Houston for pressing me. He helped me realize that I played basketball before SKS, but I didn’t really care Jermaine with Coach Kevin Houston at NYPD Headquarters

“Storm King changed my life."— Jermaine Miller ’02

Jermaine training a Nigerian player sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 13

2020 SKS Alumni Bball Game: Standing from left: past coach Kevin Houston,past coach Kevin O'Brian, Jermaine Miller '02, Shauntiece 'Puddin' Hunt ’01, Richard Bailey '02, Jon Lopes ’00 & David Bethea '01

led us to the Class B NEPSAC Championship where we defeated a heavily favored Tabor Academy basketball team. While we had a very talented team, Jermaine was clearly our leader, our enforcer, and the guiding hand that drove us to greatness.”

Jermaine fondly recalls his journey with the team as described by Coach Houston. “That year is a testament to what every team since I’ve left SKS has strived to be like. We had a lot of fun. We won a lot of games. I take pride that it was my team, that I was captain, the lead scorer, and that we won the conference title. I love it when I talk to others and they’ve heard of our team. It’s humbling and great to see,” says Jermaine.

NCAA and NYPD “Jermaine is the hardest working player I coached at SKS.”

— Coach Kevin Houston about basketball. When I saw how he backed us as a team and as individuals, and expected things from us, it made me perform. That’s when I began to care, to love basketball. Today, basketball has taken me everywhere I’ve been and I give that credit to Coach Houston and to Storm King.”

When he talks about his basketball career at SKS, Jermaine doesn’t hold back. “My junior year I was like a fish out of water, but quickly had to learn that I was part of the team. Then we began to play really well together. That year, we succeeded in winning the HVAL (Hudson Valley Athletic League) trophy, but we lost in the championship round of the New England conference. After that, I made it my business as team captain to make sure we wouldn’t lose again, and that every team member would work hard toward playing to win the championship.”

“I had the returning guys and the new guys to work with my senior year. I became like the

14 / JERMAINE MILLER ’02

extension of the coach. During that year, the Storm King team was bumped up from Class E all the way up to Class B– the second-highest class in NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Conference).

The School hasn’t played in Class B since then. We ended up winning the league and the NEPSAC Conference Championship in 2001-2002.”

A Coach’s Dream Coach Kevin Houston couldn’t say enough about Jermaine’s contributions to the success of the team when he was inducted to the Storm King Sports Hall of Fame in 2020: “Jermaine is, by far, the hardest working player I had the opportunity to coach during my tenure at SKS. He was an instrumental part of two HVAL Championship teams during his time on the Mountain. He led us to the Class E NEPSAC finals his first year as a Cougar and we finished as the runner-ups. Behind Jermaine’s leadership, work ethic, and will to win, he

Jermaine’s basketball journey didn’t end when he graduated from Storm King. His work ethic, desire to improve, and competitive drive described by Coach Houston continued to take him even further down the road of success. The following year, Jermaine would travel to Pennsylvania after receiving a full NCAA Division 1 basketball scholarship at Drexel University. “I was on the train to Philadelphia right after graduation to begin training.”

“My freshman and sophomore years at Drexel were a wonderful experience, not only as a basketball player, but as a person. Playing at that level allowed me to travel and meet so many interesting people. But, my life wasn’t all about playing. I entered Drexel as a Mass Communications major and worked hard to keep my academics strong. During my sophomore year, I switched my major to Education, but soon found that wasn’t for me. I began looking to transfer and received several scholarships from other great schools. In the end, I chose the University of New Haven as the best fit.

Not only could I play basketball a lot more, but I could study Criminal Justice– a dream I had for some time.

Plus, U of New Haven is in a city and near Yale, so it had a similar feel to Drexel, which I loved. As a junior, I joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and had a great season and year. I graduated from New Haven in May 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In July, I was off to attend the Police Academy in New York City.”

After completing his training at the Police Academy, Jermaine began his law enforcement career as a NYPD officer at the 19th Precinct. After 10 years of service, he began working with the detective squad and was promoted to Detective in 2019. “When I think

back, my aunt always wanted me to be a lawyer. As a career, this is what I always wanted to do; to be that guy in a suit arresting the bad guys. I’m very happy where I am, and now, I’m on the list for promotion to Sergeant,” explains Jermaine.

Pay It Forward Today, Jermaine is busy spending time with his wife and raising four daughters while he continues to advance his career in law enforcement. Surprisingly, he still has energy to dedicate to his sport as the co-founder of two organizations, both focusing on developing youth. “I created Basketball Shape Training, LLC with my brother and another friend. Our mission is to share our knowledge and passion for basketball with young athletes. We train players of all levels and backgrounds, and we teach them fundamentals of basketball along with elite skills.

Our motto is ‘Good, Better, Best.’ The company trains kids in New York and Maine, and we also began to run basketball camps and clinics for kids in West Africa. I rely on the principles I learned back at SKS to help build our players’ sense of teamwork, respect, and discipline.”

Jermaine is also a co-founder of a nonprofit called Higher Education Literacy Professionals Incorporated (HELP, Inc.). “The mission, duty, and purpose of HELP are to increase access to higher education for under-represented groups through workshops, classes, tutoring, and private coaching. We help students with their college searches, applications, essay writing, and finding scholarships to connecting them with internships and getting them through college.

I started HELP with four college friends. We are all from under-represented families. There are other programs out there, but we wanted to do it ourselves.”

“One great success story is a family we worked with from Central America. We helped both the mother and the daughter. The girl was struggling in high school, so her mom enrolled her in our College Edge program. We succeeded in helping her raise her average from a C to an A- and she got accepted into several great colleges. We were also very proud that we helped her mom, who attended our adult program, to get her degree.”

clinic I did in Africa, SKS’ Admis- years from now. I believe SKS will sions Office reached out to me get through any obstacle, even about some of the players I worked the difficulties we faced during with there as potential students. this pandemic. We have some of When I got back to the States just the world’s brightest and most before the pandemic hit last year, talented students here. In 10, 20, I learned that the girls varsity team even 30 years, I want them to say was in need of a coach. It struck me that SKS gave them a chance, an that I wanted to help them build opportunity no one else would, a girls team and help them win or they might not have otherleague and conference champi- wise. I’ll always be grateful for onships. Unfortunately, our plans what SKS gave me. I want to say were cut short by the pandemic, ‘Go, Cougars!’...and, that whoever but we will to continue next year.” reads this before the 2021-2022 “My vision is to bring on stu- season better be ready, because dent-athletes who will give Storm the SKS girls varsity basketball King a name in Women’s Basket- team will be a force to be reckball. The more college-ready ath- oned with!” letes we can develop, the better it Jermaine with his wife, Shakira, & four daughters will be for the School. When kids go to good colleges, either for academics or for sports, it puts Storm King on the map. We need to give them the opportunity for Storm King to change their lives, like I had.”

When thinking about the future in these uncertain times, Jermaine continues: “I think we just have to look at Storm King’s history to see where we’ll be 20

“One thing that stood out at SKS was respect.”— Jermaine Miller ’02

The Future Most recently, Jermaine has set aside time to give back to his alma mater, Storm King, by agreeing to coach the girls varsity basketball team. “Becoming a coach at SKS was a wonderful coincidence. Following a basketball Jermaine and basketball campers in West Africa sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 15

"I discovered ways to teach off the cuff with what is right in front of me– from handheld devices to any paper, fabric, or literally anything within arm’s reach. " — Visual Arts Chair John Carruthers Visual Arts Chair John Carruthers

Performing Arts Chair Anne Fulton Dir. of Video Prod. Zhenya Kiperman

Dance Teacher Jeanette Jacobson

Fashion Teacher Megan Liggett

Stagecraft Teacher Lindsay Brown

Music Director Alva Nelson

16 / A CREATIVE LEAP

A CREATIVE LEAP

TEACHING THE ARTS DURING A PANDEMIC

BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19

More than one year ago, it became clear that virtual classes were going to be a part of Storm King’s teaching and learning model, at least while the virus continued to rage. Since then, our faculty has been working to find innovative ways to deliver their course content to all students, whether studying in-person or online.

The challenge has been even greater for our arts faculty, who normally rely on hands-on, in-person instruction, rehearsal, and practice to effectively teach their students.

Here, we take a closer look at how Storm King’s Visual and Performing Arts Departments came together, got creative, and succeeded in teaching our students not only to adapt, but to thrive in these new circumstances; and to produce excellent work that was showcased in a series of online events which received accolades from the community and uplifted all of us during these difficult times.

sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 17

Did the Visual and Performing Arts Departments have an overall plan for teaching and learning during the pandemic, or did things come together organically?

John Carruthers: “For our visual arts courses, we collaborated on a plan for health protocols in the classroom; assembling individual art kits for each student to eliminate shared materials, directing movement in and out of each classroom space, new seating arrangements, installation of air purifiers, and hand sanitizer for each student desk. A supply list was sent to online students who were able to get most of the materials as they were available per country.

In class, we had the most success delivering our courses using a combination of both physical and online tools. Most lessons were set up so that students could participate, either using physical or online tools including apps like Sketchbook, PixelArt, and ProCreate, and they came out with some very nice work. An interesting story: one of my online students in Ethiopia could not get some of the supplies, so she made her own charcoal sticks for drawing by burning some local wood and used that!”

Anne Fulton: “Students in the performing arts thrive on in-person instruction and rehearsing together with their peers. The students, especially the seniors, were very disappointed when Broadway closed, and likewise, we had to cancel our spring musical Chicago: High School Edition. We immediately switched gears to begin producing a virtual version of scenes from the play. We also took steps to overcome the difficulties new health protocols brought with them. Conveying emotion in a scene is definitely more challenging for an actor when most of their face is covered by a mask!”

Jeanette Jacobson: “For my dance classes, we got to work immediately.

Producing a virtual dance event was our end goal. When classes were exclusively online, the students danced along with me every day on Zoom from all over the world, and then sent me their recordings to be edited into a virtual show using the Flipgrid software and app. This past fall, we were able to use the dance studio and the gym for my in-person students to spread out and dance, while my online dancers continued

Sign on the door of the Dance Studio

to dance at home.

Our class routine remained the same in the sense that we came in, warmed up, practiced new steps, and then rehearsed our dances. Each week we still had our Choreographer’s Workshop days where the students presented their solos to the class on Zoom and received critiques from me. Because the dancers were in different time zones, there were some days we were meeting at 8:00 pm (EST) to ensure that everyone could attend.”

What were the biggest challenges in teaching your curriculum online?

John Carruthers: “Some of the challenges came from our limited ability to work with students directly, meaning sitting next to them and doing artwork with them. We had to rethink our approach and emphasize a more spoken critique method.

Surprisingly, we didn’t change our core curriculum that much.

The method of delivery was changed, and sometimes the activities that taught our core skills were different (i.e. – using online drawing apps, doing more drawing than painting), but we really didn’t compromise delivering the content we feel is essential.”

18 / A CREATIVE LEAP

Megan Liggett: “Fashion was a big challenge for a few reasons. It’s a very hands-on class where we use many tools from needles and thread, shears, and sewing machines to fabrics and accessories, so it was difficult for some online students to get all the supplies they needed at home. Time was also a concern.

When moving back and forth between in-person and online classes, the students weren’t able to finish enough garments to put on a full fashion show as is the tradition. Instead, we switched gears to do a video

of them working that focused on the process of putting together pieces in the classroom.”

Lindsay Brown: “For Stagecraft and Design, the struggle was the students not having all the same tools to work with such as power tools like drills and saws, as well as the microphones and lighting systems in the Theater. Things had to change from being very hands-on where students learned set construction and basic technical theater skills, to being theoretical when classes moved online. The curriculum turned into creating designs and how to budget for a production instead of learning how to build for a show. The students still learned the same aspects of technical theatre, but they were learning it from a different perspective.”

Jeanette Jacobson: “The biggest challenge was space at the students’ homes! The dancers were moving furniture, going outside, and finding other creative ways to ensure they had enough space to dance. They were dancing with dogs running between their legs, and parents working in the same room.”

Zhenya Kiperman: “This fall, in-person video production students had access to our digital lab, but the online students did not. To remedy this, our IT Department provided all of the online students with access to the Premiere software we use for editing on their home computers. Gradually, we installed Premiere on the home computers of all my students, so during periods of online instruction, everyone was able to continue their editing work from home.”

What were some of the tools/technology you used?

Lindsay Brown: “Along with Zoom, my students practiced their drafting skills, meaning they learned to create a set on paper. They were asked to draw out their designs in scale (in a set measurement on the page), and think about how their design would actually fit in the space. We also had many review sessions via Kahoot and the students experimented with the audio editing software GarageBand and Audacity.”

and students would email or text answers. We did this almost daily and it proved highly effective and kept students thoroughly engaged. I used the sequencing program LogicPro X (the professional version of GarageBand, which many students have preinstalled if they have a Mac computer). I also used the notation program Sibelius for my Music Theory Class. One challenge I faced with my piano students was having them place the web camera where I could see their hands on the keyboard.

This was more challenging than one might expect!”

Anne Fulton: “For acting class, we used Zoom, FlipGrid, iMovie, and Premier Pro. We also took advantage of Zoom’s screen sharing capabilities and were able to stream a wonderful production of Royal Shakespeare Company’s Macbeth, which we were reading in class.”

Jeanette Jacobson: “I used a combination of Zoom, FlipGrid and iMovie. One thing I found very useful was posting the recordings of our classes on the school portal. Students were able to go back and watch dances on their own. This is something I will continue to do, whether we have all students in person, or not, because it proved to be helpful for the students to have the videos to refer back to.”

Above: Stagecraft Teacher Lindsay Brown's class on Zoom; Below: Fashion Teacher Megan Liggett's class on Zoom

Alva Nelson: “We used YouTube for our melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation lessons. I would prepare lessons and e-mail them to students prior to class so they could prepare for classroom discussions.

When in class, we would complete the assignment

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How did your students respond to learning in the new format?

Anne Fulton: “I think the fact that the students were already familiar with using their phones and platforms like TikTok to film themselves singing, dancing, and acting was extremely helpful in our efforts to record their work. They took to Zoom quickly and seemed comfortable with connecting virtually. That said, so much of our class in the past involved physical, collaborative exercises that couldn’t be duplicated in Zoom. The students adjusted, though, and we chose scenes that lent themselves to the virtual format. In the future, I will continue to encourage my students to film themselves as a tool to review their work. College auditions are being done virtually now, so the ability to convey their talents in a video format is an important skill for them to master.”

John Carruthers: “The students did very well with some of the new formats we tried, especially Sketchbook and some of the other drawing apps. I plan to integrate them into my curriculum going forward. In conversations with students, we also found new and fun ways to develop skills. For instance, I would suggest a photo project, and then the students would make suggestions about technical edits they could do, or they would include different details I wouldn’t have thought of. In general, our online students were very resourceful in using household items and being innovative in creating art, and the in-person students did some wonderfully in-depth work because the class sizes made for great oneon-one teaching moments.”

Above: Global Studies in Art; Below: A socially-distanced Fashion class

How will you remember this time in the history of the arts at SKS? Anne Fulton: “In fifteen years of producing shows at SKS, I had never canceled a show, until the 2020 pandemic. We were so used to being able to overcome any obstacles, to have the show go on, that it was surreal to have to shut down the live show. Fortunately, we had photographed the

dress rehearsal and were able to combine those photos and the scenes that were acted out in students’ homes to create a wonderful virtual performance. I think that we’ve learned valuable skills during this time and that our students can adapt to new circumstances very well. I’m very proud of them.”

Lindsay Brown: “I will remember this as a time where we got to focus more on our craft and less on what the next production is. The students got to learn fundamentals that they would not have normally been exposed to. We were challenged in a way that I have never experienced before. We had to learn how to adapt and have compassion both as a community and as peers in a class. Many students were tech savvy, but many were not, so they struggled to transition to virtual instruction. By showing compassion and understanding, we got through it together as a class.”

Socially-distanced art class 20 / A CREATIVE LEAP

Jeanette Jacobson: “This is my tenth year at SKS and I have never been more proud of the School. I think as a department, we had a huge challenge, but an important one. The performing arts classes provided our students with a way to express themselves and relieve stress, which was more important than ever. I feel this time has made us stronger and better educators. The triumph was the effort put in by the dancers. They really rose to the occasion. Our dance show videos turned out wonderfully. The students worked so hard to make them work, be fun, and be worth watching! I will always be proud of them.”

Alva Nelson: “Where there are obstacles, there will be opportunities. This has been an interesting time;

however, I have learned so much from my colleagues and students alike.

I will continue to prepare for remote learning, even if we go back to exclusive in-person learning.”

John Carruthers: “For me, I will remember it as a time of refocusing on what I do as a teacher– how do I teach, guide, and inspire in a relevant way in this “new normal” of our world. Every year, I always revamp my curriculum and see if there’s a new way to teach a skill, or whether there is an older lesson that I should bring back. This year, I believe the very role of a teacher was rethought, renewed, re-considered, and rebuilt. I think the future will be a very exciting time to recreate education. We’ve always looked at what we can do to innovate, but this year has also reinforced that the basic teacher-student relationship of reciprocal inspiration, under any circumstance, is the essence of what we do here at SKS.”

Were there any benefits or lessons learned that you will continue to use after the pandemic is over?

Lindsay Brown: “I will continue to teach my students how to budget for a production. Not only is it an important skill for them to learn, especially if they plan to pursue a career in the arts, but it is a skill that can be used in their everyday life that I don’t think many students are exposed to early enough.”

John Carruthers: “I’ll definitely continue with some of the tech-oriented lessons and keep an open mind for working spontaneously with the students. One thing was discovering ways to teach off the cuff with what is right in front of you– from handheld devices to any paper, fabric, or literally anything within arm’s reach. Necessity becomes the mother of innovation, if I may coin a phrase!”

Socially-distanced dance class

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FACULTY PROFILE

ALL THAT JAZZ WITH

MUSIC DIRECTOR ALVA NELSON

BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19

“In music, you have to stay active,” explains Alva Nelson, Storm King’s music director. “You must write, record, perform, and teach.

If you don’t do all four, you aren’t complete.” Now in his fourth year at SKS, Mr. Nelson has become an integral part of the Performing Arts Department and a favorite faculty member and mentor of his students, all while he continues to create and perform music that is diverse, sophisticated, and exhilarating.

The son of a Pentecostal minister, Mr. Nelson grew up in Houston, Texas, and was exposed to music from a young age. “I didn’t know I was going to be a musician then, but I was surrounded by music,” he says. By the age of eight, he was singing with the All Houston Boys Choir, and later, studying piano and saxophone at Houston’s Kashmere High School.

“The schools weren’t integrated then, so it wasn’t really ‘All Houston’ to me. But, I was surrounded by great music and I had great teachers and mentors,” Mr. Nelson explains, referring to the renowned high school band leader Conrad O. Johnson and the school’s famous Kashmere Stage Band. It was while working with Johnson and traveling with the band that Mr. Nelson decided music was his path.

Answering his calling, Mr. Nelson went on to attend Sam Houston State University, where he won a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study Fellowship to study with saxophonist Billy Harper in New York City. His relocation to the “Big Apple” in 1982 was followed by a string of opportunities, awards, and successes as he continued to hone his craft, including three Composer Grants, several first-place wins in the Composers’ Guild Composition Contest, and his selection as a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.

Throughout the 1990s, Mr. Nelson continued to perform, arrange, and orchestrate music for the Boys Choir of Harlem, including engagements at Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall with Wynton Marsalis and Kathleen Battle, and with Hubert Laws and the St. Luke’s Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic with Zubin Mehta. In addition, his cutting-edge arrangement of “Amazing Grace” was featured on the Bill Moyers PBS Special Amazing Grace.

After countless performances with every type of ensemble and his band, The Alva Nelson Group, and an emotional reunion of the Kashmere Stage Band to honor Johnson in 2008, Mr. Nelson’s love for music has come full circle. In his most recent persona as an educator, it remains an extremely powerful and spiritual force in his life today.

Join us as we get to know Mr. Nelson and how he brings a mix of passion for music, Black history and culture, and a love for teaching music to his students, no matter what their level.

22 / MOUNTAIN ROAD

Please tell us more about how you got started and what brought you to Storm King?

“I became a professional, not because of my talent, but from the guidance I received. Also, from a lot of perseverance and hard work. My dad was a Pentecostal minister, so I was always surrounded by music.

Many kids I grew up with went on to become singers and musicians. But, dad was difficult. He didn’t see music as a viable career until much later after I moved to New York. I didn’t know I was going to be a musician then, but I did love the music.

I started performing around the age of eight in the All Houston Boys Choir. In high school, I had the privilege of being mentored by our high school band director Conrad “Prof” Johnson. He was a great teacher and a great musician. But, I was still just a kid having fun with my band. We happened to become famous. Then, I went to college at Sam Houston State

Conrad "Prof" Johnson

FACULTY PROFILE University and that is when I decided music would be my life’s work. It was also about that time that I wanted to leave Texas. I was coming of age as a musician, and that was part of it.

When I moved to New York in the early 1980s to work with Billy Harper, I met many native New Yorkers and I found my place. I was making it work and making a living through music. Things really changed when I got a gig with the Boys Choir of Harlem. We did concerts all over the country and the world. Before I knew it, 20 years or so had passed.

I remember when my dad came to see me perform at Carnegie Hall in 2000. I got him a limo and he had box seats. Afterwards, we went for lunch and reveled in the fact that we both had come a long way. It was a glorious time.

After living in the city for so long, I moved to Westchester County. I was put in contact with SKS through the parent of a student who saw me perform at a show in New Jersey and contacted me on social media. I didn’t know her well, but she encouraged me to check out Storm King. I called and was asked to come to campus for an interview. From the moment I arrived, I was mesmerized. I immediately felt like I belonged and that I was a part of the community. I passed up a job at a public school for the arts to join the residential faculty at Storm King. I think we (my wife, daughter, and I) are still on ‘Cloud 9’ and have to calm ourselves down sometimes.”

You have always encouraged our students’ involvement in Black History Month. What can you tell us about this?

“Black history is American history. If you aren’t talking about it as a part American history, you’re not doing it justice. History changes how we move forward, and changes our thinking. That’s why, in my office, every month is Black History Month! I want kids to know about important, as well as obscure Black figures, especially women.

Storm King is an international community, but Black History Month is uniquely American. Many kids don’t know about Thurgood Marshall, for example. In my opinion, race shouldn’t be viewed as ‘us against them,’ it’s about how Blacks have contributed to this country. I love Frederick Douglas and Malcom X, but we need to talk about what Blacks are doing now. Often times, we’re too quick to jump on these past figures. We need to delve into the present and focus on what Black youth are doing today. This will help not only

Blacks, but all of us. Black history must become American history.”

Can you express your vision and your personal mission at SKS? What do you hope to achieve here?

“I want Storm King to be the go-to school for the Arts, and for music. I want kids to see that we do something special here–that they can get a wellrounded education and still be prepared for college and a career in music, if that is the path they choose. Our aim is to produce wonderful humans.

Music and the arts are a great support in developing this.

Mrs. Fulton [SKS Performing Arts Chair] and I are always working on the curriculum and finding new ways to engage the students. I want to create a way of teaching where they can progress musically, but also do music just for music’s sake.

Music is one of the most difficult things to teach virtually, so this past year with COVID-19 has been very difficult. Getting on the bus to perform is one of the highlights for students learning music, and the lack of live performances has been the most difficult, so I think we’ve regressed a bit in terms of enthusiasm. But, this is temporary. My goal is to create a permanent school band or ensemble that can travel and perform, both to motivate the students and to show others what we do. Our wish is to enroll good, college-bound students who are also talented musicians.

The best thing I can do is offer my students what I’ve learned over the course of my professional life. That is, just keep music in your life. I’ve had it around me every day since I was eight years old, and I’m not bored yet! You can’t choose music, it chooses you.”

Alva's wife daughter mother and sister

Alva's wife, daughter, mother and sister

Kashmere Stage Band

Kashmere Vinyl sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 23

I AM SKS:

Shayla Lawrence ’21

BY SARAH FULTON ’09

Meet Shayla Lawrence ‘21. Shayla is best-known by her peers for her excellent grades, her leadership, her talents as an actress and singer, and her involvement in Student Government, National Honor Society (NHS), Black Student Union (BSU), and many other committees. In a recent interview with On the Mountain, Shayla told us about her journey at SKS, her future aspirations in the field of Psychology, and how she has come to embody the School’s core values and everything that is Storm King.

Q: What is your background? How did you decide to come to SKS? SL: Both sides of my family are Jamaican, so I grew up with a very large and loud family who support me through it all. Through that support, my parents recognized potential in me that was not being challenged at my previous school. That’s why they made the decision to send me to Storm King. The catch is I didn’t find out I was going to SKS until a week after the school year had already started! I was hesitant and anxious about being able to fit in here and the first week I attended I didn’t speak or engage in class until I discovered what a homey and accepting environment I was surrounded by. Soon enough I settled in, made

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friends, developed relationships with teachers, and began joining extracurricular activities. Now, I love it here!

Q: What challenges have you faced/ what has your experience at SKS so far been like?

SL: Growing up I was always taught what it meant to be a Black woman in America. Until Storm King, I had always attended predominantly white schools where I had always struggled with finding my identity as a Black female and balancing the in-depth teachings I was getting at home about my Black heritage as opposed to the strict, close-minded, and racist beliefs I learned at school. Coming to Storm King completely changed that. I was welcomed by an open-minded, accepting environment that gave me room to explore my identity and use my voice to communicate my truth. Of course, Storm King definitely has room for improvement when it comes to being vocal about racial inequality and understanding the Black voice, but the fact that I have the space and feel comfortable enough to even address these concerns is an experience that would have been completely unknown to me if I hadn’t come to Storm King.

Q: Why did you decide to join the BSU? What do you hope to accomplish? What other activities/leadership positions have you been a part of at SKS? SL: I initially joined the BSU last year as a junior in order to become a part of the conversation to promote change and bring attention to racial inequality within my community. At the beginning I will admit I was a bit shy and quiet, but I think a big turning point for me was performing at the annual Black History performance. The feeling of knowing I might have implemented change within a person in the audience really sparked something in me that made me want to work harder as an advocate for the Black experience and Black voice. Now that I am one of the co-presidents of the organization, I feel like I am in my element.

As one of the most active clubs on campus, what we hope to accomplish is to bring attention to racial injustice, help educate others about Black culture and Black excellence, and to condemn any form of racism within our community. Our goal is always to educate, inform, and inspire! Along with the BSU, I am also Student Council/Body President and President of the National Honor Society, as well as a part of many sub-committees under those two groups. Within those organizations I try my best to keep the School united through various activities and student-led programs. I am grateful to be so involved and act as a voice, not only for the Black community on campus, but

the student body as a whole. I have also been on the volleyball team since sophomore year and am a part of the musical theater program at Storm King. This year, I am actually playing the lead in the musical Godspell, so I am super excited!

Q: What are your goals for the future? Where do you think you’ll be?

SL: To be honest, I am not sure what the future holds for me. I have many things that I am passionate about, and one of those passions includes mental health. As I quickly approach the beginning of my college experience, right now, I can picture myself studying Psychology and pursuing a career as a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in mental health. Like I said before, I do have many passions. I love to sing, I love being an advocate for social justice, I love literature, I love working with kids, so hopefully, I can experience a little bit of everything!

Q: What would say looking back at your time at SKS? SL: Looking back at my time at SKS, I can definitely say that the experiences I had here helped me grow tremendously as a person. The relationships I made with teachers, my leadership involvement in school activities/organizations, and most importantly the friendships I made here all aided me in my own personal growth. As a new SKS sophomore, I wouldn’t have been able to imagine the person I have become; the person I am today. Now, I am someone who makes speeches at allschool meetings in front of the whole student body; someone who acts and sings on stage in front of an audience; someone who is constantly surrounded by a supportive community who pushes her to do her best; and someone who has finally gained confidence in herself. I can never thank Storm King enough for that–for helping me grow. It’s going to be hard to leave that all behind.

Shayla at dress rehearsal for the School's 2020 spring performance of Chicago sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 25

-- Athletics --

WHAT'S HAPPENING AFTER SCHOOL Fall/Winter Roundup Sports and after-school activities at The Storm King School have a different face this year. With the cancellation of interscholastic athletics and students spending more time online, staying active is more important than ever. The challenge for the SKS Department of Athletics has been finding sports and activities that students want to participate in while keeping them safe.

In spite of some initial concerns, the School’s natural surroundings, spacious campus, and well-maintained athletic field and tennis courts proved to be the ideal setting for running a number of group activities simultaneously while keeping coaches and students properly distanced.

Throughout the fall season, the main athletic field was filled with various groups of students practicing varsity sports including soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse while other groups dotted the campus doing outdoor fitness and Yoga, playing tennis and basketball, and more. In addition, the art club could be seen painting a new mural on the observatory wall, and our cross country runners, hikers, and mountain bikers took advantage of the trails in neighboring Black Rock Forest.

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“There was most definitely a different vibe on campus during afternoon activities this fall, but all went extremely well,” explained Director of Athletics Joseph Graziosi. “Due to NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Conference) lifting the restrictions for out-of-season training, we gave students the opportunity to play fall sports every day or supplement fall sports with out-of-season offerings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These trainings were also be supplemented with intramural competitions.

For example, the soccer players were split into teams of 5 players. In October, they competed in a 12-match short-sided league schedule with a tournament at the end of the season.

Such intramural play gave our aspiring student-athletes as high a level of competition as if we were competing with other schools,” continued Mr. Graziosi.

While planning this year’s athletics and activities, keeping the community safe was paramount. “All coaches follow the CDC and Orange County Health Department guidelines for social distancing and masking,” explained Mr. Graziosi. “In addition, the main field was lined with a training grid with 10-yard by 10-yard training boxes so our student-athletes could practice social distancing easily. Our student-athletes did a fantastic job with wearing masks during their training.”

In addition to in-person sports and activities, the School’s remote learners were given a home workout program which they report every Friday. They have also purchased step counters so they could compete with one another in a weekly step challenge. “It is important for our online students to stay active and connected to the community. They can achieve this while reporting activities and getting athletic credit for the school year. I really enjoy reviewing their reports and videos each week. Some online students have even expressed an interest in remaining with their on-campus teams and we are making this accommodation for them,” continued Mr. Graziosi.

As the fall season transitioned to winter, students completed their sign-ups for a new roster of sports and activities. Due to an early move to online learning in November 2020 followed by an extended Winter Break, participation was cut short. As Semester 2 got underway in February 2021, our students returned to campus eager to participate in the winter sports and activities they had signed up for.

Despite the cold weather and the continuing limitations due to the pandemic, students joined in activities ranging from team sports training for basketball, wrestling, and fencing to active clubs including Girls Fitness and Health and Nordic Hiking.

Students interested in the arts attended a Fashion Workshop,

played in a jazz band, and enjoyed Film Appreciation, while others will practice speech and debate. Another much-awaited activity geared toward technology enthusiasts was Robotics.

“Similar to the fall, we began the winter season cautiously by being vigilant with our health protocols and prohibiting shared equipment and contact in all activities and sports. Over time, we hope to transition back to team practices and then competitive situations and possible competitions. Our hopes are set on returning to a more usual after school schedule for the spring season and the next school year,” explained Athletic Director Joseph Graziosi.

While Storm King’s athletic program looks different this year, the underlying theme remains constant–to develop integrity and character Storm King’s students and student-athletes. “I believe that this concept is an integral part of our school’s athletic program and we will see positive results as we continue to build champions this year, however they participate. During these unusual times, keeping our students active, socialized, and smiling is even more important than ever for their well-being,” continued Mr. Graziosi.

“There was most definitely a different vibe on campus during afternoon activities this fall, but all went extremely well.”

— Director of Athletics Joseph Graziosi

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-- From the Classroom --

BLACK ROCK HIKE

Reveals Our Area's Hidden Past

Storm King Honors US History students traveled back in time and into Black Rock Forest to learn about the history of an abandoned village that once occupied parts of Storm King Mountain and shared the same name with our school.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, 12 students and their teachers accompanied Black Rock Forest Historian John Brady on a “History Hike” to delve into the past of the settlement called Cornwall Heights. The group departed campus just before lunchtime to walk under the tunnel and up to Black Rock’s first reservoir where they met Mr. Brady. Three remote students were also sent pictures and videos and helped to prepare questions for Mr. Brady

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before the hike. During their three-hour trek, the students examined artifacts scattered in the forest that were proof a small, vibrant community existed there before it was forcibly abandoned in the 1930s to make room for what is today’s Route 9W. Artifacts left behind included horseshoes, parts of wagon wheels, tools, and a broken cannonball. Mr. Brady

explained that this area played an important role in manufacturing metals between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The group also traveled along an old wagon road that, many years ago, may have taken them to West Point and points beyond and visited an old, overgrown cemetery with weather-worn headstones. “I was surprised that this all used to be farmland. It is hard to picture because there are so many trees here now,” said Cedric Zhao ‘23 of Beijing, China. “I was most impressed by the 128-pound cannonball and learning that it could be shot so far,” commented Luke Ciunga ‘23 of Newburgh, NY. The students finished the History Hike with an adventurous climb to an abandoned mine before returning to the safety of the campus. “I thought it was interesting that the people mined the rocks and heated them up to 2,300°F to make weaponry,” commented Edward Ianuzzi-Sucich ‘23 from Marlboro, NY. “It was a really good experience,” concluded Hoin Chong ‘23 from Cheonan, South Korea.

According to History & Social Sciences Department Chair Tim Gillett, learning about the history of the Cornwall Heights settlement supports his department’s goal of teaching SKS students the history of the School and the local area. “The fact that SKS once shared the same name as this abandoned village sparked all of our interests,” commented Mr. Gillett. “We hope to take our other US History classes on a History Hike in the spring, so we will have many more questions ready for Mr. Brady.”

The Storm King School, which borders the Black Rock Forest preserve, was founded as the Cornwall Heights School in 1867 and kept this name until 1912 when it was renamed the Stone School after its third headmaster Dr. Carlos Stone. In 1923, Headmaster Alvan E. Duerr changed the name of the Stone School to The Storm King School, after the majestic mountain on which it lies.

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-- Service Learning.

FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY In the Hudson Valley

At the beginning of every school year, the first day of classes and the kick-off of Storm King’s Service Learning Program go hand in hand. This fall, the program got off to a great start with some new approaches to accommodate the various ways our students are learning in person and online.

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On the very first weekend of school, several students volunteered to assist the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in its fight to ease food insecurity in the region. On Saturday, September 19, 2020, a small group of students participated in a 2-hour shift at the organization’s Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, warehouse.

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During their shift, hundreds of pounds of donated food were inspected, sorted, and packaged for distribution to thousands of people in need.

The following day, another group of SKS volunteers traveled to the Hudson Valley Lab Research Orchard in Highland, NY, to glean apples for the Food Bank to distribute. As they enjoyed the fall weather, the students succeeded in gathering several bushels of apples which were added to the thousands of pounds ready for distribution.

Student-led service activities were also a new addition this fall. For example, junior Zoe Buddie rallied her peers to write notes of encouragement to West Point cadets who were required to remain on campus during the holidays. Members of the Student Council also took the lead in organizing their peers to decorate the campus for Halloween.

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According to Director of Service Learning Ben Harnick, food insecurity has been magnified in our region due to the pandemic. “The Hudson Valley Food Bank has seen the need for its services grow by about 40% since the start of the pandemic,” he explained. “Volunteering our time with the Food Bank has been a safe and easy way to make an impact on combating hunger in our surrounding communities.”

“Today’s circumstances have definitely reshaped how we approach community service, at least for the time being,” continued Mr. Harnick. “Out of an abundance of caution, we must be more selective than ever about where we send our students for off-campus service. Throughout the spring, we will continue to arrange outdoor opportunities whenever possible, and otherwise ensure that the organizations we volunteer with have proper health and safety precautions in place.”

Closer to home, the School is also offering more on-campus service opportunities this year, and a line-up of online service opportunities has been presented to our remote learners. “On campus, we have been doing simple maintenance tasks, gardening, litter pick-ups, assisting Black Rock Forest with invasive species removal, and much more,” explained Mr. Harnick.

4 1, 2 & 3: SKS students volunteering at the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY ; 4 & 5: Junior Zoe Buddie who organized the first student-led community service project of the school year! She rallied her peers to write notes of encouragement to the West Point cadets who were required to remain on campus during break.

“For our remote learners, activities such as tutoring elementary age students over the internet, playing online games with senior citizens, providing assistance with data entry for non-profits, conducting letter-writing campaigns and other methods of volunteering are only some of the opportunities that have been made available. Our aim this year is to maximize participation with all of our learners, and offer something for everyone,” continued Mr. Harnick.

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5

Alumni Mini Feature:

Shania Roehrich ’19

Crossing Borders with Lacrosse

Shania Roehrich, Class of 2019, known at SKS for her sparkling smile, her academic achievements, and her athletic prowess in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, is now thriving as a sophomore at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina!

Shania Roehrich ’19 (bottom right) with her sister, Sienna Roehrich ’23, and their family at SKS on NCAA Division 1 Commitment Day 2019

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Shania is currently enrolled in Campbell’s Honors Program as a Biology/Pre-Veterinary major with a minor in Spanish.

She received a Big South Presidential Award last season and was accepted as a member to Campbell University Pre-Med/ Allied Health Honor Society. When she’s not studying, Shania trains six days a week and competes on Campbell’s Division 1 Women’s Lacrosse team. Her ultimate goal is to attend Cornell’s combined DVM/PHD program which will cover Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Biomedical Research (PHD) curriculums.

As if all of this isn’t enough to keep her busy, Shania is also proud to be the president and co-founder of Dominican Republic Lacrosse, Inc. (DRLax). DRLax is a nonprofit organization established on November 7, 2019, with the mission of promoting and developing lacrosse in that country as a sport for all. Their work includes developing , organizing, and supporting the development and organization of facilities, coaching, and competitions that provide access for mass participation in the sport and create pathways for the development of players, coaches, and officials. In addition, DRLax uses the sport to create a culture that empowers youth by teaching them to be stronger and more confident; inspiring them to be better people through teamwork and serve their communities through humanitarian efforts.

On August, 31, 2020, World Lacrosse Board of Directors and their Development Committee welcomed DRLax as the 67th member-National Governing Body of Lacrosse. On November 30, 2020, Pan-American Lacrosse Association Board of Directors welcomed DRLax as a member to the Continental Federation. “Dominican Republic Lacrosse is more than an organization — it’s an opportunity,” said Shania in a recent interview with US Lacrosse magazine. “I want our organization to be able to give the same excitement I had when I started playing at age eight to all the boys and girls in the Dominican Republic. I can’t wait to one day see Dominican Republic represented and competing at the highest levels of the sport. It’s a long road ahead, but we are up for the challenge.”

In addition to being the president and a co-founder of DRLax, Shania is currently preparing to participate in future events and qualifiers for the Dominican Republic National Women’s U19 lacrosse team and the Dominican Republic Women’s Senior National Team, as well as the 2021 Inaugural PALA Sixes Cup. Shania is also thrilled that her younger sister, Sienna, is also practicing to participate in the PALA Sixes Cup. Sienna, who is currently a sophomore at SKS, made the Maryland Showcase All-Star Team in the summer of 2020.

“We started all this as a Girl Scout Silver Award project for which Sienna earned the Award in November 2019. To meet the most current regulations on fielding a team in the Dominican Republic, we created a Dominican Republic Lacrosse development team and we are currently in communications with the person who handles all Social Projects in the National Palace. We are traveling there this summer to meet with her and the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee. We are all very excited,” explained Shania and Sienna’s mom, Dilcia Roehrich, who supports both girls in their efforts.

Most recently, Shania has been interviewed by World Lacrosse and the Pan-American Lacrosse Association for her exceptional achievements that cross borders in the sport of lacrosse, and the news was featured in US Lacrosse Magazine. Shania was also interviewed by Campbell University in late 2020 for a video highlighting her work.

Kudos to Shania and Sienna for their contributions to this important project, and for using their passion for lacrosse to bring opportunities to an entire country while making history!

Campbell University video link: https://youtu.be/S1pwNp42Sco

Follow Dominican Republic Lacrosse @dominicanrepubliclacrosse on Instagram and Facebook

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Heard at The Council The winter meeting of The Storm King School’s Alumni Council reminded us of our incredible alumni community: from the volunteers who have stepped up to give of themselves, the tremendous accomplishments of awards recipients, the breadth of participation in virtual gatherings, to a surge in alumni giving. According to Alumni Director Lynn Crevling ’72,

“As we stand back and look at it, there is every reason to be proud and grateful. It’s a good year, despite the challenges!”

The Council's virtual gathering, Jan. 30, 2021

Members of the SKS Alumni Council, the representative body of SKS Alumni, gathered virtually on January 30 for its regular winter meeting. As is the Council’s tradition to invite all members of the SKS Alumni community, they were joined by more than 20 guests for their mid-winter deliberations to learn of the work this representative body is doing on behalf of the School.

Much was accomplished as the Council, working through their committees, named this year’s alumni award recipients in the arts, for humanitarian work, and the 2021 inductee into The Storm King School’s Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, new Council leadership was named for the 2021-2022 year as the Council recognized long-time SKS Alumni President Scott Cantor ’73 for his more than 10 years of exceptional service to the Storm King Community.

As is customary, the assembly heard the latest reports on the School highlighted by the announcement that the School has recently acquired an adjacent piece of property and home on Deer Hill Road, adding two acres to the campus while providing future opportunities for the campus’ ongoing development.

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Scott Cantor ’73 speaking about becoming alumni to the class of 2019

Those gathered were also informed that gifts and giving by SKS Alumni to this year’s Storm King Fund had increased by 22% over this time last year in support of the School’s mission-critical needs.

The Alumni Council will host its annual meeting of the Storm King School Alumni Association on Saturday June 12, 2021, at 11:30 am. This year’s gathering will be an on-line event as part of the School’s virtual Reunion Weekend 2021. All SKS Alumni are cordially invited. This traditional event is a wonderful opportunity the learn of the outstanding work of the Council and to be kept abreast of the strategic progress the School is making as it looks towards the post pandemic era.

Alumni who have an interest in serving on the Alumni Council are encouraged to contact Lynn Crevling ’72, Director of Alumni Relations, at lcrevling@sks.org or at 845-458-7517. The Council meets three times per year in the fall, winter, and spring. For more information about the Alumni Council, see https://sks.org/alumni-overview/ alumni-association/.

Meet our New Council Members Jodie Gerson, Class of 1991 Jodie E. Gerson, MA, MS, CPM, CETP has two master’s degrees: one in Community Clinical Psychology, the other in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Jodie is a Certified Expert Trauma Professional and has worked in the field for over 25 years. Her work experience with adults, adolescents, and children includes assisting with the homeless and interventions, individuals with mental illness, minors in foster care, forensics, youth parole, and persons with HIV/ AIDS. She specializes in art therapy. During her spare time, she trains for triathlons, rode her bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles raising money and awareness for HIV/AIDS, enjoys scuba diving, and spends time with her four rescue dogs. “After researching several schools on the east coast, I knew SKS was my home. ‘Friends’ is not a strong enough word for how I feel about my SKS brothers and sisters. I love that I have reconnected and continued my bonds with them. I miss SKS and will always support my alma mater, and look forward to contributing to the Alumni Council."

Michelle Arginsky Farber, Class of 1983 After SKS, Michelle Arginsky Farber attended Skidmore College and then the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), graduating with a BA in Fashion Buying and Merchandising. She enjoyed a 19-year career in the fashion industry before deciding to embark on a “second life” and pursue her passion for events.

She trademarked the term “Party Concierge,“ and set out to craft spectacular celebrations, marrying her experience in fashion, manufacturing and sales in the events world. Michelle attended SKS from 1981-1983 as a junior and senior. “I am forever grateful for so many things that I vividly remember to this day. Headmaster Horton introduced me to the National Honor Society, which I proudly became a member of, and I caught the academic “bug” and spent many an afternoon at (College Counselor and Math Teacher) Mr. Sauer’s kitchen table while he patiently explained calculus problems to me. All these years later, I still hold precious memories, friendships, and lifelong lessons. Being a part of the Alumni Council will be a wonderful way for me to reconnect with and give back to a school that instilled so much in me.”

Jermaine Miller, Class of 2002 Jermaine Miller is an NYPD detective at the 50th Precinct, covering areas of the Bronx. He graduated from of the University of New Haven in 2005 with a BS in Criminal Justice. He is also the CEO of Basketball Shape Training, LLC and a Co-Owner and Board Member of Higher Education Literacy Professionals, better known as HELP Inc. Jermaine is married with four beautiful daughters. “I was born and raised in Harlem, NYC, with parents of Nigerian descent and no strangers to hard work. As a junior, I was given the opportunity to attend SKS on a full basketball scholarship. Although I was there to play, I learned and experienced so much more. As a kid who struggled academically in the city, not because of lack of intelligence, but rather falling victim to the environment, Storm King changed my outlook on life. Last year, I was inducted into the Storm King School Sports Hall of Fame, and this year I was named the SKS Girls Varsity Basketball Coach. I believe with my knowledge and insight in sports, and my love of our alma mater, I will bring value to the SKS Alumni Council.”

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Humanitarian Award 2021

Jonathan Keeve, MD ’74

Cuba 2019

The Storm King School Alumni Council is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 SKS Humanitarian Award: Jonathan Keeve, Class of 1974. This award recognizes a member of the SKS alumni body for extraordinary accomplishments and contributions supporting human welfare, the environment, or social reform, including lifesaving work for social justice, the improvement of quality of life, socio-economic status, or the alleviation of suffering.

Keeve, an orthopedic surgeon, began traveling abroad on medical missions in 1999 when he visited Vietnam as a medical volunteer. “I was always curious what it would be like to work in a place that didn’t have a lot of resources, and I like to travel,” Keeve says. “I brought a bunch of surgical equipment and went by myself with eyes wide open. I really enjoyed the experience in terms of being able to teach.”

Since then, Keeve has participated in nearly a dozen medical missions to Southeast Asia, Nepal, Germany, Haiti, and Cuba. “The need for orthopedic care in developing countries is acute,” Keeve says. “Two-thirds of the global population doesn’t have reliable access to health care, let alone orthopedic care. If you have a skill to offer a greater number of people, whether it’s through teaching or service, it just seems like the right thing to do.”

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Keeve has used his skills to treat traumatic, debilitating, and infectious injuries caused by earthquakes, war, remnant IEDs, motor vehicles, and more. He has gone on his own medical missions and has participated in missions through Richland, Washington-based SIGN Fracture Care International– a nonprofit that designs and manufactures implants and surgical instruments which it donates or provides through cost reimbursement to under-resourced hospitals while sending orthopedic surgeons to educated peers in the use of the equipment and in technical procedures.

“Once you’ve been on a medical mission trip, it would be very difficult not to continue,” Keeve says. “That’s why I’ve done it for 20+ years. Volunteer medical mission work has been one of the true highlights of my career. You meet wonderful people and can share your skills and experience in a very personal way.”

Those on medical missions give up the comforts of home and adapt to new foods, climate, and physical challenges. Working in extreme heat is not uncommon. Personal safety is also a concern, as it was in January 2010 for Dr. Keeve in a riot-filled and destroyed Haiti after the earthquake that killed over 200,000 people. Three weeks after the earthquake, Dr. Keeve got an urgent call and was brought on board the USNS Comfort, a 900-foot long 1,000-bed floating hospital in a converted oil tanker, along with nine other orthopedic trauma surgeons, to treat severe injuries complicated by delayed treatment.

In Cambodia in 2017, Dr. Keeve served in a hospital for landmine victims and taught surgery. Four million unexploded landmines from three decades of war litter the landscape and create horrific injuries, and Cambodia has one of the highest rates of amputees in the world. “Technology was limited, and language barriers posed a problem. They are resourceful and resilient people and suffered greatly for decades.”

Jon Keeve traveled to Cuba in 2019, one of two Spokane orthopedic surgeons with a U.S. volunteer medical team that would perform 65 joint-replacement operations for arthritis patients. Hip or knee replacements are rare for Cubans, who have widespread primary care but little access to such advanced surgeries.

“Two-thirds of the global population doesn’t have reliable access to health care, let alone orthopedic care. If you have a skill to offer a greater number of people, whether it’s through teaching or service, it just seems like the right thing to do.”

In addition to these and other missions, Jon Keeve has served as Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Landstuhl, Germany, treating wounded US and NATO soldiers from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Washington State Orthopedic Association recognized Keeve with a lifetime achievement award in 2019, recognizing the contributions of an individual in the field of orthopaedic medicine who, throughout their careers, has demonstrated and promoted the highest values of leadership, service, education, and professional relationships.

Jonathan Keeve was the recipient of the Spy Rock Cup at The Storm King School. He attended Dartmouth College and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He is a partner with Northwest Orthopedic Specialists in Spokane, Washington. When he is not seeing patients for hip and knee conditions or sports, joint, and trauma-related injuries, Dr. Keeve is cycling, skiing, playing water sports, and enjoying music.

Thimpu, Bhutan 2001

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Alumni Art Award 2021 David Collens ’65 The Storm King School’s Alumni Council is pleased to announce the 2021 recipient of the Alumni Art Award, David Collens, Class of 1965.

The Alumni Art Award recognizes exceptional artistic contributions and achievement by Storm King School alumni in the visual and performing arts (e.g. vocal music, instrumental music, theater, dance); film/documentaries; writing/literary arts; curating, directing or producing; design arts, or other artistic media, with selection based upon the artist's recognition and impact in their field.

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David Collens joined the staff of Storm King Art Center in 1974, became Director in 1978, and currently holds the position of Director and Chief Curator. In his 47-year tenure at Storm King Art Center, David has guided the growth and the shaping of the Art Center and its collection. He has overseen many of the Center’s most wellknown acquisitions and site-specific commissions, worked hands-on with artists to develop and site exhibitions, expanded and developed the Museum’s grounds and landscaping, and built a focus on community education in collaboration with the education and leadership teams.

Mr. Collens fondly recalls his collaboration with artists throughout his career: “Storm King’s relationship with artists is very important to us and always has been core to our work. We are very attuned to the artist’s needs, respect their vision, and encourage development of their ideas. Whether it’s collaborating with an artist on their first outdoor installation or working with an established artist to site one of their sculptures here at Storm King, true partnership is central to our philosophy and ensures their artworks are in dialogue with Storm King’s site and the surrounding landscape.”

David Collens and Mark di Suvero during the installation of Mark di Suvero’s E=MC2, 1996-97. ©Mark di Suvero, courtesy of the artist and Spacetime C.C., Photo by Jerry L. Thompson

Storm King Art Center. View of the south fields. All works by Mark di Suvero. L to R: Pyramidian, 1987/1998. She, 1977-78. Mon Père, Mon Père, 1973-75. Mother Peace, 1969-70. For Chris, 1991. ©Mark di Suvero, courtesy the artist and Spacetime C.C., NY. ©Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, NY. Photo by Jerry L. Thompson

Storm King Art Center’s 500-acre outdoor sculpture museum contains the largest collection of contemporary and modern outdoor sculptures in the United States and welcomes approximately 180,000 visitors per year. Founded in 1960 by the late Ralph E. Ogden, his foundation, Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, provided the initial gift of what is today the Art Center’s Museum Building and its surrounding property. Over time, 300 contiguous acres, as well as 2,100 acres of Schunnemunk Mountain (now Schunnemunk Mountain State Park) were added and preserve the Art Center’s viewshed today. Ogden Hall on the Storm King

David Collens and sculptor Mark di Suvero during the installation of E=MC2, 1996-97 Background: Mark di Suvero, Mozart’s Birthday, 1989. ©Mark di Suvero, courtesy of the artist and Spacetime C.C., NY. Photo by Jerry L. Thompson

School campus is named in recognition of Ogden’s many contributions to The Storm King School as well as the support received over the years for its students by the Foundation.

With the 1967 purchase of 13 sculptures from the estate of sculptor David Smith (1906–1965), the Art Center began a significant shift in curatorial focus to sculpture, and in particular, the thoughtful placement of sculpture directly in the landscape. This practice continues at the outdoor Museum today, and every work has been sited with consideration of both its immediate surroundings and distant views. With David’s curatorial expertise and direction, the Storm King Art Center continues to grow and evolve as one of the world’s leading places to experience art in nature.

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Sports Hall of Fame 2021

SKS Soccer 2000

Shauntiece "Puddin" Hunt Class of 2001 “Her ability to bring heart to her teams, and to build camaraderie and school spirit on and off the field”; that “she brought people together”; and “her sense of humor, contagious laugh, drive to lift others up, charismatic energy and genuine care for the SKS community."

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The Storm King School Alumni Council is pleased to announce the induction of Shauntiece “Puddin” Hunt ’01, Headmaster’s Cup recipient and pentagonal athlete, into the SKS Sports Hall of Fame 2021.

Inductees have a distinguished record in athletics and a dedication and commitment to exemplify the core mission and values of The Storm King School: truth, respect, and responsibility.

Shauntiece came to SKS as a sophomore and quickly found her place in the community. In that first year, she became captain of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, was selected as co-MVP, and recipient of the HVAL AllLeague Award. She also was co-captain of the girls varsity basketball team, and was selected as MVP and received the HVAL All League Award in basketball. As a junior, Shauntiece continued in those leadership roles, and in the spring, became the sole female on the mens varsity lacrosse team coached by Steve Mandell to score a goal in mens lacrosse.

In 2000-2001, Co-captains Shauntiece Hunt, Talicia Ferguson and Tina McDaniels brought the Girls Varsity Basketball the first HVAL ALL-League award. As one nominator put it, despite her small stature, “she was a fierce competitor in basketball that the other teams feared, and was a loved teammate on the SKS team.”

After SKS, Ms. Hunt continued to play Women’s Varsity Soccer at Mitchell College from 2002-2005, where she brought home the 2004 The New England Cup, while also being an outstanding member of the Women’s Varsity Basketball Team.

Induction into the SKS Sports Hall of Fame is not solely about athletic accomplishments. Shauntiece Hunt’s 18 nominations for induction spoke volumes about her other qualities, with phrases citing “her ability to bring heart to her teams, and to build camaraderie and school spirit on and off the field”; that “she brought people together”; and “her sense of humor, contagious laugh, drive to lift others up, charismatic energy and genuine care for the SKS community."

As one member of the Sports Hall of Fame commented, “there is no woman in SKS sports history that compares to Puddin. She exemplifies the definition of work ethic, talent, team work, and leadership. I attended SKS at the same time and was a starter during Coach Kevin Houston's first year where we (the Men’s Varsity Basketball Team) went undefeated; Puddin could've played on that team easily. She embodies all things community-related and demonstrates this in her everyday life.”

Top: SKS Basketball 2000; Middle: SKS Field 2000; Bottom: SKS Soccer Team 2000

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Events & Notes 42 / COMMON ROOM

Events & Notes

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The Alumni Speaker Series: The SKS Black Student Union 1 Members of the Black Student Union in the 1972 Yearbook; 2 BSU crest by Kylie Marshall; 3 Black Student Union Discussion - from top left: Lynn Creving ’72; Sarah Fulton ’09; Teacher Ellen VanDunk with current BSU students; Steve Sims ’69, Susan Sinclair ’75; second row from left;: Past teacher Leslie McLean; Joanna Bennett ’75; Jim Perlberg ’70; staff Tom Fogarty; Richard Bailey ’02; third row from left: William Kenney ’71; Kakazi Kacyira ’18; Charles Cordero ’92; John Stebbins ’78, faculty Anne Fulton; fourth row from left: Larry Spiegel ’70; Head of School Jonathan Lamb; Gabriela Quartey ’17; Neil Epstein ’70; Michael Moore ’72; 4 The 2019 Black and Latino Student Union’s Co-presidents Jordan Golding ’20 and Guy-Paul Delisfort ’20; The Alumni Speaker Series: All Things Golf 5 Jennifer Hudson ’02 and Steve Wooten ’04; 6 Jennifer Hudson ’02; The Alumni Speaker Series: Visit with 80’s Faculty & Staff 7 Faculty of the 1980s; 8 Top row from the left: Lynn Crevling ’72, Head of School Jonathan Lamb; past faculty Martin Vollmuth; past Head of School James Dowell; second row: Jeff Hirschberg ’82; Jim Perlberg ’70; Anthony Behar ’83, past faculty Diethard Kolewe; Third row from left: Lisa Veyka ’83; Ron Traub ’85; past staff Karen Szvoren; and past faculty Jean and Jack Armitage; The Alumni Speaker Series: Visit with 90’s Faculty & Staff 9 Faculty of the 1990s; 10 Top row from the left: Monifa Tarjamo ’90; Lynn Crevling ’72, Maylee Bellamy ’91, past faculty Leslie Breton, past faculty Joel Priest; second row from left: Steinar Knutsen ’90, Gilliam Kramer ’91, past faculty Diethard Kolewe, Alec Milton ’89, Jenna Esposito-Cannizarro ’96; Third row from left: Christina Lancaster ’91, Ila Barton ’92, Charles Cordero ’92, Michael Pock ’94, Kukil Kyle Kim ’94; fourth row from left: past faculty Andrea Sachs, past faculty Robert Thompson, Jon Penner ’84, Ian Heller ’90, Cindy Vickery ’90; fifth row from left: Maurice Pinder ’90, Jason Sosler ’90, Kerryane Monahan ’92, Ross Sober ’92, past faculty Karen Szoren; The Alumni Speaker Series: Everything Dogs 11 Top from left: Dominique Manpel Esq. '79, Lynn Crevling '72; middle from left: Dana Crevling '77, Randy Cardonell '77; bottom from left: Jodi Gerson '91, Nader Fathi '77; not pictured: Ken Stuart '65

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Richard Wormser ’51 speaks to SKS students about the Civil Rights Movement 12 Richard Wormser ’51 Documentary Filmmaker; 13 Richard Wormser ’51 speaking to History and Social Sciences Department Chairman Tim Gillet's US History Class who studied Wormser's PBS documentary about Jim Crow; The Alumni Speaker Series: Discussion of the book Caste 14 with Steven Sims ’69; Major General William S. Chen ’56 talks to SKS students about Leadership 15 Major General William Chen ’56 speaking to student leaders as part of the Patrick Roy Leadership Series; 16 2020 virtual Parents Association meeting The Alumni Speaker Series: LGBTQ at SKS 17 Joseph Sousa, husband of Robert Cory ’63; with Rachel Kara Perez ’04

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Events & Notes

Class Notes

Richard “Dick” Broughton ’54 said “I have been involved with The Storm King School for 69 years: as a student for three years; a member of the School’s staff for eight years as a teacher, coach, and administrator; and as a volunteer for 21 years so far. I owe SKS for providing me countless opportunities to learn about myself and about school business, so I donate in return. I give to SKS with thanks in the hope that I may be helping students gain the same information, experiences, and community during their time that I enjoyed at our wonderful school.”

Neil Epstein “Eppe” ’70 wrote that “Some families share a love for certain sports or activities. Ours is fishing. We traveled to San Diego for a trip that was over two years in planning.

Joining us were Richard Epstein “Eppe” ’59 and son his Mike, my two sons Lon and Marshall, as well as Robert Hirschhorn ’74 and his son Troy. This bubble has been on other trips as a group but none came close to this one. With just our group on board, we left the dock at 6:30 pm on Friday and returned Monday at 6 am.

Weather was great, fishing was great, and the food was beyond expectations. This time spent with family was so needed by all of us during such a trying time, for so many reasons. We were fortunate and thankful to be able to actually do what we did.

Best regards to SKS!”

Steven Danforth Singer ’71 wrote that he was scuba dive-certified in NJ at the young age of 14, and has now released his second book related to his passion for diving. More Shipwrecks of Florida: A Comprehensive Listing is a 544-page sequel to

Shipwrecks of Florida: 2nd Edition.

His new book lists over 1,500 new shipwrecks and additional information on hundreds of previously listed shipwrecks, with firsthand accounts and sometimes tragic tales; a chapter on pirates and privateers; tales of buried & sunken treasure; and more than 200 Steve with a megalodon tooth photos and illustrations and GPS coordinates. His website also has photos and additional stories of shipwrecks: www.anchorexplorations.com. When Steve is not scuba diving, he may be seen at an autocross race or at car shows with his 1969 AMX/Javelin.

Glenn Fiedelhotz ’74 wrote “As a Storm King School alumnus, I have worked at many high-level government positions in Washington, D.C. Over the past forty years, I have worked in the White House, Congress, and most of my career as a Senior Cyber Threat Analyst for the United States government. I recently completed a college textbook on cyber security for those interested: https://link.springer. com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-61591-8. What role did SKS play in my successful career? The key to a successful career is fostering critical thinking and cultivating an active imagination to predict futuristic events. As an SKS student, we read WEB Dubois’ The Souls of Black Folk, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, and

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a Shakespeare trilogy in English class. We were provided critical questions about the literature both verbally and in written format. This pedagogical task is extremely sophisticated for a high school student and cultivates the important critical thinking skills needed to compete in a technological world. The science and math classes at SKS taught innovative, quantitative, methodological processes to solve complex mathematical problem sets and conduct complex scientific experiments (biology, chemistry and astronomy). The promotion of critical thinking and inquisitiveness on the part of the SKS students make it better than its competitors and equips students with the necessary educational tools for a successful life.”

Joanna Bennett ’75 wrote “Life since SKS…Quick rewind…college grad 1979, married in 1985, ran a rib restaurant with my spouse for a short time, moved to Boston, did some dance along with a myriad of other jobs over the years…twin son and daughter arrived in 1991…I landed in the medical field where I continued to hold jobs in the private sector and at the federal level. Husband died in 2000. Fast Forward… I am grateful I made the decision to leave hospital employment when I did, retiring from the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs nearly a year ago next month. So, now I am learning how to build myself a website, concentrate on my art, and wear a new hat called Grandma Jo to a very bright, creative three-year- old named Micah. My mother, Judy Bennett, who used to teach modern dance at SKS in the early days of coeducation, and before there were enough girls for a sports team, went on to become a Methodist minister for 30 years; then became an adjunct professor at the School of Theology. She is writing a book and enjoys being a great grandmother. So, here we are. Living through a period of history, like none other than most of us can ever remember. I am all too aware that life is short, that each day is a gift, that friends and/ or family are so important. These are also troubled times. In my humble opinion, I believe, that as we move forward, building bridges, celebrating and embracing our diversities, communication and connection is vital for all of us now more than ever before. I have fond memories of SKS. It saved me. It played a part in who I have become. I’d enjoy hearing from old friends and faculty as well. On Instagram you can find me: @jogatheringwild to see my art or at jogatheringwild@gmail.com. In the meantime, I hope you are safe and loved. Fondly, Jo”

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Wendy Shreve ’78 wrote “Hello alumni! Now a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic. My blog is at www.featuringfilm. com. Hoping all is well during these challenging times.

Best, Wendy”

Richard Grossman ’79: President of Brown Harris Stevens, LLC, the largest privately owned brokerage in the Northeast, Richard was honored by Gay City News in October 2020. He received an Impact Award for his involvement as a Board Member for the NYC AIDS Memorial in the West Village, for which he has raised funds. When accepting the award, Richard commented that over his over 30-year career in NYC, he has seen an evolution of gay visibility. “It is incredible to have this platform to support our visibility and diversity in our companies and workplaces.”

Bob Cohen ’79 wrote "I have been doing pretty well, despite the pandemic. I work at Bright View Senior Living Community, where I have worked for the past nine years. I do a little of everything there, and it is a rewarding place to work. Before Bright View, I worked at ShopRite for 16 years. I have a 29-yearold son, Joseph, who lives reasonably close by. When I am not working, I like to be outside, go for walks, and go down to the shore. Being at SKS was a great experience for me. I made a lot of friends, and I still keep in touch with many of them. There so many special things about SKS that I treasure. I am glad to visit and support the school when I can.”

Sarah (Grummer) Storrs ’80 recently wrote “Hello Alumni near and far! So great to say ‘hello’ after so many years!

After graduation, I attended Brevard College in the mountains of North Carolina. Afterwards, I moved to Charlotte, NC, for some additional education and have lived here ever since. I worked as an administrative and legal assistant in various areas ranging from sports to the Public Defender’s office.

Over the years, I have realized my passion for the arts. I enjoy painting with acrylics, photography, flower gardening, and

have an eye for interior decorating. On January 30, 2021, I attended the SKS Alumni Council’s virtual meeting. It was fabulous! The turnout was strong; the presentations were very informative with lots of exciting news for SKS; along with opportunities for alumni to lend a helping hand. The friendships of fellow alumni and the laughter on the call warmed my heart! I look forward to my first visit back to SKS for my 40th (Class of ’80) reunion weekend, rescheduled for June of 2022.

I’ll be in touch with classmates regarding this event, but in the meantime, stay well!”

Christopher Korbel ’84 wrote “In the fall of ’82, my 10thgrade English teacher and stage director Mr. Alan Ovenden remarked to me, “Chris, you’ve been bitten by the theater bug.” What does he mean?

Yes, I enjoy playing a minster in The Importance of Being Earnest. True, I would stage-manage almost every play at the School. I would be immersed into as many aspects of theatrical production as possible. I would find myself relating to classmates and instructors in a way that was outside of my ordinary school life. We were a stage company!

Five years after stage-managing my last play at SKS, I enrolled in a graduate playwriting program at Rutgers University. Today, I live in LA and work as a writer, performer, and producer of live shows. While I still don’t know what Mr. Ovenden meant by his remark to me, I have failed to find a theater bug in any insect guide. However, I am grateful for the SKS community for providing the opportunity to get bitten. The mark remains. I still scratch the itch!”

shows, and just living together. These are friendships that most of us still have to this day– students to students or teachers to students– all of us connected through our Storm King experience. I look forward to seeing our legacy live on and to building new ones, as well, for our future alumni. We thank you, Storm King, for giving so many students an opportunity to grow in academics, sports, arts, and all other creative avenues. May our futures be as bright as the brightest stars!”

Tom Cote ’01 wrote “Wow, 20 years has flown by! Since leaving SKS, I have often reflected on my time there and realized the incredible lessons and growth the community afforded me.

Post-graduation, I received my BA and MBA from the University at Albany (SUNY). Given the proximity to the NYS Capital, I interned for the NYS Assembly, eventually serving as a legislative director for a Manhattan-based Assembly member.

That Assembly member officiated my wedding to my amazing husband, Will, in 2010 in Vermont, where we could legally wed. We decided to stay in the Albany area with family and the beautiful Hudson Valley right in our backyard. Since 2010, Will and I have visited 30 countries together and explored national parks on four continents! My career excelled working for several trade and professional associations throughout the country and NYS, providing lobbying and leadership. The diversity of the student body at SKS certainly opened my eyes to the diversity of our world, and those lessons were carried by my deep commitment to equality in my work and personal life.

I’ve served on countless nonprofit boards and “giving back” is now in my regular thought processes as I assess my next project or opportunity. Most recently, with all of the personal and Will, son Arlo, and Tom

Maylee Bellamy ’91 participated in the Alumni Speaker Series Zoom with 1990s faculty and staff and wrote afterward “My experience as a Storm King School student was such an amazing experience that it’s hard to sum up in a word or two. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious boarding school. I look back on the time at SKS with lots of joy and laughter, but I’m most grateful for the amazing friendships we were able to form learning together, playing sports, doing talent

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professional connections I’ve made in my career and travels, I started my own company, NextGen Management Consulting, LLC. But most importantly, in 2019, Will and I welcomed our son, Arlo, via gestational surrogacy. Becoming a family has recommitted us to being thankful, mindful, and to enjoy the moment as we watch him grow. While the pandemic has been devastating, the chance to be home and watch our little person develop has been a silver lining. To my fellow classmates of ‘01 (best class ever?) and my fellow alums: take time to reflect on what SKS means to you. I am willing to bet you’ll find a lifelong lesson that has made you a better person.”

in Cornwall. I am currently a nursing student at Rockland Community College and I am hoping one day to be a flight nurse or an emergency room nurse. I am very passionate about the medical field and especially emergency medicine. I’ve also worked at St. Luke’s Hospital on Labor and Delivery as a unit secretary and patient care assistant.

Anel Zhuaspayeva ’12 wrote “I hope that the SKS community is well in these strange times. I currently live in Los Angeles, California, with my husband and five house plants that are in varying states of well-being. My little brother Timur ’14 is married too, now! My profession revolves around supporting the oversight of technology risk governance and cybersecurity at a large company. Before LA, I lived in NYC for eight years where I studied finance and computer science at Fordham. Next year, I will be eligible to apply for US citizenship, which I’m excited about, despite some epiphanies and disappointments related to the country’s government system and social issues. Some fun news from 2020 is that I learned to play guitar using a credit card or an ID as a pick, and I was the only female participant in my firm’s inaugural “Call of Duty” videogame competition in which there were five teams of five!

I think back to my year at SKS with fondness and think of my teachers and coaches there with deep gratitude. Every sport I participated in at SKS - cross country, tennis, basketball - plays a role in my life to this day. I run 5Ks regularly and play tennis every week. While I no longer play basketball, it is my absolute favorite sport to watch, and I saw the Los Angeles Lakers play in person in 2019!”

Kathleen Weetman ’15 wrote “After graduating from SKS, I attended and graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in History and Psychology. My time at Storm King helped me find a deep passion for service and social justice that I was able to cultivate in college. Throughout my time at Miami, I worked at a local high school with students at risk of dropping out and aiding seniors in the college application process. I also served as President of Community Service for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars creating service opportunity relationships between University of Miami academic scholars and homeless shelters throughout South Florida. I am currently serving a year in the AmeriCorps in Boston, MA, working with the Boston Public School System, providing support to teachers and students navigating virtual learning during COVID-19. After my service year I will be attending law school to study and become a human rights lawyer. The lessons from my teachers, coaches, and mentors during my time at SKS without a doubt still follow me today. I will always be grateful to Storm King for helping me find my voice and fight for social justice.”

Lily Snyder ’13 sent a recent update. “I graduated from Marist College with my Bachelor’s in 2017. I received certification as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician and have been volunteering at the Town of Newburgh EMS for almost five years. I’ve held several officer positions there, and when I am not on the ambulance, I manage an Italian restaurant

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Gabriella Quartey ’17 is completing her Associates Degree at Westchester Community College, majoring in Human Services, and plans to transfer to Mercy College for a Bachelor’s Degree. She wants to be a Social Worker. Gabby continues to take dance classes, as she did at SKS, and continues

to be involved with community service as Co-Chair of Performing Arts for the Westchester Events Board, and as President of the Mount Vernon Activities Club. She wrote: “I love SKS so much. I learned so many things while there. I am glad to still be a part of the SKS Cougar family because once a Cougar, always a Cougar. I would have loved to come to campus to see all the changes that have been made and to get to know the students as well, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I can’t and I am so sad about that. SKS will always be my home.”

Tiana Vazquez ’19 is a sophomore at the University of Hartford, majoring in Pre-Med Biology and minoring in Painting. Tiana holds a research position at the University of Hartford’s neuroscience laboratory, where she examines the mechanisms of astrocytes with the APOE4 allele and their effects on the development of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. As a midfielder for

the University of Hartford’s Women’s Lacrosse team, she earned The American East Rookie of the Week Honors after making program history by netting two backto-back hat tricks during her 2020 spring season.

She played for the Puerto Rican National Women’s U19 lacrosse team at the FIL World Games in Canada, and will play at next year’s World Games in Maryland. This past summer, Tiana was accepted to the Summer Health Professions Education Program at Columbia University, and to a pre-medical pipeline program at the Zucker School of Medicine. “A special thanks to SKS for teaching me to pursue my passions and to make my own path in life.”

For Madison ’14 and Johnathan Flores ’12 it has been an exciting 10-year journey and it all started at Storm King. After graduating from SKS, Johnathan attended Pace University and received his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and his Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch College. He has been employed as a Criminal Investigator for the City of New York. Madison has ventured into the world of real estate and is currently working at Howard Hanna Rand Realty as an Office Administrator. “While 2020 was a difficult year for the world, it has provided us with perspective and clarity as to what is truly important in life. That is seizing the moment(s) and finding the bright spots during dark times.

We are happy to announce that we got married on November 21, 2020, and we are excited to start this new chapter in our lives. If you are ever in Orange County, New York, please feel free to reach out. We would love to catch up.”

Gabriella Garcia Murray ’15 cancelled her wedding to Troy Murray as a result of the pandemic. They instead decided to elope. “This was a very emotional decision for Troy and me. We had this vision of being surrounded by our family and friends, witnessing all the sweet sentimental moments of our families together, and dancing and laughing our hearts away at a reception...but in hindsight, the universe had something so much more magical in store. Our day was about celebrating us and absolutely nothing more. Sometimes the things you hope for aren’t possible or meant for you, but you have to take what you get and choose to make it sweet. One day, we’ll be able to tell our future kids and grandkids about how we hiked the Appalachian Trail on our elopement day in a wedding dress and tuxedo.

We look forward to telling them about all the magic we experienced and all the lessons we truly learned that day.” Gabby is a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst for the United States Air Force and says that she loves every moment of it.

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In Memoriam 1936

1955

Past Faculty & Staff

Nelson R. Clark

Robert C. Chen

October 16, 2018

October 14, 2020

1970 - 1973

Colonel Vance McKean January 28, 2019

1944 Matt Morgan May 4, 2020

1945 Wesley Morse Gardiner February 21, 2021

1948 Watson “Gerry” Clark October 30, 2020

Robert M. Horn Unknown

1949 John Branning Sloan March 4, 2021

1950 David Riker, Trustee Emeritus February 25, 2021

1953 Gustav W. “Ecky” Eckilson December 20, 2020

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Robert Howarth February 21, 2021

1956 Charles Heimata Hirshon February 27, 2021

1964 - 1969 Frederick Lemaine April 8, 2020

1970 Robert J. Vanderbeck March 27, 2021

1963-1968 Mary Lindsley (Van Dine) Whitehead November 16, 2019

1975 James "Jamie" H. Stephenson, Jr. September 12, 2020

1996 Christine Lynn Fahmy August 4, 2020

At The Storm King School,

we embrace the values of truth, respect, and responsibility while learning to balance independence with relying on a community of mutual support and cooperation between students and faculty. Our students commit to a life of learning and develop a determination to lead responsibly and serve the world.

Your Gift to the Storm King Fund: • Provides our faculty with dedicated resources to ensure our students receive a transformative education.

• Enables access and affordability to promote equity and excellence.

• Enriches students’ experience in the arts and athletics.

As you consider your support of The Storm King School, know that your gift will underpin all aspects of the School, including Academics, Art, Athletics, Campus Beautification, COVID-19 Expenses, Financial Aid, and Health and Wellness.

Supporting the Storm King Fund signals a belief in the School’s mission and provides financial flexibility. Your gifts are used for expenses in the current school year. By making your gift you are doing your part to support the student experience.

You can also give online at SKS.org/give sks.org / ON THE MOUNTAIN / Spring 2021 / 51

On the Mountain

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

CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER SINCE 1867

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