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BEACON A publication of Miami Country Day School Commemorative Issue 2013-2014

WWW.MIAMICOUNTRYDAY.ORG/75YEARS

(Mama and Auntie!) – if you’re reading this, I’m still forever grateful for the time I had with you, and I dream of your classrooms or offices nearly every time a 2 ½ hour seminar runs over time…! Do you think you were prepared for your college courses and college life in general?

Our Mission

I’m not certain that anyone coming from high school is ready for college life. That’s a very broad term, which you only realize encompasses things that go beyond academics and social overtures once you’re already here. While I was prepared to do some close reading and had a solid calculus background coming into Yale, I was not ready to navigate the realities of sharing a tiny space with three other people, snow, eating healthily in the face of buffet meals three times a day, snow, actively working to forge a relationship with professors who were often only on campus for their one day of class, or snow. Some words of advice: definitely find a study group as soon as possible, go to office hours at least three times a semester, don’t be afraid to tell your roommate you’re not down with what’s up, and if you’re coming anywhere near the northeast, invest in the warmest, furriest, thickest pair of boots and a coat that you can find. When you think of MCDS, what are some words or phrases that describe the school? It’s hard not to automatically just think of the words associated with “warm” and “sunny” now that the weather’s taken a turn for the worse in Connecticut! But in all seriousness, I think of the word “easy” – and I don’t mean academically. It’s very easy to make and stay friends in a class of 80-ish people, just like it’s easy to become close to your teacher because you see them five days a week and hang out in their room during lunchtime. MCDS is an environment that is meant to present each of its students with opportunities well within reach of their fingertips, from music and voice lessons to minimester once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And don’t get me wrong – that’s great! But that’s not what you’ll have when you leave that wonderful haven behind, so enjoy it thoroughly while it lasts – from Woody’s squirt gun to The God of Small Things, you won’t realize you miss it until it’s 40 degrees and you’re twenty out of two hundred pages into a book you should’ve read a week ago.

ALUMNI SAVE THE DATES Thursday, October 16 – Homecoming Football Game Friday, October 17 Reunion Night for the Classes of 1984, 1989, 1994, and 2004 Saturday, October 18 Toast to Friendship and Alumni in ACTion

contents “ Celebrate the past, present, and future... ” commemorative issue 2013 - 2014

A Message from Tamara Feola, 75th Anniversary Coordinator

Happy 75th Birthday, Sandi Lewis

4-5

Speed Innovation

6-7

Miami Community Day of Service

8-11

The Arts at MCDS

20-29

Divisional Highlights

30-32

Annual Giving 7500 Club, Palm Society Event, and End-of-Year Celebration

12-13

Parents’ Association

14-19

There’s No Place Like Home 75th Anniversary Celebration

36-37

Time Capsule Ceremony

33 34-35

Winter Sports Awards

38-39

Alumni Feature

40-43

Alumni Events & Class Notes

44-45

Ask an Alum Larissa Liburd ’10

features

We Are The Champions Lady Spartans Crowned 3A State Champs

Also Inside... Commemorative Anniversay Timeline Please Note... Spring Athletic and Academic Awards will be published in the 2014 Commenecement Beacon in the Fall.

Photography displayed on the front & back covers courtesy of Scholastic Experience Imaging, Donna Newman, the Development Office, and the Miami Country Day School Archives

Commemorative issue

Dear Families and Alumni, Celebrate the past, present, and future. This was my goal when I took the position of Event Planner for Miami Country Day School’s 75th Anniversary year. As I dug deep into the school’s archives, I came to learn a little more about where we came from, appreciate the efforts it took to get where we are and fall in love a little more with current MCDS. This year, I felt privileged to meet the leaders, teachers and former students whose faces I saw in photos in the archives, as they were now on campus to help celebrate our 75th year in person. The past, touching the present and still establishing dreams for the future. Our year of celebrations had a little something for everyone. • Every student standing in a giant 75 formation on the field to be photographed by a helicopter flying above. • A birthday party with cake and a chance to sing our newly found Alma Mater. • New uniform shirts in our 75th color with special anniversary socks to match. • All-school community service day where over 1000 people joined together to give back to our neighboring community to help those in need. • The magical evening of fun where we came together to celebrate MCDS because There’s No Place Like Home. • All ages of students creating special projects to be placed in the 75th year time capsule for the students of the future to open. It was a wonderful year of celebration. I hope it gave each of you a chance, as it did for myself, to truly feel that Miami Country Day School is home. Best Regards, Tamara Feola 75th Anniversary Coordinator

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Happy 75th Birthday, Ms. Lew! On August 17, 2013 friends, family, alumni, faculty and staff celebrated Sandi Lewisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 75th Birthday in Sommers Hall. Ms. Lew shared her birthday with all of us at MCDS, as MCDS also turned 75 this year! Ms. Lew begins her 30th year of teaching at MCDS in August 2014, and she has a special performance planned for Alumni Weekend 2014. See page 42 for the exciting details!

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Speed Innovation Avalanches By John Griffin PhD Social Sciences: the Big Attraction and Jenny Knight, Lower School Director An avalanche is a metaphor for the power of collaboration. Reduced to its fundamental ingredient, an avalanche is nothing more than a cascading river of tiny frozen ice crystals, each of which possesses nearly zero power. But when combined with countless other crystals the result is transformative. Avalanches are indeed transformative – they reshape and stabilize the alpine landscape in one massive stroke. Such is the power of ideas. On the evening of Speed Innovation we witnessed a veritable explosion of ideas – a supernova of the imagination. If a single idea is an ice crystal, then we did indeed experience an avalanche of epic proportions. Innovation is ignited by ideas. Sir Ken Robinson regards innovation as the final step in a three-step process. Our imaginations, when awakened, produce a cavalcade of ideas, some of them useful and some of them not so much. The ones that we identify as being useful form the essence of creativity. Creative ideas then provide the fuel for innovation – the creation of something real. Speed Innovation was designed to do just that – create something real in your child’s life and your life. So, permit me a few moments to focus on your child. Specifically, I want you to conjure up images of your son or daughter as he or she was learning something new. The ‘something new’ can be as simple as learning to walk or as complex and abstract as learning how to graph algebraic equations. Run through these images in chronological order, as if you are watching a movie, a movie that

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chronicles the story of your child’s learning journey. Now, I will wager you that what you saw unfolding in your mind’s eye was the gradual transformation of a beginner, stumbling through inevitable episodes of failure, into a confident master of whatever skill you envisioned. In other words, your child did not follow a straight-arrow trajectory from novice to expert overnight – right? Of course not. Each time a beginner approaches a task at which he or she has previously failed requires a modicum of courage and the willingness to take risks and persevere. In the absence of risk, growth cannot occur. The path to mastery is awkward, zigzagged and often exhilarating. Speed innovation ignited hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas, each of which had the potential to impact your child’s life at Miami Country Day School. Some of those ideas sparked other ideas, which in turn kindled still others. Our presenters were modeling the same risk-taking behavior we wish for our children to emulate. When they stood up before multiple groups of parents, faculty, and alumni that night they each took a risk in the name of growth and genuine concern for the quality of your child’s education. These presenters placed themselves squarely in the spotlight and risked making mistakes, stumbling, and perhaps looking somewhat nervous. But each of them is a

“Speed Inn edge idea fovation was a cuttin -one particor our community” g ipant excla imed

and the Flow of Ideas

slightly stronger, more polished public speaker and presenter today because of that experience. Each is now a more powerful advocate for your child. Our presenters took a risk to bring an idea to an audience for the expressed purpose of influencing their thinking and creating even more ideas. Some of those ideas will survive and produce real and meaningful change. Ideas that lead to real innovation are the pearls born out of courage and the willingness to step into the unknown and take a risk. Collectively, our twenty-three presenters were the ice crystals that fused together to create the synergistic wave that triggered the avalanche we witnessed that evening. It wasn’t perfect and it was never intended to be. But talk to anyone who experienced that evening and they will tell you what it was not – boring. People left feeling inspired and hopeful that remarkable events were on the horizon – events that would help shape their children into the courageous risk takers and innovators of tomorrow. Let’s not forget the energy that circulated that evening – the power of dreaming and doing to change the world.

What People Are Saying... “OMG! I was going to wait until the morning to send this email, but I could not contain my excitement. Speed Innovations was awesome. The dialogue that was started tonight has continued all the way to the house. This was such a creative way to present topics. It sparked conversation. It engaged you fully. It made you rethink your perception of the educational experience. It provoked thought. Most of all, it ignited inspiration. I left even more committed to Miami County Day. It was so informative and it was fun! It didn’t feel like a seminar, or a lecture or a workshop. It felt more like a mini social, filled with cutting edge ideas and engaging conversations. I have never experienced anything quite like it and I hope to experience much more of it... All I kept saying in my head was where was this when I was in school and I’m so excited about the education my child is receiving. How awesome is this school... pretty awesome!” “Love the idea of last evening, not only because of the outstanding pool of shared talents, but also as an opportunity for meaningful dialogue with parents whose children we hopefully will be teaching in the upper grades in the future.” “I want you know how spectacular this evening was for me. I’m glad I attended. I learned so much and wish I could have attended many more sessions. Tonight was a night of possibilities, full of inspiration and with the question - what if? My imagination just got the better of me. I needed this boost. Here’s to the Future!”

Commemorative issue

“Together we will make a difference!” This was the message sent out to our students, parents, teachers, staff and alumni. On Saturday, February 8th, in commemoration of Miami Country Day School’s 75th anniversary, MCDS held our first ever Community Service Day. After a year of planning, this day evolved into one of the most memorable and meaningful days in the history of the school, as students as young as three stood side by side with their families and teachers and gave unselfishly and enthusiastically to our community. The day began with a breakfast on our school’s athletic field where volunteers came to meet their captains (students, parents, teachers, and alumni) and their “team-mates.” Each group then went out to their respective sites to participate in their projects. It was heart-warming to see so much giving, love, and compassion. Our school community was able to feed 700 people and 200 families, teach underserved children how to solar cook, play chess, soccer, and participate in art. We volunteered at homeless shelters, cleaned up the beaches and parks, gardened and planted at a home for people with disabilities, and a home for young women who have aged out of foster care. We weeded and planted at a garden in Little Haiti and helped bring back to life a school playground that had been all but abandoned. Hospitalized children participated in an Arts and Crafts “carnival,” and a beautiful canvas blanket was created and donated to a children’s hospital along with art supply bags for the patients. We read bedtime stories to abused children, made gift bags for the chronically ill, and baked for our policemen and fire fighters. We sang along with the elderly at a nursing home, gave them notes of love, and decorated potted plants. We helped foster children celebrate birthdays and made pillowcases for our wounded soldiers. We joined autistic children and their families for a day at the museum and helped families with hospitalized children bake, cook, and play. We sewed and knitted clothing for children in shelters and in Africa and made boxes of “hope” filled with the basics some don’t have. We came together and used our talents to make our community better.

We did this together, and together 1000 strong, we made a difference. Holly Hansen, Elizabeth Vainder, and Melissa Netkin Miami Community Day of Service Chairs

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Photograph by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Miami Community Day of Service through the “eyes” of #Instagram

The Arts

Dennis O’Kain ’57, Cara Bloch ’92, Bill Larzelere, Chris Cutro ’99, and Jennifer Day Clark ‘99

On February 20, the Miami Country Day community gathered in the Franco Center to enjoy the professional photography of alumni. We were pleased to exhibit the photography of Marty Andreas '52, Cara Bloch '92, Chris Cutro '99, Jennifer Day Clark '99, Tony Hallas '59, Serin Mahoney '05, and Dennis O'Kain '57.

Alex Avayu ’97, Sandi Lewis, and Dr. John Davies, Head of School

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at Country Day ALUMNI PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT • FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Cara Bloch ’92 and family

Bruce “Buzzy” Tabatchnick and Kevin King ’95

Sean Clancy, Deborah & Dennis’57 O’Kain, and their friends

Commemorative issue

The Arts at The spring season was busy for the Art Department at Miami Country Day School. Students in all divisions participated in various presentations and performances. Our community even had a special visitor during the Middle School Spring Concert. MCDS parent and music legend Phil Collins performed alongside the Middle School students at their concert in May.

Contemporary Music Ensembleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One Night Only - March 15

Evening of the Arts - March 18

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Country Day STUDENT PERFORMANCES Upper School Spring Drama Production“Suessical” - April 11

Middle School Spring Drama Production “Revenge of the Space Pandas”- May 16

Middle School School Spring Music Concert - May 20

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

We Are The

CHAMPIONS

The Miami Country Day School Girls’ Basketball Team are Florida’s 2013-2014 3A State Champions! The Spartans beat Seffner Christian 65-51 in the championship game on February 20, 2014 in Lakeland, Florida. Fan buses loaded with students, faculty, staff, family, and friends made the trip to Lakeland to support the girls’ during the tournament. This was the Lady Spartans second championship game in two years and final game for senior Danielle Minott who is attending Syracuse University in fall on a basketball scholarship. Congratulations to Coach Ochiel Swaby and the entire girls’ team for bringing Miami Country Day School’s first State Championship in the the school’s 75 year history!

Commemorative issue

ON THE VICTORY... “It was a priceless moment to watch the clock wind down at the Girls 3A State Championship game and know that our girls, coaches, and School just won its first Team State Championship in our 75th Anniversary. To watch Dr. Davies take part in the post-game ceremony, to observe the team and coaches celebrate, and to watch our fans – all 400 of them – cheer, hub, laugh, and cry – was one of the highlights in my time here at Miami Country Day School.” -Chuck Sennett, MCDS Athletic Director

▲

"It gives me a great sense of pride to be the first team to win a at such an amazing school."

state championship

-Ochiel “Coach O” Swaby, Head Coach Photos courtesy of Open i Studio

Commemorative issue

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Commemorative issue

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Commemorative issue

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Photos by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Commemorative issue

Tequesta History Uncovered by Lower School Art Students

Over the last 12 years, students in Mrs. Moyer’s classes animals. She held up have been told that if they love history, they can be a force her own published for helping to save Miami’s early history. book, “Milliemay and the Miami Circle,” Eight circles have been found cut into the bedrock just across which tells the story the Miami River from the original Miami Circle found in of students helping to 1999. After learning about the possibility that these circles save the Miami Circle were the foundations of elevated huts belonging to Tequesta in 1999. She explained Indians, the students drew what they imagined. They that this area’s learned too, that elevated walkways went from hut to hut ceremonial circle, to keep occupants dry in flood times when the Miami River currently a beautiful overflowed its banks. park on the river made by the Tequesta Indians But all this is to be destroyed and MET Square is to be built over two thousand there at the time of this writing….unless people like all of us years ago, was about let it be known that history is important. to be dug up for new high rise development Mrs. Moyer and Belle Greenberg Many students and classes wrote letters telling the Mayor projects. and City Council to preserve the site to honor Miami’s early history and the Tequesta Indians. Belle Greenberg Mrs. Moyer says “Our students in the lower school learn that (fifth grader) brought in a cohesive, well researched letter. our history is important. Preserving our history gives us the She was asked by Mrs. Moyer to attend a City of Miami luxury of being able to use our imagination and it respects Preservation Board meeting in February. There she read the people who came before us. Bob Carr the premier her letter clearly and succinctly to the Board. Others who Tequesta Indian archaeologist says that what we choose to had waited their turn all day, cheered for her. What a great preserve tells what kind of culture and people we are!” leadership opportunity this was for her. Footnote: at this time some agreements and compromises Lower school students created many art projects about the have been made in which the developer has agreed to save Tequesta Indians including wrapped tinfoil Indian sculptures portions of the Met Square history including some circles, a by fifth graders. Fourth Graders drew plans for incorporating cistern from Fort Dallas and the original steps to Flaglers’ the circles into the developed site and all students signed Royal Palm Hotel for public viewing. a giant banner saying “Save our Ancient History. Save the Tequesta Village.” Second graders painted Indian portraits and made Indian pottery. In March, the fourth grade had the opportunity to take a boat down the Miami River to learn about its uses. This was followed by a trip to the Miami Circle and a stop at the Met Square site. At the site, Mrs. Moyer asked the children to imagine how the area looked with only trees, grass, and

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lower school

Chess Champions The MCDS K-5 Florida State Champion Spartan Chess Team travelled to Dallas in the spring to compete in the 2014 National Elementary Championships. The team of Elliot Starkman, Justin Kleidermacher, Grant Giovannetti, and Filippo Sbroggio finished in 5th Place (of 117 teams!) in the K-5 Championship section. Last year, they finished in 19th Place in this section.

In addition to the remarkable team performance, Starkman tied for 11th place and Kleidermacher tied for 28th place as individuals. All four team membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ratings increased, as they came to play and did so on the biggest stage for elementary scholastic chess. It was a spectacular season for the Spartan Chess Program and we look forward to continued success during the 2014-2015 school year. -Michael Hutsko

Multicultural Festival White flowing guayaberas Flowers in the hair Music to celebrate Wafting through the air. A thunder storm pending Luminous clouds overhead Children all seated Entertainment was shared Four maestros were ready Joy in the air Dancing with passion Their hard work, they shared! Muchas gracias Maria, Alicia, Jaime, Alicia Ole!

by Karen Davis, Broadcasting Teacher and Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Initiative (ICE) Facilitator When you think of a Broadcasting class, what comes to mind? Images of your son or daughter anchoring CNN? The 6 o’clock news? An opportunity for your vocal child to showcase his/ her talent or a program to help your reluctant child become more vocal? A nice elective that many other PK3-12 schools don’t offer? Perhaps all -- or none – of those things. What may not cross your mind is that, in this era of 21st century skill building, broadcasting and other media-related courses are not only germane to developing the fundamental abilities students will use throughout their lives as multidigital consumers and communicators, but are increasingly seen by scholars and educators as foundational alternative courses for reading and writing, particularly for those students who thrive in nontraditional learning environments, emergent bilinguals or simply those who love choice. In this age of technological rapidity, where students can text, talk, and transmit ideas while simultaneously building Minecraft fortresses and clashing rival Clans, we parents and

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teachers often incredulously watch their near-impossible digital and cognitive dexterity; occasionally, we also ponder the loss of verbal and written communications skills by those same children. But what we are seeing is actually the rise of a new kind of literacy that didn’t exist when those of us born before the 1980s were students. We are witnessing the evolution of the “digital native” and the development

natives. As parents, it’s crucial that we understand the nature of this new phenomenon and, as educators, it is critical that we develop curricula that nurtures and feeds their new abilities. As literacy scholar Ernest Morrell put it, we educators need “to redefine literacy instruction in a manner that is culturally and socially relevant, empowering, and meaningful to students who must navigate a diverse and rapidly changing world.” (ThorneWe l l i n g t o n , 2013).

Our broadcasting program at Miami Country Day emerged as a response to the rapid advancement of media technology and our desire to quickly integrate media resources and knowledge into our teaching practices. The broadcasting of digital literacy (Thorne-Wellington, program began a few years ago with E., 2013). Digital natives are those who a solid push toward stressing the have been exposed to technology from technical aspects of production. Our a young age and are adept at using a state-of-the-art digital studio and Mac variety of digital technologies. We Lab offer students the best equipment expect them to have a base knowledge to learn with, in a relevant and up-toof technology and to be able to pick date environment. At its heart, its core, up and learn new technology quickly our program is rooted in a commitment because of that familiarity. All of to teaching those skills a digital native our students at MCDS are digital needs in order to be a successful and

productive member of society, whether that student is in our lower, middle or upper division. We work very hard to create an adaptable environment in which our digital resources are used to enhance the experiences of our students across all disciplines of learning, from science to reading to language development. Barbara Mink, an MCDS teaching veteran, added a new component to her lesson plan and differentiated one student’s experience by helping him turn his book report into an on-camera book review. “It was a wonderful experience for him to create his book report, edit it into a script, and then record it in the broadcast studio. He has encouraged his classmates to follow in his footsteps and create their own reports on the air, too, for Spartan TV Jr.”

Jo Ann O’Neill and I devised a unique way to integrate broadcasting into her lessons for Lower School English language learning (ELL) students from over fifteen different countries. The children were tasked with choosing and researching specific topics from their native countries or one they had visited. They were directed to write no more than 200 words in English that would be lively, engaging and welcoming and then choose several images to support their scripts. Each student became part of the studio crew to record their segments. “This lesson had everything in it,” remarked Mrs. O’Neill, “from reading, writing and research to critical thinking, computer and tech skills, collaboration and teamwork.” Lower School Director Jenny Knight praised this teaching as “a testament to making learning real and interesting and

personal to each child. What a great way to celebrate each child.” As the nascent Broadcasting program at MCDS evolves into a project-based program for the Lower School, a fulltime elective for the Middle School and beginning and advanced semesterbased offerings for Upper classmen, we are guided by the knowledge that critical-thinking, in addition to practical skills, are the key components credible news messengers, able to deliver comprehensive and intelligent news messages, must possess. Our students all learn the basics of handling the equipment, working in front of and behind the camera, respecting intellectual property rights, and writing in ways appropriate for different media and topics. But we strive to go beyond that, to offer meaningful curriculum

and out-of-class projects, relevant to the field of broadcast communications today, whether online, offline, on television, radio or podcast. Most importantly, we want to encourage and engage our students to use their inquisitiveness for critical thinking, to develop their technological skills and to help them find their own voices for effective written, spoken and visual communications.

was once the purview of artists, graphic designers, fashion designers and creative directors, is now a necessary component for daily contact. Digital cameras, camera-phones, blogs, social media like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and In a national study completed in 2012 other multipurpose (Blom, R., & Davenport, L. D., 2012), platforms and hundreds of U.S. electronic news devices have made the instantaneous, program directors all agreed that while ubiquitous dissemination of visual training in writing and reporting is still communications a part of student life

Our students are already storytellers, although many do not yet recognize it or much less possess the tools to communicate to their fullest ability.

“My class has learned learned so much from the collaboration with media specialist, Karen Davis. We researched and created news reports on climate changes around the world. We were able to synthesize the curriculum of math, science, media, computer editing, art, speech, and so much more. This resource is a highly effective tool for learning across so many disciplines. And the kids were incredibly engaged in all aspects of the learning. I would love to do more of this every day.” -Rogina Bolt, Middle School Math and Science

considered the bedrock of journalism, knowledge about visual communication has become an increasing priority in the field. Visual communication, which

in the United States. Visual, digital communications are, as Blom and Davenport called it, “the preferred idiom of a new generation of users. “

They are already visual storytellers. We are simply trying to help them be more effective in their storytelling, regardless of the subject matter. This has begun to cut across all of our departments. Language teachers have found the studio an inviting way to enrich their lessons. Jaime Giraldo said, “My sixth grade Spanish students wrote skits about being in a restaurant. They were able to bring them to life by recording them in the broadcast studio. They really enjoyed it because they felt they were on a live set and it helped boost their confidence, as well as gave them practice in a new setting.” Upper School Director and Spanish faculty member commented, “The broadcast studio has been great for my Spanish 6 Conversation class because it affords the students the opportunity to use the target

middle school “My sixth grade Spanish students wrote skits about being in a restaurant. They were able to bring them to life by recording them in the broadcast studio. They really enjoyed it because they felt they were on a live set and it helped boost their confidence, as well as gave them practice in a new setting. Mrs. Davis was very helpful in integrating broadcasting practices into this lesson.” -Jaime Giraldo, Spanish Faculty Member

language in a new and interesting way. When we made a Spanish news broadcast, for example, the students were able to integrate all of the foreign language skills (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) into one project which was punctuated by their time in the broadcast studio. ” Middle School Science and Math Teacher Regina Bolt teaches her 6th grade STEM class a unit on weather phenomena, but this semester did it with a twist. “The class has learned so much from the collaboration with our Broadcasting teacher. We researched and created news reports on climate changes around the world. We were able to synthesize the curriculum of math, science, media, computer editing, art, speech, and so much more. This resource is a highly effective tool for learning across so many disciplines. And the kids were incredibly engaged in all aspects of the learning. I would love to do more of this every day.”

(Sizer, T., 2013) But our tales need to be relatable, relevant and evolve as our students’ abilities and realities change. New media technologies have profoundly affected the literacy experiences of today's youth and they naturally develop literacy through a variety of new media and digital technologies. The nature of broadcasting classes, which encompass reading, research, writing, critical observation and technological prowess is much more aligned with literacy development than many people may have thought.

No matter the technology and format, the principal tenet of broadcast journalism has remained the same - using good research and judgment to give people the news and information they need to make informed decisions to lead productive lives. How to do this best in a society that is experiencing dramatic, rapid and innovative technological and economic change is a great challenge. But it’s our job to help students overcome challenges. Creating a A few decades ago, a study was completed in conjunction broadcasting program that not only prepares students to with ABC network’s owned and operated station in Chicago understand this fast changing industry but enables them -- WLS-TV – that turned around media educators’thinking to improve their critical and visual thinking, writing, (Sherman, B.L. 1983). At that time, journalism educators speaking and research skills is what we strive for every were still primarily from the newspaper business, oriented day. to print. But the advent of electronic media in the 1970’s propelled programs to emphasize the technical aspects of References delivering the news. Contrary to the then-contemporary move toward production-oriented curricula at that time, Blom, R., & Davenport, L. D. (2012). Searching for the core of their findings showed that success in the professional journalism education: Program directors disagree on curriculum media environment still coincided with traditional writing, priorities. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 67(1), 70-86. critical-thinking and research skills. That study resulted Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1009925574?acc in a five-point list of recommendations for broadcast ountid=14585 educators, which we still adhere to today: Sherman, B. L. (1983). Curriculum development in broadcasting: A five-point plan. Communication Education, 32(2), 247-251.

1. Stress basic communication competencies 2. Prepare students academically 3. Teach public speaking skills 4. Provide media related activities outside the classroom 5. Provide career counseling and guidance Ted Sizer, Harvard professor and author of The New American High School, believes that, as teachers, we are storytellers who can only hope that some of our tales will take root and continue to grow inside our students’ heads.

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Sizer, T. (2013) The New American High School, Jossey-Bass publishing Thorne-Wallington, E. (2013, December). Social contexts of new media: literacy: mapping libraries. Information Technology and Libraries, 32(4), 53+. Retrieved from http://iiiprxy.library.miami. edu:2706/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA357591773&v=2.1&u=miami_ri chter&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=2b6d2e5e906b8422476a940b7 2d27629

Minimester 2014 Minimester is a 1-week program for all Miami Country Day Upper School students. Minimester affords our students with the opportunity to explore exciting and innovative courses that are not part of the regular curriculum but, at the same time, courses that we recognize as vehicles to provide them with the necessary skills to be competitive as 21st century learners.

Students toured the various Wynwood graffiti walls with a local artist and later painted the school’s initials. The mural is located at the approximate address of 250 NW 24 ST, Miami, FL 33142.

What the students are saying about Minimester... “This Minimester opened my eyes to a variety of new ways to examine the world around me.” “I loved everything about it and would have to say I loved bonding with new people.” “I had so much fun! We were able to do things that we would normally not be able to do.” “I have discovered a new hobby and a new state of mind.” “I had the most amazing week of my life.”

upper school

What the Parents Are Saying... “Great addition to the program—it gives students an opportunity to do other things with different students.” “Great program…great idea. It provided ‘real-life exposure.’” “Fabulous idea and most creative. It also gave students an opportunity to explore different avenues of life.” “My son really enjoyed it got a lot out of it. Our family applauds the school for doing it.” “What a great concept— so glad you brought this to MCDS!”

Commemorative issue

Over the course of the 2013-2014 school year, students, faculty, and staff published “The Miami Country Day School Ideal Bookshelf,” influenced by the book “My Ideal Bookshelf,” edited by Thessaly La Force and illustrated by Jane Mount. “My Ideal Bookshelf” is a colloboration book titles that changed the lives of creative thinkers in all fields. Marisol Sardina, Upper School College Counselor, decided to put together an MCDS version book not just because of her love of books, but to showcase the books our very own teachers and students love. In the book you will find 75 members of the MCDS community who have shared their ideal bookshelf. A special thanks to Madison Gallup ’14, Mila Boano ’15, and Jane McDonough ’09, who were instrumental in completeting this project.

Marisol Sardina, Associate Director of College Counseling & English Teacher

Jane McDonough, Class od 2009

Madison Gallup, Class of 2014

Mila Boano, Class of 2015

To view “The Miami Country Day School Ideal Bookshelf” visit miamicountryday.org/ MCDSbookshelf. For more information about this project, or to inquire about purchasing a book, please contact Marisol Sardina at sardinam@miamicountryday.org.

upper school

100 Days Ceremony On February 4, 100 days before graduation, the Class of 2014 gathered in the Chickee Hut to come together on the cusp of becoming Miami Country Day alumni. This senior tradition introduces students to the MCDS Alumni Association, gives them a sneak peek at their personalized bricks, and announces the senior class gift. Class President Michael Fente and Class Sponsor Ines Hernandez explained the importance of supporting the school through Annual Giving, which contributes to programs and projects within the current school year. The Ceremony closed with a breakfast (complete with cake!) in the senior circle.

Annual Giving Celebrating Generosity

What an incredible evening of celebration at the home of Dr. John Davies, our Head of School, and his wife Roxanne. Annual Giving Chairs, Grade Captains, Advisory Captains and their spouses celebrated reaching $1 Million in Annual Giving support for our school. “WE DID IT! We raised $1 Million for our children’s school!” commented Julie Pronesti, Middle School Chair and Founding Dean of the 7500 Club. “And to have raised this million dollars in our school’s 75th year is incredible! We are grateful for the opportunity to reach out to so many of our families and see how generous and happy they are to support their children’s school,

Terry Dellerson, Marna Winter, and Adriana & Patricio Wills

30 THE BEACON

Thank you to our Annual Giving volunteers for sharing their enthusiasm and passion for MCDS with their friends, families, and community members through emails, phone calls, and personal conversations. Volunteers make the difference. You can make the difference. Join OUR TEAM! It’s a fantastic group and a great way to meet so many wonderful people in our community. Contact any of our Annual Giving Chairs or Tabitha Polley Charles ’85, at 305-779-7205 or charlest@miamicountryday.org to make an impact on your child’s school.

Judy & Jerry Tilis and Tricia & Kevin King ‘95

Michael ’85 and Frederika Vazguez

Tabitha Charles ’85, Director of Annual Giving, and Dr. John Davies, Head of School

teachers and fabulous programs,” said Caryn Lubetsky, Lower School Chair.

Cary & Caryn Lubestsky and Dr. John Davies

Katharina Wiebel and Vanessa & Darren Patz

Debi Beasley and Paula & Gabriel Boano

Jenny Knight, Lower School Director and Beth & David Long

Dr. John Davies, Bruce “Buzzy” Tabatchnick, Mark Piper, and Ed Mandel

Palm Society Gigi and Jeff Jeffries, parents of Jeff, 5th grade, and Juliette, 2nd grade, and our Lower School New Parent Chairs for Annual Giving, graciously hosted our Palm Society event the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. Palm Society members were treated to an elegant evening at Bahia located at the Four Seasons in Downtown Miami. Our families enjoyed mingling in an outdoor oasis with food from the hotel’s renowned restaurant, The Edge. Dr. Davies and Miami

Alex and James Bergman

Rasciel and Maria Socarras

Janet and Valerio Toyos

Victoria ’74 and Gerald ’68 Moore

Panos and Ioanna Marinopoulos

Kevin ’95 and Tricia King

Country Day School honored the support of our 165 Palm Society members and recognized them for their gifts of $2,500 and up for the 2013-2014 Annual Giving campaign. We appreciate our many trustees, parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends of the school who continue to make a difference through their generosity. This evening was incredibly special for our Palm Society members thanks to the generosity of Gigi and Jeff Jeffries.

Gigi and Jeff Jeffries, Hosts, and Dr. John Davies

James Moore ’65, Gigi & Jeff Jeffries, and Gerald Moore ‘68

Craig ’93 and Nancy ’93 Green

Lara Liebowitz and Whitney Bloom

Julie and Tom Pronesti

Shellie and Jim Fulford

Commemorative issue

Annual Giving 7500 Club Thank you from Tom and Julie Pronesti Founding Deans of the 7500 Club Parents of Blaise, 9th Grade Miami Country Day School’s 7500 Club had a spectacular inaugural year! We personally thank every single member for making a commitment to this significant new giving club. Each member made such an impact to Miami Country Day School and the Annual Giving campaign and without their passionate commitment, we would not have reached our $1,000,000 goal! Members enjoyed two phenomenal 7500 Club exclusive events. The first event was a ladies only luncheon at Marna Winter’s house, a close friend of Susan St. James. Susan spent the afternoon with us and shared her personal story of her youngest son’s tragedy and its impact on so many people and her community. Susan also shared with us stories about famous movie stars including Rock Hudson and her time on Kate and Allie and McMillan and Wife. What a wonderful afternoon we spent together. Our second event celebrated one of South Florida’s most premier event weekends, the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Members attended both a private party on Friday night for owners, jockeys and suite holders. On Saturday, members enjoyed a fabulous suite where everyone mingled and watched the races. In addition, our suite was located between Ivan Rodriguez, the pitcher, and Vince Falk, a New England patriot and his team members which made for a very celebratory atmosphere! Everyone had a grand time. We look forward to increasing membership in our 7500 Club in the coming year. We invite YOU to join and celebrate with us next year. We look forward to speaking with you about this wonderful opportunity.

Gerald Moore ‘68, Anne Paulk, and James Moore ‘65

32 THE BEACON

Michael Rush and Anne Paulk

Marna Winter, Meryl Tabatchnick, Julie Pronesti, Nadia Greenberg, Susan St. James, Sheryl Piper, Tabitha Charles ’85, Greta Walker, Anne Paulk, Shellie Fulford, and Thelma Venema

Julie Pronesti, Meryl Tabatchnick, Marie-France Bloch, and Kinga Lampert

Thelma Venema, Susan St. James, and Shellie Fulford

Julie and Tom Pronesti

Greta Walker and Julie Pronesti

Susan St. James, Marna Winter, Julie Pronesti, and Anne Paulk

Bruce “Buzzy” and Meryl Tabatchnick

Parents’ Association The annual Parents’ Association Spring Luncheon took place on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Scarpetta, The Fontainebleau Hotel. Not just a social gathering, the annual affair also awards several of our outstanding parent volunteers. William J. Creeden Award Anne Paulk Headmaster’s Award Marilyn Thomas President’s Volunteer Award Debi Beasley and Virginia Brown Current and past presidents: Jessica Rodriguez, Marilyn Thomas, Tamara Feola, and Debi Beasley Outgoing president Marilyn Thomas and Dr. John Davies, Head of School

Dr. John Davies and 75th Anniversary Coordinator, Tamara Feola

2013-2014 Parents’ Association Allocations: · $120,000 towards the P.A. pledge of $750,000 to support the Center for the Arts. · $10,000 for the Math/Science Department · The P.A. also donated a microphone and stand in honor of retiring 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Barbara Mink, in recognition of her work and coordination of Lower School assemblies.

Parents’ Association Spring Luncheon Chairs Claudia Brod and Perri Pollak

◀

Marilyn Thomas (PA President 2012 – 2014) handed over the gavel to incoming President, Jessica Rodriguez

Marilyn Thomas , Debi Beasley, Virginia Brown, and Susie Stevens

Save The Dates September 4 - PA General Board Meeting (8:30 a.m. in Smurfit Hall) October 18 - Spartan Family BBQ November 11 - 2014 Holiday Bazaar

Commemorative issue

WINTER 2014 SPORTS AWARDS BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL (VARSITY) BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Nicholas Choi

5-YEAR MEDALS COACHES AWARD Tristan Escalante MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Connor Sazant EFFORT AWARD Franco Gonzalez

BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL (JV) BASKETBALL BLUE TEAM

COACHES AWARD Noah Markofsky MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Joel Cohen

GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Nyasia John COACHES AWARD Elizabeth Stone MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Alicia Kelly

BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Blaise Pronesti

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Kian Huyer Andersen

COACHES AWARD Jack Finvarb

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Lucas Massolo

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Anthony Taylor

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Alejandro Roye

RED TEAM

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Jeremy Cross

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Richard Anapolsky COACHES AWARD Shane Piller MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Corbinian Dietrich

WHITE TEAM

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Evan Mendelson

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COACHES AWARD Liam Weil

GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Madeline Sukhdeo SPARTAN AWARD Nicole Chirinos

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Sofia Cabarcos DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Rachel Thomas

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Laurel Ivory COACHES AWARD Yakira Matisonn

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Alicia Rodriguez BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Ava Hansen

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Corey Friedman

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Brittany Castellanos

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Julius Delgado

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL COACHES AWARD Channise Lewis

COACHES AWARD Jordan Sale DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Phillip Kassab SPARTAN AWARD Ian Spence OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Luis Felipe Guarita

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Brandon Parizo MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Ryan Gomez

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD Maria Alvarez

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Sam Benson DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Ricardo Gonzalez

SPARTAN AWARD Ramiro Lozado

SPARTAN AWARD Tyler Sherwood

Basketball Stephanie Mackenzie Madison Pathman Brandon Parizo

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Ogechi Anyagaligbo

COACHES AWARD Cameron Ivory

COACHES AWARD Henry Clements

FOUR YEAR PLAQUE Soccer Brittany Castellanos Mallory Brown Winona Paez Cameron Ivory Theodore Pornprinya

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Danielle Minott

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Pablo Mejia

5 YEAR MEDALLION Soccer Gioanna Macropulos Girls Soccer Nicole Halpryn Kristina Leiter Mallory Brown Brittany Castellanos Gioanna Macropulos Winona Paez

SENIORS Boys Soccer Alejandro Rega Mateo Bolivar Simon Hoffman Blake Colongo Theodore Pomprinya Cameron Ivory Ricardo Gonzalez

Boys Basketball Matthew Cohen Madison Pathman Henry Clements Tyler Sherwood Brandon Parizo Girls Basketball Danielle Minnott

Time Capsule May 6, 2014 we celebrated the final event of the 75th anniversary year. The entire school community gathered together in the Nathan Hurst Amphitheater for the Time Capsule ceremony. Over the course of the year, faculty and students collected items to be placed in the time capsule which was buried and will be opened again in 25 years during the school’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

What went inside... ◀ 36 THE BEACON

◀ ◀

Photography by Donna Newman

General: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12.

13. 14. 15. 16.

17. 18.

19.

20. 21.

Uniform from each division Anniversary polo, socks, glasses, magnet and ornament & baseball cap 75th aerial photos Report cards Copy of the Hibiscus Hedge (vol. I & II) A brochure from the Securing the Future campaign, with a DVD Annual Giving materials Other MCDS items…bookmark, thumbdrive, coaster, pen, license plate frame, Beacons Lincoln pennies from 1938, 1963, 1988, 2013 2013 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set (Denver mint) Postage stamps from 1938, 1963, 1988, 2013 Stock certificates from: 1938 The Northern Central Railroad Company; 1963 Alco Products, Inc.; 1988 Ronson Corporation Then and Now 75th Anniversary pictorial history signed by MS Yearbook Class Copy of Miami Architecture coauthored and inscribed by Dr. Jeff Donnelly, Faculty Emeritus Ticket from the 2014 Class 3 A Girls Florida High School Basketball State Championship playoffs Poster for 21 Hearts One Beat March 15 concert in the Nathan Hurst ’89 Amphitheater signed by John Wicker and the entire Contemporary Music Ensemble PC and cellphone CD: Miami Country Day School Music Department proudly presents MCDS Symphony Orchestra “Live” at FOA State Competition (April 29, 2003) MCDS Tibetan Monks-Depung Loseling Monastery book created by Leigh Kurk’s 5th grade class (February 2012) Power of the Sun Earth Day 2014 poster signed by all Middle and Upper School Students Message to Future Students from Alumni Board

Upper School Items 1. Girls Basketball State Champs t-shirt signed by players/coaches 2. Copy of The Art of Racing in the Rain signed by all of the seniors 3. Flash drive of photos from the school year 4. Props from the winning senior skit from Homecoming 5. “Day in the Life” videos by Lele Pons 6. Copies of Amused, The Spartacus & Suessical program 7. Letters from current students to the students of 2038-39 8. Predictions from our students for the next decades “What new technology will change life over the next quarter century?” 9. Photos of a student shields from Carolyn Dorn’s class 10. Program from Hillary Clinton event at UM attended by a number of our students 11. Program/photos Minimester 2014 12. GATEway ¡Madrid! brochure 13. T-shirts – Homecoming, service day, 9th grade class shirt signed by the class officers 14. The Future of Parenting a play written by

Middle School Items 1. 6th Grade – Endangered by Eliot Schrefer, signed by all students and class sweatshirt 2. 7th Grade – The Giver by Lois Lowry, signed by all students and class sweatshirt and socks 3. 8th Grade – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, signed by all students 4. Evening of Dance Program 5.Youthcan Conference 2014, program and skit 6. Pottery from Middle School Art Lower School Items: 1. Junior Kindergarten – In 25 years, I will be… 2. Senior Kindergarten - Kinder to College shirt, signed by all students 3. 1st Grade – In 25 years, I wish… 4. 2nd Grade – What we’re excited about learning! 5. 3rd Grade – Football Buddy Shirt, signed by all students 6. 4th Grade – MCDS Anniversary Polo Scrapbook: prices in 2014, sports we play, what school is like today 7. 4th Grade – One Way We Rock 8. 5th Grade – 5 Things I love About MCDS, handprint cutouts 9. All classes: 75th Celebration Class Photos – “There’s no place like home…” 10. Pressed flowers from Leonie’s Garden

Marni Weiss 15. 2013-2014 Upper School Student Handbook 16. Programs from the Girls Varsity Basketball Championship games 17. TI-83 Graphing calculator as example of technology used by students 18. Convocation program and candle 19. Apple Shuffle with music

Athletics: 1. Girls Tennis District Championship Shirt 2. Girls Softball District Championship Shirt 3. Girls Volleyball District Championship Shirt 4. Girls Soccer District Championship Shirt 5. Boys Tennis District Championship Shirt 6. Boys Cross Country District Championship Shirt

Alumni Feature

KELLY CREEDEN ’93 - A CONNECTOR FOR THE COMMON GOOD Kelly Creeden ’93 got her start in service and social entrepreneurship at age 16 while she was a student at Miami Country Day School. Emerging from a conversation with thenteacher Leslie Haatvedt about the upcoming Kelly Creeden in Ecuador annual HIV/AIDS talk her junior year, Kelly started a campaign to educate her peers in an engaging way. Kelly felt strongly that a talk featuring a peer—not a doctor or “expert”—would make the issue more salient for an audience of teenagers. She made her case to Mrs. Haatvedt, who assented and encouraged Kelly to find a speaker for the assembly. More than twenty years later, Kelly reflected, “That experience changed the trajectory of my life.” Kelly met her teacher’s trust with enthusiasm and tenacity. She connected with Pedro Zamora, a Hialeah High School student who had recently come out as HIV positive. She worked alongside him at an HIV/AIDS resource center called Body Positive in downtown Miami, and she ultimately persuaded him to speak to her classmates at Miami Country Day. Pedro, who later went on to become an AIDS educator and television

personality, imparted a valuable message to the assembly that year—to protect themselves, to be responsible, and to remember that they are not invincible. Feeling empowered and eager to do more, Kelly became a hospice volunteer, trained as a public speaker, and cofounded with her classmates Dena Willman and Lisa Silver the MCDS school club, SAFE (Stop AIDS Fast Through Education). She led the club in organizing a communitywide high school dance-a-thon to raise money for AIDS research and prevention. The dance-a-thon raised $30,000 and garnered celebrity endorsement to increase awareness in the community and beyond. Kelly had experienced her first taste of bringing people together around an important issue and sparked a lifelong career in the common good. She has since worked for Make-a-Wish Foundation, UC Berkeley, the Skoll Foundation, Free the Children, and Seattle Seahawks. She currently works as Managing Director of Head Coach Initiatives and Seattle Seahawks Special Projects, where she oversees Super Bowl Champion head coach Pete Carroll’s charitable and commercial portfolio. Carroll and Kelly met when he signed on as the co-chair of Free The Children’s first We Day in the United States. Tied to the year-long We Act program, We Day brings together hundreds of thousands of youth and educators with

Coach Pete Carroll and local Seattle youth

Commemorative issue

alumni – stay connected

world-renowned speakers, cultural icons, and musicians to celebrate the power of youth to create positive change. Youth earn their entry by completing one local and one global action on an issue of their choice. Following the success of We Day Seattle, Carroll approached Kelly about overseeing his initiatives. One of Carroll’s initiatives is A Better Seattle, an initiative that works to reduce Seattle area youth and gang violence by forging partnerships that generate opportunities for atrisk youth to take control of their lives and strive for better futures. The initiative supports the work of professionally trained street outreach workers—who often have a history of gang involvement, come from the neighborhoods they now work in, and serve as a critical bridge between youth and the services they need. Kelly and Carroll often host these youth at Seahawks practice to expose them to the approach and mindset of the team and coach them on becoming their best selves. Connecting people, platforms, and ideas in innovative ways to create impact is what inspires Kelly most in her work. From leading a fundraiser her senior year to overseeing Pete Carroll’s initiatives today, Kelly’s view on philanthropy is that it is “not always about money.” With all the organizations and people she has worked with, the question she always asks is “how do you want to leverage your assets—time, money, organization, people, and partners—around the issues you care about?” For Kelly, philanthropy is not one part of your life, but rather your approach to it.

Coach Pete Carroll at We Day Seattle

From We Day Seattle 2013; pictured (l to r): Ben Malcolmson (Seahawks), Yohan Mathew (Free The Children), Richard Sherman (Seahawks cornerback, #25), Kelly Creeden

KEEP US INFORMED! Email us alumni@miamicountryday.org with your preferred email address and phone number. You can stay up to date on alumni and school news through social media! Join the Alumni Facebook Group, become a fan of the Miami Country Day School Fan Page, and connect with the Alumni LinkedIn Group. 39 THE BEACON

MIAMI COUNTRY

DAY SCHOOL Avalanches OF DRAMA, SONG, & DANCE

ALUMNI IN ACTion

MCDS

alumni

faculty

SAVE THE DATE:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2014 “Let's bring back all the fun of the past! Wick, Pitchy, Alfons and I would love to get one more show in with all of you!” ~ Ms. Sandi Lewis

RSVP to:

sandi lewis

lewiss@miamicountryday.org 40 THE BEACON

alumni – stay connected

Alumni Happy Hour and the Flow of Ideas Nora Pardave adds a name to the Alumni Annual Giving donor list!

Alumni Spring Happy Hour took place on March 7th at the EPIC Hotel. Alumni of all ages gathered to enjoy some networking and beverages.

Kevin Cudlipp ’04, Mark Fifer ’05, Courtney Rivkind ’09, Kim Arredondo, Tracey Towle-Humphrey ’96, Brenton Raymond ’06, Claudia Figueredo ’90, Liza Schwartz ’08, Ivan Mendoza ’94, Fredi Rosenfeld, Craig Green ’93, Nancy Landau Green ’93, Karen Maerovitz ’96, Paige Rivkind ’07, Dr. John Davies & Nora Pardave

Brenton Raymond ’06, Paige Rivkind ’07 & Courtney Rivkind ’09.

Alumni Board members, Ivan Mendoza ’94, Claudia Figueredo ’90 & Brenton Raymond ’06.

Honor Your Teacher

Do you remember your favorite moments at MCDS? Do you have a favorite teacher who impacted your life? A wonderful way to honor your favorite teacher is to make a gift to Miami Country Day School in honor of a teacher or staff member. Give back today to those who made a difference in your life.

Thank you for honoring those who mean the most – our teachers! Please contact Nora Pardave at pardaven@ miamicountryday.org or 305-779-7299 for more information. Please visit: www.miamicountryday.org/AlumniGiveNow

Commemorative issue

Class Notes Nicholas Dorn ’95 was recently appointed as the new executive director at Doctors Charter. He will assume the position officially in July to replace retired executive director Gary Meredith. Nicholas Richberg ’96 performed in Assassins in January and February at the Carnival Studio Theater. It was a Zoetic Stage Production of Sondheim’s 5 Tony Award winning musical. MCDS teacher, Carolyn Dorn saw the show and shared that “Nicholas literally ‘owns’ the stage as John Wilkes Booth who started all of the assassinations (and attempts) off.” Jonathan Claussen ’96 and his wife Allison Lane had a baby girl on July 11, 2013. She was 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 inches long. She is completely their world! Taylor Burrowes Nixon ’97 was appointed to the Cayman Islands Government Mental Health Commission as Deputy Chair. Taylor graduated from Barry University this spring with a PhD in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. She also spoke at TEDxSevenMileBeach in the Cayman Islands this spring. Natasha Meira Alexander ’99 and her husband David have partnered with Savannah James (Lebron James’ wife) to open The Juice Spot. David has been Savannah’s trainer for several years and they both live the healthy lifestyle. While preparing Savannah for her wedding, they had the idea of opening Miami’s first Wi-fi cold pressed juice bar! Natasha is the Operations Manager for The Juice Spot and loves being a part of an up-and-coming novelty of cold press juicing! The menu is 100% organic and made with the freshest ingredients in the market. Visit The Juice Spot at 1800 SW 1st Ave #104, Miami, Florida 33129 and follow @TheJuiceSpot on Instagram. Vicki Raines ’00 married Jesse Laymon on September 21, 2013. The ceremony was held on a pier overlooking the East River and the skyline of Manhattan at Gantry Plaza State Park in their neighborhood in Queens. A reception followed at the South Street Seaport Museum in Manhattan. Nathaniel Sandler ’00 served as Vicki’s Man of Honor and provided the night’s funniest, most embarrassing toast. (She thought he would have looked stunning in a purple, off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dress, but the purple tie they settled on was pretty good.) Also in attendance were MCDS alumni: Daniel LeVasser ’00, Amie Edmiston ’00, and Mikey Courtney ’98. Jessica McCrary Campbell ’00 spoke as an entrepreneurial innovator at Speed Innovation, an MCDSsponsored evening of talks, this January. Her talk touched on how MCDS taught her to be “fearless, innovative, and creative which, along with passion are the core components one must embody to successfully run their own enterprise.” Miya Cain ’04, a candidate for a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard, served on a team called Recupera Chile this January. The team was based in a town called Cobquecura, the epicenter of the 2010 earthquake. Beyond developing an Economic Development Report for Cobquecura, the team also partnered with two entrepreneurs with a vision of starting a rural bus service and a tourism website to help integrate service in Chile. Now Recupera Chile is helping them raise money to get their projects launched. To learn more or donate today, visit recuperagrants.weebly.com.

42 THE BEACON

alumni – stay connected

Kevin Rodrigues ’11, whose primary sport was baseball at Country Day, tried out and walked onto the fencing team at UNC Chapel Hill his first year there. He was featured on the local news last fall. Said his head coach, Ron Miller, “He’s a good athlete. He’s a good role model.” Zacchary Kappos ’11 has been selected to be a part of the Canadian National Team to play Water Polo. He’s a junior at California State University-Long Beach, where he plays as well. Zacchary will travel to Madrid with the Canadian team in May to play against the Spanish National team. In June, he will travel with his college team (ranked #7 in the US) to Serbia and Croatia to practice and play against several teams there. For the latter part of the summer he will be traveling throughout Europe and China with the Canadian team. Shahil Mehta ’11, a senior studying organismic and evolutionary biology at Harvard, spent last summer in São Paulo, Brazil doing research in collaboration with a nutrition professor at the University of São Paulo. Through his work, which was recognized in the Harvard Gazette, Shahil explored “how a lipid-based supplement could impact preterm birth rates in the Amazon.” Ashley Hatcher ’11, a junior on the water polo team at Princeton, was part of a team that made program history, earning the school a number seven ranking.

Tiffany Kontoyiannis ’12, Silver Knight winner and sophomore at Barnard, came back to campus on January 8th to present her play, “The Cycle,” to the 7th and 11th grades. “The Cycle” is an antibullying play that was written and developed by Tiffany while she was a student at MCDS. She recently created a video with cameos from MCDS alumni and current MCDS students that spreads her antibullying message. Check it out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nSEYzbQgcE or on the MCDS Alumni Facebook page. Visit her website thecyclestoppers.org to read more about what Tiffany and others are doing to “Stop the Cycle.” Eli Iaslovits ’13 co-created a company called Frocket T. The idea for the company emerged from a course at Babson called Foundations in Management and Entrepreneurship, through which groups of 20 students form and run their own start-up. Eli and his team are running a custom T-shirt company, and their product is a trendy, organic cotton long sleeve T-Shirt with a front pocket. They offer an array of color combinations that customers may mix and match to create a shirt that fits their style. Learn more at www.frocketapparel.com. Glen Turf, Upper School Director, ran into a group of alumni on Ocean Drive in April. Pictured here are Shaun Mosheim ‘05, Cori Mizrahi ‘07, Brittany Holland ‘07, Glen Turf, Melissa Mosheim ‘06, Scott Latimer ‘05, Liza Schwartz ‘07, and Richard Benezra ’05.

Please excuse our mistake... We mis-printed Michelle Finvarb Possin ’95 class year on page 43 in the Winter 2014 Beacon.

ask an alum

FIVE-MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH LARISSA LIBURD ’10 1. What are your favorite things about studying at Yale? My favorite thing about Yale is definitely the fact that studying has become a group activity (one that oftentimes doesn’t merit the name “studying”)! I’m writing this now from a seminar room occupied by five other people sitting on the table, in the chairs, and on the floor; there’s a lot of junk food lining the table and we’ve been here for about three hours, and though we have four or five more hours ahead of us, it’s a lot easier to study for so long when your reading on Refugee Law is occasionally interrupted by an impromptu discussion about whatever has just popped up on Reddit, Tumblr, Twitter, etc. 2. Do you consider Yale to be a good match for you? Without a doubt. I have met so many incredible people here, and I have had opportunities that I don’t think I could have taken advantage of at most other schools. Yalies are incredibly diverse, which means something’s always happening; two nights ago I was hanging upside down from a friend’s couch as he strummed along to Mumford and Sons on his guitar; the night after that I stopped in to a friend’s South Asian cultural house food study break before rushing to another friend’s dance performance; and tonight I’m attending what is ostensibly the quinceañera of our football fraternity’s pet lizard (I’ll be seeing another MCDS alum, Max Fink, while there!). Aside from the activities, I definitely feel as if I have been not only intellectually but also personally challenged while here. I took a course here that challenged students to develop a project that would force them out of their comfort zone, with the single stipulation that it had to be something connected to the concept of “Grand Strategy.” Three months later, I was en route to Haiti and jittery as a bug as I tried my best to finalize lesson plans and itineraries for the forty-two high school students waiting for me and the seven other college students coming with me. 3. What are you studying? I’m a Political Science major with an interdisciplinary concentration in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. The Poli Sci department here is really big, but the Latin American and Caribbean Studies courses are few and far between, so it’s a really good mix of small 3-person seminars and larger 150-person lectures! 4. What has been your favorite class or outside project during your four years at Yale and why? My favorite project at Yale has definitely been the Yale International Relations Association (YIRA), an organization I’ve been a happy part of for the past four years! Through YIRA, I’ve traveled to Korea (North and South!), Japan, the Czech Republic, China, and Haiti. I’ve met people from all over the world, run conferences attended by anywhere from hundreds to thousands of students, and introduced or talked to dignitaries ranging from Kofi Annan to Bawa Jain. In my junior year, I was elected President of YIRA and had the chance to focus on running and expanding a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving over 200 undergraduates. Since Yale is very hands off about its student organizations, all of these initiatives and events have been entirely student-run – an opportunity I’m definitely grateful for. 5. Have you been back on the MCDS campus since you graduated? Do you keep in touch with any of your former teachers? I’ve been back two or three times since I’ve graduated, and I’ve definitely got rounds that I try to do! Mr. Bronish, Wicker and Woodburn, Ms. Sardina, Mrs. Dorn, Madame Schultz, Mrs. Gallup, Mrs. Lucchi, Mrs. Pitchman, Mr. Hutsko, Ms. Rosenfeld, Ms. Lew, Mrs. Sennett, Ms. Allen, Mr. Pineda, Mr. Lovett, Ms. Kelly, the lovely Ms. Fultons

44 THE BEACON

Do you think you were prepared for your college courses and college life in general?

Our Mission

It’s hard not to automatically just think of the words associated with “warm” and “sunny” now that the weather’s taken a turn for the worse in Connecticut! But in all seriousness, I think of the word “easy” – and I don’t mean academically. It’s very easy to make and stay friends in a class of 80-ish people, just like it’s easy to become close to your teacher because you see them five days a week and hang out in their room during lunchtime. MCDS is an environment that is meant to present each of its students with opportunities well within reach of their fingertips, from music and voice lessons to minimester once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And don’t get me wrong – that’s great! But that’s not what you’ll have when you leave that wonderful haven behind, so enjoy it thoroughly while it lasts – from Woody’s squirt gun to The God of Small Things, you won’t realize you miss it until it’s 40 degrees and you’re twenty out of two hundred pages into a book you should’ve read a week ago.

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BEACON A publication of Miami Country Day School Commemorative Issue 2013-2014