Millbrook, Spring/Summer 2023

MILLBROOK’S MISSION

In a community where every student is known and needed, Millbrook prepares its students for college and lives of meaning and consequence by instilling the values of respect, integrity, stewardship, service, and curiosity.

Living the Tradition of Non Sibi Sed Cunctis

UP FRONT

3 Introduction from Head of School Jonathan Downs ’98

4 Millbrook Moments

MILLBROOK MATTERS

12 Academics

18 Quotables

22 Athletics

32 Student Life

FEATURES

38 Center Stage: Performance Art For the Love of Music, Dance, and Theater

Millbrook’s performing arts program is powerful, collaborative, and deeply personal for our students and faculty.

48 Following Their Yellow Brick Roads

Millbrook alums are a talented bunch, and those featured on the following pages have a great sense of self-confidence, know what they’re good at and what they love to do, and have patience and drive. They have built their successes on a foundation of friendships and professional relationships.

50 Theodore Chapin ’68

52 Sasha Bühler ’85

56 Rufus Wainwright ’91

60 Anna Rose Menken ’03

63 Émilie Richard-Froozan ’03

76 From the Archives

65 AJ Links ’07

67 Holden Jaffe ’12

70 Kristen Zublin ’09

71 Bria Horsley ’14

72 Mary McCartney ’15

Our campus is stunningly beautiful, so it’s no surprise that Hollywood has come calling often in the past 40 years hoping to use some part of our 800 acres as a backdrop for film productions.

36 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

ALUMNI

78 Millbrook Gatherings

84 Class Notes

104 In Memoriam

ON THE COVERS

Front Cover: Bliss Gooding ’23 strums in the afternoon sun in Abbott’s bay window.

Photo by Alex Pearson.

Back Cover: Award-winning Self Portrait as El Greco Painting by Zoumana Traore ’25.

a magazine for alumni, parents and friends of millbrook school

EDITOR

Michelle Blayney DESIGN

Proof Design

CONTRIBUTORS

Michelle Blayney, Daniel Cohen ‘86, Alex Pearson, Jeff Zelevansky

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS

Michelle Blayney, Tanner Newman, Alex Pearson, Jeff Zelevansky

MILLBROOK is published by the Communications Office and Alumni & Development Office of Millbrook School for alumni, parents, and friends of the school. Contents may be reproduced or reprinted only by permission of the editor. Opinions expressed do not reflect the official position of Millbrook School.

Millbrook School

131 Millbrook School Road

Millbrook, NY 12545

Phone: 845-677-8261

Website: www.millbrook.org

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ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Director of Advancement

Nancy I. Stahl

Assistant to the Headmaster for External Affairs

Robert W. Anthony ’65

Director of Annual Giving & Parent Engagement

Barbara S. Gatski

Director of Alumni Relations

Eliza Chapman ‘12

Director of Donor Relations & Development Operations

Trish Rexhouse

Database Manager & Administrative Assistant

Bonnie L. Lodevole

Gift Entry Manager & Administrative Assistant

Michelle Anderson

Administrative Assistant

Shannon Williams

Special Programs Coordinator

Diane Dalton

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Chief Communications Officer

Michelle Blayney

Director of Multimedia Content

Alexander Pearson

Lead Photographer, Writer

Jeffrey Zelevansky

Digital Communications Specialist

Tanner Newman

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairman

William L. Menard ’78, P ’09, ’12, ’12

Vice Chairman

Paul M. Solomon ’61, P ’98

Secretary

Peter R. Chapman P ’11, ’12

Treasurer

Richard A. Stuckey P ’00, ’03, ’09

Head of School

Jonathan R. Downs ’98

J’nelle N. Agee ’06

Francisco L. Borges ’70

Stephen M. Clement III

Kelly Macaluso Coles ’86, P ’19

Trevor L. Colhoun ’95

Morgan C. Conrad ’99

Constantine M. Dakolias P ’22

Kathleen A. Dill ’85

Christopher C. Holbrook ’82, P ’11, ’12, ’14

Theodore S. Karatz ’96

Alison J. Marsal ’06

Gordon S. Pennoyer ’99

Steve Rodgers P ’23, ’25

Gilbert P. Schafer III ’80

Lisa P. Selz P ’12, ’17

Paul M. Simons ’83, P ’17, ’19

William F. Souder P ’22

Paul Stafford P ’16, ’19, ’23

Charlotte Carroll Tracy ’88

James Vitiello P ’23

Caroline A. Wamsler, PhD ’87

Honorary Trustees:

Farnham F. Collins ’53, GP ’17

William L. Crossman ’74, P ’09

Lucy P. Cutting P ’77

William R. Hettinger ’77, P ’01, ’04

Bruce B. Huber ’47

William B. McNamara ’75

NON DISCRIMINATION

Millbrook School adheres to a long-standing policy of admitting students of any race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, financial aid program, or other school-administered programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Millbrook magazine is printed on stock that is manufactured with 10% postconsumer fiber using renewable energy. It is FSC certified.

Introduction from Head of School Jonathan R. Downs ’98

Over Millbrook’s 92-year history, we have become the ideal destination for the adolescent journey. Two equally important promises await down School Road:

• preparation for college and lives of meaning and consequence, and • the preservation of childhood.

This tension of preservation and preparation inspires students to play and purposefully study in search of a deeper, broader understanding of themselves. As a result, we send productive, conscientious, responsible Millbrook graduates out into an increasingly multi-cultural, global world.

Of course we must prepare our students. If we did not, we would be neglecting the most significant responsibility that we have as educators and parents, which is to move children toward becoming independent, resilient adults—physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially! In a world that seems to find more overt and subversive ways to rob children of their childhoods, it is also our responsibility to preserve and protect this precious developmental stage of life.

The power of Millbrook rests in our mission. It is not only a worthy cause and perfect articulation of our promise and purpose, but it is also the antidote to so many of the world’s problems.

In a community where every student is known and needed, Millbrook prepares its students for lives of meaning and consequence by instilling the values of respect, integrity, service, stewardship of the natural world, and curiosity.

Think about it. If we successfully deliver upon our mission, we truly are the ideal destination for an excellent adolescent journey. Fragmentation. Division. What’s the antidote? Community. The first noun in our mission.

Being alone. Facing the unknown. Antidote? Being known and being needed. The phrase upon which our mission is hinged, the central tenet of our purpose.

Divisiveness. Meanness. Antidote? Respect. Integrity. Curiosity. Our core values call us to be kind, empathetic, and open to new ideas. Selfishness. Antidote? Service! Non Sibi Sed Cunctis. Not for oneself but for all.

The answers are in our mission. If you are a Millbrook graduate, like me, you know this to be true. You have a firsthand account of Millbrook. You know that Millbrook stays with you, that the joys of childhood and the fostering of a confident, creative, independent spirit has prepared you to leave this destination and successfully journey through your adult life.

Please enjoy this magazine. Every image, profile, and story you see inside will serve as evidence of our fulfillment of our promise to prepare and preserve, to be the ideal destination for a young person’s journey through adolescence.

Jonathan Downs ’98 Head of School

Millbrook Moments

There’s no stage fright for IIIrd former Nya Johnson as she makes her Millbrook debut in the fall performance of She Kills Monsters.

Millbrook Moments

Third formers William Grahling and Max Amsterdam have a knack for gathering sap from the maple trees along School Road. With their help, and plenty of heat, over time it became some of the best syrup we’ve ever tasted!

Millbrook Moments

A recent addition to Winter Weekend, the ping pong tournament has become a hugely popular event, drawing dorm-wide support and enthusiasm. The entire school gathers in the barn for playoff rounds before the final match plays out center stage in the Chelsea Morrison Theater.

Millbrook Moments

Advising never ends: Head Girls Lacrosse Coach Caitlin Sorriento works with her assistant coaches Cora MacKenzie ’12 and Eliza Chapman ’12, her advisees when they were students.

Millbrook Matters

ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, ARTS, AND STUDENT LIFE

Academics

Questions and hypotheses arise throughout the year in the Frederic C. Hamilton Math & Science Center as students investigate why things are the way they are, why things happen the way they do, and how sometimes simple modifications can change the trajectory and outcomes of a research project or tech challenge. Often these questions are carried across School Road to the tropical building or animal enclosures throughout the Trevor Zoo or right next door into the Holbrook Arts Center, where unparalleled access to resources and creativity abound. Following are a few examples of the unique and comprehensive research happening in classes this year.

WHAT’S NEW:

Courses, Curriculum & Programming

Primate Evolution

Millbrook’s science offerings are always evolving. A new elective draws from science instructor Dr. Kerry Dore’s long-term research on primates, genetics, and evolution.

Access to the primate residents of the Trevor Zoo provides a unique opportunity for student scientists to conduct high-level research on living subjects. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Dore’s ongoing work as national coordinator of a study of invasive green monkeys on the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis for the United Nations Environmental Program draws upon her expertise at the nexus of anthropology and biology.

Primate Evolution, taught in the Trevor Zoo classroom, dovetails with Dr. Dore’s research expertise, and students further benefit from the opportunity to observe and study the five resident primate species at the zoo. Biological anthropology underlies the study of genetics, natural selection, and evolution, and students in this master class engage with these and other disciplines while conducting firsthand observations and research.

In this master class, students take this experience with scientific research and carry it forward in future study at Millbrook and beyond, including principles of classification, genetics, paleontology, and the scientific method.

MARMOSETS, WOLVES, AND LEMURS, OH MY!

Millbrook’s Independent Science Research course grants advanced student scientists time and support to pursue their interests and theories. Led by Dr. Kerry Dore, the select group undertakes on-campus research that has led to collaboration with universities and published findings. The Trevor Zoo is often a focus for research thanks to Millbrook student scientists’ unmatched access to the animals. This year, many crossed the zoo pond to ask and answer their burning questions.

HANNAH COON ’23

The Effect of Dominance Status on Stress and Behavior in Geoffroy’s Marmoset (Callithrix geoffroys)

Hannah had a helpful head start on her research thanks to her participation in a MillbrookEngage summer internship at the Trevor Zoo. The zoo was already participating in a study on progesterone and collecting female marmoset feces for a research institute in St. Louis; Hannah was able to piggyback on that data collection for her project.

Hannah spent part of last summer and this school year investigating the idea of hierarchy among marmosets and assessing stress levels by analyzing levels of the hormone corticosterone and making behavioral observations. Hannah prepared an assay from which she hoped to glean support for her observations, but a flaw in the data meant that her research was unusable. Despite the disappointment, she gained invaluable lessons about research and perseverance. She plans to pursue science in college and explore new ways to connect scientific research with the humanities.

ANN NAJORK ’23 The Impact of Live Prey on Captive Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Behavior and Stress

As a co-head student curator at the Trevor Zoo, Ann’s familiarity with all zoo inhabitants led her to question whether a red wolf, a large carnivore, may experience stress due to a limited ability to hunt in captivity. A critically endangered species, much of red wolves’ behavior in the wild is structured around hunting and searching for food. Ann’s research required that she provide the wolves with live prey for them to pursue, leading to an ethical consideration. With zoo staff, “I chose to continue with the experiment because the positives outweigh the negatives,” Ann said, “and we might be able to improve the wolves’ quality of life.”

The young red wolves are observed on video monitors to avoid human impact on their potential rewilding. Ann has completed her data collection, comprised of a behavioral ethogram and a fecal corticosterone assay, and is working on the final research paper, which she hopes to publish. Ann plans to study veterinary science in college, and the experience gained doing college-level research in her ISR will prove invaluable.

JULIA SCHERESCHEWSKY ’23 The Effect of Enrichment on Environmentally Related Stress in Black and White Ruffed Lemurs

“I chose a topic that had to do with the zoo because I might never get a chance to do research at a zoo again,” said Julia.

The Trevor Zoo’s black and white ruffed lemurs move to an indoor habitat during the cold winter months. Julia suspected that the move and smaller habitat might cause stress for the lemurs. Her ISR assessed whether adding more perches and swings to their winter exhibit might alleviate stress. She collected the lemurs’ feces and tested for levels of the stress hormone corticosterone while observing the lemurs’ behavior in their indoor enclosure. With a full load of AP courses plus varsity field hockey and varsity lacrosse, Julia used her time strategically to perform behavioral analysis, gather data, and reach conclusions.

Other students are also focused on the zoo relative to its interactions with people and places on the west side of School Road:

Forrest Schmitt ’23: The Impact of the Trevor Zoo on the Bacteria Composition of the Millbrook School Campus

Remy Kalmbach ’23: The Psychological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions in a Zoo on Both Parties

Flight Engineers Take to the Halls of Holbrook

Human ability to communicate with machines is fast becoming a necessity.

Foundations of Programming, taught by Joe Raciti, provides students with the basics of the programming language Python and the opportunity to test how their code functions in the real world. The ubiquity of drone aircraft breeds a sense of familiarity, but the precision required for their successful use creates a next-level challenge. With teams of four students each and four challenges to attempt, class members write code designed to fly tiny DJI drone copters through a series of maneuvers and timed trials.

Teams must carefully measure distances to write accurate code and to keep the drones in the air. One test required a drone to take off and land in each of four quadrants of a square of tape on the floor of the Holbrook Arts Center. Others involved figureeight circumnavigations of the pillars and windows outside the Warner Gallery and a speed and distance trial around the bottom floor of the Holbrook Arts Center. Trial and error are part of coding and more common for beginning programmers. In testing and competition, there were a few drone crashes but no injuries. Engineering in real time, students became adept at repairing drones and troubleshooting code during practice runs in the hopes of being competitive when it counted.

Writing code for drones just prior to takeoff created a unique experiential learning opportunity. “My hope is that seeing something respond in the real world to coded instructions gives the kids a more intuitive understanding of their code,” said Mr. Raciti.

Love Your Own Story

Millbrook welcomed award-winning author Jason Reynolds to the Chelsea Morrison Theater for the first forum of the school year.

A standing-room crowd had the privilege of hearing Mr. Reynolds discuss his journey from his early days as a very reluctant reader to his creation of prize-winning young adult novels and poetry. “There is no such thing as a shortcut or a favor when it comes to education,” said Mr. Reynolds, “Education in and of itself is a favor.” Mr. Reynolds spoke about his drive to connect with young people through books and the importance of hearing from and listening to his readers. “I want you to love my stories, but I don’t want you to love my stories more than you love your own,” he said, “Your story is the most valuable thing you’ll ever have.”

Mr. Reynolds delivered a compelling and engaging narrative about his discovery of literature through rap music, and his frank responses during a question-and-answer session made for an enjoyable and illuminating forum. BIPOC faculty and staff from local independent schools also attended the forum, furthering Mr. Reynolds’ message. After his presentation, Mr. Reynolds spent time chatting with students as he autographed their books. Hilarious and heartfelt, Mr. Reynolds demonstrated his ability to connect with and inspire young people: “The greatest gift you can give yourself is yourself.”

QUOTABLES

Millbrook students and alumni shared many words of wisdom on campus this year. The thread that ran through was OPPORTUNITY, as every speaker reinforced a call to act fearlessly—to be stewards of our world, to follow the path less taken, and to listen and respond to others with grace and compassion.

Rob Bierregaard ’69 Ornithologist, Professor, and Author

ADDRESS,

KEYNOTE

MILLBROOK’S ALUMNI SUMMIT 2023

“Wherever your life takes you, thanks to your time here at Millbrook, you’ll be aware, some more deeply than others, of the responsibility you have to be the stewards of our planet. And thanks to your time at Millbrook, you’ll be better prepared to have a meaningful impact on how our society evolves in response to the environmental changes we have inadvertently set in motion.”

and Comedy Writer

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY GUEST PANELIST

Bria Horsley ’14

Producer

“Listening, being honest, and giving people grace…an act of love is giving people grace because you don’t always know what might be happening and what has made a person who they are today.”

Academics

Remy Kalmbach ’23

Chapel

Talk

“It’s not easy to follow your own path when it leads you in a different direction. Life is an adventure. It is absolutely filled with opportunity, but it is up to us to embrace those opportunities, fully and completely, despite what others may think.”

Rogan Fauci ’23

Chapel

Talk

“Leukemia did not change me. It put me on a path to discover who I am. I found my strength, I found my path, and I found the will to overcome any obstacle in my way.”

Charlie Kaye ’23 Chapel Talk

“Challenge is healthy. It pushes our boundaries and makes us grow. I want every person in this room to challenge yourselves to be better. Millbrook School needs every single one of us to be living to pursue the best self and the common good.”

ATHLETICS

There is a particular tempo to life at Millbrook, manifested in large and small ways. Campus comes alive in the fall with new and returning student-athletes eager to make their mark. When the playing fields are covered with snow and ice, we play indoor games and wait for mud season. The whoosh of a lacrosse ball and the ping of a metal bat provide the soundtrack for the spring. Year-round, we build skills, gain experience, and learn to lead. Athletic achievements can be tallied and timed, but individual progress is seldom linear and sometimes tough to measure. With each season, there is renewal, a chance to rebuild, and the drive to improve.

Millbrook Hosts

The Battle of Route 44

Millbrook held home-field advantage for the 2022 Millbrook-Pomfret Day, but by the end of a very full November Saturday, Pomfret retained the coveted Peck-Pulling Trophy.

Results in twelve competitions were tallied to determine the winner, and though Mustangs notched wins in boys varsity soccer, girls varsity volleyball, girls cross-country, and boys thirds soccer, the Griffins won the day.

Millbrook’s hospitality was on full display with snack tents and prime viewing opportunities at all events. Supportive cheering on all sides built throughout the day, and the excitement of the competition was pervasive.

Pomfret Head of School Tim Richards and Millbrook Head of School Jonathan Downs ’98 were gracious at an impromptu awards ceremony held after the day’s final game, girls varsity soccer. A true nailbiter decided by a shootout, the Griffins took the win. As the sideline teemed with jubilant visitors from the east, Mr. Downs again donned a red Pomfret sweatshirt as Mr. Richards held the winner’s trophy aloft. In only the second year of a good-natured rivalry, Millbrook-Pomfret Day already feels like a cherished tradition for both schools. The growing desire to display the trophy here at Millbrook will motivate every athlete preparing to head east on Rt. 44 to Pomfret next fall.

TEAM ROUNDUPS

Mustang Musings on Fall and Winter Sports

CROSS-COUNTRY Leading the girls team to an enviable 17-7 record.

Millbrook’s demanding course, which includes the estimable Ski Hill in the early going, is as challenging as it is picturesque. Dedicated to training and to the team, Juliet Drury ’24 set the tone at every meet. “Running is such an individual sport,” said Juliet, “but at the same time, it’s all about your team and being there for each other.” Though Juliet finished consistently at the top in every event, she doesn’t consider her race to be over at the finish line. “I’ll look at my time and sometimes be happier than other times, but the race isn’t finished until all my teammates come across.” With a fifth-place finish in the NEPSAC championship, Juliet continues to set the bar high. “Because our community here is small, I feel like I’m representing everyone, and I love that,” said Juliet. “The passion of the coaches and the support we get just makes me proud to run for Millbrook.”

Trading the varied natural terrain and surfaces of Millbrook’s course for the unforgiving blacktop of midtown Manhattan, Juliet finished 7th in her 52-runner age group at the USTF 5K to kick off NYC Marathon weekend, another true resume highlight.

FIELD HOCKEY

Varsity field hockey amassed a winning record under the leadership of new coaches Eliza Chapman ‘12 and Juliana Pecchia.

There was a heightened energy on the turf and a true re-commitment to Mustang field hockey. Captain Morgan Ainley ’23 and her teammate Shaye Jasiel ’24 are ice hockey standouts who went all-in to kickstart the program, including introducing new players to the sport. Shaye and Morgan credit coaches Chapman and Pecchia with building a program among players, some who have little field hockey experience. “The new coaches set the tone,” said Shaye, “We really felt like the underdog with something to prove against other teams, and now we all know we can compete against much more experienced players.” Morgan’s season takeaway was that field hockey can and should be fun: “In the end, everyone tried their hardest, and when we came out with a win, it was super encouraging, carrying over to the next practice and game.” And hopefully, next season!

FOOTBALL

With a modest schedule, Millbrook’s eight-man football team didn’t have quite enough runway to defend their 2021 NEPSAC league title.

Coach Prince Botchway emphasized accountability and growth as season themes, and co-captains Eli Crystal ’24 and Carl Posse ’24 seized leadership roles with an eye to the program’s future. At quarterback, Eli ran the show on the gridiron, gaining confidence and experience in real time. “Leadership opportunities are available to everyone here, especially if you push yourself to achieve,” said Eli. Carl’s emphasis was on solidifying team culture through individual commitment. “As a student-athlete,” said Carl, “my academic and athletic responsibilities are similar: I have to study, show up, and work hard.”

• Eli Crystal ’24

• Carl Posse ’24

SOCCER Boys Win the McDonald Cup

Mustang soccer continued to be goal-oriented in 2022 as the boys played solidly into the postseason NEPSAC semifinals.

Winners of the 2022 Class C WNEPSSA

McDonald Cup for best season record, Mustang soccer was unrelenting. A record of decisive wins speaks to the impact of several new players who made every match a must-watch. Francis Bonsu ’25, Carter Jackson ’26, and Widmer brothers Andre ’25 and Daniel ’26 brought serious intensity, while the steady leadership of Captain Justin Galarza kept things on track.

“Living together with your team makes everyone feel included,” said Justin, “and it makes you want to strive to be better and maintain a positive mindset.” In turn, Coach Ugo Okolie’s strong connection with Justin allowed him to manifest his enthusiasm and spirit across the pitch.

Girls Rebuild

The turnover inherent in high school athletics means that rebuilding years are more the rule than the exception.

An upside to roster churn is that new and younger players can grow into expanded roles each year. It is a process Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Gordie MacKenzie ’79 has overseen many times in his 42 years of coaching. With returning players forming a solid foundation, hard work and team unity providing structure, and devoted new Mustangs joining the ranks, the girls soccer team has all the pieces necessary to build back.

As the only senior captain this year, Margaux Levine was responsible for bringing the team together and serving as a true field marshal on the pitch. “Building a connection with your coaches takes time,” said Margaux. “Luckily, I also have had Coach Mac as a teacher, and he trusted I could lead the team.”

Third former Jillian Smith earned the Most Valuable Player award, demonstrating her commitment to the team and school from the moment she set foot on campus. “Since we all live together, we can really build a great culture,” said Jillian. “It’s so much more fun when everyone feels great about each other on and off the field.”

• Justin Galarza ’23

• Margaux Levine ’23

MILLBROOK MATTERS Athletics

VOLLEYBALL

Varsity volleyball teammates Ally Prudence and Emma Salvatore set the pace and set the tone for the girls’ 12-7 season that culminated in a NEPSAC tournament appearance.

For Emma, fan support was vital. “Seeing the stands full of kids and teachers made me really want to play well,” said Emma, “and it pushed the team to be more successful.” After graduating nine seniors from last year’s team, Head Coach Luke Westman expected a challenging year of rebuilding. “As the season progressed and the group began to form an identity, it became evident that they were destined for bigger things,” he said, “These student-athletes created an incredibly positive and collaborative environment that translated to success during matches.”

Following a year during which injury limited her playtime, Ally Prudence embraced her role as libero and team leader. “Coach Westman allowed me to lead on and off the court at practice and in games,” said Ally, “and having that role on the team definitely translated to my life outside volleyball, like in my dorm.” The addition of several new team members, some with no volleyball experience, presented both a challenge and an opportunity. “I talked a lot with the girls about confidence and having fun,” said Ally, “If I was new, that’s what I’d want from a leader.”

Ally and Emma both received All-NEPSAC honors, setting a standard for the core group they have worked so hard to solidify. With all but one senior slated to return next season, the future is bright for varsity volleyball.

• Ally Prudence ’24

• Emma Salvatore ’25

BASKETBALL

For the second year running, boys and girls varsity basketball Mustangs played into the postseason.

Boys Win Big in Tough Competitions

The boys fell to Frederick Gunn in the New England Tournament semifinal after a stellar 18-6 regular season record. “While the ending was not the storybook finish we were hoping for,” said Head Coach Billy Thom, “the 2022-23 campaign for our boys varsity basketball program was literary in that it contained gallant efforts, humongous wins, lessons from loss, and epic heroes wearing navy and white.” Liam Kennelly ’23, a two-year captain, led the team in assists and steals and plans to play at Tufts next year. “We went 8-1 against class A schools, which had never been done before,” said Liam, “Also, we were undefeated against all the surrounding local schools, including Hotchkiss.” With nine graduating seniors on the team, the winning season is a key benefit to recruitment and inspiration for returning Mustangs.

Girls Strong Season Leads to New Englands

Under the leadership of new Head Coach Shayla Lyons, girls varsity basketball put together a winning season with a gritty squad of veterans and new players taking Millbrook to the NEPSAC Class C semifinals. “From the start, this team was undeniably tough, said Coach Lyons. “We played physically, fast, and together, and we saw incredible growth this season.” A core group of graduating seniors will leave the team in the capable hands of guard Jess Farrell ’24 and power forward Challe Cancer ’24.

Bringing Color to Livestreams

Once a rarity, the livestreaming of sports has become an expectation in our digital world, and Millbrook students have been working over the past few years to make Millbrook’s athletic video streams not only available but interesting.

Charlie Kaye ’23 and JD Whiting ’23 established Millbrook’s new sports commentating tradition alongside Adam Beck ’22, who is now in his first year at Northwestern University and commentating on Wildcat sports out in Chicago. Intending to create a lasting legacy, Charlie and JD have truly brought Millbrook’s hockey stream to life this year with colorful in-game commentary.

HOCKEY A Season to Remember for Girls Hockey

With Morgan Ainley ’23 between the pipes as the lone senior, the Mustangs went 20-10-0 and prevailed in the postseason until the semifinal game in the Dorothy Howard Small School Tournament. Natalia Danyluk ’25 led the Mustangs in points, with Caleigh Murphy ’24 and Lila Pannacciulli ’24 close behind. Captains Shaye Jasiel ’24 and Lila Pannacciulli led the team with confidence and poise, the key to the team’s overall success. “It has been a true pleasure coaching this group of athletes,” said Head Coach Erica Shapey, “I know we have set the bar high for next year.”

Charlie primarily handles the in-game play-by-play while JD delivers the stories and factoids that make their broadcasts entertaining and informative. Knowing hockey in general and Millbrook hockey in particular, the boys go above and beyond to describe the action on the ice and the backstories that bring the players and teams into focus. When not suited up for his own JV team, JD watches varsity boys and girls practices, practicing calling game action. Both broadcasters also extensively research opponents’ rosters to assess matchups, tendencies, and season trends.

Though not officially a community service, commentating is absolutely a service to the team and the community at large. Charlie and JD hope to pass the microphone off to younger students interested in continuing and building the program.

STANGS COMMITTING TO COLLEGE

Millbrook celebrates National Letter of Intent signings for five Mustangs. Basketball standouts Lucius Gibson-Savadel and Kyle Marshall will join the Sacred Heart Pioneers in Fairfield, Connecticut and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, respectively. Rocco Boland will head to the University of Vermont in Burlington to play lacrosse, Nolan Cadieux will play lacrosse for Siena College in Albany, New York, and Chris Diaz will join the baseball program at Tulane in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Coming off a great showing, Millbrook boys varsity basketball will send two pillars of the program to D1 schools. Lucius Gibson-Savadel will pursue his education as he brings his talents to Sacred Heart University. “Lucius has learned what he is not, and he earned what he has got. He’s a testament to resilience in the face of injury, judgment, and doubt,” says Head Coach Billy Thom. “While we’re excited to see his growth on the basketball court in the next four years at SHU, we’re even more thrilled that he’ll be earning a degree with no cost to him or his family.”

In a very high-profile signing, Kyle Marshall will be playing for Air Force. “Even though we’ve only had Kyle in our program for a year, he’s made an indelible mark as a Mustang,” said Coach Thom. “Arguably landing at the best conference placement in school history, Kyle will be appropriately challenged from day one at Air Force, both on and off the court. We’re so excited for his continued development out in Colorado Springs.”

Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach JJ Morrissey has high praise for Rocco: “Rocco has been our go-to face-off guy for three straight years. He works hard at his craft and has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best young face-off men in the country with great success.”

About Nolan Coach Morrissey shares, “Nolan has been a foundational piece of our talented attack unit over the last three years. His poise, field IQ, and grit have made our attack unit a threat every time we touch the ball.”

Baseball Head Coach Jack Harlan praises Chris’s talents on and off the field: “Chris is the heart and soul of the Millbrook baseball program. He can impact every facet of the game—hitting for contact, hitting for power, speed, fielding, and throwing. As talented as he is at baseball, he is even more skilled as a leader, serving as a prefect and dorm leader.”

Always a champion for Mustang baseball, for Chris there is no off season. His love of the game is infectious and absolute, and he’ll undoubtedly make a difference at Tulane.

Millbrook’s 2022 National Letter of Intent signees represent the best of Mustang athletics. Fewer than 2% of high school athletes sign letters of intent to formalize their commitment to continue their athletic pursuits at Division I and Division II colleges.

• Chris Diaz with Head of School Jonathan Downs ’98

• Lucius Gibson-Savadel and Kyle Marshall with Coach Thom

• Rocco Boland and Nolan Cadieux with Coach Morrissey

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

• Back

Alex Fraser (Franklin & Marshall, Lacrosse), Nolan Cadieux (Siena College, Lacrosse), Lucius Gibson-Savadel (Sacred Heart University, Basketball) Chris Diaz (Tulane University, Baseball), Yechiel Stewart (RPI, Basketball)

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Johnny Rigolino (St. Lawrence University, Football), Rocco Boland (University of Vermont, Lacrosse), Thomas Gardner (Elms College, Soccer)

Phebe Fisher (Trinity College, Tennis), Mike Siano (St. Lawrence University, Baseball), Liam Kennelly (Tufts University, Basketball)

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Front row:

Not Pictured: Kyle Marshall (Air Force Academy, Basketball)

Student Life

CLARK HOUSE: A Powerful New Alliance

The joined forces of Clark Hall and Guest House proved to be unstoppable as they rolled to victory in Winter Weekend 2023.

From the moment they began their march to the pep rally in a steady and cold winter rain, pink banners held high, their victory had an air of inevitability. Facing worthy adversaries in all events, the girls of Clark and Guest were determined. No other dorm danced as hard, screamed as loud, scavenger-hunted, inhaled whipped cream, or chewed gum and attempted to blow a bubble with as much grit as the eventual champions of Winter Weekend.

ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL: Blending Traditions of Stewardship and Service

In 2022-2023, students and faculty have been focused on the core value of stewardship and applying it to many facets of school life.

Stewardship of the natural world has been a pillar of school culture since Millbrook’s founding, kept front and center by the natural beauty of campus, intentional programming, and faculty dedicated to sustainability education. Community service also goes back to Millbrook’s earliest years, and the Environmental Council has been a part of this tradition for decades. Science teacher and Director of Stewardship and Sustainability Leigh Schmitt led this year’s five-person group. The council helps to evaluate, recommend, and integrate environmental stewardship into programs, policies, and activities in spaces around campus. They also help plan all-school activities; Earth Week encompasses the council’s marquee events, including roadside cleanups, hikes, and a fun after-closing-hours gathering at the Trevor Zoo.

The council has prioritized community education via informational signs at lunch tables, assembly announcements, and outdoor immersion events like hikes, stargazing, and a trip to a nearby climbing gym. “One of my favorite things we do is organizing events that allow students to explore and enjoy the outside world,” said council member Bliss Gooding ’23. “Being in nature deepens our sense of place,” she continued, “and we believe that all students should have that experience here.”

With the support of Aramark’s lead staff in the dining hall, Head Chef Sam Meyer and Dining Services Manager Jon Petrie, the Environmental Council also continues the tradition of Meatless Mondays, designating the first Monday of each month for plant-based protein options in the servery. By exposing students to more plant-based food options, the council seeks to raise awareness about how seemingly small choices at mealtimes can have a meaningful ecological impact.

The Spiritual Side of School Life

As school chaplain, Reverend Cam Hardy is at the center of spiritual life for all who live on campus.

The concurrence of major holidays in the three Abrahamic faiths made for an exceptionally busy spring. Thanks to Reverend Hardy’s planning and coordination, with support from faculty and parents, community members of faith celebrated Easter, Passover, and Ramadan both on and off campus. “We were fortunate to experience a convergence and resurgence of faith traditions and practices this year. With Ramadan, Passover, and Christian Holy Week occurring simultaneously,” said Reverend Hardy.

Muslim students, who observe Ramadan by performing the traditional, month-long fast during daylight hours, gathered nightly in faculty homes and other prepared spaces around campus to break their fast together. Parents generously had food delivered from local restaurants for the students to enjoy after sundown. More than 35 Jewish students partook in a Passover Seder led by Rabbi Darcie Crystal P ’24, ’25, and they feasted on brisket, matzoh ball soup, and other holiday delicacies while retelling the story of the Jews’ liberation from Egypt. Students engaging in Holy Week activities participated in a Good Friday service in the Flagler Memorial Chapel, Mass at a local church, and local Easter Sunday services at Protestant or Catholic houses of worship. Reverend Hardy held a sunrise Easter service on Ski Hill, a school tradition restored.

“It was a dream for me as chaplain to support and facilitate what I had longed to do—welcoming and making visible these holy celebrations,” said Reverend Hardy, “In turn, we found students and families eager to join together in celebration.”

YESS to Collaboration

Millbrook students recently attended the Youth Environment and Sustainability Summit (YESS) at the Ashokan Center in nearby Ulster County to connect and strategize with others interested in addressing climate change and other challenges to life on earth.

Juliet Drury ’24, Sarah Eagen ’24, Ava Raiser ’24, Howard Tu ’25, and Elyse LeBrun ’26 joined groups focused on food, energy, fast fashion, and the attendant waste that results from rampant consumerism. They brainstormed ways to raise awareness among their peers and listened to guest speakers share their experiences in activism and government and insights into the challenge of creating change. “YESS gave us access to collaborate and learn from students and others outside of Millbrook,” said Sarah Eagen, “many of whom we continue to talk with and some who plan to have Millbrook students as interns.”

Director of Stewardship and Sustainability Leigh Schmitt chaperoned the group and collected “innumerable contacts and curricular nuggets” for his environmental science courses.

This is the second time Mr. Schmitt has led a group to YESS. Sited on the shores of the Ashokan Reservoir, the center is a nature and music nonprofit used for education, camps, and other events. Peter Cook, managing director of the center, is a graduate of Millbrook’s Class of 1976, and he has given generously of his time, assisting with Millbrook programs in arts and environmental stewardship.

• Ava, Sarah, and Howard were among 70 other high school students eager to listen, learn, and collaborate at YESS.

• Juliet ’24 was one of several students participating in a workshop, “Taking it to the Streets: Working with Local Government on Tactical Urbanism,” led by Rhinebeck Village Trustee Vanessa Bertozzi.

“I took my first earth sciences and ecology at Millbrook and gained a deep respect for the natural world; our school’s values of stewardship of the natural world and community service mesh perfectly with the mission of YESS and the Ashokan Center more broadly.“

– Peter Cook ’76

—Photos by Asha Lee for Chronogram

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Highlights and action items following the National Association of Independent School’s Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM) Survey

Thank you to all who took part in the 2022 AIM survey last year!

WE ARE GRATEFUL to the trustees, parents, alums, and faculty on our AIM Steering Committee who worked over the past several months to review the survey results, facilitate discussion groups, and summarize the following action items that are underway:

• Define diversity, equity, and inclusion for Millbrook School.

• Bolster efforts to recruit and retain faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees who reflect the diversity of our current and aspirational student body.

• Cultivate a culture of kindness and create opportunities and programs that explicitly build that culture in the community.

• Ensure students and faculty have a voice in promoting/ improving multiculturalism and inclusiveness on campus.

• Improve communication around DEI efforts, plans, and successes with all constituencies.

Leadership: Students & Faculty

Working together, Millbrook’s faculty and student body are making progress on the recommendations coming out of the AIM survey. Standing out in terms of DEI efforts on campus are six students named to a DEI Leaders community service: Anel Cabrera ’25, Hannah Coon ’23, Diarra Fall ’25, Fatou Fall ’25, Nate Rebello ’23, and Eric Wang ’23. Working closely with these students are Dean of DEI Prince Botchway, International Student Program Coordinator Zhaohong Wen P ’25 ’26, Reverend Cam Hardy, and DEI community service advisor Trip Powers. Millbrook’s DEI student leaders support other students in their dorms and across campus, assist in planning and creating educational programming for the entire school throughout the year, and actively support Millbrook’s affinity groups on campus.

“Our DEI student leaders are doing a great job listening to other students and providing context when they come to me to discuss a particular issue. These kids are respected all over campus, and their work goes a long way in the community. They come with tough conversations and share a serious interest in DEI topics. It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about real conversations, feelings, and interest.”

– Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Prince Botchway

“People wrongly assume our DEI community service focus is all on race. We talk mostly about Millbrook culture and what we want Millbrook culture to be, how we want to set examples, particularly for the IIIrd formers, and how younger students can then start to make a difference within the larger community.”

–

Anel Cabrera ’25

What are affinity groups?

Established through the collaborative work of DEI Director Prince Botchway, Dean of Student Life JJ Morrissey, and Friday Nights Coordinator Kathy Havard, affinity groups were first identified via a student survey as welcoming and safe spaces for students to gather and celebrate their identity. Groups resulting from that survey meet monthly on Friday evenings and include Jewish, Multi-racial, LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black/African American, Asian and Pacific Islander,

Indian Subcontinent, and White Allies. Teachers across academic departments, who have volunteered to be faculty advisors, work with students to establish norms in each group. They are not spaces for complaints, sharing anecdotal stories, or solving the school’s or the world’s problems. Every member has to speak from the “I” perspective, and every person supports every other person.

Why affinity groups?

“In the Latinx group, we meet in a faculty apartment in Koenigsberger Hall. We talk a lot. We hang out, we watch tv or movies in Spanish, and we enjoy meals together. About 14 of us gather regularly, and we share so much culturally. Outside our group, we are also really close, including our faculty leaders. I spend a lot of time with them—not just on Friday nights but any chance I get.”

– Anel Cabrera ’25

“The international community here is very welcoming, and Ms. Wen is a great advisor and leader in our affinity group. I love talking and hanging out with others who come to the Asian affinity group on a Friday night. We meet in Schoolhouse in a large room with comfy couches and chairs. It feels homey because we’re there with other Asian students, and the food is a great bonus, especially when we have Pho, a traditional Vietnamese dish.”

– Chau Nguyen ’25

“There are lots of benefits in the affinity groups. You feel at home and get to speak the language you grew up with while you’re with people who understand you. As a new student, it has allowed me to make fast friends and see myself in other people’s shoes.”

– Pedro Leon ’24

“I enjoy gathering with these students, sometimes as many as 30! I rarely speak Mandarin nowadays and miss my home country. Our affinity group meetings make me feel more at home, too.”

– International Student Program Coordinator and Mandarin Teacher Zhaohong Wen

Music, Dance, For the CENTER

and Theater Love of

Millbrook’s performing arts program is powerful, collaborative, and deeply personal for our students and faculty. Through a select group of courses, athletic alternatives, and extra-curriculars, students gain interdisciplinary skills and experience in public speaking, storytelling, and improvisation that can help them captivate audiences in the theater or command attention in a classroom. Some student performers bring years of experience and training, while others discover and develop their passions here at school. As experienced performing artists themselves, the faculty creates an environment filled with encouragement and inspiration.

Students in the Spotlight

Each of these students is passionate about their art and sharing the joy of music, theater, song, or dance.

Angelina Huang ’24

Angelina Huang began her study of classical piano at the age of six in her native Beijing. Since coming to Millbrook, Angelina has continued her pursuit of performance and repertoire by spending countless hours at the pianos in the Holbrook Arts Center. With unlimited access to rehearsal space and a connection with a local piano teacher, Angelina enjoys a supportive community in which to develop her craft. “I clearly remember after my first performance at Millbrook, faculty emailed me to say the piece I played was stunning. That was a big motivation for me,” Angelina recalled.

A true traditionalist, Angelina insists on working from paper scores and sees herself as a bridge between composer and audience. “When I play in front of the whole school, I feel like it’s my job to bring good music to the community,” she said. Beyond sharing her talent through public performance, Angelina participates in the Music Lessons community service, teaching piano to faculty kids and others eager to learn. It’s a win-win, as her students benefit significantly from her skill, while Angelina has the opportunity to give back to a community she appreciates.

Eliza Withers-Clarke ’23

Eliza Withers-Clarke is a familiar face and voice to all theater patrons at Millbrook. Musical theater has become her true passion, and she has earned leading roles in four productions. Eliza’s final Chelsea Morrison Theater role, as fish-out-of-water Cady Heron in Mean Girls, confirmed her triplethreat status as a singer, dancer, and actor. “Mean Girls was so great because we had a large group of kids with a real interest in theater,” said Eliza, “and everyone had a speaking role.” When putting on a big show, Millbrook’s size allows for on-andoff stage roles for all. Students are working at all levels of a production: building sets and running tech, stage crew, wardrobe, and hair and makeup. Students design programs and flyers and can perform in show bands. “It’s so nice to be able to look into the audience and know all of the students’ faces,” said Eliza. “When people actively come up to me to tell me I did a good job, it means a lot.”

Ari Hahn ’23 and Adelaide Wise ’25

For Ari Hahn and Adelaide Wise, dance is personal. Both come to Millbrook with extensive training and experience. Ari studied ballet for over five years leading up to high school, confident that he could continue to grow as a dancer here. “There were many things that drew me to Millbrook,” said Ari, “and dance was definitely an attractive factor.” Both Ari and Adelaide cite the size of Millbrook’s dance program as part of what makes it so right for them. “The instructors here meet dancers where they are,” said Ari, “and that has allowed me to branch out into musical theater and learn more than I would have if I were in a strictly ballet-centric environment.”

Adelaide began to study ballet at three years old, and her love of dance has grown and diversified. “I was so happy to find the dance teachers here so accommodating,” said Adelaide. “They have understood who I am as a dancer and helped me continue to grow,” she continued, “all while working with other students newer to dance.”

With other dancers, Ari and Adelaide perform at Arts Nights and in theater productions as they hone their craft with daily studio time. “Our dance community is really close,” said Adelaide, “there’s a lot of pride. By the end of every semester, we all feel like we’ve grown so much.”

• Ari Hahn ’23

• Adelaide Wise ’25

Henry Stafford ’23

Henry Stafford graduates Millbrook with an astonishing theatrical resume. He has appeared in every show produced during his time at school, eight in total, while building his skillset at every opportunity. Henry’s personal growth has paralleled his progress as a performer, and he calls the self-knowledge he has gained “invaluable.” Deciding to go all-in on voice and dance lessons, Henry recalled that his star turn in last year’s winter musical, Mamma Mia, “showed my growth and proved to myself what I was capable of. I was astonished to see myself!” Henry absolutely plans to continue his theatrical pursuits in college after getting his start onstage in the Chelsea Morrison Theater. “I have felt so supported by the community here that I could test my limits,” said Henry. “There’s just no experience equal to it.”

More Than Teachers : EXPERTS in Their Fields

Elaine Lifter

Elaine Lifter has been a theater artist for over 20 years in almost every role imaginable. She has written, acted, and directed but has truly found her calling in teaching theater arts. Elaine has strived to make the state-of-the-art Chelsea Morrison Theater an inclusive and welcoming space. “My favorite is working with the kids with no experience or the kids who walk in and are not sure where they belong, and they find a home in the theater,” said Elaine. The fall play and the winter musical are time-honored traditions at Millbrook, and Elaine has shored up theater as a mainstay program while embracing contemporary content, technology, and ideas.

Joe Raciti

Nominally, Joe Raciti is chair of the Art Department and Millbrook’s vocal music director. More accurately, he is a 21stcentury Renaissance man. With formal training in music and visual arts, Joe also teaches painting and drawing, leads Millbrook Singers, our award-winning acapella group, and embraces and champions technology at Millbrook, teaching coding and design. He also oversees students in the Music Lessons community service group as they provide lessons to faculty children and handles musical direction for theater productions.

Joe’s portfolio at Holbrook encompasses so much, thanks in part to his professional experience and curiosity. He wrote the book, music, and lyrics for an original musical as an undergrad and released three original music albums while performing in New York City and Boston. Joe’s YouTube channel, featuring his piano lessons and other artistic endeavors, has over 225,000 subscribers and millions of views. Take a lesson from Joe at youtube.com/c/joeraciti.

Every class and every production create new opportunities. Elaine cherishes both the excitement and the challenges inherent in her current role: “As an ever-evolving art form, there are no limits to what we can envision together. I grow every time I bring an ensemble together for another show – I look forward to the process every time!”

With a combined 75 years of experience in performing arts, these practicing artists share their passions with Millbrook students day in and day out.

Brian Coughlin

Director of Instrumental Music Brian Coughlin has an extensive performance, composition, arranging, and teaching background, which he brings to bear in his role at Millbrook. As founder and director of the chamber music ensemble Fireworks, Brian has performed and had his work performed on television and in concert halls and venues nationwide. Fireworks is renowned for bringing new energy to chamber music through the inclusion of modern instruments and by embracing a wide-ranging repertoire that is as likely to include Frank Zappa as J.S. Bach. Millbrook’s Art Department supports student musicians at all levels while serving the Millbrook community at large with frequent performances and instruction. Brian often puts his composition and arranging chops to work by creating music appropriate for almost daily consumption, performed by musicians in the same community. Brian’s background as a professional arranger allows him to create custom arrangements based on the group’s instrumentation, skill levels, and musical tastes.

Coming to Millbrook after a successful and productive career as a professional musician, Brian brings his recent experience and an up-to-date idea of what is required to be a working pro. “I’ve always been a jack-of-all-trades kind of musician,” said Brian modestly, “and the instrumental music director position seemed to offer a perfect opportunity for me to leverage my background as a performer, an arranger, and as a teacher, to have the flexibility to shape the program, and to learn and grow as an educator.”

Zoe Thomas

Zoe Thomas also brings wide-ranging experience and talent to Millbrook as the dance instructor. She has danced in productions across the country and around the world and is also the founder and leader of her own dance company, SANDSILK, based in New York City. Since arriving at Millbrook, Zoe has become focused on choreography and has found great satisfaction in challenging the committed members of the dance team. “It’s so special to me because of the growth I see in my students both mentally and physically,” Zoe said. “I love the intellectual curiosity and willingness to try in all of the performing arts students I’ve worked with at Millbrook.”

Lessons in Collaboration, Discipline, and Teamwork

Jess Trocchio ’24

• Alto, Millbrook Singers

• Millbrook s’tutor

• Varsity hockey, softball, and field hockey player

• Dorm leader

• Millbrook ambassador

• Theater techie

“If there’s a will, there’s a way” sums up Jessica Trocchio’s Millbrook experience to date, and the future seems to hold more of the same deliberate and enthusiastic will to share her talents within the Millbrook’s community.

Jess came to Millbrook in the fall of 2020 from Long Island, New York, drawn initially to opportunities in the hockey program and an experience living away from home. Her IIIrd form year was built around carried-over COVID precautions—all activities were pretty consistently limited. As normalcy returned in the fall of 2021, Director of Vocal Music Joe Raciti circulated through the dorms encouraging students to try out for the performance a capella group Millbrook Singers. Having sung in choruses in her hometown beginning in elementary school, Jess felt the pull to audition. Chosen as one of the 12 performers in Singers, she signed on to juggle the 7th course, rehearsals, and performances on top of her three varsity sports commitments, community service, and other demands of boarding school life. That was only just the beginning.

Now in her Vth form year, Jess continues as a Millbrook Singer and a varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and softball player. She has added dorm leader, Millbrook ambassador (tour guide), and s’tutor to her list of responsibilities, while continuing to volunteer in the tech booth in the Chelsea Morrison Theater. She and her fellow singers perform during assemblies and chapel talks, at Commencement, and at alumni, admission, and Board of Trustees gatherings. Every year, the group also spends an afternoon performing at a local K-8 independent school, Dutchess Day, introducing younger talents to singing opportunities they might have as future Millbrook students.

Another annual event is Golden Lips—Millbrook’s signature singing competition started by Mr. Raciti. A capella groups from peer schools converge in the Holbrook Arts Center to perform in hopes of capturing the winning trophy. In 2022, Millbrook landed first place as Jess enjoyed a solo in their gospel version of Jealous by Nick Jonas. This year, she also enjoyed a solo in a mashup of Problem by Ariana Grande and Everybody Dance Now by C+C Music Factory.

“We’re all different, with some big personalities, but the group meshes really well. I enjoy being around people outside of other athletes and just having fun with the performances. We’re like a family, which isn’t surprising. When we toured Millbrook, I fell in love with the community. I could actually see myself here. I saw a family here.”

Johnny Rigolino ’23

• Saxophone player, Millbrook Groove

• Varsity football and baseball player, JV basketball player

• Peer supporter

• Human Development facilitator

• Music Lessons volunteer (teaching saxophone to faculty children)

• Community Music service member

Johnny began playing the saxophone in fourth grade at his public school in Pine Plains, New York. By fifth grade he was mentoring other saxophone players, and a year later he was playing in his middle school band. Loving the experience, he wrote a piece, Battle, for the band to play. It sounded much like you’d expect a middle school band song to sound, but for Johnny it was an experience that he’ll remember fondly forever.

“What makes it special is that despite what we like to play, the instruments we bring to the table, and the different levels of experience, we make it work every time with all different types of music. Mr. Coughlin leads us, and he is always so encouraging and collaborative.”

While Johnny loves playing music, he also has a passion for sports. A varsity football and baseball player all four years at Millbrook, including captain of the football team for two years running, he can often be found hustling from the field after practice to Harris Hall to shower and change quickly before heading to the chapel to warm up for a pre-Chapel Talk musical interlude. Johnny’s performances in the chapel are part of his commitment to Community Music, a newer community service group that performs at school gatherings. He shares modestly that, “It’s a bit challenging, but as long as I’m communicating with my coaches and other adults, it all works out well. As a captain, it’s important to be a real leader and set a good example for the younger kids, which includes meeting my commitments.”

He could not have anticipated then that his tenor sax would go silent for a considerable stretch of time due to COVID restrictions, but for the past two years he has been a member of the Millbrook Groove (AKA the Groove). Formerly Instrumental Ensemble, it is not a traditional band but rather a constantly evolving musical coterie and yearlong class. Since players and instruments change year over year as students graduate and new players join, the songs they play and sounds they produce are always in flux. In Johnny’s Vth form year, the Groove’s sound included many melody-oriented instruments like the flute and clarinet. The group also boasted violins and a trombone. This year, there are more complimentary instruments—bass, piano, percussion, and an additional saxophone—and they play a variety of tunes from different cultures and different genres— from pop and rock to movie soundtracks and jazz.

There is no doubt Johnny has a full schedule, which includes his favorite class, an advanced history elective, Comparative Economics, on top of English, Statistics, Animal Behavior, and the aforementioned Millbrook Groove, plus four community services, sports practices and games. But he does not shy away from any of it; quite the opposite, he embraces every opportunity to be a part of something bigger than himself. St. Lawrence University will most certainly benefit from his presence next year as he brings 110% to his classes and the Saints’ football field.

“I balance it all because I really love it all. I love playing saxophone, I love playing football, I love being a leader and setting the example for kids. That love motivates me, and the people who surround me—making memories with them in the band, on the field, in the classroom, and in the dorm—these are my favorite things about Millbrook.”

YELLOW BRICK FOLLOWING Their R ADS

Millbrook alums are a talented bunch, and those featured on the following pages have a great sense of self-confidence, know what they’re good at and what they love to do, and have patience and drive. They have built their successes on a foundation of friendships and professional relationships. We hope you enjoy reading about their journeys in the world of performance art as much as we have enjoyed writing about them.

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

Theodore Chapin ’ 68 ALUMNI PERFORMERS

Two things become quite clear when talking with Ted Chapin about the trajectory of his life. One is that attending Millbrook was almost an inevitability, and the other is that he was destined for a life in the arts. Furthermore, each facet of his life strengthened the other, elevating the experience he had in high school and creating a foundation for what would become major contributions to the theater in New York City and beyond.

As a member of the class of 1940, Ted’s father, Schuyler, was hoping at least one of his children would follow in his footsteps and attend Millbrook School. Having the idea that it was already a magical place, Ted fell in love with the setting when he came for a visit on a chilly fall day. Upon enrolling, he quickly knew he had to find his place. He shares, “Boarding school is a forced community, and you have to figure out how to fit in there. Early on I was tapped to play the organ during chapel services, and it was a big deal. I helped out; I applied my skills in whatever was there to be done. I began to realize that being helpful in any group is about making connections.”

Realizing the potential of connections is how Ted started to make his mark after high school. Leveraging the fact that his father was the head of the classical division of Columbia records, he became a production assistant on Broadway shows, spending his time getting everyone coffee and just being around. He just wanted to be in the room where things were happening. Eventually one thing led to another. He worked with Gordon Davidson on Leonard Bernstein’s Mass: A Theater Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers and then with Alan Arkin, who was directing the Neil Simon play The Sunshine Boys. After being in the room for years, Ted took a call from Mary Rodgers who said, “I think they could use you at the Rodgers and Hammerstein office.” That was 30 plus years ago. As president of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Chapin led many Broadway productions including

The King and I, White Christmas, and South Pacific. He also brought live productions like The Sound of Music and Cinderella to network television. He has also contributed to a number of books and wrote Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies published by Knopf in 2005, which was awarded a Special Jury Prize for Distinguished Achievement by the Theater Library Association and an ASCAP/Dees Taylor Award.

Chapin fondly remembers time spent in his advanced biology class with his favorite teacher, Frank Trevor. Many of the values he holds today stem from the responsibility he was given in that class. He remembers his classmates wondering why he was so into working with Trevor and spending time at the zoo, even though art was his passion. He would say, “You never know when you are going to have a teacher like this again, so take advantage of it.” Ted’s daughter, Zoe, Millbrook Class of 2003, had a similar experience. He recalls a conversation when she was well into her college years and said, “This is the first college class that’s been as good as the best class at Millbrook.”

Ted has an attitude of gratitude for the role Millbrook played in framing his mindset, leading him to an award-winning career in the arts. “You know, the times when a teacher will surprise the students by giving them responsibility...that is basically saying, ‘You figure this out because that’s what this period of your life is about.’ That’s, in a way, the best lesson that I think I learned from Millbrook.”

ALUMNI PERFORMERS Sasha Buhler ’ 85

THERE COULD BE AN OSCAR IN YOUR FUTURE

As a student at Millbrook, Sasha Bühler ’85 had no grand visions of a film career that would take her all over the world to work with the finest actors, directors, and producers. She did not fathom the idea of having her name shouted out to the world on the Oscars stage in the Dolby Theater by the director of the 2023 Best Foreign Film, thanking her for her role in the film’s success. But this is what happened, and we aren’t at all surprised…

Having graduated from Vassar College as a psychology major, Sasha moved back to her hometown of Washington D.C. to work for the National Organization for Women as President George W. Bush Sr. was in the White House. She took to the streets with outrage of a young person wanting to change laws and protect human rights. She quickly realized things were not easily changed in government, and the time was right for a move. She was ready to embrace opportunity, which brought her to Munich, Germany. She moved in with a Millbrook friend and classmate, Dominik Schwark, and began to learn the language and find her path forward.

It was pure chance that she fell into a temporary position at a video company, and her interest was piqued. Her break came when she started at a local television station, working her way up through the news division, into documentary production, and then into animation. While home with newborn twins, she commenced exploring her next options. With an array of television and film production experience under her belt, she began consulting for clients in film markets and at festivals in cities like Cannes, Toronto, and New York. Consulting work led into a full-time position in acquisitions for Constantin Film, the biggest producer

and film distributor in Germany, where she became head of international co-productions during her nine years with the company. When Netflix called in 2019 and asked her to set up their film initiative for Northern Europe, it was an easy “Yes!” She joined their London office in search of local films with global potential, initially overseeing films for Germany, France, the Nordics, and Eastern Europe before moving back to Germany to focus on German-speaking Europe. Since stepping into this newly created position, Sasha has worked on five German films for Netflix, three of which have been number one worldwide.

Her greatest success to date came most recently with Netflix’s All Quiet on the Western Front, nominated for a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Awards, a record number of BAFTAs (the British equivalent of the Oscars), 14, and a record nine Oscars, including overall Best Picture, the first such nomination for a German movie. The script came to Sasha from a South African director just a year after the release of 1917, another film about World War I. She was doubtful, and she turned it down. In early 2020 she took a call about the same script, but this time Edward Berger, a German director, was part of the project, and he shared his vision with Sasha: “It’s an unflinching, visceral look at what war really is. It is not an American or a British tale of heroism and glory. It is the ultimate antiwar book. That’s how Remarque wrote it.”

Berger’s vision included a release on the big screen, something that the streaming service Netflix could not guarantee. But Sasha fully believed the film had the potential to be awards-worthy and decided to “fight like hell for it.” She flew to L.A. to meet with Netflix’s Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and the head of their awards team to show them an early cut and lobby for its deserved support and entre into theaters. All Quiet premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in on September 12, 2022, and Netflix worked with distributors on a short theatrical release from late September through the end of October when it began streaming on Netflix. In early 2023, buzz around the film began to build as awards season approached and Germany submitted All Quiet as their Oscar contender for Best International Film.

“Edward Berger’s new adaptation for Netflix of the 1929 novel All Quiet on the Western Front offers a grim yet stunning portrayal of trench warfare in WWI. There are no heroes here. No moral compass. Only a nation so deluded with its own sense of exceptionalism that it has paved the way for its own demise. This story feels more relevant than ever.”

- Cory McLauchlin for Time magazine

“Does this version of a literary classic go hard or what? In truth, opting for pure bombast—a pounding, repeated three-note riff by Volker Bertelmann, who did the score, never fails to quicken the pulse—isn’t necessarily an ineffective way of translating Remarque’s plain-spoken prose.”

- Ben Kenigsberg for The New York Times

“Much like 1917 or Saving Private Ryan, this sprawling German-language adaptation…is a film that feels both aesthetically dazzling and full of necessary truths: an antiwar drama that transcends the bombast of propaganda mostly just because it’s so artfully and indelibly made.”

- Leah Greenblatt for Entertainment Weekly

Sasha was on a flight to Los Angeles for other meetings when the 2023 Oscar announcements were happening live. While flight attendants were helping her connect to wifi, friend and classmate Kathleen Dill was texting, and the nominations were rolling in. Every time she learned of a new nod, she was yelling for joy on the plane! She sat in tears as the entire Lufthansa crew, 15 of them, came up and applauded her. At the Oscars on March 12, Sasha was dressed to the nines by a German designer and more tears flowed. With the cast, crew, and her Netflix colleagues, she celebrated four Oscar wins—International Feature Film, Production Design, Original Score, and Cinematography—at the live event and the afterparties.

From Millbrook to the Oscars, Sasha has come quite a long way since her high school days, which she remembers very fondly. A two-year student, she left a rigid and hyper-competitive school in D.C. for the encouragement and support she felt the first time she walked on Millbrook’s campus for her interview.

“That saying, ‘Never again in your life will so many people be invested in your success.’ I really did feel it, and it was life-changing for me.”

She found her voice and her confidence at Millbrook. She found the support of adults in every space on campus, from the head of school to her teachers, coaches, and dorm parents. And, she was given every opportunity to become the best version of herself, to explore and experiment. She carried that sense of personal development and exploration into her college and professional life, and it still infuses her life with potential today.

The next potential Oscar-worthy film could be one of many she is already working on, including a World War II film, Blood & Gold, just recently released, among

several others. In the meantime, when you’re scrolling through Netflix looking for something good to watch, don’t discount those international films with subtitles!

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

Rufus Wainwright ’91

PERFORM BORN TO

Rufus Wainwright was born to perform. While he arrived at Millbrook as a teenager with recognized talent, his experiences in high school helped shape his artistic identity, allowing him the freedom to explore musical styles and sounds within a supportive, loving community.

Life-Changing Experiences

Rufus credits his time at Millbrook, a pivotal period in his life, for saving him during an especially challenging period in his childhood. As a young teen in the late 1980s, he had an already emerging musical talent, a wanderlust, and a growing tendency to explore nightlife in his hometown of Montreal. After surviving some perilous circumstances, attending Millbrook provided him with everything that he needed at that time of his life—a rigorous academic experience within a safe and supportive community. Boarding school was not new to his father’s side of the family. His grandfather and great-grandfather both attended Trinity Pawling, and his father graduated from St. Andrew’s. Millbrook recognized great potential in him, and enrolling in 1987, he quickly came to feel protected and loved by Millbrook faculty and students. His four years at Millbrook shaped his perspective on the transformative power of a boarding school education.

“Going to Millbrook, for me, was arguably the most important step in my life—hands down in a lot of ways. There are certain forks in the road of my life where I could have gone one way or another, and going to Millbrook…it really saved my life. I’ll always be grateful to Millbrook for that.”

• Launching his Folkocracy tour in his Millbrook t-shirt.

Photo by Matt Mastrapa.

Millbrook & Musical Exploration

At Millbrook, Rufus immersed himself in a wide world of music while discovering and perfecting his own sound. The Flagler Memorial Chapel and the Barn, the two spaces on campus with pianos, became his creative havens, and he could often be found in either spot immersed in piano melodies. Rufus appreciated guidance from Millbrook’s then musical director, Mr. Panos, who recognized his talent and introduced him to a remarkable piano teacher, Denise Restout, who lived in nearby Lakeville,

Connecticut. She had connections to legendary figures such as Wanda Landowska and Leonard Bernstein, and she opened doors to the rich musical legacies of European greats. He was a solid student in his academic classes, and particularly enjoyed English with Kathy Havard, but outside of class time, Rufus’s focus was always on music, including opera for which he began to develop a keen interest. When he wasn’t playing piano, he was performing in Millbrook’s seasonal plays and musical productions. He played diverse roles,

from the deaf mute in “The Mad Woman of Shire” to God in JB and Jesus in Godspell to the emcee in Cabaret. He had a flair for the dramatic, and influential teachers like Mr. Post and Mr. Kerbin, nurtured Rufus’s talent on the stage.

A Musical Family

Rufus’s parents were both well-known musicians. His father, Loudon Wainwright III, is an American singersongwriter with more than 30 albums and several television and feature film appearances to his credit. His mother, Kate McGarrigle, a talented Canadian folk musician from a very musical family, played a significant role in Rufus’s (and his sisters’, Martha and Lucy) musical development. When Rufus shared some of his earliest compositions with her, Kate was forthright, candidly criticizing them; her constructive feedback ultimately led him to write the heartfelt tune “Beauty Mark” in response to her intense reaction. This song, dedicated to his mother, found its place on his first album and became one she adored, among many others.

An Inspired Career

After graduating from Millbrook, Rufus pursued his musical aspirations at McGill University in Montreal, where his mom had majored in physics years before. He soon realized that his passion lay in songwriting and performance rather than academia. Following a quick detour to art school, Rufus began pursuing his music career in earnest, traveling to New York City, where he initially struggled to find his place amidst the 1990s grunge scene.

“I was an operatic dandy. I played piano and loved classical music and wore bow ties. I was the antithesis of the 90s grunge

scene. I failed miserably in New York a few times. But it’s important—fail over and over, and you’ll learn something.” His ability to seamlessly blend a wide range of musical styles and influences, from folk to classical and everything in between, posed a real challenge in a town where musical lanes were clearly identified and labeled. Rufus, however, deliberately choose to make his varied interests and talents a defining strength. He continued to pursue his own unique path, and his perseverance paid off when he was signed to a major label, DreamWorks, in Hollywood, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Early Work

It was at Millbrook where he wrote his “first true Rufus song, ‘Liberty Cabbage,’” with lyrics that describe his fears as a Canadian living in the United States. While this song never landed on an album, Rufus continues to play it at concerts and appearances. “Foolish Love,” a song he began writing at Millbrook, was the first song on his self-titled first album produced by DreamWorks in 1998. “Beauty Mark” also made the first album as did “Millbrook,” Rufus’ farewell to his high school days in Dutchess County, written shortly after he graduated. He has since released 10 studio albums, written, produced, and recorded two operas, and collaborated on hundreds of other albums, musical compilations, and film soundtracks. Rufus’s performance at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013 was a particularly precious moment in his career. Taking the stage after a moving tribute to Vietnam veterans, Rufus delivered a spectacular and moving rendition of “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel, who was the subject of

honors, among others, that evening. More recently, in 2020, Unfollow the Rules was released to great acclaim and was nominated for a 2021 Grammy in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category. In his newly released album, Folkocracy, Rufus returns to his roots and captures the ephemeral essence of folk music from his childhood. The album showcases live performances and collaborations with a series of guest artists, including John Legend, Chaka Kahn, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, David Byrne, Andrew Bird, and Chris Stills. With minimal production, he focuses on the music and intimate storytelling and, as he says, revisiting “childhood summers spent at folk festivals and watching his famous family on stage.”

The Continuing Journey: A Focus on the Work

Rufus’s creative process has always been rooted in hard work and a deep love for music. Throughout his career, he has embraced opportunities to experiment, venturing into opera and orchestration, and writing records that tell his personal

stories. For him, true happiness as an artist lies in the process of creation and immersion in his craft. He believes that it is essential for an artist to feel a little lost and overwhelmed in their work, as it keeps the process engaging and meaningful. He values what can often be the laborious nature of his own creative development, as the work he puts in ensures he remains fully connected to the art he produces.

“The central mistake so many young artists make is that they are focused on winning a Grammy, getting on the red carpet, getting a manager. None of that matters. Just focus on the process and get lost in it, and it will all happen…or not. But forget about the rest.”

Always seeking new avenues for artistic expression, the world of Broadway holds untapped opportunity, and he is beginning to explore the possibility of writing musicals, drawing inspiration from his love for Broadway and his diverse musical influences. Keep your eye on those Broadway marquees when you’re in New York—you’re bound to see Rufus’ name in lights.

• Performing in June with Chaka Khan. Photo by Matt Mastrapa.

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

THE ULTIMATE

STORYTELLER

Anna Rose Menken ’03

Photos by Alexa King

Perhaps you’ve heard Anna Rose’s soulful, powerful, captivating music. Her Nashville fans might describe her as an outlaw country singer/songwriter, while others might say her music leans towards alternative country industrial. Her roots are a bit of Led Zeppelin rock with influences by Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and other jazz greats and additional inspiration from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Warren Zevon, Sheryl Crow, and Fleetwood Mac. She would prefer not to be lumped into any genre but rather be known as a storyteller who writes great songs.

Self-Expression & Performance Art at Millbrook

Anna grew up in North Salem, New York, with parents famously known for their creative pursuits: dad Alan Menken, an Oscar-winning Disney composer, and mom Janis, a celebrated dancer. As a ninth grader at Rippowam Sisqua, a day school, Anna was hesitant about the idea of moving on to a boarding high school, where classes met six days a week. She was dancing every day after school, playing piano and guitar (she started playing at the age of two and five respectively), and riding horses at home, but she came for a tour because Millbrook was still close enough to home for comfort. On her Millbrook tour she met Émilie Richard-Froozan ’03, who instantly put her at ease. To this day, Émilie and several other Millbrook classmates remain her closest friends.

Anna reflects fondly on her three years at Millbrook and credits two teachers, Bill Hardy and Walker Zeiser, especially, with encouraging self-expression and empathy. They taught Anna and other students to question what they read and what the

art they were studying represented, to consider biases and why they enjoyed certain artworks or books by certain authors. “I was asked, ‘Why?’ a lot, which was a big part of why Millbrook was so special. I very much developed my individual point of view here.”

Having studied ballet and modern dance from a young age, Anna continued dancing as a creative outlet, and this performance art, not singing, was her chosen form of self-expression at Millbrook. “For me, it was equal parts athleticism and artistry, and I think that’s where I really found a lot of joy in it.”

While Anna expressed herself more publicly then through dance, she was at the same time, more privately, writing music and playing her songs in the practice rooms in the Holbrook Arts Center or for her closest friends.

Storytelling Through Song

After graduating from Millbrook, Anna majored in dance and added choreography to the mix at Occidental College in Los Angeles for two years. But

music was beginning to consume her life as she began playing in smaller venues around L.A. and building her catalog of songs. In the first few days of her junior year, she called her parents to let them know she had made the decision to pursue a music career full time. Their response was, “It’s about time.”

“Both of my parents, to their credit, never dissuaded me from pursuing a life in the arts. And Millbrook didn’t either. I knew who I was, and I was always encouraged. And that’s been the best gift.”

In her early twenties, Anna’s first album, Nomad, was released, which included all original songs, some of which she had written at Millbrook. More recent discography includes Behold a Pale Horse (2013), Strays in the Cut (2016), The Light Between (2019), and In the Flesh (2020). All of her songs are personal, often representing deeply moving, and sometimes difficult, moments in her life. This year, she has produced a concept record, Last Girl of the Rodeo, which is currently being released in sequence over several months.

Labels, Streaming Services, and Making a Living

“There’s a difference between making music and working within the music business, and sometimes you feel like a prizefighter who gets hit a lot and who’s supposed to be in there to get hit. That’s what it can feel like—putting on your armor every day and getting in the ring, you know?”

When Anna began her career in the early 2000s, getting signed to a record label was seen as vital to an artist’s success. Today, with multiple revenue streams for artists—including everything from

radio campaigns to physical record sales to whole album digital downloads to individual streams—she argues that much of what a record label does, you can do for yourself. It certainly is not easy. Today’s music industry is incredibly complicated in terms of copyrights, artist and material management, and payment structure, but 20+ years of experience (and plenty of self-study along the way) allows Anna to map out her own best business approach. For her, what works is remaining an independent performer and owning her own material.

Live Music and Music Videos

Playing live music, however, remains Anna’s passion and main pursuit. While in the process of releasing her newest record, she has been touring this spring, mostly in the northeast corridor, creating connections with old and new fans. Nashville is where she currently lays her head, as she finds a community of songwriters with a high level of camaraderie a welcome change from her previous experiences in L.A. and New York.

This spring she was also busy collaborating with her former classmate and good friend Émilie. Émilie directed the video for “Sucker Puncher,” from Anna’s third album, a song about the music business and a nod to the L.A. biker culture that embraced Anna’s music early on. Émilie has been creating microcosm stories for each song on the new record and is

It’s practically impossible to nail down a true average based on multiple factors, but based on a 2022 iGroove study, generally, recording artists in the U.S. are averaging $4 per 1,000 streams on digital music platforms. An artist needs a quarter million streams to earn $1,000.

Rather than spending time and energy to create fluff content for Instagram reels or marketing partnerships on YouTube, Anna chooses to play shows. She prefers retaining control and choice—playing solo, teaming up with another musician, or going full band—and building a loyal fan base along the way. She also creates songs for film, television, and commercials. You might not have realized it, but if you’re a fan of the NBC series This Is Us, you probably heard Anna’s song, Nobody Knows I’m Here, in season three, episode 12. Recently, she’s added co-writer and producer of musicals to her repertoire, expanding her creativity in new directions.

working with Anna on a longer form video for the record’s title song. Together, they are creating a visual asset for YouTube, inclusive of the entire record beginning to end. “A lot of it is my own story. It’s a pretty honest record, which is both nerve wracking and really exciting, with a through line and a bit of dramatic flair.”

There is no doubt, you can find Anna Rose on the road this year doing what she loves. She’ll be following the advice she shares with younger artists regularly: the best thing you can do is play live music in front of people—it will make you a better artist, a better, musician, and a better vocalist. She’ll continue to share her songs to connect with others and to evolve as an artist. “The more I make music, the more I realize that there’s always something to learn. And the thing that I learned from my dad, especially…in order to achieve something, you have to work hard. Hard work remains the beacon for me.”

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

FOR THE LOVE OF FILM AND FRIENDSHIP

Émilie came to Millbrook reluctantly. In her on-campus interview she bluntly admitted, “This is a really great school and all, and I really like it. Thanks so much, but I’m not going to come here.”

Her interviewer found her honesty endearing, and her mother was determined that she would leave her public school in Ossining behind and become a Millbrook student. That fall Émilie arrived on campus as a IIIrd former, and over the next four years, she took advantage of everything Millbrook had to offer, particularly in the arts.

Having danced in the Westchester Ballet Company, she became fast friends with Millbrook dancers Brigid Mason ’02 and Mona Morris ’02. Millbrook’s dance program was led then by Laurie Friedman, a Martha Graham disciple. A small but very talented group, the dancers felt like they had their own very special consortium as they danced in

the Barn above the snack bar. Émilie’s interests extended into photography, and she spent many hours in the old photo lab under the dining hall in Prum until the new lab opened in the Holbrook Arts Center in 2002. There, under the direction of teacher Jacques Charlas, Émilie and other young photogs printed images “the size of the wall.” She also explored the medium of video in a course led by Laurie Friedman.

“I was my most creative self at Millbrook. I could do it all and merge it all—dance, photography, and video. There wasn’t some pre-conceived idea for this, but that is the beauty of Millbrook. If you can envision it, Millbrook will help you do it. That old saying is true: never again in your life will so many people be dedicated to your success.”

emilie Richard-Froozan ’03

An NYU/Tisch summer film program Émilie attended in Dublin, Ireland, between her junior and senior years in high school would have a profound impact on her future. While focusing on directing and acting, Émilie made a best friend who would become a co-writer on a feature film and another best friend who would become her husband a decade later. Returning to Millbrook in the fall of 2002, she had a clear direction and a vision to become a filmmaker. Most importantly, she had confidence.

Émilie brought that confidence to UCLA and the School of Arts and Architecture, where she majored in world arts and cultures, a blend of ethnographic film and dance studies; her junior year she would travel to Paris to study French cinema at the Sorbonne. After college, she was living in a community of artists and musicians in New York, rooming with fellow Millbrook alums Nick Pandolfi ’04 and Anna Rose Menken ’03 (while Mary Nelson Sinclair ’03 lived just down the hall!). As the 2008 recession hit, Émilie was interning at

production companies, waitressing, and bartending to help pay the bills, and continuing to conceive of and create her own films.

Émilie shot a short experimental film, Rufur, at classmate Anna’s parents’ home following a dream that inspired the script, and in 2010 it was being shown on the underground film circuit in London. It garnered the attention of other producers, who loved her vision and style, and they backed her next film, Buttercup Bill, a feature Émilie co-wrote and directed with her summer friend from Ireland, Rémy Bennett. Shot in New Orleans in 2013, it was a labor of love created with a crew and cast of many close friends. While writing, directing, and producing a variety of independent projects over the next several years, Émilie felt the pull to move to Los Angeles. Living in LA never quite felt right, and with her creativity “zapped,” a few years ago she boarded a flight to Ireland, and she has not looked back. Today, she continues to write, direct, and produce feature films (two are currently in the works) and create music videos for singers including Suki Waterhouse and Anna Rose.

Émilie developed deep and abiding friendships at Millbrook that remain to this day, and some of those friendships extend into the professional realm. She has been working on a series of videos, a concept album of vignettes of multiple songs, for classmate Anna Rose’s upcoming album release, and she recently shot a music video for her titular track

“Last Girl of the Rodeo.” While living in California, she also directed and produced Anna Rose’s music video for “Sucker Puncher” on her album The Light Between. Shot in in Desert Hot Springs, it is a fabulous, fun, choreographed video with an unexpected lead performer.

Another Millbrook alum and friend, John Zeiser ’01, partnered with Émilie to write a script that is currently looking for funding. It is set in LA at the beginning of the pandemic, and they are excited to bring together the right team to bring it to life on the big screen.

“Art is not a solo mission—it’s always about the community underneath it and the people that you bounce your ideas off of.”

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

AJ Links ’07

CASTING A WIDE NET

Midway between the acting hubs of New York City and Los Angeles lies Chicago, a city well known for its vibrant theater scene and ensemble productions on legendary stages, including Steppenwolf, the Goodman, and Second City. Chicago is also a frequent backdrop for commercial, television, and film shoots, which is one of the reasons AJ Links ’07, a native Californian, has settled in this sometimes cold, often windy, city for the foreseeable future.

Following Matt Murphy ’03 and his brother Ross ’07 from Sonoma Country Day School to Millbrook, AJ longed for independence. Practically dragging her parents to a boarding school fair in San Francisco, she was convinced that Millbrook was the place for her. An overnight visit to campus that included

time spent in Walker Zeiser’s classroom sealed the deal.

“I could not get over the experience. Walker’s Zeiser’s class was a magical experience. The mustache, the presence, everything about him was so memorable, and I felt so seen by him so instantly.”

Being seen, and heard, was a thread that would continue through AJ’s Millbrook experience, first as a prefect in Guest House her Vth form year and then as a prefect in Clark Hall her VIth form year. When she wasn’t lending a hand or a compassionate ear to another student, AJ was in the Holbrook Arts Center, either

playing dress up while organizing the costume shop (her community service with classmate Nora Menken), dancing in the Murray Dance Studio with other devoted dancers in her class (including Dana Klein, Caroline Bailey, and Lauren Van Camp) under Laurie Freedman’s tutelage, or rehearsing for one of many productions, including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Little Shop of Horrors, Play On!, Annie, Antigone, and Grease. For AJ, it was an open playground in which she could work and grow.

Committed to studying theater in college, AJ spent her first year at Chapman University in California to be closer to home. It became very apparent very quickly that the size of the school (large) and the student culture at that time (party over purpose) were not aligned with AJ’s goals of being known and needed within a serious acting program. So, she applied to top theater conservatories at schools across the country and landed at The Theater School at DePaul University in Chicago. She fell in love with the city, with its people, and with the abundant opportunities to be a part of a theatrical community.

Earning a BFA in theater arts, she gained deep and broad experiences in acting, directing, and dramaturgy, particularly as a literary intern at Steppenwolf. In that role, she led all post-show discussions between the actors and the audience, leading questions about themes and takeaways, unpacking the play to digest what had happened on stage. She continued her dramaturgy work at other Chicago theaters, including Michael Shannon’s A Red Orchid Theater and Timeline Theater Company. AJ was simultaneously working as an assistant director on a school production at DePaul when she realized the audition process

was “undeniably the most entertaining, exciting part as the ideas are flying around the room.”

Another DePaul professor gave her an entrée into Paskal Rudnicke (PR), a Chicago casting company, in the form of a three-month internship in 2011. Following a brief return to DePaul in a paid position as the production coordinator for The Theater School, AJ landed a full-time role with PR as an assistant. Three months later she was an associate casting director, and she has only looked forward since. Now, she’s a casting director and a member of the Casting Society of America and The Television Academy.

people scream at Frank Gallagher in a Shameless audition at noon to leading a Hamlet audition that evening. There’s an adventure every day in my creative life.”

PR is well known for location casting— clients call because they know they’re going to shoot in Chicago, either a single scene or episode or every episode in a series season—and AJ and her colleagues have cast for such well known movies and television series as The Trial of the Chicago 7, Widows, The Bear (FX), Shameless (SHOWTIME), Lovecraft Country (HBO, pilot), Shining Girls (Apple TV), 61st Street (AMC), and the fourth installment of Fargo (FX). AJ has been nominated for three prestigious Artios Awards for casting and won the award for Chicago 7 and Lovecraft Country. Commercial and independent film casting also bring in copious amounts of work for PR, and helping new filmmakers and directors tell their stories is important and fulfilling.

AJ loves the perfect balance of consistent change. Every day, hour by hour, the scenes and actors change, depending on what she is casting. At the same time, she is in a market where she knows the directors and the actors. She knows who to call for what role—she reads a script, and in her head has the parts cast six times over, as Chicago is full of talented theater and comedic actors.

“I love everything about my job, particularly that every day is not the same. I have gone from doing a diaper commercial in the morning to seeing

AJ’s love for all things theater inspires her to teach acting on the weekends in actors classrooms around the city and surrounding area: Black Box, the Actors Training Center, Actors Studio Chicago, and Green Room Studio. She runs a camera, reads opposite the actors, and gives constructive feedback. It’s fuel-injected acting instruction. Casting and acting are her passions, and she loves what she does because it’s all about interacting with other people. She feels fortunate to be doing what she loves, but PR and Chicago actors, directors, and producers are lucky to have her.

“I can’t help myself—if you’re my Lyft driver, God bless you because you’re not going to annoy me. I’m going to annoy you. I’m going to make you audition for me before I get out of the car.”

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

Holden Jaffe ’12

DEL WATER GAP

You might have seen Del Water Gap perform on Late Night with Seth Myers last year. Or, this spring you might have been humming along to a Del Water Gap song while watching A Good Person, a Zach Braff film with Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. If you’re fortunate, perhaps you’ve seen Del Water Gap perform in person—on tour with Maggie Rogers, at Lollapalooza, Governors Ball, or in a more intimate performance in Los Angeles, New York City, or any place music lovers gather. What you might not have realized is that Holden Jaffe, Millbrook Class of 2012, is the creative genius and talent behind Del Water Gap.

Early Inspirations

While Holden dabbled on the drums and taught himself some basic guitar chords when he was younger, he credits his high school girlfriend, Estrella, for inspiring his growing interest in songwriting and guitar playing early in his Millbrook career. Entering NYU Tisch School of the Arts in the fall of 2012, Holden initially considered a focus on music production rather than performance, but a variety of factors influenced a change of heart. Being

in New York around a community of likeminded artists was inspiring, as were his college friends who pushed him outside of his comfort zone. Holden’s confidence increased as he began to play shows in and around the city, and he realized he had a lot to say through his music.

“I always wanted to perform—I just didn’t feel quite worthy. But your community can be a mirror, and you can get to know yourself better as you start to know yourself in the context of other creators.”

An Artist’s Evolution

Holden originally launched Del Water Gap as a band with college friends, but it soon became his own project through which he could filter his art, a costume of sorts that allows him to have separate on- and offstage identities. Hiring musicians to travel with him on tour or play in the recording studio allows him to focus on songwriting, which he compares to having a good conversation with a close friend.

“When you’re with a close friend and talking, you’re just being yourself, and it’s flowing…Songwriting is a lot like that. When I’m at my best, I’m letting it all go. I’ve spent the last ten years becoming a better writer, and in a lot of ways I’ve been trying to get back to year one when I just didn’t think about it.”

Touring

Del Water Gap has performed in venues across the U.S. and the world, sometimes headlining, sometimes opening for

other artists, including girl in red, Arlo Parks, and Jeremy Zucker. This year, he is touring extensively with Maggie Rogers, throughout the U.S. in the spring, then into Europe in early summer before wrapping up in Australia in July. Touring abroad can be taxing, physically and emotionally, but Holden appreciates the lessons gained by performing for a variety of audiences. In Scandinavia and Germany, concert goers are much

more polite and serious as compared to the more energetic crowds in Ireland, Scotland, and England. New York City remains his favorite place to perform and always feels like a homecoming after years of quietly building a fan base and career.

“When you’re doing a lot of work and building a life, you don’t really notice what’s happening in real time. Down the line you look back and reflect—that was really powerful work, and it paid off.”

Music festivals provide good opportunities for both attracting new fans and connecting with other artists. Holden describes a sort of “middle class” in the music industry, where artists can tour and be successful without being famously known worldwide. Whether touring independently or playing at festivals, travel expenses post-COVID have increased for Del Water Gap and all musicians by 30-40%, which means it is much more difficult today to make a living on the road.

The Business Of Music

Making a living as a musician is further challenging given the nature of the business and the great number of artists vying for attention from audiences and record labels alike. Not all record deals are equal, and Holden learned early on that artists must carefully consider their options. The music industry has undergone significant changes in the past decade thanks to streaming services like Spotify and social media sites like YouTube and TikTok. While the industry is gradually becoming more democratized through these platforms, gatekeepers still hold significant power, and young artists often feel that they will only truly be seen as legitimate when they have signed a record deal. Labels have been known to capitalize on an artist’s desire to be recognized and validated.

While at Tisch, Holden studied the business of music, and he has played the game smartly, owning about half of his music outright with full control over streaming royalties and parlaying the rest of his music into record deals. Del Water Gap is currently signed with Mom & Pop, an indie label based in New York. A label can provide valuable distribution and artistic support, but their real power lies in advancing income, providing a loan against future earnings. Holden has reinvested a significant portion of revenue from the record side into his growing business.

Fashion

Since a musician’s earnings can fluctuate, artists are always thinking about other sources of income. For Holden, music and fashion are both emotional, selfexpressive art forms, so it makes good sense artistically to align with high

fashion brands, including Yves Saint Laurent and Thom Browne. It is also a no-brainer in terms of financial benefits: one day of work on a fashion campaign can be equivalent to what an artist earns touring over three or four months. Holden has traveled to Saint Laurent shows in Marrakesh, Morocco, and Paris and has worked creatively with the brand as they’ve dressed him for events, live performances, and music videos. He has also worked with Esprit, an iconic 80s brand that just relaunched in the U.S. Los Angeles is home to both high fashion and the most important players in the music industry, and Holden found himself dipping his toe in the L.A. lifestyle during COVID. While subletting and meeting people as he worked on a record, Holden bought a car (because how else do you get around L.A.). Then it struck him: he had become a California resident.

Millbrook

Holden still makes his way east quite often, including visits to see his family in nearby New York City and Sharon, Connecticut, with an occasional stop at the Trevor Zoo.

Looking back on his time at Millbrook, he feels “a lot of love.” He came reluctantly after a year at Housatonic Valley High School but shares that “it ended up being one of the experiences that really helped me build an identity and become an artist. I was very lucky to go to Millbrook.”

Classes like post-AP Spanish with John McMullan, AP English with Walker Zeiser, and Astronomy with Somerset Waters were inspiring, and Bill Hardy’s art history course introduced him to aesthetics and lessons that continue to surface.

“A lot of that learning is still ingrained in the way I think about aesthetics and what makes me comfortable and happy. As I’ve been touring so much, one of the things that has been lacking is a home base, and I’ve become much more sensitive to the makings of the home that I have. A lot of the ideals that we talked about in that class are very things I find are still present in my life today.”

We always hope that our students will carry Millbrook with them wherever they go, and it seems that Holden is doing just that.

• Holden in 2012 with classmate Dana Foote (now performing as Sir Chloe)

Wit-Tastic Coast To Coast

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

Los Angeles, CA Kristen Zublin ’ 09

advice: “Work really hard, be really good at your job, never have an ego, and people will just carry you through. Once you’re in the machine, you’re in the machine.”

If you asked Kristen Zublin ’09 what she thought her career path might be after college, comedy writer would have been pretty far down the list.

At Millbrook, she focused more on sports than on the arts. Even at Franklin and Marshall, she aimed for a career in international business and took majorrelated classes. Everything changed, however, after she attended an improv course at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York, where she found her passion for comedy and writing.

Following a brief detour to the ski slopes of Utah, Kristen committed to giving a career in comedy writing a go and moved to Los Angeles in 2015, beginning her journey as an actors’ assistant and gaining valuable experience in the entertainment industry. Working with actors opened the door to a role as a writer’s assistant on the

TBS show Angie Tribeca, which served as her personal film school. Kristen worked alongside a seasoned comedy writer from the hit series Friends, and she learned the ins and outs of pitching a joke and taking it from an idea to the final scene. This breakthrough opportunity opened doors for further success, including being recommended for the pilot LA to Vegas and landing a spot in the writer’s room of the acclaimed series The Sex Lives of College Girls, where she worked with industry veterans and executive producers Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, penning season one episode “The Surprise Party” with co-writer Charlie Grandy. During this time, she received some of the best career

Kristen’s writing career continues apace, and she currently has a full spectrum of projects—television shows and feature films—in different stages of development. These include a historical drama about the intersection of the mob and queer bars, a satirical series about a cult for privileged individuals who are out of touch, and a comedy set in the world of construction. She finds the development side of the business more satisfying, sharing, “Being in a writer’s room is great, but you’re often a soldier in someone else’s army.”

Alongside her independent work, she takes on other writing projects as they come and credits her experience at Millbrook with helping her cultivate the skills necessary to juggle it all. Through her experiences, she has learned the importance of perseverance, trusting the process, and developing and maintaining relationships with the right people. With multiple projects in development and a steadfast belief in her talent and ideas, Kristen continues to forge her path in the competitive landscape of comedic screenwriting.

“I befriended the right people who would recommend me for things. Just when you think you’ll never break in, you get a call that you’ve got a job that will last eight months or so, and it’s life-changing.”

Wit-Tastic Coast To Coast

New York, NY Bria Horsley ’ 14 ALUMNI PERFORMERS

graphics and elements for the show. After moving up to associate producer, she was ready for a new challenge. She was inspired by her interactions with Williams and his witty personality, learning that she was interested in the intersection of comedy and news. With this in mind, Bria started taking classes with The Upright Citizens Brigade, exploring techniques for script and sketch writing and hoping to find a path forward within the hard-tobreak-into comedy writing space.

She had a knack for keeping people informed—even choosing to do a news segment, “The Talk of the Brook,” as her CES project—so she was interested in pursuing a career in journalism. While attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., she decided to apply for an internship with NBC to gain experience and exposure in the news and entertainment industry. Working under

people that trusted her and recognized her work ethic, Bria was eventually given a chance to write and produce her own segments for the show Velshi and Ruhle

The connections she established as an intern led to opportunities at NBC after graduation. After a series of interviews, she landed a role as a graphics production assistant on The 11th Hour with Brian Williams, coordinating and producing

Bria didn’t have to wait long to catch a break. Through well-established connections, she landed a role on Charlamagne Tha God’s new series, Tha God’s Honest Truth, starting as a segment producer and eventually working her way into the writer’s room. Her talents allowed her to pick up other gigs for Showtime, working as a segment producer on Ziwe and, eventually, The Circus Bria recently began as a segment producer at The Daily Show on Comedy Central, where she plans to continue to learn. There is no rigid next step; she continues to choose what is right at the right time every time. One thing is a constant—she continues to find roles that remind her of the sense of community she felt at Millbrook and continues to cultivate and maintain the relationships that might lead to an unexpected opportunity in the future.

Bria always had an idea of what career path she hoped to follow but was never clear on how to make that happen.

ALUMNI PERFORMERS

Mary McCartney ’ 15

AN ACTOR’S LIFE

Some might say Mary McCartney leads a very interesting double life. On a typical day, she is preparing correspondence in her office environment before heading home to change into a hat, scarf, and parka, or other role-appropriate clothing, to record a self-tape she’ll submit to a casting agent.

Her true passion, her future, however, beckons from the world of the performance arts. Her day job pays the bills, but her forays into stage, film, TV, and audio books stoke the creative fire.

Mary pursued her calling first as a freshman at Boston College before transferring to the world-renowned Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), where she would complete her degree

over the next three years. In a first-year class taught by a professional actor, she earned a leading role in the play that was the ultimate culminating project. She had enormous responsibility thrust upon her as a part of this experience, and she admits she felt a bit unworthy to start. Mary also realized the incredible opportunity and made the most of it: “There wasn’t room for my ego, but there also wasn’t room for my insecurity. There was simply too much to do. If there is a before and after in the development of my craft, which is always ongoing, it was that.”

In addition to stage craft at RCS, she spent time in fully professional studios exploring and producing commercials, radio programs, audiobooks, and dialogue for video games and mastering a variety of British accents, at which she has become most proficient. She notes, “They have so many accents, so much more highly localized than in America.”

Since leaving RCS, Mary has followed the quintessential path of the typical New York actor: working in a clothing store

before nannying, all the while auditioning for roles. In the summer of 2022, she assisted the director of education at Vassar College’s summer Powerhouse Theater, serving as a liaison between the students and the professors. It was a tremendous learning experience in that it helped her realize she either wants to be the actor or the teacher but nothing in between. Since then, she has taken on a “muggle” job as an administrative assistant—a job she would not hesitate to leave when she lands her dream role. She has become accustomed to the ebb and flow of the acting world. Partly due to the COVID pandemic, auditions have arrived in bunches, with 2021 being a good year, 2022 providing less opportunity, and 2023 seeing a resurgence in activity in the industry (although the ongoing strike of the Writers Guild of America has contributed

to a little uncertainty). Mary employs an agent, responsible for mining the audition opportunities, and a manager, who acts as more of a confidante in discussions of the most advantageous career moves as these opportunities arise.

In 2021 Mary landed a role as a British nurse in the NBC medical drama New Amsterdam—her RCS accent training had prepared her well. More recently, she read the part of a 13-year-old British girl in the audiobook, Demon in the Wood, the prequel to the bestselling Shadow and Bone written by Leigh Bardugo. Demon in the Wood won a highly prestigious 2023 Audie Award for best audiobook in the Young Adult category. This book also won the coveted Odyssey Award for best audiobook for children and young adults. One can imagine the pride and satisfaction associated with involvement in this project.

Practically speaking, the advent of streaming services has seen an eruption of opportunity for TV and film roles in addition to the more traditional network and cable providers. While theater roles pop up occasionally, Mary notes that a highly successful off-Broadway production might only pay in a week what a TV or film role would in a day. This burgeoning talent enjoys living in NYC because she is a New York girl at heart. She has recently auditioned for a Hallmark Channel production to be filmed in Connecticut and uses Zoom and uploadable media to audition for shows filming in LA or Georgia or internationally. After all, she does have her day job to think about, a position where she never wants to feel inertia. When the next right opportunity presents itself, she will be primed to run with it and not look back.

TWO OF MILLBROOK’S IN MEMORIAM MUSICAL GREATS

Schuyler Chapin ’40

February 13, 1923-March 7, 2009

Schuyler Chapin was known to many in the Millbrook family as a student who loved music, a alumnus dedicated to his alma mater, and a caring parent (Henry, Class of ’66, and Ted, Class of ’72) and grandparent (Zoe, Class of ’06). To the rest of the world, he was a prominent arts administrator, promoting and supporting the arts, particularly in the realm of classical music. Perhaps Schuyler’s most visible role was as commissioner of cultural affairs under Mayor Rudy Giuliani from 1994 to 2001; as such, he advocated for all art endeavors in New York City. Prior to his work as commissioner, he promoted performing art in roles at institutions such as Columbia Artists Management and Columbia Records (vice president, classical music and theater), the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (vice president -

John “Marmaduke” Dawson ’63

October 30, 1945-July 21, 2009

John Dawson was an avid musician, music student, and glee club member during his time at Millbrook, and after graduating, he quickly found his groove in the American country and folk music scene. In the mid-1960s he could most often be found at club performances in San Francisco (where he played a weekly gig at the Underground with Jerry Garcia, who he had known since his teenage years, and other founding members of the Grateful Dead). By 1969, John was playing guitar on the Grateful Dead’s third album, Aoxomoxoa, and co-founding New Riders of the Purple Sage (NRPS) along with Garcia, Mickey Hart, David Nelson, and Robert Hunter. From 1969-1971, NRPS was the opening act for the Grateful Dead, as they toured and played hundreds of concerts from coast to coast in the U.S., up into Canada, and even a few festivals in the UK and France.

programming), and the Metropolitan Opera (general manager). Schuyler worked with countless artists in his professional career, including Vladimir Horowitz, Igor Stravinsky, and Leonard Bernstein. He was considered by all to be a true gentleman and the ultimate champion of music and musicians.

Schuyler’s work in the music industry extended far and wide. He worked with organizations such as the New York City Opera and the New York State Council on the Arts, and for 11 years he served as dean of Columbia University’s Graduate School of the Arts. He was recognized for his contributions with numerous awards and honors, including France’s Légion d’honneur in 2002, an honor his father had received 82 years prior.

They released a total of 34 albums between 1971 and 1982, including their self-titled debut album followed by “Powerglide” in 1972 and “The Adventures of Panama Red” in 1973. Their music blended elements of rock, country, and folk, and John was songwriting, playing guitar, and singing lead vocals. He penned all of the tracks on their first album and some of the band’s most well-known songs, including “Last Lonely Eagle” and “Henry.” The band’s archivist, Rob Bleetstein, described John’s songwriting as bringing “an incredible vision of classic Americana to light.” No doubt his most popular song is “Friend of the Devil,” co-written with Garcia and Hunter and performed by the Grateful Dead.

John retired from playing music with NRPS in 1997 and settled in Mexico, where he lived with his wife, Elana, and taught English until his death in 2009.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Our campus is stunningly beautiful, so it’s no surprise that Hollywood has come calling often in the past 40 years hoping to use some part of our 800 acres as a backdrop for film productions. Four major productions have been filmed at Millbrook: two major studio motion pictures in the early 80s and 90s, and, more recently, a hit television series and an upcoming Indie film.

The World According to Garp (1982)

Based on John Irving’s best seller, this comedy-drama was filmed on campus in the summer and fall of 1981. Starring Robin Williams in his breakout role, the film also features John Lithgow and Glenn Close in her big screen debut. Directed by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), the film was written by John Irving, who has a cameo as a wrestling referee. Millbrook became the fictional Everett Sterling Academy for Boys, and the film featured several action sequences, including an acrobatic stunt on the roof of Schoolhouse and a large medivac helicopter landing in Flagler Quad. Many faculty, staff and students served as background extras, so next time you watch see if you can pick out Bob Anthony ’65, Josh Newman ’82, Lloyd Kahn ’83, and longtime Millbrook business manager Del Shilkret.

Regarding Henry (1991)

Just as new headmaster Drew Casertano arrived in the fall of 1990, an army of filmmakers descended on campus to create this popular romance-drama starring Harrison Ford and Annette Bening. Directed by Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Working Girl), the script was written by then unknown J.J. Abrams who would go on to direct several Star Wars and Star Trek features. This time Millbrook served as an all-girls boarding school with many of our students and faculty once again serving as background actors. The fictional head of school was portrayed by Nancy Marchand, who later created the role of Olivia Soprano. Academy Award-winning costume designer Ann Roth worked on this film and The World According to Garp. While here she purchased a Trevor Zoo t-shirt, which she later had Nicole Kidman wear in Margot at the Wedding (2007).

• The Everett Steering Academy sign on Flagler Quad

• Filming on Pulling Quad

• Harrison Ford and Annette Benning

• Student extras in costume

• Medivac Helicopter in Flagler Quad

• Robin Williams gets hit by car behind Clark Dorm

Poker Face (2023)

Filmed at the Trevor Zoo and in the Flagler Memorial Chapel in July of 2022, this new hit murder-mystery from NBC Peacock was created by Rian Johnson (Knives Out) and stars Natasha Lyonne as human lie-detector Charlie Cale. Millbrook was featured in Episode 5 of the first season, “Time of the Monkey.” A cast and crew of 175 took over both the Trevor Zoo and the Millbrook campus for one long production day, which saw the zoo transformed into the fictional Glen Falls Zoo featuring the “Amazing Melanie,” a computer-generated orangutan. Besides co-stars Judith Light, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Simon Helberg, the show features several of our animals including the emus and lemurs.

The Adults (2023)

Featuring the Trevor Zoo and the Seward Highly Marsh Boardwalk, this independent feature written and directed by Dustin Guy Defa was shot on campus in November 2021. The comedy-drama stars Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad, Arrested Development), Hannah Gross (Joker), and Sophia Lillis (It) as well as our animals and zoo staff. The film premiered at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival where it received rave reviews. The U.S. premiere was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival, and the film will be released in theaters on August 18, 2023.

• Michael Cera and Hannah Gross with film production at Trevor Zoo

• Poker Face filming at Trevor Zoo

• Simon Helberg and Natasha Lyonne in the Flagler Memorial Chapel

• The Adults filming on boardwalk

• S. Epatha Merkerson and Judith Light in Tropical Building

NEW YORK CITY GATHERINGS

1. Daniel Correia ’16, Caleb King ’13, Mebrak Kahsai, Maxcine Agee P’06, J’nelle Agee ’06, and Robert Anthony ’65, P’07, ’08, ’12

2. Caroline A. Wamsler, PhD ’87, Nancy Stahl, and Anne Putnam ’95

3. From the Class of 2012: CeeCee O’Connor, Stephen O’Connor, Aldin Medunjanin, Will Gabrielsen, and Noah Leader

4. Stephane Silverman ’86 with Frank Borges ’70

1. Peter Weld ’16, Micah Adams ’15, Alex Wattles ’16, and Oliver Kish ’16

2. Josephine Diemond, Jed Diemond ’87, and Robert Anthony ’65, P’07, ’08, ’12

3. Tara Peckham ’17 and Si Wei ’17

4. Christa Rose ’91, Anna Martucci ’92, Sarah Calabrese ’91, and Jessie Reed ’91

5. Rob Austrian ’13, Jacob Maren ’18, and Michelle Blayney P’10 ,’13, ’25

FLORIDA

1. Robert Anthony ’65, P’07, ’08, ’12 and Tom Pulling

2. Robert Anthony ’65 and LuLu Ryan ’07

3. Ali (Holbrook) Smith ’12, Robert Anthony ’65, Chris and Alice Holbrook ’82, P’11, ’12, ’14

4. Sam Bell ’59, Susie Bell, and Nancy Stahl

5. Adrian Gray ’94, Robert Anthony ’65, and Connor Gray

6. Robert Anthony ’65 with Jeff Small ’59

7. Antonia (Giardina) Knepper ’95 with Bob Anthony ’65

1. Helen Boone ’19, Eliza Chapman ’12, and Alexander Kaye ’20

2. Hosts Ann and Bill Kaye P’20, ’23

3. Sarah Stettinius P’26 with Claire Anderson

Martha’s Vineyard Reception hosted by Paul ’83 and Karen Simons P’17, ’18

SAN FRANCISCO

1. Robert Anthony ’65, Eliza Chapman ’12, Charlotte Carroll Tracy ’88, Scott Tracy, JP Burlington

2. Bob Anthony ’65 with Karen Mondoux and Charles Hambleton ’83

LOS ANGELES

2

1. Ted Flanigan and Terry Chan P’05 ’07, Stephen Twining ’59, Robert Anthony ’65, Marie France-Twining

2. Dante Gabati ’06, Kristen Zublin ’09, and Eva Kudenholdt ’13

3. Cameron Holbrook ’11, Eliza Chapman ’12, Harrison Gostfrand ’11, Dillon Lawson-Johnston ’10, and Robert Anthony ’65

Class Notes

Class of 1940

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, JIM, FROM YOUR MILLBROOK FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Jim Buckley celebrated his 100th birthday on March 9, 2023, while countless friends and admirers, from nationally-known politicians to journalists to judges to leaders in education, publicly applauded his lifelong service and many contributions to our republic. Jim is one of a very limited number of people to serve in all three branches of the U.S. government; over a period of three decades, he served as a United States senator for New York, as a presidential appointee during the administration of President Ronald Reagan, and as a federal judge. Even into his 90s, Jim was working to actively educate the public about congress, congressional spending, and public policy, penning a book in 2014 (among others), Saving Congress From Itself Of course, he has accomplished so much more not listed here, but we share a few select quotes from friends and admirers published in National Review (founded by Jim’s brother, William F. Buckley, Jr. ’43 in 1955), The Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Times and shared in a Senate speech.

Neal B. Freeman, former editor of National Review, celebrated Jim’s birthday milestone in a March 1 tribute in National Review. Freeman summarizes how Jim Buckley has used his time on Earth well: “By committing a few acts of patriotic virtue and a thousand acts of private generosity. Into his hundredth year, he writes letters of reference, connects friend with friend, consoles the aggrieved, counsels the confused, and, always and everywhere, rises eloquently to the defense of his family, his country, and his faith.”

In an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on March 8, Herbert Stupp, public servant, non-profit leader, and former commissioner of New York City’s Department for the Aging, detailed Jim’s many accolades and celebrated his century of service as “an advocate for federal spending restraint, muscular national defense and a less-intrusive state”. He also called for Americans to honor Buckley’s long career in a way he deserves—with a public landmark—because he “always placed his nation’s interests above his own, no matter where he served.”

In the Washington Times, David Keene, an unofficial GOP historian, journalist, and friend of Jim’s, shared, “As a senator, Jim Buckley always strived to do what was right rather than what was politically expedient… That James Lane Buckley is still with us is something for which we should be grateful; that he has devoted a lifetime to preserving the values that define a free republic is something we should celebrate.”

Senator Mike Lee from Utah spoke on the Senate floor to wish Jim, “a true hero of the United States Senate,” a happy 100th birthday. His address included a personal reflection: “On each occasion when I’ve met Senator Buckley, he’s always struck me as someone who is friendly, who is kind and thoughtful and considerate, deeply loves his country, and is willing to work hard to make it a better place. Today, Mr. Buckley is the oldest living former U.S. senator, and to this day, he remains an advocate for constitutional government, for federalism, separation of powers, and for conservatism at large.”

Here, Robert Anthony ’65 shares this praise for his friend and one of Millbrook’s most loyal alums: Jim Buckley ’40 is one of our most distinguished graduates and perhaps our most humble. As a boy he

• Senator elect Buckley with President Richard Nixon

worked at the Trevor Zoo under Frank and Janet Trevor, and animals and nature were important to him throughout his life. While his professional career was all about public service, he continued to carve out time to serve Millbrook. In fact, in 1988 Millbrook honored him by presenting him with the Edward Pulling Community Service Award. Jim truly embodied and lived Millbrook’s motto: “Not for oneself, but for all.” Jim served as a Millbrook School trustee for two terms from 1978 to 1984. After his retirement from the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, he returned to his hometown of Sharon, Connecticut, and taught a senior seminar elective on campus to some of our fortunate young scholars. A gentleman of faith and determination, Jim’s legacy at Millbrook and beyond our borders is impressive, and his work has positively impacted countless lives. We offer a toast to Jim and his selfless life of service.

Class of 1958 65th Reunion

Bert Leigh will be moving from Baltimore, where he is currently the guest of his daughter, to a retirement community, Greencroft, in Goshen, Indiana. He has many friends in Goshen.

Class of 1959

Kurt Lerps reflects on his days as a Millbrook student and shares, “Our world back then was so protected by the Pullings, and they were amazing! I do remember when my mum and sister came up to see me in a play and they stayed with the Pullings—it WAS a very different world, and the Pullings were so forward-thinking. The Barn was where I started working as an actor! Since arriving in Brisbane in 1971, I have been involved with 101 productions as a director or actor—all thanks to Millbrook!”

Class of 1963 60th Reunion

Doug Finch is enjoying his home in Fort Meyers, Florida, which escaped damages from Hurricane Ian. He hopes to come to this summer’s reunion.

Class of 1944

Burnham Moffat visited campus last summer with his son, Abbot Moffat P ’94, ’97, ’00. While students were gone and campus was quiet, they were both happy to catch up with a few faculty members and tour the campus they described as “much the same but so much better!”

Class of 1961

After 26 years in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the passing of his wife, Judie, Carl J. Schmidlapp III permanently moved to his home in Sonoita, Arizona, in 2014. The residence is an old adobe on a 30-acre patch on what was Fort Buchannan circa 1850. He shares that there are over 20 vineyards in the area and that he has been enjoying the peace, quiet, and stargazing. At an altitude of 5,000 feet, it does not get too hot in summer. When he is not enjoying all that Sonoita has to offer, Carl is contemplating his upcoming 80th birthday. “A few parts replaced, but otherwise still above ground and in good spirits. Millbrook was a profound experience for me. So grateful for every minute.”

• Senator Buckley with President Ronald Reagan

Class Notes

Class of 1968

55th Reunion

Ted Smith shares that being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1973 “did not make things easy for me in life, but the litany of jobs in which I worked included some interesting ones: from an apprentice in a toy model shop to an art museum, to independent delivery driver, to freelance proofreader.” He took music lessons for about twenty-five years, during which time he performed in a number of different venues. He shares, “Best wishes to all of my classmates. It would be nice to hear from any of you.”

Class of 1972

Wally Wemyss is happily retired, skiing in Vermont in winter and surfing on the south shore of Long Island in summer.

Class of 1973 50th Reunion

Dr. Bill Bond shares jokingly that he “was once again voted the best doctor by the staff of my solo practice run by my wife.” Outside of his practice, he is busy with his four kids and three grandchildren. George says, “Old age sucketh!”

Class of 1975

Kathleen Parker will soon be relocating to Dutchess County, New York. Kathleen retired from a successful career and is now renovating her house and focusing on her family jewelry business.

Class of 1967

It took Lloyd Richards 14 years to write his first novel. But it was his daughter’s 12-second TikTok video that finally turned it into a hit. Lloyd wrote Stone Maidens on evenings and weekends, in between working a full-time job as a corporate attorney at a Vermont insurance company and taking care of his children. When he finally published it in 2012, it only sold a few dozen copies here and there. Now, more than a decade later, the mystery/thriller reached number one on Amazon’s books bestseller list in both Canada and the U.S., beating out several powerhouses, including Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare. The popularity of the book generated media attention, and Lloyd enjoyed speaking about it with various news outlets throughout the winter, including The Today Show

Class of 1967

Perry Boynton (far right) had a fun reunion last June with classmates, left to right, Larry Neufeld, Sam Hemingway, Tom Innes, George Zara, and Nick Roosevelt

Class of 1969

John Maynard, and his wife, Maley, visiting from Arizona, joined Norman Bird and his wife, Diane, on campus this winter. They enjoyed lunch with Bob Anthony ’65 and a campus walkabout featuring a Trevor Zoo visit.

Class of 1977

Kitty Kittredge is now retired and moved in June 2022 to Warner Village in New Hampshire with her adopted dog, Buck. She bought a 1910 New Englander and spent the summer fixing it up to make it her own. She loves her new “quintessential New England” home and town. Her youngest daughter is 25 and lives nearby in Concord, New Hampshire, and her eldest daughter lives outside of Burlington, Vermont. She is starting to get back into drawing and painting birds again and says that “Millbrook and the Trevor Zoo inspired my love of nature and wildlife.”

Class of 1993 30th Reunion

Bob Otter was recognized in VoyageOhio for his leadership as CEO and founder of CitizenAid, an organization that educates, empowers, and equips the public to help save the lives of seriously injured people before professional medical care arrives on the scene. “We do this through a free cell phone app, @citizenAIDUSA, that is a lifesafety guide and has been downloaded over 600,000 times across the globe. We also provide online training that is designed for the general public and taught by the

country’s best subject matter experts,” he said in an interview with the media outlet.

Class of 1999

Ali Eakin placed third in the Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships in June 2022, and Team USA’s para surf team won an unprecedented third world title in the International Surfing Association’s (ISA) World Para Surfing Championship in Pismo Beach, California, the following December, with Ali winning the bronze medal in Visually Impaired 2.

Class of 1973

Stephen Peschel is looking forward to his 50th class reunion! Stephen was the fourth member of his family to attend Millbrook, and his son, Stephen Peschel III, graduated in 2022. Stephen III is studying in a five-year engineering program at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and is enjoying it.

Class of 1975

Tom Kallman’s insurance agency, TMK Risk Management, Inc., merged with Marshall & Sterling Insurance of Poughkeepsie, New York. Tom resides in Florida and was recently appointed to The Broward County Florida Central Examining Board of Contractors.

Class of 1988

George Sayan hiked the Grand Canyon for four days with classmates Laurence Wintersteen, Andrew Pierce, and Bill Curran. “We met in Prum Hall in September 1984. Still the best of friends 38 years later,” he said.

Class of 1993

Dr. Courtney Ferenz Vassalo attended a psychology conference at Yale in October and met up with classmate Daniel Stimler. She shares, “It was fun to reminisce about our years at Millbrook and the incredible staff who truly made a difference in our lives.”

Class Notes

Class of 2001

Lucas Madill is continuing his work as a mental performance consultant for Hockey Canada. Team Canada won gold at the IIHF’s world junior championship in January when Canada skated to a heart-thumping 3-2 overtime victory over Czechia.

Trevor McWilliams was featured in the November 2022 issue of Mainstreet Magazine. The article, written by alumna Anna Martucci ’92, provides an overview of Trevor’s artistic career and interviews him about his work, skills, and inspirations. Having lived for 13 years in Oregon, Trevor recently decided it was time to return to his roots and relocated back home to Dutchess County. He spends his time enjoying and painting the beautiful regions of New York’s Hudson Valley and New England. To learn more about Trevor and his work, visit his website at www.aldentmcwilliams.com.

Class of 2004

Sean Adams’ newest novel, The Thing In The Snow, was published in January 2023. It has been described as “a thought-provoking and wryly funny novel, equal parts satire and psychological thriller that holds a funhouse mirror to the isolated workplace and an age of endless distraction.”

Class of 2005

Andrew Williamson completed a western Pacific deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln with Carrier Air Wing NINE in 2022 and is currently serving as the operations officer of VMFA-314. He and his wife, Amanda, welcomed their first child in November, and they are currently working hard at raising their beautiful baby girl and preparing for the next deployment workup cycle.

Class of 1997

Tim Healy has been named founding head of school at Calvert Ice Academy, the first comprehensive ice sports-based boarding and day school in the Southeast. He also coached his NC State hockey team at Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack played in front of 26,000 fans in a 7-3 win. It was the second-largest crowd to see a college hockey game this year and 15th all-time.

Class of 2002

Yann Benjamin and his wife, Kelsey, are living in Big Sky, Montana, where Yann is the vice president of sales and marketing for Big Sky Resort and Kelsey is an emergency room nurse at the Big Sky Medical Center. Yann proposed in November of 2020 while they were mountain biking with friends in Moab, Utah. Several Millbrook friends celebrated with Yann and Kelsey at their wedding in July 2022—see the Weddings section for their Millbrook group photo.

Class of 2003

Eliza Cantlay’s home organizing business, Simplicana, turned 13 in April. Outside of her business, this winter Eliza made a lifelong dream come true by traveling to Antarctica, a trip that completed her goal of visiting all seven continents. “I am very excited, happy, and grateful,” she said about the trip. Eliza is also looking forward to her 20th reunion this June with her “amazing classmates.”

• Calvert Ice Academy rendering

Class of 2006

J’nelle Agee joined a group of 13 other women to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro last October. They were the second group of Black American women to hike up to the “Roof of Africa,” and they gladly shared their stories of the climb with hosts on the Today Show when they returned to New York from their adventure.

Class of 2010

Dillon Lawson-Johnston currently works at United Talent Agency as an executive in the Entertainment & Culture Marketing Department. His division is one of the world’s leading entertainment consultancies focused on connecting global brands to opportunities in culture and Hollywood.

Some of United Talent’s clients include Google, Delta Air Lines, Lyft, General Motors, and Coca-Cola; Dillon and his team help develop and execute an array of initiatives like creative storytelling, research and strategy, sponsorships, talent alliances, cultural partnerships, and business acceleration.

Class of 2012

Andrew Reis graduated from Colby College in 2018 and went to work for a large international bank in Boston before transitioning to software sales in early 2022. He became engaged to Noelle Gobbi in March of 2022 and will be getting married in June of this year. Andrew and Noelle currently live in Quincy, Massachussets, having purchased a multifamily property last August. They enjoy living within a train ride to downtown Boston

while having the comforts of suburban living. Andrew is excited to continue building a real estate portfolio while traveling around the US and Canada.

Class of 2013 10th Reunion

Caleb King was named to the National Black Lawyers 2022 Top 40 Under 40 list.

Class of 2014

Chris Saar relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. He is currently a firefighter with the city of Charlotte while also finalizing his master’s degree in emergency management. He recently purchased a new home with his fiancée.

Class of 2008

Win Haas visited his good friend and Millbrook classmate Jack Lehrecke in Berlin, Germany, for several days in early February 2023. Jack lives and works in Berlin, and Win lives in Rogue River, Oregon.

Class of 2009

Class of 2007

Classmates Nick Williams and AJ Links met for dinner with Chief Communications Officer Michelle Blayney and Director of Multimedia Content Alex Pearson in Chicago. Nick works as a strategy consultant with Grant Thornton, helping guide large brands through data and financial analysis. AJ works as a casting associate at Paskal Rudnicke Casting, spending her days auditioning actors for major television and film projects. After sharing memories from Millbrook over a festive meal together, the pair made future plans to check out the lively stand-up comedy scene around the city.

Jae Hwa Lee hosted a nationally televised program on Korea’s Independence Movement Day. As a descendent of one of Korea’s most wellknown independence movement families, Jae Hwa was given the honor to host the event, in which the president of Korea and other high officials participated.

EMILY HOFFMAN ’14

Emily Hoffman lived in Vermont for four years before moving to Maine in June of 2022, and she has loved being closer to the ocean, working outside, and tapping into a new creative community.

She has been working on a sustainable flower farm, Fresh Pickins, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. You can find her in the fields (that overlook the ocean and blow her away every day), in the floral design studio, and behind the computer spearheading their digital marketing. She also continues to work remotely as a digital and social media manager for a social media agency based in Burlington, Vermont, and she has completed a handful of freelance marketing and design projects.

“Above all else, spending time outside with friends, being closer to the ocean, and working on the farm has been an absolute dream (still waiting

Class of 2010

Laurel (Greenfield)

for someone to pinch me). While studying at St. Lawrence, I briefly worked on a farm in the Adirondacks and experienced something inside of me shift. I have always wondered if I could find a way back to that version of myself that felt inspired by everything around me. Being in Maine and working for Fresh Pickins has brought me back to that place. While I do spend some time on my computer for marketing projects, there’s something powerful in that my day-to-day life is all about observing nature and tuning into my surroundings. I am grateful to have this time and space outside to almost rewire my brain and see the world through a whole new lens and give my mind time to wander, be curious, and find new inspiration.”

At Millbrook, Emily was an avid photographer and artist in the honors art program, and she has continued to pursue her art and grow her Emily Chapin brand (www.emilychapin.com) in the past few months. This winter, she had her first gallery show in downtown Portland, and her art will be featured in Frederic Magazine this May. She’s continuing to work on exciting new art projects that she’s looking forward to sharing with the world this spring and summer.

Botwick was asked by filmmaker Amanda Kinsey to create a movie poster based on a photo of Lazar Miller, the most famous Jewish cattle buyer in Denver in the late 1800s. The film, Jews of the Wild West, is a new documentary that highlights the incredible contributions of American Jews to the expansion of the Western United States. Laurel’s poster image of Miller represents all the families featured in the film who bring life to an often-overlooked part of the history of the American West.

Class of 2012

Luke Zarzeka is working for his family’s security and communications company, Blue Dragon Connections. He recently helped with an installation in Millbrook School’s new alumni and development building, Anthony House.

STARSI HOWELL ’15

After graduating from Millbrook and taking a gap year, Starsi Howell matriculated to NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study in the fall of 2016 to study the intersection of politics and film.

When she landed a job in the summer of 2018 at a casting agency in Los Angeles, she could not ignore the urge to head west and learn more about this side of the film business. That summer job turned into a yearlong exploration of casting for reality TV.

While it was an eye-opening and interesting year, Starsi’s focus returned to completing her education, so it was back to school, this time at Chapman University in Los Angeles to study filmmaking. When she wasn’t in class, she was working and taking on internships across the film industry in editing, production, and development, including a stint at Grand Electric, Eric Newman’s production company (Narcos, Children of Men, and more). Starsi had an offer on the table for full-time work at Grand Electric postgraduation, but another line of work had cast its spell on her.

As she completed her film studies, Starsi discovered she really had a knack for casting and a continuing interest. While networking, she connected with David Rapaport, a casting director well known for the series Gossip Girl, other young adult shows, and his work with directors such as James Cameron and David Gordon Greene. When a job opened at Rapaport/Baldasare Casting in the summer of 2022, shortly after Starsi’s graduation from Chapman, she jumped at the opportunity. Now in her first year as a casting assistant, she has worked on projects including Superman and Lois (HBO Max), The Flash (Netflix), Riverdale (Netflix), and an upcoming movie, Marked Men (with Chase Stokes and Natalie Lind, currently in post-production). She’s looking forward to gaining more experience, continuing to build relationships in the industry, and, some day, opening her own casting company.

“As I was in school and directing my own films, my favorite part was the casting process—I really appreciate what actors bring to their craft. Determining the best fit for each role is uniquely challenging—it is all about trusting your gut.”

Class of 2014

Chloe Naese will graduate from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver this spring with a master’s degree in landscape design. The program was three years in duration, so she is more than ready to start her career, hopefully with a firm in Boston. In what little spare time she has, she enjoys nature photography, focusing especially on birds. Chloe recently enjoyed a visit to one of her favorite spots on Millbrook’s campus—the Trevor Zoo—where she reconnected with her former faculty mentors including Director of Programs Jessica Bennett.

Class of 2015

Yingru (Alan) Feng visited Millbrook with his girlfriend and enjoyed touring the main campus and Trevor Zoo and catching up with faculty. Alan met his girlfriend at Microsoft, where they both work. He is living in the Seattle area and has been a sofware engineer with Microsoft since 2021. Alan decided to settle our west after earning two degrees at the University of Washington—a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in technology innovation.

Class Notes

Alumni Profile OWEN KELLEY ’17

A Millbrook education often yields lifelong friendships and treasured memories and can sometimes lead a graduate to return to a career down School Road.

Owen acted in Shakespeare plays as a student and is now teaching MacBeth to IIIrd formers and serving as an assistant coach for boys varsity hockey. A four-year student, Owen was a trivarsity athlete in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, a Millbrook Singer, studied Mandarin, and appeared in many theater productions. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine.

Q: What is one of your fondest Millbrook memories?

A: One of my favorite memories was my junior year. After 13 years playing hockey, I finally leapt out of my comfort zone into something I always wanted to do—perform in the winter musical. I was one of the principal leads in In The Heights and had an amazing experience.

Q: Who challenged and inspired you as a Millbrook student?

A: Three teachers, in particular, challenged me to always be the best that I could be. Mr. Vincent encouraged me to join Millbrook Singers as a IVth former, and Mrs. Lifter (who I now get to call Elaine!) helped me to grow as an artist and actor, something I never imagined I’d be doing when I came to Millbrook as a IIIrd former. I also loved Mrs. Clizbe’s AP Calc class. I wasn’t the best math student, but Mrs. Clizbe had such an awesome presence in the classroom that she could teach a class on watching paint dry and still make it fun.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about being back on campus?

A: I’m thrilled to be back at my second home. I hope to be the same role model in and out of the classroom for students that my Millbrook teachers were for me. The support I received and accountability demanded by my teachers and coaches shaped me into the person I am today.

Q: What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing since you’ve been back?

A: No Saturday classes?!

Class of 2018 5th Reunion

Riley Croghan earned her bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science at Roanoke College, graduating cum laude and playing for Roanoke’s softball team during all four years. After college, she took a gap year and continued to work as an inpatient physical therapy technician at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virgina. She has been working at Augusta Health since the summer of 2021 alongside the physical therapists on the acute care, rehab, and skilled nursing units in the hospital. This June, she is very excited to attend Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences at Mary Baldwin University to pursue her doctor of physical therapy degree.

This fall, Henry Schulz served as a White House intern in the Biden-Harris Administration. Working in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, he read the powerful stories of Americans who wrote to the President. He shares, “I will always be grateful for the brilliant colleagues I met along the way and the opportunity to serve the American people.” Henry is currently a special assistant at the Department of Commerce. In this role, he coordinates and edits Secretary Gina Raimondo’s briefing book every day.

Class of 2019

After making all-conference in the Southern Athletic Association last year as a midfielder, Lizzie Chamberlin was named co-captain for Sewanee’s varsity women’s lacrosse team in her senior year.

Class of 2020

Andrew Lymm, a student at the London School of Economics and Political Science, was recently featured in The Wall Street

Journal. His opinion piece discussed the future of American energy infrastructure within the context of the future of electric vehicles. “American leaders need to understand that the battle between being a climate leader and competing in global

markets is not a binary choice.” Concurrent with his full time studies, Andrew recently began serving as a policy intern in the U.K. Parliament House of Commons, where he hopes to deepen his experience in international and legislative affairs.

Class of 2017

Class of 2017

Henry Rosenberg studied art history and studio art at Denison and worked in professional print shops for a year before heading to Rome, Italy, to pursue a master’s of fine art in printmaking at Tyler School of Art and Architecture. He is also the print studio technician and teaching assistant. Henry shares, “I was introduced to printmaking at Millbrook by Mr. McWilliams. His interesting and thoughtful classes, in conjunction with Mr. Hardy and Mr. Zeiser’s art history classes, are what helped me find what I’m passionate about today.”

Katie Bishop-Manning graduated from Norwich University in 2021 and is currently living on Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, loving life as she skydives every weekend. Katie is working towards getting her instructor rating so she can work in the local community teaching people how to skydive.

Class Notes

Eli Cott’s first musical interest was in playing the guitar. With time on his hands during the initial months of the COVID pandemic, he began to teach himself to play other instruments; upon returning to campus for his senior year, he developed a deep appreciation for Millbrook’s talented student artists.

He carried this aesthetic and passion for music forward into college, entering Skidmore as a potential music major. Feeling less than inspired by his music theory classes, Eli followed a literal sign at a fork in the road. That sign pointed to the Arts Administration department, and soon after, he was signed up for an introductory class. Now in his second year in the Arts Administration program, currently offered as a minor, he is learning the business side of the art world— including financial management, marketing, and development—through the lens of non-profit organizations. He is majoring in English and strengthening his communications skills, including grant writing.

Eli currently works for the Arts Administration Department and has been fortunate to fall into a few jobs in the industry. This year, he worked at Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) in Saratoga Springs while earning credits over ten performances. Skidmore professor and Arts Administration director David Howson is one of those leading the development of UPH. What was formerly a dilapidated church has become a year-round performing arts and community events venue; its doors opened in 2020. Eli is gaining practical experience in curating performances and developing relationships with people across the expanse of the arts world. He has done everything from working concessions, ushering guests to their seats, and managing volunteers to fundraising and marketing.

Outside of school, he worked at Caramoor last summer as a house manager and at Collar Works, a gallery in Albany, New York, helping them to manufacture tote bags and other merchandise. This summer, he’ll be working in development with the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. He’s particularly interested in the development work and will do donor outreach for the museum while assisting with grant writing and special event planning.

Eli is setting his sights on a future position at an off-Broadway theater. “It feels really good to be able to support other artists. I don’t want to be out there performing, but I want to be a part of it, helping to share their talents with a larger audience.”

MUSTANGS ON THE MOVE: NEXT LEVEL SUCCESS

Shakur

Mohammed

’21

Shakur Mohammed ’21 was the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, and is now playing professionally with Major League Soccer’s Orlando City in Florida. After playing for two years at Duke, Shak signed a development contract with MLS, waiving his remaining college eligibility and entering the SuperDraft. Orlando City selected him in the first round as the second overall pick.

Shak’s leadership was crucial to the Mustangs’ 2018 NEPSAC championship, and he was similarly instrumental in Duke’s appearance in the 2021 ACC tournament final, where they fell to Notre Dame. Shak’s horizon is clearly limitless as he has worked his way from Ghana to the bright lights of pro soccer.

In recognition of Shak’s dedication, hard work, and success, his first soccer academy, the Right to Dream, created a beautiful and moving film—learn more by visiting www.righttodream.com.

Tommy Burke ’20

Early in his senior season at University of Vermont, Tommy Burke ’20 is already racking up honors. Tommy won Defensive Player of the Week after going 25-for-31 (80.6 %) in faceoffs and picking up 14 ground balls in the third match of the season against Utah. Gaudy numbers are nothing new for Tommy, and he has the fifth-most career faceoff wins among active Division I players.

David Ciancio ’20 and Jake Percival ’21

Two Mustang hockey alums are heating up the ice for D1 teams. David Ciancio ’20, a sophomore at Saint Michael’s College, was awarded the Northeast-10 Conference Elite 24 Award for having the highest cumulative GPA among student-athletes participating at the NE10 Championship finals. Ciancio, a business administration and accounting double major, has a 3.867 GPA and has earned a place on the NE10 Academic Honor Roll each semester. In his two seasons on the Saint Michael’s men’s ice hockey team, Ciancio has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 70 blocks in 46 games.

Jeannie Wallner ’21

Jeannie Wallner ’21 continues to be a game-changer for the Long Island University women’s ice hockey team. In her second year, she was named first-team All-NEWHA and NEWHA Player of Week on November 1 and January 31. The LIU Sharks won the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance championship in early March and secured an automatic bid to the women’s NCAA hockey tournament. LIU made its very first appearance in the tournament entering as the 11th seed. Jeannie was a leading scorer for Millbrook’s ice hockey team, a threeseason varsity athlete, and a student leader in the dorms.

Jake Percival ’21 appeared in 59 games and scored 15 goals in his first year with the UConn Huskies. After his two-year stint at Millbrook, where he was a difference-maker in 65 games, Jake spent a year with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL. Zach Bookman ’20 was on the roster for postseason play at Merrimack College after playing for a year for the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL. Merrimack played in the men’s Frozen Four Tournament on March 24, making their first appearance in the NCAA postseason in more than a decade.

Photo Credit: Jake Percival: UConn Athletics

Photo Credit: St. Michael’s Athletics

Photo Credit: UVM Athletics

Photo Credit: LIU Athletics

Class Notes

Kimora Jenkins ’21 and Khya Jenkins ’21

Playing for Division 1 East Carolina University, Kimora Jenkins ’21 clocked in for every game of the season and helped the Pirates earn a 13 seed to face the Texas Longhorns in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Twin sister Khya Jenkins ’21 is a Coppin State Eagle and logged solid minutes for the D1 school.

Jo’el Emmanuel ’22

Jo’el Emmanuel ’22 and the Fairleigh Dickinson University Knights secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament as a 16 seed, tipping off against Texas Southern University on March 14. Taking the win, FDU went on to topple #1 seeded Purdue—it was only the 2nd time in tournament history that a 16 seed secured a win over a 1 seed, and Jo’el was on the floor at the dance! On March 19 FDU faced off against #9 seed Florida Atlantic, a team that had good fortune on their side as they rode their winning streak all the way to the championship game. In his first season at FDU, Jo’el came off the bench in almost every game and underpinned the lineup with consistently good play. We’ll be looking for Jo’el in the Sweet Sixteen next year!

Ethan Kessler ’22

As as starting freshman for Gettysburg’s men’s lacrosse team, Ethan Kessler has made substantial contributions playing attack. With more than 20 goals and double-digit assists this year, he has helped push the team to one of the top spots in the region and claim victory over some of the top-ranked teams in the nation.

Photo Credit: Larry Levanti/FDU Athletics

Multiple Classes

An article, “High School Hawking Paradise: Exploring An Influential Era of American Falconry” was published in The Journal of the North American Falconers Association and featured an introduction penned by John Goodell ’91 with essays from Rob Bierregaard ’69, Pete Jenny ’70, Ashby Marshall ’70, Bob Kennedy Jr ’72, Paul Hutcheson ’73, and Stuart Hutcheson ’75.

Oakleigh Thorne ’47 loves staying connected with other Millbrook alumni out west. In the first photo, Oakleigh is visiting with John Kaufman ’08, Will Kaufman ’08, Avery Hamilton ’19, and Freddy Hamilton ’22 at A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming last summer. In the second image, he enjoyed lunch with Alex Beal ’15 in Boulder, Colorado.

Due to the enthusiasm and support of Henry Rust ’71 and his fellow classmates, efforts are now underway to restore and display Millbrook’s original telescope as a tribute to Millbrook science teacher Neale Howard and the boys who built it in the early 1950s. With the help of Millbrook’s Archivist Daniel Cohen ’86 and restoration work by Rhett Roback ’04, the school hopes to display the original telescope in the Frederic C. Hamilton Math & Science Center.

Sylvia Tan ’15 and Adam Beck ’22, both students at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, met for lunch in February with Northwestern alum and Chief Communications Officer Michelle Blayney P ’10, ’13, ’25 and Director of Multimedia Content Alex Pearson. Adam is pursuing his passion for sports journalism with written and on-camera recaps for WNUR Sports, NNN Sportsnight and Inside NU. Sylvia is a PhD student in the Center for Robotics and Biosystems, where she is researching improvements in haptic touch and improving virtual textures and tactile devices.

Molly Reid ’20 and Caitlyn Rodeo ’22 are performing together in Connecticut College’s a capella group The Williams Street Mix. Both are former Millbrook Singers, and they recently shared, “We found that the Conn community is similar to Millbrook in that it has so much love and support for the arts. Upon joining, our group welcomed us with the utmost love and hospitality. At the same time, our friendship and support of one another grew and strengthened the special bond we share. While we have had a blast singing with such a caring and talented group of individuals, we reflect on our time with Singers and all that we learned from Mr. Raciti with great fondness. We are so grateful that we can preserve that former chapter of our lives while creating new experiences and memories together. Thank you Millbrook!”

• Molly, 6th from the left in the front, and Caitlyn, 5th from the right in the front with The Williams Street Mix at a December performance.

• Dr. Julian Strauss ’54, who helped build the telescope and the observatory where it was housed, takes a look as the telescope is moved to Rhett’s local fabrication shop.

Class Notes

Engagements

Alex Harvey ’10 is engaged to Abbey Lake, and they were married on June 17, 2023, in Sharon, Connecticut.

Steve Lewis ’04 and Nell Burdis ’10 were engaged on December 24, 2022.

Skye Flanigan ’07 was engaged on December 24, 2022, and will marry Jake Lansburgh on August 12, 2023, at Millbrook School.

Xan Duhoski ’10 was engaged to Denys Pugach on on February 25, 2023, while in Maryland for the weekend celebrating Xan’s grandfather’s 96th birthday.

Cole Reifler ’10 is engaged to Kelly Peck.

Engagements

Andrew Reis ’12 was engaged to Noelle Gobbi in March of 2022, and they were married in June 2023.

Boo Fuscone ’12 is engaged to Bill Pray and they will be married on November 17, 2023 in Brooklyn, NY.

Ben Duhoski ’14 is engaged to Isabel Weman, whom he met in college. Isabel attended Berwick Academy, which is where Ben’s mother, former Millbrook School Dean of Students Liz Duhoski Morrison, had her first job.

AJ Wallace ’14 and Alexandra Baltazar were engaged on May 4, 2022, and they will be married in October 2023.

Emma Merrill ’13 is engaged to Andrew Calabrese. They will be married in September 2023 in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

Caleb King ’13 proposed to Mebrak Kahsai last summer, and they are planning a wedding for August 2024 in Northern California, close to Mebrak’s hometown of Oakland.

Class Notes

Weddings

Grier Filley ’06 married Drew Levinson on September 10, 2022.

Yann Benjamin ’02 married Kelsey Collins in Big Sky, Montana, on July 30, 2022, and many Millbrook friends and classmates joined in their celebration. Pictured in the Millbrook group photo, left to right, are Chris Cau ’99, Guenole Benjamin ’05, Blake Morrison ’02, Yann, Courtney Powers ’02, Matt Oneglia ’02, Wes Oakford ’02, and Gregory Cau ’99

Abby Magovern ’08 married Mark McElroy on August 27, 2022.

Émilie Richard-Froozan ’03 eloped with Irish national Benedict McDonald on November 8th, 2022, at the Dublin Registry Office in Ireland. Their immediate families were present, but they plan to celebrate with her fellow Millbrook alums in the spring of 2023.

Weddings

Marilyn Dedrick ’13 and Bradley Buvinow ’13 were married on June 4, 2022, in Narragansett, Rhode Island, at the Dunes Club, where Marilyn’s parents had been married years before. Millbrook’s own Reverend Cam Hardy performed the wedding ceremony for the happy couple, and other Millbrook friends joined in the celebration (as pictured left to right) including Emma Feitelson ’13, Geneva Wagoner ’13, Maddie Panzer ’14, and retired faculty member Bill Hardy.

Louise Steele-Norton ’11 married Emily Merriott on April 8, 2023, in Montaña de Oro, California. Thea Adler ’11 was their wedding photographer!

Dillon Lawson-Johnston ’10 married Chloe Schmitz on July 2, 2022, in Newport, Rhode Island. Classmates Ned Pierrepont and John McCulla were groomsmen along with Dillon’s younger brother Sam ’13. Other Millbrook classmates and friends who celebrated with the happy couple included Alex Harvey ’10, Matt Ferarri ’10, and Harrison Gostfrand ’11 Dillon and Chloe are expecting a baby girl in May!

Caroline Whalen ’14 married Brian Johnson on August 13, 2022. Millbrook friends and family in attendance included, from left to right, Charlotte Maguire ’14, sister Sarah Morin ’06, Katja Galli ’14, Bria Horsley ’14, Linda Casertano, Drew Casertano, sister Kathryn Whalen ’10, brother George Whalen ’09 and Olivia Audia ’07

Class Notes

Births

Matthew Keshav Lewis ’95 and his wife, Natasha, and welcomed Grayson Atlas Lewis in December 2020.

Emily (Cruice) Casey ’03 and her husband, Julian, welcomed Harrison “Harry” Gambrill Casey, born October 28, 2022. He joins big sisters Rowan (5) and Sayler (2.5)

Gavin Bennett ’06 and his wife, Lucy, welcomed William Warren Bennett on August 3, 2022. “Cooper is the proudest big brother, and we are all in love!”

Andrew Williamson ’05 and his wife, Amanda, welcomed Evelyn Clare Williamson on November 14, 2022. She was born strong, healthy, and perfect.

Births

Current Faculty

Director of Financial Aid Anna Birnbaum and her husband, Jeffrey Lamson, welcomed daughter Edie Jean Lamson on April 18, 2022.

Past Faculty

Director of Admission Meghan Grover and her husband, Eliott, welcomed Jack Shine Grover on June 21, 2022. Meg is already prepping him to be part of Millbrook’s Class of 2040!

Academic Dean Eve Whitehouse and husband Director of Affective Education Billy Thom welcomed Cora Elizabeth Whitehouse Thom on August 26, 2022.

Jim Jordy, former Millbrook School faculty member and father of Leslie Jordy McGlashon ’83 and Jeffrey Jordy ’79, is adjusting well to his new home in South Carolina. He celebrated his 87th birthday in March 2023 and is still a sports fanatic for the Steelers and Penn State and a devoted fan of Millbrook School.

Soon Wiley, English instructor at Millbrook in 2014, is currently teaching at Greenwich Country Day. Current faculty Gina Fuller (left) and Kathy Havard (right) met Soon last summer at a book reading over in Kent. His first novel, When We Fell Apart, was published in April 2022 and earned rave reviews.

Molly (Chapman) Johnson ’11 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed Scott “Scotty” Lawrence Johnson on October 18, 2022.

Carrie (Merrill) Rowley ’11 and her husband, Kyler, welcomed James Warren Rowley on July 16, 2022.

Ali (Holbrook) Smith ’12 and her husband, Trey, welcomed Alice Busch Holbrook Smith on February 20, 2023.

Olivia Farrell ’10 and her husband, Will Einstein, welcomed daughter Ivy Cox Einstein on June 23, 2022.

In Memoriam

We offer our most heartfelt condolences to the families of all Millbrook alumni, parents, past parents, faculty, and friends who have passed away recently.

ALUMNI 1943

Tucker Orbison died on December 6, 2022. He matriculated to Yale University in 1943, only to be drafted into the U.S. Army after a single semester. He served with the 86th Blackhawk Infantry Division from 1944 to 1947 in Germany and the Philippines. (In 1999 Tuck would write and publish a book on his time in the military, Private Lessons—A Memoir of World War II.) After demobilization, Tuck returned to Yale, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1949.

throughout the years and was greatly respected by his colleagues.

Val and Tucker remained in Lewisburg, but spent summers in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and many pleasant afternoons on Nantucket Bay aboard their boat Ariel. Tuck was an avid beachcomber, a devout reader, a diehard New York Yankees fan, and a great supporter of The Audubon Society and several conservation groups. Perhaps most enduring was his love for his dogs—his Golden Retrievers and then his faithful Welsh Corgi, Louie. Tuck is survived by his wife, Val, and four children, Stephen ’68, David ’70, Kitsie, and Michael ’75, along with 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

1944

Tucker married the love of his life, Val, in 1948, and they remained by each other’s sides until his death. The couple began their family together after Tuck took a job at Avon Old Farms teaching English; they had four children between 1950 and 1957. Tuck earned his master’s at Trinity College and, finally, his PhD in English from Boston University. In 1961, Tuck obtained a position as an assistant professor at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He was later promoted to professor of English and taught Elizabethan drama and modern American literature for 30 years. Professor Orbison had many devoted students

Peter Richards passed away peacefully on November 9, 2022, at the age of 96. After graduating Millbrook in 1944, Peter enlisted in the US Navy serving as a 3rd Class Radioman USNR in the North Atlantic, receiving the Victory and American Theater Medals. After WWII, he graduated from Yale University in 1950, where he was a member of the St. Elmo Society and on staff at the Yale Daily News.

Peter worked for several companies as an energetic sales representative, starting his own company, Pixley-Richards, Inc, in 1965 with engineer David Pixley manufacturing micro-plastics and tiny but vital parts for NASA, Texas Instruments, Motorola, Johnson & Johnson, and Raytheon Technologies and others. Retiring in 1986, Peter spent more time with his family, becoming deeply involved in conservation entities, including the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, Squam Lakes Natural

Science Center, Squam Lakes Conservation Society, the Loon Preservation Society, and the Native Plant Trust. He enjoyed seeing the world and taking pictures of his family and his travels. Active to the end, he played golf well into his 90s.

His first wife, Nancy, predeceased him in 1999. Peter will be dearly missed by his brother, Archie, his wife, Suzanne (whom he married in 2003), his daughters, Elizabeth, Harriet, and Linda, son-inlaw Timothy, six grandsons, two great granddaughters, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Pete’s daughter, Linda Bolesta, shares that “At Millbrook, dad spent five thriving years making long time friends, finding his athletic prowess, and learning life lessons that helped him become the productive, energetic, and successful man he was. Although I was not willing to carry the torch of being one of the first wave of Millbrook girls in 1973, my sons

• Tucker is top row, third from right in this Class of 1943 photo

• As captain of the football team his senior year, Millbrook won 41-0 against archrival Greer.

Alexander ’06 and Damon ’09 both had the same wonderful experience at Millbrook becoming productive, caring, and responsible human beings. Dad was so proud that two of his grandsons followed his path from Prum Hall to Case.”

1945

Peter Herman passed away on October 6, 2021, at the age of 94. Peter left Millbrook early to enlist in the Army, serving two years in the Philippines as part of the post-WWII US forces there. Following his service, he attended Harvard University, receiving his degree in psychology before attending Harvard Law School and graduating in 1953. It was during his law school years that Peter met his beloved Eileen, and they married in June of 1952. Moving out west, they settled in Portland, Oregon, and by 1955, with two young children in tow, they moved to Salem. There, their family continued to grow (three more children), and Peter joined the Oregon Attorney General’s office, eventually becoming a deptuy attorney general and working with the AG office until his retirement in 1985. Peter was responsible for two landmark cases for the State of Oregon. The case against Corvallis Land and Gravel, which Peter painstakingly and successfully argued before the United States Supreme Court, benefited and preserved the ecology of the Willamette River. Another landmark opinion that Peter

wrote and successfully argued before the Oregon Supreme Court and the US Court of Appeals was the hallowed “Oregon Beach Bill,” which allows all to enjoy our beautiful beaches as public places to cherish.

After Peter retired from law, he enrolled at Lewis and Clark College earning a master’s degree in counseling. Peter did some mental health agency work for a time and also opened a small practice, which he kept going well into his seventies. He also spent many years as a steward for St. Vincent De Paul, helping out many in need of basic services. Peter has always had “relentless curiosity” (his words), taking up ballet and ballroom dance in his fifties and learning Spanish in his seventies. Peter never stopped reflecting on his life, improving his relationships and seeking meaning and purpose. Those who knew Peter and those he served can attest to the kind, compassionate, and generous man that he was. Peter is survived by his five children: Edward (wife Susan), Peter (wife Dana), Joan (husband John), David, and Ruth (partner Bob) and two nieces.

1950

William “Bill” Jackson died peacefully on March 24, 2023. Over a varied career that began in the Foreign Service in India, Bill worked as a professor, teacher, cab driver, government contractor, and bookstore owner. He was devoted to local chapters of the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Democratic Parties, the Bethesda Co-Op, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, and the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church. Later in life, Bill wrote poetry. He also wrote letters to the editor of the Gloucester Times, from criticism of US foreign policy to humorous thoughts about Gloucester culture. A man with a PhD in political science, Bill was ever

humble. He was also a kind, patient, and gentle man, who loved family, progressive politics, gardening, walks in the woods, taking photographs, and camping. Wry, philosophical, and self-effacing, Bill could also be passionate when discussing art or current events.

1951

Donald “Don” Penfield passed away on December 13, 2022, after spending as many of his 90 years as possible exploring our planet. In his final year, Don visited North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, Maine, and Oregon. Don’s body was diminished by cancer and the grueling treatments he endured, but his love of life and his vibrancy allowed him to live fully.

Don was born and raised in Illinois, where he got his introduction to boats and a lifelong passion for sailing from his father, Graham, on Lake Michigan. He graduated from Trinity College, where he studied a bit and spent four years pursuing Abbie Emmons (who attended Wellesley). They graduated in June of 1955 and were wed a week later. Don and Abbie moved several times before landing in Lyme, New Hampshire, where he ran diverse businesses, including H.W. Carters and Sons, New Hampshire Profiles magazine, and Hanover Transfer and Storage. He took over as fiscal dean of the Dartmouth Medical School in 1975 and oversaw the colossal task of merging the medical school, Mary Hitchcock Hospital, and the Dartmouth Clinic. He volunteered to be the first treasurer of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, and was involved in multiple local charities, supporting projects big and small.

Don and Abbie taught their four children to dream big, and he was his family’s most committed cheerleader. He skied,

• Pete with Alex at Damon’s graduation in 2009.

Class Notes

sailed, traveled, sang, rode horses, hiked, camped, and danced with his family, and his desire to encourage and support them was truly extraordinary. Don also adored his exceedingly well-traveled sailing barge, Zeepaard (Seahorse). The 33 years Don and Abbie owned Zeepaard, with Tom and Sandra Ullmann, made for many of his happiest and most profound memories. Don and his family appreciate all who cared for him with kindness. A proud cancer survivor of 22 years, Don’s energy and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

1953

Michael Wray died at home in Bar Harbor on April 29, 2022, surrounded by his family. He received his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Amherst College in 1957, after being elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Michael completed his education at Columbia Law School in 1960. He practiced law for several years in Pennsylvania eventually transitioning into investment banking. He returned to New York City and eventually moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he again shifted his focus, demonstrating finance and leadership skills in the oil and gas industry.

Michael sought international opportunities and founded business ventures around the world, including in Caracas, Moscow/ Siberia, and Almaty. His multi-faceted career culminated as president and chief executive officer at Benton Oil and Gas in California. He evinced unyielding integrity throughout his career. He was an avid bird watcher and bridge player and loved social networking. He and his third wife split their time between Portland, Oregon, where they were married, Santa Barbara, California, New York’s Thousand Islands, and Mount Desert Island in Maine. Always

young at heart, Michael was a Renaissance man, and his friends and family marveled at his curiosity, gentle spirit, and, most of all, his infallible optimism. He is survived by his wife, Caryl, his three children—Michael and wife Charlotte, Anita and husband Pierre, and Charle and wife Rachel—eight grandchildren, and a stepson, Robert.

Charles Wrigley passed away on December 9, 2022, in Mt. Airy, Maryland. After Millbrook, Charles graduated from Williams College, earning a bachelor’s degree in art and a master’s degree in physics. Charles began his professional career at Sprague Electronics and in 1963 moved to Rockwell, where he worked on integrated chips for the Minuteman missiles. Later he joined Solarex, helping to pioneer the harnessing of solar energy, and then Quantex, becoming their president. In 1997 he founded Lumitek, where he worked until his passing. In 1966 Charles and Joseph Lindmayer co-authored the book Fundamentals of Semiconductor Devices. He also published many patents and articles. Among these were research works including: “Integrated Spatial Light Modulator.” Charles had a hand in many world-changing, society- enhancing technologies. He is survived by four children—Carolyn Wrigley, Michael Pelczynski, John Pelczynski, and Teresa Hoefs—six grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his second wife, Mary; they were married for 32 years.

1963

Michael Dunlaevy passed away peacefully among family after a long battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lived a full and adventurous life. Michael was born and

raised in Oyster Bay and spent much of his childhood sailing at Seawanhaka. He was a passionate sailor, and an active member of many sailing communities, including the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, and he served on the Seawanhaka Race Committee for many decades. He had a fulfilling 40-year career which gave him the opportunity to live in Hong Kong, Bahrain, and the UK. Michael was also a master at fixing almost everything, having inherited his precision and craftmanship from his father. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and sailed with him.

George Andrew Hambrecht, a loyal and supportive alumnus for nearly sixty years, died unexpectedly in Big Sur, California, on December 5, 2022. A lifelong New Yorker, George had traveled to California to visit family and friends. He was born in New York City, and his family then settled in Lakeville, Connecticut. George attended Millbrook as a day student and went on to Yale, graduating in 1967. At Yale, he was a member of the Fence Club and a Latin American studies major. Following graduation, he earned a Fulbright Scholarship and traveled to Brazil to study the development banking system and its relationship to housing. Returning to the US, George earned his master’s degree at MIT’s Sloan School of Management and began his career in 1970 as a management consultant with Cresap, McCormick & Paget before joining A. G. Becker’s Institutional Funds Evaluation Service as an original member. In 1976 he founded Syrus Associates, Inc., a consulting firm, and then Barlow Partners, a very successful fund of funds, serving as its president and CEO until his recent retirement. George was published in the Journal of Portfolio Management and the Investment Management Review and was a frequent guest speaker for various financial institutions and at numerous private

functions. George was kind, thoughtful, and respectful to all. International travel was also a big part of his wonderful marriage to art historian Andrea Henderson Fahnestock, whom he married on the shores of Lake Garda in 2006. With Andrea, George is survived by his sister, and his daughter and son, who are the children of his first marriage to Patricia G. Hambrecht.

1964

Jeffrey Carter passed away on November 11, 2022, at his home in Boone, North Carolina. After Millbrook, Jeff received an English degree from Swarthmore College where he discovered pottery and worked summers with Paulus Berensohn at the Penland School of Craft. There he began his creative life as an accomplished potter and began a lifelong love of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jeff taught high school English briefly before experiencing the transformative power of bodywork at the Esalen Institute. He studied physical therapy at the University of Pennsylvania and spent over three decades working with patients throughout North Carolina. Outside of work, Jeff was in the studio or the garden, on a mountain trail, or watching a game. He was never without a book and was forever a student. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his sisters, Elizabeth Edmonstone and Jane Cipoletti; four children, Jason, Sam, Jennifer and Elizabeth; six grandchildren; and a loyal canine companion, Ajax.

1994

Nicholas Gramza passed away suddenly on December 27, 2022. After Millbrook, Nick attended Syracuse University and the University at Buffalo. He is survived by many family members and friends.

1997

Elizabeth Drago passed away Sunday, May 21, at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., five weeks after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage. She lived with her husband, Neil W. Regan Jr., formerly of Scranton, Pa., and 8-year-old son Theo Drago-Regan.

Elizabeth and Neil met in 1999 and would have celebrated their 17th anniversary this June.

After graduating from Millbrook, Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree from Pratt Institute School of Art. She would go on to a career in food photography, thrilled to combine those two passions in her work.

Elizabeth lived every facet of her life with an abundance of grace and a lightness of spirit whether she was playing soccer or lacrosse as a Millbrook student, shooting photos on 27th Street in Manhattan, or teaching Theo how to make pancakes or assemble dumplings. Her eyes and her smile could brighten the grungiest subways of New York City and made the gorgeous sunsets in Clinton Corners even more beautiful.

In addition to her husband and son, Elizabeth is survived by her parents, Joseph and Nancy Drago, her brother, Chris ’92, and his partner Eric Rewilak, several aunts and uncles, a sister in-law, brother in-law, and nephew.

2000

Alexandra Bullock Olsen and her partner, Martyn Pearson, were tragically killed on October 28, 2022, in a car accident near their home in Silver City, New

Mexico. They owned the iconic Gila Hike & Bike Shop together and were beloved members of their community. Alex coached the local swim team, the Silver Fish. She was also a culinary instructor and outdoor experience coordinator at the Aldo Leopold Charter School in Silver City and adored by her students. At Millbrook, Alex loved the Trevor Zoo, and animals were always a huge part of her life, including horses and rabbits and, in Silver City, her beloved dog, Jacob. She approached life with a positive attitude and zeal and was an inspiration to many whose lives she touched.

Alex is survived by her beloved grandmother, “the boss,” her parents, Whitney and Clark Bullock, her two brothers, Carroll and Perry, her aunt, Sandra deRoulet, and Martyn’s two children, Addison and Zeyah Pearson.

PAST FACULTY

Robert William Connolly, loving husband and father, passed away on January 18, 2023.

Bob grew up in Staten Island, New York, before moving to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University and attended graduate school at Villanova University in the field of psychology. After years working in the social service industry, he gravitated to a career in academia working as CFO of Westtown School and then Millbrook School from 2010-2018. He was married to his wife, Virginia, for 50 years, and they raised a son, Read, and a daughter, Candace. Bob had many interests, including cycling, music, baking, woodworking, and vacationing at the Outer Banks of North Carolina with his family.

CIRCLING BACK

Dancers create a graceful silhouette as they perfect their routine in the winter of 2001.